DOUBLE ISSUE MAY & JUNE 2020

L’ www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 42, No. 9 n May/June 2020 / 5780

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: I am proud to be a part of Federation 6 Our Community By Brian Simon, Federation President he hardest part of writing this ing Israelfest. Program Director Deb- L’CHAYIM look so good. Thank you 7 Jewish Interest piece in L’CHAYIM every bie Sanford has been working on ideas to my fellow board members, who 14 Israel & the Jewish World Tmonth is the time delay. In nor- for virtual community activities. We have made leading this organization so mal months, I submit an editorial on the had our first virtual board meeting in pleasant and rewarding. Thank you to 16 Marketplace 5th of the month early April. Sherri Zucker and Jodi Co- Sherri Zucker and Barbara Siegel, who 18 Commentary that you won’t hen have been checking on our seniors will be the new co-presidents. I know read for another who normally meet for our “Senior they will be great. 19 From the Bimah 3-4 weeks. As we Lunch Bunch” events. We’re reluctant When I began my term as president, 22 Focus on Youth all understand, the to put at risk our volunteers who label I wanted to get clarity on what we do. world can change the issues of L’CHAYIM, so this month The board helped me narrow it down to 24 Organizations a lot in a month. we’re using a mail house instead. four things: Jewish cultural events, Is- 26 Temple News As I write We expect that our Jewish Family rael advocacy, Jewish Family Services this, it is Monday, Services will be in more demand as a and the fundraising necessary to sup- 26 Community Directory  Brian April 13. It’s been result of the virus. The food pantry is port our work. You’ve probably heard Simon almost exactly a still accepting donations. The staff con- me list those in almost every one of month since the coronavirus started tinues to do outstanding work through my columns. The more I have become shutting down schools, sports events difficult circumstances. involved in Federation, the more I ap- and business activity. It’s been a cou- At this point, it is unclear whether preciate what we do for the communi- ple of weeks that we’ve officially been we can hold our annual meeting, so let ty. We provide food for the hungry. We under a “safer at home” order. By the me take this opportunity to bid farewell provide companionship and a sense of time you’re reading this, I don’t know as my presidential term is ending. purpose for seniors and the opportunity if things will have changed again. I am proud to have served as presi- to reinforce our Jewish identity. And I Maybe we’re starting to go back to dent. I appreciate all the work Alan know there’s a lot more we can do. work and school. I just don’t know, so Isaacs puts in to run the organization I don’t know exactly what will it’s hard to write something intelligent as executive director. I appreciate the change in the time between when I into the future. work of the staff – Lori Ramos, Pau- write this and when you read it. I do Concerns over the virus have la Zlatkin, Jodi Cohen and Debbie know that Federation will still be work- forced us to cancel many of our Sanford, and Leni Sack before her. ing to repair the world, and I am proud planned events for the season, includ- Thank you to Ted Epstein for making to be a part of that.

Your Federation team presents a NEW SEASON of VIRTUAL at -home programming.

Israel’s Independence 5/6 & 6/10 Day A Global Celebration May 3rd Wednesday, April 29th All Day 2:00 PM Access VIRTUAL EVENTS CALENDAR for May & June

Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Sundays PJ Library Train Israeli Hebrew Wine Down Out & About In The PJ Library Theater Dancing Words with Wednesdays Films- Kitchen Book Club 10:00AM Herb Fried 7:00PM At-Home with… 10:00 AM

11:00AM 2:00PM

Thursday,

April 30th Israel

10:00 AM Concert

Series 3:00PM (with 72 hour access) (all day access) All links for programming can be found on the homepage of our website: www.JewishFederationlcc.org

9701 Commerce Center Court POSTMASTER: NONPROFIT ORG Fort Myers, Florida 33908 DATED RELIGIOUS U.S. POSTAGE NEWS ITEMS. PAID VISIT THE FEDERATION ONLINE AT: TIME SENSITIVE– FT. MYERS, FL PLEASE EXPEDITE! PERMIT NO. 175

DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR www. JewishFederationLCC.org

social service philanthropy culture L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION

Program notes VE

To donate to By Debbie Sanford, Program Director SA & ell…this is strange. I am home right now, days, learning about spices and cooking fun Shabbat $ $ BUYING: INSTANT CASH CLIP in my “daytime” pajama pants writing my recipes on Fridays, and then some short films and the Federation’s programming article after canceling all of music and even a book club for our PJ Library kids $ $ W VE our wonderful programming for the remainder of the on Sundays. It is a calendar packed with FUN – at season. Don’t judge…I am really creative in these home! $ $ SA HIGHEST PRICES PAID! & Annual Campaign, comfy pajama pants. So cre- Since we are not producing a separate issue of

ative that I have created a brand L’CHAYIM for June, the next time you will hear from CLIP new calendar of VIRTUAL me is July.

GIVE BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES THE VE call 239.481.4449 PROGRAMMING you can I hope before then, we get to meet in person for enjoy from the comfort of your something…anything…fun. We will all need it! SA & home. If you didn’t already see As you know, I am a very social person, so I un- OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS!! or visit it, your new virtual program- derstand if being home alone for so long is hard for CLIP ming calendar is on the front you. My phone is always ON and my email is always GOLD & SILVER COINS PAPER CURRENCY 14kt • 18kt • 22kt GOLD

page of this issue. All you need OPEN. Feel free to call or email to talk, just to have a rd VE JewishFederationLCC.org  to do is log onto your com- conversation, talk about programming ideas for next IMMEDIATE PAYMENT 3 Generation Expertise • Call Today SA

Debbie & Sanford puter, phone or tablet and visit year, or if you have any questions about this new vir-

our website, www.jewishfederationlcc.org. There you tual programming. CLIP will see a large VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING but- Stay well my friends. I miss you all and can’t wait

ton. That will take you directly to that day’s program- to be together again very soon! VE OUR MISSION

DIAMONDS • SAPPHIRES SA ming. With our film links on Thursdays, you even get To strengthen and enrich the Jewish 72 hours to enjoy it – something to look forward to PLEASE SUPPORT THE & Community by providing and supporting each weekend. CLIP philanthropic, educational and social It will have you exercising on Mondays to get ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT RUBYS • EMERALDS service programs locally, in Israel and that blood flowing, learning some Hebrew on Tues- VE

throughout the world. days, creating artwork in time for Mother’s and Fa- OUR FEDERATION & HELP SA ther’s Day and enjoying some wine and friendly faces MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. ALL DIAMOND JEWELRY • WATCHES & OUR VISION on Wednesdays, watching fantastic films on Thurs- CLIP A Jewish Community that is based on ANTIQUES • ART OBJECTS • OIL PAINTINGS Jewish values such as Tzedakah VE SA

(benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing Continuing to advance & the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: BEANIE responsibility for one another). Federation’s mission CLIP of their problems. The challenges of the coronavirus BACKUS • HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR • ETC FROM THE only compound the hardships that they face on any VE SA

Rolex • Cartier • Patek Philippe • Tiffany • Bvlgari & all Wrist and Pocket Watches & EXECUTIVE ordinary day. Our Jewish Federation is here for them on every ordinary and extraordinary day. Buccellati • Chimento • David Webb • David Yurman • Cartier • Tiffany • Harry Winston • John Hardy • Chopard DIRECTOR CLIP Our older community has been remarkably re- Mid Century Furniture, Oil Paintings & Accessories: Andy Warhol • Calder • Miro • George Nelson • Lepho • Paul Evans  Alan Isaacs silient so far. A cadre of Jewish Family Services volunteers and staff has established a phone contact • Phillip Laverne • Nakashima • Dunbar • Frank Lloyd Wright • Vladimir Kagan • Dunbar • Charles Eams • Knoll VE

L’ SA

am writing this on Tuesday, March 31, from our regimen to call and chat with over 150 seniors on & Jewish news published monthly by Jewish Federation office. These days our staff ro- a regular basis to ascertain their states of body and

Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties CLIP 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 tates schedules to reduce personal exposure but to mind, and have found a remarkably high level of for- (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 I still serve the most pressing needs of our community. bearance among this population. We are offering to

Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org VE  Certain administrative tasks require a physical pres- expedite deliveries of essential items including gro- SA

May/June 2020 • Volume 42, Number 9 ence in the building and our food pantry and Infor- ceries and medications, and will be attentive to the &  mation and Referral Services are fully functional. We changing needs of our seniors. We will resume our

Co-Presidents: Barbara Siegel & Sherri Zucker CLIP Board: Paul Bartrop • Karen Fine • Helene Glocer take great care to avoid unsafe activity and practice senior outreach lunch program – Senior Lunch Bunch Carolyn Gora • Jerry Greenfield • Elisa Grossman appropriate distancing. I urge all of you to follow fed- – as soon as it is safe to do so. Andi Horowitz • Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler • Sara Krivisky eral, state and local guidelines. While the work of our Jewish Family Services VE

Michele Laboda • Rozzi Osterman • William Reynolds Diamonds ROLEX Estate Jewelry Gold Coins Oil Paintings Sterling Silver SA

Sylvia Simko • Brian Simon • Robert Thomas In times of crisis I am preoccupied by the plight persists, we have had to face disruptions to the fund- & Executive Director: Alan Isaacs of those who, at the best of times, live on the thin raising, arts and culture programs that distancing has

Program Director: Debbie Sanford CLIP Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos line between their last paycheck and poverty; those caused. We’ve had to cancel the Lion of Judah event, Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen for whom social distancing, temporary isolation and Passover gift bag packing and delivery, a PJ Library  the current day-to-day inconveniences are the least Passover program, Skype the Author, Out-and-About VE

Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 SA

Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923 Films, Holocaust Memorial & Aliza Katz (913) 244-7247 Service, Butterflies of Hope

Ian Sanford (845) 649-9903 CLIP  and, yes, Israelfest. But the work that volunteers and staff L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, have put into this lineup will VE but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are SA

accrue to even greater pro- & welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be Patek Philippe Chihuly Glass Jade Statues Picasso Pottery Russian Enamel Peter Max directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly grams in the near future. printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. We all are facing the very CLIP Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the personal difficulties and - dis right to edit for space and content. MID CENTURY FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES VE Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color 2020 ~ 2021 comforts of distancing. And prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, the real fears of illness are SA ����� ����� STERLING SILVER, & self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. not easily dismissed. Fam- KPM • SEVRES • MEISSEN ROYAL VIENNA The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the ily, friends and colleagues are FLATWARE, & TEA SETS CLIP writers and claims by advertisers. C������������ �ar�ara Sie�el & confronting the same uncer- JUDAICA • SWAROVSKI • HERREND

Sherri Zucker tainty, some across the coun- GORHAM MARTELLE • GEORG JENSEN • CARTIER VE try and some across town. It is TIFFANY • DAUM • GALLE • ARTGLASS SA JULY ISSUE ���� � �������������� �ichele �a�oda LALIQUE, WATERFORD, BACCARAT, DAUM, STEUBEN & my hope that you will draw on BOHEM • ROYAL DOULTON EDITORIAL DEADLINE: C������ � ��������� � Sara �rivisky & CLIP our community, on our Feder- LOUIS VUITTON • CHANEL ������� �ndi �oro�i�� ation, for some added comfort ROOKWOOD • B&G Friday, June 5 and contact until we reemerge LIEBER • BIRKIN HANDBAGS VE

��������� �arsha �is�ler SA into our normal lives again. WELLER • DODIE THAYER & S�������� �arin �ine Please call or write. Request Grow your business ����� ���� ��������� �rian Si�on or offer assistance. Share your ANTIQUE FURNITURE • TAPESTRIES • MOSAICS ORIENTAL RUGS • CHANDELIERS CLIP

experience of a unique mo-

with L’CHAYIM. �������� �� ����� �o��i �s�er�an ment. We are here for you. ANTIQUE CLOCKS • ART GLASS ORIENTAL FURNITURE VE It is impossible to foresee SA �������� �� ����� Carolyn Gora & Reach 4,000 local the ultimate impact that these ALL MODERN & ANTIQUE OIL PAINTINGS ORIENTAL HARDSTONES �������� �� ����� Jerry Greenfield challenges will have on the AMERICAN & EUROPEAN PAINTINGS OBJECTS D’ART • PIANOS CLIP Jewish residents �������� �� ����� �inda �delson work that our Federation does for our community. However, BRONZE & MARBLE STATUARY • PIANOS ERTE BRONZES & LITHOGRAPHS VE �������� �� ����� �elene Glocer I am confident that for the SA through this paper. & �������� �� ����� �lisa Gross�an sake of our community, and RUSSIAN ENAMEL • OIL PAINTINGS • OBJECTS D’ART CHINESE FURNITURE • PORCELAIN • HARD STONE

with the support of our com- CLIP For more information �������� �� ����� �illia� �eynolds munity, our volunteers, our COPENHAGEN • HUMMELS BIRD & MUSIC BOXES • ORIENTAL RUGS C����� ����������� �aul �ar�ro� leadership and our staff, we VE will continue to advance our SA

or to place an ad, call Lori & J����� ������ S������� �o�er� �ho�as mission: to strengthen and

BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES CLIP at 239.481.4449 x5 C�������� ��������� Sylvia Si�ko enrich the Jewish community by providing and supporting HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE or send an email to philanthropic, educational and VE Serving SA social service programs lo- rd Florida Toll Free: 1-800-356-3637 3 Generation & [email protected]. cally, in Israel and throughout Indian River, the world. Expertise 24 Hour On Call: 1-800-920-0067 St Lucie, CLIP INSTANT PAYMENT Call Mr. Kodner: 1-561-822-7043 Martin, and VE

CALL TODAY Email Us: [email protected] Palm Beach SA L’CHAYIM is published by the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties www.JewishFederationLCC.org • 239.481.4449 Counties &

Visit us: www.BruceKodner.com CLIP TR-SPAD0828111248

PROOF O.K. BY: ______O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:______

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

ADVERTISER: BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES PROOF CREATED AT: 8/28/2019 11:43 AM SALES PERSON: Meredith Zajac-Leedham PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 09/27/19 PUBLICATION: SPEC ADS SIZE: 10 col X 20 in TR-SPAD0828111248. INDD L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3

Program notes VE SA & days, learning about spices and cooking fun Shabbat $ $ BUYING: INSTANT CASH CLIP recipes on Fridays, and then some short films and music and even a book club for our PJ Library kids $ $ on Sundays. It is a calendar packed with FUN – at VE home! $ $ SA HIGHEST PRICES PAID! & Since we are not producing a separate issue of

L’CHAYIM for June, the next time you will hear from CLIP me is July.

I hope before then, we get to meet in person for GIVE BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES THE VE something…anything…fun. We will all need it! SA & As you know, I am a very social person, so I un- OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS!! derstand if being home alone for so long is hard for CLIP you. My phone is always ON and my email is always GOLD & SILVER COINS PAPER CURRENCY 14kt • 18kt • 22kt GOLD

OPEN. Feel free to call or email to talk, just to have a rd VE conversation, talk about programming ideas for next IMMEDIATE PAYMENT 3 Generation Expertise • Call Today SA & year, or if you have any questions about this new vir- tual programming. CLIP Stay well my friends. I miss you all and can’t wait to be together again very soon! VE

DIAMONDS • SAPPHIRES SA & RUBYS • EMERALDS CLIP VE SA ALL DIAMOND JEWELRY • WATCHES & ANTIQUES • ART OBJECTS • OIL PAINTINGS CLIP VE SA BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: BEANIE & BACKUS • HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR • ETC CLIP VE SA

Rolex • Cartier • Patek Philippe • Tiffany • Bvlgari & all Wrist and Pocket Watches & Buccellati • Chimento • David Webb • David Yurman • Cartier • Tiffany • Harry Winston • John Hardy • Chopard Mid Century Furniture, Oil Paintings & Accessories: Andy Warhol • Calder • Miro • George Nelson • Lepho • Paul Evans CLIP

• Phillip Laverne • Nakashima • Dunbar • Frank Lloyd Wright • Vladimir Kagan • Dunbar • Charles Eams • Knoll VE SA & CLIP VE SA & CLIP

IN STANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • N • S T H A S VE N A C T

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T Diamonds ROLEX Estate Jewelry Gold Coins Oil Paintings Sterling Silver C A N & S A H T S • N CLIP I I

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SA T C A N &

GIVE BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS!! S A H T S • N I CLIP I GOLD & SILVER COINS PAPER CURRENCY 14kt • 18kt • 22kt GOLD N • S T H A S N A VE C 3rd Generation Expertise • Call Today T

IMMEDIATE PAYMENT — HIGHEST PRICES PAID

T C SA A N S A & H T S Patek Philippe Chihuly Glass Jade Statues Picasso Pottery Russian Enamel Peter Max • N I CLIP I DIAMONDS • SAPPHIRES • RUBIES • EMERALDS N • S T H A S N A VE C T MID CENTURY FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES

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BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: A N S A

STERLING SILVER, & H T S KPM • SEVRES • MEISSEN ROYAL VIENNA • N

I BEANIE BACKUS I CLIP N • FLATWARE, & TEA SETS S T H JUDAICA • SWAROVSKI • HERREND A S HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR N A C T

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BOHEM • ROYAL DOULTON I N Mid Century Furniture, Oil Paintings & Accessories: Andy Warhol • Calder • Miró • George Nelson • Le Pho • Peter Max CLIP • S T H LOUIS VUITTON • CHANEL A S Paul Evans • Phillip Laverne • Nakashima • Dunbar • Frank Lloyd Wright • Vladimir Kagan • Dunbar • Charles Eams • Knoll N A ROOKWOOD • B&G C T

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T LIEBER • BIRKIN C A N HANDBAGS SA S A WELLER • DODIE THAYER H T & S • N I I N CLIP • S T H ANTIQUE FURNITURE • TAPESTRIES • MOSAICS

ORIENTAL RUGS • CHANDELIERS A S N A C T

T C Diamonds ROLEX Estate Jewelry Gold Coins Oil Paintings Sterling Silver Patek Philippe Chihuly Glass Jade Statues Picasso Pottery Russian Enamel Handbags VE A N ANTIQUE CLOCKS • ART GLASS ORIENTAL FURNITURE S A SA H T S • & N I ALL MODERN & ANTIQUE OIL PAINTINGSANTIQUE FURNITURE • TAPESTRIES • MOSAICS ORIENTALORIENTALHARDST RUGS •ONES CHANDELIERS • SCONCES I STERLING SILVER, N • CLIP ORIENTAL FURNITURE • JADE • CORAL • SILVER • PAINTINGS S

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BRONZE & MARBLE STATUARY • PIANOS • BIRD BOXES & N

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LOUIS VUITTON • CHANEL CLIP T H A S COPENHAGEN • HUMMELS • ROYAL DOULTON • ROOKWOOD HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE LIEBER • BIRKIN • GUCCI N A HANDBAGS BIRD & MUSIC BOXES • ORIENTAL RUGS C COPENHAGEN • HUMMELS T

T C A VE N S A H T SA S • & N I I N • S T CLIP H BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES

3rd Generation Expertise Worldwide A S Florida Toll Free: 1-800-356-3637 Serving N A C T

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CALL TODAY Email Us: [email protected] Palm Beach SA www.JewishFederationLCC.org • 239.481.4449 Counties &

Visit us: www.BruceKodner.com CLIP TR-SPAD0828111248

PROOF O.K. BY: ______O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:______

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

ADVERTISER: BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES PROOF CREATED AT: 8/28/2019 11:43 AM SALES PERSON: Meredith Zajac-Leedham PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 09/27/19 PUBLICATION: SPEC ADS SIZE: 10 col X 20 in TR-SPAD0828111248. INDD L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world.

YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN

This year please consider making an additional campaign contribution in honor or memory of a loved one. Because kindness is contagious, we would like to highlight your generosity in L’CHAYIM and notify personally those whom you honor. You may choose how your generosity is noted and how we share your mitzvah with the community.

TRIBUTES ��� ��� ������ ���������� �� L�� � C�������� C������� S����� In memory of Joel Lovitch from Naomi Thomson & Alan Isaacs Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture from Jim & JoAnn Lewin Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for from Jim & Betty Rubenstein all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk In honor of Carolyn Linkov’s birthday dancing, social groups, etc. from Eric & Nancy Linkov L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. Please send your Tributes to Lori Ramos Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the at the Federation at [email protected]. community. Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish Thanks to the following supporters of L’CHAYIM for their community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high contribution to help underwrite the cost of bringing news of the local, school students in the community. national and international Jewish community to your mailbox every month! Overseas Stuart Dunkin Ellen Epstein Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Howard & Sofia Parish Mr. & Mrs. Jay H. Ginsburg Jewish Joint �istribu�on Commi�ee �J�C� for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communi�es in ��� countries around the world. Partnership ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region in Israel.

Local Seniors Services Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health and sociali�a�on.

Local Case Management Services Non‐sectarian, individual and family outreach, informa�on and referral services. Individual life coaching and support services.

Local Emergency Services Food Pantry and Publix food cards. Emergency financial assistance grants.

Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters. INDIGENT FUND PACESETTERS Local Community Services The Federation expresses special gratitude to our Indigent Support families of children with special needs. Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, Fund Pacesetters for the example they set for the rest of us.

ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and planning. Anonymous Karin Fine Jack Cohen - Marcia Can Help Sherri & Ira Zucker �e�is� Community �oun�a�on Naomi Bloom & Ron Wallace Jackie & Alan Cadkin An endowment that ensures the long‐term financial base of Barbara & Earl Magdovitz Shalom Dancers charitable, social and educa�onal programs in our community. Toni & Stuart Morgenstein Mellow Mah Jongg Needs‐based college scholarships and study scholarships in Israel. Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment.

