www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 39, No. 7 n March 2017 / 5777
Program notes he community is invited to attend the open- ing of the “Art Beyond Boundaries” exhibit on Sunday, March 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the T Alliance for the Arts. This art collaboration between over fifty U.S. and Israeli artists includes works from “ART BEYOND BOUNDARIES” SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN FORT MYERS MARCH 5, 2017 eight of our talented local Jew-
ish artists. The show opened “ART BEYOND BOUNDARIES” SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN FORT MYERS MARCH 5, 2017 last April in Israel and will “ART BEYOND BOUNDARIES” SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN FORT MYERS MARCH 5, 2017 be in Fort Myers for most of March. Several of the artists will be at the opening event on March 5 to tell you about the collaboration and to talk about their work. Leni Sack If you are not able to attend on March 5, there are other op- portunities to learn about the exhibit. The JFed Social Club will be viewing the exhibit on Tuesday, March 7 with Carolyn Gora, one of the chairs of the collabo- ration, giving an “up close and personal” account of the experience. The group will meet at the Alliance at 11:00 a.m. and then go to lunch. If you would like to participate, please contact me at 239.481.4449 x3 or [email protected]. Calling all families for a fun day at Lakes Park on Sunday, March 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Pavilion D1. There will be “Maccabiah” type games for kindergarteners through seventh graders, along with arts and crafts activities, singing and more. Teens can earn community service hours by helping, Represented by eight artists - Carolyn Gora, Shirley Litman, Herb Sklar, Celeste Borah, Janice Heligman, or just come to join in the fun. There will be special Gale Shamblott, Elise Gold Sewall & Juli Bobman - the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, a activities for preschoolers. Enjoy snacks and lunch Represented by eight artists - Carolyn Gora, Shirley Litman, Herb Sklar, Celeste Borah, Janice Heligman, member of the Southeast Consortium of communities in the U.S., participated in "Art Beyond for children and adults. RSVPs are needed to ensure Gale Shamblott, Elise Gold Sewall & Juli Bobman - the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, a there is enough food and supplies for all! Boundaries,"Represented byan eightarts collaboration artists - Carolyn that Gora, began Shirley in the Litman, fall of 2015 Herb and Sklar, continues Celeste throughBorah, Janice April 2017Heligman, under member of the Southeast Consortium of communities in the U.S., participated in "Art Beyond The Community Family Picnic is sponsored by theGale auspices Shamblott, of the Elise Jewish Gold Agency'sSewall & Partnership2GetherJuli Bobman - the Jewish Peoplehood Federation Platform. of Lee and Charlotte Counties, a Boundaries," an arts collaboration that began in the fall of 2015 and continues through April 2017 under the Jewish Federation along with Temple Beth Sha- member of the Southeast Consortium of communities in the U.S., participated in "Art Beyond lom, The Community Free Synagogue, Temple Beth SeveralBoundaries,"the auspices local ofartistsan the arts Jewishattended collaboration Agency's the opening that Partnership2Gether began of the in theshow fall in of PeoplehoodApril 2015 in andIsrael continuesPlatform. at the 20th through anniversary April 2017 under celebration of the P2G program. The exhibit of art work created by over fifty artists from Israel and the El and Temple Judea. Severalthe auspices local ofartists the Jewishattended Agency's the opening Partnership2Gether of the show in PeoplehoodApril in Israel Platform. at the 20th anniversary Chag Purim! Chag Purim! Purim is almost here. U.S is currently touring Southeastern communities. Our local artists will join the Federation to host the celebration of the P2G program. The exhibit of art work created by over fifty artists from Israel and the The holiday begins the evening of Saturday, March 11, Severalopening local of the artists exhibit attended locally atthe the opening Alliance of forthe the show Arts in inApril Fort in Myers Israel onat theMarch 20th 5, anniversary 2017. The community U.S is currently touring Southeastern communities. Our local artists will join the Federation to host the continued on page 2 celebrationwill receive invitationof the P2Gs toprogram. attend theThe event.exhibit of art work created by over fifty artists from Israel and the U.Sopening is currently of the exhibittouring locally Southeastern at the Alliance communities. for the OurArts localin Fort artists Myers will on join March the Federation5, 2017. The to community host the opening will receive of theinvitation exhibits locallyto attend at the the Alliance event. for the Arts in Fort Myers on March 5, 2017. The community will receive invitations to attend the event. COMMUNITY FAMILY PICNIC - הקהילה SUNDAY, MARCH 26 LAKES PARK PAVILLION D1
Join with other Jewish families 10:00 11:30 THIS EVENT IS FREE TO ALL for a day of fun-filled activities Three-legged races, scavenger IN OUR COMMUNITY! hunt, water balloons, snacks RSVPs are a must by MARCH 13 including games, arts & crafts, and lots more for children ages to Leni at 239.481.4449 x3 or kindergarten through seventh singing and more, as we come [email protected] grade. together as a community. The event is sponsored by 11:30 11:00 הקהילה Preschool families are invited to join in activities especially for their age.
11:30 12:30 Lunch for all (parents, too!) with kosher hot dogs, drinks and more!
9701 Commerce Center Court POSTMASTER: NONPROFIT ORG Fort Myers, Florida 33908 DATED RELIGIOUS U.S. POSTAGE NEWS ITEMS. PAID TIME SENSITIVE– FT. MYERS, FL PLEASE EXPEDITE! PERMIT NO. 175 DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION
Program notes...continued from previous page 1 and continues through Sunday, March 12. Check with a peaceful and hopeful future. In this issue: local congregations for the times of their Megillah As always, our food pantry is in need of canned readings and festivities. and boxed goods. Please remember us when you shop 5 Our Community And if Purim is coming, then Passover can’t be – perhaps buy an extra can or two to donate. Snow- too far behind! We are looking for volunteers to again birds, if you are cleaning out your pantries before go- 9 Jewish Interest help distribute over 200 Passover gift bags we send ing back home, please think of us. We do ask that you 13 Marketplace to seniors in independent, assisted living and nursing always check expiration dates before donating as we homes in Lee and Charlotte counties. It’s a wonderful can’t give out food with expired dates. 15 Israel & the Jewish World mitzvah for all ages. As much as the seniors like get- Also, snowbirds, don’t forget to let the Federa- ting the gift bags, what they most enjoy is the visits tion know when you are leaving our area. L’CHAYIM 17 Commentary from the volunteers. Let me know if you are able to will not get forwarded to your other address. Let Lori 18 From the Bimah help. Ramos at our office know when you leave and again Please mark your calendars now to attend the when you return, so your current address is in our 18 Community Directory Federation’s Annual Holocaust Memorial Service, files and you receive all the necessary mailings. held this year at Temple Beth El at 3:00 p.m. on Sun- Have a Happy Purim and best wishes for safe 20 Focus on Youth day, April 23. It is always important, and seems es- journeys to all those returning to their “summer pecially important this year, to make sure we “never homes.” 21 Organizations forget” the horror of the past while working to ensure 23 Temple News Why I support Federation oving from a larger Jewish community to Southwest Florida, my chal- lenge was to find Jewish life in my new adopted city. My first thought Mwas to turn to Federation as what I hoped would be a clearinghouse for Jewish involvement. I began volunteering, answering phones and doing some office work. Through these volunteer hours I became acquainted with the com- munity. I found a warm, welcoming Jewish home; a home that even encouraged me to expand our programming to include Israeli folk dancing that now has become a weekly activity at the Federation. – Marsha Kistler, Federation Treasurer Senior Outreach Program By Helene Glocer he senior lunches returned to Temple Beth sometimes funny, but always personal. We all learned Shalom in January after two months on the a lot that day. Troad. Going back to its original location Temple Judea graciously hosted the lunch in De- brought a sense of comfort and a recharging of the cember. Rabbi Marc Sack was very welcoming and batteries. After a brief return, we will set out again to shared a couple of thought-provoking stories. Jason’s bring the program to Temple Beth El in February, the Deli provided box lunches for everyone. Alliance for the Arts in March, and the Shalom Life Thanks to all the volunteers who pick up the se- Center in April. niors and set up the lunch, and to the seniors them- Jewish news published monthly by We had an interesting discussion at the January selves who come regularly and help make this a suc- Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties lunch about World War II. Seniors recounted their cess. Special thanks to Jason’s Deli, Cafe Portofino 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 memories of the war, both at home and abroad. One and Publix, who make the lunches affordable. (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org man described being hidden as a child in Poland by If you know any seniors who might enjoy the food farmers, another about seeing ships off the coast and and camaraderie once a month, or if you would like to March 2017 • Volume 39, Number 7 much, much more. It was interesting, sometimes sad, join us, call Micaela Solomon at 239.481.4449. President: Rozzi Osterman Board: Paul Bartrop • Larry Eisenfeld • Herb Fried Carolyn Gora • Jerry Greenfield • Andi Horowitz Charles Idelson • Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler Sara Krivisky • Michele Laboda • JoAnn Lewin Barbara Siegel • Sylvia Simko • Brian Simon Jerry Snyderman • Sherri Zucker Executive Director: Alan Isaacs Program Director: Leni Sack Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos Jewish Family Services: Micaela Solomon Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923 L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, Rabbi Devora Buchen but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are Rabbi Marc Sack at Temple Judea at Temple Beth Shalom welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the right to edit for space and content. Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color SAVE THE DATE prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the LION OF JUDAH writers and claims by advertisers. APRIL ISSUE DINNER EDITORIAL DEADLINE: TUESDAY,APRIL 4 Monday, March 6 Remembering the past; Grow your business Celebrating the present with L’CHAYIM. Reach 5,000 local Stay in touch throughout the month. Jewish residents through this paper. Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts. Get the latest information on For more information upcoming community events or to place an ad, call Jim and cultural activities, breaking at 239.634.6923 news items, updates from Israel or send an email to and lots more. [email protected]. Send an email to [email protected] L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3
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L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION
The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. YOUR SUPPORT Sunday Promote Strengthen & enrich Honor/ Share your KINDNESS JEWISH COMMarchMUNITY 1st Remember MITZVAH A LOVED ONE
This year please consider making an additional campaign contribution in honor or in 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 our community.
How the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Serves
Local Jewish Education and Culture Community wide Jewish Education and Culture Programs for all ages including the Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Author Events, Israel Celebration, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk dancing, social groups, etc. L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community informed about local, national and international Jewish issues. Community Relations activities include monitoring anti Semitism and issues of separation of church and state in the community. Israel Advocacy and Initiatives to strengthen local Jewish community ties with Israel. Holocaust Education through the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community.
Overseas Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communities in 60+ countries around the world. Partnership 2Gether relationship with the Hadera Eiron Region in Israel.
Local Seniors Services Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facilities For a continuously updated for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health and socialization. calendar of events, visit Local Case Management Services Non sectarian, individual and family outreach, information and referral services. www.JewishFederationLCC.org. Individual life coaching and support services.
Local Emergency Services Food Pantry. Emergency financial assistance. Education and aid associated with natural disasters.
Local Community Services Support families of children with special needs. SAT preparatory classes for high school students. Volunteerism. Organizational Collaboration. Assessment and Planning.
Jewish Community Foundation An endowment that ensures the long term financial base of charitable, social and educational programs in our community. Needs based college scholarships and study scholarships in Israel. Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment.
Jewish Family Services
VOLUNTEER BRUNCH
March 30th, 2017
We are expanding Jewish Family Services and we need your help! Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel
Grants Available
The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through Volunteer opportunities the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. The grant may be used for travel to Telephone calls to seniors Israel to participate in programs that are volunteer or Come for a “nosh” and fill out Personal Mitzvah visits educational in nature. Our hope is that these programs will enhance Jewish knowledge and identity in preparation for our Volunteer Experience and Transportation participation in American Jewish life. This grant is for Jewish Interest Inventory. Join us at Senior Lunches residents of either county who are 25 years old or younger th 11:00 A.M. on March 30 , Food Pantry Thursdays and can demonstrate a financial need. Academic standing 2017 at the Jewish Federation Administrative support and community involvement may also be considered. For 9701 Commerce Center Court more information or an application, please visit our website at Fort Myers, FL 33908 www.JewishFederationLCC.org or contact the Federation at
239-481-4449, ext. 4 or email [email protected].
R.S.V.P. to (239) 481-4449 Ext. 6 L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5
The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to Museum exhibit and fundraiser strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. By Amy Snyder, Executive Director, Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL YOUR SUPPORT ur organization’s mission is one is at risk because they are “other.” speaker Erin Gruwell. In 1994, Ms. After teaching, Ms. Gruwell went Strengthen &Sunday enrich to teach the lessons of the Sometimes this timely word or action Gruwell was a young English teacher on to found The Freedom Writers Foun- Promote Holocaust to inspire action can prevent a situation from escalat- of 150 at-risk students of diverse back- dation, whose mission is “to provide Share your JEWISH COMMUNITY O Honor/ KINDNESS March 1st against bigotry, hatred and violence. ing. Think about the number of people grounds in Long Beach, California. The educators with tools to empower all Remember MITZVAH This positions us perfectly to be a posi- involved in the “back office” end of the 2007 film starring Hilary Swank, tells students to succeed.” The Foundation A LOVED ONE tive influence in machinery surrounding the Holocaust. has an international reach, and hopes our Southwest There were literally millions of chances to “improve the education of students Florida commu- for someone to question their tasks – around the globe.” nities and beyond. their work registering people, compiling We hope you will be able to join us This year please consider making an additional campaign contribution in honor or in memory of a loved one. Lest we forget, data banks and the logistics involved in and see proof of what an education can Because kindness is contagious we would like to highlight your generosity in L’CHAYIM and notify personally those whom one of the first planning of the widespread roundups provide to children of all backgrounds. you honor. You may choose how your generosity is noted and how we share your mitzvah with our community. steps toward the and transportation of “others” to camps Sponsorships are available. For more Holocaust was across Europe. information and to purchase tickets, the intentional We encourage you to visit the Mu- Amy and progressive seum and spend some time at our current Snyder devaluing of a exhibit, The World Knew: Jan Karski’s person considered as “other.” Unfor- Mission for Humanity. It explores the tunately, we continue to see local and story of someone who did question what national incidents in which people are was happening, gathered information targeted because of who they are or and acted upon it, and kept bringing it Erin Gruwell (photo above and book cover at right what they believe. In a unique coun- up. Karski, a Polish diplomat, witnessed courtesy The Freedom Writers Foundation) try like ours, whose citizenry is made what was going on in his country to the story of Ms. Gruwell’s teaching up of many versions of “other,” this Jews. He was smuggled in and out of method and its life-changing impact trend must be strongly countered, with the Warsaw Ghetto, and later, when on her students. Ms. Gruwell used The the incidents promptly addressed and disguised as a guard, was taken to the Diary of Anne Frank, among other investigated. The need for education transit camp Izbica Lubelska, about books written by teenagers, as a model programs such as those we offer are 200 miles southeast of Warsaw. Here he for her students to learn how to write a always relevant. saw German soldiers assigning Jews to journal. As their journal entries about Our programs and tours for students railway boxcars for transport to Belzec dealing with and overcoming adversity and visitors reinforce the importance and other death camps. He risked his life were shared anonymously in class, the of self-respect and respect for those in more than once to gather this informa- students bonded together and became our daily lives. In sharing the stories tion, and yet, when he presented it to the engaged with learning. Ms. Gruwell of those who suffered at the hands of highest authorities of the Allied powers, provided hope to her students by show- the Nazis, we also share the stories of was met with disbelief and inaction. He ing they weren’t alone in the troubles people who spoke up on behalf of those spent the rest of his life determined to they faced and that education was a please contact Tim Morrison, Develop- suffering. These were brave people of all inform people of what happened. way to a better life. The result was that ment Specialist, at Tim@HolocaustMu- ages, whose consciences wouldn’t let You can help support our Educa- all 150 of her at-risk students graduated seumSWFL.org or 239.263.9200. them stand wordlessly by when seeing tion programs by attending our annual from high school. Many went on to The Museum is located at 4760 injustice, directly or indirectly, done to fundraising event. Triumph 2017: The college. Her student group, known as Tamiami Trail North, Suite 7, in Naples. someone else. Freedom Writers Story will take place “The Freedom Writers,” also achieved It is open year-round Tuesday through We encourage our audiences to be on Wednesday, March 22 at Quail West success a few years later as co-authors Sunday; closed Monday and major “responsible” human beings, to speak Golf and Country Club in Naples. of the New York Times bestselling book Jewish and U.S. holidays. up and step into a situation where some- This special evening will feature guest The Freedom Writers Diary. Your RETIREMENT Your TRADITIONS Shell Point® takes care of what you need... your healthcare, your home, and your retirement lifestyle ...so you can enjoy what matters most.
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CHOOSE THE DATE THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee Wednesday, March 1 Tuesday, March 7 Tuesday, March 21 and Charlotte Counties. The grant may be used for travel to Wednesday, March 15 Wednesday, March 29 Israel to participate in programs that are volunteer or educational in nature. Our hope is that these programs will Seminars begin at 9:30 a.m. Light Refreshments will be served. enhance Jewish knowledge and identity in preparation for participation in American Jewish life. This grant is for Jewish Seating is limited, so reserve today; call(239) 529-4749 or 1-800-780-1131, and press 1 for Sales. residents of either county who are 25 years old or younger If you prefer, you can reserve online at and can demonstrate a financial need. Academic standing shellpoint.org/seminars. and community involvement may also be considered. For more information or an application, please visit our website at 15101 Shell Point Boulevard • Fort Myers, Florida 33908 www.JewishFederationLCC.org or contact the Federation at Shell Point is located just off Summerlin Road in Fort Myers, 2 miles before the Sanibel Causeway. Shell Point is a nonprofit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc. ©2016 Shell Point. All rights reserved. SLS-3294-17 239-481-4449, ext. 4 or email [email protected].
Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Bob Alper, Rabbi/ Her year of living Jewishly Stand-Up Comic (really) emple Bat Yam is sponsoring an Bob resides in Vermont with his unusual performer on Sunday, wife, Sherri, a psychotherapist. Profes- TMarch 5 at 7:00 p.m. in Fel- sionally, he makes people laugh, while lowship Hall of the Sanibel Congrega- she helps people cry. tional UCC at 2050 Periwinkle Way on If you wish to enjoy comedic ma- Sanibel. terial that is sharp yet suitable for Jews Bob Alper is an ordained rabbi and non-Jews, bring your friends and who served congregations for fourteen prepare to laugh. years until he fell for stand-up comedy. Advance tickets are $18 per per- Bob also holds a doctorate from the Princeton Theological Seminary. Bob Independently owned, family oriented. considers himself to be the world’s only practicing clergyman doing stand- Together we celebrate tradition. up comedy intentionally. How is that combination possible? He is certain Keeping Memories Alive. that his background has prepared him well for his comedy career with won- derfully unique material presented in a way that’s intelligent, sophisticated 1589 Colonial Blvd. and 100% clean. There’s a reason why Sirius/XM Fort Myers, FL 33907 satellite radio plays Bob’s comedy bits several times daily. The Chicago Tri- www.fortmyersmemorial.com bune and New York Times have warmly reviewed his performance. His fresh, 239-936-0555 ~ 877-936-0555 contemporary and totally “unortho- dox” style has been delighting audi- ences from Hollywood to Montreal. His unique brand of humor appeals Bob Alper (credit Sultan Khan) to everyone – synagogue and church son. Mail your check, with a note about crowds, colleges and theatres. the number attending Bob Alper’s per- A native of Providence, Rhode Is- formance, to Bat Yam, P.O. Box 84, land, Bob is a graduate of Lehigh Uni- Sanibel, FL 33957. Admission at the versity and was ordained at Hebrew door will be $25. Union College in Cincinnati. He has For more information, please con- served congregations in Buffalo and tact Rabbi Myra Soifer at myrabbims@ Philadelphia, where he continues to gmail.com or 775.721.5508. conduct High Holy Days services. Community Free Synagogue events open to the public Israel Pilgrimage Community Free The Community Free Synagogue’s Purim Pancake Breakfast June 4-15 Israel Pilgrimage is a “go,” The Community Free Synagogue with more than enough participants to (10868 Metro Parkway) will serve a form the required group! But there are free Purim Pancake Breakfast at 10:00 still six more spots available for your a.m. on Sunday, March 12. After the experience of a lifetime. meal, which will include a wide vari- The nine nights the Pilgrimage will ety of gourmet breakfast items, partici- spend in Israel will be in 4-Star-Plus pants will listen to the reading of the hotels and top-rated Kibbutz Guest Megillah of Esther accompanied by the Houses, while touring on its own De- new edition of the synagogue’s popular luxe Wi-Fi equipped coach from the “PowerPoint Purim,” featuring photo Negev and Dead Sea all the way up to vignettes of Megillah scenes staged by the northernmost points in Israel. The C.F.S.ers. Noisemakers and costumes best will be left for last: four days in provided to those who need them. Jerusalem! After the reading, there will be a Rabbi Bruce Diamond, D.D., who social hour featuring home-baked ar- has led 14 congregational trips to Isra- tisan hummentaschen. This event is el, emphasizes the spiritual and histori- open to all at no charge. Please email cal throughout the Pilgrimage, greatly the synagogue at synfreersvp@gmail.
