The Jewish Press Group of Tampa Bay, Inc. Jewish Press of Tampa PRESORTED 6416 Central Avenue STANDARD St. Petersburg, FL 33707 U.S. POSTAGE PAID The Jewish Press Group of Tampa Bay, Inc. JTA news service and Jewish Press staff JTA Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene will Taylor Georgia Republican Marjorie Greene, whose Democratic challenger dropped out of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the former chief rabbi of the 7, at age 72, Sacks died Saturday morning, Nov. leading exponents of Sacks was among the world’s Lois Frankel won reelection in her South Florida putting the Jews on trial here in District 21,” “We’re who has been banned from platforms such Loomer, Alan Cohn, a former investigative journalist Cohn also ran unsuccessfully for the for the WFTS- ABC’s Cohn was an investigative reporter for had real In conceding the election, Cohn noted, “We Just a nosh..Just

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Marjorie Taylor Greene becomes Marjorie Taylor Congress’ first QAnon adherent become the first member of Congress who has which expressed belief in the QAnon conspiracy theory, is rich in anti-Semitism. made headlines throughout has the race in September, She the campaign cycle for her promotion of the theory. signed an online posting in 2018 that accused Jewish billionaire George Soros and the Rothschild family of which alleges that being involved in the conspiracy, powerful figures run an international pedophile ring and influence world policy. Jonathan Sacks, former UK chief rabbi and Jewish ‘intellectual giant,’ dies United Kingdom whose extensive writings and frequent media appearances commanded a global following among Jews and non-Jews alike, has died. account announced. He was in the midst Twitter his which he had announced in of a third bout of cancer, October. Orthodox Judaism for a global audience. In his 22 years as chief rabbi, he emerged as the most visible Jewish leader in the United Kingdom and one of the European Jewish leading Jewish voices, offering continent’s wisdom to the masses through a regular segment he produced for the BBC. He had a close relationship with who called Blair, Tony former British Prime Minister Sacks “an intellectual giant” and presented him with a lifetime achievement award in 2018. Frankel defeats fellow Jew in South Florida culture clash by the right-wing a challenge House district, fending off The race self-described “Islamophobe” Laura Loomer. of the sociopolitical poles pitted two Jews at different culture wars against each other – a moderate Democrat who plays in Frankel and a far-right agitator in Loomer, on her Jewish identity in her adamantly anti-Muslim rhetoric. news service. “They have a choice Loomer told the JTA between a Republican Jew who is going to advocate for their survival in their best interests, or they can stand with self-hating Jew Lois Frankel, who is doing the bid- ding for the jihadists in the Democrat Party who are just literally walking Jews to the gas chamber.” Trump for her rhetoric, was supported by the Twitter as daughter-in-law Lara cam- Trump’s campaign. President paigned for Loomer in Florida in the fall. Tampa’s Alan Cohn loses bid Tampa’s for congressional seat 15th lost in his bid to win Florida’s Tampa, from 3 Nov. Tuesday, Congressional District in the The Democrat was the only Jewish general election. congressional candidate in the state outside of South Florida and was defeated by Republica Scott Franklin, a Franklin won by about a Lakeland city commissioner. 10-point margin, 55 to 45 percent. The 15th District covers congressional seat in 2014. eastern Hillsborough and portions of Polk and Lake counties. then worked for WWSB, the Tampa, TV (Channel 28) in ABC affiliate in Sarasota, as its 7 p.m. news anchor and managing editor before resigning when he announced this year’s run for office. about how to best address the priorities of differences the residents of this district, but he is a good man …” the Lakeland Ledger reported. al obAP i Gty Im- Getty via Loeb/AFP Saul Screenshot from WhatsApp from Screenshot President-elect Joe Biden PRAYER continued on PAGE 9 continued on PAGE PRAYER CONCERT continued on PAGE 00 continued on PAGE CONCERT When Rabbi David Seidenberg wrote This year, he added lines calling for He expected that part of the prayer “It kind of makes me Seiden- happy,” Seidenberg’s “A Prayer for the Elec- In Park Slope, Brooklyn, Rabbi Ra- Anxious voters turned to an old standby: prayer By SHIRA HANAU news service JTA a prayer for the presidential election in people by usable be to it wanted he 2004, on both sides of the political aisle. pulver- the and tyranny of out tearing the democracy undermine to plans of ization the “Trump,” out spelling acrostic an in – name of the president he hopes will be voted out of office. would be used by people who, like him, hoped to vote Donald Trump out of of- fice. But he was surprised supporters are using it, too. Trump some to find that berg said. “Because I think, well, God can take their intention and turn it into good also.” what’s tion” is one of several or pieces of adapted new Jewish on liturgy Election Day, as circulating Jews of all cal politi- stripes turn to prayer to high- contentious, a of end the help with cope them American politics. stakes season in Kolin Stephanie Rabbi and Timoner chel wrote an adapted version of the standard Videos circulated of a man reciting a prayer in an Orthodox Trump for victory for Donald 3 Nov. morning, Tuesday synagogue “We are excited to host this digital pre- independence. independence. The coronavirus pandemic forced of that event. cancellation Hanukkah celebration. are We thankful we were take to it modify and event this reschedule to able Kaufman, Maxine said format,” virtual a in place the Federation’s “By interim definition, a digital executive or virtualoccurrence director. event of people is an gathering together where some or all of the attendees are not in physically the same location, but are connected in a BIDEN continued on PAGE 8 BIDEN continued on PAGE Biden launched his campaign in husband to Vice Kamala President-elect Harris, will be male and the the first Jew in a spousal first supporting role for a vice dent. presi- April 2019 saying he was spurred to run because of what he said AWARDS continued PAGE 2 PAGE continued AWARDS 12 PAGES 2020 12 NOVEMBER 6 - 19, A GIFT MATCH continued on PAGE 5 continued on PAGE GIFT MATCH anniversary of Israeli nd For those making a new or increased Human Services how the Here’s For new donations, a $100 donation For instance, if a donor raised their Thanks to the generosity of its donors, National gift match to help help to match gift National stretch dollars to do good donation to the Tampa JCCs and Tampa donation to the Annual Campaign, the Federation’s donations pledged by the end of this year can grow by 50 cents for every new dollar thanks to a matching gift commitment from America. Jewish Federations of North Matching Gift Challenge works: every new or increased pledge to the local federation’s Annual Campaign will be matched by 2021 50 percent. becomes $150 or a $1,000 donation becomes $1,500 and so on. For those increasing their annual donation over the only the amount of the previous year, increase will be matched by JFNA. annual pledge from $1,000 to $1,500, the match would apply to the $500 increase, with a match of $250 and a total donation of $1750. www.jewishpresstampa.com Biden’s Biden’s also win makes some Trump, Trump, and stands to dramatically shift U.S. policy in a number areas, of including a robust confron- tation with the flourishing of big- otry in the United States and the reestablishment of U.S. ties with traditional allies. Jewish history: Doug Emhoff, Jewish rocker Rick Recht will entertain local The program is being supported by the Jewish This will be the third in a series of Kesher: Jews on Dec. Sunday, 6 at 5:45 p.m. with a free concert via Zoom. pre-Hanukkah Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast along Jewish with educators from congregations Bay. Tampa sides of on both The Connection presentations by the Federation. Originally Recht was to give a live concert April on 26 in St. Petersburg as part celebration of a of Kesher the 72 Related story, Page 6 Page Related story, ■ dozen a than more celebrated Federation & JCCs Tampa The recipients the see to 15 Oct. in tuned participants 140 Nearly The evening opened with greetings from Gary Gould, CEO Joe Probasco, president of the Tampa JCCs & Federation, Those selected by the Federation for honors were: Community Leadership handedAwards out exceptional individuals during the Sue and Jeff Schoenbaum ceremony. Awards Annual Community Leadership receive their honors during the Zoom presentation. The event ser- outstanding demonstrate who individuals on light a shines vice and set the standard for leadership in our community and beyond. re- JCCs & Federation. He lauded the evening’s Tampa of the cipients as “rock stars” and recognized the generosity of Sue gift matching campaign annual their for Schoenbaum Jeff and challenge. welcomed the honorees and guests and set the stage for evening the stating, could “We not exist without help from these extraordinary people.” He added, “Each of you adds incred- ible value to the Jewish communal enterprise and to the wel- fare of our greater community.” He Tampa thanked them for their “extensive investment of time, energy and passion” as well as “the mitzvahs you do to help repair our world that so desperately needs our attention.” #GIVINGTUESDAY continued on PAGE 5 continued on PAGE #GIVINGTUESDAY

JTA news service JTA The community is encouraged to

The event will take place at the Bryan

Held on the Tuesday following following Tuesday Held on the Getting ready for Black Friday and Cyber

The former vice president WASHINGTON – WASHINGTON The race for

sought for #GivingTuesday Volunteers, donations Volunteers, Award for Excellence the Bob Jacobson Memorial Sara Golding Scher received Boosting the Annual Campaign

2019, the organization reported, that in just 2019, the organization the organization’s fundraising goals. In the organization’s that are 6 feet apart from other callers. volunteer to make phone calls to reach providing sanitized, personal phone stations temperatures at the building’s entrance and temperatures at the building’s Glazer Family JCC, including taking volunteers safe while they are at the Bryan Federation is taking precautions to keep look a little different. The Tampa JCCs & Tampa The look a little different. a.m. and 6-8 p.m. This year’s event will This year’s a.m. and 6-8 p.m. on their end-of-the-year giving. Glazer Family JCC during two shifts: 9-11 charitable season, when many people focus Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the kicks off #GivingTuesday Monday, shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Dec. 1, to their calendar. Dec. 1, to their calendar. Thanksgiving and the widely recognized would like folks to add #GivingTuesday, would like folks to add #GivingTuesday, Monday? The Tampa JCCs & Federation Tampa The Monday? Excellence Award for Leadership recipient of the Leo Levinson Jeffrey Berger was the incumbent president, Donald achieved the rare ousting of an in votes counted in Pennsylvania. cumulated an insurmountable lead on Saturday, Nov. 7 when he ac- president was called for Joe Biden

anti-Semitism, Joe Biden claims presidency anti-Semitism, Joe Inspired to run in shadow of Charlottesville Inspired to run in

