Thoughts on Religion and Pittsburgh

Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida January 13 ~ February 12, 2019

10 Films 5 Countries 1 Community See details inside

L’ www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 41, No. 4 n December 2018 / 5779 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Thoughts on religion and Pittsburgh 5 Our Community By Brian Simon, Federation President 10 Jewish Interest couple of things happened as tailed a number of concerning trends We typically hire police protection for 16 Jewish Film Festival I was preparing to write this – fewer people consider themselves large gatherings. At least some of our Apiece. First, a friend suggest- Jewish, less connection to Jewish or- local synagogues have similar security 18 Israel & the Jewish World ed I read The New American Judaism ganizations and even a decline in the protocol, but this attack will no doubt 20 Marketplace by Jack Wert- number of Jews who believe in God, lead to increased security measures. heimer. The sub- compared to previous generations. Most American Jews are secular. 22 Commentary title is How Jews Wertheimer contends that Jews, like We identify as much or more with be- 24 From the Bimah Practice Their their Protestant American peers, are ing American than we do with being 25 Community Directory Religion Today. looking for a more personalized ap- Jewish. I’ve been fascinated by why Then, the mas- proach to spirituality. The religion is secular Israeli Jews still attend Ortho- 26 Focus on Youth sacre at Pitts- evolving from the bottom up. dox synagogues. I’ve had this conver- 28 Organizations burgh’s Tree of The Tree of Life tragedy was the sation with Temple Judea’s shlichah, Life synagogue realization of a threat that we’ve known Zohar Ben Hamu. When Zohar first ar- 30 Temple News  Brian occurred. about for years – that a disturbed indi- rived, she was equally surprised at how Simon Wertheimer vidual with a gun could attack a vulner- American Jews adapted religious ser- is trying to add a little more detail and able group of Jews. Our defenses have vices – allowing women to lead prayer nuance to the results of the 2013 Pew been up. Even before the tragedy, the and read from Torah. We’re all adapt- Research report. The Pew study, titled doors of the Federation were always ing to the same issue – how to practice “A Portrait of Jewish Americans,” de- locked – you have to be buzzed in. continued on page 2 REMINDER: IRA holders can use a Qualified Charitable Distribution from their Required 3 Minimum Distribution to efficiently make their 2018 gift to the Federation campaign. Federation’s Senior Lunch Bunch update THE JEWISH FEDERATION LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Presents A MUSICAL JOURNEY 8 You are cordially invited to our Community vigils to honor the victims at Tree of Life

Sunday, December 9, 2018 10:00 A.M.

18 The Landings 11 ways to survive an Israeli 4571 S. Landings Dr. wedding Fort Myers

Couvert $25/person R.S.V.P. by Nov. 30 (239) 481.4449 ext. 4 [email protected] 26 Temple Beth El Religious School students make Chanukah art

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

social service philanthropy culture L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION Program notes To donate to By Debbie Sanford, Program Director By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator OW! There is so much to tell you about… author of Seduced by Mrs. Robinson. Beverly will emple Judea hosted Novem- where to start?! provide an in-depth look at some pretty neat facts you ber’s senior lunch, which was the Federation’s By now you should have seen the invita- didn’t know about the film. Her book will be available a delightful celebration of Rae T th W Rubin’s 100 birthday. Rae happily tion for our Annual Community Breakfast. Do you for sale at the theater and she will autograph them for like music? Do you like music by the best Jewish a short period immediately following the film. wore the birthday bling we provided. Annual Campaign, composers? Do you like to see The Festival runs through Tuesday, February 12,The older kids at Temple Judea’s pre- old friends and meet new ones? with films on each Tuesday and Thursday evening at school came in to Do you like food? Do I have 7:15 p.m. at Bell Tower Regal Theaters. This year, we serenade her and call 239.481.4449 your attention yet? The break- added a matinee screening too. (FYI: The perk of be- present her with fast, being held on Sunday, coming a sponsor is the reserved seating, in addition a card. There was December 9 from 10:00 a.m. to the fact that you are supporting countless programs gooey chocolate or visit to noon, will deliver all that… the Federation runs throughout the year.) cake, and Rabbi plus some. For more information on becoming a sponsor, Sack gave a spe- Then, it’s off to the mov- please contact me at 239.481.4449 x4 or debbiesan cial tribute to Rae. JewishFederationLCC.org  ies. Our Jewish Film Festival [email protected]. Tickets are available online at We all recited the Debbie  Jodi Cohen Sanford promises to deliver entertain- www.jfedlcc.org/JFF2019 or you can call me. shehecheyanu (a ing Jewish films from all over the world. Our Open- If you get this edition of L’CHAYIM early enoughJewish prayer recited on special ing Day event will take place on Sunday, January 13. and if you are available to help deliver some Hanuk-occasions) in Rae’s honor. We begin the afternoon with a private event for spon- kah gifts to seniors between November 27 and De- Right at Home was our OUR MISSION sors with a special meet-and-greet and cocktail recep- cember 2, please call me. We make deliveries all overNovember luncheon sponsor. To strengthen and enrich the Jewish tion at 2:00 p.m. The location will be announced very Lee and Charlotte counties, so we do need a lot ofBusiness Development Director Community by providing and supporting shortly. volunteers to make this happen. Debbie Graley-Devnew spoke philanthropic, educational and social The Opening Day film, The Graduate, will start Thank you, and I hope to see you soon at a Jewish about the important role of the service programs locally, in Israel and at 4:00 p.m. and we will be joined by Beverly Gray, Federation event. caretaker in someone’s life and throughout the world. the many services that Right at Home provides. The Federation OUR VISION Food Pantry update A Jewish Community that is based on By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator Jewish values such as Tzedakah n the Wednesday after the Pittsburgh syna- the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products in (benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing gogue shootings, I received a voicemail from Uganda and other African countries, Draluck realized the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking Oone of the Federation’s regular food pantry that people in the U.S. might face similar challengesis proud to consider Right at responsibility for one another). clients who is African-American. She said she was and difficulties, so she founded Cycle Forward. TheHome a community partner thinking of us, how she knew firsthand about racism Jewish Federation is one of 11 organizations that Bar- Thank you to Rabbi Buchen and understood about anti-Semitism, and that she was bara provides menstrual hygiene products for. and Temple Beth Shalom for praying for all of us. If you tilt a kaleidoscope even A special shout out to the October food pantryhosting October’s lunch. slightly there is an entirely new perspective, and this volunteers: Laurie Morris, Barbara Gribin, Carolyn A special shout out to Ja- phone message inspired the tiniest shift from despair Gora, Judith Yevick, Donna Cotler, Laurie McCon-son’s Deli, our generous com- to hope. nville and Suzanne Orkin. The BBYO kids earnedmunity partner. L’ Because of your generosity during the High Holy mitzvah points for breaking down all of the empty The free monthly senior Days food drive, I was able to offer a Target gift card food pantry boxes and toting them to the recycle bin.lunch is a chance for Jewish Jewish news published monthly by to a family who said they would use it to buy art sup- Various local groups are encouraging attendees to Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties seniors to socialize, eat a little 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 plies for their teenage son’s art project. My yenta self bring items to be donated to the food pantry, includ-something and learn a little (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 asked to see photos of the artwork, then the daugh- ing Emily Polk’s Bat Mitzvah guests, the Women’ssomething. The mood is pure joy Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org ter shared photos she’d taken of sunsets, and the next Chaverot of Temple Judea, and those who will attend  and there is always room at the December 2018 • Volume 41, Number 4 thing I knew we were swapping photos of dogs we the Pelican Preserve Hanukkah Party. Your ongoingtable for YOU.  know and love. A circle of delight and kindness. generosity of spirit is contagious and the Federation President: Brian Simon Another client was fortunate enough to transition is grateful. Board: Paul Bartrop • Jack Esformes • Karen Fine Carolyn Gora • Jerry Greenfield • Keith Grossman from living in her car into an apart- Andi Horowitz • Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler ment through a city program. She Sara Krivisky • Michele Laboda • Rozzi Osterman Barbara Siegel • Sylvia Simko • Sherri Zucker came to pick up food and when I Executive Director: Alan Isaacs showed her what was in the bag Program Director: Debbie Sanford of toiletries I prepared for her. She Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen threw her arms around me and  held on for a long time. Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 In October, the Federation pro- Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923  vided food for 15 households, for L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to a total of 58 people, 21 of whom Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, were children up to 18 years old. but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be Thank you to Barbara Gribin, directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly an ambassador for Cycle Forward, printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. an organization founded by Jewish Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the right to edit for space and content. teenager Sophie Draluck, in High- Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color land Park, Illinois. After reading prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, about the link between school ab- self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims senteeism among teenage girls and Toiletries donated by guests at Emily Polk’s Bat Mitzvah responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the writers and claims by advertisers. Brian Simon...continued from previous page 1 JANUARY ISSUE Judaism in the modern world. We just do it differently. nity. Are we the voice of the Jewish community in In the 20th century, Americans created our own brands Southwest Florida? I don’t think so. Our community EDITORIAL DEADLINE: of Judaism. We joined synagogues just like our Prot- has shared interests, but we have too many disparate Wednesday, December 5 estant neighbors joined churches. Wertheimer points points of view for one organization to try to speak out that the move away from organized religion is an for us. As Jews have moved away from the tradition- American trend, not specifically a Jewish one. And al synagogue channels, our role at the Federation is even those who choose to attend religious services are even more important. Those who choose not to affili- Grow your business not beholden to their parents’ houses of worship. New ate may still be interested in Jewish cultural events. unaffiliated Jewish congregations have sprouted up in We believe they still want to support Israel, and they Southwest Florida, just as new non-denominational still want to support their community – both Jews and with L’CHAYIM. churches have grown in the area. non-Jews – through Jewish Family Services. The most heartening thing for me after the Pitts- The Federation’s mission is to strengthen and en- Reach 5,000 local burgh tragedy has been the reaction from the larger rich the Jewish community by providing and support- American community. More than 800 people attend- ing philanthropic, educational and social service pro- Jewish residents ed the vigil at Temple Beth El, most of them non- grams locally, in Israel and throughout the world. Our Jews. A man showed up at Temple Judea on the Sat- vision is a Jewish community that’s based on Jewish through this paper. urday after the tragedy just to offer condolences. Two values, such as tzedakah, tikkun olam and k’lal Yis- of our Catholic friends came with us to services to rael. Thankfully, the tragedy in Pittsburgh suggests show solidarity. that other Americans share those values. With your For more information The tragedy in Pittsburgh has led to new discus- support, we will continue to pursue our mission and or to place an ad, call Jim sions about the role of Federation in our commu- our vision. at 239.634.6923 For a continuously updated or send an email to calendar of events, visit [email protected]. www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3 Program notes Senior Lunch Bunch update NEXT SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH: By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator Thursday, December 6 at noon emple Judea hosted Novem- Temple Beth El, 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers ber’s senior lunch, which was RSVP by Monday, December 3 to a delightful celebration of Rae Jodi Cohen at 239.481.4449 x2 or [email protected] T th Rubin’s 100 birthday. Rae happily wore the birthday bling we provided. The older kids at Temple Judea’s preschool came in to serenade her and present her with a card. There was gooey chocolate cake, and Rabbi Sack gave a special tribute to Rae. We all recited the  Jodi Cohen shehecheyanu (a Sherri Zucker with Rae Rubin Jewish prayer recited on special occasions) in Rae’s honor. Right at Home was our November luncheon sponsor. Rae Rubin receives a card in honor of her 100th birthday Business Development Director Debbie Graley-Devnew spoke about the important role of the Community Friends caretaker in someone’s life and the many services that Right at Volunteer Program update Home provides. The Federation By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator s I was writing this article, I to a man who is visually impaired, and Food Pantry update received a call from someone while I know he appreciates hearing Aasking about what services are the news, the kibitzing before and after available for her elderly Jewish friend is just as important. who doesn’t have family or many re- Some seniors need assistance with is proud to consider Right at sources here. What’s true is that the what I refer to as “the mortal chores,” Home a community partner Federation is a small agency and we such as grocery shopping or even buy- Thank you to Rabbi Buchen don’t provide services – we mostly ing a new lightbulb. There is a chore- and Temple Beth Shalom for provide referrals. ography to daily life that becomes dif- hosting October’s lunch. As a response to the increase in ficult if someone doesn’t drive, while A special shout out to Ja- these types of calls, the Federation has other seniors are isolated and unsure son’s Deli, our generous com- launched the Community Friends Vol- about how to connect and who to con- munity partner. unteer Program to help provide sup- tact. The free monthly senior port for seniors in our community who The Community Friends Volunteer lunch is a chance for Jewish would like visitors or who need sup- Program provides abundant opportu- seniors to socialize, eat a little port getting to appointments, running nities to practice compassion and tze- something and learn a little errands, etc. dakah (benevolence). If you’re inter- something. The mood is pure joy Loneliness can be so easily rem- ested in volunteering, please contact and there is always room at the edied by human contact. A friend of me at 239.481.4449 x2 or jodicohen@ table for YOU. Carolyn Gora with Rae Rubin mine reads the newspaper every week jfedlcc.org.

UPCOMING FEDERATION EVENTS 2018/19

DEC. 9 Community Breakfast - “A Musical Journey” featuring your favorite music from Jewish Artists. DEC. 19 Read the Book; Skype the Author - Author Peter Golden, “Nothing is Forgotten” Free and open to the community. A light dairy dinner will be served.

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JAN. 13 2019 Jewish Film Festival Opening Day Event – Jewish Film Festival, Regal Cinemas at Bell Towers Special Guest: Author Beverly Gray, “Seduced by Mrs. Robinson”. Feature film, “The Graduate”. Special VIP Sponsor Reception. Sponsorship Opportunities Available. nity. Are we the voice of the Jewish community in Jewish Film Festival - Showings are Tuesdays & Thursdays. Southwest Florida? I don’t think so. Our community JAN. 15 - has shared interests, but we have too many disparate FEB. 12 points of view for one organization to try to speak for us. As Jews have moved away from the tradition- FEB. 18 PJ Library - Presidents Day Fun Day al synagogue channels, our role at the Federation is even more important. Those who choose not to affili- FEB. 20 Read the Book; Skype the Author - “TBD” Free and open to the community. ate may still be interested in Jewish cultural events. A light dairy dinner will be served. We believe they still want to support Israel, and they still want to support their community – both Jews and FEB. 26 Author Event – Alyson Richman, Lakes Library non-Jews – through Jewish Family Services. Lion of Judah - Program and Speaker TBD The Federation’s mission is to strengthen and en- MAR. 5 rich the Jewish community by providing and supporting philanthropic, educational and social service pro- MAR. 16 Queen Esther (Adults Only) Masquerade Ball grams locally, in Israel and throughout the world. Our vision is a Jewish community that’s based on Jewish MAR. 28 Author Event - B.A. Shapiro, “ The Collector’s Apprentice” values, such as tzedakah, tikkun olam and k’lal Yis- The Alliance for the Arts rael. Thankfully, the tragedy in Pittsburgh suggests that other Americans share those values. With your APR. 14 PJ Library - Pre-Pesach Party support, we will continue to pursue our mission and our vision. APR. 28 Yom HaShoah Event

MAY 8 Annual Meeting

STAY TUNED. MORE INFO TO FOLLOW! L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION

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

How the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Serves

Local Jewish Education and Culture  Communitywide Jewish Education and Culture Programs for all ages including the Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Author Events, Israel Celebration, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk dancing, social groups, etc.  L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community informed about local, national and international Jewish issues.  Community Relations activities include monitoring anti Semitism and issues of separation of church and state in the community.  Israel Advocacy and Initiatives to strengthen local Jewish community ties with Israel. Holocaust Education through the Happy Hanukkah Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community.

MAY LOVE AND LIGHT FILL YOUR HOME AND Overseas  Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American YOUR HEART Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communities in 60+ The Board and Staff of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties countries around the world.  Partnership 2Gether relationship with the HaderaEiron Region in Israel.

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

www.facebook.com/ Local Case Management Services  Nonsectarian, individual and family outreach, information and L’CHAYIM delivers! facebook.com/jfedsrq referral services. JewishFederationLCC  Individual life coaching and support services.

Local Emergency Services Introduce your business to a POWERFUL  Food Pantry. demographic and reach 5,000 readers  Emergency financial assistance.  Education and aid associated with natural disasters. each month for pennies per reader! The Jewish Federation thanks our Local Community Services  Support families of children with special needs. For ad rates and deadlines, contact GENEROUS DONORS  SAT preparatory classes for high school students.  Volunteerism.  Organizational Collaboration. Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923 or  Assessment and Planning. INDIGENT FUND [email protected]. Jewish Community Foundation Shalom Dancers Cheryl & Barry Fulmer  An endowment that ensures the longterm financial base of Marty & Judy Freling Sandra Lurey charitable, social and educational programs in our community. Ellen Esformes Robert & Bette Batson  Needsbased college scholarships and study scholarships in Gene & Andrea Sipe Naomi Bloom & Ron Wallace Paul & Sylvia Simko Israel.  Lily Perrone Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. Temple Beth El Rosh Hashanah Food Drive

FOOD PANTRY Temple Beth El Brian & Mindi Simon Temple Judea Community Free Synagogue Shalom Life Center Harold & Sue Waronker Mellow Mah Jongg Carolyn Gora Sara & Brian Krivisky Lynn Talone The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available Ruth Lefberg Constance Leima through the Community Foundation of the Jewish Beverly Banks Paula Agranove Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.

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

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

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

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center update and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. By Susan Suarez, President & CEO s I write this column for publi- the action of an anti-Semitic and hate- our society is an act of hate against all.” was so moved by this that they placed cation in the December issue, fueled person shattered at the Tree of Our work is to teach the lessons of a card in her mailbox that read “You Athe horrific incident at the Tree Life synagogue. He also cited Dwight the Holocaust. If the murder of innocent Made My Day” on the outside, and on of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh fills D. Eisenhower, who, as Supreme Allied people can teach us anything, what les- the inside, a handwritten note said, “We my mind. Eleven people were killed in Commander, witnessed the horror of sons might we learn? The lesson that we need a lot more people like you in this their house of worship, with six others the Holocaust and directed that it be re- cannot sit idly by when we hear bigoted world. THANK YOU!!!” The card was wounded, including First Responders corded so that future generations never comments, hateful remarks or, worse, who came to their aid. All over the forget what happened and would work violent acts; the lesson that indifference YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN country and the to prevent its reoccurrence. and silence allow hatred and prejudice This year please consider making an additional campaign contribution in honor or memory of a loved one. world, people are Each of the speakers emphasized to grow. Because kindness is contagious, we would like to highlight your generosity in L’CHAYIM and notify personally those whom you honor. getting together to that we must not be bystanders when Our student programs educate fu- You may choose how your generosity is noted and how we share your mitzvah with the community. express solidarity hateful words, actions and behaviors ture generations about the importance of with the Jewish occur. This is what happened dur- respect for others and speaking up when community and ing the Holocaust. Good people with we see something that diminishes the people of Pitts- good intentions failed to act on them, value of the human dignity we each pos- burgh over this allowing millions of Jews and other sess. We are excited that we will have hate-provoked targeted groups to be killed. We must the opportunity to expand our programs  Susan action. take action, however small, when we and reach even more students and visi- Suarez In our own hear or see something we know is fu- tors when we move to our new home, community, Temple Shalom in Naples eled by ignorance. One of the evening’s the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and hosted “Solidarity Shabbat – Standing speakers, Rev. Kirt Anderson of Naples Harvey D. Cohen Education Center, in with the People of Pittsburgh.” It was Community Church, spoke movingly late Spring 2019. part of a North American-wide service about his father, who was a Liberator. I would like to close with a local of remembrance that weekend. Repre- He urged the audience to take the initia- example of actions backing up words sentatives of all faith communities in tive to be a leader or an activist yourself. of solidarity. A non-Jewish resident in signed by two young Jewish brothers, Southwest Florida participated, as did Combat “hatred of the other” yourself. Naples was moved to create a sign and ages 9 and 11. This is something those representatives from city, county, state Speaker after speaker pointed out that place it in her front yard for all to see as children will carry with them always, and federal levels of government. It is evil flourishes when good people are they passed by on a busy road. It read, and is emblematic of the community we estimated that nearly 1,800 people were silent – what we do matters far more “I love my Jewish neighbors.” Someone live in and aspire to maintain. in attendance, in addition to those who than what we say. We thank you all for your ongoing watched the live stream of the program. Gathered together that evening, support of our mission – teach the les- In a touching moment, people with close the audience was encouraged to shed sons of the Holocaust against bigotry, connections to Pittsburgh lit candles in “labels” – we were all “us.” It was im- hatred and violence. On behalf of our honor of those killed and wounded. portant that we be united in the face of Board of Directors, volunteers and staff, Rabbi Adam Miller of Temple Sha- this evil and virulent hatred, but we must we wish you a happy holiday season, lom cited George Washington’s letter also take action together to help “change with best wishes for a peaceful New to the Jewish community of Newport, hearts and turn people away from ha- Year. Rhode Island, which included a quote tred.” In doing this, listening to others If you would like to hear about op- from the Bible underscoring that Jew- and reaching out to them, we can make portunities to support, sponsor and con- ish people should be free to worship an impact. As one of the speakers said, tinue the work we do, please contact me in peace and safety, something that “An act of hate against one group in at [email protected] or 239.263.9200. L’CHAYIM delivers! Introduce your business to a POWERFUL demographic and reach 5,000 readers each month for pennies per reader! For ad rates and deadlines, contact Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923 or [email protected]. This month’s advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. Advanced Physical Therapy...... 7 Living Happily Counseling...... 20 Alliance Financial Group...... 20 Michael Shapiro Photography...26 Hal Arkin, Realtor®...... 20 Naples Fine Art Show...... 7 Art of Fashion and Moore...... 20 Paragon Pools...... 20 Gwen Baker, Realtor®...... 20 PCC Tile...... 20 Dr. Daniel Bendetowicz...... 20 Publix...... 32 Cypress Cove...... 9,23 Robb & Stucky...... 13 Harold Eskin, Attorney...... 20 Alan J. Rubinstein, Attorney.....20 FGCU...... 31 Senior Housing Solutions...... 14 FineMark Natl. Bank & Trust...18 Seniors Helping Seniors...... 20 Florida Specialists in Urology...20 Shell Point...... 11 Fort Myers Memorial Gardens..22 Snyderman’s Shoes...... 20 Susan Glasser, Realtor®...... 20 Douglas Spiegel, Attorney...... 20 Golden Care...... 21 Taschner Periodontics...... 14 Gordon’s Pool & Spa Service....20 Temple Beth El Gift Gallery.....12 Green Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP..20 The Bagel Factory...... 20 Gulf Coast Orthodontics...... 7 The Palms at Fort Myers...... 15 Dr. David Heligman...... 12 The Pampered Soul...... 20 Henderson Franklin...... 20 The Terraces at Bonita Springs..19 Higginson Tax & Accounting....20 The Westin Cape Coral...... 22 Holocaust Museum...... 5 Bob Vinikoor, Realtor®...... 20 Lee Lighting...... 20 Paul Weinstein, CFP®...... 20 L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY

Community Free Synagogue BAT MITZVAH Temple Judea sponsors Christmas Day breakfast Kyra Reese Levy, daughter of Jayson events and programs and Sara Levy and sister to Brianna, for the hungry Community Free Hanukah Dinner candles from home. No wine please! will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitz- and Celebration Community Free Synagogue vah on Saturday, December 15. Kyra is The Community Free Synagogue will screens Cabaret proud to follow in the footsteps of her host its annual Hanukah Celebration The Community Free Synagogue’s father, who became a Bar Mitzvah at and Latke and Brisket dinner on the next “Brown Bag Movie Night” fea- Temple Beth El in 1989, and her sister, first night of Hanukah, Sunday Decem- tures the 1972 Academy Award-win- who became a Bat Mitzvah at Temple ber 2, starting at 6:00 p.m. in its Com- ning Cabaret, starring Liza Minnelli, Beth El in 2015. munity Hall, 10868 Metro Parkway, Joel Gray and Michael York. Kyra is an 8th grader at Lexing- Fort Myers. Set during the insidious rise of ton Middle School who enjoys spend- The dinner and sing-along are free Nazism in Weimar Germany, this dark ing time with friends and family when and open to all, but reservations are musical adapted from the stage remains she’s not playing her ukulele or watch- requested. To make your reservation, a cautionary tale even today. In the ing makeup tutorials. For her mitzvah email [email protected] or call midst of rampant hedonism and ma- project, Kyra volunteered her summertime at the Gulf Coast Humane Society, Natalie at 239.834.9093. Reservations terialism, fascist ant-Semitism slowly snuggling, reading and supporting the dogs and cats. In addition, she spent are on a first-come, first-served basis but inexorably takes hold of a society time tutoring Hebrew to her fellow Temple Beth El classmates. since our capacity is 180 in the dining that doesn’t see it coming. Kyra feels very blessed to have studied under the guidance of Morah Dale room. If you are coming with a group Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Cohen and Rabbi Luna, and for the support from everyone at TBE. She is of four or more, try to come a bit earlier December 13 in the C.F.S Community extremely excited for the day to finally arrive and share this special time with to save places together at a table. You Hall. Pack a dinner. Admission and soft family and friends. are encouraged to bring a menorah and drinks are free. FGCU to offer course on BIRTH Mazel Tov to Whitney and Lee American anti-Semitism Rabidue and to big sister Sani- lorida Gulf Coast University is and actual assaults on American Jews bel on the birth of Merritt Trevor, offering a new 15-week course and their institutions, this course also who was brought into the Brit Mi- Fin its Integrated Studies Depart- examines American anti-Semitism’s lah by Rabbi Diamond on October ment’s Issues in American Culture modern roots. Anti-Semitic expres- 23, when his name in Israel was and Society program titled “American sions from both the Left and the Right announced to be Anshel Avraham Anti-Semitism: The Old World’s Toxic as well as from political and religious ben Hannah. Barukh Haba! Wel- Legacy to the New.” Classes take place leaders will be studied. The course come Anshel! from 1:30 to 4:15 p.m. will also explore what ap- starting Tuesday, January 8 proaches might be effec- in Edwards Hall 112. tive in stemming the tide The course, taught by of the scourge that threat- Rabbi Bruce Diamond, a ens more than just Amer- longtime “super adjunct” ica’s Jews as it assaults OBITUARY at the university, is open to the very roots of what it Heartfelt condolences to the children and informal auditing. Those means to be an American. grandchildren of Walter G. Steindler, 90, 60 an older can register at Originally scheduled of Estero, who was laid to rest on October no charge for the course, and while not for next fall’s semester, the depart- 31. A practicing attorney from Long Island, receiving academic credits, will be giv- ment asked to move this course up to Steindler was a World War II army veteran, en an FGCU email address and have next semester in response to this rising as well as an avid outdoorsman and photog- access to the school’s Canvas commu- threat in the United States. rapher. The Steindlers are Community Free nications system. For more information, please email Synagogue participants. “May God console An examination of the alarm- Rabbi Diamond at synfree@comcast. you in the midst of other mourners of Zion ing increase of anti-Semitic rhetoric net. and Jerusalem.”

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Life Cycle events – births, B’nai Mitzvah, engagements, weddings, SOPHOMORES, anniversaries and obituaries. For B’nai Mitzvah, JUNIORS AND SENIORS please include up to 150 words about your child. Submit your events to [email protected]. OPEN HOUSE Photos are appreciated; please e-mail as JPGs at 300dpi. For Parents & Teens THE SIMKO ISRAEL VOLUNTEERS ENGAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP NEEDED Date: Sunday, December 9, 2018 Time: 2:00-3:00 P.M. Help us deliver Hanukkah Gift Bags Where: Jewish Federation Community Room to our Adult Community! 9701 Commerce Center Ct. Fort Myers 33908 Bags will be available for pick up at our To Register call Zohar at 239.433.0201 or [email protected] office on: Wednesday, 11/28 — Friday, 11/30 Build Leadership and Israel Advocacy Skills From 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Communication * Collaboration * Decision Making Self Awareness * Advocacy * Values Please contact Debbie at

239.481.4449 ext. 4 Featuring: Zohar Ben Hamu - Shlicha, Temple Judea Sponsored by: Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties or by email at: [email protected] Thank you! L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7 Temple Judea sponsors Christmas Day breakfast for the hungry By Rabbi Marc Sack n Tuesday, December 25, Also, small gifts, such as toiletries and arranged for the STARS Complex and will be donated to Community Coop- Temple Judea will serve a socks, will be collected and wrapped Carrie Robinson Center to be opened erative, a soup kitchen and food pantry Obreakfast for the hungry at to be handed out to each guest as they for the cooking and preparing of the on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. the STARS Complex on Edison Av- leave the event. meal. Local businesses, some of which Unused money donations will be given enue. With the support of the City of A year ago, Christmas fell on a wished to remain anonymous, commit- to food charities. Fort Myers, as well as local businesses, Monday and, at the regular morning ted to donations of food and supplies. Judaism teaches that we serve God Temple Judea members will prepare minyan that day, Rabbi Marc Sack Members of the congregation came by serving other people. On Christmas and serve a breakfast of eggs, bagels, challenged the congregation to find forward with donations of money and Day, Temple Judea hopes to give the hash brown potatoes, tomatoes, fruit some way to serve the community on time. hungry something to celebrate. For and sweets from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. that day. Out of this challenge, Jan All leftovers from the breakfast more information, call 239.433.0201. Musical entertainment will be pro- Klein, a Temple Judea member, said vided. People will socialize with the that she’d like to coordinate a break- guests. The children of the congrega- fast for the hungry. Mayor Randy Hen- tion will decorate holiday placemats derson, City Manager Saeed Kazemi that will be laminated for each guest. and Parks Director Richard Moulton Chabad of Charlotte County events and programs New women’s course Chanuka at the Mall “Larger than Life, Weaving G-D into Join Chabad for the 14th annual Com- the Details,” takes place Tuesdays, munity-wide Chanukah Celebration once a month, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m., Lesson 1: Hide and peek: the right inside the Port Charlotte Town Center to privacy Mall in front of Dillard’s. The event is Lesson 2: Carried away: the con- open to the public free of charge. Enjoy sumed consumer a Grand Menorah Lighting, live music Lesson 3: The pledge fund: a chari- by Klezmania on the Gulf, hot latkes, table foundation donuts, a dreidel house, crafts and fun HotWorks.org Lesson 4: With all due respect: for the entire family. honoring our parents For more information, please call ™ Lesson 5: Whistle while you work: 941.833.3381 or visit www.chabadof Naples Fine Art Show the balancing fact charlottecounty.com. Lesson 6: Cause and effect: a soul- Menorah Lighting December 15 & 16, 2018 ar panel on social activism at Fisherman’s village Lesson 7: On higher ground: with This year we will once again have a Galleria Shoppes At Vanderbilt, Naples liberty and justice for all Menorah Lighting at Fisherman’s Vil- Course fee: $100 (includes seven lage in Punta Gorda. Join us on Satur- classes and course workbook); or $18 day, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. for music per class and refreshments. For more information, please call For additional Chanukah events, Sheina at 941.258.0188 or visit www. please visit our website. chabadofcharlottecounty.com. ELIMINATE YOUR PAIN RESTORE YOUR MOBILITY REGAIN YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

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HotWorks.org Facebook.com/HotWorksArtShows Instagram @HotWorksArtShows Todd Vaughn, Sculpture “We invest ourselves personally in every patient’s progress and goals. This is all part of having a Professionally Juried Fine Art & Fine Craft Show true commitment and passion for what we do.” HotWorks Shows are Voted in the top 100 Art Shows in the Nation Galleria Shoppes At Vanderbilt, Naples Saturday, December 15 & Sunday, December 16 ~ 10am-5pm Daily Free Admission & Free Parking Youth Art Competition – Grades K-8 or ages 5-13 ~ more info www.hotworks.org Visit the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples booth on Sunday from 10-5 Visit our Estero Fine Art Show™ – Jan 5 & 6, 2019 outdoors at JetBlue Park, Fort Myers and our THE RESULTS YOU WANT. THE CARE YOU DESERVE. 2nd Naples Fine Art Show™ – March 30 & 31, 2019 outdoors at Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, Naples

™ Thomas S. Zeller, DPT & Associates See Art, Love Art, Buy Art! See You There! www.YourBestTherapy.com Fort Myers 239-432-0556 Cape Coral 239-772-2363 L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 8 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Community vigils to honor the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh Temple Beth El vigil Shalom Life Center vigil ore than 800 people packed Rabbis Nicole Luna, Michael halom Life Center hosted a community provides a safe space for us the sanctuary at Temple Beth Schorin, Stephen Fuchs and Marc Sack vigil and prayer service for the all to share our sorrow and grief as well MEl on Monday, October 29 spoke about the Jewish values of civic SSouthwest Florida community as our joy and song. to honor the victims of the Pittsburgh engagement, community building and on Monday, October 29 to mourn the The shooter expressed himself with shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue hope. lives of the 11 victims who were shot hate. Our vigil allowed us to express and to stand in solidarity with the Jew- The entire congregation joined in and killed in the horrific attack in Pitts- ourselves with love, light, music and ish community. song as Cantor Richard Bessman of burgh at congregation Eitz Chayim. prayer. The power and positive energy The Interfaith Community Vigil, Temple Beth El led everyone in sing- People of all faiths joined together in of this memorial service was evident organized by the Lee County Board ing “Oseh Shalom.” The crescendo solidarity as they sent thoughts of lov- of Rabbis, brought out friends and of almost a thousand voices, joined ing healing to those who were injured, neighbors from the Christian, Mus- together singing, brought many to the the families of the bereaved, and all lim, Hindu and Buddhist communities. verge of tears. those feeling the pain and suffering of Multiple organizations joined as well, The prayer for healing, Mi Shebei- this tragedy. Hand in hand, our com- including representatives from the In- rach, led by Michael Scolnick, encour- munity sang songs of hope, prayed and terfaith Action Group, Lee Interfaith aged everyone in attendance to pray for comforted one another. The vigil was for Empowerment and the Coalition of all those injured, including the brave followed by an open discussion. Immokalee Workers. first responders who ran towards the It was amazing to see the support, The evening included many voices shooter. with people of different faiths and be- and representatives of the Lee County At the close of the vigil, all clergy liefs gathering together to make this faith community. Rev. Clint Cottrell and Jewish war veterans were invited event so very meaningful and healing. of Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church, up on the bimah to join in singing Candles were held by each member Rev. Allison Farnum of the Unitarian “God Bless America.” As over twenty who attended the event and were lit to Universalist Church of Fort Myers, and people came up and held hands, every- symbolize those who perished in this Mohamed Al-Darsani of the Islamic one rose, inspired by the solidarity, and senseless attack. The names of those for all to see and feel as we encour- Center for Peace shared readings and committed to building a more peaceful who were murdered were read by those aged each other to fight against bigotry reflections from their traditions in sup- and compassionate world. in our community who had a personal by expressing love to one another report of the Jewish community. connection to the victims. We honored gardless of race or religion. The Jew- their names with Hebrew and English ish people are an Or Ha Goyim, a light prayer and acknowledged that their unto all the nations. Our message of memory will always be for a blessing, tikkun olam, the healing of the world, Zichronam L’vracha. is meant to be shared by everyone. We are taught, Ve’ahav’ta lere’ We are blessed and honored to be acha ka’mocha, Love your neighbor a part of this great journey we take to- as yourself! Shalom Life Center is a gether toward the day when all in this reflection of this simple yet powerful message. It makes no difference if you’re Jewish, Gen- tile, Muslim or Hindu. All life is precious, and we’ll never let anyone destroy our hope for living in a world where all can live together in peace. As one human family, we show the world the importance of standing strong in our resolve for restoring peace and tran- world will live as one. Judaism teaches quility to the Jewish community and us that a little bit of light pushes away the whole world. the darkness. We are guided by G-d’s We are blessed that we have one Divine light that illuminates our path another to lean on. Our sacred, spiritu- to a better world. We pray that this day al and welcoming Shalom Life Center will be upon us soon.

ÎÎ Fun for the whole Family ÎÎ Great Jewish Music ÎÎ Lighting of the Grand Menorah ÎÎ Miamonidies Hebrew Day School choir Sunday, December 2 at 3:30 p.m. ÎÎ Clown, Face Painting ÎÎ Arts & Crafts New Boat & Location ÎÎ Chanukah Refreshments & Dinner Algae-free Water Dock C-1 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers This event is sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of SWFL. For reservations and more information, please call 239.433.7708 or email [email protected]. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9 Community vigils to honor the victims of the shooting Naples Fine Art Show feature artist By Tom Hall at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh enowned organizer Hot Works, quickly discovered that he could piece the interplay of light, color, shape and LLC is bringing three fine art together scenes on windows, sliding shadow reflect cosmic truths or some Rshows to Southwest Florida glass doors and storefronts from these cogent commentary on the human con- this season, and one of the artists whose colored films in much the same way dition in modern society denoted, as it work will be prominently featured in the that Henri Matisse used scissors and is, by the repudiation of fact and science, first of three shows in Naples is Marvin colored paper to fashion his renowned environmental damage and impending ‘Murf’ Murphy. posters and other cutouts during the final climatological cataclysm. For more than three decades, Mur- chapter of his storied career. Over the years, Murf has converted phy has been employing a keen sense “At some point, I began framing some of his more popular compositions of color and unique feel for design and them and taking them to art shows and into lithographs. Several have been form to create dynamic, multi-dimen- festivals,” Murf recounts. “The process popularized as art show posters and sional geometric abstract paintings evolved from there.” album and magazine covers – including that have earned him recognition on an Today, he affixes his colored film Hot Works’ award-winning 16th Or- international scale. Murf equates his cutouts to the underside of a plate of chard Lake Fine Art Show held in West compositions with cartography. But he’s clear glass in patterns that augment or Bloomfield, Michigan last July. A num- not interested in mapping out shorelines, contrast with the geometric patterns in ber can be found in the collections of Marvin ‘Murf’ Murphy with an Award of islands, continents or seas. He is busy the composition beneath the glass. As famous jazz musicians and other public Excellence ribbon at a recent show charting the universe and the unifying the beam of a gallery spotlight passes figures, including Dave Sanborn, Rich- Shoppes of Vanderbilt. The 22nd Estero threads that run through all of nature. through the glass and film cutouts, it is ard Elliot, Kenny Rankin, Dave Koz Fine Art Show takes place January 5-6 Toward that end, he has developed a focused, splintered and refracted to cre- and President Bill Clinton. He has also in its new home at JetBlue Park in Fort language of colors, lines and geometric ate mesmerizing highlights and shadows shared the limelight at environmental, Myers. Event hours are 10-5 daily. forms. But there’s an architectural qual- on the textured surface of the canvas. educational and social events with the While the Naples shows are new ity to his abstract works. Some of that Natural, organic light will produce the likes of Pamela Anderson, Bob Barker, this season, the Estero Fine Art Show same effect, although in Ivana Trump and former Vice President has been voted among the top 100 art a more diffuse, subtle and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore. fairs in America three years running. manner. In 2010, he presented his Earth The Institute for Arts & Education is The resulting three- Island lithograph to the newly-installed Hot Works’ associated 501(c)(3) non- dimensional, tactile Secretary-General of the United Na- profit organization that is dedicated to quality is a new wrinkle tions, Ban Ki-Moon. That work was fostering art in young children, cultural in the 100-year history also featured on the PBS Jim Brickman diversity, visual arts and community of the abstract art move- Beautiful World special. enrichment. For more information, visit ment. But there’s more Hot Works’ Naples Fine Art Shows www.hotworks.org or see the ad on to Murphy’s abstrac- take place December 15-16 and again page 7. See Art, Love Art, Buy Art! See tionism than texture in the spring on March 30 at Galleria You There! and dimensionality. He also evokes a preoc- inheres in his use of thick layers and cupation with the building blocks of Chanukah impasto applied with brushes, palette the natural world and cosmology: and even putty knives. But he confers light, color and geometrical shapes, begins three-dimensionality on many of his particularly rectangles and squares. works by combining colored acrylic Silver Square, Yellow Light, Green Sunday films with glass that he sets about half Light, Across the Sky, New Horizons, an inch from the painted surface of his Golden Moon and Color Source are night, underlying canvas. the names of just a few of his contempo- When he was just starting out, Murf rary constructs. These cues aside, Murf had a day job tinting car windows. He leaves it to his viewers to intuit whether December 2

L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 10 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Oh latkes, latkes, latkes, I made you Stars of David out of cauliflower – recipe by Dalia anukkah has so many won- er is the most desirable vegetable of the or shakshuka (a delicious Israeli break- derful aspects, it’s no wonder year, to take advantage of the trend and fast dish of eggs poached in a thick Hwhy it is most Jewish people’s to make cauliflower latkes this coming spicy sauce of onions, peppers and favorite holiday. With all the delicious Hanukkah, using potato starch to hold tomatoes). food, the exchanging of gifts and all the the batter and for the traditional taste. These Cauliflower Latkes are per- fun parties, it’s a hard holiday to beat. To I recommend serving latkes fresh fect for a Hanukkah or any other cel- add to that list are the Hanukkah donuts within 10 minutes of frying them. I also ebration. They are healthier and lower and Hanukkah gelt. love topping our latkes with an array of in carbohydrates than traditional potato One of the very best things about delicious choices, from sweet to savory latkes. I think they are tastier and also Hanukkah is the latkes. No Hanukkah and from ordinary to extraordinary: easier to prepare. celebration is complete without latkes. Ingredients: This is one of the most famous of Jew- • 1 head fresh cauliflower, washed ish foods. and cut into florets I was born and raised in Israel, • 3 eggs, beaten and grew up spinning dreidels and eat- • 1 big yellow onion shredded ing sufganiyot (Hanukkah jelly-filled • ½ cup potato starch doughnuts). When I came to America • 2 tsp salt Personal Chef Dalia Hemed years ago, my first attempt at cooking • ½ tsp white pepper (or black can be reached at latkes was a minor disaster. Luckily, pepper) [email protected]. I’ve learned a thing or two since then. I • Oil, for frying thought it would be fun to share some of Instructions: cooking, if desired. Take care to my most helpful tips, so you can avoid XX Before you begin making the latkes, make sure the egg and seasonings the latkes pitfalls that I’ve experienced place your wire cooling rack close are fully mixed throughout the cau- along the way. to the area where you will be frying liflower shreds. Making crispy potato latkes is a the latkes. XX Scoop up 3 tbsp of the latkes mix- skill every Jewish cook wants to master. XX Cut the cauliflower into large flo- ture and shape into a tightly com- It’s not a great secret – it just requires a rets. pacted disk. few easy steps to ensure crispy, golden XX In a large soup pot, bring a few XX Place the disk carefully into the latkes every time. inches of water and 1 tsp salt to a hot oil. Latkes can break apart at Latkes are traditionally made from boil. Add cauliflower florets. Cover. this point, as they’re very delicate. potatoes because they were plentiful applesauce, cream cheese and smoke Turn heat down to low. Cook for If you can get them into the hot oil and easy to obtain for Eastern European salmon, or even an Israeli twist, like approximately 5 minutes. in one piece, chances are they will Jewish cooks. However, there is no law Israeli salad or even sabiche (a classic XX Drain the cauliflower in a colander stick together. Frying them is like that says latkes have to be made from Israeli dish consisting of fried eggplant, and let it cool. the “glue” that holds them together. potatoes. I decided, that since cauliflow- hardboiled egg, Israeli salad and tahini) XX Place cauliflower in food processor It takes a gentle touch, and it may and press the pause button for three- take you some practice to get the second pulses until the cauliflower “feel” for it. looks like the texture of rice. XX The oil should sizzle but not pop XX Grate the onion using the grater or when the latke hits it. If the oil food processor attachment with fine jumps wildly or smokes, it is too Each Tuesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg holes (small shreds). hot. If it only bubbles weakly, the is held at the Jewish Federation. XX Place cauliflower in a mixing bowl. oil is not hot enough. Use the first Add the onion shreds and mix to- latke to test the oil temperature, and Players must be at least advanced beginners, as no gether. don’t fry a whole batch until the lessons are given. XX In a skillet, add oil to reach a depth temperature is right. of 1/8 inch. Heat slowly over me- XX Continue shaping the latkes in this DAY: Tuesdays, 12:30~3:30 P.M. dium to about 365 F. I prefer to cook way, using 3 tablespoons of cauli- FEE: $1 per week my latkes in peanut or grapeseed oil, flower mixture for each latke. Fry both of which have higher smoke in batches of 4-5 latkes at a time

points. Grapeseed is a healthier oil (no more than that – don’t crowd with no cholesterol, while peanut oil the pan) for 2-3 minutes per side is great for frying and adds flavor to until brown and crispy. Note: If your the latkes. latkes aren’t holding together, stir XX While the oil is heating, use the fork more potato starch into the mixture, to stir the beaten eggs, potato starch, 2 teaspoons at a time, until the batter salt and pepper into the cauliflower “holds.” You can also add another

and onion shreds. You can add salt egg to the mixture if needed.

for more information call and pepper to taste. I add about 1 XX Remove the latkes from the pan us- Rona Strausberg at 239.949.9003 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. You can ing a metal spatula and place them sprinkle on more salt to taste after on the wire cooling rack to drain.

Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida Opening Day Event—Sunday, January, 13th, 2019 4:00 P.M. Regal Belltower Stadium 20 Exclusive *VIP Sponsor Reception, 2:00 P.M. Location TBA

Introduction to the film and Q & A with When the Graduate Beverly Gray, author of Seduced by premiered in 1967, its Mrs. Robinson. The book brings to light filmmakers had modest The Graduate’s influence on the future of expectations for a small, filmmaking and explores how it rocked the sexy adaptation of an late-sixties world, reflecting and changing obscure first novel by an the era’s views of sex, work and marriage. eccentric 24-year-old. Ms. Gray spent nearly a decade in the film The film was a monster industry as a story editor and has covered the hit, with an extended run entertainment industry for in theaters and The Hollywood Reporter. 7 Academy Award *Special Meet & Greet for Sponsors nominations. To become a sponsor or for more information, please contact Debbie Sanford at 239.481.4449, ext. 4 or [email protected] To purchase tickets, visit www.jfedlcc.org/JFF2019 L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 Stars of David Interested in Your By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to Family’s History? be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Nate Bloom (see column at left) has become a family history expert in 10 Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start Pittsburgh Notes to everybody who’s grieving. What can with a limited search of one family line. Like many others, I was struck by the we do that’s positive, active? I just made vibrant, tight-knit nature of the Pitts- a gift to HIAS. Perhaps that. And vote. So here’s the deal: burgh Jewish community. Therefore, I’m searching.” Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. I wasn’t surprised when even a quick BIANNA GOLODRYGA, 40, Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that search revealed that a number of famous recently joined CBS This Morning as Jews were born and raised in Pittsburgh the show’s 4th anchor. By now, every- goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. or mostly grew up there. Here is my one knows that the synagogue shooter The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, quick list: Actor JEFF GOLDBLUM, said he was enraged by the role of the 66; high-tech and sports business- Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate man MARC CUBAN, 60; LORIN in helping refugees. On October 28, friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out MAAZEL (1930-2014), violinist, Golodryga told her CBS colleagues how great for them. So contact him about this as well. composer, and conductor of many top HIAS helped her family. HIAS, she said, orchestras, including the Pittsburgh bought her family’s airline tickets to Symphony; Pulitzer Prize-winning America from the former Soviet Union first story co-starsTIM BLAKE NEL- Justice RUTH BADER GINSBURG, novelist MICHAEL CHABON, 55; re- and, therefore, “This story [the shoot- SON, 54, and DAVID KRUMHOLTZ, 85, and her late husband, attorney porter HOWARD FINEMAN, 69; New ing] hits close to home.” She added, “I 40. JAMES FRANCO, 40, stars in the MARTIN GINSBURG (1932-2010). York Times editor BARI WEISS, 34. remember my parents every month, as second story, and our Canadian lands- As Justice Ginsburg said in her confir- Both Fineman and Weiss grew up in much money as they could, maybe $20 man, SAUL RUBINEK, 70, stars in the mation hearing, her husband was not Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood a month, they would write checks to pay sixth story. the typical ’50s era man. He saw no and noted in TV news appearances that HIAS back for bringing us here.” Kids might like the new entry in the reason why women shouldn’t be treated they attended the neighborhood’s Tree Golodryga was born in the for- Transformer series. It’s called Bumble- equally, and he fully supported his of Life synagogue and had their bar/bat mer Soviet republic of Moldova (on bee and it’s the first entry in the series wife’s ambition to be an attorney. The mitzvah there. Weiss wrote (October the Romanian border). She was 18 not directed by MICHAEL BAY, 53. film’s climax comes when the couple 27) a moving op-ed piece for the Times months old when she and her family In this live-action film, Bumblebee is team up in 1972 to argue, and win, about the shooting – “A Massacre in the came to the States as political refugees a Transformer “disguised” as a yel- a landmark sex-discrimination case. Heart of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood: (they arrived with $75). They settled low Camaro (car) with black stripes. Felicity Jones plays Ruth and Armie Squirrel Hill will continue to live by in Houston. Her father is a mechani- The year is 1987 and Bumblebee Hammer plays Martin. (The ‘gorgeous’ the values that Jews have sustained for cal engineer. Her mother is a Senior takes refuge in a California junkyard. Hammer is not absurd as Martin. Mr. more than 2,000 years. They can never Vice President at Phillips 66 Oil Co. There its befriended by Charlie, a teen Ginsburg was a very handsome man.) be gunned down.” (Her title references (in charge of digital media). In 2010, girl (HAILEE STEINFELD, 21). By the way, if you get Hulu, you that Fred Rogers lived most of his adult Bianna wed (in a Jewish ceremony) PAMELA ADLON, 52, plays Charlie’s can stream RBG, a well-made 2018 life in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood.) PETER ORSZAG, 49, the former mother (opens Friday, December 21). documentary about the Justice. It’s On October 29, Jeff Goldblum post- budget director in the Obama admin- Opening Tuesday, December 25 also available on Amazon, etc., for ed to Instagram a photo of a statement istration. They now have two children. is On the Basis of Sex, a bio-pic about a fee. he handwrote on a plain piece of white Movie Notes paper. It said: “I was born and raised in The COEN brothers’ original film The Read the current and recent issues of L’CHAYIM Pittsburgh. Near Squirrel Hill. These Ballad of Buster Scruggs was released events are devastating. And infuriating. on Netflix on November 16. Six differ- online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. I send my love and deepest sympathies ent tales from the Old West are told. The Location. Location. Shell Point

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Introduction to the film and Q & A with When the Graduate Beverly Gray, author of Seduced by premiered in 1967, its Mrs. Robinson. The book brings to light EXPLORE SHELL POINT TODAY! filmmakers had modest The Graduate’s influence on the future of expectations for a small, filmmaking and explores how it rocked the ATTEND A DISCOVERY SEMINAR | 9:30 A.M. sexy adaptation of an late-sixties world, reflecting and changing obscure first novel by an the era’s views of sex, work and marriage. Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday eccentric 24-year-old. Ms. Gray spent nearly a decade in the film December 4 December 11 December 18 The film was a monster industry as a story editor and has covered the hit, with an extended run entertainment industry for in theaters and The Hollywood Reporter. Reserve today; call 7 Academy Award (239) 529-4749 or 1-800-780-1131. *Special Meet & Greet for Sponsors nominations. Or, reserve online at shellpoint.org/seminars. Shell Point is located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River To become a sponsor or for more information, please contact To purchase tickets, visit www.jfedlcc.org/JFF2019 just 2 miles from the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Unparalleled setting. Unparalleled lifestyle. ™ Debbie Sanford at 239.481.4449, ext. 4 or [email protected] Shell Point is a nonprofit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc. www.shellpoint.org ©2018 Shell Point. All rights reserved. SLS-3730-18

SLS-3730-18 L'Chayim AD - Seminars DEC.indd 1 11/7/18 9:32 AM L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 12 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Saving the children By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD n the night of November 9-10, On November 15, 1938, in the im- and one small suitcase. None were ac- especially during the summer of 1939. 1938, the Nazis launched the mediate aftermath of Kristallnacht, Jew- companied by their parents; a few were The Kindertransport program ef- Opogrom that became known ish leaders in Britain appealed directly to babies carried by children. Most were fectively ended in September 1939, as Kristallnacht. In response, the Brit- Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain for marked with a name tag on their clothes when Germany attacked Poland, though ish government approved a measure help in rescuing Jewish children from for identification. one last transport for Britain left from to allow the entry Germany and Austria. Specifically, they The firstKindertransport left Berlin the Dutch port of Ijmuiden on May 14, of Jewish refugees asked that immigration requirements on December 1, 1938, bringing 196 chil- 1940, one day before Holland surren- younger than 17 – on be altered so that unaccompanied Jew- dren from a Jewish orphanage burned by dered. The 80 children on board had the proviso that they ish children might be allowed into the the Nazis during the night of the pogrom been brought by earlier transports to had a place to stay country on a temporary basis. In short on November 9. It arrived in Harwich what was expected to be a safe haven in and landing money order, Parliament took up the issue and the following day. the Netherlands. Despite the remarkable of £50 to enable them agreed to the request, deciding not to Most transports left by train from figure of around 10,000 children who eventually to return set a limit on the number of children to Vienna, Berlin, Prague and other major were saved and resettled in Britain, there  Dr. Paul home. On December be admitted. Various Jewish relief agen- cities. Hundreds of children, who did is room for speculation to suggest that Bartrop 2, 1938 – exactly 80 cies swung into action, as did the World not go straight to the UK, remained had the program commenced earlier, years ago this month – the first arrivals Jewish Relief Fund, which worked with in Belgium and Holland, safe for the that number would certainly have been of Jewish children arrived in Britain. British officials in identifying children time being. On one occasion, a Dutch much larger. It took the November Much of the preliminary work was to be moved and making arrangements social worker, Geertruida Wijsmuller- pogrom, however, for Jewish parents done by Jewish relief organizations, for their transport and resettlement. Meijer, went to Vienna to see Adolf in Germany and Austria to realize the which planned to rescue these German Once word was received of the Eichmann in person, demanding that urgency of the situation facing their and Austrian Jewish children in what British offer, Jewish community or- he permit children to leave for the families. became known as the Kindertransport ganizations in Germany and Austria United Kingdom immediately. After In 1945, with the end of the war, (children’s transport) program. Ulti- planned the best ways to send the suffering many indignities at the hands many Kindertransport children at- mately, the initiative would bring some children to safety. Parents would send of the Gestapo, she was granted per- tempted to reunite with their loved 10,000 unaccompanied children to letters through bodies such as the He- mission to take 600 children out of ones. Although some were successful, safety in Britain prior to the outbreak brew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS) Austria, and the first Kindertransport it was a sad fact that many were unable of war in September 1939. to sponsors in Britain; some of these from Austria was able to proceed. to do so, as their families had perished Kindertransport was the informal sponsors were Jewish, some not. In England, a number of hostels were in the Holocaust or been killed in other term used to describe the program. The Within days of the public announcement administered by members of the Zionist wartime tragedies. This month, 80 years official name of the effort was the Refu- of the Kindertransport program, some Habonim youth movement in order to after that first transport, it is worth gee Children Movement. For the most 500 British households offered to take house the children. Many others spent recalling once again the value of each part, Jewish children from Germany, in a child (and sometimes more than time with English families in cities or individual life saved – the more so when Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland one). Children were sent by train to the on farms in the countryside. it is considered that these were, literally, were “resettled” or “relocated” between Netherlands or Belgium, and then by Later, after the Germans invaded innocents abroad. December 1938 and September 1939. boat to Harwich in southeast England, Czechoslovakia, the program was ex- Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History The rescued children were resettled in where they were oriented and then re- panded to include Czech children, in an and the Dir. of the Center for Judaic, hostels, foster homes and sometimes settled. They left their homes without initiative that lay directly at the feet of a Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at on farms. valuables, a maximum of ten marks, British Jew acting in a private capacity, Florida Gulf Coast University. He can Nicholas (later Sir Nicholas) Winton. be reached at [email protected]. Several groups also came from Poland, In an address to students at Florida Gulf vital. He said, “When confronted by Coast University three days after the evil, don’t think; do.” Pittsburgh Massacre, Dr. Paul Bartrop, Citizens today must recognize that Director of the University’s Center for if all they do is feel outraged, then those Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Stud- who commit heinous acts will have won. ies, drew attention both to the horror of He acknowledged that when confronted what had happened on October 28 and by horrible events, we are always wiser to the urgency of each citizen taking after the fact and always seem to know personal responsibility for the future. what we would have done when it’s too He asked those in his audience, late. “But,” he said, “that’s no excuse for “How many of you here want to change simply turning away.” He concluded by the world?” When some of the students reminding the students that we are all put up their hands, Dr. Bartrop re- individually responsible for the actions sponded that he did not, himself, want we take or do not take – a salutary lesson to do so, noting that “If I try, I will fail.” for the times in which we live. He did, however, argue that he wanted Dr. Bartrop ended with the words of to “make my little corner of the world General Romeo Dallaire, the Canadian Specializing in a better place.” He said, “If my efforts commander of UN troops at the time of outpatient hip and can link up with yours, and yours and the Rwandan Genocide in 1994: “All knee replacement yours, then together we will succeed.” humans are human, and there are no Drawing on his experiences com- humans more human than others.” He bating anti-Semitism in his native then closed his address by charging the Australia, Dr. Bartrop explained to the students to “now go out and make your students that being shocked or disgusted corner a better place.” at events was not enough. Action was

PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13 A complex, brilliant family saga that explores especially during the summer of 1939. the early decades of the Jewish state The Kindertransport program ef-Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM fectively ended in September 1939, Promised Land: A Novel of Israel, led to safety with an American family. ment to finish the work of events over the 17-year when Germany attacked Poland, though by Martin Fletcher. Thomas Dunne He grew up with their children. Arie, the Third Reich. Peter plays span. Fletcher skillfully one last transport for Britain left from Books / St. Martin’s Press. then called Aren, was somewhat later a role in undermining these handles governmental the Dutch port of Ijmuiden on May 14, 416 pages. Hardcover $28.99. put on a train that took him, his parents efforts; some Germans are squabbles, power shifts, 1940, one day before Holland surren- and his sisters to the concentration bought off, threatened or wars large and small, and dered. The 80 children on board had artin Fletcher’s Promised camps. Aren alone survived, but at great otherwise persuaded to as- the texture of life under been brought by earlier transports to Land is a literary triumph of cost to his psyche. sist in Israel’s survival and pressure in the Jewish what was expected to be a safe haven in near-contemporary histori- Miraculously, the brothers are re- security efforts. state. the Netherlands. Despite the remarkableM cal fiction that is magnetic, surprising, united in 1947. Peter, who had been in Each of the brothers The author is clearly a figure of around 10,000 children whoand should be read and enjoyed for the U.S. Army, is already a founding falls in love with Tamara. great admirer of Israel, but were saved and resettled in Britain, there decades to come. agent of the young CIA. Learning of his Arie is the more aggres- he is not blind to issues that is room for speculation to suggest that The scope of the brother’s survival, he searches for him sive, as he is in most burst the bubble of unquali- had the program commenced earlier, book runs from in Palestine. Aren Berg is now named things. Tamara becomes his wife fied boosterism. A case in that number would certainly have been 1950, shortly after Arie ben Nesher, and Peter Berg decides and the mother of his children. But point is the inclusion of material sug- much larger. It took the November Israel’s establish- to become Peter Nesher, transferring Peter had wooed her and won her heart gesting that Israel too often provokes the pogrom, however, for Jewish parents ment as a modern his allegiance to the cause of Jewish first. He finds that his work as a shadow Palestinians into taking hostile, deadly in Germany and Austria to realize the nation, to 1967, a nationhood. person, a spy and operative, is at the action for the sole purpose of being able urgency of the situation facing their time of its most Peter becomes a leader in mat- center of his identity, and that identity to justify an overpowering response. families. severe testing. ters of Israeli security, and Arie be- is a threat to Tamara or any others who Such a response might have the end goal In 1945, with the end of the war,  Phil Fletcher deals comes a prominent are close to him. of resetting borders. many Kindertransport children at- Jason in wars: the wars entrepreneur who However, Arie’s un- In scope, vividness and the rep- tempted to reunite with their loved amongst the Jewish citizenry, the wars enjoys showing off faithfulness and materi- resentation of complex, intertwined ones. Although some were successful, with Israel’s neighbors, and the wars his wealth. Along the alism make him a poor forces, Fletcher’s book is a candidate it was a sad fact that many were unablewithin an extended family that contains way, another family match for Tamara. He for the highest acclaim: “masterpiece” to do so, as their families had perishedEgyptian Jews exiled (fortunately) to the enters their lives, a neglects her to feed his fits. I’m hoping for a sequel that reaches in the Holocaust or been killed in other Jewish state. family of Jewish- warped sense of impor- through the last third of the 20th century. wartime tragedies. This month, 80 years And there is the aftermath of war, Egyptian refugees tance and entitlement. As I did with Leon Uris’s Exodus, I also after that first transport, it is worth too, expressed through the sons of whose glory is their Peter marries a won- await the movie. (Since this review recalling once again the value of each Holocaust victims, the elder of whom beautiful, intelligent derful woman named Di- was first published, I have learned that individual life saved – the more so when reached freedom in the United States daughter Tamara. ana, who is also a security Promised Land is the first in a planned it is considered that these were, literally,before settling in Israel, and the younger The time markers professional. He is a good trilogy.) innocents abroad. son – emotionally wounded – who was move along: 1950, husband to her in spite This review first appeared in the Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History incarcerated, tortured and barely es- 1952, 1953, 1954, Martin Fletcher of his lingering feelings Washington Independent Review of and the Dir. of the Center for Judaic,caped with his life. 1956 and so on into the 1960s, with the for Tamara. Diana’s unexpected death Books and is reprinted with permission. Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at For all of its impression of com- author carefully developing his charac- creates an opening for Peter to test the Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeri- Florida Gulf Coast University. He can pactness, Promised Land is a novel of ters and his portrait of the burgeoning waters of a despondent Tamara’s needs. tus of English from the United States be reached at [email protected]. generations, reminiscent of the Old Tes- Israeli nation, along with reminders of It’s clear to him that Arie doesn’t de- Naval Academy. He reviews regularly tament’s presentation of Jewish families the constant menace of its nearby Arab- serve her, and yet Peter’s love for his for Florida Weekly, Washington Inde- to whom, as the story goes, the Creator Islamic neighbors. brother is genuine and deep. pendent Review of Books, Southern conditionally gave the original promised Egypt, the country with which All of the family’s ups and downs, Literary Review, other publications and land. What would seem more biblical Tamara’s father continues to identify all of the doings of younger siblings the Jewish Book Council. Please visit than warring brothers? even after his forced relocation to Israel, (Tamara’s brother) and children of the Phil’s website at www.philjason.word When they were still children, Peter becomes a place where hireling German principal players (sets of twins) are ef- press.com. Berg was put on a train that took him scientists, usually Nazis or Nazi sympa- fectively integrated with the march of west, the initial stage of a journey that thizers, work with the Egyptian govern-

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9701 Commerce Center Ct. Fort Myers, Fl. 33908 RSVP is required: [email protected] or 239.481.4449 Peter Golden , a historian/novelist has interviewed Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Bush as well as Henry Kissinger and FT MYERS: 13170 S. Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33907 Phone: (239) 415-2800 Prime Ministers Rabin, Peres and Shamir. NAPLES: 355 9th Street South, Naples, FL 34102 Phone: (239) 732-2400 Free and open to the community! A light dairy dinner will be served. ROBBSTUCKY.COM • NAPLES • FORT MYERS • SARASOTA Thank you to our generous sponsor: CORAL GABLES • BOCA RATON L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 14 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST West-Eastern Divan Orchestra What goes with what? – uniting Arabs and Israelis By The Wine Whisperer By Arlene Stolnitz ine lovers, whether beginning or advanced, are al- n 1999, renowned conductor Daniel dom and equality between Israelis and ways confronted with new Barenboim and his friend, the late Palestinians, and it is on this basis thatW things to learn. Wines from unheard- Edward Said, Arab-Israeli scholar we come together today to play music.” I of regions suddenly appear on the and activist, came up with an idea that The prestigious group has appeared Honest, caring and shelves (anybody know where Yecla they thought could be the promise in the United States in places such as is?), a new type knowledgable advice of the future for Carnegie Hall in New York City, Walt of grape, once Arab-Israeli rela- Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, about assisted thought extinct, tions. Called the The Kennedy Center in Washington, living options… is now being vin- West-Eastern Di- D.C., and Chicago Symphony Center ified and bottled. van, the name of in Chicago. at no cost to you! (So if you have the group is based Barenboim’s concept provides a any Piculit Neri Personal and professional on a set of poems forum for Israeli, Palestinian and other in your cellar, advice for you or a loved one by Goethe. Origi- Arab musicians to meet, talk and play be sure to let me when you need it the most nally, it was set up alongside each other. So far it has suc- know.) as a workshop for ceeded in its goal, but not without cost But perhaps Bruce B. Rosenblatt, Owner Arlene Stolnitz Israeli, Palestin- to Barenboim who has been targeted Senior Housing Expert one of the biggest challenges for all ian and Arab musicians with the hope as “a Jew hater” and “champion of the of us is trying to pair up wines with of “replacing ignorance with education, Palestinian cause.” He holds both Israeli 239.595.0207 different types of food. There are, of knowledge and understanding.” and Palestinian nationalities and even www.SeniorHousingSolutions.net course, combinations that are known By working together during re- owns a house in Jerusalem, although he as “classic pairings:” Port with Stilton hearsals and discussions, the experiment has been accused of “cultural rape” for cheese, for example, and foie gras with was meant to transcend deep ideological performing music by Wagner. Among Sauternes. Less elevated combinations divides. The experiment in coexistence some musicians there is a somewhat include one we all know and love: Chi- evolved into an orchestra that has be- cooled enthusiasm. Even though musi- anti with red sauce dishes like pasta come renowned in the world of music. cians acknowledge that it has made them and pizza. Beyond that, things get a bit Based in Seville, Spain, the orchestra more appreciative of their neighbors, sticky. consists of young musicians from coun- some comment “there’s a lot of heat, but Part of the puzzle is trying to find tries in the Middle East and includes they never resolve anything.” pairings for dishes that come from members from Egyptian, Iranian, Is- Recently, I have been reading a non-wine cultures, like China, India raeli, Jordanian, Lebanese, Palestinian, book by Amos Oz entitled Judas. A pas- and Thailand. There are solutions, and Syrian and Spanish backgrounds. sage that resonated with me reminded some great pairings, but that’s a col- In 2005, the West-Eastern Divan me of what Daniel Barenboim and Ed- umn all by itself. presented a program in Ramallah, its ward Said have set out to do. Mostly, it’s a matter of food chem- first performance in the Occupied Ter- “And I say this to you also, blessed istry. Why does no wine in the world go ritories. For many Palestinians, it was are the dreamers, and cursed be the man with asparagus? What acids and other a first. They had never seen Israelis in who opens their eyes. True, the dreamers flavor components in a particular dish a non-military setting. A young girl re- cannot save us, neither they nor their will enhance (or fight with) the chemis- marked to Daniel Barenboim, “You are disciples, but without dreams and with- try of the food? A good example is cit- the first thing I’ve seen from Israel that out dreamers the curse that lies upon us ric acid, which is very predominant in is not a soldier or tank.” would be seven times heavier. Thanks to wines like Sauvignon Blanc, especially It has not been a smooth road for the dreamers, maybe we who are awake the New Zealand versions. That leads the orchestra. There have been times are a little less ossified and desperate to what I call “the lemon law.” If you that orchestra members could not attend than we would be without them.” can put lemon on a dish, you can drink rehearsals due to escalations that have Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota Sauvignon Blanc with it. caused emotions to run high. In Arab Jewish Chorale, has sung in choral Here’s another: If you’re drink- cultures, music is only played for cel- groups for over 25 years. A retired edu- ing a very tannic young red wine, pair ebrations. The thinking was “should we cator, she is a graduate of the Gulf Coast it with a salty food. At a professional be playing at all?” For individuals who Community Leadership Foundation. A Senior Outreach Program tasting a few years ago, we sipped a have been positioned as enemies, the member of the Jewish Congregation young tannic wine, which puckered us hope that people who come from such of Venice, the Venice Chorale and the up pretty well. Then we had a lick of different backgrounds can get along Sarasota Jewish Chorale, her interest salt and tasted the wine again. No tan- peacefully is nothing more than a dream. in choral music has led to this series nins. Works with walnuts, too. Before the 2009 Gaza war, Barenboim of articles on Jewish Folk Music in the There are other aids and little tricks began the Divan’s performances with Diaspora. available. The internet is full of “food the statement, “We aspire to total free- pairing charts” that try to communicate the information graphically. Some are simple diagrams, and others are poster- Come out for lunch, see familiar faces sized tables with hundreds of listings and meet new friends at and combinations. our free monthly senior lunches Many times, wine and food pairings surprise us. During a recent stay Thursday, December 6th 12:00 PM Temple Beth El 16225 Winkler Rd. Ronny S Taschner DDS Fort Myers Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology rd RSVP by Mon., December 3 Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

Let us know if you will be driving or if you would like a volunteer to pick you up.

