L’ www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 41, No. 11 n July 2019 / 5779 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Our origin story 6 Our Community By Brian Simon, Federation President 7 Jewish Interest very superhero has an origin to start a High School in Israel pro- people 25 years old or younger to trav- story. Spiderman got bit by a gram, and they felt they needed a local el to Israel to participate in volunteer 8 Marketplace Eradioactive spider. Superman’s Federation to do that. So they started or educational programs. The Federa- 11 Israel & the Jewish World father sent him to Earth from the planet one. The program sent both Jews and tion allocates 20% of its annual budget Krypton. Barbra non-Jews to study in Israel. through the Jewish Agency for Israel 14 Commentary Streisand won a Once the Federation began, it (JAFI), the Joint Distribution Commit- 16 From the Bimah talent contest at a quickly grew and took on new dimen- tee (JDC) and the Ethiopian National gay nightclub in sions – dinner programs, a day camp, Project (ENP) to social service needs 18 Community Directory Greenwich Vil- a film festival and Jewish Family Ser- in Israel, as well as to support Part- 19 Focus on Youth lage. vices. We have sponsored scholarships nership Together (P2G) – our “living Our Jewish and SAT prep classes for high school bridge” relationship with the Hadera- 20 Organizations Federation has its students (both Jews and non-Jews). We Eiron Region in Israel. 22 Temple News own origin story. stopped short of building a traditional In the comics, origin stories help  Brian There had already Jewish Community Center. explain a character’s motivation, and Simon been a United The one constant has been sup- the hero grows over time as he or she Jewish Appeal effort in Lee County. Liz port for, and connection to Israel. The gains new responsibilities. In real life, Shevach and Sheila Laboda wanted Joseph Horowitz Travel Grant assists it works the same way. Senior Lunch Bunch update By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator 2 he senior luncheon started over from time to time. There The Jewish Federation’s three years ago as an opportu- is always a short program Annual Meeting Tnity for isolated Jewish seniors after the lunch. Previous to have a meal and be in community programs have included together. This free monthly event has talks from rabbis, a magi- transformed into cian, a slide show from an what I can only artist, and a speaker about describe as a safety. monthly simcha, The vibe is friendly a joyous occasion. and warm. From the mo- 3 The senior lun- ment you walk in and get Yom HaShoah Holocaust cheon has become your name tag, you are en- Remembrance Program a festive gathering veloped in the communi- for people who ty. We try to assign “lunch  Jodi Cohen have just moved buddies” to those who are to town, feel like spending time with attending the lunch for other Jewish seniors, are isolated; and the first time. Volunteers for people who want to volunteer by are available to get food driving someone to the lunch, bringing and drinks for those who dessert, helping with set up and clean need assistance. It is very up, and who want to visit with seniors fraylach. I keep expect- 5 during the lunch. ing someone to get up and Israel Scouts rock Fort Myers Lunches rotate between syna- start dancing the hora at at Temple Beth El gogues and senior living facilities in some point. and around Fort Myers and Cape Cor- If you would like to al. Jason’s Deli is our main community attend the lunch or volun- partner, providing delicious sandwich- teer, please contact me at es, soups and desserts. We have pizza [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x2.

11 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis plants roots in Israel

Have an item you’d like to share? Need to reach the editor of L’CHAYIM? NEXT SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH: Send an email to Thursday, July 18 at 12:30 p.m. LChayim36@ Amavida Senior Living, 7650 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers RSVP by Friday, July 12 to gmail.com. Jodi Cohen at 239.481.4449 x2 or [email protected]

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 JULY 2019 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 ne Wednesday in May, a cli- n May, the Jewish Federation held its Annual Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Program ent called about coming to the Meeting at FineMark Bank (see photos below). Thank you to our partner, Temple Judea, for hosting food pantry, but said that first the Federation’s Just a day before Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel Inde- the Annual Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance I heO had to figure out if he had enough pendence Day, the Federation went all out to cele- Program on April 28. Jewish organizations and indi- gas to get here and back. I told him that brate Israel’s birthday. With Is- viduals from all over came to commemorate and hon- if he could make it raeli music and delicious food, or the six-million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Annual Campaign, to the Federation, guests also had the pleasure of This year we were very fortunate to have with us I’d be able to give viewing a new short film by as a guest speaker, Holocaust survivor Renee Bed- him a gift card for Oscar-winning director Guy douk, a hidden child from France. Renee told the call 239.481.4449 gas. I gave him Nativ. audience how her family paid for a safe passage for the card as soon A new slate of Board of Di- her to live with a non-Jewish family for a few years. as he arrived and rectors was introduced, and we They saved her life and she would later build a rela- or visit he threw his arms welcomed new board member tionship with them. Both of Renee’s parents perished, around me and  Robert Thomas. Brian Simon, but Renee was fortunate to have connected with other Debbie cried. While his JewishFederationLCC.org Sanford Federation President, welcomed family members over the years. Renee was married disability claim has been approved, guests and remarked on a great year of programming, and enjoyed a wonderful life, most of it spent in New payment hasn’t started. He’s been out thanked the hard-working Federation staff and execu- York. of work for a few months, and has gone tive director, and gave a preview of what the future The event (see photos on next page) concluded through his savings. While wiping his holds for the Jewish Federation. with a candle lighting ceremony and the beauti- OUR MISSION eyes he said, “You have no idea how Special thanks to FineMark Bank for your hos- ful voices of the Temple Beth Shalom’s adult choir. much this helps.” To strengthen and enrich the Jewish pitality and talented chef Jill for the delicious falafel Thank you to all who contributed to the program. One food pantry client who comes Community by providing and supporting and Israeli treats. philanthropic, educational and social every month said, “My brother died service programs locally, in Israel and quick. Thank you for this food because throughout the world. Federation’s Annual Meeting now I am feeding his kids too.” People on fixed incomes struggle OUR VISION when rent or the cost of medicine in- creases. One client who hadn’t been to A Jewish Community that is based on the pantry in months came in recently, Jewish values such as Tzedakah (benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking responsibility for one another).

L’ Federation board members: Robert Thomas, Karin Fine, President Brian Simon, Michele Laboda, Barbara Siegel, Sara Krivisky, Jewish news published monthly by Sylvia Simko, Rozzi Osterman, Marsha Kistler, Jerry Greenfield and Andi Horowitz (photos courtesy Naomi Thompson) Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org  July 2019 • Volume 41, Number 11  President: Brian Simon Board: Paul Bartrop • Karen Fine • Carolyn Gora Jerry Greenfield • Andi Horowitz Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler • Sara Krivisky Michele Laboda • Rozzi Osterman • Barbara Siegel Sylvia Simko • Robert Thomas • Sherri Zucker Executive Director: Alan Isaacs Guest Speaker Renee Beddouk Program Director: Debbie Sanford Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen  Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923  L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be Mindi and Brian Simon Betty Rubinstein and Barbara Siegel directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the right to edit for space and content. Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the writers and claims by advertisers. AUGUST ISSUE EDITORIAL DEADLINE: Monday, July 8 Grow your business with L’CHAYIM. Naomi Thompson and Karin Fine Charisse and Robert Thomas Reach 5,000 local Jewish residents through this paper. For more information or to place an ad, call Jim

at 239.634.6923 Aliza Brownell and Sasha Zuckerman Lori Ramos, Debbie Sanford, Ian Sanford or send an email to For a continuously updated calendar of events, [email protected]. visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3 Program notes Jewish Family Services update By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator ne Wednesday in May, a cli- talking about the disparity between in- ent called about coming to the come and expenses. There are a few Ofood pantry, but said that first items that don’t regularly get packed in he had to figure out if he had enough the food bags for clients. When I asked gas to get here and back. I told him that this client if she could use some of the if he could make it more unusual items that have been do- to the Federation, nated, she said, “Give me anything that I’d be able to give you can spare. The rule in our house is him a gift card for that if we have it, we eat it.” gas. I gave him Due to your generous support of the card as soon the Federation, the Marcia Can Help as he arrived and Fund is able to assist people in Lee he threw his arms and Charlotte counties of any religion, around me and background or age who need help on  Jodi Cohen cried. While his an emergency basis. In May, the Jew- disability claim has been approved, ish Federation was able to help clients payment hasn’t started. He’s been out stay in their apartment, keep the water Teachers Wanted of work for a few months, and has gone and lights on, and buy fresh food for through his savings. While wiping his a family with six children. We distrib- Temple Judea is seeking passionate and energetic eyes he said, “You have no idea how uted food to 72 people in May, 32 of much this helps.” whom were children. teachers for the 2019-2020 school year. One food pantry client who comes The food pantry volunteers rock. every month said, “My brother died They schlep, pack, lift, clean and or- Teaching experience, Jewish commitment quick. Thank you for this food because ganize our small but mighty food pan- now I am feeding his kids too.” try. Thank you to Donna Cotler, Larry and Hebrew skills are a plus. People on fixed incomes struggle Epstein, Carolyn Gora, Barbara Grib- when rent or the cost of medicine in- in, Karen Whitman, Suzanne Orkin, For more details, call Tab at 239.433.0201 creases. One client who hadn’t been to Judith Yevick, Randi & Payton Wolf, or email [email protected]. the pantry in months came in recently, Phyllis Boyar and Laurie McConville. Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Program