VOL.33, NO. 8 TAMPA, FLORIDA TAMPA, 8 NO. VOL.33, Jewish rocker (virtual) concert rescheduled for Dec. 6 for Dec. rescheduled concert (virtual) rocker Jewish pAGE 2 A JEWiSh prESS of tAMpA novEMBEr 6 - 19, 2020

top row, left, debbie taub presents the lenore Kessler Women’s division Merrill Marx presents the Steve Marx innovation Award to “the third opinion” podcast. top row, from left, Merrill Marx, Mike leadership Excellence Award to Stacy leeds, top row right; Bottom row, deeson, craig Kopp; Bottom row, from left, Mark Segel, Jonathan Ellis, Jen Goldberg. from left, Bev tannenbaum and Jane Kratz. Berger was honored for his commitment estate, Berger is a past and current board leadership council for the Tampa JCCs & AWArdS to the Tampa Jewish community as a regular member of the Tampa JCCs & Federation Federation. He is also a member of Tampa • Continued from Front pAGE attendee at various fundraisers and functions, and a member of the Federation Leadership Jewish Family Services’ advisory committee the leo levinson Award for generous donor and dedicated lay leader who Council. He has served as counsel on a pro and a co-chair of FIBA’s ambassador initia- leadership Excellence: JEFFrEY BErGEr has a true passion for helping those in need bono basis for a variety of projects, includ- tive. Outside of the Jewish community, he This award recognizes and honors note- and for his role in ensuring the continuity of ing the ground lease for the Bryan Glazer volunteers for civic and charitable organiza- worthy leaders who bring energy, guidance Jewish life. Family JCC and the acquisition of additional tions. A Tampa native, Kleinman is a finan- and resources to the Tampa JCCs & Federa- An attorney managing his own law firm land and a lake on the Maureen and Douglas cial advisor with Vantage Point Advisors of tion, as well as to our overall community. practice specializing in commercial real Jewish Community Campus. Raymond James. Berger is the immediate past president of Tampa Jewish Family Services and has leonore Kessler Women’s division served as a board member in many leadership leadership Excellence Award: JAnE KrAtz, Your loved ones deserve the Best! and volunteer capacities for over a decade. StAcY lEEdS, BEv tAnnEnBAuM Berger, along with his wife, Susan Kessler, The hearts of three women went out to have hosted annual reverse trick or treat the quarantining older community members asking friends to bring food for the TJFS residing at Weinberg Village or in isolation Food Bank. He also has performed with the at their homes, so they devised a plan for Greater Seder, participates with Ashlav Band Friday deliveries of challahs to lift spirits and at Congregation Schaarai Zedek and plays create a sense of community during a lonely drums/percussion with a local band, South time. They identified Jewish seniors across of Kennedy. Tampa and delivered 400 challahs in over four months with the help of a few volunteers Bob Jacobson Memorial Award for that the woman recruited. To cover project Excellence: SArA GoldinG SchEr costs, the trio worked in partnership with the A longtime resident of Tampa, Scher has Tampa JCCs and Federation to develop an been dedicated to making art, advocating for emergency Lion of Judah fundraiser. women’s rights and indulging in film festi- Kratz has been involved on both sides of vals. Scher is executive chair of the Tampa Tampa Bay. She is a Lion of Judah, support- JCCs & Federation’s Tampa Bay Jewish Film ing the Tampa JCCs & Federation, and re- Festival and works diligently with her com- cently joined the Annual President’s Dinner We have been providing Caregivers mittees for the success of the annual festival. committee. In addition, she has served as a and Private Sitters to the Elderly Scher has served on the board of directors member of Women’s American World ORT, for Florida CraftArt, Graphic Studio, Gaspa- and on the boards of Temple Ahavat Shalom, Community in Tampa since 2003 rilla Film Festival and Planned Parenthood of Good Samaritan Judeo Christian Health Southwest and Central FL, as well as various Clinic and the Dean Headstrom Foundation Jamie & silvia tafur, owners selection, acquisition and education commit- of Melanoma Awareness. tees for USF Contemporary Art Museum, Leeds is this year’s chair of Women’s • Medical Appointments • Report to family licensed Tampa Museum of Art, Patel Conservatory, Philanthropy, is a past Chair of the Lions of & insured Hillsborough County Public Art committee. Judah Society, is a past board member of the • Companionship • Meal preparation She is the proud curator of the art at the Bryan Tampa JCCs & Federation and Congregation • Daily activities • Prescription reminders Glazer Family JCC. Kol Ami and was a member of the National The award was presented by Phyllis Gould. Women’s Philanthropy Board of the Jewish • Light housekeeping • Assist with personal grooming Federation. Additionally, she volunteers hope cohen Barnett Young at Academy Prep of Tampa and serves on • Errands and Shopping • Transportation leadership Award: MichElE SchlESinGEr Tampa Bay Job Links Alliance. Schlesinger is an occupational therapist Tannenbaum is a longtime supporter of the … And many more services in the field of brain injury and stroke and Tampa JCCs and Federation whose contribu- is involved with geriatric rehabilitation and tions are extensive. She has served as Lion DepenDability • Quality • KinDness voluntary services with active adults for of Judah chair, Women’s Philanthropy chair, over a decade. She is a recent graduate of Campaign chair, Women of Distinction chair the Hope Cohen Barnett Leadership Institute and as a member of the board of directors, as 813.505.5040 • [email protected] and volunteers at the Bryan Glazer Family well as on the board of TOP Jewish Founda- JCC where she helps to lead Plugged-In, an tion. She also volunteers at secular charitable www.TampaSeniorsCare.com initiative to provide technology training for organizations. www.facebook.com/eldercareinflorida older adults and sits on the Jewish Family Services advisory committee. the Steve Marx innovation Award: “Knowing that we can make a difference inspires us to move “thE third opinion” forward one day at a time. We are glad to care for your loved charles Adler Young leadership A weekly radio program airing on WMNF- ones as if they were an extension of our own family.” Award: corY KlEinMAn FM, which recently expanded to offer a pod- Another leadership institute alumnus, cast as well, “The Third Opinion” provides Silvia Kleinman sits on the finance committee and • CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE

PublICatIOn & DeaDlIne DateS The Jewish Press of Pinellas County is a privately STAFF owned, community newspaper published in JIM DAWKINS cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Publisher & Co-owner NovemBeR 20 Gulf Coast. The Federation underwrites home delivery KAREN DAWKINS of PINELLAS COUNTY • Established in 1986 to every identified Jewish household in Pinellas, West Managing editor & Co-owner Press Release ...... Nov 6 Pasco and Hernando Counties (approx.7,800), to Advertising Sales Advertising ...... Nov 10 An independent, bi-weekly newspaper owned by promote Jewish community cohesiveness and identity. GARY POLIN THE JEWISH PRESS GROUP of TAMPA BAY, INC. GALE TARNOFSKY-ABERCROMBIE THE FEDERATION MAINTAINs Staff Writer & Editor DeCemBeR 4 Also publisher of the Jewish Press of Tampa THE MAIlINg lIsT FOR THE BOB FRYER Hanukkah edition www.jewishpresspinellas.com JEwIsH PREss. Ad Design & Graphics REY VILLALBA Press Release ...... Nov 20 6416 Central ave., St. PeterSburg, Fl 33707 To RECEIVE THE PAPER DAVID HERSHMAN or for ADDRESS CHANGES, Social Columnist Advertising ...... Nov 24 telephone: (727) 535-4400 • Fax: (727) 440-6037 ■ Call (727) 530-3223 JUDY LUDIN AMY SCHERZER e-mail: [email protected] ■ Go to [email protected] editorial Assistant DeCemBeR 18 The Jewish Press is mailed STANDARD CLASS. GAIL WISEBERG Press Release ...... Dec 4 The Jewish Press assumes no responsibility for the opinions of columnists, Standard Class DoeS NoT include a speedy delivery The Jewish Press is a letter writers, claims of advertisers, nor does the paper guarantee the guarantee. Date of delivery varies depending on your subscriber to JTA, individual post office. Advertising ...... Dec 8 kashruth of products & services advertised or mentioned otherwise. The Global Jewish News Source. Standard Class Postage Permit: taMPa PI #3763 NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2020 JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA A PAGE 3 No matter who wins the election, American Jews fear bigotry and division will endure Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images By BEN SALES minimize. Ma- JTA news service harat Rori Picker For five days of vote counting, American Jews, Neiss, executive like the rest of the country, didn’t know who won the director of the presidential election. St. Louis Jewish But even before results were known, after a grueling Community Re- (L-R) Aaron Silberman presents Michelle Schlesinger with the Hope Cohen campaign and a contentious voting period, they say lations Council, Barnett Young Leadership Award they know two things: The country is just as divided as said that because it was four years ago. And while Democrat Joe Biden Jews mostly has carried the popular vote, tens of millions of people live in Demo- have thrown their support behind a president, Donald cratic states and Trump, whom most American Jews believe advances in urban areas, values far from their own. they don’t have “We are an incredibly divided country, and that was contact with the President Donald J. Trump speaks something we knew before yesterday, and something people who have during an election event at the we know today,” said Jeremy Burton, executive direc- a different vision White House in the early morning tor of the Boston Jewish Community Relations Coun- of the country hours on Nov. 4 in Washington, D.C. cil. “There are certain people in the Jewish community from them. who were hoping this would be a massive rejection of “The conversations that are happening on the coasts (L-R) Abby King presents Cory Kleinman with the Charles Adler Young Trumpism, and no matter what the outcome is in the are very different from the conversations happening in Leadership Award Electoral College or the Senate, this is not a massive the Midwest,” she said. “We as a Jewish community rejection.” need to be doing more in terms of interacting with Liberal Jews fear that means that even with Trump those rural areas… We want to have a Jewish pres- defeated, the ideology he represents has staying power. ence in those parts of the country. That also facilitates They worry that Trump’s harsh policies against un- understanding in terms of people who don’t have the documented immigrants and refugees, in addition to opportunity to meet Jews or interact with Jews.” the rising anti-Semitism of the past four years, are sup- But some progressive Jews say nothing could ported or condoned by a large portion of their country. mitigate against the fact that many Americans voted to “The atrocities of the past four years haven’t made a validate policies they see as deeply immoral. They’re difference to a lot of people,” said Rabbi Salem Pearce, disappointed that this year’s election did not repudiate, executive director of Carolina Jews for Justice, a pro- for example, Trump’s more controversial immigra- Alice Rosenthal presents Alissa Fischel with the Alice Rosenthal “It’s More Than gressive activist group. “There are some things that tion actions, like housing migrant children in cages, Just a Job Award” are beyond the pale and thinking that is not a function or reject the idea that America should be closed off to refugees. the organization’s life and legacy of where you live.” • CONTINUED from PREVIOUS PAGE Some Jews have blamed Trump for creating a cli- Mark Hetfield, executive director of the Jewish program, oversees the Lion of discussion about current events and mate friendly to anti-Semitism, even as his supporters refugee aid group HIAS, said the election shows “half Judah society, plans and executes pressing issues that face our Jewish counter that he has condemned hate and defended of our country welcomes refugees and believes in that all Federation events with her vol- community and the state of Israel. Jewish interests through a string of pro-Israel actions. tradition, and half clearly doesn’t.” unteer committees. These include The program/podcast features a Deborah Dash Moore, a Jewish history professor at MaNishtana, an African-American rabbi, writer and variety of opinions with feedback the Annual President’s Dinner, the University of Michigan, pointed to the defacing activist, tweeted that the election result, shows that “we from its hosts, guests and the pub- J’la, Professional Societies, Cam- of Jewish gravestones with pro-Trump graffiti in the were never fighting FOR the soul of the country. We lic. Co-hosted by Laureen Jaffe paign Kickoff, Bobbe Karpay western Michigan city of Grand Rapids. While the were fighting THE soul of the country.” and Mike Deeson, the program is Women of Distinction and the Sue vandalism, which was discovered just before Election He feels that Trump’s vote share, given his record, produced by Mark Segel and Jen & Jeff Schoenbaum Community Day, is not being investigated as a hate crime, she reflects America’s history of slavery and institutional- Goldberg. Jonathan Ellis and Gary Leadership Awards. Additionally, believes that it speaks to a newfound acceptance of ized racism. Gould are co-executive producers, she manages all of the agency’s anti-Semitism in the United States that the election “What it should tell Jews is to wake up and pay atten- Craig Kopp provides production marketing and advertising and re- results do not repudiate. tion,” he told JTA. “Because there’s nothing inherent and distribution consultation and cently became the organization’s “I’m really struck by how divided the country is and to the ‘civilized’ ‘progressive’ ‘modern’ country that Megan Conison coordinates social COVID compliance director over how much license has now been given, for example, is America that another Holocaust, or Inquisition, or media support. the past several months when it to anti-Semitism,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine the Crusade couldn’t happen here.” became apparent that was needed. smearing of a gravestone with the name of the presi- Republican Jews say it’s unfair to paint all Trump The Alice Rosenthal “It’s More dent…. Since the end of the Sixties, you haven’t seen voters as racist, when people choose whom to support Than Just a Job” Award: Maril Jacobs Todah Rabah that kind of politicized anti-Semitism, which is what for myriad reasons. But Josh Kantrow, a conservative Alissa Fischel Award: Valley Bank this is. That has been absent, it has been underground, political commentator from Chicago, said he hoped The award honors a staff member Gary Gould presented the award it hasn’t been expressed.” that Republican electoral success would not always who goes above and beyond what to Jeff Arm- Concerns about the country’s enduring polarization, cause concern among minority groups. is expected to make the organiza- strong, rep- or the vote legitimizing Trump’s ideology or empow- “I want the Republican party to continue to do more outreach to build a wide coalition,” he said. “The Re- tion the most successful it can be. resenting ering extremists, are not limited to Jews. Heather publican party is still seen as too many white people Fischel’s involvement with the Valley Bank. Segal, an immigration lawyer in Canada who has seen a substantial uptick in calls from the United States this and white men and white Christians. We need to be Tampa JCCs and Federation began Valley Bank year, said she received six more since Election Day. the party that groups that feel disadvantaged can feel as a preschool mom and volunteer. was thanked for its long- In recent months, she has been working with some at home in.” She was quickly recruited by Gould No matter where Jews fall on the political spectrum, term com- 50 to 70 clients in the United States on either moving to join the staff in 2007 after prov- Rabbi Avi Shafran fears that the country’s divisiveness, mitment to Canada or obtaining Canadian citizenship, which ing herself as an effective leader she called a “huge” increase over previous years. The and the ideological polarization and extremism that in partner- Jeff Armstrong, a and fundraiser with a varied skill- calls and emails she has received, she said, are almost have accompanied it, do not bode well for the Jews. ing with the Valley Bank Senior set. Initially serving as the youth & Vice President of all from people, many Jewish, who were scared of a “The divide among Americans remains as deep as Tampa JCCs family programming director, she Commerical Banking second Trump term. ever, which is tragic,” Shafran, a spokesperson for & Federa- later assumed the role as Jewish “[They’re] saying things like, even if Biden wins, the Haredi Orthodox Agudath Israel of America, told Community Center director, then tion. Valley Bank provided funding what this has shown me is how divided our country JTA. “When there is social upheaval, it is never good director of development and is now that made the building and opening is,” she said of callers during election week. for Jews. And with Jews prominent on both sides of chief development officer. of the Bryan Glazer Family JCC Jewish communal professionals attribute part of the the political divide, those inclined to blame Jews for Fischel is responsible for over- possible and more recently pro- divide to geographic polarization within and between the world’s ills will, sadly, see the Jewish community seeing fundraising efforts for vided support to the organization states, something they think Jews should take action to as their enemy.” the organization, including the in its quest for federal Paycheck Annual Campaign and corporate Protection Program (PPP) funding and capital gifts; she manages during the COVID pandemic crisis.

