L’ www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 40, No. 12 n August 2018 / 5778 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Thank you, Leni! 5 Our Community Federation by the time you programs thrive and expand – reaching 9 Jewish Interest FROM THE read this. audiences who consistently come back 14 Israel & the Jewish World EXECUTIVE Leni has retired in for more. She has worked closely with the same way that she has volunteers who are dedicated to the 17 Marketplace DIRECTOR served us: with care for collaboration that Leni has nurtured. 18 From the Bimah  Alan Isaacs our organization and for And the product has been the best. the community; with cre- I will miss Leni as a partner in our 19 Commentary have been reflecting recently on the ativity and humor; with a continuing work and for her determination to fur- 20 Focus on Youth past five years during which Leni commitment to our Federation and our ther our Federation’s mission. I can 21 Organizations I Sack has served the Jewish Fed- community; and with consideration only hope that her successor will in- eration of Lee and Charlotte Counties concerning a smooth transition. spire in all of us, as Leni did, the com- 22 Temple News and our community. It is on my mind Leni Sack has shaped our pro- mitment and enthusiasm necessary to 22 Community Directory because Leni will have retired from grams into a vital and consistent part continue to build our community. 24 High Holiday Greetings her program director’s position at the of Jewish life in our community. The Maimonides’ eight levels of charity By Brian Simon, Federation President n the 12th century, Maimonides de- ished or no longer needs charity teenagers to high school in Israel. fined a hierarchy of giving charity. I saw this list recently, and it struck Today, Israel is under attack not IHe established eight levels: me that all eight of these are still giv- only from her enemies but also 8. Giving begrudgingly ing. Whether you choose the low- on American college campuses. 3 7. Giving less than one should but do- est level or the highest, you’re doing These are challenging times. Board Federation’s Senior Lunch ing it cheerfully an act of good. All of us can discuss member Sylvia Simko and Zo- Bunch update 6. Giving to the with Maimonides at a later date (hope- har Ben Hamu, the shlichah from poor after being fully much later) where we fall on the Temple Judea, are working to pre- asked scale. I’m not going to judge. pare a course for local teenagers 5. Giving to the If you choose to give to the Federa- to better understand Israel’s con- poor without be- tion, we want you to know how your flicts with its enemies and to pre- ing asked money helps. Earlier this summer, the pare the teens for difficult conver- 4. Giving when new board of directors met to discuss sations that may occur when they the recipient our role in the community. We deter- reach college.  Brian 5 knows who the mined three areas where we serve an 3. Jewish cultural events: “People Simon donor is, but the important role in our community. like us do things like this.” (to steal Holocaust Museum & donor doesn’t know the recipient 1. Jewish Family Services: This is Seth Godin’s phrase) – the Jewish Cohen Education Center update 3. Giving when the recipient doesn’t becoming a larger part of our com- Film Festival, Jewish book events, know the donor, but the donor knows mitment. We sponsor a monthly community meetings over meals, the recipient “Lunch Bunch” for seniors. We run etc. 2. Giving when both the recipient and a food pantry. We provide direct On behalf of the board, I want to the donor are unknown to each other. support for people who need assis- thank you for your support in the past, Communal funds, administered by tance through funds like “Marcia and I’d like to ask for your continued responsible organizations (like, say, a Can Help.” support at whatever level on Mai- local Federation) fall in this category. 2. Support and advocacy for Is- monides’ scale you choose. 12 1. Giving in a dignified manner, so that rael: Our Federation was founded Yemenite Mastery: Jachnun the person does not become impover- so local parents could send their – recipe by Dalia Hemed Israel Scouts rock Fort Myers he Israel Scouts rocked the house the men, and two years for the women. Scouts return home from their travels. at Temple Judea on Monday Several Scouts said they wanted The Scouts’ visit to Fort Myers was Tevening, June 18. The nine exu- long-term military careers, but most co-sponsored by The Jewish Federation berant teenagers of Caravan Dekel sang planned on traveling when they com- of Lee and Charlotte Counties, Temple and danced to Israeli and American pleted their military service. Enrollment Judea and Temple Beth El. 14 songs, often including several of the in Israeli universities begins when the Israeli residents go public audience members in their performance. with heartfelt aid to Syrians The Scouts spent Monday morn- ing and afternoon with their local host families before departing for Naples on Tuesday morning. Have an item you’d The mission of the Israel Scouts like to share? is more than entertainment. They also strengthen relationships between Israel Need to reach the and North American Jewry, especially with American youth. editor of L’CHAYIM? After their 12-week summer tour across the Eastern and Midwest United Send an email to States, the Scouts return to Israel and LChayim36@ enter their senior year in high school. Following graduation next spring, they gmail.com. begin their mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces – three years for See page 8 for additional photos from this event

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

social service philanthropy culture L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION Program notes To donate to his summer, the time came for me to retire. As I know I will miss it. By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator of July 13, after five years as program director I will also have had a few days to transition with Tof the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte the new program director. I look forward to the new the Federation’s Counties, I became a “woman of leisure.” ideas and programs she will bring to our community. A whole new world has opened up to me. I have Thank you to everyone who has volunteered at, worked fulltime all of my adult life and most of that participated in, attended and supported any of the Annual Campaign, work has been in the Jewish events I have helped to plan. I thank all of you who world. Friends and family are took the time to compliment or thank me for the work asking me what I intend to do I have done. I even want to thank those who com- call 239.481.4449 with my time. And I am excited plained, because it meant you were paying attention to think of all the possibilities. and giving feedback to help improve our programs. I have committed to my I thank the Federation board for giving me this husband that I will exercise opportunity to serve the Jewish community. I espe- or visit more (in all honesty I should cially want to thank Alan Isaacs for his guidance, sup- just say, exercise). I have com- port and encouragement for the past five years. JewishFederationLCC.org  Leni Sack mitted to my children and I hope not to miss everyone because I fully ex- grandchildren that I will visit pect to stay involved and see you at future Federa- more. I have committed to my synagogue and the tion events. I will be alongside all of you, looking for Federation that I will be available to help more. those good seats at the Jewish Film Festival! I also intend to look for opportunities outside of When you read this, my husband Marc and I will OUR MISSION my family and the Jewish institutions that I hold dear, be in Wimberly, Texas. In celebration of several spe- To strengthen and enrich the Jewish to make a difference in the wider community. There cial occasions this year, including my retirement, we Community by providing and supporting are an amazing number of worthwhile organizations have rented a house where we are spending a week philanthropic, educational and social and causes to choose from. together with our four children and five grandchildren service programs locally, in Israel and As I write this final column, I am still working. from Los Angeles, Ho Chi Minh City, Tel Aviv and throughout the world. Our columns are due the beginning of each month for Austin. inclusion in the L’CHAYIM issue that comes out at Getting everyone together from around the world OUR VISION the end of the month. It is bittersweet to say this is is not easy. But when it happens…life doesn’t get my last column. As thrilled as I am to not have to much better than that! A Jewish Community that is based on worry about what to write in a column each month, L’hitraot. See you soon. Jewish values such as Tzedakah (benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking responsibility for one another).

By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator he following list is a cross-sec- L’ tion of calls I receive. Which Tones do you think are real? Jewish news published monthly by 1. I had to move out of my apartment. Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Do you know where I can go? 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 2. Is there a deli here? A real deli? Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org 3. I’m moving. Would the Federa-  tion like my tefillin/kipahs/prayer August 2018 • Volume 40, Number 12  books/furniture/clothes? President: Brian Simon 4. My mother/father needs help and I Board: Paul Bartrop • Jack Esformes • Karen Fine live in California/Ohio/Massachu- Carolyn Gora • Jerry Greenfield • Keith Grossman Andi Horowitz • Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler setts/New York/New Jersey. What Sara Krivisky • Michele Laboda • Rozzi Osterman are my options? Barbara Siegel • Sylvia Simko • Sherri Zucker Executive Director: Alan Isaacs 5. I no longer drive. Can you take me Program Director: Debbie Sanford grocery shopping/to my doctor’s Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos appointment? Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen  6. How far is Naples? Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 7. I need a job. Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923  8. Does Meals on Wheels serve ko- sher meals? L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, 9. Our Section 8 housing voucher but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are won’t be valid until next week. welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly 10. Where can I buy yahrzeit candles/ printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. schmaltz/rugalah/chicken soup/a Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the corned beef sandwich and how right to edit for space and content. Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color high is the sandwich? prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, 11. How do I get from my house to self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. Temple Beth El//Temple Judea/ The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the Temple Beth Shalom/The Commu- writers and claims by advertisers. nity Free Synagogue for the senior lunch? SEPTEMBER ISSUE 12. Can you recommend an internist/ surgeon/neurologist/podiatrist/der- EDITORIAL DEADLINE: matologist? 13. I have a family of five, just lost my Monday, August 6 job and we need groceries. 14. Where do the Jewish people in Fort Myers live? Grow your business 15. My mother would like to say Kad- dish for my father. Every single one of these state- with L’CHAYIM. ments and questions are real and, as you can see, many people turn to Jew- Reach 5,000 local ish Family Services (JFS) for informa- tion, support, resources and assistance Jewish residents for both large and small issues. Besides serving those in the Jewish community, through this paper. the Federation is listed as a resource by the United Way’s 211 Helpline as well as the Salvation Army’s referral list. For more information People from larger cities often as- sume we are a Jewish Community Cen- or to place an ad, call Jim ter (JCC) with a big building, a large staff and,nu , a pool. Some people think at 239.634.6923 that JFS provides home health care assistance or housing. Some peo- or send an email to ple don’t know exactly what Jewish [email protected]. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3 Program notes Senior Lunch Bunch update NEXT SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH: By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator Thursday, August 16 at 12:30 p.m. he Palms of Fort Myers, a se- not easy! Brookdale, 8351 College Parkway, Fort Myers nior living facility, generously Having the luncheons at various Limited seating – room for 40 people Thosted our June Senior Lunch senior living facilities supports the RSVP by Friday, August 10 to Bunch in its beautiful dining room. Federation’s mission to connect peo- Jodi Cohen at 239.481.4449 x6 or [email protected] The Jewish Federation would like to ple and resources. We are honored to thank The Palms’ Sales Manager Laura be hosted by The Palms, Brookdale The free monthly luncheon is a wonderful community partner, Jason’s Davis and Program Director Steve and Grand Villa this year. They not delightful event that has grown in size Deli, for providing delicious food. Lafferty for in- only support the Federation, they also and spirit over the past year. No mat- Harvey Cohen is responsible for order- viting our group provide an opportunity for luncheon ter where you sit at the luncheon you ing the food and uses an algorithm he and making all participants to see some are always at the created that calculates the number of of us feel so wel- of the resources available “popular kids” ta- people, portion size, kvetching (also come. Steve led to seniors in Lee County. ble, as the Senior known as feedback) and weather con- the group in some Senior Lunch Bunch Vol- Lunch Bunch is ditions so that no one leaves hungry brain teasers af- unteer Coordinator Sherri the place to be. and everyone is happy. ter lunch, and the Zucker and I have also It’s where the ac- If you are a senior who is looking winners who an- created a sponsorship pro- tion is! to make friends, new in town, likes  Jodi Cohen swered all of the gram for businesses and people inter- Our post-lunch programs include to eat lunch, or would like to get out questions correctly won lottery tickets. ested in supporting the Federation lun- everything from safety information to of your room or your house, come on Personally speaking my brain hurt a cheon program. Please contact me for discussions about Jewish holidays and down! We have volunteers to provide little bit, as some of the questions were more specific sponsorship information. values to magic. We are grateful for our rides for those unable to drive.

Client contact: a few Federation welcomes Debbie Sanford as its new program director questions and answers I am happy to welcome Debbie Sanford to the Jewish Fed- By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator eration and to Lee and Charlotte counties. By the time you read this, Debbie will already have taken on the respon- he following list is a cross-sec- Family Services does. sibility of program director since Leni Sack’s retirement. tion of calls I receive. Which Jewish Family Services provides Debbie comes to us with extensive and successful expe- ones do you think are real? information and referral services to the T rience in Jewish community service and programming. 1. I had to move out of my apartment. community including support for indi- I encourage you to stop by to meet Debbie, welcome her to Do you know where I can go? viduals with special needs, the elderly our community and share ideas. – Alan Isaacs 2. Is there a deli here? A real deli? and indigent. JFS also operates a food 3. I’m moving. Would the Federa- pantry. Based on traditional Jewish val- tion like my tefillin/kipahs/prayer ues of social responsibility and concern books/furniture/clothes? for all members of the community, JFS 4. My mother/father needs help and I serves those in need without regard to You will find live in California/Ohio/Massachu- race, religion, sexual orientation or the setts/New York/New Jersey. What ability to pay. are my options? I am a matchmaker, of sorts, re- everything you 5. I no longer drive. Can you take me sponsible for guiding people toward grocery shopping/to my doctor’s the best resources available. While I need to make your appointment? don’t know everything about every sit- 6. How far is Naples? uation, I usually know who or what can 7. I need a job. be most helpful and what the next steps New Year holiday 8. Does Meals on Wheels serve ko- are regarding outreach. People often sher meals? contact Jewish Family Services while extra special. 9. Our Section 8 housing voucher in crisis and want immediate help with won’t be valid until next week. elderly parents, housing, food, paying 10. Where can I buy yahrzeit candles/ bills, etc. My role is to be a compas- schmaltz/rugalah/chicken soup/a sionate listener, let clients know what corned beef sandwich and how JFS can do or provide, and educate high is the sandwich? people as to the options available to 11. How do I get from my house to them regarding their situation. Temple Beth El//Temple Judea/ Sometimes it’s easy to field ques- Temple Beth Shalom/The Commu- tions about corned beef sandwiches, nity Free Synagogue for the senior directions to a local synagogue, or lunch? food pantry hours. Other times it’s 12. Can you recommend an internist/ more complicated and requires a more surgeon/neurologist/podiatrist/der- in-depth conversation to help some- matologist? one who is reaching out. I was raised 13. I have a family of five, just lost my in a home where there was a strong job and we need groceries. sense of tzedakah (charitable giving) 14. Where do the Jewish people in and gemilut hasadim (acts of kindness). Fort Myers live? I have been on both ends of conversa- 15. My mother would like to say Kad- tions that I have with clients because dish for my father. over the years I have needed and asked Every single one of these state- for help in large and small ways. ments and questions are real and, as The needs of our community are you can see, many people turn to Jew- growing, and as a result the Federation ish Family Services (JFS) for informa- has to adapt as well. Sherri Zucker is tion, support, resources and assistance the Federation board representative for for both large and small issues. Besides Jewish Family Services, and together serving those in the Jewish community, we are discussing volunteer opportu- the Federation is listed as a resource by nities to help seniors who are lonely, the United Way’s 211 Helpline as well isolated and need help. Please stay as the Salvation Army’s referral list. tuned for upcoming announcements People from larger cities often as- in L’CHAYIM about ways you can be- GIFT GALLERY sume we are a Jewish Community Cen- come involved. Your contribution is ter (JCC) with a big building, a large needed, and not only financially, be- TEMPLE BETH EL staff and,nu , a pool. Some people think cause in order to share the abundance that JFS provides home health care of resources, we need your time as well assistance or housing. Some peo- as your heart and your soul. ple don’t know exactly what Jewish Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 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. By Susan Suarez, President & CEO

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 How the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Serves The leadership and staff of the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties extend condolences to the Schlager family Local Jewish Education and Culture on the passing of Martin Schlager, father of Robert Schlager.  Communitywide Jewish Education and Culture Programs for all ages including the Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Author Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Tributes. Events, Israel Celebration, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk dancing, social groups, etc. Please send them to Lori Ramos  L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community at the Federation at [email protected]. informed about local, national and international Jewish issues.  Community Relations activities include monitoring anti Semitism and issues of separation of church and state in the community.  Israel Advocacy and Initiatives to strengthen local Jewish community ties with Israel. Holocaust Education through the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community.