enriching the work of the group’s pre- com if you plan to attend.
miere Ministry of Tourism guide. Brown Bag Movie Night The cost of the Pilgrimage is only The next Community Free Synagogue ANNUAL PASSOVER $2,695, excluding airfare. This includes “Brown Bag Movie Night” starts at everything in Israel except for some 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 23 in VISITS TO dinners and the occasional falafel! the Community Hall, featuring Denial. VISITS TO The close-out date for the Pilgrim- The film is a riveting drama, starring SENIORS age is April 15, so act soon if you plan Rachel Weisz and Tom Wilkinson, SENIORS to come along. To find out more and about the libel trial of noted historian
for registration forms, visit the syna- Deborah E. Lipstadt, who was sued in Do a Mitzvah and help deliver our PESACH gift bags to the Jewish residents gogue’s website at www.fortmyerssyn a British Court by notorious Holocaust Do a Mitzvah and help deliver our PESACH gift bags to the Jewish residents agogue.com, email Terri at synfree denier David Irving. Open to all. Pack in our community living in independent, assisted living and nursing homes in our community living in independent, assisted living and nursing homes [email protected], or call the 24-hour your dinner; soft drinks and admission in Lee and Charlotte counties. The residents enjoy not only the contents voice message center at 239.274.7485. are free. in Lee and Charlotte counties. The residents enjoy not only the contents of the gift bags, they love being visited by the members of the community of the gift bags, they love being visited by the members of the community who deliver them. who deliver them. Stay in touch throughout
THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS the month. Sign up for the OR TO DO A MITZVAH PROJECT FOR THEIR BAR/BAT MITZVAHS. OR TO DO A MITZVAH PROJECT FOR THEIR BAR/BAT MITZVAHS. Federation’s e-blasts. Bags will be delivered on Sunday, April 2. Get the latest information on Volunteers can come to the Federation from 9:30 11:30 a.m. upcoming community events to pick up the bags to deliver. and cultural activities, breaking (Other pick up and delivery times can aslo be arranged, if needed.) news items, updates from This is an opportunity for all family members to get involved. Israel and lots more. This is an opportunity for all family members to get involved. Seniors love having young children come visit. Send an email to From babies to bubbles - this is a Mitzvah the whole family can do together. [email protected] RSVP to Leni at 239.481.4440 x3 or [email protected]. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7 Bob Alper, Rabbi/ Her year of living Jewishly Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM Stand-Up Comic (really) My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One what, if anything, she has missed – and bases as she can, though of appendices: “A Jewish Wondering Jew. By Abigail Pogrebin. to decide what to do about it. necessity the book remains Year in Bullet Points,” a Foreword by A.J. Jacobs. Fig Tree What new understandings will she a bit New York centric. list of rabbi’s and other Books. 336 pages. Hardcover $22.99. turn into changed behavior? This ques- The author’s quest authorities interviewed tion not only generates suspense, but brings a payoff that might as part of Pogrebin’s re- hat a joy it is to be able also deepens our interest in the implicit not have been expected. search, a bibliography, and to share vicariously this questions that lie behind it: What new Yes, she gains insight and a glossary. Wtalented and energetic au- understandings will she gain? How will appreciation for the indi- Throughout her trav- thor’s journey, a journey self-designed she react to them? How will her readers vidual holy days and ritu- els, inquiries and medita- to deepen her Jewish knowledge and react? als, especially the most tions, Pogrebin continues to identity. At first glance a sure-fire, gim- Readers are encouraged to let Po- holy of all – the Sabbath. Beyond underscore her experiences micky publishing grebin be their guide, to imagine them- this, however, she comes to feel the as a Jewish child and woman, as wife venture, it turns selves in her place. genius of the sacramental and mother, and as an accomplished out to be much To measure their re- and liturgical Jewish year professional and unsatisfied seeker. more than that. It’s actions against hers. as an overarching structure These are parts of the tapestry. Now one a kind of Jewish To trust her certain- both in time and beyond of its threads, the thread of her Jewish makeover. It has ties and her uncer- time. There is a rhythm selfhood and spirituality, is a much more soul and determi- tainties. to the changing emotional prominent part of the design. nation and great Pogrebin wres- seasons of grief and joy, This remarkable book accomplishes sensitivity. tles with the fact that defeat and victory, scarcity its ends with great vitality and generous, As the subtitle Judaism provides a and plentitude. inspiring openness. Phil makes clear, Po- range of templates. During this experimen- A note on the author Jason grebin organizes Her search leads her tal year, she realizes more Abigail Pogrebin worked for Mike her book around the calendar of Jew- to encompass more strongly than ever that the Wallace as a producer on 60 Minutes. ish holidays, including an unexpected than the Reform hold and power of the holi- Her other books are Stars of David: number of fast days. Each chapter is Judaism that is her Abigail Pogrebin (Credit Lorin Klaris) days depends upon one’s Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jew- part embellished journal entry, part ci- home territory. She questions authorities preparation and intention. ish and One and the Same: My Life as tations of relevant observations – short from other worship traditions within the Helping Pogrebin and her readers an Identical Twin. Her work appears in teachings – by rabbis whom the author Jewish family. She visits a variety of are quotations from rabbis that she has such periodicals as Newsweek, New York Bob Alper (credit Sultan Khan) interviewed along the way. temples and synagogues. They contrast met or read along her journey. These magazine, The Daily Beast, the Forward Abby Pogrebin as character in her not only in worship style, but in many quotations are selected to underscore and Tablet. own book is presented as a somewhat other ways as well: size, prominence, key issues connected with the holidays Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus rebellious family member who feels formality, secular setting (major urban and the ways in which the calendar of English from the United States Na- her Jewish life has not been as rich as it center, suburb, etc.). Pogrebin criss- structures Jewish life. Some of the quo- val Academy. He reviews regularly for might have been. She has set out to see crosses the country to touch as many tations introduce a theme or a chapter, Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, while others simply arise when they Southern Literary Review, and other are needed to lend clarity and authority. publications. Please visit Phil’s website FEDERATION Other useful tools are the special at www.philjason.wordpress.com. UPCOMING BOOK CLUB MEETINGS
Bring your dinner and join us for book group
discussions at the Jewish Federation building Wednesday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. Book Club will attend the author event with Victoria Kelly discussing her book Mrs. Houdini Wednesday, March 22 at 6:00 p.m. Karolina’s Twins by Ronald Balson
RSVPs for all regular book club meetings a must to [email protected] or Specializing in outpatient hip and 239.481.4449 x3 knee replacement 9701 Commerce Center Ct. Fort Myers
ANNUAL PASSOVER VISITS TO SENIORS
Do a Mitzvah and help deliver our PESACH gift bags to the Jewish residents Do a Mitzvah and help deliver our PESACH gift bags to the Jewish residents in our community living in independent, assisted living and nursing homes in our community living in independent, assisted living and nursing homes in Lee and Charlotte counties. The residents enjoy not only the contents in Lee and Charlotte counties. The residents enjoy not only the contents of the gift bags, they love being visited by the members of the community of the gift bags, they love being visited by the members of the community who deliver them. who deliver them.
THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS OR TO DO A MITZVAH PROJECT FOR THEIR BAR/BAT MITZVAHS. OR TO DO A MITZVAH PROJECT FOR THEIR BAR/BAT MITZVAHS. Bags will be delivered on Sunday, April 2. Volunteers can come to the Federation from 9:30 11:30 a.m. to pick up the bags to deliver. (Other pick up and delivery times can aslo be arranged, if needed.) This is an opportunity for all family members to get involved. Seniors love having young children come visit. From babies to bubbles - this is a Mitzvah the whole family can do together. RSVP to Leni at 239.481.4440 x3 or [email protected]. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 8 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memorial Week Stars of David at Florida SouthWestern State College lorida SouthWestern State Col- A major feature of Holocaust Me- stories. This is a unique opportunity to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration lege (FSW) will observe the 21st morial Week at FSW continues to be meet and get to know our local Holo- camp. Other sessions will include pre- FAnnual Dr. Talbot Spivak Holo- firsthand commentary by Holocaust caust survivors. sentations by FSW faculty: Dr. Bruno caust Memorial Week, March 27-31, survivors. Our local community has We are honored to offer several Baltodano (Professor of Political Sci- with a series of events. The mission of been blessed to have a number of sessions with guest speakers. Dr. Paul ence), Dr. Sandi Tower (Professor of the Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memo- residents who are Holocaust survivors Bartrop, Professor of History and Direc- Hospitality Law) and Professor RonaldI Loved Mary, But… rial Week at FSW is to educate students and are willing to share their personal tor of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, Feemster (Professor of Journalism). TheI loved Mary Tyler Moore. She lit up and the community about the Holocaust, Holocaust experiences with students and Genocide Studies, Florida Gulf FSW Writing Center’s Book Club willthe TV screen in her signature starring to honor its victims and survivors, to and the community. Renee Beddouk, Coast University, will be discussing hold a book discussion on Elie Wiesel’sroles in The Dick Van Dyke Show and cultivate tolerance, and to promote Marcel Faschler, Cesare Frustaci, Steen his recently published book, Resisting Night and Art Spiegelman’s Maus I. The Mary Tyler Moore Show. But I was awareness of modern-day genocide Metz, Rob Nossen and Irene Skolnick the Holocaust: Upstanders, Partisans, The FSW Holocaust Memorialdistressed when I saw a recent tribute in support of the world’s promise of will present their individual Holocaust and Survivors. Aviva Doery, Honors Committee would like to thank the piece in the Jewish press that “cast” “Never Again.” survivor stories. Steen will also present Student from Penn State University, will Jewish Federation of Lee and CharlotteMoore and Grant Tinker (a producer In partnership with the Holocaust his heart-rending story to the FSW Col- present excerpts from her honors thesis, Counties, the Holocaust Museum & she was married to from 1962-1981) Museum & Education Center of SWFL, legiate High School students. All of the “The Experiences of Lesbians in Nazi Education Center of Southwest Florida, in roles they never played. This writer the Holocaust Boxcar will be on display survivor stories help our students realize Concentration Camps.” Steve Brazina, the Kenneth and Mary Ruth Stegman credited them with the following: (1) for educational tours on all FSW cam- how tragic the Holocaust was and to put Program Chair, GenShoah of Southwest Endowed Chair, and GenShoah of That the Van Dyke Show had an explic- puses: Charlotte Campus on February a face to the victims. Renee Beddouk, Florida, will present a screening of the Southwest Florida for their continued itly Jewish character in the 1960s, when 1-15, Collier Campus on February 15 Marcel Faschler, Cesare Frustaci, Steen documentary 49,172, the story of how support. Please visit https://www.few other shows did (Buddy, played by - March 6, Thomas Edison Campus Metz, Rob Nossen and Eva Sands will Bulgaria saved their Jewish citizens FSW.edu/holocaust for more detailedthe late MOREY AMSTERDAM); on March 24 - April 10 (Lee Campus, participate in a Round Table Lunch from Nazi Germany. Rob Nossen, Ho- event information and to access ar-(2) that TMTMS had a major Jewish Building O, Parking Lot #5), and Hen- where they are able to talk to students locaust survivor, will recount his June chived videos from our Holocaust character, too (Rhoda, played by Val- dry/Glades Campus on April 21 - May 5. in a more intimate setting to tell their 2016 visit to Warsaw, Krakow and the survivors. erie Harper, who isn’t Jewish); and (3) that in a memorable episode of TMTMS, Mary, the character, stood up Florida’s Holocaust Survivor Fee Waiver Program to anti-Semitic discrimination directed By Jeff Atwater, Chief Financial Officer, State of Florida, January 25, 2017 at Rhoda. However, Mary Tyler Moore and ear Fellow Floridians: killed and the countless families that claim directly with the financial institu- and their families. On average, these Grant Tinker never had a big hand in Our great State of Florida is were destroyed under Hitler’s regime. tion or with remaining open restitution fees would amount to a 10 percent tax the creation and writing of her shows. home to a large community Not only was this horrific genocide funds – that’s where we stepped in. on each payment the survivor receives. D Tinker had some role getting TMTMS on of Holocaust survivors – a community carried out on the innocent, but so much The Department championed a In 2016, we’ve helped more than the air, but he didn’t create or write it. that lived through one of the deadliest was taken from so many families – art, change in law in 2013 that enabled our 1,700 Holocaust survivors receive And while TMTMS was, in name, a joint genocidal acts to ever occur. In fact, jewelry, bank accounts, investments, Department to educate Holocaust sur- nearly $2.7 million in benefits that were enterprise of the couple, Ms. Moore there are an estimated 12,500 Holocaust etc. – these items of sentimental value vivors regarding restitution programs owed. In addition, more than 7,800 candidly said that Tinker completely survivors and their families who have also carry a large monetary value as still available in Germany, Poland, the survivors were provided with education handled their business dealings. chosen Florida as their safe-haven. Un- well. A few years ago, I set out to see Czech Republic, France, Austria and and outreach efforts regarding financial “Think Yiddish, Write British,” is fortunately, there isn’t anything in this what could be done to connect Holo- Hungary, and also to provide them with Holocaust-era restitution, and since an old line among Jewish writers to de- world that can undo the Nazi-driven caust survivors and their families with help in filling out the applications. These the program’s inception in 1998, the scribe how they take material (comedy nightmare that plagues the memories of as many financial resources and services reforms allow the Department to seek Department has helped facilitate the or drama) from their Jewish background the survivors who suffered through un- as possible to help them move forward repayment for Nazi-confiscated bank ac- recovery of more than $26.3 million for or sensibility and translate it into mate- imaginable horrors. However, Interna- from this cruel chapter in history. While counts, art and property; provide educa- Holocaust survivors. It is my hope that rial that retains comedy and/or pathos tional Holocaust Day is recognized this on this journey, we found that many of tion about the existence of the restitution these numbers continue to grow. Our re- – but is relatable to the overwhelmingly Friday, January 27, and offers a time for the deadlines have passed for submitting program to Holocaust survivors; and to sources are plentiful and our specialists non-Jewish world. CARL REINER, us to remember, reflect and pray for the claims to Holocaust compensation pro- assist survivors in receiving needed home are standing by, ready to assist. now 94, drew from his own experience millions of innocent victims that were grams, but it may be possible to submit a healthcare services. If you know a Holocaust survivor or in writing, with a pack of other Jews, In addition, the Department has relative who could use our assistance, I The Sid Caesar Show when he created multiple programs and resources geared encourage you to send them our way. Van Dyke. Then he plucked Moore out toward not only helping facilitate and The Department’s Holocaust Assistance assist survivors with the disbursement Programs are free to all and restricted of European reparation payments and to none, so please don’t wait to call our insurance benefits, but we have also toll-free helpline, 800.388.4069, or visit partnered with several financial institu- our website at www.MyFloridaCFO. tions to establish the Holocaust Survivor com/Division/Consumers/Holocaust/. Fee Waiver Program. In an effort to keep While this chapter in history was Holocaust survivors’ money in their a terrible one, it’s one we must never own pockets, this program waives the forget and one that we must never stop international wire transfer fee on repara- talking about. tion payments for Holocaust survivors PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE This month’s advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. 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Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Nate Bloom (see column at left) has become a family history expert in 10 Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start I Loved Mary, But… of obscurity to co-star. She said they with a limited search of one family line. I loved Mary Tyler Moore. She lit up virtually had a father-daughter relation- the TV screen in her signature starring ship. Likewise, the brilliant JAMES So here’s the deal: roles in The Dick Van Dyke Show and L. BROOKS, now 76, was the main Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. The Mary Tyler Moore Show. But I was creator and writing overseer of TMTMS. Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that distressed when I saw a recent tribute Moore’s contribution, which was huge, piece in the Jewish press that “cast” was to take this “translated material” goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. Moore and Grant Tinker (a producer and be its brilliant vessel – not a dumbed The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, she was married to from 1962-1981) down “All-American girl,” but a smart several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate in roles they never played. This writer American woman that every type of friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked credited them with the following: (1) American could relate to, and laugh That the Van Dyke Show had an explic- with. Reiner and Brooks knew she had out great for them. So contact him about this as well. itly Jewish character in the 1960s, when a huge hand in their success and said so few other shows did (Buddy, played by in their tributes after her recent death. who recently signed a new two-book attended Yom Kippur services. the late MOREY AMSTERDAM); Catch-Up Sports Corner deal with Penguin. Both owners of the 2017 Super (2) that TMTMS had a major Jewish The NHL (National Hockey League) The super-exciting recent Super Bowl teams are Jewish (ROBERT character, too (Rhoda, played by Val- season, of course, has been ongoing Bowl had one, or maybe two, Jewish KRAFT, Patriots, and ARTHUR erie Harper, who isn’t Jewish); and since October, but I finally have a players. NATE EBNER, 28, is a very BLANK, Atlanta Falcons). I wondered (3) that in a memorable episode of chance to clue you in to the Jews on good New England Patriots special if Blank, 74, who co-founded Home TMTMS, Mary, the character, stood up ice. There are four Jews playing in the teams’ player who appeared in the 2015 Depot, was a Republican like his to anti-Semitic discrimination directed NHL this year, and two others with and 2017 Super Bowls. Last summer, Home Depot co-founder, BERNARD at Rhoda. some Jewish ancestry who, unlike some he played rugby for the U.S. at the MARCUS, 87. I found a year-old USA However, Mary Tyler Moore and journalists, I wouldn’t call Jewish. In Olympics. And then there’s “amazing Today article that showed an interesting and their families. On average, these Grant Tinker never had a big hand in the latter group, there’s Washington’s Patriots receiver” Julian Edelman, 30. pattern. While the big majority of NFL fees would amount to a 10 percent tax the creation and writing of her shows. Andre Burakovsky, a left wing, and Well, I say, we have to see if he for- owners donate mostly to the GOP, most on each payment the survivor receives. Tinker had some role getting TMTMS on Jason Demers, a Florida defenseman. mally converts or just remains a “friend of the Jewish owners, including Kraft, In 2016, we’ve helped more than the air, but he didn’t create or write it. In the former group, there’s MICHAEL of the tribe.” Out of his eight great- 75, and Blank, give the majority of their 1,700 Holocaust survivors receive And while TMTMS was, in name, a joint CAMMALLERI, 34, long a star left grandparents, only Edelman’s paternal political donations to Democrats. Blank nearly $2.7 million in benefits that were enterprise of the couple, Ms. Moore wing and the co-captain of the New Jer- great-grandfather was Jewish. Still, was the biggest Obama giver among owed. In addition, more than 7,800 candidly said that Tinker completely sey Devils (his mother is Jewish). Less he’s called himself Jewish, he’s visited NFL owners in 2008 and Kraft the big- survivors were provided with education handled their business dealings. of a star is DAVID WARSOFSKY, 25, Israel and, for the last three years, he’s gest in 2012. and outreach efforts regarding financial “Think Yiddish, Write British,” is a defenseman who has bounced between Holocaust-era restitution, and since an old line among Jewish writers to de- the NHL and the minors for three sea- the program’s inception in 1998, the scribe how they take material (comedy sons. This year, Warsofsky has played Department has helped facilitate the or drama) from their Jewish background six games (so far) for Pittsburgh. Doing recovery of more than $26.3 million for or sensibility and translate it into mate- much better is JASON ZUCKER, 24, Holocaust survivors. It is my hope that rial that retains comedy and/or pathos a good forward who has solidified his these numbers continue to grow. Our re- – but is relatable to the overwhelmingly place on the Minnesota team. Last but sources are plentiful and our specialists non-Jewish world. CARL REINER, not least, is ZACH HYMAN, 24, a are standing by, ready to assist. now 94, drew from his own experience Toronto left winger. He joined the team If you know a Holocaust survivor or in writing, with a pack of other Jews, at the end of last season and is doing relative who could use our assistance, I The Sid Caesar Show when he created fine this season. Plus, he’s a bestselling encourage you to send them our way. Van Dyke. Then he plucked Moore out children’s book author (two out so far) The Department’s Holocaust Assistance Programs are free to all and restricted Studying family history brings more than just historical knowledge, to none, so please don’t wait to call our it builds relationships. Learning the stories behind names and dates toll-free helpline, 800.388.4069, or visit teaches a personal history that explains more than just how each our website at www.MyFloridaCFO. person came to be. EVERYONE WELCOME. com/Division/Consumers/Holocaust/. While this chapter in history was Jewish Genealogy SIG (Special Interest Group) a terrible one, it’s one we must never Next meeting: Thursday, March 9 forget and one that we must never stop 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. talking about. LEARN HOW TO BEGIN RESEARCH INTO YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY OR GET HELP FINDING NEW STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE SEARCH
YOU HAVE ALREADY STARTED.
