The Jewish News - January 2016 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

An Evening with

Ehud Barak

• Former Prime Minister of Israel • Former Defense Minister of Israel • Most Decorated Soldier in Israel’s History

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2016 • 7 p m

Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS 1971-2016 SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR

45 Years . jfedsrq org

January 2016 - Tevet/Shevat 5776 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

10 Community Focus 17 Jewish Happenings 26 Jewish Interest 31 Israel & the Jewish World 33 Commentary 36 Focus on Youth 39 Life Cycle

2 “The Diary of Anne Frank” at Manatee Performing Arts Center

4 Interfaith Solidarity Rally for Israel

Nostra Aetate: 50 years of meaningful ChristianJewish relations

Volume 46, Number 1

New Year’s greetings from Federation’s Executive Director By Howard Tevlowitz

have had the privilege of serving our Jewish comtinuing to grow and develop Federation-supported munity as the Executive Director of The Jewish and funded programs that are relevant to members of Federation of Sarasota-Manatee since 2001. our Jewish community. During that time, I have connected with many leadYes, our Federation does things differently than ers, volunteers and donors – the backmany traditional Federations. We are bone of our Federation. It is through challenging existing paradigms, and their vision, hard work and dedication out of those dialogues we have develthat we continue to work to make our oped new thinking and new passions. Jewish community – and the SarasotaWe must look beyond what has worked Manatee community – a better place and is still viable to that which must for all. be changed to ensure our future. Some Our Federation continues to tranideas and concepts will work and some sition as an ever-increasing number of may not. Change is never easy. people of every age, differing religious Accessible & Organized backgrounds, and representing a wide Cultural Judaism variety of communal organizations How do we engage Jewishly and instill Howard Tevlowitz become involved in the work we do. Jewish pride? Through partnerships Changes have been dramatic and much more is yet with community arts, educational and civic organizato come. tions, including Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Van Under the outstanding leadership of Federation Wezel Performing Arts Hall, The Perlman Music ProPresident Patti Wertheimer and our team of gifted gram/Suncoast, Sarasota Film Festival, the Sarasota volunteers and professional leadership, we are concontinued on page 2

An Evening with Ehud Barak: February 8 – Tickets on sale now! By Federation Staff

he Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Barak also previously served his country as Minister is proud to present An Evening with Ehud of the Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Barak, one of the most recognizable names in A global statesman, Mr. Barak plays a pivotal Israeli politics, on Monday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. role in various Middle Eastern peace efforts. Last at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of year, Foreign Policy magazine named him 13th the Arts. Tickets to the lecture are $18 and are on sale among its “100 Global Thinkers.” The Wall Street the Family Jeweler 14276of Israel’s now. To purchase tickets, Name: call 941.371.4546 Journal declared ________________________________________________ Invoice him Ref #: “one ________________ or visit www.jfedsrq.org. towering military figures for much of the As Israel’s tenth prime minister (1999past two decades. He is seen as the ar2001), Mr. Barak led the country out of chitect of Israel’s air-power-heavy modprolonged recession and into an economic ern deterrence doctrine. Mr. Barak ended boom, record foreign investments, near zero Israel’s 18-year occupation of southern inflation, a halved deficit and significantly Lebanon in 2000, and his peace proposdecreased external debt. Before being elected als at the 2000 Camp David negotiations prime minister, Mr. Barak completed an ilwith the Palestinians remain a blueprint lustrious career for ending the conflict.” Ehud Barak This Proof must be signed36-year and returned beforein the Israel Defense GFA lettuce Forces as the most soldier in its history. He we can proceed with your order. Thisdecorated is your At his lecture in February, Mr. Barak will talk prior to was printing. Pleasearchitect examine allofspella key the June 1976 Entebbe Operaabout his life and service – and his upcoming book, helps toProof ing and information carefully. RFJD will not be tion for the rescue of passengers on the Air France My Country, My Life: Fighting for Israel, Searching feed animals held responsible for any unnoticed errors. Any aircraft hijacked by terrorists and forced to land at for Peace. printing will be customer’s sole at Moteerrors found after the Entebbe Airport in Uganda. Additionally, Mr. The event is co-chaired by Bunny & Mort Marine responsibility. Barak served as chief of the general staff of the IDF Skirboll and Hannah & Norman Weinberg. A conApproval where he was involved in the negotiation and impleversation will be moderated by David Chaifetz. Approvedmentation of the 1994 peace treaty with Jordan. Mr.

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The Diary of Anne Frank at Manatee Performing Arts Center

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praying.” –Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

941.371.4546 jfedsrq.org

he Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, in collaboration with the Florida Holocaust Museum, is pleased to sponsor the Manatee Performing Arts Center’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank, January 14-31, in the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, 502 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton. Tickets start at $26, with student pricing available. To purchase tickets, please call the box office at 941.748.5875 or visit www.manatee performingartscenter.com. The production is part of the Manatee Performing Arts Center’s series “Action through Acting,” a program designed to build community awareness and provide socially relevant issues a voice through live theatrical presentations. “Theater provides a forum for pub-

Audrey Lipton as Anne Frank

lic discussion,” says Manatee Performing Arts Center Executive Director Janene Amick. “This series will examine such social issues as anti-Semitism, racism, and animal welfare, and provide a forum for public discussion.” Members of Temple Beth El of Bradenton have generously donated their time and energy to volunteer an information table for the Florida Holocaust Museum throughout the production’s run.

Howard Tevlowitz...continued from page 1

Featuring a special performance by teenage virtuoso

$10

By Federation Staff

Opera, Embracing Our Differences, Florida Studio Theatre and others. Additionally, through our Federation programs or Federation-sponsored programs like the Jewish Film Festival and Women’s Day, we provide opportunities for all members of our Jewish community to express their connection to Judaism through cultural arts experiences. One in every two Jewish households has participated in a Federationsponsored program during the past three years, and we have mainstreamed Israel and Judaism into the general community as well. Jewish Education How do we educate Jewishly and bring Israel into our local population? By underwriting the cost of religious school, overnight Jewish camping and college scholarships. Through our Federation’s educational programs, including PJ Library, Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva, Holocaust Speakers Bureau, and our active STEP (Sam and Sally Shapiro Teen Engagement Program) initiative, Jewish learning takes place throughout our community on a weekly basis. The Federation works to engage children and teens in Judaism “on their terms” through programs like overnight Jewish camp incentive grants, the March of the Living mission, Betty & Herb Schiff’s Send A-Kid-To-Israel Program, and The Beatrice Friedman Alexander Muss High School in Israel Scholarship. The STEP initiative has introduced a teen engagement model to our Jewish community, focusing our Federation on a variety of one-on-one and large group engagement opportunities/entry points into the Jewish community. A custom STEP iPhone and Android app was developed for our teens to interact with their peers and to engage in Jewish activities by registering online from their portable devices. On the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus we are currently working with a student committee comprised of representation from Hillel, Bulls for Israel, Christians United For Israel, Greek Houses, LGBT groups, AIPAC, Chabad, and Student Veterans, and we have plans to work with New College of Florida in the coming year. Our Fighting AntiSemitism Today (FAST) initiative aims to prepare a new generation of young adults to stand up and fight for true social justice while faced with hostile behavior in an environment meant for

growth and education. Additionally, our support of Holocaust and genocide awareness education, diversity initiatives and Israel advocacy impacts tens of thousands of students in elementary, middle and high schools throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties during the school year. Our outreach to the adult community consists of our Club Fed Lecture Series, Club Fed Hits the Road, Club Fed holiday events, and Fifty Shades of J. Community Relations We build community through trust and by cultivating relationships that will benefit the Jewish community, the general community and Israel. By working with Embracing Our Differences, local ministerial associations, and area synagogues, we share important lessons of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect with people of all ages and backgrounds. Under the auspices of the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative, our interfaith efforts, relationships with the faith-based community and our ongoing efforts with print, television and radio media, we keep the community informed about issues relating to world Jewry, Israel, interfaith issues and general human interest. Since 2012, the Federation has sponsored three interfaith missions to Israel with 60 faith-based leaders from Sarasota-Manatee participating. In addition, the Federation is coordinating a program with the Hispanic community to use Jewish community volunteers to tutor students in English reading and comprehension. The mission of our Federation is to strengthen Jewish life and identity in our community, provide for Jewish people in need, and promote support for Israel. It is our Federation’s communal role to be a connector to Jewish life; providing a “big tent” where Jewish and non-Jewish community members can encounter Jewish ideas, principles, practices and values; where individuals encounter Israel and explore ideas of Jewish peoplehood in their lives; and a public square for convening important conversations both within the Jewish community and among the broader community-at-large. I look forward to working with you! Howard Tevlowitz Executive Director, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Look for part 2 of Howard Tevlowitz’s message to the community in the February issue of The Jewish News.

January 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

A sneak peek at the 2016 Milman-Kover Jewish Film Festival, March 6-13

lease mark your calendars for the 2016 Milman-Kover Jewish Film Festival! The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is again proud to present a menu of outstanding new films that explore, record and celebrate Jewish life and experience. Starting Sunday evening, March 6, and running through Sunday, March 13, the JFF will excite, enlighten and provoke you with a diverse range of films. In response to last year’s unprecedentred demand, we plan to add matinee screenings at several local venues. In ,addition, we are planning exciting special events – and special guests – that will greatly enhance your JFF experifence. d To properly kick off the 2016 Milnman-Kover Jewish Film Festival, we have planned an exceptional brunch at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 17 at Michael’s On East, catered by none other than Russ & Daughters in New York City! The response to our first Russ & Daughters brunch in March 2015 was overwhelming, so we are repeating this brunch by popular demand. You can order Kickoff Brunch tickets at www.jfedsrq.org or by calling 941.371.4546. (Please note that seating is limited and orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.) The 2016 festival will feature at least 16 screenings of eight or more new films. While our entire film lineup is not yet finalized, we can give you a sneak peek at a few of the films that will be shown. Last year, we had the distinct privilege of honoring the late Theodore Bikel (z’l) on Opening Night. This year, on Opening Night, Sunday, March 6, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, we will honor the courageous men and women of the Israel Defense Forces, in connection with the screening of an inspiring new documentary, Beneath the Helmet. We will be joined by IDF guests, who will answer questions after the film and entertain us with a performance. A dessert reception will follow.” Beneath the Helmet is a comingof-age story about five Israeli highschool graduates who are drafted into the IDF. These young men and women

are defending not only their homes, but also the values of peace, equality, opportunity, democracy, religious tolerance and women’s rights. They undergo a demanding, inspiring journey, revealing the core of who they are and who they want to be. Our closing night film, on Sunday, March 13, will be the first-ever showing of Israeli screenwriter and director Dani Menkin’s new documentary On the Map, about the astounding 1977 victory of the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team over the heavily favored

at 941.343.2113 to become a Sponsor. All Sponsor commitments made by December 31 will be included in the JFF Brochure; Sponsor commitments received after that date will be recognized in subsequent JFF publicity. If you become a Sponsor at the brunch or after the brunch, the cost of the brunch will be credited to your Sponsor contribution. Whether you purchase tickets as a Sponsor or not, you will not want to miss this celebration of Jewish life and experience. See you at the (Jewish) movies!

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Russian Army team. This will be a “work-in-progress” screening, after which Dani and a few members of that amazing Maccabi Tel Aviv team will answer questions. A dessert reception will follow. Two other films you will see are: Besa: The Promise – A powerful human drama about Albanian Muslims who rescued Jews during the Holocaust, and one man’s search for the descendants of the Jews he saved in order to fulfill a promise. This is one of the last untold stories of WWII. Magic Men – A touching feature about a jaded Holocaust survivor who returns to his native Greece to find the man who protected him and taught him magic during WWII. Because of his age, he is accompanied by his Hassidic rapper son, and there begins a crosscultural, cross-generational road trip, as these richly-conceived characters search for reconciliation. Nominated for four Israeli Academy Awards. We will announce the full schedule and venues, and distribute our 2016 JFF brochure at the Kickoff Brunch on Sunday, January 17. We will be mailing this brochure to our entire community, so please watch for it in your mailbox a few days later. Film tickets will go on sale Monday, January 18. Specific instruc-

Looking to connect with other members of the Jewish community? S ee the

tions for purchasing film tickets will be provided in the brochure, in Jewish Federation e-blasts, and in the February Jewish News. Why not become a Sponsor of the 2016 Jewish Film Festival! You’ll receive two Sponsor Passes and VIP reserved seating to all JFF events and films, including the Kickoff Brunch, the Opening Night Cocktail Party, and the dessert receptions with our special guests – and you can order your tickets in advance using a Sponsor Concierge. Sponsorship levels start at $600 per couple. Please call Jeremy Lisitza

NEWCOMERS EVENT on page 14

The Jewish Federation would like to welcome you to the area!

We hope you feel at home and become active members of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community.

Questions? Contact Ilene Fox at ifox@jfedsrq.org or 941-343-2111

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Program/event ads featured in this issue An Evening with Ehud Barak ........24 Club Fed Hits the Road................30 Club Fed Lecture Series................12 College Admission Lecture Series..38 Dr. Mordechai Kedar Lecture..........4 Embracing Our Differences............4 Every Face Has a Name................40 Fifty Shades of “J”........................17 Heschel/King Breakfast...................2 Jewish Film Festival................15,17 Lion of Judah..................................2

Milk & Honey Radio Hour............16 Newcomers...............................3,14 PJ Library®....................................36 PJ Parents Workshop.....................36 Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Program.......36 Shalom Baby..................................39 Speakers Bureau - Holocaust.........34 Speakers Bureau - Israel................35 TKO Club......................................38 Women’s Giving Circle.................24

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January 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Interfaith Solidarity Rally for Israel By Jessi Sheslow

n October 27, hundreds of pro-Israel and pro-democracy individuals gathered for a #RallyInTheRain presented by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (JFSM). For a moment that day, the organizers didn’t think it would even happen because of the downpour, but they pushed on and so did about 300 attendees. The rain didn’t dampen their spirits as Rich Bergman of JFSM inspired the crowd to welcome Cantor Marci Vitkus, who sang the national anthems. Guest speakers included Henry Porter II, Rabbi Howard Simon and Pastor Kelvin Lumpkin, each of whom spoke passionately about Israelis living under the constant fear of terrorist attacks. Attendees from all walks of life showed up, including the Faith Riders, a group from the Christian Motorcycle Association, and children from Goldie Feldman Academy. These are some quotes from attendees: “Just a quick note to congratulate you on yesterday’s wonderful rally. Wow! It was so well planned in such a short amount of time. In spite of the weath-

er, it was well attended by Jews and Christians. There was an excitement in the air and it didn’t seem as though the rain dampened the enthusiasm. We must keep speaking up…silence no more! Am Yisrael Chai! Love you guys and the work you do. Congratulations!” – Irene Ross, Board of Directors, JFSM “I was involved in the interfaith rally because I believe the United States is better because of its relationship with Israel. The Middle East is better because of Israel. The world is better because of Israel’s embrace of all peoples of faith from diverse backgrounds. As a person of faith, I sincerely believe that my life is enriched, my soul is enlightened, and my convictions are deepened because of my relationship with Israel. Israel is a beacon of light in a very dark part of the world. It is my hope that Israel’s light will continue to shine, and in the process bring repressive governments to the light of true democracy.” – Henry Porter II “It’s a shame the motivation behind why we needed to rally for Israel. However, the spirit and energy I ex-

perienced warmed my heart. To look around and see Jews and Christians from across the political landscape all coming together for Israel was wonderful. Few issues in the United States can do this!” – Mitch Mallett, Vice President of the Florida Democratic Jewish Caucus “It was a memorable and heartwarming experience for Christians, including the Faith Riders Motorcycle Association of Bradenton/Sarasota, and Jews to stand together to support Israel. We have a biblical mandate and a moral obligation to support and pray for Israel and God’s people.” – Gail Cox “It was powerful for our children to see our community gather together in support of Israel for the cause of peace and justice. It is important to create these types of opportunities for our children to participate in – an interfaith coalition that shares their school’s belief and vision for creating a better world.” – Rachel Saltzberg Jessi Sheslow is Director of Community Relations at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

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January 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Palestinian leader distorts truth to gain world sympathy

By Rabbi Howard A. Simon, co-Chair of The Robert and Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative Established 1971

PUBLISHER The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232-1959 Phone: 941.371.4546 Fax: 941.378.2947 E-mail: jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Website: www.jfedsrq.org Published Monthly Volume 46, Number 1 January 2016 40 pages USPS Permit No. 167 February 2016 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: December 27, 2015 Advertising: January 4 2016 PRESIDENT Patti Wertheimer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Howard Tevlowitz COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR Linda Lipson MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi PROOFREADERS Adeline Silverman, Harold Samtur, Bryna Tevlowitz, Deb Bryan, Sandra Hayden, Stacey Edelman MIMI AND JOSEPH J. EDLIN JOURNALISM INTERN Marinna Okawa MISSION STATEMENT: The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee strives to be the source of news and features of special interest to the Jewish community of Sarasota-Manatee, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community, and to communicate the mission, activities and achievements of the Federation and its Jewish community partners. OPINIONS printed in The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, its Board of Directors or staff.

ecently, a guest column apcally refused to sit down with Netanpeared in the Wall Street Jouryahu to discuss a two-state solution, nal, written by Saeb Erekat, the even though Netanyahu has said, time Secretary-General of the Palestine Liband time again, he will meet with any eration Organization. In this column, and all Palestinian leaders to talk about Erekat stated the following bold-faced peace with no preconditions. lies: 2. Abbas, and his 1. Prime Minister BenjaGaza counterparts, exmin Netanyahu does not want alt and glorify each and a two-state solution to the Isevery Palestinian who rael-Palestine problem. takes the life of an Is2. Palestinian President raeli and wreaks havoc Mahmoud Abbas advocates a in Israel. Streets are two-state solution, but has no named for such “heone to talk to regarding this roes.” Praise is heaped issue. upon them, and men, 3. Gaza has become an women and children Rabbi Howard A. Simon “open air prison” because of are urged to follow Israeli attacks and her failure to deal their example. with the problems that face Gaza. 3. Palestinian schools teach, from 4. Israel is an “occupier” of land, the first grade upward, hatred of the an “oppressor” of people, and a “supIsraeli, hatred of the Jew, and glorifiporter” of apartheid. cation of the Palestinians who attack The purpose of these writings is Israel and her people. to label Israel the aggressor par excel4. Israel is called an “apartheid” lence in the area and to gain worldwide state even though all citizens of Issupport for the Palestinians and their rael, including Arabs, have more freecause. The hope is that an “enlightdom than in any other Middle Eastern ened” world will force Israel to change country. Israel prides itself on being its ways and seek peace with the Palthe most democratic state in all of the estinians. Middle East. The problem is that Erekat’s state5. The problems that exist in Gaza ments are all lies; lies expressed to are not caused by Israel, but are the cover the reality that exists in the West Bank and Gaza. The truth, something Mr. Erekat and President Abbas fail to accept, is as follows: 1. Mahmoud Abbas has categori-

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SUBMISSIONS to The Jewish News are subject to editing for space and content, and may be withheld from publication without prior notice. Approval of submissions for publication in either verbal or written form shall always be considered tentative, and does not imply a guarantee of any kind. Submissions must be sent electronically to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org. LETTERS to the editor should not exceed 300 words, must be typed, and include the writer’s name, mailing address and phone number. Letters can be submitted via snail mail or email (jewishnews@jfedsrq.org). Not all letters will be published. Letters may be edited for length and content.

result of the actions taken by Hamas, the terrorist organization that controls Gaza. The truth of the matter is that until the leadership of the West Bank and Gaza accept the reality of a Jewish state called Israel, and the need to get along with that state, there will be no peace in the land. Hatred will prevail, even though Israel continues to seek peace at every turn in the road. Our hope is that one day both Gaza and the West Bank leaders will realize it is to their benefit to live in peace with Israel, and will turn away from violence, antiSemitism and the wish to destroy Israel and kill all Jews. On that day, peace will begin and hope will be restored. Rabbi Simon serves as co-chair of the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative and is the author of the recently published book, Atlantic City Winners and Losers. For more information about the Heller IAI, visit www.sarasotaloves israel.com or contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109.

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January 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

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o mark this year’s observance of Kristallnacht in November, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee presented Holocaust survivor, forgiveness advocate, and revered public speaker, Eva Mozes Kor, at Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota and Parrish Center at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. In 1944, Eva and her family were transported to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Eva and her twin sister Miriam were just 10 years old. At Auschwitz, Eva and Miriam became part of a group of children used as human guinea pigs in genetic experiments, under the direction of Dr. Josef Mengele. Approximately 1,500 sets of twins were abused, and most died as a result of these experiments. Approximately 200 children were found alive by the Soviet Army at the liberation of the camp in 1945. Eva and Miriam Mozes were among them. Powered by a never-give-up attitude, Eva emerged from a trauma-filled childhood as a brilliant example of the human spirit’s power to overcome. She is a now community leader, champion of human rights, and tireless educator. In 1995, she opened CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, with a mission to prevent prejudice and hatred through education about the Holocaust. More than 300 people gathered at Temple Beth Sholom to remember the “Night of the Broken Glass” and to hear Eva speak. Betty Silberman, a daughter of Holocaust survivors, opened the program by reminding us that, on November 9, 1938, Hitler set loose the darkest impulses of mankind in a brutal attack that raged across Germany and

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Austria. It was called Kristallnacht, or “Night of the Broken Glass,” referring to the broken glass shimmering in the streets. More than 1,000 synagogues were burned, the windows of 7,500 Jewish businesses were smashed and shops looted, and 30,000 Jews were rounded up and put into concentration camps. The destruction of European Jewry had begun. Linda Stewart Tucker led the Sarasota Jewish Chorale with two moving songs, and Cantor Neil Newman sang “Ashrei Hagafurer, Blessed is the Match,” written by Hannah Senesh, a Hungarian Jew and one of 37 Jews living in Palestine who were trained by the British army to parachute into Yugoslavia during the Second World War to help save Jews who were about to be deported. We then had the privilege to

Eva Mozes Kor at her book signing

hear Eva Mozes Kor speak. One of the attendees, Phoenix Berman, a 10th-grade student at Sarasota Military Academy, shares her observations of the event with us below. Orna Nissan is the director of Holocaust Education & Israel Programs at The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee.