Overseas  Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communities in 60+ countries around the world.  Partnership 2Gether relationship with the HaderaEiron Region in Israel.

Local Seniors Services  Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facilities for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover.  Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program.  Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health and socialization.

Local Case Management Services  Nonsectarian, individual and family outreach, information and referral services.  Individual life coaching and support services.

Local Emergency Services  Food Pantry.  Emergency financial assistance. The Jewish Federation thanks our  Education and aid associated with natural disasters.

Local Community Services GENEROUS DONORS  Support families of children with special needs.  SAT preparatory classes for high school students.  Volunteerism.  Organizational Collaboration.  Assessment and Planning.

INDIGENT FUND Jewish Community Foundation  Shalom Dancers Andi & Bill Horowitz An endowment that ensures the longterm financial base of Marty & Judy Freling Publix charitable, social and educational programs in our community. Jack & Ellen Esformes Robert & Bette Batson  Needsbased college scholarships and study scholarships in Israel.  Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment.

FOOD PANTRY Temple Beth El Robert & Bette Batson Temple Judea Boni Raitt Shalome Life Center Brian Simon Mellow Mah Jongg Sylvia & Paul Simko Jim & Betty Rubenstein Howard Silverman Andi & Bill Horowitz The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.

The grant may be used for travel to Israel to participate in programs that are volunteer or educational in nature.

OUR HOPE is that these THIS GRANT is for Jewish programs will enhance residents of either county Jewish knowledge and who are 25 years old or identity in preparation for younger and can demon- participation in American strate a financial need. Jewish life. Academic standing and community involvement may also be considered.

Together we CAN Make a Difference! For more information or an application, visit our website at JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center update and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. By Susan Suarez, President & CEO esign and construction work raits, specially commissioned for the at the stones and their messages. Please mark your calendars for our continues at our new building Museum’s 10th anniversary, were cre- Education Assistant David Nel- major fundraisers: to ready the space for the Mu- ated by photographer Erik Kellar, son will present a lecture on “Letter The Luncheon 2018 Series: D ‹ seum’s move, scheduled to take place QR codes, positioned next to the from Australia” on Wednesday, Au- ‹ Wednesday, December 12: An Eve- in late 2018. We anticipate holding a portraits throughout the exhibit, pro- gust 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The ning with Dr. James Grymes, au- grand opening ceremony on Interna- vide the visitor with a unique oppor- letter, dated November, 1941, was thor of Violins of Hope, 7:00 to 8:30 tional Holocaust Remembrance Day in tunity to learn more about that person. part of our 2015 exhibit “The Faktor p.m. at Temple Shalom in Naples January 2019. The building purchase Scan the code with your mobile phone Investigation,” a compilation of fam- ‹‹ Thursday, December 13: Patron YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN was made pos- or tablet to view a three-minute video ily correspondence in the first half of Reception with Violins of Hope This year please consider making an additional campaign contribution in honor or memory of a loved one. sible by a lead do- created from that person’s Oral Visual the 20th century. The letter was written Project violin maker Avshalom Because kindness is contagious, we would like to highlight your generosity in L’CHAYIM and notify personally those whom you honor. nor gift of $1 mil- History Project testimony. It is a mov- by Kurt Kriszhaber, a Faktor relative Weinstein and display of restored You may choose how your generosity is noted and how we share your mitzvah with the community. lion from Janet G. ing and unforgettable experience as imprisoned in an violins, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. at The Cohen. In honor they recount what they and their fami- internment camp Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, Naples of her generosity, lies went through during the Holocaust. in Australia, and ‹‹ Thursday, December 13: The Lun- the new building A student group also toured “I Wit- sent to Sala Faktor cheon Event featuring a musical will be named ness” recently. After going through the in New York City. performance with restored violins The Janet G. and exhibit, the students learned about the Kurt was wor- from the Violins of Hope Project,  Susan Harvey D. Cohen tradition of leaving a stone on the grave ried about his aunt 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Suarez Education Center. of a loved one. The group took part in and uncle still in Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, Naples In the meantime, we are still open for an activity to create a memorial stone Europe, and won- Triumph 2019: business at our present location. to honor someone who died in the Ho- Kurt Kriszhaber dered if Sala had ‹‹ Monday, March 4: Triumph 2019 locaust. Students then saw a brief video heard from them. David’s investiga- featuring speaker Christian Piccio- of hundreds of people waiting in line to tion to learn more about Kurt and his lini, founder of Life After Hate, at place a stone on a grave. Each person family has involved research contacts Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples in that line was alive because of the ac- all over the world. Recently, he had Invitations for The Luncheon Se- tions of just one man – Oscar Schindler a big breakthrough – a photo of Kurt ries will be mailed in mid-October. If – who stood up to the Nazis to protect Kriszhaber was found in the National you would like an invitation, contact his factory workers who were Jewish. Archives of Australia. The lecture Tim Morrison, Development & Mem- The students were told that they, too, is open to the public, free of charge. bership Specialist, at 239.263.9200 or have the power to positively affect the Space is limited. RSVP to info@Holo [email protected]. lives of many others by their actions, caustMuseumSWFL.org, or call the Hope to see you at the Museum no matter how small. Before leaving Museum at 239.263.9200. soon! the Museum, the students individu- Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen (courtesy FGCU) ally placed their memorial stones on a For a continuously updated “I Witness,” our current exhibit on table in our lobby, and took a “Remem- display through October 31, features ber” button. When you come to the calendar of events, visit striking black and white portraits of lo- Museum, please take a moment to look cal SWFL residents who are www.JewishFederationLCC.org. Holocaust Survivors, Camp Liberators and Witnesses. All were participants in the Museum’s Oral Visual His- tory Project. Several are also Museum Educators. Over the years, they have “made histo- ry personal” by sharing their Holocaust experiences with thousands of students and Museum visitors. The port- Student memorial stones Conference for child survivors and their descendants to be held in Florida The World Federation of Jewish Child Survivors of the Holocaust & Descendants will hold its 30th Annual International Conference of Child Survivors, Second and Third Generations, Spouses and Families in Cooperation with the Kinder- transport, and Generations of the Shoah, in West Palm Beach this year. The 2018 conference will be held from Friday, November 9 to Monday, November 12. For conference information and registration, visit www.holocaustchild.org or call Specializing in Susan at 818.606.0793. outpatient hip and knee replacement PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. This month’s advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. Advanced Physical Therapy...... 14 Michael Shapiro Photography...21 Alliance Financial Group...... 17 Paragon Pools...... 17 Hal Arkin, Realtor®...... 17 PCC Tile...... 17 Art of Fashion and Moore...... 17 Alan J. Rubinstein, Attorney.....17 Dr. Daniel Bendetowicz...... 17 Senior Housing Solutions...... 8 Cypress Cove...... 11,15 Seniors Helping Seniors...... 17 Harold Eskin, Attorney...... 17 Shell Point...... 13 FGCU...... 21 Snyderman’s Shoes...... 17 FineMark Natl. Bank & Trust...19 Douglas Spiegel, Attorney...... 17 Florida Specialists in Urology...17 Taschner Periodontics...... 14 Susan Glasser, Realtor®...... 9 Temple Beth El...... 10 Gordon’s Pool & Spa Service....17 Temple Beth El Gift Gallery...... 3 Green Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP..17 Temple Beth Shalom...... 6 Gulf Coast Orthodontics...... 7 Temple Judea...... 7,12 Dr. David Heligman...... 5 The Little Gym...... 20 Henderson Franklin...... 17 The Palms of Fort Myers...... 19 Higginson Tax & Accounting....17 The Westin Cape Coral...... 9 Lee Lighting...... 17 Bob Vinikoor, Realtor®...... 17 Living Happily Counseling...... 17 Paul Weinstein, CFP®...... 17 Charles Massie, CPA, CFP®.....17 L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY 2 Religion & genocide speaker Welcome Tab Scribner, Temple Judea’s at FGCU Holocaust center new Director of Congregational Learning n Thursday, August 30, the what has already transpired and commit Center for Judaic, Holocaust, ourselves to non-repetition, then this Oand Genocide Studies at Florida nexus, too, is worth our examination Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is proud and conversation. to be hosting Dr. Steven Leonard Jacobs, All FGCU students, faculty and the Aaron Aronov Endowed Professor staff are welcome to attend this impor- of Judaic Studies at the University of tant and timely presentation. Outside Alabama. guests are especially invited to join Entitled “The Nexus Between Reli- with the FGCU community in discuss- Temple Beth Shalom gion and Genocide,” the event will take ing this central topic for our times. The place at the Sugden Welcome Center event is free; no registration or RSVP is th between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. necessary. Those coming from outside 702 SE 24 Avenue Dr. Jacobs notes that examining should obtain a parking permit from cases of genocide, both historically the Welcome Kiosk at the University before and after World War II, and the entrance off Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Cape Coral present moment – Bosnia, Rwanda, The Sugden Welcome Center is adjacent Sudan – is always painful, but necessary to the Welcome Kiosk. FGCU is located 239-772-4555 nonetheless. One neglected area of con- at 10501 FGCU Blvd., Fort Myers. sideration is the painful relationship be- For further details, please contact tween acts of genocide and the religious the Center Director, Dr. Paul Bartrop foundations of the various communities ([email protected]), or the Associate wherein these horrors have occurred. As Director, Jessica Evers (jevers@fgcu. he argues, if we are to make sense of edu). BAR MITZVAH Shayne Fabian Seiser, son of Stacy and Lance Seiser, older brother of Ryan, and grandson of Sherry and Joel Levine, will be called to the Torah as a Bar High Holiday Service Schedule Mitzvah on Saturday, August 4 at Temple Beth El. Shayne will be entering eighth grade at The Alva School 2018-5779 where he is a member of National Selichot Junior Honor Society and plays Saturday evening, September 1 bass clarinet in advanced band. 8:00pm - Coffee & Dessert Shayne enjoys going to the movies, 8:30pm - Havdalah and Selichot Service collecting 4K/Blu-rays, performing at the Florida Repertory Theatre, Rosh Hashanah Services and trying new foods. Shayne is thankful to his family and friends, Sunday, September 9 religious school teachers Dale Co- 7:30pm - Services hen and Rabbi Nicole Luna, for Monday September 10 their support and encouragement 10:00am - Services as he prepares for this special mile- 11:00am - Children’s Service stone. He looks forward to celebrat- Light luncheon and Taschlich Ceremony following ing with his family and friends, and the morning services at Temple Beth Shalom continuing his Jewish education. Mazel tov! Cemetery Visitation Service Sunday, September 16 11:00 am - Coral Ridge Cemetery (corner of Chiquita Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Life Cycle events and Pine Island Road) - We will remember and honor – births, B’nai Mitzvah, engagements, weddings, our dearly departed loved ones – no matter where anniversaries and obituaries. For B’nai Mitzvah, they are buried. please include up to 150 words about your child. Yom Kippur Services Submit your events to [email protected]. Tuesday September 18 7:30pm - Kol Nidre Service Photos are appreciated; please e-mail as JPGs at 300dpi. Wednesday September 19 10:00am - 1:00pm - Morning Service 11:00am - Children’s Service Stay connected @ www.JewishFederationLCC.org 3:30pm - Mincha, followed by Yizkor Memorial and Neilah Services, Concluding Shofar and Havdalah Approx. 6:00pm - Break-the-Fast at Sundown (reservations required) www.templebethshalomcc.org