Guest Speaker Renee Beddouk Jewish War Veterans Post 400 members Harvey Charter and Bob Roberto

Betty Rubinstein and Barbara Siegel

Holocaust survivors and candle lighters Peter Simenauer, Carla Benninga and Francoise Onufer This month’s The program was held at Temple Judea 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 Higginson Tax & Accounting.....9 Ajax Paving Industries...... 8 Holocaust Museum & Ed. Ctr.....6 Alliance Financial Group...... 9 Lee Lighting...... 8 Hal Arkin, Realtor®...... 9 Irving Lewin, Piano Lessons...... 8 Art of Fashion and Moore...... 9 Living Happily Counseling...... 9 Gwen Baker, Realtor®...... 9 Michael Shapiro Photography...23 Dr. Daniel Bendetowicz...... 8 Moving Star...... 13 Candlewood Suites...... 6 Paragon Pools...... 8 Cypress Cove...... 24 PCC Tile...... 9 Harold Eskin, Attorney...... 8 Alan J. Rubinstein, Attorney...... 8 FGCU...... 17 Seniors Helping Seniors...... 9 Temple Beth Shalom Choir (photos courtesy Mike Shapiro) FineMark Natl. Bank & Trust....16 SK Lawyers...... 8 Florida Specialists in Urology.....9 Snyderman’s Shoes...... 9 Susan Glasser, Realtor®...... 9 Taschner Periodontics...... 11 PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS Lori Ramos, Debbie Sanford, Ian Sanford Gordon’s Pool & Spa Service.....8 Temple Judea...... 3 Green Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP...9 The Bagel Factory...... 9 Gulf Coast Orthodontics...... 3 The Pampered Soul...... 9 WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION Dr. David Heligman...... 15 Bob Vinikoor, Realtor®...... 8 Henderson Franklin...... 8 Paul Weinstein, CFP®...... 8 & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world.

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.

Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Tributes. ��� ��� ������ ���������� �� L�� � C�������� C������� S����� Please send them to Lori Ramos Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture at the Federation at [email protected]. Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk Thanks to the following supporters of L’CHAYIM dancing, social groups, etc. L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community for their contribution to help underwrite the cost of informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. bringing news of the local, national and international Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ Jewish community to your mailbox every month! Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the community. PUBLISHERS: Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish Jeffrey & Roberta Kushner community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community.

Overseas MahJong Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint �istribu�on Commi�ee �J�C� for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communi�es in ��� countries around the world. Mondays Partnership ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region

in Israel.

Local Seniors Services 1st and Last Monday Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. June, July & August Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health and sociali�a�on.

Starts June 3rd Local Case Management Services Non‐sectarian, individual and family outreach, informa�on and referral services. Individual life coaching and support services. 12:303:30 P.M. Local Emergency Services Jewish Federation Community Room Food Pantry and Publix food cards. Emergency financial assistance grants. Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters.

Call Cheryl Lippel for Local Community Services Support families of children with special needs. more information Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and 239.839.3228 planning.

�e�is� Community �oun�a�on An endowment that ensures the long‐term financial base of charitable, social and educa�onal programs in our community. Needs‐based college scholarships and study scholarships in Israel. Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. The Jewish Federation thanks our GENEROUS DONORS

INDIGENT Israeli Folk Dancers Andrea & Gene Sipe Marty & Judy Freling Nancy & Evan Zelden Paul & Sylvia Simko Temple Judea

The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through the Community Foundation of the Jewish through the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.

FOOD PANTRY Temple Beth El Temple Judea Betty & Jim Rubenstein Israeli Folk Dancers Boni Raitt The grant may be used for travel to Israel to participate inThe programs grant may that be are used volunteer for travel or toeducational Israel to participate in nature. Mellow Mah Jongg Harry Cotton in programs that are volunteer or educational in nature. Harriet Lipschutz Sara Krivisky Shalom Life Center Ruth Lefberg OUR HOPE is that these THIS GRANT is for Jewish OUR HOPE is that these THIS GRANT is for Jewish Karin Fine Victor Gold programs will enhance residents of either county Mindi & Brian Simon Diane Kaiman programs will enhance residents of either county Jewish knowledge and who are 25 years old or Barbara Siegel Jewish knowledge and who are 25 years old or identity in preparation for younger and can demon- identity in preparation for younger and can demon- participation in American strate a financial need. participation in American strate a financial need. Jewish life. Academic standing and Jewish life. Academic standing and community involvement community involvement may also be considered. may also be considered.

For more information or an application, For more information or an application, visit our website at JewishFederationLCC.org. visit our website at JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5

Israel Scouts rock Fort Myers Photos courtesy Ted Epstein he Israel Scouts rocked the house across the Eastern and Midwest United at Temple Beth El on Monday States, the Scouts return to Israel and Tevening, June 10. The 10 exuber- enter their senior year in high school. ant teenagers of Caravan Bashan sang Following graduation next spring, they and danced to Israeli and American begin their mandatory service in the songs, often including several of the Israel Defense Forces – three years for audience members in their performance. the men, and two years for the women. The Scouts spent time before and Several Scouts said they wanted after the show with their local host long-term military careers, but most families before departing for Naples on planned on traveling when they com- Tuesday morning. pleted their military service. Enrollment The mission of the Israel Scouts in Israeli universities begins when the is more than entertainment. They also Scouts return home from their travels. strengthen relationships between Israel The Scouts’ visit to Fort Myers was and North American Jewry, especially co-sponsored by The Jewish Federation with American youth. of Lee and Charlotte Counties, Temple ��� ��� ������ ���������� �� L�� � C�������� C������� S����� After their 12-week summer tour Beth El and Temple Judea.

Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk dancing, social groups, etc. L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the community. Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community.

Overseas Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint �istribu�on Commi�ee �J�C� for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communi�es in ��� countries around the world. Partnership ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region in Israel.

Local Seniors Services Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health and sociali�a�on.

Local Case Management Services Non‐sectarian, individual and family outreach, informa�on and referral services. Individual life coaching and support services.

Local Emergency Services Food Pantry and Publix food cards. Emergency financial assistance grants. Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters.

Local Community Services Support families of children with special needs. Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and planning.

�e�is� Community �oun�a�on An endowment that ensures the long‐term financial base of charitable, social and educa�onal programs in our community. Needs‐based college scholarships and study scholarships in Israel. Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment.

L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center update By Susan Suarez, President & CEO xciting news from the Holocaust supporters – gifts of time, donations, hatred and bigotry. Wouldn’t they be and staff are becoming familiarized with Museum & Janet G. and Harvey bequests, monetary grants and in-kind overjoyed as adults to see how their the new facility and its surroundings ED. Cohen Education Center! services. Thank you to all these organi- project has blossomed? Since the Mu- in the Imperial Plaza Shopping Plaza We’ve just moved into our new home zations and individuals who have helped seum’s founding in 2001, over 250,000 on U.S. 41. Enter at the traffic light at 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., the Museum and its education programs students, teachers and members of the at the intersection of 41 and Imperial Naples. After 18 years of renting, we grow to where it is today. The first orga- public have now been touched by the Golf Course Blvd., and you’ll find the are finally owners! This move was nization to help the fledgling Museum students’ wish to “teach your children Museum located in the center of the made possible by become a reality is still supporting us to teach their children.” Plaza, with plenty of parking out front. the generous lead today. Although the Jewish Federation A big “thanks” is due to all those Once exhibit installation and technol- gift to our first of Collier County has since become the who physically created our new home ogy updates are completed, the new Capital Campaign Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, – David Corban Architecture for its Museum will open to the public later by philanthropist it hasn’t changed its commitment to award-winning design, PBS Contrac- this summer. For progress updates, visit Janet G. Cohen supporting Holocaust education in our tors and its partners who built out the HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org. Also, and many other Southwest Florida community, and we space from demolition to completion, please “Save the Date” for the Grand generous donors. thank it for that. and Capitol Museum Services, which Opening Dedication Ceremony on Sun- The new building Thanks also to the many teachers designed and created the exhibits. Truly day, November 10. Join us from 3:00  Susan is named in honor we have worked with over the years a job well done on all accounts! to 5:00 p.m. for tours, talks, children’s Suarez of Janet and her who found value for their students in As of now, the enormous job of pre- activities and more! The event is free late husband Harvey, early and long- our education programs. They have paring and transporting the Museum’s and open to the public. term supporters of the Museum and truly impacted their students’ lives for collections to the new Museum is nearly We can’t wait to have you visit. We its mission – to teach the lessons of the better. The Museum is honored to complete, and installation into the new look forward to embarking together on the Holocaust to inspire action against be a Designated Site of the Florida De- exhibit galleries is underway. Volunteers the next chapter in our history. bigotry, hatred and violence. partment of Education Commissioner’s The new Museum’s larger space Task Force on Education. As such, we will now allow us to accommodate and provide teachers with the information educate more students and visitors each and materials they need to educate their year about the clear dangers of indiffer- students about the Holocaust as man- ence in our world. Our expanded educa- dated by the State of Florida. FORT MYERS/ SANIBEL GATEWAY tion programs will help people discover As you may know, the inspiration their own ability to make a difference. for the Museum was the “Out of the Newly Renovated!