Forgiveness is a powerful concept By Phoenix Berman

va Mozes Kor, once a little girl who faced the angel of death and survived, stood before an awestruck crowd reliving her darkest and brightest days. She emphasized one powerful massage: forgiveness. Ms. Mozes Kor recounted her vision of Auschwitz from the perspective of her 10-year-old self’s eyes. She vividly described the heart-wrenching plea of her mother who was ripped from Eva and her sister Miriam, arms grasping for one more embrace, one more goodbye. What could be seen as the destruction of an individual human’s spirit left Eva craving for more in life – to make a difference, to educate the world. After the war, young Eva held great animosity for the Nazis, refuting the idea for any chance of forgiveness. But one meeting sparked what would be the future of her success. In this revolutionary meeting she was told to simply write a letter of forgiveness to the Nazis. “A letter? What a silly proposition,” she thought. Doing so without much expectation, she realized this small gesture of forgiveness broke her relationship with the Nazis in total – leaving only her in control. As a result, she was able to once again face the Nazis, but this time as a victor. She then did the unimaginable. She accepted a

Eva Mozes Kor, Phoenix Berman, Aleksandra Berman (photo courtesy Deanna Ferrier)

warm embrace and friendly kiss from a former Nazi. Through this gesture, Ms. Mozes Kor realized that a simple concept – forgiveness – has lasting and profound effects. Ms. Mozes Kor’s lecture still resonates today. We, as a world, are staring in the face of militants whose mission is to impose specific ideals in order to conform large masses to their standards – almost identical to that of the tactics used in Nazi Germany. But we cannot let such attitudes prevail. We, like Ms. Mozes Kor, need to stand fiery, powerful and strong in the face of evil and distress, forgiving actions, but never condoning them. Phoenix Berman is a 10th-grade student at Sarasota Military Academy.

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January 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Participating in BMYA leaves lasting impression By Jared Dipsiner

uring my childhood I didn’t think a lot about Judaism. I grew up in Bradenton where being Jewish was rare. I felt out of place in school when holidays came around. After my bar mitzvah I lost connection with Judaism. When I was in my junior year in high school, my mother’s friend told her about a program offered by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee called the Bob Malkin Young Ambassador (BMYA) teen leadership program, an initiative that has helped local teens nurture leadership skills and a connection to Judaism and Israel since its inception in 2006. My interview for the program was embarrassing. I sat nervously in front of a panel of adults who asked me questions about Israel and Judaism. Honestly, I didn’t offer many intel-

ligent answers. To my surprise, I was invited to participate in the program anyway. I guess they saw something in me that I didn’t yet realize. I will be forever grateful for their decision. Going on the BMYA trip to Israel was life changing. During those two weeks, I met people who shared the same values I do and reconnected with what it means to be Jewish. Since my return, I’ve become more engaged in the issues facing Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. I’m now able to share my knowledge on Twitter (@middleasternews) and through videos on my website (middleasternews. com). As my knowledge grew, so did my followers. I started small, speaking with friends during casual conversations. Through the power of social media, my “friend zone” greatly expanded – with followers from 17 countries.

PJ Challah Bake a success By Andrea Eiffert

e are grateful to Sara Steinmetz from Chabad of Sarasota for hosting the Women’s Challah Bake on October 22 as part of the PJ Library Parent Workshop Series. Thirty-five women and girls were in attendance, bonding and kibitzing as they kneaded and braided dough. As part of the Shabbos Project, the event was not only an opportunity for women to learn the rituals and traditions of challah baking, but also to inspire all Jews, regardless of affiliation or level of observance, to do something special on Shabbat to symbolize its separation from the rest of the week. Sara encouraged everyone to find some way to make this Shabbat a little more special than the last, whether by eating homemade challah, lighting an

Chana and Sierra at the Challah Bake

extra Shabbat candle, unplugging from electronics, or spending extra time with family and friends. Parents were able to take home booklets to share with their families, filled with activities and stories about celebrating Shabbat. For more information about PJ Library, contact me at aeiffert@jfedsrq. org or 941.552.6308.

I’m now a freshman at University of Central Florida, majoring in marketing with a focus in real estate. I am a member of Hillel and intend to continue sharing my interest in Israel and Judaism with my colleagues here and around the world. I’ve found my passion and have the Federation to thank

for that. I appreciate its leadership’s belief in me and I believe it is my job to make their decision worth it. For more information about The Bob Malkin Young Ambassador Teen Leadership Program, please contact Jeremy Dictor at jdictor@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2106.

Federation’s Education Scholarship Program By Federation Staff

hanks to the generosity of many local humanitarians and philanthropists with the vision that education is important for everyone, The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee proudly awards dozens of education scholarships each year to individuals attending vocational schools, two-year colleges and four-year universities. We thank people like Robert Michelson, who left his entire legacy, over $1 million, to enable Federation to provide, in perpetuity, six education scholarships to deserving students each year. Robert Michelson remembered the benevolence of others who helped him on his journey and recognized that we all have an obligation to care for others and our future generations. Because of him and so many others like him, last year alone, Federation awarded over $71,000 to students to help fund their college educations. This year, we are pleased to provide these scholarship opportunities again. Beginning January 1, through April 15, 2016, applications will be accepted online at www.jfedsrq.org. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following general requirements: Be an undergraduate student in the next academic year at a university,

college, vocational school or community college. Applicant and his/her parent(s) must have resided full-time in Sarasota County or Manatee County for the past two years, as of the application deadline. Primary consideration for these scholarships is financial need, however, a good academic record and community involvement in Jewish activities are considered as well. Applications must be received prior to the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Additionally, all of our scholarships are offered exclusively to Jewish students with the exception of The Robert Michelson Interfaith Scholarship, which is awarded to three Jewish and three Christian students each year, who meet all of the requirements listed above, as well as demonstrated interfaith involvement and commitment. For more information about The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Education Scholarship Program, visit our website at www.jfedsrq.org and click on education scholarship in the “get help” menu, or contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@ jfedsrwq.org.

January 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Where are they now? Mitchell Zemil interviewed by Su Byron

MARK PODWAL: ALL THIS HAS COME UPON US… On View Through March 13, 2016 Mark Podwal is best known for his drawings on The New York Times OP-ED pages. This exhibition features his depictions of historical threats of antisemitism, from slavery in Egypt through the Holocaust, combined with verses from the Book of Psalms. Exhibition Sponsors: Funding Arts Network, Robert Arthur Segall Foundation, Dr. Paul Drucker, Burton Young, Kenneth and Barbara Bloom, Elliot Stone and Bonnie Sockel-Stone, Isabel Bernfeld Anderson, and Anonymous Donor.

A Song 1948, Psalm 126:5 Those who plant in tears will harvest in joy.

DISCOVERY AND RECOVERY: PRESERVING IRAQI JEWISH HERITAGE On View Through February 14, 2016 Exhibition details the dramatic recovery of historic materials relating to the Jewish community in Iraq from a flooded basement in Saddam Hussein's intelligence headquarters, and the National Archives' recovery work in support of U.S. Government efforts to preserve and make these materials available.

This exhibition was created by the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC, with generous support from the U.S. Department of State. Local support received from Congregation Beth Jacob, Nancy G. Pastroff, Kenneth and Barbara Bloom, Elliot Stone and Bonnie Sockel-Stone, and Isabel Bernfeld Anderson. More information is available at www.ija.archives.gov.

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Newcomers Event at Selby Gardens Club Fed Lecture Series I: Creation Club Fed Hits the Road: Edison & Ford Winter Estates PJ Library: Raising a Mensch Film and Talk: Every Face Has a Name – Meet director: Magnus Gertten Club Fed Lecture Series II: Exodus An Evening with Ehud Barak Club Fed Hits the Road: Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center Tel Mond Dancers at Riverview High School Club Fed Lecture Series III: King Solomon Club Fed Lecture Series IV: Queen Esther The Milman-Kover Jewish Film Festival Club Fed Hits the Road: Tiffany at the Morse Museum Film and Presentation by Jennifer Teege: My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me Club Fed Hits the Road: The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg One Community Outreach Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration

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Get complete info and purchase tickets as they become available at www.jfedsrq.org or 941.371.4546

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FILM FESTIV

he name Mitchell Zemil should hero flick to come out this month. I’m be up there on the big screen – also a sucker for cult classics. and that’s exactly where it is. What role do you want to play in After graduating from NYU’s Tisch filmmaking down the line? School of the Arts, this former Sarasota Someday I’d love to work as an Pine View student and Sarasota resiindependent writer/director. However, dent is happily living in Brooklyn, New it’s not an easy path to exclusively diYork, and making films. His latest projrect (and make a living off of it), so in ect? Animating a short video for a song the meantime I’m an animator, editor or Matisyahu wrote that was produced whatever gig I can pick up. Regardless in conjunction with First of the professional work Lady Michelle Obama’s orI’m doing, I’ll always find ganization, the Partnership time to direct my own for a Healthier America. films, and animating will The Jewish Federation of remain a lifelong passion/ Sarasota-Manatee is deendeavor. lighted that Mitchell has Name a few of your stayed in touch. In 2010, film heroes. the Federation sponsored Don Hertzfeldt is one his participation in the Bob of my favorite all-time Malkin Young Ambassador filmmakers. He’s one of Mitchell Zemil (BMYA) teen leadership program, an the rare few who could make a living initiative that helps local teens nursolely off of his own projects (animatture a connection to Judaism and Israel ing has been the only career he’s ever while strengthening leadership skills. had). His animated films are dark, We spoke to him recently about what depressing, and morbidly hilarious, he’s up to these days. and while his experimental style and What did you study at NYU? “unique” sense of humor might weird I majored in film and television some people out, he has fans from all production, with a concentration in over and has never had to compromise animation, and a minor in philosophy. his vision. David O’Reilly is another You recently helped animate a independent animator with a unique, video for Michelle Obama’s hipexperimental approach. His 17-minute hop album, “Songs for a Healthier short The External World was a source America.” Tell us a little about that of inspiration for my final student film experience. at NYU – which I’m still finishing. The album was produced in conWes Anderson is another hero. Rushjunction with Mrs. Obama’s organimore is another favorite of mine, and zation, the Partnership for a Healthier everything he’s made since then is also America. It was also created, in part, quite good. I get the impression that by Hip-Hop Public Health, a similar, Anderson has been able to work within New York-based organization that uses the Hollywood studio system without hip-hop culture and media to inspire surrendering his voice to it, which I kids to live healthier lifestyles. find very admirable. Finally, I’ll add How did you get involved? Hayao Miyazaki. I know my list has I was contacted by the music vidbeen animation-heavy, but so it goes. eo’s director/producer and, from there, Miyazaki’s beautiful animations set the we basically crafted the whole video. gold standard for Japanese animation – It was the director’s first animated and traditional animation in general. project, so I was able to help guide Two directors you’d love to work her through the process. I also brought with? several of my friends onto the project. Jim Jarmusch and Terry Gilliam We began work in June and finished in seem like incredibly interesting peoAugust. It was a very tight deadline so ple. I’d love to collaborate with them, there were plenty of long nights, but if only to pick their brains. Any of the I’m pleased with what we got done in above listed would also be amazing to comparatively little time. work with. Which song did you work with – What project are you working and with which artists? on now? The song is called “U R What U I’m finishing up my thesis film. Eat,” and features Matisyahu, Ariana We’ve already filmed it, but the project Grande and Travis Barker of Blink-182. also features some animation mixed I didn’t work with these artists personwith live-action (Roger Rabbit-style), ally. The song had been produced and so that will take some time. I’m also released long before they reached out working on an experimental documento me. tary with a Sarasota friend of mine. At What was your role in the makthe moment, most of my time in being of the video? tween paid jobs is dedicated to these I wore different hats. I drafted up a two projects, but I’m sure I’ll find a rough outline of the story/concept and third or fourth project to keep me comdeveloped those into the storyboards. pletely occupied. I kept tabs on other members of the Do you have any comments team, and I helped direct the other aniabout how the Federation programs mator to make sure his work was on par and/or your Jewish upbringing inwith what we needed. I also did some spires your work and art? animation work and compiled all of I think one way the Jewish comthe elements of the project into a final munity has affected my art is simply by video/sequence. In the end, I decided supporting me. In Sarasota I was a part to take the credit of “animation direcof Temple Sinai and its youth group, tor,” which is a relatively good term SAFETY. For as long as I can rememfor what I did, making sure every part ber, the temple and its members have of the video was being created with a supported and encouraged my aspirasingle, specific vision in mind. tions. I’ll always be thankful for being Did you get to meet the artists part of such a welcoming and positive who wrote the piece of music? community. In general, being raised I had the great honor of meeting in the Jewish community helped mold Matisyahu at the music video’s preme into the man (mensch?) I am today. miere. He was a very relaxed, nice Judaism teaches you about being virtudude, and I’m glad I got to meet him! ous, sympathetic and honorable. When What type of filmmaking are you I’m directing, I make sure my cast and most interested in? crew have a positive experience on my I love making all types of films! set. Putting others before myself is a All of it excites and inspires me as a great way to get the best work out of filmmaker. When it comes to watching my crew. I feel like that must be one of films, I’m more likely to buy a ticket the 613 commandments, right? for an underground, independent or To submit an article for “Where are they weird pseudo-intellectual film than a now?” or for more information, email box-office smash or the tenth superAndrea Eiffert at aeiffert@jfedsrq.org.

January 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Nostra Aetate: Fifty years of meaningful Christian-Jewish relations By Rabbi Howard A. Simon

n October 28, 1965, Pope Paul VI published his “Declaration On the Relations of the Church to Non-Christian Religions,” known as Nostra Aetate – In Our Time.” I remember reading the full document and being amazed at the text and the meaning it held for Jewish-Catholic relations. The first paragraph set the tone for what was, and remains one of the most important statements of the Catholic Church. The “Declaration” began with these words: “In our time where, day by day, mankind is being drawn closer together and the ties between different peoples are becoming stronger, the Church examines more clearly her relationship to non-Christian religions. In her task of promoting unity and love among men, indeed among nations, she considers above all in this declaration what men have in common and what draws them to fellowship.” This was the beginning of a statement dealing with a variety of nonChristian religions, the most important aspect for Jews being the Pope’s references to our people and our faith. Pope Paul VI stated the following: “As the sacred synod reaches into the mystery of the Church, it remembers the bond that spiritually ties the people of the New Covenant to Abraham’s stock. The Church, therefore, cannot forget that she received the revelation of the Old Testament through the people with

whom God in His inexpressible mercy concluded the ancient Covenant. God holds the Jews most dear for the sake of their Father.” What follows this statement is of most importance to our people and has been wished for for centuries. The Pope writes: “What happened in Christ’s passion cannot be charged against all Jews, without distinction, then alive, nor against Jews today. Although the Church is the new people of God, the Jews shall not be presented as rejected or cursed by God, as if this followed from Holy Scriptures. Furthermore, in his rejection of every persecution against any man, the Church, mindful of the patrimony she shares with the Jews and moved not by political reasons but by the Gospel’s spiritual love, decries hatred, persecution, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time by anyone as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against men or harassment of them because of their race, color, condition of life, or religion. On the contrary, following in the footsteps of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, this sacred synod ardently implores the Christian faithful to maintain good fellowship among nations and, if possible, to live for their part in peace with all men so that they may truly be sons of the Father who is in heaven.” The Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Ven-

Guests enjoy Fifty Shades of J Happy Hours By Federation Staff

uests enjoyed Fifty Shades of J Happy Hours at Carmel Kitchen & Wine Bar in Lakewood Ranch in October and at Louies Modern in downtown Sarasota in November. Hosted by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, these evenings

are a wonderful opportunity for singles and couples to meet old and new friends. For information on where and when the next Fifty Shades of J event will take place, please contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@ jfedsrq.org.

ice, believes this “Declaration” to be so important to the Church and to our world, that he invited a group of Christian and non-Christian guests to his home on October 28 – the 50th anniversary of “Nostra Aetate” – to celebrate the ushering in of the wonderful new era in Catholic and Jewish relations. We talked, laughed and broke bread together, and realized how deep and abiding our relations have become in these 50 years. I reflected that the afternoon before this event, Jews and non-Jews gathered in downtown Sarasota for a rally in support of Israel. This is but one positive result of Pope Paul VI’s outreach to the non-Jewish world. Through our Federation’s three interfaith missions to Israel, Jews and non-Jews have given deeper meaning to this declaration. Fifty years have brought diverse religions together in support of Israel, in prayer and in service to one another and to our

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Rona Simon, Rabbi Howard Simon

God. Bishop Dewane realizes the import of such actions, encourages more sharing of faith with one another, and leads our community to that brighter day of understanding, trust and faith. For his devotion to interfaith relations we express our profound gratitude to Bishop Dewane, and look forward to continuing to build upon our most positive relations in the years ahead. Rabbi Simon serves as co-chair of the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative.

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January 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

First ever Community-Wide Mitzvah Day By Laurie Lachowitzer, Synagogue Council President

he area’s first community-wide Mitzvah Day will take place on Sunday, February 21. The Synagogue Council of Sarasota-Manatee is coordinating this new event with the support of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The morning will begin with a Kick-Off Breakfast at Temple Beth Sholom before participants disperse to their various projects. The Suncoast Communities Bloodmobile will be on site for donations as well. A dozen area organizations will open their doors to welcome the assistance our volunteers will provide. Family Promise, Mothers Helping Mothers, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, Resurrection

House, Save the Seabirds, Cat Depot, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, Anchin Pavilion and JFCS are currently part of the plan. Projects will be available for all ages and levels of ability. White athletic sox, hotelsized toiletries, gently-used or new children’s books, and canned foods with pop-tops are being collected. Numerous groups need these items and supplies. Please consider starting to accumulate these products when you travel or see items on sale in the stores. Encourage friends and neighbors to collect items. They need not participate in the Mitzvah

Day to support our efforts. The goal is to find a way for everyone with an interest to become involved. Some locations will involve outdoor cleanup and landscaping, others will be singing with seniors, playing games with youth, or helping to organize workspaces. How will you spend February 21? Donate your precious blood, collect needed items, and help serve breakfast or, better yet, plan to spend a few hours at an agency or organization. Registration and project details will be available through the Federa-

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tion website. This is an opportunity for a large number of Jewish people in our community to work together and make a positive impact. We are so fortunate that Federation will share its technology to make registering a breeze. All eleven congregations of the Synagogue Council are supporting this event. In addition to working together to create an event, the hope is that it will attract some of the many unaffiliated Jewish people in our area to participate. Please check the Federation website for registration and specifics at www.jfedsrq.org. Please contact me at 941.927.3636 or lauriesrq@verizon. net with questions.

Federation sponsors The Diary of Anne Frank

he Manatee Performing Arts Center Presents the critically-acclaimed story of Anne Frank in the production of The Diary of Anne Frank, January 14-31 in the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater. Kathy Pingle, director of the Manatee Players’ production of Mornings at Seven, returns to direct the heartbreaking and bittersweet classic. The play provides an intimate recollection of Anne Frank’s struggle as her life is uprooted following the Nazi invasion. The story, told from the narrative perspective of young Anne, is a detailed account of the challenges faced by a young girl hoping to live to womanhood. Based on Anne’s own diary, the play takes viewers into the

mind of an adolescent striving to surdaily lives and supported by non-profit vive not only World War II but also the collaborative partners. challenges adolescences and womanManatee Performing Arts Cenhood often represent. ter Executive Director Janene Amick Sponsored by The Jewish Fedstated, “Theatre has a way of providing eration of Sarasota-Manatee a forum for public and in collaboration with the discussion. Social Florida Holocaust Museum, issues such as antithis play is a part of the ManaSemitism, racism, tee Performing Arts Center’s and animal welfare, “Action through Acting” seare all represented ries. This program is designed through this series. to build community awareness Our hope is that and provide socially relevant this series provides issues a voice through live a voice for our colAudrey Lipton as Anne Frank theatrical presentations. The laborators to bring Manatee Players, Inc. has chosen six up these issues to the public in a way works for the 2015-2016 season, each that allows for a discussion, rather than depicting crucial issues affecting our a debate, as well as humanizing issues that are often neglected or overlooked.” Temple Beth El members have also generously donated their time and will be volunteering throughout the production at an information table for the Florida Holocaust Museum to provide

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insight and information about the museum’s mission to honor the memory of millions of innocent men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The museum is dedicated to teaching the members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides. The Diary of Anne Frank continues to be a production that reminds us of the perseverance of the human spirit. Tickets are on sale now online at www.manateeperformingartscenter. com or by calling the box office at 941.748.5875. Tickets start at $26, with student pricing available. Call the box office for more information regarding student and teacher discounts. All performances will be held at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton.

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January 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

JFCS board leadership installed at Annual Meeting By Andria Bilan, VP of Development

ounded in 1985, this year JFCS Board Chair. is celebrating 30 years of service Marking the start of our 30th annito the community and kicked off versary, the following members were that celebration at its Annual Meeting. installed as Officers of the Board: Joe More than 235 guests representing volMendels, Chair; Stephen Seidenstickunteers, past board members, corpoer, Vice Chair; Scott Levine, Secretary; rate and foundation partners, donors and Karin Grablin, Treasurer. and staff attended the brunch which featured Volunteer & Donor Awards Presentation, Staff Awards Presentation, Recognition and Installation of the Board of Directors, State of the Union from the JFCS Board Officers: Stephen Seidensticker, Joe Mendels, Scott Levine, Karin Grablin President/CEO and

Congratulations to Gerri Aaron, David Dignam and Marc Kanoff, who were installed to their first term on the board; Karin Grablin, Michael Harshman and Nora Patterson who were installed to their second term on

the board. And special thanks to Scott Anderson, Sue Bralow and Harvey Gleeksman, who retired from the board, having completed a six-year term limit of service.