Please join us for any of the above services. Tickets are required for non-members. Please call the Temple Beth Shalom office for reservations and pricing at 239-772-4555. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7 Welcome Tab Scribner, Temple Judea’s new Director of Congregational Learning what has already transpired and commitBy Rabbi Marc Sack ourselves to non-repetition, then this hen a student and his or her the students of Temple Judea to have cation talent, Tab is a creative crafts- who describes herself as a sponge, read nexus, too, is worth our examination family walks into the Tem- a love of Jewish learning and Jewish man. She designed and built a Jewish everything she could about Judaism, and conversation. ple Judea Religious School living. Monopoly game complete with Jewish eventually finding her way to Temple All FGCU students, faculty andW on Sunday, August 26, they will see the Tab comes with a wide range of locations, tokens, cards and Hebrew Judea and becoming Jewish. She has a staff are welcome to attend this impor- words b’rukhim haba-im (welcome) in skills. She is, first and money. It’s a “Jewish passion for learning and for teaching. tant and timely presentation. Outside the entryway to the school building. foremost, an educator. She immersion” Monopo- She is enrolled in the online Master of guests are especially invited to join Also, in the entryway, they will see earned her B.M. in Music ly set. She fabricated Jewish Education program at The Jew- with the FGCU community in discuss- m’qom hakipah (The Kippah Keeper!), Education from the Uni- the tablets of the Ten ish Theological Seminary. ing this central topic for our times. The a place for every student’s personal- versity of Northern Iowa Commandments out of Tab wrote this: “I envision our re- event is free; no registration or RSVP is ized kippah that they will wear in the where she was awarded Styrofoam for a lesson ligious school at Temple Judea as an necessary. Those coming from outside synagogue. On the walls of all the a McNair Research Fel- with religious school extension of the Jewish home. It is de- should obtain a parking permit from classrooms will be the words to Hatik- lowship, and a Master of students. signed to support our families in culti- the Welcome Kiosk at the University vah in Hebrew. And, during religious Music Performance from Tab is a Jew By vating their children’s Jewish identity entrance off Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. school instruction, in addition to learn- the University of Louis- Choice. While her fam- by equipping them with the knowledge The Sugden Welcome Center is adjacent ing Hebrew, prayers, Israel and Torah, ville where she was an ily had no religious tra- and skills to encourage and enable in- to the Welcome Kiosk. FGCU is located the students will engage in dramatic assistant to the Director dition, Tab always had formed Jewish thought. This will allow at 10501 FGCU Blvd., Fort Myers. role-play and text-based debate. of Bands. Since 2011, Tab questions. She would the next generation to create and main- For further details, please contact All of this and more is the vision of has taught music and bi- Tab Scribner ask her church-going tain an enduring relationship with God, the Center Director, Dr. Paul Bartrop Tab Scribner, who began her tenure as ology in the Lee County Schools and relatives and friends about their faiths, Israel and the Jewish people.” ([email protected]), or the Associate the Director of Congregational Learn- earned the distinction of “highly quali- and they would respond, “Why are you Tab will bring her passion for great Director, Jessica Evers (jevers@fgcu. ing at Temple Judea on July 1. She is fied status.” Before college, Tab did a asking? One just has to accept.” When Jewish learning to the children and edu). creating a program where children are stint in the Marine Corps Fleet Band researching her family tree some years families of Temple Judea. encouraged to “think Jewishly” – to where she played trombone. ago, Tab learned a family story that in- wonder and ask questions. She wants In addition to her music and edu- cluded a lot of contact with Jews. Tab, The Community Free Synagogue welcomes High Holiday guest musicians he Community Free Synagogue harmonic, and the Venice Symphony in the J.N. Hummel Competition held in latest concerto performance, he played (10868 Metro Parkway in Fort Venice. She holds a Bachelor of Music Slovakia (the best representative from Mendelssohn’s “Concerto” as a select- TMyers) is pleased to announce Degree Magna Cum Laude from the his country) and, in the Czech Repub- ed winner of the annual concerto com- the return of symphony cellist Julie University of Wisconsin and is cur- lic, the Marianske Lazne International petition held at the Manhattan School Cornwall and the addition of concert rently principal cellist of the Charlotte Chopin Competition and the Hradec of Music. He has also contributed his pianist Peter Fancovic to its High Holi- Symphony Orchestra. She has exten- International Beethoven Competition, talents to synagogue worship. day musical ensemble, joining flutist sive experience in synagogue sacred where he received first prize and a High Holiday worship, as well as Laurie McConville and vocalists Traci music. special prize as the best interpreter of all events and programs of The Com- Pavel, Rabbi Thomas Miess and Rich- Mr. Fancovic was born in Slovakia Beethoven. He was selected to par- munity Free Synagogue, are open to all ard McConville. to a musical family. He performed at ticipate in the “New Virtuosi On Tour” at no charge. Please consult www.fort Ms. Cornwall, who is returning for an early age as a soloist with the Con- concert series in various concert halls myerssynagogue.com for the schedule the third time to help C.F.S. celebrate servatory’s Symphonic Orchestra and in Holland, including the prestigious of High Holiday worship and related the High Holidays, has been playing Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. As the events. cello for 36 years, 27 of which have

Peter Fancovic Bratislava Chamber Orchestra, win- ning first prize in the National Con- Julie Cornwall servatory Competition. He received been in professional performance with his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree the Florida West Coast Symphony in in Piano Performance at the Manhat- Stay connected @ www.JewishFederationLCC.org Sarasota, the Southwest Florida Sym- tan School of Music in New York phony in Fort Myers, the Naples Phil- City. He has been awarded prizes in

Religious School and Community Open House August 26, 2018 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Community Meet and Greet Open House ______August 29, 2018 (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM) We invite you to learn more about our warm and caring community. Marc Sack - Rabbi ______Tab Scribner - Dir. of Congregational Learning Religious School and Youth Groups Zohar Ben Hamu – Sh’lichah Preschool Representatives From: Adult Education Chaverot Morning Minyan Hazak Chaverot Women’s Group Preschool Hazak for Seniors 55 + Temple Judea Board Monthly Torah Study Shabbat Evening Services Monthly Musical Shabbat Evening Services Shabbat Morning Services and Kiddush Luncheon Tikkun Olam/Social Action Israeli Sh’lichah

Want to learn more, but can’t make the open houses? Temple Judea Please call the office to set up an appointment! 14486 A and W Bulb Road Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 433-0201 [email protected] L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 8 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY

Photos courtesy Israel Scouts rock Fort Myers Ted Epstein Stars of David

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VOLUNTEERS Come out for lunch, see familiar faces VOLUNTEERS and meet new friends at our free monthly senior lunches NEEDED Thursday, August 16th 12:30 PM NEEDED Brookdale—College Parkway 8351 College Pkwy., Fort Myers

(RSVP by August 10 Space for ROSH HASHANAH only 40 people) ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 13th GIFT BAG DELIVERY 12:30 PM GIFT BAG DELIVERY Grand Villa of Fort Myers Help assemble & deliver gift bags for the Jewish residents in 1499 S. Brandywine Circle ourHelp community assemble living & deliver in independent, gift bags for assisted the Jewish living residents and nursing in RSVP by September 7 our communityhomes living in independent,Lee & Charlotte assisted Counties. living and nursing From babieshomes to bubbes in Lee— &this Charlotte is a Mitzvah Counties. the whole family From babies to bubbescan— do this together. is a Mitzvah the whole family can do together. Let us know if you will be Student volunteers can earn community service hours. driving or if you would like Student Bags willvolunteers be packed can on earn Thursday, community August service 23 at 11hours. am a volunteer to pick you up.   VolunteersBags will be can packed pick upon theThursday, bags on August Friday, 23 August at 11 am 24 RSVP—Jodi Cohen  Volunteersbetween can 9 am pick –1 uppm the and bags Sunday, on Friday, August August 26 24 239-481-4449, ext. 6 or between 9 betweenam –1 pm 10 and am —Sunday, 12 pm August 26 [email protected]  Bags will bebetween delivered 10 onam Sunday,— 12 pm August 26th.

 Bags will be delivered on Sunday, August 26th. This is an opportunity for all family members to get involved. Seniors love

This is an opportunityhaving for all young family children members come to get visit. involved. Seniors love having young children come visit. RSVP to: [email protected] or 239-481-4449 Ext. 3 RSVP to:What [email protected] better way to start the or new 239 -year481-4449 ! Ext. 3 What better way to start the new year ! L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9 Stars of David Interested in Your By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to Family’s History? be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Nate Bloom (see column at left) has become a family history expert in 10 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 to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start If 50 or so People Died at Once, WATKINS, 46), a therapist; her brother, with a limited search of one family line. a Jew Could be on the Throne Alex, a high-tech guy; and Valerie’s Now streaming on Amazon is A Very teen daughter, Laura. Valerie’s office So here’s the deal: English Scandal, a three-episode BBC assistant, Leia (JULIE BERMAN, 34) Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. series. It stars Hugh Grant as Jeremy became a pretty important character in Thorpe (1929-2014), the British Liberal the 3rd season. FRED MELAMED, 62, Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that Party leader from 1970-76. Thorpe was who played Alex’s father, was a central goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. a charismatic, articulate man who was character in several 2nd season episodes. The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, at the cusp of real power several times The series was created by ZANDER (via a coalition with another, bigger LEHMANN, 30, and the principal di- several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate party). His political career ended when rector is JASON REITMAN, 40. friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out he was accused of being involved in a This series has received great re- great for them. So contact him about this as well. plot to murder a man he had a same-sex views and is really worth watching. But affair with. The series, which got good be warned: it’s too exhausting to watch reviews, was directed by STEPHEN three seasons in one go. Without really Ultimately, however, he decided late this However, he was born Mayo Kelm, the FREARS, 77, a two-time Oscar nomi- spoiling things, just be advised that the spring that he couldn’t go to a college son of a Jewish father and a German nee. characters evolve and you come to real- where observing Shabbos would be dif- Catholic mother. His father was abusive Thorpe was married to Marion Stein ize they all have severe character flaws ficult. He’ll be attending Yeshiva Uni- and his mother walked out on him when (1926-2014) from 1973 until her death. that kind of make you angry at them versity, a Division III school, this fall. Tab was a toddler (she renamed him Her “Jewish” last name made me look because they aren’t the uncomplicated This One You Probably Didn’t Know Arthur Gelien). Tab was a practicing up Stein. Born in Vienna, she fled to the “good folks” you think at first (this is Actor Tab Hunter, who recently died Catholic most of his life, but his male U.K. in 1938, along with her parents. especially true of Valerie and Laura). at age 87, seemed the epitome of the life partner of 35 years, who outlived Her Jewish father, ERWIN STEIN, However, despite their flaws, you’ll good-looking WASP boy-next-door. him, is Jewish. was a prominent musician. Obits seem really want to know what happens to to imply her mother wasn’t Jewish, but them in the final season if you watch her maternal grandmother’s maiden the first three. name was Cohn, so my “research jury” Sport Shorts is still out about Marion being Jewish Whatever your opinion about the Rus- (at least in a halachic sense). Stein was a sian government, there is no denying beautiful woman and a talented concert that the Russian soccer (football) pianist. Her first husband, George Las- team played very well at this year’s celles, the Earl of Harwood, was Queen World Cup. Russia had the only Jewish Elizabeth’s first cousin (his mother and player in the World Cup matches held her father were siblings). At his birth, in Russia. The player is VLADIMIR Lascelles was 6th in line to the throne. GRANAT, 31, a defenseman who has Stein wed the Earl in an Anglican cer- been a pro since 2004. He’s played for emony and I presume she adopted his the Russian national team since 2011. faith. They had two sons. The elder son, He also played for Russia in the 2014 the present Earl, is as close as a “pos- World Cup. He was a member of the sibly” halachic Jew has ever come to Russian Maccabi team and played in the throne. the 2017 Maccabiah Games in Israel. By the way, Queen Mary, the grand- (Thanks to Jewish Sports Review maga- mother of George Lascelles and Queen zine for this tip). Elizabeth II, initially objected to Stein RYAN TURELL, 18, a 2018 joining the extended royal family. Las- graduate of Valley Torah High School in celles once summed up Mary’s objec- Los Angeles, was the best Jewish school tions to Stein in three words: “Jewish. basketball player in the country during Doesn’t hunt.” his senior year. Turell led his team to a Casual 29-8 league record as he put up great The original Hulu series Casual begins personal offensive numbers. He was streaming its 4th and final season on heavily recruited by “big-time basket- Tuesday, July 31. The series centers on ball” Division I colleges and universi- three characters: Valerie (MICHAELA ties (including two service academies). PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. For All Your Southwest Florida Real Estate Needs Make Your Vacation Susan Glasser, Realtor® Days Count John R. 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©2018 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Starpoints, SPG, Preferred Guest, Westin and their respective logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 10 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST A Swiss hero By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD xactly eighty years ago, on Germany to stamp the letter “J” on had come directly from the office of the In 1954 he claimed, “My personal August 18, 1938, the Swiss all Jewish passports so Swiss officials commander-in-chief. Grüninger knew well-being, measured against the cruel Egovernment closed its borders might more easily identify (and thus, re- instinctively why he was being stopped. fate of these thousands, was so insig- to Jewish refugees attempting to flee ject) Jews. In 1939 Switzerland decided A friend working at a border post in nificant and unimportant,” that he never Nazi Germany. Every movement of not to admit refugees on religious or Bregenz, Austria, had informed him even took the consequences of his ac- Jews crossing into Switzerland was racial grounds, thereby further denying that he was on the Gestapo’s blacklist tions into consideration. declared by the government to be il- Jews access. due to having helped a Jewish woman, When Paul Grüninger died at the legal, and refugees were forced back to It was in this context that Paul who he had already assisted to escape age of 81 on February 22, 1972, his Germany or Austria. Grüninger was approached every day from Austria, recover her jewels. She family was still living in near poverty. One man, how- by German and Austrian Jews seeking had left them at a hotel in Bregenz, and In December 1970 the Swiss gov- ever, refused to adopt asylum and, as he heard their stories, he Grüninger contacted Ernest Prodolliet ernment sent Grüninger a letter of apol- what he considered could scarcely believe his ears. When of the Swiss consulate in Bregenz to ogy, but at the same time still refused to be a heartless faced with choosing between follow- collect the jewels for her. Prodolliet him his pension. Then, a year before his policy. The subse- ing the law or staying true to his moral and Grüninger had worked together on death, Israel’s Yad Vashem recognized quent actions of Paul code, his sense of compassion made missions like this before. The woman him as one of the Righteous Among the Grüninger, a Swiss it impossible to turn the Jews away. was so grateful for Grüninger’s help Nations. border police com- Grüninger realized he would be putting that she wrote about his kindness in In 1994 the Swiss government  Dr. Paul mander, would save himself at risk by doing what he thought a letter to some friends; the Gestapo published a Declaration of Honor on Bartrop several thousand was humane and right, but believed that intercepted the letter, imprisoned the his behalf, before finally annulling his Jews who otherwise would have been saving lives was far more important than hotel owner, confiscated the jewels, conviction. In 1998 the Parliament of denied sanctuary. preserving his job. and began to keep an eye on Grüninger. St. Gallen Canton agreed to compensate Born on October 27, 1891, in St. Through following his conscience, Soon after this, the Swiss authorities Grüninger’s descendants, and his family Gallen, the son of a cigar shop owner, he admitted over 3,600 Jews by falsi- learned of Grüninger’s illegal ac- put the money into the Paul Grüninger Grüninger lived a simple lifestyle not fying their passports and entry papers tivities and dismissed him. Placed on Foundation, an organization that works especially involved in matters outside or turning a blind eye when necessary. trial in proceedings that would last two to reward outstanding acts of humanity of his home town. During World War I, He even used his own money to buy years, the court found him guilty of and courage that align with Grüninger’s when Switzerland was neutral, he served winter clothes for refugees who had a breach of duty. He was imprisoned, actions. in the Swiss army as a lieutenant. After been forced to leave all their belong- had his pension revoked, was forced Although most recognition came the war he joined the border police, ings behind. to pay costs, and fined. Although the after Grüninger’s death, his decision rising to the rank of colonel, and soon The new arrivals, treated as legal court accepted that his actions were to save those in need has served as a became commander of the border police refugees, would be taken to a camp honorable, they declared that as a model of moral behavior for the world for St. Gallen Canton. established at Diepoldsau near the state official he should have followed today. Long may his actions be respec- When the Nazis came to power in Austrian frontier, where, aided by his orders, refused entrance to Jews, ted and remembered. Germany in 1933, many Jews fled to Jewish organizations, they could await and not falsified official documents. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History neighboring Austria. The German an- permits for a temporary stay in Switzer- Grüninger was publicly humiliated and and the Director of the Center for Ju- nexation of Austria on March 12, 1938, land or their final departure elsewhere. lived the rest of his life with a prison daic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies then saw an immediate start to Jewish On April 3, 1939, however, Grüninger record, making it practically impossible at Florida Gulf Coast University. He persecution there, with Austrian Jews arrived at work to find a young cadet, to find steady work. He did not seek can be reached at [email protected]. now also seeking sanctuary in Switzer- Corporal Antón Schneider, standing redress or recognition for his actions, land. To act as a deterrent, in October in front of his office door. Blocking instead focusing on surviving and sup- 1938 the Swiss government asked Grüninger’s way in, Schneider’s orders porting his family.