There is no cost to attend. RSVP to Leni at [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3
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Aon display through November 5, 2017, at the museum known for her song “Yerushalayim Her songs have an appeal and May peace abide within our land retired educator from Rochester, New Shel Zahav” (“Jerusalem of Gold”), charm that attract listeners worldwide. and strengthen all that’s near and far. York, she has sung in choral groups for considered to be Her ability to connect her childhood May it come to pass, may it be. over 25 years and also sings in Venice’s an unofficial sec- memories from the Kinneret (Galilee) Lu y’hi, Lu y’hi, oh may it be, peace Chorale (formerly Exsultate!). Her ond anthem for to events in contemporary time have within our land we’ll yet see. interest in choral music has led to this Israel, after “Ha- created songs that are beloved to her Lu y’hi, Lu y’hi, we all pray let it be, series of articles on Jewish folk music tikvah.” Written audience and have made a huge contri- All that we desire, may it be. in the Diaspora. in 1967 for a song bution to Israeli music. festival, just a few Naomi Shemer has written scores weeks before the of songs in Hebrew which were widely Being content Six-Day War, the sung from the ’60s to the ’80s. Of the By Mark Sweitzer idea for the song songs she wrote about the Yom Kippur have always appreciated reading My food portion isn’t big enough, I’m Arlene was based on a War, “Lu Yehi” (“Let it Be”) first be- quotes and sayings by people. Over not being called out on time, there’s no Stolnitz Talmudic legend gan as a translation of a Beatles song. the years, I’ve collected quite a few hot water, no candles, it is too late to Shemer remembered from her child- Eventually, it became an independent I from many different sources. I suppose light candles. hood. According to the legend, the noted hit and is widely sung today by singers that is why I was given the responsibil- Certainly, events occur that are scholar Rabbi Akiva, living in poverty, and choral groups such as the Sarasota ity for putting the “Quote of the Day” beyond our control. That is a part of promised his wife Rahel that someday Jewish Chorale. on the white board in the dorm I am in. life. And, in here there is a process to he would become wealthy and buy her “Ilan,” written just three weeks Recently, I put up one which I address issues where we feel we are a “Jerusalem of Gold,” a piece of gold before her death, was a tribute to Israeli would like to share with you and is the wronged. Sad, though, is the person jewelry. astronaut Colonel Ilan Ramon (1954- basis for this article. It is: “Who is truly who is not happy unless there is some- During the Six-Day War, paratroop- 2003) who died in the explosion of the rich? One who is content with his lot.” thing to complain about. ers who liberated Jerusalem sang the space shuttle Columbia. The quote is attributed to one of the On a personal note, it wasn’t until song at the Temple Mount and the West- Shemer was married twice, first to Sayings of the Sages. after I stopped blaming others for my ern Wall. After the victory in Jerusalem, Gideon Shemer and later to Mordechai I can say from experience that fol- predicament. Do I still get upset some- Shemer added an additional verse cel- Horowitz. She had two children: daugh- lowing that maxim while being incar- times? Sure, I do. But then I try to look ebrating the reunification of Jerusalem. ter Halleli from her first marriage, and cerated has been very difficult at times. at the bigger picture. I am in control. Today, “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” has son Ariel from the second marriage. After all, who really wants to live a life Control of how I let my surroundings been translated into many languages and She died on June 26, 2004, in Tel Aviv where most of their rights, freedoms affect me. Suddenly, it’s not so bad af- has become an international statement from consequences of her long bout and privileges have been stripped from ter all. on the reunification of Jerusalem. with cancer. Buried on the shores of the them? Not many, although I have actu- I would like to leave you with one Born in 1930 on a kibbutz on the Kinneret, she requested only that three ally met a few (believe It or not). final quote. This one is from Richard shores of the Sea of Galilee, Naomi of her songs be sung at her graveside Yet, for the vast majority of us, it Nixon. He certainly had his faults, but Shemer was raised by her parents in the service. was our choices that brought us here. this quote has resonated with me. kibbutz they had founded. She showed After her death, Israeli Prime Min- For me, the first step in being content “We think that when we suffer a musical talent during her childhood, ister Ariel Sharon said, “Using marvel- is to recognize that fact. My choice, my defeat, that all is ended. Not true. It is often leading community singing in the ous lyrics and melodies, she succeeded responsibility. only a beginning, always. Only if you kibbutz. After studying music at the Ru- in connecting us to our roots, to our Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survi- have been in the deepest valley can you bin Academy in Jerusalem, she served in origins… Today, as we bid farewell to vor, once said that “everything can be ever know how magnificent it is to be the Israel Defense Forces’ entertainment Naomi Shemer, we bow our heads with taken from a man but one thing; the last on the highest mountain. Never be pet- troupe. Later, she returned to the kibbutz sorrow and are grateful for the wonder- of human freedoms – to choose one’s ty. Always remember, others may hate to teach music to the children. During this ful gift Naomi gave us.” attitude in any given set of circum- you, but those who hate you don’t win stances; to choose one’s own way.” unless you hate them and then you de- Having so many of our freedoms stroy yourself.” taken away from us, many of us choose to not exercise this one. At times, I, The Jewish Federation is grateful too, have been guilty of this. Collec- to Sharon Rosenberg of Cape Coral tively, it is claims of having a bad law- for editing and transcribing yer, somebody snitched me out, my cir- the monthly articles from Jewish cumstances forced me to commit my crime. On a smaller scale, this lack of inmates at Charlotte County contentment is evident on a daily basis. Correctional Institution.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Stay connected all month long at SOUTH PACIFIC www.JewishFederationLCC.org
MITZVAH PROJECT & DINNER Friday, March 10, 8pm Help pack Passover gift bags for Saturday, March 11, 7pm over 200 seniors in Lee & Charlotte Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW • Tickets from $42 counties, followed by pizza and salad. The Gulf Coast Symphony and co-producer Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Tony Award-winning musical, South Pacific, filled with some of their most beloved melodies — Bali Ha’i, I’m 7:00 p.m. Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair, Some Enchanted Evening, and Younger than Springtime. South Pacific still delights audiences today with its powerful and uplifting message. Enjoy this classic American musical as its creators intended: staged with full symphony orchestra!
OPEN TO ALL YOUNG JEWISH Performance accessible to all patrons. ADULTS
RSVP to Leni
TICKETS: 239.481.4849 • GulfCoastSymphony.org [email protected] SYMPHONY OFFICE: 239.277.1700 239.-481.4449 x3 L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 Hot Couture: Florida Jews on the Fashion Scene, 1880s to Today Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sara- sota Jewish Chorale, is a member of An original exhibition created by the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU the Jewish Congregation of Venice. Aon display through November 5, 2017, at the museum retired educator from Rochester, New ews have played a dominant role in the 1950s, to fashion trends such as climate-influenced golf shirts and stay- York, she has sung in choral groups for in the American fashion industry the guayabera shirts, influenced by the dry fabrics, and even Florida furs, this over 25 years and also sings in Venice’s from the late 1800s, when waves exodus from Cuban in the 1960s, to exhibition explores the inspiration and Chorale (formerly Exsultate!). HerJ of European immigrants fled persecu- today’s entrepreneurs using the most tradition that has guided the creative interest in choral music has led to thistion and pogroms, often bringing with modern technologies and materials to forces behind Florida’s fashion indus- series of articles on Jewish folk musicthem only the clothes on their backs and create the latest fashions. try for generations, and the pride and in the Diaspora. their trades. While these immigrants Hot Couture: Florida Jews on the craftsmanship that defines them. became known for shaping the New Fashion Scene spans the spectrum JMOF-FIU will host a series of York garment industry, many people from designing and manufacturing to fashion-related programs and activities Being content will be surprised to learn that Jews who dressing and influencing the local and throughout this yearlong exhibition. settled in Florida have been involved in international scene in all types of cloth- Check the museum’s website for details: clothing-related businesses in our state ing from beachwear to ball gowns. The www.jewishmuseum.com. also since that time. exhibition includes women’s, men’s Exhibition Sponsors include: Perry Model Wearing a Snakeskin Bikini by Louis Rot- Floridian Jews have left an indel- and children’s clothing, shoes, acces- Ellis International, Robert Arthur Segall fort, Miami, 1950s. Born in 1906, Louis Rotfort moved to Florida from Far Rockaway, New York, ible footprint on this industry, from the sories, jewelry, handbags and notions to Foundation, Elliot Stone and Bonnie in the 1920s. In the 1950s, he turned his hobby pioneering “mom and pop” retailers ancillary services such as fashion pho- Sockel Stone, Kenneth and Barbara of hunting snakes in the Everglades into a profit- and department stores that started more tography, law, advertising and design Bloom, Marla Schaefer & Family, Olem able business, starting the Reptile Leather Co., making bikinis, ties, shoes, bags and belts for than 100 years ago, to designers who labs. Featuring everything from iconic Shoe Corp., Civie & Earl Pertnoy Fam- sale out of pythons, rattlesnakes and boa con- brought the likes of Frank Sinatra and brands to unique wearable art, bikinis ily Foundation, Abby Schaefer, Varat & strictors. Rotfort lived to be 100 years old. Gift of Ron Grunhut, Ron for Louis Rotfort, from the Zsa Zsa Gabor flocking to their stores and belts made out of local snakeskins, Singer Families, Merle & Dan Weiss, Collection of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, originated by Marcia Jo Zerivitz, L.H.D, Founding Executive Director. Isabel Bernfeld Anderson, Saks Fifth Avenue. About JMOF-FIU The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU is the only museum dedicated to tell- ing the story of 250 years of Florida Jewish history, arts and culture. The museum is housed in two adjacent, lov- ingly restored historic buildings at 301 Washington Avenue on South Beach, that were once synagogues for Miami Interior of Hyman Lieberman’s Store, The Hat Box, on South Orange Avenue Wolf Brother’s Storefront, Tampa, 1932. Morris Wolf, a German émigré, between Central and Pine, Orlando, 1922. Hyman Lieberman was born in Rus- came to Tampa in 1895. His sister, Bena, had married Abe Maas, who Beach’s first Jewish congregation. The sia in 1895, and when he came to America, his first job was sitting on the rooftop opened the Maas Brothers Department Store in Tampa in 1886, and Mor- museum’s permanent exhibition is of a building in New York City to watch Panama hats dry. He and his new bride, ris went to work for Abe in the store. In 1898, Morris opened his own store Esther, also an émigré, who was born in 1894, came to Orlando on their honey- in Tampa with his brother, Fred, called Wolf Brothers, where they sold MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763 moon and decided to stay. First they bought a store that sold menswear, but after ready-to-wear clothes, in addition to their own tailor-made styles. They to Present. Its temporary history and a short time they opened a store selling Panama hats. After many years, they eventually grew to having four stores in the Tampa Bay area. In 1992, art exhibitions change periodically. For moved to another Orlando location to open The Hat Box. Gift of Bea Lippton, Wolf Brothers closed their downtown store after 94 years in business. from the collection of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, originated by Marcia Jo From the collection of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, originated by more information, call 305.672.5044 or Zerivitz, L.H.D, Founding Executive Director. Marcia Jo Zerivitz, L.H.D, Founding Executive Director. visit www.jewishmuseum.com.
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L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 12 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Belzec: The heart of darkness By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD ocated in southeastern Poland, plan of “Operation Reinhard” – the The policy of concealment did not SS chief Heinrich Himmler ordered the Nazi death camp at Belzec Nazi plan for the eradication of all Jews end with the prisoners at their death, that the mass graves should be exhumed Lbegan operating on March 17, within the Generalgouvernment (Gen- however; the Nazis went to considerable and the remains should be incinerated 1942 – exactly 75 years ago this month. eral Government) of Poland under the trouble to conceal their activities inside in open-air furnaces. The residual bone While Auschwitz is without doubt the administration of Hans Frank – Belzec the camp in an effort to keep the local fragments from the incinerated bodies best known of the Nazi killing sites, with was one of the earliest locations for population in the dark as to what was were then to be pulverized and shipped Treblinka perhaps testing the mass extermination of Jews. happening there. back to Germany’s farmers for fertilizer. running second in As such, the new camp commenced The lives of a few – a very few – By June 1943, slave laborers had com- people’s minds, the operations on March 17, 1942, when prisoners were spared at the time of their pleted their task, only to be subsequently death camp at Belzec Jews deported from Lublin, Lvov and arrival in the camp. Spared temporarily shot or deported to other camps. saw the murder of Kraków began arriving by rail cars. to work as slave laborers, these pris- The camp was then dismantled. upwards of 600,000 The camp itself was divided into oners were compelled to work in the Germans and local collaborators bull- people by the time it three separate areas: administration, a killing areas, separating newly-arrived dozed the entire site, transformed it into ceased operations in storage area for plundered goods, and prisoners’ possessions, removing bod- a farm for a Ukrainian family, planted Dr. Paul December 1942. The the extermination site, which initially ies from the gas chambers, and burying crops and trees, and constructed a large Bartrop vast majority of those contained three gas chambers that grew them in mass graves adjacent to the homestead there. The intention was that sent to Belzec were Jews, though Roma to six over time. Measuring 886 feet per killing ground. there would be no traces left of what had and Poles were also victims. side, the camp was supervised by up to The speed of the killing process at taken place at Belzec, and indeed, this Belzec was the Nazis’ first dedi- 30 SS and police officers, depending on Belzec was extreme. Between March could have been the case were not the cated extermination facility, and overall, workload and camp needs. These were and December 1942 alone, for example, entire region overrun and occupied by so far as can be ascertained, only two supplemented by an auxiliary police at least 435,500 Jews, Poles and Roma, Soviet troops in July 1944. Jews are known to have survived their unit of around a hundred men comprised most of who had come from southern For those who read this column reg- ordeal there. of Ukrainians and Poles, together with Poland (though with others from Aus- ularly, they will know that I frequently In early 1940, German officials built former Soviet prisoners of war who had tria, Germany and Czechoslovakia) attempt to find something uplifting from a number of forced labor camps along defected to the Nazis. were murdered at the site. the episodes about which I write. Sadly, the Bug River in occupied Poland. Just The Germans had carefully evolved The first commandant of Belzec there can be nothing elevating about the outside the village of Belzec, in Poland’s the deportations and killing process: was SS Major Christian Wirth, who event marked this month – the 75th an- southeast, they erected one such camp trains of 40 to 60 boxcars, with 80 to 100 ruled over the location from March niversary of the opening of one of the which was also intended to serve as a people crammed into each car, arrived at through June 1942. He was replaced worst killing fields of the Holocaust. central headquarters for the others in the Belzec station. The prisoners were by the camp’s second commandant, SS Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History the region. then force-marched to the camp, where First Lieutenant Gottlieb Hering, who and the Director of the Center for Ju- Administered by the SS, the camp at they were stripped of their possessions remained at the site until June 1943 and daic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies Belzec began by interning Jews from the prior to being separated by gender. They oversaw its dismantling and closure. at Florida Gulf Coast University. He Lublin district, where they were com- were then made to remove their clothes In October 1942, fearful that the can be reached at [email protected]. pelled to build various military facilities. and ordered to walk through a pathway Nazis’ activities might be discovered, By the end of 1940 the labor camp was known as the “tube,” a narrow alleyway deactivated. Those who had worked to concealed by branches leading to the gas Two events in March at FGCU build it were either shot or deported chambers. The unsuspecting prisoners he community is invited to two non Grata. It is the story of a Japanese elsewhere. On November 1, 1941, Ger- were told they were going to communal events being organized by the diplomat, Chuine “Sempo” Sugihara, man SS and local police officials began showers. Center for Judaic, Holocaust, who was honored by Yad Vashem in erecting an extermination camp at the Once the “bathhouse” was full, the T and Genocide Studies, to take place at Jerusalem for his work in helping to site of the old labor camp. Situated less doors were sealed and carbon monoxide Florida Gulf Coast University in March. save the lives of thousands of Jews dur- than a quarter of a mile from a major rail gas was pumped in from a large machine The first is a lecture delivered by Dr. ing the Holocaust – and who was then line, it was ideally suited for the location outside. This process was repeated until David Meola, Bert and Fanny Meisler promptly disciplined by the Japanese of an extermination camp. all the victims brought in on the train Endowed Professor of Jewish Studies government for his actions. The film Established as part of the overall had been murdered. at the University of South Alabama, runs for approximately 2 hours and 20 on Thursday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m. minutes. Dr. Meola’s presentation is entitled We are pleased to acknowledge that “Citizenship at the End of a Barrel: this event is being sponsored by the Anti-Semitism, Masculinity, and a Fight Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. for Honor” – a remarkable account of a It is anticipated that the event will take scandal that ended in a duel during the place in the presence of the Consul- early nineteenth century in Germany. General of Japan based in Miami. The lecture will take place in the Cohen Due to an expected high attendance, Center, room CC213, and is free and you are asked to RSVP to the Center open to the public. Assistant, Miss Taylor Neff, at twneff@ The second event will take place on eagle.fgcu.edu in order to enable us to Thursday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. in the cater for numbers. This is a free event. Cohen Center, room CC214. This will Florida Gulf Coast University is lo- be the Southwest Florida premiere of cated at 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, a spectacular movie entitled Persona Fort Myers.