Scholarships Available

The Sarasota-Manatee Section of the National Council of Jewish Women announces the Sixteenth Annual Scholarship Awards, which recognize the education of the “non-traditional student. NCJW considers students, male or female, twenty-seven years or older, who have returned to school after a five-year hiatus and need financial assistance to reach their goals. If you would like further information or an application, please call 941.342.1855 and leave your name and phone number.

Holocaust survivor speaks to JWV Post 172

Sponsored by

By Stan Levinson, Commander, JWV Sarasota Post 172

he first meeting of the 20152016 season of the Jewish War Veterans Sarasota Post 172 was a huge success, mainly due to the featured speaker, Paul Molnar of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Holocaust Speakers Bureau. Paul was a teenager in Hungary when the Nazi atrocities commenced throughout Germany and its neighboring countries. At first, Hungary was not affected, and Paul and his family did not experience any drastic changes. There was the normal anti-Semitism, but nothing worse than before. In September 1939, when Paul was just ten years old, Germany invaded Poland. Paul said, “All professions were then closed to Jews in Hungary.” By March 1944, German forces invaded Hungary. Paul’s dad was drafted into the Hungarian Army and put to work in a camp, along with all Jewish males between the ages of 18-45. This left women and younger children, who were now required to wear the “Yellow Star” on their clothing whenever they left their homes. Shortly thereafter, the women and children were forced to move permanently into a Ghetto environment, where they were confined in a restricted space. Paul, like the rest of the school-age children, was denied the right to continue his schooling. Conditions continued to worsen, until one day the mothers were told to pack one suitcase per family, after which everyone was herded to the train station and the waiting cattle cars. About 15,000 Jews were pushed into these cattle cars, at about 100 per car. After existing in this deplorable manner, without water, food and toilet facilities, for two and a half days, the train finally stopped. The Jews were then told to form lines and directed to go either to the left or right. At this point, most families were separated. Paul and many others were herded, like cattle, into a huge shower facility, where they were stripped of their clothing. After emerging from the shower, they were issued a jacket and a pair of pants – with no consideration as to size. Paul later learned that he was one of the “lucky” ones, as all those in the other line went into another large room, which resembled a shower. However, instead of water flowing from the shower heads, they were sprayed with cyanide gas and killed. The bodies were then stripped of metal, such as gold fillings from teeth, and hauled off to be cremated. Paul was issued a metal cup, a spoon, some soup and a slice of bread. Neither the soup nor the bread was fit for human consumption, however, there was nothing else offered, and the people were starving. This was Paul’s first camp, Auschwitz, and the year was 1944. It was here that the Nazis exterminated 5,000 Jews per day! Paul was now fifteen years old. He

and the others worked at menial tasks such as cleaning up areas. After a short period of time at Auschwitz, Paul was transported to another camp, Buchenwald, where he was assigned to kitchen detail. This was during the winter, thus, he was at least able to stay warm. His main task at this camp was to make fuel, a worthless project, as very little fuel was ever produced. The extermination of the Jews continued, and Paul and a friend about his age decided to plan their escape from the camp. This proved quite easy. However, they soon learned that conditions outside the camp were even worse than those inside the camp. So they returned to the camp, presumably in the same manner they had escaped. As the war began to come to a

close, all the internees could think about was how soon their liberators would come to set them free. They felt this would be a matter of days, as their guards were slowly being removed from the camp and sent to the front lines. Also, they could hear the noise of the war getting louder and louder. When the day for liberation finally came, there were only about 600 detainees still alive. After a few days of medical treatment, and the slow process of digestive recovery, Paul was free to go. He finally made his way back to his hometown in Hungary, learning there that only his father was alive and again living in his childhood home. His entire family, as well as all his relatives, had perished in the camps. Paul decided to leave Hungary and

seek a new life. He immigrated to the United States, married, and raised children. He returned to Buchenwald for the 60th anniversary of its liberation. His message to our Post was loud and clear regarding all the suffering and death associated with the camps. The members of JWV Sarasota Post 172 wish to thank Paul Molnar and The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee Holocaust Speakers Bureau for this excellent and moving presentation. The Holocaust Speakers Bureau offers a powerful educational opportunity to hear from Holocaust survivors and their offspring. For booking information, contact Anne Stein at 941.923.6470 or luvhula@gmail.com.

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January 2016

CLUBFED Lecture Series

ANCIENT MYSTERIES OF THE BIBLE Presented by Dr. Steven Derfler

8 1 $ S E I R E S ENTIRE TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

10–11:30am – CREATION

“In the beginning…” The first part of the Hebrew Bible is considered ‘primeval history’, the start of everything. Was there a Garden of Eden, and if so, where was it? How do we reconcile biblical narrative with archaeology?

Creation

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

10–11:30am – EXODUS

How accurate are the accounts of Joseph and his amazing technicolor dreamcoat? Were there one or two Egyptian Pharaohs involved in the Exodus tradition? Do we know what happened at Sinai, and where was its location? TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Exodus

10–11:30am – KING SOLOMON

Was the monarchy of Israel as strong, impressive and powerful as the biblical narrative implies? Or was King Solomon the consolidator of a small kingdom that was relatively insignificant outside of the Hebrew text? TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

King Solomon

10–11:30am – QUEEN ESTHER

As the Jewish world spread its wings following the Exile of 587 BCE, it finds itself as a minority of strangers in strange lands. Even though the ability to roll with the punches allows for survival, being at odds with the majority still rules. But the influence of one of the most powerful women in the biblical world reshapes the Persian world.

Queen Esther To be held at:

The Jewish Federation Campus 580 McIntosh Rd. Sarasota, Fl 34232

To pay, please go online to jfedsrq.org or remit check to:

THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA-MANATEE Attn: Jeremy

$18 ENTIRE SERIES • MUST RSVP

www.jfedsrq.org Educational Resources Inc.

Bringing peoples, cultures and faiths together through education

Questions? Contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org

Lecture series sponsored by Senior Home Companions, Inc.sm For Seniors by Active Seniors® Senior Home Companions, Inc. For Seniors by Active Seniors®

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Keeping the Dream Alive: Sustaining peace of mind

he fifth annual Keeping the Dream Alive celebration lived up to a storied history of success. The event, hosted by the Jewish Housing Council, succeeded in raising awareness and funds for JHC’s Benevolent Care Program. Contributions from the event will benefit seniors who qualify to stay in their homes at KoberEvent co-chair Debbie Yonker nick House and Anchin Pavilion when and Betty Schoenbaum their financial resources have been depleted. The Jewish Housing Council began as a dream shared by its founders and sustained because of generous community support. Given economic challenges in recent years and greater longevity due to improved medical care, seniors who have planned for retirement are still facing depleting resources. Requests for assistance increase each year, and as long as there are funds to sustain the Benevolent Care Program the organization will continue Jewish Housing Council Foundation to bring peace of mind to residents and President Merrill Wynne and Kobernicktheir families in an effort to keep the Anchin-Benderson CEO Heidi Brown founders’ dream alive. Co-chairs Jill Levine and Debbie Yonker both agree that “the peace of mind for those who receive assistance, should they need it, is invaluable.” The Jewish Housing Council wishes to thank its PreBrandon Ridenour and event co-chair Jill Levine mier Corporate Coast Community Foundation for their Sponsor, Benderson Development; investment in the community. With Premier Individual Sponsors, Isabel deepest gratitude to event co-chairs Jill Anchin Becker, Larry and Debbie HasLevine and Debbie Yonker. pel, Randy and Susan Mallitz; and the Presenting Corporate Sponsor, Gulf

J o

“These we honor” Your Tributes ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

IN HONOR OF David Chaifetz Ilene and Michael Fox Bea Friedman & Family Charlene Carstens Susi Benson-Steenbarger Saranee and Cantor Neil Newman IN MEMORY OF Murray Lowenthal Rita and Fred Richman

BOB MALKIN YOUNG AMBASSADORS

IN HONOR OF Greg Band – Birthday Rebecca and Rich Bergman David Chaifetz Rebecca and Rich Bergman Susi Benson-Steenbarger Donna and Steve Jablo Toby Simon Judith Zuckerberg Rebecca and Rich Bergman IN MEMORY OF Joel Elkes Rebecca and Rich Bergman Charlotte Graver Rebecca and Rich Bergman

ISRAEL PROGRAMS

IN HONOR OF Greg Band – Birthday Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz Nancy Swart Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz Patti Wertheimer Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz

OVERNIGHT CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

IN MEMORY OF Leslie Bernstein Martin Rich and Family

SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel)

IN HONOR OF David Chaifetz Bunny and Mort Skirboll Marty Ross – Special Birthday Edie and David Chaifetz Bunny and Mort Skirboll Susi Benson-Steenbarger Marsha and Paul Halpern Bunny and Mort Skirboll IN MEMORY OF Magda Quittner Patti and David Wertheimer

MAZEL TOV Veronica Brady – AJC Achievement Award Rebecca and Rich Bergman

NOTE: To be publicly acknowledged in The Jewish News, Honor Cards require a minimum $10 contribution per listing. You can send Honor Cards directly from www.jfedsrq.org. For more information, please call 941.552.6304.

January 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

January is National Mentor Month – spotlight on JFCS volunteer Jan Sirota

All Heart

Senior Care, LLC

“Your home is where our hearts are” • • • • • •

By Cindy Underwood, Director of Volunteer Services & Community Outreach

FCS is guided by the Jewish value tor, Jan provides academic and emoof tikkun olam, making the world tional support to young people in need. a better place. Every day, JFCSIn beginning his relationship with his trained volunteer mentors and tutors mentee, Jan finds that one of the most touch the lives of at-risk youth important things to do in our community. Since January during the introducis National Mentor Month, I am tion is “you must put pleased to provide this highlight yourself in the stuof Jan Sirota, a first-year mentor dent’s shoes and conat Booker Middle School. sider how you would Jan started volunteering have viewed yourself at JFCS after learning about in their eyes.” volunteer opportunities from Drawing from his his neighbor and JFCS intake own experience of not volunteer Jerry Fleischer. Jan Volunteer mentor Jan Sirota having the support he was interested in working with youth needed while growing up, he believes through JFCS’s School Based Prothat a mentor can transform an indigrams / Safe Alternative to Out-ofvidual’s life, opening doors that would School Suspension (SATOSS) middle otherwise be inaccessible, and he’s school program. As an SATOSS mendriven to serve as a positive role model

to Booker Middle School students. But it’s not just the students who have the opportunity to grow and learn from the mentor. The benefits also extend to the mentors themselves. Jan enjoys having someone to help keep him connected and accountable to the local community. When he isn’t mentoring students, Jan loves spending free time with his wife, biking, and tracking his Porsche. Jan is thankful for the opportunity to volunteer in JFCS’s SATOSS middle school program and give back to his community. To find out more information about volunteer opportunities at JFCS, me at 941.366.2224 x143 or CUnderwood@ JFCS-Cares.org.

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Jonas Ellis leaves Temple Beth El of Bradenton a legacy of remembrance

onas and Jean Ellis have been awarded a Ph.D. in physics for his members of Temple Beth El for work on atomic theories. He rowed about 30 years. Jonas loved his for the University, and was part of the “little shul” and worked for it tireteam that won the Head of the River lessly. He was Membership races one year. Chair three times, and a Board Unfortunately, on Member at Large for many September 13, 2015, years, although in the past the Ellis family and year, he had slowed down a the Temple Beth El little. He was on several rabbi family lost a man that search committees. But the had become the voice most important part of Jonas’ and heart and soul of belief was that all congregaTemple Beth El. A tions needed to stay vibrant man that many temple Jean and Jonas Ellis with young families – L’dor V’dor. presidents went to “seek out” advice Jonas was born in London, Engfrom over the years. r After his death, Jean, their children hland, and educated there. He attended the University of London and was Robert and Lori, and Ian and Betsy, l

decided to find a fitting memorial for Jonas. They decided on a “Jonas Ellis Young Families Fund for Temple Beth El.” This would be awarded to young families who want to make sure that they were part of a temple family and want to ensure their children would have a Jewish education, but might have a problem financially with full dues. The fund will endow half of their dues for the first year, and a quarter of their dues for the second year. The fund is now operational and there is an application procedure. Interested parties are invited to call the Temple Beth El office (ask for Sandy Clark) Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to noon, at 941.755.4900.

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January 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Sabrina Silverberg to be feted at Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood Honors Luncheon

abrina Silverberg – this year’s Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood Luncheon honoree – is wellknown in Sarasota-Manatee as Temple Emanu-El’s beloved Director of Education. As the community prepares to

honor Sabrina, it is time to share her extraordinary journey to Sarasota and Temple Emanu-El. Born in Egypt, Sabrina was a toddler when her family fled the country with other Jewish families. Her family settled in Paris, and later moved to Israel.

Sabrina Silverberg joined seventh-graders Jordan Cohen, Mckenzie Gerber and Shelby Savitz in shaking the lulav during the school’s Sukkot celebration in October

In Israel, young Sabrina started her “teaching career.” Gathering the neighborhood youngsters, she began to teach them about Judaism. Thus began her love of teaching. Sabrina graduated from high school in Tel Aviv. Soon after, she followed her brother, Isaac Azerad, to New York. There she attended Hunter College while working in the clothing industry. When Isaac moved to Cleveland, Sabrina followed. After completing two more years of college, Sabrina moved to Florida, where she received her Bachelors in Business AdSabrina Silverberg (3rd from right) joined members ministration and worked in of Temple Emanu-El’s Family Shabbat Band during the annual Shabbaton on Siesta Key Beach last spring the business world.

Sabrina and her husband Bruce have two sons, David and Sam. When looking for a preschool for Sam, Sabrina resumed the “teaching career” that she had begun years before in Israel. She taught at Jewish schools in Sarasota-Manatee, including Temple EmanuEl, where in 2001 she became Director of Education. She now manages a staff of more than fourteen with an enrollment of over 130 students. Her family is involved in all aspects of life at Emanu-El and the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community. On Sunday, January 31, Sabrina will be honored amid delicious food, fabulous entertainment and fun surprises. For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact event chair Betty Perlmutter at bettyperls@ yahoo.com.

Chabad of Sarasota to honor Community-wide Charles and Lisa Loewe ORTlice Cotman Shabbat harles and Lisa Loewe, who als – kind, caring and giving. Married captivated everyORT mission. “What!” said her cousin

will be honored at the Chabad for twenty-eight years, they are a team of Sarasota Gala in who, without fanfare, has February, are reluctant to affected many lives for be thrust into the spotlight the better. in spite of all that they do We look forward to for the community and for learning more of their individuals. Their impact is story as we honor them felt, not only through their at the Annual Gala held generosity to Chabad, but at Michael’s On East on also to other Jewish organiThursday, February 25. Charles and Lisa Loewe zations and through support To place an ad in the of cancer prevention and treatment dinner journal or to join the Loewes with an emphasis on the R.O.C.K. as they are honored, please contact (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) camp. the Chabad office at 941.925.0770 or Both are active, positive individuinfo@chabadofsarasota.com.

Love Me Do Saturday, March 5, 2016 6:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

one at Temple Emanu-El for the annual community-wide ORT Shabbat when she spoke about why she is a proud member of ORT in Sarasota. Shortly after retiring to Sarasota in 1996, Alice Cotman was introduced to a woman who ‘shlepped’ her to an ORT meeting that sounded like it had a great program. “So what’s an ORT?” Alice asked. When she heard that it had to do with schools and education, she decided to attend. She still remembers the impact that ORT made on her that day. In 2000, Alice went on an ORT mission to Israel. While there, Alice took a side-trip to visit her cousins in Netanya. She told them about the

Rami. “You are with ORT? I went to an ORT school! I studied textile engineering. That is my career now because of ORT!” Then cousins Avi and Zvi couldn’t talk fast enough. They had both been to the ORT school in Netanya and studied engineering. Gedalia, her mother’s first cousin, who was 87, hesitated to interrupt, but then tapped Alice on the shoulder and said, “I went to an ORT school, too, but not in Israel.” Gedalia had attended a Polish ORT school before he came to Israel. That education got him a very good position with the government when he arrived. Her four cousins’ successful careers in Israel have inspired Alice to support ORT fundraising efforts all over the world.

2016

G ala

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Proudly Serving the Jewish Community with Kosher Catering

The Most Authentic Beatles Show Band in South Florida!

Join Us for an Entertaining & Fun Evening to Benefit Homeless Cats & Kittens!

Alice Cotman (at right) proudly shows photo taken in Israel of her cousins who attended ORT schools

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Co-Proprietors: Phil Mancini & Michael Klauber

Ehud Barak

Public Lecture february 8, 2016

EWCOMERS

ECEPTION

Thursday, January 7 • 5:00-7:00 pm MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS Great Room By The Bay 811 S. Palm Avenue • Sarasota, FL 34236

New to the area? New to Federation? You are invited to a Newcomers Reception • Connect with other members of the Jewish community • This event is FREE, but reservations are required ___

Space is limited ___

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RSVP via jfedsrq.org or Amy Goodman-Rizzo 941.371.4546 / arizzo@jfedsrq.org

jfedsrq.org

January 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Freund Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Jonathan Sarna at Temple Beth Sholom February 5-6

emple Beth Sholom is pleased to announce Dr. Jonathan Sarna as the 2016 Dr. William and Jutdith Freund Scholar-in-Residence. Dr. .Sarna will present at Beth Sholom Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February -6. r Dr. Sarna is the Joseph H. and fBelle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University and the Chief Historian of the National Museum of American Jewish History in ePhiladelphia. Recognized as a leading commentator on American Jewish hisa ,

tory, religion and life, Dr. challenges that lie ahead. Sarna was named in 2004 On Saturday, Dr. Sarby the Forward newspaper na will discuss the subject as “one of America’s fifty of his new book, Lincoln most influential American and the Jews: A History, Jews.” which provides listeners Dr. Sarna’s topic durwith both a captivating ing Friday night services narrative of Lincoln’s inwill be “Looking Ahead: teractions with Jews and American Judaism in the the opportunity to im21st Century.” In this promerse themselves in rare Dr. Jonathan Sarna vocative presentation, he will examine manuscripts. Following a Kiddush lunkey trends affecting Jewish life, with cheon, Dr. Sarna will be available for a discussion of how we can meet the Q&A as part of the regular “Shabbat

Shmooze” program. The services and educational programs are free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of the Dr. William and Judith Freund Scholar-inResidence Fund. Shabbat dinner will be held prior to the service and lecture on Friday night. Reservations are required for the dinner. Please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org for more information.

Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch sponsors Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Joel Mishkin

t @By Sandy Chase

istinguished Rabbi Joel Mish On Friday evening, Rabbi Mishkin kin, recognized by the Jewwill share his philosophy, explorish Theological Seminary and ing the question “Is Conservative other clerical professional Judaism too conservative for associations, will conduct the 21st century?” a three-day program based Saturday morning’s on several themes related interactive Torah discussion, to that week’s Torah parsha “Dueling Brothers: Moses from Exodus. The Kehillah and Aaron,” will delve into of Lakewood Ranch, Manathe brothers’ complementary tee County’s Conservative and, sometimes, challenging synagogue, welcomes you personalities. Rabbi Joel Mishkin to participate February 19-21 in what We will convene after lunch to talk promises to be an educational and inabout the complexities of Israeli spiring weekend steeped in camaradesociety by studying vignettes from rie and, of course, food. Etgar Keret’s memoir, The Seven

SAVE THE DATES

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Good Years: A Window Into Israeli Life Today and Tomorrow. Sunday afternoon’s study session will address Moses’ relationship with Jethro, his father-in-law. Aptly named “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner: Jethro Meets the Mishpacha,” this session will examine intermarriage both yesterday and today in the Conservative movement. Rabbi Mishkin believes in the three pillars of a synagogue: (1) Tefillah, or

prayer, comprising spiritual growth, self-improvement and introspection; (2) Torah, the excitement of learning, which Rabbi Mishkin epitomizes; and (3) Chesed, seeing religion as a building block to help cope with the complexities of the world. Don’t miss this memorable weekend. To RSVP or for more information, please call 941.281.2587, email info@ kehillahoflakewoodranch.org or visit www.kehillahoflakewoodranch.org.

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January 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

Jewish Happenings FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 Federation’s education scholarship application opens The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee awards education scholarships to qualified applicants attending 2-year, 4-year or vocational undergraduate programs. Applications must be received by April 15, 2016. Apply online at: http://jfedsrq.org/help/educationscholarship. For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org.

Jewish Happenings specifically for families and youths are now easily identified with the event descriptions in red type.