L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 A war orphan’s journey from trauma to transcendence, with all the stops along the way Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM A Life Rebuilt: The Remarkable terribly, amplifying the child’s sense of port from his heirs, she is back frantic, sometimes ec- Transformation of a War Orphan, unworthiness. This couple has two sons, in a panic situation for herself static, sometimes frag- by Sylvia Ruth Gutmann. Epigraph the older of which, Michel, becomes a and her son David, whom she ile, sometimes strong, Books. 318 pages. Hardcover $26.95, lifelong friend, but there are periods of must often support even in his but always authentic and trade paperback $18.95. hostility between these cousins. adulthood. deeply revelatory. Over Sylvia has no memories, and she has One of her more eccentric the decades, it shifts from his is one of the most heart- a struggle to access the English language relationships is with a young being a voice of innocence wrenching and ultimately up- necessary for her education. Her sense man named Jannek, a Czech to a voice of experience. It Tlifting Holocaust narratives. of her younger self comes from conver- student studying in Germany. is a most remarkable and While the Holocaust is mostly in the sations with Rita, who serves a maternal At sixty-two, Sylvia is about valuable voice. Hear it and background of this personal memoir, role. Rita builds a sense of Sylvia’s forty years older than her you will be moved, enlight- it is the driving force of the author’s past that is largely accurate, but many suitor, but she travels to Germany to ened and changed. life – and of her decades later, as an old woman, Sylvia live with him. It is in the country that About the author parents’ death and discovers inaccuracies and fills in blanks still holds the secrets of her early child- Sylvia Ruth Gutmann immigrated with the death of many that were outside of Rita’s knowledge. hood that Sylvia begins telling her story her two older sisters to the United other relatives. It During her school years, Sylvia to various groups, people of all ages States in 1946, four years after the is the story of liv- gains solace from her sense of non- and backgrounds, and their positive murder of her parents in Auschwitz. ing in a vacuum belonging by over-indulging in sweets, responses create a mission that soon Sylvia is a former spokesperson on that created self- and her weight problem brings hu- dominates her life. The feedback she behalf of the United Jewish Appeal doubt, depression miliation. Addictive behavior of various gets even ameliorates her hostility to Federation of New York City. Every and poor choices. kinds shows up throughout much of her the German people. year she shares her story at numerous Sylvia’s story is life, as do periods of self- While in Germany, Holocaust remembrance and Wounded  Phil a high complex control and achievement. she finds the place of Warrior ceremonies organized by the Jason one that is simply Her choices in men seem her birth and meets in- U.S. Military. She has also spoken ex- told in an open, friendly manner. It is a to bode well at first, but dividuals who knew her tensively throughout Europe and was story of self-discovery and self-making. too often end up being parents – and even knew granted honorary German citizenship It is a story about victory after failures, disasters, plunging her the toddler Sylvia. Amaz- in 2002 for her peace activism. Sylvia humiliations and destructive patterns of into despair. However, ingly, she also meets the currently lives in Massachusetts. In ad- behavior. It is honest to its core. she finds employments woman who so many dition to having spent several years in Three-year-old Sylvia’s parents that allow her a mod- years ago, at the age of Berlin, she has also lived in New York managed to arrange for the young girl est income. The yearn- nineteen, was entrust- City, San Diego, Miami, Washington, and her two older sisters to reach safety ing to free herself from ed by Sylvia’s mother D.C., and Rhinebeck, New York. Over before the parents met their deaths at poor choices and low with the fate of her three the years her friends learned to use a Auschwitz. She reached the United self-esteem brings her daughters. pencil when adding her home to their States at the age of seven, along with to successful periods of Sylvia Ruth Gutmann While the historical address book! See https://sylviaruth her sisters Rita, then fourteen, and professional therapy. And Rita is always and personal events, the few satisfying gutmann.com/. Susi, a year or so younger. The series available, if not in person, then over the and frequent debilitating relationships, Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of traumas that brought Sylvia to New phone, to console her. the kaleidoscopic moods, and hard-won of English from the United States Na- York obliterated her memory and left her Over time, Sylvia gains self-knowl- insights of A Life Rebuilt are enough val Academy. He reviews regularly for with emptiness, foreboding and a sense edge and strength. Her one positive mar- to draw readers to the book and its Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, of unworthiness. She is taken in by her riage, with Milton, a very wealthy and amazingly resilient author, it is Sylvia’s Southern Literary Review, and other uncle Sam, who shows strong affec- caring man, helps her gain balance, but voice that is extraordinarily compelling. publications. Please visit Phil’s website tion, and his wife Gerdy, who treats her after his death, with no continuing sup- It is a voice like no other: sometimes at www.philjason.wordpress.com. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 12 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Yemenite Mastery: Jachnun – recipe by Dalia Hemed oday on our journey of “70 fulness, a mark of great Jewish home round oven-safe metal pot with a tight- Years of History Through cooks across cultures, has resulted in sealing lid, but I’ve also had fine re- TFood” to Israel, we are going to tempting Sabbath breads. sults baking it in a crock-pot. expand your Israeli culinary horizons Jachnun is a crepe-like pastry Ingredients: with jachnun. Originally a doughy Ye- made from dough that gets stretched • 2 lbs white flour menite Shabbat breakfast dish, it’s be- ultrathin, smeared with clarified butter, • 1/2 cup sugar come an Israeli favorite for any time of then folded and rolled endlessly onto • 1 tbsp salt day. itself. It is baked overnight at very low • 2¾ cup water After your exposure to Israeli cui- temperatures and emerges from the • ¼ cup silan (honey date) or honey sine with malabi (milk pudding) and oven downy and caramelized. • 1 tsp baking powder sabiche (Israeli sandwiches), it’s time Jachnun is a show of human inge- • 12 tbsp softened margarine or 4-8 to branch out. Israel, a land of immi- nuity – simple ingredients turned into tbsp olive oil grants, has a cuisine as multicultural as a delicacy that can be served hot on • a few slices of stale bread to line its population, with diverse flavors that Shabbat, given the limitations of pov- the jachnun pot Personal Chef Dalia Hemed span the spectrum. erty and Jewish religious law. It’s also Directions: can be reached at For the record, the best part of an immigrant success story, but like XX Knead together the water and [email protected]. jachnun is not pulling apart the hot, many immigrants, it succeeded in its honey, flour, sugar, baking powder and keeps the bottom jachnun from flaky dough and dipping it into spicy and salt to form a slightly sticky burning. Cover the pot. schug, nor is it breaking into the slow- dough. You’ll know you have the XX Start the eggs, too. Either nestle roasted eggs that cooked with it all right consistency if the dough them into the pot with the jachnun night. It’s trying to pronounce the word springs back when you poke it. Let (they may distort the shape of the “jachnun” with the guttural ‘ch’ sound, the dough sit for at least two hours jachnun) or put them in their own and then when the nearest Yemenite or or, ideally, overnight (this makes it oven-proof pot, covered in water. Israeli corrects you, trying to imitate much easier to stretch). Put the eggs into the oven with the the sounds that just came out of their XX Knead the dough again and divide jachnun. mouth. Yeah, that’s fun, but if you can it into 12 balls. XX Bake at 210-230 degrees Fahr- master the correct pronunciation of this XX Smear some of your grease of enheit for 10-12 hours, or at the word, you’ve earned the right to taste it choice onto your work surface: a crock-pot’s automatic setting. Use – and it’s quite the treat. It must be the large countertop or a clean plas- a thermometer to double check history and the story behind the dish adopted homeland by coming far from tic tablecloth, anywhere you have that makes the experience of eating it its roots – a hearty meal that soared to room to stretch the dough into a so meaningful. popularity by transforming itself into a 40-centimeter (15-inch) square. As a community with limited re- pastry. XX Take the first ball of dough. Press- sources, Yemenite Jewish immigrants I loved waking up on a Saturday ing it with your fingertips, stretch from Aden mastered the art of trans- morning to the smell of freshly made it slowly into a large square, greas- forming the simple ingredients of fat, jachnun. You don’t want to miss this ing the dough if necessary. Slip flour and water into a repertoire of smell. Enjoy! your fingers under the edges of the glorious baked goods. This resource- Generally, jachnun is baked in a dough, lifting and pulling it out- ward to stretch it further. Try to repair any tears if they form, but that your oven’s temperature is ac- don’t get too worried about them. curate. This is important for bak- Stay in touch throughout Ultimately, you should have a 15- ing in general, but it’s particularly inch square. You can use a rolling important when the baking time is the month. Sign up for the pin, but it’s not recommended as this long and you’re not going to the dough is more likely to tear be next to the stove for the entire this way. Smear about 1 table- process. If you get the temperature Federation’s e-blasts. spoon margarine or 1-2 teaspoons right, you can leave the jachnun in oil across the entire surface of the the oven for extra time without any Get the latest information on dough, and then fold the dough into adverse effects. upcoming community events thirds to make a long rectangle. XX Serve jachnun alongside cooked Starting at one of the narrow ends eggs, grated fresh tomato and and cultural activities, breaking of the rectangle, roll the dough up schug (Sriracha hot sauce or chili news items, updates from over itself, pulling slightly as you garlic sauce will also work). go to thin it out a bit further so that Israel and lots more. you have a tube approximately 5-6 Look for inches long. Repeat with the rest of Chef Dalia Hemed’s the dough. Send an email to XX Arrange the rolled jachnun in your recipes each month baking pot of choice. Pad the bot- in the pages of [email protected] tom of the pot with some stale bread, this helps absorb excess oil L’CHAYIM.

2018/5779 HIGH HOLY DAYS SCHEDULE Selichot Yom Kippur Saturday, September 1 Wednesday, September 19 9:00pm Reception, and Service 9:30am Congregational Service and Child Care 10:30am Youth Service 4:30pm Afternoon Discussion Rosh Hashanah 5:30 pm Minchah/N’ilah/Havdalah 7:54pm Shofar Blowing Sunday, September 9 14486 A & W Bulb Road 6:00pm Family Service – Open to community Fort Myers, FL 33908 6:30 pm Congregational Service Sukkot

Monday, September 10 Monday, September 24 9:30am Congregational Service and Child Care 9:30am Service For more information and 10:30am Youth Service High Holiday tickets, please 4:30pm Tashlich Friday, September 28 Tuesday, September 11 6:30pm Shabbat Sukkot call the Temple Judea Office Consecration, Sukkot Dinner at 239-433-0201 9:30am Congregational Service Sunday, September 30 5:30pm Spaghetti Dinner Kol Nidre & Erev Simchat Torah www.tjswfl.org Monday, October 1 Tuesday, September 18 6:30pm Family Service – Open to community 9:30 am Sh’mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah 7:00 pm Congregational Service (includes Yizkor)

All services conducted by Rabbi Marc Sack L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13 The other Cabernet By The Wine Whisperer s we all know, Cabernet Sauvi- but it’s not as dark, and has a softer Ask the Wine Whisperer that is without knowing which wines gnon is one of the world’s most level of intensity. The perfume is a bit I’ve heard a lot about a wine event came from where. Long story short, an Afavorite and most celebrated richer, with aromas of raspberries, to- called “The Judgment of Paris” held American Chardonnay made by Cha- wines. It’s one of the six “noble vari- bacco, cassis and violets. The tannins in 1976. What exactly was that all teau Montelena topped the finest white etals,” so called because it’s capable of are more rounded as well, so it tends about? – Paula L., Palm Beach Burgundies, and several California reds making elegant wines that can age and to have a smoother mouthfeel. A wine This event was the subject of a book were scored higher than the most expen- develop for de- like Justin “Justification” is a good of the same name, and then a movie sive and famous wines from Bordeaux cades. It reaches example, coming from Paso Robles called Bottle Shock with Alan Rick- and Burgundy. This put American wines its ultimate ex- and containing a healthy percentage man playing a wine merchant named “on the map” internationally and was pression, accord- of Merlot for a softer mouthfeel and Steven Spurrier, who had a wine store one of the most significant events in the ing to many, as rounder tannins. in Paris and was convinced that Ameri- modern history of American wine. a major compo- The truth is that this grape is used can wines could be just as good as the Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- nent of the Bor- in blends probably more than it’s French. This view, of course, was con- er. He is Creative Director of Green- deaux blend, and bottled as a single varietal. However, sidered heretical. Spurrier traveled to field Advertising Group, and Wine in many of the there’s a lot of enjoyment to be had. So California and brought back a selection Director of the international Direct  Jerry highest quality look for it the next time you go wine of Cabernets and Chardonnays, then Cellars wine club. His book, Secrets Greenfield wines from Cali- shopping. put together a panel of French experts of the Wine Whisperer, is available fornia – especially from Napa Valley. Now, our latest favorites… to taste and score the American wines through his website. Read his other But hold on a second. There’s Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc and their French counterparts blind… writings at www.winewhisperer.com. another Cabernet called Cabernet St. Helena 2016 ($14) Fermented com- Franc…and it’s worth knowing about pletely in stainless steel, the wine pre- – and enjoying. It’s one of the world’s serves the varietal’s characteristic (and major black grapes, kind of a twin bold) grapefruit and pineapple aromas cousin to Sauvignon, and also makes and flavors. However, it’s very round big, dark, bold reds that pair beautiful- on the palate and not at all acidic. Very ly with many types of foods, especially true to type, and watch for those lime Each Tuesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg is held at the Jewish Federation. those with a higher salt content (think and passionfruit flavors to kick in on Asian flank steak and other dishes with the finish. WW 89. Players must be at least advanced beginners, as no soy sauce). Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel lessons are given. The heart of the traditional Cab Napa Valley 2013 ($36) This Zinfan-