The new Museum is the culmination Ashes” classroom project on the Holo- FREE Parking FREE High- Speed Internet of a dream hardly dared hoped for in caust. Created in the 1997-1998 school Complimentary Laundry Facility MENTION THIS the early days. It has become a reality year by the 7th grade students of David Complimentary Fitness Center AD AND GET thanks to the hard work, dedication and Bell and Michelle Lee at Golden Gate 24-Hour Candlewood Cupboard 20% OFF BEST Heated Pool, Gazebo, and 2 Gas Grills AVAILABLE vision of so many people – Museum Middle School, the students’ goal was Pet Friendly Hotel :) RATE founders, past and present donors and to make sure the memory of the Holo- Bedrooms with fully equipped * kitchens, dishwasher, microwave, flat supporters, board members, volunteers caust and its innocent victims wouldn’t panel TVs, and desk area. and staff. be forgotten. They hoped through the Minutes to Fort Myers Beaches & Sanibel/Captiva Island, Shopping, Over the years, the Museum has sharing of this knowledge that future Golfing & Restaurants. benefitted in so many ways from our students would take action to prevent BOOK TODAY! Read the current and recent issues of L’CHAYIM 239-244-5770 online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. 9740 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers FL 33908. (pass the round-a-bout)

*Valid May 1, 2019 - July 31, 2019

Senior Outreach Program

Come out for lunch, see familiar faces and meet new friends at our free monthly senior lunches Thursday, July 18th 12:30 PM Amavida Senior Living 7650 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers RSVP by Friday, July 12th

Thursday, August 15th 12:00 PM Community Free Synagogue (in SW Florida Masonic Center) 10868 Metro Pkwy. Fort Myers, FL 33966 RSVP by Friday, August 9th

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] L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7 Jewish “greenhorn” status explored and staff are becoming familiarized within a stunning series of immigrant tales the new facility and its surroundings Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM in the Imperial Plaza Shopping Plaza years of acculturation or lack swered. “So who without shedding a tear? Greenhorns is on U.S. 41. Enter at the traffic light Greenhorns, by Richard Slotkin. thereof. The end of WWII is one knew?” someone a small monument to an epoch not to be at the intersection of 41 and Imperial Leapfrog Press. 186 pages. important marker for greenhorns, might say. Joking forgotten. Golf Course Blvd., and you’ll find the Trade Paperback $16.95. bringing awareness of the Holo- is important, and Reprinted with per- Museum located in the center of the hough the term “greenhorn” has caust they had managed to escape. Slotkin gives us mission from the Plaza, with plenty of parking out front. a cluster of related meanings, The founding of the modern Jew- just enough of it, Jewish Book Coun- Once exhibit installation and technol- at its core, and for the purposes ish state is another: a pinnacle of especially in “Chil- cil. Find daily new ogy updates are completed, the newT of Slotkin’s book, “newly arrived Jewish pride. dren, Drunks and reviews, reading recommendations and Museum will open to the public later immigrant” will do. It’s a pejorative Slotkin tells stories of fami- the United States of more at www.jewishbookcouncil.org. this summer. For progress updates, visit label. Greenhorns seem culturally lost lies and the generation gaps that America.” Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeri- HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org. Also, in their new environments. Youngsters complicate their lives. One man, The most moving tus of English from the United States please “Save the Date” for the Grand often adapt and assimilate with ease. back in “the other side” a prominent story, “Uncle Max Naval Academy. He reviews regularly Opening Dedication Ceremony on Sun- Older immigrants wheat broker, cannot reconstruct his and Cousin Yossi,” is a fable, drawn for Florida Weekly, Washington Inde- day, November 10. Join us from 3:00 have a difficult success in his new environment. He has from life as they all are, about sepa- pendent Review of Books, Southern to 5:00 p.m. for tours, talks, children’s time, some never lost too much status, too much context rated brothers, and about how much Literary Review, other publications and activities and more! The event is free finding true com- for the meaning of his life. He becomes of life is up to chance, like turning the Jewish Book Council. Please visit and open to the public. fort in the nation a recluse. Others find ways to fit in, the wrong way at an intersection. Can Phil’s website at www.philjason.word We can’t wait to have you visit. We or neighborhood grasping when possible the helping anyone can read this harrowing story press.com. look forward to embarking together on to which they le- hand of a cousin already established or the next chapter in our history. gally belong. They a friendly neighbor. never stop being Some find life in New York just as STAY IN TOUCH greenhorns. demeaning as a life threatened by Cos-  Sign up for e-blasts! Phil The six stories sacks. Many children and grandchildren Jason in this collection, make their way and gain the CUNY seal which hovers between fiction and non- of approval. fiction, explore the green- One couple rose GET THE LATEST INFORMATION ON horn experience in the con- from doing sweatshop UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS, text of Jewish immigration piecework to business CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, to the U.S., particularly to prominence. Herschel’s BREAKING NEWS, New York City, from the Fine Clothier became UPDATES FROM ISRAEL & MORE. turn of the twentieth cen- a national brand with tury through the early years stores in major cities. of the Great Depression. Other “off-the-boat” Near the outset of this span Jewish families find is the important marker of ruin. 1905, as Jews escaped the Each story is a latest outbursts of violent gem in its rendering of c.org Richard Slotkin edlc anti-Semitism in Russia greenhorn conversa- illa@jf and Poland, making their way to the tions and sensibilities as plumbed by the mypad ail to a promised land. dutiful narrator, a sophisticate among d an em However, the year of entry is only tribal members still finding or freshly SenSend an email to one important marker. The lives of im- remembering their way. The language, migrants continue along their varying seasoned with Yiddish, carries the rise [email protected] paths for several more decades – their and fall of questions asked and not an- ELIMINATE YOUR PAIN RESTORE YOUR MOBILITY REGAIN YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