Sponsored by

Jewish Movie & Munch Day Enjoy January 1, 2016, Jewishly with the community while watching Jewish movies, which you can hand pick from the outstanding Jewish film library materials at the Al Katz Center. Multiple movies will be shown concurrently, accompanied by an Israeli-style brunch buffet of healthy kosher foods, always including vegan options. From movies about the Holocaust to films on Judea and Samaria, you can learn vast exciting new information and bring Jewish vitality into the secular new year. The event takes place from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5910 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $3 per student; $25 per family. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 TBS Men’s Club breakfast and program Rabbi Howard Simon presents “What’s Next in the Middle East.” Rabbi Simon is the co-chair of the Robert and Esther Heller Advocacy Initiative of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. He has led three interfaith missions to Israel for The Federation and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Ministerial Alliance. Both men and women are invited to this event, which will start with a bagel-and-lox breakfast at 9:30 a.m., followed by the program at 10:00 a.m. A Q&A period will follow. A voluntary donation of $5 would be appreciated to cover the cost of food. Please contact Temple Beth Sholom at 941.955.8121 to reserve your spot by Tuesday, December 29.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 “A Cup of Joe and the Five Books of Mo” Everyone is invited to join Rabbi Michael Werbow’s popular Tuesday morning discussion group from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. on January 5, 12, 19 and 26 at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. The java flows while we find personal meaning in Rabbinic texts. This year, we will focus on the Torah teachings and instruction brought out in tales from the Talmud. There is no cost. New participants are always welcome. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121.

Torah & Tea Join Chanie Bukiet in her home on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to noon for a weekly dose of delicious tea and refreshments spiced with thoughts on women in the Torah and roundtable discussions. Cost: free; sponsor a class in someone’s memory or honor for $25. For more information or to RSVP, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@ chabadofbradenton.com.

Cteen: Linked Above, Rooted Below Teens are invited to join us at 7:00 p.m. at The Chabad House (5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton) for the next Cteen get-together. Themed to “Independence,” teens will explore their links and roots with flower pot food art and fabulous activities and refreshments. They will also partner with seniors in the community for Game Night! Cteen’s mission is to give teens three things: Jewish Network, Jewish Identity, Jewish Values. This is an opportunity that no Jewish teenager should miss, and there’s plenty of room for all their friends as well! Cost: $180 per teen for annual Cteen membership. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

“New Year’s Romance on the Piano” Celebrate New Year’s beginning with soulful classical music with internationally-acclaimed Russian-Israeli piano virtuoso Eleonora Lvov. Eleonora is a winner of many prestigious competitions, and a popular recording artist and teacher who plays most romantic works by Chopin, Debussy, Ravel, Albeniz and Gershwin. Experience this luminous, boldly emotive pianist with staggering technique who emanates ardent passion and spirituality through music. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. at Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St. W., Bradenton. For more information, call 941.358.0235.

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“Young at Heart” Join us for Brunch Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 10:30AM Michael’s On East 1212 East Avenue South, Sarasota Celebrate our Eight over 80 honorees for their outstanding community achievements! hOnOring Murray Bring Gloria Moss Jack Kesler & Maurice Richards Naomi & Bruce Wertheimer Beverly Koski Edie Winston Donald Malawsky Joan Wood Musical performance by singer and songwriter Sheri nadelman For more information or tickets, please contact Patricia McMahon at 941.203.6237 or pmcmahon@kobernickanchin.org we thank all of our sponsors for their generous support. prEMiEr SpOnSOrS IsaBEl aNcHIN BEcKER KBR FouNDatIoN DEBBIE & laRRY HasPEl susaN & RaNDY MallItz prESEnting SpOnSOr

HE MILK & HONEY RADIO HOUR encourages dialog and understanding on modern topics that impact the world with a focus on Israel, anti-Semitism and Jewish culture.

We will strive to exemplify the morals and values of the Jewish people while shedding light on the Jewish perspective and to rally the support of our friends.

Host Jessi Sheslow Director, Community Relations

milkandhoney@jfedsrq.org

January programming* 1/3/2016 1/10/2016 1/17/2016 1/24/2016 1/31/2016

Ret. Major General (IDF) Doron Almog What is The Jewish Federation? Author of “It’s Sid Bernstein Calling” Arthur Aaron Exec Director of American Friends of Leket, Israel Lauren Yoked Holocaust Survivor Testimonial

*Guest/s subject to change

Interested in becoming a sponsor of The MILK & HONEY Radio Hour?

Contact Robin Leonardi 941.552.6307 or rleonardi@jfedsrq.org BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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January 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

Torah Talk with Rabbi Huntting

Newcomers Reception

Join Rabbi Geoffrey Huntting at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Temple Sinai, Social Hall A, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

New to the area? New to Federation? Join us for a Newcomers Reception to meet and connect with other members of the Jewish community and learn about upcoming programs and events. The event takes place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Great Room by the Bay, 811 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Free but reservations are required. RSVP at www.jfedsrq.org, or contact Amy Goodman-Rizzo at 941.371.4546 x107 or arizzo@jfedsrq.org.

The Original Brown Bag with Rabbi Huntting Join Rabbi Geoffrey Huntting at noon on Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Temple Sinai, Social Hall A, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Bring your lunch and come for this casual gathering. The discussion on current events is determined by those in attendance. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

Sponsored by

Lunch and Learn Series at Temple Beth Sholom

Are you looking for a great lunch date? Join Rabbi Brenner Glickman and nice, friendly, interesting companions for lunch, socializing and discussion of current events and subjects of Jewish interest. All are invited to this popular, stimulating and enjoyable program. Attendees are asked to bring a brown-bag lunch and are also welcome to bring a newspaper article for discussion. Homemade dessert and terrific company are provided! The group meets at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

Sue Spector will address “Ma La’asot” - Exploring Modern Dilemmas Through the Eyes of Jewish Tradition from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays in January at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Participants can attend one or all classes. Topics: January 7 - “Is it a sin to tell a lie?” January 21 - “The Beauty Myth, or how does one dance before a bride?” and January 28 - “Jewish genetic diseases and the ethics of genetic testing.” Everyone is welcome. There is no fee for TBS members; tuition for nonmembers is $5 per class. Advance registration is required. Bring a pareve or dairy lunch. Please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 to register or for more information.

“The 33 Jewish Languages of Our People”

Sarasota Jewish Chorale rehearsals

Marden Paru, dean and co-founder of the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva and ethics instructor at the Melton Adult Mini-School, presents a free course to review the many distinct languages developed by the Jewish people over the millennia, as well as our history and wandering. The course takes place on Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 1:00 to 2:20 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. For more information, contact Natalie Chuquizuta at 941.225.8369 or nchuquizuta@kobernickanchin.org.

The Sarasota Jewish Chorale will rehearse Thursdays in January. The chorus performs widely throughout the area in synagogues, schools, churches and other venues. We welcome people of all faiths who love the joy of singing to contact Susan Skovronek at 941.355.8011 regarding attending a rehearsal. Rehearsals, under the direction of Linda Stewart Tucker, are held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Hecht Building on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Visit our website at www.sarasota jewishchorale.org or check us out on Facebook. For bookings, please call Phyllis Lipshutz at 941.924.6717.

Temple Emanu-El “Lunch with the Rabbi”

Book review and discussion Howard Levin will review Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers Who United Jerusalem and Divided a Nation by Yossi Klein Halevi. The book tells the story of seven paratroopers who fought for the liberation of Jerusalem in 1967, but who then took opposing paths, some arguing for returning the lands captured in the Six-Day War, while others assumed leadership roles in Israel’s then nascent settler movement that advocated keeping the territory forever. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Join us at 1:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Band/Desenberg Chapel, 1050 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. For more information, call Arlene Hamburger at 941.921.2554.

Zumba at Chabad Dance your way to fitness with hip-hop Jewish music at six Zumba classes led by certified fitness instructor Giuliana Cohen. Classes can be modified to all levels of fitness and include warm-up and cool-down stretch activities. The classes take place from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Thursdays, January 7 to February 11 at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Women only. The cost is $35 for the six classes (cash or checks payable to Giuliana Cohen). Please email chaniebukiet@gmail.com if you will be joining.

“Anti-Semitism in Florida: Kick-a-Jew Day” This is part of a one-of-a-kind series on serious and ongoing local antiSemitism throughout Southern Florida, that has been for years downplayed and ignored by the media, to the detriment of our Jewish population. Although “Kick-a-Jew Day” was held in a public school and a number of Jewish students were targeted, the school never expelled any of the students who physically attacked Jews, and the court dismissed an ACLU lawsuit on behalf of the parents of injured children. Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5910 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $60 for the seven-part series, including study guide; healthy kosher foods with vegan options available. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

HAPPY HOUR

Opportunities for singles and couples to meet new and old friends. (Ages 50’s - 70’s Welcome)

Tuesday, January 19TH 6:00 pm

El Greco 1592 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236

CASH BAR

•

LIGHT SNACKS OFFERED

- over TheMilman Milman K -Kover

March 6 –13, 2016

RSVP at www.jfedsrq.org For more info contact Jeremy Lisitza 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org

the mazur family fund

The Jewish Federation

OF SARASOTA-MANATEE

jfedsrq.org 941.371.4546

jfedsrq.org THE MILMAN-KOVER FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, SUSAN F. MILMAN, TRUSTEE

January 2016 140 kosher characters

twitter.com/jfedsrq

JEWISH HAPPENINGS FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 Panel Discussion: The Future of the Media Presented by the Brandeis National Committee, participants are Jim Duffy, former president of ABC television; Al Herskovitz, publisher of Talkers, a daily Internet information sheet going to over 50,000 subscribers; Irwin Starr, former GM of TV stations and VP of NBC (WMAQ) in Chicago. This free event begins at 10:30 a.m. on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Contact Anne Sherwood at annesherwood7358@gmail. com for more information.

Enjoy our Jewish programs in January and February 2016

S PE C I A L P RO G R A M S Thursday, January 14 • 11:00am–12:30pm JEWISH COMEDY, UNBUTTONED—

How Clothes Helped Fashion American Jewish Humor

Rhythm & Jews Family Erev Shabbat Join Rabbi Huntting, Chazzan Abramson, your friends and neighbors, and hear the Bruno Family Musicians in an uplifting service with a variety of traditional, Israeli, Sephardic and Chasidic melodies. This free event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Ted Merwin, Ph.D.

“Reflections on Life – Reflections of Life”

Enjoy a humorous presentation on how clothing became a major theme of American Jewish humor and how the garment (schmata) and entertainment industries became intertwined.

The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism presents Rev. Roger Fritts speaking on “Reflections on Life – Reflections of Life.” Rev. Fritts studied Political Science at Arizona State University, after which he entered the Unitarian Universalist seminary in California. After serving in a number of churches across the country, he served as the Senior Minister of Cedar Lane Unitarian Church in Bethesda, Maryland. With nearly 900 adult members, it is one of the ten largest congregations in the Unitarian Universalist Association. After eighteen years in Bethesda, Roger accepted a call to serve as minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at Unity, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or visit chj-Sarasota.org.

Monday, February 29 11:00am-12:30pm THE TEMPLE MOUNT THROUGHOUT HISTORY Steven Derfler, Ph.D. This lecture will explore the rich history of Temple Mount (located in the Old City of Jerusalem) and what it means to the Western world today.

ONE-TIME LECTURES

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10

TUESDAYS, 3:00-4:30

PJ Library story time at the Jewish Food Festival

January 12

Come for a nosh, stay for a story! Expert storyteller Sheila Wolf will delight children of all ages with PJ Library story time in the library at Temple Sinai (4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota) at 12:30 p.m. during the Annual Jewish Food Festival. Free and open to the public. To RSVP or for more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org.

W Adolph Hitler—From Army Corporal to Prison to Der Fuhrer Dr. Allan Schwartz

Sponsored by

8th Annual Jewish Food Festival

March 8

W Archaeology and the Bible:

Two Witnesses to Ancient Israel Elizabeth-Bloch Smith, Ph.D.

Mondays

W Wednesdays W Thursdays W Tuesdays

COURSES

The New Equation in the Eastern Mediterranean — Thomas O. Hecht, Ph.D January 4 and January 11 ............. 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Tales of Our Sages — Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman January 5 – January 26 ................. 9:00–10:30 AM The Two Shoahs — Ken Hanson, Ph.D. February 3 and February 10 ........ 1:00–2:30 PM Yiddish Language and Culture — Betty Silberman February 7 – February 28 .............. 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Jewish/Israeli Film Festival — Susan Goldfarb and Special Guest Facilitators, including Roz Goldberg, chair and founder of the Milman-Kover Jewish Film Festival February 4 – March 10 ................... 2:15–5:00 PM

Fridays

Rediscovering Our Religious Roots — Judaism, Christianity and Islam Steven Derfler, Ph.D. February 8 – February 29 .............. 9:00–10:30 AM

PE R F O R M I N G A RT S Sunday, January 24 • 3:00 – 4:30 PM JEWISH JAZZ WITH THE FIDDLING FLUTE

Jane Hoffman, flute and Mike Markeverich, piano A vibrant program of Jewish favorites in the top 10 For prices and a brochure listing over 150 adult enrichment courses, lectures and special events call 941-383-8811 or visit www.lbkeducationcenter.org THE LONGBOAT KEY EDUCATION CENTER, IS NOT-FOR-PROFIT, 501 (c ) (3) EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION, LOCATED AT 5370 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE (IN THE CENTRE SHOPS OF LONGBOAT KEY)

www.lbkeducationcenter.org

What do bagels, chopped liver, chicken soup, blintzes, corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, kosher hot dogs, (the corned beef, pastrami and hot dogs are coming from a famous New York City deli) kugel and almost everything else known to mankind in the way of traditional Jewish cuisine have in common? They can all be found for your delectable consumption at Temple Sinai’s 8th Annual Food Festival. There will also be health/craft vendors and a book fair. The festival takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Free parking and admission. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802. Sponsored by

University on Wheels Brandeis National Committee invites you to University on Wheels from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at TPC Prestancia Country Club, 4409 Tournament Players Club Dr., Sarasota. Dr. Suzanne Paradis, Associate Professor of Biology at Brandeis University, will present “Brain Storm, the Search for Answers to Autism and Other Disorders.” The cost of $30 includes a continental breakfast. For more information, contact Fran Spring at 941.753.2211.

“Out of the ORT-inary” Fashion Show Luncheon GulfsidePalm ORT and SaraMana ORT Chapters of ORT America invite you to this event at Lakewood Ranch Country Club featuring gourmet food choices, several vendor tables, prizes, disc jockey, and fashions by Talbots. Come for an “Extra-ORT-inary” extravaganza that women of all ages will enjoy. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a “Super ORT-inary” boutique of vendors. The price is $54 per person. For more details, please contact event chair Melissa Howard at 941.587.8166 or MFox80@hotmail.com.

Falafel with Yoav Come and enjoy a terrific kosher falafel lunch for $5 at noon at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

The Federation

Blog

www.FederationBlog.org

Join the Jewish Conversation!

January 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS MONDAY, JANUARY 11

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12

“American Jewish Military History: Civil War”

Club Fed Lecture Series

In 1862, Jewish Bernhard Behrend wrote President Lincoln: “Now by the order of your Excellency, you give the privilege to those… in the army who by their religious creed do observe the Sunday as a holy day and a day of rest; but you make no provision for those… who do not want to observe the Sunday as a holy day, (as for instance… the Jews, who observe the Saturday as a holy day…).” Join us at 11:00 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5910 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher foods with vegan options, and discussion materials included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Join us from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. for “Creation,” presented by Dr. Steven Derfler. The lecture takes place on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $18 for the series of four lectures. Register online at www.jfedsrq.org or contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113.

L’chaim Mondays The Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch invites you to its continuing L’chaim Mondays celebrations at 7:00 p.m. at The Windsor, 8220 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch. How did Shawn Ferguson get his name? What do the names Hock, Gross, Klein and Kurtz have in common? We’ll also have some fun with Jewish trivia, learning about how Jewish actors and actresses changed their names to help them get into show business. See how many you can recognize. No charge; donations appreciated. For more information, please contact the Kehillah at 941.281.2587 or info@ kehillahoflakewooranch.org.

“Searing . . . funny, salty, carnal and lyrical!”

Sponsored by

Mitzvah Knitting Group at Temple Emanu-El Are you a knitter or crocheter interested in using your talent to brighten the lives of others while making new friends? If so, please come to the Mitzvah Knitting Group sponsored by Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood at 10:00 a.m. at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. We gather monthly to craft and socialize, and our beautiful handiwork has been donated to local new parents as well as needy families in Sarasota-Manatee and in Israel. Bring your needles or crochet hook and a favorite pattern – we’ll supply the yarn and great company! For more information, email Susan Bernstein at susanhope22@comcast.net.

“Human Nature: Insights from the Talmud” What does it mean to be human? In three sessions with Rabbi Brenner Glickman, we will study texts from the Talmud to explore the peculiar psychology and morality of the human condition. All are invited to these special mornings of discussion, exploration, learning and sharing together. The sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, January 12, 19, and 26 at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Free for Temple EmanuEl members; an $18 donation is requested for guests. For more information or reservations, please call 941.371.2788.

Rosh Chodesh Society - Art & Soul

—the new york times

By August Wilson January 13–february 20 “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is presented by special arrangement with SAMuel FRenCh, InC.

westcoast

black theatre

troUPe

for tickets! 941-366-1505 OR

Join the Jewish Women’s Circle on a seven-part journey as we explore Judaism’s insights into the arts and how they beautify and transform our lives, one brushstroke at a time. This third class will explore “Literature - the Art of Storytelling” through workshops and an interactive class. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Course cost: $70 for JWC members and $75 for nonmembers; textbooks included; or $20 per class and $15 per book. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13

westcoastblacktheatre.org

Club Fed Hits the Road

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture, and the State of Forida.

Explore a World of Knowledge Give your mind a workout with more than 150 courses and and a host of lectures, forums, films and workshops on a vibrant campus.

Lifelong Learning Academy 2016 Winter Semester

JAN. 11-MARCH 4

2016 Spring Semester

MARCH 7-APRIL 28

Over 10 locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties

Courses run 2-8 sessions

www.lla-sm.org • 941-359-4296

Catalog available online

Join us on this trip to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The bus leaves from the Federation Campus (580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) at 8:30 a.m. and returns at approximately 4:00 p.m. The cost of $60 is all inclusive – transportation, admission to museum, docent tour, lunch. (No full refunds two weeks prior to event). Register online at www.jfedsrq.org or contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113. Sponsored by

STEP College Preparation and Information Series “Where’s the Money? FAFSA, Scholarships and more!” is designed for students in grades 8-12 and their families. Join us at 7:00 p.m. on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Free and open to the public. Register at http://jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org.

Torah Fund Day of Study The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Sholom will hold its annual Torah Fund Day of Study and Light of Torah Award Luncheon at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Hannah Puckhaber will be honored. Melissa Werbow will deliver the keynote: Heads Up! Jewish Women and Head Covering. Registration for Torah Fund Day of Study begins at 9:30 a.m. with the program starting at 10:00 a.m. A catered noon luncheon by Michael’s On East will follow the morning study session. Couvert is $36. For reservations, call Dana Corn at 941.493.0947.

“The New York Deli Phenomenon” For much of the 20th century, the New York deli was an iconic institution in Jewish and American Life. In some ways it surpassed the synagogue as a Jewish gathering place. Ted Merwin, Ph.D., Director of Milton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life at Dickinson College, and columnist for The Jewish Week, will tell the fascinating story of the New York deli at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Ted’s much anticipated book, Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli, has just been published. Cost: free for TBI members; $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call the temple office at 941.383.3428.

F A Q

How do I get items in The Jewish News? Email your articles and photos to jewishnews18@gmail.com. What are The Jewish News deadlines? Items are due the 25th of each month, or earlier if the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday. Where can I get a copy of The Jewish News? Papers are available at more than 50 locations, including several local libraries, synagogues and offices throughout Sarasota-Manatee. How do I place an ad in The Jewish News? Contact Robin Leonardi, account executive, at rleonardi@jfedsrq.org or call 941.552.6307.

January 2016

what?

THE FEDERATI

The areas identified here focus on critical needs in our local and glo evaluate and address these priorities with unparalleled commitmen a strong, more vibrant Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Community and to f

YOUTH AND EDUCATION OUR PLEDGE

TO MAKE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS TO JEWISH LIFE, PROVIDING OUR LOCAL YOUTH AND FAMILIES WITH MULTIPLE WAYS TO ENHANCE THEIR JEWISH JOURNEYS.

FIGHTING ANTI-SEMITISM OUR PLEDGE

TO FIGHT ANTI-SEMITISM WHENEVER AND WHEREVER IT MANIFESTS ITSELF. THAT IS OUR STEADFAST COMMITMENT.

HOW WE HELP

Whether through specific engagement programs like PJ Library and The Shapiro Teen Engagement Program (STEP) or by offering financial assistance for Religious School tuition, youth group conventions, Jewish overnight camp, college scholarships, domestic travel or overseas missions; we strive to make Jewish education inspiring and affordable.

HOLOCAUST AWARENESS OUR PLEDGE

TO ENSURE THAT OUR COMMUNITY NEVER FORGETS AND THAT OUR YOUTH LIVE THEIR LIVES AND FULFILL THEIR HOPES AND DREAMS WITHOUT FEAR AND OF PERSECUTION AND HATRED OF ANY KIND.

HOW WE HELP

JEWISH FEDERATION

Standing as witnesses to the evil that was the Holocaust, Federation with year-round programs educates the next generations. The Federation provides direct services and support for those Survivors in our Sarasota-Manatee community.

The Federation has created the Fighting Anti-Semitism Today (FAST) initiative as a tactical answer to anti-Israel and anti-Semitic groups. The toxic and often destructive strategies of pro-BDS groups are implemented on our local college campuses and we are here to combat them.

WOMEN’S PROGRAMS OUR PLEDGE

TO CONTINUE CREATING VENUES TO EMPOWER JEWISH WOMEN AS FUNDERS, DECISION-MAKERS AND AGENTS OF CHANGE AND ENABLE THEM TO TRANSLATE JEWISH VALUES INTO ACTION.

HOW WE HELP

Whatever connection to the Jewish community a woman might seek, there is a way to pursue it at Federation. From the Women’s Giving Circle to Women’s Day, we nurture groups that unite women with similar passions helping them to deepen their commitment to our Jewish community and the world.