Franc growing region is just at the del departs from the traditional flavor middle of the Loire Valley, around profile in a delightful way. Not a typi- DAY: Tuesdays, 12:30~3:30 P.M. the villages of Chinon and Bourgueil, cal fruit bomb, there are notes of white FEE: $1 per week which is, as everyone knows, pro- pepper, spice, leather, blackberry and nounced “burr-GOOEY.” It’s south- about 3% Petite Sirah thrown in for west of Tours, and not remotely near complexity and structure. More com- any other major city. But the country- plex than many Zins, and a refreshing side is gorgeous, studded with spectac- newer style. WW 89-90 ular chateaux…and the food isn’t bad, Olema Cabernet Sauvignon So- either. Of course, this varietal is grown noma 2014 ($23) Another favorite of extensively in Bordeaux, and popular ours, this wine has 3% Petite Sirah

in other winegrowing regions such as blended in for structure. Complex Italy, Hungary and the U.S. notes of black cherry, smoke, vanilla, for more information call Rona Strausberg at 239.949.9003 Cabernet Franc, as mentioned, is tobacco…the layers of flavor just go on closely related to Cabernet Sauvignon, and on. WW 92 L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 14 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Israeli residents go public with heartfelt aid to SyriansISRAEL21c...continued from previous page “I needed those people to know who we are. I want them to feel a tiny bit of solidarity, to fill their souls as well as their stomachs,” says Gal Lusky. By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c.org, July 3, 2018 alam Aleikum” began the “I’m so emotional about it,” Lusky over their heads as the “ letter that hundreds of Syr- tells ISRAEL21c. “I needed those conflict rages over the Sian refugees found attached people to know who we are. I want them Syrian border. to tents they received last week via the to feel a tiny bit of solidarity, to fill their The Golan Regional Israel Defense Forces’ Operation Good souls as well as their stomachs.” Council, encompassing Neighbor. Israeli Flying Aid secured most of 32 Israeli towns and vil- The letter was hastily written in the 300 tents, 13 tons of food, 15 tons lages, has made several English by Gal Lusky, who has been of baby formula, three pallets of medi- appeals over the past supplying humanitarian aid to Syrian cal supplies, and 30 tons of clothes and few years for residents victims of the civil war since 2011 shoes sent overnight by the IDF last to collect items that through her secretive nonprofit, Israeli week to tens of thousands of Syrian the IDF deemed most Flying Aid. civilians fleeing Bashar Assad’s latest needed by Syrian refu- Finally, she wanted to introduce offensive against rebel holdouts in the gees – everything from herself. “Although you are considered Daraa region of southwest Syria. blankets to sunshades. This drawing was sent by a Syrian child to Gal Lusky to be our sworn enemies and although “We worked delicately in the be- A message sent out of Israeli Flying Aid (photo courtesy of Gal Lusky) by operating in the field our volun- ginning and didn’t want to embarrass on July 1 has garnered the largest re- the Golan. “We have factories and stores teers were risking their lives, as the those we are helping,” Lusky says, sponse to date, council spokeswoman calling us too,” says Amos. “One toy descendants of Jews that survived the but recently she explained to opposi- Dalia Amos tells ISRAEL21c. store here is donating wood toys with Holocaust, we, the volunteers of Israeli tion political leaders in southern Syria “This time there was a huge re- Arabic lettering on them.” Flying Aid, proud Jewish citizens of the that precious time is wasted removing sponse from all over the country, not Amos emphasizes that Golan resi- State of Israel, sanctify life and will not identifying labels from medication and only our communities. I think what re- dents have been collecting supplies, other desperately needed ally excited everyone was that we asked clothes and toys all year round to trans- supplies coming from for families to make Israel. bags for Syrian chil- “They said, ‘Gal, dren containing small The “Blessing Room” in the Mazor Ladach field clinic we’re risking ourselves toys, coloring pages and where Syrian patients can choose clothing donated by Israelis (photo courtesy of Friend Ships Unlimited) anyway and we’ll take sweets. We emailed all what we can to help our the children in the Go- people.’” lan a blessing in Arabic And so she decided that they can print out to go public with the ef- or copy over and put in fort that has been going their packages,” Amos on for years in coopera- says. Young residents of Israel’s Golan Heights with donations collected for View of a tent camp of Syrian refugees near the Syrian village tion with the IDF – not “My daughter their Syrian neighbors (photo courtesy of Golan Regional Council) of Burayqah as seen from the Israeli side of the border on July 1 including Israeli Flying asked me, ‘What about (photo by Basel Awidat/Flash90) Aid’s other covert ac- the mommies?’ I said, ‘When a mommy fer to Syrian refugees through the IDF. stand idly by as women and children tivities around the world since 2005. sees her child happy, it’s one moment Friend Ships are continuously slaughtered,” Lusky Golan Heights residents pitch in when she will also be happy,’” Amos Some of these Israeli donations are wrote. Lusky’s passion to help has been reports. channeled through the Louisiana-based Within 24 hours, she started re- matched by other individual Israelis, The council is getting calls from as Friend Ships Unlimited humanitarian- ceiving emails in response – including especially in the Golan Heights where far away as Gaza border communities aid organization, which has volunteers children’s drawings that brought tears residents constantly hear shooting, – where Israelis have their own worries from the U.S. stationed locally. to her eyes. explosions and Iranian missiles flying daily – wishing to bring care packages to continued on next page ELIMINATE YOUR PAIN Candle lighting times: RESTORE YOUR MOBILITY August 3: 7:56 REGAIN YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE August 10: 7:50 August 17: 7:44 All physical therapy is not the same… August 24: 7:38 Thank you for letting us show you what sets us apart from the rest! August 31: 7:30

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Thomas S. Zeller, DPT & Associates • 1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL TheCottageAtCypressCove.com 239-734-8243 www.YourBestTherapy.com AL9630 Fort Myers 239-432-0556 Phone 239-936-0635 Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com Cypress Cove at HealthPark Florida is a non-profit organization sponsored by Lee Healthcare Resources, a support organization to Lee Health. Located Cape Coral 239-772-2363 on a beautiful 48-acre campus, Cypress Cove offers a full complement of quality living options committed to the health and well-being of its residents. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 15

ISRAEL21c...continued from previous page Israeli residents go public with heartfelt aid to Syrians This week, they sent out a flyer of help in any way they can. their own, requesting donations of shoes “The heart of the Israeli people in and sandals, boys’ and men’s clothing, the Golan is just phenomenal. They’re baby bottles, pacifiers, pots, pans, dolls giving to people who would otherwise and bottled water for Syrian refugees. be considered their enemies. It’s amaz- Teri Shields, head of the Friend ing to me,” says Shields. Ships volunteer effort in Israel, tells More help needed ISRAEL21c that the low-profile orga- Thus far, the IDF’s Operation Good nization “is committed to working in Neighbor has coordinated the transfer Israel for four years, or as long as the of 1,524 tons of food, 947,520 liters of IDF Good Neighbor project needs us.” fuel, 7,933 diaper packages, 54 tons of Friend Ships operates the medical baby food, 24,900 boxes of medicine field clinic Mazor Ladach (also called and medical equipment, 775 medical equipment units, 250 tons of clothing, 13,920 hygienic products, and more than 300 tents to Syrians since June 2016. Israeli Flying Aid has sent millions of dol- An Israeli soldier cradling a child at the Israeli field hospital near the Syrian border lars’ worth of medical (photo courtesy of IDF Spokesman’s Office) supplies to 14 hospi- with many Israeli manufacturers and provided, through Israel, to desperate tals and clinics in Syria. supermarkets that open their hearts children and women of the opposition. Equipment is donated and give donations of everything from “The regime is pushing them toward by Baylor University formula to shoes.” our border fence. In the last week, five Medical Center in Texas, Lusky first allowed her organiza- girls were killed by scorpion bites. They while medication is pur- tion’s name in the news in 2013 when need anti-venom and asthma medica- chased with contribu- it delivered 70 tons of winter clothing tions. Everything is so hectic and even tions from American and bedding for Syrian civil war refu- simple infections can cause death when The “Blessing Room” in the Mazor Ladach field clinic Jewish organizations gees collected by Israeli youth groups there are no antibiotics,” Lusky says. where Syrian patients can choose clothing donated by Israelis and Israelis. in 14 cities. For more information, please visit (photo courtesy of Friend Ships Unlimited) “The IDF brings ev- This week, Israeli Flying Aid has http://ifaid.com/ or http://www.friend Camp Ichay) set up in August 2017 at a erything in on our behalf. They take all arranged for another 3,000 tents to be ships.org/. former IDF outpost on the Israeli-Syrian the risk and do amazing work. In the shipped from China to help shelter Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and border to care for Syrian war victims. A last two and a half years that the fence hundreds of thousands of displaced associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior huge playground was built there as well. is open they are spending millions on Syrians, and aims to provide 20,000 to moving to Israel in 2007, she was “The army got the area ready for the manpower and logistics to make tents altogether. a specialty writer and copy editor at a the clinic, and we brought in our tents this possible, putting their soldiers at Lusky says supplies sent by the daily newspaper in New Jersey and has Young residents of Israel’s Golan Heights with donations collected for and equipment and personnel because tremendous risk even to bring wounded UN reach only Assad’s regime, and freelanced for a variety of newspapers their Syrian neighbors (photo courtesy of Golan Regional Council) Israelis aren’t allowed to work there, Syrians into Israel,” says Lusky. she hopes direct American aid can be and periodicals since 1984. even those with dual citizenship,” says The IDF-sponsored 20-bed mater- Shields. “We’re 100% volunteer and in nity hospital inside Syria also is supplied For daily news stories related desperate need of doctors and nurses. with Baylor medical equipment and We have 15 staff members running a baby formula donated to Israeli Flying to Israel & the Jewish world, camp that has treated 6,000 patients and Aid by Israeli companies. served a total of 8,000 people in the past “Many of the moms are too stressed visit the Federation’s website at 11 months.” to breastfeed, and they cannot afford www.JewishFederationLCC.org. continued on next page Shields finds Israelis are eager to formula,” Lusky explains. “We work

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Cypress Cove at HealthPark Florida is a non-profit organization sponsored by Lee Healthcare Resources, a support organization to Lee Health. Located on a beautiful 48-acre campus, Cypress Cove offers a full complement of quality living options committed to the health and well-being of its residents. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 16 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD MK Isaac Herzog elected as Jewish Agency Chairman of the Executive n June 21, the Leadership after nine years of service. U.S., studying International Relations, was elected Chairman of the Labor Party Lowell S. Schoenfeld Florida Board Certified Wills, Nominating Committee of The The process included meetings English Literature and Arabic at Cornell in November 2013, making him Leader Trusts & Estates Attorney Jewish Agency for Israel rec- with potential candidates, internal de- and NYU Universities. of the Opposition. In 2014, Herzog led O 1380 Royal Palm Square Boulevard ommended MK (Member of Knesset) liberations and consultations with the Herzog has worked with world the alliance between the Labour Party Fort Myers, Florida 33919 Isaac Herzog to be the next Chairman of Prime Minister. Having selected the Jewry all his life. From 2007-2009, he and MK Tzipi Livni’s Hatnua Party, 239-936-7200 the Executive for a term of four years. candidate, the Nominating Committee was the Minister of the Jewish Diaspora, creating the Zionist Union, Israel’s larg- [email protected] MK Herzog would assume office e no recommended Herzog to The Jewish Society and the Fight Against Anti- est central-left political party. www.gskattorneys.com later than August 1, 2018. Agency’s Board of Governors at the Semitism, taking a major part in anti- In addition to his Ministry of the The Jewish Agency Leadership opening plenary of its meeting on June BDS activities following the Second Jewish Diaspora, Herzog was the Minis- Nominating Committee is composed of 24 in Jerusalem. Lebanon War, leading the international ter of Housing and Construction (2005), Different fortable the top leadership of the Jewish people, MK Isaac Herzog, son of former Forum against Anti-Semitism and chair- Minister of Tourism (2006-2007) and Com ish Syl Moore including leaders of the Zionist move- Israeli President Chaim Herzog and ing Taglit-Birthright. Minister of Welfare & Social Services n and ashio ment, the religious streams, The Jewish grandson of Israel’s first Chief Rabbi, As Government Secretary, Herzog (2007-2011). Prior to that he served as Art of F The Art of Fashion and Moore Federations of North America, and Jew- Yizhak Isaac Halevi Herzog, was born laid the foundation for the historic Government Secretary (1999-2001). (in the Arcade in historic ish communities throughout the world in Israel in 1960. When his father compromise on egalitarian prayer at the He also served as the Israel Govern- downtown Ft. Myers) via Keren Hayesod-UIA. served as Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Kotel that was adopted for all religious ment Coordinator for the provision of The Nominating Committee has from 1975-1978, Herzog studied and streams. Over the last 20 years, he has humanitarian aid to the population of Teri Moore, Owner (239) 204-9759 been conducting a thorough and com- graduated from The Ramaz Jewish High been a regular speaker and participant Gaza in 2008-2009. 2267 1st. St., Suite 12 [email protected] Ft. Myers, FL 33901 www.artoffashionandmoore.com prehensive search process over the School in New York and attended Jew- at The Jewish Federations of North He lives in Tel Aviv with his wife past year to find a successor to Natan ish youth camps, Ramah and Massad. America’s General Assembly. Michal, and they have three sons. Sharansky who will be leaving office He continued his education in the An attorney by profession, Herzog