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THE RESULTS YOU WANT. THE CARE YOU DESERVE. Thomas S. Zeller, DPT & Associates www.YourBestTherapy.com Fort Myers 239-432-0556 Cape Coral 239-772-2363 L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 8 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST 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 At the Movies the dojo [school]: violent night classes with a limited search of one family line. Opening Tuesday, July 2 is Spider-Man: for select students, weird mind games Far From Home. The film takes place and broken bones…this singular black So here’s the deal: shortly after the events in Avengers: comedy balances off-kilter humor with Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. Endgame. Peter Parker (AKA Spider- an unexpectedly thriller-esque under- Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that Man) is still mourning the death of his current, to the extent that audiences will mentor, Avengers’ leader Tony Stark, find it tough to anticipate either the jokes goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. AKA Iron Man, when he is recruited or the dark, Fight Club-like turn things The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, by Nick Fury to team up with Quentin eventually take – all to strikingly origi- Beck, AKA Mysterio, a master of trick- nal effect.” Indie film director DAVID several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate ery and illusion to battle the Elementals. ZELLNER, 45, has a supporting role friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out Tom Holland plays Spider-Man; Sam- as Henry, the least aggressive student in great for them. So contact him about this as well. uel L. Jackson plays Fury; and JAKE the karate school. GYLLENHAAL, 38, plays Mysterio. Jon Favreau is the director of a 12. His whole extended family, on both helped him write the Deadwood movie. JON FAVREAU, 52, appears as Happy new version of The Lion King, the sides, cooperated in making sure he had (By the way, the Jewish character in Hogan, the former chief aide of Stark, 1994 Disney animated classic. Favreau a bar mitzvah, as his mother wished. A Deadwood, SOL STARR, really lived. and now a mentor of Parker. had a big hit with his 2016 re-make of practicing Jew, Favreau and his wife of Google him.) The Art of Self-Defense opens on The Jungle Book. In that film, he used 19 years, physician JOYA TILLEM, Platt All Over the Place Friday, July 12. It got rave reviews at what’s now called “live action CGI.” In have three children. Broadway star BEN PLATT, 25, who film festivals. Here’s a long quote from the new Lion King he uses a technique HBO Catch-up won the Tony in 2017 for best actor in a the Variety review that encapsulates called “photorealistic computer anima- The 2nd season of the hit HBO series Big musical (Dear Evan Hansen), recently how unusually good it is: “Casey Davis tion.” Check out the film’s trailer to see Little Lies is about to conclude (Sunday, finished a limited tour in which he pro- [JESSE EISENBERG, 35] may be the if you think it’s better than traditional July 7). The powerhouse main cast in- moted his debut solo album, “Sing to least macho man you’ve ever met… animation. SETH ROGEN, 37, has a cludes ZOE KRAVITZ, 30. ROBIN Me.” It consists of 12 original songs, mugged by thugs on motorbikes. Casey starring role as the voice of Pumbaa, WEIGERT, 49, returned in her recur- all written by Platt. Many of the tunes hardly puts up a fight….Dark, sinister a slow-witted warthog, and BILLY ring role as Dr. Reisman, a therapist. are soulful pop ballads detailing Platt’s and disarmingly hilarious [the film] tells EICHNER, 40, voices Timon, a wise- Weigert recently reprised playing a very journey as an openly gay man searching the story of how someone like Casey cracking meerkat. The Oscar-winning different character, Calamity Jane, in for love. Platt came out publicly this learns to stand up for himself by signing score from the 1994 film, by HANS HBO’s Deadwood movie. It premiered year. He came out as gay to his parents up for karate classes. But it’s hardly that ZIMMER, 61, is re-used in this re- on May 31. Despite great reviews, the when he was 12. He told recent a concert simple: Once enrolled, he starts to feel make. (Opens Friday, July 19). Deadwood series was abruptly canceled crowd that he told his parents, on the more confident in his personal life, even Favreau is the son of a mostly in 2006. The movie ties up many hang- phone, when he was in Israel and they as he begins to realize that something Italian non-Jewish father and a Jewish ing plot lines. Sadly, Deadwood creator were home in Los Angeles. bizarre is going on behind the scenes of mother. His mother died when he was DAVID MILCH, 74, is suffering from Platt is set to co-star in The Politi- Alzheimer’s. There’s a great article in cian, an upcoming Netflix series. It’s the May 27 issue of The New Yorker described as a “music-driven” satirical Stay connected all month long at (also online) about how he is coping comedy about a wealthy politician. with the disease with the solid support of There’s buzz that GWYNETH PAL- www.JewishFederationLCC.org his wife RITA STERN, 63. His screen- TROW, 46, and BARBRA STREI- writer daughter OLIVIA MILCH, 30, SAND, 77, will appear on the show.