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Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: • scholarship • outreach • inquiry • sharing knowledge • preserving the record • helping teachers • encouraging students
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Israeli team named finalist in international race to moon By The Wine Whisperer recently received a few samples wines from Spain that come wrapped The answer is a qualified yes. Most ing label design. WW 90 of wine that comes in a can. Upon in an adorable little strait jacket. A bit of us are not going to take a $200 bottle Côté Mas Blanc Méditerranée I reflection, I concluded that wine extreme, perhaps, but they do get atten- to the beach or the parking lot outside Languedoc 2015 ($11) – Interesting can reasonably be stored in any kind tion. the stadium, so the quality of most blend of Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, of non-reactive container, even a can. The market for canned wine more canned wines is in the middle range, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, In fact, I’ve seen than doubled in the past year, and which is okay. A few that I received are with flavors and aromas of hyacinth, wines that come amounted to over $6 million in sales. reviewed below, along with other new melon and citrus. This would go well in cute plastic A drop in the wine bucket compared to recommendations. Sample widely. with cream sauce dishes. WW 91. individual wine the overall industry, but a fivefold in- Seven Daughters Moscato Veneto Edmeades Zinfandel Mendocino tumblers with a crease over 2012. As we know, cans are NV ($14.99/4-pack cans) – A slightly 2013 ($20) – Rich black fruit and hints stem and every- especially efficient at containing bub- fizzy white with a light lemon color of cinnamon. Great with barbecue and thing. So there’s bly beverages, so it’s no surprise that and tutti-frutti flavors on the palate. sweet spicy sauces. WW 89 really no good most of the increase came from spar- A bit sweet, with a sugar cane flavor Château du Taillan Médoc 2012 reason, aside kling wines like mini-Champagnes, on the finish. This would go well with ($18) – Traditional blend of Merlot, Jerry from tradition and easy-drinking casual wines, such spicy foods. WW 88 Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Greenfield and maybe a bit as rosé. Seven Daughters Pinot Noir NV Franc, aged 12 months in oak. Red of snobbishness, that wine can’t be Recent consumer surveys stress ($14.99/4-pack cans) – A bit richer- cherry on the nose, with pronounced placed in a convenient, airtight can. It the desirability of keeping the wine looking than some Pinots, offering fla- vanilla on the palate and a slight bit of works for beer. at the proper temperature and being vors of wood, smoke and earth, which sweetness. WW 91 The issue, however, is not the able to take it just about anywhere. So is not typical of New World wines. A Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- preservation of the beverage, but the there’s quite a bit to be said for packag- nice surprise, and tastes a bit more ex- er. He is Creative Director of Green- quality. These days, winemakers are ing wine this way. You can take it all pensive than it is. WW 90 field Advertising Group, as well as a appealing strongly to Millennials by kinds of places without having to lug Michael David Freakshow Lodi wine consultant, educator, and writer. developing cutesy names and pack- heavy bottles or large ice chests. But 2013 ($20) – Big rich and inky in the His book, Secrets of the Wine Whis- ages for all kinds of wine. In a previ- the big question, of course, is this: Is glass, aromas of charred oak, bold perer, is now available on Amazon or ous column, I noted the new “Loco” the stuff any good? black fruit flavors and a really interest- at www.winewhisperer.com. Hamantaschen – recipe by Dalia Hemed urim is just around the corner. Follow these tips, and you’ll be XX Use a rolling pin to roll the dough When I think about Purim and creating beautiful batches of home- out to 1/4-inch thick. Pfood, the only thing that really made hamantaschen in no time! XX When the dough reaches 1/4- comes to mind is hamantaschen. In Is- Hamantaschen Dough Ingredients: inch thickness, scrape the dough A prototype of SpaceIL’s robotic spacecraft being unveiled rael, for weeks, every grocery store and • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room up with a pastry scraper, lightly for Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (third from left) baker is hawking the Purim pastry of temperature re-flour the surface, and flip the hamantaschen. By the time the holiday • 2/3 cup sugar dough over. Continue rolling the finally rolls around, everyone has more • 1 egg, room temperature dough out very thin (less than 1/8 than had their fill of this poppy-seed • 1 tsp vanilla of an inch thick). The thinner you and prune-filled delight. They are deli- • 1 tsp grated orange zest roll the dough, the more delicate cious, fun to make with kids, and you • 2 1/4 cups flour and crisp the cookies will turn out. can fill them with almost anything. • 1/4 tsp salt Just make sure the dough is still Some of us are having trouble You will also need: thick enough to hold the filling and making hamantaschen for Purim. Your Large mixing bowl, electric mixer, sift- its shape! hamantaschen are spreading or open- er, pastry scraper, rolling pin, 3-inch XX Use a 3-inch cookie cutter (not ing when they bake, or maybe they’re cookie cutter or drinking glass with smaller) or the 3-inch rim of a glass losing their shape or the filling is leak- 3-inch diameter rim to cut circles out of the dough, cut- ing and you’re having trouble folding Directions: ting as many as you can from the your cookies into neat triangles. Or XX Slice room-temperature butter into dough. Personal Chef Dalia Hemed maybe you’re just looking for an easy small chunks and place in a large XX Gather the scraps and roll them out can be reached at hamantaschen recipe that will get you mixing bowl. again. Cut circles. Repeat process [email protected]. perfect results every time. Whatever XX Add sugar to the bowl. Use an again if needed until you’ve cut as your question, I’m here to help. Hope- electric mixer to cream the butter many circles as you can from the this new flap overlap the right side fully my tips will help obtain a tasty and sugar together for a few min- dough. You should end up with of the triangle. This way, each side and beautiful result from the very first utes till light and fluffy. around 35 circles. of your triangle has a corner that try! XX Add the egg, vanilla and orange XX Place a teaspoon of filling (which- folds over and a corner that folds Make great dough zest to the bowl. Beat again till ever filling you choose) into the under – it creates a “pinwheel” ef- by following these tips: creamy and well mixed. center of each circle. Do not use fect. This method if folding is not XX Roll your dough out to 1/8 inch XX Sift flour and salt into the bowl. more than a teaspoon of filling, or only pretty, it will help keep the thick (or less). XX Mix with the electric mixer on low you run the risk of your haman- cookies from opening while they XX Use a thick filling that won’t run/ speed till a crumbly dough forms. taschen opening and spilling out bake. weep from the cookies while bak- XX Begin to knead dough with hands during baking. XX Pinch each corner of the triangle ing. till a smooth dough ball forms. XX Assemble the hamantaschen in gently but firmly to secure the XX Cut your hamantaschen dough in XX Form the dough into a flat disk and three steps. First, grasp the left shape. 3-inch circles (or larger) before wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the side of the circle and fold it toward XX Repeat this process for the remain- filling and folding into triangles. refrigerator to chill for 3 hours to the center to make ing circles. XX Most fillings can be chilled before overnight. a flap that covers XX When all of your hamantaschen using to fill hamantaschen. XX Before you begin to assemble the the left third of the have been filled, place them on a XX Do not overfill your hamantaschen. hamantaschen, choose and make circle. lightly greased baking sheet, even- Use 1 teaspoon of filling per ha- your filling and have it on hand XX Grasp the ly spaced. mantaschen cookie. to work with. Preheat oven to 350 right side of the XX Place them in the oven and let them XX Fold your triangles the right way! degrees F. Lightly flour a smooth, circle and fold it bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 min- Using the proper folding method clean surface. Unwrap the dough toward the center, overlapping the utes, till the cookies are cooked will help your hamantaschen hold disk and place it on the floured sur- upper part of the left side flap to through and lightly golden. together and create a beautiful face. The dough will be very firm create a triangular tip at the top of Filling for Hamantaschen: shape. MARK YOUR CALENDARSafter chilling.TO ATTEND the circle. A small triangle of fill- You can fill the hamantaschen with ing should still be visible in the poppy seeds filling, apricot jam, prune MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO ATTEND center. jam and almost everything you fill The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO ATTEND XX Grasp the bottom part of the circle like. My favorite is, the easiest filling The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties and fold it upward to create a third of all…Nutella! Plain, simple Nutella. The AnnualJewish Federation Holocaust of Lee Memorial & Charlotte Service Counties flap and complete the triangle. Just put 1 teaspoon in the middle of When you fold this flap up, be sure the cookie before folding into a tri- Annual Holocaust Memorial Service to tuck the left side of this new flap angle. It couldn’t be simpler, and it’s Annual HolocaustSunday, April Memorial 23 at 3:00 Service P.M. underneath the left side of the tri- so yummy! angle, while letting the right side of Sunday, April 23 at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, April 23Temple at 3:00 Beth P.M. El 16225Temple Winkler Beth Rd. El Candle lighting times: Temple Fort Beth Myers El 16225 Winkler Rd. March 3: 6:12 16225 Winkler Fort 33908Myers Rd. Fort 33908Myers March 10: 6:16
33908 March 17: 7:20 “To remember, not once to forget”
“To remember, not once to forget” March 24: 7:23 “To remember, not once to forget” HONOR THE VICTIMS, BY REMEMBERING THEM March 31: 7:26 HONOR THE VICTIMS, BY REMEMBERING THEM HONOR THE VICTIMS, BY REMEMBERING THEM L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 15 Israeli team named finalistin international race to moon Only five teams remain in the $30m Google Lunar XPrize contest to land a robot on the moon, move it 500 meters and transmit images back to Earth. By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org, January 25, 2017 srael’s SpaceIL was announced yes- craft in the next 11 months. While the it will carry,” says Damari. The GoogleX announcement comes terday as one of only five finalists re- other teams are reportedly developing The SpaceIL craft, featuring an Is- just days before the 12th annual Ilan Imaining in the multi-million-dollar a rover to drive their robot 500 meters, raeli flag painted on its side, will bring Ramon International Space Conference Google Lunar XPrize race to the moon. SpaceIL’s propulsion system will enable a lunar magnetometer (LMAG) from in Herzliya on January 30-31, spon- The other finalists are teams from its craft to “hop” 500 meters from the the Weizmann Institute of Science in sored by the Israel Space Agency and India, Japan and the United States, as initial landing spot. Rehovot to study the magnetic fields on the Fisher Institute for Air and Space well as an international team of indi- “We originally thought to build and the surface of the moon. Strategic Studies. viduals from about 15 countries. launch a smaller spacecraft but as we “Earth has a rotating core that cre- Named in memory of Israel’s first The competition began 10 years ago started the engineering work we realized ates magnetic poles but you don’t have astronaut, who perished on the space with 33 teams vying to be the first to the fuel tanks we were seeking don’t that on the moon, so with this instrument shuttle Columbia on February 1, 2003, soft-land a privately funded, unmanned exist yet,” says Damari. The current we can study how the moon was made the conference attracts astronauts, robot on the moon, move it 500 meters iteration weighs about half a ton. and how its magnetic field was created,” scientists, space engineers, policymak- across the moon’s surface and transmit The cost of the robot rose along explains Damari. ers, space commanders, entrepreneurs SpaceIL and the other four finalists and students from several countries must initiate their launches by Decem- for discussions about current tech- ber 31, 2017. Depending on the orbit nologies and an exhibition of aerospace chosen, the journey could last from three companies. weeks to six months. After landing, the Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and craft must transmit images and videos associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior for around a week. It will then remain to moving to Israel in 2007, she was on the moon. a specialty writer and copy editor at a “I tell kids that it’s their job to build daily newspaper in New Jersey and has a spacecraft that brings ours back to freelanced for a variety of newspapers Israel,” says Damari with a laugh. and periodicals since 1984. For All Your Southwest Florida Real Estate Needs A prototype of SpaceIL’s robotic spacecraft being unveiled for Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (third from left) ® high-definition video and photos back with its scope. “The project now costs Susan Glasser, Realtor to Earth. more than the $20 million prize,” The top prize is $20 million, while Damari says. “But people see that it’s John R. Wood Properties the second to fulfill the requirements not just about the competition and the 15065 McGregor Blvd. #105 will receive $5 million. An additional $5 prize money. They see the impact on Fort Myers, FL 33908 million in bonus prizes is to be awarded. the Israeli space industry as more and In front of Gulf Harbour Few would have expected a team more civilian companies are involved from young, small Israel to hang in as in building satellites for the future … others dropped out, but Israelis enjoy of everything we do.” [email protected] accomplishing seemingly impossible In addition to a $1 million Diversity feats. Prize to be split among 16 semifinalist Mobile: (239) 281-3105 “Today, more and more commercial teams, SpaceIL has received a “signifi- Office: (239) 472-2411 Lee County resident companies, smaller nations and even cant donation” from Israeli businessman for more than 20 years universities are pursuing deep-space Sami Sagol, joining existing contribu- missions. Initiatives like the Google Lu- tors including Amdocs founder Morris nar XPrize encourage this trend, which Kahn, the Adelson Family Foundation, has great importance for humanity,” said the Charles & Lynn Schusterman Foun- SpaceIL CEO Eran Privman. dation, Bezeq, the Israel Space Agency Kfir Damari, one of the founders of and others. SpaceIL, notes that although his team Israeli singer and songwriter Aviv was the last to register in the competi- Geffen plans to highlight the team’s tion, at the end of 2010, it was the first success at his upcoming annual “Rock to secure the required launch contract. Ball” concert, which marks 20 years “The fact that we’re one of five since the release of his hit song, “Or teams that achieved this shows what Yare’ach (Moonlight).” we always knew: We are at the fore- Inspiring future scientists front of global technology in Israel, and A major part of SpaceIL’s mission is to the space industry here has potential inspire kids to study science, engineer- to be a leader globally,” Damari tells ing, technology and math (STEM). ISRAEL21c. “This gives us a lot of In partnership with the Ministry motivation to shoot for the moon.” of Education and Israeli nonprofits, The teams are in contact with one SpaceIL has made presentations to more another and met several times, most than a quarter of a million schoolchil- recently in Israel. dren of all ages. About 30 SpaceIL engineers are “Our goal is to get them excited working in an Israel Aircraft Industries about the science and technology behind facility in Yehud to complete the space- our spacecraft and the scientific mission
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1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL
Phone 239-936-0635 Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 16 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
a highlight of her life as it shocked her had been destroyed, so she went to the emotionally. Israeli border and was brought to the BRIEFS “I was able to learn and feel the hospital by the Israel Defense Forces. thousands of years of history just pass- “When my husband heard I insisted SURGE IN CHINESE to Tel Aviv. Cathay Pacific is expected ing through me when I was standing in on going to the border to give birth in a TOURISTS TAKING IN to start flying from Hong Kong to Tel front of the Western Wall, and I could hospital, he asked that if she was born ISRAEL’S RICH HISTORY Aviv this year. not stop myself from crying out of no healthy, to give her a Jewish name in Travel pundits say uniqueness and reason.” (China Daily) gratitude to Israel,” she said. AND CULTURE authenticity are key selling points. Israel Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics “I’ll never forget what you did here is culturally very interesting, offering a shows 76,400 Chinese tourists went to 3/4 OF ISRAEL’S ARAB for my daughter Sarah and for me,” rich and very developed tourism infra- Israel between January and November CITIZENS CONSIDER she said. “When Sarah grows up...I’ll structure to Chinese travelers seeking last year, a 60% increase from 2015. tell her where she was born and why... to explore new and exotic destinations. “ISRAELI” A PART OF The surge is helped by new direct we chose to call her Sarah.” (Danny Li Jiayang, who spent two weeks THEIR IDENTITY flights by Hainan Airlines from Beijing Brenner, Israel Hayom) in Israel recently, said the journey was In the past decade, the Israeli govern- ment has initiated efforts that have ISRAEL HAS BECOME dramatically improved the occupational and educational attainment of its Arab A LABORATORY FOR citizens. MILITARIES ACROSS Today, Israeli Arabs comprise 21% THE GLOBE of the Israeli population and 23% of Is- Israel is a country of eight million raeli doctors. Arabs now comprise 16% people that is surrounded by enemies of first-year students in higher educa- who would like to see it wiped off the tion, compared to 8% a decade earlier. map: Hizbullah to the north, Hamas to Arabs now comprise 28% of students at the south, plus Assad’s regime, Islamic the Technion. State and Iran to the east. Yet this tiny Between 2005 and 2011, inflation- nation has also built an air force, anti- adjusted Arab net family income in- missile defense system and intelligence creased by 7.4%. As a result, the share apparatus that is revered around the of Arab families that were “very satis- world – and relied on by the U.S. mili- fied” with their economic conditions tary. And it’s done it with a minuscule rose from 40% in 2004-2005 to 60% in fraction of the budget available to larger 2010-2011. nations. Three-quarters of Israeli Arabs Because of its hostile neighborhood, consider “Israeli” a part of their identity. Israel has had the unlucky distinction (Robert Cherry, RealClearWorld) of being the first target of the new- est terrorist innovations – which has SYRIAN WOMAN GIVES forced it to become a kind of laboratory BIRTH IN ISRAELI for militaries across the globe. Elite HOSPITAL, NAMES Israeli commando units conducted the DAUGHTER SARAH first successful airline hostage rescue in 1972, and then again at Entebbe A Syrian woman gave birth to a healthy in 1976. America’s Delta Force was girl recently in Ziv Medical Center in founded partly in response to what the Safed, and in gratitude gave the baby a U.S. learned from the IDF’s operation Jewish name – Sarah. in Uganda. (Dan Senor, Wall Street The woman came from a village in Journal) a region where every hospital and clinic continued on page 21 For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org.
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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. ACLU of Florida event he ACLU believes in action. For the groundswell of grassroots support nearly 100 years, the ACLU has for the work of the ACLU of Florida. Whose land is it? worked to defend and preserve Now more than ever, we are standing By Jean Campaiola Harris T the individual rights and liberties guar- together in our communities, leading hat’s in a name?” Shake- The Palestinians have set their anteed by the Constitution and laws of the effort on the civil liberties issues “ speare famously asked. sights on this land. Their allies at the the United States. The ACLU has been that impact Floridians. Our time is WActually, quite a lot. United Nations and the former U.S. at the front lines defending freedom in now. We, the people, dare to create a Take the description of a town Secretary of State regard even the nearly every major civil liberties fight more perfect union. named Efrat in the Gush Etzion Settle- Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple in our country. Join us on Wednesday, March 22 ment block near Jerusalem. My hus- Mount as sitting on “Palestinian” land The ACLU is growing and build- at 7:00 p.m. to hear about the current band and I have a friend who lives simply because the Palestinians want ing new ways for ACLU supporters challenges and work of the ACLU there. Jonathan was born in New Jer- it for their state and reject any Jewish to create change. The challenges we from the ACLU of Florida’s execu- sey, graduated from Emory University, presence there. (For that matter, Pales- face are significant, and Florida is of- tive director, Howard Simon, and legal and now lives in Efrat, a quick 20-min- tinian media regard Tel Aviv as a settle- ten the frontline for some of the big- director, Nancy Abudu, at the Sanibel ute drive from the Old City. We have ment on Palestinian land too.) gest civil liberties battles we face as Community House, Great Hall, 2173 visited his home, and were surprised to Over the last 100 years, from the a country. We are creating a powerful Periwinkle Way. Admission is free. find that many of his neighbors are “an- 1917 Balfour Declaration to the 1947 mobilization effort that connects with glos,” meaning native English speak- UN Partition Plan through the Oslo Pro- ers from the United States and Canada. cess of the 1990s until today, the Pal- Jonathan and his family love living estinians have been offered a state mul- in the biblical heartland of Israel. tiple times – six or seven at last count. THE This land, west of the Jordan River, They have said no each time, and that ET was called Judea and Samaria in bibli- is why this issue remains unsettled. The ME cal times. It is where Abraham walked, land remains in limbo because of Pal- where Isaac lived, where Jacob had his estinian and broader Arab rejectionism. RIDA dream, and where all of our patriarchs So where does this leave us? The FLO and matriarchs are buried. Palestinians have their modern-day OF It is also the area The New York claim and the Israelis too have their an- CLU Times and the United Nations call cient and modern claims to this land. A BEL “Occupied Palestinian” land. Since the founding of the State of Is- ANI People should understand that both rael, all prior UN Resolutions (except IN S 017 adjectives – occupied and Palestinian the last one, of course) stipulated that 2, 2 arch 2 – are just opinions. They do not have the status of these areas was to be de- sday, M 00 PM any legal standing, but as we learned termined through direct negotiations edne 7: from Joseph Goebbels, if you repeat between the parties, and so the correct W something often enough, many people term is “disputed.” will believe it to be true. But in fact, un- So whenever you read or hear the til the land was “occupied” by Israel in legally incorrect, politically-loaded 1967, it was occupied by Jordan. Before term “Occupied Palestinian Terri- that by the British, before that the Ot- tory,” know the writer is not stating a tomans, and so on, going back to Abra- fact. The writer is merely spreading an ham. And just to be clear about names, opinion, advancing a political point of before Israel’s founding in 1948, the view. The news and editorial writers at term “Palestinian” referred to Jews in The New York Times and so many other the land, like my friend Jonathan’s fa- media outlets feel that this land should ther who settled there years ago. be awarded to the Palestinians and so The truth is the land doesn’t legally they write their articles and editorials belong to anyone right now. The cor- to advance that cause. Nancy Abudu, Howard Simon rect term is “disputed.” They are entitled to their opinion, Legal Director Executive Director Jews have lived in the region for but they are not entitled to their own over 3,000 years. Anyone with even a facts. And they most certainly are not The ACLU works to defend the rights guaranteed in the rudimentary knowledge of the Bible entitled to assign the territory to whom- Constitution. Join us for a discussion about our critical knows that. Yet it is a common miscon- ever they wish. work in Florida and across the country. ception that all the Jews were forced Calling that land “Palestinian” is out after the Second Temple was de- part of a wider effort to make the Israeli stroyed in 70 C.E. Though the major- Jew who lives there into an interloper, a Sanibel Community House ity of Jews were forced out into slavery thief, an obstacle to peace. When news Great Hall and the diaspora, a remnant of the Jew- media deliberately uses terms that not ish people has always remained in the only obscure, but invert the truth, this 2173 Periwinkle Way land of Israel. is journalistic malpractice. Providing Yet some not only deny this reality, information of a biased or misleading Sanibel, FL 33957 but have the hubris to deny any legiti- nature to promote a political cause is This meeting is FREE, no RSVP required. mate Jewish claim to or history in this nothing more than propaganda. land. In my opinion, Israeli claims to Ju- In modern times, Jews purchased dea and Samaria are the most histori- For more information about the land west of the Jordan River in the cally, politically and spiritually signifi- ACLU of Florida, visit: 1920s and 1930s and built vibrant cant of all the claims in the region. But www.aclufl.org communities there. During this pre- then that is just an opinion. state period of the British Mandate, Look it up for yourself. Go to they were massacred by their sur- mythsandfacts.org or to camera.org or rounding Arab neighbors. Jews were jewishvirtuallibrary.org and research Read the current and recent issues of L’CHAYIM ultimately driven out of that region by the issue. Find out what the dispute is the attacking Jordanian Army in 1948. about and see what approaches have online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. After Israel recaptured those lands in been tried in the past. Form your own a defensive war, the Six-Day War of opinion, but don’t let others who have 1967, Jews returned to these areas and little knowledge of history, nor respect rebuilt their communities. And this is for the ties of the Jewish people to that where my friend Jonathan lives. land, name it for you.
Each Tuesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg WEEKLY ISRAELI DANCING is held at the Jewish Federation.
Sundays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 Players must be at least advanced beginners, as no 4:00 p.m. lessons are given.
Jewish Federation DAY: Tuesdays, 12:30~3:30 P.M. All ages (10 to 96) are welcome FEE: $1 per week to join us. All levels of dance experience are welcome.
Wear comfortable shoes
and bring a water bottle.
BRING A FRIEND! See you Sundays.