compiled in its final form under the Major J. described one incident patronage of the Persian Achaemenid when shots began to ring out as the BRIEFS empire, the Babylonian Talmud under Palestinian crowd surged in front the patronage of the Persian Sassanid of the fence. “They started shooting The radar used in the system, man- RECORD 2.1 MILLION empires. We are brothers.” on our positions,” he said. Militants ufactured by Israel Aerospace Indus- TOURISTS VISIT ISRAEL “Iranians are always writing to us opened fire with handguns and- Ka tries, has already been sold to a number IN FIRST HALF OF 2018 that they love Israel, that they don’t lashnikov rifles from a Hamas outpost of countries. (Yuval Azulai, Globes) A record 2.1 million tourists visited want their regime to use their money to and a rubbish dump directly facing the Israel in the first half of 2018, -an in ISRAELI TECHNOLOGY support Hamas and Hizbullah,” Avgin- Israelis, as well as from the middle of crease of 19% over last year, the Tour- saz said. (Times of Israel) the crowd. The gun battle lasted for 25 ism Ministry said Monday, July 9. MAKES IMPACT AT minutes. (Michael Bachner, Times of Israel) SOCCER WORLD CUP ISRAELI MILITARY One Druze infantry battalion com- Israeli fire and smoke detection sys- OFFICERS HAVE mander said the men under his com- SMART FENCE tems produced by Matael are contrib- NO REGRETS OVER USE mand had 20 explosives – grenades, TO PROTECT uting to the security of hundreds of Molotov cocktails, improvised bombs OF LETHAL FORCE NEW EILAT AIRPORT thousands of World Cup spectators in – thrown at them each week of the pro- the huge stadiums in the Russian cities A smart fence capable of stopping Ko- AT GAZA PROTESTS tests. (Raf Sanchez, Telegraph - UK) of Volgograd and Nizhny Novograd. rnet missiles has been completed at Is- A senior IDF commander supervising a Israel’s LiveU has deployed 300 rael’s newest civilian airport in Eilat – team of Israeli snipers at the Gaza bor- MISS IRAQ VISITS transmission units for use by broadcast the Ilan and Assaf Ramon International der spoke of their mission to stop Pal- JERUSALEM, IS PRAISED crews to enable the transmission of live Airport – set to open in March 2019. estinians coming through the thin fence FOR HER BRAVERY broadcasts over cellular networks. that separates Gaza from Israel. “Was The fence, which extends along Sarah Idan, Iraq’s representative at the LiveU has signed agreements with there an option where we could stop the Jordanian border, features detec- 2017 Miss Universe pageant – whose Russian mobile operators to ensure fast them cutting the fence and coming into tion technology to ensure that planes Instagram photo last year with her Is- connectivity and smooth and stable Israel without using a lethal weapon? are protected from all types of threats. raeli counterpart forced her family to transmissions. (Xinhua - China) The answer is no,” he said. “They have (Anna Ahronheim, Jerusalem Post) flee the country – was cheered and a hard and deep hatred of Israel and if hugged by shoppers at Jerusalem’s IRANIANS DEFY REGIME they came into Israel I think there is no ISRAEL TO SELL Mahane Yehuda market during her re- question of what they are going to do.” IRON DOME AIR DEFENSE ON TWITTER, EXPRESS cent visit to Israel. Israeli military officers expressed SYSTEM TO ROMANIA SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL Idan, who lives in the U.S., said, Israel Foreign Ministry Persian digital no regrets over their decision to use Rafael Advanced Defense Systems “I don’t think Iraq and Israel are en- media manager Sharona Avginsaz said live bullets. They spoke instead of announced recently it had signed a emies... There are a lot of Iraqi people recently, “During this week our Twit- pride in their troops and in the success cooperation agreement with Roma- who don’t have a problem with Israel ter page reached 2.5 million Iranians. of their military mission: no Palestin- nian company Romaero to transfer the or with the Jewish people. There are a There were tens of thousands of tweets ians made it through the fence and no know-how to enable the production of lot of Iraqi people on my side, and I with the hashtag #WeStandWithIsrael, Israeli soldiers or civilians were killed air defense systems in Romania. believe they are happy I am here.” each stating their individual positions or injured. They voiced frustration at The agreement includes the Iron One Israeli woman told her, on why they love Israel.” what they considered knee-jerk criti- Dome rocket interception system and “Thank you for being so brave, you are One Iranian wrote, “Our history cism of their use of live fire by people its naval version, Samson remote con- an inspiration to all the women in the is bound together. Our values have who did not understand the situation trolled weapons stations, and Spike world.” (Times of Israel) the same root. The Hebrew Bible was on the ground. anti-tank missiles.

Sundays at 4:00 P.M. Jewish Federation Community Room 9701 Commerce Center Ct. Fort Myers 33908

ISRAELI DANCING IS FOR ALL AGES Everyone is welcome, no partner is needed and no previous experience is necessary. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Better yet, bring a friend — the more the merrier!

RSVP necessary each week to Marsha Kistler [email protected] L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 MARKETPLACE Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 17

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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 resiliency Why I love The Lone of Jewish tradition Ranger…especially as the eni and I are spending a week interpreted as Jewish. Some assump- in Santa Fe this summer, one tions of Jewishness have been based month of Elul approaches Lof our favorite vacation spots. on unsubstantiated family folklore. But ith my face reddening, I’ll done they ride swiftly away in search During our stay, we will visit an exhibit in the early 2000s, along came genetic admit it. I love reruns of The of their next opportunity to make a on the converso Jews who are reputed testing and, indeed, some of the early Lone Ranger. positive difference. to be among the early pioneers of New pioneers of the state had Jewish ances- W Why would a 72-year-old, sup- Although a world without evil is a Mexico. try. posedly sophisticated rabbi spend time glorious ideal that will always elude us, A converso, also called a “Crypto- Father William Sanchez, a priest watching a children’s western show we, like The Lone Ranger and Tonto, Jew,” is someone whose family was in Albuquerque, always sensed that his that ran more than 60 can inch the world closer to that glori- forcibly converted Catholic family was different. They did years ago? ous hope. to Christianity but not eat pork and told stories of a dis- Because of the Their example takes on greater ur- who secretly main- tant past in medieval Spain. In 2001, message! gency as the Hebrew month of Elul, tained Jewish prac- he sent for a DNA kit and discovered My studies have the month before the New Year, ap- tice. Some families his Jewish ancestry. He came from a convinced me that proaches, and with it the task of more lit candles on Friday family of kohanim. Sanchez encour- our main purpose intensively scrutinizing our conduct nights and ate by aged other family members to be tested as creatures created to determine how we each might live candlelight. Others as well. Thirty of his 78 relatives had  Rabbi “B’tzelem Elohim, in closer to God’s hope for us.  Rabbi only ate flat tortillas Jewish ancestry. Keith Chaves learned Stephen the image of God,” Our tradition teaches that after Marc – unleavened bread – of his Jewish roots when he was thir- Fuchs Sack is to use whatever shattering the Golden calf, Moses went for a week during the teen. His grandmother told him that talents we have to create a more just, back up the mountain on the first of spring. Still others hid ritual items like they were “Sepharditos.” Chaves now caring and compassionate society on Elul to try again. He hewed out new menorahs. belongs to an Orthodox congregation earth. tablets and spent forty days in contem- The forcible conversions began in in Albuquerque. As I have often said in speeches plation on Mt. Sinai before descend- Spain in the late 1300s. In 1478, Isa- In 2016, the exhibit “Fractured on Sanibel, in Germany and around ing with the second set of God’s com- bella and Fernando, the monarchs of Faiths: Spanish Judaism, the Inquisi- the world: we will not all cure cancer mandments on Yom Kippur. Spain, began an Inquisition, putting tion, and New World Identities” opened or make peace between Israel and the I treasure a story I first heard from some Christians suspected of practic- at the New Mexico History Museum, Palestinians, but our Covenant with Rabbi David Saperstein more than for- ing Judaism at home, on trial. Even with an accompanying companion vol- God requires each of us to do what we ty years ago. A man went every day to before the Edict of Expulsion of 1492 ume. Leni and I will visit the museum can to fulfill God’s charge to Abraham the wicked city of Sodom encouraging (1497 from Portugal), Jews fled Spain, and buy the book. to, “Keep the way of the Eternal One, the people to repent. His friends called some coming to South and Central Leni and I travel to see places with and to fill the world with tzedakah him a fool, saying, “Don’t you know America. The Inquisition followed unique and vibrant cultures. Along the u’mishpat, righteousness and justice.” those people will never repent. Why do them, pushing some conversos to move way, we find Jewish life alive and well. (Genesis 18.18) you go down there every day wasting north into what is now New Mexico. In New Mexico, we will see evidence In pursuit of “righteousness and time and energy? Those people will Since at least the 1980s, there’s that Jewish tradition is resilient. After justice, The Lone Ranger and his faith- never change and be like you.” been research into the possible Jewish centuries of persecution, it came back ful Indian companion Tonto battle “Perhaps not,” the man answered, roots of the Spanish founders of New to life. I am always inspired by these hopeless odds to right wrongs and “but I must do what I can every day, so Mexico. Not all of the research has stories. thwart those who kill, cheat or exploit that I do not change and become like been good: common Native American Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple others. And I love the fact that the good them.” or Mexican folk imagery has been mis- Judea in Fort Myers. guys always win. The world will never be perfect, In real life, we know, evil often tri- but I love watching The Lone Ranger umphs, and forces for justice and righ- because he and Tonto never stop trying Strength and hope teousness do not prevail. But The Lone to make it better. Ranger is a symbol of a vital Jewish On the first of Elul (August 11 this for the future value: hope. year), Yom Kippur is forty short days f you truly want to understand who this frail woman lying in the hospital No matter what we have suffered, away. The Lone Ranger and Tonto give God is, all you have to do is read the bed became animated and eagerly told and no matter how dire things have us a wonderful model of how to use Torah. Throughout the Torah, God me how she escaped from an abusive been, our people have always held on those days. No, the good guys will not I to and pursued the hope that things can always win, but each of us can do some- describes Godself: “I am Adonai, your relationship and remade her life. In- God, who brought you out of Egypt to stead of seeing herself as weak and ill be better. thing to help them win more often. be your God.” There in the hospital, she remembered how The Lone Ranger and Tonto never Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs serves at are many ways God strong she really was. She remembered seek or accept a reward for doing what Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sani- could have identi- she had faced the darkness before, and is “just and right.” When their work is bel Island. fied: as the one who found the light. created the entire When we tell our stories of per- world, who gave us severance, of our ability to change, of What do you make of the commandments our moments of hope, we reclaim that on Mount Sinai, who identity and become once again a per-  Rabbi will bring us to the son who doesn’t give up, who is flex- my new “thing” with TV? Nicole Promised Land. But ible, who has faith in the future. God ince the Good Book says that fer talking about – the latest translation Luna God chooses to say, reminds us over and over again in the “There is a time and a season for of Amherst Papyri 63 or The Hand- “I am your God who brought you out Torah: I am Adonai who led you out of Severything,” I’ve decided this maid’s Tale? of Egypt. I am your God who held you Egypt. This is the story of our people is the right time and season to binge Sure, I try to remain engaged in close when you were at the lowest point – a story of resiliency, of hope, of con- watch all kinds of fantasy TV series what’s really going on around me. of your life, who brought you comfort tinuing despite the odds. and escapist movies Melinda and I host fundraiser meet- when you had no reason to hope for a What challenges have you sur- when I’m not study- and-greets for people we like who are future, who heard your cry and guided vived? We are still here, we have over- ing, doing my rabbi running for public office, I remain in you out of disaster.” God wants to be come and we are continuing. Let us not stuff or teaching at contact with government officials about known as the one who was with us at succumb to despair or panic. Instead, the university. things I care about, and share my opin- our worst in Egypt and who can help us may we tell our stories of triumph and I never allowed ions in print and online. But, often these move forward now, as in the past. embrace an identity of tenacity. We myself to watch too things are not as absorbing as they used When I served as a chaplain in- made it out of Egypt, and God with  Rabbi much TV when I to be, especially compared with how ea- tern at NYU Langone Medical Center wisdom makes sure we remember by Bruce was single since it gerly I now anticipate the latest install- in New York, I learned about help- taking it on as the divine identity: “I am Diamond seemed very anti- ment of my favorite TV shows! It’s as ing people find their own sources of Adonai who led you out of Egypt. I am social, and who wants to sit alone in if I’m deliberately trying to make my strength and resiliency. Once when I the God of a people who survive, who the dark every night? But it’s much world smaller than it used to be. was visiting someone in the hospital persevere.” easier watching more TV now that I’m So, is this a normal part of getting and listening to a woman tell her life As we prepare to enter a new year, married to a lovely woman also enjoys older and “running out of gas?” I don’t story, I asked if she had faced challeng- let us enter with strength and hope for it. So TV time has become a lot more think that’s it, since I still have plenty es before. “Oh yes,” she sighed. “And the future. social for me, even romantic, and I’m of energy for my synagogue, my stu- what got you through it?” I asked. She Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple really getting into it! dents at FGCU, for my family, and for smiled, looked right at me and said, Beth El in Fort Myers. I’m also discovering that watching all the wonderful things that make up a “Chocolate and a shotgun.” Suddenly, a lot more TV, and not just an hour of home and a marriage. news in the evening, makes me more Are the new TV shows better than fun to be with in social settings like our ever? How would I know? What do you think? weekly Sabbath evening synagogue But all the hazarai that I’m watch- dinners and when we are out with ing in my free time sure is a wonder- L’CHAYIM wants to know! other couples (also something new for ful distraction from the rising tide of me!). Talking about TV shows with my mishigas outside of the little world I’m Send your letters & comments to [email protected]. friends makes me a lot more down-to- trying to create for myself. Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone. Letters earth than before, when I tried to dis- Blessed day. should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/ cuss all that esoteric trivia that I love Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM nor its getting into when I’m not otherwise Community Free Synagogue in Fort advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received. engaged. I mean, what would you pre- Myers. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 COMMENTARY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19

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. Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. DISCOVER WHAT IT’S Why I love The Lone Something we can all do Ranger…especially as the n a few short weeks, we in the Jew- The townspeople informed him there LIKE TO HAVE AN ish community will be observing was a bitter quarrel going on between month of Elul approaches Tisha B’Av, the most mournful day two factions, and they asked him to inI our calendar. This is the day when act as peacemaker. They were afraid, EXCEPTIONAL DAY, both the First and Second Temples however, that he wouldn’t agree to were destroyed. Plus, there are many consider the matter on such a day. The other tragic occur- rabbi responded by saying, “Quite the EVERY DAY. rences that have hap- contrary. The destruction of the Temple pened on this day. was caused by baseless hatred. What Howard Thurman, an can be more appropriate than to abol- African-American ish unfounded hatred on this day?” theologian and writ- Most of our problems come on two er, once said, “The legs with eyes, noses and mouths. That moving finger of is to say that most of our problems are 2674 Winkler Avenue  Rabbi God in human his- with other humans. So whether you Fort Myers, FL 33901 Michael J. tory points ever in fast on this day, or read the Book of Schorin the same direction. Lamentations, there is something else 239-275-7800 There must be community.” Sadly, as we can all do. Find someone you don’t humans and as Jews, we don’t always agree with, or even someone you don’t do a good job with this. like, and make peace. We do not need Why was the Temple destroyed? to convert the other to the way we think Tradition has it, as recorded in Tractate or believe, but we do need to allow Yoma of the Babylonian Talmud, that it them the latitude to do it their way. was because of “baseless hatred.” The If you like, you can even take it story is told that one person was throw- a step further and simply do an act of ing a party and someone got invited chesed, a kindness, for someone. Put who wasn’t supposed to be. When some money in their parking meter. the non-invited guest showed up, he Stop and help someone who looks lost. was rudely asked to leave and shown Give some food to someone who looks the door. Not wanting to be publicly hungry. You might think we are all sep- shamed, he offered to pay for what arate people, but we are all in this to- he ate. He then offered to pay for the gether. In the words of the Rev. Martin whole party but it was to no avail. The Luther King, Jr., “In a real sense, all life host wouldn’t accept his money and is interrelated. All people are caught in asked him to leave. And so the non- an inescapable network of mutuality, invited guest left and denounced all of tied in a single garment of destiny.” those present who had done nothing to Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC, intervene, to the Roman authorities. BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’s Much more recently, a Hasidic Department of Spiritual Services, and rabbi tells of arriving in a neighbor- ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical ing community on the Ninth of Av. Center. Stay connected @ www.JewishFederationLCC.org