“I love what I do and you’ll love the results!” Jill Neuman RealtoR 813.503.0707

[email protected] jillneuman.com

1208 e. Kennedy Blvd. Suite 231, tampa, Fl 33602 PAGE 4 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2020 Stand together Congregations Rabbinically Shabbat Candle in shalom Lighting Times By Rabbi JOEL SIMON Speaking Cong. Schaarai Zedek Congregation Schaarai Zedek For more information on any of the Nov. 20 • 5:18 pm following programs including Zoom links, Writing for a newspaper like the Jewish they met each Shabbat in their respective visit www.zedek.org. Nov. 27 • 5:17 pm Press can be tricky sometimes, especially times and places they would wish one Shabbat on TV: Congregation Schaarai Dec. 4 • 5:17 pm if you want to write about current events. another, “Shabbat Shalom,” but this kind of Zedek has arranged with the Tampa Bay Dec. 11 • 5:18 pm Today, for example, is Oct. 23, and I’m Shabbat was anything but shalom ... Community Network (TBCN) to broadcast writing for the issue that will be delivered One Sunday a giant storm came over the erev Shabbat services on public access to you all around mid-November. The Book mountain. The clouds were so thick that television in Hillsborough County through of Deuteronomy prohibits soothsaying, the sun was completely blacked out, and Friday, Dec. 18. Tune in Fridays at 7 p.m. senior lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at so I’m not permitted to attempt to see the it was dark as night. The clouds remained to the following channels: Frontier Channel 11:30 a.m. By 1885, the cigar industry had future. This means I have no clue who won on Monday; neither village could tell if it 30, Spectrum Channel 639, and Comcast transformed Tampa from a sleepy fishing the… World Series! While I hope we are all was day or night. By Friday there was even Channel 20. If you miss the live service, you village of 700 people into a booming, celebrating a Rays win, I also know, with- uncertainty as to which day it even was. can catch the replay on the above channels multicultural city. How did this industry take out a doubt, that even if we lost, we are all (At this point I tell the kids that there was Sundays at 4 p.m. root, grow, and eventually decline? What extremely proud of a time before phones, watches, and even Coffee and Kavanah: Kavanah effects has it had on modern Tampa? this inspiring team. clocks.) The people at the bottom of the means intent, and on Wednesdays from Challah in home: Come together And yes, not be- mountain knew they had to celebrate Shab- 8:45-9:15 a.m. this is an opportunity to virtually via Zoom and enjoy challah at ing able to tell the bat, and they were pretty sure it was Friday provide focus and intention while beginning home to welcome Shabbat on Friday, Nov, future also means night, so they headed to the wall. Sure 20 at 6 p.m. The sixth-grade religious school I don’t know who enough, this was the exact time that the the day. Join a member of the clergy via students will lead services. Welcome in won the Nov. 3 people at the top of the mountain had de- Zoom or on the synagogue’s Facebook Shabbat with blessings from the clergy, election. However, cided it was Saturday morning. As the two page for a word of Torah, a song, or another singing, and spending time in smaller groups if those who do sides approached the wall simultaneously, meaningful tidbit, followed by schmoozing with families and friends. Prospective predict the future they began to hear the harmonies their over a cup of coffee. are correct, there’s different melodies created. The harmoni- Jews on Broadway: Broadway members are welcome. a very good chance that as we’re opening zation quickly led to silence though, until musicals are the most Jewish art form this edition of the Jewish Press, we are all one brave child shouted across the wall, in America, with countless composers, Cong. Rodeph Sholom Drive-in services: still unsure of who our next President will “Shabbat Shalom,” only to be greeted by lyricists, producers, directors, actors, and The congregation be. Unfortunately, there is one thing of another child who had the courage to return actresses from the Jewish faith, says Rabbi is holding drive-in Shabbat services on which I am fairly certain and also fearful. the blessing with her own, “Shabbat Sha- Michael Weiss who will lead a program on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. in the synagogue parking If the uncertainty that was predicted came lom.” The sides began to sing their prayers the subject Wednesday, Nov. 18 at noon. lot. People can come and enjoy the services to fruition, or even if it didn’t and we do together, realizing that whatever differ- Senior luncheon: Eat lunch at home from the comfort of their cars, occasionally know the official results, I fear that the con- ences they shared were nothing compared and learn some Tampa history at a virtual tooting horns or flashing lights in response. flict that we’ve seen between those on both to their similarities. The clouds dispersed, sides has increased further, and I fear that the wall came down, and a synagogue was PJ Library plans Shabbat, Hanukkah celebrations as we read our paper today, the division built in which both villages could celebrate PJ Library Tampa invites PJ Library munity Campus Drive, located off Gunn between those sides has increased as well. Shabbat, both Friday evening and Saturday There is a story that I often tell our kids morning, together. families to Share a Shabbat on Nov. 20 and Highway in the Citrus Park area. about two villages, one on the top of a The story is idealistic and, perhaps, to enjoy a day of Hanukkah Happenings on Beginning at 4 p.m., families can take a mountain and one on the bottom. They both naive, but it is also inspiring. It reminds us Dec. 13 Storybook Walk up to a lake, then at 4:30 p.m. studied Torah and had learned its teaching that there can be a time in which the lion On Friday, Nov. 20 at 3:30 p.m. there Spheres Bubble Show will present 8 Crazy to love their neighbors as themselves, but at will lie down next to the lamb. My prayer will be a “Share a Shabbat” event in which Bubbles. The events conclude with a grand the same time, for generations the children for us as I think ahead on this Oct. 23, is participants go on a guided tour search for menorah lighting at 5:25 p.m. PJ Families are at the bottom of the mountain have been that each time we say the word, “shalom,” “something special to share” and then en- asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit taught disdain toward those who live at the we each feel the obligation to create it, gage in their favorite Shabbat songs. This is on and all social distancing guidelines will be top of the mountain, and the children at the regardless of who our president is. May a 30-minute interactive play date. in place – with masks required while walking top of the mountain have learned the same our words to our neighbors, in person and Then, on Sunday, Dec. 13, the PJ Library around the campus. RSVPs are required for for those who live at the bottom of the online, be words of peace; may our words families can celebrate Hanukkah either this event. mountain. Throughout the generations the about our neighbors be words that teach virtually, or for part of the activities, with For Zoom link information or to RSVP, hatred grew so strong that they built a wall our children understanding and compassion a socially distanced, in-person experience. contact Marissa Rosenthal at marissa.rosen- around the mountain to ensure they would rather than disdain, and may we learn from The fun begins virtually at 10:30 a.m. with [email protected]. never have to meet face to face. the divisions of today so that one day soon a “Jam with Jamie” session, live from New The PJ Library program is supported in The people at the bottom of the mountain we will all stand together in shalom. York City. This will be an interactive musical part by a grant from the Harold Grinspoon would come to the wall each Friday night journey. Warm up those dancing feet, move Foundation, the creator and primary funder to celebrate Shabbat, while the people at Rabbinically Speaking is published as and groove through prop play, freeze dance of the popular PJ Library program. PJ the top of the mountain would come to a public service by the Jewish Press in and sing along. Library is a national program that sends a their side of the wall each Saturday morn- cooperation with the Tampa Rabbinical At 3 p.m. there will be a virtual latke cook- Jewishly themed age-appropriate book to ing. That was the way it had always been, Association which assigns the column on a ing class. This will feature a kid-friendly children ages 6 months through 12 years, as far as anyone could remember, and it rotating basis. The views expressed in the recipe for Hanukkah latkes. at no cost to the family. The Tampa JCCs ensured that they would not have to hear column are those of the rabbi and do not The day will conclude with an in-person and Federation have been a participant each other or even think about each other, necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish program at 4 at the Cohn Campus of the community in the PJ Library program for beyond boiling over their animosity. As Press or the TRA. Tampa JCCs and Federation, 13009 Com- over a decade. Religious Directory