The Jewish Federation loves our GENEROUS DONORS

INDIGENT FUND / MARCIA CAN HELP MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT Marty & Judy Freling Karen Whitman Paul & Sylvia Simko Eric & Nancy Linkov Andi & Gene Sipe Naomi Bloom & Ron Wallace A tribute is a thoughtful gift honoring Barry & Cheryl Fulmer Jim & JoAnn Lewin a special occasion , including birth- Diane Goukler Harvey & Carol Brand days, anniversary's, promotions, bar/ Jim & Betty Rubenstein Paul Cornez Stuart & Toni Morgenstein Lance & Carol Kann bat mitzvah, or to express sympathy. Temple Judea Robert & Bette Batson Community Free Synagogue Naomi Thomson & Alan Isaacs Pelican Preserve Robert & Marybeth Mandelkorn Mark & Susan Sherwin Rabbi Marc & Leni Sack Roz Shraiar Ellen Epstein Clive & Sunny Lubner Mae Folb Honoring a special person

Barbara Siegel Nancy Swanson Louis Kapp Sheila & Joseph Cramer through a tribute gift to the Jewish Family Services of Lee & Charlotte Counties is a wonderful way to recognize a simcha Alice Ellman Rick & Judi Davis (happy occasion) or remember a loved one. Not only does your Shalom Club at Ron & Lynn Talone gift show your family and friends that you care, it goes to work Pelican Preserve helping Jews in need and building vibrant communities locally, in Israel and around the world. FOOD PANTRY Victor Gold Marsha & Mike Kistler  Bar/Bat Mitzvahs  Loss of a loved one Temple Beth El Sara & Brian Krivisky   Temple Judea Births New homes Barbara & Barry Epstein  Confirmations Shalom Dancers Russ Bilgo Mellow Mah Jongg Jack & Nancy Wiadro Brian & Mindi Simon Steve & Kathy Brettholtz A personalized Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Ruth Lefberg The Waronker’s tribute card will be sent to the honoree or bereaved on your Nancy & Eric Linkov Byron & Shirley Frank behalf, reflecting a personal message if you wish. Barb & Harvey Charter Robin Green Phyllis & Berny Aronson Veronica Green MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT Gerald Goldstein Rich & Renee Lane Bonnie Kasdan visit our website at jewishfederationlcc.org/tribute-memorials Marlene Price

Pelican Preserve Laurie Morris

Grandezza Community Free Synagogue

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Jewish Family Services update By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator inally, once and for all, here is cery pick-up process now involves my Hurricane Air Conditioning, who eration board members Sherri Zucker, the infamous quiz about who leaving the bags of food on the porch pulled over and not only helped pick Karin Fine and I have been calling the Fqualifies to receive food and for clients to pick-up at their appointed up the glass, but loaded the strewn box- volunteers and the folks who come for emergency assistance from the Jewish times. Because the doors are glass, I es into his van, and followed Lori and lunch to see how everyone is doing, Federation of Lee and Charlotte Coun- can still see the people who come to Debbie back to the Federation. Day- how they’re managing, how their spir- ties. Please circle all that apply: get food, but it does limit the ability to enu. Then he helped unload all of the its are and if they need help with any- • a. Only Jews have a conversation. food from the truck as well as his van. thing. For me personally, these calls • b. Only Jews who are affiliated In what I refer to as The Before Our ever-amazing volunteers have been a balm to my spirit. High- with a synagogue or congregation Times, way back in March, I had two showed up to unload the food haul that lights include hearing about someone • c. Non-Jews who know someone food pantry clients who drove together day, complete with masks and gloves. who attended a Zoom bris (!) as well who is Jewish to pick up food for their families. One A huge shoutout to Sander Simon, as hearing the delight and gratitude in • d. Anyone living in Lee and Char- of them asked if we could help them Ethan Roberts, Mary Beth Mandel- everyone’s voice to receive the call. A lotte counties with their electric bill, since they had korn, Carolyn Gora, Randi and Payton favorite conversation was when I made • e. Anyone who can recite the four been living without power for three Wolf. They lifted, they schlepped, they someone promise to wear a mask and questions days and there were two more days broke down and took out all of the re- gloves the next time she went to the • f. What was the question again? until a paycheck arrived. Not only did cycling, and had everything organized grocery store, and she said, “Yes dar- The answer the Federation help the family get their and put away in about an hour. Bravo! ling.” is d – Anyone power turned back on, but I also pro- A heartfelt thank you to everyone I just now remembered how I living in Lee and vided a gift card so the family could who continues donating to the Federa- wanted to begin this article! One of the Charlotte coun- replace some of the food in their refrig- tion food pantry as the needs in our biggest changes I have experienced as ties – Jewish or erator that had spoiled. The friend of community grow. Specific shout outs a result of the current circumstances is non-Jewish. I re- the woman we helped jumped up and to Annette Paine and Sandy Abramson, to say “I love you” to the people I care mind everyone of threw her arms around me when I of- who organized food drives at Grandez- about. I am less shy about speaking this fact because fered the gift card. (Remember, this za and Pelican Preserve, respectively; those words, even when it feels awk- of how the Fed- was in The Before Times.) All of which Steve Brettholz, who placed an Insta- ward, even when it might not be said  Jodi Cohen eration food pan- is to say, I miss hugging people. cart order to be delivered to the Fed- in return, even when my fear seems try is being impacted by COVID-19. In April, Federation staff mem- eration; and the people who called to bigger than my affection. I don’t care. We doubled the amount of people for bers Lori Ramos and Debbie Sanford make monetary donations because they Let’s just cut to the chase. Thank you whom we provide food starting at the picked up a wrapped pallet of food weren’t able to shop for food. to everyone who is assisting the Fed- end of March, and at the rate things are from the Midwest Food Bank. On their Since there hasn’t been a Senior eration in caring for our community of going, that number will triple by the way back to the Federation, the wrap- Lunch Bunch since February, Fed- Jews and non-Jews. I love you! end of April. ping became loose and several boxes We’ve also doubled the amount of in the back of Lori’s truck spilled onto new food pantry clients as well. Sev- the road. Unfortunately, those boxes eral of the new clients who call say included glass jars of sauerkraut. Oy. they’ve never been to a food pantry Lori and Debbie risked their lives in before. Client gratitude is more pro- the ongoing traffic by picking up the nounced than usual because people are glass so no one would run over it and relieved to get assistance amidst the pop a tire. More Oy. Enter mensch ex- scarcity mentality in the air. The gro- traordinaire Chris Shannon, owner of

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Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center update By Susan Suarez, President & CEO hese past few months, the coro- While the Museum is temporarily ing forward to participating with other begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed navirus has profoundly affected closed, our online Education programs teachers from across the U.S. in touring by a panel discussion. The Museum’s Thow we live, work, shop and remain a great Holocaust Education Holocaust history sites. annual winter fundraising event, The worship. This year, for the first time, resource for Southwest Florida teach- The Matching Gift Challenge Fund Luncheon, will be held on Thursday, we had to hold “virtual” Passover, ers, parents and students. We have been continues through June 30 to raise December 10 at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Easter and Yom HaShoah commemora- providing parents, students and teachers funds to support future Educator Study Resort. Additional details on the pro- tions. The virus’s with Holocaust Education information Trips for local middle and high school grams for these events will be available hardships are felt “virtually” through our website and the teachers. You can make your donation as we get closer to the dates. worldwide. self-guided Museum Audio Tour app. online at our website – www.HMCEC. One of the benefits of the safer-at- We continue It has been a learning process for all org. All donations made by June 30 home restrictions has been the extra time to be inspired by concerned as schools closed and classes will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to available to us – an opportunity rarely the bravery and shifted to an all-online format. a total of $50,000. Thank you to Mu- found in our hectic lives. We’ve had to commitment of We continue to plan for re-opening seum Board Members Janet G. Cohen, reflect on the importance of family and those who daily activities and programs, with staff work- Maureen Lerner and Rob Nossen for friends, what we’ve accomplished and put their lives, ing remotely from their homes and at their generosity in sponsoring this what we’d still like to do. For many, our  Susan and those of their the Museum, employing safe-distancing Matching Gift Challenge. For questions priorities will have shifted as a result of Suarez loved ones, at risk while there. Curator Cody Rademacher about the Challenge, please contact me COVID-19. May we all work toward a to help us. Along with all the bad news is installing the new temporary exhibit at [email protected]. world where we now take action against we hear, there are also many uplifting in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery. Please mark your calendars to save bigotry, hatred and violence – something stories of kindness toward one another. “Liberation: Through Their Eyes” hon- the date for these currently planned the Museum is committed to achieving, People are stepping up to help however ors the 75th anniversary of Liberation fall events, subject to the easing of both online now and when we re-open they can – by donating to food banks and the end of World War II. Exhibit COVID-19 restrictions. The “Mov- in the not too distant future. I hope you to help alleviate food insecurities in contents are drawn from the Museum’s ies That Matter” series will return on and your families and friends continue their communities, checking in on el- Permanent Collection. The artifacts, Wednesday, October 14, 21 and 28 to the to stay safe and healthy until we see you derly neighbors, celebrating children’s documents and photographs on display Paragon Theater in Naples. Films will at the Museum once again. birthdays with car parades, turning on have been donated by local SWFL holiday or outside lights, singing (or residents who are Survivors, Libera- howling in Denver at 8:00 p.m.!) at a tors, their families and other interested Providing exceptional care that makes set time in the evenings to voice their parties. senior’s lives better and happier! support of healthcare workers. There COVID-19 has postponed this are thousands of other small and large year’s inaugural Educator’s Study Trip Homemaker/Companion Services acts of thoughtfulness being done as we program to Europe, which is jointly Personally Matched Caregivers, Prepare Meals, Light band together to face the pandemic chal- sponsored by GenShoah of SWFL House Tasks, Laundry & Linens, Shopping & Errands, lenges. Let us also remember those who and the Museum. 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Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center updateAging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be followedWhen times are tough, is laughter the best medicine? by a panel discussion. The Museum’sBy Rabbi Barbara Aiello annual winter fundraising event, The bout 25 years ago, in the mid- to illness and help you get well.” (Victoria health. In Proverbs we read that “A Rabbi Barbara Aiello is the first non- Luncheon, will be held on Thursday, late-1990s, when personal com- Vogt, science.howstuffworks.com) merry heart does good like a medicine,” Orthodox rabbi and first woman rabbi December 10 at The Ritz-Carlton Beach munication via the internet was Which brings me to Louis Feinberg, while the Psalmist recalls that “God in Italy. She is spiritual leader of the first Resort. Additional details on the pro-A coming into its own, many seniors, like Lester Horowitz and Moses Horowitz, has a smile on his face,” and that “Our active synagogue in southern Italy since grams for these events will be availablemy friend’s father Sam, couldn’t wait to nice Jewish boys from Brooklyn who mouth was filled with laughter, and our Inquisition times and a mentoring rabbi as we get closer to the dates. power on. Mostly, were better known as Curly, Larry and tongue with shouts of joy. ” But if my for Darshan Yeshiva’s conversion pro- One of the benefits of the safer-at- Sam talked with Mo, of the comedy team The Three Dad were here, he would agree with his gram. She is a vice president of Kulanu, home restrictions has been the extra time other seniors, re- Stooges. While critics sniffed that the personal comedic sage. That would be an international Jewish organization available to us – an opportunity rarely tirees who shared trio was vulgar, lacked aesthetics and Curly, who would certainly punctuate that supports Jewish diversity world- found in our hectic lives. We’ve had to holiday and birth- brought conventional comedic style to the discussion with a hearty “Nyuk- wide. Contact Rabbi Aiello at rabbi@ reflect on the importance of family and day greetings and a new low, the Stooges were responsible Nyuk-Nyuk!” rabbibarbara.com. friends, what we’ve accomplished and most of all, jokes. for some of the most iconic comedies what we’d still like to do. For many, our I recall Sam’s ever made. Their humor was often raw, priorities will have shifted as a result of belly laugh each and they were not great innovators, but Changing you address? Keep COVID-19. May we all work toward a time his friend as quick laugh practitioners, they placed world where we now take action against Rabbi Barbara Aiello Murray sent him second to none. bigotry, hatred and violence – something some offbeat or off-color joke and how I confess. I never liked The Three L’CHAYIM coming to your home. the Museum is committed to achieving,Sam searched his memory to send back Stooges but I liked how my father liked both online now and when we re-openanother funny story, aimed at besting them. Dad was educated in Berlin, Email [email protected]. in the not too distant future. I hope youMurray in the mirth factor. How these played classical trumpet and was a vora- and your families and friends continueguys loved to laugh. cious reader in at least five languages. to stay safe and healthy until we see you Sam wasn’t a doctor and neither But when the Stooges came on televi- at the Museum once again. were any of his friends, but they didn’t sion, he’d roar with laughter. Follow- need to be. They knew something then ing Dad’s debilitating heart attack, the that most doctors believe today – that in- Stooges continued their laugh therapy deed laughter is often the best medicine. and, although I have no scientific data As far back as 15 years ago the to confirm it, I have always felt that prestigious journal, Psychology Today, Dad survived as long as he did thanks agreed. The publication featured an to Curly, Larry and Mo. article by Hara Estroff Marano, who Recently, medical professionals reported that doctors had begun to tout report and research confirms something the curative properties of laughter. that many doctors and nurses under- Marano wrote that “Laughter reduces stood for years – that laughter affects a pain, increases job performance, con- patient’s immune system by increasing nects people emotionally, and improves the production of antibodies. These the flow of oxygen to the heart and antibodies form a firewall against an brain.” impressive group of diseases, including In recent years, more experts have viruses and bacterial infections. Even taken the time to examine the results of more, a sustained belly laugh can stave patient laughter and have come to agree off depression and anxiety, prevent that “Laughter sets off a chain reaction disease and help you get well. throughout the body that promotes phys- Thousands of years ago our Jewish ical and psychological health. Regular traditions understood how important and frequent guffawing can both prevent laughter is to our mental and physical

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Hitler invades France By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD n May 10, 1940, the German for a federal union of the two countries. from Geneva to Tours and extending Jews: those who moved from the oc- army invaded France. On the On June 16, Reynaud resigned as Prime south to the Spanish border. In a clause cupied zone to Vichy were forbidden Omorning of May 15, French Minister and was replaced by the “Hero that would hit Jewish refugees espe- re-entry; Jewish businesses had to be Prime Minister Paul Reynaud wired his of Verdun,” Marshal Philippe Pétain, cially hard, all Jews previously granted identified by clearly marked signs in newly installed counterpart in London, who informed the people of France that political asylum in France had to be French and German; all Jews were to be Winston Churchill, the fighting must stop and that he had surrendered to the German authorities. compulsorily registered; and from this reporting that “Last asked the Germans for an armistice. All occupation costs had to be carried by point on they were to carry an identity night we lost the On June 22, 1940, in the same railway the French themselves. A small French card with the word Juif stamped on it. battle. The route to carriage in the forest of Compiègne in army of 100,000 men for local policing Then, on October 3, 1940, the Paris is open.” By the which the Armistice was signed in 1918 was to be permitted, and the French French Statut des Juifs (Jewish Statute) end of May the bulk signaling Germany’s defeat in the Great navy was to be disarmed. was introduced at Vichy, and set the of the French armies War, France surrendered. The two-fifths of the country in the stage for what was to come. It defined had been sent north The collapse of France had enor- southeast of the area not occupied by the Jews as those who had three Jewish  Dr. Paul to confront the Ger- mous consequences for Jewish com- Germans was permitted to remain as a grandparents, or two Jewish grandpar- Bartrop mans, but most were munities throughout France. In 1939, quasi-independent French entity under ents if their spouse was also Jewish. It encircled by the panzer armies of the the Jewish population was estimated Pétain, with its capital in the resort town also cut back Jewish involvement in Wehrmacht. As the French struggled to at somewhere between 300,000 and of Vichy. This so-called “free zone” French society drastically: Jews would hold lines that were hopelessly confused 330,000. A year later, it had increased took as its title L’État français (French be forbidden from serving in the military and crumbling everywhere, worse was by another 10%. Overall, perhaps State), to distance itself from the hated as officers or noncommissioned -offi to come on June 10, when Italy declared 90,000 were French-born. With the République française (French Repub- cers, in senior positions in government war and invaded southern France. Al- outbreak of war on September 3, lic), which was henceforth dissolved. administration, or in any role with an though this was to be the only theater in 1939, Jews flocked to the colors, and Pétain’s goal was to completely influence over public opinion. One day which the French armies managed some by January 1940, Jews in the French rejuvenate the country, based on the later, on October 4, a second law granted degree of success, the Italians capital- army numbered some 60,000, of whom concepts of Travail, Famille et Patrie local prefects the authority to intern ized on the French collapse at the hands 16,000 were foreign-born. The defeat (Work, Family and Fatherland), core “foreigners of the Jewish race.” of the Germans by getting a seat at the was just as disastrous for the Jews of ideas that would inject new life into The catastrophic Fall of France in peace table and subsequently occupying France as it was for everyone else, a France that had been drained of its the summer of 1940 – 80 years ago this the French Riviera. but for the Jews it had the added sig- élan vital. The new regime instituted month – saw the start of anti-Jewish Immediately afterwards, between nificance of being to an avowedly anti- what became known as the National measures that would culminate in the June 15 and 25, the British Expedi- Semitic enemy. The Nazi conquest would Revolution, a diametric opposite to deportation of more than 75,000 Jews to tionary Force was evacuated from the initiate a period of unprecedented perse- the perceived ruin caused by the Third death camps, where some 72,500 were beaches of Dunkirk, along with tens of cution for Jews living in France. Republic. It was characterized by such murdered. The vast majority of these thousands of French soldiers. Churchill, When the armistice went into effect features as anti-parliamentarism, a were identified by French civil servants, in a last-ditch effort to retain some sem- on July 25, France agreed to the occupa- rejection of the notion of separation of rounded up by French police, and “pro- blance of unity between the British and tion by Germany of three-fifths of the powers, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, cessed” before their deportation by other French allies, proposed a stillborn case country north and west of a line running the promotion of traditional values, a French authorities following the Statut rejection of modernity and, above all, des Juifs. Although this is now a well- a personality cult focusing on Pétain known story, it is necessary to recount himself. Imbued with such ideals, it was it once more. It is a record which will clear that there could be no place for a forever be a stain on French history, and Jewish presence in the new France and, must be remembered. even less, for immigrant Jews. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of His- REALTY GROUP Anti-Jewish regulations were pro- tory and the Director of the Center for mulgated by the Germans in the oc- Holocaust and Genocide Research at cupied zone on September 27, 1940. Florida Gulf Coast University. He can Frye Commercial Group It imposed a number of restrictions on be reached at [email protected]. COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SALES, INVESTMENT, ACQUISITION & DISPOSITION HAL ARKIN (239) 910-5363 cell • [email protected]

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The Jewish Federation invites you to participate in an Israeli Virtual Intergenerational Exchange Program You’re at higher risk. Small discussion groups You’reIf you’re 65 or older, at you are athigher higher risk of getting very risk. sick Six weekly video-chat sessions from the coronavirus. You must take extra care of yourself. Every Sunday, starting April 26th If you’re 65 or older, you are at higher risk of getting very sick fromStay the home coronavirus. if you can. You must take extra care of yourself.  A closer look at Israeli society and Jewish communities Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least Stay20 seconds. home if you can.  Connecting English-speaking adult members of our Southwest WashAvoid handstouching frequently your face. with soap and water for at least Florida community with Israeli high school students Disinfect20 seconds. frequently touched objects. AvoidWash uptouching after being your face.in public spaces.  Share personal stories and diverse viewpoints with one another DisinfectStay about frequently six feet away touched from objects. others. IfWash you’re up sickafter, stay being home in public and awayspaces. from others. For more information and to sign “It was an excellent program. It is IfStay you about have sixsymptoms feet away of fromfever, others. dry cough and shortness up, contact: important for us to have this Ifof you’rebreath, sick call, yourstay homehealth and care away provider from before others. going to their office. Debbie Sanford at connection to Israel and for the If you have symptoms of fever, dry cough and shortness of breath, call your health care provider before going to 239.481.4449 x4 or students to be connected to Wetheir are all office. at risk, and some more than others. In challenging times, the Canada. It allowed us to talk about choices you make are critical. And their impact is significant. Help slow the spread of coronavirus. [email protected] topics that we often don’t get to We are all at risk, and some more than others. In challenging times, the by April 24th choices you make are critical. And their impact is significant. Help slow speak about with each other. It was theVisit spread coronavirus.gov of coronavirus. for the latest tips and information an opportunity to connect through from the CDC. the sharing of stories. For me, this Visit coronavirus.gov for the latest tips and information from the CDC. was the highlight of my week.”

Rivka Campbell, Toronto TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP SLOW THE SPREAD.

TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP SLOW THE SPREAD.

