The Jewish News - January 2019 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

25 after YEARS the

OSLO ACCORDS:

T H E R I S E O F G LO B A L A N T I - S E M I T I S M

JANUARY 15, 2019

Featuring ABE FOXMAN, former ADL National Director

See article on page 8A

Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS PUBLISHED BY

The Jewish Federation OF SARASOTA-MANATEE

THE LARRY GREENSPON FAMILY CAMPUS FOR JEWISH LIFE

January 2019 - Tevet/Shevat 5779 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 10A Community Focus 16A Jewish Interest 25A Israel & the Jewish World 29A Commentary 31A Focus on Youth 35A Life Cycle 1B Jewish Happenings

9A Celebrating Federation on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life

14A Abigail Pogrebin shines at Sarasota-Manatee ORT / Federation luncheon

www.jfedsrq.org

Volume 49, Number 1

Federation entering its sixth decade By Howard Tevlowitz, Chief Executive Officer

n Tuesday, February 25, 2019, the door will close on The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s 5th decade and open anew on its 6th one. I’m thrilled to write that it’s a new dawn for our Jewish community! Leaders, volunteers, professional Howard Tevlowitz staff and donors throughout our Sarasota-Manatee communities have taken the mantle to meet today’s challenges and move our Federation full force into our 6th decade. Our annual campaign and sponsorship campaigns are growing. Our larger number of contributors includes new donors as well as loyal stakeholders reinvesting with us. They’re recognizing our Federation’s unique ability to disburse their investments where they will do the most good on behalf of our Jewish community and our people. And they are investing not just for today. Through the Federation-funded LIFE & LEGACY™ program, they are ensuring a bright Jewish future not only for Federation but for the 10 other Jewish communal partners in the program

by sustaining their own Jewish legacies. Through our donors, we are reaching out as never before to engage people throughout our diverse Jewish community in ways that resonate best with each of them – we have wrapped Holocaust survivors in a warm cloak of dignity and security and, in the dark of night, we have stood steadfast with our brothers and sisters on the frontlines in Israel. A new breed of young dynamic leaders are learning and connecting through the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project. In addition to nurturing the talents of those who have already stepped forward, we must reach out to the wider community – to build new leaders, engage new partners and strengthen existing relationships. And now onto our new campus project: The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life. Through this new lens, I see scenes of compassion and promise playing out across this Campus – and throughout our community – every day. Jewish values are and will be coming into focus in our classrooms and committee meetings. And we will celebrate the richness of our Jewish culture, the strength of our

common bonds and the promise of our shared future on this revitalized Campus. With the results of our Population Study, led by Brandeis University, we will be equipped to assess the needs of our growing Jewish community. Our leadership is meeting with synagogue presidents to explore new ways to pursue goals we share. Clearly, we are on a mission – a newly focused one – to offer everyone in our local Jewish family a meaningful opportunity to connect with our community. We will reach out to those in need with compassion and generosity as no other organization can. Together we will face the challenges with increasing strength and ever-growing numbers. We will raise the banner of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and carry it proudly wherever we go. For more information, please email me at htevlowitz@jfedsrq.org. Please join us to celebrate our 60th anniversary on Sunday, February 24 in the Beatrice Friedman Theatre on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life. Look for more information in this newspaper and in your mailbox.

Acclaimed Israel expert and author Daniel Gordis to speak in Sarasota By Su Byron

25A 11 ways to survive an Israeli wedding and enjoy the party of a lifetime

33A Chanukah Garden Party at the Children’s Garden with PJ Library and Temple Beth Sholom

r. Daniel Gordis is an American-born Israeli author and speaker, whom The Jerusalem Post listed as one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world. The senior vice president and the Koret Distinguished Fellow at Shalem College in Jerusalem, he is a regular contributor for The Jerusalem Post, The New York Times and many other publications. Since moving to Israel in 1998, Gordis has written and lectured throughout the world on Israeli society and the challenges facing the Jewish state. His most recent book, Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn, has been called the “first comprehensive yet accessible

A publication of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 Annual voluntary subscription: $25

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA FL PERMIT 167

history of the State of information, contact Jessi Israel from its inception Sheslow at 941.343.2109 or to present day.” jsheslow@jfedsrq.org. Gordis will be the The Jewish people face keynote speaker at rising challenges, both “How to Heal: Healing in Israel and around the the Rift Between Israel world. How should Jews and American Jews,” on respond? Monday, February 11 With education. That’s at 7:00 p.m. at the Hya huge part of how Jews att Regency, 1100 Blvd. have always responded to Daniel Gordis (photo by Hadari Photography) of the Arts, Sarasota. challenges. Ignorance and The event is coordinated by the Hellmisperception are always the greatest er Community Relations Committee. dangers we face. Lead sponsors are Hannah and Norm Is that why you wrote Israel: A Weinberg. Tickets are $18. To regisConcise History of a Nation Reborn? ter, visit jfedsrq.org/events. For more continued on page 4A ▼

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January 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

10th Annual Jewish Film Festival is March 6-17 Staff Report

ave the date! The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s 10th annual Jewish Film Festival takes place March 6-17. The festival, which is chaired by Fran Braverman and Cheryl Shapiro, will feature 18 new films from around the world, many of which are regional premieres. Except for the opening and closing night films, the films will be screened in three theaters at Regal Hollywood 11 in downtown Sarasota, and one film will be shown at Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key. (See the insert in this edition of The Jewish News for details.) The festival, which is sponsored

by the Naiditch Family Foundation, opens with a regional premiere of Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel. A stirring story of sports, patrio-

tism and personal growth, Heading Home charts the underdog journey of Israel’s national baseball team competing for the first time in the World

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Baseball Classic. Members of the Heading Home team will be present at the opening night event, March 6, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. The opening night event is chaired by Bunny Skirboll. The closing night movie is the regional premiere of The Mamboniks, the story of a group of free-spirited, mostly Jewish dancers from New York City who fall in love with a sultry dance from Cuba called the mambo.

John Paulson, the film’s executive producer, will be at the event, which is chaired by Gloria Feibus. It takes place in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life. Tickets will go on sale at the end of the month. For sponsorships opportunities and other information,By S visit jfedsrq.org/jff19, or contact Jeremy Lisitza at jlisitza@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2113.

Population study underway Staff Report

s you read a few months ago, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is sponsoring a study of our Jewish community. In the coming weeks, you may be contacted by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University, which will direct the research, or the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, which will collect the data. If you are chosen at random to participate in the study, you may receive letters, phone calls and/or emails from the Cohen Center or the UNH Survey Center. If you receive a phone call from Brandeis University or the University of New Hampshire, or an email from sarasota@brandeis.edu, it is probably about the study. Please participate!

Your responses will help us learn more about who we are as a Jewish community, including the number of individuals and households, where we live, and our behaviors and attitudes. Confidentiality of responses will be preserved. The more households that participate, the better positioned we will be to make future decisions about planning and programming. You can read more about participating in the survey at http://www. brandeis.edu/ssri/communitystudies/ faqsurvey.html If you have further questions, contact Dr. Linda Silver (lsilver@jfedsrq. org) at the Federation or Prof. Matthew Boxer (mboxer@brandeis.edu) at the Cohen Center.

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Stories of LIFE & LEGACY

LIFE & LEGACY™ is a partnership of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and 10 local Jewish organizations that promote after-lifetime giving to benefit synagogues, social service organizations, Jewish day schools and other Jewish entities. Legacy donors, such as the one featured in the story below, are helping to secure the future of our Jewish community for generations to come.

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Albert Cohen: From welfare... to welfare

end option,By Sandy Chase ver the years, Albert Cohen Jerhas lived a life of welfare: g or from being a beneficiary to that of benefactor, ensuring the welfare of others. Whether it’s endowments to JFCS of the Suncoast through LIFE & LEGACY; Children First; or the Flormore ida State University College of Music mmu(FSU); Albert has also donated time – viduyears – to high school seniors. and Having grown up in one of the denpoorest Brooklyn, New York, neighved. borhoods – Bedford Stuyvesant – Al pate, and his mother received welfare and e to other aid from various charities. Sufning fering from illnesses, mother and son also availed themselves of free medical rticiassistance. www. At an early age, Al began to dies/ surmount what could have been a devastating future. Boosted by an encontrepreneurial spirit by age 10, Al was dsrq. managing Haber Bros., a glass repair hew business. the “Back in 1943, Haber Bros. was a storefront next door to my apartment. Two brothers cut glass in the back and repaired windows. They asked my mother if I could work there. By the end of the summer, I was cutting window glass.” By the time Al graduated from Brooklyn Tech, a prestigious high school, and continued his studies at Brooklyn College, he became passionate about education. “My mother convinced our social worker into allowing me to enroll in Brooklyn College for a year, where I pursued a double major in Chemistry and Classical Music History.” Having started as a research chemist, Al turned his passion into chemical sales. “Three years later, I started an electronics component company called Metex Corporation, providing engineered products to aviation, industrial and automotive markets worldwide.” As a minority owner, he treated Metex as “his baby.” “I literally started from an empty building and no employees. The capital to start the company came from a venture group.” Eventually Al became president and CEO from 1961 to 1987, earning him lifetime membership in the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), an entrepreneurial group of presidents and CEOs reaching those positions before

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age 40. Al’s love of music explains his munity leaders are amazed by Al’s According to Heidi Brown, JFCS professional calling as classical music level of drive. Whether this Sarasota President and CEO, “Al brings a strong critic, having written reviews for many resident of close to 15 years is on the financial background wrapped in a periodicals, such as the Asbury Park tennis courts or soaking up the local heaping amount of compassion and Press, The St. Petersburg Times and cultural gifts, Al continues to enjoy life kindness. He consistently champions Sarasota Herald-Tribune. For 12 years because he gives to the community. ‘doing the right thing,’ as he advocates he was also the managing director Al attributes his philanthropy to for the fiscal health of the Music Critics Morris Rosenthal, a Chicago customer, and sustainability of Association of North who asked about his commitment to the agency.” America. charity. Al replies, “EnWhen approached “I answered ‘no’ because I was dowing JFCS is critito write a testimonibusy supporting a family of six.” But cal to me because of al, Dave Marino, the Morris’s question has changed my life its strong programs Palmetto HS football immeasurably. “The more you give, for children and famcoach and economthe more you will have left. Legacy ilies with children. I ics teacher, sums up giving allows me to live my lifestyle want to ensure that his enthusiasm for Al: while contributing to causes important these programs en“Thank you for recto me.” dure.” ognizing such a great Al believes fervently that “in times Stan Rutstein, a man. I will be forever of uncertain governmental funding, the fellow JFCS board grateful to Big Al for more strength an organization has in Al and Norma Cohen and YPO member, his passion to help endowments, the better it’s able to conechoes Heidi’s appraisal: “Besides opother people – making a difference in tinue its mission independent of politiera and music, Al’s avocation has been these young lives.” cal situations.” investing. He not only invests for his Marino continues, “Al has a speEndowing organizations is integral own account, but with his experience cial place in his heart for helping unto Al. After all, Al’s name is a signifihe has unselfishly helped many others. derprivileged kids. Through the Junior cant part of the word ‘altruism.’ Al is a unique individual and I value Achievement program, he had been For more information about the LIFE our friendship.” my business consultant and mentor for & LEGACY program, please contact That friendship introduced Al to my economics classes at Lakewood Gisele Pintchuck at 941.706.0029 or Children First, Sarasota’s award-winRanch and Palmetto high schools, even gpintchuck@jfedsrq.org. ning Head Start organization strengththough he had to drive out of his way.” ening children and families. Friends, associates and other comChildren First CEO Philip Tavill has only praise for Al and his wife, Who does the Jewish community turn to for Norma: “Through their belief in healing the world, Al and Norma make the most trusted service in real estate? our community a much better place to live. They are committed to providing the same access to opportunities for our children and families so many of us have. We are grateful the Cohens choose to invest their time and resources in Children First.” Patricia Flowers, the FSU dean of Contributing to the the world-renowned College of Music, prosperity of our avows her gratitude for Al’s friendJewish Community ship and philanthropy, which has also since 1979! changed lives: “Mr. Cohen brings a deep knowledge and love of music to his generous support of the college, which will transform FSU’s programRyan Ackerman Barbara Ackerman ming in Baroque music, greatly en941.387.1818 941.780.6045 hancing our musical offerings. Best of all are the meaningful music expe#1 Team by Sales Volume across ALL companies riences that will be afforded students in Sarasota County, Manatee County & Longboat Key! across the entire college.” www.ackermangroup.net Al answers, “My hope is that this gift will help more people appreciate this incredible period of Baroque Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC music.”

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FEDERATION NEWS

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Celebrate Federation’s 60TH Anniversary! S u n d a y,

• 4pm 4 2 ry Fe b r u a

BEATRICE FRIEDMAN THEATER The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life Join us in celebrating Federation’s anniversary with a NOD TO THE 60’S. Free and open to the community, we will pay homage to the past and look forward to our exciting future.

Co-Chairs: LAUREN GLASSMAN AND BUNNY SKIRBOLL

Federation Torch Sponsors: EDIE AND DAVID CHAIFETZ LEON R. AND MARGARET M. ELLIN DEBBIE AND LARRY HASPEL NAIDITCH FAMILY FOUNDATION THE ROSENTHAL ROOTS FAMILY FOUNDATION BUNNY AND MORT SKIRBOLL HADASSAH AND MARTIN STROBEL

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FEDERATION NEWS Daniel Gordis...continued from page 1A I wrote the book for precisely that reason. There wasn’t really a onevolume book about the history of Israel that told the story in an engaging, readable way. I tried to make my book read almost like a novel, but it’s precise about the facts, and it takes no political position, either left wing or right wing. I want people to read it and understand. There’s not enough knowledge of Israel, even among the supporters of Israel. What are some common American misperceptions about Israel? The number one misperception is the assumption that Israel follows the template of the United States – which was designed to have no single ethnicity or religion at its heart. Many Americans assume that Israel should also be equally blind to religion and ethnicity. But Israel was never meant to be that kind of country. America and Israel were created for radically different reasons. You can see it in our different declarations of independence. The American declaration begins, “When in the course of human events…” Israel’s declaration starts with, “The land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people.” So, the average American gets bad grades in Israel’s history? Sadly, yes. Young Americans especially – including the supposedly well educated. They actually don’t know what started the West Bank occupation in 1967. They have no recollection of a peace process in the years that followed. They don’t remember the Oslo Accords of 1993. They were born after the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin in 1995. As a result, there’s a common perception that Israel has not made overtures to peace. This leads to knee-jerk opposition – a banner-waving instinct. Are Israel’s young supporters better educated in our country? No, unfortunately. Whether they’re pro-Israel or anti-Israel, most don’t know what they’re for or against. College students know very little about Israel’s history. They don’t know much about American history, for that matter. If it weren’t for the musical Hamilton, the number who could distinguish between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson would be small, even in Ivy League colleges. History is very much a lost art in our contemporary world. That’s true in general, and one of the major failings of contemporary Jewish life. How so? The American Jewish community has failed to come up with a thoughtful, nuanced, sophisticated curriculum for teaching the story of Israel. The op-

ponents of Israel certainly tell their side of the story. Israel has no right to exist – end of story. We need to reply, but in a nuanced way. The typical counter narrative is black-and-white and simplistic. Israel is all-good. The conflict boils down to brave Jewish soldiers defending against pure evil. The truth is more complicated, and we need to teach the truth. Which leads full circle to your history of Israel. Yes, it does! Do you see any hope for a revival of the peace process? The Palestinians could have a country if they wanted one. They just have to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist and make certain compromises. If you put it to a vote, I believe the majority of Israelis would want that to happen. If they were smart, the Palestinians would come to the table and negotiate a deal. The problem is, no Arab leader can do that without getting killed. Those are the realities. It’s sad, but the chances for serious peace talks are close to nil. Even if the peace process didn’t die in 1995 with the death of Rabin, it certainly died in 2000, with the beginning of the second Intifada. There’s been no real peace process since then, and there probably won’t be in the immediate future. But the world is changing so rapidly these days. Anything is possible. Can you be a Zionist without dismissing Israel’s flaws and challenges? Of course! I don’t think you can be married to a perfect spouse, raise perfect children, or run a perfect business. You can’t expect perfection out of a real life, flesh and blood country, either. You can be a devoted American patriot, and still talk about your country’s faults. The same holds true for Israel’s supporters. In 2012, you wrote The Promise of Israel. What is that promise? That the death of the nation state had been declared prematurely. When I wrote that book, universalism was still dominant in Europe and a large part of American culture. Basically, it’s the idea that all distinctions between ethnic groups are negative and should be overlooked. Essentially, the nation state is a bad idea, and people’s national stories don’t matter. In the future, the world will move away from that, and be one big human family. The promise of Israel is to offer a working alternative where the national story of a specific people does matter. That idea was unpopular in 2012, but it is now having a resurgence worldwide. What advice can you give to American Jews who are committed to the Jewish state? To defend Israel’s right to exist; to remember why Israel was created; to understand that the recent attacks on Israel’s right to exist are a new form of anti-Semitism. To be clear, I’m not saying that all criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic – but attacks on the very idea of a Jewish state are anti-Semitic by definition. What inspired you to move your family to Israel in 1998? Actually, it’s very simple. My wife wanted to, so we did.

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make sure to catch all events at

jfedsrq.org/ events

January 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

An intergenerational and interfaith Chanukah Established 1971

PUBLISHER The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life 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 49, Number 1 January 2019 48 pages USPS Permit No. 167 February 2019 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: December 27, 2018 Advertising: December 28, 2018

Staff Report

o kick off the first night of Chanukah, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee sponsored an event to bring together low-income families from the Healthy Families program at JFCS of the Suncoast with seniors living at Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life. Children and their parents learned about the holiday of Chanukah from Aviva’s Rabbi Anne Feibelman and JFCS Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz. They joined the residents in singing the prayers while the menorah was lit. The children also had a rousing Chanukah sing-along with JFCS’s Stephen Fancher and made presents for ailing seniors living at Aviva’s Benderson

Skilled Nursing and Anchin Memory Care. Everyone enjoyed eating traditional latkes along with applesauce, sour cream and, for some, ketchup. It was an intergenerational and interfaith experience, enjoyed by all. Aviva CEO Jay Solomon gets in the Chanukah spirit with residents

A resident is thrilled to receive his Chanukah painting from a new friend

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Change of address inquiries can be sent to Paula Ivory-Bishop at pibishop@jfedsrq.org or call 941.371.4546.

PRESIDENT Michael Ritter

A very proud artist shows off her painting

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Howard Tevlowitz SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Marty Katz MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein

All the children were very proud of their paintings

Send your comments and Letters to the Editor to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org.

ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi – 941.552.6307 PROOFREADERS Laurel Ash, Edward D. Cohen, Jack Mansbach, Sharon Napshin, Elliot Ofsowitz, Linda Stern, Bryna Tevlowitz 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. 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.

ADVERTISING: Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and may require the words “Paid Advertisement” in any ad. Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of products, services or ideas promoted therein.

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January 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

Leading Greek historian and renowned violinists to appear at International Holocaust Remembrance Day event Staff Report

n 2005, the United Nations designated January 27 – the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau – as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this annual day of commemoration, the UN urges every member state to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism, and to develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Sunday, January 20. This year’s event features Dr. Mimis Cohen, a professor, surgeon, and founding member of the American Friends of the Jewish Museum of Greece. Dr. Cohen will speak about Greece’s role during the German occupation. His lecture will

also touch on the largely unknown history of the Jews of Greece over the centuries, their rich tradition and culture, achievements, and interactions with Dr. Mimis Cohen their fellow Greek citizens. Born and raised in Athens after World War II, Dr. Cohen is the child of parents who survived the Holocaust by hiding in Christian homes. The event also features two worldacclaimed violinists, Asi Matathias and Tosca Opdam. Still in his twenties, Asi Matathias is already recognized as one of the most celebrated talents of his generation. He made his debut at age 14 with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Zubin

Mehta, displaying a musical maturity and inspiration far beyond his years. Since then, he has collaborated with renowned artists and at major festivals around the Asi Matathias world. Praised for her “enchanting musical personality,” Dutch violinist Tosca Opdam has captivated audiences and critics alike with her musicality and poise. A passionate chamber musician and recitalist, Opdam works closely with renowned musicians and performs at leading global music festivals. For this event, the two will perform a selection of Sephardic melodies. The event will also feature dancers

from the Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. City Commissioner Shelli Eddie Freeland and a member of the Consulate General in Tampa will also participate. This free event takes place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Registration required at jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, please contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109.

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January 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

ar“Twice Promised Land and 100 Years War” – Peace in our time (part 2) A series by Dr. Steven Derfler

rtho-Editor’s note: The “Twice Promised helliLand and 100 Years War” series is theincluded as part of our Federation’s alsoyear-long celebration of Israel @ 70. resident Carter was dumbfoundfrom ed by Sadat’s initiative. He’d riedbeen working to convene the sponGeneva conference to work toward 582 a comprehensive straMiddle East peace For between Israel and Jessi its Arab neighbors, g or and toward a permanent settlement of the Palestinian issue, including the Dr. Steven Derfler potential establishment of a Palestinian state. The conference was to include Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and a Palestinian delegation, and to be mediated by the United States, with a role reserved for the Soviet Union. Sadat’s direct opening to Begin meant that Egypt might carry out its own separate peace. After the initial breakthrough, the United Nations began in earnest to continue to monitor the separation of forces and widen the buffer zone in Sinai. But in the summer of 1978, as the Israelis started to pack up to leave Sinai entirely, the direct talks began to break down. President Carter would call an emergency summit in August 1978 in order to not only jump-start the talks, but advance them to the point of creating a framework that both parties would sign. Under tremendous pressure, Carter would call it “one of the most frustrating experiences of my life.” It seemed that the hopes of the world were resting on the shoulders of these three men. Pleading, cajoling, berating, insulting, lauding…. All of these terms applied to the ‘boxing ring’ mentality as the men sparred with each other, bobbing and weaving in order to achieve a TKO. However, as it would be characterized, it was more of a split decision that would ensure that the world of the Middle East would begin the halting steps that lead to a sense of normalcy. Two frameworks were hammered out: A Framework for Peace in the Middle East and A Framework for the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty Between Egypt and Israel. Although ground-breaking, the accords were not comprehensive and universal. Instead of what the Arab world really wanted – a universal plan that addressed the nature of Israel, the grievances of the Palestinians and the question of Jerusalem – the framework that was acted upon fully, the second one, focused on Israel, Egypt and Sinai exclusively. The first agreement had three parts.