Whether you are a growing family or seeking a retirement community, finding your partner or finding care for a p Jewish need or fighting anti-Semitism, education or crisis relief, or defending Israel, we invite you to join us. Bring you and live it through The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Take a stand, grow your network, inspire a child, cele

January 2016

JEWISH FEDERATION

ION’S IMPACT

obal Jewish communities. At The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee we identify, nt, passion and sensitivity. Our responsibility is to ensure that needs are met, to create foster and strengthen our connection to Jews in Israel and around the world.

ISRAEL AND OVERSEAS OUR PLEDGE

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS OUR PLEDGE

TO PROVIDE UNWAVERING SUPPORT TO STRENGTHEN THE STATE OF ISRAEL AS WE HAVE FOR MORE THAN SIX DECADES AND OUR COMMITMENT CONTINUES!

TO BUILD ON OUR MULTIFACETED CULTURAL, CIVIC AND INTERFAITH COMMUNITY-BASED WORK IN SARASOTA-MANATEE.

HOW WE HELP

When Israel is threatened, we immediately mobilize our networks in Sarasota-Manatee and nationally for her aid. That global concern is fostered by immersive experiences such as Birthright Israel and programming that brings Israel to life in Sarasota-Manatee.

ACTIVE ADULTS

HOW WE HELP

Federation brings extraordinary Jewish and Israel-themed cultural and educational events to Sarasota-Manatee. Jewish and Israeli musicians, speakers, performances and celebrities are brought in through a multitude of community partners including Florida Studio Theatre, Perlman Music Program Suncoast, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Sarasota Opera, Embracing Our Differences and more.

JEWISH SAFETY NET

OUR PLEDGE

TO BE A SOURCE OF COMFORT AND CARE FOR THOSE IN NEED IN OUR COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION, OUR FEDERATION NATIONAL SYSTEM WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT ONE OF THE LARGEST, STRONGEST, AND MOST ENDURING NETWORKS OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN NORTH AMERICA, ENSURING THAT THOSE MOST ATRISK CAN LIVE WITH DIGNITY.

TO ENGAGE ACTIVE ADULTS — RESIDENTS, SNOW-BIRDS, SNOWFLAKES AND NEWCOMERS, THROUGH SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL, AND JEWISH PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITIES TO CREATE A COHESIVE JEWISH COMMUNITY.

HOW WE HELP

By providing a meeting place to our Jewish membership organizations and clubs, Federation enhances a sense of Jewish community. Engaging our Jewish community through programs and our Federation media sources keeps the community involved and informed.

HOW WE HELP

Federation funds skilled providers/case managers who expertly care for the most vulnerable in our Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community. And through a wide range of community partnerships, Federation helps those most at-risk manage and overcome their difficulties.

- over TheMilman K

parent, we invite you to join us. Whether your interest is urself, your passions, your talents, your hunger for change, ebrate a tradition, explore Israel, and change a life!

make it yours

January 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 Russ & Daughters Kickoff Brunch for the Jewish Film Festival

The Diary of Anne Frank An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, this drama captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence – their fear, their hope, their laughter and their grief. Performances take place from January 14-31 (Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.) at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton. Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, in collaboration with the Florida Holocaust Museum. Tickets start at $26 (student and teacher pricing available). For more information, please contact the box office at 941.748.5875 or visit www.ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com. Sponsored by

N’shei Chabad Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society N’shei Chabad Women, a lovely and friendly group of women, invites all women to attend this Rosh Chodesh Society event, which includes a talk entitled “Literature: The Art of Narrative.” Join us as we discuss why the human race produced so many works of written or spoken narrative. Are we just entertaining ourselves, or is there something deeper at play? At 7:15 p.m. there will be 15 minutes to schmooze, socialize and enjoy dessert, followed by the class. For underwriting the event, we thank Chabad’s First Lady, Anne Stein. All are welcome at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Cost: free for Rebbetzin Circle members, $10 for N’shei Women members, $12 for nonmembers. Advance reservations are necessary. To RSVP, call 941.925.0770 or email NCWSarasota@gmail.com.

FRI-SAT, JANUARY 15-16 Cantorial Shabbat Enjoy a delicious full course Shabbat dinner at 7:00 p.m., while Chazzan Kaplan inspires us with songs and stories. Cantor Kaplan will also lead the morning services on Shabbat at 9:30 a.m. A special Kiddush will follow services. The events take place at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Dinner cost: $18 with an RSVP by January 8; $25 after January 8. Sponsor: $180 (includes two complimentary reservations). For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@ chabadofbradenton.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 Grandparent Shabbat The Gan preschool will host Grandparent Shabbat at 11:30 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Children will celebrate Shabbat surrounded by their grandparents and family, followed by a luncheon. Complimentary. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

EVENT SPACE AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES, EVENTS, BUSINESS MEETINGS FOR ALL YOUR SPECIALTY NEEDS

Breakfast & Lunch Meats and Cheeses

HOLIDAY FOODS

Jewish War Veterans Post 172 meeting Jewish War Veterans Sarasota Post 172 will hold its next meeting in the Activity Room of Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Avenue, Sarasota. Please note this is a new location. All future meetings will also be held at Kobernick House. The usual lox-and-bagel breakfast will begin at 9:45 a.m. and costs $7 per person. A business meeting will follow at 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Terry Acton, head of the Sarasota County Veterans Service Office. Numerous changes, plus future plans of the Veterans Administration, will be discussed. For further information or for directions to Kobernick House, please contact Stan Levinson, Commander, at 941.907.6720 or stanlevinson172@gmail.com.

Jewish Genealogical Society of SWFL meeting Traditionally, we discover relationships among individuals by sifting through documents, records, books, family lore and histories. The most reliable are those created at the time of the event. Today’s technology for unlocking the secrets of our DNA leads us to our most primitive records of relationships: inheritance by descent. Kathleen Callanan, an author and lecturer on Genetic Genealogy, focuses on the latest DNA testing techniques for finding cousins and solving “brick wall” and “black hole” problems. Join us at 1:00 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1959 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. Attendance is free and everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Kim Sheintal at 941.921.1433 or klapshein@aol.com, or visit http://jgsswf.org/.

Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute Temple Emanu-El’s Brotherhood, Sisterhood and Social Action Committee are honored to host this second annual wonderful tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe. The Troupe will perform musical entertainment, and Reverend Charles McKenzie will offer stirring orations from the writings and speeches of Dr. King. Light refreshments will follow the program. The community is welcome to this important and special commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. The event begins at 2:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.) at Temple EmanuEl, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $15 with advance reservation or $18 at the door. For more information, please contact Don Malawsky at 941.359.2890 or dmalawsky@msn.com.

“Grande Piano – Chopin & Friends”

Bridge... Anyone?

Eleonora Lvov, internationally-acclaimed Russian-Israeli piano virtuoso, plays a broad spectrum of music – with the artist’s own personal TheRomantic Bridge Group Thursdayeras impressions and historical remarks. and meets Impressionistic fromLiszt 1:00–4:00 include magnificent works fromafternoons Chopin and to the pm inimitable on the Federation Campus enchantment of Debussy, Ravel and Gershwin among others, performed (582 McIntosh Road). Experience romance with incomparable elegance, passion and tenderness. Open to intermediate and poetry with this luminous, boldly emotive pianist with staggering and advanced bridge players. through music. technique who emanates ardent passion and spirituality For more information, The event begins at 4:00 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, Bob Satnick call 941.358.0235. 3975 Fruitville Road. Forcall more information,

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L’Chayim

Friendly MARK PODWAL: butTHIS HAS COME UPON US… ALL serious

On View Through March 13, 2016 game! Mark Podwal is best known for his drawings on The New York Times OP-ED pages. This exhibition features his depictions of historical threats of antisemitism, from slavery in Egypt through the Holocaust, combined with verses from the Book of Psalms.

HERE’S “TO LIFE” ON THE GULF COAST Committed to the Jewish Community for almost 20 years, Stacy is passionate about real estate and strives to build everlasting relationships based on exceptional service, uncompromising values and a strong work ethic.

A Song 1948, Psalm 126:5 Those who plant in tears will harvest in joy.

Exhibition Sponsors: Funding Arts Network, Robert Arthur Segall Foundation, Dr. Paul Drucker, Burton Young, Kenneth and Barbara Bloom, Elliot Stone and Bonnie Sockel-Stone, Isabel Bernfeld Anderson, and Anonymous Donor.

DISCOVERY AND RECOVERY: PRESERVING IRAQI JEWISH HERITAGE December 3, 2015 – February 14, 2016 Exhibition details the dramatic recovery of historic materials relating to the Jewish community in Iraq from a flooded basement in Saddam Hussein's intelligence headquarters, and the National Archives' recovery work in support of U.S. Government efforts to preserve and make these materials available.

Tik (Torah case) and Glass Panel from Baghdad,19th-20th centuries.

2 - fo r - 1 a d m i s s i on w i t h t h i s a d

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1801 Main Street | Sarasota, Florida 34236 | 941.951.6660

301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.672.5044 • jewishmuseum.com • info@jewishmuseum.com Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am - 5pm Except Holidays

SMJN

January 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS MONDAY, JANUARY 18

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

SaBra Hadassah Associates meeting

Fifty Shades of J Happy Hour

Jay Handelman, theater and television critic and arts writer for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, will address “The Theater and the Jewish Influence.” Handelman reviews professional and amateur theater presentations in the area. The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, 2635 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota. Refreshments and a light breakfast buffet will be served. Associates, Hadassah members and guests are welcome. Your reservation: a check for $12.50, payable to SaBra Hadassah. Send to Andrew Nutlay, 7720 U.S. Open Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. For more information, contact Harvey Perler at 941.926.8555 or hperler@verizon.net.

This is an opportunity for singles and couples to meet new and old friends. The event takes place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at El Greco Cafe, 1592 Main St., Sarasota. Cash bar and light snacks offered. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq. org, or visit www.jfedsrq.org.

“Wannsee: Where Men Went Deadly Wrong” This extraordinary multimedia program on the infamous Wannsee Conference, which finalized “The Final Solution,” will be presented by Holocaust survivor Kurt Marburg, who lived nearby to Wannsee and recently re-visited it. Kurt will share his personal insights on this heinous meeting of twelve top Nazi officers and his newly-taken photographs of the conference site. In this minutes-long meeting, the fate of the world was forever affected by ruthless men of great education turned evil incarnate. Join us at 11:00 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5910 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $12 per person; study guide and healthy, hearty kosher brunch included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch book review The Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch invites you to a book review of Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stout. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. at Esplanade Golf & Country Club, Amenity Center, 5240 Esplanade Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch. In a voice more powerful and compassionate than ever before, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Strout binds together thirteen rich, luminous narratives into a book with the heft of a novel, through the presence of one larger-than-life, unforgettable character: Olive Kitteridge. No charge; donations appreciated. For more information, contact the Kehillah at 941.281.2587 or info@kehillahoflakewooranch.org.

Sponsored by

Art in the Afternoon Brandeis National Committee invites you to the first event in the Art in the Afternoon Series: West Side Story and Gypsy, a multimedia presentation using original graphics, audio and visual clips, and recorded songs with lyrics, demonstrating the story behind the making of the creation of these two groundbreaking musicals by the young Stephen Sondheim. Join us for one or both presentations. Both include lunch. West Side Story from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and Gypsy from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Meadows Country Club. Cost: $40 for one musical and lunch; $65 for both musicals and lunch. For more information, call Janet Tolbert at 941.388.9624.

Sarasota Jewish Singles The Sarasota Jewish Singles is an outreach program of Temple Beth Israel to give all Jewish singles in the area the opportunity to meet other men and women who are alone. The group meets once a month for dinner, laughter and a time to turn acquaintances into lifelong friends. Join us at 6:00 p.m. at the Waterfront Restaurant, 7660 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information or to make a reservation, call or text Rosalyn Fleischer at 941.915.6631 or rozfleischer@gmail.com.

The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch®

ConneCt with your Jewish Community facebook.com/jfedsrq

Call today: 941-552-5369 or toll-free: 1-888-999-GLEN (4536). 7333 Scotland Way • Sarasota, Florida 34238 • www.TheGlenridge.com

January 2016 THE DESTINATION for January! TICKETS: 941.488-1115 ● VeniceStage.com

Stage II Jan. 21 - Feb. 14

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Jan.

12 - 31

“As side splitting a farce as I have ever seen. Ever? EVER! ~ New York Magazine

PLUS, DON’T MISS OUR CONCERTS & SPECIAL EVENTS! The Capitol Steps: Jan 17 & 18 ● The Diamonds: Jan. 24 & 25 Back Home Again, a Tribute to John Denver: Jan. 31 & Feb. 1

JEWISH HAPPENINGS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 TBS Idelson Library Film Matinee Series The documentary The Outrageous Sophie Tucker (2014; 96 minutes) explores the rags to riches story of Sophie Tucker, an iconic superstar who ruled the worlds of vaudeville, Broadway, radio, television and Hollywood throughout the 20th century. Before Madonna, Sophie Tucker was the first woman to infatuate her audiences with a bold, bawdy and brassy style unlike any other. Using all of her 400-plus recently rediscovered personal scrapbooks, the filmmakers take you on their seven-year journey retracing Tucker’s sixty-year career in show business. The film will be shown at 1:15 p.m. on the new state-of-the-art projector at Temple Beth Sholom, Madeline L. Sainer Social Hall, 1050 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Refreshments, including popcorn, will be served sponsored by the Men’s Club. Marty Cohn will lead a Q&A session after the film. The suggested donation is $3 for TBS members and $5 for nonmembers. Please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org for more information.

“The Rise, Glory & Disappearance of Sephardic Jewry” Rabbi Michael B. Eisenstat will discuss the rise, fall and virtual disappearance of this once proud, wealthy and influential social royalty. They helped build a nation, and are an important part of American Jewish History. The series will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 20, 27 and February 3 at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Rabbi Eisenstat is Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Israel. Among other endeavors since retirement, he has served congregations in Milan and Florence. Cost: free for TBI members; $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call the temple office at 941.383.3428.

Please join the

Women’s Giving Circle Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:00am Guest Speaker Lauren Yoked Executive Director of Leket, Israel

The Home of Helene Davis 7637 Heyward Circle University Park, Florida

• Bring a friend • Learn about the Women’s Giving Circle and meet other members

Rsvp to Deborah Stafford

941.343.2115 or dstafford@jfedsrq.org

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 Every Face Has a Name - movie and talk On April 28, 1945, life begins again. Hundreds of survivors from the German concentration camps arrive to the harbor of Malmö, Sweden. While they take their first steps in freedom, Swedish news photographers film them. Passenger lists are made to keep a record of all survivors arriving. Now, 70 years later, the survivors are watching this archive footage for the very first time, and as they discover themselves they re-experience the emotions from this special day. Helmer Magnus Gertten, the director of the film, will be the guest speaker and answer questions. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. on the Federation Campus (theater), 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. The cost for the screening and talk is $10. There will also be a prereception with the director. The cost is $25 and includes the screening. Advance payment and registration is required. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.jfedsrq.org or contact Amy Goodman-Rizzo at 941.371.4546 x107 or arizzo@jfedsrq.org. Sponsored by

JFCS Holocaust Survivors’ Havurah All survivors are invited to attend these monthly gatherings of friendship, camaraderie and support. Enjoy a light nosh and a lively discussion. The group meets from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. This month’s event includes a viewing of Watermarks, a moving documentary on the Jewish swimming champions who defied Hitler. This is a multi-agency event sponsored by JFCS of the Suncoast, Inc., Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jan Alston at 941.366.2224 x172 or jalston@JFCS-Cares.org. Sponsored by

Overcoming Our Broken Politics The United States government is at a crisis point that requires significant changes in leadership, in action and, most important, in mind-set. Join two Senate leaders from opposite sides of the aisle – Republican Trent Lott and Democrat Tom Daschle – as they come together to sound the alarm on the most pressing issue in American politics today: the partisan gridlock that has paralyzed our leaders in Washington, as outlined in their new book, Crisis Point. The event begins at 8:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $10; free for TBI members. For more information, contact the TBI office at 941.383.3428 or info@tbi-lbk.org, or visit www.tbi-lbk.org.

From special occasions to daily dining, Morton’s Market has got you covered. Stop in for fresh seasonal produce, prime cuts of meat and seafood, and hot-from-the-oven baked goods. Choose from our tempting array of chef-prepared deli and gourmet togo items, as well as fine wines, exotic cheeses and cut flowers. Think of us for your catered events, holiday menus and gift baskets too.

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Robin Leonardi, Account Executive: 941.552.6307 • rleonardi@jfedsrq.org

January 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS FRI-SAT, JANUARY 22-23

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

Temple Emanu-El Scholar-in-Residence By popular demand, the brilliant, engaging Rabbi Gary Zola, Ph.D., returns as Temple Emanu-El’s Scholar-in-Residence. Director of the American Jewish Archives, professor at Hebrew Union College, and an acclaimed author, Dr. Zola is known for his scholarship and expertise in American Jewish history as well as his charisma and sparkling wit. He will speak during services Friday night at 7:30 p.m., and offer a special Shabbat morning learning program on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to learn, enjoy and be inspired at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Presented by Temple Emanu-El’s Joyce and Mal Peck Scholar-in-Residence Program. For more information, please call 941.371.2788.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 Tot Shabbat followed by Kiddie Oneg Join The Gan at Temple Sinai (4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota) as we celebrate Shabbat with a service specially designed for kids and kids-at-heart! Followed by a wonderful oneg. This free event begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 “A Rumination on Earth and Life” The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism welcomes back Jeff Rodgers, Director of the Bishop Planetarium and Director of Education at the South Florida Museum, who will speak on “A Rumination on Earth and Life.” Rogers joined the Museum in November 2004 after nine years at the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium in New York City. Rodgers will give us a science-based nod (he says it’s more of an “ode”) to the astonishing history of life and our wondrously habitable planet that might just give you a newfound regard for Earth and its diverse inhabitants. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at Unity, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or visit chj-Sarasota.org.

Unlock your SALES POTENTIAL

January 4 February 1 March 1 March 31

PJ Parent Workshop: Raising a Mensch In collaboration with Goldie Feldman Academy and Temple Emanu-El, this PJ Library program will be a guide to learning through service. The program begins at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota. Free to PJ Library eligible families. For more information about how to subscribe to PJ Library, visit http://jfedsrq.org/what-we-do/pj-library/. For more information about the program, contact Rabbi Elaine Glickman at elaineglickman@comcast.net or Rachel Saltzberg at rsaltzberg@tbsschools.org. Sponsored by

Chabad of Sarasota’s Annual Garage Sale Chabad of Sarasota’s Men’s Club “Club 770” is organizing a garage sale from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Browse through the huge selection of merchandise: clothing, furniture, electronics, collectibles, home decor items and much more. All proceeds benefit the Chabad Kaplan Preschool. Have questions or goods to donate? Phone 941.925.0770 or email info@chabadofsarasota.com.

Celebrate the Festival of Trees Known as the Festival of Trees, Tu B’Shevat is one of Judaism’s most aesthetic of holidays, appealing to the senses of sight, taste and smell through beautiful platters of “the seven species” of fruits and grains indigenous to Israel: dates, olives, pomegranates, figs, grapes, barley and wheat. Treat yourself and your family to a wonderful healthy feast on this delightful festival and learn how the Bible remarkably protects trees even in the heat of war. Join us at noon at the Al Katz Center, 5910 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher foods with vegan options, and discussion materials included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

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ANTI-SEMITISM

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January 2016 TUESDAY, JANUARY 26

JEWISH HAPPENINGS SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

JFCS Bereavement Support Group

Tu B’Shevat Party at Sarasota Children’s Garden

This group meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays from January 26 to March 1 at JFCS, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Cost: $36 per person for the six-week session. For more information, contact Jennifer Singer, 941.366.2224 x166 or jsinger@JFCS-Cares.org.

Celebrate Tu B’Shevat at Temple Emanu-El’s annual birthday-of-the-trees party! Enjoy the blessings of nature at Sarasota Children’s Garden, 1670 10th Way. Kids love the tire pyramid, maze, pirate ship, and climbing area; parents and grandparents love the charming setting. We’ll also plant seeds and decorate flowerpots for Tu B’Shevat, enjoy a bagel breakfast and fruit, and participate in age-appropriate Shabbat blessings, songs and movement with Rabbi Brenner Glickman. Sponsored by Temple Emanu-El and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, the event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost: Limited free spaces available with advance reservation; once the free spaces are taken, the cost is $10 per family with advance reservation, or $18 per family at the door. For more information, please contact Alicia Zoller at aliciampaul@hotmail.com, or Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at elaine-glickman@comcast.net or 941.379.1997.

Sponsored by

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 ORT Game Day If you enjoy mah jongg, Scrabble, Rummikub, backgammon or cards, you will enjoy the GulfsidePalm ORT and SaraMana ORT Game Day at Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Boulevard, Sarasota. Come for a delightful day while supporting ORT schools and programs. The cost of $38 includes lunch and game tables. Welcome begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by a continental breakfast and buffet lunch with a bountiful array of salads, fresh fruit and desserts. Bring your own game equipment. Play games as soon as you arrive. If you do not have a full table, we will try to put a table together for you. For more details, call Elaine Marlin at 941.923.9697.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 “Arthur Miller: The Moral Jewish Playwright?”

Sponsored by

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 BNC Book and Author Luncheon Brandeis National Committee invites you to its annual Book and Author Luncheon from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota. Talia Carter, award-winning author, discusses her acclaimed novel, Hotel Moscow. The event includes a boutique with jewelry, arts and crafts, apparel, books and more. Cost: $55. For more information, contact Merle Taback at 248.505.7488.