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How a seemingly ordinary individual

Jews: those who moved from the oc-can play an extraordinary role cupied zone to Vichy were forbidden Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM re-entry; Jewish businesses had to be The Old Stories by David Selcer. He made his way to the United for Palestine, which issues and events with clarity identified by clearly marked signs in States via Canada (where the immi- favored other politi- and precision. Moving as well French and German; all Jews were to be Biblio Publishing. 234 pages. Trade paperback $12.95. gration process changed the name to cal outcomes for the is his handling of the various compulsorily registered; and from this Selcer), and a fortunate arranged mar- remains of the former characters’ emotional ups and point on they were to carry an identity t’s hard to separate the strands of riage provided the opportunity to raise a Ottoman Empire. downs. card with the word Juif stamped on it. memoir, history, biography and family and, with his wife, run a business. This part of the Is Lester, who is the novel’s Then, on October 3, 1940, the imagination in David Selcer’s His children were often embarrassed by story is told, long after primary first-person narra- French Statut des Juifs (Jewish Statute)I provocative, informative and deeply his accent, his foreign ways and a certain Hyman’s death, by tor, actually David Selcer in was introduced at Vichy, and set themoving book. Perhaps the genre doesn’t coarseness of manner. Bloom, who is ques- disguise? It sometimes seems stage for what was to come. It defined matter that much. No one expected that this man, in tioned relentlessly that way. But no. David Selcer Jews as those who had three Jewish It’s a feast of infor- his middle years, would become a hero by Hyman’s younger is the son of Lester and thus the grandparents, or two Jewish grandpar- mation and revela- of sorts. Without explanation, soon after son, Lester. Lester had been a resentful inventor of the needed fictional ents if their spouse was also Jewish. It tion, past and pres- the close of WWII, Chaim (now long son growing up in the shadow of his answers to the narrative’s questions that also cut back Jewish involvement in ent, satisfaction known as Hyman), became involved older brother Ben, just like Chaim had would otherwise go unanswered. French society drastically: Jews would and regret. for about 18 months as a worker for the grown up in the shadow of Shmuel. A former Ohioan, David Selcer now be forbidden from serving in the military As the 19th entities that would soon help bring forth Lester never could please his father. He lives in Sarasota with his wife, where he as officers or noncommissioned offi- century came to the State of Israel. This man, who never never received praise, encouragement decides employment cases for federal cers, in senior positions in government a close in the had a birth certificate, somehow, with or even useful answers to his questions. agencies as a Federal Agency Decision administration, or in any role with an town of Kherson his sophisticated and well-connected His understanding of his father is modi- Writer. Always a buckeye, the Buckeye  Phil influence over public opinion. One day within the Ukrai- Ohio friend Herschel Bloom, worked fied through hearing Bloom’s narrative Barrister (lead character in Selcer’s Jason later, on October 4, a second law granted nian province of for the cooperating Jewish organiza- of courage and commitment. four-part mystery series) is an avid Ohio local prefects the authority to internGreater Russia, a young boy – not at tions that would change the history of This brief stretch of time within the State University fan. His other book is “foreigners of the Jewish race.” all a scholar – toiled with his lessons at the Middle East. overall narrative includes a romantic the historical novel Lincoln’s Hat and The catastrophic Fall of France in the Great Choral Synagogue. He hated They were part of Aliya Bet, the subplot in Hyman’s relationship with the Tea Movement’s Anger. the summer of 1940 – 80 years ago thishis studies, but enjoyed paging through an attractive woman, Leila, he meets Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeri- month – saw the start of anti-Jewish the stories of Sholem Aleichem, the on Kfar Giladi, a kibbutz that absorbed tus of English from the United States measures that would culminate in the great Jewish storyteller whose Yiddish many newcomers to nascent Israel. Naval Academy. He reviews regularly deportation of more than 75,000 Jews to tales offered humor and profundity. At David Selcer’s prose has an abun- for Florida Weekly, Washington Inde- death camps, where some 72,500 werenine, Chaim Zelitzer could not absorb dance of descriptive power. He is able pendent Review of Books, Southern murdered. The vast majority of thesethe great teachings of the Torah and the to put his complexly drawn characters Literary Review, other publications and were identified by French civil servants,Talmud. He had a practical turn of mind. into vivid, realistic settings across the the Jewish Book Council. Please visit rounded up by French police, and “pro-At a young age, he was happy enough to decades of his fable-like tale. The author Phil’s website at www.philjason.word cessed” before their deportation by otherplease his father and uncle by becoming is also able to set forth the historical press.com. French authorities following the Statuta skilled metal worker. But he stumbled des Juifs. Although this is now a well-through his Bar Mitzvah preparation. known story, it is necessary to recount Chaim did honor the traditional goal it once more. It is a record which will of the Tzadik – of becoming a righteous ConneCt forever be a stain on French history, and man. with your Jewish Community must be remembered. His older brother, Shmuel, was on David Selcer Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of His-his way to becoming a famous cantor. secret organization that created a secret tory and the Director of the Center for Russia’s defeat in the Russo-Jap- Jewish fleet for the purpose of facilitat- www.facebook.com/ Holocaust and Genocide Research at anese War (1905) prompted the teen- ing Jewish immigration to Palestine, facebook.com/jfedsrq Florida Gulf Coast University. He canage sailor (Chaim) to “go AWOL” to a crucial step toward undermining JewishFederationLCC be reached at [email protected]. Manchuria. the power of the British Mandate

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Ugat Bisquvitim – recipe by Chef Dalia gat Bisquvitim, also known my childhood. • 12 oz Israeli white cheese By Arlene Stolnitz as Icebox Cake, Layered Tea Mom says it’s best if you let the or farmer’s cheese am writing this while under self- UBiscuit Cake and Classic Israeli cake sit in the fridge for a few days • 1 cup strong coffee, at room imposed house quarantine following Cheesecake, can be made by anyone. before serving it. While, I can’t dispute temperature I the suggestion of officials to avoid Ugat Bisquvitim, probably one of that, it still is pretty darn delicious after • 8 oz Petit Beurre or Israeli tea contact with others. It feels so strange! the most well-known Israeli desserts you’ve let it refrigerate overnight! biscuits We have always been blessed with a in Israel, is as iconic as falafel and Of course, every family has their • 4 oz 54% semisweet chocolate freedom of movement, which makes hummus, yet most tourists have never ‘recipe’ or way of preparing this cake, • You will need a 9” x 9” cake pan this so different heard of it. After all, nobody is selling and almost every Israeli has fond for Americans as this colorful cake on street corners, yet. memories of enjoying a slice with their we recalibrate for Ugat Bisquvitim, as this cake is known morning/afternoon/evening coffee. a new normal. in Hebrew, is part of the quintessential Here I’ve included my version, the However, it is Israeli childhood, but is rarely seen classic, in all its glory: a beautiful sunny outside the home. This cake might be Chef’s note: Florida day in ignored by culinary experts, but insid- Israeli white cheese is available in many March, and the ers know that the very best are made by kosher markets and at some Costco deadline for ar- energetic kindergarteners. branches. The farmer’s cheese is avail- ticles for publica- The cake has layers of creamy fill- able in some Publix and Whole Foods Arlene Stolnitz tion is more than ing made of white cheese that is mixed stores. Tea biscuits from Israel are avail- Personal Chef Dalia Hemed a month ahead; so write, I must. By the time this article reaches print, I can’t with instant vanilla pudding bundled able in the kosher section of most super- can be reached at between simple petit beurre tea biscuits, markets. European Petit Beurre biscuits help but wonder what the state of mat- [email protected]. dipped in coffee. The cake is then topped are available in some supermarkets. If ters will be in this country. with chocolate ganache or simply with the Petit Beurre biscuits aren’t fitting in a second layer of coffee-dipped I really did have an extraordinary cocoa powder. perfectly like Tetris pieces, break them biscuits on top. Spread the rest oftopic for my May article, which I was The cake brings back a lot of memo- so that the whole layer is covered. X In a large bowl, mix together the the cheese mixture and end with avery excited about. However, I decided ries for me. My sister used to make it a Make sure that you finish with a milk, 1 cup of the heavy cream, third layer of the biscuits. Cover andto set it aside for a future month. Instead, lot with her kids’ friends every Shabbat layer of biscuits so that you don’t “pull sugar and vanilla pudding using a transfer to the fridge for 3-4 hours. a comment from a friend visiting in Is- in Israel. up” the pudding into the chocolate when fork or a balloon whisk. Fold the X Melt the chocolate and 1/4 cup ofrael prompted me to rethink my subject I’ve wanted to make my mother’s you’re swooping on the ganache. white cheese in and let it set for 5 the heavy cream in the microwave,for the month of May. tea biscuit cake forever. This is a recipe Ingredients: minutes. mix until smooth. Gently pour over You see, my friend has been vol- passed on by her mother, potentially • 2 cups milk X Put the coffee in a small bowl. Dip the cake and spread evenly using anunteering in the Israel Defense Forces going back even further to my great- • 1¼ cups heavy cream, divided the biscuits, one or two at a time, icing spatula. (IDF) in a program which aids the army grandmother. The recipe has been in • 2 tablespoons sugar and arrange in one layer at the X Cover and return to the fridge for 8in performing non-combat support my mother’s hands since she was 16 or • 1 pack 3.4 oz instant vanilla bottom of the pan. Spread half the hours or overnight. Cut into 8 barstasks such as packing medical supplies, 17, and I had my fair share of it during pudding cheese mixture on top and arrange and serve. repairing machinery and equipment, and all sorts of jobs that can be done by civilians. I know several people When is a cork not a cork? who have volunteered in this program, By The Wine Whisperer known as Sar-El, and it is a wonderful he days of the venerable wine known, but back then they used to mix vious association of twist tops with low wine from French Bar with loads ofand important service to the IDF. cork may be numbered. A few wine with seawater, so chances are it quality jug wine. Trust me, it’s not that purple plum and blueberry. The tannins My friend had an experience while weeks ago, I opened a bottle of didn’t much matter. way anymore. are a bit stiff, so a decanter (see below)staying with her family on her weekends T off which really touched me. I knew I very fine (expensive) white Burgundy Then came the glass bottle, and The new space-age stopper I en- is not a bad idea. WW 88 and was caught by surprise. Trusty some genius figured out that the bark countered is called an “ArdeaSeal,” Le Volte Dell’Ornellaia 2015 To-would have to write about it. corkscrew in hand, I peeled off the foil of a certain kind of oak tree would be a and it’s made by an Italian company. scana ($30) – This “Super Tuscan” I have always thought of music as and was con- good closure. They’ve been using cork The main thing I wanted to know was comes from one of the most legendarythe “great uniter.” In my experience fronted not by for centuries, for several good reasons. whether the seal was permeable – that producers in Tuscany. A blend of Mer-in choral singing, I have seen many a cork or plas- First, it’s compressible, so it expands is, would it allow those tiny amounts lot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangio- tic stopper, but in the bottle’s neck making a tight seal. of air into the bottle to help mature the vese, there are ripe aromas and flavors by some kind of Second, it’s just a little bit permeable, wine. That’s pretty much the main idea of jammy blackberry, graphite, warm high-tech multi- allowing tiny amounts of air to get in behind corks, and why we lay down earth and even a bit of licorice. A great level…thing… and develop the wine. Third, it’s pretty certain wines for long periods in dark food wine. WW 93 I’d never seen much all they had. moldy cellars. Famiglia Pasqua Passimento before. Obvious- Problem is, as we’ve noted be- The company’s brochure promises Rosso Veneto 2016 $14) – Another  Jerry ly, I had to know fore, corks can break down and leak. that the stopper will not chemically in- effort using partially dried grapes, of- Greenfield more. They’re also subject to a fungus called teract with the wine and has “the right fering not-so-sweet flavors of smoke, Ever since people discovered how TCA that spoils the wine it touches. oxygen permeability so to store the caramel, strawberry and mocha. A lot to make wine, they’ve had the prob- Winemakers have been using twist-off bottle as long as required with no alter- of complexity for the money. WW 89 lem of keeping it from dribbling out caps for lower-priced wines for a very ations.” They might need a little help Ask the Wine Whisperer of the container. Before bottles, wine long time, and they’ve recently been with their grammar, but I got the idea. When should a wine be decanted? And was stored in earthen jars or jugs, and adopted by makers of very fine, highly Well, we shall see. I have two cas- what’s the best way to do it? sealed with tar or resin. The effect rated wines. Fortunately, consumers in es of this ArdeaSeal-stoppered white – Michael R., Fort Myers it had on the taste of the wine is un- general are starting to get over the pre- Burgundy and will be enjoying it over We decant wine to get rid of any sedi- the next few years, so I’ll let you know ment and to aerate it, bringing out the how it holds up. Meanwhile, I’m keep- flavors and aromas. First, keep the bot- ing tabs on the wine world’s eternal bat- tle upright for about a day to let any tle to find new ways to keep the juice in sediment settle to the bottom. Then, the bottle until we’re ready for it. uncork it, and pour it slowly, with- As always, here are this month’s out stopping, into your decanter. Pour discoveries and delights. more slowly at the end and stop if you French Bar Gold Dust Red Cali- see any sediment flowing into the neck fornia 2016 ($17) – Dense purple col- of the bottle. Then…enjoy! or in the glass promises big flavors to Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- come. There are aromas of dusty plum er. He is Creative Director of Green- and earth, along with refined blackber- field Media & Marketing, and Wine ry on the palate, balanced structure and Director of the international Direct soft, round tannins. An unusual blend Cellars wine club. His new book, Ask of 82% Petite Verdot and 18% Terol- the Wine Whisperer, has just been pub- dego. Well done. WW 92 lished. Read his other writings at www. French Bar Petite Sirah Califor- winewhisperer.com. nia 2015 ($17) – Another deep dense

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Music in the time of the COVID-19 virus By Arlene Stolnitz am writing this while under self- instances of how music brings people words, “The song ‘Next Year’ (Bashana) time. You can see it online at https:// imposed house quarantine following together under extreme, sometimes is one of the most personal songs I www.timesofisrael.com/stuck-at-home- I the suggestion of officials to avoid even adverse, situations. In fact, I have composed. Every detail in this song is jerusalem-neighbors-join-in-balcony- contact with others. It feels so strange! written about this extensively in many connected to the environment where sing-a-long/. We have always been blessed with a of my articles for this newspaper. I grew up. The porch is in fact part of Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota freedom of movement, which makes In her blog, which she wrote from my parent’s house in… Binyamina… Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jew- this so different Israel, my friend told a story of hearing the people sitting on the porch are my ish Congregation of Venice. A retired for Americans as a group of people singing as in a cho- parents and brothers who passed away... educator from Rochester, New York, we recalibrate for rus from their individual balconies. As who built the porch with their own she has sung in choral groups for over a new normal. they sang a favorite song of the Israeli hands…” 25 years and also sings in The Venice However, it is people, she reminisced in her blog of the As I listen to the words, I too feel Chorale. Her interest in the preservation a beautiful sunny effect it had on the mood of the people the hope Ehud Manor wrote about in of Jewish music of all kinds has led to Florida day in as everyone joined in enthusiastically. this song, which touched my friend this series of articles on Jewish Folk March, and the The euphoria it created in the crowd was and so many others during this difficult Music in the Diaspora. deadline for ar- instantly infectious! ticles for publica- The lyrics of this song speak to the Arlene Stolnitz tion is more than situation today of COVID-19, which Stay connected all month long at a month ahead; so write, I must. By the has affected everyone on this planet. time this article reaches print, I can’t You may have already guessed the song www.JewishFederationLCC.org help but wonder what the state of mat- she heard: “Bashana Haba’ah” by the ters will be in this country. beloved songwriter and composer, Ehud I really did have an extraordinary Manor. I had written about Manor’s topic for my May article, which I was song back in February 2017, and I wrote very excited about. However, I decided about how he created a new genre for to set it aside for a future month. Instead, Israeli music which had previously been a comment from a friend visiting in Is- related to “the land, war and heroism.” rael prompted me to rethink my subject Now he emphasized a more personal for the month of May. and hopeful experience focusing on You see, my friend has been vol- “pain, love and joy, representing the unteering in the Israel Defense Forces feelings of contemporary Israel.” (IDF) in a program which aids the army Bashana, haba’ah/ Neishev al in performing non-combat support hamipeset/ V’nispor ziporim nod’dot…. tasks such as packing medical supplies, Next year/ We’ll sit on the porch/ repairing machinery and equipment, And count migrating birds/ and all sorts of jobs that can be done Children on vacation/ Will play tag/ by civilians. I know several people Between the house and the fields. When is a cork not a cork? who have volunteered in this program, Next year/ We will spread out our known as Sar-El, and it is a wonderful hands/ Toward the radiant light./ A wine from French Bar with loads ofand important service to the IDF. white heron/ Like a light will spread purple plum and blueberry. The tannins My friend had an experience while her wings/ And within them the sun are a bit stiff, so a decanter (see below)staying with her family on her weekends will rise. is not a bad idea. WW 88 off which really touched me. I knew I Chorus: Od tir’eh, od tir’eh/ Kama Le Volte Dell’Ornellaia 2015 To-would have to write about it. tov yihyeh/ Bashana bashana haba’ah scana ($30) – This “Super Tuscan” I have always thought of music as You will see, you will see/ How comes from one of the most legendarythe “great uniter.” In my experience good it will be/ Next year. producers in Tuscany. A blend of Mer-in choral singing, I have seen many Ehud Manor died in 2005, but in his lot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangio- vese, there are ripe aromas and flavors of jammy blackberry, graphite, warm earth and even a bit of licorice. A great food wine. WW 93 Famiglia Pasqua Passimento Rosso Veneto 2016 $14) – Another effort using partially dried grapes, of- fering not-so-sweet flavors of smoke, caramel, strawberry and mocha. A lot of complexity for the money. WW 89 Ask the Wine Whisperer When should a wine be decanted? And what’s the best way to do it? – Michael R., Fort Myers We decant wine to get rid of any sedi- ment and to aerate it, bringing out the flavors and aromas. First, keep the bot- tle upright for about a day to let any sediment settle to the bottom. Then, uncork it, and pour it slowly, with- out stopping, into your decanter. Pour more slowly at the end and stop if you see any sediment flowing into the neck of the bottle. Then…enjoy! Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- er. He is Creative Director of Green- field Media & Marketing, and Wine Explore Director of the international Direct Cellars wine club. His new book, Ask the Wine Whisperer, has just been pub- lished. Read his other writings at www. winewhisperer.com. More. Active Senior Lifestyle

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Words cannot describe it: My three days Stars of David at Auschwitz-Birkenau (March 2-4, 2020) Editor’s note: In early March local at Auschwitz-Birkenau between 1939 would think would be humanly pos- under the circumstances? What if I was a Sarasota residents Dr. Fred Bloom and and 1945. The cold weather and rain sible to conjure up, let alone manifest. Pole or a German or a Jew? How would Joan Lowery traveled to Poland to par- were a perfect backdrop to getting a How could they devise such a wicked I have acted?” ticipate in an in-depth tour of the Aus- mere taste of the conditions that millions plot? Yet, tragically so many everyday Our group’s reflection times in the chwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps. of Jews and other prisoners experienced people supported it and carried out evenings were very powerful. There It was sponsored by the CANDLES on a daily basis at this God-forsaken the Nazi’s diabolical mission. These were several young people in our group (Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly concentration camp. ‘ordinary people’ failed to be upstand- who knew little to nothing about the Lab Experiments Survivors) Holocaust I found myself vacillating between ers. Instead, they stood by as the Ger- Holocaust. They were horrified by what Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana. deep sadness and unbridled rage. How man machine surgically exterminated they saw and what they learned. The purpose of the tour was to could these twisted, beyond the imagi- Jewish lives across the European con- We talked about how to answer the preview and provide reflections on an nation, monstrous acts be committed by tinent. question so many people asked them audio tour created from interviews with people the guides emphasized were ‘just We learned how the Poles and oth- before they came: “Why are you go- recently deceased Holocaust survivor ordinary people’? How could anyone ers were also pulverized by the Ger- ing to visit concentration camps?” One and forgiveness advocate Eva Mozes hate so much that they want to obliterate mans. Many rebelled and fought back. answer I found so compelling: A young, Kor. Through these audios, Eva’s work a whole ‘race’ of people because they Many tried to help the Jews at great risk Christian man said, “To bear witness will continue and many people can happen to practice a religion different to themselves and their families. There and in so doing to protect the future.” visit the camps and learn from her trans- than their own? How could so-called were numerous upstanders among the He said, “To ask questions and face the formative journey. ‘ordinary people’ get swept up in partici- non-Jews who knew what was going on. scorching reality of what man can do Eva was one of the twins on whom pating in crimes against humanity that The stories of their bravery and compas- to man; to refuse to be a bystander; to Auschwitz ‘physician’ Josef Mengele were so evil, so dark, so systematically sion are uplifting and give me hope. commit to being an upstander so that performed barbarous medical experi- inhumane? What could they possibly Yet, what wasn’t talked about by this can never happen again.” ments when she and her identical twin tell themselves in order to forgive their our guides were the many more non- Someone else said she was sur- sister Miriam were only 10 years old. heinous crimes? Jews in Poland, Hungary and other prised that the Sonderkommandos They lost the rest of their family in the These questions ran through my Axis nations who seemed to rejoice ultimately fought back when so many Holocaust. After years of bitterness and mind over and over again as I traversed in the Gestapo’s plan to eviscerate the others didn’t. Sonderkommandos were anger, Eva went on to find the ability to the desolate grounds where so many Jewish people from the earth. There is Jewish prisoners who were responsible forgive her tormentors so that she could perished. It felt like the earth is still clear evidence that many supported this for disposing the bodies of those who find her personal sense of freedom and mourning the deaths of so many dear death dance that the Nazis were leading. had been gassed. My blood curdled at happiness. She spent the rest of her life souls who were gassed and then cooked They cheered as Jews were hauled away her statement as it could be interpreted helping others to learn the lessons of in the five crematoriums on this campus to ghettos and camps. They stole their as unintentionally anti-Semitic. Many forgiveness. These are Joan Lowery’s from hell. property. people have accused the Jews of “going reflections on her experience. Our guide told us that 100,000 peo- And after the war, as skin-and- like lambs to slaughter.” Leah Simpson ow does one speak about the ple at a time were prisoners at Birkenau. bones survivors returned to their homes wisely responded that the Jews did fight unspeakable? When one jour- It was the size of a small city…a city in Poland, the residents refused to give back in so many ways: through the Hneys into hell to get a glimpse the same size as Terre Haute, Indiana, them back their homes. Far worse yet, arts; through maintaining the Sabbath; of the worst acts man is capable of where many of our group resides. We they murdered them in post-war po- through not giving up; through taking committing and has committed, what ruminated on placing the entire city of groms. So, after losing everything and care of each other; through schooling is to be said? Terre Haute in this place. And in this going ‘home,’ the Jews’ fellow coun- the children; and through battle. Leah Simpson, Executive Director hell, each and every one of the 1.5 mil- trymen carried out executions that the I asked myself, why aren’t we edu- of CANDLES Holocaust Museum and lion prisoners who were imprisoned Germans failed to do. cating others about the Warsaw uprising, a Holocaust/Genocide scholar, said, there at one time or another experienced Recently, the Polish government put the Sobibor uprising, and the Bielski “There are no words to capture the deeds their own personal ongoing nightmare. into law a decree that no one can accuse Brothers’ partisan resistance activities of the Holocaust.” She is correct. The industrialization of torture and the Poles of conducting anti-Semitic that helped many Jews flee persecution? Our group spent three days witness- killing that the German psyche created acts during and after the Holocaust. The There are so many examples of upris- ing and learning about what happened is way beyond words, beyond what one Poles, according to their law, were pure ings. Yet too many times Jews have been victims of the Holocaust. In fact, it is a blamed for not fighting back. In so doing civil offense to mention the truth… that we are further victimized by Jews and A FIVE STAR INDEPENDENT, ASSISTED LIVING many, not all by any means, but many non-Jews alike. AND SKILLED NURSING COMMUNITY Poles aided the efforts of the Germans to Is it any wonder that I didn’t sleep wipe out all the Jews. With this new law well in Poland? Is it any wonder that as the Polish government is attempting to I returned each day to the hell where it rewrite history. They are revising what is likely that my ancestors died that I actually happened. In doing so, they was not in my normal state? For I was Jenny Admission Coordinator don’t have to confront their own part in getting a taste of the desolation and Five Star Team Member Since 1997 this travesty. depravity and sense of victimization, Without making it law, the Hungar- loss and shock that the prisoners must ian government is doing much the same have felt as they were exposed to the