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Reach 5,000 local Jewish residents through L’CHAYIM. For more information or to place an ad, call Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923. L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9 Interested in Your The wine of the stars By The Wine Whisperer Family’s History? t’s the oldest riddle in the wine make in Virginia. In fact, there’s a page northern Rhône blend of Grenache, lot, with seductive aromas of blue and world. (Q) How do you make a on Wikipedia called “Celebrities who Syrah and Mourvedre, richly struc- black berries, coffee, caramel and a bit Ismall fortune in the wine busi- own wineries.” Go there, and you’ll tured with notes of black fruit and of licorice. Complex and wildly aro- ness? (A): Start with a large one. And scroll down forever. spice. Firm tannins and a persistent fin- matic. WW 94 indeed, the per- Winery owner Kevin Buckler ish, with a dash of Malbec to add even Ask the Wine Whisperer ceived romance heads up The Racers Group, which is more intensity. WW 94 How do I know whether or not a wine and glamour of said to be the most successful inde- Adobe Rod Shift Sonoma County will improve with age? making wine has pendent sportscar racing team in North 2016 ($56) – Mostly Zinfandel, with – Sharon F., Atlanta attracted wildly American history. My wife Debi and I an unconventional portion of Barbera There are many, many variables in- successful celeb- met him at the New York Wine Experi- and three other brooding red varietals. volved in answering this question. For rities from many ence last year and lingered at his sam- Winemaker Garrett Martin says this example, the type of wine is a factor, as areas of human pling table. Then, in early January, we wine is “all about pushing the limits is the vintage quality, and storage con- endeavor. Mu- were invited to his private tasting in St. and breaking the rules.” Explosive aro- ditions. Fact is, most wines are made  Jerry sicians like Jon Petersburg, and he treated us to a whole mas and flavors of blueberry, some red to be enjoyed within a year or two of Greenfield Bon Jovi and new line of wines he developed called floral notes, and even a bit of cedar and production. The big reds, like high-end Sting. Movie stars Brad Pitt and Ange- the “Racing Series.” These red blends cigar. A big wine, but the 14.5% alco- Bordeaux and Burgundy, can age for lina Jolie (when they were a couple), have names like “The Shift” and “The hol is well balanced by the fruit, tan- decades. My advice is to buy several Sam Neill of Jurassic Park fame, Redline.” You get the idea. nins and acidity. WW 93 bottles and drink one fairly soon. If it’s and sports stars such as hockey leg- “My wife Debra and I established Adobe Road Redline Napa/So- big and tannic, put the rest away for a helped him write the Deadwood movie.end Wayne Gretzky and Dan Marino. the winery in 2002,” says Buckler. “We noma 2016 ($35) – Unconventional few years. Better to drink it too soon (By the way, the Jewish character inThere are digital entrepreneurs who have what you might call a ‘driving’ mix of Zinfandel, Cabernet, Malbec and than too late. Deadwood, SOL STARR, really lived. made it big, attorneys who bagged a passion for wine and set out to make other bold red varietals, with blueberry Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- Google him.) huge settlement, baseball players, and ultra-premium wines from unique and blackberry on the nose accompa- er. He is Creative Director of Green- Platt All Over the Place race car drivers like Mario Andretti, blends of varietals.” He’s doing just nied by whiffs of licorice. Deep flavors field Media & Marketing, and Wine Broadway star BEN PLATT, 25, whoRandy Lewis and Kevin Buckler, who that, including sourcing grapes from of mocha, and some definite smokiness Director of the international Direct won the Tony in 2017 for best actor in a raced his Porsche at the 24 Hours of the Beckstoffer vineyards, perhaps the from aging in toasted French oak. A lot Cellars wine club. His new book, Ask musical (Dear Evan Hansen), recentlyLe Mans. Politicians, too. Nancy Pe- most in-demand fruit in the region. of wine for the money. WW 95 the Wine Whisperer, has just been pub- finished a limited tour in which he pro-losi owns two vineyards and sells her Here are some of the discoveries from Adobe Road Apex Sonoma Coun- lished. Read his other writings at www. moted his debut solo album, “Sing tograpes to other winemakers. Even his new lineup. ty Red Blend 2016 ($76) – Perhaps the winewhisperer.com. Me.” It consists of 12 original songs,Donald Trump’s two sons have their Adobe Road The 24 Sonoma most traditional of the blends, this is all written by Platt. Many of the tunes own Trump wine brand, which they County 2016 ($66) – A traditional mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Mer- are soulful pop ballads detailing Platt’s journey as an openly gay man searching for love. Platt came out publicly this year. He came out as gay to his parents when he was 12. He told recent a concert crowd that he told his parents, on the Lowell S. Schoenfeld phone, when he was in Israel and they Florida Board Certified Wills, were home in Los Angeles. Trusts & Estates Attorney Brian Simon, ChFC®, CLU® Financial Advisor, Park Avenue Securities, LLC Platt is set to co-star in The Politi- 1380 Royal Palm Square Boulevard cian, an upcoming Netflix series. It’s Fort Myers, Florida 33919 described as a “music-driven” satirical 239-936-7200 [email protected] comedy about a wealthy politician. 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Reach 5,000 local Jewish residents through L’CHAYIM. L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by For more information or to place an ad, call Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923. generous readers, ommitted advertisers and the Jewish Federation. L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 10 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST The passion of Ultimate Israeli summer FIDF supporters travel to Poland and Israel with treat – recipe by Chef Dalia Marianne Cohn ummer is here and so are water- Holocaust survivors and Israeli military officers By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD melons! In fact, when I think of EW YORK, May 10 – More n the night of July 7-8, 1944, of the resistance. summer, I think of two things, than 40 Friends of the Israel 75 years ago this month, After her release, and using the Swatermelon and Israel! Israel’s long- NDefense Forces (FIDF) sup- Oa young Jewish woman in false identity of Marie Colin, she un- awaited watermelon season has sprout- porters from across the country, with France, Marianne Cohn, was murdered dertook nearly a dozen transfers of ed. In honor of this sweet occasion, I Holocaust survivors and alongside 45 by the Gestapo. Her life was a remark- children, taking groups of about 30 will bring you juicy facts and recipes to soldiers and officers representing all able example of selflessness in the ser- over the border on each occasion. In enhance your enjoyment of this quintes- branches of the Israel Defense Forces vice of life. January 1944, she began working with sential warm-weather treat. (IDF), concluded today the FIDF Mis- Born on Sep- a Catholic resister named Rolande Technically a vegetable, water- sion to Poland and Israel. tember 17, 1922, in Birgy, with whom she ferried further melon was first grown in northern Africa Joining the delegation was Holo- Mannheim, Germa- groups of up to 20 children across the 5,000 years ago and mentioned in the caust survivor Sophie Tajch Klisman, ny, she moved with border. Bible as a staple of the Egyptian diet. 89, of Detroit. Klisman, along with her her family to Berlin By the start of 1944, Marianne had Once you buy your watermelon you can sister Felicia, survived the Auschwitz, in 1929, and then to taken hundreds of children to Switzer- simply slice it and enjoy a cool snack, Bergen-Belsen and Salzwedel concen- Spain in 1934, after land, but on the evening of May 31, but you can also use watermelon to add a tration camps. The youngest of four chil- the Nazi seizure of 1944, a German patrol arrested her refreshing kick to cocktails, cold soups, dren, she was only 10 years old when  Dr. Paul power the previous near Annemasse, just 200 meters from salads and more. There is nothing like a Nazi Germany occupied her hometown Bartrop year. With the onset the border. watermelon with a glass of soda water of Lodz, forcing the family into the Lodz of the Spanish Civil War in 1936, they She was at this time escorting a on the beach in the summer, ghetto of 68,000 Jews. Both sisters were moved again in 1938, this time settling group of 28 children ranging in age Growing up in Bat Yam, Israel, and liberated from Salzwedel in April 1945, in France. from four to 15, and was held at the so close to the sea made almost every Personal Chef Dalia Hemed and immigrated to the U.S. in 1949, set- When World War II started, Mari- local Gestapo jail, the Prison de Pax. summer day a beach day. Walking to can be reached at tling in the Detroit area. The rest of their anne’s parents, as German nationals, Jean Deffaugt, the mayor of Anne- the beach with family and friends was a [email protected]. family perished. were detained at the Gurs internment masse, who sympathized with the spontaneous call, and because there was “If I look at the rest of the family, camp in southern France. Marianne Resistance, intervened. The younger very little planning involved, we didn’t is the side the watermelon laid on. Thethey were already adults and grown-ups and her sister were sent to a farm. children were sent to local orphanages, take much with us. The only two impor- more worn and creamy yellow, the moreand here was this child; that was just a In 1940, after the Fall of France, while Marianne and the older children tant things were towels and watermelon. ripe it is. miracle that I survived; it was meant they were subjected to Nazi-imposed were paroled to work under guard in My childhood is filled with many sweet 3. Tap the belly of the watermelon;for me to survive,” Klisman said. “I anti-Semitic laws and took refuge in a Annemasse during the day. watermelon memories. I remember the it should have a nice deep hollow sound.just hope in conclusion, that nobody, home for Jewish children in Moissac, This worked for a short time, but Watermelon Slicesnobody should have to live through in the so-called “Unoccupied Zone” the Resistance knew that Marianne with lime-honey,such terrors, such horrible conditions at centered on the city of Vichy. was in extreme danger – as also was mint syrup and feta such a young age, or at any age. It was Marianne was taken under the care the whole escape operation. A plan was cheese of the Jewish Scouts (Éclaireurs Israé- arranged to rescue her, but she refused Be sure to start this lites de France), and in 1941 joined the to leave the children who were in her recipe at least 1.5 Young Zionist Movement (Mouvement care. hours ahead so the de la Jeunesse Sioniste or MJS). It was The underground then sent a mes- components have through this secret organization that sage to the Gestapo, threatening to time to cool. Mix up she was brought into resistance activi- kill its members if the detainees were the syrup and chill it ties. By 1942 she was active in produc- harmed. After this, the Gestapo began until it’s cold. Cut the ing forged passports and, later, smug- their interrogation. On July 3, 1944, melons into wedges gling Jewish children out of France. a specially selected squad was sent to and refrigerate them. Volunteers known as passeurs, Annemasse from Lyon with the assign- Then, just before you who escorted the children to Switzer- ment of removing six resistance pris- serve, add cheese and land, undertook hazardous missions oners, including Marianne. In her defi- great feeling of taking a break on the then drizzle the syrup over the fruit and under constant risk of detection by ance, she now refused to hide behind beach after playing in the water. Sitting garnish with fresh chopped mint. Nazis or French collaborators. This led her alias, and revealed her identity; for on the warm sand with a huge and cold Ingredients: inevitably to Marianne’s arrest, though her rebelliousness, she was tortured piece of watermelon was one of the best • 1 cup honey mint syrup (recipe after three months’ detention in a Vi- horribly. She did not, however, speak, parts of our day at the beach. below) chy prison in Nice, she was released. other than to say that she had no regrets Four things make Israel a fast- • 1 (4-pound) piece watermelon, It was during this period of imprison- for her actions. growing tourist destination: 24/7 parties, preferably seedless, cut into 24 thin ment that, in early 1943, she wrote a On the night of July 7-8, 1944, endless sunshine, history and, of course, wedges poem that would become famous in only three weeks before the libera- top cuisine. Everyone knows that • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, preferably resistance circles, “I Shall Betray To- tion of Annemasse, Marianne and the falafel, hummus and shakshuka are the spearmint, finely chopped morrow” (“Je trahirai demain”). It has others were taken to nearby Ville-la- holy grail of Israeli cuisine, especially • 1.5 cups crumbled feta cheese become an immortal statement of defi- Grand and murdered. The Gestapo, it here in America. But do you know that XX Make the honey mint syrup. ance in the face of the Holocaust: was said, struck them with shovels and watermelon and feta cheese are just as XX Remove from heat and refrigerate Tomorrow I shall betray, but not today kicked them repeatedly until they were significant in Israeli summer kitchens until cool, about 1.5 hours. Remove Today, pull out my fingernails, dead. today? No meal is complete without the mint. I shall not betray. All the children who had been im- ultimate weapon against the unbearable XX Slice watermelon into wedges and You don’t know the limits of my brav- prisoned with her were saved and re- humidity: watermelon and feta cheese. place on a large cutting board or ery. leased as a result of the liberation in The feta most often used there is serving platter. I do. August. a salty Bulgarian variety common in XX Pour the crumbled feta on top of the You are five men with knuckledusters. The hastily buried and mutilated Israel (feel free to substitute regular watermelon and drizzle with mint- You are five men with nails in the soles bodies of Marianne and the others feta). This dish is Israel’s best version infused syrup. of your boots. were discovered in an open grave at of a sweet-and-savory snack – creamy, XX Garnish watermelon with fresh mint Tomorrow I shall betray, but not today. La Rape, near Ville-La-Grande. Mari- salty, sweet and juicy all at once. leaves. Tomorrow. anne’s funeral took place on Septem- Often, basil is added for flavor Mint syrup I need night to come to make up my ber 26, 1944, in Grenoble. A guard of complexity, but I choose to add mint, Ingredients: mind, honor mounted by soldiers of the Re- fresh from my garden. The sweet mint • 1 cup fresh mint, chopped Only one night, sistance and members of the MJS ac- is grown from cuttings of a variety that • 1 cup water To sell out, to give up, to betray. companied the bodies. Prayers were come to us from Israel, where mint is • 1 cup honey To sell out my friends, recited and speeches were made. After used in many dishes. It is no surprise, • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 1.5 To give up bread and wine, the burial, two salutes were fired, and then, that Israel has a flourishing indus- limes) To betray my life, the ceremony ended with the singing of try of herbs and spices and is one of the • 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest To die. Hatikvah. Some members of the MJS, largest exporters of herbal products and (from 1.5 limes) Tomorrow I shall betray, but not today. together with children saved by Mari- condiments to Europe and the U.S. The XX Put the honey and water in a small The file is under the window pane. anne in the Pax Prisown, then conduct- Israeli cuisine makes extensive use of pot. The file isn’t for the bars ed an all-night vigil over her grave. fresh herbs. In almost every house or XX Bring it to a boil over high heat, The file isn’t for the executioner, Celebrated as a heroine of the re- balcony, even in the large cities, herbs whisking occasionally. Remove the The file is for my own wrists. sistance, Marianne Cohn was just 22 are grown to make infusions or as spices pot from the heat. Today, I have nothing to say. years old at the time of her death. in everyday dishes. XX Pour the honey syrup over the Tomorrow, I shall betray. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of His- My husband loves watermelon chopped mint. At the end of the war, the poem tory and the Dir. of the Center for Ju- salad. During the summer, one of his XX Give it a stir to make sure all the was retrieved by one of the children daic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies favorite snacks is freshly sliced, chilled mint is submerged. Marianne had saved. It is a testimony at Florida Gulf Coast University. He watermelon with crumbly slices of feta. XX Cover it with plastic wrap. Let it of courage, and one of the great poems can be reached at [email protected]. The saltiness of the cheese is a perfect steep like this on the counter until complement to the cool sweetness of it cools to room temperature. the watermelon. I introduced him to XX When the syrup has cooled com- Changing your address? Keep the flavor combination, and now he is pletely, strain it, pressing the mint hooked, too. with the back of a spoon to squeeze Here are some tips on picking the out as much syrup as you can. Dis- L’CHAYIM coming to your home. perfect watermelon: card the mint; it’s done its job. 1. The watermelon should feel XX Add lime juice and lime zest, stir heavy for its size. well. Email [email protected]. 2. Look for the yellow spot. This XX Store it covered, in the fridge. L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 FIDF supporters travel to Poland and Israel with Holocaust survivors and Israeli military officers EW YORK, May 10 – More a horrible experience, but I’m glad that New Jersey, and she currently lives in Holocaust and those who risk their lives than 40 Friends of the Israel I finally was able to tell it.” Jerusalem. to defend the Jewish homeland,” said NDefense Forces (FIDF) sup- Also joining the mission was Ho- Led by FIDF National President Klifi-Amir. “We’ve celebrated our story porters from across the country, with locaust survivor Gizella “Gita” Mann, Bobby Cohen and FIDF National of heroism – from near annihilation, to Holocaust survivors and alongside 45 89, of Israel. Mann’s community in Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) the triumph of establishing the State of soldiers and officers representing all Hungary was forced into a ghetto and Meir Klifi-Amir, the nine-day “From Israel. When we marched tall and proud branches of the Israel Defense Forces later brought to Auschwitz, where she Holocaust to Independence” mission through the gates of the Auschwitz- (IDF), concluded today the FIDF Mis- and her sister were separated from their spanned Jewish history, from its dark- Birkenau camps, together with Holo- sion to Poland and Israel. family. Gita was later separated from est moments to its most triumphant. caust survivors, FIDF supporters and Joining the delegation was Holo- her sister and sent to Germany, where Israeli soldiers and Holocaust survivors 45 Israeli officers in uniform, gratefully caust survivor Sophie Tajch Klisman, she worked for most of the war. After accompanied the FIDF supporters on a flying the Israeli flag, we sent a clear 89, of Detroit. Klisman, along with her narrowly escaping death, she was taken trip across Poland, starting in Krakow, message: that we are here, we will never sister Felicia, survived the Auschwitz, forget, and we will do whatever we must Bergen-Belsen and Salzwedel concen- do to protect our country and our people tration camps. The youngest of four chil- to guarantee – Never Again.” dren, she was only 10 years old when “This mission serves as one of the Nazi Germany occupied her hometown last opportunities for survivors to return of Lodz, forcing the family into the Lodz to Auschwitz and share its dreadful ghetto of 68,000 Jews. Both sisters were stories,” said Cohen. “We entered the liberated from Salzwedel in April 1945, gates of hell, where countless Jews and immigrated to the U.S. in 1949, set- suffered and perished at the hands of tling in the Detroit area. The rest of their the Nazis. We will ensure the stories of family perished. The FIDF “From Holocaust to Independence” mission in front of the Israeli Air Force (IAF) airplane survivors live on, safeguarded by those “If I look at the rest of the family, on which the delegation flew from Poland to Israel (Photo Credits: Shahar Azran) brave soldiers who defend and protect they were already adults and grown-ups to Sweden and stayed there until 1946. once home to more than 60,000 Jews, the State of Israel, and Jewish people and here was this child; that was just a She returned to Hungary after the war and tracing the community’s steps from around the world.” miracle that I survived; it was meant and reunited with her sister and three the city’s ghetto to the Buczyna forest, About Friends of the Israel Defense for me to survive,” Klisman said. “I brothers. In 1948, she moved with her where the Nazis executed more than 800 Forces (FIDF): just hope in conclusion, that nobody, then-fiancé to Israel, where she stayed children. The group then traveled to the FIDF was established in 1981 by a nobody should have to live through until emigrating to the U.S. in 1964, Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c) such terrors, such horrible conditions at and finally returning to Israel five years extermination camps. (3) not-for-profit organization with such a young age, or at any age. It was ago. Mann has two children who live in The entire delegation later flew the mission of offering educational, to Israel on an Israeli Air Force (IAF) cultural, recreational and social pro- airplane, after the IDF Chief of the Gen- grams and facilities that provide hope, Florida governor eral Staff granted the FIDF delegation purpose and life-changing support for exclusive access to land at an IAF base. the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews plants roots in Israel The group visited several IDF bases and worldwide. Today, FIDF has more than In the ancient hills of Jerusalem, a tree planting ceremony met soldiers serving on Israel’s front 150,000 loyal supporters and 20 chap- commemorates Governor DeSantis’ official visit to Israel, lines, commemorated Yom HaZikaron – ters throughout the United States and Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers Panama. FIDF proudly supports IDF his first since taking office. and victims of terror – and celebrated soldiers, families of fallen soldiers, and n May 29, Florida Governor special tree planting ceremony foresaw Israel’s 71st Independence Day. Earlier wounded veterans through a variety of Ron DeSantis took part in a a strong and vibrant Israel, and that is today, the delegation met with Israel’s innovative programs that reinforce the Otree planting ceremony hosted no different today.” president, Reuven Rivlin. vital bond between the communities in by Keren Kayemet L’Israel-Jewish KKL-JNF Vice Chairman Yair Lot- “This historic mission surveyed the United States, the soldiers of the National Fund (KKL-JNF) and Jew- stein addressed the meaningful event Jewish modern history through the eyes IDF and the State of Israel. For more ish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) and said, ”Governor, you are about to of those who survived the horrors of the information, visit www.fidf.org. at Yad Kennedy Memorial in Amina- plant a tree here in the Kennedy Peace dav Forest in the Jerusalem area. The Forest. This tree will grow and thrive ceremony was part of the Governor’s in these Jerusalem foothills. A green, Trade Mission in Israel, which included growing reminder of the deep-rooted a delegation of nearly 100 participants connection between you and the State representing Florida’s largest govern- of Israel. Between you and the people mental organizations, companies and of Israel.” community professionals. JNF-USA President Dr. Sol Lizer- The State of Florida has held long- bram said, “Jewish National Fund-USA time ties to the State of Israel, and Gov- represents some one-million donors in ernor DeSantis demonstrated on his trip the United States, including hundreds to Israel that the connection has never of thousands of supporters in the State been stronger. of Florida. We are very proud of that The tradition of planting trees in strong connection to the land and people Israel is a timeless spiritual and na- of Israel, and are so pleased to welcome The FIDF “From Holocaust to Independence” mission meets with Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin tional symbol in a nation that has long Governor DeSantis and his delegation revered the connection to the land and to this ceremony, one we will always the planting of some 250 million trees, cherish.” a reminder of the growth and vibrancy JNF-USA and KKL-JNF have of this young country, which earlier established themselves as the conduit this month celebrated its 71st year of between the Florida community and the independence. State of Israel, providing educational During the ceremony, Governor partnerships, community programs and

DeSantis said, “May the tree we plant an international partner in the promotion today grow as tall and as strong as the of technologies and resources that have friendship between Israelis and Florid- become synonymous with Israel, KKL- Ronny S Taschner DDS ians. Those who preceded me in this JNF and JNF-USA. Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology

Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL

Phone 239-936-0635 Executive Director of KKL-JNF Global Resource Development Ronnie Vinnikov; United Israel Appeal Chairman Sam Grundwerg; KKL-JNF Vice Chairman Yair Lotstein; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (photo courtesy Avi Hayun, KKL-JNF Public Diplomacy Div.) L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 12 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD BRIEFS BRIEFS ISRAEL’S ECONOMY ISRAELI ARAB WOMEN Recent years have seen an annual oped Iron Dome jointly with IAI. “The BOOMS AT FASTEST PACE JOINING LABOR FORCE net Jewish immigration of 25,000- number of deaths would have beenfor medical treatment, IDF paramedics SINCE 2016 IN LARGE NUMBERS 30,000, while net Arab emigration hundreds of times higher if the Ironattached the bar code to the wounded, from the West Bank has been 20,000 Dome had not existed.” (Amir Rapa-who were able to transfer all relevant Israel’s economy expanded at its fast- A decade ago, only 22% of Israeli annually. (Amb. Yoram Ettinger, Jew- port, IsraelDefense) medical information to doctors at Na- est pace in three years as its gross Arab women were working outside the ish Political Studies Review) hariya’s Galilee Medical Center. The domestic product rose 5.2% in the 1st home. Today over 40% are part of the NATO AND ISRAEL doctors were able to plan ahead to re- quarter of 2019, the Central Bureau of labor force. WHAT ISRAEL HAS ceive the patients an hour and a half Statistics said Thursday, May 16. “The major reason is the increase DEEPEN TIES Israel is fast becoming NATO’s pre-before they arrived. This is a jump from a 3.9% gain in in the educational level of Arab women MANAGED TO DO mier partner country. NATO can tap Autonomous aerial vehicles are the 4th quarter of 2018. (Ivan Levings- and internal changes within Arab soci- IN RECENT YEARS into over seven decades of counterter-being studied as an option to evacu- ton, Bloomberg) ety,” says Aiman Saif, director of the Where were we a little over 70 years rorism experience, learn from a cyberate wounded soldiers during war. One Authority for the Economic Develop- ago, and where are we now? From a powerhouse, and deepen intelligenceunmanned aerial system (UAS) the ISRAELIS AID ment of the Minorities Sector. scattered, lowly people that was tram- ties with a tested and vibrant democ-IDF has been working on for several VENEZUELAN REFUGEES Arab citizens comprise 17% of the pled by anyone who passed by and a racy perched on the shores of the Le-years is the Cormorant – a compact, IN COLOMBIA university students in Israel, close to third of whom went up as smoke in the crematoria, we rose from the ashes and vantine powder keg. Living at closeunmanned, single-engine, VTOL (ver- Israeli humanitarian aid agency Is- their 20% share of the population. Of bloomed into a strong, proud nation quarters with radical Islamist terroriststical take-off and landing) aircraft. raAID has dispatched an emergency these students, 70% are women. that is being courted by many coun- is business as usual for Israel. (Anna Ahronheim, Jerusalem Post) response team to Cucuta, on Colom- A recent study found that 90% of tries. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bia’s border with Venezuela, where employees in a workplace shared by Thirty years ago in 1988, 4.44 mil- can share invaluable experience inWHY AGRITECH IS around 5,000 Venezuelans cross every Arabs and Jews said they had a good lion people were living in Israel, com- asymmetric warfare against terroristISRAEL’S NEXT BIG day seeking relief from the continued relationship with their counterparts. pared to 8.96 million last year. Thirty armies that use its own population as economic and political crisis in the (Linda Gradstein, Jerusalem Post) IMPORT years ago, the gross domestic product human shields, and can give crucialThe train ride from Jaffa to Jerusalem country. stood at $44 billion. Now it is more advice to NATO commanders as theypasses through fields of grapes, lettuce, IsraAID’s response plan will NO ARAB DEMOGRAPHIC than 700% higher, standing at over face similar challenges. Israel has pio-tomatoes, olives and bananas. In many include child-protection and back- TIME BOMB $355 billion. The per capita GDP has neered advanced techniques to helpways, these fields are a miracle. As the to-school activities, community re- Contrary to conventional wisdom, the increased from $10,000 thirty years protect civilians in residential combatDead Sea evaporates and the Jordan silience-building and psychological Jewish state is not facing an Arab de- ago to over $38,000 last year. Israel’s zones. River dwindles, Israel has been forced support, hygiene and sanitation promo- mographic time bomb. foreign currency reserves were $4 bil- On countless occasions, Israel hasto get creative around water efficiency. tion, and relief distribution. In 2018 there were 1.85 million lion thirty years ago, and now they to- fed NATO allies life-saving intelli-More than half of Israel’s usable water IsraAID currently has active recov- Arabs in the West Bank (not 3 million tal $115 billion. In 1988, annual infla- gence. Just last year, Israel preventedis man-made from desalinated seawa- ery teams across the region, supporting as claimed by the Palestinians), 1.6 tion stood at 16%, compared to only a blood bath at a political rally in Parister, and 86% of its wastewater is treat- communities affected by the 2018 El million Israeli Muslim Arabs, 130,000 1% in 2018. plotted by diplomats of the Iranian re-ed and reused. Fuego Volcano eruption in Guatema- Israeli Druze, 130,000 Israeli Chris- Since the beginning of the 21st cen- gime. Israeli warnings also foiled an Israel has survived as a modern la, the 2017 earthquakes in Mexico, tian Arabs and seven million Jews – a tury, the Israeli economy has grown ISIS attack at a soccer match betweennation because the country created a and Hurricane Maria in Dominica and 65.5% Jewish majority in the com- by 90%, more than double the average NATO ally Albania and Israel in 2016.revolutionary irrigation system in the Puerto Rico. bined area of pre-1967 Israel and the growth among OECD nations. Exports (Michael Sieveking, deputy director1960s that would become the world IsraAID’s emergency response West Bank. grew from $10 billion in 1988 to $107 of the American Jewish Committeestandard for efficient and high-tech in Colombia is supported by AJC and By 2017 the Jewish fertility rate billion in 2018. The discovery of off- Transatlantic Institute in Brussels, Newagriculture. Necessity is the mother of additional generous donors. (Abigail had risen to 3.16 births per woman, shore natural gas reserves provides the Europe - Belgium) invention, and the concept of “drip” ir- Klein Leichman, Israel21c) exceeding the Arab fertility rate in the West Bank of 3 births per woman. resources for the production of 73% of rigation exemplifies that maxim. the country’s electricity. POLL: MOST AMERICANS Israel’s agritech sector now com- Israel is ranked third in the world SUPPORT ISRAEL, prises 500 companies, many of them MahJong (after Japan and Canada) in the number SAY BDS MOVEMENT new, which have raised over $170 of college-educated citizens per capita. IS ANTI-SEMITIC million in funding since 2017 – more R&D comprises a bigger percent of Is- According to a new poll of 1,000 likely than competitors in far larger farm- Mondays rael’s GDP than any other country in U.S. voters recently released by the ing nations like Brazil and Australia. the world. (Dror Eydar, Israel’s next Hudson Institute, 51% held a favorableAgriculture and food tech startups re- ambassador to Italy, Israel Hayom) opinion of Israel, while only 21% heldceived over $10 billion in investments an unfavorable opinion. last year globally, up 29% from 2016, 1st and Last Monday SCORECARD ON ISRAEL’S 75% agreed it is in America’s in-and a significant proportion is going to IRON DOME MISSILE terest to have Israel as its closest ally inIsrael. DEFENSE SYSTEM the Middle East. This month, Taranis – a four-year- June, July & August The most recent round of fighting be- Almost 60% said anti-Semitism isold Tel Aviv startup whose drones tween Gaza and Israel was a battle be- happening more frequently today thanmonitor fields and diagnose nutrient Starts June 3rd tween Israel’s Iron Dome air defense 15 years ago. 37% attributed anti-Sem-problems, plant disease and insect in- system and Hamas and Islamic Jihad itism in the U.S. to Muslim extremists,festations in farms in the U.S., Brazil, rockets. Israel sustained four civilian 28% to right-wing extremists and 22%Russia and Australia – closed a $20 12:303:30 P.M. deaths and 150 injuries. Palestinian to left-wing extremists. million investment round. rockets have been upgraded signifi- A majority considered support for In January, Israel Aerospace Indus- Jewish Federation Community Room cantly over the years, with some short- the BDS movement to be anti-Semitic,tries Ltd. signed an agreement to supply range rockets now carrying dozens of while a plurality said the U.S. shoulddrones to Brazil’s Santos Lab as a way