RSVP—Jodi Cohen 239-481-4449, ext. 2 or [email protected]

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Phone 239-936-0635 Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com For a continuously updated calendar of events, visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 15 What goes with what? By The Wine Whisperer ine lovers, whether begin- at the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa, DISCOVER WHAT IT’S ning or advanced, are al- Chef Pete Morales treated us to a pri- dom and equality between Israelis and ways confronted with new vate wine and food pairing experiment. Palestinians, and it is on this basis thatW LIKE TO HAVE AN things to learn. Wines from unheard- We paired the sea scallops with we come together today to play music.” of regions suddenly appear on the Hansell “Sebella” Chardonnay. The The prestigious group has appeared shelves (anybody know where Yecla acidity of the wine was a perfect bal- in the United States in places such as EXCEPTIONAL DAY, is?), a new type ance to the texture of the dish, and the Carnegie Hall in New York City, Walt of grape, once characteristic lemon zest and mineral- Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, thought extinct, ity accented the lemon in the dish. A VERY AY The Kennedy Center in Washington, E D . is now being vin- typical example of the “lemon law.” D.C., and Chicago Symphony Center ified and bottled. Next, we were treated to a duck in Chicago. (So if you have confit with Benovia Pinot Noir from Barenboim’s concept provides a any Piculit Neri Russian River Valley. I met Joe An- forum for Israeli, Palestinian and other in your cellar, derson from Benovia at the Southwest Arab musicians to meet, talk and play be sure to let me Florida Wine & Food Fest last Febru- alongside each other. So far it has suc-  Jerry know.) ary, and there’s a reason he’s been a ceeded in its goal, but not without cost 2674 Winkler Avenue Greenfield But perhaps signature vintner at that event. The to Barenboim who has been targeted Fort Myers, FL 33901 one of the biggest challenges for all earthiness of the Pinot supported the as “a Jew hater” and “champion of the of us is trying to pair up wines with smoky character of the broiled duck, 239-275-7800 Palestinian cause.” He holds both Israeli different types of food. There are, of each one enhancing the other. and Palestinian nationalities and even course, combinations that are known While it’s not possible to list every owns a house in Jerusalem, although he as “classic pairings:” Port with Stilton dish that goes with every wine, there has been accused of “cultural rape” for cheese, for example, and foie gras with are some basic principles that you can performing music by Wagner. Among Sauternes. Less elevated combinations apply to almost every situation. some musicians there is a somewhat include one we all know and love: Chi- 1. Champagne goes with anything. cooled enthusiasm. Even though musi- anti with red sauce dishes like pasta Same with other sparkling whites cians acknowledge that it has made them and pizza. Beyond that, things get a bit made in the Champagne method. more appreciative of their neighbors, sticky. We drink it at Thanksgiving be- some comment “there’s a lot of heat, but Part of the puzzle is trying to find cause it works with all the different they never resolve anything.” pairings for dishes that come from sweet and salty flavors of the dif- Recently, I have been reading a non-wine cultures, like China, India ferent dishes. book by Amos Oz entitled Judas. A pas- and Thailand. There are solutions, and 2. Old world wines go with old sage that resonated with me reminded some great pairings, but that’s a col- world foods. They’ve evolved me of what Daniel Barenboim and Ed- umn all by itself. together for centuries. Don’t fight ward Said have set out to do. Mostly, it’s a matter of food chem- tradition. A Chianti Classico with “And I say this to you also, blessed istry. Why does no wine in the world go (maybe) pasta and veal ragú would are the dreamers, and cursed be the man with asparagus? What acids and other be sensational. who opens their eyes. True, the dreamers flavor components in a particular dish 3. Sweet and spicy barbecue sauces cannot save us, neither they nor their will enhance (or fight with) the chemis- need bold, fruity wines like Zin- disciples, but without dreams and with- try of the food? A good example is cit- fandel…or Malbec from Argen- out dreamers the curse that lies upon us ric acid, which is very predominant in tina. would be seven times heavier. Thanks to wines like Sauvignon Blanc, especially 4. Cabernet Sauvignon is heaven the dreamers, maybe we who are awake the New Zealand versions. That leads with grilled meat dishes. And, are a little less ossified and desperate to what I call “the lemon law.” If you as we all know, that’s why the re- than we would be without them.” can put lemon on a dish, you can drink gional flag of the Margaux region Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota Sauvignon Blanc with it. in Bordeaux has a sheep on it. Jewish Chorale, has sung in choral Here’s another: If you’re drink- For more information, go to groups for over 25 years. A retired edu- ing a very tannic young red wine, pair Google Images and type in “Food and cator, she is a graduate of the Gulf Coast it with a salty food. At a professional Wine Pairing.” You’ll be overwhelmed Community Leadership Foundation. A tasting a few years ago, we sipped a at the number of charts, graphs and dia- member of the Jewish Congregation young tannic wine, which puckered us grams. of Venice, the Venice Chorale and the up pretty well. Then we had a lick of Sample widely. Sarasota Jewish Chorale, her interest salt and tasted the wine again. No tan- Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- in choral music has led to this series nins. Works with walnuts, too. er. He is Creative Director of Green- of articles on Jewish Folk Music in the There are other aids and little tricks field Advertising Group. His second Diaspora. available. The internet is full of “food wine book, Ask the Wine Whisperer, is pairing charts” that try to communicate now available on his website at www. the information graphically. Some are winewhisperer.com. simple diagrams, and others are poster- What do you think? sized tables with hundreds of listings Need to reach the editor of and combinations. L’CHAYIM? Send an email to Many times, wine and food pairings surprise us. During a recent stay [email protected]. What does exceptional senior living mean to you? At The Palms of Fort Myers it means a lifestyle where 24-hour Five Star service meets a world of opportunities. Savor a delicious meal prepared for you by our culinary Ronny S Taschner DDS team or whip up something special in your own Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology kitchen. Take an exercise class with your neighbors or start your day with our Coffee and Crosswords Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc #1 International Bestselling group. Our lifestyle is designed for the way you live. Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

Author Alyson Richman DISCOVER: • Month-to-month rental community 2pm, Tuesday, February 26,2019 • Five Star Dining Experience, featuring Signature Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd., recipes Fort Myers • Lifestyle360 program offering a full-schedule of For more information please contact activities Debbie Sanford at: [email protected] • Variety of in-house religious services or 239.481.4449 x4 • Scheduled local transportation for medical appointments and shopping • 24-hour care available, should your needs change 1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL • Exceptional senior living experiences

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www.ThePalmsAtFortMyers.com For a continuously updated calendar of events, INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE • REHABILITATION Assisted Living Facility License #AL07269 visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org. ©2018 Five Star Senior Living Pet Friendly L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 16 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Presents the 23rd Annual Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida All films will be screened at the Regal Belltower Stadium 20. Open seating at all films for general admission tickets. Tickets will be mailed up to December 31. Tickets ordered after December 31 will be available after 6:00 p.m. inside the theater on the day of the show. Sponsorship Sunday, January 13 at 4:00 p.m. opportunities are THE GRADUATE When The Graduate premiered in December 1967, its filmmakers had modest available that include expectations for what seemed to be a small, sexy art-house comedy adapted from an obscure first novel by an eccentric 24-year-old. Who knew this offbeat reserved seating. See story – a young man just out of college has an affair with one of his parents’ friends and then runs off with her daughter – would turn out to be a monster hit the form on page 18. with seven Academy Award nominations. *We will be joined by author Beverly Gray, author of Seduced by Mrs. Rob- inson, for an in-depth look at The Graduate’s the influence on the future of Thank You to these filmmaking and explore how it rocked the late-sixties world, reflecting and changing the era’s views of sex, work and marriage. Her insight into never- Sponsors of the before-revealed details will enlighten and entertain you. Language: English Running Time: 1 hr. 46 min. Jewish Film Festival:

Tuesday, January 15 at 7:15 p.m. Sunday, January 27 at 3:00 p.m.* THE OSLO DIARIES The year is 1992, and Israeli-Palestinian relations are at an all-time low. In an attempt to stop the bloodshed, a small group of Israelis and Palestinians meet in Oslo – secretly and against the law. The unsanctioned meetings that changed the Middle East forever are chronicled only by the negotiators’ diaries. Language: English Running Time: 1 hr. 37 min.

* Special Matinee at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island

Thursday, January 17 at 7:15 p.m. A BAG OF MARBLES This heartwarming adaptation of Joseph Joffo’s enduring memoir tells the story of the Nazi occupation through the eyes of the two young Jewish boys. De- spite their naiveté, their father knows that their best chance to escape the Nazi roundup is to flee on their own to Vichy, France, where their older brothers have found safe haven. Always one false move from tragedy, these tenacious children survive on courage, ingenuity and more than a bit of cunning as they make their precarious way through France hoping to reunite with their family. More than anything, it’s their brotherly bond that gets them through their ordeals. Language: French Running Time: 1 hr. 53 min. Sponsored by Sara and Brian Krivisky

Tuesday, January 22 at 7:15 p.m. THE SAMUEL PROJECT Eli gets to know his grandfather Samuel for the first time when he makes him Sylvia and Paul Simko the subject of an animated art project for school. With dreams of becoming Sara and Brian Krivisky a professional artist, Eli discovers that his Jewish grandpa, a San Diego dry John M. Wolf cleaner, was heroically saved from Nazi capture in Germany by a young woman when he was a boy. Barbara and Barry Epstein Judi and Richard Davis Language: English Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min. Marsha and Michael Kistler H. Michael and Cheryl M. Ron and Lin Klein Goldstein Rozzi and John Osterman Carolyn Gora Leni and Rabbi Marc Sack JoAnn and Jim Lewin Reeva and Ian Shaffer Julia Perry Mindi and Brian Simon Steve and Vicki Zellner Judith Yevick L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 17

Thursday, January 24 at 7:15 p.m. HUMOR ME A once-acclaimed New York playwright, Nate is struggling to finish his new play when his wife leaves him, taking their son. Desolate, broke and unable to pay the rent, Nate begrudgingly moves in with his widowed father, in his New Jersey retirement golf community. Bob, always quick with a joke, uses humor to deal with all of life’s challenges, even the death of his beloved wife. It drives Nate crazy. Thinking his son could benefit from some discipline, Bob sends Nate to work for an older ex-Marine who runs operations at the community. While at work, Nate stumbles on a senior citizen theater troupe staging a musical. Nate agrees to help but quickly realizes it won’t be easy to get these quirky seniors to cooperate. Ultimately, the father and son realize they each have their own forms of storytelling and come to appreciate their differences. Language: English Running Time: 1 hr. 33 min. Tuesday, January 29 at 7:15 p.m. The Jewish Federation of LET’S DANCE Lee and Charlotte Counties Let’s Dance examines how Israel, despite its reputation as a militaristic and “macho” society, became a recognized world leader in Modern Dance, and thanks the members of the formed part of its historical development. Through spectacular pieces of video- dance, rich archive material, interviews and visual demonstrations, the film 2019 Jewish Film Festival follows the circumstances that made Israeli Modern Dance one of the greatest local cultural achievements to date. It also examines the interrelation between Committee for their help two phenomena of the 20th century – Modern Dance (especially German Mod- in reviewing and selecting ern Dance) and Zionism (the evolution of the Israeli society). Let’s Dance looks at the joint effort exerted by these two movements to disconnect from the bonds films: of tradition and to create a new and revolutionary identity which stands for simplicity and social involvement. Sara Krivisky, Chair Language: Hebrew Running Time: 1 hr. 12 min. Carolyn Gora, Co-Chair Karin Fine, Claire Goldhagen, Thursday, JANUARY 31 at 7:15 p.m. Helene Glocer, Elisa Grossman, THE LAST SUIT Andi Horowitz, Jan Klein, Eighty-eight-year-old Holocaust survivor Abraham Bursztein is about to be put out to pasture by his children, who have sold his house in the suburbs of Buenos Carol Lovitch, Esta Rubinstein, Aires and booked him into a retirement home. Refusing to bow to family pres- Leni Sack, Lynn Talone sure, he sets off on an adventure from which he doesn’t expect to return. Fueled by a sense of duty, and a quest for closure and fulfillment, Abraham decides that the moment has come to fulfill a promise and seek out an old friend. With assistance from a cast of kindly strangers, the sharply-dressed suit maker travels by train across Europe from Spain to Poland, in search of the man who ORDER FORM saved him from certain death at Auschwitz. Undeterred by a series of travel mishaps, family foibles and geographical obstacles along the way, the hard Indicate your choices on the form below edges of the cantankerous Abraham gradually soften. and send it along with your payment to: Language: Spanish Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min. Sponsored by Sylvia and Paul Simko The Jewish Federation 9701 Commerce Center Court Tuesday, February 5 at 7:15 p.m. Fort Myers, FL 33908 Questions? Call 239.481.4449 x4 TEAM ISRAEL: or email [email protected] HEADING HOME Name______This is the David-and-Goliath story of Israel’s national baseball team as it com- petes for the first time in the World Baseball Classic. After years of crushing Address______defeats, Israel finally ranks among the world’s best in 2017. Its roster includes City______ST____ Zip______many Jewish-American major leaguers, most with a tenuous relationship to Judaism, barely any ever having set foot in Israel. Their odyssey takes them Phone______from the Holy Land, where they are hailed as modern-day Maccabees, to the Email______tournament in South Korea where they must debunk their reputations as has- beens and wannabes. The connection to Israel that the players forge pushes them Tickets will be mailed up to December 31. to unexpected heights as they represent the country on the world stage. Language: English Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min. Tickets ordered after December 31 will be available after 6:00 p.m. inside the theater the day of the show. Thursday, February 7 at 7:15 p.m. No refunds on tickets. 93QUEEN OPEN SEATING AT ALL FILMS Set in the Hasidic enclave of Borough Park, Brooklyn, 93Queen follows a group of tenacious Hasidic women who are smashing the patriarchy in their SERIES OF EVENING FILMS: $108 community by creating the first all-female volunteer ambulance corps in New INDIVIDUAL FILMS: $12 each York City. With unprecedented and insider access, the film offers up a unique portrayal of a group of empowered women who are taking matters into their Indicate # of tickets desired for each film: own hands to change their own community from within. _____ Series Ticket...... (all 10 films) Language: English Running Time: 1 hr. 30 min. _____ The Graduate...... 1/13/19 _____ The Oslo Diaries...... 1/15/19 _____ ...... 1/27/19 _____ A Bag of Marbles...... 1/17/19 _____ The Samuel Project...... 1/22/19 _____ Humor Me...... 1/24/19 Tuesday, February 12 at 7:15 p.m. _____ Let’s Dance...... 1/29/19 WHY THE JEWS _____ The Last Suit...... 1/31/19 The stunning accomplishments of the Jews raise a question no film dared ask _____ Team Israel: Heading Home...... 2/5/19 before. How do they do it? Some of the world’s most prominent thinkers tackle _____ 93Queen...... 2/7/19 a mystery shrouded in ignorance and prejudice. They tear back the curtain on a taboo and draw a startling link between a people’s achievements and the dark- _____ Why the Jews...... 2/12/19 est hours in its history. A contribution to humanity is enormous, unique and _____ Total Due exceedingly difficult to explain. From Moses to Maimonides, to Mahler, Marx, Freud, Einstein and some 197 Nobel Prize Laureates, the stunning social, sci- r Check payable to Jewish Federation enclosed entific and artistic accomplishments of the Jews raise an obvious question. How Charge: r MasterCard r Visa r Amex r Discover do they do it? Language: English Running Time: 1 hr. 11 min. Name on card______Card#______Exp. Date______L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 18 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

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I want to be a Reel Supporter Registration form deadline: December 21, 2018 Name: (exactly as you would like it to appear in advertising) ______Address: ______Phone: Email: ______I would like to be a: Please mail checks payable to:  Executive Producer  Producer Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9701 Commerce Center Court  Director  Screenwriter Fort Myers, FL 33908 Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Charleston • Estero • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale  Actor  Festival Friend www.finemarkbank.com • 239-461-5900 • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender Or call Debbie Sanford to pay by credit card over the Trust and Investment Services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value. phone. 239.481.4449 *5-Star Financial Rating issued by Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating and research ﬁ rm. Rating is 5 out of 5. 11 ways to survive an Israeli wedding Follow these tips, and you’re bound to be the life of the party – or at least enjoy the party of a lifetime – as only Israelis know how to do. By Jessica Halfin, October 25, 2018 o, you’ve gotten an invite to provided at the entryway (you know, the and their weddings often have gender- at home (we’re not exaggerating when your first Israeli wedding. Mazel one with the logo of the venue on it), separated dancing (and sometimes we say your Havianas will do), or at the Stov, you’re about to take part in write your message and stick your cash dining). But you never know what to very least, bringing along your flip-flops an extraordinary simcha (joyous occa- or check inside. Drop your envelope in expect. With Israeli millennials you can for the dancing. By the same token, sion) and a brand-new kind of wedding the adjacent lock box, and you’re good count on all kinds of wacky surprises, loosening your tie, or maybe just leaving experience! to go! for instance a formal ceremony followed it at home altogether, will help you fit in If you’re wondering what to expect Be prepared to see the bride by a pool party at a villa – keeping it with the crowd and make you feel more as an honored guest, we’ve laid it all out (and groom!) before the ceremony traditional yet casual at the same time. comfortable for the happy occasion. for you, with our 11 tips for not only Forget any wedding superstitions you Pucker up, and if you’re not a germo- Leave your sweet tooth at home surviving an Israeli wedding but living may be familiar with. Except for reli- phobe, drink from the communal cup More often than not, there is no wedding it up to the fullest. gious couples, Israeli brides and grooms Don’t be startled – as soon as the groom cake at Israeli weddings – gasp! This is Follow these tips, and you’re bound often pose for wedding photos in the smashes the glass and the ceremony partly because kosher wedding venues to be the life of the party – or at least afternoon before the ceremony. That ends, it’s not uncommon for the DJ to and meat-based meals usually mean a enjoy the party of a lifetime – as only play a popular modern spread of pareve (non-milk-based) des- Israelis know how to do. Israeli song at brain- serts instead of a buttery cake. It’s also Come HUNGRY smashing volume. because what many Westerners think of And we mean hungry with a capital Simultaneously, you as the best part of a wedding just isn’t H. Forget a measly portioned sit-down might find yourself a custom here. dinner, and appetizers that fit on a tooth- trampled by the wave Stick it in the category with other pick. Israelis go all-out at their wedding of guests rushing up things you might miss at an Israeli celebrations: an entire dinner-like buf- to the chuppah to kiss wedding, including a bridal party in fet of appetizers with drinks before the the newly married awkward bridesmaid dresses, and a ceremony even starts, followed by a full couple. father-daughter dance. But in the end, sit-down dinner including meal-sized Go with the flow all of these missing elements just allow formal appetizer, salads, main course A bride and groom prepare for taking portraits prior to their wedding, and get ready to kiss for more fun time for guests, and less and dessert. in the center of Tel Aviv (photo by FLASH90) someone who’s just ceremony. Get your tears out during the If you love to dance, filling up on means they won’t miss any of the post- been kissed by 600 friends and relatives chuppah, where it really counts. the first round might be your best bet to chuppah reception, maximizing their (get a jump on the crowd, and you could Get ready to imbibe and leave your allow you to get down post-ceremony dance and party time. be No. 5 instead of 500). And only for cash at home without feeling any hunger pains. Many brides and grooms also show the truly brave: Take a sip from the Israeli weddings can feel more like a Get out your checkbook up during appetizers to greet guests, be- ceremonial wine cup that the bride, club than a family event – if clubs had and ditch the card cause who doesn’t want to enjoy every groom and immediate family drank out an open bar and no last call. Drinks The logic behind this annoying ritual part of their own wedding? of during the wedding ceremony. It’s are typically served all night, free of is that you are symbolically paying for Prepare for the traditional to meet considered good luck! charge, and you might even get bottles your meal. Israelis don’t have the same the untraditional Give your feet a breather of soda, wine and maybe even vodka on tradition that Western countries have It may sound confusing, but when it and loosen your tie the table, allowing you to relax and feel where the family of the bride pays for comes to Israeli weddings, it’s perfectly Some may dress to the nines for an Is- like a guest instead of a paying customer the wedding, so your present is more normal for a secular couple to have a raeli wedding, but it’s also totally cool lining up to buy a watered-down drink. like chipping in and helping the happy Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) rabbi lead the to dress in, well, whatever you want. Just make sure you have a desig- couple pay for the grossly expensive ceremony. Alternatively, it’s common It’s not uncommon to see one person in nated driver to help you get home safely party, than giving a personal gift toward for religious Israelis to rock out to Jew- a cocktail dress with heels, and another at the end of the night, which could end their future. ish house or techno music during their in shorts and flip-flops. Many Israeli up being quite late (Israeli weddings But there’s no need to buy a fancy wedding party. grooms don’t even wear a tie or a suit typically take place on weeknights after Hallmark card. It’s totally mikubal Religious couples may request jacket. work). (socially accepted) to take an envelope that you abide by a modest dress code We suggest leaving your stilettos continued on next page L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19