RSVP a must by Fridays at noon
to Marsha Kistler
[email protected] for more information call Rona Strausberg at 239.949.9003 L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 18 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. A Jewish recipe for joy Cleaning up a nasty worldTime to stop – hen the month of Adar comes, and far, charging them to observe the t was early Saturday night, in the rights and reproductive choice are in joy is increased. (Babylo- fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar, first week of February, on a New peril. Innocent immigrants are sent A Purim message Wnian Talmud, Taanit 29a). every year, the same days on which the IYork City subway. Someone had back to places of terror, as we lock he ultimate defeat of fear comes We are entering a month of joy Jews enjoyed relief from their enemies, scrawled Nazi imagery all over the them out from our borders. The weak- about through faith: Faith in and celebration! The holiday of Purim and the month which was transformed ads on that subway car. As passengers est and most marginalized among us ourselves that we can solve our takes place on the for them from one of grief and mourn- entered the car, they fear imminent harm. The list goes on. T problems and faith in God that God 14th of Adar, and the ing to one of festive joy. They were to were clearly uncom- And every day, the news seems just to has given us the re- entire month is suf- observe them as days of feasting and fortable. Until one get worse. And in the midst of all that, sources and the hope fused with its festive merrymaking, and as an occasion for guy got up and said, hope arises – unrehearsed – on a New to solve those prob- spirit. Yet it is not sending gifts to one another and pres- “Hand sanitizer gets York City subway. lems. Faith is not a only the nature of ents to the poor.” rid of Sharpie.” He And we are all reminded that while magical device, but the month itself that How do we increase our joy? We found tissues, took often it is complicated and daunting to rather a sure scale brings joy. We are come together in sacred community his hand sanitizer, stand up for our highest Jewish values, against which to Rabbi expected to increase for feasting and merrymaking. We take Rabbi and got to work. sometimes, too, it is incredibly simple. measure our fears. Nicole our own level of hap- time to think about what others would Myra Other passengers We carry the antidote, to hate and evil, Rabbi If fears are to be re- Luna piness. “Be Happy! enjoy, send gifts, and take pleasure in Soifer joined in, with tis- close at hand and heart. It just takes the Solomon solved, they must be It’s Adar” is a common motto for this receiving gifts. We not only help the sues and hand sanitizer of their own. care and courage to stand up and erase Agin seen in the perspec- month. poor with their basic needs, but we Within minutes, all the graffiti had the ugliness wherever we find it. tive of a good God, a helpful society Now, I’m a happy and optimistic share presents with them as well. In been cleaned away. I’ve always loved the New York and a friendly universe. person by nature, but yellow smiley addition to these three biblical com- Our national, political world seems subway system. Now it’s the image When the French tyrant, Napoleon, face stickers or buttons with “Be Hap- mandments, we also read the Megillah daily to grow darker. Xenophobia is en- that propels me forward with new hope started to move his powerful armies, py” written in bold, black letters bring of Esther and thank God for saving the shrined in Executive Order. Bigots are and renewed resolve. all of Europe was in a state of fear and out the cynical side in me. Simply be- Jewish people. being put forward for some of the most Rabbi Myra Soifer serves at Bat Yamtrembling. In Spain an embattled army ing told that I should be happy does not Rejoicing in community, sending important posts in our land. Women’s Temple of the Islands on Sanibel Island.under the Duke of Wellington was try- suddenly increase my level of appreci- and receiving gifts, taking care of those ing to resist his advance. One day a ation or awareness of life’s gifts. Fortu- less fortunate, thanking God for our young lieutenant came into the British nately, our Jewish tradition goes much freedom: a Jewish recipe for increas- What do you think? general’s tent with a map clutched in deeper than a one-line aphorism. The ing joy. rituals surrounding Adar give us con- The Jews enjoyed light and glad- L’CHAYIM wants to know! crete ways to increase our happiness: ness, honor and joy. (Esther 8:16) Send your letters & comments to [email protected]. Esther 9:20-22 “Mordecai record- Kein t’hi lanu, so too may we be Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone. Letters ed these events, and sent letters unto blessed. should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/ all the Jews that were in all the prov- Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM nor its inces of the king Ahasuerus, both near Beth El in Fort Myers. advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received. Send updates and changes to the Jewish Directory below to [email protected].
TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY REFORM ORTHODOX 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson E mail: [email protected] Phone: (941) 833 3381 Temple educator: Dale Cohen, Ma.Ed., R.J.E E mail: [email protected] Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com President: Ellis Rabinowitz IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Phone: 433 0018 • Fax: 433 3235 a kiddush Web site: www.templebethel.com Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday CHABAD LUBAVITCH Religious School: 9:30 a.m. noon Sunday COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Hebrew School: 5:00 6:30 p.m Wednesday REFORM ORTHODOX Judaica Gift Gallery 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers 5620 Winkler Road Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) Fort Myers, FL 33919 P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Rabbi Bruce Diamond Phone: 433 7708 • Fax: 481 9109 REFORM ([email protected]) E mail: [email protected] 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Web site: www.chabadswf.org Rabbi Devora Buchen ([email protected]) Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah President: Arnie Schwartz Music director: David Pincus class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon Phone: 772 4555 • Fax: 772 4625 Phone: (239) 274 7485 Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. E mail: [email protected] E mail: [email protected] Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday OF CAPE CORAL Religious School: Thursday 4:00 6:30 p.m. at 6:30 p.m. ORTHODOX Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) every Saturday morning from 9:30 11:30 a.m. Phone: 963 4770 E mail: [email protected] BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS TEMPLE JUDEA Web site: www.chabadcape.com REFORM CONSERVATIVE Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Rabbi Marc Sack Kiddush luncheon Rabbi Myra Soifer E mail: [email protected] Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. President: Alan Lessack President: Jennifer Manekin Monday Friday morning 7:00 a.m. Director of Congregational Learning: Phone: (239) 579 0296 (Oct May) JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Elizabeth Singer Email: [email protected] Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Cantorial Soloist: Douglas Renfroe Preschool Director: Joann Goldman [email protected] Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00 7:00 p.m. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Nov Apr) Phone: 433 0201 • Fax: 433 3371 E mail: [email protected] 7:00 p.m. Friday (May Oct) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Adult Education: Web site: www.tjswfl.org Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Shalom Life Center Saturday, 9:00 11:30 a.m. (Nov Apr) Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader 218 3433 Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m. noon; • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): to 12:15 p.m. (Nov Apr) Jacki Waksman (954) 653 9053 Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Wed. 4:30 6 p.m. • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Early childhood education: Brian Lipton (941) 365 4955 (formerly UAHC) Preschool, M F, ages 18 months 5 years; • Anti Defamation League: (561) 988 2900 “Mommy & Me,” 12 months 2 years • B’Nai B’rith International: (941) 302 4500 TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative • Chevra Kadisha: HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS Judaism Gene Sipe 841 4615 • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963 9347 REFORM • Hadassah Collier/Lee Chapter: 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ESTERO ORTHODOX Lynn Weiner 598 1009 Port Charlotte, FL 33949 4675 • Hadassah Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): Rabbi Solomon Agin 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood Centre) Odette Port (941) 505 1409 President: Carol Roark • Hazak 55+ Chapter: Phone: (941) 625 2116 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 7024 Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Joyce Rosinger 437 1566 E mail: [email protected] • Humanistic Jewish Havurah: Web site: templeshalomfl.com Phone: 949 6900 Paula Creed 495 8484 Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Web site: www.JewishBonita.com • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: (800) 622 8017 Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by • Jewish Community Services: 481 4449 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 5:15 p.m. a kiddush • Jewish National Fund: (727) 536 5263 Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 5:15 p.m. Memorial Tree Planting in Israel 1 800 542 8733 Organizations: Sisterhood • Jewish War Veterans: Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter 246 3151 • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Nechamie Minkowicz 822 2784 • ORT Gulf Beaches Chapter Marina Berkovich 566 1771 L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 FROM THE BIMAH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19
Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Time to stop – A mitzvah with your name A Purim message written on it he ultimate defeat of fear comes his trembling hands and declaimed in he Conservative Movement, my In 2006, I found myself next to a about through faith: Faith in near hysteria, “Look, General, the en- movement, has a new siddur very Orthodox woman on a plane to Is- ourselves that we can solve our emy is upon us!” “Young man,” the Tfor Shabbat and holidays. It is rael. In our conversation, she told me T a wonderful book. On the far right side that she was upset that the head rabbi problems and faith in God that God General replied, “get larger maps, the has given us the re- enemy won’t seem so close.” of each page are notes explaining the of the yeshivah her teenage sons at- sources and the hope If we possess the larger map of meaning of the prayer, its origins and tended had forbidden the boys from to solve those prob- faith, the great enemy of humankind, place in the service. using the Internet. It surprised me that lems. Faith is not a called fear, will not appear so close. On the far left side of she was not happy about this ruling. magical device, but The world has existed for millions of the page are interpre- She wanted her sons to know about the rather a sure scale years and will continue to do so. Peo- tive readings from outside world. against which to ple have solved their problems and will classical or modern What is the role of the synagogue? measure our fears. continue to do so. Jewish sources. It is a Is it to be a bastion that shelters us from Rabbi If fears are to be re- Five decades ago, a great Ameri- great book for learn- the turmoil of the outside world and Solomon solved, they must be can President said, “The only thing we ing and exploration gives us comfort? Or should the mes- Agin seen in the perspec- have to fear is fear itself.” Rabbi as well as communal sage of the synagogue motivate us to Marc tive of a good God, a helpful society Three centuries ago, a great New prayer. do something to make the world bet- Sack and a friendly universe. England governor said, “Here we But I have a prob- ter? While, in real life, this is not an When the French tyrant, Napoleon, feared a fear where there was no fear.” lem with it. After the shooting at the “either - or” question, I have long felt started to move his powerful armies, Over two millennia ago, a great He- Pulse nightclub last summer, I looked that most people want the former not all of Europe was in a state of fear and brew prophet said: “Fear not, nor be for a reading about our responsibility the latter. They would tell me that they trembling. In Spain an embattled army anxious for I am with you, for I am to the outside world. I wanted some- want to feel good when they walk out under the Duke of Wellington was try- Your God” (Isaiah 41:10). thing to speak to the idea that we’re all of services. They want my message to ing to resist his advance. One day a A joyous Purim to all. in this together. I could not find one. affirm that how they are living now is young lieutenant came into the British Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Temple The readings had wonderful expres- good. general’s tent with a map clutched in Shalom in Port Charlotte. sions about our personal connection to My inclination is different. I urge God. I found nothing about our respon- my congregants to pick their corner sibility to the Other. (While I have read of the world to improve – to pick “the America’s immigration through much of the book, I haven’t mitzvah that has their name written seen all of it. I keep looking for these on it” – and then go out and act on it. resources.) Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote an es- policies go in cycles I have been drawn to reading about say, “No Time For Neutrality.” That any of our grandparents or justification for further tightening im- our loosening ties to community since message is true today. This country has great grandparents came to migration from specific countries. 1985 when I read Habits of the Heart, given our people so much freedom and America via Ellis Island at These anti-immigration acts were M a book about Americans’ decreased in- opportunity. I believe it is our respon- a time when her doors were generally the law of the land until they were volvement in civic organizations, local sibility to do communal work as a way open wide. Back then there were no completely revised in 1957. It was community groups and organized reli- of giving back. visas required. What these laws that kept out our people gion. Back in 1985, the authors were I hope the people who come to my was mostly needed fleeing eventual annihilation by the optimistic about how that trend could congregation get some comfort from was an American Nazis and their willing henchmen. change, giving examples of people the music and warm community. But I sponsor’s affidavit By far the most notorious example of who were motivated to get involved in also hope they walk out the door feel- that the immigrant this was “the voyage of the damned,” their community. Since then, I’ve grav- ing that there is a mitzvah in the out- would not be a bur- when, in 1939, America turned away itated to books – Bowling Alone is the side world that has their name written den on the public nearly 1,000 German Jewish refugees, best – or columnists – David Brooks is on it. TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY system of “relief.” In sending them back to Europe and, in REFORM ORTHODOX my favorite – who write on the theme Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple Rabbi addition, the immi- most cases, to their subsequent murder. 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 of responsibility beyond our selves. Judea in Fort Myers. Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson Bruce grant was screened A grotesque footnote to this infa- E mail: [email protected] Phone: (941) 833 3381 Diamond Temple educator: Dale Cohen, Ma.Ed., R.J.E E mail: [email protected] for infectious diseas- mous incident was the fact the Goeb- es, which, if identified, would find the bels’ Ministry of Propaganda planted Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com President: Ellis Rabinowitz Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by immigrant quarantined in the island’s the disinformation that Nazi spies and Phone: 433 0018 • Fax: 433 3235 a kiddush Web site: www.templebethel.com Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. hospital. When their processing was saboteurs were hidden among the Jews Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study completed, the immigrants would be fleeing for their lives. That, coupled 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday CHABAD LUBAVITCH ferried to southern Manhattan, where with the agitation of the “America Religious School: 9:30 a.m. noon Sunday COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Hebrew School: 5:00 6:30 p.m Wednesday REFORM ORTHODOX its Lower East Side become the home First” movement, headed by prominent Judaica Gift Gallery 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers 5620 Winkler Road for so many arrivals around the turn of Americans like Charles Lindbergh, Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) Fort Myers, FL 33919 the last century. managed to label any voices raised to P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Rabbi Bruce Diamond Phone: 433 7708 • Fax: 481 9109 All this suddenly came to a halt help the Jews as unpatriotic. REFORM ([email protected]) E mail: [email protected] with the 1917 Immigration Act, passed Mercifully, America learned her 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Web site: www.chabadswf.org Rabbi Devora Buchen ([email protected]) Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah over President Wilson’s veto. Also lesson from the horrors of World War President: Arnie Schwartz Music director: David Pincus class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon known as the Literacy Act, among II, becoming, by-in-large, a leader in Phone: 772 4555 • Fax: 772 4625 Phone: (239) 274 7485 Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. other categories it barred the door to absorbing those fleeing tyranny and E mail: [email protected] E mail: [email protected] Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com CHABAD JEWISH CENTER “anarchists,” “feebleminded persons,” genocide. We must recall how, in the Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday OF CAPE CORAL “idiots,” “illiterates,” “paupers,” “per- 1960s and 1970s, American Jews ral- at 6:30 p.m. Religious School: Thursday 4:00 6:30 p.m. ORTHODOX sons being mentally or physically de- lied in large numbers in support of So- Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi Rabbi Yossi Labkowski fective,” “persons with constitutional viet Jewish immigration to the United Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) every Saturday morning from 9:30 11:30 a.m. Phone: 963 4770 psychopathic inferiority,” “political States. Ultimately, America opened her
E mail: [email protected] radicals” and “vagrants.” In fact, it arms to nearly 400,000 of our people BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS TEMPLE JUDEA Web site: www.chabadcape.com REFORM CONSERVATIVE Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. mostly restricted Eastern Europeans fleeing the land of our Cold War mortal Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by and Italians. That is when Jewish im- enemy. Rabbi Marc Sack 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Kiddush luncheon migration largely came to a halt. Sadly, but quite predictably, since Rabbi Myra Soifer E mail: [email protected] Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. President: Alan Lessack President: Jennifer Manekin Monday Friday morning 7:00 a.m. As American nativism deepened, 9/11, America once again began rais- Director of Congregational Learning: Phone: (239) 579 0296 (Oct May) JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Elizabeth Singer marked by the ascension of the Ku ing barriers to immigration in the name Email: [email protected] Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Cantorial Soloist: Douglas Renfroe Preschool Director: Joann Goldman Klux Klan into the country’s political of “homeland security,” a sentiment [email protected] Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00 7:00 p.m. mainstream, Congress passed the Im- not unlike the one that swept America Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Nov Apr) Phone: 433 0201 • Fax: 433 3371 E mail: [email protected] migration Act and National Origins immediately after WWI. 7:00 p.m. Friday (May Oct) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Adult Education: Web site: www.tjswfl.org Act of 1924, setting strict quotas for Careful students of American his- Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Shalom Life Center Saturday, 9:00 11:30 a.m. (Nov Apr) Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader 218 3433 immigrants depending on their coun- tory know that America’s immigration Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m. noon; • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): try of origin. The stated intention of policies go in cycles. At times, we Jews to 12:15 p.m. (Nov Apr) Jacki Waksman (954) 653 9053 Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Wed. 4:30 6 p.m. • AJC (American Jewish Committee): this legislation, signed by President were a great beneficiary of her policies, Early childhood education: Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Brian Lipton (941) 365 4955 Coolidge, was to keep “undesirables other times its main victims. (formerly UAHC) Preschool, M F, ages 18 months 5 years; • Anti Defamation League: (561) 988 2900 “Mommy & Me,” 12 months 2 years • B’Nai B’rith International: (941) 302 4500 “ out of America, which included us. Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative • Chevra Kadisha: The 1921 case of the “anarchists” Community Free Synagogue in Fort HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS Judaism Gene Sipe 841 4615 • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963 9347 (what is now called “terrorists”) Sacco Myers. REFORM • Hadassah Collier/Lee Chapter: 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ESTERO and Vanzetti was held up as the parade ORTHODOX Lynn Weiner 598 1009 Port Charlotte, FL 33949 4675 • Hadassah Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): Rabbi Solomon Agin 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood Centre) Odette Port (941) 505 1409 President: Carol Roark • Hazak 55+ Chapter: Phone: (941) 625 2116 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 7024 Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Joyce Rosinger 437 1566 E mail: [email protected] • Humanistic Jewish Havurah: Web site: templeshalomfl.com Phone: 949 6900 Paula Creed 495 8484 Web site: www.JewishBonita.com ConneCt Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: (800) 622 8017 Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by • Jewish Community Services: 481 4449 with your Jewish Community Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 5:15 p.m. a kiddush • Jewish National Fund: (727) 536 5263 Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 5:15 p.m. Memorial Tree Planting in Israel 1 800 542 8733 Organizations: Sisterhood • Jewish War Veterans: Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter 246 3151 www.facebook.com/ • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Nechamie Minkowicz 822 2784 facebook.com/jfedsrq • ORT Gulf Beaches Chapter JewishFederationLCC Marina Berkovich 566 1771 L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 20 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FOCUS ON YOUTH
on activities are offered throughout a rhyming party. Maybe we will serve TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS the morning. The children will have a a snake cake with a little goose juice. GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH Fort Myers chance to participate in movement, art, There is overwhelming evidence that SOUTHWEST FLORIDA story time, cooking, singing and finger early learning of nursery rhymes and (239) 963-9347 Liz Singer Joann Goldman, play. We encourage parents to join in rhythmic poems, songs and chants sig- Director of Congregational Learning Temple Judea Preschool Director and have some fun. nificantly enhances early reading skillsGenShoah’s variety of programs Temple Judea has another month of Temple Judea Preschool Registra- We will offer this program on and phonemic awareness. Nursery and events fun-filled events that focus on celebrat- tion for the 2017-18 Preschool Year Tuesday and Wednesday. Classes are rhymes also teach musical awarenessIda Margolis ing Adar and the happiness that comes For our preschool program, we are designed to be age appropriate. Meet and help with memory. GenShoah SWFL has presented films, with it. The celebration of Purim will implementing a curriculum that works new friends, bring a friend along or re- The children in Pre-K have done book discussions and speakers this sea- take place Saturday, March 11 when for all children. It is crucial to offer on- connect with old friends. a great job with the letter of the week son. Just recently: students will join in the Megillah read- going learning opportunities. Our pro- What is happening at program and have enjoyed sharing Thirty GenShoah members took a ing and hope to engage the rest of the gram is based on the individual needs Temple Judea Preschool their letterbox items with their friends. trip to St. Petersburg to get a pri- congregation in making the day as joy- of every child. Our curriculum encour- Dr. Seuss is on the loose at Temple Ju- Way to go Pre-K! vate tour of the Florida Holocaust ous as it can be. There will be no Reli- ages children to make choices and be dea Preschool. We will be celebrating Teaching time began for our Pre-K Museum led by Bonnie Stein, gious School the following day. independent thinkers. Hands-on activi- the birthday of Dr. Seuss in March. The students last month. Each student President of Generations After at Temple Judea eighth-graders will ties are offered throughout the day. children will have a chance to read the will take the spotlight and share their the Florida Holocaust Museum. attend the Gesher Convention March The children participate in learning classic tales of Dr. Seuss as we make knowledge about a subject of choice Along with the Holocaust Museum 17-19, where they will have an im- centers such as technology, literacy, some fun art projects, create some with their friends. This confidence- & Education Center of SWFL, mersive experience and be introduced nature and science, music and move- green food and wear some fun hats. building program continues throughout GenShoah recently brought the to USY. They will get a taste of what ment, math and art. Pre-K will be busy as beavers in the month. award-winning documentary No their youth group involvement might Our language and literacy pro- March. It’s that time of year when we Our book fair was a great success. Asylum: The Untold Chapter of look like throughout their high school grams encourage and enhance talking, cheer “It’s rhyme time!” Parents can Thanks to all our families and friends years. describing, scribbling and dictating look forward to their home filled with who came out and supported our read- The community will come together stories. We offer yoga as an extra activ- the sounds of “Cat, rat and hat. Hey, I ing program. We can’t wait to read all for a day of Maccabiah games on Sun- ity. Parents are encouraged to partici- made a rhyme!” After we master the the fabulous books we added to our day, March 26 at Lakes Park Pavilion pate in our program. We have an open- art of rhyming, we will celebrate with TJP Library. D1. Temple Judea and Beth El will join door policy. their Religious Schools together for a Our low student-to-teacher ratio fun day of competition, music and sto- allows your child to receive more indi- will be presenting a Pu- ries. This event is free and we encour- vidualized attention from our staff. TEMPLE BETH EL SCHOOLS rim play which will have age the public to join. To adequately If you are interested in learning Fort Myers you laughing right out of plan for lunch, RSVPs are required by about any of the programs we offer, your seats! Following the March 13. please call 239.482.1121 or stop by Temple Beth El Religious School play at approximately 11:00 a.m., On Friday, March 31, students in for a tour. We accept children ages 18 Dale M. Cohen, R.J.E., MA, Educ. we will all join Rabbi Luna in the the 3rd and 4th grade will review what months to 5 years of age. We offer part- Religious School Director sanctuary as she reads the Megil- they have spent the year learning. After time and full-time programs. Dear Parents of the Religious School: lah and we sound our groggers they do this, they will then become the We have very limited space avail- I wish everyone, especially our each time we hear Haman’s name! teachers by educating the congrega- able in our program. Religious School families, a happy and The TBE community is invited to tion in some of the lessons they have Toddler and Me: 12 - 20 months celebratory month of March. We have participate in this as well. Follow- learned. This event will be followed by Toddler Time: 21 - 29 months so many exciting programs planned for ing the Megillah reading, we will a family-friendly dinner. We are excited about this coming year this month of Adar! enjoy the hamantaschen made by As always, our doors are open to and what we will be offering you and On Wednesdays, March 1 and 8, our students. all, and we encourage anyone and ev- your child. A great program begins our students will be making ha- On Sunday, March 19, we will not eryone to participate. with well-trained staff that are enthu- mantaschen for the happy holiday have Religious School, as it is a For more information, please con- siastic about the work they are doing. of Purim. The students will be long weekend for the Lee County tact me at [email protected] or To build a high-quality program, we making traditional flavors as well Public Schools. 239.433.0201. implement a curriculum that works as chocolate chip, peanut butter On Saturday, March 25, we will for all children. A variety of hands- chip and many other creative fla- have Junior Congregation Services vors. Be happy, it’s Adar! from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. This is a On Friday, March 10, our students wonderful way for our pre-Bar/Bat in grade 9 who participated in the Mitzvah students to become fa- L’Taken Trip (Religious Action miliar with the Saturday morning Center) to Washington, D.C., will liturgy. be making a presentation about On Sunday, March 26, we will their experiences during the Shab- meet at Lakes Park to participate in bat service. We are so grateful to the Community Family Picnic. We Rabbi Nicole Luna and Vanessa will meet at Shelter D-1 at 10:00 Sax for taking and leading our stu- a.m. to join in with other Jewish dents on this most memorable trip. families for a day of fun-filled ac- JEWISH WAR VETERANS On Sunday, March 12, we will tivities including games, arts and Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400 have a “Purim Pancake Break- crafts, singing and more. Leni (239) 246-3151 fast” and our students can invite Sack, Liz Singer and I have been their grandparents to share in the planning this event for the commu-Our first meeting of 2017 was quite fun. We will be decorating our nity to be together, mingle and justproductive. We had a smaller crowd pancakes with our favorite Purim have fun! Camaraderie with ourthan usual but much participation. characters. Following the break- peers is an essential part of what Thank you, Herb Lutsky, for filling in fast, Morah Hilary’s 5th grade class we all need in this community. as our treasurer for the day. We currently have three members who have experienced health issues. For the sake of privacy, their names are not listed, but please keep them in your prayers for a speedy recovery. Commander Harvey Charter thanked everyone who had participated in De- Bar / Bat Mitzvah Specialist cember’s Hearts & Homes for Vets Christmas Party, where gifts were Choosing the right photographer is an important decision. given to children and food was served Michael Shapiro has more than 30 years experience in media by our members to the less fortunate. and journalism. He is able to capture images that are unique, Those volunteers included our Com- unexpected and spontaneous.