The first part or preamble was a framework for negotiations to establish an autonomous self-governing authority in the West Bank and the Gaza District, and to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 242. The Accords recognized the “legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.” A process was to be implemented guaranteeing the full autonomy of the people within a period of five years. Begin insisted on the adjective “full” to confirm that it was the maximum political right attainable. This full autonomy was to be discussed with the participation of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinians. The withdrawal of Israeli troops from the West Bank and Gaza was agreed to occur after an election of a selfgoverning authority to replace Israel’s military government. The Accords did not mention the Golan Heights, Syria or Lebanon. This was not the comprehensive peace that Kissinger, Ford, Carter or Sadat had in mind during the previous American presidential transition. It was less clear than the agreements concerning the Sinai, and was later interpreted differently by Israel, Egypt and the United States. The fate of Jerusalem was deliberately excluded from this agreement. The second agreement outlined a basis for the peace treaty six months later, in particular, deciding the future of the Sinai Peninsula. Israel agreed to withdraw its armed forces from the Sinai, evacuate its 4,500 civilian inhabitants, and restore it to Egypt in return for normal diplomatic relations with Egypt, guarantees of freedom of passage through the Suez Canal and other nearby waterways (such as the Straits of Tiran), and a restriction on the forces Egypt could place on the Sinai Peninsula, especially within 20-40 km from Israel. This process would take three years to complete. Israel also agreed to limit its forces a smaller distance from the Egyptian border, and to guarantee free passage between Egypt and Jordan. With the withdrawal, Israel also returned Egypt’s Abu-Rudeis oil fields in western Sinai, which contained longterm, commercially productive wells. Finally, on the portico of the White House, on September 18, 1978, the world witnessed the signing of the Camp David Accords, punctuated by the famous three-way handshake and recitation of Is. 2:3-5. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

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By January 1980, the process of normalization of diplomatic relations and implementation of some of the economic incentives was nearly completed. For the first time in her history, Israel had a border with a neighboring state. And a sign that many thought they’d never see in their lifetimes – a nonstop Tel Aviv/Cairo overland bus route – could be seen in the Tel Aviv Central Bus Station. On December 10, 1978, Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin and President of Egypt Anwar Sadat jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize for their work on behalf of their two countries. The reaction to this by other Arab states was harsh and swift. The Arab League met in Baghdad and expelled Egypt from the Islamic Conference and suspended it from the Arab League. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated by fundamentalist Muslims within his own military on October 6, 1981. Hosni Mubarak would become the new leader. The “capital” of Northern Sinai, El Arish, would be formally returned to Egypt in April 1981. President Mubarak hoisted the Egyptian flag over all the region in 1982. This signified Israel’s complete withdrawal. From an interview with Menahem Begin in April 1982: “I would like to say that one moment we shall never forget: The meeting of President Sadat and myself at El Arish, when we transferred El Arish to Egyptian soil. And there, when President Sadat told me that he is going to bring along with him a group of Egyptian soldiers wounded in the wars, I said, would you agree that I will bring also a group of Israeli soldiers wounded in the war? He immediately accepted. And those two groups met at El Arish. One that didn’t see that scene wouldn’t believe that it could have happened. Soldiers without hands, without legs, invalids for their lifetime, from both sides, met after five wars. They embraced each other, they kissed each other, and the repeated slogan was ‘never again, never again.’ I’ll never forget the proceedings. I don’t think there has ever been such a meeting in the annals of other nations. So, this is the peace I believe in, and as I got the letters of President Mubarak, my friend, I do believe that this is also his attitude.” Dr. Steven Derfler is an international educational consultant, public speaker, archaeologist, historian, researcher, teacher and writer. He has been uncovering the histories of ancient civilizations for 40 years.

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January 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

Fighting the good fight: Abe Foxman shares his C boundless optimism in the struggle for human rights By Marty Fugate

be Foxman is a warrior in the free; registration is required at jfedsrq. fight against anti-Semitism, org/events. For more information, conhatred, prejudice, bigotry, distact Jessi Sheslow at 941.343.2109 or crimination and injustice. But what jsheslow@jfedsrq.org. he’s fighting for is what matters most. What will be the focus of your If you ask him, he’ll say that boils talk? down to human rights, and the solidarI’m going to concentrate on the ity of the Jewish people. safety and security of the Jewish comFoxman fought munity in the United for these values durStates, Israel and ing his 50-year tenure worldwide. I’ll speat the Anti-Defamation cifically address the League, including 28 clear and present years as the organizadanger of rising antition’s national direcSemitism. tor. Foxman retired Do you plan in 2015, but he never to look back at the stopped fighting for Oslo Accords? his core beliefs. He is I’ll make refercurrently director and ence to it, as it’s the chair of the Center for 25th anniversary of the Study of Anti-Semthose accords. But itism at the Museum I’m not sure it’s a of Jewish Heritage – burning issue today. A Living Memorial to I prefer to focus on the Holocaust in New current conditions. Abe Foxman York City, visiting lecturer at GeorgeBecause Oslo is a footnote of antown University’s School of Foreign cient history? Affairs, and a non-resident research Perhaps, but who knows? Somefellow at the Institute for National Setimes footnotes make new history. The curity Studies in Tel Aviv. He’s also the most important achievement of Oslo co-author of Viral Hate, and author of was the mutual recognition. Israel acJews & Money: The Story of a Stereoknowledged the existence of Palestine; type, The Deadliest Lies: The Israel Palestine acknowledged Israel. After Lobby and the Myth of Jewish Control that, it seemed like a simple matter and Never Again? The Threat of the of settling borders – but it wasn’t so New Anti-Semitism. simple. As you know, Rabin was asFoxman will share his thoughts as sassinated, and there was the first and the keynote speaker in “25 Years After second Intifada. Not much has really the Oslo Accords: The Rise of Global happened from Oslo. Anti-Semitism” on Tuesday, January Do you think there’s still a 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Beatrice Friedchance for peace in the Middle East man Theater on The Larry Greenspon and specifically Israel? Family Campus for Jewish Life, 582 The answer is yes, but there are McIntosh Road, Sarasota. The event is shifting sands – people change, alli-

ances change, interests change. Now, President Trump is promising a peace plan, although he’s put it off to February. But perhaps he can build on the legacy of Oslo – and the footnote of Oslo may still contribute. I’m an optimist, but a realistic optimist. That’s good. The world needs optimists. Yes, it does. Look, having survived the Shoah, in which a million and a half children were killed, I don’t have the luxury of being a pessimist. Pardon the pessimistic question, but why do so many commentators blame Israel for the impasse with the Palestinians? Well, the simple answer is antiSemitism. And that comes in many forms these days. There’s the overt antiSemitism of the alt-right, and the camouflaged anti-Semitism of the hard left. Which do you see as the greater threat? It’s hard to say which one is worse. After the year 2000, Europe experienced a huge explosion of anti-Semitism. The debate immediately started: Is this new anti-Semitism or old antiSemitism? But I’m not sure it’s an either-or question, or how politically useful it is to ask that question. New or old, left or right, what difference does it make? Anti-Semitism is a threat, period, in whatever form it takes. What about the roots of American anti-Semitism? Again, it’s not so simple. There isn’t one root, one cause or one reason. Anti-Semitism is a disease, but it’s a perverse disease that serves many purposes. That purpose can be political, economic, religious or personal. Whatever the motive, it’s a threat to our ex-

istence. What’s the cure? Unfortunately, there’s no universal vaccine for anti-Semitism apart from education. That means both within the Jewish community and the greater world of which we’re a part. Above all, we can’t ignore the lies and hate directed against us. Like it or not, Jews are in a battle, and education is the front line. Please expand on that. We have to fight anti-Semitism on many battlefronts, and those can be political, cultural, commercial or philosophical. To be effective in this battle, we need to strengthen our sense of Jewish identity. Jews need a sense of pride that’s rooted in the knowledge of our history and who we are. The people who hate us don’t define us, but it’s still necessary to stand up, challenge and fight back. To do that effectively, we need a sense of unity, and I’m not sure how strong that is in our contemporary world. We’ve lost a generation or two of American Jews. They might rise to the challenge in a crisis – or they might not. What’s the source of your boundless optimism? I would credit my experience, my faith and my parents. They raised me in the Jewish tradition. Jewish values were supremely important to them. I was taught respect for others, a strong sense of ethics and a commitment to Israel – a combination of many things. But I never questioned who I was, or what values I wanted to pass on to my children and grandchildren. As my parents taught me, so I’ve tried to teach the next generations. Time will tell how successful I was!

s ’ y n a e 8 201 m D o W

Photography by Cliff Roles

January 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

Celebrating the Federation family Staff Report

n Sunday, November 4, cochairs Debbie Haspel and Stacy Hanan welcomed supporters of The Jewish Federation of ersalSarasota-Manatee who gathered in fromthe Beatrice Friedman Theater on The ithinLarry Greenspon Family Campus for eaterJewish Life to celebrate events of the e all,past year, honor outstanding lay leadrect-ers, and hear an update of Federation re inactivities from board president Michael line.Ritter and CEO Howard Tevlowitz. Michael thanked the Federation staff and board of trustees for their tism dedication and hard work. He also can l orpointed out how a strong governance thisculture established throughout our enseFederation environment has resulted in se ofimportant and timely decisions relating ge ofto strategic planning, new initiatives, peo-and the vision for our newly renovated t it’scampus. Finally, he emphasized the engeimportant contribution of hundreds of vely,volunteers of all backgrounds and ages m notin helping support our many programs, tem-particularly the incomparable contribuationtions of this year’s honorees, who are mightlisted below. Howard reviewed many of our they programs and initiatives in detail, both und-

those from the prior year and those being planned for the future. He also provided a preview of what is being envisioned for our new campus, discussed our community-wide population study, and emphasized the exceptional work accomplished by our staff, lay leaders and other volunteers. We were also fortunate to have Rabbi Meir Azari, senior rabbi at Beit Daniel and head of the Daniel Centers for Progressive Judaism in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, speak at the event. The Federation, in partnership with the Daniel Centers and Embracing Our Differences, has sponsored the Shon-

Event co-chairs Stacy Hanan and Debbie Haspel

im B’Yachad (“Different Together”) exhibit in Tel Aviv. Thousands of students from all backgrounds have seen the Honorees at the Federation’s Celebration event exhibit and participated in the curriculum that’s used in conjunction Kehilah Ha’argonit (Corporate with the display. Community) Award: Every non-profit has two pillars: Michael’s On East staff and lay leaders. These awardees Ahava (Love) Award: Gerri Aaron were chosen by the staff to recognize Atid (Futures) Award: the volunteers and lay leaders for their Paulette Samowitz hard work and the meaningful relationAyshet Chayil (Woman of Valor) ships we’ve created. Award: Debbie Haspel The following were honored: Chinuch (Education) Award: The Betty Schoenbaum Give While Geri and Ron Yonover You Live Award: Nelle Miller Ish Chayil (Man of Valor) Award: Avodah (Service) Award: Bruce Udell Millie Cole and Jacki Levin L’Dor V’Dor (Generation to Kehilla (Community) Award: Generation) Award: Ronnie Riceberg Marsha and Marvin Frank Doris Loevner Memorial Young Halutzim (Pioneer) Award: Leadership Award: Camryn Cohen Robert and Esther Heller Morasha (Legacy) Award: Hatikva (Hope) Award: Meredith and Al Ernst Larry Greenspon and Mary Gratehouse Yad Chazakah (Strong Hand) And what would a Jewish gatherAward: David Millstone ing be without delicious food? Thanks Acharai (Follow Me) Award: to hospitality chair Marsha Frank, who Julie Green arranged for a beautiful buffet to finish Zachor (Never Forget) Award: off the celebration, everyone left with Steve Koenig a smile.

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

, my d meStaff Report emple Emanu-El and The Jewalues ish Federation of Sarasotam. I Manatee are co-sponsoring a rong nt tocelebration and tribute to the Rev. Dr. ngs.Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, Jans, oruary 20 at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Emanuo myEl, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. The event will include recognipartion of Dr. King’s close friend and civil each tellrights supporter, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who led the mobilization of the Jewish community in support of Dr. King and his quest to advance the

cause of civil rights and equality for all of America’s citizens. Rabbi Heschel was in the forefront of the Selma march and other important civil rights marches, along with other rabbis and Jewish supporters during the tumultuous 1960s. These efforts provided significant support to Dr. King and the civil rights leadership in their fight for freedom, justice and voting rights for African Americans. The event will also include orations of key passages from Dr. King’s

speeches by Rev. Charles McKenzie. Audiences will also have the opportunity to hear from members of Greatness Beyond Measure, a Sarasota-based organization that helps teens and young adults realize their maximum potential academically, socially and artistically. Tickets are $10 per person; children

are free. To reserve in advance, contact Donald Malawsky at 941.359.2890 or dmalawsky@msn.com. The tribute is in conjunction with several other community events as part of “SRQ Celebrates MLK.” For more information, contact Don Malawsky.

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January 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

“Jewish Mobsters, Crime and Justice”

By Marden Paru, Dean, Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva | This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

n recent years, there has been a thirst for the whetting of an appetite for crime stories, fiction or real. With numerous TV movies and crime drama programming as well as on the silver screen, a fascination has grown particularly among the new generations who weren’t born during the age of the mobsters in the early- to mid-20th century. We are discussing a not-so-proud period of American Jewish history. Who were the notorious Jewish mobsters and what became of them? Did they abandon or were they visible in Jewish life? Were good deeds ever

performed? Mostly immigrants or children of immigrants – cloistered in close proximity with Italians in the tough neighborhoods of New York and New Jersey – many notable mobsters emerged, including Arnold Rothstein, Meyer Lansky, Dutch Schultz, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, Mickey Cohen, Abner “Longy” Zwillman and Moses Annenberg. These infamous personalities were associated, in most instances, with the Italian mob, and often provided the management and brainpower to run the syndicates. In conjunction with the

Teamsters, they built Las Vegas, controlled horseracing and built casinos all over. A new Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva course will study their fascinating Jewish background and activities, linkages to fighting Nazism, and aid in helping establish the State of Israel. What justice did they meet and what punishment was applied? In an odd way, some folks actually view them as Jewish folk heroes because they flaunted the law in style and got away with murder. “Jewish Mobsters, Crime and Justice” is an eight-week course starting on Tuesday, February 5 from 10:30

to 11:45 a.m. at The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. To enroll, please contact me at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail. com. The course fee is $60 and includes all materials. It is open to everyone regardless of background or personal orientation. The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which also operates in part through a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

“The Diversity of Ancient Israel” – a six-part course This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

emple Beth Sholom and Temple Sinai, in conjunction with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, are pleased to announce they are co-sponsoring a six-part course entitled “The Diversity of Ancient Israel: A Retrospective of Archeology, History and Religion.” The course will take place on Thursdays, beginning January 24 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

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Sessions 1, 2 and 6 will meet at Temple Sinai, and sessions 3, 4 and 5 will meet at Temple Beth Sholom. The course will be led by Steve Stark-Riemer and will be conducted in a multi-media format. Riemer graduated magna cum laude from the City College of New York in 1972, studying Anthropology, and specializing in Archeology. He conducted fieldwork

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Sponsored by the Dallas & Elizabeth Dort Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Sarasota County Bar Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee

at the Tel Gezer excavations under the direction of William G. Dever, today’s preeminent American biblical archeologist. Following graduation, Riemer was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society and accepted into the doctoral program in Anthropology at the University of California at Los Angeles on the strength of his senior thesis on the comparative origins of agriculture in the Nile, Indus and Mekong River Valleys. Riemer has presented many times on archeological topics to rave reviews. He has taught in synagogues and other settings in Albany, New York, for the past ten years. “Diversity – of community, of thought, of practice – has marked Ancient Israel from its beginnings in the central hill country of Canaan to its life in the Diaspora. This course, consisting of six 1½-hour sessions, is built on an ongoing study of archeology, history and religion that highlights this variety,” according to Riemer. Each session will have a specific focus: The

Emergence of Early Israel as a People, Does the Hebrew Bible Present Religious Reality or Theological Ideal, The Redactors of the Hebrew Bible, Sectarian Judaism and the Formation of the Dead Sea Scrolls Community, Alexandria – The First Jewish Golden Age,in W and Apocalyptic Eschatology Meetscom com Politics in First Century Judea. The cost of the course is $ 36 forseum F Temple Beth Sholom and Temple Sinai members, and $50 for guests. This six-Lega part series is open to the entire Saraso-plan ta-Manatee community. Checks shouldplan be made payable to Temple Sinai andHele sent to Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lock-from wood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34231.natio Registrations will be accepted througheduc January 22 on a first-come, first-servedthe r basis. Space is limited, and registrantsas th are encouraged to send in their reserva-rial tions early. For a course brochure, callseum A 941.922.9322 or 941.955.8121. For adbe m ditional information, please contact Al Treidel at 203.461.1305 or treidad@Ligh learn aol.com.

Stay connected at www.jfedsrq.org

ONE THING I WISH YOU KNEW A Mental Health Awareness Event For Teens and Those Who Care for Them

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 4:00pm

The Beatrice Friedman Theater The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

Mitchell A. Sherman, Esq. provides practical estate planning focusing on living wills, advance directives, living trusts, special needs trusts, and complex transactional real estate services. Our goal is to help you protect your family and loved ones so that they receive the benefits of your lifetime of building your financial estate. Dedicated to assisting clients – with over 30 years of experience – helping with the most important decisions for your future and your family’s future.

This event will feature: y Candid narratives from local young adults affected by mental illness y Tips on how to recognize warning signs & help those suffering with mental ilness y Panel discussion with leading mental health experts

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January 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

11A

Program on Sderot, Israeli town under siege This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

alet, the recently formed consortium of four Sarasota congregations, which includes Temples Beth Israel, Beth Sholom, Emanu-El and Sinai, in conjunction with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, will present its first joint program on Sunday morning, February 3. The program will focus on the Israeli border town of Sderot and how the numerous missile attacks launched by Hamas and its allies have affected the daily lives of the residents of this small community. Dalet’s mission is to build community among the Jews of greater Sarasota through learning, dialogue and cultural enrichment. The program will feature the

screening of the very powerful film, Rock in the Red Zone, which illustrates what this small community faces on a daily basis. At any moment sirens can blast and residents of all ages will head for bomb shelters, not knowing how long they will have to remain underground or what to expect when they leave the shelters. These frequent attacks have had a serious toll on the entire community. A special interactive session will follow the movie. This program will take place at Temple Beth Sholom (1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota) and will be hosted by Beth Sholom’s Men’s Club. The program is open to the entire SarasotaManatee community. It begins at 9:30

a.m. and is expected to end at noon. Breakfast will be served. The cost is $5 per adult and free for students. Participants will pay at the door, but are required to book a reservation in advance to teers@sarasotatemple.org no later than Sunday, January 27. Included in the reservation request should be the attendee’s name, email address and telephone number. Space is limited, and reservations will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Dalet and Federation’s next joint program will take place on Sunday, March 10 on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. It will feature Sarit Catz, International Letter

Writing Director of the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA). Through her presentation, attendees will learn to identify media bias about Israel and effective ways to respond. According to Al Treidel, Dalet’s facilitator, “There’s a genuine sense of enthusiasm and cooperation, and a strong desire to share resources to create additional programs for the community. I encourage everyone to join us for this incredibly important program.” For additional information, please contact Al Treidel at 203.461.1305 or treidad@aol.com.

Judith E. Fagin to serve as National Chair of U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Legacy of Light Society

arasota resident Judith E. Fagin, a supporter of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., is increasing her commitment to the Museum by becoming the National Chair of the Museum’s Legacy of Light Society. Fagin became a Guardian of the Legacy of Light Society, the Museum’s planned giving society, in 2016, with a planned gift to honor her mother, Dr. Helen N. Fagin, a Holocaust survivor from Poland. Dr. Fagin is recognized nationally for her work in Holocaust education and for her participation in the realization of the Museum, as well as the Miami Beach Holocaust Memorial and The Florida Holocaust Museum. As the National Chair, Fagin will be meeting with current Legacy of Light members and those seeking to learn more about the Museum and

planned giving. ers about it. He later asked her to be an “I am incredibly fortunate to be advisor to the council creating the Muable to share this commitment to the seum. I look forward to speaking with Museum with my donors and potential mother, who was donors across the part of building the country and helping institution from the them connect to the beginning, and at Museum’s programs 100, continues to and its mission.” inspire me,” said “We are grateFagin. “When I ful to Judith E. Fagin was growing up, for helping to lead my mother didn’t the Museum as we like to talk about mark our 25th anniher experiences, versary this year,” and I knew not to said George E. Hellask. That changed man, the Museum’s during an event in Director of Planned our home when Giving. “It is more Judith E. Fagin (credit: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum) Museum Founding important than ever Chairman Elie Wiesel convinced my to ensure that the legacy of Dr. Fagin mother that those who survived the and other Holocaust survivors can conHolocaust were obligated to teach othtinue to educate future generations.”

About the Museum A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide and promote human dignity. Its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors. For more information, visit www.ushmm.org. About the Legacy of Light Society The Legacy of Light Society is the planned giving society of the Museum. Members of this society have thoughtfully included the Museum in their estate plans through a bequest, a living trust, a life income plan or a life insurance policy. A planned giving commitment can help ensure the Museum’s ability to fulfill its role as a living memorial for generations to come.

12A

January 2019

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

Talking encouraged – JFCS offers new program

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Congregation Kol HaNeshama, Temple Beth Sholom and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee present

SCHOLARS IN RESIDENCE February 8 & 9, 2019 featuring

Rabbi Ayelet Cohen

Senior Director, New Israel Fund in New York

Rabbi Marc Margolius

Senior Programs Director, Institute for Jewish Spirituality For more information, visit www.templebethsholomfl.org or www.congkh.org To make Shabbat dinner reservations, call the TBS office at (941) 955-8121

he expression “Talk Story” is heard throughout Hawaii. More than just chatting, this sharing of knowledge and different viewpoints prompts fruitful exchanges that enable a deeper, more meaningful examination of numerous subjects. Talk Story is seen as invigorating, informative and healing. JFCS of the Suncoast will offer its own version of Talk Story beginning Monday, January 14 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the agency’s Fruitville Road location. Sarasota-Manatee Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz will facilitate this innovative weekly exploration of a wide range of topics. He will draw on a range of fields including the arts, science, religion/ spiritualty, philosophy, current events and humor in creating opportunities for stimulating excursions of the mind and heart. “This program is kind of an

experiment,” indicates Rabbi Katz. “It represents a different approach. I look forward to growing and learning together. I think people will find it interesting and helpful. Each weekly session is self-contained and independent so that participants are not hindered if unable to attend a particular week. In his role as Community Chaplain, a position sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Rabbi Katz currently facilitates JFCS’s bereavement support groups. His articles on contemporary spirituality, social justice and community development have been published in The Washington Post, Forward and numerous other publications. While the program is open to all at no cost, pre-registration is required. Please call 941.366.2224 x166 to register or for more information.

Bereavement Support Group in Venice This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

or the first time, JFCS of the Suncoast’s Bereavement Support Group will be offered in Venice. “It is not always convenient for south Sarasota County residents to come to JFCS’s Sarasota location for the group,” said Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz. “We hope having it in Venice will enable more people to participate.” To share with those who have also lost a loved one is a source of comfort that can foster healing, contribute to personal growth and engender a sense of renewed possibility. Open to those of all faiths and

backgrounds, the group will meet for six weekly Thursday sessions from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. from January 17 through February 21 at The Kathleen K. Catlin Friendship Center, 2350 Scenic Dr., Venice. The group will explore the impact of loss, provide coping skills and examine potential changes in relationships with friends and family members in the wake of loss. Other topics, depending on the interest of group members, will also be addressed. The cost for the group is $36. Preregistration is required. For more information and to register, please call Rabbi Katz at 941.366.2224 x166.

Chabad of Downtown SRQ opens new location

ed by Rabbi Levi and Leah Steinmetz, Chabad of Downtown SRQ is a place where every Jewish person is welcome, regardless of affiliation or level of knowledge. Rabbi Steinmetz says, “Our sole purpose is to create a warm welcoming environment to explore and experience our heritage in a non-judgmental and inviting atmosphere.” Chabad of Downtown SRQ is pleased to announce the opening of a new location. Conveniently located

at 1221 1st Street, it is within walking distance for residents of the downtown area. “We are excited to start using our new center for Shabbat services on Friday nights followed by a delicious Kiddush,” says Rabbi Steinmetz. “Please join us for our opening on Shabbat, January 11 at 6:30 p.m. We look forward to meeting you.” For more information or to introduce yourself, please contact Rabbi Levi at 941.928.9267 or rabbi@chabad ofdowntownsrq.com.

New to the Sarasota-Manatee area?

We Welcome You

Shalom! Welcome to paradise! We hope you feel at home and become active members of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community. Please stop by and visit us! Ilene Fox • 941.343.2111 • ifox@jfedsrq.org Get Newcomer information: jfedsrq.org/new

The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life • Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232

Stay informed throughout the month. Sign up for the Jewish Federation’s Enewsletter at www.jfedsrq.org.