F M N  B  T is proud to consistently earn a 5-star rating from Bauer Financial, the nation’s leading independent bank rating  rm*. We attribute our success to the meaningful relationships we build with our clients.  e better we know you, the better we can serve you. What do you make of my new “thing” with TV? What does exceptional senior living mean to you? At fer talking about – the latest translation The Palms of Fort Myers it means a lifestyle where of Amherst Papyri 63 or The Hand- maid’s Tale? 24-hour Five Star service meets a world of opportunities. Sure, I try to remain engaged in Savor a delicious meal prepared for you by our culinary what’s really going on around me. team or whip up something special in your own Melinda and I host fundraiser meet- kitchen. Take an exercise class with your neighbors and-greets for people we like who are running for public office, I remain in or start your day with our Coffee and Crosswords contact with government officials about group. Our lifestyle is designed for the way you live. things I care about, and share my opin- ions in print and online. But, often these DISCOVER: things are not as absorbing as they used • Month-to-month rental community to be, especially compared with how ea- gerly I now anticipate the latest install- • Five Star Dining Experience, featuring Signature ment of my favorite TV shows! It’s as recipes if I’m deliberately trying to make my • Lifestyle360 program offering a full-schedule of world smaller than it used to be. So, is this a normal part of getting activities older and “running out of gas?” I don’t • Variety of in-house religious services think that’s it, since I still have plenty of energy for my synagogue, my stu- • Scheduled local transportation for medical dents at FGCU, for my family, and for appointments and shopping all the wonderful things that make up a • 24-hour care available, should your needs change home and a marriage. Are the new TV shows better than • Exceptional senior living experiences ever? How would I know? But all the hazarai that I’m watch- Call to see how you can live the ing in my free time sure is a wonder- exceptional life today! ful distraction from the rising tide of mishigas outside of the little world I’m trying to create for myself. www.ThePalmsAtFortMyers.com Blessed day. INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Charleston • Estero • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale 239-461-5900 • www.fi nemarkbank.com • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender MEMORY CARE • REHABILITATION Community Free Synagogue in Fort *5-Star Financial Rating issued by Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating and research fi rm. Rating is 5 out of 5. Assisted Living Facility License #AL07269 Pet Myers. Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value. ©2018 Five Star Senior Living Friendly L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 20 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FOCUS ON YOUTH

home, and G-d willing, TEMPLE BETH EL SCHOOLS will be moving here in Fort Myers early September. If you are wondering where Dale M.Cohen, R.J.E. - M.A. Ed. I am on Friday nights, I am with my Religious School Director parents packing up their condo with of Temple Beth El my husband Nir. We couldn’t be more Dear Congregants and Parents thrilled for this move to happen. of the TBE Religious School, For the New Year ahead, let all of As I reflect back on the previous us try to be honest with ourselves and year, I have learned a great deal about others. Place emphasis on the impor- Building myself and others. I also cannot believe tant aspects of life. Do not sweat the that this will be my twentieth year as small stuff. Parents, more than ever, friendships, Religious School Director of Temple we need your support of our Religious Beth El. What have I learned? My loy- School. More importantly, we need you alty and commitment to Temple Beth to buy in to all of the programs that we fun, & confidence El has been unwavering. I care about promote to ensure that Judaism con- each and every child unconditionally. I tinues to flourish into the next century one giggle want to give all of our students the best and beyond. Temple Beth El and the at a time Jewish education possible. My job is a Religious School have so much to of- labor of love. This is the time of year for fer. Embrace it, be a part of it, and be a introspection and to think about what is parent who wants to give their children truly important. My family and I have a quality Jewish education that will be experienced many hardships over the cultivated for years to come. past year, and have witnessed firsthand My new mantra for this year is: Programs for kids 4 months through 12 years filled many indiscretions. Clearly, life is not “Every day, when I wake up, I do my fair and it never professes to be. Every- best to count my blessings and to be with movement, music, learning and laughter. one in life certainly has their trials and thankful for all I have in my life.” I tribulations, and everyone’s experienc- have decided not to kvetch about what es, whether positive or negative, are of I cannot change, but to focus on the great importance to them. One should positive. Some days of performing this Grand Opening Celebration August 11th. never minimize what someone else is ritual are harder than others but I will going through. Instead, be supportive, continue to persevere. Enroll before August 13th to save sensitive and a good listener. My loving daughter Lanie has her $20 on your annual family membership. My mother has Alzheimer’s dis- own new canine, Winston the Corgi. ease, and along with continuous aides, Lanie, Nir and I wish our Temple Beth my dad is the sole caretaker of my El family a happy and healthy New mom. It is an extremely difficult situa- Year. May this year be one of peace, tion for all of us, especially my dad. We love, happiness, health and prosper- The Little Gym of Fort Myers all love and support him being almost ity. May we seek out all of the bless- www.tlgfortmyersfl.com three hours away on the other coast, ings in our lives and concentrate on the 239-362-0335 but we try to drive over there as much positive. Allow us to have peace within as possible. The good news is that this each of our homes, but mostly within Earn CAS Credits year they have just recently sold their our hearts. Owned and operated by Debbie Baum and Stephanie Celaya

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Families can sign up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 21 home, and G-d willing, self-reflection. How can When we grow individually our holy accompanist Bela Gutshtein. will be moving here in SHALOM LIFE CENTER we be transformed? The community grows. Everyone is welcome to join our early September. If you Fort Myers High Holy Days offer a With limitless enthusiasm, creative Shalom Life Center family this High are wondering where (239) 218-3433 solution by calling on programming and experience, SLC has Holy Day season in our comfortable I am on Friday nights, I am with my us to pause, take a good been dedicated to changing the face of and picturesque sanctuary beginning parents packing up their condo withLawrence & Robin Dermer long look in the mirror at our lives and our Jewish community and engaging on Saturday, September 1 at 7:30 p.m. my husband Nir. We couldn’t be moreWith great anticipation and beautiful our actions, and to find new ways to those seeking a new and deeper con- with a beautiful Selichot musical and thrilled for this move to happen. memories of past High Holy Day cel- see old situations. nection to Judaism. As a sacred com- inspirational service and lavish desert For the New Year ahead, let all of ebrations with our Shalom Life Center The High Holy Days can mean so munity committed to the ideals of wel- reception. You are welcome to join us us try to be honest with ourselves andfamily, we warmly wish you a 5779 much more than just a time to revisit coming everyone in the “big tent” of for Rosh Hashanah, Tashlich and Yom others. Place emphasis on the impor-filled with health, happiness, love and and honor our ancient traditions. When trans-denominational Judaism, we are Kippur services, our Yom Kippur after- tant aspects of life. Do not sweat thea very bright future. We are overjoyed our hearts are open to the inspiration building a bridge to connect each other noon healing and meditative concert, small stuff. Parents, more than ever,to see our growing community illumi- of prayer, this call can lead us to ac- with the values and principles of our followed by afternoon Neilah and Yiz- we need your support of our Religiousnated with the light of Jewish inspira- tion and bring real, measurable and Jewish past, the moral/ethical demands kor concluding Service and our Fabu- School. More importantly, we need yoution and are blessed to be part of a very positive change to our lives, our com- of the present, and the vision and en- lous Break the Fast Feast! to buy in to all of the programs that weclose and caring SLC family. In 5779, munity and the entire world. This year, ergy to build for a Jewish tomorrow. While our message is traditional, promote to ensure that Judaism con-may we continue to lift each other up may the energy of personal and com- In addition to our summer services our worship is contemporary and our tinues to flourish into the next centuryas we continue to grow on our journey munal prayer cause us to increase our and clubs, we are in the midst of final- services combine meaningful prayers and beyond. Temple Beth El and thetogether. good deeds and acts of kindness. May izing our innovative and inspiring pro- and soaring melodies. Dates and times Religious School have so much to of- We all approach the new year in we increase the joy in our lives and in grams for next season. We are prepar- can be found on our website at www. fer. Embrace it, be a part of it, and be aour own way with different memories, the lives of our family and friends, and ing to ensure an incomparable SWFL shalomlifecenter.org. For more infor- parent who wants to give their childrenideas, thoughts and feelings, which al- find beauty and meaning even during Jewish Community 5779 High Holiday mation on joining us for the High Holy a quality Jewish education that will below us to gain new meaning from the difficult and challenging times. Let Experience and are looking forward to Days, please call 239.218.3433 or cultivated for years to come. words that remain the same from year us continue to support each other and sharing the High Holy Days with our email [email protected]. Let My new mantra for this year is: to year. These words have great and be able to see more clearly and listen extended family. Our choir will be back your spirit soar at Shalom Life Center “Every day, when I wake up, I do mytransformative power, but our busy more deeply, being more emotionally along with our amazing symphonic en- where prayer is always inspirational, best to count my blessings and to belifestyles often leave little time for available and present for each other. semble and world-renowned concert meaningful and musical. thankful for all I have in my life.” I have decided not to kvetch about what I cannot change, but to focus on the and Jack Lemmon. No Marketplace Road, Fort Myers. RSVP organization that enables members to positive. Some days of performing this HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER doubt after this enjoyable to [email protected] by Thursday, meet and socialize with each other. Our ritual are harder than others but I will at Temple Judea and uplifting film you’ll August 16 if you plan to have dinner monthly programs vary in nature. continue to persevere. (239) 433-0201 be singing “that ole with the group. Temple Judea’s HAZAK has won- My loving daughter Lanie has her black magic.” The cost Temple Judea’s active HAZAK derful future programs planned for the own new canine, Winston the Corgi.Joyce Rosinger of $3 for HAZAK members and $5 for Chapter is a chartered member of the 2018-2019 seasons. Members of the Lanie, Nir and I wish our Temple BethJoin HAZAK on Sunday, August 19 at nonmembers includes snacks and soft United Synagogue of Conservative Ju- community are always welcome to at- El family a happy and healthy New 4:00 p.m. at Temple Judea for our next drinks. daism. Membership in the organization tend our programs. For more informa- Year. May this year be one of peace,summer movie, Bell, Book and Candle, The group will join for dinner after is open to the community. Join HAZAK tion, contact us at the email address love, happiness, health and prosper-starring James Stewart, Kim Novak the film at La Grotta Italian Grill, 9520 and meet new friends. HAZAK Chap- noted above or call Temple Judea at ity. May we seek out all of the bless- ters are for singles or couples. It’s an 239.433.0201. ings in our lives and concentrate on the positive. Allow us to have peace within each of our homes, but mostly within Earn CAS Credits Center for Judaic, Holocaust, our hearts. The Jewish Federation of Lee and Genocide Studies and Charlotte Counties is Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about interested in hearing from Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: teenagers in high school who might like to earn CAS credits • scholarship though various work in the • outreach Jewish community. • inquiry • sharing knowledge If you are interested, please • preserving the record send the following information • helping teachers to [email protected]: • encouraging students Name Address Phone # Age Grade School Preferred volunteer hours Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays) Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director

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Call 481.4449 ext. 3 to add your name to the phone list. Each month we will call to confirm the mailing date and you can let us know if you are available to help label L’CHAYIM. Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events 239.770.6860 Time: 9:30 A.M. Monday, August 20, 2018 [email protected] www.shapiro-photography.com Friday, September 21, 2018 L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 22 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

the synagogue office for yet been to Israel, this will be a great offices of Myers and Brettholtz and TEMPLE JUDEA more information. trip!) Company. It is an hour of open discus- Fort Myers The religious Some of the highlights of the sion of Torah and Judaism where all (239) 433-0201 school’s opening day trip include: meeting with artists and levels of background and all questions and a Community Open craftsmen from Tel Aviv, attending a are encouraged. Everyone is welcome www.tjswfl.org House is planned for theater performance in Tel Aviv, ex- and there is no cost to attend. Sunday, August 26 from ploring Mahane Yehuda alongside an A wine and cheese reception is It may still be summer outside the syn- 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Parents and Israeli chef, visiting a gourmet spice held every Friday evening from 6:00 agogue, but inside, staff and lay leaders children will walk into a school with farm in the Galilee, touring SodaS- to 6:30 p.m. right before Shabbat ser- are already busy planning for the up- a whole “new vibe” provided by new tream’s high-tech production facility in vices. It’s a great time for members to coming High Holy Days and the pro- Director of Congregational Learning the Negev, and so much more! enjoy socializing and to greet prospec- gramming year. The holidays, which Tab Scrivener and her staff. Rabbi Sack will take the group tive new members and those visiting are either early or late (and seemingly, There will also be another Com- to out-of-the-way places and explore the synagogue. never on time!) are early this year. munity Open House on Wednesday, parts of Israel that aren’t usually on the For more information about Tem- Temple Judea will hold Selichot August 29 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. itinerary for first-time sightseers. Infor- ple Judea or upcoming programs, call services on Saturday evening, Septem- On Sunday, August 19, Temple Ju- mation about the trip is now available. or email the synagogue office. ber 1. The community is invited to join dea’s 55+ group, HAZAK, will have a Call Rabbi Sack for more information Regular scheduled events: members at a delicious dessert recep- program including a movie from 3:00 about this new adventure. • Friday evening Shabbat services at tion at 9:00 p.m., followed by a musi- to 5:00 p.m. Our monthly volunteering at the 6:30 p.m. cal concert by Cellist Eric Docinger Join Temple Judea’s Israel Revis- Salvation Army’s Meals with Compas- • Saturday morning Shabbat services and his accompanist at 9:30 p.m., and ited Trip, scheduled for May 2019. It sion (formerly Sally’s Café) continues. at 9:30 a.m. then Selichot services starting at 10:15 is a travel experience for those who Volunteers are needed for Sundays, • Lunchtime Torah study with Rabbi p.m. have been to Israel before and want to July 29, August 5 and 19. If you would Sack the first Thursday of each Erev Rosh Hashanah and Rosh Ha- participate in its lively music, art and like to volunteer, please contact Linda month – next Torah study is on shanah services are on Sunday evening, theater, eat in the best restaurants of the Idelson at [email protected]. September 6 September 9 and Monday and Tuesday country, see the best archaeology, and Rabbi Sack’s Torah Study will not • Morning minyan every Monday at mornings, September 10 and 11. Tick- meet Israelis who make the country the meet in August. Torah study will re- 9:00 a.m. ets are available for nonmembers. Call vibrant place it is. (Even if you haven’t sume on Thursday, September 6 at the

in Havana to see if they children’s Tylenol, children’s cough Cape Coral lacks in funds, we make TEMPLE BETH SHALOM needed anything, so she medicine, vitamins, etc. up for with heart. You can feel it when Cape Coral found the number online Even though this was not a temple you come to services or activities and (239) 772-4555 and called. The woman activity, the group decided to ask the are greeted warmly by both the rabbi on the other end of the congregation if they wanted to help. and the members. Please come and see www.templebethshalomcc.org line was so grateful for An email was sent and within three for yourself. Join us for Friday night the call that she became days they collected several hundred services, Brown Bag lunches every Recently, a group of members took a very emotional. She said they needed dollars to help Temple Beth Shalom in other Wednesday, Saturday morning trip to Cuba. Before leaving, it occurred so much she didn’t know where to Havana. Torah Study and more. Call the office to one of them to contact the synagogue start. Finally, she gave a list including What Temple Beth Shalom in at 239.772.4555 for more details.