SHARE the experience of reading with your children as they grow with PJ Library books.
Funded in Lee & Charlotte Counties by the Roth Family Foundation and the Asher Family Foundation . SIGN UP TODAY! Enrollment is open to families raising Jewish children between the ages of six months to eight years living in Lee & Charlotte counties.
Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events Families can sign up for PJ Library at 239.770.6860 www.pjlibrary.org [email protected] For more information, contact Leni Sack at www.shapiro-photography.com [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3 L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 21
Anne Frank’s Story to also on the docket. note those that might be of special in- GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH over 250 people in Na- There are upcoming programs that terest to students of history. These in- SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ples. Jonathan Brent, Ex- will surely be of interest to GenShoah clude Goldie Bertone and her sisters, (239) 963-9347 ecutive Director of New members and the public. Dr. William who will be speak on “Bearing Wit- York’s YIVO Institute Madges will present a talk and Pow- ness,” and will share the story of their GenShoah’s variety of programs for Jewish Research, where the erPoint on “Pope John Paul II and parents who were Holocaust survivors. and events Otto Frank letters were found, in- the Jewish People.” Sponsored by the FGCU professor Dr. Paul Bartrop will Ida Margolis troduced the film. After the screen- Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier discuss “The Munich Games of 1972: GenShoah SWFL has presented films, ing, a Q&A with the executive pro- County at St. Ann’s Jubilee Center In The Shadow of Berlin.” And those book discussions and speakers this sea- ducer of the film, Paula Fouce, was (525 9th Ave. S., Naples) on Sunday, with an interest in Yiddish will not son. Just recently: held. March 5 at 1:30 p.m., Madges, a recipi- want to miss “A Yiddish Vinkl,” which Thirty GenShoah members took a Many GenShoah members who ent of the Eternal Light Award present- will be presented by Ron Levin. All the trip to St. Petersburg to get a pri- had gone to a book discussion of ed for “outstanding contribution in the presentations seem so good it will be vate tour of the Florida Holocaust the Nazi Titanic led by Shelley cause of interfaith relations and human difficult to choose. Museum led by Bonnie Stein, Lieb, were excited to be able to rights,” will give a presentation that The April GenShoah program President of Generations After at attend a discussion of that book should prove truly inspirational. will be announced next month in this the Florida Holocaust Museum. by the author, Robert Watson, If you have not already looked at newspaper and in the GenShoah e- Along with the Holocaust Museum who was a presenter at the Collier the offerings of the Jewish Community newsletter. For more information, or if & Education Center of SWFL, County Jewish Book Festival. Day of Learning to be held on Sunday, you would like to receive the newslet- GenShoah recently brought the A presentation by Holocaust sur- March 19 at Temple Shalom, be sure ter, email me at genshoahswfl@icloud. award-winning documentary No vivor Steen Metz, and filmmaker to do so. All of the presentations sound com. Asylum: The Untold Chapter of and author Marina Berkovich were extremely interesting, but be sure to
The Society’s Annu- 1965, bringing the specialty of oral her wrist. JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY al Fundraising Event was and maxillofacial surgery to Southwest We will be interviewing early Na- OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA the premier of a new film Florida. It was before desegregation, ples Jewish resident Doris Reynolds (239) 566-1771 in its Southwest Florida and the Labodas were thrilled to find together with Richard Tooke, nephew Jewish Pioneers Series – the name “Goldberg” while flipping of Mamie Tooke, aka The Mother of will be presenting a Pu-The red strings of Southwest Stuart Kaye, A Mensch for All Reasons. through the phone book in a telephone Naples, in the coming weeks. Please rim play which will haveFlorida Jewish history Joined by Stuart and Jay Kaye and booth – remember those? Several years email [email protected] to submit you laughing right out of Marina Berkovich their sons, the Society celebrated this later, Jerry was one of the physicians your questions. your seats! Following theWe thank our Jewish History Month notable Collier County developer and who started Fort Myers Community To learn more, visit the Virtual Mu- play at approximately 11:00 a.m.,event sponsors and contributors, re- philanthropist, and welcomed many of Hospital. He has been on the board of seum of Southwest Jewish History at we will all join Rabbi Luna in thenewing and new Society members, the Society’s supporters and members, the Fort Myers Downtown Redevelop- www.jewishhistorysouthwestflorida. sanctuary as she reads the Megil-event attendees and guests for their guest and friends. ment Association and Florida Reper- org. lah and we sound our groggers generous support, beautiful reflections Among the guests was Collier tory Theatre for three decades. Our Mission each time we hear Haman’s name!on our work, offers to help, and the de- County’s Jewish maven and writer, and Sheila Laboda sensed the need for Collecting, protecting and preserving The TBE community is invited tosire to make this organization a success the Society’s devoted supporter, Carole a cohesive Jewish community early Jewish history to celebrate the contri- participate in this as well. Follow-on every level. Greene. Many of us know that Carole in her pioneering days. She later or- bution by Jews in Southwest Florida ing the Megillah reading, we will Everyone and everything is con- has made her home in Southwest Flori- ganized and became first president of every day of every year is part of our enjoy the hamantaschen made bynected somehow if you are around da for a long time – over approximate- what is now Jewish Federation of Lee mission. our students. long enough to notice. Yes, we have ly thirty years. She is one of several and Charlotte Counties. Become a member of JHSSWF, a On Sunday, March 19, we will notfound the matriarchal connection in Jewish founders of the Naples Press The Labodas raised a large Jewish sponsor, business associate, volunteer have Religious School, as it is a our work. Whether your personal set of Club. Fewer people know that. But family in Fort Myers, and are fortu- and/or donor. Contact us at: long weekend for the Lee Countybeliefs allows for that red string or not, who knew that along the way Carole nate to have most of their children and The Jewish Historical Society Public Schools. whether you credit its power to Rachel was Lee County’s Jewish Federation’s grandchildren living in the area. of Southwest Florida On Saturday, March 25, we will and Kabbalah, or call it the Chinese red only employee way back when it was The premiere of the Southwest 899 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 116, have Junior Congregation Servicesstring of fate, or credit the myth of the first formed, and “manned” that office? Florida Jewish Pioneers film, with a Naples FL 34108 from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. This is aJapanese pinky red tie, or just say “I Jump if you did. I jumped when Car- working title of The Labodas of Fort 239-566-1771 wonderful way for our pre-Bar/Batjust thought of you, and you called,” ole revealed that to me as a reflection Myers, will follow the Federation’s www.jhsswf.org Mitzvah students to become fa-every human being experiences the on the subjects of the next Southwest Lion of Judah event on Tuesday, The Jewish Historical Society of miliar with the Saturday morninginexplicable connection to others at Florida Jewish Pioneers film about Jer- April 4. Before the production of the Southwest Florida is a section 501(c) liturgy. some or another turn of their lives. And ry and Sheila Laboda. new film wraps, we hope to interview (3) charitable organization. On Sunday, March 26, we will so unravels the story of our Southwest Originally from Philadelphia, the Carole Greene about her eyewitness meet at Lakes Park to participate in Florida Jewish history. Labodas arrived in Lee County in experiences and place the red string on the Community Family Picnic. We will meet at Shelter D-1 at 10:00 a.m. to join in with other Jewish mander Charter and his not many this year. families for a day of fun-filled ac- JEWISH WAR VETERANS wife Barbara, Bob & On a brighter note, Commander Guidelines tivities including games, arts and Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400 Dottie Ruberto, Isaac & Charter gave a Vietnam commemora- for publication crafts, singing and more. Leni (239) 246-3151 Sue Osin, Herb Lutsky, tion lapel pin/certificate to Michael Sack, Liz Singer and I have been and Berny & Phyllis Ar- Goldstein, who is a General. Quite an DEADLINES: th planning this event for the commu-Our first meeting of 2017 was quite onson. Thank you! You should all be 5 p.m. on the 5 of each month for all th nity to be together, mingle and justproductive. We had a smaller crowd very proud. articles and photos. If the 5 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is have fun! Camaraderie with ourthan usual but much participation. On January 21, the Lee Homeless the following business day. peers is an essential part of what Thank you, Herb Lutsky, for filling in Coalition’s stand-down took place. we all need in this community. as our treasurer for the day. Once again, thank yous were provided WORD LIMITS: We currently have three members to volunteers Herb Lutsky, Isaac Osin 600 words for temples and organiza- who have experienced health issues. and Bob Ruberto. One of our members, tions providing materials for their For the sake of privacy, their names Hy Tuchman, a WWII veteran, had of- respective sections. Those exceeding are not listed, but please keep them fered to volunteer but was unable to these limits will be edited to fit. in your prayers for a speedy recovery. attend due to health reasons. Kudos SUBMISSIONS: Commander Harvey Charter thanked to you all. This year, it was done a bit Email: [email protected] everyone who had participated in De- differently. The homeless vets would Articles should be sent as text files, cember’s Hearts & Homes for Vets sit down with one of the volunteers impressive military background! It was Word files, or Rich Text Format files. Christmas Party, where gifts were and told what they needed. Items were wonderful to have him at our January Receipt will be acknowledged if given to children and food was served then transported, locally, from another meeting and we look forward to having requested. Photos may be submitted electronically; high-resolution JPG or by our members to the less fortunate. resource and given to those vets who him speak at our March meeting. TIF formats preferred. Those volunteers included our Com- were actually homeless. There were
energy exporter. Energy self-sufficiency cooperation been as close as it is today. arms sales. is a boost to Israel’s economy; energy Even more consequentially, the rise Since 1985, Israel is the world’s BRIEFS exports boost Israel’s foreign policy of Iran and its aspirations to regional largest exporter of drones, responsible clout. Access to Israeli technology (like hegemony made Israel critical to the for 60% of the global market, trailed by continued from page 16 the technology behind the Iron Dome survival of the Sunni Arabs, including the U.S., whose market share is 25%. ISRAEL: THE EIGHTH missile defense system) matters to more the Gulf states. Israel’s customers include Russia, GREAT POWER OF 2017 and more countries. Israel’s diplomatic Israel begins 2017 as the keystone South Korea, Australia, France, Ger- The U.S. remains the most powerful outreach to Africa and its deepening of a regional anti-Iran alliance, a most- many and Brazil. country on earth, followed by China, relationship with India benefit from favored-nation in the White House, and In 2010, five NATO countries were Japan, Russia, Germany, India, Iran and Israel’s ability to deliver what people a country that enjoys good relations with flying Israeli drones in Afghanistan. Israel – a new name on our list of the in other countries want. all of the world’s major powers bar Iran. Israel has been in a perpetual state Eight Greats. A small country, Israel is Another factor is the change in (Walter Russell Mead and Sean Keeley, of conflict since its inception. This a rising power with a growing impact the Middle Eastern balance of power American Interest) reality, of having your back up against on world affairs. Overall, the Jewish that has transformed Israel from a pa- the wall, sharpens the mind. It forces state continues to develop diplomatic, riah state to a kingmaker. Syria, one of ISRAEL’S Israelis to be creative and come up economic and military power and to Israel’s most vociferous enemies and TECHNOLOGICALLY with innovative ways and weapons insert itself into the heart of regional biggest security threats, has now been ADVANCED MILITARY to survive. (Yaakov Katz, New York politics. broken. Egypt hates Hamas, ISIS and Today, Israel is a high-tech superpower Post) Large, off-shore discoveries of natu- Islamic Jihad as much as Israel does; and one of the world’s top weapons ral gas and oil are turning Israel into an never has Egyptian-Israeli security exporters with $6.5 billion in annual L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 22 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ORGANIZATIONS
and Hezbollah. teens at our first informational meeting Seder experience of your life, which SHALOM LIFE CENTER The threats we face and our ice skating social in February. will be held on Monday and Tuesday, COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE Fort Myers today are very real and This is just the beginning for our new April 10 and 11, at the elegant West Fort Myers (239) 218-3433 should be taken seriously, chapter and we’re looking forward to Bay Club in Estero. For more informa- (239) 274-7485 but we also battle a spiri- watching these amazing young people tion and to RSVP, call 239.218.3433 or Our strength is our unity tual Amalek. This Amalek from within develop relationships with other Jew- email us at [email protected]. www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Lawrence & Robin Dermer can be understood as our own sinat ish teens from all over Florida, the rest We look forward to seeing you there! In the story of Purim, Haman says to chinam, lack of unity. Wherever we of the country and the entire world. Our sacred Torah is not just for Heartfelt thanks to community rab- king Achashverosh: “There is a nation live we must not be divided. Our real The positive experiences, Jewish in- learning, it’s for transforming our lives.binical candidates Thomas Miess and that is scattered and separated among strength is the unity we must maintain spiration and pride being fostered by Our community is growing and we in-Terri Goldberg for conducting the all the provinces of your kingdom.” if we are to survive the threats we still BBYO is how we will defeat Ama- vite everyone to celebrate with us assynagogue’s two-month Prayerbook Amalek is the evil force which Haman face from within and without. lek in both a spiritual and a physical we dedicate our Torah later this month.Hebrew Readiness Program. This in- represents. What Haman is really say- Imagine a Jewish community sense! Join us for this milestone event as wellcluded two six-hour basic reading im- ing to Achashverosh is, “Don’t worry where people come together with one Soon after we celebrate our vic- as Shabbat services every Friday atmersion sessions in January and three about killing the Jews; they are divided purpose and one vision. Our future tory over Haman during Purim, we 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Torah study atReading Labs in March. Several of and no one will come to their rescue, depends on our connectedness and will prepare to celebrate our Exodus 10:00 a.m. From our Yiddish Culturethe participants are now preparing To- they are powerless to defend them- the actions of our young people. Fol- from bondage at the hands of Pharaoh Club, Book Club, Men’s Group andrah readings. The Prayerbook Hebrew selves.” lowing in the footsteps of other effec- with the holiday of Pesach. This year Sisterhood, to Women’s Circle, ChoirReadiness Program was in partial ful- We can understand Purim on a tive Jewish communities, Shalom Life our Shalom Life Center Seders will and BBYO, there are so many waysfillment of Tom and Terri’s require- deeper spiritual level as well. The Center has partnered with BBYO, the be even more wonderful than 2016. If to enhance your Jewish life at Shalomment for their May 31 licensure as physical Amalek is something we’ve pluralistic Jewish youth movement you attended last year’s amazing Seder Life Center. Visit our website at www.Community Rabbis. dealt with throughout our history in the that has been bringing Jewish teens to- on either the first or second night, you shalomlifecenter.org for more informa- Once again, The Community Free form of Pharaoh and Hitler. Even today gether from all over the world for 90 know that an SLC Seder is beautiful, tion on our many clubs, programs andSynagogue is grateful to our Holocaust we deal with Amalek in the form of na- years. The entire community is invited traditional, musical, interactive and special events. scholar, Jessica Evers, for her January tions that swear to our destruction like to join our new BBYO chapter. It was probably unlike any Seder you’ve ever Iran and terrorist groups like Hamas wonderful to see so many tweens and attended. Please join us for the best
Israel. Our organization mestic violence, and save thousands lung cancer, and heart disease. These HADASSAH builds bridges to peace, of disadvantaged and at-risk children are issues that affect men. In Collier Collier/Lee Chapter leads the way through by providing safe housing, education and Lee counties we are trying to have (239) 370-6220 advancements in AIDS, and training in Youth Aliyah villages. the Associate group be more active. But breast and colon cancer, There are many other projects, and this first, we need to know if there is some Karen Cohn Crohn’s Disease, diabetes, macular is just some of where the Hadassah interest. If so, please let me know at At this time of year everyone is looking degeneration, MS, ALS, Parkinson’s money goes. [email protected]. at their calendar and scratching their Disease, and cardiac health. And the Because the actual name of Hadas- Upcoming events: head and wondering how is it we are research at the Hadassah Medical Center sah is the Women’s Zionist Organization ¡¡ March 6 at 11:00 a.m.: Board of so busy. Between all the organizations’ has many different projects going on at of America, we also have an Associate’s Directors Meeting activities there seems to be no time for the same time. branch for the men who also recognize ¡¡ March 7 from 11:15 a.m. to 2:00 any recreation. Other projects of Hadassah help the noble and life-affirming goals of p.m.: General Meeting/Luncheon I would like to remind everyone Israel’s natural resources by partner- Hadassah. They are men with a mission at McCormick and Schmick’s with that Hadassah has lectures, luncheons, ing with the Jewish National Fund for – 35,000 of them throughout America a speaker card games and Mah Jongg, book clubs the country’s national forests, harbors, raise millions of dollars for stem cell ¡¡ March 21: Afternoon matinee at the and social nights. The difference is that reservoirs and parks programs. There research. The Men’s Health Initiative Broadway Palm Dinner Theater for we raise money for the great good for are also programs that help stop do- is raising awareness about prostrate and Anything Goes