Angela with its denial of Hungary’s role in the worst, twisted cruelties that humanity Nurse Five Star Team Member decimation of the Jewish community ever dreamed up. Since 2001 in 1944 and its praise for WWII anti- I have always felt deeply wounded Semitic leader and Nazi ally Admiral by the Holocaust. In my childhood, I Horthy. He passed brutal anti-Semitic learned about it from neighbors and There is no substitute laws that forced Jews into labor camps friends who had survived the unspeak- and cooperated fully with the Nazis in able tortures of Auschwitz-Birkenau. for experience. their efforts to annihilate hundreds of Who were Bella and Hymie? Who were thousands of Hungarian Jews. It is well Fela and her husband? How did these Located directly on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, where residents known that Hungarians cheered as the simple Polish peasants make it through enjoy spectacular views, Calusa Harbour is a full-service, resort-style senior living Jews were carted away to their deaths in the Auschwitz experience of losing community offering spacious and comfortable apartments for independent the final days of the war. I interviewed their children, their entire families and living and assisted living, as well as skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, a survivor from Budapest several years everything they knew of their formerly outpatient therapy, and respite/short stays for those with more specialized needs. ago who shared his anguish as his normal lives? How did they go on to neighbors, those he called ‘friends’ and create new families, new careers and Our many exceptional senior living services and amenities include restaurant-style acquaintances, turned on him and his live their lives in peace? dining, social and recreational activities, waterfront lanai and heated swimming family and celebrated as their Jewish I know that I was deeply imprinted pool, fishing dock, game room, fitness center, full-service beauty salon, library, transportation, 24-hour staff, laundry and housekeeping. neighbors were taken away to die at by my mother’s caring for Bella. I Auschwitz-Birkenau and other camps. remember her comforting Bella and • Delicious all-day dining in brand-new facilities How does one go on when the bearing witness as she suffered tortu- • Large-size apartments ideal for hosting friends blackest scars of humanity are perpe- ous flashbacks from the camps. A psy- • Only continuing care community in Southwest Florida with no buy-in trated on innocent people and then this chiatrist friend of mine once said, “Your • Enjoy activities galore in our soaring atriums scourge is further perpetrated as others mother was a healer.” Indeed, Mom was • $7 million renovation project now complete deny what we all know happened? What a healer. She offered empathy and caring • Experienced staff makes your care a priority is there in the human spirit that allows like food to Bella and so many others. such denial and lies? How can one ever And then there is Eva Moses Kor, come to believe that killing and torturing our first-person guide through the mo- others is justified? rass. She was a remarkable, extraordi- I kept asking myself the question nary and incredibly strong woman. She (as I have done many times before), was, after all, the reason why we jour- would I have given up? It felt to me like neyed to Poland in the winter to learn I could not have survived the brutality of her lessons. Her work must continue. the camps. Knowing who I am today, I Listening to the audio of Eva’s Call (239) 309-1969 don’t think I would have wanted to live. very clear memories of being dragged But, when people like Eva had a family from her farm…to the cattle cars…to to schedule a tour Assisted member or friend to live for, they found Auschwitz, and to never even getting 2525 First Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 Living Facility the purpose to survive. to say goodbye to her parents and www.CalusaHarbour.com #6066 Dr. Fred Bloom asked us to ask sisters at the selection platform is gut J.D. Power 2019 Certified Senior Living Community Program recognition is based on successful completion of an audit, exceeding a customer experience ourselves, “What would I have done benchmark through a survey of recent claims servicing interactions, and a Financial strength rating. For more information, visit jdpower.com continued on page 14

For advertising info, call Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 or email [email protected] L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13 Words cannot describe it: My three days Stars of David Interested in Your By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist at Auschwitz-Birkenau (March 2-4, 2020) Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to Family’s History? under the circumstances? What if I was abe Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish Pole or a German or a Jew? How wouldhave at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Nate Bloom (see column above) has become a family history expert in 10 I have acted?” Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help Our group’s reflection times in theto Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a evenings were very powerful. There full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start were several young people in our groupBroadcast and Streaming Programs 39 (Frozen movies), have major voice with a limited search of one family line. who knew little to nothing about thePremiering in May roles. Starting in late March (and con- So here’s the deal: Holocaust. They were horrified by whatAs you surely know, movie theaters tinuing as I write this), Gad has been they saw and what they learned. have closed for the duration of the reading bedtime stories for quarantined Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. We talked about how to answer theCOVID-19 stay-at-home period. It’s children. Videos of him reading the Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that doubtful that theaters will open be- stories are posted each evening on his question so many people asked them goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. before they came: “Why are you go-fore June 30. It is possible that a film Twitter page (Google “Josh Gad” and ing to visit concentration camps?” One scheduled for an April, May or June “Twitter”). The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, answer I found so compelling: A young, theater release will be released directly Space Force is a 10-episode comedy several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate Christian man said, “To bear witness to video-on-demand. I suggest you series that will premiere on Netflix on and in so doing to protect the future.”Google “video-on-demand” and “May” Friday, May 29. It was created by Steve friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out He said, “To ask questions and face theor “June” and see what’s available. Carell and he co-stars as the General in great for them. So contact him about this as well. scorching reality of what man can do Snowpiercer is an American post- charge of Space Force, a new branch of to man; to refuse to be a bystander; toapocalyptic dystopian thriller drama the armed forces. Co-stars include BEN been ordered. The very handsome lash, led by conservative activist Phyllis commit to being an upstander so thatseries that is set to premiere on TNT SCHWARTZ, 38, as the Secretary of JONAH HAUER-KING, 24, has a Schlafly (Cate Blanchett). A number this can never happen again.” on Sunday, May 17. The 10-episode the Air Force, and DIANA SILVERS, major role as Harry Chase, an interpreter of “real life” Jewish women are main Someone else said she was sur-first season follows the passengers of 22, as Carell’s daughter. Also co-starring at the British embassy in Warsaw who cast characters: Congresswoman and prised that the Sonderkommandos the Snowpiercer, a gigantic, perpetu- is John Malkovich as a scientist who is later becomes a British army officer feminist icon BELLA ABZUG (1920- ultimately fought back when so manyally moving train that circles the globe a clear parody of the wacko character who takes part in secret missions in 1998); pioneering feminist writer and others didn’t. Sonderkommandos werecarrying the remnants of humanity Dr. Strangelove in the STANLEY KU- Nazi-occupied Europe. In December activist GLORIA STEINEM, now Jewish prisoners who were responsible seven years after the world becomes a BRICK 1963 movie of the same name 2018, I wrote about Hauer-King when 86; and feminist activist and author for disposing the bodies of those who frozen wasteland. Themes include class (the late PETER SELLERS, whose he starred in his first big film role BETTY FRIEDAN (1921-2006). had been gassed. My blood curdled atwarfare, social injustice and the politics mother was Jewish, was brilliant as (A Dog’s Life). Here’s a short recap: he They are played by, respectively, Margo her statement as it could be interpretedof survival. The series stars DAVEED Strangelove). NOAH EMMERICH, was raised religiously Jewish in Lon- Martindale, Rose Byrne and Tracey Ull- as unintentionally anti-Semitic. ManyDIGGS , 38, and JENNIFER CON- 55, and LISA KUDROW, 56, have don; his American mother is Jewish (not man. ARI GRAYNOR, 36, appears in people have accused the Jews of “goingNELLY , 49. Diggs, who won a sup- recurring roles. sure about his English dad); and Hauer- a recurring role as BRENDA FEIGEN, like lambs to slaughter.” Leah Simpson porting actor Tony for Hamilton, is the Catch-Up on April Premieres King is a dual U.K./U.S. citizen. Here’s now 76, an important attorney in the wisely responded that the Jews did fightson of an African-American father and Here are two streaming programs that what’s new to me: Hauer-King can sing women’s rights movement. back in so many ways: through thea (white) Jewish mother. He was raised started in April that I did not previously (!) and last November he was cast as a In Memoriam arts; through maintaining the Sabbath; Jewish. Connelly, who won a support- cover. co-star (“Prince Eric”) of an upcoming As I write this, three Jewish entertain- through not giving up; through taking ing Oscar for A Beautiful Mind, is the A World on Fire, a big budget, Disney live action musical film version ment figures have died as result of the care of each other; through schooling secular daughter of a Jewish mother and seven-episode BBC series began airing of The Little Mermaid. COVID-19 virus. Please Google their the children; and through battle. non-Jewish father. on PBS (Masterpiece Theatre) on April Mrs. America, a nine-part mini- names for more info: Busy character I asked myself, why aren’t we edu- Central Park, a 13-episode ani- 5 (you can catch the aired episodes series, began streaming on Hulu on actor MARK BLUM, 69; Tony and cating others about the Warsaw uprising, mated sit-com, starts on Apple TV on easily online or in encore showings). April 15. The first three episodes were Grammy-winning composer/musician th the Sobibor uprising, and the Bielski Wednesday, May 20. It tells the story It shows the effects of the first year released on the 15 , with the remaining ADAM SCHLESINGER, 52; and Brothers’ partisan resistance activitiesof a family of caretakers who live and (1939-40) of WWII on ordinary people episodes being released on successive character actor ALLEN GARFIELD, that helped many Jews flee persecution?work in Central Park. They save the in many European countries. Reviews Wednesdays. It follows the attempt, 80. There are so many examples of upris-park and, maybe, the world. Daveed are good, if not great. It did well enough in the ’70s, to pass the Equal Rights ings. Yet too many times Jews have been Diggs and Florida native JOSH GAD, in England that a second season has Amendment and the surprising back- blamed for not fighting back. In so doing we are further victimized by Jews and non-Jews alike. Is it any wonder that I didn’t sleep well in Poland? Is it any wonder that as I returned each day to the hell where it is likely that my ancestors died that I was not in my normal state? For I was getting a taste of the desolation and depravity and sense of victimization, loss and shock that the prisoners must have felt as they were exposed to the worst, twisted cruelties that humanity ever dreamed up. I have always felt deeply wounded by the Holocaust. In my childhood, I learned about it from neighbors and friends who had survived the unspeak- able tortures of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Who were Bella and Hymie? Who were Fela and her husband? How did these simple Polish peasants make it through the Auschwitz experience of losing their children, their entire families and everything they knew of their formerly normal lives? How did they go on to create new families, new careers and live their lives in peace? I know that I was deeply imprinted by my mother’s caring for Bella. I remember her comforting Bella and bearing witness as she suffered tortu- ous flashbacks from the camps. A psy- chiatrist friend of mine once said, “Your mother was a healer.” Indeed, Mom was a healer. She offered empathy and caring like food to Bella and so many others. And then there is Eva Moses Kor, our first-person guide through the mo- rass. She was a remarkable, extraordi- nary and incredibly strong woman. She was, after all, the reason why we jour- neyed to Poland in the winter to learn her lessons. Her work must continue. Listening to the audio of Eva’s very clear memories of being dragged from her farm…to the cattle cars…to Auschwitz, and to never even getting to say goodbye to her parents and sisters at the selection platform is gut continued on page 14

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Words cannot describe it...continued from page 12 wrenching. Her decision to live and to she came to forgive Auschwitz, Dr. While I understand the concept, I Paying homage to the many who keep both herself and her twin sister Munch and ultimately Josef Mengele. must admit that I am still not there in my perished was a crucial thing for me to BRIEFS Miriam alive was a promise she made Her process of getting out all her own own consciousness. But, I will, in the do. Saying Kaddish at the Birkenau to herself and revisited day to day while anger and hatred and then finding for- coming weeks and months, work with Memorial for my family members and in the camps. Her recovery from the giveness is truly incredible. I must go her process and see where it takes me. others who died in the Holocaust was tortures and medical experiments of back and listen and listen as I certainly So, what now? How do I allow this an honor and profoundly meaningful the sub-human Dr. Josef Mengele is am not that enlightened…yet. experience to make me a better, more on many levels. remarkable. She was truly a woman of Eva made a big point of saying that enlightened and committed social ac- May their souls rest in peace. May amazingly strong will, determination if children are loved and not brought tivist? What can I do to ensure that this we all commit to doing whatever it takes and persistence. up with hate, they too will love. She never happens again? I am living in the to ensure that all genocidal acts become I found it so striking that Eva said said that behind every awful act is question and at this point have no clear a scourge of the past, and that we move that from the day she decided that she someone who was unloved. Eva’s mis- answers. toward a far more enlightened future. and Miriam would survive, she pushed sion became facilitating peace through Seeing Birkenau at sunset (sym- Joan Lowery, M.Ed. is a former talk all negative thoughts out of her mind. forgiveness. bolizing, as Fred said, ‘the end’) was show host and reporter on radio and She focused on staying alive one day at She found her way to forgiving her beyond words. I concur with Leah’s television, as well as a freelance print a time and doing what it took to survive. perpetrators as she came to realize that statement, “We don’t have words to journalist and producer. She teaches She talked about ‘organizing’ (steal- unless she did that, she could not live a describe the Holocaust.” The earth at media training and communication ing) potatoes and clothing in order to full life. In short, she believed that she Birkenau seems to be mourning as it skills-related programs around the survive. She found her way into jobs in would never be free unless she could carries the memories of the millions of globe. Her volunteer activities include the camp in order to ensure that she and forgive them. And, in forgiving them she souls that suffered at the hands of the interviewing Holocaust survivors for Miriam would have a little more to eat was able to expunge them from torturing Nazi devils. There is no beauty in this The Florida Holocaust Museum as well in order to survive. her consciousness. She forgave them as place where 100,000 people at a time as serving on the Ambassador Circle In the final audio, she shares how an act of compassion for herself. lived as tormented prisoners. for Embracing our Differences. LET ME HELP YOU BRIEFS BUY OR SELL IDF STRIVES TO SHORTEN new medical center that, once finished, FUTURE WARS will serve both Israelis and Palestin- YOUR HOME! The Israel Defense Forces rolled out ians. The Ariel Industrial Park employs its five-year plan to restructure and re- about 6,000 Palestinians along with focus the military for the threats it be- 2,000 Israelis. There, Palestinians have BOB lieves it will face in the near future. The real jobs, including managerial and VINIKOOR guiding principle of the plan is to take engineering jobs. Israelis and Palestin- Fort Myers REALTOR full advantage of the areas in which the ians work side by side, and Palestin- IDF has superiority – air power, intelli- ians make the same wages as Israelis.” gence and technology – in order to en- (Steve Postal, American Spectator) sure that Israel maintains a significant edge over its foes. ISRAELI GOVERNMENT The IDF plans to use this superior- AND SECURITY WEBSITES ity to win any future war as quickly as UNDER CONSTANT possible. To do so, the IDF must sig- CYBERATTACK nificantly improve its ability to iden- Ten major websites of Israeli security tify enemy targets and strike as many forces have been the target for more as possible as quickly as possible. IDF than 10,000 cyberattacks each dur- Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi ing the past three months, the Hebrew 239-258-110 2 [email protected] said the plan is based on “the highly website Ynet reported recently, citing increased ability to discover the en- data from the Israeli-U.S. cybersecu- emy, on the highly increased ability to rity firm Imperva. destroy the enemy, on integration that Forty other Israeli law and gov- allows us to be very, very effective.” ernment websites were cyberattacked (Judah Ari Gross, Times of Israel) more than a thousand times each. The Israel National Cyber Direc- THE UN ONCE AGAIN torate said government websites are PROVES ITS ANTI-SEMITISM protected by highly advanced defense Those who run the UN recently set up systems and the attacks had no impact. a new “database” to help anti-Semites (Xinhua - China) target Jewish businesses in the disput- ed territories of Judea and Samaria – ISRAEL AIMS TO businesses that offer economic oppor- STRENGTHEN UNITED tunities for Palestinians that pay higher JERUSALEM WITH BETTER than most other jobs in the West Bank. CITY SERVICES In no other international dispute does A recent effort by Israel seeks -to im the UN target peaceful civilians or prove living conditions in eastern Je- institutions. In no place do they work rusalem and better integrate the Arab to destroy the businesses of noncom- population. In the past three years, batants based on their ethnicity or re- the Israeli government has designated ligion. nearly $50 million to upgrade waste The “boycott, divestment and and sewage systems as well as enhanc- sanctions” (BDS) campaign, now sup- ing transportation and adding class- ported by the UN, is a coordinated rooms. There has also been a push for international effort committed to the more Arab schools to adopt the Israeli elimination of the Jewish state, target- curriculum, including Hebrew instruc- ing Jews under the guise of anti-Zion- tion. ism. No other country that oversees a Meanwhile, there has been an in- minority population is afforded even a crease in eastern Jerusalem residents slither of the attention of the world. obtaining Israeli citizenship, includ- The UN deputy executive director ing 1,200 last year, the most ever, ac- for advocacy, Bruno Stagno Ugarte, cording to Israel’s Interior Ministry. A says, “The long-awaited release of Hebrew study program for Arab adults the UN settlement business database opened its first class in 2018 and has should put all companies on notice: expanded to 10 more classes for 200 to do business with illegal settlements people. (Ruth Eglash, Washington Post) is to aid in the commission of war crimes.” War crimes? Hiring talented THE PEOPLE BEHIND Palestinians for software-engineer jobs ISRAEL’S AIR DEFENSE at tech startups is aiding in the com- SUCCESS mission of war crimes? (David Har- Brig.-Gen. Ran Kochav, commander sanyi, National Review) of the IDF’s air defense program, said

ARIEL MAYOR DESCRIBES Israel’s “air defenses have racked up some 2,000 interceptions. Imagine Visit us at our new Cape Coral COEXISTENCE IN SAMARIA what would have happened if those Eliyahu Shaviro is the mayor of Ariel, missiles had fallen and each one of Location! a city in Samaria with about 20,000 them had killed someone. We would people. He said in an interview: “At have been at war long ago.” The in- a municipal level, Ariel strives to cre- terception rate in 2019 was an unprec- ate steps for true coexistence between edented 94%. “The other side...should Jews and Arabs.... Ariel University, which has 16,000 students, will have a continued on next page

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every Air Force mission across Israel’s EUROPEAN JEWISH envoy on combating anti-Semitism; border, no matter where it is, the IDF GROUP UNVEILS PLAN TO to mandate schools include lessons on BRIEFS will not send a pilot out without the COUNTER ANTI-SEMITISM anti-Semitism; and to legislate bans on ability to bring him or her back home anti-Semitic symbols in public, includ- continued from previous page in an emergency. This is our mission.” AMID RISE IN ATTACKS ing Nazi imagery. At its annual conference on Tuesday, decide whether, given these rates of (Itay Ilnai, Ynet News) The organization’s chairman, Rab- February 25, in Paris, the European interception, it’s worthwhile for him to bi Menachem Margolin, said, “After Jewish Association unveiled a plan to start a war, knowing that most of the AMERICANS AREN’T SO 20 years dealing with this subject, I’ve counter anti-Semitism. The plan calls rockets he fires won’t hit their targets.” EAGER TO RETREAT FROM come to the understanding that no mat- on all European countries to adopt the Kochav gives credit to the person- THE MIDDLE EAST ter how many schools we visit, and no International Holocaust Remembrance nel first, and then to the systems. “My According to a January 2020 poll by matter how many delegations we bring Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition mom is sure that the Color Red siren is the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, continued on next page automatic, and so is Iron Dome.... I go a majority of Americans support main- of anti-Semitism; to appoint a special nuts when I hear on the radio that Iron taining (45%) or increasing (29%) the Dome intercepted something. What is U.S. military presence in the Middle Iron Dome? There are soldiers behind East; fewer than a quarter (24%) say it. It’s not automatic.” reduce. Asked which region is most “I need intelligence, most of which important to the security interests of we collect ourselves, but the Ameri- the U.S., 61% of Americans name the cans help with some. Air defense is the Middle East, up from 50% in 2018. only field in which there is a signed No other region comes close, includ- operational directive with the Ameri- ing Europe (15%), Asia (12%), Latin

cans. Nothing else like it exists.” That America (7%) and Africa (1%). means “that there is intelligence and The percentage who say that Iran Ronny S Taschner DDS operational cooperation in the field of is the country that poses the greatest Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology defense.” threat to the U.S. has increased from Kochav notes that over 50% of 10% to 34% since February 2019. The the recent recruits to the program have percentage of Americans who say that Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology been women. “Everything here is 50- Iran’s nuclear program is a critical 50. I have the most integrated battal- threat to the U.S. has increased to 61% ions.... A woman can serve in any air from 57% in 2019. At the same time, defense position.” (Yoav Limor, Israel 2/3 of Americans say the wars in Iraq Hayom) and Afghanistan were not worth the cost. (Dina Smeltz and John Cookson, AN ISRAELI COMBAT The Hill) MEDIC RISKS HIS LIFE TO SAVE LIVES LOST 1,000-YEAR-OLD Guy M., 24, served for five years as HEBREW BIBLE FOUND a combat soldier and paramedic in IN CAIRO SYNAGOGUE IDF Unit 669, the Combat Rescue In 2017, Israeli historian Yoram Meital and Evacuation Unit of the Israel Air stumbled upon a handwritten 1028 CE Force, and carefully documented his biblical codex in the Karaite Moussa experiences. Der’i Synagogue in Cairo. The result was the Hebrew best- At 616 pages, the Zechariah Ben 1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL seller From Zero to One Hundred, de- ‘Anan Manuscript is one of the most Phone 239-936-0635 scribing “the ability of the unit to go complete examples of the “Writings,” from zero to one hundred in minutes.” the concluding section of the Hebrew Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com Guy, today a medical student at Tel Bible. It had been lost to scholars for Aviv University, said, “The most active almost 40 years. (Amanda Borschel- branch of the IDF is the Air Force. For Dan, Times of Israel)

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which was becoming increasingly un- de Justice and successfully demanded by the resistance (which supposedly popular among their non-Jewish neigh- the release of 118 prisoners being held proved the inmates weren’t Jewish), BRIEFS bors, particularly Muslim immigrants. there. he entered prisons and holding centers “But now, everyone knows that anti- He then appeared at the Stade des with the aim of securing the release continued from previous page Zionism is anti-Semitism,” said Mar- Iris on the outskirts of the city where of as many refugees as he could. He to Auschwitz, it’s all just a drop in the golin. (Jacob Magid, Times of Israel) Jews were being detained and issued greased the process with bribes and bucket. Therefore, we realized that the false papers to 432 people, registering gifts for the guards and police. (Robert way to fight anti-Semitism is to pass on DUTCH JEW WHO them as Dutch and thus securing their Philpot, Times of Israel) the responsibility to European govern- RESCUED 100S IN VICHY, escape from near-certain death. ments.” FRANCE, The feature-length documentary For daily news stories related In the early 2000s, when anti- Forgotten Soldier, released last year, FINALLY RECOGNIZED to Israel & the Jewish world, Semitism began to intensify in Europe, In August 1942, as the Nazis’ net grew lifts the veil on a man who never re- some community leaders sought to dis- ever tighter around the Jews of Vichy, ceived the recognition he undoubtedly visit the Federation’s website at tance themselves from Israel, not want- France, Dutch diplomat Salomon (Sal- deserved during his lifetime. www.JewishFederationLCC.org. ing to be equated to the Jewish state, ly) Noach walked into Lyon’s Palais Using fake documents supplied

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Jewish National Fund-USA brings students home Jewish National Fund-USA charters El Al Boeing 787 Dreamliner to fly students studying at Alexander Muss High School in Israel back to the U.S. arasota, FL – March 23, 2020 – arrived in JFK’s Terminal 4 on March have been such strong supporters of As Israel strengthens measures to 16 at 5:33 a.m. U.S. EDT. JNF-USA for so many years. We are Scurb the spread of COVID-19 and Toby Halpen, a member of JNF- very sad that our daughter is missing as uncertainty around the availability USA Sarasota’s Board of Directors the remainder of the semester, as it was of international flights grows, Jewish and the grandmother of High School the most amazing experience, but we National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) im- in Israel student Rachel Warhaftig, know that she will find a way to return mediately released $500,000 from the is glad to have her granddaughter to Israel when the time is right, through organization’s endowment to charter home. “I can’t say enough about how another JNF-USA program.” an El Al Boeing 787 Dreamliner to fly wonderful she found the program; Joshua Mellits, Jewish National home 282 American students studying at “awesome, incredible” are her words. Fund-USA Western Florida Director, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander And I can’t say thank you enough to shared, “As a proud alumnus of High Muss High School (AMHSI-JNF / High JNF-USA for bringing her and her School in Israel, this operation has to School in Israel) in Hod HaSharon, classmates home safe and sound. I am be one of my proudest moments. Acting Israel, in addition to students from other certain that she will return to Israel at a in such a time-sensitive manner showed programs. more auspicious time for another JNF- the students and their parents our orga- Recently, High School in Israel USA program. Rachel and her parents nizational heart and soul.” staff joined students and escorted them have become devoted to JNF-USA, “With every challenge there are by bus to Israel’s Ben Gurion airport, as am I.” opportunities,” said AMHSI-JNF Presi- where chaperones accompanied stu- Rachel’s mom, Elise Warhaftig, dent Ron Werner. “I am inspired by the dents through passport control and to also feels grateful to have her daughter words of High School in Israel’s Rabbi, the plane. Once on the plane, students back in the U.S. “There are not enough Leor Sinai, who shared with me that it were accompanied by El Al staff mem- words of thanks to JNF-USA for bring- is certainly a time for cheshbon nefesh, alumni who have experienced the same bers. Students were greeted on arrival ing our kids home safe and sound on the self-reflection, as we take stock of our ‘Muss magic’ since 1972.” at JFK by Jewish National Fund-USA chartered flight. We are so grateful for past and prepare for our future. Despite Jewish National Fund-USA is the and High School in Israel profession- the hard work, coordination and swift the current challenges, we remind our- leading philanthropic organization for als, in addition to many of the students’ action of everyone involved. JNF-USA selves that the hundreds of students we Israel that supports critical environ- parents. is an incredible organization and we are bringing back to the U.S. will have mental and nation-building activities The El Al flight departed on Sunday, always knew there was a reason why had the most transformative experience in Israel’s north and south. Through its March 15 at 11:00 p.m. (Israel time) and our parents, grandparents and others of their lives in Israel as they join 32,000 One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, Jewish National Fund- USA is developing new communities in the Galilee and Negev, connecting the next generation to Israel, and creating infrastructure for ecology, special needs and heritage preservation. High School in Israel looks for- ward to welcoming students back for the 2020 Summer Session. Prospective students and parents who are inter- ested in learning more about AMHSI- JNF or Roots Israel (a three-week service learning program), can visit www.AMHSI.org or contact Andrea

Staff from High School in Israel and Jewish National Fund-USA Teens from Jewish National Fund-USA’s High School in Israel Schleider at [email protected] or manage the arrival of students into JFK (photo credits: JNF-USA) reunited with parents in the arrivals hall of JFK’s terminal 4 212.472.9300 x482.