Diane G. Steinbrink will explore how Miller’s familial roots, background and life experiences influenced our most prominent American Jewish playwright. His most significant plays and autobiography will be featured. Discussion and questions are encouraged. Steinbrink has a BA in Speech and Drama, coordinated Philadelphia plays for 17 years, and was a producer and facilitator for the Anne Frank Theater Project of Jewish Family and Children’s Service in Philadelphia. The event begins at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: free for TBI members; $5 for nonmembers. For more information, please call the temple office at 941.383.3428.

“Global Jewish Expulsions - Part 1” Drastic Jew-hatred through expulsions has occurred throughout history, in Hungary, 1349; Crimea, 1016; the United States, 1862; and even in Bradenton, Florida, where a condominium complex now seeks to be Jewfree. Part one of this two-part course will cover dozens and generations of European expulsions of Jews, which laid the bloody basis for the Holocaust, planted and nurtured in centuries of anti-Semitism, still exploding today across the continent and the globe. Learn the truth of history! Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5910 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $20 for the two-part course; healthy kosher foods and study guide included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

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January 2016

JEWISH INTEREST

In a Brooklyn warehouse, part gun range and part synagogue, trouble is brewing Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News The Book of Stone, by Jonathan Papernick. Fig Tree Books. 400 pages. Trade paperback $15.95.

ho is susceptible to the morbid attractions of terrorism? Our popular media have made clichés out of a half a dozen answers. Jonathan Papernick has created a terrifying novel that illuminates the dark corners of those souls who will give their lives for a cause without regard for their own suffering or that of others. Phil Jason Though this beautifully written book teems with fully realized supporting characters, most of the insights derive from the portrait of the central character – Matthew Stone. This portrait is so magnifi-

cently painted, Matthew is so brilliantly Jewish terrorist leaders planning a maand precisely individualized, that the jor offensive, Matthew finds his cause. stock responses to the important quesOr is he carefully manipulated into it? tion are overwhelmed and transformed. Or is it his DNA patrimony? No more glib talk. Real life. Those handling his indoctrination We meet Matthew, a 25-year-old understand his needs and play upon his loser with no job, no accomplishments fears and insecurities. and no self-worth, as he Matthew is charshakily responds to his faacterized in part by his ther’s death. Judge Walter many self-inflicted cigaStone is a version of “the rette burns. They are at great man.” A giant in his once self-punishment for profession, disgraced by his his unworthiness, pains own drives, he had given that mask other pains, Matthew the toughest kind and pains that awaken of love – absence and denihim from the foggy degration. Yet he remained a pression in which he giant among militant Zionspends his life and allow Jonathan Papernick ists. him to focus. The judge’s father, also a Zionist Finding, committing to, and prohero and a similar kind of disapprovviding effective action in the service of ing parent, was a feared gangster. his defining cause (countering PalesThrough his father’s horde of tinian legitimacy and murdering Palesbooks, annotated with what seem like tinian leaders and partisans) becomes clues for Matthew’s destined role in his way of escaping from negative selflife, and through the approaches of judgment; joining an elite community; and valuing, loving, and finally honoring his father through redeeming action. But it is all a grotesque sickness. C O L L E C T I O N Most important to the success of the novel are Papernick’s depictions FloridaHomeChannel.com

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of Matthew’s key relationships. The first among these is with his mother, who has been manipulated by an FBI agent to return to the son she had abandoned many years ago “for his own good.” Next is Matthew’s tenuous love affair with a young woman who has equivalent emotional scars. Finally, his relationship with his father’s former colleague, a rabbi who needs Matthew to transfer funds sequestered for Zionist terror operations. Just wait until you discover what goes on inside that Brooklyn warehouse and how the Days of Awe and Jewish rituals figure in this astounding exploration of morality and madness. This review originally appeared in Jewish Book World (Fall 2015) Vol. 33 No. 3. It is reprinted by permission. Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, Southern Literary Review, and other ENJOY publications. Please visit Phil’s web• Fresh Pita B site at www.philjason.wordpress.com. • Imported

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January 2016

JEWISH INTEREST

S TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM K’zohar Ha-Ivrit B Winter – ho-ref and s’tav Sarasota-Manatee’s Conservative Synagogue

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ONGOING PROGRAMS Daily Morning Minyan

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Sundays, 9:00am - 12:30pm *Winter Break Jan 3rd/MLK Weekend *Jan 17th - No classes

Introduction to Reading Hebrew Sundays, Jan 10 & 31 11am-12:30pm A Cup of Joe and the Five Books of Mo Tuesdays 9:15am -10:15am Leyen Kreis (Yiddish Reading Circle) Tuesdays, January 12 & 26 1:30pm - 3:00pm Chug Ivri (Advanced Hebrew) Thursdays 10:30am - 12:00pm

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*You can check out books, using our self-checkout, any time the office is open, provided there is not a meeting at the Library. You can check out books from the Alcove which is always open when the office is open.

SAVE THE DATE

Join us for a Shabbat Dinner to welcome Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Jonathan Sarna Friday, February 5 & Saturday, February 6 Sisterhood Fashion Show – Sophisticated Ladies Go Hollywood Thursday, February 10,12pm

TEMPLE TALK

Chat with our co-presidents about the exciting changes happening at TBS! WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 HAPPY HOUR 5:30-7:00pm (1st Wednesday each month) SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 COFFEE HOUR 9:30-11:00am (3rd Sunday each month)

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 9:30am, Men’s Club Breakfast & Learn Guest Speaker is Rabbi Howard Simon, his topic is: What’s Next in the Middle East? WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1:15pm Idelson Library Book Review Howard Levin will review Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers Who United Jerusalem and Divided a Nation by Yossi Klein Halevi THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 21 & 28 12:00-1:30pm, Lunch & Learn – Ma La’asot – What to do? Sue Spector will facilitate classes exploring the dilemmas through the eyes of Jewish tradition. Bring a dairy lunch. $5 non-member fee for each class for materials. Come to one or all, a new topic each week. FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 6:30pm & SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 9:00am, Bar Mitzvah of Eli Newman SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 10:30-11:30 am Bar & Bat Mitzvah Club. Personal Identification with Mitzvot FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 7:00pm Catered Shabbat Dinner, more details to follow. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 12:00pm, Sisterhood’s Torah Fund Day of Study and Luncheon, Honoring Hannah Puckhaber. Keynote Presenter, Melissa Werbow, Jewish Educator– Heads Up! Jewish Women and Head Covering 9:30am Registration – 10am Study Session 12pm Luncheon 7:00pm, Shmooze and Brews with Rabbi Werbow. We will meet at Miller’s Ale House (corner of Cattleman & Bee Ridge, Sarasota) for an informal conversationask questions, share ideas and meet people. SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 12:30-2pm Kadima Paint Palooza Youth in 6th – 8th Grade will have fun and let their creativity fly! WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 1:15pm, Idelson Library Film Matinee We will show The Outrageous Sophie Tucker with a question and answer session to follow. Refreshments will be served courtesy of the Men’s Club. Suggested donation - $3/Members, $5/NonMembers. FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 6:30pm SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 9:00am Bar Mitzvah of Eric Miller SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, Time TBA, USY TreeUmph! Adventure Course. Your 9th–12th Grader will love this program! SUNDAY, JANUARY 24,11:00am-12:30pm TuB’shevat Seder Join us as we celebrate the birthday of trees! FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 7:00pm, Kavanah Open House, Shabbat Service & Pot Luck Dinner – Come as you are & join us for a relaxing musical service. Open House at 5:30 pm, Kavanah Services at 6:30pm and Pot Luck Dinner at 7:30pm. **See our website for Pot Luck Guidelines SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 9:00am Sisterhood Shabbat. Join us as we celebrate the women of our Sisterhood. SUNDAY, JANUARY 31,12:30-2pm Chalutzim Bubble Popperz. Youth in 3rd-5th Grade will have a blast with this bubble wrap program!

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By Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin

t is January and winter is here. The birds migrate south and even some people follow their path as they endeavor to escape the cold, harsh northern season. The Hebrew word for “winter” is ho-ref (the “h” should be read like Hanukkah). Ho-ref is mentioned seven times in the Bible. It is derived Dr. Rachel Dulin from the verb harif meaning “freshly gathered, plucked fruit,” implying the harvest season. However, ho-ref is the rainy season in Israel which, according to the rabbis, lasts two months, from the last half of Kislev to the first half of Sh’vat (Baba Me-tzi-ah 10:6). Since Kislev is the third month in the Jewish calendar, it means that two and a half months separate the summer, which ends in Elul, from the winter season. In modern Hebrew this period is called s’tav, namely “autumn.” But s’tav had a different meaning in ancient days. In fact, in the Bible, s’tav, like in other Semitic languages, means “the rainy season” and, as such, is synonymous to ho-ref. This is affirmed by the lovely words of the poet describing nature’s seasonal renewal: “The s’tav passed, the rains are over and gone, the blossoms have appeared in the land…” (Song of Songs 2:11) Interestingly, only two seasons are mentioned in the Bible as part of God’s creation and natural order, horef and summer. (Gen 8:22; Ps 74:17). But, with the years, some believe that, with travelers’ exposure to the colorful, natural embroidery of autumn in the northern hemisphere, the meaning of the biblical s’tav was changed from “winter” to “autumn” to give a name to the season not mentioned in the text.

E f In biblical times, as today, peoplei tried to escape the cold by building ba-w tay ho-ref (“winter houses”) with fire-a places in them. In the ba-tay ho-ref the windows faced south to enjoy the natural heating power of the sun, unlike summer houses where the windows faced north to avoid the sun. In the prophetic literature, the ba-tay ho-ref of the rich became analogous to corruption and decadence. In one recorded incident, for example, King Ye-ho-yakim was sitting comfortably in his bait ho-ref “with the fire burning in the brazier,” listening with disdain to Jeremiah’s prediction of disaster delivered by a messenger (Jer 36:22). More so, the prophet Amos, when he prophesized the destruction of the Northern Kingdom, declared that God will “wreck the bait ho-ref together with the summer palace” (Amos 3:15), alluding to the economic prosperity of the north, which was gained by corruption and would soon be destroyed. Lastly, I wish to mention an idiom which appears only once in the Bible but entered modern Hebrew literature. Ye-may hor-pi, literally meaning “the days of my winter,” was the phrase used by Job to describe his days of youth (Job 29:4). For us, winter usually infers old age, but for the biblical writer, hor-ref symbolized prime time, where like a tree in harvest, one is young and filled with the sap of life. To end, let us remember that toward the end of January we will mark Tu Bish-vat, the New Year for the trees. In Israel it means that ho-ref is about over and spring is at the door. I wish hag same-ach to the trees and to all of us. Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin is a professor of biblical literature at Spertus College in Chicago and an adjunct professor of Hebrew and Bible at New College in Sarasota.

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JEWISH INTEREST

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. Jewish Athletes of the Year I asked my friend, SHEL WALLMAN, the editor of Jewish Sports Review, to draw up a shortish list of the outstanding Jewish athletes (pro/college) of 2015. Please subscribe to the Review, a great print publication and a non-profit labor of love (Jewishsportsreview.com). Here’s Shel’s list: NHL - MIKE CAMMALLERI – New Jersey Devils - center from Richmond Hill, Ontario. After slowing down the past couple of seasons, Mike is off to a particularly fast start this season. JASON ZUCKER - Minnesota Wild - forward from Newport Beach, California. A star in the making and this could be his breakout season. NFL - MITCHELL SCHWARTZ - Cleveland Browns - Right tackle from Pacific Palisades, California. Mitchell is in his fourth NFL season with the Browns and has started every game during that period. ALI MARPET Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Offensive guard from Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Was drafted in the second round from a Division 3 college (Hobart) and has been a starter in every game. MLB - KEVIN PILLAR - Toronto Blue Jays - Centerfielder from West Hills, California. In his third year of MLB and his first as a starter, Kevin has been called a ‘human highlight film’ by SPORTSNET and was named Wilson’s Centerfielder of the Year and placed #2 as a centerfielder for the American League Gold Glove award. IAN KINSLER - Detroit Tigers - 2B from Tuscon, Arizona. At age 33, Ian hit .296, his best since 2008, with 11

homers and 10 stolen bases, while continuing his excellent defensive play at 2B (was Wilson’s Defensive Player of the Year at 2B in 2014). PGA - DANIEL BERGER, only 22, of Plantation, Florida, the son of former tennis star JAY BERGER, has erupted onto the pro golf scene and his future seems bright. ALEXANDER LEVY, 26, of France, has developed into a strong force on the European PGA Tour. Boxing - CLETUS ‘The Jewish Hammer’ SELDIN of Shirley, New York, is the WBC Jr. Welterweight title holder with a record of 15-0 (12 KOs). As you can guess from his record, Cletus is a brawler who knows only one way to fight – coming directly at his opponent. College Football - JOSH ROSEN - UCLA - QB from Manhattan Beach, California. Josh is starting at QB as a true freshman for the Bruins. His poise in the pocket and strong, accurate arm make it unlikely he will last in college until graduation. MIKE BERCOVICI - Arizona State - QB from Calabasas, California. Mike earned the loyalty of Sun Devils fans and staff alike by refusing to transfer out when it seemed certain he would not get the chance to start until his senior year. As it turned out, an injury to the starting QB after the midway point of the 2014 season gave him the chance to prove his worth somewhat earlier than anticipated. WOMEN: MORGAN PRESSEL of Boca Raton, Florida, continues to be an effective force on the LPGA golf tour; CAMILA GIORGI of Italy is a

January 2016

Interested in Your Family’s History? Ten years of doing a Jewish celebrities column has turned Nate Bloom (see column at left) into something of an expert on finding basic family history records and articles mentioning a “searched-for” person. During these 10 years, he has put together a small team of “mavens” who aid his research. Most professional family history experts charge at least $1,000 for a full family tree. However, many people just want to get “started” by tracing one particular family branch.

So here’s the deal:

Send Nate an email at nteibloom@aol.com, tell him you saw this ad in The Jewish News, and include your phone number (area code, too). Nate will then contact you about doing a “limited” family history for you at a modest cost (no more than $100). No upfront payment. quality member of the women’s Professional Tennis Tour; ARIELLE SHIP of Westlake Village, California, a junior soccer forward at USC (14-5-1), scored 34 points and was named AllPAC 12, 1st-team; JACKIE FRIEDMAN of Rancho Santa Fe, California, a senior soccer defender at Dartmouth, was named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year. NOTE: Two readers contacted me and asked about Julian Edelman, the star New England Patriots receiver. In common parlance, he is 1/8 Jewish (his paternal great-grandfather). However, he visited Israel during the offseason and has done several pro-Israel events in the Boston area. A reader tip led me to confirm that he has attended 2014 and 2015 Yom Kippur services at a Boston-area Conservative shul. We just have to wait and see what this all

means in terms of a conversion or not. You Can’t Know All the Jews in a Sandler Song Without a Program You’ve probably heard that a new “Chanukah Song” by ADAM SANDLER, 49, was released last month (on YouTube; entitled “Chanukah Song Part 4”). As usual, Sandler doesn’t identify by name every Jewish celeb – so if you view the video, here are the “toughies.” ‘Olaf’ refers to the character Olaf the Snowman in Frozen. Olaf is voiced by Florida born-and-raised actor JOSH GAD, 34; ‘Punky Brewster’ refers to a sit-com role played by actress SOLEIL MOON FRYE, 39; ‘Google founders’ refers to LARRY PAGE and SERGEY BRIN, both 42; ‘Harry Potter’ references DANIEL RADCLIFFE, 26; and IDINA MENZEL,44, plays Elsa in Frozen.

For lots of useful stuff, visit www.jfedsrq.org.

A Brazilian dimension of the Holocaust By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

xactly 75 years ago this month, on January 1, 1941, a passenger ship set sail from Marseille, France, with a large number of Jews on board. Almost all of them were carrying forged visas, the work of a remarkable Brazilian diplomat, Luis Martins de Souza Dantas. His story, and that of the SS Alsina, provides yet another case of “who knew?” to the vast number of resDr. Paul Bartrop cue accounts still yet to be accorded the broad recognition they deserve. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1876, Souza Dantas was a career diplomat with a long record of service in France prior to the outbreak of war in 1939. After the Fall of France in 1940 and the establishment of a collaborationist government at Vichy, he was asked to stay on as Brazilian ambassador, even though by then he had formally retired. Noting the perilous position of the Jews under Vichy rule, he requested permission from the Brazilian Foreign Ministry to issue migration visas to a small number of French citizens, without specifying that they were Jews. This was a breach of existing rules, as Brazil had a closed-door policy regarding Jewish immigration. Despite this, he continued granting diplomatic visas to Jews without official approval, while at the same time masking their Jewish identity. His actions in granting these illegal visas would, as it turned out, save hundreds of Jews from certain deportation at the hands of the Vichy authorities. Moreover, in many cases he pre-dated the visas to ensure that any subsequent ban on their use would be negated. He applied himself to the task

of rescue through subterfuge, granting diplomatic visas to those holding passports without going through the usual laborious application processes. He would write on the documents in French rather than Portuguese, for greater ease of egress at the ports of departure, at the same time following all other official procedures to ensure that the documents would be acceptable. He also assisted with the provision of visas for Jews seeking entry through other embassies, interceding personally to claim Brazilian “citizenship” for those who were actually refugees. When the SS Alsina departed from Marseille in January 1941 carrying more than 500 refugees, hopes were high that this would not be a repeat of the debacle that took place two years earlier involving the SS St. Louis. However, as the ship approached Dakar, Senegal, in French West Africa, it was learned that the Vichy government ruling the territory was going to forbid it from continuing. Desperate, those on board the Alsina were at once confused and anxious, fearful that they could at one blow be returned to an uncertain future in Europe. With their fate in the balance, the Alsina remained anchored for four months in tropical heat, with the Jews on board confined to the cargo hold. Britain’s Royal Navy then intervened, and in June 1941 the ship was allowed to proceed to Casablanca, Morocco, where the passengers were interned. Four months later, they were released and put aboard the SS Cabo de Bueno Esperanza, bound for Brazil. By this stage the visas granted by Souza Dantas had expired, but he arranged for them to be renewed. Although the Jews managed to move on to Rio de Janeiro, their visas were rejected once the ship reached port. For-

tunately, all managed either to remain in Brazil or to secure a temporary stay while they searched for further refuge. The actions of Souza Dantas flew in the face of Brazil’s dictator, Getúlio Dornelles Vargas, whose regime tolerated anti-Semitism. It was not long, therefore, before he became the object of official inquiries. He knew his actions were illegal, but nevertheless continued to work on behalf of Jews whenever – and for as long as – he could. Recalled for disciplinary hearings, he defended himself on the ground that he was motivated by “Christian feelings of mercy” regarding Europe’s persecuted Jews. When the investigation into his behavior was opened by Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations (known colloquially as the Itamaraty), the charge was one of granting irregular visas. He was found guilty of contravening Brazil’s immigration policy, but escaped punishment on a technicality: since he was theoretically retired and only working for the government as a special favor during the period in which he forged the visas, he was not bound to the same standards as a full-time permanent representative. It was a minor point, but it saved him from severe punishment. After the war Souza Dantas returned to Paris, where he lived out his days in obscurity. His career as a diplomat was long over, all previous honors being withdrawn after his recall. The memory of his actions on behalf of those being persecuted during the Holocaust was forgotten for several decades, recalled only by those whose lives he had saved. He died in Paris in 1954. Overall, Luis Martins de Souza Dantas saved the lives of upwards of 800 people, including 425 confirmed Jews. In the eyes of some, he became the Brazilian equivalent of the Ger-

man rescuer Oskar Schindler, though in entirely different circumstances. The most important feature linking the two was the duty each felt toward the saving of human lives, and for this, on December 10, 2003, Luis Martins de Souza Dantas was recognized by Yad Vashem as one of the Righteous Among the Nations. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History and the Director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. He can be reached at pbartrop@fgcu.edu.