Israeli wedding...continued from previous page naissance Orbiter – currently orbiting bringing in more than $214,000. Buy some ear plugs dancing. Best brush up on your dance the moon – will try to capture images “Whatever the community needs, So we said that Israeli weddings are moves before the big day, and we aren’t of the Israeli spacecraft during its land- we’ll be there for them,” Mohamed like clubs, but I bet you didn’t think we talking about the Electric Slide kind. ing. said. “If it’s guarding the synagogue, if meant literally. Think again! It seems Learn some classic Israeli wedding Also under the agreement, NASA it’s walking to the grocery store, we’ll like an Israeli rite of passage to have songs, and perfect that perplexing go-to will have access to data gathered by be there to support them. (The Week) wedding music so loud and so techno/ Israeli dance move that involves rock- the magnetometer installed aboard the house/dance oriented, that Grandma ing out while alternating lifting your spacecraft. This instrument, developed OCTOBER WAS RECORD might need to be treated for PTSD forearms up to chest level, palms open in collaboration with the Weizmann MONTH FOR ISRAELI afterwards. and exposed. Institute of Science in Rehovot, will TOURISM It’s not uncommon to see a baby or Get your smile on measure the magnetic field on and In October, 486,000 tourists visited Is- two as well, sleeping peacefully under a Israeli weddings are big happy family above the landing site. rael. Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said, wall of high-volume white noise, often affairs. You won’t find the phrase “no The agreement was signed by “The month of October broke a historic children allowed” on an NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine record with unprecedented numbers of Israeli wedding invita- and Avi Blasberger, director of the Is- almost half a million tourists that vis- tion (which, by the way, rael Space Agency, in the presence of ited Israel in just one month.” is customarily handed SpaceIL CEO Ido Anteby. Compared to the previous year, out or WhatsApped “I’m thrilled to extend progress in 65% more Hungarians and 50% more only a few weeks or commercial cooperation we’ve made Italians visited Israel in October, and days before the mar- in low-Earth orbit to the lunar envi- the country saw a 40% increase of visi- riage). ronment with this new agreement with tors from Poland, the Netherlands and So get your smile the Israel Space Agency and SpaceIL,” Romania. (Uri Bollag, Jerusalem Post) on. If Israelis do one said Bridenstine. “Innovative partner- thing well it’s unabash- ships like this are going to be essential ALIBABA’S JACK MA edly showing their gen- as we go forward to the moon and cre- LAUDS ISRAELI Israeli wedding reception (photo by Ariel Ravinsky/FLASH90) uine happiness for their ate new opportunities there.” INNOVATION equipped with highly effective earplugs. friends and family. Be prepared for a SpaceIL competed in the Google Jack Ma Yun, founder and executive Carry a pair in your pocket and pop them lot of smiles, laughs and good vibes. Lunar XPRIZE and continues to work chairman of e-commerce giant Aliba- in when it becomes too much, or else And say “cheese” for the photo magnet toward landing the first Israeli space- ba, told the Innovation Summit in Tel enjoy the ringing in your ears for a full souvenir you’ll take home! craft on the moon. Together, NASA Aviv: “Most people innovate for suc- day afterwards. Jessica Halfin is an American immi- and SpaceIL will collaborate on ana- cess, but Israel innovates for survival. Work on your dance moves grant who arrived in Israel in 2006. lyzing the scientific data returned from You have no diamonds, but you have Yea, we already mentioned it a million She is an Israeli-trained baker, gourmet the mission. (ISRAEL21c) a large diamond industry. You have no times, but it’s hard to overlook the fact cook, food and culture writer, and gives car industry, but you are a leader in auto that Israeli weddings are all about the foodie tours to tourists in Haifa. MUSLIM NONPROFITS technology. You have no water, but you RAISE MORE THAN export vegetables to Europe.” (Zhang $200,000 FOR TREE OF Hongpei, Global Times - China) BRIEFS LIFE VICTIMS’ FAMILIES After a gunman murdered 11 people at 15 ARAB, ISLAMIC NASA, ISRAEL SPACE As a part of the agreement, a retro- Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, COUNTRIES COOPERATE AGENCY INK DEAL FOR reflector from NASA will be installed the director of a local mosque was WITH ISRAEL MOON-BOUND MISSION on SpaceIL’s unmanned spacecraft. determined that the victims’ families 20% of Arab and Islamic countries This instrument reflects laser beams, The United States space agency, wouldn’t shoulder the funeral costs possess diplomatic relations with Isra- which will enable NASA to locate the NASA, signed an agreement on alone. el, the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment spacecraft precisely on the lunar sur- Wednesday, October 3 with the Israel Wasi Mohamed contacted two U.S. and Sanctions (BDS) global campaign face after the landing. Space Agency to cooperatively utilize Muslim nonprofits, MPower Change reported Monday, October 29. “Nine NASA will grant SpaceIL access Israeli nonprofit SpaceIL’s commercial and CelebrateMercy, and arranged Arab countries possess full diplomatic to its Deep Space Network communi- lunar mission, expected to land on the an online fundraiser. The fundraiser ties...while six others are experiencing cation services, and its Lunar Recon- moon in 2019. quickly shattered its $25,000 target, continued on page 21 11 ways to survive an Israeli wedding Experience Hospitality. at home (we’re not exaggerating when we say your Havianas will do), or at the very least, bringing along your flip-flops for the dancing. By the same token, loosening your tie, or maybe just leaving a Beautiful Retirement. it at home altogether, will help you fit in Experience with the crowd and make you feel more comfortable for the happy occasion. Leave your sweet tooth at home More often than not, there is no wedding The Terraces at Bonita Springs cake at Israeli weddings – gasp! This is Bonita Springs’ Only Continuing Care Retirement Community partly because kosher wedding venues and meat-based meals usually mean a spread of pareve (non-milk-based) des- serts instead of a buttery cake. It’s also because what many Westerners think of To retire beautifully is to as the best part of a wedding just isn’t a custom here. experience true hospitality, Stick it in the category with other unparalleled service, and things you might miss at an Israeli extraordinary care and security. wedding, including a bridal party in awkward bridesmaid dresses, and a father-daughter dance. But in the end, Discover the beauty your all of these missing elements just allow retirement can hold at The for more fun time for guests, and less Terraces at Bonita Springs. ceremony. Get your tears out during the chuppah, where it really counts. Get ready to imbibe and leave your CALL: cash at home 239-319-4042 Israeli weddings can feel more like a club than a family event – if clubs had VISIT: an open bar and no last call. Drinks TheTerracesAtBonitaSprings.com are typically served all night, free of charge, and you might even get bottles of soda, wine and maybe even vodka on the table, allowing you to relax and feel like a guest instead of a paying customer lining up to buy a watered-down drink. Just make sure you have a desig- nated driver to help you get home safely 26455 S. Tamiami Trail at the end of the night, which could end Bonita Springs, FL 34134 up being quite late (Israeli weddings E FRI ND T L E Y typically take place on weeknights after P

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diet” high in fruit, vegetables and fish. lence against Jewish people today. The couraged not only by the apology but Another is low alcohol consumption. Prime Minister also raised intimidation more so by the comments about the BRIEFS Another quite important reason is the of Jewish students on some Canadian need to fight anti-Semitism today, to close family structure in Israel. But college and university campuses by fight BDS and to make sure there is continued from page 19 probably the single most important fac- the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions no hate for Jews allowed anywhere lower-scale relations with Israel,” tor is the Israeli health care system. All [BDS] campaign against Israel. around the world, and certainly not in BDS said, noting the ‘Arab countries’ its citizens receive health care services Nimrod Barkan, Israel’s Ambas- Canada.” (Steven Chase, Globe and unprecedented normalization with Is- regardless of income or pre-existing sador to Canada, said, “We are all en- Mail - Canada) rael.” BDS rejects co-existence with health conditions. Yet Israel spends just Israel and countries who normalize 7.4% percent of its GDP on healthcare, For daily news stories related to Israel relations with it. (Middle East Moni- compared to the U.S., which spends tor - UK) about 18% of its GDP while still leav- & the Jewish world, visit the Federation’s ISRAEL INTRODUCES NEW ing out large numbers of people. website at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. All Israeli residents are covered by FARMING AND WATER one of four major health funds. Excel- TECHNOLOGY TO HANOI lent public hospital care is available The Israeli embassy has introduced equally to all sectors of society. Costs new technology in Hanoi. The “verti- are kept down through a combination cal rice field” was developed by Isra- of government controls, purchasing el-based Vertical Field, which designs power by the health funds, incentives and builds modular, lush, green verti- and competition. Israelis, who are cal gardens and fields. known to complain about much, usu- th An exhibition celebrating the 25 ally are complimentary about their Sundays at 4:00 P.M. anniversary of Vietnam-Israel diplo- health care. And with many now liv- matic relations featured a vertical rice ing well into their 80s, they should be. 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/23, 12/30 field covering 100 square meters that (Prof. Rafael A. Beyar, Times of Israel) combined the deployment of soil-based 1/6/19, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3 technology for water conservation and TRUDEAU WARNS plant nutrition. AGAINST MODERN ANTI- Also displayed was Israeli technol- SEMITISM IN APOLOGY ogy developed by Watergen that provides a low-cost, abundant and renew- FOR TURNING AWAY able source of fresh and clean drinking JEWISH REFUGEES water by extracting it directly from the FLEEING NAZIS atmosphere. (Vietnam News) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau formal- ly apologized Wednesday, November 7 Jewish Federation Community Room WHY ISRAELIS for Canada’s 1939 refusal to grant asy- LIVE LONGER lum to more than 900 German Jewish 9701 Commerce Center Ct., Fort Myers 33908 Israel is among the top countries in lon- refugees fleeing Nazi terror on the MS gevity with an average lifespan of 82.5 St. Louis. “[Hitler] watched...as we All ages & levels of dance experience are years as of 2016. Other countries on the refused their visas, ignored their let- longevity list – Canada, Sweden, Italy ters and denied them entry,” the Prime welcome. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a and Japan – are tranquil, wealthy and at Minister told the House of Commons. peace. But for Israel, confronted over “There is little doubt that our silence water bottle AND A FRIEND! its 70-year history with war and perpet- permitted the Nazis to come up with ual conflict, and a seven-fold increase their own final solution.” The U.S. in its population including a large and State Department made its own apol- RSVP a MUST to Marsha Kistler diverse immigrant base, these findings ogy in 2012. may come as a surprise. Trudeau warned of an “alarm- [email protected] One answer is a “Mediterranean ing rate” of discrimination and vio-

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. The response to Pittsburgh: A contrast between societies By Stephen M. Flatow, November 2, 2018 or friends of Israel, the scenes Pittsburgh, is regarded with revulsion by of the Popular Front for the Liberation tinians, it makes perfect sense. from Pittsburgh were all too fa- virtually all Americans, and prosecutors of Palestine (PFLP), the second-largest Here in the United States, the Fmiliar. Terrorist attacks on Israeli have already announced that they will faction in the PLO, which Abbas also Pittsburgh massacre has resulted in a synagogues, yeshivahs, Passover Seders seek the death penalty. chairs. To this day, Abbas still refuses tremendous outpouring of opposition and other religious sites and events have By contrast, the terrorists in Jerusa- to expel the PFLP from the PLO. to anti-Semitism and other forms of been a tragically frequent feature of the lem, Uday Abu Jamal and Ghassan Mu- The American equivalent would be bigotry. While I am sure that there are Arab war against the Jewish state. hammed Abu Jamal (who were killed in if some neo-Nazi gang to which Robert American racists smirking behind their This month marks the fourth an- the attack), are regarded as “heroes” and Bowers belonged was permitted to serve hands over the murders, in classrooms, niversary of one of the most notorious “martyrs” by the Palestinian Authority as an official affiliate of the Democratic on op-ed pages and throughout the attacks in Israel in the past few years. and Palestinian society at large. or Republican parties. To Americans, popular media, there have been, and On November 18, 2014, Palestinian The families of the two Palestinian that would be inconceivable. To Pales- continued on page 25 terrorists burst into the Kehilat Bnei killers each receive a payment of ap- Torah synagogue in Jerusalem’s Har proximately $1,000 every month from Nof neighborhood, and shot or axed to the Palestinian Authority. What is our response? death five rabbis (four of them Ameri- Despite a wave of international here is an old Jewish proverb as important as our answers.” (I know can citizens) at prayer, in addition to an criticism, P.A. leader Mahmoud Ab- that says: “The heart of man and that Mr. Rogers was a Presbyterian Israeli Druze policeman. bas has repeatedly vowed to continue Tthe bottom of the sea are unfath- minister, but sometimes he sounds aw- One cannot help but note the strik- paying terrorists and their families. Its omable.” I cannot explain to you why fully Jewish!) ing difference between how American 2018 budget provides $355 million for the shooting at the Tree of Life syna- So, what then becomes our re- society and its leaders responded to such payments – a whopping 7 percent gogue happened, why 11 people died sponse to this tragedy? For me, the the Pittsburgh massacre, and how Pal- of the P.A.’s total budget, and fully 46 and six more were answer comes from Leviticus 19:18: estinian Arab society and its leaders percent of the foreign aid that the entity wounded. I cannot “V’ahavta l’reyekha kamocha,” mean- responded to the Har Nof massacre. will receive this year. explain why this ter- ing “You shall love your neighbor as Robert Bowers, the terrorist in The Har Nof killers were members rible act happened yourself.” Just as our neighbors have in Pittsburgh, and in come out to demonstrate their solidar- my neighborhood of ity with us, let us do the same. Just as origin, Squirrel Hill. we love ourselves despite our short- Suffice it to say, evil comings, let us go out and show our  Rabbi exists. Our collective love for them. Michael J. memory goes back I will be looking for those small Schorin some 4,000 years, so opportunities that pop up, if we are this act, while terrible, isn’t even wor- paying attention. When we park, how thy of a blip on our radar screen. about if we put a quarter in the meter But for those of us who were pres- of a car whose time is about to run out. ent for the Jewish community vigil at When we are paying a toll, what if we Temple Beth El, the beginnings of a pay for the person behind us as well? response were formulated. Although Maybe this should include giving some several Christian clergy were invited money or food to one who is homeless to speak, and many more were pres- or serving meals at a local shelter. And ent, along with one Muslim clergy when someone crosses our path who who spoke and others in the audience, is elderly, or downcast, that should be my sense was the response was not in our golden invitation to step up our re- the words that were spoken, nor by sponse. the texts offered. The response was Once upon a time, a Hasid came to manifest in that people came. Almost Rabbi Eliezer, the Ba’al Shem Tov. He a thousand people showed up! It is asked the Besht how he should respond impossible to know how many were to his son, who was behaving worse Jewish and how many not, but that is and worse. Rabbi Eliezer responded, not really the question. Our neighbors, “You should love him even more.” And no matter their skin color, religion, so, too, should we love everyone more. sexual identity or political party, came May our acts of love reconnect us to out simply to show their concern, their our neighbors and may we strengthen sadness and, most of all, their love. our grasp on the Tree of Life. Fred Rogers, my neighbor, once Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC, said, “In times of stress, the best thing BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’s we can do for each other is to listen Department of Spiritual Services, and with our ears and our hearts, and to ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical be assured that our questions are just Center.

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. After Pittsburgh, we need a coalition of conscience By David Harris, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), October 30, 2018 e knew anti-Semitism was grief. We have heard from officials in Third, political rhetoric has conse- ment and confrontation, to the number out there. We knew it was Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, quences. When elected officials resort of lethal weapons in the wrong hands; tinians, it makes perfect sense. Wgrowing. More and more Cyprus, Denmark, the European Union, to incendiary language, or turn to coded from those who get a rise from in-your- Here in the United States, the people felt uninhibited in expressing France, Germany, Singapore, Sweden words and wink-and-nod gestures, the face encounters imbued with physical Pittsburgh massacre has resulted in a their hatred and bigotry. and the UN, among others, who say effects can be profound. Public dis- danger, to those who fall through the tremendous outpouring of opposition Deadly attacks against Jewish they stand with the Jewish community. course in the United States today, in the cracks of the systems designed to iden- to anti-Semitism and other forms of targets had already occurred in other As one wrote: “Anti-Semitism is our realm of politics and beyond, continues tify social malcontents; and, of course, bigotry. While I am sure that there arecountries, from Belgium to Bulgaria, worst existential enemy, and we must to head to the gutter. Opponents become to those, of different motivations, who American racists smirking behind theirArgentina to Panama, Turkey to Tunisia, fight it with every conceivable means.” enemies, conspiracy theories abound, unleashed Charleston, San Bernardino, hands over the murders, in classrooms,and France to Denmark – not to mention But therein lies the looming ques- and social media becomes the great Sandy Hook and Fort Hood. on op-ed pages and throughout the Israel. Yet American Jews nonetheless tion. Once the gatherings are behind us, enabler. If leaders don’t act responsibly And sixth, most immediately, as popular media, there have been, and lived with a kind of innocence: surely the tweets become a fading memory, and bring us back from the brink, we many people as possible – Jews and nothing on the scale of Pittsburgh was and the “thoughts and prayers” are filed, will all pay a heavy price. non-Jews alike – should consider attend- conceivable here. what’s left? Are we back to business as Fourth, this is the time for a coali- ing synagogue services this weekend. That innocence has been shattered, usual? How do we fight this age-old tion of conscience to emerge – to stand We’re calling it #ShowUpForShabbat. of course. It has happened, and 11 Jews, pathology “with every conceivable up proudly and loudly for the values It’s a way of demonstrating unity and pillars of the proud Pittsburgh com- means?” of decency, civility, mutual respect, shared destiny, of saying “no fear.” munity, were murdered in a house of Needless to say, it would be gratify- bipartisanship and unity. If nature ab- It’s a message to the haters that their worship by a killer intent on destroying ing to know that the likes of a Jonas Salk hors a vacuum, so does democracy. If America is not ours. Our America cham- Jewish lives. were working on a vaccine against this that coalition doesn’t stand up and stay pions democracy and pluralism. It cel- Many are understandably dazed, dreaded social disease. Well, many of the course, then, as we’ve seen, others, ebrates, not bemoans, our diversity. And depressed and disoriented. If it could us have been trying to do just that, but with very different agendas, will fill it mourns, not exalts, what happened in unfold in Pittsburgh, it could take place haven’t yet come up with the magic for- the space. Pittsburgh last Shabbat morning. anywhere. The 11 are us, and we are mula, as Pittsburgh painfully illustrates. Fifth, for all the blessings of Amer- they. Whether we knew them or not, But there are still things that can ica, and they are practically infinite, The AJC West Coast Florida they were probably not more than two be done. violence has become too much part and office, located in Sarasota, can degrees of separation from us, and to First, the threat of anti-Semitism has parcel of our landscape. It takes many look at their photos was to see pictures to be acknowledged. Sounds obvious, forms – from the language of incite- be reached at 941.365.4955. of our own family, our friends, our doesn’t it? But I could write a book on neighbors and, yes, ourselves. the last 18 years, as we met with one The immediate response has been world leader after another trying to con- COMMENTARY BRIEFS heartwarming. Solidarity events and vince them of the growing magnitude of memorial services are being held across the problem. While some listened, too THE OLDEST HATRED: ALL anti-Semite who was out to kill Jews. the country. In one remarkable example, many others didn’t, suggesting we were GOOD AMERICANS STAND This irrational hatred is one of hu- a countywide gathering was announced exaggerating the danger or misunder- IN SOLIDARITY AGAINST manity’s oldest and manifests itself in in White Plains on Sunday at noon. Four standing its nature. murder almost daily in the Middle East. ANTI-SEMITISM Jews are killed simply because they hours later, the synagogue was over- Second, combating anti-Semitism The massacre at the Tree of Life syn- are Jews, as they have been through- flowing, with as many as 1,500 people requires recognizing the main sources agogue in Pittsburgh is an awful re- out history. This is why millions have crammed into a space that could barely of the menace, and they are three: the minder that there are human hatreds far sought refuge in a Jewish state, Israel. hold 1,000. And among them were far right, the far left and jihadists. Some, more virulent and ancient than those Anti-Semitism is a hatred that goes dozens of elected officials and interfaith for a variety of political reasons, would that animate our current political divi- back millennia. That is the toxin to ban- partners. rather downplay one or more of these sions. The killer of 11 human beings on ish as much as possible from American And many world leaders have wellsprings, but all pose a grave danger the Sabbath Saturday morning was an expressed their solidarity, support and – and all need to be confronted head-on. life. (Editorial, Wall Street Journal)