January 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

13A

Dr. Jeffrey Cohen and Bill Graham announced as Loebenberg Humanitarian Award recipients for The FHM’s annual “To Life” benefit

he Florida Holocaust Museum (The FHM) is pleased to announce Jeffrey K. Cohen, MD as a featured speaker for the Museum’s annual benefit, “To Life: Rock, Roll, Remember” on Saturday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. at The Vinoy, 501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Dr. Cohen is the President of Allegheny General Hospital, the hospital that treated the gunman from the Tree of Life synagogue shooting that occurred in Pittsburgh. The FHM will be presenting Dr. Cohen and his team with the 2019 Loebenberg Humanitarian Award. “Dr. Cohen’s actions exemplified true leadership, the leadership of compassion and humanity,” said Elizabeth Gelman, Executive Director of The Florida Holocaust Museum. “He and his team demonstrated to the world what it means to be an Upstander.” In addition, The FHM will also be presenting the Loebenberg Humanitarian Award posthumously to iconic concert promoter Bill Graham, the subject of the current exhibition at the museum, Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution. Graham, who launched the careers of countless rock & roll legends, conceived of rock & roll as a powerful force for good and was instrumental in the production of milestone benefit concerts. “As a child, his life was saved during the Holocaust through the actions of strangers,” said Gelman, “and he spent his adult life working to help millions of people he never knew.” Graham’s sons, David and Alex, will be accepting the award on his behalf. Dr. Cohen is a member of the Tree of Life congregation and lives across

the street from the synagogue. The Saturday morning of the shooting, he was working at home and offered his assistance to law enforcement, EMS and other first responders on the scene when the incident unfolded. He personally knew many of those who lost their life or were wounded in the assault that day. “I am extremely proud of the exceptional care and compassion that our staff provides to every patient who comes through our doors. In this difficult situation, they did what they always do, setting their emotions aside and rising to the occasion to help us fulfill our mission of healing the sick and caring for all,” Dr. Cohen said. The tragic shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue was a horrible attack on humanity and could not be ignored by The Florida Holocaust Museum. One of the primary lessons of the Holocaust is that people cannot remain silent when they are confronted by hatred and prejudice. “Unfortunately, we live in a society where divisive rhetoric and discourse runs rampant – in the news and social media and on the public stages of our daily political theater. In the midst of all of this noise, we often forget that words truly do matter, and their unintended impact can be devastating,” Dr. Cohen said. “I can only hope that the professionalism and humanity that our team demonstrated in responding to this tragic event provides some comfort and reassurance to our community, to the country and to the world, that even in our darkest days the light of benevolence, forgiveness and decency will always prevail.”

Tickets to attend “To Life” are on sale now. To purchase tickets, please call 727.820.0100 x276 or visit www. TheFHM.org/to-life-annual-benefit. About The Florida Holocaust Museum 2017 marked a monumental milestone for The FHM as it celebrated its 25th anniversary. One of the largest Holocaust museums in the country, and one

of three nationally accredited Holocaust museums, The FHM honors the memory of millions of men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The FHM is dedicated to teaching members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides. For additional information, please visit www.TheFHM.org.

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10 ways to tell it’s time to talk to mom and dad

hile distance may make the heart grow fonder it also makes it harder for family members to keep an eye on the health and wellbeing of elderly family members. At Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life, our Senior Living team deals heavily with kids and grandkids who are caught off-guard when their elderly loved ones begin to show health concerns. It is never too early to start planning for your senior’s move into a senior community. Here are 10 signs to look for that may mean it is time to have the talk. 1. Check the Mail: We all have those weeks when life gets in the way of doing normal household tasks like checking the mail and bringing in the newspaper. However, if you are visiting your senior and notice their mailbox is filled with weeks’ worth of mail it may be a sign of memory loss or difficulty in physically getting the mail. 2. What’s in the Fridge: Eating well and keeping a well-stocked fridge are important aspects of living a healthy lifestyle. However, if an elderly relative seems to have little to no food in their fridge, or the food is well past its expiration date, this may be a sign that they are struggling to care for themselves independently. 3. Bills: While we all wish we could close our eyes and make our bills vanish, the reality is that they make sure we have a roof over our head and keep the lights on. If you find large numbers of overdue bills or even bills that are simply lying around unopened, take a moment to ask about them. 4. Laundry: Look to see if there are piles of dirty laundry that are unusual and not consistent with your

senior. A lack of any laundry may also be a sign that a person is wearing the same clothes over and over again. In that case take a look at the clothes your loved one is choosing to wear and check for holes, tearing, stains or excessive dirt. 5. Living Conditions: The final area of the house to check is actually all around you. Does the house itself appear to be clean and in order? Are there dirty dishes or garbage piling up in places? Are there broken pieces of furniture, burned out lightbulbs or nonfunctioning household appliances that have yet to be fixed? What has changed and why? 6. Hobbies: Once you have checked out the condition of the living areas, it is time to focus on what you talk about with your family member. Do they have a hobby that they have always loved that seems to be missing in their life? Have they stopped going fishing, playing

cards, exercising or other more active hobbies? If they have, it is important to understand the reason why. 7. Friends: When visiting a loved one, always make sure to ask about who they are spending time with and some of the things they do with their friends. The goal is not to make anyone feel uncomfort-

able, but if a person is suddenly choosing to isolate themselves it may be a sign of more serious health concerns.

8. Get Moving: When you are out and about with your elderly loved one pay close attention to how they move around. Mobility issues and the risk of falling are incredibly dangerous to seniors and are the largest cause of hospitalization. Even if your relative uses assistive tools like a cane or walker, they still may show signs of increased difficulty. 9. Health and Medicine: One of the biggest difficulties seniors deal with is overall health and medication management needs. Spend time talking with your loved one about how they are physically feeling. No one feels perfectly healthy all the time, but if you notice they are hesitant to talk about their health or they have had a sudden spike in health concerns, then it may be time to talk to them about health intervention. On that same note, if you notice an abundance of new medications, expired medications or untouched medications, then it may be important to investigate medication management.

10. Overall Wellbeing: At the end of the day we know our family members better than anyone and usually can tell quickly if something is wrong. When you spend time with your loved one pay close attention to their behavior and mood. Have they lost weight or do they seem confused? Do they seem withdrawn, trying to isolate themselves or quick to anger? Remember, your senior has led and cared for your entire family for generations and will be hesitant to see their role begin to change. They will find ways to cope or mask the problems they are facing, afraid to be a burden on you or the family. It is never too early to start having these conversations, but with careful planning you can ensure that your senior can develop a plan for the future that they believe in. About Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life Founded in 1993, Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life is Sarasota’s only senior living campus that offers all levels of living on a rental basis including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Our location in The Meadows community provides our campus with true Florida natural beauty while making it easy to access all of the arts, culture and entertainment of downtown Sarasota. As a Jewish faith-based community and not-for-profit organization we are proud that our deeply rooted values provide residents of all faiths the ability to live life to the fullest and to experience a world of new possibilities. Come see what makes Aviva a one-of-a-kind community. Call 941.225.8369 or visit avivaseniorlife.org to schedule a tour today.

14A

January 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Abigail Pogrebin shined at Sarasota-Manatee ORT event This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

bigail Pogrebin shined in sunny Sarasota when she spoke about her book, My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew, at a luncheon sponsored by the Sarasota-Manatee ORT chapter and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. How fortunate for 200 people to have been together on November 11 at Michael’s On East in the Year of Chai, on Veterans Day, in the same room where Abigail’s mother, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, spoke 24 years prior. Joan Gastman and Kim Sheintal ably chaired the event. Monies raised benefited two ORT young adult programs that serve a diverse population in Israel. Kfar Silver Youth Village, a picturesque campus outside Ashkelon, has 630 students in grades 7-12, including

237 boarders. Owned by World ORT, it serves teens from those with learning challenges to gifted students. The school is like home and offers them guidance for a bright future. The Kfar Silver Excellence in Athletics program for 70 outstanding athletes combines academic curriculum and on-campus training for athletes to hopefully represent Israel at the Olympics.

Beersheva Technological College, founded in 1954 as the first Israel center for vocational training, has 2,000 students who reflect the cultural mosaic of southern Israel. About 1,700 major in practical engineering study tracks and 80% of its graduates work in their areas of specialization. In its partnership with the college, ORT provides curriculum input, scholarships

Federation and Sarasota-Manatee ORT volunteers enjoyed working together

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and business management. Funds are needed to help Israel maintain its posi-By G tion as a world leader in high-tech innovation and development. For information about SarasotaManatee ORT, call the ORT Floridadelig Region office at 561.997.1071. ty w

ish f 10:0 peop area T bake

Joan Gastman and Kim Sheintal were proud to have their picture taken with Abigail Pogrebin (photo courtesy of Charlotte Reed)

Seth Miller, Executive Director of the Innocence Project of Florida, to speak at Temple Beth Sholom

emple Beth Sholom’s Men’s on issues related to wrongful convicClub and Sisterhood proudly tions. He also teaches Post-Conviction announce a program featuring Remedies and Wrongful Convictions Seth Miller, Executive Director of the as an adjunct professor at the Florida Innocence Project of Florida and the State University College of Law. President of the Innocence The Innocence Network, a consortium of Project of Florida, a more than 70 innocence non-profit organizaorganizations across the tion, helps innocent United States and abroad. prisoners in Florida On Sunday, January 13, obtain their freedom Mr. Miller will discuss and rebuild their lives. “Guilty Until Proven InnoThey arrange for aid to cent: Righting Wrongful exonerees, which inConvictions in Florida” at cludes critical services the congregation’s Sunday that allow for successBreakfast Series. The pubful re-entry into socilic is encouraged to attend ety. They work with this vital and timely comprosecutors, victims, Seth Miller munity event. law enforcement agencies and defense Attorney Seth Miller litigates postadvocates to enact meaningful reform. conviction cases, supervises the InnoImproving fairness and accuracy in cence Project of Florida’s internship the criminal justice system benefits program, and regularly lectures to stuall segments of society. Victims and dents, lawyers and community groups their families can see justice; prosecu-

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM Sarasota's Conservative Synagogue

"Where community is family and egalitarian Conservative Judaism thrives in Sarasota through prayer, learning, and community service.” Catering Services Continuing Education Daily Morning Minyan Holocaust Garden Idelson Library Jewish Cemetery Judaica Museum Judaica Shop

Kosher Kitchen Mah Jongg (weekly) Room Rentals Sisterhood & Men's Club Youth Groups (PREP)Paver Religious Educational Program

Shabbat Services

Friday 6:30 pm Saturday 9:00 am

Shabbat Shaboom & Youth Havurah

for our children Saturday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Morning Minyan Sunday - Friday 8:00 am - 9:00 am

OFFICE HOURS Monday, CLOSED Tuesday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

JUDAICA SHOP Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm closed on holidays Let us help with your Judaic needs! 1050 SOUTH TUTTLE AVENUE SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34237 941.955.8121 INFO@TEMPLEBETHSHOLOMFL.ORG WWW.TEMPLEBETHSHOLOMFL.ORG

tors and police can have the tools to do their jobs well; and the public can have more confidence in the system. The event will be held at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Individuals wishing to attend should call the temple office at 941.955.8121 by January 8. A minimum $5 donation payable to the Inno-

cence Project of Florida may be paid at the door. The breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Miller will also address congregants at Temple Beth Sholom on Saturday, January 12 after Kiddush, at approximately 12:45 p.m. For more information, call Al Treidel at 203.461.1305.

Te D

“These we honor” Your Tributes ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IN HONOR OF Susan Mallitz Lynn Harris

BOB MALKIN YOUNG AMBASSADORS FUND IN HONOR OF Amelia Malkin’s Bat Mitzvah Project Amelia Malkin Michael’s On East Jill & Chris Malkin

ISRAEL PROGRAMS IN MEMORY OF Greg Carlson Bryna & Howard Tevlowitz Vivian Mishner Bryna & Howard Tevlowitz MAZEL TOV Sharyn & Rick Nassau Rookie & Jordan Shifrin

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, call 941.552.6304.

in memoria m Saivetz, Thelma “Temi”, 97, of Sarasota, FL, died on December 3, 2018. Born in New York City she resided in Quincy, MA for 70 years and retired to Longboat Key, FL for the past 27 years. She was the beloved wife of the late Bradford Saivetz, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. Temi was the devoted mother of Richard Saivetz, who predeceased her, and of Ruthellen Rubin & her husband Marc. She was the adoring grandmother of Michael & Amy Saivetz, Becky & Stephen Tountas, Aliza & Daniel Glasser, Julia & Sequoia Stalder and Allie & Jason Meizlish. Temi was the loving great-grandmother of Noah, Lila, Elliot, Stella, Zoe, Emma, Abigail, Silas, Nathaniel and Naomi. Temi is also survived by her loving brother, Berton Steir & his wife Judith. Fond aunt to her nieces and nephews. Temi’s family was her pride and joy. After graduating from Quincy High School, she joined the World War II effort and worked in Washington, DC. After her marriage, Temi helped Bradford establish the Civil Engineering and Architectural firm of Bradford Saivetz and Associates, Inc. in Braintree, MA. She worked by his side for that firm for five decades and they were joined by their son, Richard Saivetz, an architect, from 1974 – 2000. Their engineering firm became prominent in New England and they collaborated with some of the largest housing and commercial enterprises in the country. Temi and her husband were founders of Temple Beth El of Quincy, MA, where they were active throughout their lives. Temi and her husband Bradford enjoyed retirement on Longboat Key, FL where she was an avid tennis player and golfer. She was a member of the Longboat Key Club and Temple Beth Israel. Temi generously supported the State of Israel and a multitude of Jewish and secular philanthropies. A private graveside service will be held with Temi’s family at Sharon Memorial Park in MA. Memorial contributions may be made to: “JFCS Suncoast” Attn: The Bradford and Temi Saivetz Fund for Seniors, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. This fund has been established by the Saivetz Family to help Seniors and their families cope with the challenges of aging. Arrangements by Levine Chapels, Brookline, MA. Levine Chapels, Brookline 617-277-8300 | www.levinechapel.com

January 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

15A

Temple Sinai announces its 11th Annual Sarasota Jewish Food Festival By Gail Glickman | This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

emple Sinai’s 11th Annual Sarasota Jewish Food Festival prepares for another year of delighting members of the community with the excitement of “real” Jewish food. On Sunday, January 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., thousands of people from Sarasota and surrounding areas will come to the festival. Temple Sinai mothers, fathers, bakers and chefs will be preparing

many traditional Jewish foods. World famous New York City Carnegie Deli corned beef and pastrami will be on the menu, as will kugel, blintzes, knishes, chopped liver, stuffed cabbage, matzo ball and cabbage soups, brisket, falafel and lots of delicious home-baked cakes, pies, pastries and cookies. In addition to offering delicious Jewish foods, there will be craft and jewelry vendors, and an art sale. Health

vendors will provide information about their organizations. The day will include Temple Sinai’s Religious School children singing Israeli songs. The event is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, The Furniture Warehouse and Aviva – a Campus for Senior Life. Temple Sinai has a strong partnership with Zildjian Catering, Aravilla, Assisted Living/Memory Care, Church of

the Palms and All Faiths Food Bank. Each guest is asked to bring canned goods, dry goods and non-perishable food to help stock the shelves at All Faiths Food Bank. At the end of the event, leftover food, books and other small treasures will be donated to those in need.

oud rebin

Servers Tony Joseph, Barry Friedman and Lenny Drexler at last year’s festival

Chef Kathy Stern and servers Judy Swerdlow, Margo Friedman and Alyson Zildjian at last year’s festival

Selling art work at last year’s festival were Diane Block, Betty Liner and Carole Gorin

Temple Emanu-El to welcome Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Norman Cohen January 25-26

emple Emanu-El proudly welcomes Dr. Norman Cohen as this year’s Scholar-in-Residence on Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26. Dr. Cohen is Professor Emeritus of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he also served many years as Provost, as well as a prolific, highly-respected author. A popular, lively lecturer whose teachings focus on the modern interpretation of the Bible, Dr. Cohen comes to Temple Emanu-El thanks to generous

support from the Peck Scholar Fund and Arny and Dee Kaplan. On Friday at 7:15 p.m., Dr. Cohen will speak during Shabbat services on “Learning about Our Power to Confront Evil: Moses’ Struggle to Raise His Own Voice.” Dr. Cohen explains, “When we think of Moses, we see him as the Redeemer, Miracle Worker, Warrior and Lawgiver. But Moses is also portrayed as a human being, who struggles to become a leader. He touches all of us who often feel we do not possess the power to effect change in

our world today.” Sea, we hear the power On Saturday at 10:30 of Miriam’s voice, who a.m., Dr. Cohen will addemands that every Isdress “Miriam and Moraelite can and must ses: The Power of the sing the song of ReVoices of Men and Womdemption. Each of us en.” is empowered to sing “Moses so domiGod’s song in our own nates the Biblical story unique ways.” of the Exodus that we The community is often lose sight of the warmly invited to this Dr. Norman Cohen roles played by his two special weekend of older siblings,” Dr. Cohen points out. learning. For more information, please “But when the Israelites cross the Red call 941.371.2788.

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16A

January 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

New books on important Jewish issues that threaten the U.S. and Israel Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News Hearts and Minds: Israel and the Battle for Public Opinion, by Nachman Shai; Ira Moskowitz, trans. SUNY Press. Hardcover. 284 pages. $85.00

hese two books are not balanced book ends, but highly original and disturbing forays into problems of Jewish life today, whether in the United States or Israel. They examine crucial issues that need solutions. “Hasbara” is a Hebrew word that, according to Knesset member Nachman Shai, announces just what it is that Israel’s leaders have not taken seriously enough or imPhil Jason plemented well enough over the decades of modern Israel’s existence. Literally meaning something like “explanation,” it is used as a label for theoretical and implemented social diplomacy throughout Shai’s amazing scholarly study. The original Hebrew version won the 2013 Yitzhak Sadeh Prize for Military Literature. This English edition’s many references to events in 2016 suggest expansion of the earlier Hebrew edition. Within his chronological organization, Shai analyzes how Israel’s leadership met the series of confrontations the nation fought. Though, of course, Israel won many victories on the military front exercising its “hard power” resources both offensive and defensive. In the “soft power” arena the application of resources was sometimes nonexistent and sometimes merely weak, ineffective and reluctantly employed. Often, administrative in-fighting handicapped the creation and execution of “hasbara.” Often, the allocation

(((Semitism))) Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump, by Jonathan Weisman. St. Martin’s Press. Hardcover. 256 pages. $25.99 of resources was insufficient. In more recent years, there are positive signs of changed leadership attitudes regarding public diplomacy. An important change in the planning and execution of “soft power” warfare has been the growing role of public and private media in the battle for “hearts and minds.” Also, NGOs (non-governmental organizations) have played a rapidly growing role on the information and propaganda battlefronts. Too often, argues Shai, Israel been taken by surprise by anti-Israel campaigns in these areas while the state is rarely taken by surprise in the “hard power” dimensions of national security. His analysis of Israel’s reaction to the BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) initiative, the massive and wellfunded campaign to delegitimatize the Jewish state, is remarkable in its clarity and its passion. He writes, “In 2010, three years after the BDS campaign was launched, the Strategic Affairs Ministry recommended that the prime minister create a dedicated headquarters in his office to formulate policy on the battle against delegitimization.” Why did it take so Nachman Shai long? When the necessity of effective and ongoing public diplomacy has been understood and properly valued, Israel’s effectiveness in martialing these resources has been weak because of a fragmented, rather than a centralized, approach. On this issue and many others, Shai’s constructive criticism is very persuasive. He reveals the inter-

century Islamic empire’s period of tolerance. Weisman goes on to address other exceptional “international” Jews in the context of their times: Moses Mendelssohn, for one. His focus, of course, is the history of Jews in America, which leads him to sketch the situation and success of Jews in North America during the centuries of discovery. Weisman finds nal rivalries that hinder effective policy many convincing ways of warning his and action. He consistently points out, readers that Jewish complacency is in a polite manner, on whose watch adnever fruitful. He also details the wellvances were made and on whose watch known bonds between the stability of confusion reigned. Names are named. Jewish communities and civil rights After all, Nachman Shai is a politiactivism. He claims that anti-Semitism cian. “is usually inflamed by people who However, he is also an impasdon’t know Jews well if at all.” sioned scholar. His cutting-edge clarIn the chapter “The Israel Decepity, elaborate chapter notes, and list tion,” Weisman warily probes Jewish of references make this book required dependence on Christian fundamentalreading for all who care about Israel’s ism’s support of Israel. He also pays future. close attention to the successes and *** failures of Jewish political and pubhe heat of Jonathan Weisman’s lic relations efforts. AJC, AIPAC and outrage, tempered by the preciother influential groups receive careful sion of his arguments, elevates consideration. his book to a must-read examination In the later chapters of of the contempohis clarion call and analyrary renaissance of sis, Weisman examines the anti-Semitism. It Obama terms, the alt-right’s is a call for action, proliferation, and – stridentpart warning and ly yet hopefully – the need part how-to manual, for Jewish unity as well as addressing individa collective response by ual American Jews, American Jews and other Jewish communiAmerican citizens against ties and particularly White Nationalism. Jewish institutions. Throughout, Weisman The ugly head of intersperses vignettes about anti-Semitism has his personal experiences as returned to the land Jonathan Weisman (credit: Gabriella Demczuk) an American Jew, addressof the free, most noing his own Jewish identity. These extably in the messages and methods of periences illuminate his concern with the alt-right movement, and it is time alt-right dangers. to cut it off. This passionate book provides Partly rooted in Timothy Snyder’s strong and necessary medicine. Time writings, Weisman’s study provides a will tell if, without other rallying voiccompact history of the rise of the altes, it is sufficient. right, its canny exploitation of social A useful companion to this book media, its odd success at resurrecting is Steven R. Weisman’s The Chosen ancient European clichés about Jews, Wars: How Judaism Became an Ameriand the affinities that seem to exist can Religion. between this group’s growing promiReprinted with permisnence and the rise of hate-speech pracsion from Jewish Book titioner Donald Trump as a seeming Council. Find daily new advocate of White Nationalism. reviews, reading recommendations, Weisman’s first chapter begins: and more at www.jewishbookcouncil. “The Jew flourishes when borders org. come down, when boundaries blur, Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus when walls are destroyed, not erected.” of English from the United States NaWeisman considers the Age of Trump val Academy. He reviews regularly for to be an Age of Walls, at least in its Florida Weekly, Washington Indepenaspirations. dent Review of Books, Southern LitThe author traces the career of erary Review, other publications and the man he calls “the first Jewish citithe Jewish Book Council. Please visit zen of the world,” Maimonides, and Phil’s website at www.philjason.word he sees the progress of this genius – press.com. “rabbi, physician, scientist and scholar” – as an outgrowth of the twelfth

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17A

Remembering Leonard Cohen By Arlene Stolnitz

eonard Cohen died in 2016, Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songbut “each page of paper that writers Hall of Fame, he was a memhe blackened was lasting eviber of the Companion of the Order of ire’s Canada, the nation’s highest civilian Weis-dence of a burning soul,” according honor. In 2008, he was inducted into otherto his son, Adam Cohen, who recently published a colthe Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his nal” lection of his fastatus “among the highest and most their ther’s poetry and influential echelon of songwriters.” ohn, songs entitled His poetry and music have influenced The Flame. countless singers and musicians today. urse, Famous for In the preface to The Flame, Adam s in his soul searchdescribes his father’s work ethic, esm to ing rendition of pecially while working on this last suc“Hallelujah!,” volume. Adam stated his father would merwhich was said to often send “Do Not Disturb” emails s of Arlene Stolnitz be rewritten more so that he could work uninterrupted finds on what would be his last book. Adam g histhan 80 times, Cohen also wrote counttalks about the pads of papers and notey isless songs and poems, beloved by his aficionados. This volume, The Flame, books, a storage locker filled with notewellwas to be the last one he worked on books, and countless scraps of paper he y of would find with his father’s poetry and ghtsbefore his death. A brilliant artist, he songs, as well as notes scribbled on tismdelivered his strange but glorious music in a raspy voice that inspired his napkins and bits of paper. who admirers. Many considered him a “true As a poet, Leonard Cohen felt he had a mission from G-d (as he would cep-genius.” Always fastidious in his dress, spell it, according to the Orthodox wishhe never married. Leonard Norman Cohen was a tradition).Yet much of his poetry and ntallyrics have a Zen-like quality to them, paysCanadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist. He published his first book of an influence from his interest in Budand poetry in Montreal in 1956, eventually dhism and his Hindu teacher. His work pubis a mix of spirituality and earthiness. andpublishing four books of verse, never Just prior to his death, he recorded refulseparating song from poetry. He felt there was no delineation between the his final album, You Want It Darker. “I’m leaving the table, I’m out of the s oftwo. He was a perfectionist, exacting game,” he sings. The poignant words naly-in his writing, and entirely in solitude. Many of his early songs were based are a portent of what was to come a the few days later. Borrowing from his ght’son European folk melodies, which he Jewish background, his words are dent-sang in a high baritone voice. Later, he sang typically in lower registers such taken from the Kaddish and the Hineni need as bass baritone and bass. prayer: “Magnified and sanctified, be ll as As a teenager, he formed a countrythy holy name… Hineni, Hineni, I am by ready my lord.” An interesting interotherfolk band with his friends and called it The Buckskin Boys. However, his seripretation compares his words to Abraainst ous foray into music didn’t occur until ham’s binding of Isaac. “Even though it all went wrong, I’ll stand here before manhe was in his 30s. His work explores themes of “love, sex, regret, exaltation, the lord of song, with nothing on my bout tongue but hallelujah.” s aspiety and gentle fondness.” Inducted into the Canadian Music In listening to his lyrics and readresse exThe Suncoast Jewish Music Ensemble has been on a roll. We have played at with JFCS, the Pines of Sarasota, and the Al Katz Center. Our musicianship has grown. Our one misfortune is that our guitar player is having health probvides lems. We are in need of a high quality chord player; piano, banjo, mandolin, Time accordion, guitar, anything that plays chords. I’m sorry to say that we now voichave to audition musicians. We are not a klezmer band, but we do play klezmer music as part of our repertoire. We have just received our EIN number, due to book our nonprofit expert, Mark Schlanger’s hard work. We will become an official osen nonprofit organization. So if you enjoy playing all kinds of music, but with a meriJewish touch, please contact me, Steve Howard, at 302.388.9714.

misBook new ons, ncil.

ritus Nay for penLitand visit word

ing his poetry, can we wonder whether he was saying our ability to be full of joy but also of despair is the essence of humanity itself? His death was a monumental loss for us. Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, has sung in choral groups for over 25 years. A retired

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educator, she is a graduate of the Gulf Coast Community Leadership Foundation. A member of the Jewish Congregation of Venice, the Venice Chorale and the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, her interest in choral music has led to this series of articles on Jewish Folk Music in the Diaspora.