January 2016

JEWISH INTEREST

A nostalgic look at the past: The Music of the Yiddish Theater By Arlene Stolnitz

couple of years back, the mother of a good friend of mine passed away. She was an elderly woman who had a gift for playing the piano. When she moved into Kobernick House in Sarasota, she would often play tunes to the delight of her fellow residents. At the age of 100+ she still was able to play those songs from memory, most of which were from the Yiddish TheArlene Stolnitz ater. After she died, my friend gave me a collection of her mother’s music, which I realized was a treasure of a time long past. The sheet music, from the days of Second Avenue Theater, portrayed the talents of composers, lyricists, singers and performers who were important to the Jewish community of the Lower East Side. Titles such as “Mein Shtetele Belz” (1932), “Yiddishkeit” (1929), “A Bisel Liebe in a Bisele Gluck” (1924), “Oi Mamme! Bin Ich Farliebt!…Mit a Klezmer Yingel” (1941), are just a few

of the many songs which few people today remember. Looking over the music, it soon became clear to me that most of the music dealt with themes of love, unrequited or lost, family life, and the difficulties faced by Jewish immigrants who were getting used to their new life in America. Molly Picon, Moishe Oysher, Bella Meizel…these are only a few of the performers that are pictured on the covers of these folios which advertise the productions they starred in. The National Theater, Hopkinson Theater on Pitkin Avenue, and The Molly Picon Theater on 12th Street and Second Avenue are several of the theaters of the time named. Second Avenue was a hotbed of Yiddish Theater, Jewish life and culture from 1890-1940 with more than a dozen Yiddish Theater companies. Songs from Yiddish Theater came out of the style of Eastern European Yiddish Musical Theater founded by Abaham Goldfaden of Romania. He had based his style on Viennese light opera. The music of American Yiddish Theater was also influenced by European Yiddish music, gypsy and other folk motifs coupled with the rhythms

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and melodies popular in American music. The song lyrics indicated the typical hardships of the poor Eastern European Jewish family trying to make ends meet. The music helped to bridge the gap between the shtetl and America. Some of the most famous composers of the time were Abraham Ellstein, who along with Joseph Rumshinsky, Alexander Olshanetsky and Sholom Secunda, were considered the “big four” of Second Avenue. Molly Picon, who became a “Jewish Box Office Hit,” worked with Ellstein, who was her arranger, accompanist and conductor, and who wrote new music especially for her. Picon’s most famous film, Yidl Mitn Fidl (1936), was made on location in Poland and shows her wearing male clothing through most of the film. In the film, a girl and her father are forced by poverty to set out on the road as traveling musicians. For her safety, she disguises herself as a boy, which becomes inconvenient when she falls in love with one of the other musicians in the troupe. The little “yente” with the big, expressive talent, New York-born Yiddish icon Molly Picon entertained theater, radio, TV and film audiences for over seven decades with her song-and-dance routines. Raised in Philadelphia, she was performing from age five, but broke into the big time with a vaudeville act called “The Four Seasons” in 1919, eventually making

a name for herself in Second Avenue theaters. Molly Picon was a real live wire and played very broad, confident, dominant characters on stage, which ended up making it hard for her to be taken seriously in drama on the Lower East Side. There are many beloved Yiddish songs that are part of the repertoire of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale. “Rezele,” “Rabbi Elimelech,” “Bei Mir Bistu Shein” and “Oifen Pripitchik” are a few popular titles. For reference, David Berman, retired music professor and past director of the Humanaires in Sarasota-Bradenton, is an expert in the field of Yiddish music. For many years, his choral group sang countless Yiddish songs. Also, The Milken Archive of Jewish Music, established in 1990, houses a huge collection of music pertaining to the American Jewish experience. My thanks to the wonderful lady mentioned earlier, Florence Waldman (z’l), and her daughter, Sheila Rosen, who were the inspiration for this article on Yiddish music. Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jewish Congregation of Venice. A retired educator from Rochester, New York, she has sung in choral groups for over 25 years and also sings in Venice’s Chorale (formerly Exsultate!). Her interest in choral music has led to this series of articles on Jewish folk music in the Diaspora.

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January 2016

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

November 29: A significant date in Arab-Israeli history By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, November 29, 2015

ovember 29 is a noteworthy date for all those interested in Israel and the Middle East. e Sixty-eight years ago, followe ,ing the recommendation of a decisive hmajority of the 11-member United eNations Special Committee on Palesrtine, the UN General Assembly met to consider Resolution 181. The measure hcalled for the creation of independent fArab and Jewish states in the land west ”of the Jordan River, which for decades uhad been governed by Great Britain aunder a mandate, first, from the League of Nations, then the UN. The final vote was 33 countries in favor, 13 against, and ten abstentions. To this day, it remains important n sto recall how each UN member state at fthe time voted. Those in support were: Australia, y Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Byelorussian p hS.S.R., Canada, Costa Rica, Czechonslovakia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guatemala, ,Haiti, Iceland, Liberia, Luxemburg, nNetherlands, New Zealand, Nicaraogua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Sweden, Ukrainian S.S.R., Union of South Africa, eUnited States, U.S.S.R., Uruguay and Venezuela. In opposition were: Afghanistan, , oCuba, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, nLebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey and Yemen. Abstaining were: Argentina, Chile, fChina, Colombia, El Salvador, EthioApia, Honduras, Mexico, United Kingwdom and Yugoslavia. Among the proposal’s supporters, the eloquent words of Ambass sador Enrique Rodriguez Fabregat of sUruguay stand out to this day: “Both cpeoples [Jews and Arabs] are fully ripe for independence. We are not here to give lessons in organization to two peoples in their infancy, two peoples whose destinies are just beginning. The Jewish effort in Palestine is, in many respects, exemplary, and this is confirmed in both the reports of the Special Committee on Palestine. And the ability of the Arabs to shape their own destiny by their work, their initiative and their courage is shown not only by their present achievements but by their glorious past. Those of us who are voting for partition are not voting against either of these two peoples, against either of these two sectors of social reality in Palestine. We are voting for both of them, for their progress, their civic development, their advancement within the community of nations, so that they may not only never come into conflict, but may combine in a multitude of productive undertakings, thus ensuring that economic unity for which the plan under discussion definitely provides.” He laudably chose to strike a note of optimism, believing that both Jews and Arabs could fulfill their respective national aspirations through this two-state resolution. And he earnestly hoped that the end result would not be conflict, but mutually beneficial cooperation. Alas, his vision was not quite fulfilled. The Arab nations categorically rejected the resolution, denied any Jewish link to the land that was, in fact, associated with the Jewish people for millennia, and declared they would not be bound by its terms. They chose to go to war, with the goal of seizing all the land and preventing a Jewish state from coming into being. Despite vastly larger populations and territories, they did not succeed in their quest. There are at least five important takeaways from this dramatic chapter in history. First, actions have consequences. The Arab world opted for confrontation, not compromise. They gambled

and lost. They paid a price, as have all defeated aggressors in history. They could not have it both ways – losing a war they began, then claiming victimhood. Second, as the Uruguayan envoy stated, another path was possible. There could have been two states living side by side – one Jewish, the other Palestinian (though the UN language at the time referred to an Arab, not a Palestinian, state) – in peaceful coexistence for the past 68 years. The Jews, joined by a clear majority in the international community, sought precisely that outcome, but the Arab world rejected it out of hand. It turned into a clash in this instance between Arab maximalism and Jewish pragmatism. The latter won out. Third, the UN recognized the validity of a Jewish state. In November 1947, no one knew what the name of the state would be – it was only announced on May 14, 1948, the actual date of Israeli independence – but what was clear to all was that it would be a Jewish state, and rightly so. The Jewish people fully merited a sovereign home in their ancient land and had every right to chart their own destiny, the UN General Assembly affirmed. Insofar as there is some debate today about the “legitimacy” of a Jewish state, that question was, in fact, addressed 68 years ago by the UN General Assembly. Fourth, much is still made of the Arab refugee population from the 1947-48 period, which resulted from a number of factors in a tumultuous era. For 65 years, there has been a special UN body, UNRWA, to deal with the issue, but not, it must be noted, for purposes of resettlement, as with all other

refugee groups in the world, but rather to keep alive the issue from generation to generation as a festering wound and permanent grievance against Israel. At the same time, some Arabs chose to stay in Israel after its creation in 1948. Today, their share of the total population is approximately 20 percent, and they enjoy equal rights and protection under the law. Meanwhile, less well-known, there was a second refugee group from the very same years – roughly an equal number of Jews from Arab countries who were forced from their homes, expelled from the ancestral lands where many had lived long before the Arab invasion and conquest in the seventh century, and too often victims of deadly pogroms. Why has so little been heard about the 750,000-850,000 Jewish refugees? Among other reasons, because they were offered a haven in Israel (and other countries) and opted to start anew, rather than follow the Palestinian example of remaining in camps as wards of the international community, while nurturing dreams of revenge against the detested Jewish state. And fifth, the Israel that emerged

from this defining period was only a part of the land under discussion in the 1947 UN debate. The West Bank and eastern Jerusalem were entirely in the hands of Jordan, while the Gaza Strip was controlled by Egypt. During the ensuing years, Egypt and Jordan had uncontested power to create a Palestinian state with eastern Jerusalem as its capital, precisely what the Palestinian leaders today claim they seek. But, alas, no such state emerged. To the contrary, Jordan annexed its territory, a step recognized by only two other nations in the world. Meanwhile, Egypt imposed harsh military rule on Gaza. In other words, the history of the past 68 years could have been very different, but the all-or-nothing approach of Arab leaders at the time was a calamity for the Palestinian people, the larger Middle East, and the course of modern history. For more information, visit www.ajc. org.

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January 2016

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

BRIEFS BEIJING TO HOST MAJOR CHINA-ISRAEL INVESTMENT EVENT

A China-Israel Investment Summit will be held in Beijing on January 4-6, hosting more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, businesspeople and investors from the two countries, as well as senior Chinese and Israeli government officials. The objective is to encourage collaboration in technology, innovation and investment. Infinity Israel-China Fund managing director Eyal Rosenthal said, “We expect, as a result of the meetings

that will be held at the China-Israel Investment Summit, the signing of NIS 1 billion in deals in a range of fields.” (Globes)

ISRAEL TO RESPOND AGAINST EU COUNTRIES THAT SUPPORT PRODUCT LABELING

Israel has decided to respond against 16 European countries that pushed for labeling goods produced in the West Bank and the Golan Heights. The measures include a re-evaluation of the EU

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role in the peace process; summoning the ambassadors for an official rebuke; and restricting meetings to low-level Israeli officials. Israel will be far stricter regarding entry of foreign delegations to the West Bank and will also be stricter about which EU projects it permits in the West Bank and Gaza. “You can’t act against us and then expect that everything will continue as normal,” a senior Israeli official said. “We decided (the steps) for each country on their own merits. This is not mathematics but diplomacy; clearly, the measures are not going to harm our own interests.” (Itamar Eichner, Ynet News)

POLL: ISRAELI JEWS AND ARABS OVERWHELMINGLY PREFER TO STAY IN ISRAEL

The Israeli Democracy Index 2015 survey, conducted during April and May, found that 84.5% of Jews and 83.4% of Arabs in Israel reported that they are not interested in emigrating to a Western country even if offered citizenship in that country. (Tamar Hermann, Israel Democracy Institute)

ISRAEL’S GULF BREAKTHROUGH

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At the end of November, the United Arab Emirates gave Israel formal permission to establish a diplomatic office in Abu Dhabi under the auspices of the International Renewable Energy Agency. Although officials from both governments noted that the office is solely intended to facilitate Israel’s membership in the agency, the announcement should be seen in the context of improving Israeli-Gulf relations. In fact, the new office is Israel’s second diplomatic presence in a Persian Gulf country. This latest advance should also be seen as a consequence of the Obama administration’s perceived embrace of Iran. (Simon Henderson, Washington Institute for Near East Policy)

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In the wake of the Paris tragedy, some 4.1 million people checked in with friends and relatives using Facebook’s Safety Check feature, developed at the Tel Aviv headquarters of Facebook Israel. Around 360 million people received automatic messages through it from friends in Paris who had marked themselves as “safe.” Paris marked the first time Safety Check was activated following a terror attack. Facebook Growth VP Alex Schultz said: “We chose to activate Safety Check in Paris because we observed a lot of activity on Facebook as the events were unfolding. In the middle of a complex, uncertain situation affecting many people, Facebook became a place where people were sharing information and looking to understand the condition of their loved ones.” (Abigail Leichman, Israel21c)

ISRAELIS AMONG HIGHEST EDUCATED IN DEVELOPED WORLD

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Israelis are among the highest educated in the developed world, according to an OECD report released recently.

M According to “Education at au Glance 2015,” 49% of Israelis have at-“ tained higher education degrees, wellt above the OECD average of 34% andi the second highest rate of all mem-r ber countries. In addition, 85% of thep population ages 25-64 has completedt upper secondary education, above thec OECD average of 76%. (Lidar Grave-r Lazi, Jerusalem Post) s t ISRAEL’S IMPRESSIVE h ECONOMY i The Israeli economy remains an incred-t ible example of a developed country’st ability to achieve sustained economic growth, a strong testament to the pow-a erful influence of a market-based,W democratic economy and the virtues ofu a well-educated and disciplined laboro market. c According to the Internationald Monetary Fund, among the 37 ad-e vanced economies, only three did notI experience a contraction in the after-a math of the global financial crisis:t South Korea, Australia and Israel. u The IMF projects 3.3% growtht for Israel in 2016, among the highestB growth rates for all developed nations. Israel’s economy has doubled inI size since 1996 while the U.S. econo-A my has increased just 50% and the EUI economy just 24%. i These achievements are quite re-d markable given the political tensionsp both in-country and regionally. (AlexN Brill, Detroit News) t v IN ISRAEL, MOST d MUSLIMS WANT t PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE D

WITH THEIR JEWISH NEIGHBORS

Israel’s 8.4 million inhabitants include 1.8 million Muslims, most of whom are Israeli citizens. In most ways they know they are better off in Israel than if they were under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Family income in Israel averages around $35,000 a year for both Jewish and non-Jewish residents, while Muslims in Ramallah earn $13,000 a year and those in Gaza subsist on $3,000 a year. While living just about as well as their Jewish neighbors, they are exempt from the mandatory military service required of Jewish men and women. Many sympathize with their Palestinian brothers and there are a few small pockets of active support for the Palestinian cause, but that rarely translates into action against Israel itself. (David Keene, Washington Times)

400 SECURITY CAMERAS COVER JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY

The Jerusalem Police’s Mabat 2000 unit operates some 400 security cameras in the Old City. These cameras documented many of the recent terror attacks and helped police track down the perpetrators, leading to their quick arrests. “We have a 95% identification rate,” said Doron Turgeman, commander of the Jerusalem Police’s David subdistrict. The unit’s command center has dozens of screens that show what’s happening in the Old City in real time. (Roi Yanovsky, Ynet News)

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COMMENTARY BRIEFS THE SAME FIGHT AGAINST RADICAL ISLAM

Most mainstream media outlets, which ausually avoid any mention of the word “terrorism” with regard to terrorist atltacks in Israel, found no difficulty din calling the Paris attacks by their rightful name. Agence France Presse epublished a list of worldwide terror atdtacks since 9/11. Only one country was ecompletely missing from the list: Is-rael. The world embraces France with sympathy and solidarity and declarations that this terrorism must be fought hard, even with the same kind of retaliatory airstrikes that the world so intensely deplores when Israel conducts sthem. c As Israelis and human beings, we also show solidarity with the French. ,We only wish this solidarity was truly universal and not something reserved ronly for Western Europeans or Americans. Israel suffers abuse for daring to ldefend itself against terrorism, with everyone voicing their opinions on how tIsrael must “show restraint.” Israel and the rest of the West are fighting :the same enemy – radical Islam. Failure to acknowledge this undermines hthe West’s own fight against it. (Judith tBergman, Israel Hayom)

nIMAGINE

ISIS WITH A NUCLEAR REACTOR

UIn 2007, Syria was suspected of initiating a nuclear program – quite possibly designed to produce weapons-grade splutonium, with a sizable assist by xNorth Korea. When it became clear that the U.S. was not going to intervene, Israel went for it herself, and destroyed the Al Kibar nuclear reactor construction site, located in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor region. Despite serious concerns about

e m y n e e a h h a

January 2016

COMMENTARY

Syrian retaliation, Israel acted out of conviction of the necessity of a strike and a belief that it is the supreme duty of a state to protect its citizens. That decision was validated four years later when the International Atomic Energy Agency officially confirmed that the site had been a nuclear reactor. Had it never been destroyed, the reactor would have been smack in the center of Islamic State territory. Thinking about the Jewish state’s action at the Deir ez-Zor reactor site, now in ISIS territory, it might be time to thank Israel. (Shai Baitel, New York Daily News)

It’s hard to think of any political movement as ugly, vindictive and packed with prejudice as the Israel-bashing BDS movement. Its backers want every institution, retail outlet and right-minded person to refuse to have anything to do with Israel. They want us to stop buying Israeli produce. To refuse to read books written by Israeli academics. Even to refuse to listen to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The ugliness of BDS was thrown into sharp relief when it was revealed that a former Cambridge academic refused to answer a 13-year-old girl’s curious questions about horses because the girl is an Israeli. “I’ll answer your questions when there is peace and justice for Palestinians,” the academic responded. It’s just cruel to crush a girl’s curiosity after she has sent you a sweet, respectful email. And to hold a 13-yearold responsible for what her government does is bizarre. It takes the foul idea of collective guilt to a new, barrel-

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ing of one nation and one nation only. It’s a moral purity movement, designed to deflect the products of a people that some have judged to be uniquely evil. Even their kids. (Brendan O’Neill, Telegraph-UK)

THE BOYCOTT ISRAEL MOVEMENT IS DRIVEN BY BIGOTRY

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scraping low. It has exposed the rotten heart of a movement that fancies itself as progressive but is in fact driven by bigotry. BDS is a force field erected around the chattering classes of the West to protect them from the stuff and think-

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January 2016

COMMENTARY

A lesson from Jacob From the Bimah Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz Chabad of Sarasota

A We love her too much to compromise.

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HILDE MANDEL PAUL MOLNAR RIFKA GLATZ MARK SOLENT HENRY TENENBAUM

s I write this, we are still reeling from the terrorist attacks in Paris, which killed 130 and injured 350 others. One might ask, how do we react to such horrific tragedies. In the past few weeks we have been studying the weekly Torah portions about the life of Jacob. Jacob’s life story can shed light onto our current events. Throughout Jacob’s life he faces enemies who try to hurt and threaten his very existence. Yet, whenever he faces enemies, he avoids conflicts by expending his energy to work things out without the need to face the enemy head on. For example: Jacob finds out that Isaac, his father, wanted to bless Esau, his twin brother, and knew full well that Esau did not deserve to be blessed since he actually sold him his birthright (for a bowl of lentil soup). Instead of approaching his father and revealing the truth and dealing with the situation head on, he masks himself as Esau and appears before his father, telling him that he is Esau, and receives the blessing. When Esau wants to kill him, Jacob does not call the police or create a battle zone, rather he runs away to another country to avoid being murdered by his brother. Later on, when Laban, his father in-law, cheats him by giving him Leah instead of Rachel, he does not hire a lawyer to file a lawsuit against him, rather he asks again for Rachel and is willing to work for another seven years. Again we see that Jacob avoids conflict at all costs and politely works

everything out without conflict. This is repeated when Laban cheats him of his wages. Jacob tries to rework the contract, despite the fact that Laban lies and breaks the contracts one hundred times. Jacob tries again and again to work things out peacefully. And then again, when Jacob travels back to his homeland and finds out that his brother is headed toward him with 400 hired soldiers to try and kill him, Jacob sends a generous gift to Esau and pleads with G-d for a miracle. However, there comes a night when Jacob faces the enemy. This time there is no “roundabout” way to solve the conflict, and Jacob must fight the enemy head on. On the night before he meets his brother, Jacob is left alone and an angel tries to kill him. Now Jacob uses all his strength and a miracle happens, and Jacob victoriously overcomes the angel. From that moment on, whenever Jacob encounters an adversary, he does not avoid conflict but rather stands his ground and is victorious. That’s the moment when his name is changed from Jacob to Israel; Jacob represents a “heel,” but Israel means “a minister of G-d who can overcome anything.” The following morning, Jacob meets Esau, who is coming, along with an army of soldiers, to kill him. Esau has a change of heart and runs to Jacob to kiss and hug him. Up to this point the world has been dealing with extreme Muslims the way Jacob did with his adversaries, namely, trying to appease and avoid conflict, finding justification for the evil behavior and trying to “understand” the reasons for their behavior. However, two weeks ago, in Paris, where so many lives were sacrificed, it was a wakeup call for the entire world to stop avoiding the problem and face the enemy head on. Just as with Jacob – as soon as he fights back he is miraculously successful – so it will be with the current challenge. My only hope is that it should happen in a short time with as few casualties as possible.

Letter to the Editor

want to extend my thanks to The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee and the Catholic Diocese for hosting Holocaust survivor and forgiveness advocate Eva Mozes Kor at the Epiphany Cathedral in Venice in November. Five of us from our church, Colonial Baptist, attended her presentation and felt blessed and enlightened to do so. It is important that we never forget what happened to the Jewish people during World War II, and even

more important that it never happen again. Having visited Israel recently, I feel strongly that Jews and Christians should bond together to not allow the haters of the Jewish people to ever commit atrocities against them again. We must also pass this information on to our children and grandchildren. Thank you for bringing this remarkable person to our area. – Kathy Campion

What do you think?

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Letters must include the author’s name, full address and daytime phone. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee or its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received.

All speakers are authentic to their respective experiences and feel a strong commitment to bring an awareness of the consequences that result when evil is allowed to flourish. They feel privileged and grateful to live in this wonderful country where their voices are being heard.

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January 2016

COMMENTARY

The Jewish future

By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, November 29, 2015 Seventy thinkers, leaders, and clergy were asked: “What will be the condition of the Jewish community 50 years from now?” Below is AJC Executive Director David Harris’s response: et me be honest. I have no clue what the Jewish condition will be in the year 2065. In fact, I am hard-pressed to predict what things will look like tomorrow. Indeed, had I been asked to participate in a similar Commentary symposium in 1965, could I have foreseen the Six-Day War only two years later, and its aftermath? Or the astonishing success of the Soviet Jewry movement at a time when the word emigration was absent from the Kremlin’s lexicon? Or the downfall of the USSR and its satellites, and the rebirth of Jewish communities in places where Jewish life was assumed to be nearing its end? Or, on a related note, that nations such as Bulgaria, Poland and Romania would one day speak of Israel as a “strategic” partner? Or that Germany would become the home of the fastest-growing Jewish community in the world? Or that Israel would sign peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994? Or the remarkable flourishing of U.S.-Israeli relations, even as France’s close ties with Israel withered? Or the recrudescence of anti-Semitism in Western Europe, fueled principally by elements of a growing Muslim presence and an extreme right-wing

backlash to this immigration? Or Israel’s population more than tripling from 2.5 million to more than 8 million? Or the rescue of tens of thousands of Ethiopian Jews, who for centuries dreamed of Zion but, in their isolation, thought they might be the only Jews on Earth? Or the toppling of the remaining barriers to full Jewish participation in American life, with Fortune 500 executive suites, Ivy League presidencies, and presidential candidacies now wide open to Jews? Or Israel’s foreign-policy pivot to Asia, with India as a showcase of new friendships? Or the emergence of the Internet, creating previously unimaginable forms of Jewish connectivity, JDate among them? Or the ordaining of women rabbis, the establishment of LGBT-friendly congregations, or the development of Chabad’s worldwide outreach network? No, I could not have foreseen these startling developments in 1965. So what is even remotely foreseeable from today’s vantage point? First, Israel will continue to grow and thrive. True, the religious, social and ethnic fault lines in Israeli society will not suddenly disappear. But the state will somehow manage them and blaze a trail in the 21st century as a global, sought-after leader in entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, water management, counterterrorism, renewable

Opinions and letters printed in The Jewish News of SarasotaManatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers.