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Light and trust Report from Jerusalem he seal of Yale University con- the light of God would shine on these erusalem, October 18, 2018 – measures it has been a great success. tains the Latin phrase lux et stones. The Greek translation of urim How blessed I am to be on this In his role as principal, Leo stressed to Tveritas and the Hebrew phrase v’tumim, “revelation and trust,” be- Jtrip. It is far from my first, but his overwhelmingly Latino and Afro- urim v’tumim. Both these phrases can comes “light and trust” in the context in several ways, it has been my most American student body the importance be translated as “Light and Truth.” Yale of the Midrash of the light. gratifying. I have not gone to the Dead of knowing their roots and on whose traces its beginning The presidents of Yale had a talent Sea, Masada, Tsevat, Tel Aviv and all shoulders they stand. Increasingly, in to 1701 when it was for finding apt phrases, as the follow- the other places Pas- recent years, while encouraging his granted a charter by ing story indicates. tor Dr. John Danner students to be in touch with their roots, the Connecticut col- This president searched for an and I look forward he was feeling the pull of his own. So, ony. Reverent Abra- inscription of a new hall of philoso- to seeing with our “b’kitzur” (“in brief”), as we say in He- ham Pierson, the first phy. The faculty members, after much group from Bat Yam brew, that is why he decided to study rector of the school, deliberation, chose the well-known Temple of the Islands to become a rabbi. The HUC program was educated in He- Greek precept, “Man is the measure of and Sanibel Congre- mandates that all first-year candidates  Rabbi brew as well as Latin all things.” Having made their choice, gational UCC at the to be rabbis and cantors spend their Solomon and Greek, and the they adjourned for summer vacation.  Rabbi end of April and be- first year of study in Israel, and that is Agin wording of the seal is When the school reopened in the fall, Stephen ginning of May. why Leo is here. evidence of his knowledge of the Bible the faculty was surprised to find that the Fuchs No, on this trip My great joy is sharing a small as well as his linguistic expertise. president had added another phrase. In- I remained exclusively in Jerusalem. slice of his experience. We get to hang The urim v’tumim were twelve pre- scribed below “Man is the measure of I have had the joy of witnessing the out together after classes, to stroll the cious stones representing the twelve all things,” was “But man was created Bat Mitzvah of Zahra Levy, a young streets of Jerusalem and just talk. How tribes of Israel set in the breastplate the in the image of God.” girl I have known for four years now often does a father get to spend with an High Priest wore when he made a proc- Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Temple from the work Vickie and I have done adult child the amount of quality one- lamation. According to the Midrash, Shalom in Port Charlotte. in Germany, where she and her family on-one time we are sharing? I thank when the High Priest passed judgment, live. Zahra’s mother, Yancy Sol Velas- the Eternal One continually for these quez Levy, translated my first book, shared hours. As objectively as I can What’s in it for Me? Finding Ourselves be, I was amazed at Leo’s sensitivity, Simon Wiesenthal’s in Biblical Narratives, into Spanish, skill and poise in co-leading with an Is- and I am so grateful to her. When, over raeli rabbinical student, the first shared advice a year ago, Yancy invited me to come worship service between the American bout 45 years ago I was privi- dangered entire Jewish populations in to Zahra’s Bat Mitzvah ceremony at students in Leo’s program and the Is- leged to sit across from leg- the lands where they have resided re- Robinson’s Arch at the Western Wall, raeli rabbinical students. endary Nazi-hunter Simon quired government backing and even I knew I wanted to be here. I have also I have also gotten to see and ob- A had the joy of delivering Divrei Torah, serve many of his future colleagues. Wiesenthal during lunch in my Cincin- orchestration. Without this government nati rabbinical school cafeteria. He was support, violent anti-Semitism remains in Hebrew and English respectively, at These purpose-driven group is well very engaging, and I the purview of thugs, criminal social Kehilat Har El, Israel’s oldest Reform aware of the issues of assimilation and still share a joke that misfits and terrorists. Of course, these Congregation, and to first-year rabbini- declining synagogue involvement that he told me while we social and political outcasts can pose cal and cantorial students at Hebrew has rabbis, cantors, educators and lay ate. But as the meal a grave danger to individual Jews and Union College in this city. volunteers wringing our hands with was winding down, their local institutions, but without tacit By far, though, the biggest pull concern. I admit that the Jewish lead- realizing what a or overt government support, attacks that brings me to Israel at this time ers of my generation have not found unique moment this on Jews remain scattered and episodic is the presence of our older son, Leo. effective solutions to these realities.  Rabbi was to be in my life, but not convincing indicators of the de- At the age of 42, Leo decided to step But the qualities of intellect, spiritual Bruce I felt the need to ask stabilizing place of Jews as a whole in away from his successful career as depth and compassion I observe in the Diamond him, “So nu, what this country. principal of Learning Without Lim- current crop of HUC students gives me is the bottom line from the Holocaust Which is to say, while of course we its in Oakland, California. LWL is the real hope for the Jewish future. for us Jews today?” Apparently, he had have to be on guard against lunatics on academic elementary school Leo and a Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs serves at heard this question more than once be- the fringes of American society, as of group of others founded to give inner- Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sani- fore, since he answered without hesi- today and in the foreseeable future, as city kids a better shot at life. By all bel Island. tation. “The lesson is that every Jew Jews we have little to fear from Amer- today must have a valid passport and ica as a whole. The center is still hold- enough cash on hand to buy a ticket out ing, our democratic institutions remain Hanukkah and Pittsburgh of the country.” intact, and government on every level here is a popular Hanukkah against Rome, we were no match for Of course, Wiesenthal’s answer remains on our side as it does on the song we learned as children. them. So, the haftarah they chose for stunned me at the time since it seemed side of all victims of hate crimes in this T“Mi y’maleil g’vurot Yisrael, Hanukkah had a different theme. From a bit outlandish and, as they say, “over violence-laden land. otan mi yimneh...?” “Who will de- the book of Zachariah, it ends with the the top,” but it has stuck with me for The greatest defense we have in scribe the mighty deeds of Israel? Who words, “Not by might, and not by pow- nearly half a century. And come to this land are our effective government can count them? … Listen! In those er, but by My spirit, says the LORD think of it, I have more-or-less subcon- institutions which reflect the essential days in this season! of Hosts.” According to the prophet, sciously been following his advice all decency of the American public. This The Maccabee was it was not our self-reliance and taking this time by never letting my passport has been true ever since the newly- a savior, a redeemer! up arms that helped us survive. It was lapse and by keeping enough currency elected President George Washington And in our days, let only relying on God that kept us alive where I can easily get to it while not penned that famous letter to the people all the nation Israel through our difficult times. consciously thinking of it as “escape of the Newport, Rhode Island, syna- unite, rise up and be This is true as well. It was by stick- money.” I recently realized this about gogue in which he declared: saved.” ing together and following our tradi- myself, and you don’t have to guess “May the children of the stock of This is clearly a tion that we remained vibrant through what made me think about it, do you? Abraham who dwell in this land con-  Rabbi modern, Zionist song the very dark times of Jewish history. I am pretty sure that I’m not the tinue to merit and enjoy the good will Marc extolling the ability Both understandings of the holiday are only Jew in the United States who of the other inhabitants – while every- Sack of the Jewish peo- correct. has suddenly started to have some one shall sit in safety under his own ple to take care of themselves. What In the aftermath of the shooting at outlandish, “over the top” Wiesenthal vine and fig tree and there shall be none is strange is that we learned lyrics to the Pittsburgh synagogue, our first re- thoughts. But having given it a great to make him afraid. the song in both Hebrew and English, sponsibility is for all people to be safe deal of thought since the Tree of Life “May the father of all mercies scat- and the English version did not reflect and feel safe in our synagogues. At my massacre, the “Jews will not replace ter light, and not darkness, upon our the spirit of the Hebrew. In English congregation and, I believe most con- us” Unite the Right March in Char- paths, and make us all in our several we learned, “Who can retell the things gregations, we are doing that. No one lottesville, Virginia, and a room full vocations useful here, and in His own that befell us? Who can count them?” should be scared coming to a syna- of White Nationalists led by Richard due time and way everlastingly happy.” Gone are the “mighty deeds of Israel,” gogue. We will take care of ourselves. Spencer giving the Nazi salute while That being said, it couldn’t hurt to to be replaced with “the things that be- But we are also reaching out to and crying “Hail Trump” in the nation’s take Simon Wiesenthal’s sober advice fell us.” Clearly, the translator did not accepting the friendship of our neigh- capital, this is what I’ve decided for to heart! share the lyricist’s Zionist optimism boring Christian congregations. We are now. Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The that we Jews can protect ourselves. building understanding and fellowship. The virulent physical expressions Community Free Synagogue in Fort But I and, I believe, most Ameri- This is the ‘spirit’ that Zachariah spoke of modern anti-Semitism that have en- Myers. can Jews, do share the optimism of that about. Bringing people together and song. “And in our days, let all the na- building community – these, too, will tion Israel unite, rise up and be saved.” protect the Jewish people from hatred. What do you think? We can and will protect ourselves. Both themes of Hanukkah are es- But there is a second theme to sential, now as much as in the past. We Hanukkah. The rabbis who assigned will create safety for our community. L’CHAYIM wants to know! the haftaroth, the prophetic passages And we will work to bring God’s spirit Send your letters & comments to [email protected]. that we read on Shabbat and holiday of togetherness and peace between us mornings, knew about the triumphs of and our neighbors. And, even remem- Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone. Letters the Maccabees, and they chose not to bering the dead, we will celebrate our should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/ promote Jewish militarism. They lived holiday in joy. or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM nor its under Roman rule and, as we learned Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received. from the first and second rebellions Judea in Fort Myers. L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 FROM THE BIMAH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 25

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. We are not alone hen Abraham prepares to the cave is only a token, only a symbol ward a better world. There is no place uplifted and supported by loving and bury his wife Sarah, he of the vision of what will come. Abra- for anti-Semitism, white supremacy compassionate neighbors and friends. Wreaches out to the inhabit- ham has but a piece of land, a piece that or bigotry in the United States. When Like Abraham, we know God’s prom- ants of the land, saying, “I am a for- brings him immense comfort, but the hatred is normalized, violence follows. ise of a peaceful land is not yet real- eigner living for a time among you; fullness of God’s promise has yet to be We must work together to combat a ized. We sit with the disturbing reality sell me a gravesite among you, that I realized. We, too, are so far from the culture of violent rhetoric that is all too that we are not alone in being targets. may bury my dead fullness of peace, compassion and love quickly becoming a culture of violent But for Abraham, in the end, his chil- here.” (Gen. 23:4). that we wish to see in the world. action. Racism and bigotry must al- dren Isaac and Ishmael came together Within this measured The week before the Pittsburgh ways be rejected regardless of the iden- to honor his memory, to act with unity request, is deep anxi- shooting, another murderer tried to tity of the victims, but we know that rather than suspicion, to choose com- ety. Will they agree enter a black church in Jeffersontown, Jews are always on the list. passion over hate. So may it be for us. to his request? Will Kentucky, to inflict the same carnage Like Abraham we grieve but we Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple he have to bury his as we experienced. When he was un- know we are not alone. We have been Beth El in Fort Myers. wife somewhere by successful, he shot two people in a  Rabbi the roadside? Will grocery store, both black. The shoot- Stephen Flatow...continued from page 22 Nicole he ever experience ing at Tree of Life was one of 12 gun will be, countless expressions of grief, following the Bowers massacre, other Luna God’s promise of violence attacks on houses of worship discussions of the lessons to be learned, neo-Nazis in Pittsburgh attempted to land? In his grief, Abraham finds kind- in just the past three years. This act of and appeals to our political leaders to do murder local Jews twice a day, every ness. The inhabitants answer, “No one violence does not exist in a vacuum. more to combat the sources of hatred. single day. How would American so- of us will keep you from burying your Anti-Semitism is on the rise, as is hate- In the Palestinian Authority-ruled ciety at large and the American Jewish dead by withholding a gravesite from ful rhetoric and action toward so many territories, the reaction to massacres of community respond to that? you.” Abraham is not alone. minority communities. Unfortunately, Jews is exactly the opposite. The kill- We have seen, in America this week, After the shooting at Tree of Life when it comes to being hated by others are hailed, celebrated and rewarded. how a decent, civilized society responds synagogue, like Abraham after the ers, we are not alone. Their bloody deeds are praised, de- to a massacre. And we see, every day, death of Sarah, we were stunned by How then do we find comfort and fended and rationalized. how the cruel, violent society over grief. But we also saw that we are not hope? Abraham faces uncertainty over And most of all – they are mim- which the P.A. presides responds to the alone. Around 800 people packed the Sarah’s burial, but when he dies, his icked. A day does not go by in Israel murderers in its midst. Temple Beth El sanctuary for our inter- sons act with a common purpose. Isaac without Palestinian Arabs somewhere Stephen M. Flatow, an attorney in New faith vigil. The incredible outpouring and Ishmael, brothers but not friends, trying to shoot, burn, stab or stone Jews Jersey, is the father of Alisa Flatow, who of solidarity is the true representation living apart and each viewing the other to death. Recent Israeli government was murdered in an Iranian-sponsored of our country, of our ideals and our as a threat, come together to bury their statistics reported 60 firebomb attacks Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995. His greatest strength. father. During their time of grief, they against Israeli Jews last month alone. book, A Father’s Story: My Fight for Abraham buries Sarah in the cave refuse to be alone. They join together. Think about that. Twice a day, Justice Against Iranian Terror, has just of Machpelah, in the land that God For us, too, this is the time to join every day, Palestinian Arabs tried to been published by Devon Square Press. promised will be his eventually. But with others to demand and work to- burn Israeli Jews to death. Imagine if, Send updates and changes to the Directory below to [email protected].

TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY REFORM ORTHODOX 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson Email: [email protected] Phone: (941) 8333381 Temple educator: Dale Cohen, Ma.Ed., R.J.E Email: [email protected] Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com President: Governance Committee IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Email: [email protected] a kiddush Phone: 4330018 • Fax: 4333235 Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Hanukkah and Pittsburgh Web site: www.templebethel.com against Rome, we were no match for Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study CHABAD LUBAVITCH them. So, the haftarah they chose for 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Hanukkah had a different theme. From Religious & Hebrew School: 9:00 a.m.12:30 Sunday REFORM ORTHODOX Judaica Gift Gallery 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers the book of Zachariah, it ends with the 5620 Winkler Road Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) Fort Myers, FL 33919 words, “Not by might, and not by pow- P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Rabbi Bruce Diamond Phone: 4337708 • Fax: 4819109 er, but by My spirit, says the LORD ([email protected]) of Hosts.” According to the prophet, REFORM Email: [email protected] 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Web site: www.chabadswf.org it was not our self-reliance and taking Rabbi Devora Buchen Adult Educator: Jessica Evers Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah Phone: (239) 4666671 up arms that helped us survive. It was President: Arnie Schwartz class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at Phone: 7724555 • Fax: 7724625 Email: [email protected] noon Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. only relying on God that kept us alive Email: [email protected] Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com through our difficult times. Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday at 6:30 p.m. CHABAD JEWISH CENTER This is true as well. It was by stick- Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday OF CAPE CORAL Religious School: Thursday 4:00 6:30 p.m. Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. ing together and following our tradi- Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi ORTHODOX Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 tion that we remained vibrant through Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, every Saturday morning from 9:30 11:30 a.m. Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) Rabbi Yossi Labkowski the very dark times of Jewish history. TEMPLE JUDEA Phone: 9634770 Both understandings of the holiday are CONSERVATIVE Email: [email protected] BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS Web site: www.chabadcape.com correct. REFORM 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Rabbi Marc Sack Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. In the aftermath of the shooting at Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church 2050 Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Email: [email protected] the Pittsburgh synagogue, our first re- President: Dan Fox Kiddush luncheon Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. sponsibility is for all people to be safe President: Alan Lessack Director of Congregational Learning: Tab Scribner MondayFriday morning 7:00 a.m. and feel safe in our synagogues. At my Phone: 2395790296 (OctApr) JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. 7732518862 (MaySept) Preschool Director: Joann Goldman congregation and, I believe most con- [email protected] Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Email: [email protected] Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.12:30 p.m. Cantor: Murray Simon Phone: 4330201 • Fax: 4333371 gregations, we are doing that. No one Email: [email protected] Jgirls: Tuesday 6:007:00 p.m. should be scared coming to a syna- Web site: www.batyam.org Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (OctApr) Web site: www.tjswfl.org gogue. We will take care of ourselves. 7:00 p.m. Friday (MaySept) Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday  But we are also reaching out to and Adult Education: Shalom Life Center Saturday, 9:00 11:30 a.m. (NovApr) Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.noon; Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader 2183433 accepting the friendship of our neigh- Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Wed. 4:306 p.m. • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Jacki Waksman (954) 6539053 boring Christian congregations. We are to 12:15 p.m. (NovApr) Early childhood education: Preschool, MF, ages 18 months5 years; • AJC (American Jewish Committee): building understanding and fellowship. Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Brian Lipton (941) 3654955 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism “Mommy & Me,” 12 months2 years This is the ‘spirit’ that Zachariah spoke Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative • AntiDefamation League: (561) 9882900 Judaism • B’Nai B’rith International: (941) 3024500 about. Bringing people together and TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE • Chevra Kadisha: building community – these, too, will HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS Gene Sipe 8414615 CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 9639347 protect the Jewish people from hatred. REFORM • Hadassah Collier/Lee Chapter: 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 ESTERO Both themes of Hanukkah are es- ORTHODOX Lynn Weiner 5981009 Port Charlotte, FL 339494675 • Hadassah Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): sential, now as much as in the past. We Rabbi Solomon Agin 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood Centre) Odette Port (941) 5051409 will create safety for our community. President: Gary Wein • Hazak 55+ Chapter: Phone: (941) 6252116 Bonita Springs, FL 341357024 Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Joyce Rosinger 4371566 And we will work to bring God’s spirit Email: [email protected] • Humanistic Jewish Havurah: Web site: templeshalomfl.com Phone: 9496900 of togetherness and peace between us Web site: www.JewishBonita.com Paula Creed 4958484 and our neighbors. And, even remem- Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: (800) 6228017 Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by • Jewish Community Services: 4814449 bering the dead, we will celebrate our Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 5:15 p.m. a kiddush • Jewish National Fund: (727) 5365263 holiday in joy. Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 5:15 p.m. Memorial Tree Planting in Israel 18005428733 Organizations: Sisterhood • Jewish War Veterans: Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter 2463151 Judea in Fort Myers. • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Nechamie Minkowicz 8222784 • ORT Gulf Beaches Chapter L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. Marina Berkovich 5661771 L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 26 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FOCUS ON YOUTH

I would be remiss the dangers of anti-Semitism and how mazel on her most special day. TEMPLE BETH EL SCHOOLS if I didn’t mention the to promote justice and love. Sunday, December 16: Franki Fort Myers tragedy that happened Sunday, December 2: School-wide Bagdade from a JCC residential camp at the Tree of Life syna- Chanukah celebration at Lakes Park. in Michigan will speak to our students Dale M.Cohen, R.J.E. - M.A. Ed. gogue in Pittsburgh. The vigil held at Please look for the flyer and more de- about the importance of Jewish camp Religious School Director Temple Beth El was truly impactful. tailed information in your email blasts. and how excited she is about the Tama- Dear Parents of the Religious School: The service was so comforting for so Friday, December 7: Family Cha- rack Camps in Michigan. Thank you to We are so busy at the Religious School many. How wonderful it is to witness nukah celebration. More details to fol- the Shuster family for bringing this to planning more programs and activities so many people from many different low. our attention. for our parents and their children to faiths come together to pray and sup- Sunday, December 9: During re- Religious School will not be in at- engage in. We have a wide variety of port us. The clergy that were there, ligious school and taking place in the tendance on Sundays, December 23, programming for all ages. many from different faiths, were well temple will be a great mattress fund- December 30 and January 6. Religious received. There are no words to de- raiser – yes, I said mattresses! All will School will resume on Sunday, Janu- scribe the feeling when you are sur- be displayed in the Dubin Center and ary 13. rounded by hundreds and hundreds of will be open to the public. Regular reli- I wish all of the Religious School people who support you. Toleration of gious school will be in session that day. children and their families a chag each other is the key to a world where We hope to earn money for the school. sameach, and a very happy and a we can always hope for peace. Coming Saturday, December 15: Kyra healthy New Year. I look forward to together allows us not to lose sight of Levy will be called to the Torah as a seeing all of you refreshed and ready what is really important. bat mitzvah. We wish her the best of for a super 2019. Our December activities include the following: The Holocaust Museum and Cohen Education Center of Southwest Florida has the world’s only Holocaust-era boxcar exhibit. It will be on display through December 11. My students have watched The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and Paper Clips. We are currently reading Hannah’s Suitcase. All of these resources teach the students