Clark Rundell, guest conductor Viviane Hagner, violin GERSHWIN SAINT-SAËNS BERNSTEIN

VIVIANE HAGNER, violin

"EXQUISITELY EXPRESSIVE… STUNNINGLY NOTEWORTHY"

Renowned for his “innate affinity for the most intricate and demanding of works”, maestro Clark Rundell takes us on a journey to Paris and back home again. From Gershwin’s An American in Paris to Bernstein’s gritty depiction of New York City, this lively program opens and closes with American music. The concert features the ever enchanting Viviane Hagner, performing two dazzling showpieces: Saint-Saëns’s virtuosic masterpiece and the demanding and imaginative Concerto No. 5 by Vieuxtemps. Two tickets to Paris, please.

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18A

January 2019

C E L E B R AT I N G

JEWISH INTEREST

M I LLI O N R A

Since March, 2017, 393 members of our community have made a promise to leave a Anonymous (14) Robert Aaronson Chazzan Cliff and Jamie Abramson Carryl Alexander Nochson Mendel Alvarez Scott Anderson Isaac Azerad Larry Barnet Fae Beloff Ellyn Bender Suzy and Barry Benjamin Susan Benson-Steenbarger Rich and Rebecca Bergman Benjamin Berman Donald and Barbara Bernstein Lynn Bernstein Tommy and Karen Bernstein Ian and Rosann Black Mitchell and Colleen Blumenthal Morton Bochikoff Amos Bokros Fran Braverman David and Madeleine Brenner Robert and Harriet Brent Donald Britt Barbara Brizdle Samuel and Rachel Brook Heidi Brown Richard Brumberg Rabbi Menachem and Chanie Bukiet Yeshyahu Bukiet Frances Burday Michael Burday Ed Buyes Judy Cahn Jerry Camens

Johnette Cappadona Judy Carson Lynn Carvel Randon Carvel Daniel Ceaser David Chaifetz Edith Chaifetz Channa Chanover Vivian Chastain Diane Checkik-Temple Rabbi Michael Churgel Carol Cobb Adrienne Cohen Albert Cohen Esther Cohen Jeffrey and Fran Cohen Jeffrey and Wendy Cohen Norman and Diane Cohen Orit Cohen Shlomo Cohen Yardena Cohen Audrey Coleman Dana Corn Elliott Corn Alice Cotman Abbie and Steve Davis Helene Davis Barbara Dolin Barry Dolin Leonard and Geri Drexler Phyllis Dreyfuss Matt Eby Mark Eichner Harry Eisenberg Marsha Eisenberg Ruth Engman Albert and Meredith Ernst Ellen Fedder*

Gloria Feibus Leslie Fishman Peter Fleishman Merrill Forgotson Eric and Judy Fox Ilene Fox Sheila Fox Allie Fraidowitz Marvin and Marsha Frank Walter Frank Laura Freedman William Freund Donald Friedman Michael and Lynn Friedman Anne Garlington Barry and Barbara Gerber David Gersh Patricia Gersh Stacy Gillman Patricia Glah Stanley Glauser Shirley Glover Nancy Gold Rosalie Goldberg Allan and Miriam Goldfarb Sheldon Goldklang Shelley Goldklang Robert and Luisa Goldman Israel Gopstein Bernice Gourse* Karin Grablin Joshua and Julie Green Jules and Carol Green Melvin and Greta Green Cindy Guttman Mo Guttman Judith Haber Toby Halpern

Jerry and Joelle Hamovit Benjamin and Stacy Hanan Bert Harris Carol Harris Craig Harris Marilyn Harwell Laura Hershorin Betty Hillman Lee Hoffman Rabbi Geoffrey and Sue Huntting Ken and Wendy Hurwitz Ronald Hyatt Ruthy Hyatt Robert Israeloff Barbara Jacobson Sue Jacobson Lisa Jodwalis Emma Joels Judy Kahn Edward Kalin Isaac and Vivien Kalvaria Alvan Kamis Marc Kanoff Carolyn Kaplan David Kasse Michael and Wendy Katz Robert and Marla Katz Sandra Katz Kenneth Kaufman Howard Kilman Sandi Kligman Joel Kovacs Benjamin Krause Gary and Sandy Kravitz Leonard Kritzer Laurie Lachowitzer Michael Lacktman Robert and Randelle Landman

*Of blessed memory

B E A PA R T O F L I FE & L EGACY â&#x201E;˘ Each organization has a yearly goal to secure letters of intent (LO

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SAVE THE DATE! APRIL 4, 2019A Community Celebration to Honor L

January 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

R A I S E D I N E S T I M AT E D G I F T S !

19A

( A S O F D E C E M B E R 10)

ave a legacy to 11 LIFE & LEGACY™ partners. Neil and Saranee Newman Christine Nieves Geraldine Nussbaum Kassof Norman Olshansky Sharon Oper* Sandra Packard Irwin Parmet Betty Perlmutter Gisele Pintchuck Frank and Joyce Podietz Douglas Popp Helen Rauch* Dennis and Karla Reens Mark and Stephany Richmond Michael Ritter Melissa Rivera Frank Rodriguez Moraima Rodriguez Rebecca Rosenbaum Harold Rosenberg Sue Rosin Jason Ross Martin and Irene Ross Daniel and Shellie Rubin Stanley Rutstein Rachel and Darren Saltzberg Harry Samuels Mark Schlanger Anne Schmerling Rabbi Sholom and Rivka Schmerling Barbara Schur Suzanne Schuster Donald Schwartz Samuel Schwartz Sharon Schwartz Jeffrey Sedacca Steve Seidensticker*

Allen Lawrence Karpe Marc and Barrie Lazarus Judy Lebowich Elad Lev-ari Bart and Joan Levenson Ruth Levin* Marion Levine Richard and Nessa Levine Scott and Jill Levine Stan Levinson Rosalyn Levy* Philip Lieberman Rosalind Lieberman Larry and Sherry Linhart Linda Lipson Jeremy Lisitza Suzanne Lutkoff Dori Goldfarb and Jeff Maggard Donald Malawsky Randy and Susan Mallitz Mark and Elana Margolis Brian Mariash Luis Orlando Masot-Leal Mira Matchin Roslyn Mazur Melanie and Andrew McGill Philip Meltzer Dean Miller Heather Miller Nelle Miller Diane Milrod Joseph Minola Stan and Evie Mitchell Kim Mullins Helene Myers Gilbert Negrin Lorraine Neufeld Robson-Glixon Laurance and Barbara Newman

Peter Seitzman Sara “Suki” Sellinger Clay Shafton Allan and Gail Shaivitz Mark and Margaret Sharff Hirsh and Goldie Shifrin David Shutovsky and Larissa Ostrovsky Linda Silver Alan and Cindy Silverglat Theodore Simon Morton and Bunny Skirboll Rabbi Stephen and Corinne Sniderman Judith Sokal Jay and Lori Solomon Maxine Solomon Anne Spindel Paula and Arnold Spitalny Iris Starr Anne Stein Barry Stein Roberta Steiner Rabbi Chaim and Sara Steinmetz Lina and Abram Stekolshchick Deborah Stengel Ronnie Storch Stephen and Leah Suffin Adrea Sukin Harvey Sussman Robin Sweeting Leonard and Judith Swerdlow Howard and Bryna Tevlowitz Marjorie Tick* Arthur Timmons Bruce and Janet Udell Robert and Judith Vigder Neal Vorchheimer Eleanor Wachs

Mark Walzer Elisabeth Weber Herman Weber William and Gloria Weed Robert Weigert Norman Weinberg Kyla Weiner Laura Weinshel Steven Weinshel Steve Weintraub and Sarah Johns Melvin Weisel Kirk and Diane Weisman Linda Weiss Peter and Joan Wells Louise and Jud Werbelow Rabbi Michael and Melissa Werbow Alan and Judith Wertheimer Patti and David Wertheimer Wendy Wicks Frank Wieckowski Michele Wieckowski Marvin Wolf Daryl Worobow Stanley and Cynthia Wright Merrill and Sheila Wynne Sharon Zawadski Harry and Doddie Zehnwirth Dennis Zimmerman Merrill Zinder Gayle Zingerman Jerry Zingerman Calvin and Patricia Zoelner Alan Zuckerman

If we have inadvertently omitted any individual or have misspelled any names, please accept our apologies and contact Gisele Pintchuck so we can properly acknowledge you.

tent (LOI). Help your favorite one meet its goal! Go to JFEDSRQ.org/Legacy-Partner-Program to complete your LOI form today!

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20A

January 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

Adolf Hitler threatens the Jews in January 1939 By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

n January 30, 1939 – eighty years ago this month – German dictator Adolf Hitler presented an address to the Reichstag in which he made the most overt threat yet seen to “world Jewry.” Known for his lengthy speeches, this one was no exception; when put to paper, it came to 64 typed singlespaced pages. It Dr. Paul Bartrop made for dry and tedious reading, and was primarily concerned with the economic, political,

military and diplomatic recovery of Germany in the aftermath of the Nazi political victory in 1933. The address is not remembered, however, for anything other than two paragraphs three-quarters of the way through. Here, he made an important and often-quoted prophecy that if there should ever be another war (which, in his view, would have been caused by “international Jewish financiers”), it would not result in a Jewish victory but, rather, “the annihilation of the Jewish race in Europe.” To begin with, he spoke about his past record as a “prophet,” in which

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he noted that “in the course of my life I have very often been a prophet and have usually been ridiculed for it.” In 1933, however, he had achieved power and in light of that he would once more “assume the part of a prophet.” The words that followed have since entered Holocaust iconography: “If the international Jewish financiers within and without Europe succeeded in plunging the nations once more into a world war, then the result will be not the Bolshevization of the world and thereby the victory of Jewry – but the annihilation of the Jewish race in Europe.” He continued with his view that “this problem will be solved – the sooner the better – for Europe cannot rest again before the Jewish problem has been eliminated.” What did all this mean in reality? Amid rising international tensions, Hitler made it clear to both the German public and the rest of the world (and especially, the world’s Jews) that the outbreak of war would mean the end of European Jewry. Already his preference for the Jews of Germany to leave the country had been signaled in no uncertain terms through anti-Jewish boycotts, staged book burnings and anti-Jewish legislation. Ultimately, on November 9-10, 1938, the nationwide November pogrom that the Nazis themselves cynically termed “the night of crystals” (Kristallnacht) demonstrated that the Jews no longer had a future in Germany. Prior to the German attack on Poland precipitating World War II in September 1939, a vast number of events took place that further reduced options for Jews to remain in Germany. These included: the establishment of a Nazi

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Office of Jewish Emigration to speed up the pace of Jewish emigration from Germany (August 1, 1938); the requirement that Jewish women add “Sarah” and men add “Israel” to their names on all legal documents (August 17); the closure of Swiss borders for Austrian Jews seeking sanctuary (August 19); the Munich Conference in which Britain and France surrendered the Sudetenland regions of Czechoslovakia to Germany by negotiation (September 29-30); and the compulsory stamping of passports belonging to German Jews with the letter “J” to indicate their identity (October 5). This new statement, however, took things up a notch. In Hitler’s Reichstag statement on January 30, 1939 – initially, the speech was made to mark the sixth anniversary of Hitler’s ascension to the chancellorship – he spoke explicitly for the first time about the complete annihilation of European Jewry. It is not clear whether he actually believed he could achieve this; if he did, he certainly had no idea how it could be done. It is, rather, more likely that he made this radical statement in order to ease pressure from even more extreme Jew-haters within the Nazi Party. He also knew that this would serve an excellent propaganda purpose internationally, and might even drive more Jews out of Germany in fear of their lives. Subsequently, he repeated his threat about the “annihilation of the Jewish race in Europe” several times in the years that followed, on some occasions during the war years, even misdating the speech as having occurred on September 1, 1939 – the date on which Germany invaded Poland, thereby linking the invasion directly to the reason for why the conflict was being fought. Indeed, the war would eventually mark a transition in Nazi policies toward Jews, and lead inexorably toward genocide. But the Final Solution did not really get under way until the summer of 1941, when the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union. In early 1939, when Hitler made his speech, his regime still hoped the Jews of Germany would emigrate. He was not interested at this time in murdering the Jews of Germany (much less, of all of Europe or the world), just in removing them from Germany. This, of course, was to change, as we all know to our eternal grief. In the end, however, while Hitler’s address to the Reichstag in January 1939 might have been a simple case of extreme rhetoric, what it did in reality was encourage Nazi Party radicals who now felt empowered to proceed with plans and ideas that in due course resulted in giving concrete form to Hitler’s rhetoric. The bottom line must be that words matter, and that those who are hearing them are often just as important (if not more important) than those uttering them. The Holocaust did not start in January 1939, but the preconditions leading to it, tragically, received a huge boost at that time. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History and the Dir. of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. He can be reached at pbartrop@fgcu.edu.

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January 2019

21A

Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old

Is it me or are restaurants getting louder?

peed fromBy Rabbi Barbara Aiello uireo, I don’t want to go there. rah” And not there either! How es on about we forget the resthe taurant and just eat at home!” Elaine trian just looked at 19); her husband and Britshook her head. ude“Lenny, what’s a to wrong. Eating mber out was someampthing we always man enjoyed, Now I their need a crowbar to get you to go took Rabbi Barbara Aiello to a restaurant.” hstag Lenny paced around the living iniroom and finally spoke up. “Elaine,” k the he said. “It’s the noise. It seems that sion nowadays every restaurant is so loud. exAnd it’s not music. It’s clanking and combanging and voices that carry. We sit wry. at a little table, right across from each ually other and we can’t even hear our own f he conversation. Eating out isn’t for us w it old folks. Restaurants today are for a kely younger crowd.” nt in Lenny’s lament isn’t limited to the more older generation. And the noisy restauNazi rant complaint doesn’t apply only to ould hearing-aid users who have difficulty pose adjusting the mechanism to accomdrive modate ambient noise. No, according ar of to a lengthy piece in the November 27, 2018, edition of The Atlantic (“How his Restaurants Got So Loud”), journalist the Kate Wagner reports that the noise levimes el in American restaurants is appreciaome bly higher – to the detriment of patrons even and staff alike. ocArmed with a calibrated decibel date meter, Wagner tested the noise level in and, a variety of different restaurants, from ly to s be-

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coffee shops to fine dining, and what she found corroborates the complaint voiced by many diners. Restaurants are just too loud. So loud, in fact, that conversations are impossible and a migraine should be a menu item. Wagner says, “Noise levels become harmful to human hearing above 85 decibels,” and she reports that restaurants from Baltimore to New York City were often louder than this 85-decibel safety level. Wagner found decibel levels hitting 86 at a brunch in a food court and she recorded 90 decibels at a pub during a Friday afternoon happy hour. So what accounts for the change from quiet to noisy that characterizes so many restaurants? Wagner (whose resume includes architecture and design experience) explains that the cultural shift from formal to casual dining is to blame. As recently as 30 years ago, dining was more elegant – soft music played in dining rooms where lush carpeting, brocade draperies and upholstered chairs were not only elegant but, maybe more important, these design elements worked together to absorb sound. Wagner writes that today, “Restaurants are so loud because architects don’t design them to be quiet. Much of this shift in design boils down to changing conceptions of what makes a space seem upscale or luxurious, as well as evolving trends in food service. Right now, high-end surfaces connote luxury, such as the slate and wood.” Wagner writes, that in addition, many upscale eateries feature a preponderance of stainless steel, exposed ceilings, and kitchens open to the dining room where patrons can watch their

food as it is prepared. Wagner goes on to say that, “These design features are a feast for the eyes, but a nightmare for the ears.” She adds, “A room full of hard surfaces serves as a big sonic mirror, reflecting sound around the room. The result is a loud space that renders speech unintelligible.” If the increase in restaurant decibel level is bad for one’s hearing, the cultural effects are equally detrimental. According to Wagner, “Noise also degrades the thing that eating out is meant to enhance – culture: a shared social experience that rejuvenates, rather than harms, its participants.” Is it any wonder that Lenny and many others like him are so upset. “I’ve been to Bar Mitzvah dinners and wedding receptions where I can’t hear myself think,” says Lenny, who faults the venue, and not the music, for creating such a negative experience. “We’re shouting across the table just to have a conversation. It’s so uncomfortable that I just don’t want to go.” Lenny is not alone. Restaurant patrons are lodging more complaints, and others, like Lenny, are staying home. So much so that businesses are noticing the downward trend. But getting back to what Lenny would call a more civilized dining experience is not happening to any great degree. Why? According to author and design expert Allison Perlman, loud restaurants

bring in more profit. In her book, Smart Casual: The Transformation of Gourmet Restaurant Style in America, Perlman goes on to say that it’s cheaper and easier to construct a restaurant interior out of hard surfaces – they’re easier to clean, repair and replace – while loud restaurants encourage the adrenalin rush that comes from eating quickly, drinking more alcohol and wolfing down desserts. For us Jews, the Book of Proverbs provides a guideline for the enjoyment of a meal when we read about the eating habits of righteous persons versus those who are wicked. “The righteous eat to satisfy their souls, but the stomach of the wicked still wants.” (13:25) What could be more soul-satisfying than eating a meal in a calm and tranquil venue? Or as Allison Perlman concludes, “I’m not calling for the return of stuffy, socially stratified fine dining…. Rather, I’d welcome a return of a more relaxed and serene dining experience, one in which I can hear my dinner companion, avoid drinking too much, and dodge a stress headache following an after-work drink.” I believe that Lenny would agree. For ten years Rabbi Barbara Aiello served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life as resident rabbi. Currently as Aviva’s Rabbi Emerita she shares her experiences on Aging Jewishly. Contact her at Rabbi@RabbiBarbara.com.

For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jfedsrq.org.

22A

January 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

Lora Tobias’ Stolpersteine By Sigmund Tobias

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ast summer, Lora Tobias, a Sarasota snowbird, accompanied by her family, returned to her former home in Schriesheim, a village near Heidelberg, Germany, to attend a ceremony placing Stolpersteine (tripping stones) in front of her former home. Stolpersteine, originated by Gunter Demnig, are brass plates inscribed with the names and life dates of victims of Nazi persecution or extermination intended as a permanent memorial that they once lived in a place. The picture accompanying this article shows the five Stolpersteine for Lora, her parents, grandfather and uncle. Lora’s short speech at the ceremony tells much of the story. “In the spring of 2018, I received an email from friends in Schriesheim inviting me to place five Stolpersteine in front of the house owned by my family for 98 years, from 1840 to 1938. My story begins 285 years ago when my ancestor, Baruch, received permission to settle in Schriesheim, which became my family’s home. Our home, sold in 1938, was shown to us during my family’s last visit to Schriesheim in 2009 by the grandson of the man who bought it before we fled from Germany. I did not think I would ever return to Schriesheim because I was aging and suffering from arthritis. This invitation arrived now that I am nine years older and still have arthritis yet remain active, though I move a little more carefully. I am pleased to take part in the Stolpersteine ceremony today. My great-grandfather, Loeb Oppenheimer, bought a huge 21-room house here in 1840, shortly before he

married Fanny Kraemer. They had nine children, every one of whom reached adulthood. My grandfather, Simon Oppenheimer, born in 1857, was the only child of Loeb to settle in the village. The others moved elsewhere but stayed in close touch. My grandfather and his wife Berta Emrich had four children, two boys and two girls. My mother Selma, born in 1896, told me many stories about her life here and her many friends. She married my father,

Ludwig Sussmann, in 1928 and I was born in 1929, the 10th generation of our family and the last Jewish child to be born in Schriesheim. We had a pleasant life here that ended after the Nuremberg Laws were passed, and overnight we were shunned by almost everyone. As a child of six, I could not understand how we, after living here for hundreds of years, suddenly became dangerous enemies of the state. Fortunately, we were able to leave and escape the horror of the

Stolp

Holocaust and the murder of six million fellow Jews. My uncle, Teddy Oppenheimer, helped us move to America, but not all of us could leave. My beloved uncle Ludwig was denied a visa because he was intellectually-challenged resulting from the meningitis he had as a child; the high temperatures of the disease left their mark on him. He was able to read and write and became my playmate, companion and protector from Hitler Jugend hooligans. Leaving Ludwig behind, to live in a nursing home, was the saddest day of my life. He was deported to the Gurs concentration camp in 1940 where he died of dysentery. I am the last person alive who remembers Ludwig, and am glad that his name will now always live in this village. Before leaving in 1938, my father and I took one last trip to Alsbach, where his family had lived for over 200 years, to say farewell to his mother and his youngest sister Johanna. His mother blessed us and gave us her prayer book as a parting gift to keep us safe. After selling what had been our family’s home for 98 years, we boarded the train to leave and passed Alsbach, where we saw my grandmother and aunt for the last time waving goodbye from the station platform. They fled to Holland after Kristallnacht and perished when German occupiers deported them to Sobibor in a cattle train. They are remembered by two Stolpersteine in Alsbach and we will see those continued on next page