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Connecting the dots Crises and conspiracies ike the Farmers Insurance com- might be, I ask you to reconsider. Liv- By David Harris, CEO, American Jewish Committee, March 30, 2020 mercial, we Jews have seen a ing in love is a lot more powerful than t is as predictable as day follows even as the outbreak began in Wuhan, Lthing or two. In our 4,000 years living in fear. If we allow fear to rule night. A crisis erupts – pandemic, China, where, incidentally, no Jewish of recorded history, we have seen slav- our lives, we will never drive anywhere financial, security – and the conspir- community exists. Nor does it matter ery and plagues. And we have waited – again, get on a plane or greet someone I acy theorists come out of the woodwork. that Israel is battling the coronavirus anxiously – for them to cease. We have with a hug. Today is no different. tooth-and-nail, or that a number of prayed for redemp- By the time this column arrives on With the jet propulsion provided American Jews have already succumbed tion and for peace, your doorstep, we will be about half- by social media platforms, their claims to the pandemic. Anti-semitism is an and worked and way through the seven weeks of Count- circle around the globe with warp speed irrational pathology. It doesn’t bend to waited for them too. ing the Omer. As we prepare to receive and can find receptive, even eager, rational statements and facts. Right now, we the Revelation of the Torah on Sha- audiences. After all, why grapple with Here are four immediate examples are going through vuot, the question is: What makes us the realities of menacing issues such of that hopelessly irrational mindset: something very fa- worthy to receive it this year? I doubt as COVID-19, when social hucksters ‹ A neo-Nazi was killed in a shootout miliar. We are all that living in fear is a great way to re- peddle all-inclusive, readily packaged with FBI agents in Kansas City  Rabbi connected and so are ceive anything – except for bad news. and diversionary explanations of who on March 24. A few days earlier, Michael J. our holidays. From If COVID-19 has taught us anything, is really behind it? he posted: “If you don’t think this Schorin Passover to Shavuot, I believe it has showed us that certain And, alas, it is equally foreseeable whole thing [COVID-19] was en- the traditional practice is to Count the things need to change in our country. that, sooner or later, the Jews will be gineered by Jews as a power grab, Omer (also known as Sephirat ha- Does anyone not deserve health care? among those blamed. Isn’t the heart here is more proof of their plans. Omer). In biblical times, a sheaf of bar- Can you imagine being sick with the of anti-Semitism, past and present, the Jews have been playing the long ley was brought to the Temple every virus, and maybe some other diseases, assignment to Jews of evil powers and game. We are the only ones standing day for the seven weeks between the but you’re afraid to go to the hospital demonic aims? in their way.” two holidays. When the seven weeks because you’re concerned about going From the poisoning of wells to the ‹ The senior pastor at Flowing were complete, it was time for the new bankrupt? Can you imagine disrespect- Black Plague, from using the blood of Streams Church in Vero Beach, crop of wheat to be harvested and to ing a day-laborer when the Torah cries murdered Christian children to bake Florida, who is also a radio host, celebrate Shavuot. And since very few out to protect their rights? And for those Passover matzoh to seeking world asserted, on March 24, that God is Jews back then were orthodontists or of us who have looked to the Statue of domination, from foisting capitalism spreading the coronavirus in syna- lawyers, and since most of them were Liberty as symbolic of America’s wel- to propagating communism, and from gogues as punishment for “those farmers, they were apprehensive about coming our ancestors, can we imagine inventing the Holocaust to generate who oppose his son, Jesus Christ.” whether the harvest would be a good closing our doors to immigration? sympathy for a Jewish state to Is- Earlier, he had asserted that the one. Too much sun, too much rain or So, if you agree, do something. rael’s enthusiasm for spreading AIDS in impeachment effort against Presi- even too little of these could diminish Donate some time to a food bank. Tutor neighboring countries, the anti-Semites’ dent Trump was a “Jew coup,” yet one’s financial stability overnight. an immigrant to help them learn Eng- outlandish libels have been many, stub- another conspiracy claim. Well, one year, during this period lish. Give “zedakah” to a worthy char- bornly resilient and at times deadly. ‹ Iran’s government Press TV of Counting the Omer, a horrific plague ity. Write a letter to a congressperson On September 11, 2001, it took claimed, on March 5, that “Zionist burst out among the students of Rabbi demanding action on something. Our mere minutes for the conspiracy theo- elements developed a deadlier strain Akiva (who lived from the year 50 CE tradition tells us that our ancestors pu- rists to blame Jews, Israel, the Mossad, of coronavirus against Iran.” till 135 CE). One explanatory tradition rified their bodies by eating matzah. As Zionists – all one and the same in the ‹ According to the Middle East Media says that his students devolved into two we get ready to receive the Torah, we twisted minds of the accusers – for Research Institute, Yemeni scholar factions. One group wanted to fight the need to purify our actions by sharing the terrorist attacks that killed nearly Ibrahim Al-Ubeidi delivered a Romans with military means and one with all those who have less than we 3,000 people on American soil. Even sermon on March 27 in which he group wanted to fight them spiritually do. We are all connected, kids and re- as the trail led directly to 19 hijackers claimed that Jews (and Americans) by increasing their own learning. Can tirees, lawn maintenance workers and organized and led by Osama Bin Laden created COVID-19 with the inten- you imagine Jews disagreeing with grocery store clerks – and even lawyers and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, some tion of closing down the Islamic each other? Of course, this was not the and orthodontists. As the world chang- suggested they were mere puppets in the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. first time that ever happened. But this es around us, may we change as well, hands of fiendishly clever Jews trying to To some, the reaction is a shrug of time, the two groups stopped respect- turning all of our fears into opportuni- tarnish the name of Islam and turn the the shoulders. So what, they say. Noth- ing each other. The result? Twelve ties for love. United States against the Arab world. ing new here. I beg to differ. thousand disciples died that year! Ever Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC, I vividly recall urgent messages In the past, such conspiracy theo- since then, we have observed this pe- BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’s from several European Jewish commu- ries have too often had real-life con- riod in semi-mourning – avoiding wed- Department of Spiritual Services, and nities within days of that indescribable sequences for Jews, from ostracism to dings, musical concerts, etc. ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical tragedy. The local media reports, they pogroms. Moreover, the power of social Under the influence of COVID-19, Center. said, repeated the canard that 4,000 Jews media today creates a reach previously we are very tuned into the fear(s) of who worked at the World Trade Center unimaginable, which can touch both fel- this period. We are afraid of our neigh- What do you think? Need to deliberately stayed home, having been low believers and, no less importantly, bors, for who knows whether they have reach the editor of L’CHAYIM? advised of the planned attack. Could I the impressionable. been infected. And since we have so send actual names of Jews who were Stopping the conspiracy-mongers little information about this virus, we Send an email to among the victims in the Twin Towers, and their hateful incitement may not be are afraid that we don’t know how to [email protected]. so they could disprove the allegations. a simple task. After all, they have been treat it successfully. As difficult as it Ironically, one request came as I was around for centuries, if not millennia. headed for the funeral, at a New York Failing to monitor and confront the synagogue, of the husband of a former threat they pose, however, would be American Jewish Committee colleague, shortsighted in the extreme. who was killed in the terrorist attacks. Now, with a pandemic circling the The AJC West Coast globe and threatening us all, irrespective of race, religion, creed or nationality, Florida office, located in the conspiracy theorists, unsurprisingly, are at it once more. And again for the Sarasota, can be reached anti-Semites, it presents an opportunity to pin the blame on, who else, the Jews, at 941.365.4955.

ach uesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg is held at the Jeish Federation. Players must e at least advanced eginners, as no lessons are given. The number of Federation food pantry clients has tripled since March. Y uesdays, 1230330 P.M. F 1 per ee Your food pantry donations - food, check, cash, or Instacart deliveries - are needed and appreciated now more than ever. We need the basics that go into every bag: POSTPONED peanut butter, tuna, beans, soup, vegetables, fruit, cereal, tomato sauce and pasta.

for more information call heryl Lippel at 239.839.3228

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. The silver lining Israel is a part of in a very dark cloud our Jewish identity he staggering number of deaths I, for one, do not wish to return to a lthough this issue of L’CHAYIM and dangerous as the old. around the country and the normal that fills every waking moment combines May and June, Let’s ask ourselves how we can Tworld, and the horrible suffer- of every single day with responsibili- Awe can’t forget about Yom support Israel. If we can’t plan a visit ing endured by so many has us reeling. ties and obligations that make every Ha’atzmaut, which fell on April 28. anytime soon, we can always show our The world will never be the same. pause and every deep breath we allow Most importantly, we can’t allow the support by donating to the organization No one should ourselves a guilty pleasure or a costly current challenges of our choice and trying to influence a minimize the human luxury. we all face to let us young person to go on Birthright one and economic cost As Queen Elizabeth so eloquently forget Israel! Our day soon. of the current pan- reminded us in her address to Great brothers and sisters Israel is a big part of our Jewish demic. Loved ones, Britain and the world, might we em- in eretz Yisrael need identity. It’s who we are. History re- friends and an un- brace the beauty of aloneness and the our support now minds us of how so many of our peo- told number of oth- time for self-reflection and meditation more than ever as ple struggled to make Aliyah, risking ers have died and this time allows even after we can re- they face the chal- their life to reach her shores. We recall  Rabbi will die. Staggering turn to our previous routines?  Rabbi lenge of COVID-19. the devastating effect on our people Stephen numbers of people Also, might we not – while forced Lawrence Even though we live throughout the centuries when we lost Fuchs have lost their jobs to accept physical distance – give Dermer thousands of miles our homeland, and the galvanizing and means of sustaining themselves thanks for the virtual capabilities this away in Southwest Florida, Israel is a effect when we finally returned home and their families. Too many people crisis has enabled us to embrace? big part of our Jewish identity. after 1,900 years in exile. have died and will die without loved Might the absolute necessity for Each time our ancestors lost Israel, In the words of Rabbi Jonathan ones nearby to say goodbye or to at- physical distance inspire us to greater they were devastated. Imagine a world Sacks: “We are part of [the Jewish] tend their funerals. “social closeness” through emails texts, without Israel nowadays, how vulner- story. We can live it. We can abandon The description of horror and up- video chats, phone calls and letters? able our people would be in the face of it. But it is a choice we cannot avoid heaval are endless. For example, last year’s Bat Yam rising anti-Semitism in Europe, espe- and it has immense consequences. The And yet… Temple of the Islands’ Seder found cially France and even America! future of [the Jewish People] … rests Instead of trying to get back to the more than 150 people straining the fire So what does anti-Zionism have to with us.” old normal, maybe we can embrace code limits of the Sanibel House, and do with anti-Semitism? Anti-Semitism Know that you are connected to the silver lining in the very dark cloud it was wonderful to be together. Hope- is the hatred of the Jewish people. Anti- Israel whether you consider yourself passing over us and create a new and fully, we shall be again next year. Zionism is the delegitimization and/or Reform, Conservative, Orthodox or better normal for ourselves and future But should we not give thanks that non-recognition of a nation. What’s the even cultural or secular. Love Israel, generations. while this year’s Seder found just a few connection? Hundreds of years ago we know that she is part of your Jewish What is that silver lining? close family members together in a were hated for our religion. More re- soul, your Neshama. Israel’s struggle The earth in these short weeks of room, our ritual was enjoyed by people cently, in the 19th and 20th centuries, we is our struggle. May we never forget shutdown has made a remarkable eco- not only from as close as Sanibel and were hated for our race. Today we’re where we came from, who we are and logical recovery. Water is cleaner, air Fort Myers, but from as far away as hated for our homeland, Israel. There where we’re going together. We are is purer and the tide flowing toward in- Hawaii and Germany as well? are 56 Islamic nations, and 159 with a one voice, one heart, one song. We are evitable environmental destruction has I believe that the secret to Jewish Christian majority. There is only one strong. Am Yisrael Chai. slowed. survival despite all the hardships and Jewish state. That is why anti-Zionism, Rabbi Lawrence Dermer serves at What a vital warning this tragic tragedy history has imposed on us is denying us the right to our homeland, Shalom Life Center in Fort Myers. time is reiterating. It is the same warn- our ability to cling to the hope that is the new anti-Semitism, just as toxic ing our Sages issued to us in the name things will get better. of the Eternal One (Kohelet Rabbah, The national anthem of Israel, un- chapter 7) at the time of creation: “You like those of many nations, is not a mil- are in charge of and responsible for this itaristic march, but a soulful melody earth. But it is the only one you will entitled “Ha-Tikvah,” “The Hope.” get. So preserve and enhance it. Do not And so in the presence of the dark pollute or destroy it.” cloud hovering over us, I cling to the Can we somehow embrace that silver lining of this hope: When the valuable lesson before rushing head- cloud passes over, and it will, may we long back to doing things exactly as we learn the lessons it teaches and create did before? a calmer, gentler world around us and And speaking of rushing… is there within ourselves. nothing we can learn from the forced Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs serves at “slowing down” that has become the Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sani- JEWISH FEDERATION current reality of our lives? bel Island. JEWISH FEDERATION FOOD PANTRY Stay connected all month long at FOOD PANTRY Following is a list of staples always in need at the food pantry: Following is a list of staples always in need at the food pantry: Peanut butter and jelly Pasta sauce (pasta, not needed) www.JewishFederationLCC.org Peanut butter and jelly Pasta sauce (pasta, not needed) R Ricicee a anndd bbeeans C Cananende dve vgeegtaebtalebsl easn da nfrdu fitrsu its C Ceerreeaal l C Cananende dm emaetsa ts C Coonnddimimeennttss T Toioleiltertiersie fso fro ard audltus l&ts c &h icldhrieldn ren

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. The promise of the Omer y favorite coronavirus jokes we learn patience and how to live in the relate to time. Such as: Feb- moment. Mruary had 29 days, March To help us be mindful, the Jewish had 500 days, and April has approxi- mystics developed an elaborate system mately 46,000 or more days. I’ve been of assigning each day a spiritual trait, relying on Shabbat to anchor my week a combination of kindness, discipline, and remind me there’s a difference compassion, endurance, humility, between a Saturday bonding and leadership. When we pur- and a Monday. But posely count the Omer, we don’t just thanks to the Jewish wander aimlessly. Each day strength- calendar, I am us- ens us in a different way, each day ing another Jewish makes us a better person. method of marking During the first week of May, we the passage of time. focus on endurance. How will you This method in- strengthen your resolve this week?  Rabbi volves counting from What will you strive to do? There are Nicole the second day of beautiful examples of people going Luna Passover to the holi- out of their way to help others during day of Shavuot, 50 days later, when this crisis. People are sewing masks, we celebrate receiving the Torah on putting a thank you sign on trash bins, Mount Sinai. This year, Shavuot be- donating money, writing inspirational gins on May 28. This period is called messages on their sidewalks and send- the Omer. The Omer is about mov- ing meals to essential workers. The ing slowly through time, making our Omer insists that we not just count the way through, going from Egypt to Si- days, but we make them count. nai, from confinement to wide-open Ultimately, the 50 days of the spaces. Omer is about journeying from leav- As much as we may want to rush ing slavery in Egypt to receiving God’s through this current period of life in a Torah. It gives us optimism and hope. blur, the Omer calls us to truly pay atten- Even when our lives are filled with tion to each day. We count the 50 days uncertainty or worry, we join with the of the Omer one day at a time, saying, Jewish community and know that we “Today is the first day of the Omer,” or will reach Sinai together. This is the “Today is 26 days of the Omer.” Every promise of the Omer, this is what will day is worthy of blessing. As much as get us through this crisis. Take it one we may wish to return to aspects of our day at a time. Pay attention and grow normal lives, we know that things take each day. Know that you are not alone. time. The act of creation lasts seven We will make it to Sinai. days, it takes 40 years before we reach Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple the Promised Land. Through the Omer, Beth El in Fort Myers. How the virus could change us ark Twain reportedly quipped, rebukes the prophet for his distress “There are two kinds of over the repentance of the Gentile city Mpeople in the world – those of Nineveh. God may have a special who divide the world into two kinds relationship with the Jewish people, of people and those who do not.” “Us” but nowhere do we believe that God is and “them” is the way most people see not the Creator of and concerned for all the world. It is the way many people humanity. see the coronavi- Moshe Halbertal, a professor of rus. “The virus is X philosophy at Hebrew University, was group’s fault.” Or, featured in an interview in The Times “X group is going of Israel (April 8). Professor Halbertal to get the virus, but said, “What we see, rather, is our deep we’re not.” fragility as a species.… We’re experi- FINEMARK NATIONAL BANK & TRUST IS PROUD In an April 12 encing our utter, utter vulnerability. As article in The News- you say in U’Netaneh Tokef [prayer], TO CONSISTENTLY EARN A 5-STAR RATING  Rabbi Press, Dr. Joel Zin- we’re like a passing shadow, like a Marc berg (full disclosure: fleeting dream. There is no inherent FROM BAUER FINANCIAL, THE NATION’S Sack Dr. Zinberg is a rationale to it. But there is an inherent * friend of my family) pointed out that message: Here we are, horribly vulner- LEADING INDEPENDENT BANK RATING FIRM . we Jews have frequently been on the able.” receiving end of the blame game. In the With this, I agree. The virus has th We attribute our success to delivering unparalleled mid-14 century, we were blamed for left all of us feeling vulnerable and starting and spreading the Black Death mortal. Leni and I have had the “what service and putting our clients fi rst. of the Bubonic Plague. In a cholera if” conversations. We check in with our epidemic of 1892, President Benjamin children and friends more frequently. Harrison said that Russian Jews and And the vulnerability cuts across all other immigrants were a “direct men- lines: religious, ethnic, racial. We are ace to public health.” in this boat together. We Jews certainly see the world This is the choice we will make in “us – them” terms. Our Havdalah going forward: Will this experience of prayer, said at the end of Shabbat and the virus make us more aware of what holidays, celebrates this division. We unites us? Or, will we feel more keenly praise God who separated Jews from about what divides us? Will countries the rest of the nations. work more closely together to find As someone who feels a strong al- cures for disease, or will they compete legiance to the Jewish people, I too am against each other for equipment and proud of our distinctiveness and the medication? Will we, on a local level, accomplishments of our people. But, feel a greater need to connect with our thankfully, to be Jewish also means be- neighbors, or will this leave us divided, ing able to hold opposing ideas at the thinking that we have less in common same time. In some machzorim, we with another? find a reading from the Mishnah, “The History teaches us that the divi- Bible teaches that God created Adam, sions between people will always be. a single human being, as the ancestor But it also teaches us that shocks can of all humanity.… That all people have change us, if only so slightly. Perhaps a common ancestor should make for this crisis will break down some barri- peace, since no one can say to anyone ers between people. That is something Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Charleston • Estero • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale www.fi nemarkbank.com • 239-461-5900 • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender else, ‘My ancestor was greater than worth praying and working for. Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value. your ancestor.’” And, the Bible con- Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple *5-Star Financial Rating issued by Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating and research fi rm. Rating is 5 out of 5. tains the book of Jonah, in which God Judea in Fort Myers.