nity for Jews to find their entitled. Things change so fast we can- rators; it is also a story of heroes and HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH place within the Jewish not know what will happen in 10 or 20 heroines – both Jews and Gentiles. of Southwest Florida people. years, but we can take the energy we Some of the heroic exploits and inven- (239) 495-8484 A free and open so- devote to useless anxiety over Jewish tive means by which these brave men ciety presents many di- survival and turn it into guiding Jews and women saved tens of thousands of First a visitor, Rabbi Jerris; lemmas for Jews, but a free and open to live productive, ethical and cultur- Jewish lives will be discussed. then a Judaic scholar, Ellaine Rosen society breaks down barriers between ally Jewish lives in a free society. Both diplomats and ordinary citi- Paula Creed ethnic and religious groups and mixes * * * zens risked their lives and those of We are fortunate to have two exciting people, eliminating old identities and On Sunday, March 26, the Havurah their families to save Jews. Some of events on our calendar in March. forging new ones. Above all, it creates hosts Judaic scholar Ellaine Rosen, their stories have been well chronicled On Sunday morning, March 19, the “autonomous” individual who re- who has chosen the title “Witness to but others are not so well known. Mov- Miriam Jerris, Rabbi for the Society fuses to be dictated to by any group. It Goodness” for her presentation that ies and books have told some stories of for Humanistic Judaism, will partici- is apparent most Jews relish this free- afternoon. We gather in the David G. Jewish and Gentile heroes of the Ho- pate with a panel of local rabbis dis- dom and openness. Willens Community Room at the Fed- locaust, but there are many fascinating cussing “The Future of Judaism” at the As revealed in a recent Pew survey, eration office (2500 Vanderbilt Beach little-known incidents and miraculous Jewish Community Day of Learning most Jews do not believe one needs to Road, Suite 2201, Naples) at 1:30 events which our speaker will reveal. sponsored by the Jewish Federation of be “religious” to be Jewish. Younger p.m. for “coffee and chat” before the The participation in, or resistance Collier County’s Community Relations Jews identify as cultural, and their ev- meeting begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. to, the Final Solution by various na- Committee. Call 239.263.4205 for reg- eryday behavior is strongly secular. Reservations are required and can be tions is also a fascinating but poorly istration details. The secularization process will con- made by contacting Dena Sklaroff at understood chapter in the history of the Secular Humanistic Judaism, tinue and expand because it provides 239.591.0101 or [email protected]. Holocaust. Some nations willingly sur- which embraces pluralism, has an im- personal power, prosperity and options For secular Humanistic Jews, the rendered their Jews while others stood portant role to play in Jewish continu- that traditional religious observance most reliable power available to re- up to the Nazis. ity. No single belief system or lifestyle cannot create. sist human cruelty is human power. Overhanging all these stories is the can win the allegiance of all Jews. Jew- Secular Humanistic Judaism serves Rosen’s research has revealed many ultimate question: Would you have had ish history is witness to the positive the Jewish needs of people who want examples of efforts that would substan- the courage to do what these people force of diversity. Where diversity and to be Jewish in a fashion meaningful to tiate this conviction. did? personal freedom exist, there is more current times while striving to treat all The Holocaust is not only a story Jewish creativity and more opportu- people with dignity to which they are of victims, perpetrators and collabo- TEMPLE SHALOM Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands Chabad Jewish Center exhibit “Art Beyond ZIONIST ORG. of AMERICA of Naples, 1789 Man- HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER Boundaries” at the Alli- (941) 625-2116 Southwest Florida Chapter darin Road. His topic of at Temple Judea ance for the Arts in Fort www.templeshalomfl.com (239) 597-0855 discussion will be: “The (239) 433-0201 Myers. This exhibition Islamic State: Its History features twenty-six art- On Sunday, March 12, we celebrate Pu- Jerrold L. Sobel and Recommendations For its Defeat,” Temple Judea’s HAZAK 55+ Chap- ists from Israel and twenty-six artists rim at Temple Shalom. There will be a One of greatest threats to the United an issue he is highly qualified to exam- ter is for singles and couples. It is an from the Southeastern U.S. The exhibit States, Israel and the Western World ine. organization formed by the United is sponsored by the Jewish Federation since 9/11 is the emergence of the Is- Whereas for the past three years Synagogue of Conservative Judaism to of Lee and Charlotte Counties. After lamic State (ISIS). For a myriad of we’ve all been exposed to the brutality enable members to meet and socialize the tour, the group will have dinner reasons, including lax border control and deprivations of this barbaric group, with each other. Temple Judea’s active at Nomiki’s Plakka Greek Restaurant, and proper vetting, ISIS has been able few know of their infrastructure: fi- HAZAK Chapter is a chartered mem- 12901 McGregor Blvd. (across from to insinuate terrorist operatives and nances, management and organization. ber of the USCJ. Dues are a modest $5 The Landings). RSVP required to sit lone wolves to attack and kill innocent As part of his research at the Rand per year per person. Membership in the with HAZAK members. For additional people both here and abroad. A deadly Corp., Dr. Shatz has studied hundreds organization is open to the community information, please call Shirley Schiff- and adaptive foe, President Trump has of documents and will share with us his and we welcome new members. man at 239.395.0135. ordered his generals and security advi- findings, weaknesses, and recommen- For additional information, please Save the date of Sunday, April 2 sors to deliver him within a month a dations to defeat this odious, terrorist contact George or Joyce Rosinger at 3:00 p.m. for a screening of Exodus plan on how to defeat ISIS. organization. at 239.437.1566, Harvey Cohen at and a vegetarian pizza dinner. The film On Wednesday March 15 at 7:30 Refreshments will be served at the 239.768.3677, or Bunny or Matt Law- and dinner will be at Temple Judea. p.m., Dr. Howard J. Shatz, Senior presentation. rence at 239.245.7708. Watch for additional details. Economist and Director of Rand-Initi- For more information, go to www. On Thursday, March 16 at 3:30 ated Research, will be speaking at the zoaswfl.org or call 914.329.1024. p.m., HAZAK will attend the art L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23
Seder experience of your life, which talk on the Third Reich’s we will dress you in one! Each Friday evening at 6:30 p.m., will be held on Monday and Tuesday, COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE use of the German legis- Thanks to the many C.F.S.ers who The Community Free Synagogue April 10 and 11, at the elegant West Fort Myers lative and legal systems participated in our February photo serves a traditional Sabbath dinner. It Bay Club in Estero. For more informa- (239) 274-7485 to gradually isolate and shoot of staged vignettes from the Me- is free and reservations are never re- tion and to RSVP, call 239.218.3433 or finally eradicate its Jew- gillah. The photos will be used in our quired. At 7:30 p.m., the Sabbath is email us at [email protected]. www.fortmyerssynagogue.com ish citizens. Jessica also 3rd edition of “A PowerPoint Purim,” welcomed with prayer and song. A cof- We look forward to seeing you there! conducted a three-week which accompanies Rabbi Diamond’s fee hour follows worship. Our sacred Torah is not just for Heartfelt thanks to community rab- “mini-course” in February outlining reading of the scroll. We are also grate- Every Saturday at 9:30 a.m., C.F.S. learning, it’s for transforming our lives.binical candidates Thomas Miess and European and American anti-Semitism ful for the many “holy rollers” who offers a light breakfast followed bya Our community is growing and we in-Terri Goldberg for conducting the before WWII. She is a doctoral can- came earlier in the week to prepare the lively discussion of the week’s Torah vite everyone to celebrate with us assynagogue’s two-month Prayerbook didate in modern European history at humentashen! portion until 11:30 a.m. we dedicate our Torah later this month.Hebrew Readiness Program. This in- FGCU. The next Community Free Syna- The purpose of The Community Join us for this milestone event as wellcluded two six-hour basic reading im- The synagogue appreciates the ef- gogue “Brown Bag Movie Night” Free Synagogue, led by Rabbi Bruce as Shabbat services every Friday at mersion sessions in January and three forts of our Youth Education students starts at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March Diamond, is “Study, Worship and Be- 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Torah study atReading Labs in March. Several of who created Tsedaqah boxes that are 23 in the Community Hall, featuring nevolent Acts” practiced tradition- 10:00 a.m. From our Yiddish Culturethe participants are now preparing To- being distributed in the congregation Denial. The film is a riveting drama- ally but with progressive values. The Club, Book Club, Men’s Group andrah readings. The Prayerbook Hebrew in support of their Tsedaqah projects. about the libel trial of noted historian synagogue does not sell memberships Sisterhood, to Women’s Circle, ChoirReadiness Program was in partial ful- The community is invited to the Deborah E. Lipstadt, who was sued in or solicit funds. All of its events and and BBYO, there are so many waysfillment of Tom and Terri’s require- synagogue’s Purim Pancake Breakfast a British court by notorious Holocaust programs, including youth and adult to enhance your Jewish life at Shalomment for their May 31 licensure as at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 12. denier David Irving. Pack your dinner, Jewish education, are open to all and Life Center. Visit our website at www.Community Rabbis. There will a lot more than pancakes soft drinks and admission are free. always free. The synagogue meets at shalomlifecenter.org for more informa- Once again, The Community Free served! After breakfast we will adjourn Deepest condolences to Aaron the Southwest Florida Masonic Center, tion on our many clubs, programs andSynagogue is grateful to our Holocaust to the sanctuary and the reading of Me- (Butch) Stern on the untimely passing 10868 Metro Parkway in South Fort special events. scholar, Jessica Evers, for her January gillah of Esther. Come in costume or of his beloved wife Roz. Myers.
at the Florida Rep on On Thursday, March 16, HAZAK, Jewish Views of Children.” Everyone TEMPLE JUDEA Sunday afternoon, March the 55+ group of Temple Judea, will go is welcome to attend at no cost. This lung cancer, and heart disease. These Fort Myers 26. Members of the com- to the “Art Beyond Boundaries” exhib- program is made possible through the are issues that affect men. In Collier (239) 433-0201 munity are welcome to it at the Alliance for the Arts and then generous support of the Hereld Insti- and Lee counties we are trying to have join them for a perfor- have dinner together. For more infor- tute for Jewish Studies at JTS. www.tjswfl.org th the Associate group be more active. But mance of The 25 Annu- mation, call the synagogue office. Rabbi Marc Sack continues his first, we need to know if there is some al Putnam County Spell- Start choosing your costume and monthly Lunchtime Torah Study on interest. If so, please let me know atChaverot, Temple Judea’s Sisterhood, ing Bee. Tickets are $50 and $25 for plan to come to the Megillah reading Thursday, March 2 from noon to 1:00 [email protected]. will be gathering on Thursday, March teens aged 13-17. Proceeds will benefit on Saturday evening, March 11. Get p.m. at the offices of Myers Brettholtz. Upcoming events: 2 for dinner and entertainment at La “Keren Chaverot,” the fund that helps ready to shake your groggers and enjoy Regular scheduled events: ¡¡ March 6 at 11:00 a.m.: Board of Grotta. Michael D’Amore will be sing- support congregation life. Contact the fun of the annual Purim spiel. • Friday Shabbat services at 6:30 p.m. Directors Meeting ing songs of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Toby. The congregation looks forward to • Saturday Shabbat services at 9:30 ¡¡ March 7 from 11:15 a.m. to 2:00Chaverot welcomes members of the Jason Hochberg, owner of the Fort welcoming Dr. Alan Cooper on Sun- a.m. p.m.: General Meeting/Luncheon community; gentlemen are also wel- Myers Miracle baseball team, will be day, March 19 at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Coo- • Lunchtime Torah study with Rabbi at McCormick and Schmick’s withcome to join them. Contact Toby Moss the guest speaker on Friday evening, per is the Elaine Ravich Professor of Sack the first Thursday of each a speaker for more information at theneedle- March 10 at the dinner following Shab- Jewish Studies and Provost of the Jew- month at noon ¡¡ March 21: Afternoon matinee at [email protected]. bat services. Call the synagogue office ish Theological Seminary. His topic is • Morning minyan every Monday Broadway Palm Dinner Theater for Chaverot will hold a theater party for reservations. “Blank Slates and Little Demons: Two at 9:00 a.m. Anything Goes 239.579.0744 or Annette was titled “How Faith Communities immigrant employees at the Inns of BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS Pacyga at 941.740.1650. Engage in Social Action.” Reverend Sanibel. By improving the English rators; it is also a story of heroes and Of note is the mile- Neumark presented a practical outline speaking and writing skills of its em- heroines – both Jews and Gentiles. Sanibel stone birthday, 100 years, of how to craft a coalition. ployees, the Inns of Sanibel knows it Some of the heroic exploits and inven- (239) 579-0296 of Roselyn Kraus that Bat Yam Social Action Commit- will provide better service to its cus- tive means by which these brave men www.batyam.org was celebrated as part of tee Chair Garry Weiss invited repre- tomers. and women saved tens of thousands of the February 17 Shab- sentatives from the Fort Myers Hai- Regular programming at Bat Yam Jewish lives will be discussed. Come to Bat Yam on Sunday, March bat service. She has been a thoughtful tian community to speak on February continues through the end of April. Ev- Both diplomats and ordinary citi- 5 at 7:00 p.m. to listen to the stand-up and cherished member of Bat Yam for 1 about the needs and concerns of the ery Friday evening at 7:30 pm., Rabbi zens risked their lives and those of comedy routine of Rabbi Bob Alper. many years. 20,000 Haitians in Southwest Florida. Myra Soifer conducts Shabbat servic- their families to save Jews. Some of He is an ordained rabbi who served While enjoying the beautiful On Monday, February 27, Rabbi Ra- es, assisted by Cantorial Soloist Doug their stories have been well chronicled congregations for fourteen years until weather and the myriad of activities chel Kahn-Troster, from “T’ruah,” a Renfroe and pianist Abigail Allison. but others are not so well known. Mov- he fell for stand-up comedy. Bob also and events in Southwest Florida, it is national Jewish group devoted to pro- Adult Education classes are held ies and books have told some stories of holds a doctorate from the Princeton also a time for serious reflection on the tecting the human rights of all persons, Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00 Jewish and Gentile heroes of the Ho- Theological Seminary. If you wish conditions in our country and immedi- will speak about the efforts to improve a.m. with Hebrew reading with Rabbi locaust, but there are many fascinating to enjoy sharp, yet gentle (and clean) ate area. To that end, a Bat Yam Social the working and living conditions of Soifer. At 9:30 a.m., the Rabbi speaks little-known incidents and miraculous material suitable for Jews and non- Action Committee was formed with the Immokalee tomato fields workers. about a different ethical or ritual “mitz- events which our speaker will reveal. Jews, bring your friends and prepare a focus on the Jewish commitment to The Social Action Committee intends vah” each week. From 10:30 to 11:15 The participation in, or resistance to laugh. Advance tickets are $18 per tikkun olam, making our world a bet- to keep educating the Bat Yam congre- a.m., congregants offer researched pre- to, the Final Solution by various na- person. Mail a check to Bat Yam, P.O. ter and more just place. This new com- gation and to take steps to make a dif- sentations on various aspects of “Jews tions is also a fascinating but poorly Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957. Admission mittee is in addition to the work of the ference. If you wish to join the Social in the Diaspora.” Thereafter, a discus- understood chapter in the history of the at the door will be $25. long established “Tzedakkah” Com- Action Committee, please contact Gar- sion of current events, facilitated by Holocaust. Some nations willingly sur- The Bat Yam community Passover mittee headed by Salessa Berk. ry Weiss at 410.336.2612 or gsw211@ Leonard Minsky, occurs from 11:30 rendered their Jews while others stood Seder will be on Monday, April 10 at The seminar on January 24 led by gmail.com. a.m. to 12:15 p.m. up to the Nazis. 6:00 p.m. at the newly renovated Sani- Shared Scholar Reverend Heidi Neu- There is also a revived Literacy Come to worship and learn at our Overhanging all these stories is the bel Community House located at 2173 mark was very instructive for the at- Project. Members of Bat Yam and the meeting place, the Sanibel Congrega- ultimate question: Would you have had Periwinkle Way. For prices and reser- tendees from the five sponsoring Sani- Sanibel Congregational UCC have tional United Church of Christ at 2050 the courage to do what these people vations, please contact Sue Danford at bel and Captiva faith communities. It been teaching English to some of the Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. did?
service at 5:00 p.m. with of Prayer” with Dr. Linda Wein will be p.m., with a deli dinner to follow. Din- TEMPLE SHALOM Jane Galler, with a Purim held on Tuesday, March 14 at 6:45 p.m. ner is $12. Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands Dinner to follow. The Refreshments will be served. For additional information about exhibit “Art Beyond cost for the dinner is $12. “Lunch & Learn” with the For- Temple Shalom, call the office at Boundaries” at the Alli- (941) 625-2116 Kindly call the temple ward continues on Tuesday, March 21 941.625.2116. Temple Shalom is Char- ance for the Arts in Fort www.templeshalomfl.com office at 941.625.2116 if from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. The class is lotte County’s only reform congrega- Myers. This exhibition you would like to attend limited to 15 participants. tion affiliated with the Union -for Re features twenty-six art- On Sunday, March 12, we celebrate Pu- the dinner. The film Walk on Water will be form Judaism. ists from Israel and twenty-six artists rim at Temple Shalom. There will be a The fifth session of “The Meaning shown on Sunday, March 26 at 3:00 from the Southeastern U.S. The exhibit is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. After The third Progres- service on Friday, January 27. Marc were Rabbi Devora Buchen, Joel Bar- the tour, the group will have dinner TEMPLE BETH SHALOM sive Dinner of the year Einstein led the service and chanted low, Erv Doliner, Avi Turner, Harvey at Nomiki’s Plakka Greek Restaurant, Cape Coral will be held on Saturday, from the Torah portion, while directing Wolfson and Nate Blyveis The Broth- 12901 McGregor Blvd. (across from (239) 772-4555 March 25, and promises Brotherhood members who took part. erhood sponsored the delicious Oneg The Landings). RSVP required to sit to be both delicious and Barry Belkin, Brotherhood President, Shabbat. Barry Belkin’s wife, Ruthie, with HAZAK members. For additional www.templebethshalomcc.org fun. It is a great way to gave a sermon that recalled the past is an honorary member of the Broth- information, please call Shirley Schiff- get to know people in a and pointed to the future. erhood for all the things she does for man at 239.395.0135. There are some exciting events coming small group. This well-attended service is just them, and so she was given the honor Save the date of Sunday, April 2 up at Temple Beth Shalom in the com- Also coming up soon is the Samuel one example of all that the Brotherhood of lighting the Shabbat candles. at 3:00 p.m. for a screening of Exodusing weeks. Gatlin returns on Saturday, S. Belkin Golf Tournament on Sunday, does during the year. Arnie Schwartz, Guests are always welcome at and a vegetarian pizza dinner. The filmMarch 11. If you love music, Gatlin April 2. For more information and tick- who is finishing his final year as tem- Temple Beth Shalom. Come to Friday and dinner will be at Temple Judea.will be a real treat.. Tickets are $20 and ets for all of events, call the temple of- ple president, was also officiating. Stu- night services, Saturday Torah study or Watch for additional details. include snacks, soda and water. Beer fice at 239.772.4555. art Berman had the honor of carrying any of our events, and you will find a and wine will be available for a dona- The Brotherhood of Temple Beth the Torah, and Dr. Arthur Tanenbaum very warm, welcoming community. tion. Shalom put on its annual Shabbat had the first Aliyah. Other participants L'CHAYIM MARCH 2017 24 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties
Grow your business with L’CHAYIM!