Send updates and changes to the Directory below to [email protected].

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 Email: [email protected] Phone: (941) 8333381 Temple educator: Dale Cohen, Ma.Ed., R.J.E Email: [email protected] Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com President: Ellis Rabinowitz IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Phone: 4330018 • Fax: 4333235 a kiddush Web site: www.templebethel.com Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Temple Beth El will host a geographi- Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study cally-themed oneg on Friday, July 27. 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday CHABAD LUBAVITCH Birthplaces of our congregants will be Religious School: 9:30 a.m.noon Sunday COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE Hebrew School: 5:006:30 p.m Wednesday OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA displayed on a map and this special REFORM ORTHODOX Judaica Gift Gallery 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers oneg will feature desserts associated Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism 5620 Winkler Road (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) Fort Myers, FL 33919 with our birthplaces. Though we are P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz from different cities, states and coun- TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Rabbi Bruce Diamond Phone: 4337708 • Fax: 4819109 REFORM ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] tries, we are connected through our 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Web site: www.chabadswf.org TBE family and our beautiful spiritual Rabbi Devora Buchen Adult Educator: Jessica Evers Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah President: Arnie Schwartz Phone: (239) 4666671 class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon home, our synagogue. Phone: 7724555 • Fax: 7724625 Email: [email protected] Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. With the holidays coming soon, Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Email: [email protected] we are heavily into High Holiday 5779 Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday at 6:30 p.m. CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday OF CAPE CORAL preparation. This will be Cantor Bess- Religious School: Thursday 4:00 6:30 p.m. Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi ORTHODOX man’s first holiday season with TBE. Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, every Saturday morning from 9:30 11:30 a.m. Cantor Bessman and the TBE band Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) Phone: 9634770 are rehearsing and refining their mu- TEMPLE JUDEA Email: [email protected] sic. We appreciate and look forward BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS CONSERVATIVE Web site: www.chabadcape.com 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 to their rich contributions to our ser- REFORM Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Marc Sack Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by vices. Rabbi Luna will help us prepare 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Email: [email protected] for the holidays with an adult class President: Jennifer Manekin Kiddush luncheon Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. President: Alan Lessack Director of Congregational Learning: called the High Holy Day Experience. Elizabeth Singer MondayFriday morning 7:00 a.m. On Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. we will Phone: 2395790296 (OctApr) JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. 7732518862 (MaySept) Preschool Director: Joann Goldman learn about High Holy Day rituals, lit- Email: [email protected] [email protected] Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Cantor: Murray Simon Phone: 4330201 • Fax: 4333371 Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.12:30 p.m. urgy and wisdom. In this way we will Web site: www.batyam.org Email: [email protected] Jgirls: Tuesday 6:007:00 p.m. prepare our Jewish souls and spirits for Web site: www.tjswfl.org Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (NovApr) the holidays. This class will temporar- 7:00 p.m. Friday (MayOct) Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Adult Education: Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday  Shalom Life Center ily replace our marvelous Talmud for Saturday, 9:00 11:30 a.m. (NovApr) Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.noon; Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader 2183433 Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Wed. 4:306 p.m. • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): to 12:15 p.m. (NovApr) Early childhood education: Jacki Waksman (954) 6539053 Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Preschool, MF, ages 18 months5 years; • AJC (American Jewish Committee): “Mommy & Me,” 12 months2 years Brian Lipton (941) 3654955 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism • AntiDefamation League: (561) 9882900 TEMPLE SHALOM Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism • B’Nai B’rith International: (941) 3024500 Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE • Chevra Kadisha: HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ Gene Sipe 8414615 (941) 625-2116 REFORM • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 9639347 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 ESTERO • Hadassah Collier/Lee Chapter: www.templeshalomfl.com ORTHODOX Lynn Weiner 5981009 Port Charlotte, FL 339494675 • Hadassah Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): Rabbi Solomon Agin 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood Centre) Odette Port (941) 5051409 President: Gary Wein • Hazak 55+ Chapter: Temple Shalom will host an Open Phone: (941) 6252116 Bonita Springs, FL 341357024 Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Joyce Rosinger 4371566 House for prospective members and Email: [email protected] • Humanistic Jewish Havurah: Web site: templeshalomfl.com Phone: 9496900 their children for Religious School on Web site: www.JewishBonita.com Paula Creed 4958484 Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: (800) 6228017 Sunday, August 19 from 10:00 a.m. to Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by • Jewish Community Services: 4814449 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 5:15 p.m. a kiddush • Jewish National Fund: (727) 5365263 noon. A light dairy breakfast will be Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 5:15 p.m. Memorial Tree Planting in Israel 18005428733 Organizations: Sisterhood • Jewish War Veterans: Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter 2463151 • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Nechamie Minkowicz 8222784 • ORT Gulf Beaches Chapter Marina Berkovich 5661771 L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23

Arnoff knew the symbols sparkle. There are four shells on the the regions of Bohemia and Moravia BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS she wanted represented beach. The coquina, also called the but- in then Czechoslovakia. In 1948, the Sanibel on the new Torah cover terfly shell, for the child who flew away Communists took control of the gov- (773) 251-8862 so she designed it and early; the alphabet shell for the learned ernment and left all the Torah scrolls did all the needlepoint one, her husband Leonard; the juno- warehoused until 1964, when 1,564 www.batyam.org work herself. The front nia shell for her daughter Susan; and scrolls were transferred to London. panel is divided into the pink scallop for herself. The great Bat Yam’s Holocaust Torah #405 is The High Holy Days are soon upon us. three sections: the sky, the sand and the American egret standing at the edge of believed to be from the Brno-Boskov- There will be a Selichot gathering on ocean. The name of the congregation, the ocean denotes man’s inhumanity to ice area in what is now the Czech Re- Saturday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. at “Bat Yam,” Hebrew for “Daughter of animals. During the early 1900s, egrets public. According to the certificate pro- the home of Rabbi Stephen and Vickie the Sea,” is written in Hebrew letters and herons were killed for their feath- vided by the Memorial Scrolls Trust in Fuchs on Sanibel. Rabbi Fuchs will against the sky on the upper right side. ers for women’s hats. Floating in the London, Torah #405 may be from the lead all services together with Cantor On the upper left, the barren tree has water, “Bat Yam” is spelled out in Eng- 1800s but the details are lost to history. Murray Simon. only one limb with a few leaves on it. lish. The panel is set against a Sanibel Despite no certainty about the prior Rosh Hashanah services begin The tree is behind a barbed wire fence blue background. life of Torah #405, it is very welcome Sunday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. in that stretches across the panel. The tree The yad for the Holocaust Torah, at Bat Yam – Temple of the Islands on Fellowship Hall and continue on Mon- is the symbol of the Holocaust. The the pointer used by the Torah reader, Sanibel, and is lovingly referred to as day, September 10 at 10:00 a.m., fol- barren limbs represent the millions of was a gift from Ken and Henny Kara- the Boskovice Holocaust Torah. lowed by Tashlich on the beach. Kol lives lost. The living limb gives the sin, who purchased it in Tehran, Iran, Come to Bat Yam on Friday eve- Nidre is Tuesday, September 18 at 7:30 Torah new life. Below the fence, yel- in 1980. They were told that it was nings at 7:00 p.m. for a Shabbat ser- p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The Yom Kip- low hibiscus stand for the flowering about 100 years old. vice held in Fellowship Hall on the pur service is Wednesday, September tropics. There is a broken tree limb ly- According to the Memorial Scrolls campus of the Sanibel Congregational 19 at 10:00 a.m., ending with a “Break ing on the sand to denote the death of Trust website, all the scrolls were gath- UCC at 2050 Periwinkle Way on Sani- the Fast.” Ann’s daughter Janice at a young age. ered together in the Jewish Museum in bel. Members of the community, guests The saga of Bat Yam’s Holocaust The Star of David on the beach is em- Prague in 1942, by order of the Nazis, and visitors are always welcome to join Torah continues as promised. Ann broidered with gold thread to make it from Jewish communities throughout with congregants.

new Sabbath eve prayer- lively discussion of the week’s Torah congregation’s worship. COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE book, Ydid Nephesh (“A portion until 11:30 a.m., when the Now in its 13th year, The Com- Fort Myers Soul’s Companion”), Mourner’s Qaddish is recited. munity Free Synagogue is a valued (239) 466-6671 composed by Rabbi Dia- The schedule for Days of Awe community religious resource. All mond, with the assistance worship and Sukkot observances, in- of its events and programs, including www.fortmyerssynagogue.com of Auxiliary Rabbis Terri cluding details on the Rabbi and Re- youth and adult Jewish education, are Goldberg and Thomas bitzen’s Rosh Hashanah afternoon open to all and always free. The con- Weekly Sabbath eve dinners, worship Meiss, along with Laurie McConville. Tashlikh open house and the new gala gregation does not sell memberships and Sabbath morning Torah Study Free copies of this new siddur can Simhat Bet Hasho’eva celebration on or solicit funds, relying solely on the breakfasts continue throughout the be found on the synagogue’s website, Saturday night September 29 will be volunteerism and generosity of the month of August. www.fortmyerssynagogue.com, along posted on the synagogue’s website and several hundred households who con- Each Friday at 6:30 p.m., The with the Rabbi’s free High Holiday also appear in next month’s edition of sider C.F.S. their home for communal Community Free Synagogue serves prayerbooks, Haggadot, pamphlets of L’CHAYIM. prayer, study and benevolent acts. a traditional Sabbath dinner. It is free the house of mourning, and beautiful Read more about the congrega- The synagogue, led by Rabbi and reservations are never required. ketubot. All of these have been placed tion’s talented Days of Awe guest Bruce Diamond who begins his 21st At 7:30 p.m. the Sabbath is welcomed in the public domain and are being musicians, Julie Cornwall and Peter year in Fort Myers, is deeply commit- with prayer and song. A coffee hour freely used around the world. Francovic, in this edition. They will ted to Jewish morals and values while follows worship. Every Saturday at 9:30 a.m., C.F.S. join our gifted volunteer musicians honoring essential Jewish traditions of The congregation is exploring the offers a light breakfast followed bya and vocalists who already enrich the prayer, study and kindness.

Everyday Living class, & Bagels gatherings. While the adults time was had by all. TEMPLE BETH EL which normally meets at enjoy a bagel brunch, the babies play, Our recent preneg wine & cheese Fort Myers 1:30 p.m. each Wednes- crawl and babble together. It’s so ador- reception prior to Shabbat services (239) 433-0018 day. able. Stay tuned for more events like provided a warm, welcoming way for As our Wednesday this. new and longtime congregants to meet www.templebethel.com class helps us under- Bacon with the rabbi? No, just kid- and mingle in a casual setting. Rabbi stand, value and live a ding. It was bakin’ with the rabbi. Isaac Luna and Cantor Bessman joined the Temple Beth El will host a geographi- more Jewish life, Torah study at 9:00 cally-themed oneg on Friday, July 27. a.m. each Saturday shines a light on Birthplaces of our congregants will be life. All materials are provided and no displayed on a map and this special prior knowledge of Torah learning is oneg will feature desserts associated necessary, nor is knowledge of Hebrew. with our birthplaces. Though we are Come a few minutes early to schmooze from different cities, states and - coun before class. We’re a friendly bunch. tries, we are connected through our Perhaps a little on the lighter side, TBE family and our beautiful spiritual we enjoy our Lunch & Learn on the home, our synagogue. third Thursday of every month at Starz With the holidays coming soon, Restaurant (8750 Gladiolus Dr., corner we are heavily into High Holiday 5779 of Winkler Rd., a short hop from TBE). preparation. This will be Cantor Bess- Join us at our next Lunch & Learn on man’s first holiday season with TBE. August 16 at noon. Each month we dis- Cantor Bessman and the TBE band cuss a different topic as we enjoy each are rehearsing and refining their - mu other’s company, learn something, en- sic. We appreciate and look forward gage in a lively discussion, laugh at to their rich contributions to our ser- each other’s jokes, and enjoy a nice vices. Rabbi Luna will help us prepare meal. for the holidays with an adult class We include the younger genera- Talented baker Isaac Osin demonstrates his techniques in the Temple Beth El kitchen called the High Holy Day Experience. tion in the fun and spirituality, too. Our Osin, our wonderfully talented baker, crowd for fellowship and conversation. On Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. we will ongoing Tot Shabbat, the first Friday was a great teacher to the enthusiastic We may or may not have indulged in learn about High Holy Day rituals, lit- of each month, hosts families with ba- carb-inclined crowd who filled up the a little Jewish geography. A good time urgy and wisdom. In this way we will bies, preschoolers and young children TBE kitchen recently. Isaac generously was had by all. Stay tuned for informa- prepare our Jewish souls and spirits for to welcome Shabbat and to join for a donated all the ingredients, as well as tion about upcoming prenegs. the holidays. This class will temporar- potluck dinner. The very younger gen- his expertise. Todah rabah to Isaac for ily replace our marvelous Talmud for eration has its own occasional Babies a unique experience. A high-calorie

served. Rabbi Agin and sic program. There is no charge to dassah on November 13 Outdoor TEMPLE SHALOM several members of the attend. Hanukkah Program on December Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands board will be present to In addition to our fall Holy Day 2 at 5:00 p.m. (941) 625-2116 answer questions. No one and holiday services and events, the • Jewish Film Program on Decem- is refused membership temple will have the following pro- ber 11 at 7:00 p.m. www.templeshalomfl.com because of finances. grams, made possible by the Lesleigh • A series of four films This year Seli- and Sylvia Hershkowitz Cultural Fund: Please call the temple office at Temple Shalom will host an Open chot Services will be held on Satur- • Lunch and Learn with the Forward 941.625.2116 for a complete listing of House for prospective members and day, September 1 at 6:00 p.m. Rabbi • Bay Area Cantors Association our programs for the year. their children for Religious School on Again and Jane Galler will lead this Concert on November 4 Temple Shalom is Charlotte Coun- Sunday, August 19 from 10:00 a.m. to special program service. There will • Book Review and Talk by Rabbi ty’s only affiliated Reform congrega- noon. A light dairy breakfast will be be a dairy dinner served and a mu- James Rudin for Sisterhood & Ha- tion. For a continuously updated calendar of events, visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2018 24 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties

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