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January 2019

JEWISH INTEREST Stolpersteine...continued from previous page thank the many Schriesheimers for stones before returning home. their efforts, and especially Gunter I could hardly wait to board the Demnig, for the Stolpersteine project, ship for America, where I heard that the and am pleased to return and recall our streets were paved with gold. I did not family’s past in this community.” find golden streets but learned that deLora was interviewed for televitermination, getting a good education sion and a five-minute excerpt of that and hard work create their own gold. interview was shown in southern GerMoving to America for safety and freemany. She was also interviewed for the dom was a dream come true. And after local radio station, and articles about living in that wonderful country for the her, with accompanying pictures, apnext 80 years, I am making, probably, peared prominently on two consecumy last return visit joined by my famtive days in the local newspaper. ily. The ceremony for setting the StolpMy grandfather died in America ersteine was memorable. Mayor Hoefthree months before his 100th birthday. fer gave a moving speech, attended by My mother built a successful interior perhaps 100 villagers, about honoring decorating business, and my father reformer residents who were persecuted sumed his profession as a leaf tobacby the Nazis. Students ranging from co expert. I became a teacher, then a elementary school to community colreading specialist, and finally a teacher lege participated, many of whom read trainer. My husband and our younger messages about the importance of daughter became professors, teaching, memory, tolerance and peace. A celdoing research that was published in list and flutist played several selections many scholarly articles and books. Our including Bruch’s “Kol Nidre,” and I older daughter is a successful consulwas asked to recite the mourners’ Kadtant to the world’s largest companies. dish. Especially moving was a chorus Our grandchildren Jessica and Daniel of early elementary school children, graduated from college and are starting none of whom was Jewish, serenadpromising careers. ing the group with “Hevenu Shalom I left the dark years of my youth Aleichem” in Hebrew. behind and built a happy and successful life in our new country. I want to

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23A

K’zohar Ha-Ivrit T’ver-yah – Tiberius By Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin

he year 2019 has entered our door. May it be a peaceful, healthy and happy year. As I try to do in the beginning of each year, I like to introduce a location of interest in Israel to visit and explore. This time let us travel north to the Kineret, the “Sea of Galilee,” and visit the lovely city of T’ver-yah (Tiberius). T’ver-yah is one of the oldest and holiest cities in Israel. The city was built on top Dr. Rachel Dulin of the ruins of an ancient town called Rakkat by Herod Agrippa, the son of the notorious king Herod. Rakkat, according to the Bible (Josh 19:35) and the Talmud (Megilah 5:2), was a fortified town in the territory of the tribe of Naphtali of biblical Israel, which controlled the road leading from the Kineret to the Mediterranean Sea. T’ver-yah’s building and fortification by the Romans ended 2,000 years ago, in the year 18 CE. A year later, a coin was minted here carrying the name Tiberius. Jews inhabited T’ve-ria throughout this time. According to the historian Josephus, he was the general who refortified T’ver-yah during the Jewish revolt in the year 66 CE. However, the Jews who lived here opened the Southern Gate, surrendering to the Roman army and, thereby, the city was spared destruction (Wars III). From the 2nd century on, the city became a center of Jewish life. The Jewish Sanhedrin was located here, parts of the Mishnah were edited here (early 3rd century CE) and the Yrushalayim Talmud originated and was compiled here (7th century CE). Also, it was here that the Mesorah, the traditional chanting of the Bible, originated. And, it was the grammarians of T’ver-yah

who formed the vocalization system of Hebrew for which the vocal signs are mainly placed at the bottom of the words, a format used to this day (10th century CE). With such a long and rich scholarly tradition, it is not surprising that Tveryah is considered one of the holiest cities in Israel. As for the etymology of the name T’ver-yah, the city was named in honor of the Roman emperor, Tiberius Claudius Nero, whose name was derived from the Tiber River. The name Tiber is based on the pre-Latin Celtic word dubr, meaning “water,” from which we also get the English name “Dover.” However, Jewish lore has a totally different explanation for the name. The Jewish source gives two different opinions as to the etymology of the name T’ver-yah. One connects the name to the noun taboor, meaning “middle,” pointing to the centrality of T’ver-yah to the Jewish community and its spiritual life. And the second is based on the combination of the two Hebrew words, tovah re-i-ya-tah, or “her view is lovely.” This is in reference to the beautiful geographical location of the city overlooking the Kineret (Megila 6:1). Today, T’ver-yah attracts many people to her shores, offering an exciting mixture of the old and new Israel. Here, one can visit the remnants of the ancient walls, Maimonides’ tomb and different synagogues as part of the city’s illustrious past. One can also join with many Israelis who come to T’ver-yah to enjoy swimming in the Kineret or bathing in the famous Chamai T’veryah, the “Hot Springs” of T’ve-ria. Enjoy your visit! 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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24A

January 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

Stars of David

Interested in Your Family’s History?

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. It’s Awards Season: The Golden Globes The Golden Globe Awards are being televised live this year on NBC, on Sunday, January 6 at 8:00 p.m. Sandra Oh and ANDY SAMBERG, 40, will host. The Globes are an imperfect predictor of the Oscars. But the Globes ceremony is often more fun than the Oscars equivalent. Below are the confirmed Jewish nominees and a number of non-nominated Jews connected to a nominated film or TV program. Film Categories No Jewish thespians were nominated for a leading actor/actress film role. TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET, 22, (Beautiful Boy) is up for the best supporting actor Globe, and RACHEL WEISZ, 48, (The Favourite) is a best supporting film actress nominee. Chalamet’s role was based on the reallife NIK SHEFF, now 36, who long battled drug addiction. Weisz played Lady Sarah Churchill. Sarah’s friend-

ship with Queen Anne of England (1665-1714) was historically important. Honorable mention: Adam Driver, who isn’t Jewish, got a supporting actor nomination for playing a Jewish police officer in BlacKkKlansman, and Melissa McCarthy, who isn’t Jewish, is up for a lead actress Globe for playing the late writer LEE ISRAEL, who was Jewish, in Can You Ever Forgive Me?. MARK RONSON, 33, is nominated for co-writing a best song nominee: “Shallow” from A Star is Born. Nominated for best original score are JUSTIN HURWITZ, 33, (First Man) and MARC SHAIMAN, 59, (Mary Poppins Returns). Hurwitz won two Oscars in 2017 for best score and best song (La La Land). Shaiman is best known for his score for the musical version of Hairspray. Brief musical references are made in the Poppins remake to the mega-hit score of the original 1964 Poppins film. RICHARD SHERMAN, 90, who wrote the ’64

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Nate Bloom (see column at left) has become a family history expert in 10 years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start with a limited search of one family line.

So here’s the deal:

Write Bloom at nteibloom@aol.com and enclose a phone number. Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out great for them. So contact him about this as well. score with his late brother, ROBERT, consulted on the new film. TV Categories Acting: SACHA BARON COHEN, 47, (Who is America?) and MICHAEL DOUGLAS, 74, (The Kominsky Method) vie for the Globe for best actor in a comedy. The varied characters Cohen plays frequently spoof real-life politicians, like former VP Dick Cheney. Douglas stars as Sandy Kominsky, an L.A. acting coach. Two Jewish actresses, ALISON BRIE, 35, (Glow) and DEBRA MESSING, 50, (Will & Grace) compete for best actress, TV comedy. ALAN ARKIN, 84, who plays the title character’s agent and best friend in The Kominsky Method, is up for best supporting actor. He competes with HENRY WINKLER, 73, Barry. ALEX BORSTEIN, 47, who plays the title character’s agent in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, is nominated for a best supporting actress Globe. Finally, PATRICIA ARQUETTE, 50, (Escape at Dannemora) whose late mother was Jewish, is up for best actress, mini-series/TV movie. Honorable mention: Rachel Brosnahan, who isn’t Jewish, got a lead actress nomination for playing the Jewish title character in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. “Best” Awards: Film and TV The Globes for best film and the best TV show are given to the show’s principal producers, of whom there are many. My practice is to note if a Jewish director or writer/creator is associated with that film or TV program. Two films nominated for best drama film were co-written by Jews: BlacKkKlansman (CHARLIE WACHTEL

and DAVID RABINOWITZ, both 31) and A Star is Born (ERIC ROTH, 73). Also: a best animated film nominee, Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse, was co-written by RODNEY ROTHMAN, 45ish. The Americans, created by JOE WEISBERG, 52, is up for best series, drama. It competes with the new Amazon series, Homecoming, which is based on a podcast written by ELI HOROWITZ, 41 and MICAH BLOOMBERG, 40ish. These two guys are also heavily involved in the TV series. These TV series compete with Pose, an FX drama series that explores several New York City sub-cultures as they existed in the ’80s. Pose was co-created by BRAD FALCHUK, 47, who recently wed GWYNETH PALTROW, 46. The best musical or comedy series nominees include The Good Place, a fantasy series created by MICHAEL SCHUR, 43 (whose father was Jewish); The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, co-created by AMY SHERMAN-PALLADINO, 52; and The Kominsky Method, created by CHUCK LORRE, 66. The nominees for best mini-series or TV movie include A Very English Scandal, a British series shown on Amazon. It was directed by STEPHEN FREARS, 77, a Brit. Scandal competes with Escape at Dannemora, which was directed by BEN STILLER, 53, and co-written by JERRY STAHL, 64, and MICHAEL TOLKIN, 68. Stahl wrote a memoir about being a drugaddicted writer which was turned into the dramatic 1998 film, Permanent Midnight, in which Stiller starred. That film, and getting clean for good, saved Stahl’s life and career.

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

January 2019

25A

11 ways to survive an Israeli wedding

Follow these tips, and you’re bound to be the life of the party – or at least enjoy the party of a lifetime – as only Israelis know how to do. By Jessica Halfin

o, you’ve gotten an invite to your first Israeli wedding. Mazel tov, you’re about to take part in an extraordinary simcha (joyous occasion) and a brand-new kind of wedding experience! If you’re wondering what to expect as an honored guest, we’ve laid it all out for you, with our 11 tips for not only surviving an Israeli wedding but living it up to the fullest. Follow these tips, and you’re bound to be the life of the party – or at least enjoy the party of a lifetime – as only Israelis know how to do. Come HUNGRY And we mean hungry with a capital H. Forget a measly portioned sitdown dinner, and appetizers that fit

like chipping in and helping the happy couple pay for the grossly expensive party, than giving a personal gift toward their future. But there’s no need to buy a fancy Hallmark card. It’s totally mikubal (socially accepted) to take an envelope provided at the entryway (you know, the one with the logo of the venue on it), write your message and stick your cash or check inside. Drop your envelope in the adjacent lock box, and you’re good to go! Be prepared to see the bride (and groom!) before the ceremony Forget any wedding superstitions you may be familiar with. Except for religious couples, Israeli brides and grooms often pose for wedding photos in the afternoon before the ceremony. That means they won’t miss any of the post-chuppah reception, maximizing their dance and party time. Many brides and grooms also show up during appetizers to greet guests, because who doesn’t want to enjoy every part of their own wedA bride and groom prepare for taking portraits prior to their wedding, in the center of Tel Aviv (photo by FLASH90) ding? on a toothpick. Israelis go all out at Prepare for the traditional their wedding celebrations: an entire to meet the untraditional dinner-like buffet of appetizers with It may sound confusing, but when it drinks before the ceremony even starts, comes to Israeli weddings, it’s perfectfollowed by a full sit-down dinner inly normal for a secular couple to have a cluding meal-sized formal appetizer, Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) rabbi lead the salads, main course and dessert. ceremony. Alternatively, it’s common If you love to dance, filling up on for religious Israelis to rock out to Jewthe first round might be your best bet to ish house or techno music during their allow you to get down post-ceremony wedding party. without feeling any hunger pains. Religious couples may request that Get out your checkbook you abide by a modest dress code and and ditch the card their weddings often have gender-sepaThe logic behind this annoying ritual rated dancing (and sometimes dining). is that you are symbolically paying for But you never know what to expect. your meal. Israelis don’t have the same With Israeli millennials you can count tradition that Western countries have on all kinds of wacky surprises, for where the family of the bride pays for instance a formal ceremony followed the wedding, so your present is more by a pool party at a villa – keeping it

traditional yet casual at the same time. Pucker up, and if you’re not a germophobe, drink from the communal cup Don’t be startled – as soon as the groom smashes the glass and the ceremony ends, it’s not uncommon for the DJ to play a popular modern Israeli song at brain-smashing volume. Simultaneously, you might find yourself trampled by the wave of guests rushing up to the chuppah to kiss the newly married couple. Go with the flow and get ready to kiss someone who’s just been kissed by 600 friends and relatives (get a jump on the crowd, and you could be No. 5 instead of 500). And only for the truly brave: Take a sip from the ceremonial wine cup that the bride, groom and immediate family drank out of during the wedding ceremony. It’s considered good luck! Give your feet a breather and loosen your tie Some may dress to the nines for an Israeli wedding, but it’s also totally cool to dress in, well, whatever you want. It’s not uncommon to see one person in a cocktail dress with heels, and another in shorts and flip-flops. Many Israeli grooms don’t even wear a tie or a suit jacket. We suggest leaving your stilettos

at home (we’re not exaggerating when we say your Havianas will do), or at the very least, bringing along your flipflops for the dancing. By the same token, loosening your tie, or maybe just leaving it at home altogether, will help you fit in with the crowd and make you feel more comfortable for the happy occasion. Leave your sweet tooth at home More often than not, there is no wedding cake at Israeli weddings – gasp! This is partly because kosher wedding venues and meat-based meals usually mean a spread of pareve (non-milkbased) desserts instead of a buttery cake. It’s also because what many Westerners think of as the best part of a wedding just isn’t a custom here. Stick it in the category with other things you might miss at an Israeli wedding, including a bridal party in awkward bridesmaid dresses, and a father-daughter dance. But in the end, all of these missing elements just allow for more fun time for guests, and less ceremony. Get your tears out during the chuppah, where it really counts. Get ready to imbibe and leave your cash at home Israeli weddings can feel more like a club than a family event – if clubs had continued on next page

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26A

January 2019

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Israeli wedding...continued from previous page an open bar and no last call. Drinks and pop them in when it becomes too are typically served all night, free of much, or else enjoy the ringing in your charge, and you might even get bottles ears for a full day afterwards. of soda, wine and maybe even vodka Work on your dance moves on the table, allowing you to relax and Yea, we already mentioned it a million feel like a guest instead of a paying times, but it’s hard to overlook the fact customer lining up to buy a wateredthat Israeli weddings are all about the down drink. dancing. Best brush up on your dance Just make sure you have a desigmoves before the big day, and we nated driver to help you get home safearen’t talking about the Electric Slide ly at the end of the night, which could kind. Learn some classic Israeli wedding songs, and perfect that perplexing go-to Israeli dance move that involves rocking out while alternating lifting your forearms up to chest level, palms open and exposed. Get your smile on Israeli weddings are big happy family afIsraeli wedding reception (photo by Ariel Ravinsky/FLASH90) fairs. You won’t find end up being quite late (Israeli wedthe phrase “no children allowed” on an dings typically take place on weekIsraeli wedding invitation (which, by nights after work). the way, is customarily handed out or Buy some ear plugs WhatsApped only a few weeks or days So we said that Israeli weddings are before the marriage). like clubs, but I bet you didn’t think we So get your smile on. If Israelis do meant literally. Think again! It seems one thing well it’s unabashedly showlike an Israeli rite of passage to have ing their genuine happiness for their wedding music so loud and so techno/ friends and family. Be prepared for a house/dance oriented, that Grandma lot of smiles, laughs and good vibes. might need to be treated for PTSD afAnd say “cheese” for the photo magnet terwards. souvenir you’ll take home! It’s not uncommon to see a baby Jessica Halfin is an American immior two as well, sleeping peacefully ungrant who arrived in Israel in 2006. der a wall of high-volume white noise, She is an Israeli-trained baker, gouroften equipped with highly effective met cook, food and culture writer, and earplugs. Carry a pair in your pocket gives foodie tours to tourists in Haifa.

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BRIEFS ISRAEL HIGH SCHOOL DEBATE TEAM WINS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Israel’s national high school debate team won the EurOpen debate competition in Stuttgart, Germany, marking the first win for Israel in the competition. The Israeli team outperformed 37 of the best debate teams in the world, including those of Germany, China and the U.S. They were unbeaten throughout all 12 rounds – a rare achievement in debate, and even more so for a team comprised of non-native English speakers. (Tamar Beeri, Jerusalem Post)

GROWING UP IN A COMMUNITY NEAR GAZA, TRAUMA REMAINS WITH YOU FOR YOUR ENTIRE LIFE

The youth of the Gaza envelope – the area surrounding Israel’s border with Gaza – have lived with 18 years of rockets and eight months of kite and balloon arson. Shaked Rinek, 17, from Kibbutz Nir Am, sent me the following description of the life that she and her friends and neighbors are living: Living here is something that remains with you for your entire life, because it’s simply impossible to forget past traumas. I have a fear of bunk-beds, because when you are in third grade and you fall out of bed in

the middle of the night because you missed the ladder due to your panic from the Red Alert siren, it’s traumatic. When you can’t bear to hear loudspeaker announcements, the sound of moving chairs, the roar of a nearby plane, megaphones, car engines or any sudden loud noise, that’s also from trauma. Going to sleep on a mattress on the floor of a security room is traumatic. Running in a sprint at speeds you did not know you had. Traumatic. Seeing Grandma and Grandpa struggling to reach the security room on time is traumatic. This is my life and the life of everyone who lives in the Gaza envelope. I know that we deserve for the situation here to be different. (Sivan Rahav Meir, Times of Israel)

WIDESPREAD ANTISEMITISM HAS SUPPRESSED JEWISH LIFE IN EUROPE

CNN released a sweeping survey of European attitudes toward Jews, essentially finding that 1/4 of respondents espoused textbook anti-Semitic views. Moreover, 34% said they knew “little or nothing” about the Holocaust. These numbers are bad enough on their own. But they do not paint the whole picture, which is substantially worse for European Jews and Jewish life. As a result, shocking numbers of European Jews conceal their Jewishcontinued on next page

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BRIEFS continued from previous page ness in public, and many have left Europe entirely. In 2013, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights conducted its own survey of European anti-Semitism. Nearly 40% of European Jews said they feared to openly identify as Jewish, including 60% of Swedish Jews, 51% of French Jews and 45% of Belgian Jews. A new survey found that 43% of Dutch Jews hide their Jewish identity. Anyone who has ever been to Europe knows that synagogues are frequently unmarked and typically encased within extraordinary layers of security, as compared with their North American counterparts. In other words, anti-Semitism has had a massive chilling effect on Jewish life in Europe, beyond the numbers of actual anti-Semites. None of this is to say that there isn’t vibrant Jewish life across Europe today. But the existence and resistance of proud Jewish communities should not blind us to the sobering long-term effects of that anti-Semitism. (Yair Rosenberg Tablet)

ISRAEL INTRODUCES NEW FARMING AND WATER TECHNOLOGY TO HANOI

The Israeli embassy has introduced new technology in Hanoi. The “vertical rice field” was developed by Israel-based Vertical Field, which designs and builds modular, lush, green vertical gardens and fields. An exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-Israel diplomatic relations featured a vertical rice field covering 100 square meters that combined the deployment of soil-based technology for water conservation and plant nutrition. Also displayed was Israeli technology developed by Watergen that provides a low-cost, abundant and renewable source of fresh and clean drinking water by extracting it directly from the atmosphere. (Vietnam News)

ual conflict, and a seven-fold increase in its population including a large and diverse immigrant base, these findings may come as a surprise. One answer is a “Mediterranean diet” high in fruit, vegetables and fish. Another is low alcohol consumption. Another quite important reason is the close family structure in Israel. But probably the single most important factor is the Israeli health care system. All its citizens receive health care services regardless of income or pre-existing health conditions. Yet Israel spends just 7.4% percent of its GDP on healthcare, compared to the U.S., which spends about 18% of its GDP while still leaving out large numbers of people. All Israeli residents are covered by one of four major health funds. Excellent public hospital care is available equally to all sectors of society. Costs are kept down through a combination of government controls, purchasing power by the health funds, incentives and competition. Israelis, who are known to complain about much, usually are complimentary about their health care. And with many now living well into their 80s, they should be. (Prof. Rafael A. Beyar, Times of Israel)

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY LAUNCHES SCATHING ATTACK ON ANTI-SEMITISM

Prime Minister Theresa May launched a scathing attack on anti-Semitism at the Sara Conference on gendered antiSemitism on November 26. “I have no continued on next page

WHY ISRAELIS LIVE LONGER

Israel is among the top countries in longevity with an average lifespan of 82.5 years as of 2016. Other countries on the longevity list – Canada, Sweden, Italy and Japan – are tranquil, wealthy and at peace. But for Israel, confronted over its 70-year history with war and perpet-

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PROGRESS WITHOUT PEACE IN THE ISRAELIARAB CONFLICT

The most significant period of IsraeliArab de facto cooperation since the last real peace process, in the 1990s, is now taking place without one. The Netanyahu government is reversing the notion that only peace with the Palestinians can ensure Israel’s acceptance in the Arab world. The Arab street may still oppose Israel, but Arab leaders clearly don’t. The extent of Israeli contacts both above and below the table are impressive. On Sunday, October 28, Sports and Culture Minister Miri Regev became the first senior Israeli official to visit Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The same day, the Israeli national anthem played when the Israeli judo team won a gold medal at the International Judo Federation’s Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi. Next week, Intelligence and Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz will visit Oman and Communications Minister Ayoub Kara will visit Abu Dhabi. An Israeli gymnastics team is also currently competing in Qatar. The Arab world’s new openness to Israel is driven in part by increasing impatience and annoyance with the Palestinians. The Saudis and Egyptians are frustrated with a weak Mahmoud Abbas and worried about Hamas. Add to this the Arab states’ fear of Iran and Sunni jihadists, and a desire to please the U.S. – and suddenly it’s obvious that Israel and its neighbors are bound by common interests. (Aaron David Miller and Hillel Zand, The Atlantic)

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would never consider themselves to be racist, including within the women’s rights movement itself. Some Jewish women have been told that they’re not ‘real’ feminists unless they publicly disavow Israel’s right to exist or beenBy R thrown off pride marches for flying rainbow flags that feature the Star of David.” May said her government was “removing all hiding places for antiSemitism, becoming the first government in the world to adopt the [International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance] IHRA’s working definition – and all its examples.... Freedom of thought and freedom of speech have never meant freedom to abuse and freedom to threaten. Anti-Semitism and misogyny have no place in this country.” (Joe Millis, Jewish News UK)

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From the Bimah Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz Chabad of Sarasota

he Jewish holiday we are about to celebrate is Tu B’shvat, the New Year for the trees. In Jewish tradition, man is compared to trees, as the Torah tells us (Deuteronomy 20:19), “For a man is like a tree.” What can we learn from trees? There are three components that make up a tree: roots, tree trunk and the fruits. Each of the three elements is essential for the life and purpose of the tree. The roots provide the growth and sustenance of the tree; the trunk branches and leaves create the fruits and protect them from the elements; and the fruits are the purpose for which the tree was planted in the first place. If we compare man to the trees, we should find the same three components within man. The roots represent our ancestors and the life lessons they left for us. Our forefathers’ lives are enumerated in the Torah, as well as in our tradition. They are the roots on which our life should be based. Just as the roots constantly

provide sustenance to the tree so does our Torah. We must study and find answers for all our day-to-day dilemmas. The trunk, branches and leaves represent the mitzvot (good deeds). Just as the leaves and branches protect the fruit and enable it to grow into maturity, so are G-d’s commandments. Following the mitzvot, they create a healthy lifestyle, a purposeful life in which we improve ourselves and the lives of people around us. Just as the branches are created for something else, namely, the fruits, so are the mitzvot given to us so that we refine G-d’s universe, all the people we meet and our neshama (soul). The ultimate purpose of a tree is its fruits. The fruits benefit man in a greater way than other parts of the tree, and carry seeds which have the power to recreate more trees. In man’s life, the fruits are represented in one’s family and children. When one strives to raise children who will be able to one day live as good a life as he himself leads, he becomes a fruit-bearing tree. As Tu B’shvat is here, let us take lessons from the trees, and realize that trees don’t retire. Never. They carry their mission for which they were created for forever. So too with us, we must continue studying Torah, following G-d’s commandments and impacting our surroundings – our immediate family members, and extended surroundings as well. Happy Tu B’shvat!