Most congregations have canceled in-person Lever, Spiritual Leader • Telephone: (813) 963-1818 • Lazer Rivkin • Telepone: (813) 966-8770 • Website: PASCO COUNTY services. Many are offering live-streaming Website: www.mekorshalom.org. • Unaffiliated www.ChabadOfCentralFlorida.com Orthodox Congregation RODEPH SHOLOM — 2713 Bayshore of services and some other programs are Campus CHABAD JEWISH CENTRE at WIREGRASS — 2124 being offered via the internet. For more Blvd., Tampa 33629 • Rabbi Andres Kornworcel Ashley Oaks Circle, Wesley Chapel, 33544 • Rabbi • Telephone: (813) 837-1911 • Website: www. CHABAD HOUSE JEWISH STUDENT CENTER at USF — information, contact the synagogue or go to 13287 Arbor Point Circle unit 102, Tampa, 33617, Mendy Yarmush • Telephone: (813) 642-3244 • rsholom.org. • Affiliated with United Synagogue of Website: www.ChabadatWiregrass.com the synagogue’s website. Conservative Judaism Mailing address: USF Marshall CTR. Box 310, Tampa, 33620. • Rabbi Levi Rivkin • Telephone: (813) 504- Unaffiliated HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Orthodox 4432 • Website: www.chabadhouseusf.org • Email: Congregation BETH CHAVARIM – Telephone: (813) 957- Reform BAIS (TEMPLE) DAVID CHABAD — 2001 W. Swann Ave., [email protected] 1269 • Email [email protected] BETH ISRAEL/ JEWISH CONGREGATION OF SUN CITY Tampa, 33606 • Rabbi Lazer Rivkin • Telephone: (813) CHABAD JEWISH STUDENT CENTER at UT – 401 W. CENTER — 1115 E. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City Center 966-8770 • Website: www.chabadofcentralflorida. Kennedy Blvd. Box P., Tampa, 33606 • Rabbi Levi NORTH PINELLAS COUNTY • Mailing Address: P. O. Box 5203, Sun City Center, com. • Email: [email protected] Rivkin • Telephone: (813) 504-4432 • Website: www. Reform 33571 • Rabbi Carla Freedman • Telephone: (813) CHABAD LUBAVITCH of TAMPA BAY — 14908 chabadut.org Temple AHAVAT SHALOM — 1575 Curlew Rd., Palm 634-2590 • Web address: www.jcscc.org. • Affiliated Peninngton Road, Tampa, 33624 • Rabbi Yossie Harbor, 34683 • Rabbi Matthew Berger • Cantorial HILLELS OF THE FLORIDA SUNCOAST— 13101 Sycamore with Union for Reform Judaism Dubrowski, executive director • Telephone: (813) 963- soloist, Allison Rosoff • Telephone: (727) 785-8811 • Drive, Tampa, 33620 • Rabbi Ed Rosenthal • Telephone: Congregation BETH AM — 2030 W. Fletcher Ave, Tam- 2317 • Website: www.chabadoftampabay.com Website: www. ahavatshalom.org. • Affiliated with pa, 33612 • Rabbi Jason Rosenberg • Cantor Tanya (813) 899-2788 • Website: www.suncoasthillels.org CHABAD of BRANDON / JEWISH DISCOVERY CENTER Union for Reform Judaism Greenblatt • Telephone (813) 968-8511 • Website: USF CHABAD on CAMPUS — 1578 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, 33596 • Rabbi — 4506 Sweetwater Lake www.bethamtampa.org. • Livestreaming services • Mendel Rubashkin • Telephone: (813) 571-8100 • Drive, Tampa, 33620 • Rabbi Pinny Backman • POLK COUNTY Affiliated with Union for Reform Judaism Website: jewishbrandon.org Website: www.USFChabad.com • Telephone: (813) Reform Congregation BETH SHALOM — 706 Bryan Road, CHABAD CHAI of SOUTH TAMPA 978-8723 Temple BETH SHALOM — 1029 Bradbury Road, Brandon, 33511 • Rabbi Paul Schreiber • Telephone: — 2511 W. Swann Ave. #201, Tampa, FL 33606 • Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski Jewish Renewal • P.O.B. 313 Winter Haven, 33882-0313 • Rabbi (813) 681-6547 • Website: http://bethshalom-brandon. Congregation OR AHAVAH — Rabbi Debrah Shenefelt, Garson Herzfeld • Telephone: (863) 292-0722. org. • Affiliated with Union for Reform Judaism • Telephone: (813) 922-1723 • Website: www. ChabadSouthTampa.com spiritual leader • Telephone: 813-968-7850; email: • Website: www.templebethshalompolk.org. • Congregation SCHAARAI ZEDEK — 3303 W. Swann [email protected]. • Website: www.Orahavah.org Affiliated with Union for Reform Judaism BAIS MENACHEM CHABAD — 1319 North B. St., Ave., Tampa 33609 • Rabbi Joel Simon, Rabbi • Affiliated with Aleph Conservative Tampa, 33606 • Rabbi Levi Rivkin • Telephone: Michael Weiss • Cantor Deborrah Can,nizzaro • Temple EMANUEL — 600 Lake Hollingsworth Telephone: (813) 876-2377 • Website: www.zedek. (813) 375-9799, (813) 504-4432 • Website: www. CITRUS COUNTY bmchabad.com Drive, Lakeland, 33803 • Rabbi David org. • Livestreaming services • Affiliated with Union Conservative Goldstein • Telephone: (863) 682-8616. • Congregation BAIS TEFILLAH for Reform Judaism — 14908 Pennington Congregation BETH SHOLOM — 102 Civic Circle, Website: TempleEmanuelLakeland.com. • Affiliated Road, Tampa, 33624 • Rabbi Yossie Dubrowski Beverly Hills • Mailing address: Beverly Hills Jewish with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Conservative • Telephone: (813) 963-2317 • Website: www. Center, P. O. Box 640024, Beverly Hills, 34464- Congregation KOL AMI — 3919 Moran Road, Tampa chabadoftampaybay.com 0024 • Telephone (352) 746-6258 • Website: www. Orthodox 33618 • Rabbi Rachel Blatt • Telephone: (813) 962- YOUNG ISRAEL of TAMPA - 13207 N. 52nd St., Tampa, bethsholomcitrus.org CHABAD JEWISH CENTER — 2270 Griffin Road, 6338 • website: www. kolami. org. • Livestreaming 33617 • Rabbi Uriel Rivkin • (813) 832-3018 • Website: Congregation KOL EMET — Cantor Mordecai Kamlot • Lakeland, 33810 • Rabbi Moshe Lazaros • Telephone: services • Affiliated with United Synagogue of www. youngisraeloftampa.org 39 Roosevel Blvd., Beverly Hills • Mailing address: P. (863) 937-5565 • Website: www.chabadlakeland.org Conservative Judaism MERKOS CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF CENTRAL FLORIDA — O. Box 38, Hernando, 34441 • Telephone (352) 643- Congregation MEKOR SHALOM — 14005A N. Dale 613 S. Melville Ave. Tampa, 33606 • Director: Rabbi 0995 • Website: www.kolemetcitrus.org Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 33618 • Hazzan Jodi Sered- NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2020 JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA A PAGE 5

Eatroff scholarship application window now open Make the Wright choice Through the Louise G. Eatroff Memorial College that I don’t have to be as concerned with the ominous Scholarship Endowment Fund, the Tampa JCCs & financial side of school, I can focus on classes and Protecting the Injured Throughout Floridar Federation is offering scholarships to Jewish students campus involvement more easily. I am incredibly Mark H. WrigHt in Hillsborough County. grateful to the Eatroff Family and the Tampa JCCs & Senior trial attorney The scholarships are for Jewish students who will Federation for providing me with this opportunity to with the Mark H. Wright law group attend an accredited public, in-state Florida college further my education.” or university fulltime and are pursuing a 4-year bach- The Eatroff scholarship fund has been endowed by I take pride in treating each client elor’s degree. It provides selected students with sub- Nancy Geltman Resnick and Dr. Richard Eatroff as and each case with individual care. sidies for the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for a means of both honoring Louise Eatroff’s memory The welfare and recovery for my clients up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. and assuring that the significance of her life will be is paramount. Since 2011, the Eatroff fund has granted scholar- remembered well into the future. Her devotion to the ships to six deserving students: Noah Gamson, Einav Tampa Jewish Community Center, having served as AreAs of PrActice: Kirsh, Noa Marks, Justin Shaw, Alexis Spivak and its president for two terms, is well known. Living by Sydney Weinreb. the Jewish values of “tzedakah” and “tikkun olam,” Traffic Accidents• Serious Injury • Wrongful Death “This scholarship has made it possible for me to she believed wholeheartedly that a college education Premise’s Liability • Malpractice • Insurance Disputes dedicate my time at the University of Florida to vari- opens the door to countless opportunities for fulfill- ous student organizations and Israel advocacy on cam- ment and success in life. pus,” said Kirsh. “For example, during my sophomore The application period opened Nov. 1 and closes year I led a geopolitical tour for non-Jewish student on Feb. 10. For eligibility requirements and to request leaders in order to increase awareness of Israeli cul- a scholarship application, visit JewishTampa.com/ ture, security, and politics at UF. As a result of experi- Eatroff. For more information contact Alissa Fischel, 601 Bayshore Blvd., Ste 700 Tampa, FL 33606 ences like this I have decided to pursue law school and chief development officer, at Alissa.Fischel@Jew- Tel.: (813) 425-2020 ext. 146 devote my professional career to helping people from ishTampa.com or (813) 769-4726. [email protected] diverse perspectives find common ground.” According to the State University System of Gamson, the 2020 scholarship recipient, is a fresh- Florida, tuition, books/supplies, room and board, www.MarkWrightLaw.com man at the University of Central Florida, studying transportation and other expenses cost an average of Of Counsel Barnett Kirkwood Koche Long & Foster, P.A. psychology. He echoes the sentiment: “Being the $10,393 per semester during the fall and spring se- recipient of the Eatroff Scholarship has taken a huge mesters of the 2020-21 academic year for a full-time The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. weight off of me and my family’s shoulders. Now Florida resident. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. #GIVINGTUESDAY •CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE and individuals have the option to We are open to serve all your automotive needs short of six hours, lay leaders from make their donation online. all local beneficiary agencies and the “I am one of the lucky ones. Not Tampa JCCs & Federation raised just only do I love my job, but through over $140,000. the work of the JCCs & Federation No experience is required to I’m able to help make a difference volunteer and training is provided. in the lives of countless people Refreshments will be served. Par- every day,” said Alissa Fischel, TUNE UPS • AIR CONDITIONING • BRAKES & MORE ticipants can compete for exciting chief development officer. “ I hope door prizes, which will be awarded you’ll join me in our efforts to cre- 16133 N. Dale Mabry Hwy AuTo DeTAiLiNg & SANiTiziNg frequently throughout both shifts. ate a better tomorrow this year on Tampa, FL 33618 • Quick Castrol Oil Change The impact the organization is Giving Tuesday.” 1 mile north of Bearss Ave./Ehrlich Rd. able to make as a direct result of For more information or to sign • Tire Rotation & Balancing this part phone-a-thon, part online up for a shift, contact Pamela Gar- 813.908.3333 • Interstate Batteries campaign, is significant. ron at (813) 739-1688 or pamela. • Wiper Blades Funds raised help make sure no [email protected]. • Full Process Headlight Restoration one goes hungry and that families $5 off for mentioning the Jewish Press in crisis receive the assistance About #GivingTuesday Local and one way moves. they depend on. It helps connect #GivingTuesday was created 16207 N. Dale Mabry Hwy children and teens with Israel and in 2012 and has become a global $ Tampa, FL 33618 their heritage through a subsidized movement by harnessing the 10 OFF 813.815.1500 Jewish education, camp and after- power of social media to inspire auto repair – min. $50 with this ad school experience. The funds also and transform how people think, Serving Tampa since 1971 JohnErbs.com ensure there is a collective voice talk and participate in the giving that speaks out against social injus- season. It also brings together the tice and anti-Semitism through ad- collective power of nonprofits, vocacy and community outreach. civic organizations and businesses Along with the phone calls, the as well as families and individuals Federation is also using social to encourage and amplify small media to promote #GivingTuesday acts of kindness.

GIFT MATCH • CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE Tampa JCCs & Federation’s chief the Tampa JCCs & Federation is development officer. a leader in mobilizing efforts to “We are extremely grateful to the support those in need. Now the seven foundations that worked with organization is asking the commu- the Jewish Federations of North nity to work together to support the America to make this match pos- increased unmet needs. The JFNA sible,” said Fischel. has raised $54 million dollars, from The Tampa JCCs & Federation seven foundations, to create the allocates funds annually to its matching opportunity. beneficiary agencies to provide a “The Maimonides Fund, Charles wide range of vital services, from and Lynn Schusterman Family weekly food and household supply Foundation, Crown Family Phi- packages, mental health counsel- lanthropies, Jack, Joseph & Mor- ing, job counseling, scholarships ton Mandel Foundation, Singer for children to attend Jewish day Family Foundation, Leslie and school and Jewish summer camp, Abigail Wexner and the Wilf Fam- and critical support during the time ily Foundation have joined forces of a crisis like a hurricane, earth- to make a tremendous impact not quake or the current pandemic. only for individuals struggling To make a gift or pledge your in the Tampa community but for support, visit JewishTampa.com/ those experiencing challenges all Give or contact Fischel at (813) around the country,” Alissa Fischel, 769-4726.