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Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events December 14: 5:19 239.770.6860 December 21: 5:22 [email protected] December 28: 5:26 www.shapiro-photography.com L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 27 mazel on her most special day. portant information, for- of clothes. The children will use their and games. The children will have Sunday, December 16: Franki TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS mulate questions and of- new journal writing skills as they share fun during our book exchange, which Bagdade from a JCC residential camp Fort Myers fer thoughtful responses about their weekend in the journal that will take place at our Hanukkah party. in Michigan will speak to our students to the text. Sometimes goes home with the bear. This program We learned new Hanukkah songs and about the importance of Jewish campTab Scribner, they are in total agreement with each teaches the children how to be respon- the children will have a chance to win and how excited she is about the Tama-Director of Congregational Learning other, committed to our values in lock- sible and caring. some gelt as they play the dreidel game. rack Camps in Michigan. Thank you toIt has been a busy month for the Temple step, and sometimes they engage in a We will teach the children songs The entire school will come together the Shuster family for bringing this toJudea Religious School. Not as busy as respectful debate. It is fun to watch. and finger plays from around the world. to light the menorah, which will take our attention. Tishre was with the non-stop holidays, Their insights often surprise me in how We will learn about many different place in our pre-kindergarten class. We Religious School will not be in at-but busy in terms of our children learn- reflective they are about their actions. cultures in the world. We have invited will sing and dance to celebrate this tendance on Sundays, December 23,ing and growing together with a con- My not-so-favorite part of reli- our parents to participate as they share festive holiday! December 30 and January 6. Religioussistent routine. gious school recently has been the task their childhood stories and customs. Temple Judea Preschool wishes School will resume on Sunday, Janu- Our PreK-2nd grade class has of reviewing all scenarios of potential We will celebrate Hanukkah on everyone a happy Hanukkah and very ary 13. been learning their Shabbat bless- threats to our children. From walking Wednesday, December 5 with music happy and health New Year. I wish all of the Religious Schoolings through the process of building a the grounds to security meetings, I PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! children and their families a chagShabbat box with their teachers. Our have had to take an honest assessment sameach, and a very happy and a teachers have been reading age-appro- of the risks, natural and man-made. I PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! healthy New Year. I look forward to priate stories of Breshit, and teaching have reviewed the safety plans from PJ L IBRARY RADIO LIVE! seeing all of you refreshed and readythe aleph bet through coloring activi- other synagogues, schools and day- for a super 2019. ties. The young ones have also learned cares to gather information and devise about Israel through song and games our plan. Our synagogue leadership has with shlichah Zohar Ben Hamu. The done the same. Sadly, it is a part of the kids love to color, sing, color, craft, era in which we live. Schools and col- color and play games with Zohar, and leges, malls, movie theaters, grocery did I mention color? stores, concert venues, clubs and now Our 3-4th grade class has been tack- even our synagogues have been in the ling Hebrew, learning to write in script crosshairs of evil. My task is to educate and decoding with vowel markings our young ones, as an extension of the Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids and vocabulary through the weekly Jewish learning they receive at home. parashah and through song. We have This means I must keep them safe. Now PJ librarymusic families — anytime, can listen anywhere. to Jewish kids Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids been teaching a basic modern Hebrew In other, much more pleasant news, Introducingmusic PJLibraryRadio.com — anytime, anywhere., an online vocabulary in addition to the biblical, our Tot Shabbat and Youth Minyan pro- music — anytime, anywhere. learning basic phrases, numbers, colors grams will be launching after the new streamingIntroducing radio PJLibraryRadio.com station with more than, an 2,000 online songs and months of the year through hands- year. If you have young ones at home, Introducingfrom hundreds PJLibraryRadio.com of artists across the, an globe.online on manipulatives, games and song. I and the regular Friday night service streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs never thought I would accompany stu- doesn’t fit your family’s lifestyle, feel streamingMusicfrom is availablehundredsradio station 24/7 of artists withwith specialmoreacross than themusic 2,000globe. blocks songs dents with my guitar in a song integrat- free to join us for songs, dancing and Musicfrom isfor availablehundreds Shabbat, 24/7 of Holiday artists with and specialacross Bedtime. themusic globe. blocks ing the subject of colors and Minecraft. blessings to get your Shabbat started. Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks Our kids are a creative bunch. Their If you haven’t chosen a religious for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. favorite part of religious school seems school, it’s not too late. We would love • Listen tofor the Shabbat, music onlineHoliday and Bedtime. to be standing in for the rabbi during to see you. To schedule a private tour, tefillah, giving the class instructions on please call our office at 239.433.0201. • DownloadListen to the the music free apponline on ITunes, Google Play what page to turn to and on which line * * * • Listen to the music online • Downloador Tune In Radiothe free app on ITunes, Google Play to start reading. Joann Goldman, • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play Our 5th grade class has been doing Temple Judea Preschool Director or Tune In Radio in depth studying on Breshit, reading What an amazing time we have had in or Tune In Radio Hebrew for understanding, and has preschool. The children enjoyed all the started working on the Friday night activities we had planned for the fall service. Their favorite thing to do is season. Our activities ranged from ear- compete in a rousing game of Gefilte ly math skills to environmental aware- Fish when a lesson has wrapped up. ness. Children used their imagination (Go Fish but in Hebrew of course!) as our dramatic center changed weekly Our 6-7th grade class has also been from a Fire Station to a Farm. The chil- studying Breshit in depth. As they are dren had a blast. closer to b’nei mitzvah age, their focus Winter is just around the corner. has been geared to synagogue skills The children will be learning about and middot in the weekly parashah. the coldest season by taking a look at Leading tefillah and discussing how winter clothing and changes that occur DISCOVER to live Jewishly are their favorite parts during this season. We will set up an of religious school. On November 14, ice skating rink in the dramatic play THE FUN! they joined our 3-5th graders in lead- area as snow fills our entire classroom. ing tefillah, individually and in small The older children will experiment groups. The 6-7th graders were fantas- with ice and snow in the sensory table tic coaches for our younger learners during the week. when they got stuck in their reading. December promises to be an ex- My favorite part of religious school citing one in Pre-K. We will kick off is our weekly time for chevruta learn- the month by introducing Fred E. Bear, ing. Sometimes we read a text, some- who will begin his journey home with times it’s digging into a specific part of each of our Pre-K students. Each child the weekly parashah, and sometimes will have an opportunity to take the RECEIVE we wrestle with an ethical question bear home in his suitcase for the week- THE GIFT presented in a scenario. I get to observe end. Fred comes with a toothbrush, the children read together, pick out im- special bear comb and an assortment OF FREE JEWISH CHILDREN’S Earn CAS Credits BOOKS MAILED TO The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties is YOUR HOME interested in hearing from SHARE the experience EVERY MONTH! teenagers in high school who of reading with your might like to earn CAS credits children as they grow with Funded by the

though various work in the PJ Library books. Roth Family

Jewish community. Foundation SIGN UP TODAY! & If you are interested, please Asher Family Enrollment is open to send the following information Foundation Jewish families with to [email protected]: children between the Name ages of six months to Address More information, eight years contact Debbie Sanford Phone # living in 239.481.4449 ext. 3 Age Lee & Charlotte Counties. [email protected] Grade School Preferred volunteer hours (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays) Families can sign up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 28 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ORGANIZATIONS

minded of the biblical ority. We will ALL grow and flourish Throughout our history we are SHALOM LIFE CENTER verse “and the living when we encourage everyone to shine challenged by those who wish to de- Fort Myers shall take to heart.” We because it makes us shine brighter and stroy us, but light has always defeated (239) 218-3433 are guided to channel our stronger as a community. the darkness. May the beauty of this grief into doing what we Whether here in the U.S. and Israel year’s Chanukah lights remind us that Love is stronger than hate know the blessed souls of the fallen today, or in the time of the Maccabees, history will repeat itself once more, Lawrence & Robin Dermer would want us to do. Alongside the the Jewish people know that the dark- and the light of hope, love, compassion Many of us are searching for the natural mourning and grief we are all ness of the entire world can’t extin- and tolerance will prevail. strength to deal with the terrible trag- experiencing, there is a need to focus guish the light that glows from a single Join us on Friday, December 7 at edy in Pittsburgh. We ask ourselves: on things that will result in action and candle. This is why we celebrate Cha- 7:00 p.m. as we “Light Up the World” If one of the victims was my friend, positive change in our world and right nukah, the festival of lights. In each with our epic community menorah my mother or father, my grandmother here at home in Southwest Florida. generation we celebrate the miracle of lighting, musical Shabbat service and or grandfather, my son, my daughter, We must increase in unity. The at- our survival and the hope for a better lots of delicious, gourmet latkes and what would they want me to do? The tacker was driven by senseless hatred world! other Chanukah treats. Our “Light Up answer is clear. We look to the Jewish toward Jewish people. Let’s increase This year especially, let’s proudly the World” weekend continues on Sun- response to tragedy. our love for ALL people. We are all display our menorahs in our windows, day, December 9 with our first annual We are heartbroken and devastated one family. Let’s reach out to some- allowing the light to be shared with the “Latkes and Laughs” comedy night by the horrific attack that took place on one we haven’t gotten along with or world and not just enjoyed at home. featuring Alan Prophett and David our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh. haven’t spoken to in a while. Let’s put Our Torah values of righteousness and Sayh, who have been seen on Show- This is an attack on us all, and we aside our ego, our pettiness. compassion are meant to be a light time, HBO, A&E and The Tonight mourn with the families who have lost Every voice matters so let’s use our unto all the nations – Or ha Goyim. Show! Visit www.shalomlifecenter.org loved ones, and pray for the recovery voices to tell our community leaders Our message of tikkun olam, the heal- or call 239.218.3433 for more informa- of those who are injured. and our rabbis to make the unification ing of the world, is meant to be shared tion on these and all our fabulous up- In a situation like this we are re- of our entire Jewish community a pri- with everyone. coming events.

Hadassah as we make “Donate” in the upper righthand corner [email protected]. HADASSAH the case for Israel, fight and scrolling down to the E-card Mar- If you are a Hadassah Major Do- Collier/Lee Chapter increasing anti-Semitism ketplace. You can choose from a vari- nor, Keeper of the Gate or Chai Soci- (239) 301-0509 around the world, and ety of occasion cards. ety member, or interested in becoming promote women’s health The Hadassah Medical Organi- a donor at one of these levels of giv- Lynn Wilner equity at home. I know that our success zation 360 Degrees of Healing Full ing, please plan to join us at Quail West Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Or- will bring in a new generation of Ha- Circle Campaign is now underway to Country Club in Naples for a Recog- ganization of America (HWZOA), is dassah members who share our values re-imagine, renovate and expand the nition Event on Sunday, December 9 the largest Zionist women’s organiza- and vision and are energized to support iconic Round Building at Hadassah from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We will tion in the U.S. with 300,000 members an organization reshaping the future of Hospital at Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. have a delicious lunch and hear Na- from across every U.S. Congressional Zionist and women’s health advocacy.” The building, originally opened in tional speaker Dianne Gottlieb. For District. Hadassah promotes advocacy Need a Chanukah card, JNF Tree 1961, is now about to come Full Circle. questions or to receive an invitation, on issues such as medical care, medical Certificate or get-well card? Hadassah The national campaign goal is to raise please contact Nancy Wiadro. research and women’s empowerment as has the perfect card or certificate for $91.2 million over the next three years. Get your group together now for part of its mission. Now Hadassah will you! Contact our local Cards and Cer- HOT OFF THE PRESS: A gener- the Hadassah Mahj, Card and Game be expanding its domestic advocacy ef- tificates Chairs, Mimi Cohn or Paula ous family has committed $1 million to Day on Monday, February 11 from forts by opening a Government Rela- Berzon, and they will either send you the 360 Degrees of Healing Campaign 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Cypress tions Office in Washington, D.C., with the cards or certificates that you choose to inspire others to give. The fam- Woods Golf and Country Club. En- Karen Paikin Barall as the Director of or send them out for you. Contact ily wishes to remain anonymous. This joy a spectacular buffet lunch and play Government Relations. This office will Mimi at 239.455.9527 or buzzcohn@ gift is designed as a dollar-for-dollar your favorite game. This event usually play an important role in advancing aol.com, or Paula at 239.592.9278 or matching challenge and you can help sells out so get in your RSVP soon! For Hadassah’s relationships on Capitol [email protected]. You can by contributing. Every dollar counts! details, contact me at 239.598.1009 or Hill and with the White House. Barall also send out e-cards by going to www. For more information, please contact [email protected]. says, “I am proud to be representing hadassah.org, clicking on the word Nancy Wiadro at 239.269.3666 or HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER Naples Walk, 15191 Ce- then, can Humanistic Jews who wish biblical book of Genesis. at Temple Judea HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH darwood Lane # 2505, to maintain this vital connection with For oppressed Jews in the Middle (239) 433-0201 of Southwest Florida Naples, FL 34110. In- Judaism take part in these celebrations Ages, the Sabbath became a key ele- (239) 495-8484 clude your email address without compromising their beliefs? ment of Jewish life. Many of the cus-Jan Klein and telephone number. It is important to remember that toms observed today, such as the hoursOn Sunday, December 16, HAZAK Chanukah to be observed Jewish holidays celebrate and ex- Jewish holidays were not invented of study, elaborate meals, special tablewill join with Chaverot as we are en- at Shabbat dinner press our Jewish identity. They provide by the priests and rabbis. In actual- coverings, clothing and food devel-tertained by Cynthia Williams, author Paula Creed a link with Jewish history and a bond ity, these holidays were appropriated oped during this period. of Hidden History of Fort Myers. The The Humanistic Jewish Havurah cel- with other Jews. Humanistic Jews have by them and adapted to their ends, For Humanistic Jews, refrainingprogram starts at 4:00 p.m. with a pre- ebrates Chanukah on Friday, Decem- adopted the forms and functions of meanwhile undergoing long periods of from work is a matter of individualsentation by Ms. Williams, followed ber 7 at 6:00 p.m. at its Shabbat dinner Jewish religious and cultural practices evolution. In the beginning they were choice. Rather than a day of worship,by a book sale and signing. Afterwards, at The Carlisle, 6945 Carlisle Court, as ways of experiencing Judaism while human celebrations of natural events, Shabbat offers opportunities for joinboth the group at Olive Garden for din- Naples. The public is invited to attend. retaining their integrity as secular hu- human achievements and human de- home and community celebrations,ner. Make your reservation by mailing a manists. Historically, however, the sires. When Humanistic Jews search featuring candle lighting, wine and the On Saturday, December 22, check payable to “HJH” in the amount celebration of almost all Jewish holi- out these human roots, they find fes- eating of challah, with blessings thatjoin HAZAK at its HAZAK Shab- of $30 per person to Joan Weinstein, days has been a tribute to God. How, tivals to embrace and enjoy, festivals express human power and responsibil-bat. Services start at 9:30 a.m. Zohar that celebrate life. ity. Our Shabbat observances provideben Hamu, our shlichah from Israel, To celebrate Jewish holidays hu- opportunities to learn about, articulate,will give the D’var Torah. A Kiddush SNOWBIRDS, manistically is to celebrate the human discuss and celebrate Humanistic and newspapers don’t fly… element in Jewish tradition. It is to Jewish history, philosophy and values. build bridges to the past while laying Humanistic Shabbat celebrations rec- ZIONIST ORG. of AMERICA the foundation for a meaningful future. ognize the individual’s connection to however, your Shabbat humanity, family, community, nation Southwest Florida Chapter address will! The Sabbath goes back to an ancient and the world. (914) 329-1024 “septemial” calendar that functioned in Chanukah Hebrew life, based on the sacredness Chanukah is a celebration of humanJerrold L. Sobel of the number seven. courage. Judah Maccabee, like hisDue to a scheduling conflict, Martin The predominant feature of the enemy Antiochus, was a religious fa-Sherman will be unable to attend our traditional Sabbath observance is the natic who denied freedom of worshipDecember 19 meeting. In his place is cessation of work and commerce. The to those who opposed him, but he alsoformer ZOA Southern District Region- concept of a weekly suspension of ac- was a man of integrity who was willing al Director Joseph Sabag. Mr. Sabag was our first guest tivity appears in one of the oldest legal to declare and fight for what he firmly Coming South? documents in biblical literature, Exo- believed. His fearless example demon-speaker in November 2009. and was

dus 34:21: “Six days thou shalt work strates the bravery that ennobles. widely acclaimed by those in atten- Don’t forget to contact us with but on the seventh day thou shall rest.” Much as the Maccabees seizeddance. He will speak at 7:30 p.m. at the your change of address to The commandment to “keep” and “re- control of their own lives, Humanistic

continue receiving L’CHAYIM. member” the Sabbath is repeated in Jews take their future into their own Like us on Facebook!

later portions of Exodus and Deuteron- hands. They choose how they will live, Send address changes to: omy. Priestly Judaism linked the Sab- seeking to behave courageously and bath observance to its belief that God with integrity. Chanukah is an endorse- [email protected] had created the world in six days and ment of human daring, human ingenu- ConneCt or call: 239.481.4449 ext-4 rested on the seventh, as stated in the ity and hope. with your Jewish Community

Safe Travels Read the current and recent issues www.facebook.com/ of L’CHAYIM online at facebook.com/jfedsrq www.JewishFederationLCC.org. JewishFederationLCC L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 29

Throughout our history we are deeds. His operatic voice Monday, December 17 at 4:30 p.m. their philanthropy and love of Israel. challenged by those who wish to de- JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY is heard over the closing in the David G. Willens Community Please join us at the Silverspot Cine- stroy us, but light has always defeated OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA titles of the film. Room at the Federation office. Emil ma at Mercato. The event will include the darkness. May the beauty of this (239) 566-1771 It was particularly will talk about his rabbinical and aca- the premiere of a documentary film in year’s Chanukah lights remind us that poignant that these films demic ancestors who have made a last- the Southwest Florida Pioneers series, history will repeat itself once more,Local Jewish history is no longer premiered during the much anticipat- ing impact on all Jews of the United Power of Two, about the life and ac- and the light of hope, love, compassiona mystery ed event at JCMI on October 28, in a States, this hemisphere, as well as complishments of this dynamic duo. and tolerance will prevail. Marina Berkovich sanctuary packed with attendees, who some parts of the Old World. To sign Ticket sales are underway. This is the Join us on Friday, December 7 at For over two years, Alexander Gold- bravely came out the day after the hor- up, email [email protected]. There is annual fundraiser event for our orga- 7:00 p.m. as we “Light Up the World”stein, the VP of Jewish Historical Soci- rific attack in Pittsburgh to stand to- no fee to attend his presentation. An af- nization. If you are unable to attend, with our epic community menorahety of SWFL, has been working on two gether, as Jews have always done in the ternoon snack will be provided. please consider a donation. Nonmem- lighting, musical Shabbat service andshort educational films in the South- face of tragedy and adversity. On Thursday, December 20, at the bers, please note a one-time opportu- lots of delicious, gourmet latkes andwest Florida Pioneers series about The Board of Directors and mem- Naples Daily News Community Room, nity to join the Society at a reduced another Chanukah treats. Our “Light UpJewish residents who gave the Jewish bers of JHSSWF are grateful to the en- the Women’s Cultural Alliance will nual membership rate. the World” weekend continues on Sun-Congregation of Marco Island (JCMI) tire Marco Island police department, to present the Southwest Florida Jewish Please note our contact informa- day, December 9 with our first annualits foundation. deputies Diaz and Miller, who protect- Pioneers series documentary The La- tion has changed: “Latkes and Laughs” comedy night Elena Rosner, who is a link to ed the congregation during the event, bodas of Fort Myers. Please register The Jewish Historical Society featuring Alan Prophett and Davidthe physical location in 1982, was and to all off-duty officers who volun- with WCA. of Southwest Florida Sayh, who have been seen on Show-featured in When Destiny Called, a teered to come. You dispelled our con- On Sunday, January 13 at 1:30 8805 Tamiami Trail North time, HBO, A&E and The Tonightfilm about securing the land, getting cerns during this trying day and made p.m., the Society will repeat its Time- Suite # 255 Show! Visit www.shalomlifecenter.orgthe congregation started and making everyone feel safe. Thank you! line of Southwest Florida Jewish His- Naples FL 34108 or call 239.218.3433 for more informa-sure the building is there. The Green- Happy Hanukkah to one and all! tory presentation for the Humanistic 833-547-7935 tion on these and all our fabulous up-steins of Marco Island is a story told Come visit us at our booth at Merca- Jewish Havurah at the Federation of- [email protected] coming events. by Lenore Greenstein, the widow of to when we will celebrate the holiday fice. Please register with HJH. www.jhsswf.org the first Marco Island ordained rabbi, with the entire community on Monday The Jewish Historical Society The Jewish Historical Society of Howard Greenstein. Rabbi Greenstein evening, December 3. We’ll have latke will celebrate Florida Jewish History Southwest Florida is a section 501(c) served JCMI from 1996 to his death games for kids of all ages. Month on Monday, January 28 with Dr. (3) charitable organization. Contribu- [email protected]. in 2006, and gave the congregation its A busy December will continue Judith and Samuel Friedland, longtime tions are deductible to the fullest extent If you are a Hadassah Major Do-soul through his many sermons and with Emil G. Hirsch’s presentation on Naples residents who are known for allowed by law. nor, Keeper of the Gate or Chai Soci- ety member, or interested in becoming a donor at one of these levels of giv- The Declaration of its mission to impact many individuals. discussed at the annual GenShoah pot ing, please plan to join us at Quail West GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH Human Rights empha- That is why GenShoah joined with the luck on Sunday, December 16. Space Country Club in Naples for a Recog- SOUTHWEST FLORIDA sizes that people need to Holocaust Museum and other groups is very limited for this event and RS- nition Event on Sunday, December 9 (239) 963-9347 stand up for their own in the Human Rights Film Coalition of VPs to [email protected] are from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We will rights and the rights of SWFL to present films to educate and required. The Holocaust Museum will have a delicious lunch and hear Na-Ida Margolis others. Those familiar with GenShoah engage people in discussion on human be presenting an exhibition and pro- tional speaker Dianne Gottlieb. For December 10 is Human Rights Day, SWFL are aware that included in its rights topics. grams relating to Violins of Hope this questions or to receive an invitation,the day that the U.N. adopted the Uni- four-fold mission is “promotion of Ho- On Monday, December 10, the December. See the ad on page 5 for please contact Nancy Wiadro. versal Declaration of Human Rights. locaust education and human rights.” film Bending the Arc will be presented more information. For more informa- Get your group together now for This year is the 70th anniversary of this The mission of the Holocaust Museum at 6:00 p.m. at the South Regional Li- tion about these programs, contact the the Hadassah Mahj, Card and Gamemilestone document that proclaimed & Cohen Education Center is to “teach brary in Naples. Visit www.Holocaust Museum or see the Museum and Gen- Day on Monday, February 11 fromthe inalienable rights which everyone the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire MuseumSWFL.org for more informa- Shoah newsletters. If you would like to 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Cypressis inherently entitled to as a human be- action against bigotry, hatred and vio- tion. receive the GenShoah newsletter and Woods Golf and Country Club. En-ing – regardless of race, color, religion, lence.” The Museum reaches many Bending the Arc tells an extraor- have not already joined the Museum, joy a spectacular buffet lunch and playsex, political opinion, national origin, visitors and thousands of students. By dinary story of rescue by dedicated please call 239.263.9200 or visit www. your favorite game. This event usuallyetc. The principles stated in the Dec- presenting many programs not only for health care professionals. The book Vi- HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org. For more sells out so get in your RSVP soon! Forlaration are as relevant today as they the Second Generation, but also for the olins of Hope tells an entirely different information about GenShoah, email details, contact me at 239.598.1009 or were in 1948. (See www.un.org.) public, GenShoah has the potential for story of rescue. Violins of Hope will be [email protected]. [email protected].