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burial societies throughout the world gather to learn and socialize on or around this date. Participation in a chevra kadisha is considered especially laudable since many are squeamish about taking on this responsibility. But, just as those who serve in this role tender great respect to our dead, so too do they merit great respect from us. When his father-in-law died during a visit to Jerusalem, eminent Jewish scholar Dr. Jacob Neusner wrote movingly of the chevra kadisha that handled the arrangements. “Those beautiful Jews showed me more of what it means to be a Jew, of what Torah stands for, than all the books I ever read. They tended the corpse gently and reverently, yet did not pretend it was other than a corpse.” While leaving us bereft, death also binds us. Extended family members who may not have seen each for decades will often make sure to be present for a relative’s funeral. Even more so is this bond experienced by individuals in a chevra kadisha who are entrusted to ready loved ones for burial. Close awareness of the stark realities of death imparts insight and wisdom. From my perspective, Judaism does not seek to mystify death, to suggest it is not what it appears and that an even better eternal life follows. This recognition is what spurs us to seize the days we have been allotted with profound appreciation, possibility and industriousness. No matter what kind of Jew we consider ourselves to be, we have all been informed and bound for millennia by this pervading comprehension of life’s preciousness in view of death’s finality. It is reflected in our moral urgency, creativity, empathy and even humor. In many respects, it is what defines us as Jews and, therefore, is at the heart of our collective being and precious legacy as a people. Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz serves as a Community Chaplain and Director of JFCS’s Jewish Healing Program, a partnership between The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and JFCS of the Suncoast.

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ome may recall a remarkable exhibition, The Precious Legacy: Judaic Treasures from the Czechoslovak State Collections, that attracted record crowds during a U.S. tour in 1983-85. The 400 objects on display represented only a small percentage of the collections’ thousands of paintings, ritual objects, Torah scrolls, silver and other items from 12th to 20th century Central Europe. Confiscated by the Nazis, they Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz were warehoused in Prague where Hitler is said to have conceived of a museum showcasing an annihilated people. Though much of the collections survived World War II, they remained under wraps well into the Soviet era. I viewed the The Precious Legacy in San Diego. Thirty-four years later, one particular aspect remains firmly etched in my mind, a dining table laden with finely detailed plates, silverware, soup tureens and gravy boats. Assuming the resplendent tableau had been the property of a wealthy family, I was stunned to read an accompanying information panel that it actually belonged to Prague’s chevra kadisha (burial society). In addition to preparing departed ones for internment by performing tahara, a washing/purification of the body, members of this sacred group also, apparently, spent significant time socializing together. According to legend, Moses died on the 7th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. The Torah states: “And he buried him in the valley.” (Deuteronomy 34:6). The preeminent Bible commentator, Rashi, explained the verse refers to God burying Moses. Since God seemed to have been taking care of the dead himself that day, a tradition grew for chevra kadisha members to use Adar 7 to fast (as an act of atonement for any disrespect members may have shown to the deceased), study texts related to their activity, and subsequently share an elaborate meal. The custom continues today as Jewish

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After Pittsburgh, after Jeffersontown – what are we to do?

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By Rabbi Howard A. Simon

t was of the worst, most hateto do about it? In the words of Malcolm ful, most heartbreaking weeks in Graham, a former North Carolina state American history. An anti-Semite senator, “We need to hold ourselves hater of Jews entered a synagogue on accountable as citizens of this country. Shabbat and murdered 11 people. A We need to hold our elected officials racist American tried to enaccountable for what they ter a church where African say and what they do – Americans prayed, found and what they do not do. the door locked, went to And we must prosecute a nearby Kroger market people to the fullest exand murdered two African tent of the law when they Americans. An anti-Semite break it.” and hater of liberal people Memorials placed at sent 15 bombs to diverse the Tree of Life synapeople and places, blaming gogue will not solve the all for the problems he beproblem. Prayers offered Rabbi Howard A. Simon lieved plague our country. for the two people killed at All-consuming hatred – and the ofa supermarket will not solve the probten fatal consequences that follow from lem. We must do more. We must care this hatred – is more visible than ever more. We need to talk to each other. in the United States. Such is the reality We need to reach out to our neighbors we live with today. What are we going and ask each other how we can make

our country better. We need to stand together – Jew, Christian, Muslim, white, black, brown, Native American, immigrant and those who want to become citizens of our country. We need to reach out a hand in friendship, to fight hatred and bigotry with kindness and respect. We must work together to make the biblical promise a reality: “Everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.” Hatred must not prevail. Respect for every man, woman and child, regardless of who they are, where they live or how they worship, must be respected by one and all, or hatred will win the day. Enough of death. It’s time to cherish life. Enough of hatred. It’s

time to believe in and abide by the laws of our land, which are written to protect every human being in our country. What are we to do? Believe in one another, work together, trust each other and then follow this time-honored maxim: “Love your neighbor as thyself.” Believe, trust and let us all build together. Rabbi Howard A. Simon is the founding chair of the Robert and Esther Heller Community Relations Committee, formerly known as the Heller IAI. Rabbi Howard A. Simon is the founding chair of the Robert and Esther Heller Community Relations Committee, formerly known as the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative.

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Tu B’Shevat and the 10 Human Plagues

Education Corner

By Steve Weintraub

ight after Tu B’Shevat this year, 10 high school students from Temple Sinai will have the amazing opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., for the L’Taken Program. Sponsored by the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, students from across the United States are brought together to learn about important contemporary issues of today. Students choose from among topics based on the princiuld ples of tikkun olam, repairing the world, ers which they learn more about during its the weekend and write a position paper that they present directly to our legislators at the end of the weekend. In a Tu B’Shevat Seder from the Religious Action Center, they list 10 Human Plagues, and for me, that ties many things together. Among the plagues are climate change, deforestation, acid rain and water pollution. The Seder begins with Four Questions. The first is, “Of all of God’s creation, why does this holiday honor trees specifically?” The answer is that trees are a tangible symbol of our investment in the future. Because trees take so long to grow, planting them is

the most selfless act one can make for posterity. Honoring trees honors the investment of our ancestors and reminds us of our obligations to our children. The fourth question is, “Why, today, do we remember the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship?” The response to this is that, when we take our precious resources for granted, we overlook their value in our lives, and we overlook their necessity for the future. It goes on to say, “Tu B’Shevat is a time to remind us of the importance of completing God’s work in the world, the holiest of deeds.” To make the world a better place, we have to do two basic things. First, we must teach our children the value of respecting nature, its gifts and the beauty that we have been given. Second, we must ensure that we do everything we can to leave the world a better place for generations to come. We’ve probably all seen the recent reports on climate change and how its effects are predicted to be worse than we initially thought. Deforestation not only robs us of the trees, but also robs animals of their habitats. Acid rain and water pollution threaten not only our health, but the health of the trees and all they provide for us. By teaching our children in both word and deed, we can be a force of change. It is our hope that through participating in programs like L’Taken and the learning that we provide in our classrooms and in our homes, our students will grow to be future leaders to help us build a world that their children will look at with awe, reverence and respect…a world filled with trees and fruit and beauty for all. Steve Weintraub is the Director of Youth and Adult Learning at Temple Sinai in Sarasota.

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CTeen Sarasota response to anti-Semitism This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

n the weeks following the shooting our CTeen chapter for the victims. at Tree of Life synagogue, many “It’s important for the teens to people found themselves at a loss, grapple with and understand that their wondering how to begin coping with voices must be heard, and that they the aftermath of the deadliest anti-Secannot remain silent in the face of tragmitic attack in Jewish-American hisedy,” shared Ella Steinmetz, Director tory. The deep darkness of the situation of CTeen Sarasota. was made more painful by the way the The victims’ families received endvictims were murdered while praying less outpourings of support in the form in synagogue on Saturday morning. of mitzvot – good deeds – taken on by Hundreds of Jewish teens – memthe teens in honor of their loved ones. bers of CTeen, the Chabad Teen NetCTeen creates a nurturing environwork – answered the call of duty, ment where giving to others encourjoining together to face and dispel the ages self-discovery. Teens develop darkness by taking on acts of kindness awareness and confidence while conin honor of the victims. necting with individuals sharing simiMembers of CTeen in Sarasota lar experiences and beliefs, becoming participated in a workshop on antiSemitism and took on mitzvot honoring the lives and legacies of the victims of the senseless attack. Additionally, they incorporated the event into their recent TGIS regional Shabbaton in Florida. Hundreds of teens took part in a “30 Minutes of Unity” campaign, completAlisa, Shaina, Jakob and Shaiel of CTeen Sarasota proudly show off ing a 24-hour cycle their mitzvah pledges in honor of the Pittsburgh victims an integral part of a group that focuses of learning in memory of the victims. on building core values and stresses Their response to the tragedy ignited an positive character development. CTeen international outpouring of love from is open to Jewish teens regardless of afParis, France, to Sydney, Australia, all filiation. the way through the United States. For more information, please con“Judaism teaches us that a little tact Ella Steinmetz at 941.928.2220 light dispels a lot of darkness,” shared or ella@chabadofsarasota.com, or visit Evabella Serebro, 16, of Sarasota. “I sarasotachabad.com/cteen. never thought much about this until we started planning a memorial service at

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January 2019

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Join young families at “Strawberry Fields Shabbat” This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

oung Jewish and interfaith families are warmly invited to spend Shabbat in the strawberry fields at “Strawberry Fields Shabbat” on Saturday, February 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Hunsader Farms. A very special opportunity to celebrate Shabbat, the blessings of nature and, of course, the taste of fresh-picked strawberries, “Strawberry Fields Shabbat” is proudly presented by Temple Emanu-El in partnership with The Jewish Federation

of Sarasota-Manatee and PJ Library. This wonderful morning will begin with socializing with old and new friends as children explore the playground area and feed the animals in the newly-enhanced petting zoo. After playtime (and generous spritzes of hand sanitizer!), families will participate in an age-appropriate outdoor Shabbat worship experience, featuring songs, blessings, movement, and a story with Temple Emanu-El Asso-

Nathaniel, Neil, Alexandra and Rachel Marcus enjoyed family time at last year’s “Strawberry Fields Shabbat”

ciate Rabbi Michael Shefrin. Families are then invited to unpack and enjoy their brown-bag lunches – then head to the strawberry fields to pick delicious strawberries for dessert. (We’ll treat every family to their first pint!) The morning will finish up with mini ice cream cups for all the little ones. Although this special event is designed especially for families with children up to age 6, older kids are also warmly invited.

Katie and Nicole Silverstein got ready to feed the farm animals at last year’s “Strawberry Fields Shabbat”

Spaces are limited for “Strawberry Fields Shabbat,” and early registration is encouraged. Please reserve your family’s spot at jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, call Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997. We look forward to celebrating Shabbat with you in the strawberry fields!

Sophia and Sasha had fun together at last year’s “Strawberry Fields Shabbat”

Temple Sinai grades K-2 Family Mitzvah and Fun Day

By Gail Glickman

emple Sinai’s Religious School held a fun and educational program for students in grades K-2 and their families on Sunday, November 11. All who attended enjoyed the interactive program called “Nighty Night, Sleep Tight: Jewish Bedtime Rituals – It’s a Havdalah Pajama Party!” Wearing their pajamas, the children came together to celebrate Havdalah, share bedtime rituals and discover ways to make bedtime a special time, a Jewish time. Children, parents and grandparents learned about Havdalah and the ritual items used. They were introduced to how Havdalah, which means “separation,” is a very special ritual on Saturday evening when Shabbat ends – that we remember the specialness of Shabbat and how it is different from

the rest of the week. They made wine cups decorated with jewels, pipe cleaners and stickies, the wine symbolizing the sweet Shabbat. Spices were made with tangerines and cloves to be shared as Shabbat ends. Braided Havdalah

candles were used for the Havdalah service. The flame goes out as Shabbat ends. The teachers, children and their families sang the Havdalah blessings, and the children heard a wonderful bedtime Shema story while having cookies and milk. Using their creative talents, the children made extraordinary Shema

pillowcases to remind them to say the Shema every night. They were taught that saying the Shema at bedtime can help them feel safe at night and gives them comfort knowing that God is near. The program included a mitzvah project bringing new pajamas and books to donate to children in need.

Gideon Hersh and Ethan Friedman with their Shema pillowcase

Family Fun Day Madrichim, Religious School helpers

Family Fun Day group enjoying night time

Your New Best Friend is Waiting!

SPONSORED BY

HOSTED BY

2019 The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, in partnership with local philanthropists, helps Jewish children from Sarasota and Manatee counties attend not-for-profit camps.

For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org. Application window November 1, 2018 APPLY AT opens JFEDSRQ.org/Camp

January 2019

LIFE CYCLE ANNIVERSARIES

60th Walter & Carole Ulin Temple Emanu-El 55th Peggy & Stephen Simon Temple Beth Sholom 25th Carole & Fred Gorin Temple Sinai 25th Esther Abramson-Krut & Leib Krut Temple Beth Sholom

15th Melissa & Michael Werbow Temple Beth Sholom 5th Denise Cotler & Jon Herz-Midler Temple Emanu-El 5th Charles & Shannon Greenblott Temple Emanu-El

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

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Sarasota-Manatee Chevra Kadisha TAHARA

jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Photos are appreciated; email as JPGs at 300ppi.

BAT MITZVAH

Claire Opal-Levine, daughter of Allison and Marc, January 12, Temple Emanu-El

IN MEMORIAM

Stephen Baseman, 81 of Sarasota, formerly of Southport, ME, November 16 Greg Carlson, 58 of Sarasota, formerly of Boston, MA, November 17 William Glasberg, 90 of Sarasota, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, October 26 Jerome Goldstein, 93 of Sarasota, formerly of Buffalo, NY, October 29 Carol T. Klionsky, 78 of Sarasota, formerly of Grand Rapids, MI, November 20 Stanley Lipkins, 78 of Bradenton, November 13 Lillian Marion, 96 of Venice, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, October 30 Leonard Nathanson, 94 of Sarasota, formerly of Allentown, PA, November 3 Betty Rosen, 91 of Bedford, MA, formerly of Sarasota, October 13 Barbara Sackler, 77 of Lakewood Ranch, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, October 23 Dr. Howard Simon, 78 of Sarasota, formerly of Highland Park, IL, October 27 Dorothy Stevens, of Sarasota, formerly of Cincinnati, OH, November 12 Phyllis Stoltz, 86 of Venice, formerly of Hartford, CT, October 31

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ConneCt with your Jewish Community facebook.com/jfedsrq STAY CONNECTED

ROBERT TOALE & SONS,

Welcome to the Dignity Memorial® family. is pleased to welcome Robert Toale, Debbie Toale and their sons, Jason and Jeff, to our family of firms in Sarasota and Manatee County. As proud members of North America’s largest network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers, the Toale family will continue their commitment to serving families with personal, compassionate care.

THE DIGNITY MEMORIAL NETWORK

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In honor of the Toales and in recognition of their longstanding dedication to the Sarasota and Bradenton area communities, three local funeral homes will be renamed to reflect this change in leadership, and two of the funeral homes will undergo renovations to better serve our community with beautiful new facilities and enhanced capabilities. Rely on the Toale family and your local Dignity Memorial professionals to help you and your loved ones celebrate each life like no other.

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The Jewish News is also available online. Visit The Jewish News page at www.jfedsrq.org and you’ll be just one click away!

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January 2019

build. advocate. remember. support. Robert and Esther Heller

CRC

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

^ ^ ^ ^

Builds Bridges Advocates through Government Affairs

Remembers the Holocaust Supports Hillel

Government Affairs Meetings with elected officials are increasingly important as we see support for Israel eroding around the world. Advocating for Jewish interests starts locally and often goes to Washington D.C. You can count on the Heller CRC when it matters most, from advocating in our local school systems to championing national bills.

Holocaust Heller CRC assists school teachers, synagogues and churches as well as local libraries to “Never Forget.” The Holocaust Speakers Bureau brings personal stories told by survivors themselves to school children and adults alike, leaving lasting memories for those who hear them. Such stories generate change, creating upstanders not bystanders.

#NeverForget

#NeverAgain

Bridges We build bridges between people by visiting synagogues, churches and civic groups to make presentations about Israel, anti-Semitism and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS). In addition, we send clergy and community leaders on missions to Israel to experience and learn about the land while forging friendships that deepen and continue back home in SarasotaManatee.

Hillel

Hillel is the “Jewish Home Away from Home” for Jewish students in college. Your CRC and Federation support Gulf Coast Hillel in its pursuit to create meaningful and engaging holiday and educational programs on local college campuses.

HELLER CRC’S MISSION

To build relationships within the Jewish and non-Jewish communities and to advance common interests through education and advocacy.

Robert and Esther Heller

CRC

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

For more information contact Jessi Sheslow at 941.343-2109 or jsheslow@jfedsrq.org.

jfedsrq.org

Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS PUBLISHED BY

The Jewish Federation OF SARASOTA-MANATEE

THE LARRY GREENSPON FAMILY CAMPUS FOR JEWISH LIFE

January 2019 - Tevet/Shevat 5779

www.jfedsrq.org

Volume 49, Number 1

Jewish Happenings TUESDAY, JANUARY 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3

Inspirational Movie and Festive Brunch

Women of Sinai Catered Luncheon & Program

The Hope: The Rebirth of Israel celebrates the creation of the State of Israel from 19th century Jewish settlers to the Israeli Declaration of Independence in May 1948, ending 2,000 years of exile from the Jewish homeland. The ﬁlm examines this critical period in Jewish history through the eyes and actions of Zionist leaders such as Theodor Herzl, Chaim Weizmann, David Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir. Spend New Year’s Day at the movies along with a festive brunch. Join us at noon at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

The Women of Sinai’s catered luncheon will be followed by a fascinating talk by Temple Sinai member Sondra Ettlinger, presenting “The Difference Between a Tourist and a Traveler.” After 119 cruises, Sondra has developed a stimulating program of travel tips and tricks designed to help you fulfill your own bucket list and guaranteed to change the way you see the world around you. The event begins at noon at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter off of Proctor Road only, between Beneva and Swift). Contact Peggy Miller at jjjmiller@comcast.net for further details.

Sarasota’s Jewish Relationship with Food

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2 Temple Emanu-El “Lunch with the Rabbis” Are you looking to start 2019 with a great lunch date? Join Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Rabbi Michael Shefrin and friendly, interesting companions for lunch, socializing, and a discussion of current events and subjects of Jewish interest. All are invited to this popular, stimulating and enjoyable program at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. 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! For more information, call the temple oﬃce at 941.371.2788.

Join Kimberly Sheintal, president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Southwest Florida, as she dives into the delicious, intricate and wonderful world of “Jewish” food and how Sarasota’s relationship with this unique cuisine has changed throughout the years! This free event begins at 3:30 p.m. at Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. To RSVP or for more information, please call 941.757.8520 or email RSVP@avivaseniorlife.org.

The Original Brown Bag with Rabbi Geoff Huntting Temple Sinai has a longstanding tradition of Rabbi Geoff Huntting hosting a brown bag lunch and discussion of timely topics. Join with congregants, friends and neighbors in spirited conversations surrounding worldly events. Bring a bag lunch and an open mind to discuss important issues. This free workshop is open to the community. Participants are encouraged to introduce ideas for discussion, analysis and/or debate. Meet at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter off of Proctor Road only, between Beneva and Swift). For more information, contact the temple office at 941.924.1802 or office@sinaisrq.org.

dinner WITH

DR. DANIEL GORDIS Monday, February 11, 2019 5:00pm

Sunday, February 3, 9:30 am until noon—A joint program sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the four Dalet congregations. See the film and participate in the interactive program that follows.

Breakfast and program: Adults $5, Students free Location—Temple Beth Sholom 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota

Hyatt Regency, Sarasota Widely cited on matters pertaining to Israel, Dr. Daniel Gordis writes a regular column for The Jerusalem Post and is a regular contributor to The New York Times. Gordis has also written numerous books on Jewish thought and Israel. His book ISRAEL received the 2016 Book of the year award from the Jewish Book Council. DANIEL GORDIS is “One of the most respected Israel analysts around.” – The Forward

Event Co-Chairs

Bobbi and Don Bernstein Marysue and Leon Wechsler

Couvert will include reserved seating at the community lecture featuring Daniel Gordis following dinner. Minimum gift of $6,000 to the 2019 development efforts of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is required. LEAD SPONSOR

HANNAH AND NORM WEINBERG FEDERATION TORCH SPONSORS EDIE AND DAVID CHAIFETZ LEON R. AND MARGARET M. ELLIN DEBBIE AND LARRY HASPEL NAIDITCH FAMILY FOUNDATION THE ROSENTHAL ROOTS FAMILY FOUNDATION BUNNY AND MORT SKIRBOLL HADASSAH AND MARTIN STROBEL

SILVER SPONSORS

The border town of Sderot deals with Hamas and daily bombings. See the story while making new friends in our Jewish community.

E-mail your required registration (space is limited) including name, e-mail address and phone number by Sunday, January 27 to teers@sarasotatemple.org. (Payment will be collected at the door)

KAREN AND PAUL MORTON

BRONZE SPONSORS JOAN AND BART LEVINSON PHARMACY BENEFITS CONSULTANTS

For more information, please contact Lisa Feinman at 941.706.0034 or lfeinman@jfedsrq.org.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2019

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4 Rhythm and Jews Erev Shabbat Join Rabbi Geoff Huntting and Chazzan Cliff Abramson at 6:00 p.m. for the Rhythm and Jews Erev Shabbat Service and enjoy the Bruno Family Musicians as they join the rabbi and chazzan for an uplifting service with a variety of traditional melodies. A welcome reception begins at 5:15 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter off of Proctor Road only, between Beneva and Swift). For more information, contact the temple office at 941.924.1802 or office@sinaisrq.org.

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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS THEY HELP MAKE THE JEWISH NEWS POSSIBLE Temple Beth Israel 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Temple Emanu-El’s Israel Committee invites you to a Sephardic-style Israel Shabbat! The special evening begins at 5:45 p.m. with a Shabbat dinner featuring Sephardic delicacies including lahambajeen, yebra, allepian beef stew and spiced chicken, and a kiddush of Israeli wine. The service at 7:15 p.m. celebrates Israeli and Sephardic heritage, highlighted by speakers Sabrina Silverberg, MARE, Director of Education, and her brother, Past President Isaac Azerad, who will share their fascinating family history and culture, and their account of growing up Sephardic. Temple Emanu-El is located at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Dinner reservations are $18 for adults, $12 for children under 13, and must be made in advance. The service is free of charge with no reservations required. To RSVP or for more information, call the temple oﬃce at 941.371.2788.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 The Sarasota Minyan The Sarasota Minyan is an egalitarian lay-led community which meets the ﬁrst Shabbat of every month from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the chapel at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. The services are fairly traditional, welcoming, open, and occasionally experimental in nature and feature a D’var Torah and a Torah discussion. For further information, contact Sharon Strassfeld at sharonstrassfeld@gmail.com or 212.666.0045.

Rosenwald Documentary The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, which meets at Unity (3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota), will present a 90-minute documentary on the incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, by Aviva Kempner (director of Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg and The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg). Rosenwald, a Jewish philanthropist, who never ﬁnished high school, rose to become the president of Sears. He was inﬂuenced by the writings of Booker T. Washington and joined forces with African-American communities to build 5,300 schools during the early 20th century, giving away $62 million in his lifetime. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. Cost: free for CHJ members, $5 for nonmembers. For further information, call 941.929.7771 or email chjsarasota@hotmail.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 Temple Beth Israel, The Center of Jewish Living on Longboat Key

The Rabbi Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism - 2018-2019 All events are $15 at the door and $10 with advance reservations

CALL 941-383-3428 TO REGISTER. Free to Temple members. Most events start at 2:00 pm. Check and register on website

TEMP MEM LE BERS ADM ISSIO N

Date

Instructor

Title

Dec. 4, 18

Rabbi Stephen L. Sniderman

Hanukkah Revisited / Jews and Christmas

Dec. 3, 10

Rabbi Goldie Milgram

Reclaiming Hanukkah - Part 1 and 2

Dec. 12

Film (Temple Members Only)

When Jews Were Funny

Dec. 17, 24

Rabbi Richard Klein

Social Justice Reform Judaism and Pirkei Avot

Jan. 6

Sabrina Silverberg

Sephardic Customs, Superstitions- Traditions

Jan. 14

Dr. Barry Bub

From Oy to Joy

Jan. 21

Dr. Barry Bub

Sam and the Perfect World

Jan. 9, 16

Dr. Steven Derfler

UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Israel

Jan 22

Dr. Andre Krauss

Jewish Resistance during the Holocaust

Jan 29

Dr. Andre Krauss

Denying the Holocaust

Feb. 5

Al Treidel

Jews in the Civil War

Feb 12

Dr. Vera Grodzinsky

Jews and French Impressionists Art

Feb. 19

Rabbi Richard Steinbrink

Reform Judaism Past, Present and Future

Feb. 13,20,27 Rabbi Michael B. Eisenstat

The Hard Concepts of Faith

Feb. 25

Diane Steinbrink

A Comparison of Wife and Mother

Mar. 5

Allan Schwartz

Golda Meir

Mar. 6, 13

Rabbi Peter Kasdan (1:30-3:00) Defining God: Modern Theological Views

Mar. 12

Bud Livingston

Lincoln and The Jews

Mar. 19, 20

Rabbi Howard Simon

Middle East the Current State of Affairs

Apr. 10

Film (Temple Members Only)

Germans & Jews

Apr. 2, 16

Rabbi Stephen L. Sniderman

Passover Haggadahs through History

TBD

Sylvia Pastor

In the Kitchen with Sylvia

Programs and schedules are subject to change. We will make every attempt to notify you of the changesin a timely manner. Please consult your bulletin, eBlasts and the Temple website for last minute information. The Miniversity Committee wishes to thank our speakers for their contributions to the educational vision of Temple Beth Israel. Your continued participation and support makes it all possible.

“Moses Levy and the Seminole Indians” In the swamplands of Micanopy, Florida, Seminole Indians lived side-byside with Moses Elias Levy for 13 years (1822-1835), between the First and Second Seminole Wars, in which many thousands of American lives were lost when the Seminoles skillfully employed guerilla warfare tactics against U.S. military troops far outnumbering the Indians. In this treacherous wilderness, courageous pioneer Moses Levy built Pilgrimage Plantation as a “sacred cause” refuge for persecuted Jews from Europe, 110 years before the Holocaust. Join us at 3:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center (5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton) for a lecture and an original Moses Levy exhibit. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

GET THE SCOOP WEEKLY!

DON’T MISS OUT!

Registering for The Jewish Federation’s weekly email newsletter means you won’t miss out on important community information.

Go to JFEDSRQ.org and Click the GET UPDATES button at the top of the page.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2019

MONDAY, JANUARY 7 The Tefillin Club at Chabad of Venice Get your week off to a great start at 8:00 a.m. with the Monday morning Tefillin Club! Shacharit will be followed with coffee and bagels, and a 15-minute “Living Torah” film. Each week, Rabbi Sholom Schmerling will expound on a different prayer, thus enabling each participant to really learn how to pray. No prior experience necessary. (If you don’t have a pair of tefillin, we have one for you.) Join us at the Chabad Education Center, 21560 Angela Lane, Venice. For more information, please contact Rabbi Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or info@chabadofvenice.com.

Gallery Receptions

Kabbalah & Coffee at Chabad of Venice

Saturday, January 19 5– 8pm Sunday, January 20 1– 3pm

Start your week with a spiritual boost! Discuss, explore and journey through the world of mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. This ongoing Tanya class will probe the esoteric through a unique program of English text-based study. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. This is a free event and walk-ins are welcome. Join us at 9:00 a.m. at the Chabad Education Center, 21560 Angela Lane, Venice. For more information, contact Rabbi Sholom Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or info@chabadofvenice.com.

NCJW’s “The Blankee Bee”

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 Newcomers Reception Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

New to the area and to the Federation? You’re invited to connect with other members of the Jewish community and hear all about the Federation. Join us from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Boathouse, Hyatt Regency, 1000 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota. This event is free, but reservations are required. RSVP at jfedsrq.org/events, or to Jeremy Lisitza at jlisitza@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2113.

247 Main Street Safety Harbor, Florida RSVP required: 727.725.1808 or fgalleries@tampabay.rr.com

Collectors who purchase over $3000 in Max art during this show will receive a free Max ‘Heart’ mixed media on paper piece, valued at $2475. Collectors who purchase over $8000 in Max art during this show will receive a complimentary trip to visit the Peter Max Studio in New York City with round trip airfare for two, one night stay at an elegant NYC hotel and a delicious dinner at Cafe Fiorello’s. Join us for an Uncrating Party Friday, Jan 11 • 6 – 8pm Art previews begin Jan 12. Recent works available for acquisition. Presented by Road Show Company

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. We gather monthly to craft and socialize, and our beautiful handiwork has been donated to local new parents as well as needy families in SarasotaManatee and in Israel. Bring your needles or crochet hook and a favorite pattern – we’ll supply the yarn and great company! The group meets at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, email Susan Bernstein at susanhope22@comcast.net.

The Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood, Sisterhood & Social Action Committee

P R E S E N T S

Parenting Workshop Series at Temple Emanu-El Entitled “Mind in the Making” and based on Ellen Galinsky’s groundbreaking book, this special parenting workshop series oﬀers eight modules that employ demonstrations and hands-on activities to help parents, grandparents and caregivers gain expertise in speciﬁc areas of child development and learning. Workshop classes take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays through February 26 at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. This opportunity is co-sponsored by the Patterson Foundation and the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading; due to these organizations’ generosity, all fees have been waived. For more information, call Wendy Rudd at 941.726.8783.

A TRIBUTE TO

Martin Luther

A Retiring Reform Rabbi Reflects on 40 Years: God Rabbi Harold Caminker shares his ideas and perspectives on major concepts in Judaism. Each of the three sessions in January is independent. The ﬁrst session considers God. How do we speak to God? And how, in the 21st century, does God speak to us? Where is God when there is evil in the world? Plenty of discussion will follow the rabbi’s opening presentation. Everyone is invited to attend this free class at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Road. For more information, contact Rabbi Caminker at 941.484.2022 or ravhfc1@aol.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 Book Review at Temple Beth Sholom Please join us as Judge Judith Barzilay reviews Jewish Justices of the Supreme Court: From Brandeis to Kagan, Their Lives and Legacies by David D. Dalin. During our country’s history there have been 113 Supreme Court Justices; eight have been Jewish. Judge Barzilay will discuss the lives and legal legacies of all from the first, Louis Brandeis (1916), to the most recent, Elena Kagan (2010). She will also analyze some of their most important majority opinions and dissents. Light refreshments will be served. This free event begins at 1:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Chapel, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

“

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

”

King, Jr.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 • 2:00 PM

Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota

PROGRAM:

REV. CHARLES MCKENZIE with entertainment by GREATNESS BEYOND MEASURE RSVP to Don Malawsky 941.359.2890 dmalawsky@msn.com SPONSORED BY

The National Council of Jewish Women has an ongoing project called “The Blankee Bee.” The project has involved its members in making nosew ﬂeece blankets which have been distributed to various agencies, such as Manatee Community Action Agency, HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters), residents of Anchin Pavilion, patients at the Florida Cancer Center, and children at Camp Mariposa as a joint venture with JFCS. Join us from 10:00 a.m. to noon on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life (580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) to make these blankets. For more information, contact Joan Bour at 941.281.2133 or joanbour5@yahoo.com.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2019

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

This year’s luncheon features keynote speaker Jeannie Smith, daughter of Polish Holocaust rescuer Irene Gut Opdyke. It begins at 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $75, $100 and $125. For more information about the luncheon, contact Lisa Feinman at lfeinman@jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0034. The Lion of Judah and Pomegranate programs recognize women who make an annual gift of $5,000 and $1,800 (or more) respectively to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The program attracts active women who are passionate about helping others and wish to be part of something extraordinary. For more information on becoming a Lion of Judah or Pomegranate donor, contact Ilene Fox at 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org.

Lunch & Learn at Temple Beth Sholom Bring a dairy bagged lunch with you and enjoy the fascinating series with Rabbi Michael Werbow – From “People of the Book” to “Start Up Nation: Jewish and Israeli Innovations that Have Impacted the World.” From the beginning of Jewish tradition, there have been innovators and inventors who have contributed big ideas and important discoveries to the world. Learn more about these concepts, discoveries, games, foods and technologies, which were brought forward by Jews and Israelis. Classes meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31 at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Coffee, tea and water will be provided. No charge for TBS members; $5 for nonmembers. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@ templebethsholomfl.org.

50 CHILDREN: THE RESCUE MISSION OF MR. & MRS. KRAUS January 14, 2019 • 6:30 pm

Temple Sinai Men’s Club Lunch & Learn

A Jewish couple travels to Nazi Germany in 1939 and rescues Jewish children from Vienna, finding them homes in Philadelphia.

Special guest David Milberg, whose mother was child 49, will be holding a Q & A after the screening. Beatrice Friedman Theater Theater, The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota

THE LAST DAYS February 14, 2019 • 4:00 pm This Oscar-winning documentary, executive produced by Steven Spielberg, focuses on the plight of five Hungarian Jews who survived imprisonment in Auschwitz.

Temple Sinai 4631 S Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota

WHO DO YOU LOVE February 26, 2019 • 6:30 pm

Jay Handelman, arts editor and theatre critic for the Sarasota HeraldTribune, will discuss “Insights from a Theatre Critic” at noon at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter oﬀ of Proctor Road only, between Beneva and Swift). Bring your brown-bag lunch and enjoy this stimulating program and extremely interesting presentation. This event is free and open to the community. For more information, email Richard Stollman at stollmant@aol.com.

Rosh Chodesh Society Course Women are invited to join RCS’s latest course, “Larger Than Life.” The Rosh Chodesh Society meets monthly, yet each segment stands alone. This month’s segment, entitled “The Pledge Fund,” will explore the unique Jewish philosophical angle on charity and how that plays out in real life. Following the class, participants will enjoy a Zumba class with Yael Campbell. Refreshments will be served. For assistance with underwriting this course, appreciation is extended to Anne Stein. Join us at 7:15 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Cost: free for Rebbetzin Circle members; $10 for RCS members; $12 for nonmembers. Anyone joining the class for the ﬁrst time is our guest at no charge. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sara Steinmetz at 941.925.0770 or sara@chabadofsarasota. com.

Mega Challah Bake

The life story of legendary record producer, Leonard Chess, who helped popularize Blues music during the 1950s and 1960s. (Strong language)

Beatrice Friedman Theater Theater, The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota

NO PLACE ON EARTH

Thursday, March 28, 2019 • 1:30 pm A cave exploration in Ukraine leads to the unearthing of a story of World War II survivors who once found shelter in the same cave.

Braden River Branch Library 4915 53rd Ave E, Bradenton

SAMMY DAVIS JR. I’VE GOTTA BE ME

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 • 2:00 pm A star-studded roster of interviewees (including Jerry Lewis, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal) pay tribute to the legendary, multi-talented song-and-dance man.

Temple Beth Israel 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

LIMIT 2 TICKETS PER FILM. THE SERIES IS FREE but you are encouraged to bring cans of food, toys and school supplies, which will be donated to All Faiths Food Bank, Bank Toys for Tots and Title 1 Schools.

CHAIR: ROSANN BLACK

The Jewish Women’s Circle welcomes women of all ages and aﬃliations in the Jewish community to explore the beauty of this unique tradition and discover the secret to great tasting challah. Also enjoy Leora in Concert! Refreshments will be served. Open to girls and women ages 9 and up, the event begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Cost: $36. Reservations required. RSVP online at www. chabadofbradenton.com/megachallahbake. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 Tot Shabbat Dinner and Family Service Young Jewish and interfaith families are invited to this special Shabbat celebration at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. A pizza dinner – with healthy fruit and veggie sides – and special activities for toddlers through ﬁrst-graders begins at 6:30 p.m. At 7:15 p.m., attendees will join the Temple Emanu-El family for a joyful, all-ages service featuring music from the Family Shabbat Band, a story, and the opportunity for children to parade with the Torah scrolls around the sanctuary. All are welcome! The pizza dinner is free forBridge TempleGroup Emanu-El members, with The meets Thursday $8/family requested for guests. The service is free of charge. For more afternoons from 1:00–4:00 pm information, call Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997.

Bridge... Anyone?

on the Federation Campus (582 McIntosh Road). Open to intermediate and advanced bridge players. For more information, call Bob Satnick at 941.538.3739

For a continuously updated calendar, visit www.jfedsrq.org

Do you play???

Thursdays / 12pm to 4ish Thursdays / 12pm to 4ish

For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at jlisitza@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2113

HecHt ScHool – tHe JewiSH Federation on Room, Federation Campus Jerusalem tHe larry GreenSpon Family campuS (582 McIntosh Road) For JewiSH liFe $5 pie. 582 mcintoSH road

RN! FREE POPCO

$5 pie. Friendly but serious game!

Contact Marilyn Oslander Contact Marilyn Oslander 941.951.2029

TO REGISTER: JFEDSRQ.ORG/EVENTS

941.951.2029 marasota@yahoo.com marasota@yahoo.com

Friendly

Seasoned

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2019

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 TBE Dinner, Music and Havdalah Join Temple Beth El Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch for a wonderful potluck dinner, beautiful musical program and Havdalah service. The program, “At the Keyboard – From Bach to Weil,” features organist Joan Frankel. Bring a dish to share – vegetarian, dairy or ﬁsh (no meat or desserts). Free and open to the community, the event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 5150 Peridia Blvd. East, Bradenton. For more information or to RSVP, call 941.755.4900.

CTeen SRQ Havdalah & Movie Night CTeen SRQ will hold a Havdalah service, followed by a movie, at 7:00 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Enjoy a chill night with friends, food and fun. This event is free of charge. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Ella Steinmetz at ella@chabadofsarasota.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 One Thing I Wish You Knew: Mental Health Awareness Event Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND

BUILDER OF ISRAEL AWARD LUNCH

This free event is aimed at eradicating the stigma associated with mental illness. Presenters will share their personal struggles and triumphs over mental illness, followed by an expert panel with a moderated discussion and Q&A. A resource fair and light refreshments will follow the program, which takes place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Register at jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Andrea Eiﬀert at 941.552.6308 or aeiﬀert@jfedsrq.org.

Breakfast Lecture Program at Temple Beth Sholom Join the Temple Beth Sholom Men’s Club and Sisterhood as they welcome Seth Miller, Executive Director of the Innocence Project of Florida and the President of the Innocence Network, a consortium of more than 70 innocence organizations across the United States and abroad, as he discusses “Guilty Until Proven Innocent: Righting Wrongful Convictions in Florida.” The event takes place from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Sainer Social Hall, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. The cost of $5 includes breakfast. For more information, please contact Rabbi Dr. Ed Weinsberg, Program Vice President, at 941.444.9790.

HONORING

Brenda Johnson Susan & Jack Steenbarger WITH GUEST SPEAKER

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin New York Times Bestselling Author

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 11:30 am Temple Beth Sholom 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237 RSVP by March 11 at jnf.org/builderofisrael or 941.217.7400 CHAIRS

Edie Chaifetz Saranee Newman • Ros Mazur •

Brotherhood Breakfast and Speaker Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood is delighted to announce the guest for its popular breakfast discussion program. Professor Robert Toplin will speak about Louis Brandeis – a great American and the ﬁrst Jew to serve on the Supreme Court. All are invited to learn more about this important man, his fascinating life, and his legacy for us as Jews and as Americans today, in a lively and informative presentation. A deluxe bagel-and-lox breakfast will precede the talk. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $10 for the breakfast. For more information, contact Don Malawsky at 941.359.2890 or dmalawsky@msn.com.

Brandeis University on Wheels Join Brandeis members at Prestancia Country Club (4409 Tournament Players Drive, Sarasota) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eileen McNamara, Professor of Journalism at Brandeis University, Pulitzer Prize winner and former columnist with The Boston Globe, will present “From Election to Investigation and All the Fake News in Between: Media Coverage of this Presidency.” Cost: $30 for Brandeis members, $35 for guests. A continental breakfast is included. For more information, email Barb Sander at neverbetterii@aol.com or Janet Solomon at janetsolomon1001 @gmail.com.

Sunday Zionist Brunch Club The club brings Jews of Sarasota-Manatee together over brunch to discuss Israeli current events and urgent issues. Israel always has an overabundance of pressing matters to review, debate, research and take action upon. Indeed, this club can inspire everyone to act on behalf of Israel in a multitude of ways. Everyone can help the Jewish homeland even from thousands of miles away! Join us at 11:30 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; brunch included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Bridge...

Anyone? THE BRIDGE GROUP meets

Thursday afternoons 1:00–4:00 pm

For more information

The Hecht School, The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life Open to intermediate and advanced bridge players.

call Bob Satnick at 941.538.3739

2018_Sarasota_Builders of Israel Award Lunch_Ad_5" x 9.25".indd 1

11/8/18 11:08 AM

ALL EVENTS ARE OPEN AND FREE TO THE COMMUNITY

Dan Nichols at

Temple Sinai

February 8-10, 2019 Meet the songwriter of such hits as Sweet as Honey, B’tzelem Elohim, Hashkivenu a nd more! Friday, February 8 @ 6 pm

SHABBAT SERVICE FEATURING DAN NICHOLS Saturday, February 9 @ 4 pm

RECEPTION & CONCERT RSVPs required at SinaiSRQ.org/events

Sunday, February 10

TWO FAMILY CONCERTS! 9:30—10:15 am Early Childhood and Grades K – 2 families 10:30 am — 12 noon Grades 3—6 families

Sponsorships for $118 include Preferred Seating and Dinner with Dan following the concert! More details at SinaiSRQ.org/events

January 2019 AJC’S WINTER LUNCH & LEARN SERIES! PROUDLY SPONSORED BY WILLIAMS PARKER

Monday, January 14 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Michael’s On East, Sarasota Only $28 Per Lecture – Includes Luncheon! Cost - $28 Per Person Sponsorships Available - $75 Per Person

Three Popes I Have Known

JEWISH HAPPENINGS MONDAY, JANUARY 14 Hebrew Reading Crash Course The course utilizes a timeless teaching method espoused by the Jewish sages for generations. In addition to reading skills, students get a glimpse into the holiness and depth of the Hebrew language, including brief Kabbalistic explanations of the Hebrew letters. The course is designed to appeal to people at all levels of Jewish knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. The course is open to the public, and attendees need not be aﬃliated with a particular house of worship. This is a ﬁve-week course that takes place on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. at the Chabad Education Center, 21560 Angela Lane, Venice. Cost: $69 per person, $118 per couple. For more information, contact Rabbi Sholom Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or info@chabadofvenice.com.

NCJW Book Club The National Council of Jewish Women Book Club will discuss The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone at the Gulf Gate Public Library (7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota) from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. The NCJW SarasotaManatee section website (ncjwsarasota-manatee.org) has information about the Book Club, the title selections and dates for the current season. Click on Community Services at the top of the page. You will also ﬁnd Goodreads reviews of the books. Guests are welcome. For more information, contact Barbara Aferiat at barbara@aferiat.com or 703.338.7112.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15 Rabbi David Rosen AJC’s Director of International Interreligious Affairs AJC’s Jerusalem based, Rabbi David Rosen is one of the few Jews who has had close interaction with Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. He is the only Orthodox rabbi and the only Israeli rabbi to have ever been knighted by the Pope and is a Commander of the Order of Gregory the Great.

Club Fed Lecture Series Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Join us from 10:30 a.m. to noon for “Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls” with Dr. Steven Derﬂer. Since their discovery in the desert caves of Qumran in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls have been a source of fascination and debate. What are the Scrolls? Who wrote them? The cost for the series of four lectures is $18. They take place in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. To purchase tickets, visit jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at jlisitza@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2113.

“Caffeine for the Soul” Reservations Required R.S.V.P. to AJC: 941.365.4955 or email sarasota@ajc.org

Sarasota Concert Association

2019

GREAT

PERFORMERS SERIES

Anderson & Roe, piano duo

Jan 14 • 7:30 pm • Van Wezel

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Jan 24 • 7:30 pm • Van Wezel

Elizabeth Joy Roe and Greg Anderson

Czech National Symphony Orchestra

Feb 11 • 7:30 pm • Van Wezel

Academy of St Martin in the Fields Feb 21 • 7:30 pm • Van Wezel

Pavel Haas Quartet

March 15 • 7:30 pm Riverview Performing Arts Center

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

April 3 • 7:30 pm • Van Wezel

941-225-6500 www.scasarasota.org

Programs and artists subject to change without notice.

Join the most popular Jewish women’s book club in town at 10:00 a.m. at the Chabad Education Center, 21560 Angela Lane, Venice. Get your weekly social and spiritual boost over a roundtable discussion led by Chaya Rivka Schmerling. Delve into the book for this year, A Time to Heal: The Rebbe’s Response to Loss & Tragedy. Enjoy coﬀee and homemade pastries. This is a free event and walk-ins are welcome. For more information, contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

Traditions in the Kitchen Class – Challah Mark your calendars to join us in the kitchen as Rabbi Werbow teaches us how to make delicious challah. This class is sponsored by the Temple Beth Sholom Continuing Education Committee, TBS Men’s Club and TBS Sisterhood. The class takes place from 10:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. For more information, contact the temple oﬃce at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomﬂ.org.

Brandeis: Art in the Afternoon Join Brandeis members at The Meadows Country Club (3101 Longmeadow Road, Sarasota) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for “Broadway: Behind the Scenes.” Charles Troy, drama historian, graphic designer and former theater lyricist, will present graphics, video and audio clips as he shares the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of the creation of two groundbreaking musicals, The Music Man and Ragtime. The cost for both the presentation and lunch is $50 for Brandeis members and $65 for guests. For more information, contact Janet Tolbert (941.388.9624 or janetrtolbert@gmail. com) or Maris Margulies (941.757.3012 or grandmakabat@aol.com).

Sarasota Jewish Singles Dinner Meeting 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 Isan Thai Restaurant, 5758 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To make a reservation or for more information, call or text Rosalyn Fleischer at 941.915.6631 or email rozﬂeischer@gmail.com.

A Retiring Reform Rabbi Reflects on 40 Years: Torah Rabbi Harold Caminker shares his ideas and perspectives on major concepts in Judaism. Each of the three sessions in January is independent. The second session considers Torah. We are the People of the Book. Is Torah the literal word of God? Is God’s voice in the Torah one of mercy and loving kindness or law and justice? Plenty of discussion will follow the rabbi’s opening presentation. Everyone is invited to attend this free class at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Road. For more information, contact Rabbi Caminker at 941.484.2022 or ravhfc1@ aol.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16 Chabad of Bradenton Men’s Club – On the Grill Join us at 7:30 p.m. for an evening of camaraderie at the home of Steve Shapiro. We will serve steaks and scotch along with delicious cocktails and treats. Cost: $10. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2019

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17 “This Month in Jewish History” This new series explores signiﬁcant events in Jewish history beginning with the month of January, which marked the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945; the revocation of General U.S. Grant’s infamous Order No. 11 expelling Jews from U.S. territory in 1862; the launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003 with Israeli astronaut Colonel Ilan Ramon, which tragically exploded on re-entry; and the premiere of The Goldbergs in 1949, the ﬁrst television show about a delightful and memorable Jewish family. Join us at noon at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; brunch included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Rosh Chodesh Society Course Women are invited to join RCS’s latest course, “Larger Than Life – Weaving G-d in the Details.” This third class is entitled “The Pledge Fund.” Lunch will be served. Join us at noon at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. The course fee is $75 (textbooks included) or $18 per class. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

Film Matinee at Temple Beth Sholom The Idelson Library Film Matinee Series presents Fanny’s Journey (2016, 94 minutes, French with English subtitles). Based on a true story, this film is an incredible tale of bravery, strength and survival. In 1943, 13-yearold Fanny and her younger sisters were sent from their home in France to an Italian foster home for Jewish children. When the Nazis arrive in Italy, their caretakers desperately organize the departure of the children to Switzerland. Suddenly left on their own, these eleven children will do the impossible to reach the Swiss border in order to survive. The screening takes place at 1:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Sainer Social Hall, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Refreshments, including popcorn, are provided courtesy of the Temple Beth Sholom Men’s Club. Suggested donation: $3 for members, $5 for nonmembers. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

Mega Challah Bake & Concert Unite to experience the timeless mitzvah of baking challah. Discover the technique and mystique of this uniquely feminine tradition. Enjoy an evening of inspiration as we knead challah together. Pray with many voices and one heart for your personal requests and the safety of our brethren in Israel. Learn amazing tips to easily bake challah like a pro. Learn to braid all types of challah: six-braid challah, round challah and challah napkin rings. The event will include a concert with Esther Freeman. Join us at 6:00 p.m. at the Chabad Education Center, 21560 Angela Lane, Venice. Cost: $36. For more information, contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

NOW AVAILABLE AT OVER 80 LOCATIONS! SARASOTA

• 1217 East Ave Medical Plaza • 1219 East Ave Medical Plaza • Aviva Independent Living • Aviva Memory Care • Bayfront Park • Brookdale Waterside Retirement • Brother Geenen Way (across from Sarasota Ford) • Chabad of Sarasota • Davidson Drugs • Desoto Beach Club • Desoto Palms • Einstein/Caribou Café • Friendship Centers • Fruitville Library • Gulf Gate Library • Integraclick • Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) • Landings Racquet Clubhouse • Main Street (across from Hollywood 11) • Medical Arts Building • Midtown Plaza • Morton’s Gourmet Bakery • Nellie’s Deli • Overture Grand Oaks • Poet’s Walk

SARASOTA

• Publix at the Landings Plaza • Ringling Post Office • Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Outpatient • Sarasota Visitors Center • Selby Public Library • Silverstein Institute, 2nd floor • Temple Beth Sholom • Temple Emanu-El • Temple Sinai • The Jewish Federation Campus • The Meadows

VENICE

• Chabad of Venice & North Port • Friendship Centers • Jacaranda Public Library • Jewish Congregation of Venice • Venice Community Center • Venice Public Library

LAKEWOOD RANCH/BRADENTON • Bradenton Chamber of Commerce • Bradenton Library • Bradenton Post Office • Cyprus Springs Retirement

LAKEWOOD RANCH/BRADENTON

• University Park Office • The Family Jeweler • Wildwood Professional Park • Inspired Living at Lakewood Ranch • Women & Children’s Center • Integrative Medicine • Intercoastal Medical Group BEACHES • John Cannon Homes • Bird Key Park • Lakeridge Falls Clubhouse • Longboat Key • Lakewood Ranch Chamber of Commerce - Longboat Key Education Center • Lakewood Ranch Pharmacy - Temple Beth Israel • Legacy Golf Club • St. Armand’s Circle: • Palm Aire Clubhouse - Fillmore Drive • Palmetto Library - Adams Drive & John Ringling • Parkway Cleaners - Madison Drive & Blvd. of the Presidents • Publix at LWR Shopping Center • Siesta Key - Morton’s Siesta Market, 205 Canal Rd. • Publix University PKWY Plaza - Davidson’s Drugs, Siesta Key Village • San Marco Plaza - Davidson’s Drugs, South Siesta Key • SMR Corporate Park • Temple Beth El Bradenton EARS • The Sheridan at Lakewood Ranch 2 5 aY fter the RDS • The Windsor LO ACCO S O • Town Center Parkway: th e W or ld Is ra el an d Y 15, 2019 - Bank of America Co un ti es , ee at JANUAR an M an d in Sa ra so ta - FCCI Insurance JeNwNisEhWLiSfe ish RAinTgIO leDbrEat Ce FE The Jew on ti a r e d - Northern Trust Bank Fe • University Cleaners by Publix

Make sure to tell your friends and neighbors! Would you rather get your copy by mail?

Contact 941.371.4546

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2019

FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 Tu B’shvat Family Fun Day Tu B’shvat, the Jewish arbor day, will be celebrated with parents and children at Chabad’s Kaplan Preschool (7700 Beneva Road, Sarasota) at 9:00 a.m. Parents with children ages 2-5 are welcome to join for a funﬁlled morning with crafts, planting, songs, smoothie tasting and more. For more information or to RSVP, call Sara Steinmetz at 941.925.0770.

Babycinno

Save the Date

Eight Over 80 Date: March 17, 2019 Time: 10:30 am Place: Michael’s On East Brunch Supporting the residents of Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life

This exciting program at Chabad ventures out into a place where motherhood and childhood happily intersect, creating and oﬀering ways to engage both parents and children at the same time. Babycinno provides a chic meet for mod moms and their tots, and features centers for creative art and expression, Judaic discovery, music and movement, sensory stimulation, dramatic play, parallel play and social interaction. Join us at 11:30 a.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Suggested donation: $10. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

Meet, Greet and Nosh with Paul Golin Join the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. to meet Paul Golin, Executive Director of The Society for Humanistic Judaism. Then come back the next day to hear Golin speak following the 10:30 a.m. service. Both events will be held at Unity, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota. Golin claims there are countless ways to be deeply involved in Jewish life without having to engage in religious Judaism. Both events are open to the public at no charge. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or email chjsarasota@hotmail.com.

Family Shabbat Dinner

Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life is Sarasota’s only senior living campus which offers all levels of care on a rental basis. Inspired by the Jewish values it was founded on, Aviva allows residents in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Rehabilitation to live life to the fullest while experiencing a world of possibilities.

A family-friendly Shabbat dinner for families with children 4 and up will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Shabbat candles will be lit, and a delightful dinner featuring items like Israeli salad, hummus, stewed chicken, couscous and bourekas will be enjoyed by all. The cost is $36 per family. To RSVP, call the Chabad oﬃce at 941.925.0770 or email info@chabadofsarasota.com.

For additional information or sponsorship please contact Lynne Georgette, 941-203-6237 or lgeorgette@jewishhcf.org

Shabbat Dinner with the Sarasota Jewish Chorale

Save the Date!

Join us for an uplifting Shabbat at Temple Beth Sholom, with Shabbat services at 6:00 p.m., followed by a delicious dinner at 7:00 p.m., and music from the Sarasota Jewish Chorale at 8:00 p.m. Temple Beth Sholom is located at 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. For more information, contact the temple oﬃce at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomﬂ.org.

Shabbat Shirah: The Traditional Sabbath of Song Shabbat Shirah is an annual occasion on the Jewish calendar and is the Shabbat when the Torah portion for the week includes the “Song at the Sea,” the “Mi Chamocha.” Temple Beth El Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch’s Cantor Bard, the Shabbat Band and the Congregational Choir will oﬀer a musical sermon, “V’imru: Amen!,” and present “Shrirat Hayam – Freedom’s Song.” Free and open to the community, the event begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 5150 Peridia Blvd. East, Bradenton. For more information, call 941.755.4900.

FREE

Hits the Road

Jewels

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St. Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts

Sara sota -M ana te

presents

ATI ON OF

COMING SOON!

of the

to the Museum of Fine Art IMAGINATION Hits the Road

Watch for our brand new publication, SHALOMSRQ, in your mailbox.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL

What better way to ring-in 2019 in Florida than with a brand new publication that will help make your life easier! The ultimate guide to everything Jewish in Sarasota and Manatee counties, SHALOMSRQ is a NEW magazine-style resource.

Radiant Masterworks by Jean Schlumberger from the Mellon Collection

The glittering jewelry designs of Jean Schlumberger were the epitome of mid-century elegance. Inspired by nature, his creations graced such notable style icons as Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. This exhibition—the largest public collection from this artist— highlights the work of this innovative artist, placing his jewelry and objects d’art as inimitable examples of twentieth-century design.

SHALOMSRQ covers everything a local resident, visitor or newcomer needs to know when it comes to “all things Jewish” in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. • Synagogues & Temples

• Jewish Housing

• Jewish Clubs

• Jewish Youth & Teen Programs

• Jewish Cultural Arts

• Jewish Calendar

• Jewish Education

• Israel Connections

• Jewish Food

• History of Jews in Sarasota

• Jewish Gift Shops

• Maps with Drop-pin Locators

• Jewish Service Providers

AND MORE!

For more information on SHALOMSRQ, go to

SHALOMSRQ.org or contact Marty Katz 941.706.0033 or mkatz@jfedsrq.org

SHALOMSRQ is published by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Beach hat and sunglasses art credit: Vecteezy.com

WHEN

Friday, February 22 Departs from the Federation parking lot at 9 a.m.

COST

RSVP

$70pp Online at Includes private docent JFEDSRQ.org/Events, tour, lunch and bus. or contact Brieana at 941.552.6305.

RESERVE EARLY! SEATING IS LIMITED! FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 Paul Golin Presentation The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, which is the local group of The Society for Humanistic Judaism, will present Paul Golin after its Saturday morning service, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Golin is the Executive Director of The Society. Some of his claims are that: A) Some of the ﬁnest Jewish leaders are not religious at all, but express their Jewishness through political, social and/or cultural activities. B) One need not be involved religiously to be involved Jewishly. Please join us at Unity, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota. Everyone is welcome at no charge. An Oneg will follow. For more information, please call 941.929.7771 or email chjsarasota@ hotmail.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Temple Emanu-El and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee will present a tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the synagogue, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the event begins at 2:00 p.m. It will include recognition of Dr. King’s close friend and civil rights supporter Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who, along with other rabbis and Jewish supporters, was involved in various marches, including the famous Selma march. The community youth organization Greatness Beyond Measure will perform music of the civil rights era and gospel, and the Rev. Charles McKenzie will reprise passages from Dr. King’s most iconic speeches. This event is held in conjunction with events sponsored by the Newtown MLK Tribute Committee during MLK weekend, January 19 to 21. Tickets are $10 per person; children free. Please contact Don Malawsky at 941.359.2890 or dmalawsky@msn.com for more information.

January 2019

Embracing Our Differences, The SCBA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee & The Boxser Diversity Initiative present

“LETTERS FROM ANNE AND MARTIN” Written, produced and directed by the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect

Combining the iconic voices of Anne Frank and Martin Luther King, Jr., this compelling production evokes the timeless message of hope for peace and a more united world. Discussion led by Hon. Charles E. Williams to follow the performance

Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 7:00PM VIP Reception: 5:30PM

at TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota General Admission - $30 VIP - $100 Students - $10 Special Discount - General Admission for members of the SCBA Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Temple Beth Sholom - $25

Tickets and Sponsorship Information: please visit: www.sarasotabar.com Or call 941.350.1089

Honorary Chairs:

Terri Vitale, Sydney Sforzo and Chip Gaylor, Esq.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Join us as we remember and honor those who perished in the Holocaust by highlighting goodness that came from the Greek community toward the Jewish community. The event features guest speaker Dr. Mimis Cohen and acclaimed violinists Asi Matathias and Toska Opdam. Enjoy Greek culture from the local St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church folk dancers. This free event requires advance reservation at jfedsrq.org/events. It takes place from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, contact Jessi Sheslow at 941.343.2109 or jsheslow@jfedsrq.org.

Letters from Anne and Martin, Graphic designed by: Mave Cappar, 12th Grade, Out of Door Academy

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

(Special performances to be held at select Sarasota County High Schools)

Jewish War Veterans Meeting

“The Evil Architects of the Wannsee Conference” The infamous Wannsee Conference was held in Berlin on January 20, 1942, at which 15 top Nazi oﬃcials ﬁnalized the Final Solution. Who were these men, and how could they as doctors, lawyers, fathers and husbands manufacture history’s worst cataclysm? This multi-media presentation will explore the backgrounds of a small, deadly cadre of highly-educated men, who planned in a few minutes the industrialized mass murder of millions of Jews. Join us at 10:30 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; kosher lunch included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Jewish Genealogical Discoveries Sometimes genealogical surprises come to us in unexpected ways. Keeping good records and having a good memory are often key to putting together pieces of a genealogical puzzle. Mike Schwartz will present his story with “The Table, the Diary, and the Road to Discovery.” The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies conference took place last summer in Poland. Learn what Doug Cohen, IAJGS Treasurer, found in Poland about his family. This free class begins at 1:00 p.m. at Kobernick House at Aviva, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. For more information, contact Kim Sheintal at 941.302.1433 or klapshein@aol.com.

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Jewish War Veterans, Sarasota/Manatee Post 172, will hold its next meeting in the Kretzmer Center at Aviva/Kobernick, 1951 North Honore Avenue, Sarasota. The lox-and-bagel brunch will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by this month’s guest speaker, Alan Feinberg, director/producer of the documentary Bagels Over Berlin. Come and meet the filmmaker, who will introduce his film, which depicts the Army/Air Force Jewish pilots who participated in World War II. The cost for this special event is $10 payable at the door. The proceeds will be donated to a charity of Mr. Feinberg’s choice. Active military, spouses, significant others, snowbirds and guests are always welcome and also pay the $10. For further information or directions, please contact Stan Levinson, Commander, Post 172, at stanlevinson172@gmail.com or 941.226.7185.

ConneCt with your Jewish Community

facebook.com/jfedsrq A Service of the University of South Florida

10B

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2019

Recoecognignize

MONDAY, JANUARY 21 PJ Library Small Hands Give Back Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

those you cherish by making a donation in their honor or memory

…

Call Paula at 941.552.6304

Or visit jfedsrq.org/ tribute to donate

Stay connected @ www.jfedsrq.org

I B L ERAL YESHIVA a t o s a r a s PRESENTS JANUARY – MARCH 2019 COURSES

JEWS, MAGIC AND SORCERY MONDAYS 3:15 PM–4:30 PM Starting February 4 (Eight Weeks) Judaism has had a long and tenuous relationship with magical beliefs and practices. Notwithstanding lists of prohibited magics throughout the Tanach (Hebrew Scriptures), Jews have been fascinated with and engaged in magic, sorcery, witchcraft and demonology. For some, there is a slim line separating what appear to be miracles from the mastery of tricks and slight of eye with deep-seated belief in the occult. Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $60.

JEWISH MOBSTERS, CRIME AND JUSTICE TUESDAYS 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Starting February 5 (Eight Weeks) A not-so-proud period of American Jewish history was the age of the mobsters in the 20th Century. Mostly immigrants or children of immigrants-cloistered in close proximity with Italians in the tough neighborhoods of NY and NJ – many notable mobsters emerged such as Arnold Rothstein, Meyer Lansky, Dutch Schultz and Bugsy Siegel, etc. This course will study their fascinating Jewish background and activities, linkages to the Cosa Nostra and the Teamsters, fighting Nazism and management of the rackets. What justice ensued and what punishment applied? Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $60.

EXOTIC JUDAISM FRIDAYS 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Starting February 8 (Eight weeks) Judaism and Jewish tradition are replete with exotic rituals and practices that have kept the Jewish people alive for nearly four millennia. But today, vast numbers of Jews do not practice, indulge or even know about these matters, let alone practice them. There is a fascination today with knowing more about ancestry and family history. This course is intended to bring the learner into sharper focus with traditional and lost Jewish practices many of which today are seen as arcane. There are some “doozies.” Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $60.

Inquire about multi-course discounts. Scholarships are also available. Classes are held at The Jewish Federation on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. To register or seek more information, please contact Marden Paru, Dean and Rosh Yeshiva at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail.com. Please make checks payable to the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva and mail to Marden Paru, 5445 Pamela Wood Way #160, Sarasota, FL 34233. NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs. The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency. It is funded, in part, by a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

Even the smallest kids have the power to make the world a better place. Spend the morning in the Community Day School garden doing service projects, singing and reading PJ Library books. Please bring a nonperishable good to donate. This free event is perfect for families with young children and takes place from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Community Day School, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Reservation required at jfedsrq. org/PJ. For more information, contact Melissa Werbow at mwerbow@ communityday.org or 941.552.2770.

Pilgrimage Plantation Refuge & Celebration of Trees Moses Levy’s Pilgrimage Plantation, his Florida refuge for Europe’s persecuted Jews, was located outside Micanopy, which he helped establish in 1921 and remains Florida’s oldest inland town. Micanopy’s Main Street is famously lined with moss-draped giant oak trees. On Tu B’Shevat, the Celebration of Trees, we eat the traditional seven species of fruits and grains (dates, olives, pomegranates, ﬁgs, grapes, barley and wheat) and recall the work of a Jewish visionary whose remarkable legacy lives today. Join us at 10:30 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; Tu B’Shevat buﬀet included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Torah Scribe at Kol HaNeshama Join Congregation Kol HaNeshama (Southgate Community Center, 3145 Southgate Circle, Sarasota) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as a scribe ﬁnishes writing our new Torah. Watch the scribe work, and even help him write a letter ($36 donation requested). Free afternoon highlights include a dedication ceremony, Torah study, music, Israeli dancing and a light lunch. Reservations are strongly suggested if you wish to write a letter in the scroll. For more information, call 941.244.2042 or visit congkh.org.

Tu B’Shevat at Kol HaNeshama Celebrate the “Birthday of the Trees” with Congregation Kol HaNeshama and Rabbi Jennifer Singer at a festive and joyous Tu B’Shevat Seder. Sample a variety of fruits and nuts, as well as the four cups of wine, as you learn about this beautiful holiday. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. at Southgate Community Center, 3145 Southgate Circle, Sarasota. Reservations required. For more information or to RSVP, call 941.244.2042 or visit congkh.org.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22 Club Fed Lecture Series Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Join us from 10:30 a.m. to noon for “Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls” with Dr. Steven Derﬂer. Discover the lifestyle and backdrop that gave rise to the most important Israeli archaeological discovery of the 20th century. The cost for the series of four lectures is $18. They take place in the Beatrice Friedman Theatre on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. To purchase tickets, visit jfedsrq.org/ events. For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at jlisitza@jfedsrq. org or 941.343.2113.

Selma Klingenstein Judaic Studies Lecture Dr. Gregg Gardner, associate professor and The Diamond Chair in Jewish Law and Ethics at the University of British Columbia, will deliver the Klingenstein Lecture, “Excavating the Foundations of Charity in Classical Jewish Texts,” at 5:30 p.m. at Mildred Sainer Pavilion, New College of Florida, 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. His current research interests include wealth, poverty and philanthropy in classical rabbinic literature and late antique Judaism. The lecture is sponsored by New College of Florida, The Klingenstein Chair of Judaic Studies, The Jay Rudolph Endowment and New Topics New College. Admission is free. Please call 941.487.4888 to reserve a seat.

CTeen – The Kosher Pickle Factory Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Join CTeen and get yourself out of a pickle! Participate in the teen challenge of “Does the world owe me or do I owe the world?” Make your own delicious and zesty pickles and join in the fun and juicy games. Come to The Chabad House (5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton) from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The CTeen annual membership is $180 and includes all trips and activities except the International CTeen Shabbaton in New York. Special thanks to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee for sponsoring CTeen 5779. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

A Retiring Reform Rabbi Reflects on 40 Years: Israel Rabbi Harold Caminker shares his ideas and perspectives on major concepts in Judaism. Each of the three sessions in January is independent. The third session considers Israel. We love the State of Israel, our spiritual homeland. If we speak out in disagreement with an Israeli government policy, are we disloyal Jews? Plenty of discussion will follow the rabbi’s opening presentation. Everyone is invited to attend this free class at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Road. For more information, please contact Rabbi Caminker at 941.484.2022 or ravhfc1@aol.com.

Send your Jewish Happenings to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2019

11B

T H E S A R A S O TA B A L L E T

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 “The Diversity of Ancient Israel” Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Steven Stark-Riemer will present an informative study of The Diversity of Ancient Israel: A Retrospective of Archaeology, History and Religion” at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter oﬀ of Proctor Road only, between Beneva and Swift). Steven graduated magna cum laude from the City College of New York, was accepted in the doctoral program in Anthropology at UCLA, and has conducted ﬁeldwork in Israel. His study of diversity of community, of thought and of practice as it impacts Israel is fascinating. For details and the cost of this six-session course, email Steve Weintraub at sweintraub@sinaiSRQ.org.

David Bintley’s

FOUR SCOTTISH DANCES Sir Frederick Ashton’s

MEDITATION FROM THAÏS Ricardo Graziano’s

WORLD PREMIERE Sir Frederick Ashton’s

VARII CAPRICCI

The chapter will have its meeting and installation of the 2019 board at 11:30 a.m. in the Zell Room on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. The guest speaker, Kayla Niles, will discuss “Roots and Branches – New World and Old: Finding Our Family in Hungary After 100 Years of Separation.” A light brunch will be served. A donation of $5 helps to cover the cost. Hadassah members, Associates and guests are welcome. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lee at 941.924.1338 or lruggles.sabra@gmail.com.

Israel: UNESCO’s Diamond in the Rough Across the globe, thousands of unique cultural and historical sites have been appointed World Heritage locations by UNESCO. Israel, despite being one of the smallest countries on UNESCO’s extensive list, features over 15 unique sites, making it one of the world’s leading cultural locations. Join Dr. Steven Derﬂer as he explores some of the incredible and unique locations. This free event begins at 7:00 p.m. at Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. To RSVP or for more information, please call 941.757.8520 or email RSVP@avivaseniorlife.org.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Temple Beth El Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch invites you to “This Little Light of Mine,” a tribute to MLK with oration and spirituals. Students from the religious school will present Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s immortal “I Have a Dream” address. Free and open to the community, the event begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 5150 Peridia Blvd. East, Bradenton. For more information, call 941.755.4900.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 27

Katelyn May & Ricardo Graziano in Sir Frederick Ashton’s Meditation From Thaïs | Photo Frank Atura

SaBra Chapter of Hadassah Meeting

25 - 28 January 2019 | FSU Center for the Performing Arts

THE SARASOTA BALLET BOX OFFICE

941.359.0099 |SarasotaBallet.org

Temple Sinai’s 11th Annual Sarasota Jewish Food Festival Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Enjoy a festive day with delicious traditional treats: kugel, blintzes, knishes, stuffed cabbage, matzo ball soup, brisket, falafel and a wide array of tasty desserts. Corned beef and pastrami will be featured from the world-famous New York City Carnegie Deli. In addition to offering delicious Jewish foods, there will be craft and jewelry vendors and an art sale. Health vendors will provide information about their organizations. The day will include Temple Sinai’s Religious School children singing Israeli songs. The festival begins at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter off of Proctor Road only, between Beneva and Swift). Overflow parking and shuttle available at Suncoast Technical College on Proctor near Beneva. Please bring non-perishable food items to donate to All Faiths Food Bank. For more information, contact the temple office at 941.924.1802 or office@sinaisrq.org.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30 NCJW Lunch and Learn The National Council of Jewish Women will present a program called “Turning Former Florida Convicts Lives Around Through Project 180” at noon at the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, 1750 17th St., Building J-1, Sarasota. The speaker, Judy Rosemarin, holds an MSW in Social Work and a BS in Journalism. She currently runs a support group for the men and women enrolled in Project 180. The program is relevant to NCJW since it supports eﬀorts to reinstate the vote and increase civil rights for former felons. You will learn how Project 180 oﬀers positive solutions for women and families in need. For information and to register, please contact Barbara Aferiat at barbara@aferiat.com.

Your ARTS

+ ENTERTAINMENT source

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 Chabad Women’s Circle Walk & Talk

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All women are welcome to join members of the Chabad Women’s Circle to make new friends and bolster friendships as we walk and talk our way across the Ringling Bridge. Meet at 1:00 p.m. at Hart’s Landing (the ﬁrst right when going on the Ringling Bridge) and enjoy a social afternoon walk. For more information or to RSVP, email sara@chabadofsarasota. com.

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2019

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DAT E

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1 9 8 1 0 2 s t n e v E

JANUARY 8

Newcomers Reception

JANUARY 15

25 Years After the Oslo Accords Featuring Abe Foxman, former National Director of the Anti-Defamation League

JANUARY 20

International Holocaust Remembrance Day Honoring the Greek Community

FEBRUARY 7

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra with Conductor Zubin Mehta Lead sponsor of Van Wezel program

FEBRUARY 11

Community Lecture with Author Daniel Gordis

FEBRUARY 24

Celebrating 60 Honoring Federation’s 60th Anniversary

MARCH 6 – 17

10th Annual Jewish Film Festival

MAY 5

Yom Ha’atzmaut A community-wide celebration

st ish Film Fe

Jew

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FOR INFORMATION, GO TO JFEDSRQ.ORG/EVENTS

Celebrating

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a m f Abe Hof

The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life

941.371.4546 • info@jfedsrq.org