23rd AnnuAlof Tampa of Pinellas County

The Jewish Press Group of Tampa Bay, Inc. Jewish Press of Pinellas County P. O. Box 6970 Clearwater, FL 33758-6970 ewish Press Do you know anyone J

Bar&BatPlAnning Mitzvah guide Section B

www.jewishpresspinellas.comA DECEMBER 1 - 14, 2017 20 PAGES

VOL. 32, NO. 10 ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA injury and a Bucs’ spokeswoman said she

was not sure if Marpet would be at the The Jewish Press Group U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PRESORTED of Tampa Bay, Inc. southeast corner of the stadium, will also tailgate. STANDARD NOT receiving the First Jewish Heritagefeature special Night Hanukkah music, with potato BucsJewish Heritage is NightDec. is a joint 18 project ■ More Hanukkah Happenings, Page 10 latkes, doughnuts and desserts, limited- of Chabad Centers of Tampa Bay and the In celebration of Hanukkah, the Tampa edition souvenirs and a cash bar. Bucs. Bay Buccaneers will host its first ever Later, during the game, the menorah The area’s other two professional sports Jewish Heritage Night on Monday, Dec. 18 lighting ceremony will be replayed on the franchises, the Tampa Bay Lightning as the team takes on the Atlanta Falcons at giant Bucs Vision screen in the stadium. and Tampa Bay Rays, have been holding Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The only Jewish member of the Jewish Heritage events for several years, The event will begin with an exclusive Buccaneers is center Ali Marpet, shown in but this will be the first for the Bucs. HERITAGE NIGHT continued on PAGE 4 tailgate at 7 p.m. as Bryan Glazer, Bucs advertising for the event with the headline: co-chairman and a Jewish community “Siege the Night with the Power of Light.” leader, along with others light a 12-foot Marpet recently suffered a season-ending tall menorah. The tailgate, located at Quad C near the Light Love Jewish Press of Pinellas County & Jewish Press of Tampa Laughter at The only Jewish community Hanukkah 13005 Community Campus Drive • Tampa, FL 33625

INSIDE newspapers in the Tampa Bay area! Mitzvah project highlights: Swim-A-Poolza, selling On the Maureen and Douglas Cohn Jewish Community Center Campus creative kippot for a cause — PAGE 5B - in Casale. The synagogue, which is part of a It’s always Hanukkahlarger museum complex,in this is now a major picture-perfect tour Artsy Italian genes, elbow town grease, By RUTH ELLEN GRUBER ist attraction – and not only because of its opu- lent sanctuary with huge chandeliers, colorfully ingenuity help keep JTA news service painted walls and lots of gild- AHCA LIC. # 08679 CASALE MONFERRATO, Italy – It’s ing. The former women’s sec- parents on budget FOR A COMPLIMENTARY SUBSCRIPTIONalways Hanukkah in this picturesque town in tion has been transformedCONTACT: into northern Italy’s Piedmont region. a Judaica and Jewish history — PAGE 10B Jews have lived in Casale museum. And the synagogue’s Monferrato for more than 500 basement, formerly a matzah years, with the community bakery, is now home to Bar/Bat Mitzvah reaching its peak of 850 mem- the Museum of Lights. bers at about the time Jews Hanukkah here is commemorated Planning Calendar here were granted civil rights Kosher Facility - Diversity Welcome 813.871.2332 • [email protected] 1848. The town still boasts nonstop with a year-round exhibit featuring — PAGE 16B one of Italy’s most ornate dozens of menorahs, orTOWN hanukkiyot, continued created on PAGE 19 synagogues, a rococo gem that dates to the 16th century. Presto thematis — Photo by Kathleen Varney Photography These days, only two Jewish families live Harry Potter-inspired Since July 1, 2017 Northparty America springs between to 1654 life (when the first Jews DO GOOD EVERYWHERE. FROM ANYWHERE.we have raised settled) and 1840 (when the first rabbi was called to serve the — new PAGE land). Prior 19B to World War II, it was not unusual for a president to serve at leastThe Jewish 10 Federation Read us online: JewishPressPinellas.com •Meet EileenJewishPressTampa.com Hochstadt, $833,126 OF PINELLAS & PASCO COUNTIES, FL years in the role! president of the Jewish Community Center of West toward our goal. Pasco, the home of Congregation Beth Tefillah. www.JewishPinellas.org She’s striving to revitalize the Jewish community across Pasco County and northern Pinellas through *Campaign officially began October 28, 2017. monthly events and weekly adult education. ADVERTISEMENT PAGE 6 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2020 Community agencies honor their best TikTok latest social network to crack down on hate content (JTA) – Following the lead of Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, the video platform TikTok an- nounced that it is expanding the range of hate content that it will ban (L-R) Allison Oakes, Hillel Academy head, presents Seth Forman with Hillel from the network. Academy Mitzvot Volunteer of the Year Award The move comes following (L-R) Ellen Weiss presents Rochelle Walk with the TOP Jewish Foundation complaints that TikTok users were Distinguished Trustee Award demeaning the Holocaust by por- traying themselves as concentra- Tampa JCCs & Federation tion camp inmates in videos. Community Leadership Awards TikTok said in a blog post on ceremony Oct. 15 included awards from Hillel Academy, TOP Jewish Oct. 21 that it already bans Holo- Foundation, Tampa Jewish Family caust denial and works to remove Services, Hillels of the Florida neo-Nazi and white supremacist Suncoast and Weinberg Village to content. Now it will remove select individuals and teams for posts advocating similar ideolo- their hard work and dedication. gies like white nationalism, male Jason Kislak, right, presents Dan Sultan, Weinberg Village executive director, and his staff with the Weinberg Village supremacy and “white genocide Service Award theory,” which falsely claims that there is a conspiracy to eliminate white populations with a flood of immigrants. The site also said it would ban “misinformation about notable Jewish individuals and families who are used as proxies to spread anti-Semitism.” It did not specify names, but figures such as George Soros and the Rothschild family are common avatars for anti-Semitism. (L-R) Sara Ingber presents Bruce Goldstein with the Arnie and Diane Ross The site also said it will ban anti- (L-R) Hazzan Jodi Sered Lever presents Marlene Bloom Rubin with the Tampa Suncoast Hillels Community Leadership Award Muslim and anti-LGBTQ content. Jewish Family Services Sofia Maisler Leadership Award

her beliefs in the workplace and supporting free speech Letters to the Editor rights of others.” The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters are Ms. Weiss spoke about the experiences that she published on a space available basis with the Jewish Press wrote about in a blistering resignation letter that went reserving the right to edit or reject letters for clarity, brevity, viral on the internet. In that resignation letter, Ms. legalities or taste. Letters must be signed and bear the writer’s address and telephone number (which will not be published). Weiss bashed the left-wing NY Times for its work- The writer’s name will be withheld on request. place climate of unpunished anti-Semitism exhibited Emergence-M.A.T, LLC by its staff. Her letter is a great essay on journalistic Reader: Bari Weiss, her opinions on left-wing left-wing bias and the political thought police in Remember the past, Focus on today, America. More importantly, it’s germane to the issue Achieve the future. anti-Semistism deserved more coverage of anti-Semitism in America. In the interest of main- taining political balance and covering evil on both Dear Editor: sides, you owe it to your readers to print Bari Weiss’ • Suboxone Therapy for opioid Your Oct. 16 - Nov. 5 issue printed a letter by reader resignation letter in its entirety. use disorder Noah Jacobson entitled “Jewish Press lacks conserva- David H. Silverman tive points-of-view.” Mr. Jacobsen cites the bias of your Wesley Chapel • No insurance necessary news stories coming from the left-leaning Jewish Tele- graph Agency (JTA) which provides all your national Editor’s Response: I totally agree with you that Bari • Highly Confidential political and world news content. That issue proved Weiss’ appearance in Tampa was newsworthy. We Mr. Jacobson correct with two huge feature stories wrote a 600-word advance that included information • Extremely affordable from the JTA about right-wing anti-Semitism. When from her resignation letter. We also published a 1,000- was the last time the Jewish Press of Tampa printed word story in our online version of the paper in July a JTA story on left-wing anti-Semitism? Remember when the resignation occurred that quotes extensively Dr. Mark A. Seldes, M.D. that at the kickoff event for the annual Tampa Jewish from the letter. 813.514.5604 Federation campaign in October 2016, the featured I think it is important to point out that in your recita- speaker, distinguished anti-Semitism expert Rabbi Jo- tion of the information we published following her talk seph Telushkin, cited left-wing anti-Semitism on U.S. at the Campaign Kickoff, you failed to quote the next 8404 Wilsky Blvd • Suite #116 college campuses as his greatest concern. sentence. “The presentation was closed to the media.” Your Oct. 16 - Nov. 5 issue has a local journalistic Tampa, FL 33615 The Jewish Press had every intention of covering her omission more glaring and biased than the JTA stories. talk, but the Tampa JCCs & Federation informed us I refer to the anemic description of the remarks by a that Weiss’ contract specifically excluded coverage by former editor for the opinion section of the NY Times, the media. To say the least, we were as disappointed Bari Weiss, who was the featured speaker at the Oc- as you were. The information about what she said was tober 2020 Jewish Federation campaign kickoff. “Her provided to the Jewish Press by the Tampa JCCs & remarks centered on her experiences standing up for Federation. In addition, please note that in the current edition of the Jewish Press, the Perspective column by Gary Gould also discusses Bari Weiss’ opinions on the far-left and anti-Semitism. (You will not find this online as he permits his column to only run in the print edition).

Share your light Dear Editor: Members of Congregation Beth Chavarim, Land O Lakes, are suggesting on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. we light our menorahs (the first night of Hanukkah) on Zoom. Of course, each congregation or family would use their own Zoom. … This will enable us to show our solidarity and strength in these crazy times. Help spread the word to all your family and friends across the USA and the world. Zoom allows a group to use it for free for 40 minutes. Please notify me at familyfriendlytemple@yahoo. com or text to (813) 957-1269 id you will participate. Alan Stern Congregation Beth Chavarim Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SPC Land O Lakes NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2020 JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA A PAGE 7

Nia night, rock steady boxing, erfamlyjcc.com/gather. a wellness workshop on “Navigat- Organizations tremble clefs, line dancing, game For more information, contact ing the ups and downs of career play, stretching, work on fine mo- Lisa Robbins, director of young transition.” Tampa Jewish Community Centers tor skills, tai chi and counseling adult engagement for the Tampa Also, there will be a job-search Hadassah & Federation, FIBA is a technology sessions for those with Parkinson’s JCCs & Federation, at lisa.rob- readiness workshop on Tuesday, Online cookbook: The accelerator designed to establish and their caregivers. [email protected] or (813) Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. on “Create a brand Tampa Ameet chapter of Hadassah and grow successful, high-growth 769-4723. that markets you.” Workshops are will hold a virtual event on Sunday, tech ventures in the Tampa Bay Young Adults free, but registration is required. Nov, 15 at 11 a.m. for folks to pur- area. Icebreakers: The Tampa Job-Links For Zoom registration links and chase an online cookbook and take News Talk: Engage in a topi- JCCs & Federation’s #Gather Job help: Tampa Bay Job- more information, visit TBJL.org a VIP virtual tour of the American cal discussion designed to increase group is planning a virtual social Links is offering virtual programs or call (813) 344-0200. TampaBay- Jewish Historical Society’s exten- knowledge and understanding of icebreaker and group games for to help those in search of a job or Job-Links is a member of the sive Jewish cookbook collection. world events. There is also a brief young adults on Tuesday, Dec. 8. career change. On Tuesday, Nov. Network of Jewish Human Service The “Kitchen in the Cloud: The review of current news. The free To register, go to www.bryanglaz- 17 from 1-2:15 p.m. there will be Agencies. Un-Book Cookbook” event is an discussion is led by Pat Renfroe opportunity for people to purchase and the next session will be on the collection of online recipes for Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. $36. For those who miss the live Men’s Club: The Men’s Club online event, they can still purchase is a group for men to cultivate fel- the cookbook and view the tour by lowship and camaraderie through going to www.hadassah.org/Tam- social gatherings, discussions and paAmeet. The downloadable book volunteer activities. The next ses- has recipes from kosher creole sion will be on Tuesday, Nov. 24 seafood gumbo to challah recipes. at 5 p.m. Profits from Hadassah’s Un-Book Yiddish nostalgia: Enjoy Cookbook will go toward Tampa kvelling, kvetching and kibitzing Ameet’s Capital Campaign to raise on Monday, Dec. 7 at noon with $18,000 for a single patient room Ruth Weston and her faithful in the iconic Round Building at group of Yiddish enthusiasts. Hadassah Medical Organization’s Ein Kerem Campus in Jerusalem. Parkinson’s Program For more information, contact Classes and support Jane Strom at (813) 334-6812 or groups: Tampa JCCs & Federa- [email protected]; or Heidi tion’s Philip Shayman Parkinson’s Hadburg at (727) 403-0393 or Program is holding a variety of [email protected]. events by Zoom. These include: Connect Brunch time: Meet your Tampa Jewish community at a Con- nect virtual bagel brunch, an online experience created by the Tampa JCCs & Federation, to bring to- gether new community members to th the Tampa area, or those new to the Jewish community. The last brunch of 2020 is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 13 from 11a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will have a chance to share latke recipes and favorite Ha- nukkah traditions with each other. 18 BYOB (bring your own bagel). This event, sponsored by the Tampa JCCs and Federation, is for adults of all ages. Visit JewishTampa. com/welcome to register. For more information, contact Lisa Robbins at (813) 769-4723 or [email protected].

Active Adults The Tampa JCCs and Federa- tion offers the following programs for active adults. Unless otherwise specified, all programs listed take place on Zoom. To RSVP or for more information on programs, contact Pnina Levermore at (813) 291-2253 or pnina.levermore@ jewishtampa.com. All registrations should be completed before events begin. Travel in place: Enjoy the sights of Amsterdam from the comfort of home on a virtual travel experience Monday, Nov. 23 from 2-3:15 p.m. Learn about and see the Netherlands’ historic city as a local guide takes folks beyond the “coffee houses” and red-light district to other fascinating aspects of this multi-faceted city, including Dam Square and the Royal Palace. Puzzle it out: New York Times Puzzle Wizard Steve Ma- nin reveals the keys to filling in the blanks. Ever wish you could do the crossword puzzle? Now’s your chance. You know most of the words. What you may not know are little tricks and the ability to train your brain to think like an expert crossword puzzle solver. Join in the fun, interactive show on Tues- day, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. This is a free virtual event. Learning express: Learn about the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA) in a free vir- tual program on Thursday, Dec. 3 at noon. Launched in 2016 by the PAGE 8 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2020 Local Hadassah chapter spurs examination of bias, paths to equality and understanding By AMY SCHERZER friend tried to make the case that Actions that can help lum – her area of expertise – “to Jewish Press police are just following orders and give students the ability to talk to Summer Felsen’s involvement the law,” he recalled, pointing out The Tampa Bay Building Bridges of Peace offered some takeaways as to what each other.” can be done now to make things better. Among them: staging a Black Lives Matter that historically, the nation’s police • Don’t be quiet when you hear a derogatory comment; speak up when you Another group reported a silver protest got her blasted with anti- were armed white men organized hear something offensive. lining to being homebound dur- Semitic comments on Facebook. to arrest slaves. • Racism is still with us. It needs to be discussed; communicate without being ing the coronavirus pandemic: Despite good intentions and a Stafford and Felsen were among defensive. Acknowledgment of unconscious huge turnout, Felsen said, “as a 70 Tampa Bay residents of color • Discuss what it means to be an ally; reduce fear with friendships. bias that many felt created greater white Jewish person, my support and the Jewish community listen- • Dialogue starts at home; parents are the first educators. empathy. • This is not the time for cynicism; commit to doing something inclusive every day. was not reciprocated.” Yet the ing and sharing experiences at Committee members Rabbi unexpected and hurtful backlash the Tampa Bay Building Bridges “We start with the issues and end quent topic, bringing multiple is- Jason Rosenberg of Congregation motivates her to continue the fight of Peace initiative hosted by the with hope,” said Jackson, whose sues to the forefront. Beth Am and Rev. James Golden for equity and social justice to ef- Hadassah Ameet chapter on the day job is director of diversity and One group wondered what of the Mt. Zion AME Church fect civic change. Zoom platform. inclusion at Tech Data. happened to the historic alliance closed the conversation voicing Jamal Stafford, a Jew of color This is not a debate,” said After virtually meeting Stafford between Jews and Blacks and how their appreciation for the frank and from St. Petersburg, introduced Cal Jackson, president of the Tam- and Felsen, each participant was can the rift be mended? personal dialogue. himself as an extrovert who enjoys pa Bay chapter of the Florida Di- randomly assigned to one of seven “Tolerance is an outgrowth of To be continued, said modera- all types of people and all kinds of versity Council, opening the Oct. “rooms” for 30-minute breakout education,” Eleanor Edelstein told tor Jackson, anticipating a second friendships. Yet racist jokes and 13 program with co-chairs Beth discussions, then regrouped to her group. The retired New York Tampa Bay Building Bridges of inappropriate associations have Levin and Ameet Hadassah presi- recap. teacher offered to provide peer Peace virtual discussion in De- always been part of his life. “A dent Michele Norris. Black Lives Matter was a fre- mediation and negotiation curricu- cember. Florida Holocaust Museum to re-open in phases After months of being closed due to the museum. pandemic, the Florida Holocaust Museum is The reservations are meant to limit the planning to reopen in phases and for limited number of visitors and help ensure they are times and days. able to socially distance while inside the The museum, in downtown St. Petersburg, museum. Masks must be worn during the premium wines. local prices. planned a member’s-only opening on Mon- duration of visits and all museum staff will day, Nov. 9 for ceremonies commemorating also wear masks. Those visiting will have Premium & Everyday Wines, Kristallnacht. The next opening for members their temperature taken before entering. the +Organic, Low Sugar, Low/No will be on the first two weekends in Decem- museum will also be frequently disinfect- Sulfite Added, GF & Kosher Wines ber, Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 11-13. ing surfaces and amplifying its cleaning $ 00 For the next two weekends, Dec. 18-20 procedures. 5 OFF $75 purchase May not be combined with other discounts or coupons and Dec. 26-27, the museum will be open The museum has also limited its hours for members, first responders and teachers. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with 2 p.m. being the On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in Jan- latest time for admission. For those who are JOIN OUR CLUB uary, the museum will be open to the public, not yet members but want to become one, WINE and on Wednesday, Jan. 27, the museum will they can visit the museum website and join be open for free for International Holocaust and qualify for the member’s-only admis- CAll, TExT or EmAil your wine order Remembrance Day. sion days. 727.400.3975 Advanced time-ticketed reservations, The museum is located at 55 Fifth St. S., [email protected] available on the museum’s website, www. St. Petersburg. For more information, call Curbside and Limited Delivery Service TheFHM.org, are required for visits to the (727) 820-0100. 327 11th Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33703 BIDEN • CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE was Trump’s encouragement of bigotry and anti-Semitism. Biden singled out Trump’s equivocations after the deadly neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville, VA in 2017. One of his likeliest foreign policy shifts will be to re-enter the Iran nuclear deal, which relieved sanctions on Iran in exchange for a rollback of its nuclear program. Trump exited the deal in 2018, although the We are here to support you! United States’ European partners did not, a ma- jor point of contention in the western alliance. • Clean & Secure Private Apartments • Personalized Support Iran, hit by deeply intensified U.S. sanctions, Safe Socialization; Enriching A Safe Haven; We Take Care has seen its economy crumble, but is advanc- Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images • • ing its nuclear program more aggressively than Sen. Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Programs of You! ever, citing Trump’s walkout as a pretext. Emhoff on stage after the first Biden-Harris Biden otherwise will likely leave much of press conference in Wilmington, DE in August. Trump’s Israel-related policy intact: He has Emhoff becomes the first Jew in a spousal FALL SPECIAL! supporting role for a vice president. First month rent FREE* said he will not move the U.S. embassy back to Tel Aviv from Jerusalem, and has praised tween Israel and the United Arab Emirates, AND the normalization accords Trump brokered be- Sudan and Bahrain. $2,500 community entrance fee waived OFFER EXPIRES DECEMBER 15, 2020 CONCERT Government Mule (Allman Brothers). • CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE He returned to his Jewish roots with his Call 727.302.3800 to learn more! environment. The common environment debut Jewish album, “Tov,” in the summer in this case is our community gathering to of 1999. His shift to Jewish music marked (*2 months non-refundable deposit required) ignite our Hanukkah spirit and joy. We are the birth of a blend of pop, radio-friendly learning to shift the way we hold events and music with Hebrew, Jewish text, and social celebrations. It’s all part of the process.” responsibility. Before COVID-19 hit, Recht played more Kaufman said thanks to the Tampa Bay than 150 dates each year in the United States Jewish Educators Council, the following and abroad. He has worked to revolutionize congregations in Pinellas and Tampa the genre of Jewish rock music as a tool for are helping promote and market the developing Jewish identity in youth and virtual concert: Congregation Beth Shalom adults across America. (Clearwater); Congregation B’nai Israel The musician is also the national celebrity (St. Petersburg); Temple B’nai Israel spokesman for PJ Library and the executive (Clearwater); Temple Ahavat Shalom producer of PJ Library Radio and founder (Palm Harbor); Temple Beth-El (St. and executive director of Jewish Rock Radio, Petersburg); Congregation Schaarai Zedek a 24/7 international Jewish rock online radio (Tampa); Congregation Kol Ami (Tampa); station. In addition, Recht is the executive Congregation Rodeph Sholom (Tampa) and director of Songleader Boot Camp, a national Congregation Beth Am (Tampa). song leader training program held in various The event is open to all. For more in- 240 59th Street North, St. Petersburg FL 33710 cities around the United States. formation, visit www.jewishgulfcoast.org/ Recht has shared the stage with national kesher or contact Rabbi Danielle Upbin, www.MenorahManor.org acts such as the Guess Who, Chris Rock, community educator at the Federation, at AL#10306 America, Supertramp, Three Dog Night and [email protected]. NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2020 JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA A PAGE 9

Torah Trumps Hate organized their own PRAYER recitation of Psalms, with so many people • CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE committing to saying the prayer that the prayer for the government to be recited group planned to complete the liturgy four in synagogues. Their “Prayer for Our times over. American Country” asks God to “give the people Other Jews have created rituals to help Ambassador to Israel David of our land the courage and safety to cast them get through the election season. Friedman, right, their ballots in peace” and to “spread your Rachel Grant Meyer, a rabbi who works hands Menachem shelter of peace over our country, that we at the immigration advocacy organization Zivotofsky the first might have a clear and peaceful outcome HIAS, paired up with Rabbi Kerry Chaplin US passport to to our election.” to launch a “micro ritual” rooted in the have “Jerusalem, Writer and scholar David Zvi Kalman Hanukkah practice of adding one candle Israel” labeled as wrote a “Prayer for the Electorate” in 2016, each night. a place of birth. asking God to protect voters and “save them “While it isn’t yet the physically darkest from a wicked path.” time of year, I do not recall a time during “I didn’t really anticipate that the syna- my lifetime that has felt as bleak as the one Photo gogues would be empty on the Shabbat be- in which we now find ourselves. So maybe David Friedman fore the election, and I also didn’t anticipate we need a little Hanukkah in October,” Twitter that preserving the integrity of the election Meyer wrote on Facebook earlier this would need to be in this prayer, but there month. “In that spirit, a micro ritual for Boy at center of court challenge finally gets you have it,” he wrote in a Facebook post, those who need a lift up out of the dark- sharing the prayer last week. ness: Each day, for the next 8 days, join me passport listing birthplace: Jerusalem, Israel Videos circulated on Orthodox Whats in lighting a candle and saying, ‘We have. By RON KAMPEAS sions were up to the executive branch, and the App groups of men reciting Hebrew prayers We can. We will.’” JTA news service Obama administration followed suit. Zivot- in honor of Donald Trump’s re-election af- And T’ruah, the rabbinic human rights The boy whose name came to denote a ofsky’s appeals led to two Supreme Court ter Tuesday morning prayers on Nov. 3 in organization, organized a Tikkun Leil Supreme Court decision codifying executive decisions, both named for the plaintiff and the Orthodox synagogues. In one video, a man Election event for Tuesday night, Nov. control of foreign policy finally got his wish: secretaries of state at the time: Zivotofsky v. wearing a tallit and tefillin read a Hebrew 3, modeled after the traditional all-night a passport listing his birthplace as “Jerusalem, Clinton in 2011, which determined that lower prayer “for the victory of Donald Trump,” Torah learning held on the holiday of Israel.” courts could hear the case, and Zivotofsky asking God to grant him another four Shavuot. The program included singing, On Friday, Oct. 30, in Jerusalem, U.S. v. Kerry in 2015, which upheld the State years. In another video, a man draped in a words of Torah and spiritual art-making Ambassador to Israel David Friedman pre- Department’s denial of Zivotofsky’s request Trump flag read the same prayer from his sessions interspersed with updates on sented Menachem Zivotofsky, now 18, with and determined that the executive branch was phone. “May God also bless Joseph Biden election returns. No matter how the election ends, Seiden- a passport stating Zivotofsky’s birthplace as paramount in determining foreign policy. to remain a private citizen for the rest of his life,” he said after finishing the prayer. berg hopes people will continue to recite “Jerusalem, Israel.” That ruling remains the law of the land, Some Jews are turning to traditional his prayer, even after voting ends. In a tweet, Friedman said Zivotofsky was but the Trump administration in late October prayers while they wait for election results, “Not just today but tomorrow if we’re the “very first” American to get a passport with reversed the Jerusalem policy. or to influence their results. In a WhatsApp still dealing with the election and the next the Jerusalem listing, which is appropriate: The Jerusalem Post quoted Zivotofsky group called Tehillim for Trump, dozens of day,” Seidenberg said. “And actually, no His parents’ appeals led Congress in 2002 to as saying he was “honored” to receive the people split the reading of the entirety of the matter what happens in the election, be- mandate the listing should it be requested by passport. book of Psalms to recite to help bring about cause it’s a prayer about how the people of Americans who were born in the city. “I want to thank my parents who started this a victory for Trump. Meanwhile, progres- the country should come together to unite The George W. Bush administration im- process, long before I understood anything,” sive Orthodox Jews in the Facebook group and pursue peace and fight racism.” mediately rejected the law, saying such deci- he said. S. Florida principal FRAN SCHWARTZ fired then rehired – Realtor ® after Holocaust Cell: (813) 220-7171 Business Ph: (813) 908-8500 Fax: (813) 908-9840 denial – fired again [email protected] (JTA) – Weeks after voting to rehire a Professional principal who told a parent he “can’t say the Holocaust is a factual, historical event,” a Florida school board has reversed course. Directory The Palm Beach County School Board 14007 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. & Tampa, Florida 33618 voted a year ago to fire William Latson, who had been removed from his post after the 2018 comments came to light. Latson sued, saying he had been wrongfully terminated, and in August, a judge concluded that he should have been reprimanded but not fired. The board voted earlier in October to rehire him rather than face a protracted and costly legal battle. But the board’s only Jewish member voted against rehiring Latson and said at the time, “If we rehire Dr. Latson, it is going be a stain on this school district that will never go away.” After an outcry, the board chair asked the board to reconsider. A meeting two weeks ago to reconsider the decision ended without action after the board received more than 1,200 public comments that members were required by law to read or hear before voting. Then Latson issued a public apology in late October On Monday, Nov. 2, the board voted unanimously to fire Latson again. Members said they had come to the conclusion that their decision represented a statement of the district’s values that transcends the risk of litigation, according to a report in the Palm Beach Post. “I am so at peace that I am going to rescind my vote from the Oct. 7 meeting,” said one board member who switched her vote, the newspaper reported. “What Dr. Latson did was open the door for the students whose par- ents are Holocaust deniers for generations to

DONATIONS WANTED Books Wanted: The Norman Jewish Library and Learning Center at Young Israel of Tampa needs books, Jewish and non- Jewish. Call Dr. Robert Norman at 813-880- 7546 or email [email protected] PAGE 10 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2020

Correction A recent story about the Tampa JCCs and Federation’s J’la gala mis- In Pittsburgh, Tree of Life attack loomed over Election Day identified what J’la means. It is an abbreviation for JCC gala. It and other By RON KAMPEAS was volunteering as a poll watcher Falcone said he used to see JCC events are open to people of all backgrounds, races and beliefs. JTA news service in the bright chill outside the gym. anti-Semitism as isolated incidents, PITTSBURGH – Jason Kun- “We don’t get past it.” not indicative of a larger trend. zman sweeps his arm down a long The Secure Community Net- But now, with each report of an corridor at the Pittsburgh Jewish work, the security arm of the North attack, such as the one in which Community Center culminating in American Jewish community, and tombstones at a Jewish cemetery a colorful poster saying “Family the local federation’s security di- in Michigan were graffitied with Play.” rector have toured the JCC and the Trump’s name a few days before Two years ago, the JCC’s chief three synagogues serving as polling the election, Falcone says “it’s program officer recalls, this space stations in Squirrel Hill. Among more the state of the world.” was filled with an anguished crowd the precautions instituted are barri- Two years after the attack, Squir- – families seeking news, comfort cades cutting off through-passages rel Hill looks like America — not and childcare on a day that Jews in to separate voters from worshipers what it was before the pandemic, Pittsburgh speak about in euphe- and staff in case an attacker comes but getting there. Stores and cafes misms: the massacre of 11 worship- in under the guise of being a voter. are for the most part reopened for pers at the Tree of Life Synagogue “I’d rather not have the voting, business. And the streets were bus- on Oct. 27, 2018. but we have a civic responsibility,” tling as voters streamed to the polls. On Tuesday, the JCC was the site said Daniel Wasserman, the rabbi Poll watchers at all four stations “Boiled & Baked of a very different sort of anguish at Shaare Torah, one of the voting reported a busy morning, with lines as scores of Pittsburghers cast their venues. “We can’t let the bad guys around the block. By midday, it’s the traditional way votes here at the close of a bitterly win.” quieter, but folks are still coming at the same location contested presidential election. Robert Pugar, 24, voted for in and warmly greeting the station The JCC was one of four Jew- Biden at Temple Rodef Shalom, staff, whom they often know from for 39 years!” ish sites in this city’s Squirrel a stately Beaux-Arts building shul. Hill neighborhood to host polling erected in 1901. The 2018 massacre This is literally Mr. Rogers’ Tues. – Fri. 6:00 am – Noon places this year. And with security was not the only reason he voted, neighborhood, where the children’s Sat. & Sun. 6:00 am – 1:00 pm tightened amid concerns that self- the University of Pittsburgh student show host lived. The swimming styled poll-watchers, inspired by 11 varieties of Bagels • 14 varieties of Cream Cheeses said, “but it had some weight. I felt pool scene in last year’s “A Beauti- President Donald Trump’s claim I had a responsibility to my com- ful Day in the Neighborhood,” the Smoked Salmon • Home-Made Rugelach that Democrats would try to steal munity.” drama about Rogers, was in the Coffee Fresh Roasted & Brewed on premises daily the election, might disrupt the Matthew Falcone, Rodef Sha- JCC. And just about everyone there vote, the memories of 2018 came lom’s senior vice president, said he will tell you: Tom Hanks swam 1871 Gulf To Bay Blvd. (Clearwater) flooding back. also voted for Biden. there. Now, the pool is empty, al- ~ Next to Clearwater High School ~ “We live with it,” said Rabbi Ron “It’s the discourse,” he said. “It’s though there will be limited swim- Symons, who runs the JCC’s Cen- been visceral for the last two years. ming later in the day. JP (727) 446-7631 ter for Loving Kindness and who It’s the din in which we operate.” The pandemic is more apparent indoors. The space at the end of the corri- dor that two years ago was crowded with families seeking counseling has been converted into 10/27, which is how the JCC refers to the 10/27 Healing Partnership, the community project to help those impacted by the attack and other acts of hate-related trauma. There is a space for mindfulness, a place for teens to meet, a place for clinicians to meet one on one. The pandemic has rendered the encounters virtual, save for twice- weekly meetings in a tent adjacent to the JCC. But the calls for help have intensified with the election looming, said Maggie Feinstein, the project director. “There’s no doubt for our com- munity that the events of 10/27 were related to people’s xenopho- bia and anti-Semitism,” Feinstein said. “And so, a lot of that con- versation, as we’ve gotten closer to the election since 2018, when the attack happened, that has just intensified there’s been no sense of relief.” Feinstein won’t say how she voted that morning, but she em- phasized that she did it in person. “I decided that any, any sacrifice is needed,” she said. “I just had to be there.” Feinstein looks over the pile of soft beige blocks in the 10/27 center, where teens before the pandemic got together to deal with their trauma. “My job is so bizarre,” she said, stroking the upholstery, review- ing the history of the toddler play area turned into a trauma recovery space. “When I was 4 years old, I did ceramics right where we are sitting right now,” said Feinstein, who is 40. “And then as a parent, I brought my kid here for kindermusik right where we’re sitting right now. And then after the shooting, this is where the FBI came. And then after the FBI left, now we’ve made it into a sort of a therapeutic community where I work.” “The four outside walls of this building haven’t changed and everything inside changes all the time,” she said. NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2020 JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA A PAGE 11