JEWISH FILM FESTI AL
C M R 201 L'CHAYIM 1 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Each month, 5,000 The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlottest CountiesAnnual Jewish residents Targeted Distribution Presents the 21 Jewish Film Festival in Lee and Charlotte Reach our affluent, informed, health-conscious, and of Southwest Florida savvy readers who are looking for new and better ways All lms will be screened at the Regal Cinemas Bell Tower. Open seating at all lms for general admission tickets. counties turn to ickets will e mailed u to ecem er 31 to enrich their lives and those of their loved ones. ickets ordered a ter ecem er 31 will e a aila le onsorshi a ter 6:00 m inside the theater on the day o the show 201 21 L'CHAYIMo ortunities C M R are L’CHAYIM for: Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Thursday, January 12 at 7:15 p.m. a aila le that include L’CHAYIM – the monthly newspaper published by the SABENA HIJACKING: ISRAEL & THE JEWISHMY WORLD VERSION reser ed seatin ee This docu-drama is based on previously undiscovered audio recordings of former pilot Captain Reginald Levy. Captain Levy, now deceased, was the orm on a e 1 in command of Sabena Flight 571 from Brussels, Belgium, to Tel Aviv on Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties – is Israel rushes aidMay 8,to 1972, whenthe it was hi ac edworld’s by four members of Blac worst September, earth uakesThank You to these u Upcoming major events Israel is often one of the fi rstthe countries armed wing of Fatahon orthe PLO. ground The fi lm fi nally to sharesoffer the untold story of what exactly took place on the fl ight specialiststhroughout theto 30train hours local of nerve-NGOs to run humanitarian aid after the world’swrac ing mostcaptivity. tdevastating fuses candid interviews earthquakes. with dramatic reenactments. Sponsors of the They also fortifi ed 332 public build- an emotional support hotline, and has By Nicky Blackburn, IS AEL c, www.israel c.org,It takes viewers September into the aircraft , to witnessset theup eventsa beekeeping fi rsthand cooperative as the staff ed ings, and conducted safety and survival hen Krishna evi Khad a, hi ac ers threaten to explode hand grenadesby women unless 300who prisoners lost their were homes andJewish Film Festival: wor shops for 605 Nepalese citizens. Exhibit “Drawing Against Oblivion” has local connection was pulled out of the rubble released. The result is a fast-paced fi lm sources full of suspense, of income which in the poses earth ua e. mailed to 5,000 residents in the area. Additional copies of a hotel fi ve days after a sraelihistorical civilian and NGOpolitical sraA uestions also that helped to shape the srael of today. A baby is born at the IDF fi eld hospital in Nepal The organization also trained six Principal(Photo courtesy ofSponsor the IDF) W arrivedLanguage two days: Englishafter 1the hr. ebrew Arabic French ua e,38 min. with u devastating 7.8 magnitude earth ua e in unning Time: theater troupes to present plays in Japan, which illed some 16,000 Community Directory an emergency relief team of doctors Nepal on April 25 2015, the fi rst people earthquake-aff ected districts, to relay and search-and-rescue specialists. The people and left 230,000 homeless. she saw were sraeli. information about community resilience team uic ly established a temporary As in aiti, sraeli aid organizations Khad a, a maid at the hotel, had and trauma, a model that is now being field clinic in the Sindhupalchow remain in Japan today long after been trapped in an air poc et covered adopted by N CEF. are available at the Jewish Federation office. Tuesday, Januarydistrict of Nepal, one17 of theat worst-hit 7:15 p.m. all other foreign aid organizations by a corpse. She was rescued after a dra- Nepal was not the fi rst time that areas. IN SEARCH OF have left. Aid wor ers are helping matic 10-hour operation led by sraA , The organization brought sup- to build a mental health support net- u an sraeli humanitarian aid organization. ISRAELI CUISINE wor in the country, and recording plies and medical services, and opened Synagogue news The 24-year-old was ta en imme- This fi lm is a portrait of the Israeli people told through food. It is drawn psychologist-staffed safe spaces for the testimonies of survivors. diately to the only wor ing hospital in from the more than 100 cultures that ma e up srael today. Through children left wandering the streets after April 2015: A double earth ua e Kathmandu, a large fi eld hospital run by interviews with chefs, farmers, home coo s, vintners and cheese ma ers, the ua e.to visits to farms, mar ets, restaurants and itchens, audiences will in Kumamoto City, Japan, which the srael efense Forces ( F . Community development nonprofi t illed 49 and in ured 3,000. Khad a was one of thousands of discover that this hot, multi-cultural cuisine has developed only in the Tevel b Tzede last 30 years. (The n thatEarth short in Justice ,time, srael went from being one of the poorest Feb 2016: A 6.4 magnitude earth- people across Nepal who survived the which hascountries been carryingin the world out humanitar-to one of the most advanced.The IDF ts fi eld sophistication hospital in Nepal ua e in Taiwan, which illed 117 u fi rst quake and the second magnitude mirrors the current state of the sraeli people and their food: secular, people, 115 of them in one residen- Local Organization news ian wor in Nepal since 2007 and al- 7.3 ua e that followed two wee s later, srael has rushed to provide aid in the ready hadoutward a team looking on the and ground, innovative. rushed The chef/guide of the fi lm is Michael tial building in Kaohsiung City. than s to sraeli aid. The two ua es wa e of a deadly earth ua e. sraeli to help,Solomonov, providing connections,the James Beard training award-winning chef owner of Zahav and a April 2016: The 7.8 magnitude were a catastrophic double blow for Ne- number of other restaurants in hiladelphia.1 humanitarianhr. 34 min. wor ers have helped out and understanding of the region to other earth ua e in Ecuador, which illed Life-Enriching Information Language: English unning Time: after earth ua es in ndia, Tur ey, eru, 661 and in ured nearly 28,000 NGOs arriving on the scene. Magen avid Adom (M A sent and the devastating earth ua e and people. tsunami that hit SoutheastOUR Asia in 2004. COMMUNITY out a trained disaster delegation includ- To view more stories on srael s Here are the main earth uakes where u Jewish Federation updates ing 10 paramedics and two physicians, exceptional humanitarian aid efforts Israel has given aid since : C M R 201 abroad in the My Name is srael aid L'CHAYIM Thursday, andJanuary later distributed building19 at supplies 7:15 p.m.Jan 2010: srael gained worldwide r Brian an Sara ri i Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotteand Counties foodFANNY’S to 800 Nepali families. JOURNEYpraise for the speed and effi ciency exhibition, or to download the exhibit Each month, readers of L’CHAYIM get news and updates The ream octors sent medical Fanny s Journey is an incredible tale of bravery,with strength which andit off survival ered aid – a to Haiti for display, visit http: www.israel21c. ily members they lost, and others ar ha were ohn o clownsstory to bringof a daring relief young and girlcheer who towill stop at innothing the wa e and fear of noa catastrophic one. n 7.0 org exhibition my-name-is-israel . IsraAID working in the Gongabu district of survivors.1943, 13-year-old Fanny and her younger sisters were sent from their created by theEditor families and of olocaustIsrael Director, sur- Nicky Kathmandu (Photo: IsraAID/Mickey Noam Alon) mission from themagnitude Museum, earth ua e Mr. iaz that illed thOtherhome sraeli in France NGOs to an talian– ZAKA, foster home for Jewish children. When the vivors and Blackburncamp liberators has worked we wor ed extensively as a Comingpal that left 9,000 up people at dead, 22,000the Holocaust Anniversary Edition, considered Museum optionsaround for its 160,000 creation. peopleCon- and left u George nited75 Nazis atzalah, arrive Natanin taly, nternational their careta ers desperately organize the departure with in ourjournalist education and programs editor both who in Britain and Community Calendar By Amy Snyder,in ured andExecutive hundreds Director, of thousands Holocaust of Museum & Education Centertemplating of SWFL the tragedy280,000 of buildings the olocaust destroyed. Five The Little Ships: umanitarian ofThe the Heroic children AidAcross andRescue to Switzerland. sraelithe Flying Suddenly leftand on “alltheir of own, the genocidesthese eleven have passedIsrael away. for The a communityrange of national also andTravel inter- t is hardhomes, to believe offi ceswe andhave temples come destroyed years later, srael was still in aiti on all Jewish-related local events including the Jewish at Dunkirk Aidin World – childrenwere War also IIwill, involved do the impossible in rescue, to reach thewhich Swiss had border occurred in order in to participatednational by creating publications tribute fl owersincluding to the orend damaged. of another year, and The Great-survive. helping rebuild the community. n or o r Blue Pacifi recoveryc, and relief operations in Nepal history and continue for relativesWee ly lost in, the srael olocaust, igh Tech as . nvestorShe was 2017 is fastIsrael approaching! was one ofWe the loo fi rst countries Language: French Feb 2011: A 6.3 magnitude earth- est Skatingalong Race with and F RST, a1 consortiumhr. 34 min. of to occur in the modern well Linas garden and on landscape The in Times fl owers of London created The forward toto welcoming send humanitarianwith you a number in aid2017 toof Nepal, and unning Time: ua e in New Zealand, which illed His Name sraeliWas Raoul government and army rescue world,” he “decided to by students theand High-Tech the public Correspondentto fi ll in the for the range andvery breadth special ofpro- that aid from 185. Wallenberg. The set can create a wor of art that gardenBar ara bac groundJerusalem Barr scene. ost . services. March 2011: The 9.0 magnitude in u so many sectorsgrams and of events. sraeli lifebe – thepre-ordered Over with a ayear later, Tevel b Tzede would convey seren- The offi cial unveiling of the Memo- Holocaust Museum news government, lease the militaryvisit our and various earth ua e and tsunami in Toho u, Lin a Char on Film Festival, Jewish author programs, holiday celebra- signed boo plate,and sraA at no are still at wor in Nepal, ity and beauty, always rial Garden will ta e place in late Janu- NGOs – waswebsite so significantat www. that the a in extra charge,off eringand will training and support to help eeping in mind our ary 2017 moria as part of the commemoration Nepalese today olocaustMu regard srael as a besource ready for pic up at hopes, to live in bal- of nternational olocaust Remem- villagers get bac on their feet. hi an hro i of inspiration.seumSWFL.orgTuesday, the event. January Tevel b Tzede 24 runs aat youth 7:15 ser- p.m.ance, peace and loveJEWS brance ay. & Accordingand loo to fi guresfor our compiled by KEEP QUIET F n Luncheonvice tic etsprogram modeled after srael s in the world society, The Museum is located at 4760 CNN, sraelJanuary sent more column personnel to the As Vice President of Jobbik, Hungary’s far-right extremist party, pm are $150 perShnat person, Sherut, and year of national service, moving away from our Tamiami Trail North, Suite 7, in Naples. disaster sceneto provide than any addi- other country. Csanad Szegedi regularly espoused anti-SemiticBROADWAY rhetoric and ar ha i u tions, concerts, food festivals, book study groups, timely A y sponsorshipsin areearth ua e-devastated avail- olocaust denials. villages e wasto a foundermista en of the ungarianprimitive ways Guard, t is open year-round i r Tuesday through Candle Lighting Times The Ftional arrived details. in Nepal two days Thursday, February 9 at 7:30 Snyder able. resshelp is business rebuild communities.a now-banned Tevelmilitia alsoinspired by theof Arrowthin ing Cross, and a goingpro-Nazi Opera Sunday closedNaples Monday and ma or Jew- after the fi rst quake, with a team of casual. Netruns proceeds a variety partyof recovery complicit programs in the murder of forwardthousands with of theJews lessons during2408 Linwoodish nnaand .S. Avenue, holidays a Naples L in Annual Luncheon260 physicians and search-and-rescue benefit thein education agriculture, WW .education, Then disaster-ris came a revelation which transformed his Keeplife. We extend our best wishes for The Museum sexperts. Annual Within Luncheon 12 hours will they had set learned.” Ch r i ha programs reduction,of the o- resilience,Szegedi s crisis maternal interven- grandparents were Rabbirevealed Kanter to be Jewishpresents and We appy Jews On olidays Broadway, to youa sing-along and your history be held on Thursday,up a fi eld ecember hospital in 15 Kathmandu, from the Entitled “The Garden,of the American2016,” the musical in- from the o in Gay ’90s operetta of Romberg & locaust Museumtion and incomeEducation generation Center for some family. 11:30 a.m. F sto 1:00 largest p.m. ever, at The which Ritz- included two dividually-framed Friml…painted throughbac grounds Berlin, Kern, the Gershwins and Rodgers & Hart… to of SWFL. 25,000For more villagers information in six of on Nepal s most lectures, mah jongg and much more. They also get up- Carlton Beach Resort, 280 Vanderbilthis beloved grandmother an Auschwitz survivor who had hiddenfeature her faith an idealizedfearing furtherSondheim, meadow persecution. scene. Mel Brooks The andPhoto KanderL n a Credit for& EbbCurious i ha – the George Broadway image above: of today. operating tents, four intensive-carereservations and sponsorships, please u uiet depicts Szegedi s three-yearimpoverished ourney regions. as he is guided by Rabbi Boruch Oberlander to embrace his The requested images from the cover are used Business Directory Beach Road,tents, Naples. 60 hospital ost Sponsors beds, andfor specialists memorial “tribute fl owers”$50.00 createdGeneral dur- seating • $75.00 n in Benefactor Preferred seating newfound religion,contact forced evelopment to confront sraA the Specialist runspainful a variety truths Tim of of his humani- family s past, his own wrongdoing,Event concludes and the with in an the elegant book by permissionwine and ofdessert the de Grummond reception the event arein Estelleneonatal and and Stuart adult rice. care. ing the1 Novemberhr. 30 min. wor shops will be Children’s Literature Collection, The University of turbulent historyMorrison of his country. at Tim olocaustMuseum But is this astonishing unning transformation Time: a process of genuine reparation and Our guest spea erThe team is author brought Louise 95The tons of hu- tarian pro ects in Nepal and plansincorporated to be into theTickets design. are nder available Mr. at Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS. or mail spiritual awa eningSWFL.org or is he orsimply call 239.263.9200.a desperate man with nowhere else to turn? naplesjewishcongregation.org Borden, who will discuss her boo , . there for at least three more years. iaz s The direction, someyour were check created made by out to Naples Jewish Congregation, along with manitarian and medicalLanguage supplies: English,Memorial from ebrew Garden with English Art Installationsubtitles Journey that Saved Curious George organization distributes warm clothing olocaust survivorsyour in honor name, of addressthe fam-Naples and phone FL 34108, number, Attn to:Tickets NJC, PO Box 111994, srael, and during their stay they treatednearing completion dates from the area’s synagogues and numerous local The boo describes the “story behind to Nepali children, has brought in sraeli 1,600 patients, performed more thanThe 85 Museum s Memorial Garden the story” of the creation of the much- u surgeries and delivered eight babies.Art nstallation in Rabbinical Reflections loved Curious George character. Be our front windows prepared to learn a lot of “curious” facts BROADWAY & is nearing comple- about everyone s favorite mon ey. id IF YOU AREtion. AsNOT mentioned in MAKING you now that his original name wasn t pm our October column, SOCIAL CHANGE Jewish organizations. It’s the place they turn to for com- George? Or that he wasn t the main 5% ON YOURartist Juan iaz cre-MONEY Friday, February 10 at 7:30 character starring in the boo s created ated the four beautiful by .A. and Margret Rey? Or that he Unitarian Universalist Congregation u ...Then you want topanels give in, us and a ascall. part The product has a 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples • Free admission! Israel updates almost never got to be famous at all? Ms. of, the L G T er- Borden will fi llfixed you in onrate all theof details.5% per annum or higher, paid monthly! Rabbi Kanter will be our guest at Shabbat services, and will trace She is also the authorNo waiting of several around formance until Art the Style end of the term the dominant role played by Jewish composers in Tin Pan Alley. to receiveSeries foryour which interest! he is From Irving Berlin and George Gershwin to Jerome Kern and Billy munity news, the community calendar, candle lighting children s boo s dealing with World Rose, these songs are musical companions to American history. well nown. War and the olocaust. Five of her Your Principal and Interest are SECURED When he received The Garden, 2016Created - Acrylic in and on Treatedpart of the Muslin LIGHT Fabric, Performance 6’2” x 16’3” Art Diptych Style Series. (Each Artist: Panel: Juan 6’2” Diaz©x 8’1” and 6’2” x 8’2”) boo s will be available for purchase at the Memorial com- the event as a set for $60. Titles included No long term commitments – RABBI KENNETH KANTER u The Journey that Saved Curious short duration of about a year Rabbi Kenneth Kanter is a nationally known author Photos of recent events are Jewish Federationand entertainer offocusing Lee on& theCharlotte Jewish influence Counties This is NOT an ANNUITY e e e and on American popular music. Viewers have called ,” times, and a business directory. STOCKS, OPTIONSF or a REIT l , This is NOT d his unique sing-along concert/ lecture events high-energy,” “inspiring,” “exhilirating,” Gold, Silverthe Ior any other “ This is NOT F “an absolutely superb night of entertainment and “the kind of event we will long remember.” on and joy” ti Commodity Events ewish Federa e is Fe e ati n CC Iends o Anti-Israel media bias J sponsored u and much more There are NO TRANSCTION FEES OR -Israel sentiments on college campuses: Facing anti in part by COMMISSIONS for you toand pay EVER! how to fi x it! Further the mission of our A AME A etter- ritingA PROGRAM FOR orkshop1:00 p.m.11TH at ANDTemple 12TH Beth GRADERS El CONGREGATION (16225 Ion to the Fr Win ler Rd, FortJEWISH aMyers , first-hand is accountco-spon- of 100% OF YOURto realize that, MONEY in my years GOEShin the media are biased? NAPLES Hear overcame Federation and communityin Jewish philanthropy, f you answered yes, you re sored by thehow Jewish one Federation student of Lee Shabbat services are held every Friday night at the A DAY TO SALUTE OURneither SOLDIERS a emocratic nor a not alone. Americans trust in and Charlotteanti Counties Semitism and at Florida Temple TO WORK FOR YOU IMMEDIATELY! Atlantic University FR M T E Republican administration T Unitarian UniversalistBeth El. Congregation, 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples the media has sun to an all-time low, An Introduct For more information, please contactTh 2016 The wor shop will be led by Sarit has materially aff ected 13 in a according to a Gallup surveyMore released information at 239-431-3858 or www.naplesjewishcongregation.org E ECUTIVE Catz, the Learninternational about what'sdirector happening of Bruce Greenstein,positive manner those LUTC who this past September. DIRECT R ECEMBER WARM • REFORMCAMERA s onletter-writing college• AFFORDABLE campuses team, a todaynet- • ADULT Tim Shawneed Financial help the most.Consultants There , FL 34119Confi dence in the mass media “to with regard to the Boycott, ALOMAPLES wor of 17,000 volunteers who respond Alan Isaacs 7:00PM - CONCERT Sh N report the news fully, accurately and Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) is never enoughTUESDAY, public DassistanceOAD to go to distorted news coverage of srael. TEMPLE R OSENfairly” plunged to its lowest level in movement, Students for around. And that s where the JewishICk R Catz will spea about recognizing y the time you read this(239) we will 425-9707 ~ [email protected] RIDGE Ent Chairs: R INE Ev Gallup polling history. Only 32% of Justice in Palestine and other have voted to elect the next Federation comes in and where AND you, as media bias and then-Israel conduct movements. a hands- 4630 P those polled said they had a great deal anti president of the nited States individuals, can have aE LLAINEdecisive impact on letter-writing wor shop that will or fair amount of trust in the news. B on the outcome no matter who presides provide attendees with the tools needed and, hopefully, he or she will have News about srael can be particu- over our country. to respond thoughtfully and eff ectively received a clear mandate to lead our call on you to reconcile with the VIPlarly SEAT distorted and unfair. n Septem- $90 PATRON Withto faulty special reporting. guest country. We, as Jews, have endured, TO Aber, PRIv ATEthe same month in which the Gal- The exclusive way to reach the Jewish election outcome as soon as ARE possible INvITED E “ don t believe there s a ournalis- through our longA SPECIALhistory as PERFORMANCE wander- SPONSORS PERFORMANc and begin again*PATRON to further thebEFORE mission ThE lup poll came out, the Committee for ers, the hazards ofOF life POPULAR under dictators, AND TRADITIONAL ckTAIL REcEPTION tic conspiracy to denigrate srael,” said of our FederationcO and our community Accuracy SEAT in Middle East ReportingRayna in Rose Exelbierds monarchs and otherISRAELI manifestations SONGS PERFORMED of ADMISSION Catz. “ButdWith coverageU does fre uently “To strengthen$18 and G enrichENERAL the Jewish America (CAMERA prompted cor- Stan governance into which we have had 12 AND UNDER suff er from a number of serious prob- BY ISRAELI SOLDIERScommunity by providingFREE andAGES support- rections from 20 ma or news outlets Coordinator little, if any, input. We have often been lems High that School CAMERA’s staff and letter ing philanthropic, educational and so- that had published false informationSoutheast the victims of these rulers and their writers seek to fi x and prevent.” onlcialIne: service https://www.fidf.org/ programs locally,naples-I in sraeldF-e nsemble16ChAPTERabout the Jewish state. Journalists, she said, are sometimes whims, in some cases to mortalse tI effckets ect. MIAMI CAMERA, the oldest and largest to PurchA and throughout the world” and to pur- The Jewish destiny resided often in the ETS CALL FIDF GREATER FIDF.ORG ust uneducated about Middle East his- FOR TICsuek our vision of “A AIMEJewish.SAGONA communi-@ Middle East media monitoring organi- hands of a capricious individual and a Sunday,tory. January “Reports can lac 15,crucial histori-2017 305.354.8233 | j zation in the world, will be presenting a ty that is based on Jewish values such cal context,” she said. “Our -researchers 6:30 PM hostile society. wor shop to teach local residents how 4:00continued P.M. on page 3 thin that it is important in these as Tzeda ah (benevolence , Ti un Olam (repairing the world and K lal to combat media bias. The wor shop, Jewish Federation
weeks following the election to refl ect - Fort Myers to be held on Monday, ecember 5 at Community in Lee and Charlotte counties. Yisrael (ta ing responsibility for one on our standing today as Jews in our another .” 9701 Commerce Center Court society, in our country and in our com- munity, and to appreciate what we, JEWISH FEDERATIONPizza & beverages will be served as Jews, have accomplished and will ed. imit s l i continue to accomplish irrespective of ce a Sp e. lcom we who governs this country. COMMUNITYGuests are BREAKFAST While now intimately of Jews in our community who struggle to put Sunday,R.S.V.P December to Leni Sack: 239.481.4449 11 ext. 3 food on the table, we are a community or [email protected]. that is suffi ciently strong and caring 10:00 a.m to help. While some of us suff er the anguish of isolation andPhone loneliness, (305) 354-8233 | Fax (305) 354-8296 | e-mail [email protected] our community reachesFriends out of theand Israel sup- defense Forces is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. For more information ports. While some Jewish communities Guest Speaker : Dr. David Dalin around the world still fi ght anti-Sem-
itism, repression and poverty, we are Topic : The Presidents of the alert and provide relief. United States and the Jews: We cannotRead predict thewith anycurrent as- and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. surance how we as individuals and as From Abraham Lincoln to Barack Obama a community will be aff ected by the outcome of the election. t is reason- ably safe to assume however, that the needs of our community will not re- or to place an ad in L’CHAYIM: David G. Dalin, an ordained rabbi and duce in uantity or urgency. t is sad -author or historian, is the author, co editor of eleven books on American Jewish history and politics, and Jewish He has taught at Christian relations. Ave Maria University, and at the University of Hartford, has been a visiting professor at the Jewish Theological Call: Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923
CROWNE PLAZA Seminary of America, a Research Fellow at Stanford University and a Visiting Fellow at Princeton University. 13051 Bell Tower Drive Fort Myers Based on his book, Dr. Dalin will talk about the role and he e ish Federation - presiden- o ee and harlotte experiences of Jews in various presidential administra- Couvert: $18/person tions. He will illuminate the history of Jewish Email: [email protected] o nties Presents st nn al tial relations, presidential appointments of Jews to politi- the 2 RSVP to Leni by December 7 cal positions, and the history of presidential views and e ish Film Festival 239.481.4449 x3 or policies on Jewish interests and concerns. o So th est Florida. See pages 6 7 or [email protected] L’CHAYIM complete details. Website: Visit the page at NONPROFIT ORG P STMASTER: U.S. POSTAGE 9701 Commerce Center Court DATED RELI I US PAID Fort Myers, Florida 33908 NEWS ITEMS. FT. MYERS, FL TIME SENSITIVE PERMIT NO. 175 PLEASE E PEDITE www.JewishFederationLCC.org DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR