SUMMER

DOUBLE ISSUE

JULY & AUGUST 2020

L’ www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 42, No. 10 n July/August 2020 / 5780 Empathy and action inability to affect positive These responsibilities and experi- of Lee and Charlotte Counties address- FROM THE change. While I must ac- ences draw us closer to what we hear es the recent tragedy in Minneapolis. EXECUTIVE cept that most of us are and see on the news. Empathy is im- While it is important for our Federation powerless to aid the de- portant, but action is necessary. And to go on record about injustices perpe- DIRECTOR velopment of a vaccine we are taking action. Your support, as trated on individuals or groups for any  Alan Isaacs against COVID-19 – al- volunteers and material contributors, reason, we should remember that the though we should actively whether you help to operate our food work that our Federation does every t is understandable to reflect on the support a “virtuous cycle” of responsi- pantry, donate food or write a check, day is material evidence of the sup- state of affairs as I write this, two bly where safe behavior is concerned demonstrates that you are taking action port we provide to anyone who asks – Iweeks after the killing of George – I do not accept that we are unable to at the most fundamental level. actual, physical and moral sustenance Floyd, and when we count more than positively affect the condition of pov- A statement below from the Board that no statement alone can match. 110,000 deaths nationally from the erty and inequality in our community. of Directors of the Jewish Federation Coronavirus, to despair of our current Changing national hearts and minds is beyond our Federation’s reach, but Statement of the Jewish Federation INSIDE THIS ISSUE: providing material sustenance to those 7 Our Community in our community who suffer systemic of Lee and Charlotte Counties inequity is not only possible, it is, in- 8 Jewish Interest deed, our responsibility. on the Death of George Floyd 17 Israel & the Jewish World Regular readers of L’CHAYIM are We are horrified by the violent death Tzedakah (benevolence), Tikkun Olam 19 Marketplace familiar with the lengths to which our of George Floyd in Minneapolis. This (repairing the world) and K’lal Yisrael Jewish Family Services (JFS) goes to incident is a heartbreaking reminder of (taking responsibility for one another). 20 Commentary identify and assist those in need. Our the work that we, as a nation, still have These tenets are our sacred heritage as 21 From the Bimah assistance is based exclusively on need to do in order to realize a just society a Jewish people and they are at the core and, these days, is provided primarily for all. of our work as a Jewish Federation. 23 Focus on Youth to non-Jews – from food to financial The Jewish Federation of Lee and We support the peaceful pro- 24 Organizations assistance, from an empathetic ear to a Charlotte Counties will continue to be tests that have taken place in Lee and 26 Temple News resource referral, from a call to a land- part of the effort to stamp out racism, Charlotte counties and the right of all lord on behalf of a client to advocacy anti-Semitism and injustice. We are Americans to make their voices heard 26 Community Directory with the county. committed to furthering the ideals of through non-violent demonstration.

Your Federation team presents a FUN SUMMER of VIRTUAL at-home programming. A virtual interview and discussion with White Read The Book; Zoom House speechwriter & The Author author Sarah Hurwitz Sharon Friedman Sunday, July 12, Ashes 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 12, 6:00 P.M. VIRTUAL EVENTS CALENDAR for JULY & AUGUST

Sum mer Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Sundays

Concert Series Authors at 7:30 P.M. - Israeli Hebrew Out & About Erev Shabbat Short Films Words with the Table F ilms- Enjoy a live Dancing 12:30 P.M. Yoga & Sundays performance Herb Fried At-Home Meditation by Brian Gurl & 11:00 A.M. 1:00 P.M. 3:00 P.M. Guests

July 22 — Gershwin August 12 —

Broadway to Pop (all day access) (LIVE) (with 72 hour access) (LIVE) (all day access) *Small Fee (LIVE) All links for programming can be found on the homepage of our website: www.JewishFederationlcc.org

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

DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR www. JewishFederationLCC.org

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

Thank you, Brian! VE

To donate to By Sherri Zucker, Federation Co-President SA & big thank you is due to Brian Simon for serv- is a great starting point. $ $ ing as our Jewish Federation Board President. Brian always pushed Federation board members BUYING: INSTANT CASH CLIP the Federation’s Brian’s guidance and perspective have to think critically about what the Federation is doing. $ $

A VE been invaluable as we’ve navigated the past two He told me last year that he thinks it’s always im- years. portant for us to keep in mind ”what we’re about.” $ $ SA HIGHEST PRICES PAID! & Annual Campaign, Under Brian’s leadership At one board retreat he asked each of us to make a

we’ve experienced substantial list of the things we were proud of and the challenges CLIP growth in programming and facing the Federation. We then discussed each item,

GIVE BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES THE VE call 239.481.4449 Jewish Family Services. The giving attention to finding practical solutions to meet Jewish Film Festival is more the challenges ahead. SA popular than ever, with 13 films What can I say about the President’s message that OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS!! &

last season. The Senior Lunch Brian has authored in L’CHAYIM each month? It was CLIP or visit Bunch and the food pantry have something to look forward to and really more akin to GOLD & SILVER COINS PAPER CURRENCY 14kt • 18kt • 22kt GOLD

continued to evolve and expand. a literary essay than a newspaper article. The words rd VE JewishFederationLCC.org  Sherri A new social program for 25- to he wrote were warm, humorous and personal. His ar- IMMEDIATE PAYMENT 3 Generation Expertise • Call Today SA Zucker 44-year-olds, called TRIBE, was ticles were the first thing I read upon receiving the &

started last year. They’ve held several events that paper. CLIP have been well attended. One of Brian’s efforts was to Brian, for all you’ve done for the Jewish Federa-

“develop the next generation of leaders” and TRIBE tion of Lee and Collier Counties, we thank you! VE OUR MISSION

DIAMONDS • SAPPHIRES SA To strengthen and enrich the Jewish &

Community by providing and supporting CLIP philanthropic, educational and social Program notes By Debbie Sanford, Program Director RUBYS • EMERALDS

service programs locally, in Israel and VE

throughout the world. hen you read this article, it will officially festival in February. If not, we are prepared to have SA be my second anniversary at the Jewish an alternate idea because there is no way we will miss ALL DIAMOND JEWELRY • WATCHES & Federation. Yes, time sure does fly when our 25th anniversary Jewish Film Festival. That is a OUR VISION W CLIP you are having fun. big deal! A Jewish Community that is based on In my two years here, I have been through the With so many individuals and board members ANTIQUES • ART OBJECTS • OIL PAINTINGS Jewish values such as Tzedakah VE good, the bad (not really) stepping up and leading/chairing programs, the pres- SA

(benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing and the ugly (this virus). But ence we have grown in our community and the sup- & the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking through all this, I personally port from our sponsors and donors, I am confident we BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: BEANIE CLIP responsibility for one another). have learned something really will have a great year of programming, whatever that important. I am not always in looks like. Have an idea? Please reach out to me and BACKUS • HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR • ETC VE

control of things and that is let me know. Check out the new programming calen- SA

ok! We do the best with what dar on the front page, if you have not already. There Rolex • Cartier • Patek Philippe • Tiffany • Bvlgari & all Wrist and Pocket Watches & we have in the time we have. I is more information throughout the paper. I hope you Buccellati • Chimento • David Webb • David Yurman • Cartier • Tiffany • Harry Winston • John Hardy • Chopard CLIP am trying to stay in touch with find something you like! Mid Century Furniture, Oil Paintings & Accessories: Andy Warhol • Calder • Miro • George Nelson • Lepho • Paul Evans  Debbie you all, keep you entertained at When my dad passed at the end of March, I • Phillip Laverne • Nakashima • Dunbar • Frank Lloyd Wright • Vladimir Kagan • Dunbar • Charles Eams • Knoll VE

L’ Sanford home so you feel like you are thought to myself, how could I go thru this while in SA

still part of our Jewish community with live and vir- isolation? Well, I really wasn’t alone! Besides my & Jewish news published monthly by tual events, some educational, some pure entertain- family of course, this community showed an outpour-

Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties CLIP 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 ment. ing of love and support that I didn’t realize I was so (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 But nonetheless, I hope you are taking advantage lucky to have until this happened. The amount of cards,

Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org VE 

of our programming we have offered and will con- letters, emails, donations and calls has been so over- SA

July/August 2020 • Volume 42, Number 10 tinue to schedule for at least the next two months. Our whelming and comforting, I want to say thank you. &  film festival committee is screening films and, with I look forward to seeing everyone soon. Be well

Co-Presidents: Barbara Siegel & Sherri Zucker CLIP Board: Paul Bartrop • Karen Fine • Helene Glocer any luck, we will be back at Regal for our next film and enjoy your summer. Carolyn Gora • Jerry Greenfield • Elisa Grossman

Andi Horowitz • Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler • Sara Krivisky VE

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

Sylvia Simko • Brian Simon • Robert Thomas & Executive Director: Alan Isaacs

Program Director: Debbie Sanford CLIP Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen

 VE

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

Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923 & Aliza Katz (913) 244-7247

Ian Sanford (845) 649-9903 CLIP  L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, VE but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are SA & welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be Patek Philippe Chihuly Glass Jade Statues Picasso Pottery Russian Enamel Peter Max directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. CLIP Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the right to edit for space and content. MID CENTURY FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES VE Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, SA

STERLING SILVER, & self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. KPM • SEVRES • MEISSEN ROYAL VIENNA The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the FLATWARE, & TEA SETS CLIP writers and claims by advertisers. JUDAICA • SWAROVSKI • HERREND

GORHAM MARTELLE • GEORG JENSEN • CARTIER VE

TIFFANY • DAUM • GALLE • ARTGLASS SA

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or to place an ad, call Lori &

at 239.481.4449 x5 Zoom link can be found online at: BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES CLIP Zoom link can be found online at: HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE or send an email to VE Serving SA www.jewishfederationlcc.org rd Florida Toll Free: 1-800-356-3637 [email protected]. www.jewishfederationlcc.org 3 Generation Indian River, & Expertise 24 Hour On Call: 1-800-920-0067 St Lucie, CLIP INSTANT PAYMENT Call Mr. Kodner: 1-561-822-7043 Martin, and VE

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

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

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

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

Thank you, Brian! VE SA $ $ & BUYING: INSTANT CASH CLIP $ $ VE

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DIAMONDS • SAPPHIRES SA & Program notes RUBYS • EMERALDS CLIP VE

festival in February. If not, we are prepared to have SA an alternate idea because there is no way we will miss ALL DIAMOND JEWELRY • WATCHES & our 25th anniversary Jewish Film Festival. That is a CLIP big deal! With so many individuals and board members ANTIQUES • ART OBJECTS • OIL PAINTINGS VE

stepping up and leading/chairing programs, the pres- SA ence we have grown in our community and the sup- & port from our sponsors and donors, I am confident we BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: BEANIE CLIP will have a great year of programming, whatever that looks like. Have an idea? Please reach out to me and BACKUS • HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR • ETC VE

let me know. Check out the new programming calen- SA dar on the front page, if you have not already. There Rolex • Cartier • Patek Philippe • Tiffany • Bvlgari & all Wrist and Pocket Watches & is more information throughout the paper. I hope you Buccellati • Chimento • David Webb • David Yurman • Cartier • Tiffany • Harry Winston • John Hardy • Chopard CLIP find something you like! Mid Century Furniture, Oil Paintings & Accessories: Andy Warhol • Calder • Miro • George Nelson • Lepho • Paul Evans When my dad passed at the end of March, I • Phillip Laverne • Nakashima • Dunbar • Frank Lloyd Wright • Vladimir Kagan • Dunbar • Charles Eams • Knoll VE

thought to myself, how could I go thru this while in SA isolation? Well, I really wasn’t alone! Besides my & family of course, this community showed an outpour- CLIP ing of love and support that I didn’t realize I was so lucky to have until this happened. The amount of cards, VE

letters, emails, donations and calls has been so over- SA whelming and comforting, I want to say thank you. & I look forward to seeing everyone soon. Be well CLIP

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

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

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

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

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen I have to say something and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. By Brian Simon, Federation Past-President

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.

 Brian Simon TRIBUTES ��� ��� ������ ���������� �� L�� � C�������� C������� S����� The board and staff of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties extend condolences to Jodi Cohen on the passing of her father, the beloved Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture Harvey Cohen. We will miss Harvey – his warmth, his generosity and Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for his gusto – and the positive effect he had on everyone he encountered. all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk The last time I saw Harvey Cohen it was prior to the restrictions that the dancing, social groups, etc. coronavirus imposed on us. He was delivering a donation to our Food Pantry. L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community I was greeted, as usual, with his always-powerful handshake and the few informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ Yiddish phrases I know. While somewhat bent physically with years, Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the the warmth of his greeting and his temperament were as upright community. as his character. Everyone whom I know who knew Harvey Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish will miss him deeply. Arumforn besholem Harvey. community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the ~ Alan Isaacs Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community.

The board and staff of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Overseas wish Linda Idelson a speedy and full recovery. Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint �istribu�on Commi�ee �J�C� for full spectrum In memory of Joel Lovitch social services to Israel and Jewish communi�es in ��� from Rabbi Solomon & Arline Agin countries around the world.  from Roz Shraiar Partnership ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region in Israel.

In memory of Judy Freling Local Seniors Services from Marybeth & Robert Mandelkorn Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es INDIGENT FUND PACESETTERS for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. The Federation expresses special gratitude to our Indigent Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. In honor of Judi Davis Fund Pacesetters for the example they set for the rest of us. Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health from Cynthia, Howard, Jennifer, Myles, and sociali�a�on. Henry, Hannah, Jodie, Todd, Sam & Jack Anonymous Taryn Sasser Local Case Management Services Jack Cohen - Marcia Can Help Karin Fine In honor of Harvey Cohen Non‐sectarian, individual and family outreach, informa�on and Naomi Bloom & Ron Wallace Sherri & Ira Zucker referral services. from George & Joyce Rosinger Barbara & Earl Magdovitz Shalom Dancers Individual life coaching and support services. Toni & Stuart Morgenstein Mellow Mah Jongg In honor of the JFLCC staff Local Emergency Services Jackie & Alan Cadkin from Linda Smith Food Pantry and Publix food cards. Emergency financial assistance grants.

th Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters. In honor of Michael Kistler’s 75 birthday The Jewish Federation loves our from Andrea & Milton Goodman Local Community Services from Marsha Kistler Support families of children with special needs. GENEROUS DONORS Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, In honor of Jeanette Bevilacqua ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and planning. from Linda Smith INDIGENT FUND / MARCIA CAN HELP �e�is� Community �oun�a�on An endowment that ensures the long‐term financial base of Marty Freling Richard & Joan Davis Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Tributes. charitable, social and educa�onal programs in our community. Paul & Sylvia Simko Family of Judi Davis Needs‐based college scholarships and study scholarships in Terri Goldberg George & Joyce Rosinger Please send them to Lori Ramos Israel. Jacob & Brenda Buck Russell & Elizabeth Bogen Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. Carolyn Gora Robert & Carolyn Siegel Jeffrey Rapoport Arthur & Phyllis Geller at the Federation at [email protected]. Andrew Smith Carlos & Jill Weil Katie Keen Lynn & Lory Kirby Barry & Cheryl Fulmer Natalie Fulton Kathleen Della Tirado Andrea & Gene Sipe Toby & Sandi Sauls Jeffrey & Roberta Kushner Roberto & Rachelle Luna Arnold & Deborah Most MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT Linda Smith Bruce & Sheila Barsky SNOWBIRDS, Rabbi Solomon & Arline Agin Norman & Joan Newman Isaac & Mary Sue Osin Peter Goldberg & Lynn Jaffe newspapers don’t fly… A tribute is a thoughtful gift honoring Rose & Charles Braidman Gay Adelstein & Marshall a special occasion , including birth- Endowment Fund Nathanson however, your address will! days, anniversary's, promotions, bar/ Sharon Rosenberg Andrea & Milton Goodman Michael & Marsha Kistler Robert & Bette Batson bat mitzvah, or to express sympathy. Arlene Nathan & Michael Howard Silverman Scolnick Stephen & Esther Wiener Rabbi Solomon & Arline Agin Rosalyn Shraiar Steven & June Kruger Mae Folb Edward & Beverly Drucker Milton Goodman David Balsiger Honoring a special person Alice Harkness

Temple Beth Shalom Food Drive through a tribute gift to the Jewish Family Services of Lee & Charlotte Counties is a wonderful way to recognize a simcha (happy occasion) or remember a loved one. Not only does your Going North? gift show your family and friends that you care, it goes to work

helping Jews in need and building vibrant communities locally, FOOD PANTRY Jackie Sherman Don’t forget to contact us with in Israel and around the world. Don’t forget to contact us with Temple Beth El Laurie Morris your change of address to Temple Judea Rosalyn Shraiar your change of address to  Bar/Bat Mitzvahs  Loss of a loved one Shalom Dancers Elise Sewall continue receiving L’CHAYIM.  Births  New homes continue receiving L’CHAYIM. Mellow Mah Jongg Sander Simon  Confirmations Victor Gold Rich & Rene Lane Comfort Keepers Send address changes to: Barbara Gribin A personalized Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Sara & Brian Krivisky Bernard & Phyllis Aronson [email protected] tribute card will be sent to the honoree or bereaved on your Debbie Laites Randi & Payton Wolf or call: 239.481.4449 ext-5 behalf, reflecting a personal message if you wish. Joan & Miles Thomson Alan & Jackie Cadkin or call: 239.481.4449 ext-5 Brian & Mindi Simon Robert Thomas Ruth Lefberg Joyce Rose MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT Safe Travels Betty Massie Eric & Nancy Linkov visit our website at jewishfederationlcc.org/tribute-memorials Betty & Jim Rubenstein Murray Newton

Shalom Life Center Robyn Green Temple Beth Shalom Food Drive

Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM JULY/AUGUST 2020 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5

I have to say something By Brian Simon, Federation Past-President irst, a few disclaimers: 1) My shine” Bass, the white quarterback issue keeps coming up, not just be- As Jews, we know about being vic- term as president of the Jewish who moved from California, wants to cause incidents happen, but because tims of hate. I think we have an obliga- FFederation of Lee and Charlotte take a couple of his African-American they seem to happen in waves. tion to stand up when we see it. When Counties is over. I speak only for my- teammates, Petey and Louie, into a lo- 2014: Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, a hate-filled gunman killed 11 Jews at self. 2) I appreci- cal diner. His friends explain to him Michael Brown Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, ate the work that that black people aren’t welcome in “I didn’t know.” Americans rallied behind the Jewish the police do. I there. Ronnie insists that kind of preju- 2015: Sarah Bland, Eric Harris, community – White Christians, Black think their jobs dice is history, and they go inside. The Walter Scott Christians, Muslims. Their show of are extraordinari- restaurant owner refuses to seat them. “I told you! What you mean you support meant something. ly difficult, and Back out on the street, Petey is embar- didn’t know?!” No, it didn’t fix the problem. We often thankless. rassed and angry. 2016: Philando Castille, Terence still had to turn to law enforcement to 3) I’m writing this Petey: “What did I tell you man?” Crutcher, Colin Kaepernick kneels protect our synagogues and religious on June 11. Ronnie: “I didn’t know.” “You don’t want to know!” schools. And I appreciate that the po-  Brian There’s a scene Petey: “I told you! What you mean And here we are in 2020: Ahmaud lice are there. Simon in Remember the you didn’t know?!” Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd. Yes, there are other systemic prob- Titans that I keep thinking about. If you Louie: “He didn’t know.” No one is debating whether the re- lems facing black people in America, didn’t see the film, it’s a Disney movie Petey: “He didn’t want to know!” cent killings were wrong. They were. but police brutality is symbolic – an based on the true story of a high school I’m thinking about that scene be- No one is debating whether riots were armed oppressor taking advantage of football team in Alexandria, Virginia, cause it reminds me of where we are an appropriate form of protest. They his position of authority to injure or kill that was forced to integrate in 1970. with the issue of police violence and weren’t. a person who is compromised. After a big victory, Ronnie “Sun- the African-American community. The The debate is over whether the Racism is not exclusively a police killings represent “systemic racism.” problem. They don’t teach it at police Some conservatives point to a recent academies. It’s a problem of what’s tol- study that found white police officers erated within a culture. Growing up in are no more likely to shoot minorities Kansas City, we were taught that rac- than non-white officers. They ignore ism was wrong, but we also tolerated that the authors of that study recently overtly racist attitudes and actions. published a correction around their Standing up to racism when we see it main conclusion, and other research is hard. that found blacks are far more likely A friend of mine recently shared to be the victims of use of force. And that he thinks of Gentiles in terms of, if that neither Floyd nor Arbery fit in the he were in Nazi Germany, who would category of police shootings. But, hey, protect him and who would turn him we all stop “researching” when we find in. All of us would like to say we’re evidence that supports our position. not racists. But are we willing to call Attitudes are changing. Six years someone out when they say something

ago, 60% of whites believed the inci- objectionable? Not call them out on so- dents in Ferguson, Missouri, (Michael cial media, where we hide behind our INDIGENT FUND PACESETTERS Brown) and New York City (Eric Gar- computer. Confront them, face to face, The Federation expresses special gratitude to our Indigent ner) were isolated incidents. This year, respectfully calling attention to a com-

Fund Pacesetters for the example they set for the rest of us. according to an ABC News/Ipsos poll, ment, as if to say, “I treat a derogatory

70% of whites believe the George comment about blacks (or Hispanics

Anonymous Taryn Sasser Floyd killing represents a systemic rift or gay people) the same way I treat a Jack Cohen - Marcia Can Help Karin Fine between law enforcement and black comment about Jews. It’s not okay.” Naomi Bloom & Ron Wallace Sherri & Ira Zucker communities. I spent three days afraid to write Barbara & Earl Magdovitz Shalom Dancers The rest of the debate is over what this piece. I have friends across the Toni & Stuart Morgenstein Mellow Mah Jongg to do about it. Defunding the police political spectrum, and I know there Jackie & Alan Cadkin sounds like a ridiculous idea. Talking are good people who will be disap- about riots is just changing the subject. pointed that I chose to write about this We can’t fix a problem if we don’t because it’s a difficult issue and it’s The Jewish Federation loves our agree it exists. African Americans have politically sensitive and maybe I’ll of- been telling us for years that their ex- fend someone. I’m sorry, but I have to. GENEROUS DONORS perience with police is different from I don’t have the answers. But I have to our experience. The least we can do say something. I’ve seen this movie now is listen and show support. before. INDIGENT FUND / MARCIA CAN HELP

Marty Freling Richard & Joan Davis For a continuously updated Paul & Sylvia Simko Family of Judi Davis Terri Goldberg George & Joyce Rosinger calendar of events, visit Jacob & Brenda Buck Russell & Elizabeth Bogen Carolyn Gora Robert & Carolyn Siegel www.JewishFederationLCC.org. Jeffrey Rapoport Arthur & Phyllis Geller Andrew Smith Carlos & Jill Weil Katie Keen Lynn & Lory Kirby Barry & Cheryl Fulmer Natalie Fulton Kathleen Della Tirado Andrea & Gene Sipe Toby & Sandi Sauls Jeffrey & Roberta Kushner Roberto & Rachelle Luna Arnold & Deborah Most Linda Smith Bruce & Sheila Barsky Rabbi Solomon & Arline Agin Norman & Joan Newman Isaac & Mary Sue Osin Peter Goldberg & Lynn Jaffe Rose & Charles Braidman Gay Adelstein & Marshall Endowment Fund Nathanson Sharon Rosenberg Andrea & Milton Goodman Michael & Marsha Kistler Robert & Bette Batson Arlene Nathan & Michael Howard Silverman Scolnick Stephen & Esther Wiener Rabbi Solomon & Arline Agin Rosalyn Shraiar Steven & June Kruger Mae Folb Edward & Beverly Drucker Milton Goodman David Balsiger Alice Harkness Temple Beth Shalom Food Drive

FOOD PANTRY Jackie Sherman Temple Beth El Laurie Morris Temple Judea Rosalyn Shraiar Shalom Dancers Elise Sewall Mellow Mah Jongg Sander Simon Rich & Rene Lane Victor Gold Barbara Gribin Comfort Keepers Sara & Brian Krivisky Bernard & Phyllis Aronson Debbie Laites Randi & Payton Wolf Joan & Miles Thomson Alan & Jackie Cadkin Robert Thomas Brian & Mindi Simon Ruth Lefberg Joyce Rose Betty Massie Eric & Nancy Linkov Betty & Jim Rubenstein Murray Newton Shalom Life Center Robyn Green Temple Beth Shalom Food Drive

Follow the Federation at www.facebook.com/JewishFederationLCC L'CHAYIM JULY/AUGUST 2020 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION Jewish Family Services update Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center update By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator By Susan Suarez, President & CEO or the sake of this story, I’ll refer lunches, eat dessert and have noshes you donate enables us to say “Yes” the food drive buzzing throughout the to my client as Shlomo. Shlomo on hand. The number of food pantry when someone calls up and asks, “Can community. Comfort Keepers employ- Fand I spoke at length about his clients has more than doubled since you help me?” ees collected and delivered gift cards situation when he called to make a March, with many new clients becom- Speaking of helping, the Federa- and many, many pounds of food to the food pantry appointment. He was out ing monthly regulars. Every single tion is fortunate to have dedicated vol- Federation week after week, with good of work and didn’t know when he’d be thing that you donate makes a differ- unteers who manage the ongoing tasks cheer and abundant kindness. The Fed- able to get more ence in the lives of those people in our to keep our small but busy food pantry eration is ever grateful for their swift work or earn any community who need it most. going. No muss, no fuss. These folks response and generous support. income. Shlomo There is a vulnerability among are attentive and hardworking: Mary Although the popular monthly se- showed up on a people who come to get food since the Beth Mandlekorn, Elise Sewall, Susan nior lunches stopped in February, the Wednesday, and Coronavirus surfaced, affecting every Orkin, Karen Whitman, Randi and Pay- Federation has worked hard to stay in besides food and aspect of our lives. I can see it in peo- ton Wolf, Laurie McConville, Carolyn touch with the “lunchers” as well as toiletries, I also ple’s eyes, even with their masks on. Gora, Doreen Kostel, Barbara Gribin, the luncheon volunteers. Board Co- gave him infor- I also experience a sense of gratitude Judith Yevick and Robert Thomas. President Sherri Zucker and I called mation about oth- from each person that is thick, dense, A heartfelt thank you to Temple everyone in April to check in to see  Jodi Cohen er pantries, free palpable. The Federation is an essen- Judea, Temple Beth El and Temple how people were doing, how they were Susan meals and social services available. tial lifeline. I have this image of the Beth Shalom for their food drives and managing, and if they needed any help. Suarez While he was putting the bags of food human heart with saloon-type doors ongoing donations to the Federation In May, board members Karin Fine in his car, I came back onto the porch swinging back and forth, letting love food pantry. I must acknowledge Com- and Robert Thomas took over for Sher- and told Shlomo I had two gift cards in and out. The Federation’s embodi- fort Keepers for holding a food drive ri, along with several Senior Lunch for him – one for gas and one for gro- ment of the Jewish values of Tzedakah from April through June. I have a per- Bunch volunteers. ceries. Shlomo looked up at me, sank to (benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing sonal connection to Comfort Keepers The main purpose of the lunch was his knees in the parking lot, and cried. the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking re- He said, “When you told me about the sponsibility for one another) are what other places handing out food today, keep the hinges well-oiled. I didn’t know how I was going to get The emergency assistance that the there because I don’t have enough gas Federation provided during the last in my car.” couple of months has been to help peo- Please don’t ever underestimate ple with their electric, phone, internet the reach and power of your support and car insurance payments. So many for the Federation. Your generosity people have either lost their jobs or had makes it possible for us to provide food their work hours drastically reduced for families – Jewish and non-Jewish – and are unable to cover their basic ex- who are then able to cook dinner, make penses. Again, every single dollar that ConneCt with your Jewish Community Temple Beth Shalom members at the Federation delivering food and toiletries from their food drive – pictured are Stephanie Levine, Rabbi Devora Buchen, Lori Levine, Robyn and Jerry Razowsky because my father was a client for six to provide connection and community www.facebook.com/ and a half years. They kinda, sorta fell for Jewish seniors. Calling everyone on facebook.com/jfedsrq in love with my dad over time and he an ongoing basis is a way of honoring JewishFederationLCC has a special place in their hearts. As the seeds that have been planted over things changed with my father’s health the past four years. It is a privilege and and he moved into a senior living fa- a pleasure to call the people I’ve come cility, I stayed in touch with Develop- to know and love, and learn about their ment Director Dawn Pudlin. Back in backgrounds, how they met their be- April she wanted to know how my dad loved, their careers, where they grew was doing as well as how I was holding up, what their hobbies are, what they up. In one of my emails I mentioned like to cook, what they’re reading or how intense things were at work, and watching, and if there’s anything that how many new people were coming the Federation can do for them. Ev- to our food pantry due to the virus. eryone is so appreciative to hear from Within minutes of receiving that email, those of us making the calls. It is a win- Dawn contacted the always amazing win all around and has been a balm for Marketing Director, Lisa Armstrong, my own heart. about doing a food drive for the Fed- Thank you for all that you do to eration. “Buh buh buh,” as my mother support the Federation and the spirit in used to say, suddenly there were post- which you do it. ers, emails and announcements about This month’s It Matters to Us... advertisers That you love where This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support you live. of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. At American House, we offer maintenance-free living at its finest. 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Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center update By Susan Suarez, President & CEO e hope you and your families to themselves, their families and com- and staff is of utmost importance, so tographs shown were donated or loaned are safe and well. Thank you munities. Our Educators show students we have implemented new policies and to the Museum by Liberators, Holocaust Wto all those who continue to what happened during the Holocaust procedures which comply with CDC Survivors, their families and others. protect us during this crisis and to the es- as a result of unchallenged hate. This and Florida Department of Health regu- This Fall’s “Movies That Matter” sential businesses that have stayed open. May in their homes, students saw for lations. Admission procedures and tours series will have a new format. You’ll One of the most important ways themselves the modern equivalent of have been restructured as a result. Please receive a link to view the films, and reg- to combat racism one of the lessons of the Holocaust – visit www.HMCEC.org to learn more, ister to participate in a Zoom presenta- and hatred is edu- George Floyd died because none of the including the important information tion featuring an expert panel discussion cation. Our mis- other officers stepped up to help him as concerning our new online advance pur- and audience Q&A. The dates/films are sion is to teach the a bigoted man made him gasp for air and chase, timed-entry admission procedure, October 14: Sustainable Nation (about lessons of the Ho- lapse into unconsciousness. as tickets will no longer be sold at the clean water); October 21: Bedlam (about locaust to inspire In the words of Elie Wiesel: “We Museum. You will also find informa- mental health); October 28: Amy’s Story action against big- must take sides. Neutrality helps the tion on pre-visit preparations and other (about domestic violence). otry, hatred and oppressor, never the victim. Silence safety measures you need to be aware Please mark your calendars for The violence. During encourages the tormentor, never the of before your next visit. Luncheon event on Thursday, Decem-  Susan the COVID-19 tormented. Sometimes we must inter- There is a new exhibit in the Estelle ber 10. We are working on an alternate Suarez crisis, we saw fere. When human lives are endangered, and Stuart Price Gallery. “Through method of holding this event, and more countless acts of kindness, which con- when human dignity is in jeopardy, na- Their Eyes: The Liberation of Concen- information will be coming soon. tinue to inspire us. But, in late May, we tional borders and sensitivities become tration Camps,” commemorates the 75th For more information or if you witnessed the exact opposite behavior irrelevant. Wherever men and women anniversary of Liberation, highlighting have questions about our new proce- exhibited by four Minneapolis police are persecuted because of their race, the experiences of local SWFL residents dures, email [email protected] or call officers. Their action – and non-action religion or political views, that place who participated in Liberation. The 239.263.9200. We look forward to see- – resulted in the murder of a man who must – at that moment – become the artifacts, documents and original pho- ing you at the Museum. wasn’t resisting arrest. As one police center of the universe.” officer knelt on George Floyd’s neck I thank you for your continuing sup- for nearly nine minutes, three of his col- port of our mission and Education pro- leagues stood by and did nothing. De- grams, especially while we were closed IsIs YourYour BusinessBusiness WorthWorth spite hearing his pleas that he couldn’t for COVID-19. We were able to transi- breathe, not one intervened to help Mr. tion our programs online and serve as a Floyd. Their bigoted thinking and indif- resource for teachers and parents when MoreMore ThanThan YouYou Think?Think? ference directly caused his death. schools closed. Our recently completed The senseless murders of George Matching Gift Challenge raised funds to Find hidden value in your balance sheet. Floyd and others have prompted na- enable local teachers to participate in a tionwide protests. A wide diversity of summer study trip to Holocaust sites in The Living Balance Sheet® can help you protect and grow your business making the most of untapped potential. people participated, acknowledging Europe. Many thanks to Museum board Using this revolutionary financial model, you can: the consequences of treating others members Janet G. Cohen, Maureen • See the big picture of your with bigotry, hatred and indifference, Lerner and Rob Nossen for creating this finances, both business and personal and prompting a long overdue national Challenge Fund, and to all who made a • Adjust your strategies for optimal Brian Simon, ChFC, CLU conversation on racism. donation. The inaugural trip, funded by impact across the board Financial Professional Since our founding, the Museum’s the Museum and GenShoah of SWFL, • Maximize your opportunities and the Alliance Financial Group value of your business 14021 Metropolis Avenue Fort Education programs have engaged has been rescheduled for Summer 2021. Myers, FL 33912 Southwest Florida students in the im- We recently re-opened after Gov- It’s insight you won’t find anywhere else. portant conversations about the need for ernor DeSantis relaxed the restrictions For your complimentary business valuation contact Brian Simon at empathy and the dangers of indifference on Museums, nearly three months after (239) 246-8928 or [email protected]

to injustice. We teach students about closing due to the spreading pandemic. Registered Representative of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 14021 Metropolis Ave. Fort Myers FL, 33912 (239) 561-2900. Securities products offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Alliance Financial Group is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. 2019-79040 Exp. 5/21 their power to bring positive change The safety of our guests, volunteers