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Health and strength we learn patience and how to live in the ur lives have been disrupted and have been taught by the teach- moment. by a treacherous plague that ings of many generations that there is To help us be mindful, the JewishO crosses the boundaries of reli- strength in faith. Can we, Jews, seize mystics developed an elaborate systemgion, race, culture, and the diversities this time to guide the world in the eth- of assigning each day a spiritual trait, of age, education, ics of our Jewish patriarchs and matri- a combination of kindness, discipline, wealth or poverty. archs? The social justice of the proph- compassion, endurance, humility, Severe illness and ets and the morality of the Torah? bonding and leadership. When we pur- often death are We will conquer this pandemic and posely count the Omer, we don’t just left behind as this discover that our “normal” is transi- wander aimlessly. Each day strength- scourge circles the tioning. We are

ens us in a different way, each day globe. Our lives have leaders and, for future generations, Sales & Use Tax Recovery, makes us a better person. been shaken from be strong in guiding the new transition- Audit �efense and Consul�ng During the first week of May, we Rabbi a normalcy that we ing toward a better world. Ira H. Zlatkin, focus on endurance. How will you Devora thought would al- May we all be blessed with health Buchen Contact Ira for a FREE review of CPA,MST,CFST strengthen your resolve this week? ways be dependable. and strength during these very trying your Accounts Payable to see if What will you strive to do? There are We are an ancient people that goes times. 8916 Tropical Court you qualify for a tax refund. beautiful examples of people goingback thousands of years. We are well Rabbi Devora Buchen serves at Temple Fort Myers, FL 33908

out of their way to help others during acquainted with the valley of shadows, Beth Shalom in Cape Coral.

Fax: 239‐245‐8876 this crisis. People are sewing masks, 239-898-0332 putting a thank you sign on trash bins, Email: [email protected] donating money, writing inspirationalHave your faith lifted messages on their sidewalks and send- havuot is known as Hag Habi- lordly sweep of his arm, “I own all this www.PegFin.com ing meals to essential workers. The kurim, the festival of the first land.” “Yes,” replied the artist. “but it Omer insists that we not just count the ripe summer fruits. The most is I who own the landscape.” days, but we make them count. S ancient and most essential function of The world is ours if we know how Ultimately, the 50 days of the Shavuot is to remind us of the beauty of to look at it, how to revere it and how, Mindi Smedley, EA, MSAT, CAM, Notary Omer is about journeying from leav- the natural world and through faith, to wait for its blessing ing slavery in Egypt to receiving God’s its constant renewal, through the hard winter into the spring 12220 Towne Lakes Dr. #85 Torah. It gives us optimism and hope. and to reawaken our that leads into the beauty of the early Fort Myers, FL 33913 Even when our lives are filled with faith in the possibili- summer. uncertainty or worry, we join with the ties in the universe, This is most relevant to our pres- 2392364559 Fax: 2394033 Jewish community and know that we for beauty and for ence on earth. How we handle life’s will reach Sinai together. This is the good. experiences ultimately depends on our [email protected] promise of the Omer, this is what will Shavuot comes point of view. Did we come to mourn get us through this crisis. Take it one Rabbi to remind us that the our loss or to be warmed by the mem- day at a time. Pay attention and grow Solomon world has summer ories of what we were privileged to each day. Know that you are not alone. Agin as well as winter, the have? Are we constantly bewailing our We will make it to Sinai. surprise of spring and the beauty of fall. lot or learning instead how to live on Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple Its purpose is to give us perspective. For with faith and courage and hope? Of Services: Specializing In: Beth El in Fort Myers. in the last analysis, religion as well as course, we remember the pains of life, life teaches us that what really matters is but if we have the right perspective, Tax Preparation Individual Taxes the perspective we have on our lives – we will also recall its pleasures. Our Full Charge Bookkeeping Real Estate Agent Industry in other words, our point of view. lives are determined by how we look Small Businesses Notary Services A very wealthy man once proudly at them. Condominium & Homeowner Associations escorted an artist over his lavish estate. Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Temple NotForProfits “You see,” said the millionaire, with a Shalom in Port Charlotte. Sacrifices his time of the year, the To- be, even our lives for those dearest to rah readings from the Book us. But beyond that, the idea of sac- Tof Leviticus deal largely with rificing for others and for the faceless sacrifices, both personal and for the common good seems to have fallen out well-being of the community. These of fashion in today’s highly individu- qorbanot included sheep, goats, bulls, alistic, materialistic, American society doves and fine flour where “what’s in it for me” seems to be

laced with aromatics. the not-so-Golden Rule. Of course, nowadays, But here and now, in this very place

these sacrifices seem and at this very moment, we are called

quite primitive, out- upon to sacrifice our accustomed ac- 239.481.4449 x4 or [email protected]

moded and, perhaps, tivities, our choices, and even our most

even barbaric. assumed freedoms to come and go and To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford  Rabbi But in these out- to associate with others. Sadly, we see Bruce of-the-ordinary times, too many others who are unprepared to Diamond we too are called make these sacrifices, and these people

upon to make sacrifices, also for own must be avoided at all costs as we con-

personal well-being and for the good of tinue to pray for their safety and the  the community at large. We are asked safety of those with whom they so ca- What is a Women’s Giving Circle?

to give that which is very valuable to sually mingle. What is a Women’s Giving Circle?

us: our freedom to move about as we But we are people who time and What is a Women s Giving Circle?

please, to be with the ones we love and, again are no strangers to sacrifice, What is a Women’s Giving Circle?

for many, the freedom to earn a living. starting with Abraham and his son  In a culture that puts a high premium Isaac and those who followed. We

on getting, we are now asked to sacri- come from those who were called upon

fice a lot. But is this so bad? to make terrible choices and sacrifices  The truth is that we generally end at immeasurable personal cost. up gaining very little by getting things. We are the descendants of these  Things end up worn out, used up or moral heroes and, as things stand to-  just adding to the clutter. But what is day, the sacrifices we are asked make  for sure, we gain more by giving, espe- seemed so trivial, but sacrifices they  cially by giving of ourselves. What we are nonetheless.  give in good times we call gifts. What I know we are all up to this. Stay 

we choose to offer of ourselves in hard home, stay safe, stay strong and stay in  

  times are called sacrifices. hope. ’ What is a Women s Giving Circle? As humans, there is a force within Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The W   us that moves us to be prepared to sac- Community Free Synagogue in Fort   rifice our time, our wealth and, if need Myers.   What do you think? To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford L’CHAYIM wants to know! 239.481.4449 x4 or [email protected] Send your letters & comments to [email protected]. To join239.481.4449 and for more x4 or information [email protected] call Debbie Sanford Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM nor its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received. 239.481.4449 x4 or [email protected]

For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 22 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FOCUS ON YOUTH

their families. BBYO happenings TEMPLE BETH EL SCHOOLS Hebrew instruction By Jessica Zimmerman, Associate Regional Dir., North Florida Region Fort Myers has gone virtual as well! Students have been meet- halom Fort Myers families! around the world. AZA, BBG and the Temple Beth El Religious School ing one-on-one each week with their BBYO has taken all of its pro- global Jewish community have never Religious School has gone virtual! teachers to receive individualized He- gramming online, specifically to been stronger, and nothing is going to S After wrapping up Spring Break, we brew instruction. our new platform, BBYO OnDemand. stop us now. found ourselves quickly shifting into Our Confirmation students met Some information about OnDe- Each week, Fort Myers BBYO is the virtual world of online learning. with the Rabbi virtually as well right mand from BBYO: Our worldwide programming OnDemand and we in- Temple Beth El quickly set up a Task before the beginning of Passover. Rab- network of teens, vite all teens in Fort Myers in grades Force where all facets of the temple bi Luna led a discussion with the stu- volunteers and 8-12 to join the fun on Thursdays at came together to plan our new virtual dents about Jewish resilience and how professionals are 7:00 p.m. world, including Religious School. that applies to our world today. Stu- uniting to provide For information on how to join the Because of our quick action, and dedi- dents engaged in discussion about how the power and programming, we suggest you visit cated teachers, we are able to keep our they perceive themselves in this world impact of BBYO azabbg.bbyo.org/on-demand/home and Religious School open, and no classes and hope for a return to normalcy. and our partners in click on Fort Myers BBYO’s Chapter have been canceled. For upcoming events, please check new, adaptable and Programming or email me at jesszim Each week, Religious School still the Temple Beth El website. For more innovative ways [email protected]. I hope to see you meets on Sunday, but with a slight information, please call the Temple Jessica Zimmerman so that wherever online soon! change in our programming. Before the Beth El office at 239.433.0018 or email Jewish teens and young adults are, we end of the week, Rabbi Luna emails the [email protected]. can enjoy everything our movement families a video and lesson in- has to offer, anytime we want, online. structions of what will be taught Over the coming days, this new online on Sunday so the families can space will continue to evolve with ex- prepare for activities and discus- citing opportunities, and we’ll begin to sion. On Sunday morning, Rabbi offer programming on a schedule that Luna conducts Tefilah with all will feel a lot like a special ‘TV chan- students online and discusses nel’ that you can tune into and enjoy the week’s lesson. After Tefilah, from whatever time zone you’re in as the student’s break out virtually often as you’d like. There will even be with their teachers for Judaic global events that we can all share in studies. This is the time when the whether we’re across town or halfway students discuss the information and projects they prepared for the class. In our first week, we learned about rituals, and our stu- dents created amazing videos and Rabbi Nicole Luna conducts Confirmation class virtually pictures about favorite rituals in with Olivia Kushner

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High School Students: Earn CAS Credits! The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties is Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids interested in hearing from music — anytime, anywhere. teenagers in high school music — anytime, anywhere. Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online who might like to earn CAS Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online credits though various work streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs in the Jewish community. from hundreds of artists across the globe. from hundreds of artists across the globe. Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks If you are interested, Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. please send the following for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime.

information to [email protected]: • Listen to the music online • Listen to the music online Name • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play Address or Tune In Radio Phone # or Tune In Radio Age Grade School Preferred volunteer hours (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays)

Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts. Send an email to [email protected]. Follow the Federation at www.facebook.com/JewishFederationLCC L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23

have fun-filled days. Aleinu: “Three lines from the bottom, cartoons and read a Pesach-appropriate TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS There will also be special second word.” It is great knowing that Dr. Seuss classic, “Yertle the Turtle, Fort Myers guests and special treats despite stay-at-home orders and social before making Kiddush over juice and throughout the summer. distancing, that people are finding ways matzah. Our next Tot Shabbat Live pro- Temple Judea Preschool Call 239.482.1121 for more informa- to stay engaged with Temple Judea. gram will be on Friday, May 8 at 5:00 Joann Goldman, tion. On April 10 we piloted our first Tot p.m. Please contact me at 239.433.0201 Temple Judea Preschool Director Preschool Registration Shabbat Live on Zoom for young fam- or [email protected] for the Zoom I would like to thank every parent who We are now opening registration for ilies. The children were so excited to code or for more information on pro- attended our meetings and supported the 2020 preschool year. Preschool be- see everyone, waving and calling out gramming at Temple Judea. our preschool. Thank you to my advi- gins on Monday, August 10. Our pre- to each other. We sang songs, watched sory board for your dedication and sup- school accepts children 18 months to port. Our preschool staff and children 5 years of age. At the time this article Read the current and recent greatly appreciated all your hard work. was written, we have a few openings. This year has been an exciting one. Please call the preschool for informa- issues of L’CHAYIM online at We have had the pleasure of watch- tion regarding the many programs we ing your child grow and develop in so offer our students. www.JewishFederationLCC.org. many areas. They have learned to work Toddler Time Program together and communicate with each Join us for a fun-filled morning of art, other in a positive manner. story time, music, cooking and move- For many, this was your first expe- ment. This program for children ages rience in a preschool setting. We hope 14-20 months gives your child a chance that you and your child have enjoyed to interact with other children while the experience and we look forward to you are interacting with parents. Meet another wonderful year. Thank you for new friends or bring a friend along. If allowing us to be a part of their lives. you are interested in learning about this Thank you to my entire staff. There fun program, please call 239.482.1121. is only one word that describes you – * * * DEDICATED. The time that you give Temple Judea Religious School each child and the love and patience Tab Scribner, you share with them shows in every- Director of Congregational Learning thing they do while in the classroom. We are starting to find our rhythm in To our pre-kindergarten graduates, this new normal of social distancing we wish you much happiness always. and virtual Religious School. It is fun Continue to love learning. You should to see the kids in their natural environ- Fall 2020 be very proud of yourselves for every- ment. Siblings and parents often pop Educational Scholarships thing that each of you have accom- in on class too, which adds to the ex- plished. We will miss you! perience. Our kids enjoy seeing one Available Camp Information another, and their teachers, and they Camp is scheduled to begin on Mon- love to share their pets with the class. SPECIAL EXTENSION DEADLINE: June 30, 2020 day, June 15. Join us for seven weeks I’m especially fond of meeting all their as we explore the Enchanted Forest, creatures. ELIGIBILITY: Scholarship applications are now available Dig Up Dirt and Plant in the Garden, In addition to holding online class- for Jewish residents of Lee and Charlotte create Treasures from Trash, Explore es, we are also streaming all of our Counties, Florida, wishing to pursue post-secondary education. the Ocean, Learn about Frogs and services as well. I enjoy reading the have fun while we are Growing Up Fit. comments in the days afterwards to see Applicants must be under 30 years of age These are some of our fun themes this how engaged everyone has been. My and priority will be given to full-time students. Funding is limited and decisions summer. favorite comment came from one of

will be based primarily on financial need. We will offer the children an en- our Religious School families, which

vironment where they can relax and must have come at the conclusion of APPLICATION: For guidelines and application process, PROCESS visit our website at www.jewishfederationlcc.org

Scholarships are made available from designated funds held by the Jewish Community Foundation. DISCOVER THE FUN! Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant

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Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks Funded by the For more information SIGN UP TODAY! visit jewishfederationlcc.org for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. Roth Family Enrollment is open to Foundation Jewish families with • Listen to the music online children between the More information, • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play ages of six months to contact Debbie Sanford is proud to offer the Stevan & Marilyn Simon Family Scholarship. eight years or Tune In Radio 239.481.4449 ext. 3 living in [email protected] This scholarship is open to those at least high school age who Lee & Charlotte Counties. demonstrate leadership qualities and will be participating in a 2-week or longer program in Israel.

A short essay is required.

For more information, and to access the application, visit the Families can sign up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org TOP Jewish Foundation website at topjewishfoundation.org

Follow the Federation at www.facebook.com/JewishFederationLCC L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 24 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ORGANIZATIONS

portunity to gather to- Dachau Survivor Bella U. Solnik and Survivor Toby Mest GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH gether to remember the and Auschwitz survivor Pinkus Î Rochelle Vegh Miller - Daughter SOUTHWEST FLORIDA lives lost during the Ho- Solnik of Survivor of Auschwitz-Birke- (239) 963-9347 locaust, the bravery of Î Betsy Dougatz - Daughter of Aus- nau William Vegh the resistance fighters chwitz Survivor Kalman Russ Î Judit Price - (Survivor and 2g) We can still remember and Allied soldiers, and the courage of Î G. Michael Eisenstadt - (Survi- Daughter of Survivor of labor Ida Margolis the survivors, does not mean that we vor and 2g) Son of Survivor Edith camp in Hungary, Alexander Salgo The last time I had the opportunity cannot remember them. As Holocaust Lange (Eisenstadt) and Survivor Eva Salgo to write the GenShoah article seems survivor Eli Wiesel said, “For in the Î Paula Federman - Daughter of Sur- Î Linda Russell - Daughter of Survi- like a lifetime ago, the lifetime before end, it is all about memory, its sources vivors Myra and Ralph Macher vors Vera and Louis Heilbrun the coronavirus. At that time, I wrote and its magnitude, and, of course, its Î Steven Fischer - Son of Survivors Î Hadassah Schulman - Daughter of about the plans for the annual commu- consequences. Remembering is a noble Dr. Erich Fischer, MD and Liesel Auschwitz, Ravensbruck and Ber- nity Yom HaShoah commemoration. and necessary act. The call of memory, F. Rein and grandson of Survivors gen-Belsen Survivor Mania Kohn I noted that since this year is the 75th the call to memory, reaches us from the Julius and Johanna Frensdorf and Hadas and Buchenwald Survivor anniversary of the end of WWII and very dawn of history. No command- Josef and Rosa Fischer Morris Kohn and stepdaughter of the liberation of the Nazi concentration ment figures so frequently, so insistent- Î Rene Geist - Daughter of Aus- Survivor Heniek Hadas camps. The courage of the survivors ly, in the Bible.” chwitz Survivors Brucha and Î Richard Stein - Son of Anschluss, and allied military would not only be GenShoah members remembered Chaim Kronenberg Kristallnacht, and St. Louis voyage remembered but also honored. Obvi- their parents by submitting the names Î Sam Geist - Son of Survivors Mir- Survivor Eric Stein ously, things changed and the Yom of their deceased parents who had sur- iam and Yona Geist Î Samuel Varsano - Son of Survivor HaShoah program, like so many other vived the Holocaust. The name of the Î Yvonne Holtzman - Daughter of of Auschwitz and Death March programs, had to be canceled. By the second-generation member along with Survivors Joseph and Fania Guman to Mauthausen/Ebensee Joseph time that you are reading this, the date their parents of blessed memory are be- Î Rolly Jacob - Daughter of Survi- (Peppo) Varsano and son of Survi- of Yom HaShoah will have passed. The low: vors of Vilna Gheo Philip and Ge- vor (Hidden Child) Martha (Pinto) service should have been live streamed Î Felicia Figlarz Anchor - Daughter nia (Teitlebaum) Zelmanovith Varsano by Temple Shalom, and most of you of Survivors Goldie Aronowitz Î Sandy Levine - Daughter of Survi- Î Kenneth (Kalman) Wetcher - (Sur- should have received a copy of the Figlarz, Lodz, Auschwitz, Neuen- vors Clara and Herman Leaf, Sis- vivor and 2g) Son of Survivors “program booklet” sent via email. If gamme, Bergen-Belsen; and Irving ter of Survivor Manny Leaf Morris (Moshe) Wetcher and Sur- you did not get to see the service live, it Figlarz, Czestochowa, Flossen- Î Rochelle Zelcer Lieb - Daughter of vivor Judith (Yocheved) Wetcher should still be available on the Temple berg, Gross-Rosen, Sachsenhau- Auschwitz Survivors Mayer Zel- “As long as we live, they too shall Shalom website at naplestemple.org. sen, Buchenwald cer and Marta Zwecher Zelcer live, for they are a part of us, as we re- And if you did not receive the program, Î Sol Awend - Son of Survivors Dina Î Ida Margolis - Daughter of Aus- member them.” please contact me at genshoahswfl@ Aport Awend and Berek Awend chwitz Survivors Max and Janet If you are a 2g who did not sub- gmail.com and I will email a copy to Î Shirley Besikof - Daughter of Sur- Zuchter Moskowitz mit names and would like your infor- you. vivors Fela and Max Schulz Î Stuart Mest - Son of Auschwitz mation recorded for the future, please Because we did not have the op- Î Goldie Bertone - Daughter of and Dachau Survivor Joel Mest email [email protected]. Candle lighting times: Candle lighting times: May 1: 7:42 June 5: 8:01 May 8: 7:46 June 12: 8:03 May 15: 7:50 May 22: 7:54 June 19: 8:05 May 29: 7:57 June 26: 8:07

Marcia Can Help MARCIA CAN HELP, a fund of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services, provides for emergency nutritional needs through our Food Pantry, gift card distribution, and crisis grants to prevent utility cut-offs, evictions, loss of transportation and other essential services without which none of us can live. Inspired by the recognition that these needs must be addressed in our community, and as a tribute to Marcia Cohen, a long-time resident of Sanibel and social activist, her husband Jack established the MARCIA CAN HELP fund in 2017.

Marcia Can Help

Help us meet these pressing needs by contributing to the MARCIA CAN HELP fund. For further information please contact Alan Isaacs at (239) 481-4449 or [email protected].