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energy, medical research and breakthrough technologies. Second, while Israel’s neighborhood might possibly improve one day, affording new opportunities for regional cooperation, in the meantime the Jewish state will be ready for whatever ominous new threats surface from both state and non-state actors. As the story goes, God was so angry with the world that he announced, in two weeks’ time, a massive flood as punishment. On hearing this news, the French president told his citizens that the world would come to an end in 14 days, so there would be no more work, just joie de vivre, until the last minute. Meanwhile, the Israeli prime minister informed the Israeli people that “we have exactly two weeks to learn how to live underwater.” Third, the universal vaccine against anti-Semitism is unlikely to be discovered by 2065. For a while, many thought that post-World War II liberal democracy was the antidote, but the rise of Judeophobia in several Western countries, abetted by the receding memory of the Holocaust and its lessons, means that all bets are off. Fourth, America’s special ties with Israel will come under increasing challenge. There are seismic demographic changes happening in the United States, many college students are being exposed to the BDS movement on campus, and, with the passage of time, fewer Americans are able to recall the events of 1967 and how Israel unexpectedly became an “occupying power.” Absent an Israeli-Palestinian peace accord, the battle for American public opinion will grow still more intense. Fifth, even as Jews confront the inevitable external challenges, there will be no shortage of internal debates and divisions that stretch the notion of am echad, “one people,” to the breaking point. To cite just one telling example, the fast-growing Haredi population at one end of the spectrum

will be matched by the equally fastgrowing population of Jews with an attenuated identity, two groups with essentially nothing in common. Then again, we’ve just about always been an argumentative and fractured people, sometimes, alas, to the point of self-destruction, so why should that suddenly change? And sixth, in 2065, Commentary will hold a symposium on the next 50 years of Jewish life, and the magazine will have no difficulty identifying another group of contributors willing to ignore the late Yogi Berra’s sage words: “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” For more information, visit www.ajc. org.

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January 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH

The value of pluralism in Jewish education

Education Corner By Dan Ceaser

t is difficult to open today’s newspaper and maintain a feeling of hope and optimism as the world seems to be riding a wave of anti-Semitism that hasn’t been seen for decades. This frightening sentiment can be felt on numerous high school and college campuses here in the U.S., with a reluctance among many youth to collectively advocate in the name of peace and understanding. What can be done to counteract these developments and foster a greater compassion for Jewish lives – in Israel,

in the U.S. and abroad? I believe one strategy is to establish educational opportunities that bring Jewish and nonJewish people together – starting at a young age – in order to build bridges of mutual understanding and respect. By welcoming and exposing others to our Jewish heritage, we can create lifelong friendships that cross cultural and religious boundaries. Goldie Feldman Academy, a Hershorin Schiff Community School, has taken this concept to heart. One of our namesake patrons, Herbert Schiff – whose legacy lives on through the Hershorin Schiff Community Schools Foundation – was a lifelong Jewish philanthropist and respected community leader who asserted that building bridges between the Jewish and nonJewish community was paramount to building a better future. He believed strongly that by exposing non-Jews to Judaism – especially while they were young – it demystified Judaism and discouraged the spread of anti-Semitism. This perspective is not unique to our community. Throughout Israel, the Hand in Hand network of schools is working to build a shared soci-

ety, “one school, one community at a time.” Hand in Hand operates integrated schools and communities in five locations, with Jewish and Arab staff members working together, 1,100 Jewish and Arab students living and learning together, and more than 3,000 total community members. The purpose is to enable Jews and Arabs to break the cycle of negative stereotypes and learn to relate to one another with mutual understanding and respect. At GFA, we are proud to be a curriculum partner with Hand in Hand, so that our families can benefit from the interfaith model the organization has developed. As a small school with a global vision, our GFA community is working to establish “sister school” relationships with public schools in Tel Mond, Israel, so that our students in Sarasota can develop a greater understanding of the lives and challenges of peers in Israel. Those who think that opening our doors to non-Jews is an unconventional path for a Jewish day school might be surprised to learn that day schools in numerous communities with small Jewish populations and few gateways to Jewish affiliation are making the

move toward a pluralistic educational model. While the majority of our student body is Jewish, 80 percent of our Jewish students’ families are unaffiliated with a synagogue. Our hope is that GFA can serve as a gateway to Jewish history and culture, and be a touchpoint for those families to connect with Judaism, while educating non-Jewish students and families to serve as righteous leaders in the fight against intolerance and anti-Semitism. As a Hershorin Schiff Community School, we believe that GFA is an invaluable exemplar of purposeful pluralism. Every day, our classrooms and playgrounds showcase a model of tolerance and understanding that we hope will inspire a vision for a more just and peaceful future. Our Jewish day school, with open doors for all who wish to come in, will provide much-needed hope and optimism for our community today while building bridges and gaining allies for tomorrow. Dan Ceaser is Head of School at Goldie Feldman Academy, a Hershorin Schiff Community School.

Goldie Feldman Academy lettuce helps to feed animals at Mote Marine

oldie Feldman Academy students recently handed over heads of Romaine lettuce to Brad Tanner, senior school programs coordinator at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. GFA is part of a Mote pilot program called “From Farm to Feed,” through which afterschool and/or agriculture programs at three

Sarasota schools grow organic food for various aquarium animals. On November 24, Tanner picked up 12 heads of Romaine lettuce grown in GFA’s Papa Ed and Mimi Rosenthal Organic Kibbutz Sustainability Garden and Outdoor Classroom from students and horticulture instructor Andrew Noune. That same day, some of the let-

tuce was provided to the turtle hospital to be fed to sick or injured sea turtles, and some to the aquarium, where it was fed to fish and invertebrates. “Our students are fortunate to have the opportunities afforded us through the organic garden – they help to grow food from seeds to table for their own lunches, for those in need, and now for animals at Mote,” GFA head of school Dan Ceaser said. “Tikkun olam – repairing the world – is part of GFA’s mission. In addition to being provided with a strong academic setting, our students are taught to value and protect the environment.” Through the agriculture curricu-

Brad Tanner, Mote’s Senior School Programs Coordinator, with GFA horticulture instructor Andrew Noune on the morning the lettuce was picked up

lum at GFA, students learn, explore and contribute to a cleaner, greener Sarasota. Food grown in the garden is used in school meals and has also fed clients of organizations including EveryDay Blessings and All Faiths Food Bank.

S.K.I.P

F O R M O R E I N F O CO N TAC T: ANDREA EIFFERT 941.552.6308 O R A E I F F E RT @ J F E D S R Q.O R G

Send-A-Kid-to-Israel Program

Natalie Ceaser, Caroline Ceaser, Norah Ceaser, Ava Gekht

jfedsrq.org

PJ Parents Workshop Series Temple Emanu-El is delighted to host a parenting workshop entitled

The SKIP program is funded in large part by the Betty and Herb Schiff Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Fund.

RAISING A MENSCH SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 • 7:00 – 9:00 PM Temple Emanu-El • 151 McIntosh Rd • Sarasota, FL 34232 Presented in partnership with Goldie Feldman Academy, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Raising a Mensch will explore Jewish values such as tzedakah, generosity, and deeds of loving kindness, and explain how to instill them in our young children. With insight from child development expert Dr. Cheryl Ellerbrock and text study and practical guidance and ideas facilitated by Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman, Raising a Mensch promises to be another wonderful workshop for parents of children ages one through eight.

FREE to PJ Library Subscribers!

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT

Rabbi Elaine Glickman

941.378.2788

To register, go to: jfedsrq.org/events

The PJ Library program supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewishrelated books and music on a monthly basis to children for free.

facebook.com/pjlibraryofsarasota Visit the Federation website to sign up!

jfedsrq.org/pjlibrary Questions?

Contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org

January 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Temple Beth Sholom’s youth groups keep busy

emple Beth Sholom’s youth groups continue to provide acr tivities for local Jewish youth while gearing up for exciting spring. Michela Hazan was pleased to reprehsent TBS at the recent Kadima (grades 6-8) convention in Jacksonville, Florhida. She was very happy to be able to meet Jewish kids her age from the entire region and had an “amazing experience.” In November, Chalutzim (grades y

3-5) youth group members learned about “The Lone Soldier” program in Israel for soldiers without families. They also played Kadima and wrote letters. SRQUSY, Temple Beth Sholom’s youth group for high school students, created and sold jars of snickerdoodle and M&M cookie ingredients to raise money for their SATO (Social Action/ Tikkun Olam) projects and programs. January and February will be two

very exciting months for SRQUSY, with many fun events. On Sunday, January 24, SRQUSY will be taking a trip to the treetop ropes course, TreeUmph. This will be in celebration of the holiday Tu B’Shevat, which is an ecological awareness day, in which trees are planted in celebration. The popular yearly Universal’s Islands of Adventure extravaganza will take place in Orlando on Sunday, February 14. High school and middle school students in

USY and Kadima in the Hanegev region are invited, and transportation from the area will be arranged. Also, SRQUSY members are looking forward to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Saturday, February 20 scavenger hunt in St. Armands Circle, which will include an Israeli dance team coming to visit and perform in Sarasota. We hope you can join us for some of these events.

d y Spencer Cohen, Elijah Read, Nathan Weitzner and Youth Advisor Elly Bovarnick

Jessica Zelitt, Chayse Kessous, Gabriella Hazan and Camryn Cohen raise money for their SATO (Social Action/Tikkun Olam) projects by selling jars of cookie dough ingredients

Michela Hazan (center), makes friends at the Kadima convention in Jacksonville

Temple Sinai’s SAFETY and JOOSY youth group members continue “Leaving a Legacy” By Deb Bryan, Temple Sinai Youth Director

ecently, Temple Sinai youth group members spent a Sunday afternoon painting ceiling tiles for their youth lounge – a mitzvah project called “Leaving a Legacy” – which raises funds for Camp Jenny. Camp Jenny, held at URJ Camp Coleman every Memorial Day weekend, gives underprivileged children, who have never had the chance to go to summer camp, the opportunity to

attend and receive the love of “big brothers and sisters” who are NFTY members looking to give back to those in need. This particular fundraiser involves painting a ceiling tile (for a small donation), which will remain in place as youth group members “leave a legacy” in the Temple Sinai youth lounge. For the second year in a row, SAFETY and JOOSY members gathered to personalize their tiles while working together on this creative, worthwhile mitzvah

project. For more information about Camp Jenny, visit www.nfty.org/campjenny/ story/. For more information about our

SAFETY (grades 9-12) and JOOSY (grades 6-8) youth groups, please contact me at dbryan@sinaisrq.org or visit www.templesinai-sarasota.org/youth group.php.

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Youth group members with their personalized ceiling tiles

FAMILY jfedsrq.org

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

YOU ARE THE JEWISH COMMUNITY. THIS IS YOUR FEDERATION. TOGETHER, WE DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS.

The Jewish Federation offers programming for all ages! From PJ Library and ShaLom baby through teen leadership missions to women’s events, CLub Fed, and FiFty ShadeS oF J, to senior services — your Federation provides support throughout Sarasota and Manatee.

Learn more at jfedsrq.org/whatwedo

TEENS JEWISH TEENS OF SRQ-MAN GET THE FREE APP FOR: Youth Group Information Teen Social Event Calendar Travel and Education Scholarships Shapiro Teen Engagement Program (STEP)

ED ARE YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR JEWISH COMMUNITY? JFEDSRQ.ORG Klingentsein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

941.371.4546 • jfedsrq.org

January 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH

All Faiths Food Bank welcomes Temple Emanu-El Religious School volunteers

or the sixth year in a row, All Faiths Food Bank welcomed volunteers from Temple EmanuEl Religious School (TEERS) for a Thanksgiving season community service project on November 15. Over 70 students, parents and teachers gathered to learn about hunger in Sarasota, tour the food bank, and sort food for families in need. These efforts ensured that 9,959 Thanksgiving meals would be provided to hungry people in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. “We are so fortunate to have such good friends at Temple Emanu-El,” said All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank. “They support us year round, but this week their sorting superstars really helped get our holidays off to a good start so we can distribute thousands of Thanksgiving dinners to families in need.”

Temple Emanu-El Religious eryone in our group,” added event coto get as much done as possible. School volunteers expressed gratitude chair Wendy Cohen. “I’ve never seen a “Even when we were told our time for the opportunity to assist All Faiths group of people work so diligently and was up,” she added, “no one wanted to Food Bank. “The Mount family loves quickly together, and with such desire leave.” to work alongside other Temple Emanu-El members on such a meaningful project,” stated event co-chair Marni Mount. “Everyone found their niche right away, and the way the whole day came together was just a beautiful thing. On our way home we continued our conversations about helping the needy around us and finding joy in doing mitzvahs.” “The thing that imFaculty member Tara Ullmann Fourth-grader Rachel and her parents, TEERS moms and event co-chairs pressed me the most was Dr. Doug and Karen Constant, Wendy Cohen and Marni Mount and student Gavin Schoenfeld helped fill boxes with donated food sorted donated food together the determination of ev- worked at the food bank together

Goldie Feldman Academy students become ‘Recycling Crusaders’

GFA students Ethan Otto and Gabrielle Meese show proper recycling technique

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Insider Tips to College Admissions e vic

to re er yo f this m S y t new Communi uw om pa rs c ill m n an eet Jewish teens, ear dh lub c ave e to e a bla r f st! All activities are

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25 • 4:00–6:00pm PURIM CARD AND MASK DECORATING Get creative! You will be making handmade Purim cards and decorated masks for participants in the JFCS SOS (Senior Outreach Service) program.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 • 4:00–6:00pm ARTS DAY Have fun and do a mitzvah! Create a work of art at Painting With a Twist: a fun art studio where experienced local artists provide step by step instruction to help you craft a one of a kind piece to donate to participants in the JFCS SOS (Senior Outreach Service) program. Space is limited – registration required. First come, first served.

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COLLEGE PREPARATION AND INFORMATION SERIES

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Out of College Admissions

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Currently, the students are working out the most efficient system for recyclable collection and finalizing skits to demonstrate how they can recycle more things in a more organized way. “This effort has clearly illustrated the value of project-based learning,” said Ceaser. Maya Werbow and Jake Saltzberg deposit recyclables into the now-single stream collection bin “A class assignment ater, and community service, among about recycling piqued the kids’ interother things. They worked as a team in est and they had the motivation and the effort to be more environmentally encouragement to dig deeper. This responsible. I’m so proud of our Recyproject has involved research, business cling Crusaders!” negotiations, facilities operations, the-

Take the STRESS and GUESS

i r ti t y cip ant s.

for collection. They learned that their existing service provider allowed the single stream method and then renegotiated the contract at a savings of $130 per month.

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he third and fourth graders at Goldie Feldman Academy have worked hard this year to reinvigorate the school’s recycling program. The effort began with a prompt in their language arts skills book that directed them to write a letter to Dan Ceaser, the head of school, inquiring about GFA’s recycling program. Previous recycling efforts were more challenging as the school’s cleaning crew was responsible for sorting the trash and separating the various recyclable materials prior to pick-up. The students investigated GFA’s existing contract and then began calling other companies in search of a “single stream” system (no need to separate the materials) and requesting estimates

Presented by Debra Landesberg, M.S. Founder of My College Resource in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

how whe

WHERE´S THE MONEY? FAFSA, Scholarships, and More! January 13, 2016 • 7– 8:00 • Scholarships- local, private, organizations, foundations, endowments, national, college-based • Grants • Merit Aid • Need Aid • Institution Aid • FAFSA, CSS Profile • Learn how financial aid is determined and how to maximize scholarships!

FREE

All presentations designed for 8-12TH grade students and families. Applicable points will be emphasized for each grade.

U P C OM ING PRESENTATIO NS

FEBRUARY 10, 2016 Surf’s Up! What Are You Doing This Summer? MARCH 9, 2016 Specialty Topics – Visual/Performing Arts/Athletics APRIL 13, 2016 Beat the Curve in College Admissions The Zell Room at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee 580 McIntosh Road

ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT JFEDSRQ.ORG

For additional information about this series, please contact Debra Landesberg, M.S. at DL@MyCollegeResource.net or 941-704-5553

To register please visit: jfedsrq.org/events QUESTIONS? Please contact Andrea Eiffert 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

jfedsrq.org

MyCollegeResource.net

January 2016

LIFE CYCLE

70 Eleanor & Jack Rosenblum Temple Sinai 65th Joan & Gene Goldberg Temple Sinai e 65th Joseph & Ann Graff Temple Emanu-El 60th C. William & Helene Myers Temple Emanu-El 55th Dr. Bertram & Jeri Josephson Temple Emanu-El 55th Noel & Toby Siegel Temple Emanu-El

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Please submit your life cycle events (births, B’nai Mitzvah, anniversaries, weddings) to

ANNIVERSARIES

50 Jan & Larry Coleman Temple Emanu-El 45th Benjamin & Gail Klein Temple Emanu-El 35th Emily & Adam Levin Temple Sinai 25th Mauri & Neil Blefeld Temple Sinai 20th Jay Forgotson & Janis Reader Forgotson Temple Emanu-El 5th Heidi Brown & David Lyles Temple Emanu-El th

Photos are appreciated; email as JPGs at 300ppi.

Ithan Ash, son of Lauren and Howard Ash, January 16, Temple Emanu-El Gabrielle Eden Stupp, daughter of Elliott and Evelyne Stupp, and sister of Eliana and Naomi, January 23, Chabad of Sarasota

IN MEMORIAM

Margaret Durkin, 82, of Sarasota, October 31 Dr. Joel Elkes, 98, of Sarasota, October 30 Harry Fein, 90, of Sarasota, formerly of Bronx, NY, November 10 Charlotte Graver, 97, of Sarasota, formerly of NY, November 22 Paul Heyman, 89, of Sarasota, November 27 Rosemary A. Hickey, 82, of Longboat Key, October 28 Sharon Katzman, 63, of Sarasota, formerly of Baltimore, MD, October 31 Rudolf Molnar, 69, of Sarasota, formerly of Danbury, CT, November 17 Samuel Upton, 82, of Sarasota, formerly of Cambridge, OH, November 22

During times of neeD for generations Jewish members of sarasota & manatee County Communities have turneD to toale brothers.

TAHARA admin 941.224.0778 men 941.377.4647 941.484.2790 women 941.921.4740 941.349.3611 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237

Gary Schwartz, age 73 Beloved husband of Coralee “Corky”, nee Freeland. Cherished father of Gordon Schwartz (Dawn Sidney), Glenn (Cindy) Schwartz and Dena Schwartz-Chemers. Devoted grandfather of Zachary, Madeline, Ethan, Charlie, Jonah, Isabella and Olivia. Dear brother of Marsha “Cookie” (Ned) Robertson. Funeral services were held Monday, November 23, at Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 1558 Wilmot Rd. Deerfield. Interment Sunset Memorial Lawns-Northbrook. Gary was a winter resident of Sarasota, Florida. Contributions in Gary’s name to the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, 17 N. State Street #1550, Chicago, IL 60602, or www.rolfefoundation.org would be appreciated. Info Mitzvah Memorial Funerals, 630-MITZVAH (630-648-9824) or www.mitzvahfunerals.com

ConneCt with your Jewish Community facebook.com/jfedsrq

Gerry Ronkin

Jewish Family Coordinator OFFICE

3 generations of toale family management

Sarasota-Manatee Chevra Kadisha

jewishnews@jfedsrq.org

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941-955-4171 CELL

941-809-5195 www.ToaleBrothers.com

SHA LOM BA BY MOMMY & ME Join us for a gathering of mommies and babies to sing Jewish and/or Israeli children’s songs and bond with other moms every fourth Friday of the month!

THE KLINGENSTEIN JEWISH CENTER

580 McIntosh Rd Sarasota FL 34232

941.371.4546

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The Jewish News is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

January 2016

Give a Gift and Receive income foR Life FIND YOUR RATE

“contributing to oRt’s annual campaign allows me to support the educational needs of our students today, while also creating a legacy of learning through a charitable gift annuity that provides generous lifetime income for me. at the same time, it will help to ensure the continuity of support for oRt’s mission in the future.”

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Join Nancy and experience the joy of giving with a gift that offers you a lifetime payment and valuable tax benefits. To learn more, contact Leah Siskin, Advancement Director, Florida Region, ORT America at 1-888.802.6088.

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12/9/15 10:58 AM

EVERY FACE HAS A NAME Film and Talk

Winner of the Church of Sweden prize at the Gothenburg fest, this new film about the Holocaust reveals little-known details of post-WWII history.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016 • 7PM • $10

For information about this event, |contact Orna Nissan 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Bea Friedman Theater | 580 McIntosh Road | Sarasota, FL

ON APRIL 28, 1945, LIFE BEGINS AGAIN. Hundreds of survivors from the German concentration camps arrive to the harbour of Malmö, Sweden. Now, 70 years later the survivors are watching this archive footage for the very first time and as they discover themselves they re-experience the emotions from this special day. * *Continuation of “HARBOUR OF HOPE”

IN PERSON DIRECTOR MAGNUS GERTTEN

WINNER

BEST POLITICAL FILM

PRIVATE WINE & CHEESE RECEPTION WITH DIRECTOR MAGNUS GERTTEN 5:30–6:45PM

$25

(Film included)

To purchase tickets contact Amy Goodman-Rizzo at 941.371.4546 or order online at jfedsrq.org For information about this event, contact Orna Nissan 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org