ative home designer. She was known Obituaries are published as a public service at no charge in the Jewish for her helping hand and small acts of Press of Pinellas County based on information supplied by the family to Obituaries kindness. Survivors include her mother the funeral home. However, the information contained in the free obituary th th and sisters. The family suggests me- MICHAEL DEAN ECHELMAN, Court of Appeals for the 5 and 11 is at the discretion of the Jewish Press. 59, of Tampa, died Oct. 29. He was a Circuit Courts, U.S. District Court for morials be made to American Jewish graduate of H.B. Plant High School and the Middle and Southern District. He World Services, Mercy Core, Humane played on the tennis team at Oxford was counsel to the American National Society, Childreach, American Legion, College of Emory University, graduat- Bank (Southeast Bank) and served on US Women Veterans, Crash Course ing with a BA in economics He received its board of directors. He was a former online. (Segal Funeral Home) his MBA from the University of Florida. city attorney for both Indian Rocks He began his career as a stockbroker Beach and Redington Shores. His MARSHALL E. LEVINSON, 95, of A Community Neighbor at E.F. Hutton in Tampa and continued memberships included the American Tampa, died Oct. 26. He was born in his practice at A.G. Edwards. Fishing, Bar Association, along with the Bar Chicago, attended the University of boating, watching sports and travel Associations of Florida, St. Petersburg Illinois and served in the US Navy. He were some of his favorite activities. and Clear water. He ser ved as a trustee was a co-founder of Treasure Isle, Inc. A lifelong member of Congregation of the H er man For b es Char it a b l e Tr us t , (formerly known as Ocean Products, Schaarai Zedek, as s a high school se- on the board of directors of the Florida Inc.) where he was both president and nior he served as president of its youth Orchestra and the St. Petersburg chairman of the board until his retire- group and later as an adult he taught in College Foundation Board. He was ment. He was a member of Congre- the religious school. Survivors include also a member of Neoacacia Lodge gation Schaarai Zedek for 67 years. his mother Anne Echelman Kantor #595, F & AM (Columbus, OH) a 32nd Survivors include his son and daughter- Fleece and father Dr. Gilbert Echelman; degree Mason and member of Egypt in-law, Rick and Debby Levinson, and stepmother Elizabeth Echelman; broth- Shrine Temple, Tampa. He enjoyed daughter and son-in-law Cindy and ers Todd Echelman, Tampa, and Philip most sports, including skiing and Stuart Novick; four grandchildren and Echelman, Seattle; sister Janet Echel- travel and attending Tampa Bay Buc- seven great-grandchildren. The family man, Boston. (Segal Funeral Home) caneer games for more than 40 years. suggests memorials to a charity of your Survivors include his wife Anne Kan- choice. (Segal Funeral Home) WILLIAM H. FLEECE, 85, of St. tor Fleece, son Jonathan Fleece, son Petersburg and Tampa, died Oct. and daughter-in-law Dr. David Fleece, IRWIN PISETZKY, 87, of Tampa, 27. Born in Pontiac, MI, he grew up in CMIO, and Jane Kauer Fleece, PhD; died Nov. 3. Professionally he was a Portsmouth, OH until 1947 when his stepson Christopher Parfitt and wife pharmacist for over 50 years. He had family moved to Terre Haute, IN. He Cynthia of Union City, NJ; half-brother varied interests, including oil painting graduated from Wiley High School and Harris “Cappy” Caplan of Phoenix; and and playing cards. He was voracious Ohio State University, graduating with f o r m e r w i f e E l l e n F o g e l . T h e f a m i l y s u g - reader and had an affinity for history. Charles “Chuck” Segal is a dedicated man. Dedicated to his a BSC in psychology. While at Ohio gests memorials to the Florida Orches - Survivors include his wife, Nancy Sie- community and profession. He brings these attributes to his position gel; son Randy Pisetzky (Karen Haag); State he served as a vice president tra, Temple Beth-El or Congregation as funeral director and owner of Segal Funeral Home. of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and played Schaarai Zedek in Tampa. (David C. daughter, Lorna Knowles (Robin); step- on the college tennis team. He then Gross Funeral Home) daughter Carla Goldstein (Nathanial For over 37 years, he has provided genuine care and concern to attended Indiana University School Charney); four grandchildren and two thousands of families who have called on him at their time of need. step-granddaughters. The family sug- of Law, receiving his law degree in DEBORAH THERESA HALLIBUR- Along with his wife Shelly, Chuck transcends the demands of 1961. He practiced corporate, estate, TON-JAMES, 63, of Tampa, died Oct. gests memorials be made to Lifepath family, bankruptcy, financial law in 16. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, her fam- Hospice. (Segal Funeral Home) his chosen profession and is counted on as an active member of St. Petersburg for 50 years. He was ily moved to New York when she was 14. Tampa Bay’s Jewish Community. a past president of Temple Beth-El in She served in the U.S. military, receiv- ROCHELLE A. SMITH, 73, of You can count on the Segals as friends before, during or after St. Petersburg and a former member of ing several awards. She then studied Tampa, died Oct. 29. Survivors include your time of need. the Florida House of Representatives. psychology and human services, children Sherry Williamson and David An arbitrator for the Financial Industry receiving her bachelor’s degree and Reader; two sisters Ruth Schumacher Regulatory Authority and as a certified becoming a teacher in her later years. and Rebecca Carlson; brother Harold SEGAL FUNERAL HOME, THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. Dukes; and four grandchildren. The mediator he had mediated over 2,300 She was a former member of Congre- 3909 Henderson Blvd., Tampa • 813.874.3330 cases. His court affiliations included gation Beth Am. She enjoyed the arts family suggests memorials to the chari- the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Circuit and she painted, knitted and was a cre- ty of your choice. (Segal Funeral Home) www.segalfuneralhome.com

State of Florida hires Israeli B”H water tech firm to zap Lake Okeechobee algae blooms CHABAD An Israeli water tech company has been dispatched by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to conduct emergency treatment designed to remediate toxic algae originat- ing in Lake Okeechobee from reaching other Florida YOU’RE BUILDING A BRIGHTER TOMORROW - waterways. On Oct. 20, Gov. DeSantis gave the go-ahead for SHOW US THE MENORAH YOU CAN BUILD TODAY! BlueGreen Water Technologies, Ltd., a global water tech company based in Tel Aviv, to begin treatment in the lake. For years, the lake has been cited as the cause of algae blooms on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the state, due to nutrient-rich water flowing through canals and rivers from the lake to the coasts. Lake Okeechobee has seen a surge in cyanobacterial blooms, disrupting the environment while endanger- ing the health and economy of nearby communities. CELEBRATE CHANUKAH “Harmful algal blooms have a debilitating effect on our ecosystems and our communities,” said DeSantis. “That is why, for the first time, I made it a priority to secure dedicated funding to deploy innovative tech- nology to mitigate blue-green algae blooms.” DeSantis’s office said the governor and state rep- MENORAH BUILD resentatives saw a demonstration of the BlueGreen technology during the Governor’s Trade Mission to Israel in 2019. Eyal Harel, CEO if BueGreen, said, “This emer- gency application of Lake Guard™ Oxy is aimed to COMPETITION prevent the buildup of cyanobacteria and its prolifera- tion from Lake Okeechobee into Florida’s waterways. We applaud Florida … for promoting prevention as the new standard for algae mitigation.” Dr. Waleed Nasser, head of U.S. Operations for BlueGreen, said “The modular nature of our technolo- gies allows us to be able to respond to any emergency CONTEST WINNERS within hours from call.” LAUNCH AGES 5-18 ANNOUNCED BlueGreen completed its first U.S. treatment at Chippewa Lake, (1.3 km), the largest inland natural NOVEMBER DECEMBER lake in Ohio in 2019. The treatment was so successful AMAZING PRIZES that the lake remains free of toxic algae since the treat- OCULUS QUEST 2 ment. The company has also had success in Nanhu Lake in Yueyang, China, (12 km), and Roodeplaat 15 NINTENDO SWITCH 15 Dam, South Africa, (4.4 km). DRONES & MORE! BlueGreen Water Technologies, Ltd. 2020 2020 (“BlueGreen”) is a privately-owned global water- tech company dedicated to developing and imple- menting novel solutions to water-related problems. VIEW ENTRY RULES & GUIDELINES AT WWW.ILLUMINATETAMPABAY.COM Its portfolio currently consists of two commercially EMAIL QUESTIONS TO [email protected] available products, Lake Guard™ Blue and Lake Guard™ Oxy. The products are approved by the United States PARTICIPATING CHABAD CENTERS BRANDON - CLEARWATER - LAKEWOOD RANCH & BRADENTON - PINELLAS COUNTY - S PETERSBURG - SOUTH TAMPA Environmental Protection Agency and are certified by - TAMPA BAY - VENICE - W PASCO - WIREGRASS the American National Standards Institute and others for treatment in drinking water. PAGE 12 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2020

Marketing/Sales Director Israel-Sudan Assisted Living Residence agree to We are lookingMarketing/Sales for a Marketing Specialist Director with a knowledge of Is it Jewelry or is it Art? the Senior Assisted Care Industry Living and Social Residence Media/Digital Marketing. normalize ties The individual must be be talented in increasing marketing WASHINGTON (JTA) – Sudan Weinbergmetrics viaVillage personal Assisted relationships Living andResidence virtual media. is currently Must be will become the third Arab country a highly motivated Marketing/Sales individual with a focus on seeking an experienced, highly motivated Marketing/Sales in the past two months to normal- outreach activities and networking events designed to grow Director with a proven track record meeting census goals ize ties with Israel, continuing the and develop new referral sources. and focus on outreach activities and networking events trend of Arab states’ willingness to designedRequired to skills:grow Marketing,and develop Written new &referral Verbal sources. Communication, advance ties with the Jewish state Trust & Relationship Building, Digital & Social Media Market- even without a peace agreement Positioning, Excellent includes Presentation, internal and Google external Analytics marketing/public and Web Analysis with the Palestinians. relationsTools, Screen functions Potential including Leads for advertising, Appropriate Placement. sales calls, President Donald Trump an- networking events as well as directing the admissions nounced the agreement on Friday, process.Job Expectations: Research Advertising Trends & Competitors, Oct. 23. According to a joint state- Decide on Appropriate Placement of Ads, Create & Implement ment released by Israel, Sudan Marketing Strategies, Publish Digital Marketing Content Online. and the U.S., the two countries Sales experience in an Independent Living, Assisted will “end the state of belligerence Living,Must have and knowledge Memory of Care Jewish setting culture with and traditions. proven ability between their nations.” to “close” a high percentage of qualified leads and a The statement also noted that documentedPlease record email resume of success with a cover is preferred. letter including salary the countries will “begin economic expectations to [email protected] and trade relations, with an initial Must have knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions. focus on agriculture.” In the com- ing weeks, the statement says, they Please email resume with a cover letter to will meet to discuss “agriculture [email protected] technology, aviation, migration is- sues and other areas.” “The Arab-Israeli conflict is Weinberg Village is a wholly owned subsidiary 727.725.1808 moving towards an end,” said Brian Weinberg Village is a wholly owned subsidiary Hook, the top State Department of- of the Tampaof the JCCs Tampa & Federation. JCC & Federation. 247 Main Street Safety Harbor, FL www.sydentelgalleries.com I I ficial who helped broker the deal, at Assisted Living Facility License #: 08679 Holiday Open House November 21, 10 - 6 PM an Oval Office presentation. Sudan has been ruled by a Sov- ereignty Council, led by military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and prime minister Abdalla Hamdok, since a military coup last year de- posed longtime Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who was subse- quently convicted of corruption. He presided over the country during the Darfur ethnic conflict, which in- volved what the International Crim- inal Court has deemed war crimes by the Sudanese government. On the same day the deal was announced, Trump informed Con- gress of his intent to remove Su- dan’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, which reportedly is part of the agreement. Sudan will get new leadership in 2022, when the state’s agreed-upon transition period ends. The north African country’s state religion was Islam until earlier this year. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have in recent weeks launched fast tracks to open up dip- lomatic affairs, trade and tourism with Israel, but Sudan is especially significant because it is by far the largest of the three countries, in land mass and in population. It is also symbolically significant because its capital, Khartoum, is where the Arab League met in 1967 after the Six-Day War and issued its “three no’s” to reject any engage- ment with Israel whatsoever and to continue the state of war. Like the UAE and Bahrain, Sudan has not been in a war with Israel and has over the years en- joyed a degree of secret ties with the country. In 1984, the Sudanese authorities assisted in an airlift of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. Sudan’s leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in February met openly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- yahu, in Uganda. There are also thousands of refugees from Sudan’s military conflicts living in Israel. Trump also said at the Oval Office event that the process of solidifying the deals with the UAE and Bahrain “is moving along.” He said he is in talks with the United Arab Emirates to sell the country advanced F-35 stealth combat jets. Bahrain signed a number of co- operative agreements with Israel and the UAE and Israel are agree- ing to travel between the countries without a pre-arranged visa. A government-linked Bahraini insti- tute on Oct. 22 signed an agreement with the U.S. State Department to combat anti-Semitism and delegiti- mization of Israel.