For advertising info, call Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 or email [email protected] L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 25

achievements and suc- environment on the fifth floor of the Save the date HADASSAH cesses. That is why this iconic Round Building has been cre- While it was disappointing to cancel Collier/Lee Chapter time feels so strange and, ated and is being administered by or postpone so many Hadassah pro- (732) 539-4011 as of this moment, scary. Hadassah infectious disease experts. grams and activities, health and safety We don’t know how Moderately ill patients will be hos- concerns were more important. We are No hugs and no kisses or when this crisis will pitalized in a segregated area, and se- planning programs and meetings for Diane Schwartz end so we can return to our “normal” verely ill patients who need intensive the fall and hope we will all be able to How strange it is that virtually over- lives. care respiratory therapy will be in a be together to enjoy all that Hadassah night our lives changed. We learned So, let’s blow kisses to our chil- separate ward. Entrance to both areas is has to offer. new words – coronavirus, COVID-19 dren, grandchildren, family and friends strictly forbidden including by spouses The following will be rescheduled – and phrases like Community Spread via FaceTime, Instagram, Twitter and and family. Staff will be wearing pro- with information to follow: and Social Distancing. Facebook or the old-fashioned way – tective gear and following procedures • Chai/Israel Together Study Group What’s more, we must come to making a phone call. Whatever digital outlined by the Ministry of Health. • Associates Brunch deal with our friends, neighbors, fami- or electronic platform you choose, now Hadassah members and supporters • Shabbat Under the Stars lies, children and spouses in a different is the time to use it. have helped build a world-class hospi- • Inspiring Women High Tea way – without human touching. A call allows us to tell them how tal system which continues helping the Still on the schedule for this fall We wonder, during this time of So- much they mean to us. It can often feel country and the people we love so far are: cial Distancing, isolation and quaran- more meaningful to say what we mean away from us. • October 16 - The Blue Box Lun- tine, how many people do we literally rather than use physical contact to ex- Whether in America or in Israel, cheon supporting JNF touch in a day? press our feelings. we practice the values of Pikuach • October 26 - Knowledge & Nosh Handshakes, hugs and kisses flow Hadassah has stepped up to deal Nefesh, the importance of saving a life, with the “Orchid Whisperer,” Gay- from us on a regular basis. Whether it’s with this pandemic as well. Hadassah and Kehilla, community. We embrace le Dorio at a friend’s home for dinner, at tem- Medical Organization (HMO) through the larger world family as our own. • November 16 - Fall Luncheon fea- ple before, during and after services, a our hospital at Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, We all need each other now. So turing The Crafty Women Mini meeting, or just “bumping into” each is serving as one of seven hospitals in keep the connections strong! Boutique other on our daily paths, we shake Israel designated to treat COVID-19 For more information about Ha- • December 1 - The Symposium on hands, kiss and/or hug. virus patients. It is a massive and major dassah and HMO’s efforts at this time, Women’s Health & Wellness Our Jewish world is warm and wel- undertaking. please contact me at dianepschwartz@ • December 13 - Keepers of the Gate coming – celebratory of milestones, A secure, secluded and equipped gmail.com or 732.539.4011. Breakfast – open to all members

purpose. Jewish men and Shomrim Society in our area, most no- torical Society of SWFL 10th Anniver- JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY women see to it that bod- tably to the Jewish Historical Society sary Celebration Event will take place OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ies of deceased Jews are of Southwest Florida, our Southwest on Thursday, January 7, 2021. Please (239) 566-1771 prepared for burial in Florida Jewish Pioneer Chief Richard save the date. accordance with Jewish Plager, whose story was made into a The Society is looking for volun- Everything present is already tradition and are protected from dese- short film in 2019. In the days of quar- teers to conduct research at local Jew- future history cration. Two of the main requirements antine sequestration, we were able to ish burial sites. Interested in helping? Marina Berkovich are showing proper respect for a corpse add this film to our online database and Please contact us at: History can either be defined as the and the ritual cleansing of the body you can view it at the Jewish Historical The Jewish Historical Society study of past events, particularly in with subsequent dressing for a burial. Society of Southwest Florida YouTube of Southwest Florida human affairs, or the whole series of The task of the chevra kadisha is con- Channel. Please become a subscriber, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, past events connected with someone sidered an honorable one, as tending if you have not done so yet. We will Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108 or something. Last year, as I planned to the dead is a favor devoid of ulte- be adding other films and interview 833.547.7935 (833.JHS.SWFL) my activities, I allocated the months rior motives that the recipient cannot excerpts to our channel as we move www.jhsswf.org of April through June to studying local return. This work is therefore referred forward, time and financial resources [email protected] cemeteries. Little did I know that I’d be to as “a good deed of truth”. The so- permitting. Virtual Museum of SWFL contemplating life. ciety sometimes provides shomrim, or It goes without saying, but I want Jewish History http:// What defines us is how we live, the watchers, to guard the body until buri- to reinforce that we are optimistically jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/ impact we make on others and by what al. At one time, the danger of theft of planning our future. The Jewish His- deeds we will be remembered. Our the body was actually real; in modern collective and personal COVID-19 ex- times the watch has become a way of periences will be the history of tomor- honoring the deceased. HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER 55+ Chapter is a char- row. It will be studied and either used Before there were Jewish cem- tered member of the for the good of men, best case ideal, or eteries in Florida, these organizations at Temple Judea United Synagogue of misused, if the inadequate conclusions shipped remains for proper burial out- (239) 433-0201 Conservative Judaism. and lessons will be drawn to serve in- of-state. Jewish cemeteries were ulti- HAZAK Chapters are for dividual or group agendas that aim mately established in Florida and they, Joyce Rosinger singles or couples. Join HAZAK and only to benefit from disaster we are all in essence, preserved Jewish history HAZAK’s future programs are on meet new friends. It’s an organization caught in together. And so it goes from through names and records of the indi- hold for the time being because of that enables members to meet and so- the dawn of time, and so it will go until viduals whose remains rest there. The COVID-19. We will publicize future cialize with each other. Our monthly the sundown of time. task of shomrim over time has evolved programs when possible. In the mean- programs vary in nature. Death is the inevitable result of into another occupation of honor – pub- time, please keep HAZAK in mind and Members of the community are al- living, and the grim reality is it always lic safety. Its members in Southwest hopefully we can get together in the ways welcome to join and attend our is an important and relevant subject. Florida are employed as law enforce- not-too-distant future. We hope every- programs. Dues are a moderate $10 Historically, the first organization to ment officers, firefighters, court clerks, one in our community stays safe and per year. For more information, email be formed by any Jewish community is judges, medical examiners, chaplains healthy. [email protected] or call the Temple usually a chevra kadisha – a sacred so- of the Jewish faith and so forth. Temple Judea’s active HAZAK Judea office at 239.433.0201. ciety. This group usually serves a holy There are a few members of the PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS SNOWBIRDS, Marcia Can Help WHO HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE newspapers don’t fly… however, your address will! MARCIA CAN HELP, a fund of the Jewish Federation however, your address will! and Jewish Family Services, provides for emergency Center for Holocaust nutritional needs through our Food Pantry, gift card and Genocide Research distribution, and crisis grants to prevent utility Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about cut-offs, evictions, loss of transportation Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: and other essential services without • scholarship • outreach which none of us can live. Going North? Inspired by the recognition that • inquiry Going North? these needs must be addressed in our • sharing knowledge Don’t forget to contact us with Don’t forget to contact us with community, and as a tribute to Marcia Cohen, • preserving the record your change of address to • helping teachers your change of address to a long-time resident of Sanibel and social activist, her continue receiving L’CHAYIM. continue receiving L’CHAYIM. • encouraging students husband Jack established the MARCIA CAN HELP fund in 2017. Send address changes to: Send address changes to: [email protected] [email protected] or call: 239.481.4449 ext-5 or call: 239.481.4449 ext-5

Marcia Can Help Safe Travels Safe Travels Help us meet these pressing needs by contributing to the MARCIA CAN HELP fund. Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ For further information please contact Alan Isaacs at (239) 481-4449 or [email protected]. Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director

Stay connected all month long at www.JewishFederationLCC.org L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 26 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

Bat Yam, as many around the U.S., one as far as Hawaii, service’s end, the Rabbi said the tra- BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS places of worship have and four from Europe. ditional prayerful hope, “Next year in Sanibel done around the world, Pastor Danner, who usually attends Jerusalem,” then added “Next year all (732) 780-2016 encouraged the congre- the Bat Yam community Seder, sent a together.” gation to participate in letter which was read by Rabbi Fuchs: Bat Yam has quickly used technol- www.batyam.org “virtual gathering.” The “This year, the long-asked question ogy to bring people together in other digital choice was Zoom. will no doubt take on new meaning. ways during this time of sheltering in Passover is the Jewish holiday describ- A workshop/tutorial was set up by ‘Why,’ a child asks ‘is this night place. The Rabbi conducts an interac- ing the Exodus, an epic story of op- knowledgeable congregants and every- different from all the others?’ For me, tive class via Zoom on Saturday morn- pression, resolve and deliverance. The one was invited to participate. Rabbi, the answer, at least in part, is because ings beginning at 9:45 a.m. To par- Passover Seder has a specific order of Cantor and congregants all learned the it reminds me to constantly work on ticipate, see details at the end of this rituals or tasks. Jews read the Hagga- technology together. behalf of all those who are enslaved in article. dah, which means “to tell.” Through On Passover evening, congregants any way. I am indeed your brother, and The “Facebook Live!” feature on the telling, the story is passed on to and friends participated in a virtual while we are not together in body, we the Bat Yam Facebook homepage is the children. Moses implores Pharaoh Seder via Zoom. There were 94 partici- are together on this, and every night, used for Friday night Shabbat Wel- to “Let my people go.” Pharaoh flatly pants who attended “live” and in “real- in heart.” come sessions, a shortened version of refuses. God sends plague after plague time,” and another 148 who, at a time People sat around their Seder the Sabbath service, which starts at until Pharaoh relents and the Jews flee. that worked best for them, watched a tables watching their devices. They 7:00 p.m. Over 1,600 have accessed It is the youngest child’s role to ask the video of the virtual Seder posted to could see friends sitting around theirs these since the first Shabbat Welcome question, “Why is this night different YouTube. Attending in real-time were with the symbolic matzos, the candles, on March 20. from all other nights?” Jews and non-Jews, many of whom the Manischewitz wine, the plate with For technical assistance in ac- This year everybody knew the an- had traveled with Bat Yam’s Rabbi Ste- the shank bone, greens, bitter herbs, cessing either the Bat Yam Shabbat swer. We are all, for the first time in our phen Fuchs and Pastor John Danner of roasted, egg and charoset. A plate of Welcome or Rabbi Fuchs’ Saturday lives, in a time of plague, isolated and Sanibel Congregational United Church chopped liver, a glass of salt water, morning classes, email Garry Weiss at socially distanced from one another, of Christ to Israel in April last year. At- symbolizing tears. Everyone united, all [email protected] or Ron Chaddock forbidden to gather. tending were locals and people from going through a difficult time. At the at [email protected].

everyone could be on the are joining us again. cerned about security, our meetings TEMPLE BETH SHALOM same page. Communal life is taking on a new and services are by invitation only. If Cape Coral Rabbi Buchen and life as we hold our board meetings, you would like to join us, please send (239) 772-4555 the Temple Board of Di- book club meetings, Torah study and an email to [email protected] to rectors decided to sus- more online. We have also been call- request an invitation. www.templebethshalomcc.org pend services in mid- ing everyone and checking in so that All of us at TBS hope that you and March in order to protect members don’t feel so alone. your families are healthy and safe. If we had said three months ago that our members. Many people were disap- We hope that by the Temple Beth Shalom would go digi- pointed and alone. Emily Loewenstein time you read this, life tal, everyone would have said we were decided to take the example of another will be returning to nor- crazy. However, TBS has shown its organization she belongs to and offered mal. However, in the new resilience in the face of the pandemic to host a Friday night service. We then normal, perhaps we will and is now holding Shabbat services spent many hours helping members of be able to incorporate on Zoom. Although we would have all the congregation to learn to connect on some of the techniques preferred to be together with our fam- their various devices. Members who in we are learning now to in- ily and friends for Passover, our virtual the past have not come to services are clude more people in our Seder was remarkably successful. We now logging in on Friday nights, and activities even had our own custom Haggadah so some members who have moved away Because we are con-

TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY REFORM ORTHODOX 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 941-833-3381 Learning Tree Preschool Director: : Jesyca Virnig E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com President: Hank Betchen Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Email: [email protected] a kiddush Phone: 239-433-0018 • Fax: 239-433-3235 Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Web site: www.templebethel.com COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study REFORM CHABAD LUBAVITCH 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Religious & Hebrew School: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 Sunday (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) ORTHODOX Judaica Gift Gallery P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 5620 Winkler Road Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Bruce Diamond Fort Myers, FL 33919 ([email protected]) Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Phone: 239-433-7708 • Fax: 481-9109 TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Phone: 239-466-6671 E-mail: [email protected] REFORM E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.chabadswf.org 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah Rabbi Devora Buchen Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon President: Peter Simenauer at 6:30 p.m. Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. Phone: 239-772-4555 • Fax: 239-772-4625 Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org every Saturday morning from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. OF CAPE CORAL Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday ORTHODOX Religious School: Wednesday 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. TEMPLE JUDEA 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. CONSERVATIVE Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Phone: 239-963-4770 Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) Rabbi Marc Sack E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.chabadcape.com BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS President: Dan Fox Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. REFORM Director of Congregational Learning: Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church Tab Scribner Kiddush luncheon 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Preschool Director: Joann Goldman Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs [email protected] Monday-Friday morning 7:00 a.m. President: Michael Hochschild Phone: 239-433-0201 • Fax: 239-433-3371 JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 732-780-2016 Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Email: [email protected] Web site: www.tjswfl.org Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cantor: Murray Simon Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.-noon; Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct-Apr) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS 7:00 p.m. Friday (May-Sept) Wed. 4:30-6 p.m. Early childhood education:  Shalom Life Center Adult Education: Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader - 218-3433 Saturday, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Nov-Apr) Preschool, M-F, ages 18 months-5 years; “Mommy & Me,” 12 months-2 years • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Jacki Waksman - 954-653-9053 to 12:15 p.m. (Nov-Apr) Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Brian Lipton - 941-365-4955 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism • Anti-Defamation League: 561-988-2900 SHALOM LIFE CENTER • B’Nai B’rith International: 941-302-4500 TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE TRANS DENOMINATIONAL • Chevra Kadisha: 19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33967 Gene Sipe - 239-841-4615 HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963-9347 REFORM Rabbi Lawrence Dermer Phone: 239-218-3433 • Hadassah - Collier/Lee Chapter: 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 E-mail: [email protected] Diane Schwartz - 732-539-4011 Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4675 • Hadassah - Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): Web site: www.shalomlifecenter.org Rabbi Solomon Agin Odette Port - 941-505-1409 Shabbat Evening Services 7:30 p.m. (Oct-Apr) President: Judith Migdol • Hazak 55+ Chapter: 7:00 p.m. (May-Sept) Phone: 941-625-2116 Joyce Rosinger - 239-437-1566 Saturday Torah & Kabbalah Study 10:00 a.m. E-mail: [email protected] • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: 800-622-8017 Web site: templeshalomfl.com • Jewish Community Services: 239-481-4449 Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ • Jewish National Fund: Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Joshua Mellits, Director, Western Florida ESTERO 941-462-1330 ext. 865 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. ORTHODOX Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Memorial Tree Planting in Israel - 1-800-542-8733 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood • Jewish War Veterans: Organizations: Sisterhood Centre) Bonita Springs, FL 34135-7024 Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter - 239-246-3151 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Mendy Greenberg • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Phone: 239-949-6900 Nechamie Minkowicz - 239-822-2784 Web site: www.JewishBonita.com Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by a Kiddush

Send updates and changes to the Directory above to [email protected]. Visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org for a calendar of Virtual Programming. L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 27 service’s end, the Rabbi said the tra- cal staff in a hospital. a focus on the relevance ditional prayerful hope, “Next year in TEMPLE JUDEA Rabbi and Leni’s son, SHALOM LIFE CENTER of our timeless traditions Jerusalem,” then added “Next year all Fort Myers who works in Asia, was Fort Myers and bringing the ancient together.” (239) 433-0201 able to send face masks (239) 218-3433 wisdom of Torah and Bat Yam has quickly used technol- that were donated to a Kabbalah into our daily ogy to bring people together in other www.tjswfl.org very appreciative Sher- www.shalomlifecenter.org lives. ways during this time of sheltering in iff’s office. Social action SLC also has a dy- place. The Rabbi conducts an interac-It’s a new normal – Monday morning continues to be a priority for Temple Shalom Life Center is a warm and wel- namic Women’s Circle that meets the tive class via Zoom on Saturday morn-minyans, Shabbat and holiday services Judea during good, as well as difficult coming home for contemporary Jewish second Monday of the month led by ings beginning at 9:45 a.m. To par-streamed on Facebook, a virtual Pass- times. life with a passionate commitment to Rebbetzin Robin Dermer with an em- ticipate, see details at the end of thisover Seder, classes and activities for all As of the writing of this column, community and spiritual growth where phasis on women’s spirituality and per- article. ages offered through Zoom. It’s been there is no prediction when it will everyone is always welcome. sonal growth. The “Facebook Live!” feature on weeks since we have physically gath- again be safe to physically gather and/ We are hoping that by the time you Torah study and Women’s Circle the Bat Yam Facebook homepage isered as a congregation, yet we remain or travel within our country, and to and read this, our lives have begun to re- are meeting in our SLC Zoom room for used for Friday night Shabbat Wel-a strong, committed community. from other countries. turn to normal and we can once again the time being. If you’d like to learn come sessions, a shortened version of Before Passover, a committee was Alyssa Kleinman’s Bat Mitzvah, gather together in person. We have more, please send us an email or give the Sabbath service, which starts atformed to call everyone in the congre- scheduled for May, has been postponed been doing our very best to keep the us a call. 7:00 p.m. Over 1,600 have accessedgation on a regular basis, just to check until August. The congregation, as well community connected and engaged SLC also offers many other oppor- these since the first Shabbat Welcomein and ensure everyone is doing okay. as her family and friends, are excited to through Livestream services and Zoom tunities to enhance your Jewish life and on March 20. The teachers of our Religious School celebrate with her. meetings during this most difficult and learning, and further your involvement For technical assistance in ac-teach online on Wednesday afternoons As of now we have the new nor- challenging time. We are staying in in community service while making cessing either the Bat Yam Shabbatand Sunday mornings. Preschool staff mal, and Temple Judea staff and vol- physically and reaching out spiritually friends in a warm and welcoming com- Welcome or Rabbi Fuchs’ Saturdayare doing online activities for the chil- unteers will continue to offer services, to give each other hope, strength, hap- munity. morning classes, email Garry Weiss atdren in their classes. Our Education activities and education to its congre- piness and positivity! For more information on all our in- [email protected] or Ron ChaddockDirector reads bedtime stories to chil- gants via phone calls and streaming. Every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. spiring services, classes, great activities, at [email protected]. dren and leads the monthly Tot Shab- Please note that Rabbi Sack is al- we experience an uplifting, musical concerts and other upcoming special bat service – all online. ways available by phone for consulta- and meaningful Livestream Shabbat events, call 239.218.3433, visit www. Rabbi Sack and Leni have had tion or comfort. service. To join with us, visit www.sha shalomlifecenter.org or email info@ cerned about security, our meetingsZoom “get togethers,” including a Regularly scheduled events via lomlifecenter.org and click on SLC TV. shalomlifecenter.org. and services are by invitation only. If Chametz Party the night Pesach ended. Facebook (just “friend” the Temple Ju- Every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. you would like to join us, please send Rabbi Sack’s monthly afternoon Torah dea Facebook page): we invite you to join us for a beautiful, What do you think? an email to [email protected] toStudy also continues via Zoom. The • Friday evening Shabbat services Livestream Havdalah at Home as we request an invitation. next Torah Study is on Thursday, May at 6:30 p.m. welcome the new week together. Need to reach the editor of All of us at TBS hope that you and 7 at noon. Call the synagogue office for • Saturday morning Shabbat Every Saturday mor-ning at 10:00 L’CHAYIM? Send an email to your families are healthy and safe. information on how to connect. services at 9:30 a.m. a.m. SLC offers an interactive and par- The Social Action Committee is • Morning minyan every Monday ticipatory Torah and Kabbalah study [email protected]. considering ways to support the medi- at 9:00 a.m. led by Rabbi Lawrence Dermer with

rescheduled or held as is now a household word. It’s our tech- members. Phone circles have 19 volun- TEMPLE BETH EL planned? As of now, nological lifeline these days. When teers calling 78 people. Email circles Fort Myers there are more unknowns Rabbi Luna and the Board of Trustees have twelve leaders and 36 partici- (239) 433-0018 than we can count. Sister- decided to close the building, services pants. Feedback has been overwhelm- hood planned a free event were streamed that night as usual, with ingly positive. www.templebethel.com for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Rabbi Luna, Cantor Bessman, musi- Update from Jesyca Virnig, Direc- May 20, featuring Dr. cians and an AV crew in an empty tor of the Learning Tree: “We are so Why? Why this plague? As of this Robert Watson, an award-winning au- sanctuary. The very next morning, proud of the way our Learning Tree writing on April 13, the COVID-19 thor of over 40 books and 200 schol- Rabbi Luna was on Zoom at 9:00 a.m. preschool teachers enthusiastically pandemic is still sweeping the globe arly articles on history and politics. It’s for Torah study, attracting the biggest embraced a quick study of technology with tragic outcomes. Everyone’s lives listed here in case restrictions on gath- Torah study attendance ever, showing and adjusted instructional strategies to have been turned upside down. By the erings have been lifted. how hungry we are for connection and successfully launch our Virtual Adven- time you read this at the end of April/ The good news is that while the learning. In short order, everything was tures. They have stayed joyfully con- beginning of May, we may or may not Temple Beth El building has been being done virtually: Friday night ser- nected with their students and families still be practicing social distancing, closed since March 13, our existence as vices, Religious School, Talmud study during our temporary closure due to wearing masks, and washing our hands a community is most definitely open. (where we’re beginning to study Mai- COVID-19, and they absolutely can’t until we feel like we need skin grafts. Open to participation, open to caring, monides), Torah study, Coffee & Chat wait to once again share laughter and We may or may not be in a temporary open to reaching out, open to loving (new and open to all), second night learning in our physical classrooms state of isolation, which already felt one another. Working from home, our Seder, Francophone Group, Hispano- as soon as possible. Our preschool old in the early days of this crisis. We staff, clergy, teachers and volunteers phone Group, Adult Hebrew, Book families have been so supportive and may or may not have been able to par- have done a phenomenal job of keep- Club, Current Events, board meetings, engaged during what is a highly chal- ticipate in all the Temple Beth El ritu- ing our community connected and committee meetings, task force meet- lenging time for all. We are blessed als and activities of which we are so thriving. Before this emergency con- ings and Jewish 12-Step Recovery and grateful for such a strong and kind- proud and are so meaningful to us. Our fined us to our homes, some people meeting. hearted school community.” Israel-themed Shabbat? Confirmation? couldn’t even turn on a computer; now TBE COVID-19 Task Force up- Please call the temple office at Shabbat community dinner? High they’re Zooming frequently. Until re- date: Hilary and Jerry Kobrin estab- 239.433.0018 if you have questions. school graduation Shabbat? Canceled, cently, who had heard of Zoom? Zoom lished Caring Circles outreach to TBE We are here for you.

matsah. Publix contrib- morning, with his sons tuning in from Views.” It’s a great opportunity to COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE uted 50 paper shopping their homes in other states. C.F.S. To- learn more about the people we see in Fort Myers bags. Melinda Diamond, rah Study continues from 9:30 to 11:00 the synagogue! (239) 466-6671 properly attired in mask a.m. each Sabbath morning. To join, Youth Hebrew and Jewish educa- and gloves, distributed click on the Zoom icon on the syna- tion also continue uninterrupted online www.fortmyerssynagogue.com the yontiff goody bags gogue’s webpage, www.fortmyerssyn twice a week. To sign up your children through 35 car windows agogue.com. for these free 30-minute tutorials, con- Thanks to help from Kim Cohen from in the synagogue parking lot. Then the Each Friday evening, the Rabbi and tact the Rabbi at the synagogue’s email Cohen & Cohen Catering, Dr. Gerry Diamonds dropped off some more bags Rebbitzen host an online candle light- address. Friedman, Rabbi Bruce Diamond, the at a senior independent living facility ing and qiddush from their home for Each day, the Rabbi sends out an Jewish Federation of Lee and Char- and to stay-at-home seniors. A good 30 minutes starting at 6:30 p.m., also email “blast” with the psalm of the lotte Counties, Publix and Rebbitzen time was had by all. on Zoom. The Rabbi offers an Adult day and other synagogue news. It is Diamond, C.F.S. conducted a “Let My In anticipation of his 83rd birthday, Education class from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. customary to read from the Psalms at People Grab and Go” on the morning Arnie Harris had spent five months each Tuesday, and Prayerbook Hebrew times of special need. To be added to of April 8, the day of the first Seder. studying with the Rabbi twice a week practice each Thursday at the same the list, also email synfree@comcast. Kim prepared the Passover sponge preparing for his “2nd time around” time. To learn more about the classes net. cake and strawberries and the haroset, Bar Mitzvah celebration, scheduled and to receive the reading assignments, The present challenging time has Gerry his notorious “5 Alarm Horse- for Sabbath morning, April 4 at the email [email protected]. created an opportunity to deepen the radish Sauce,” the Rabbi his popular synagogue. Instead, he chanted his On open evenings at 5:00 p.m., connection between the synagogue and homemade matsah, while the Federa- Torah portion during C.F.S.’ inaugu- the C.F.S. Zoom room is opened for its participants, and to expand the op- tion donated 50 boxes of commercial ral Zoom Torah Study class the same a freewheeling hour of “Schmooz and portunity for learning.

Visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org for a calendar of Virtual Programming. L'CHAYIM MAY/JUNE 2020 28 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Grow your business with L’CHAYIM!

Y 2020 L'CHAYIM FEUAYFEUA 2020

Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Each month, 4,000 uirky design house lets customers also be designers Quirky Israeli brand Peleg Design offers customers a chance to send ideas online. shaped eggholder makes it easy to re- But that’s only one source of Shahar Peleg’s inspiration. The product that kicked off the move hot hard-boiled eggs from boiling By Lauren Izso, ISRAEL21c water and store them in the fridge and rom optical illusion fl ower vases company’s success was a vase Peleg by also makes the eggs much cuter. to playful elephant-shaped cut- designed for his own weddinge anchored in 2005. Targeted Distribution These “fl oating” vases ar Jewish residents lery drainers, Shahar Peleg wants es hidden underneath the F magnetic bas his products to bring his customers joy, tablecloth. but fi rst and foremost to fulfi ll a need. How does he fi gure out what those tells needs are? “In many ways,”e brand the de- Peleg Design’s gravity-defying wine-bottle holder signer and founder of th Reach our affluent, informed, health-conscious, and in two or three stores in Tel Aviv,” Peleg ISRAEL21c. tells ISRAEL21c. “It’s now become One of those ways is from his cus- Egguins, one of Peleg Design’s in Lee and Charlotte cute and functional creations both my passion and my profession.” tomers. Peleg Design has expanded to more “Some of the ideas came to us while One comment on Peleg Design’s some in the shower, some than 30 countries including the United daydreaming, Instagram page calls the item “the best States, Japan, Peru, France and South we woke up with and some just came to thing since sliced bread.” savvy readers who are looking for new and better ways Korea. Some designs can even be found us by email,” reads Peleg Design web- t seller Many of Peleg’s productsmea ntare to made last. ase is a bes at the gift shop of the Louvre Museum in sues, he site’s “Suggest an Idea” section. Peleg Design’s Magnetic V from plastic but theyironme arental is he Museum of Modern Art’s People from all over the world reach rs to Paris and t York City. The Mag- To this day, the Magnetic Vase set Sensitive to env counties turn to o the gift shop in New out, he says. explains that he wants his custome is one of Peleg Design’s best sellers. “It netic Vase is one of its bestselling items. “Once in a while we get a great idea, develop an emotional connection t was a huge hit,” he says. “That’s what Peleg explains that his products and we pay royalties to the designers or items and use them for as long as pos- to enrich their lives and those of their loved ones. really began to generate business.” are available in most major economies, inventors. It’s really amazing because a sible before throwing them away. Another universal problem Peleg excluding those that have no political lot of people have a lot of ideas,” Peleg Passion and profession wanted to solve was grime building up relations with Israel. e hopes one day says. Growing up, Peleg dreamed of being at the bottom of a cutlery drainer. is L'CHAYIM thatMACH will change, 2020 and he says so to the For example, the Bag Bunny, a an astronaut, but he would eventually answer was Jumbo, an elephant-shaped businessmen he meets from countries L’CHAYIM for: magnetic bunny-shaped tool for easily fi nd hisJewish passion Federation in a diff erent of Lee form and of Charlotte Counties like Iran and Kuwait. opening plastic packaging, was inspired exploration: design. Every now and then, Peleg receives L’CHAYIM – the monthly newspaper published by the “It started off as a one man show,” by a customer suggestion. an email from an Israeli customer, with a he says. JEWISH INTEREST Peleg studied interior design at the photo of his Magnetic Vase on a shelf in the MOMA gift shop. They are so happy olon Institute of Design. A class proj- Interested in toYour see an Israeli designer’s product ect made him realize he had an eye for among some of the world’s best. “That creating quirky but useful knick-knacks. Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties – is Family’s History?makes me proud,” he says. Stars of David e had made a wine-bottle holder that u ains into the sink For more information, visit https:// Upcoming major events By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnistomer’s Jumbo, a cutlery holder that dr Nate Bloomseemed (see to column defy gravity. above) e has was become able to a family history expert in 10 out of Persons Bunny was ininspired BOLD by a cust CAPSesign) are deemed by Nate Bloom to peleg-design.com/. Editor’s note:Bag years of doingsell a fewhis celebrityeven before column, graduating. and he has expert friends who can help suggestione purpose (photos courtesy of the of Peleg column. D n Tel Persons cutlery identified holder that as drainsJewish water “It started from selling one product be Jewish for th ed i runk, directly into the sink. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a Founded in 2005 and bas its t have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised Pineleg a faith says otherfunction than is key,full and family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start Aviv, Peleg Design’s online store off ers with a limited search of one family line. Judaism and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaismdesign as is an secondary adult. Converts to usefulness. But Read the current and recent issues of L’CHAYIM mailed to 4,000 residents in the area. Additional copies around 100 unique products that stem parents believed in God. So heres the deal: to Judaism, of course, are also identifi ed asin Jewish. part: “Mystill, he hopes his customers will fall in from everyday needs, each with quirks,I’m Jewish, my mom’s Jewish, but she online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. u 2020 Oscars Roundup love with his “cute” designs. Community Directory twistsore than or optical the usual illusions number thatbelieves Peleg in Jesus. She newest felt a connectionitem, the Egguins, Write is Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. There were m is describes as “magical.” to that. But they were never religious. of Jewish nominees for Oscars in the a great example of that. The penguin-Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that Nothing, he says, is really what[After it leaving the cult], we were ab- “marquee” categories (acting, direct- goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. seems. solutely encouraged to have whatever Buy one ing). Prominent among the nominated are available at the Jewish Federation office. TODD PHIL- AM, NotaryThe rst search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, belief we wanted.” adult entrée and “non-winners” were , MSAT, C NOAH BAUM- New Broadcast,Mindi Smedley, Cable EA LIPS, 49 (Joker), and ). They erings several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate and Streaming Off fountain drink u BACH, 50 (Marriage Story Synagogue news Dispatches from 12220Elsewhere Towne is Lakes a 10-epi- Dr. #85 friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out were both nominated in the director sode anthology seriesFort Myers,that starts FL 33913 on great for them. So contact him about this as well. and screenwriting categories. Another Get one SCARLETT AMC cable on Sunday, March 1 (10:00-4033 men from all passages of his life to big “non-winner” was 239-236-4559 Fax: 239 , 36, who was nominated p.m.). The second episode will be shown behalf present throughprice!* the passagesassist ofthem. his JOHANSSON who has permeated American culture Marriage Story) and the next night (Monday) at 10:00 p.m. young daughters’ lives andvel y. Feiler is for best actress ( Jojo Rabbit). [email protected] more than 30 years.” The fi lm was49. After that, all episodes will air Mondays NETTE BURSTEIN, They all responded positi best supporting actress ( m. The advance descrip- made by NA Personal he alia emed at 10:00 p. now cancer-free. u can e reached at TAIKA WAITITI, 44, wonJojo the er previous documentaries include the Local Organization news tion is vague: “A group of ordinary On the Ropes, about Feiler’s written about manyWalking topics, the best adapted screenplay Oscar for Oscar-nominated daliahemedmsn.com. people who stumble onto a puzzle but he’s best known for Rabbit, a fi lm that he also directed and boxing. Jojo Rabbit is an anti- hiding just behind the veil ofJASON every- of Dads is an NBC drama Bible, a bestselling book (2006) and  Turn dough out onto a lightly co-starred in. Council day life.” The series co-starsializing In: very popular2020 PBS series about Feiler’s Life-Enriching Information fl oured surface. Roll out until ¼” Nazi fi lm that I found more poignant Spec that starts on Tuesday, March 10 (10:00 Y : SEGEL , 40, and the always-good Sally L'CHAYIM FEUAYFEUA10,000-mile 2020 journey tracing the events thickness, and cut out 3” circles and well-written than someServices advance es p.m.). The lead character, Scott Perry, is Field. Segel created the seriesvidual and Tax writes and places mentioned in the Torah. with a cookie cutter. reviews led me to believe. While Waititi Indi a loving father of four. A serious health Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ration it. e long co-starred in the hit TV series Sport Short , 20, played in this u is, in common terms, onlyTax Prepa 1/8 Jewish, Real Estate Agent Industry scare moves him to recruit three of his Jewish Federation updates How I Met Your Mother. e has many UINN HUGHES ame. ughes is SmallForgetting Businesses Sarah g he identifi es as a “Polynesian Jew.” It’s Associationsclosest male friends to step in as “back L all-star Full Charge Bookkeeping fi lm credits, including & Homeowner year’s N for the Van- your choice how you view him Jewish dominium up dads” for every stage of his fam- MarshallCon, a hit he starred in- Profitsand wrote. a defenseman who plays brother, Each month, readers of L’CHAYIM get news and updates OURor not.COMMUNITY At the very least,Notary he is Servicesan infl u- Not-For ily’s life. These men agree to devote The four-part documentary Hill- couver Canucks. is younger ential ally of the Jewish people. themselves to supporting and guidingcontinues with two sessions, 18, this plays for the , JOAUIN PHOE- ary, about the former first lady and JACK HUGHES As expected actor state, begins streaming on Scott’s family through thick andmonth: thin, February 6 “All the News , 45 (Joker), won the best secretary of opportunities and Program advertising NL New Jersey Devils. Their father, NI just in case he ever can’t be thereUnfi to do t to Print,” and February 20 – Zucchini Holocaust Museumulu on& Friday, Cohen March 6. Each episodeare Education available. The Sponsor Reception Center Jim updateughes, a former hockey coach, sta u Oscar. e was Oscar-nominated twiceBorn in Germany, she was an so himself. “The Other Triangles: The Pink, the Garden Pa Community Calendar By Susan Suarez, President & CEO will be released on successive Fridays.will be held from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., isn’t Jewish. Their American Jew- before.e continue ere’s to the have 411 a on full his ‘odd’only Jew- child whose father was arrested The series is based on a bestsell-Purple and the Brown.” ELLENEach lecture WEINBERG- Hillary, an original ulu film,and was the dinner will begin at 6:15 p.m. ish mother, on all Jewish-related local events including the Jewish ishcalendar background: so far Phoenix, in 2020, who hason twice Kristallnacht. As Nazi violence ing 2010 book of the same nametakes by place at odges, 51, University was a great in collegiatePurchase 1 adult shown at the Sundance Film FestivalInterest for this event is already high, G, HUGHESunity Roomor fromfor delivery. playedwith education Jewish fi lmprograms characters, madeescalated, it her mother and grandmother BRUCElay in getting FEILER your ,tickets!ROTTENBER now 55. ethe and White Comm. Not available online last December and received veryso good don’t de for DINE-IN and TO-GOice hockey player. The brothers had a clear inthe an Museum,interviewLET justa new a year MEago that to send HELP the 11-year-old Ruth YOUhis wife, LINDA*Off er good only W decided reviews. The advance publicity notes: 10:00 a.m. barto noon. mitzvah Only ceremony. a few tickets at schools and If you haven’t seen our new ex- excludes Soup Cups, Sides, Desserts and Kid’s Meals. Offer good for he is a secular Jew who doesn’t affi liate 54, a prominent entréebusiness and fountain consultant,at half drink price, and you can purchase 1 more adult entrée and fountain drink of equal on a Kindertransport“Hillary is to a safety remarkably in Swit- intimate por- orn lesserdaughters. value Inare 2008, left, and they must be purchased exhibit, multiplewith any grouporganizedsponsored tours, religion. events. BUYand ristianis Jewish- cult OR SELLhibit in thehave Estelle identical and twiStuart Price of d a Ch zerland. Shetrait was of placeda woman in inan the orphan- public eye, [with] only 1 discount.ordering. Not validon Only atwith www.MCEC.orgat other locations discounts. listed Please here. Offer surrender prior expires thisto April originalthe 30, advertisement2020. when u born motherIn addition,joine we Gallery, wehe invite was diagnosedyou to do so.with “Art a rare form Holocaust Museum news age there forunprecedented the duration of personal the war. Ataccess to the e letters askinglecture. six No tickets will be available at Film Festival, Jewish author programs, holiday celebra-  Pipe one teaspoon of fi lling into thegroup in 1969have not hostedlongYOUR after marrying HOME!& Propagandacancer. in Nazi-Occupied Feiler wrot ol- the beginning,former they First maintained Lady… contact The series gives the door. center of each circle, and fold up his non-Jewish father. Joaquin was just land” was created by the Anne Frank many new and disillusioned with her, butviewers eventually an up-close their view letters of the woman For information on the many ways the edges in a triangle shape. Pinch three years old when his oming. She later found ouse in Amsterdam and is distributed returning visitors.BOB stopped c you can support the Museum’s mission the edges. parents left the culthrough in 1977. the e said, in North America by the Anne Frank Now t out that her father had been killed in  Bake for 10-12 minutes or until to teach the lessons of the olocaust to end of VINIKOORApril, we Center for Mutual Respect in New action against bigotry, hatred edges and undersides are golden. Auschwitz in 1942, but details about inspire York (www.annefrank.com), which TM are Fortoffering Myers ex- REALTORher mother went no further than to say and violence, please contact me at u  Let cool completely, and sprinkle provided us with a variety of original This Is Assisted tions, concerts, food festivals, book study groups, timely panded hours on Candle Lighting Times she “disappeared.” 239.263.9200 or Susan@MCEC. with powdered sugar, or drizzle Tuesdays through lithographs, woodcut prints and pro- It’s a family thing. with chocolate and decorate Susan with As an older teenager, Ruth emi- org. I hope to see you at the Museum Fridays from o the British Mandate of paganda posters. The exhibit will be Living at crushed pistachios. Suarez grated t Fortsoon! Myers / 13550 Reflections Pkwy. / 239-590-9994 on display through Tuesday, March 31. 16451 Corporate Commerce Way / 239-466-3354 Palestine, where she was trained as a tte / US Hwy. 41 & 776 / 941-235-3354 12:30 to 5:00 p.m., with two docent- The Elliott Katz Lecture Series Port Charlo sity Pkwy. / 941-351-5999 scout and a sniper. She was wounded Sarasota / 5231 Univer led tours at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in action in the 1948 war. Following Cape Coral / 2311 Santa Barbara Blvd. / 239-458-8700 lectures, mah jongg and much more. They also get up- Weekend hours remain the same at Naples / 2700 Immokalee Rd. / 239-593-9499 her recovery, she moved to Paris, u Business Directory 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with tours at 1:30 jasonsdeli.com p.m. , With all our programs and tours Enjoy thebob@ sights,gosouthnow.com sounds & tastes of Israel REALTY GROUP iving Community our goal is to educate and inspire ac- -110 2 A SantaFe Senior L tion against bigotry, hatred239 and -vio-258 dates from the area’s synagogues and numerous local lence. The support of our volunteers u and donors make this important work Rabbinical Reflections possible. In the words of some of our Frye Commercial Group ntense couple of well- visitors: “An i COMMERCIAL & INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE spent hours. Thank you.” “The tour SALES & LEASING Jewish organizations. It’s the place they turn to for com- taught my 11-year-old many impor- tant things.” “My students’ eyes were Hal Arkin opened to the importance of being an [email protected] (239) 910-5363 cell • u Israel updates UpStander rather than a ByStander. Dr. Ruth Westheimer Thank you!” Triumph 2020, our annual fund- where she continued her education and Direct (239) 689-2246 • Offi ce (239) 489-0444 More details on the back page...became a professor of psychology. In raising event, is scheduled for Mon- 7910 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Fort Myers munity news, the community calendar, candle lighting the mid-50s, she moved to the U.S. day evening, March 2 at Grey Oaks www.ftmyerscommercial.com and continued her career. Country Club in Naples. This year’s Join us at Triumph 2020 to learn special guest speaker is the famous more about Dr. Ruth’s remarkable u Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Not many Each Offi ce Independently Owned and Operated Photos of recent events life. Please visit www.MCEC.org people are aware that Dr. Ruth is a for more information. Tickets start times, and a business directory. olocaust survivor.COMPASSIONATE Nor do they know CARE. RESORT-STYLE LIVING. at $150. Event Sponsorships, Patron about her remarkable experiences fol- lowing the war. 239-303-4038 ach uesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg Call to is held at the Jeish Federation. to schedule your Welcome Home  a u Players must e at least advanced eginners, as no WhenCHAYIM it comes to assisted living for your loved one, choose the and much more L’ l visit, and complimentary lessons are given. exceptional experience offered at Renaissance, the elegant enclave Senior Living at The Terraces at Bonita Springs. This is assisted living that brunch or lunch. Y uesdays, 1230330 P.M. blends personalized support with resort-style living.Elevated F 1 per ee eisFeeatinCC TheTerracesAtBonitaSprings.com Best of all, our new, affordable rates bring it allNow within Acceptingreach – Reservationsshe walks around for: in public even though Standing out while blendingit would in be in her business interest to all under one roof. the actor Jonathan Goldsmith actually SE S SSE: By Brian Simon, FederationSupportive President Independent Living, Assisted26455 Living,S.advertise Tamiami or her MemoryTrail vocation | Bonita wherever Care Springs, she FL 34134 is Jewish). The caption reads, “I don’t Here in Anatevka, we have traditions goes. There’s a level of secrecy you 7 Our Community Open 7 days a week to fit your busy schedule, we’realways here wear to ahelp kippah , but I will on for everything... How to sleep, how want until you trust someone enough January 6 for Jewish Pride Day. Stay 12 Jewish Interest you find the toanswers eat... howyou to need. work... Whenhow toyouBeautiful, wear need them.amenity-rich community thoughtfully designedto let them for know great you. living There’s a cer- visible, achim.” st clothes. For instance, we always keep Exceptional dining program century presented nothing bytain Executive level of privacy Chef that all of us want

Because in the 21 19 Israel & the Jewish World

our heads covered and always wear about the things that make us who we Assisted Living Facility License #12385 | COA: #08075Dailyis socialever enough, calendar the fi focused rst comment on wellness, to the friendship and fun 23 Marketplace a little prayer shawl. This shows our are. thread says, “Every day is Jewish Pride for more information call constant devotion to God.” Tevye Compassionatethe and highly trained staff availableI’m 24 pretty hours certain a day that assimila-

24 Commentary Day.” the Federation at 239.81.9 - Dairyman What coming is our responsibility to yor to home.our tion Emailhas been oriamosedlcc.org.the most important is- 24 From the Bimah few weeks ago, AlanStudios, IsaacsL’CHAYIM One-Bedroom and One Bedroom Deluxesue with American Den and Jews Two have Baths faced in my community? ow visible should we and I were meeting with Men- lifetime. ow we have dealt with it so be? 28 Focus on Youthhanging yor addressdel Gordon, the eep Chabad rabbi st century. The exclusive way to reach the Jewish A The other day I wore a yarmulke far has shaped so much of the experi- 31 Organizations at Florida Gulf Coast University. ab- ence of being a Jew in the 21 bi Gordon Pre-Openmen- around the Special! house. I wasn’t First ready toResidents try Save Big. - BE A MEMBER - We have blended in. Many Jews have 33 Temple News tioned being very it in public yet. Top-Tiervisible on campus Membership Wearing Goinga yarmulke Fast!is kind Callof leftToday: the religion. (239) Our shrinking 215-1467 demo- 34 CommunityCHARTER Directory graphics will be a challenge for the because of the like wearing a clip-on microphone. At RESIDENT way he dresses. next generation. PROGRAM times, you forget you have it on. The This balance between standing out I must confess, I microphone records everything you as a distinct community while blend- was a little jealous say, whether or not you realize you’re ing in with the larger population is part that he could in- being recorded. The yarmulke an- of the challenge. Standing out is un- stantly be recog- nounces that you’re Jewish to anyone comfortable. I’ve been working on this  nized as Jewish. who can see you, whether or not you Brian I have always essay for two weeks, and I still can’t 2 Simon realize everyone can see. Community in Lee and Charlotte counties. I asked one of my non-Jewish fi nd the courage to wear a kippah in been proud of being Jewish. Growing public. What am I afraid of? Wearing a friends how she would react if I showed Jewish Film Festival up in the Midwest, however, there was yarmulke in public makes me a diff er- up for lunch wearing a yarmulke. Opening Day Event a kind of comfort in being able to blend ent kind of Jew not prouder of being She made an interesting compari- continued on page 2 in. Even the name Simon, a surname son. She’s a dentist, and she doesn’t

anglicized at Ellis Island, is nonde- wear her scrubs and equipment when script. On my mother’s side, my uncle anglicized the family name out of con- EXCLUSIVE MEMORY CARE cern for possible discrimination. ASSISTED YourLIVING Federation · team forecasts I have always identifi ed strongly as A PERFECT SEASON SUPPORTIVE a Jew, andINDEPENDENT I have also identifi LIVING ed strong- · of programming ly as an American. There’s an internal Federation’s Senior Lunch WELCOMEconfl CENTER: ict between (239) wanting 215-1467 to stand · 2565 out Liberty Park Drive, Suite 6108 · Cape Coral, Florida 33909 www.atriumatlibertypark.com For more information Bunch update yet fi t in. ASSISTED LIVING LIC # PENDING For more information I’m considering these issues in the visit Jewishfederationlcc.org wake of the recent attacks in New York and New Jersey. Is it more important A MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY now to let everyone see we are Jewish? Monthly Programming Forecast Is it safe? Mah Jongg * Jewish War Veterans * BBYO Following the attacks, January Ongoing activities at the Federation:

0 6 was designated Jewish Pride Day. A eddit thread shows a meme play- May Monthly April ing off the Dos Equis “Most Interest- 2020 enior Chava’s Garden dedicated March 2020 S or to place an ad in L’CHAYIM: ing Man in the World” ad (side note: 2020 CH N LU

at Lee Memorial Park BUNCH

03 10 IsraelFest PJ Library 2020 sraeli Folk 01 Passover Party I Closing Day Film ancing Fes�val 13 D 19 Annual Sundays Holocaust Mee�ng

16 -Apr) 30 Lion of Judah Memorial (Sept Call: Lori Ramos at 239.481.4449 x5 Program 25 Temple Beth El Religious School Skype the Author activities 31 Out & About Films Witness Theater See page 21 for “ Why 2019 FSW, Punta Gorda Email: [email protected] was a record-breaking year for Israel’s economy”

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