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Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old When the economy goes south, should we help the kids? By Rabbi Barbara Aiello et’s turn off the computer and Mel and Liddy turned to their Jew- is the caring we bring to members of our (or grandchildren). If money is given “ go to bed.” Mel pushed the ish traditions, written thousands of years communities and families. They deserve to one child, the other children should Lpower button, shook his head ago, to see if there were guidelines that caring action when they need it simply be informed and promised similar mon- and turned to his wife Liddy. Mel’s could apply to their modern-day dif- because we share the bonds of interper- etary gifts either now or at the time of worry was obvious. “I don’t like what I ficulty. Their first stop was the Psalms, sonal connection. Caring for each other inheritance.” hear when I talk to the grandkids. Tyler’s where we read, “It is a blessing to be is part of what makes us fully human.” Mel and Liddy knew what to do. new business is suffering and Paula’s able to earn our own way in the world Mel and Liddy agreed that Jewish Tyler and Paula, the grandchildren in hair salon is on and thereby enjoy the fruits of our own tradition supports the idea of offering need, were offered a monetary gift for the brink.” Lid- labor, You shall eat the fruit of your ef- financial help to children or grand- which they were grateful. The other dy agreed. “The fort – you shall be happy and it shall be children, but just how to do it? What three grandchildren were pleased with kids work hard well with you.” (128) approach should they take? their grandparents’ promise to do the but the economy Mel and Liddy worked hard all Enter Christina Baltz, financial ad- same for them come inheritance time. is for nothing. their lives. They had money in the bank. visor who was quoted in a recent New The work of an esteemed rabbinic They didn’t ask They could help their grandchildren, but York Times article, “Thinking about sage and halachic expert, Rabbi Joseph for money, but should they? Giving Money to Your Adult Children? Caro, is summarized by Rabbi Shlomo should we offer Turning to the Torah, Mel found Think Again,” who tackles the questions Ganzfried in his book, Kitzur Shulchan to help?” additional guidance. “Look here, Liddy. of when and how much money should Aruch. Rabbi Ganzfried’s volume, first Rabbi Barbara Aiello No one an- What do you think of this? The Torah be given to adult children, especially if published in 1864, explains elements ticipated the profound effect that the tells us that it is a positive command- they are able-bodied and well-educated. of halakah in clear and understand- Coronavirus health crisis would have ment to give charity and “Open your How long should any financial help last? able terms, telling us, “If you support had on friends and family, and few hand generously and extend to [your And should it be a gift, loan or advance your grown children (or grandchildren) predicted the economic devastation that needy brother] any credit he needs to on an inheritance? whom you are not obligated to support would follow. Nationwide lockdowns, take care of his wants.” (Deut. 15:8) Susan Covell Alpert, author of and they need your support, that is stay-at-home laws, and businesses that Thanks to an explanation by Rabbi Later Is Too Late: Hard Conversations tzedakah, (because) the poor person in when they finally opened, were forced Aryeh Kaplan (The Handbook of Jewish That Can’t Wait, offers answers when your house takes precedence over the by social distancing requirements to Thought; Vol. 2), Mel and Liddy exam- she recommends that, “Giving a child poor person in your city.” serve fewer customers – all these had ined the Jewish approach to charitable money for certain milestones, like col- “We’d like to help everyone,” Liddy dire effects. Savings that took years to giving. Rabbi Kaplan writes, “A fifth of lege graduation, marriage or the birth of said. “But we did what we could for accumulate dried up in weeks. Small one’s income is considered a generous children, may seem like a good idea on our family.” Liddy echoes Rabbi Ganz- businesses like those operated by Mel contribution to charity, and should not paper. But it can stoke feelings of anger fried’s sentiments precisely, so much so and Liddy’s grandchildren took espe- be exceeded. It is forbidden to impover- and resentment in children who don’t that if those rabbis were here with us, cially hard hits. ish oneself by distributing all of one’s marry or can’t have children.” I’m sure they’d offer a “Kol HaKavod,” Liddy switched off the bedside wealth to charity, and one who does so This got Mel and Liddy thinking. Liddy and Mel. Well done! light. “Let’s think about it, Mel. Maybe is counted among the foolishly pious…” Two of their five grandchildren were Rabbi Barbara Aiello is the first woman we should help the kids out. Give them “If we give the grandkids money, suffering economically during the Coro- rabbi in Italy. She is spiritual leader of some of our savings.” Mel wasn’t so sounds to me like we shouldn’t go over- navirus crisis. The other three worked the first active synagogue in southern sure. “They haven’t asked and I don’t board,” Liddy said. Mel agreed but he still in professions that were untouched by Italy since Inquisition times, founder want to embarrass them,” Mel sighed. wasn’t sure how to approach the grandkids the current economic downturn (news of Italy’s Pluralistic Jewish movement, Several days later, after Mel and in what was their time of need. broadcaster, NASA engineer and sani- and a mentoring rabbi for Darshan Liddy spoke with close friends about According to Rabbi David Teutsch tation supervisor). Should they give to Yeshiva’s conversion program. She is their grandchildren’s financial dilemma, (Reconstructing Judaism), that’s where two and not the other three? a vice president of Kulanu, a Jewish Mel had an “Aha” moment. “We’ve covenanted caring – the Jewish concept Thanks to author Alpert who recom- organization that supports Jewish diver- consulted our friends. Now let’s see of Hesed – comes in. The rabbi explains mends “…that parents be open and fair sity worldwide. Contact her at rabbi@ what the Torah has to say.” that “Lovingkindness (Hesed) in action when giving money to adult children rabbibarbara.com.

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Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing oldToday’s Jewish diaspora communities at once threatened and resilient Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM Exile: Portraits of the Jewish ment assures, to the extent possible, had served in important diplo- their Zionism. Diaspora, by Annika Hernroth- a future sprung from an impenetrable matic positions. Jewish life in This is only one of Rothstein. Edited by Tiffany Gabbay. core. These people know that they must Morocco can seem and, per- the many chapters filled Bombardier Books. 208 pages. “plant their feet firmly in the past.” haps, be one of subservience with surprises. Hardcover $27.00. Modern day Uzbekistan is a place to the Muslim community. It Aside from the four where people have lived since the is a life adaptation that is not chapters skimmed to give ometimes a relatively compact “Old Stone Age.” Annika outlines its uncommon in the diaspora. a taste of this valuable book has a lot to offer. It’s so remarkable history through the shifting She reminds us that study, there are additional Sunusual to find a book whose of empires. She reminds us that Uzbeks tens of thousands of Jews chapters detailing the past author has a fascinating and necessary fought in the Red Army against Nazi arrived in Israel between and present communities idea about Jewish culture, digs into the Germany and “500,000 of the soldiers 1948 and 1956, shrinking Moroc- of Jews in the following topic and comes up with a result that were Jewish.” This nation gained inde- co’s Jewish community. places: Cuba, Iran, Finland, Sweden, is dazzling in its factual base, its inter- pendence in 1991. A humorous scene Can you imagine that such a book Palermo, Turkey and Venezuela. An- pretation of gathered evidence and its involves what Annika calls an “Uzbek would contain a healthy section on Si- nika’s adventurous nature, her passion engaging voice. Orthodox flirtation.” She describes beria? Well it does. for Jewish culture and history, and her Annika Hernroth-Rothstein, a the conflict between the Ashkenazi Annika relates the fact that, perhaps openness regarding her personal experi- Jewish journalist and Bukharian Sephardi communities. not ironically, Siberia means “The End” ences exploring these varied communi- from Sweden, set Throughout its history, the Jewish Uz- in the regional dialect of Ostyak. Siberia ties is a treasure and a joy. herself a challeng- beks have fought against assimilation, is immense. But for many Jewish im- About the author ing mission and and the community has often “teetered migrants it offered a new beginning. It Annika Hernroth-Rothstein is a former the results are il- on the brink of extinction.” Accusations is a place rich in natural resources that political advisor for the conservative luminating. The of dual loyalties posed serious problems. demand a labor force to take advan- coalition of Sweden, and now a full-time stories she tells are Through all of these, Uzbekistan’s Jews tage of them. Millions of people have journalist and author. She contributes at once consoling have survived. The benefited from the Trans- to such publications as The Wall Street and a bit frighten- community contin- Siberian Railway, including Journal, Israel Hayom, National Re- ing as well. Where ues to maintain its those who helped build this view, The Washington Examiner and Phil Jason is the Jewish di- strong presence in marvel. The Jerusalem Post. When she is not aspora today? It’s in places you might “a peaceful, multi- Annika finds the towns writing, she travels the world and is a not expect. religious melting she visits somehow familiar. sought-after public speaker on issues Come with Annika on her magical pot.” These Jewish It’s like a homecoming to of religious freedom, European politics mystery tour – a tour that took two years. citizens are at once this Jew of partial Russian and the Middle East. For even more After an introduction in which she “equal,” and yet not ancestry. It is no surprise about the author, go to annikahernroth. describes the sources of motivation for “truly free” under the to find a Chabad-Lubavitch com. her project, the author launches her di- USSR shadow that presence whose leaders are Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeri- aspora guide with a study and reminisce still darkens today’s the “head and heart” of the tus of English from the United States about the Djerba community. Djerba, Russia. Irkutsk Jewish community, Naval Academy. He reviews regularly an island in Tunisia, is a good starting A favorite chap- Annika Hernroth-Rothstein which is home to at least for Florida Weekly, Washington Inde- point. She introduces us to guides and ter for many readers is likely to be the 5,000 Jews. The synagogue is jammed, pendent Review of Books, Southern community leaders who shape her in- one on Morocco. Arriving in fabled assimilation seems under control, and Literary Review, other publications and troduction to this unfamiliar place. She Marrakesh the day before Passover, Jewish institutions – educational and the Jewish Book Council. Please visit learns about the town of Hara Kbira, Annika enjoys the synagogue service otherwise – are active. Strangely, Putin Phil’s website at www.philjason.word almost exclusively Jewish. It has 12 at Lazama Synagogue, built in 1492 is an ally of Russian Jews, who are press.com. synagogues. As in other Jewish centers “and now housed inside of a sixteenth deeply patriotic and also open about within Muslim countries, these people century Riad Mellah (ghetto).” She toys operate discretely and without calling with the commonplace, that in Morocco

attention to themselves. The town has the lives of Muslims and Jews have been a full range of Jewish institutions and intertwined, but she also notes that this outlets. They have struggled against is true only in certain restricted areas. persecution and assimilation, and found Annika moves gracefully from the old, a way to survive and flourish. The island historic places of Jewish community to is home to 1,500 Jews whose commit- the more modern ones, noting that Jews Read the current and recent Awardwinning author issues of L’CHAYIM online at Sharon Gloger Friedman was born and raised in www.JewishFederationLCC.org. South Florida and now happily resides in Georgia with her husband. A former teacher, copy editor and The Jewish Book Council sits down with an author of freelance writer, her a recently published book for a quick 30-minute chat to articles and essays have appeared in The Boston learn about their latest work. Globe, Woman’s World Magazine, Yahoo News and Examiner. com. Her first novel, Ashes is the 2019 winner of the Next July 1: Scott Shay Generation Indie Book Award for Historical July 8: Rachel Beanland Fiction, and the 2019 New Apple Summer EBook Award for August dates: TBA Historical Fiction. 12:30 PM Live on Zoom Register online at: JewishFederationLCC.org

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The Madagascar Plan: Waiting room for the Final SolutionThe Sarajevo Haggadah: By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD he Madagascar Plan was an posal after Franz Rademacher, the head the island. Tapping into longstanding annually over the next four years. Music of the Book outlandish notion which in July of the Jewish Department of the Ger- anti-Semitic views regarding Jewish The feasibility of the Madagas-By Arlene Stolnitz T1940 – 80 years ago this month man Foreign Office, wrote a memoran- wealth, the Plan called for the Jews’ car Plan rested on the outcome of two eraldine Brooks’ People of the – nevertheless was taken seriously by dum on July 3, 1940, suggesting this “former European financial assets” military events. The first had already Book was the inspiration for a Germany’s Nazi regime as a possible as a solution to the “Jewish Question.” to be transferred to a European bank been achieved when France surren- creative musical work entitled way to rid Europe An avowed anti-Semite, Radem- that would be specially established for dered to Germany on June 22, enablingG “The Sarajevo Haggadah: Music of the of its Jews. The idea acher sought to elevate the role of the the Madagascar project. This way, the Madagascar to be transferred to Ger-Book.” Created by Bosnian composer was to expel Eu- Foreign Office in Jewish affairs,- par Jews would pay Germany for the value man control. The second event was the and accordion player Merima Kljuco, rope’s Jews to the ticularly in finding a way to remove the of the land, funded by the sale of their Battle of Britain between July and Oc-the work uses accordion, piano and large French colo- Jews from Germany. It was against this property in Europe. tober 1940, in which the Germans held video to trace the unique travels of the nial island of Mada- background that he suggested that all In addition, given that Madagascar that victory over the Royal Air Force Haggadah from gascar, off the coast Jews falling into the German sphere – would be a Mandated territory, Jews would be the first step toward the inva- medieval Spain of Africa. As a plan, which, given the conquest of Poland a deported there would not be permitted sion and surrender of Britain. The out- th Dr. Paul Bartrop to 20 century it resonates today as few months earlier, had increased con- to acquire German citizenship, while come of the battle was relevant to the Bosnia. Hidden another stepping stone on the way to siderably – be expelled and deported to at the same time losing the citizenship Madagascar Plan, as a German victory and rescued dur- the “Final Solution” – the extermina- Madagascar. of the European countries from which would remove Britain’s Royal Navy as ing World War II, tion of Europe’s Jews. Throughout the spring and summer they had been deported. Their new a factor inhibiting the transport of Jews the Haggadah was Expelling the Jews from Europe of 1940, Rademacher worked hard to status would be as “residents of the to Madagascar and would provide the later restored by to Madagascar was not a new idea. It develop his Plan, along the way alien- Mandate of Madagascar,” as “our Ger- ships needed to carry out such a mas- the National Mu- was proposed as early as 1885 and con- ating himself from Eichmann, who was man sense of responsibility toward the sive operation. seum in Sarajevo. tinued to be discussed during the early attempting to take control of the proj- world forbids us to make the gift of a Germany’s loss in the Battle of Arlene Stolnitz Commissioned by th 20 century, though the island was ect himself. sovereign state” to the Jews. Britain brought an abrupt end to theThe Foundation for Jewish Culture, the hardly a wholesome location in which The idea spread so quickly within Another element of Rademacher’s Madagascar Plan. That it had beenmusic reflects the turmoil of the times. to send millions of Jews. Situated in the the Nazi leadership that it was not long proposal would see that the creation of considered very seriously by NaziFor Kljuco it’s not about the violence, Indian Ocean about 250 miles from the before Hitler made mention of it, and a colony in Madagascar would prevent leaders, including Hitler, Heydrich andit’s about the power of culture in the coast of southeast Africa, it is subject Reinhard Heydrich successfully ar- the possible establishment of a Jew- Eichmann, provides an insight intoface of violence. The music reflects the to a six-month rainy season, oppressive gued that it fell within his remit. ish state in Palestine, thereby negating Germany’s thinking in 1940 regardingturmoil of those times. But for Kljuclo, heat and cyclones. The Madagascar Plan envisioned “the opportunity for them to exploit for Europe’s Jews. the story is not so much The issue had previously been con- that the island be transferred from their own purposes the symbolic im- Although it was clear to all that theabout the violence that sidered briefly by the Nazi leadership. France to Germany as a Mandated ter- portance which Jerusalem has for the Madagascar Plan – had it gone forwardthreatened the Hag- Indeed, senior SS officer Reinhard ritory. It would become the site of a Christian and Mohammedan parts of – would have resulted in the death ofgadah and the Jews Heydrich, for instance, ordered and colony of Jews under the administra- the world.” hundreds of thousands of Jews tryingthrough the centuries. received a report from his Jewish af- tion of a German Police Governor, in Finally, the conduct of the Jews in to survive in a police state in a difficultIt’s about people help- fairs expert, Adolf Eichmann, as early which the Jews would create their own Madagascar would act “as a pledge for climate, it was also clear that the deci-ing one another, and the as December 1938. The idea of sending administration, including mayors, po- the future good behavior of the mem- sion to exterminate every Jewish man,power of culture in the Europe’s Jews to Madagascar, howev- lice and so on. They would also be re- bers of their race in America.” The woman and child in Europe had not,face of violence. “It’s er, only became a serious policy pro- sponsible for the economic welfare of Plan considered that it would also be in July 1940, yet been made. None-interesting that such a good propaganda, showing “the gener- theless, a specific mindset was in trainstory surprises us,” she osity shown by Germany in permitting that would see the start of its realiza-says, “when it should What do you think? cultural, economic, administrative and tion within the next 12 months. be completely normal.” legal self-administration to the Jews.” Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of His- As writer of this Adolf Eichmann eventually took tory and the Director of the Center forcolumn, much of what I write about Send your letters and comments over the project, drafting his own plan Holocaust and Genocide Research atcomes to me in very strange and un- for Madagascar on August 15, 1940, Florida Gulf Coast University. He canexpected ways. The result is that often to [email protected] in which he proposed that one million be reached at [email protected]. I come upon musical stories that few Jews would be deported to Madagascar people know of. Such is the case of this musical composition. Since I am an inveterate reader, an article from the online Forward caught my attention recently. The article invited interested viewers to join the Forward Book Club on Zoom. The book to be discussed was People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. I had already read the book but was willing to participate. It has been an amazing experience with readers participating from all over the United States! One of the most interest- ing discussions involved a museum cu- rator who had worked on the Haggadah itself, which was an early illuminated Haggadah from 14th century Spain. However, in doing some research, as I generally do when working on a new topic, I came upon the musical connec- tion that I write of in this article. Merima Kljuco was studying music in Sarajevo when the war in Bosnia broke out. She fled Bosnia in 1993. A few years later a friend gave her a copy of People of the Book. 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The Sarajevo Haggadah: Music of the Book By Arlene Stolnitz eraldine Brooks’ People of the make a musical story, telling how the Book was the inspiration for a Haggadah ended up in Sarajevo. She Gcreative musical work entitled brought her project to fruition with a “The Sarajevo Haggadah: Music of the multimedia composition for piano and Book.” Created by Bosnian composer accordion that includes images from and accordion player Merima Kljuco, the Sarajevo Haggadah. Many of the the work uses accordion, piano and scenes, illuminated in copper and gold, video to trace the unique travels of the depict biblical stories from Creation to Haggadah from the death of Moses. medieval Spain So just who is Merima Kljuco? to 20th century Checking her out, I discovered that Bosnia. Hidden she is a classically trained accordionist and rescued dur- specializing in contemporary music that ing World War II, draws from many traditions including the Haggadah was Balkan, Sephardic and Klezmer. She later restored by was born in Yugoslavia in 1973, and the National Mu- fled to the Netherlands as a refugee of seum in Sarajevo. the Bosnian War where she currently is Arlene Stolnitz Commissioned by listed as a Bosnian-Dutch resident. At The Foundation for Jewish Culture, the present she also resides in Los Angeles. music reflects the turmoil of the times. She speaks of the Sarajevo Haggadah For Kljuco it’s not about the violence, as “a symbol that inspires respect and it’s about the power of culture in the tolerance of different cultures and tradi- face of violence. The music reflects the tions.” She remembers a time growing turmoil of those times. But for Kljuclo, up in Sarajevo in a culture that felt a the story is not so much about the violence that threatened the Hag- gadah and the Jews through the centuries. It’s about people help- ing one another, and the PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS power of culture in the face of violence. “It’s WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION interesting that such a story surprises us,” she & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. says, “when it should be completely normal.” As writer of this The Sarajevo Haggadah column, much of what I write about bond with Jewish, Christian and Muslim comes to me in very strange and un- communities. In many ways the Hagga- expected ways. The result is that often dah reminds her of her own life and the I come upon musical stories that few Exodus she experienced. All of this led people know of. Such is the case of this her to this 12-movement composition musical composition. starting with God’s creation of the world Since I am an inveterate reader, an in an accordion sequence that mimics article from the online Forward caught the sound of breath. my attention recently. The article invited At our final book club session on interested viewers to join the Forward People of the Book, Geraldine Brooks Book Club on Zoom. The book to be was the guest speaker. During the discussed was People of the Book by question-and-answer session, I of- Geraldine Brooks. I had already read fered the information I had recently the book but was willing to participate. discovered. She responded by saying It has been an amazing experience with that in its Boston area debut in 2014, readers participating from all over the she had contributed an introduction United States! One of the most interest- and participated in a post-performance Specializing in ing discussions involved a museum cu- discussion. She commented on the outpatient hip and rator who had worked on the Haggadah beauty of the musical piece, which was knee replacement itself, which was an early illuminated very gratifying to me. You can find it on Haggadah from 14th century Spain. YouTube. Enjoy! However, in doing some research, Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota as I generally do when working on a new Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jew- topic, I came upon the musical connec- ish Congregation of Venice. A retired tion that I write of in this article. educator from Rochester, New York, Merima Kljuco was studying music she has sung in choral groups for over in Sarajevo when the war in Bosnia 25 years and also sings in The Venice broke out. She fled Bosnia in 1993. A Chorale. Her interest in the preservation few years later a friend gave her a copy of Jewish music of all kinds has led to of People of the Book. After reading it, this series of articles on Jewish Folk she started thinking of how she could Music in the Diaspora.

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Chocolate Challah with a sweet twist Stars of David – recipe by Chef Dalia f you love making bread at home, older than 7 or 8, and I still remember • ½ tablespoon salt then get ready for a tremendous kneading the sticky dough and making • 2 large eggs, beaten Irecipe – Chocolate Challah with a a sticky, floury mess all over the kitchen • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted sweet twist – where every bite is filled as my sister and I made the challah for • Canola oil with soft crumbs and the inviting taste Kabbalat Shabbat every Friday morning For the filling: Diggs is Everywhere Now of chocolate. at school. • ¾ cup chocolate spread Recent events have led the Jewish media Are you ready for this remarkable I don’t remember how our challah • ½ cup halva to report on the fairly large and growing chocolate challah recipe? And do you tasted, or if it even ended up looking like • 1/3 cup cocoa nibs (or 2 table- number of American Jews “of color.” A know what’s better than chocolate a challah, but I do remember making it spoons cocoa powder) 2019 report by Stanford and the Univ. challah? Chocolate challah filled with being so much fun. For the topping: of San Francisco estimated 12-15% of Hashachar H’aole, Israeli special cocoa When my sister Shuli asked me to • 1 large egg, beaten American Jews are persons of color. spread. And even better than that? Choc- create a chocolate challah, I decided • Sesame seeds Most are children of intermarriage, but a olate challah with halva and cocoa nibs. to be daring. I wanted a challah that X In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast considerable number are converts to Ju- Born and raised in Israel (I am smelled delicious even as it was baking, over the milk and add the ½ table- daism. This past year, two famous Jews sure everybody already knows that by and tasted outstanding from the first spoon sugar. Let sit until a frothy “of color” have been very prominent. now), I remember eating challah bread bite. The delight of challah is its crust, layer develops on top, about 5-10 The first is comedian/actressTIFFANY every Friday night and Saturday morn- and this chocolate version is crusty on minutes. Personal Chef Dalia Hemed HADDISH, 40, who discovered as an X ing. I love bread (any bread) a lot and I the outside, crumbly on the inside, and In a large bowl, whisk together can be reached at adult that her (now late) father was an can’t resist challah bread. My grandma spread with chocolate and halva. the 3½ cups of flour, ½ cup sugar [email protected]. Eritrean Jew. She embraced her father’s Dalia (I was named after her), a talented I chose a Hashachar h’aole special and salt. Make a well in the center faith and had a “real” bat mitzvah (read- baker, used to regularly make the soft- cocoa spread to add an Israeli twist, and and add the eggs and butter. Mix is formed. ing from the Torah, etc.) last December. X est, most delicious challah bread for us decorated the glazed braids with extra together with a wooden spoon, On a lightly floured surface, punch The other is DAVEED DIGGS, 38. grandkids. We ate sliced challah bread sesame seeds for an impressive effect pulling in a little flour at a time down dough and cut in half with aHe is the son of an African-American for breakfast with chocolate milk; we before placing the loaves into the oven. bench scraper. Using a rolling pin,father and a (white) Jewish mother. He ate it with a jelly spread; we made the I couldn’t wait to try the result. It looked roll each half into a 12x16-inchwas raised, for lack of a better term, dough with cinnamon, chocolate and beautiful and was simply heavenly. rectangle. “Jewish Light.” As I reported in my last raisins! My mouth is watering already With this decadent recipe, take your X Spread the chocolate filling on bothcolumn, he has a leading voice role in even just saying these words out loud! challah to the next level (and the next rectangles all the way to the edges.Central Park, an Apple TV+ animated The aroma, the expectation, the golden course) by having it for dessert. X Starting from the long side, tightlyseries (started in May), and he co-stars crust and all the ways we could use it, This challah even toasted up well, roll each rectangle into a log that’sin the big-budget TNT thriller series challah was a regular and lovely part of and would no doubt make great French about 20-inches long. Cut each inSnowpiercer , which also began in May my childhood. toast if you manage to keep it around half lengthwise. and concludes on July 19. Also, this It’s super easy to make the challah that long. It’s beautiful and will be the X Twist the halves together a fewcoming August, Diggs has an important bread dough using eggs, oil and a few perfect thing to serve on Friday night times, starting from the middle androle in The Good Lord Bird, a major other ingredients. People always think Shabbat. It’s just delicious. This recipe pinching the ends together, formingShowtime mini-series about the lead-up that making bread is boring and takes is a well-kept secret in my family, and I a rope. to the Civil War. a long time. It’s a complete mistake. hope it will be in yours! Get your bread X Gently transfer the braids to parch- Diggs won a Tony for his perfor- Making a challah is super easy. It re- baking on. Let’s make some challah! ment-lined backing pans coatedmance as the Marquis de Lafayette quires 5-10 minutes to make the dough, Ingredients (for two loaves): with cooking spray. Cover with aand Thomas Jefferson in the mega-hit and the rest is just some time to let the For the dough: from the sides of the bowl. Stir in clean dish towel and allow to rise,Broadway musical Hamilton. The dough rise. • 1½ tablespoons dry yeast the yeast mixture. Mix to combine about another 45 minutes. film version of Hamilton (co-starring I can’t forget the first time I made • 1 cup lukewarm milk (or water) until dough is formed. X Preheat oven to 375F. Diggs) will premiere on the Disney Plus challah. It was, in all likelihood, one of • ½ cup granulated sugar X Turn out onto a floured surface and X Brush all over the challah withchannel on Friday, July 3. Three stage my first experiences making any sort • 3½ cups all-purpose flour, plus knead well for about 5 minutes. If beaten egg, making sure to get inproductions of Hamilton were filmed, of yeast bread. I couldn’t have been more if needed the dough is very sticky, work in a the cracks and along the sides of and the “best parts” were combined to teaspoon of flour at a time until the the loaf. Sprinkle with the sesame dough is smooth and not sticky. seeds. Changing you address? Keep X Lightly oil the inside of a very large bowl. Place L’CHAYIM coming to your home. dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap in a warm place. Let rise un- Email [email protected]. til doubled in size, about 1 hour. Punch down the dough, re-cover and let rise for 1 hour. X For the filling, place the chocolate X Bake for about 30-33 minutes until spread and halva in a medium bowl. golden. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the X Remove from the oven and allow cocoa nibs or cocoa powder until to cool for a few minutes. Slice incorporated and a spreadable paste and enjoy!

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For advertising info, call Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 or email [email protected] L'CHAYIM JULY/AUGUST 2020 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13 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 above) 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 Diggs is Everywhere Now make the film. THOMAS KAIL, 42, with a limited search of one family line. Recent events have led the Jewish media who directed the stage version, also to report on the fairly large and growing directed the film. So here’s the deal: number of American Jews “of color.” A Of course, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. 2019 report by Stanford and the Univ. 40, stars in the title role and he wrote of San Francisco estimated 12-15% of the musical. Many articles have noted Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that American Jews are persons of color. that he really loves everything Jewish. goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. Most are children of intermarriage, but a Check out, or revisit, the “Lin Miranda The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, considerable number are converts to Ju- wedding video” on YouTube. Called daism. This past year, two famous Jews the best wedding video ever, it features several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate “of color” have been very prominent. an amazing (spoiler!) version of “To friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out The first is comedian/actressTIFFANY Life” from Fiddler on the Roof. I am Personal Chef Dalia Hemed HADDISH, 40, who discovered as an enraptured and just plain happy every great for them. So contact him about this as well. can be reached at adult that her (now late) father was an time I see it. Those are feelings we all [email protected]. Eritrean Jew. She embraced her father’s need now. faith and had a “real” bat mitzvah (read- Broadcast and Streaming Options is formed. ing from the Torah, etc.) last December. Lenox Hill is a Netflix documentary July 15. “Everybody” comes with quali- Rules Don’t Apply and Han Solo: A Star X On a lightly floured surface, punch The other is DAVEED DIGGS, 38. series about the famous Manhattan hos- fiers. Certain cable company customers Wars Story).You can see him at his best, down dough and cut in half with aHe is the son of an African-American pital (released June 9 to great reviews). are already getting it with their subscrip- I think, in Hail, Caesar, a COEN broth- bench scraper. Using a rolling pin,father and a (white) Jewish mother. He Filmed before the pandemic, the series tion. “Everybody” can see some of the ers film that did fine. roll each half into a 12x16-inchwas raised, for lack of a better term, follows four physicians as they balance shows if they have an internet connec- Finally, there’s Intelligence, a six- rectangle. “Jewish Light.” As I reported in my last their personal lives with their profes- tion. If you pay $5 per month, you can episode British sitcom set in the U.K. X Spread the chocolate filling on bothcolumn, he has a leading voice role in sional careers. One is DR. DAVID see them all. DAVID SCHWIMMER, 53, co-stars rectangles all the way to the edges.Central Park, an Apple TV+ animated LANGER, 50ish, the hospital’s head Peacock series starting on July as Jerry Bernstein, a National Security X Starting from the long side, tightlyseries (started in May), and he co-stars of neurosurgery. Dr. Langer has often 15 include The Capture, Brave New Agency agent who is a liaison to a Brit- roll each rectangle into a log that’sin the big-budget TNT thriller series appeared as a medical expert on shows World and Intelligence. Capture is a ish cybercrimes unit. The first season about 20-inches long. Cut each inSnowpiercer , which also began in May like Good Morning America. Sadly, just six-episode British series that aired in aired in Britain last February and a sec- half lengthwise. and concludes on July 19. Also, this a couple of months ago, Lenox Hill was the U.K. last fall and got great reviews. ond season has been ordered. Schwim- X Twist the halves together a fewcoming August, Diggs has an important a “ground zero” hospital in New York It focuses on a British veteran of the Af- mer’s ex-wife, ZOE BUCKMAN, 35, times, starting from the middle androle in The Good Lord Bird, a major City’s battle to stem our modern plague. ghan War who is the suspect in a horrible is a Brit and they have a 9-year-old pinching the ends together, formingShowtime mini-series about the lead-up The HBO documentary I’ll Be Gone domestic crime. RON PERLMAN, 70, daughter. a rope. to the Civil War. in the Dark premiered on June 28. It is has a supporting role. X Gently transfer the braids to parch- Diggs won a Tony for his perfor- based on the bestselling book of the Brave New World stars ALDEN PLEASE SUPPORT ment-lined backing pans coated mance as the Marquis de Lafayette same name written by Michelle Mc- EHRENREICH, 30. It’s based on the with cooking spray. Cover with aand Thomas Jefferson in the mega-hit Namara (1970-2016) and it chronicles famous 1932 dystopian novel by Aldous OUR ADVERTISERS clean dish towel and allow to rise,Broadway musical Hamilton. The her hunt for the “Golden State Killer” Huxley. Ehrenreich was discovered about another 45 minutes. film version of Hamilton (co-starring (a suspect was arrested in April 2018). by STEVEN SPIELBERG, 73, who THEY HELP MAKE X Preheat oven to 375F. Diggs) will premiere on the Disney Plus The director is Emmy winner and Oscar chanced to see him in a funny bat mitz- X Brush all over the challah withchannel on Friday, July 3. Three stage nominee LIZ GARBUS, 50. vah video. He is talented, but he’s had L’CHAYIM beaten egg, making sure to get inproductions of Hamilton were filmed, The new Peacock network pre- the misfortune to star in three big-budget POSSIBLE. the cracks and along the sides of and the “best parts” were combined to mieres “for everybody” on Wednesday, films that flopped (Beautiful Creatures, the loaf. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

X Bake for about 30-33 minutes until golden. X Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Slice and enjoy!

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Nice surprises from obscure regions By The Wine Whisperer he winegrowing area the French certain level of quality, the village ap- 1400s. They’ve had plenty of time to promises a fuller-bodied interpreta- call the Côtes du Rhône is plies for its own appellation, which is get it right. So right, in fact, that the tion of this delicate grape. The flavor Tspread over many, many square what happened with places like Gigon- place was elevated to its own appella- profile is right on the money, with hectares in the southern Rhône valley, das and Vacqueyras. They’re allowed tion and is now allowed to use its name dark fruit, strawberry and coffee, all none of which adjoin each other. There to put the name of the village on the on wine labels and isn’t included in the very deep and extracted. Excellent are vineyards over here, over there, label. overall Côtes du Rhône Village appel- balance of tannins and acidity on the on both sides of Meanwhile, there are villages and lation. There are about 1,900 acres un- finish. Quite enjoyable. WW 91-92 the river, spotted there are villages. The style and quality der vine, growing about 20 permitted Frank Family Zinfandel Napa 2015 throughout the of the wines they produce vary widely varieties of red and white grapes. The ($39) – A bit more tart and reserved region. from one to the other. Some that stand main grape in the wines from this re- than most Zins, with a bright cherry pie Within the out for me are Rasteau, which I’ve gion must be Grenache, and it has to nose and palate, enhanced by hints of general area, sev- known about for quite some time, and make up 50% of the blend. Two other smoke and mixed red fruits. Very true eral villages pro- Cairanne, which is a new discovery. grapes are also legally required: Syrah to type, and nicely balanced. WW 91- duce wine that’s So far, Cairanne is my new favor- and Mourvèdre, which must be at least 92 considered at least ite. The village lies near the jagged 20%. They’re very strict about that sort Sosie Pinot Noir Spring Hill  Jerry a cut above aver- peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail of thing in France. Vineyard Sonoma Coast 2015 ($43) Greenfield age. Wines from mountain range, not far from the town The wines from this village are – A deeper red than many Pinots, this these specific places (there are 20 of of Orange. Supposedly, the area has generally considered some of the best is done in a more Old World style with them) will say Côtes du Rhône Villag- been inhabited for over 4,000 years, in the region. I think that’s true. Re- expressive earth, pepper and black es on the label. When the wines reach a but serious winemaking dates from the cently, I picked up a bottle of the Vidal- plum aromas right from the start. A bit Fleury Cairanne 2010, a blend of 80% tight on the palate, it will open up to of- Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvè- fer savory black plum, earth and bright dre. The family has been making wine black fruit flavors. Needs time. WW 90 Mindi Smedley, EA, MSAT, CAM, Notary there for a few hundred years, and they Ask the Wine Whisperer

know what they’re doing. This rich red What is the difference between Pinot 12220 Towne Lakes Dr. #85 offers spice on the nose, followed by Noir and Burgundy? – Samantha N., Fort Myers, FL 33913 interesting notes of graphite, black tea Parkland and dark plum. It begs to accompany All red Burgundy is Pinot Noir, 2392364559 Fax: 2394033 grilled meat, and maybe some choco- but not all Pinot is Burgundy. “Bur- late for dessert. Not expensive, either. gundy” is the name of a very impor- [email protected] A new addition to our cellar. tant winegrowing region in France, and And…here are some other new fa- the name refers only to the Pinot Noir vorites you might like to discover. produced in that legally defined area. Behr Family Oso Libre Ben- Many consumers get confused by the

dición Mourvédre Paso Robles 2014 “Hearty Burgundy” jug wine produced ($36) – An interesting California inter- by the Gallo company, which, inciden- Services: Specializing In: pretation of this traditional Southern tally, is not made from Pinot Noir. Rhône varietal rewards your swirling Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Tax Preparation Individual Taxes and sniffing with purple plum, - black Whisperer. He is Creative Director of Full Charge Bookkeeping Real Estate Agent Industry berry, and notes of cinnamon and Greenfield Media & Marketing, and Small Businesses Notary Services clove. Lighter bodied, but very well Wine Director of the international Di- Condominium & Homeowner Associations structured and round on the palate. rect Cellars wine club. His new book, NotForProfits WW 90 Ask the Wine Whisperer, has just been Frank Family Pinot Noir Carne- published. Read his other writings at ros 2016 ($36) – Rich ruby color www.winewhisperer.com.

A conversation with White House speechwriter & author, Sarah Hurwitz

After years as a political speechwriter—serving as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama, a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama, and chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton on her 2008 presidential campaign—Sarah Hurwitz decided to apply her communication skills to writing a book…about Judaism. And no one is more surprised than she is. Hurwitz was the quintessential lapsed Jew—until, at age 36, on a whim, she attended an introduction to Judaism class and was blown away by what she found: beautiful holidays and rituals, high ethical standards, conceptions of God beyond the judgy bearded man in the sky—none of which she had learned in Hebrew school or during the two synagogue services she grudgingly attended each year. That class led to a yearslong dive into Jewish study, and at this event, Sarah will talk about her time in the Obama White House and what she learned along the way in her Jewish journey.

Sunday, July 12 at 4:00 P.M. Log on to our homepage at www.JewishFederationlcc.org for the Zoom link and password.

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Nice surprises from obscure regions Book review: The Survival of the Jews in France, 1940-44 By Rabbi A. James Rudin promises a fuller-bodied interpreta- n his new book, The Survival of the service…helped considerably to ac- so, the war might well have walking on a country road in tion of this delicate grape. The flavor Jews in France, 1940-44 (Oxford quaint the two populations – at first continued for another few 1944, a truck belonging to the profile is right on the money,I with Press), Jacques Semelin, professor worlds apart – with one another.” years. And had it done so, local underground group passed dark fruit, strawberry and coffee, allemeritus of history and political sci- Even under the occupation, being the Germans would al- him. At that moment, a German very deep and extracted. Excellentence at the Paris Institute of Political a French citizen offered Jews some le- most certainly have fin- plane strafed the area, nearly kill- balance of tannins and acidity on theScience, focuses on a frequently over- gal protection and security. Stateless or ished the Final Solution ing him. Vichy authorities, he finish. Quite enjoyable. WW 91-92looked statistic: 240,000 of the 320,000 foreign-born Jews residing in France in France. And in that said, were not always efficient in Frank Family Zinfandel Napa 2015 Jews living in France in 1940 survived were twice as likely to be deported case, none of Semelin’s carrying out their anti-Jewish pol- ($39) – A bit more tart and reservedthe war within that nation’s borders. than Jewish citizens. And, of course, conditions would have icies. Charles’ family survived the than most Zins, with a bright cherry pie After the French armed forces and it helped to have enough money for had any effect.” war and he eventually immigrated nose and palate, enhanced by hints ofnational government quickly collapsed bribes, shelter, food and transporta- Putting aside Marrus’ speculation to the United States and, “to become smoke and mixed red fruits. Very truewhen Nazi Germany invaded in May tion. Also, because France was a large of what might have happened, indi- fully American,” he joined the U.S. Air to type, and nicely balanced. WW 91-1940, the conquerors divided France country, half of which was “governed” vidual French Jews lived to tell the Force. 92 into a German-occupied area in the by Vichy, Jews could hide more easily tale. One of them was Capt. Charles Charles’ account of his family’s Sosie Pinot Noir Spring Hill north and a pro-Nazi Vichy regime, than if they lived in Holland or Bel- Tenen, who was a member of my con- survival echoes the stories described Vineyard Sonoma Coast 2015 ($43)the “Free Zone,” in the south. In both gium. gregation at Itazuke Air Base in Japan, in this thought-provoking book, which – A deeper red than many Pinots, thisregions, French police and gendarmes Some French Jews were saved where I served as a USAF Chaplain concludes: “Death was always lurk- is done in a more Old World style withwere zealous in rounding up Jews for by “righteous gentiles.” Under the in the 1960s. His parents immigrated ing in the shadows, until the very last expressive earth, pepper and blackdeportation “to the East,” a euphemism leadership of Protestant Pastor An- to France from Russia in 1926, where moment, until the very last soldier plum aromas right from the start. A bitfor German death camps. dre Trocme, for example, the village Charles was born six years later. He from the occupying forces had left tight on the palate, it will open up to of- A horrific example of French col- of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon became a and seven family members fled Paris France.” fer savory black plum, earth and brightlaboration with the Nazis was the July safe haven for more than 1,000 Jews, in 1940 and spent the next four years Rabbi A. James Rudin is the former black fruit flavors. Needs time. WW 901942 roundup in Paris of 8,160 Jews. including children. The pastor and his successfully hiding in a farmhouse in head of the American Jewish Commit- Ask the Wine Whisperer Before being deported, they were wife Magda were designated Righteous the French countryside that was owned tee’s Department of Interreligious Af- What is the difference between Pinotincarcerated for five days under- ap Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, Is- by a friendly farmer who sheltered the fairs and author of seven books, most Noir and Burgundy? – Samantha N.,palling conditions at the Velodrome rael’s Holocaust remembrance center. Jewish family. recently, Pillar of Fire: A Biography of Parkland d’Hiver, an indoor sports stadium. The Another example: In August 1942, Beside the constant fear of cap- Stephen S. Wise. He served as a U.S. All red Burgundy is Pinot Noir, roundup shocked many people because the year of the most deportations, ture and deportation, Charles told me Air Force chaplain in Japan and Korea. but not all Pinot is Burgundy. “Bur-it included women and children; fewer Toulouse Archbishop Jules-Géraud of a narrow escape from death. While gundy” is the name of a very impor-than 100 survived the war. Saliège issued a pastoral letter calling tant winegrowing region in France, and Semelin, an expert on the Holo- anti-Jewish actions “not permissible.” the name refers only to the Pinot Noircaust and civil resistance, focuses on Semelin writes, “Notwithstanding the produced in that legally defined area.how Jews “survived” the Holocaust by silence of Pope Pius XII, many se- Many consumers get confused by thedevising strategies and actions, such as nior Catholic prelates protested openly “Hearty Burgundy” jug wine producedfleeing Paris and moving to the sparse- when foreign Jews first began to be ar- by the Gallo company, which, inciden-ly populated countryside in the Free rested in 1942.” tally, is not made from Pinot Noir. Zone, acquiring false names and iden- Professor Michael R. Marrus of Jerry Greenfield is The Winetity papers, posing as Catholics, being the University of Toronto, an author- Whisperer. He is Creative Director ofhidden by non-Jews and “blending in” ity on Vichy France, does not question Greenfield Media & Marketing, with and the general population. Semelin’s Jewish survival statistics but Wine Director of the international Di- Semelin describes how Jews be- points out that it was the invasion of rect Cellars wine club. His new book,came agricultural workers or adopted Normandy that accounts for the high Ask the Wine Whisperer, has just beenother occupations during the war: survival rate of French Jews. He writes: published. Read his other writings at“They helped out in the fields or on “Let us assume that the Allies www.winewhisperer.com. farms, while offering their skills as a might have failed to establish a beach- shoemaker, tailor or seamstress. Such head in Normandy in June 1944….If

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ON INDEPENDENCE DAY, lines, thousands of church and monas- in the Galilee. Jews and Arabs encoun- and, in effect, gave them a green light ISRAEL’S POPULATION tic properties were converted into mili- ter one another in maternity and cancer to continue the work of the U.S.-Israel NEARLY 9.2 MILLION tary hospitals, and tens of thousands of wards. (Yossi Klein Halevi, Atlantic) mapping committee to advance the nuns fulfilled their “duty to the father- sovereignty plan. Israel’s population has reached 9.19 land” by acting as nurses. The Church UNDER THE RADAR: ARAB A senior Saudi diplomat close to million on the eve of Israel’s 72nd Inde- denounced the 1946 Nuremberg trials Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pendence Day (April 29), the Central STATES AGREE TO ISRAELI of senior Nazis as an un-Christian act told Israel Hayom that Saudi Arabia, Bureau of Statistics reports. SOVEREIGNTY of revenge. (Oliver Moody, The Times Egypt and the UAE have an unofficial Since last Independence Day, Alongside their public rejection of the - UK) coordinated position in favor of the 180,000 babies were born, 32,000 Israeli plan to extend sovereignty to the sovereignty plan. people immigrated to Israel and 44,000 Jordan Valley and Israeli settlements ISRAELI FARMERS “With all due respect to the few people died. in Judea and Samaria, senior officials Palestinians who live in the Jordan The Central Bureau of Statistics DEPLOY POLLINATING in Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Valley, Arab states like Saudi Arabia, projects that Israel’s population will DRONES AFTER COVID-19 the Gulf States say their leaders have Egypt the UAE and Jordan will not reach 11 million by 2030, and 15.2 mil- LABOR SHORTAGE met in recent months with U.S. offi- lion by 2048, which will be the coun- Date plantation growers in the Jordan cials Jared Kushner and Avi Berkowitz continued on next page try’s 100th anniversary. Valley and Arava have turned to using Israel is a young country by Or- drones for aerial pollination to over- ganisation for Economic Co-operation come labor shortages caused by the and Development standards with 28% Coronavirus outbreak. of the population below the age of 14, Aerial pollination has become in- while the OECD average is 18%. Is- creasingly important due to the declin- rael’s over 65 population comprises ing bee population, as well as recent 12% of the country compared with the flooding in the Jordan Valley, which OECD average of 17%. (Amiram Bar- has prevented ground pollination in kat, Globes) many areas. Israeli unmanned system opera- CATHOLIC CHURCH IN tor Blue White Robotics uses multiple LIVE THE GERMANY SAYS: “WE drones flying simultaneously, equipped Here to help YOU anywhere in WERE COMPLICIT IN with innovative pods developed by NAZI CRIMES” U.S.-based drone pollinator Dropcop- Southwest Florida! ter to dispense pollen. A new report from the council of Cath- The solution replaces the ineffi- olic bishops in the German branch of cient technique of using fans attached the Catholic Church makes what one to tractors. (Eytan Halon, Jerusalem prelate described as a “confession of , Realtor® Post) Susan Glasser guilt.” The document states: “Inas- Fort Myers Resident for Nearly 30 Years much as the bishops did not oppose THE CORONAVIRUS [email protected] the war with a clear ‘no,’ and most of CRISIS IS BRINGING 239-281-3105 them bolstered the [German nation’s] John R. Wood Properties Life will to endure, they made themselves ISRAEL’S JEWISH AND 15065 McGregor Blvd. Ft. Myers, FL 33908 weetAT HOME – as you age S complicit in the war. The bishops may ARAB CITIZENS TOGETHER not have shared the Nazis’ justification Israel is facing its first national threat SENIOR CHOICE AT HOME is a Continuing Care at Home program that allows you to for the war on the grounds of racial that has nothing to do with the Arab- ideology, but their words and their im- Israeli conflict. In the Coronavirus, Is- successfully age in place. Built on the solid foundation of Volunteers of America, this ages gave succor both to soldiers and rael’s Arab and Jewish citizens are fac- A FIVE STAR INDEPENDENT, ASSISTED LIVING the regime prosecuting the war, as they ing a crisis that is bringing us together. AND SKILLED NURSING COMMUNITY unique and innovative program provides the full continuum of health care wrapped lent the war an additional sense of pur- Israeli media regularly feature stories pose.” of Arab-Jewish intimacy in the quar- Weeks after the Nazi party seized antine wards. Israel’s Yediot Aharonot around you within the comfort of your own home. power in 1933, it signed a “Reich con- published a four-page photo essay of Jenny cordat” with the bishops. The Vatican Arab and Jewish nurses, featuring Ar- Admission Coordinator Five Star Team Member condemned Hitler’s race laws in a 1937 abs as Israeli heroes. Since 1997 encyclical, but for the most part its Israel’s healthcare system is fully bishops enthusiastically endorsed the integrated. Nearly a fifth of Israel’s doc- dictator’s foreign policy and headlong tors, a quarter of its nurses and almost SWEET SUMMER WEBINAR. Angela Nurse path into war. The document notes that half its pharmacists are Arabs. Arab Five Star Team Member weet doctors head hospital departments and Since 2001 Find out how to save up to $1,800 hundreds of priests were dispatched to S accompany the Wehrmacht on the front emergency rooms; one heads a hospital by joining before August 31, 2020. 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are less willing to be in close contact. Since March, Sheba Medical Cen- Providing exceptional care that makes BRIEFS ter in Israel has used five HoloLens 2 senior’s lives better and happier! headsets to train 60 physicians, bio- continued from previous page medical engineers and nurses on how Homemaker/Companion Services endanger their relations with the Trump to operate ventilators for COVID-19 Personally Matched Caregivers, Prepare Meals, Light administration for them,” he said. patients, said Ravid Segal, Chief Tech- House Tasks, Laundry & Linens, Shopping & Errands, “The Palestinians weren’t smart nology Officer of the Israel Center for Take to Appointments/Events, Social Interaction, Advocate enough to take advantage of the sup- Medical Simulation located at Sheba. Service, From a Few Hours to 24-Hour Care & More! portive Obama government and con- The HoloLens headset uses optical Personal Care & Nurse Services tinued their rejectionism. It is time for projection to create digital hologram- Abbas and his veteran leadership to like objects that users can see and in- Post Surgery or Hospital Stay Care, Mobility Help, ADL’s, wake up and understand that the inter- teract with. Baths, Dressing, Personal Hygiene, Special Needs Care, ests of the region and the world have Medication Management, Up to 24-Hour Care, Much More! Medical workers wearing the head- changed.” set can see a hologram-like rendering AS SEEN “If they miss yet another opportu- of a ventilator superimposed on their ON TV nity to establish an independent state real-world view. The headset includes alongside Israel because of Israeli sov- built-in instructions that guide the ereignty in the Jordan Valley and the worker through the process of operat- settlements, in another 20 years they ing the ventilator in front of them. The will be left with nothing.” Free Consultation. It’s easy … headset can also be used as a way for Lowell S. Schoenfeld A senior Egyptian security offi- doctors in other parts of the hospital to Florida Board Certified Wills, Call us at (239) 243-8555 Trusts & Estates Attorney SeniorcareSouthwestFlorida.com cial added that moderate Arab leaders give remote assistance without needing headed by Egyptian President Sisi “see to be physically present but still being 1380 Royal Palm Square Boulevard ©2019 Each office is independently owned and operated. License HCS #232083, HHA # 299994663 Fort Myers, Florida 33919 the struggle to block Shiite Iran’s drive able to see what is happening in a pa- 239-936-7200 for hegemony over Sunni nations in the tient’s room. (Sara Castellanos, Wall [email protected] Middle East as a more important issue Street Journal) www.gskattorneys.com than that of the Palestinians.” (Daniel Siryoti, Israel Hayom) NEW STUDY: 70 PERCENT OF CORONAVIRUS CASES U.S. AID TO ISRAEL IS A table Different mfor IN ISRAEL STARTED IN U.S. Co ish HIGH-YIELD INVESTMENT Syl Moore REALTY GROUP More than 70% of Coronavirus pa- n and ‹ The U.S. and Israel have a mutu- ashio tients in Israel were infected by a strain Art of F The Art of Fashion and Moore ally beneficial relationship that that originated in the U.S., according to (in the Arcade in historic provides America with a high re- a new study published May 18 by Dr. downtown Ft. Myers) Frye Commercial Group turn on its annual $3.8 billion in- Adi Stern of the School of Molecular vestment. More than $150 billion Cell Biology and Biotechnology at Tel Teri Moore, Owner (239) 204-9759 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE 2267 1st. St., Suite 12 [email protected] was invested by Israeli companies Aviv University. Ft. Myers, FL 33901 www.artoffashionandmoore.com SALES, INVESTMENT, ACQUISITION & DISPOSITION in the U.S. between 2010 and 2015 The remaining 30% of infections ($25.1 billion in 2015 alone). in Israel were imported from Belgium HAL ARKIN ‹ Critical components of leading (8%), France (6%), England (5%), American high-tech products are (239) 910-5363 cell • [email protected] Spain (3%) and 2% each from Italy, the invented and designed in Israel, Philippines, Australia and Russia. making the American companies Direct (239) 689-2246 • Offi ce (239) 489-0444 Stern and his team of researchers that manufacture those products mapped the spread of the virus by de- 7910 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Fort Myers more competitive and profitable. coding the genomic sequence of the www.ftmyerscommercial.com Cisco, Intel, Motorola, Applied Coronavirus strain in Israel and com- Materials and HP are just a few ex- paring it to 4,700 genomic sequences amples. taken from patients around the world. Each Offi ce Independently Owned and Operated ‹ The U.S.-Israeli economic and (Maayan Jaffe-Hoffman, Jerusalem commercial relationship now en- Post) compasses IT, biotech, life scienc- es, health care solutions, energy, POLL: ONLY 7 PERCENT OF pharmaceuticals, food and bever- ISRAELI ARABS DEFINE ages, defense industries, cyber-se- THEMSELVES curity, aviation, desalination, recy- cling, conservation, management AS “PALESTINIAN” The proportion of non-Jewish people and irrigation. in Israel who define themselves -pri ‹ U.S. firms established 2/3 of the marily as “Palestinian” now stands at 300 foreign-invested research and 7%, down from 18% a year ago, ac- development centers in Israel. Is- cording to a survey conducted by Prof. raeli firms represent the second- Camille Fuchs of Tel Aviv University largest source of foreign listings for the Jewish People Policy Institute. on the NASDAQ after China, and 51% self-identify as “Israeli Arab,” more than Indian, Japanese and while 23% define themselves primarily South Korean firms combined. as “Israeli,” a sizable increase from 5% ‹ Strategically, Israel is an American last year. beachhead in the Middle East and Asked how much they “feel like the only stable, reliable, capable, a real Israeli,” 65% of Arabs said they democratic and unconditional re- agree completely and 33% somewhat gional ally of the U.S., and it is agree. (Idan Zonshine, Jerusalem Post) willing to flex its muscles. ‹ Both nations gain from a strong 2,000-YEAR-OLD, 3-ROOM strategic partnership, which draws in part upon Israel’s capabilities COMPLEX UNCOVERED in designing advanced military, NEAR WESTERN WALL homeland security, counterterror- IN JERUSALEM ism and cyber-protection technolo- A two-millennia-old subterranean sys- gies that help the U.S. meet its tem of three rooms was recently uncov- growing security challenges. ered near the Western Wall, chiseled by ‹ Israel is a cost-effective, battle- hand out of bedrock prior to the fall of tested laboratory for U.S. defense Jerusalem in 70 CE, the Israel Antiq- industries, and it provides the U.S. uities Authority (IAA) announced re- with more intelligence than all the cently. NATO countries put together. (Dr. The complex was hidden for cen- Frank Musmar, BESA Center for turies under a 1,400-year-old Byzan- Strategic Studies - Bar-Ilan Uni- tine structure’s mosaic floor. versity) Inside the rooms are what looks to be niches for shelves and storage, as CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC well as doorjambs and lantern niches, BRINGS NEW USES FOR chiseled into the bedrock. AUGMENTED REALITY “We found clay cooking vessels, Augmented reality superimposes digi- cores of oil lamps used for light, a Visit us at our new Cape Coral tal content, such as 3-D images or visu- stone mug unique to Second Temple al instructions, onto a user’s view of the Period Jewish sites and a fragment of a Location! real world. This can be done through qalal – a large stone basin used to hold mobile devices and wearable headsets water, thought to be linked to Jewish such as Microsoft’s HoloLens. The practices of ritual purity,” IAA archae- Coronavirus pandemic has increased ologists said. (Amanda Borschel-Dan, interest in remote assistance and train- Times of Israel) ing because employees and customers continued on next page

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documents with the launch of the on- tions so active in the city changed their we couldn’t have anticipated of strict line database in May 2019. priorities, programs and activities with Orthodox volunteers packing food bas- BRIEFS The documents contain informa- only one aim: to make sure that no Je- kets for Arabs so they could break their tion on 21 million people displaced, rusalemite was left alone. fast for Ramadan with a proper meal, continued from previous page persecuted and murdered by the Nazi At the Jerusalem Foundation we and Arabs from eastern Jerusalem who MILLIONS OF DOCUMENTS regime. The International Tracing Ser- had to change our direction overnight volunteered to purchase medication for ON NAZI VICTIMS, vice was established by the Western from major capital projects to support- the elderly, from all sectors, who could SURVIVORS NOW ONLINE Allies in 1944. (Jacob Judah, Jewish ing the city’s most vulnerable popu- not leave their homes. (Shai Doron, The Arolsen Archives (arolsen-ar- Chronicle - UK) lations: children with special needs, President of the Jerusalem Foundation, chives.org/en/), formerly known as the at-risk youth, children in women’s Jewish Chronicle - UK) International Tracing Service, has add- JERUSALEM’S RESIDENTS shelters, people with disabilities, fami- For daily news stories related ed 13 million documents to its online COME TOGETHER DURING lies who found themselves without to Israel & the Jewish world, money to buy food, and the elderly, the database of documents and informa- CORONAVIRUS CRISIS visit the Federation’s website at As the Coronavirus crisis unfolded in population most at risk. tion on the victims of Nazi persecution. www.JewishFederationLCC.org. This follows the upload of 13 million Jerusalem, the civil society organiza- It was amazing to see situations that

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The Federation can be reached at 239.481.4449 L'CHAYIM JULY/AUGUST 2020 20 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties COMMENTARY

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Connecting the dots hat is a chaplain? For most Tree of Life synagogue was shot up of my career, this question almost two years ago, Jews and Chris- Whas been easily answered. tians, Muslims and Hindus, Blacks To listen and respond, to minister, to the and whites all came together here in patients, families and staff of whatever Fort Myers to become a community of hospital or nursing home or synagogue solidarity. We shared the pain and the I have been affiliated with. For the vast grief, and it was healing. majority of my career, the majority of As Jews, we also carry the mes- my time has been sage of thousands of years of our his- spent with patients tory: you shall love the stranger. Out and their families. of the depths of the Shoah, Elie Wiesel But now, with CO- (z”l) wrote: “There may be times when VID-19, the empha- we are powerless to prevent injustice, sis has switched to but there must never be a time when we the third part of that fail to protest.” In 1972, Rabbi Abra- equation. More and ham Joshua Heschel (z”l) wrote: “If the  Rabbi more, I am minister- prophets Isaiah and Amos were to ap- Michael J. ing to the employees pear in our midst, would they accept the Schorin of my hospital. corruption in high places, the indifferent For several months now, that ques- way in which the sick, the poor and the tion has been “how are you doing with old are treated? Would not our prophets this pandemic?” Sometimes the discus- be standing with those who protest?” sion is about family members, parents Can there be any doubt about what Film links can be found online at: and/or children. At other times, I have Jewish Americans need to be doing? asked them about their spouses and Isaiah and Amos, Heschel and Wiesel www.jewishfederationlcc.org partners and their experience of being would all be telling us to reach out, quarantined. The subject of fear, as you fight racism and support our fellow might expect, comes up in many ways. citizens. These four individuals are Recently however, another con- deceased, but their words live on. So, cern has risen to the fore. With the support a food bank with groceries. murder of George Floyd, I am spend- Reach out to a friend or neighbor who ing more of my time speaking with is African American, listen to how they our African-American staff. My talks are doing and reiterate “Black Lives with them have helped me to realize so Matter.” Send a check to the NAACP, much. When they thank me for asking the ACLU or any fund that pays bail about their lives, I hear the very Jewish for those arrested while protesting. Be concern of whether we can all be heard aware of how blessed and privileged for our own voice. And I hear the fear, we Jews have been in America. But not which we also remember, of being ac- everyone has had that same experience. costed, harassed and even occasionally May the words of our ancestors rever- murdered, simply for being Black. berate powerfully for us too: “Tzedek, Whether we like it or not, racism is tzedek, tirdof. Justice, justice, shall you part and parcel of the American expe- pursue.” (Deut.16:18) rience. Anti-Semitism is a smaller part Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC, of the American experience. We who BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’s know hatred so well, must be sensitive Department of Spiritual Services, and to what the African-American commu- ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Connecting the dots A cultural norm of generosity, openness and kindness Tree of Life synagogue was shot up abbi Abraham Joshua Heschel world? How do we make our own pri- remains open to all so that the needy along the way.” almost two years ago, Jews and Chris- (z”l), a 20th century theologian, mary interactions and our world full of may partake of its bounty. A communal When there is a cultural norm of tians, Muslims and Hindus, Blacks shared this life lesson: “When generosity, compassion, understanding system of taking care of others leads to generosity, openness and kindness, and whites all came together here in R I was young, I admired clever people. and justice? acts of kindness. This is true in biblical then it becomes easier to compromise, Fort Myers to become a community of Now that I am old, I Our Torah and prophets offer two times and true today. to understand other points of view, and solidarity. We shared the pain and the admire kind people.” contrasting ideas. In Jeremiah, the Jamil Zaki, the director of the to work together. One person cannot grief, and it was healing. During a time when prophet warns the people of the up- Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, shift behavior, but one person can join As Jews, we also carry the mes- too many view oth- coming destruction of Jerusalem. But studies what he calls “kindness conta- with others and together can spread sage of thousands of years of our his- ers through a lens of even as he prophesizes doom, he takes gion.” We copy other people’s behav- their spirit. tory: you shall love the stranger. Out uncertainty, fear and care to purchase land for his family, an ior, but we can also catch the values the Let us join together and spread that of the depths of the Shoah, Elie Wiesel racism, we reflect on act of hope and faith in the ultimate fu- behavior represents – ideally the val- spirit. Let us work to create a com- (z”l) wrote: “There may be times when the value of acts of ture, if only the people were to change ues of cooperation, generosity, help- munity where human interactions and we are powerless to prevent injustice, Rabbi kindness and com- their ways. Alas this does little to con- ing others. He writes that through his connections are based on understand- but there must never be a time when we Nicole munal expectations vince them. Jeremiah is but one man. experiments, “We find that people imi- ing and true concern for others’ well- fail to protest.” In 1972, Rabbi Abra- Luna of justice to bring a So the Torah takes a different approach tate not only the particulars of positive being. Then together, may we bring ham Joshua Heschel (z”l) wrote: “If thesense of God’s presence into our trou- and embeds generosity into the soci- actions, but also the spirit underlying healing, goodness and peace to our prophets Isaiah and Amos were to ap-bled world. etal laws and norms for the Israelites. them. This implies that kindness itself troubled world. Amen. pear in our midst, would they accept the So how do we make it possible? During the sabbatical year, the land is is contagious, and that it can cascade Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple corruption in high places, the indifferentHow do we increase kindness in the not sowed or pruned by its owner, but across people, taking on new forms Beth El in Fort Myers. way in which the sick, the poor and the old are treated? Would not our prophets be standing with those who protest?” Can there be any doubt about whatThe total package Jewish Americans need to be doing? taying at home as the virus and a hardworking successful busi- Isaiah and Amos, Heschel and Wiesel spreads in our area has not been nesswoman. As they say, she is “the to- would all be telling us to reach out,S that different for me, since I gen- tal package!” Her strength continues to fight racism and support our fellowerally have remained in seclusion dur- sustain not only me, but several other citizens. These four individuals areing my year of mourning since August. people in the congregation who count deceased, but their words live on. So,I had been venturing out for Sabbath on her in so many ways. She is a “be- support a food bank with groceries. eves and mornings liever” who thrives on helping others. Reach out to a friend or neighbor who and a few Adult Edu- And, although I was the first Jew she is African American, listen to how they cation series at the ever met, 10 years ago, she has made are doing and reiterate “Black Lives synagogue, an occa- me into the rabbi I needed to become. Matter.” Send a check to the NAACP, sional hospital visit, So why am I telling you all of this the ACLU or any fund that pays bail and officiating at fu- personal stuff? Here’s why! for those arrested while protesting. Be nerals in very special With all of the noise and distrac- situations, but for a tions which are trying to envelope us, aware of how blessed and privileged Rabbi while now, my isola- all the screaming headlines and relent- we Jews have been in America. But not Bruce everyone has had that same experience. Diamond tion has been nearly less media assaults, and all the threats, May the words of our ancestors rever- complete. There are real and imagined, that are used to berate powerfully for us too: “Tzedek,so many of my people I miss being hammer us and keep us tuned in or tzedek, tirdof. Justice, justice, shall youwith at the synagogue, but, all-in-all, clicking, it’s too easy to miss the trea- pursue.” (Deut.16:18) it’s been okay. Actually, I find it com- sures right in front us. Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC,forting, and the companionship of I could share with you a parable BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’smy wife Melinda has been more than about this by Reb Nahman of Bratslav, Department of Spiritual Services, andenough! but not today, since I’m sure you get ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical Melinda is my hero on so many my point. Center. levels – the perfect wife and compan- Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The ion, an irreplaceable presence in the Community Free Synagogue in Fort congregation, an exemplary mother Myers. Born in America – Born of Torah s we celebrate the 4th of July make them afraid.” this year, we are all praying for Throughout our Torah we learn Apeace, healing and a return to about the message of independence, the values that make us feel proud as searching for freedom from slavery, free Americans. As Jewish Americans and a home of our own. Our Torah FINEMARK NATIONAL BANK & TRUST IS PROUD we should recall that also repeatedly reminds us to practice this great nation was kindness, generosity and compassion TO CONSISTENTLY EARN A 5-STAR RATING inspired by our sa- toward each other be they family mem- cred Torah. bers or complete strangers, the poor FROM BAUER FINANCIAL, THE NATION’S On the memo- and the hungry. The Talmud teaches * rable July 4 when the that “everyone is responsible for one LEADING INDEPENDENT BANK RATING FIRM . Second Continental another.” Congress invoked Our Exodus from Egypt is the cen- We attribute our success to delivering unparalleled  Rabbi What is a Women’s Giving Circle? the unalienable rights tral event of Jewish history. In Egypt service and putting our clients fi rst. Lawrence to life, liberty and the or Mitzrayim, which means “a narrow Dermer pursuit of happiness place,” we were in physical and spiri- to declare independence from King tual bondage. With the sea in front of George III, it was clear that Judeo/ us and Pharaoh’s army behind us, we Christian values would be the roots of must have felt the situation was hope- the American Founding. Americans, less. With faith in G-d’s miracles, we whether knowingly or unknowingly, survived, but we should never forget have looked to Torah values to shape what it feels like to have no options.  the direction of the nation. Our Torah tells us that our Jew- Leading the revolt against George ish Exodus from Egypt included other III, the men of the 13 colonies com- people as well. With this in mind, we pared themselves to Israelites escaping are reminded of our obligation today to  a contemporary equivalent of Pharaoh. help anyone out of a narrow place or Fast forward several hundred years and hopeless situation regardless of wheth-  we heard Dr. Martin Luther King speak er they are Jewish or not. Our civic ob- about having been to the mountaintop. ligations as Americans are tied to our All across our country are towns with Jewish ideal of Tikkun Olam – the heal-  names that reflect Jewish roots like ing of the world. Zion, Canaan and many more. B’tzelem Elokim, we are all made This July 4, as we barbecue with in G-d’s image. May we pray and work family, friends and neighbors, may together toward a common goal of so- To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford the fireworks be only a celebration of ciety in which all people can enjoy life, independence and equality for ALL liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Americans. We can recall the words May this day be upon us soon. 239.481.4449 x4 or [email protected] Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Charleston • Estero • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale of the prophet Micah, who said, “They Rabbi Lawrence Dermer serves at www.fi nemarkbank.com • 239-461-5900 • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender shall sit every man under his vine Shalom Life Center in Fort Myers. Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value. *5-Star Financial Rating issued by Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating and research fi rm. Rating is 5 out of 5. and under his fig tree, and none shall

For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM JULY/AUGUST 2020 22 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FROM THE BIMAH

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. In the faith of injustice So much is in our hands he day before he was indicted, and the disadvantaged. e get insight from unex- Moses Maimonides taught in his I tweeted that Derek Chauvin On Yom Kippur, our Day of Atone- pected places. I got some Laws of Repentance that one should Tshould be charged with murder ment, one of the sins we ask forgive- Wfrom an op-ed in The New see one’s life as a scale evenly bal- in the death of George Floyd. ness for is “abuse of power.” There is York Times (May 22), “No One Knows anced between good and bad deeds. A friend of 56 years tweeted an- no more intimidating symbol of power What’s Going to Happen,” by Mark Every good deed tips the balance of grily in reaction: “It is unbecoming than a uniformed officer of the law. Lilla, a professor of Humanities at Co- the scale toward the side of the good; for a religious leader And there is no group of people abused lumbia. He wrote, “The best prophet, every bad deed tips the scale to the to interfere in a mat- by that power more frequently in our Thomas Hobbes once wrote, is the best side of bad. Then, Maimonides went ter in the temporal country than those who are Black. guesser. That would seem to be the last on, one should see the whole world as world ... you are not Unless we protest injustice, espe- word on our capacity an evenly balanced scale so that every the prosecutor, and cially when perpetrated against mi- to predict the future: one of our good deeds tips the scale of you don’t know all norities and the disadvantaged, then We can’t.” the world to the side of good, and ev- of the facts...Judaism we Jews today deserve the indictment After weeks of ery bad deed tips the scale of the world has absolutely noth- hurled by the prophet Amos at the Jews reading articles about to the side of bad. From this I learned,  Rabbi ing to do with what of Samaria in the name of God almost the virus, watching and have taught, that every one of our Stephen happened in Minne- 3000 years ago: “I hate, I despise your too much news and, actions counts. Fuchs apolis.” feasts, and I will take no delight in your yes, running to the I think this is true today. Other than I responded: “Judaism has EV- solemn assemblies.” (Amos 5:21)  Rabbi store wearing a mask the actual biology of the Coronavirus, ERYTHING to do with what happened Unless we raise our voices to pro- Marc to find toilet paper; the rest is in our hands. in Minneapolis ... and as for the facts: test the murders of people like George Sack and, after weeks of I write this column when our Three cops looked on while one of their Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Ar- trying to figure out what was best for country has seen more than 10 days number pressed his knee into the neck bery, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin my congregation, I felt some anxiety of mass protests after the killing of of a handcuffed man until he died. If Mr. and countless other black men and slip away. We’re not going to know ev- George Floyd. We don’t know what Floyd did anything to mandate an arrest, women murdered for the “crime of erything about the virus anytime soon. will come of the great anger that has the manpower was clearly there to do being black,” then all of our Sabbath, We will have to find our way through been uncovered. A headline from The it without killing him. This is murder.” Holy Day and Festival observances are this cautiously, prepared to change Washington Post popped up on my In the days following Mr. Floyd’s abominations in the sight of God. course at any time. phone today: “Will the Protests Roil- murder, Jews around the world cel- Make no mistake. I do not condone In addition to our fear of contract- ing America Bring Actual Change?” ebrated the Festival of Shavuot, which violent protests that burn buildings, ing COVID-19, we have been stressed We don’t know, but, as with the virus, marks the anniversary of when God damage property and inflict bodily about not being able to plan our lives. a lot is in our hands. What changes will transmitted the Torah to our people on harm. But I am violently opposed to Can we take a vacation or visit our we demand from our public servants? Mt. Sinai. Our tradition teaches that all the callousness of a system that allows family? Can we exercise outside? Can What changes will we demand from Jews everywhere and all future genera- the abuse of minorities to continue un- we visit with friends outside? Inside? the businesses we patronize? Who will tions miraculously were there to take checked until anger boils over. Can we make any plans for tomor- we hire? Mostly, is there something in part in that singly important moment in Though none of us can bring this row? In the synagogue business, we’ve our own hearts that we need to reexam- our religious journey. scourge to an end singlehandedly, each asked when and under what conditions ine? So much is in our hands. To stand at Sinai does not mean of us can raise our voices in protest. can we open for services. What will Perhaps we know this: This is an simply to worship, give charity and to Each of us can reach out to those we we do for the holidays? (At Temple Ju- opportunity for change. The Coronavi- study. know in the African-American com- dea, these issues are under discussion.) rus can move us to look again at the To stand at Sinai means to pledge munity to acknowledge the pain they Most of us have had all these questions inequities in healthcare. The deaths our utmost to fill the world, as God feel and express our support. and more, and we’ve had to make deci- of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, charged Abraham, “with righteousness No, none of us can end oppression sions with the admission to ourselves Ahmaud Arbery and too many others and justice.” (Genesis 18:19) by ourselves, but with understand- and others, “We don’t know.” For those can move us reexamine racism in our To stand at Sinai means among ing and compassion we can move the of us who like to think we can control country and make changes to policing, many other things: To worship no other world just a bit closer to another time our lives, the uncertainty has been hiring, education, and this list goes on. gods, not to swear falsely, not to bear of which the prophet Amos dreamed, maddening. The virus blew away our We cannot predict the future, but there false witness, to treat the stranger with “when justice will well up as waters illusion of control. For me, Lilla’s col- is so much we can do. dignity and respect, to care for the wid- and righteousness as a mighty stream.” umn made it clear that this is the “new What does God want of us today? owed and the orphaned and not to fol- (Amos 5:24) normal.” As difficult as it is, we must We cannot know that either. But I be- low the crowd to do what is wrong. Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs serves at accept and get used to living with un- lieve that God wants us to take this op- To stand at Sinai means to have Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sani- certainty. Neither we nor the pundits portunity to work for change. special consideration for the minorities bel Island. really know what tomorrow will bring. Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple For me, acceptance of “not know- Judea in Fort Myers. ing” is not enough. Joseph Horowitz PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! Israel Travel Grant PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! available through the PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! 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Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts. Send an email to [email protected]. Follow the Federation at www.facebook.com/JewishFederationLCC L'CHAYIM JULY/AUGUST 2020 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23

opment training. It was TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS a delight to see them, as Fort Myers we worked through our agenda. Our focus was on So much is in our hands Temple Judea Religious School how to adapt the knowledge and skills Tab Scribner, we have to the needs of today. We fo- Director of Congregational Learning cused on strategies and tools that can Despite all of the uncertainty about be used in both live, in-person classes, “returning to normal,” or the debate as well as in online classes. of what normal might actually look Our teachers will be meeting a like, and when it might happen, there few more times throughout the sum- is one thing I can say with certainty: mer, finely tuning our focus as we get We will operate as safely as the situa- closer to the start of the school year. tion allows. It is still a long way from With each passing week, the picture now until August when classes resume, becomes increasingly clear as to how and many things will probably change to proceed safely with teaching and between now and then. Until then, we learning in this new Coronavirus era. roll with the information we have, and If you have questions or would like make our best plans for the future. more information about Temple Judea In late May, our teachers convened Religious School, please contact me at (socially distanced, and in masks, of 239.433.0201 or at tjswfledu@gmail. course) for some professional devel- com. Read the current and recent issues of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org

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

its work, its research, pro- Jerusalem. The Team provides contact tinue the renovation of the Hadassah HADASSAH tocols and methods. Of and updates in Argentina, Mexico and iconic Round Building – home to the Collier/Lee Chapter note, Hadassah’s medical Australia. Chagall Windows – at Hadassah Hos- (732) 539-4011 research studies and the Recently, in cooperation with the pital, Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. scientists carrying them Australian College for Emergency Proudly, we joined Hadassah chap- It’s a new world out work with more than Medicine, a webinar was organized ters all across the country to advocate Diane Schwartz 50 partner universities and medical in- showcasing HMO hospitals’ experi- to our congressional representatives While we are in the midst of a horrible stitutions around the globe seeking an- ence in dealing with COVID-19. More and senators in support of the Never pandemic and trying to do our best to swers to vital and varied medical issues than 300 doctors and medical students Again Education Act. Hadassah helped deal with new rules for living and ad- through research and testing. from Australia, New Zealand and 15 write the bill and led the effort to se- justing to the many changes in our dai- Have you heard of Hadassah Inter- other countries attended. cure bi-partisan support of this legisla- ly lives, we often ask or think, “Where national? It was founded in 1983, has Also, locally in our communities, tion which provides funding through do we go from here?” groups in 14 countries representing five Collier/Lee Hadassah is busy work- grants to teachers and schools through- What seems to be the most diffi- continents, including both women and ing on women’s health issues and do- out the country to develop programs cult aspect of all of this is that we can’t men involved in its work. Members mestic violence impacting women and and activities for Holocaust Education. enjoy interacting with our friends and believe that advancement and coop- children as well providing educational The Never Again Education Act has loved ones. Social distancing and com- eration in medicine transcends politics, programing on a variety of interests. recently been signed into law. municating with others through Zoom religion and national boundaries. The We are also raising funds to con- sessions are barely adequate. sole focus of Hadassah International’s Thankfully, many institutions and efforts is to support HMO and the vi- Save the Date: organizations around the world are tal work of its two hospitals in Jeru- X Thursday, October 1: League of Women Voters – joint program with working hard to come up with an an- salem. Temple Shalom Sisterhood; Zoom presentation; Contact Elyse Morande at swer. We include Hadassah Medical The Hadassah International Board [email protected] or 239.498.0623 Organization (HMO) in this effort, as is global and comprised of members X Monday, October 26: Expanding Horizons Series – The Orchid Whisperer it is dedicated to this global problem. representing groups in Hong Kong, with award-winning orchid grower Gayle Dorio; Zoom presentation; Contact Using their research skills, HMO hos- Switzerland, Italy, Mexico, Israel and Elyse Morande at [email protected] or 239.498.0623 pitals and medical leaders have devel- the U.S. The May/June 2020 issue of X Monday, November 16: Fall Meeting; Zoom meeting & presentation; oped medical protocols for treating and Hadassah’s award-winning magazine Contact Elyse Morande at [email protected] or 239.498.0623 caring for COVID-19 patients, setting offers the opportunity to read more X Tuesday, December 1: The Hadassah Symposium on Women’s Health & the standards for care throughout Is- about Hadassah International’s work. Wellness; Note: This program is rescheduled to December 1, 2021 rael. Importantly, Hadassah Medical For example, in response to the X Sunday, December 13: Keepers of the Gate Brunch; additional information pandemic, Hadassah International Organization also is part of the search to follow; Contact Ellen Harris at [email protected] or 508.395.3600 for a vaccine to lead us out of the pan- has formed a Global Crisis Response X Installation of Officers & Fashion Show by Casual demic. Team comprised of medical personnel Wednesday, January 20: Connection; information to follow; Contact Elyse Morande at amorande@ Hadassah reaches beyond Israel including Dr. Yoram Weiss, Director aol.com or 239.498.0623 and our shores in many ways: sharing of Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem, Candle lighting times: Candle lighting times: July 3: 8:07 August 7: 7:52 July 10: 8:06 August 14: 7:47 July 17: 8:04 July 24: 8:01 August 21: 7:40 July 31: 7:57 August 28: 7:33 JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (239) 566-1771 Historical chatter Marina Berkovich Five hundred years ago, Southwest Florida was discovered by a possible converso, Ponce de Leon. As much as half of the Jewish population of Spain converted under the threat of immi- nent death at the hands of the Catholic henchmen. The coerced ones, the con- verts, aka conversos or marranos, as the Inquisition Era Spaniards called them, played an important though poorly documented role in the discovery of American continents, their exploration and settlements. Ponce first crossed the Atlantic Ocean with Cristobal Co- lon – Christopher Columbus to the English-speaking world. On that first Marcia Can Help and the many subsequent voyages, the coerced ones were escaping the Euro- MARCIA CAN HELP, a fund of the Jewish Federation pean persecution, as others would dur- ing the centuries that followed. There and Jewish Family Services, provides for emergency are reasons to believe that conversos nutritional needs through our Food Pantry, gift card were among Ponce de Leon’s conquis- tadors. They certainly were under his distribution, and crisis grants to prevent utility command on Hispaniola and Puerto cut-offs, evictions, loss of transportation Rico. There is plenty of historical chat- and other essential services without ter, with layers of sediment covering which none of us can live. the facts, but we dared to connect the Inspired by the recognition that dots of ‘what ifs’ by imagining the these needs must be addressed in our community, and as a tribute to Marcia Cohen, a long-time resident of Sanibel and social activist, her husband Jack established the MARCIA CAN HELP fund in 2017.

Marcia Can Help

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

For advertising info, call Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 or email [email protected] L'CHAYIM JULY/AUGUST 2020 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 25 tinue the renovation of the Hadassah health risks lessen, ar- extent they wish. Israel and much more. iconic Round Building – home to the CHAVURAT rangements will be made Throughout the summer, Chavu- On Thursdays at 11:00 a.m., Cha- Chagall Windows – at Hadassah Hos- SHALOM to actually meet together rat Shalom will have Friday evening vurah members present sessions on pital, Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. [email protected] in person. Zoom Shabbat services at 6:00 p.m. various topics including Jews in India, Proudly, we joined Hadassah chap- Chavurat Shalom (Fel- led by Barry and Barbara Epstein with Women in the Bible, Mordecai Kaplan, ters all across the country to advocateWhen one is faced with the COVID-19 lowship of Peace), welcomes all those others who volunteer to conduct them. Spinoza, and How French and Italian to our congressional representativeslemon, one must try to make lemon- from Sanibel and Fort Myers, and other Various members sing and read mean- Jews Survived the Holocaust. and senators in support of the Never ade. No longer able to safely gather nearby locations – including the snow- ingful selections. A participant offers a There is more we would like to do Again Education Act. Hadassah helpedtogether to socialize, to learn, to con- birds who traveled north – who seek to D’var Torah interpretation with ample that is creative, vibrant and meaningful write the bill and led the effort to se-duct or attend services, a group of area share common interests and values in opportunity for comment and discus- to the Chavurat Shalom participants. cure bi-partisan support of this legisla-Jews decided to take advantage of the order to enlighten and enrich their Jew- sion. Please consider sharing your inter- tion which provides funding through available technology (Zoom) to forge a ish lives. On Saturday mornings at 10:00 est and knowledge with a new Jewish grants to teachers and schools through-path to a new Jewish community. They The Chavurah is not affiliated with a.m., Leonard Minsky moderates Jew- community in Southwest Florida by out the country to develop programs created Chavurat Shalom, to gather in any Jewish organized movement. It ish/Israeli current events that include sending a note to chavuratshalom@ and activities for Holocaust Education.casual settings to study, learn and cel- is community-led. Each person has such topics as the possible Israeli an- gmail.com. The Never Again Education Act has ebrate our Jewish cultural heritage and an equal voice in the affairs of the nexation, anti-Semitism on college recently been signed into law. religious traditions. Of course, when group and may participate to whatever campuses, U.S. Jews’ views about

Save the Date: and with Susan Suarez, Sandy Lessig from Holocaust Mu- to email me their parent’s stories – sto- X Thursday, October 1: League of Women Voters – joint program with GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH President/CEO of The seum Houston, wrote that “As Survi- ries of about 500 words and including Temple Shalom Sisterhood; Zoom presentation; Contact Elyse Morande at SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Holocaust Museum & vors die, the memory and impact of a personal highlight and a photograph [email protected] or 239.498.0623 (239) 963-9347 Cohen Education Cen- what happened to the Jews during the if possible. The stories I have received X Monday, October 26: Expanding Horizons Series – The Orchid Whisperer ter, all confirmed the im- rise of Nazism and the ensuing war and are moving, inspirational and so im- with award-winning orchid grower Gayle Dorio; Zoom presentation; Contact Request for 2gs: We need you to tell portance of preserving these stories. Holocaust becomes more distant and portant to preserve. If you are a 2g, Elyse Morande at [email protected] or 239.498.0623 your parent’s story Many related the numerous ways that less real to generations of people, par- please email your parent’s story to me X Monday, November 16: Fall Meeting; Zoom meeting & presentation; Ida Margolis survivor stories are being preserved, ticularly young people. My role as the to be included in the book of parent Contact Elyse Morande at [email protected] or 239.498.0623 Earlier this year a number of 2gs (Sec- including interviews, videos, personal daughter of a Survivor and educator survivors of local 2gs. The book will X Tuesday, December 1: The Hadassah Symposium on Women’s Health & ond Generation, i.e. children of Holo- memoirs, books of collected stories of this most Jewish of experiences has remain at the Holocaust Museum, and Wellness; Note: This program is rescheduled to December 1, 2021 caust survivors) met for an afternoon and even holograms. Many survivor been to search for the most meaningful we will discuss how we would like to of “Our Stories,” sharing stories about stories, however, have not been record- way to teach the lessons of what apathy reproduce copies (printed or digital) X Sunday, December 13: Keepers of the Gate Brunch; additional information being a child of a Holocaust survivor. ed, and with so many survivors having and hatred can do.” Sandy has been a that can be distributed to each of the to follow; Contact Ellen Harris at [email protected] or 508.395.3600 “Our Stories” was suggested a number passed away, who will be telling their docent at the museum for over 25 years, 2gs contributing stories. X Wednesday, January 20: Installation of Officers & Fashion Show by Casualof years ago by Rene Geist and Shir- stories? and she developed “Through Their If you would like to see sample Connection; information to follow; Contact Elyse Morande at amorande@ ley Besikof, and has been graciously The Cohen Center for Holocaust Eyes,” a program for 2gs to effectively stories or if you have any questions, aol.com or 239.498.0623 hosted for a number of years by Rene. and Genocide Studies at Keene State tell their parent’s story. “Through Their please email me at genshoahswfl@ Each of the stories were so unique, yet College in Keene, New Hampshire, Eyes” is one of many formats that can gmail.com ASAP, and also add if you everyone there could relate to some- has emphasized the theme of “next be used effectively with students. are interested in telling your parent’s thing that was said. I received so much generation responsibilities… receiving We would like to have local 2gs story to students. positive feedback about this program a legacy from those who go before us meet in person to discuss telling their GenShoah SWFL is in the process and was asked to not only make sure and passing on what we have learned parent’s story to students. Hopefully of planning programs for the upcom- that another story sharing program and experienced to those that follow.” this can happen in the not too distant ing season. We will be staying in touch would be held next season, but to find After seeing the gas chambers dur- future. But in the interim, GenShoah with updates as soon as we have infor- a way to record these stories so they ing a trip to Birkenau that had been or- would like to create a book of stories mation. “Movies That Matter” will be could also be preserved and shared ganized by Keene State College, those of survivors as told by their children, proceeding with its human rights films, more widely. who were visiting were told that they 2gs who live or spend time in South- although in a different format. After speaking with a number of had the responsibility to “bear wit- west Florida. I have sent a letter to 2gs 2gs throughout the U.S. and Canada, ness.” with whom I am familiar, asking them

early Jewish History of ing concerns of our risks, and quar- a historically rewarding and resilient JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY our region through sev- antine lockdowns are not unlike the solution. OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA eral traceable facts and miseries that 16th, 17th and 18th centu- Please make time in your busy (239) 566-1771 many speculative tidbits ries that sea travelers endured, many of schedule to join us for our online Mas- of information from the whom were merchants and their fami- terclass presentations (must join email Historical chatter first 250 years of Florida’s history in lies. What did the Jews traveling to the list): Marina Berkovich The Jewish Historical Society’s online Americas’ coastlines and barrier is- • Sunday, June 28 at 3:00 p.m. Five hundred years ago, Southwest Masterclass presentation in May, in it- lands consider normal then? What did • Monday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m. Florida was discovered by a possible self a historic first. other groups consider normal in those • Friday, August 28 at 11:00 a.m. converso, Ponce de Leon. As much as Historical events, even tragedies, days, and how does that help us cope Have you joined our mission yet? half of the Jewish population of Spain are much easier understood if one tries with our current problems? Family Membership is $54; Individual converted under the threat of immi- to measure them not against the con- To me personally, air-conditioned Membership is $36. Please mail checks nent death at the hands of the Catholic temporary standards, as most people housing and mosquito control are top to: henchmen. The coerced ones, the con- attempt, but rather through placing positives of our era. Others from my The Jewish Historical Society verts, aka conversos or marranos, as the them in the era-appropriate historical top 10 list of “Southwest Florida Jew- of Southwest Florida Inquisition Era Spaniards called them, context. Every event, every act of hu- ish Living 2020” are uplifting vir- 8805 Tamiami Trail North, played an important though poorly man beings involved in those events, tual sermons, relatively good health, Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108 documented role in the discovery of needs to be evaluated against the times electricity, the internet and multitude 833.547.7935 (833.JHS.SWFL) American continents, their exploration in which these events take place. of inventive ways of combating the www.jhsswf.org and settlements. Ponce first crossed Similarly, we can philosophize that challenges that presented themselves [email protected] the Atlantic Ocean with Cristobal Co- the way humans behave and react to during this time – virtual bat and bar Virtual Museum of SWFL lon – Christopher Columbus to the the behaviors of others is inextricable miztvahs, births, deaths, weddings, Jewish History http:// English-speaking world. On that first from the times such behaviors occur. holidays…life goes on just as it al- jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/ Marcia Can Help and the many subsequent voyages, the Just look at our behavior in the context ways does. It is up to each of us to find coerced ones were escaping the Euro- of our altered needs. Everything is not MARCIA CAN HELP, a fund of the Jewish Federation pean persecution, as others would dur- as it was before this functioning new ing the centuries that followed. There normality was introduced to our civi- Center for Holocaust and Jewish Family Services, provides for emergency are reasons to believe that conversos lization a few weeks ago. COVID-19 nutritional needs through our Food Pantry, gift card were among Ponce de Leon’s conquis- fast-forwarded our online outreach, and Genocide Research tadors. They certainly were under his bringing us, on demand, to homes and distribution, and crisis grants to prevent utility command on Hispaniola and Puerto communities of individuals who in Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about cut-offs, evictions, loss of transportation Rico. pre-COVID-19 times did not engage Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: There is plenty of historical chat- with us. In that respect, we are very and other essential services without ter, with layers of sediment covering grateful that we were able to increase • scholarship which none of us can live. the facts, but we dared to connect the our purview. • outreach Inspired by the recognition that dots of ‘what ifs’ by imagining the Sharing experiences and alleviat- • inquiry these needs must be addressed in our • sharing knowledge community, and as a tribute to Marcia Cohen, • preserving the record a long-time resident of Sanibel and social activist, her Like us on Facebook! • helping teachers • encouraging students husband Jack established the MARCIA CAN HELP fund in 2017. ConneCt with your Jewish Community Marcia Can Help www.facebook.com/ Help us meet these pressing needs by contributing to the MARCIA CAN HELP fund. facebook.com/jfedsrq Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ For further information please contact Alan Isaacs at (239) 481-4449 or [email protected]. JewishFederationLCC Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director

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

cnbc.com, sales of books young Jewish girls were trafficked into nity. It has been an incredible year of TEMPLE BETH EL were up 295% year over prostitution from Russia to Buenos Ai- learning, adapting to a new format and Fort Myers year for a period this res, Argentina, in the late 19th century, curriculum and, of course, adjusting to (239) 433-0018 spring. Good news for where prostitution was legal and deep- online learning.” you bibliophiles: you ly embedded in the culture. Fourteen- A major part of the Confirmation www.templebethel.com have an additional month year-old Batya and her family, fleeing Class curriculum is performing acts to enjoy the TBE Book endless pogroms, is forced to marry a of chesed, loving-kindness. Our TBE Introducing the Learning Tree Teacher Club. Beginning in August, rather than wealthy stranger from abroad. She en- Mitzvah Committee has been working Support Fund: Jesyca Virnig, Learning September, whether we’re still quaran- ters a waking nightmare. Batya is one hard to develop a list of opportunities Tree Director, announces an $18,000 tining or not, please join us. If TBE is of thousands of women tricked and for the students to do mitzvot for the fundraising goal. The $18,000 goal still virtual in August, it doesn’t matter sold into a brothel. congregation. Our ninth grade Confir- was chosen for the meaningful context where you are. You can Zoom into the Tuesday drop-off of food and Cycle mation ceremony is postponed. The behind the number. It is the amount TBE Book Club on the first Wednes- Forward supplies continues at the front students prefer to wait until we can needed to sustain pay for Learning Tree day of the month at 2:45 p.m. on your entryway to our building. The Mitz- worship together in the sanctuary to teachers during an up to four-week clo- mobile device or your computer. vah Committee collects and distributes celebrate their Confirmation. sure. Monies raised will be placed in a On August 5, Russ Bogen will lead non-perishable food items, as well as Given restrictions placed upon us restricted fund to be used only to sup- a discussion of Noah Gordon’s The feminine hygiene products, via local during the pandemic, TBE is explor- port teacher pay. The Learning Tree Rabbi. This novel follows the life and food pantries. Checks made out to Har- ing using virtual fundraisers. Our first budget has been slashed in order to career of Rabbi Michael Kind as he ry Chapin Food Bank, the Jewish Fed- one is happening now on Facebook. make it through expected challenges in journeys through America as a Reform eration of Lee & Charlotte Counties or TBE members are emailed during their the fall. While PPP (Paycheck Protec- rabbi. Rabbi Kind develops resilience, Cycle Forward are also welcome. Call birthday month and are encouraged to tion Program) was a saving grace, The strength of character and courage as he the TBE office at 239.433.0018 if you set up a Facebook birthday fundraiser Learning Tree wants to be a self-sus- encounters the challenges of congrega- have questions. benefiting Temple Beth El. This is an taining and responsible employer, sup- tional life. As the academic year ended, Rabbi ongoing program. porting teachers having professionally On September 2, The Third Nicole Luna had these words of thanks The Temple Beth El community provisioned jobs. Daughter by Talia Carner will be dis- for parents of Religious School stu- is open and here for you, even if the Hurricane pantry items: check. cussed, with Candace Patton as discus- dents: “Thank you for your flexibil- building is closed. Toilet paper: check. Books: check. sion leader. This novel illuminates a ity and commitment to your children’s According to one measure cited by little-known piece of Jewish history: Jewish learning, identity and commu-

Please consult the syna- dush and more at home with the Rabbi rus. Deepest sympathies are extended COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE gogue’s website at www. and Rebbitzen, Sabbath morning Torah to Jake Katz, who lost his sister Toby Fort Myers fortmyerssynagogue.com study and qaddish, Tuesday evening Bauer to the epidemic in early May and (239) 466-6671 for updates. Adult Education ,Youth Hebrew tutor- then his brother Sidney Katz in early We remain hopeful ing and special events. The Zoom log- June. Barukh datan emet. www.fortmyerssynagogue.com that Days of Awe wor- on link is on the C.F.S. website and is The stone dedication for the Rab- ship can take place at the open to all without passwords or prear- bi’s son is at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, JulyShalom Life Center is Southwest Flor- The leadership of the Community Free synagogue starting Friday, September rangements. 5 at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardensida’s warm and welcoming home for Synagogue continues to rely on the 18 ,with worshippers using their best Heartfelt condolences to the fam- on Colonial Blvd. All wishing to paycontemporary Jewish life with a pas- recommendations of medical profes- judgment regarding appropriate pre- ily of Celia Atum, who succumbed to their respects are encouraged to attend.sionate commitment to community and sionals within the congregation to de- cautions. complications from the COVID-19 vi- spiritual growth where everyone is al- termine when and how to resume face- Until the doors of the synagogue ways welcome! to-face activities. They suggest that a reopen, C.F.S. will continue with its Send updates and changes to the Jewish We are looking forward to gath- key indicator would be the reopening very successful Zoom “gatherings,” ering together in person again very of our local senior residential facilities. including Sabbath Eve candles, qid- Directory below to [email protected] soon. We will be making an announce- ment in July with regards to returning to our building in the near future. In TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY REFORM ORTHODOX the meantime, we are a “Shul without 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 walls” and are doing our very best to Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson keep the community connected and E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 941-833-3381 Learning Tree Preschool Director: : Jesyca Virnig E-mail: [email protected] engaged through Livestream services Email: [email protected] IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com President: Hank Betchen Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Email: [email protected] a kiddush Phone: 239-433-0018 • Fax: 239-433-3235 Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Web site: www.templebethel.com COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study REFORM CHABAD LUBAVITCH 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Religious & Hebrew School: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 Sunday (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) ORTHODOX Judaica Gift Gallery P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 5620 Winkler Road Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Bruce Diamond Fort Myers, FL 33919 ([email protected]) Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Phone: 239-433-7708 • Fax: 481-9109 TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Phone: 239-466-6671 E-mail: [email protected] REFORM E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.chabadswf.org 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah Rabbi Devora Buchen Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon President: Peter Simenauer at 6:30 p.m. Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. Phone: 239-772-4555 • Fax: 239-772-4625 Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org every Saturday morning from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. OF CAPE CORAL Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday ORTHODOX Religious School: Wednesday 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. TEMPLE JUDEA 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. CONSERVATIVE Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Phone: 239-963-4770 Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) Rabbi Marc Sack E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.chabadcape.com BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS President: Dan Fox Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. REFORM Director of Congregational Learning: Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church Tab Scribner Kiddush luncheon 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Preschool Director: Joann Goldman Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs [email protected] Monday-Friday morning 7:00 a.m. President: Michael Hochschild Phone: 239-433-0201 • Fax: 239-433-3371 JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 732-780-2016 Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Email: [email protected] Web site: www.tjswfl.org Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cantor: Murray Simon Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.-noon; Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct-Apr) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS 7:00 p.m. Friday (May-Sept) Wed. 4:30-6 p.m. Early childhood education:  Shalom Life Center Adult Education: Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader - 218-3433 Saturday, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Nov-Apr) Preschool, M-F, ages 18 months-5 years; “Mommy & Me,” 12 months-2 years • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Jacki Waksman - 954-653-9053 to 12:15 p.m. (Nov-Apr) Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Brian Lipton - 941-365-4955 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism • Anti-Defamation League: 561-988-2900 SHALOM LIFE CENTER • B’Nai B’rith International: 941-302-4500 TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE TRANS DENOMINATIONAL • Chevra Kadisha: 19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33967 Gene Sipe - 239-841-4615 HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963-9347 REFORM Rabbi Lawrence Dermer Phone: 239-218-3433 • Hadassah - Collier/Lee Chapter: 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 My mother always told me that if E-mail: [email protected] Diane Schwartz - 732-539-4011 Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4675 • Hadassah - Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): Web site: www.shalomlifecenter.org you can’t do something one way, do Rabbi Solomon Agin Odette Port - 941-505-1409 Shabbat Evening Services 7:30 p.m. (Oct-Apr) it another way. I feel like I have been President: Judith Migdol • Hazak 55+ Chapter: 7:00 p.m. (May-Sept) Phone: 941-625-2116 Joyce Rosinger - 239-437-1566 practicing that advice my whole life in Saturday Torah & Kabbalah Study 10:00 a.m. E-mail: [email protected] • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: 800-622-8017 preparation for this pandemic. Web site: templeshalomfl.com • Jewish Community Services: 239-481-4449 Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ • Jewish National Fund: We stopped having services in the Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Joshua Mellits, Director, Western Florida synagogue in mid-March. By the end of ESTERO 941-462-1330 ext. 865 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. ORTHODOX March, we were having regular Friday Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Memorial Tree Planting in Israel - 1-800-542-8733 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood • Jewish War Veterans: night services on Zoom. We couldn’t Organizations: Sisterhood Centre) Bonita Springs, FL 34135-7024 Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter - 239-246-3151 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Mendy Greenberg • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: have our regular Passover Seder, so we Phone: 239-949-6900 Nechamie Minkowicz - 239-822-2784 went virtual. A group of members got Web site: www.JewishBonita.com Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by tired of the isolation, so they grabbed a Kiddush their chairs and their masks and started

Send updates and changes to the Directory above to [email protected]. Visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org for a calendar of Virtual Programming. L'CHAYIM JULY/AUGUST 2020 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 27 nity. It has been an incredible year of worship services: Shab- handing out bags of food to the many class beginning Monday evening, Au- learning, adapting to a new format and TEMPLE JUDEA bat, weekday minyans in need. gust 24. The class is a prerequisite for curriculum and, of course, adjusting to Fort Myers and High Holidays. Syn- Tot Shabbat continues through the those interested in converting to Juda- online learning.” (239) 433-0201 agogue President Dan summer. Friday night, July 10 is the ism, and is also a class for those just A major part of the Confirmation Fox is sending congre- next service for young families. Join interested in learning more. Class curriculum is performing acts www.tjswfl.org gants a survey to get their Education Director Tab Scribner for We wish Mazel Tov to Alyssa of chesed, loving-kindness. Our TBE thoughts. The staff and an informal, entertaining and musi- Kleinman and her parents, Samantha Mitzvah Committee has been workingThe new normal continues, but with leadership are committed to provid- cal service geared for preschool-aged and Jeff. Alyssa will celebrate her Bat hard to develop a list of opportunitiesa few changes for Temple Judea. For ing an environment in which everyone children. Just “like” the Temple Ju- Mitzvah at Temple Judea the weekend for the students to do mitzvot for themore than three months, all Shabbat feels safe – a prerequisite for any expe- dea Facebook page to participate. Tot of August 14-15. We also wish a Mazel congregation. Our ninth grade Confir-and holiday services and programs rience of communal prayers. Shabbat begins at 5:00 p.m. Tov to Simon Schuman, son of Michele mation ceremony is postponed. Thehave been streamed on Facebook, in- Even during these unsettling times, Temple Judea Preschool started and Derek, who will celebrate his Bar students prefer to wait until we cancluding Torah study and a variety of Temple Judea continues to move for- its summer camp program on June 8. Mitzvah at Temple Judea the weekend worship together in the sanctuary tosocial programs. Early in this process, ward. We have acquired the new Con- Under the guidance of Director Joann of August 28-29. celebrate their Confirmation. the Ritual Committee voted to make servative Movement Shabbat siddur, Goldman, preschool staff implemented Regularly scheduled events: Given restrictions placed upon us streaming of services a permanent fea- Lev Shalem. The books are available the new guidelines for ensuring chil- “Like” the Temple Judea Facebook during the pandemic, TBE is explor-ture of Temple Judea. Thanks to gen- for dedication (at $50 apiece) and for dren’s safety, while providing the nur- page to livestream the services. ing using virtual fundraisers. Our firsterous private donations, a camera has personal purchase. The new siddur will turing, creative and enriching program • Friday evening Shabbat services one is happening now on Facebook.been purchased that will be installed in be introduced after the fall holidays. for which they are so highly rated. at 6:30 p.m. TBE members are emailed during theirJuly. This camera will allow services to Lev Shalem will enhance your experi- The Outreach Committee, formed • Saturday morning Shabbat birthday month and are encouraged tobe streamed over Facebook and Zoom ence of prayer, whether at Temple Ju- before Passover, continues to call ev- services at 9:30 a.m. set up a Facebook birthday fundraiserat the same time. Even when we can dea or at home. eryone in the congregation on a regu- • Morning minyan every Monday benefiting Temple Beth El. This is ansafely physically gather again, services Social action programs continue. lar basis, just to check in. Rabbi Marc at 9:00 a.m. ongoing program. will continue to be streamed for those The members of Temple Judea have Sack also calls all the congregants to Rabbi Sack’s monthly lunchtime The Temple Beth El communitywho cannot join us at the synagogue. been donating food to the Jewish Fed- keep in touch. Torah study sessions will resume in the is open and here for you, even if the The big question being considered eration’s food pantry. Members of the Check out the ad in this issue of fall. building is closed. now is when and under what condi- congregation now volunteer at the Har- L’CHAYIM for information about tions Temple Judea could reopen for ry Chapin Food Bank, preparing and Rabbi Sack’s Introduction to Judaism

and Zoom meetings dur- SLC also has a dynamic Women’s inspiring services infused with mean- rus. Deepest sympathies are extended SHALOM LIFE CENTER ing this most difficult and Circle led by Rebbetzin Robin Dermer ingful and relevant messages, soaring to Jake Katz, who lost his sister Toby Fort Myers challenging time. with an emphasis on women’s spiritu- melodies from our song leaders, choir, Bauer to the epidemic in early May and (239) 218-3433 Every Friday night at ality and personal growth. world class symphonic ensemble and then his brother Sidney Katz in early 7:30 p.m. we experience Torah study, women’s circle, book special musical guests. Join us for Rosh June. Barukh datan emet. www.shalomlifecenter.org an uplifting, musical and club and Yiddish Culture Club are Hashanah, Tashlich and Yom Kip- The stone dedication for the Rab- meaningful Livestream meeting in our SLC Zoom room for pur services as well as our Meditative bi’s son is at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, JulyShalom Life Center is Southwest Flor- Shabbat service. To join with us, just the time being. If you’d like to learn Healing concerts and Grand Gourmet 5 at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardensida’s warm and welcoming home for visit www.shalomlifecenter.org and more, please send us an email or give Break the Fast Feast. Together we will on Colonial Blvd. All wishing to paycontemporary Jewish life with a pas- click on SLC TV. us a call. be celebrating a magnificent arrival of their respects are encouraged to attend.sionate commitment to community and Every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. SLC also offers many other oppor- 5781 by sounding the call that will be spiritual growth where everyone is al- we invite you to join us for a beautiful, tunities to enhance your Jewish life and heard from Fort Myers to Jerusalem. ways welcome! Livestream Havdalah at Home as we learning, and further your involvement Let your spirit soar at Shalom Life We are looking forward to gath- welcome the new week together. in community service while making Center where community is family and ering together in person again very Every Saturday morning at 10:00 friends in a warm and welcoming com- prayer is always inspirational, mean- soon. We will be making an announce- a.m. SLC offers an interactive and par- munity. ingful and musical. For more informa- ment in July with regards to returning ticipatory Torah and Kabbalah study We’re busy this summer planning tion visit www.shalomlifecenter.org, to our building in the near future. In led by Rabbi Lawrence Dermer with a to ensure our 5781 High Holy Days email us at [email protected] the meantime, we are a “Shul without focus on the relevance of our timeless experience exceeds every expectation. or call 239.218.3433. walls” and are doing our very best to traditions and bringing the ancient wis- Everyone’s invited to “come home” keep the community connected and dom of Torah and Kabbalah into our for the Holy Days and experience our engaged through Livestream services daily lives. beautiful, traditional, uplifting and

answers. In such a world, questions to which we do not have an- Vickie, and by Cantor Simon and his BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS our religion is as relevant swers. This pandemic is our first such wife Toby. We are reassured to see fa- Sanibel as it has ever been. experience. The questions it provokes miliar faces in the small square boxes (732) 780-2016 The Fourth Com- are infinitely complicated and largely as more and more congregants join the mandment clearly states unanswerable, as yet. Shabbat service. Nobody is limited www.batyam.org the Sabbath was to be a Shabbat at the end of every week is by geography and many faces fill the day of rest for the Chil- possibly the most important holiday of boxes, including “snowbirds” in their “More than Israel has kept the Sabbath, dren of Israel, for their servants and the entire Jewish year. Especially now, northern homes for the summer. This the Sabbath has kept Israel.” for their beasts. This holiday begins we need its sacred ritual, its constancy, time of rest and worship is its own tran- – Ahad Ha’am at sunset, yet waking up on a Satur- its comfort; we embrace its certainty. quil reward, and each week as we bid In these days of Coronavirus, day morning feels different from the Its beacon shines a light throughout the farewell to the Sabbath bride we look when we really cannot distinguish the other mornings of the week. The day six weekdays, becoming brighter as we forward to next Friday and the Friday days of the week from each other, the is filled with precious hours, an island approach Wednesday, then Thursday after that. The ritual anchors us, even Sabbath stands as a beacon. It is a con- of special, spacious time. We are meant and finally Friday. Shabbat is ushered as we experience shifting and disrup- stant in an inconstant world, a signpost to stop shopping, driving, working into the home by lighting and bless- tion from the COVID-19 storm. to hold onto. – separating from our familiar activi- ing candles, reciting the Kiddush over In an imperfect world, this “palace A leader from the URJ spoke on a ties. This observance reminds us of life wine, and the motzi over the braided in time” as Rabbi Abraham Joshua He- webinar about how we are living, “in under COVID-19. Many of us are us- challah. schel (z”l) calls it, offers a respite, an a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and ing this newfound time to learn, to call These traditions can still be cel- attempt to be part of a perfect world for Ambiguous world,” a VUCA world, an friends we have not spoken to in years, ebrated in our own homes, but added a short while, to keep at bay the virus acronym coined by the American mili- to spend time with family, to catch now is the Zoom screen, or Facebook and all its frightening connotations. tary, when the USSR collapsed in the up on reading, to isolate and create a or YouTube, where the congregation early 1990s. In such a world, questions firewall from the rest of the world. We gathers to share the service provided and strategies do not always result in have much time on our hands, we have by Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and his wife Guidelines a weekly group social in than a pandemic to keep us apart. In TEMPLE BETH SHALOM the parking lot of a lo- fact, some former members who have for publication Cape Coral cal pizzeria. They sit at moved away are now joining us again. DEADLINES: (239) 772-4555 least six feet apart, eat After some initial doubt, Rabbi Devora 5 p.m. on the 5th of each month for all their lunch and spend a Buchen has embraced the new format articles and photos. If the 5th falls on www.templebethshalomcc.org couple of hours catching and our members have shown remark- a weekend or holiday, the deadline is up on the news. The book able resilience and flexibility. the following business day. My mother always told me that if club meets every Tuesday, virtually, When this pandemic is over, things WORD LIMITS: you can’t do something one way, do of course, and every Saturday night is will have changed forever. While 600 words for temples and organiza- it another way. I feel like I have been movie night. We thought we would try we are still not sure what form these tions providing materials for their practicing that advice my whole life in a Havdalah service in the parking lot, changes will take, we do know for sure respective sections. Those exceeding preparation for this pandemic. with social distancing, but the rain did that the spirit of our members and their these limits will be edited to fit. We stopped having services in the us in. dedication to each other will survive SUBMISSIONS: synagogue in mid-March. By the end of The children are already accus- and thrive. Email: [email protected] March, we were having regular Friday tomed to doing things online so Reli- Temple Beth Shalom is always Articles should be sent as text files, night services on Zoom. We couldn’t gious School finished out its year on- pleased to welcome guests to our ser- Word files, or Rich Text Format files. have our regular Passover Seder, so we line without even batting an eyelash. vices and activities. If you would like Receipt will be acknowledged if went virtual. A group of members got We have no idea when we might to join us, please call the temple at requested. Photos may be submitted tired of the isolation, so they grabbed get back into the synagogue, but what 239.772.4555. electronically; high-resolution JPG or their chairs and their masks and started we have learned is that it will take more TIF formats preferred.

Visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org for a calendar of Virtual Programming. L'CHAYIM JULY/AUGUST 2020 28 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties

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