lunch will follow. HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER Temple Judea’s ac- biblical book of Genesis. at Temple Judea tive HAZAK Chapter is For oppressed Jews in the Middle (239) 433-0201 a chartered member of Ages, the Sabbath became a key ele- the United Synagogue ment of Jewish life. Many of the cus-Jan Klein of Conservative Judaism. Member- toms observed today, such as the hoursOn Sunday, December 16, HAZAK ship in the organization is open to the of study, elaborate meals, special tablewill join with Chaverot as we are en- community. Join HAZAK and meet coverings, clothing and food devel-tertained by Cynthia Williams, author new friends. HAZAK Chapters are for oped during this period. of Hidden History of Fort Myers. The singles or couples. It’s an organization For Humanistic Jews, refrainingprogram starts at 4:00 p.m. with a pre- that enables members to meet and so- from work is a matter of individualsentation by Ms. Williams, followed cialize with each other. Our monthly choice. Rather than a day of worship,by a book sale and signing. Afterwards, programs vary in nature. Shabbat offers opportunities for joinboth the group at Olive Garden for din- Temple Judea’s HAZAK has won- home and community celebrations,ner. derful future programs planned for featuring candle lighting, wine and the On Saturday, December 22, 2019. Members of the community are eating of challah, with blessings thatjoin HAZAK at its HAZAK Shab- always welcome to attend our pro- express human power and responsibil-bat. Services start at 9:30 a.m. Zohar grams. For more information, email ity. Our Shabbat observances provideben Hamu, our shlichah from Israel, [email protected] or call Temple Ju- opportunities to learn about, articulate,will give the D’var Torah. A Kiddush dea at 239.433.0201. discuss and celebrate Humanistic and Jewish history, philosophy and values. Chabad Jewish Center of Humanistic Shabbat celebrations rec- ZIONIST ORG. of AMERICA ognize the individual’s connection to Naples (1789 Mandarin humanity, family, community, nation Southwest Florida Chapter Road) in his position as and the world. (914) 329-1024 U.S. Director of the Is- Chanukah rael Allies Foundation, a Chanukah is a celebration of humanJerrold L. Sobel lobbyist, legislative ad- courage. Judah Maccabee, like hisDue to a scheduling conflict, Martin vocacy organization combatting BDS enemy Antiochus, was a religious fa-Sherman will be unable to attend our and anti-Semitism on college cam- natic who denied freedom of worship December 19 meeting. In his place is puses. His topic of discussion is “Anti- st to those who opposed him, but he alsoformer ZOA Southern District Region- Semitism in the 21 Century.” was a man of integrity who was willing al Director Joseph Sabag. Tickets for adults are $20 for pre- to declare and fight for what he firmly Mr. Sabag was our first guest registration and $22 at the door; $7 for believed. His fearless example demon-speaker in November 2009. and was students. Refreshments will be served. strates the bravery that ennobles. widely acclaimed by those in atten- For more information, please email Much as the Maccabees seized dance. He will speak at 7:30 p.m. at the Jerry Sobel at [email protected]. control of their own lives, Humanistic Jews take their future into their own Like us on Facebook! hands. They choose how they will live, seeking to behave courageously and with integrity. Chanukah is an endorsement of human daring, human ingenu- ConneCt ity and hope. with your Jewish Community www.facebook.com/ facebook.com/jfedsrqJewishFederationLCC L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 30 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

drinks are free. Covenant by the Rabbi as Anshel Avra- a.m., C.F.S. offers a light breakfast COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE The sixth C.F.S Isra- ham. followed by a lively discussion of the TEMPLE BETH EL Fort Myers el Pilgrimage (June 4-15, Heartfelt condolences to Melissa week’s Torah portion with the Rabbi Fort Myers (239) 466-6671 2019) held its first infor- Steindler and her family on the pass- until 11:30 a.m., when the Mourner’s (239) 433-0018 mation meeting in Octo- ing of their beloved father, Walter Qaddish is recited. www.fortmyerssynagogue.com ber and is starting to fill Steindler, who was laid to rest at the Now in its 14th year, The Commu- www.templebethel.com up. This “Deluxe-Plus” beginning of November. nity Free Synagogue is an independent The Community Free Synagogue will custom-crafted tour led by Rabbi Dia- An enthusiastic Yeyasher Koah synagogue and valued community re-We extend a warm shalom and wel- host its annual Hanukah Celebration mond and an elite professional guide is (“more power to you”) to the many ligious resource. All of its events andcome back to our snowbirds, several and Latke and Brisket Dinner on the the experience of a lifetime. The next C.F.S. volunteers led by the Rebbitzin, programs, including youth and adultof whom arrived early this year. A full first night of Hanukah, Sunday, De- information and orientation meeting is who joined with C.F.S.er Dr. Alan Jewish education, are open to all andslate of activities to inspire, educate cember 2 at 6:00 p.m. in its Communi- at noon on Sunday, December 9 in the Tannenbaum and the Cape Coral Gulf always free. Rabbi Bruce Diamond,and entertain awaits our year-round ty Hall. It is free and open to all. Please Community Hall. For more informa- Coast Rotary on November 14 to hand D.D., who guides the synagogue, has residents, snowbirds and the communi- see the story in this issue for how to tion, email [email protected]. out thousands of Thanksgiving turkeys been a respected leader in Fort Myers’ty. An energized Temple Beth El, with make your reservations and other de- The Rabbi’s new course on Ameri- to those in need. Jewish and general communities fornine committees and clubs dedicated tails. can Anti-Semitism at Florida Gulf Each Friday evening at 6:30 p.m., over 21 years, as well as a longtimeto temple life, offers Shabbat services The Community Free Synagogue’s Coast University begins on Tuesday, The Community Free Synagogue teacher of Civic Engagement and So-(Fridays at 7:30 p.m., live-streamed next “Brown Bag Movie Night” starts January 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Edwards Hall serves a traditional Sabbath dinner. It cial Ethics at Florida Gulf Coast Uni-and archived at templebethel.com, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Decem- 112. See the story in this issue for reg- is free and reservations are never re- versity. courtesy of the Men’s Club) and Tot ber 13, featuring the 1972 Academy istration and auditing opportunities. quired. At 7:30 p.m., the Sabbath is The foundation of The CommunityShabbat (first Friday of the month at Award-winning Cabaret, starring Liza Mazel Tov to Lee and Whitney welcomed with prayer and song. A cof- Free Synagogue is “Study, Worship 6:00 p.m., followed by a dairy potluck Minnelli, Joel Gray and Michael York. Rabidue on the birth of Merritt Trevor, fee hour follows worship. and Benevolent Acts,” generally fol-dinner). Torah study (Saturdays at 9:00 Pack a dinner. Admission and soft who was brought into the Ancestral Every Saturday morning at 9:30 lowing progressive Jewish traditions. a.m.) and Talmud & Everyday Living (Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.) are for all levels. No experience is required, all and members from many lice presence for Bat Yam gatherings ture on Thursday, January 24 at 7:00 materials are provided, and all are wel- BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS different houses of - wor for Friday Shabbat services and Satur- p.m. at the Sanibel Congregationalcome. Sanibel ship were present. More day morning adult education classes. UCC followed by a reception and book Chat with interesting people at our (773) 251-8862 than 800 people came to Their professionalism and concern are signing. The Leo Rosner FoundationBook Club the first Wednesday of each hear the message about appreciated. funds Bat Yam’s participation in honor www.batyam.org the need for religious tol- As part of Bat Yam’s Shabbat ser- of June Rosner. erance, the need to treat vices on November 2, Reverend Dr. A musical afternoon titled “Sanibel TEMPLE JUDEA Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken the stranger as yourself, and the need John Danner, pastor of the Sanibel Celebration: Three Cantors and a Pas- Glass, in Germany was 80 years ago on for civility. Congregational UCC, joined with Rab- tor” is scheduled for Sunday, Febru- Fort Myers November 9-10, 1938. On August 12, Eight clergy from Sanibel and Cap- bi Stephen Fuchs in speaking about ary 24 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at (239) 433-0201 2017, Charlottesville Jews were forced tiva houses of worship issued a joint the grim event involving the loss of the Sanibel Congregational UCC. The www.tjswfl.org to leave Shabbat services by the back statement. In part, it stated, “When life and desecration of the Tree of Life singers will be Cantor Murray Simon door because of neo-Nazis with semi- anti-Semitism goes unchecked, when synagogue. from Bat Yam, Cantor Randy Her- automatic weapons marching opposite racism, sexism and other forms of prej- The topics for the Saturday adult man from New York, Cantor Elizabeth the front door. On October 23, 2018, a udice go unchallenged, when mental education classes in December present- Shammash from Pennsylvania, and pipe bomb was placed in the mailbox illness goes untreated, when the back- ed by congregants are “Musical Gems Reverend Dr. Danner from the Sanibel of George Soros, a Jewish financier grounds of gun buyers go unchecked, Inspired by the Bible and What They Congregational UCC. and philanthropist. The violent attack when assault weapons go unrestricted, Mean” on December 1, “Jewish Poets Bat Yam Friday Shabbat services against the Tree of Life synagogue in then gun violence is inevitable. But and Poetry from Psalms to Songs” on begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Pittsburgh occurred during their Shab- there is a balm, there is hope, and it December 8, and “Love in the Bible” adult education classes start at 9:00 bat services on Saturday, October 27, can be found when women and men of on December 15. a.m. All Bat Yam services and classes 2018, and again demands our attention. faith join with all people of goodwill Bat Yam members will likely fill at take place on the campus of the Sanibel The Lee County Rabbinical Coun- and let it be known that things must least one table at the Federation Com- Congregational UCC located at 2050 cil reacted immediately to the death change.” munity Breakfast on Sunday, Decem- Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, where mem- and destruction at the Tree of Life In strong contrast to the Charlot- ber 9 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at The bers of the community, guests and visi- synagogue. A vigil and memorial pro- tesville police who failed to provide Landings, off McGregor Blvd. in Fort tors are always welcome to join with gram was crafted and held on Monday, requested security, the Sanibel Police Myers. congregants. October 29 at Temple Beth El in Fort Department promptly reached out to The Rev. Dr. John Philip Newell Myers. Despite the short notice, clergy Bat Yam and said there would be a po- will present the Shared Scholar Lec-

tended by congregants nukah activities coming in TEMPLE BETH SHALOM and members of the com- December as well as the ar- Cape Coral munity alike. We take rival of many of our snow- (239) 772-4555 comfort in the support of birds. our local community. Friday night services www.templebethshalomcc.org The following Sun- start at 7:30 p.m., and To- day, the Sisterhood’s rah study is at 10:00 a.m. The rollercoaster of life seems to be Purse and Jewelry event also brought every Saturday. Guests are accelerating in the Jewish community us together with the local community, always welcome at all of and at Temple Beth Shalom. We hit a this time for a fun afternoon of bid- our activities. We hope you new low with the shootings at the Tree ding, schmoozing and munching. The will join us for services, of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Many bounty included designer handbags Brown Bag lunches, Rosh in our congregation have connections and jewelry mixed in with some fun Hodesh, bowling, mahjong with Tree of Life and the Jewish com- and interesting items that sparked ani- and any of our other activi- munity of Pittsburgh. Rabbi Buchen mated conversations. ties. Call the temple office held a beautiful spiritual service at- We look forward to all of the Cha- for details. Examining the purses at Sisterhood’s Purse and Jewelry event

Each Tuesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg is held at the Jewish Federation.

Players must be at least advanced beginners, as no lessons are given.

Needed to label L’Chayim Needed to label L’Chayim join us for coffee, bagels and the simple satisfaction DAY: Tuesdays, 12:30~3:30 P.M. thatjoin comes us for fromcoffee, meeting bagels andand themaking simple friends satisfaction with FEE: $1 per week otherthat comes volunteers, from asmeeting we help and keep making thousands friends of localwith otherNeeded volunteers, to as we label help keep Lthousands’Chayim of local readersNeeded informed to about label local, national L’Chayim and interna- readers informed about local, national and interna- jointional usJewish for coffee,news. bagels and the simple satisfaction tionaljoin usJewish for coffee,news. bagels and the simple satisfaction that comes from meeting and making friends with that comes from meeting and making friends with otherCall Debbievolunteers, Sanford as we help481.4449 keep thousands to add of yourlocal other volunteers, as we help keep thousands of local namereadersCall Debbie to informed the Sanfordphone about list. local,481.4449 Each national month to and add weinterna- your will namereaders to informed the phone about list. local, Each national month and weinterna- will calltional to Jewish confirm news. the mailing date and you can

calltional to Jewish confirm news. the mailing date and you can let us know if you are available to help label for more information call let us know if you are available to help label LCall’CHAYIM. Debbie Sanford 481.4449 to add your Rona Strausberg at 239.949.9003 LCall’CHAYIM. Debbie Sanford 481.4449 to add your name to the phoneTime: list. 9:30 Each A.M. month we will callname to toconfirm the phone Time:the mailing list. 9:30 Each A.M.date month and youwe canwill call to Wednesdayconfirm the ,mailing December date 26, and 2018 you can The editorial deadline for the January issue let us knowWednesday if you are, December available 26, to 2018help label Llet’CHAYIM. us knowMonday if you , areJanuary available 28, 2019to help label of L’CHAYIM is Wednesday, December 5. L’CHAYIM.Monday , January 28, 2019 Time: 9:30 A.M. Time: 9:30 A.M. Wednesday, December 26, 2018 Wednesday, December 26, 2018 Monday, January 28, 2019 Monday, January 28, 2019 L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 31 a.m., C.F.S. offers a light breakfast month at 2:45 p.m. Savor ing issues of the day. Covering a wide connection for our students, and a tem- followed by a lively discussion of the TEMPLE BETH EL friendly, spirited Lunch array of topics, the common threads porary landmark for the community. week’s Torah portion with the Rabbi Fort Myers & Learn conversations at are subjects related to Jews around the The boxcar will be at Temple Beth El until 11:30 a.m., when the Mourner’s (239) 433-0018 Starz restaurant the third world and Israel. Almost every matter until Tuesday, December 11, with sur- Qaddish is recited. Thursday of each month of political, cultural or social signifi- vivor Cesare Frustaci speaking about Now in its 14th year, The Commu- www.templebethel.com at noon. Led by Rabbi cance touches the global Jewish com- his Holocaust experiences on Monday, nity Free Synagogue is an independent Luna on topics both munity. Where applicable, a historic December 10 at 7:00 p.m. synagogue and valued community re-We extend a warm shalom and wel- contemporary and traditional, we eat, outlook will enhance contemporary Sisterhood is working overtime to ligious resource. All of its events andcome back to our snowbirds, several learn, laugh and schmooze. interchange. All are encouraged to serve you with a long list of upcoming programs, including youth and adultof whom arrived early this year. A full Recently added to our roster, exchange viewpoints and ideas in an programs. To whet your appetite: Cha- Jewish education, are open to all and slate of activities to inspire, educate the Jewish Francophone group rel- atmosphere of curiosity, respect and nukah picnic with the Religious School always free. Rabbi Bruce Diamond,and entertain awaits our year-round ishes lively conversations the second (especially) civility. Friendly disagree- on December 2; Purse/jewelry/dessert D.D., who guides the synagogue, has residents, snowbirds and the communi- Wednesday of every month at noon. ments lead to insights and new per- party on January 6; Ladies Who Lunch been a respected leader in Fort Myers’ ty. An energized Temple Beth El, with Our next meeting is December 12 and spectives during engrossing sessions. on January 15; Paid-up dinner with Jewish and general communities for nine committees and clubs dedicated is open to all who are fluent in French. Everyone is welcome. guest speaker on January 24; Sister- over 21 years, as well as a longtimeto temple life, offers Shabbat services Is your French rusty? Feel free to come Need Judaica? Our gift gallery has hood Shabbat on January 25; Uptown teacher of Civic Engagement and So-(Fridays at 7:30 p.m., live-streamed and listen. For more Francophone you covered; open during office hours Express (doo wop group) returns Feb- cial Ethics at Florida Gulf Coast Uni-and archived at templebethel.com, group information, call or text Rach- and before Shabbat services. ruary 16; Raisin’ Cane Tour on Febru- versity. courtesy of the Men’s Club) and Tot elle at 757.440.1734. Chanukah celebrations will take ary 28; Brown bag lunch/trivia contest The foundation of The CommunityShabbat (first Friday of the month at Back by popular demand is our place on Sunday, December 2 at 10:30 on March 14; Mama Won’t Fly matinee Free Synagogue is “Study, Worship 6:00 p.m., followed by a dairy potluck Current Events Discussion Group. To- a.m. and Friday, December 7 at 6:00 at Broadway Palm Theatre on April 4; and Benevolent Acts,” generally fol-dinner). Torah study (Saturdays at 9:00 dah rabah to Russ Bogen for stepping p.m. spring luncheon with guest speaker on lowing progressive Jewish traditions. a.m.) and Talmud & Everyday Living up as leader. Current Events meets The Holocaust Museum & Co- May 23. (Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.) are for all every Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. hen Education Center of Southwest For details on classes and happen- levels. No experience is required, all throughout the winter season. No lon- Florida has the world’s only traveling, ings, check email blasts or call the of- ture on Thursday, January 24 at 7:00 materials are provided, and all are wel- ger is it necessary to consult main- Holocaust-era boxcar exhibit. In its fice at 239.433.0018. Temple Beth El: p.m. at the Sanibel Congregationalcome. stream media, social media, alternative last year of traveling its impact is in- where tradition meets tomorrow. UCC followed by a reception and book Chat with interesting people at our media, digital media or your opinion- estimable. It will be impactful for our signing. The Leo Rosner FoundationBook Club the first Wednesday of each ated Uncle Max for answers to press- congregation, a tangible and authentic funds Bat Yam’s participation in honor of June Rosner. to hand out to those who been planned for women, this is a spe- Brettholtz and Company. It is an hour A musical afternoon titled “Sanibel TEMPLE JUDEA Celebration: Three Cantors and a Pas- come to the breakfast. cial evening for both men and women. of open discussion of Torah and Juda- tor” is scheduled for Sunday, Febru- Fort Myers For most, it will be the Chaverot will also have a “Paint ism, where all levels of background ary 24 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at (239) 433-0201 only gift they receive that Night” on Tuesday, December 11 from and all questions are encouraged. Ev- day. In addition, Temple 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the synagogue. eryone is welcome and there is no cost the Sanibel Congregational UCC. The www.tjswfl.org singers will be Cantor Murray Simon Judea Religious School Artistic talent is not required. Just to attend. from Bat Yam, Cantor Randy Her- students are making spe- come to have a fun and creative time, Our monthly serving of meals man from New York, Cantor ElizabethThe congregation is undertaking a very cial holiday placemats that each at- enjoying the company of others. RSVP at the Salvation Army’s Meals with Shammash from Pennsylvania, andbig mitzvah project. On Tuesday morn- tendee will receive and be able to keep. to the Chaverot email above. Compassion continues. Meals are now Reverend Dr. Danner from the Sanibeling, December 25, Temple Judea mem- Temple Judea members are look- On Sunday, December 16 from served on Monday evenings and vol- Congregational UCC. bers will cook and serve Christmas ing forward to their own holiday cel- 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., Chaverot will join unteers are need for Mondays, Decem- Bat Yam Friday Shabbat servicesbreakfast to the hungry in Fort Myers. ebration – our annual Chanukah party with HAZAK for a joint program to ber 3 and 17. To help, please email lin- begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. SaturdayChair of the event, Jan Klein, with the on Sunday, December 2 at 4:30 p.m. hear author Cynthia Williams speak [email protected]. adult education classes start at 9:00help of her co-chair, Ronnie Lamm, has This wonderful event has become a tra- about her book, Hidden Mysteries of Regular scheduled events: a.m. All Bat Yam services and classes been working with the city to coordi- dition at the synagogue. There is live Fort Myers. There will be time to pur- • Friday evening Shabbat services take place on the campus of the Sanibelnate this huge event. Breakfast will be music, delicious food, games and treats chase the book afterwards and get it at 6:30 p.m., preceded each week Congregational UCC located at 2050served at the Carrie Robinson Center/ for the children, dancing and more. It autographed. After the program, all are with a wine and cheese reception Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, where mem-STARS Complex downtown on Edison is a lively fun event, not to be missed! invited to go to Olive Garden for din- starting at 6:00 p.m. bers of the community, guests and visi-Street. Temple Judea volunteers will set RSVPs to the synagogue office are a ner. • Saturday morning Shabbat servic- tors are always welcome to join withup and cook, and then serve breakfast must! Check out the article in this issue es at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kid- congregants. between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Clean-up Chaverot, Temple Judea’s Sister- of L’CHAYIM by our Director of Con- dush luncheon is from 10:30 to noon. It takes a lot of hood, also has a busy schedule. On Sat- gregational Learning, Tab Scribner, • Lunchtime Torah Study with Rab- volunteers to make an event like this urday evening, December 8, Jan Zaus- about all the activities planned for our bi Sack the first Thursday of each happen. Please contact the synagogue mer and her husband, Rabbi Michael religious school during the month of month office to volunteer your time. Schorin, will host a Rosh Chodesh eve- December. • Morning minyan every Monday at Temple Judea is also looking for ning at their home. RSVPs can be sent Rabbi Sack’s monthly lunchtime 9:00 a.m. donations of small toiletries, as well to [email protected]. While the Torah study is on Thursday, December as cash donations, to make gift bags monthly Rosh Chodesh events have 6 at noon at the offices of Myers and

tors participated, lighting musicians of the Fort Myers Sympho- will be shown at no charge. Refresh- TEMPLE SHALOM 11 memorial candles rep- ny playing some of the music of Ha- ments will be served. Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands resenting the 11 lives that nukkah. The program will be under the On Friday, December 14, Rabbi (941) 625-2116 were taken. The temple direction of Gary Tigner. Following the James Rudin will be the guest speaker was filled to capacity program, temple members will serve at Temple Shalom. His topic is “The www.templeshalomfl.com with Jews and non-Jews latkes, chocolate gelt, cookies and oth- Rise of Hitler – the Making of a Per- coming together to share er goodies for the festival of Hanuk- fect Nazi.” This event is open to the There was a community prayer service their feelings. kah. The program is open to all and is public and sponsored by the Bob Bader to acknowledge the tragedy that took On Sunday, December 2 at 4:00 sponsored by the Sylvia and Lesleigh Memorial Fund. An Oneg Shabbat will place at the Tree of Life synagogue in p.m. there will be the traditional light- Hershkowitz Memorial Fund. follow. Pittsburgh at Temple Shalom for the ing of the Hanukkah menorah on the As part of the Jewish Film Festi- Charlotte County community on Fri- front lawn of the temple. There will val series, on Tuesday, December 11 day evening, November 2. Several pas- be a special performance by the youth at 7:00 p.m., the movie Walk on Water

Center for Judaic, Holocaust, Each Tuesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg STAY IN TOUCH is held at the Jewish Federation. and Genocide Studies Sign up for e-blasts! Players must be at least advanced beginners, as no Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about lessons are given. Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through:

GET THE LATEST INFORMATION ON DAY: Tuesdays, 12:30~3:30 P.M. • scholarship UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS, FEE: $1 per week • outreach CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, • inquiry BREAKING NEWS, • sharing knowledge UPDATES FROM ISRAEL & MORE. • preserving the record • helping teachers

• encouraging students

c.org for more information call dlc lla@jfe Rona Strausberg at 239.949.9003 ypadi l to am n emai SenSendd a an email to Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director [email protected] L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2018 32 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties

Have a Happy Chanukah. And share what it means to you. #ChanukahPublix