kilograms of explosives, which defi- support Israel in opposing the BDSto improve large-scale precision agri- Call Cheryl Lippel for nitely affected the scope of casualties movement. culture. The first foray into the agricul- and damage. Over 60% said it is not Islamopho-ture market for the Israeli company is more information At the same time, Iron Dome bic to criticize Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-estimated to be a more than $100 mil- achieved an interception rate of more Minn.) for her views on Israel. (Jeffreylion deal. Last October, China’s vice 239.839.3228 than 90% for rockets launched at inhab- Cimmino, Washington Free Beacon) president Wang Qishan toured Israeli ited areas. This percentage was main- agri-parks, which have been popping tained even when the enemy launched THE IDF’S MEDICAL up across China, as well as Ethiopia, a massive salvo of 117 rockets within INNOVATION BRANCH India, Greece and Panama after similar one hour at the city of Ashdod. A total Established less than a year ago, thestate visits. In late 2017, China signed of 690 rockets were launched, with 35 IDF’s Medical Innovation Brancha $300 million “clean tech” deal to im- reaching populated areas. When Israel has been working on several projects.port and white-label Israeli agricultural first sought to develop Iran Dome, the One such project is to use virtual re-tech. (Adam Popescu, OneZero) Defense Ministry had hoped for an in- ality glasses like Microsoft’s Holo- terception rate of 70%. During a round Lens. It allows for paramedics treatingWEST POINT GRADUATES of fighting in March, 100% of 50 rock- wounded soldiers on the battlefield to1,000TH JEWISH STUDENT ets launched from Gaza were intercept- get guided treatment from a doctor inWhen West Point graduated its 1,000th ed successfully. a hospital. Jewish cadet on Saturday, May 25, it “No other system, worldwide, can Another innovative technique in-was more than a historical moment. even come close to the interception volves placing a bar code on the in-For the 12 Jewish cadets graduating percentages of the Iron Dome,” said a jured individual to track medical infor-this year out of a class of 980, and senior source at Rafael, which devel- mation. When Syrians came to Israelthe hundreds of Jewish alumni before continued on next page them, this milestone shows how much Jewish life has grown here since the military academy’s 1802 founding. For daily news stories related (Cathryn J. Prince, Times of Israel) HOW ISRAEL IS HELPING to Israel & the Jewish world, TO FEED THE WORLD Since the 1950s, Israelis have not only been finding miraculous ways to turn visit the Federation’s website their own desert green but have also shared their discoveries far and wide. Israeli drip-irrigation solutions are at JewishFederationLCC.org. used worldwide. L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13

Since 1/3 of the food produced globally is lost or wasted each year, BRIEFS Israeli-designed GrainPro Cocoons – huge bags that keep both water and air continued from previous page out – are used today in 100 countries. for medical treatment, IDF paramedics Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu-owned Bio- attached the bar code to the wounded, Bee breeds and exports several species who were able to transfer all relevant of beneficial insects and mites for bio- medical information to doctors at Na- logical pest control, and bumblebees hariya’s Galilee Medical Center. The for natural pollination, to more than 50 doctors were able to plan ahead to re- nations. The company’s top seller is the ceive the patients an hour and a half tiny BioPersimilis, a highly efficient before they arrived. enemy of the spider mite, a devastating Autonomous aerial vehicles are agricultural pest. being studied as an option to evacu- BioPersimilis is used by most of ate wounded soldiers during war. One California’s strawberry farmers and unmanned aerial system (UAS) the by growers of peppers, tomatoes, po- IDF has been working on for several tatoes, beans, corn, cucumber, melon, years is the Cormorant – a compact, eggplant and ornamental flowers in or- unmanned, single-engine, VTOL (ver- der to reduce the amount of pesticides tical take-off and landing) aircraft. they use by up to 80%. (Abigail Klein (Anna Ahronheim, Jerusalem Post) Leichman, Israel21c) WHY AGRITECH IS ISRAEL’S ‘UBER FOR ISRAEL’S NEXT BIG FIRST RESPONDERS’ IMPORT GOES GLOBAL The train ride from Jaffa to Jerusalem United Hatzalah (Hatzalah means Res- passes through fields of grapes, lettuce, cue in Hebrew), with its all-volunteer tomatoes, olives and bananas. In many network of trained emergency first re- ways, these fields are a miracle. As the sponders, has become a regular feature Dead Sea evaporates and the Jordan in Israel. It’s now going global. River dwindles, Israel has been forced United Hatzalah’s model is predi- to get creative around water efficiency. cated on two facts. First, when it comes More than half of Israel’s usable water to emergency response, every second is man-made from desalinated seawa- counts. An ambulance crew that’s too ter, and 86% of its wastewater is treat- far away, gets stuck in traffic, misses ed and reused. a turn, or waits on a slow elevator can Israel has survived as a modern often mean the difference between life nation because the country created a and death. Second, when someone has revolutionary irrigation system in the an emergency, there are almost always 1960s that would become the world people nearer to the scene than the dis- standard for efficient and high-tech patched ambulance. agriculture. Necessity is the mother of Average ambulance response times invention, and the concept of “drip” ir- in Israel and the U.S. often exceed 10 rigation exemplifies that maxim. minutes, depending on population den- Israel’s agritech sector now com- sity. Hatzalah’s volunteer medics av- prises 500 companies, many of them erage less than three minutes. In large TM new, which have raised over $170 IAM cities, their average response time is 90 International Association of Movers million in funding since 2017 – more seconds. So, how do they do it? than competitors in far larger farm- United Hatzalah has trained vol- ing nations like Brazil and Australia. unteer medics throughout Israel who Agriculture and food tech startups re- complete 180 hours of classroom in- estinians breeze through, encountering “In some countries if you fail, ceived over $10 billion in investments struction and 100 hours of field train- the Israeli military only if they had not that’s the end of it. I know people here last year globally, up 29% from 2016, ing before being certified. yet received a biometric identification who succeeded on their 10th attempt.” and a significant proportion is going to There are now over 5,000 vol- card. Even during busy times, it takes “In Japan, there is the same level Israel. unteers – secular and religious Jews, less than five minutes to cross. of ambition as here, but it’s the failures This month, Taranis – a four-year- Muslims, Druze and Christians, men Qalandia checkpoint was estab- that they cannot tolerate. In Brazil, if old Tel Aviv startup whose drones and women, old and young, from every lished 18 years ago during the sec- you have a failed start-up, you can’t monitor fields and diagnose nutrient socioeconomic background – who all ond intifada, when Palestinian suicide apply for more grants.” (Eanna Kelly, problems, plant disease and insect in- work together to save the lives of their bombers were sent to blow up buses Science Business - Belgium) festations in farms in the U.S., Brazil, neighbors in need. Over 3,000,000 and restaurants inside Israel. Shaul Russia and Australia – closed a $20 people have been treated to date. Shay, an Israeli military historian, HOLLYWOOD IDOL million investment round. The centralized dispatch center said that maintaining checkpoints but AUDREY HEPBURN In January, Israel Aerospace Indus- tracks the location of volunteers, in- upgrading them was the best way to HELPED SAVE DUTCH tries Ltd. signed an agreement to supply cluding what equipment and training maintain “coexistence between Israelis JEWS DURING THE drones to Brazil’s Santos Lab as a way they have, via an app on volunteers’ and Palestinians.... Unfortunately, as to improve large-scale precision agri- HOLOCAUST phones. When a call comes in, the long as Palestinian terror continues, Is- A new book, Dutch Girl: Audrey Hep- culture. The first foray into the agricul- closest medics are immediately locat- rael cannot take any risks. This system ture market for the Israeli company is burn and World War II, by veteran star ed and dispatched via the app. To deal is unavoidable.” (Ruth Eglash, Wash- chronicler Robert Matzen, describes estimated to be a more than $100 mil- with congested urban areas, Eli Beer ington Post) lion deal. Last October, China’s vice Hepburn’s life in the city of Arnhem invented the ambucycle – a medically and nearby Velp during the war where president Wang Qishan toured Israeli equipped motorcycle that can race CANDY GIANT MARS agri-parks, which have been popping she displayed heroism on behalf of in- through traffic. There are now over 800 TO BUILD FOOD TECH dividuals in danger. In 1942, the Nazis up across China, as well as Ethiopia, ambucycles deployed in Israeli cities. RESEARCH HUB IN ISRAEL India, Greece and Panama after similar executed her uncle, Otto Ernst Gelder, In the U.S., a four-year-old pro- Mars, the $35 billion maker of M&Ms state visits. In late 2017, China signed Count van Limburg Stirum. gram in Jersey City has 200 volunteers, and Snickers, is teaming up with Je- a $300 million “clean tech” deal to im- Audrey, known at the time as Adri- and another branch is launching in En- rusalem Venture Partners to create a port and white-label Israeli agricultural aantje, refused an order to join a Nazi glewood, New Jersey. New York City research and development center in Is- tech. (Adam Popescu, OneZero) artists’ committee, ending her burgeon- could be on the horizon. Brandon Full- rael dedicated to commercializing tech ing dance career, which had made her WEST POINT GRADUATES er, deputy director at the NYU Mar- solutions in the food industry. (Chloe Arnhem’s most famous ballerina by ron Institute of Urban Management, Sorvino, Forbes) 1944. Hepburn also assisted Dr. Hen- 1,000TH JEWISH STUDENT observes, “If United Rescue can do for th drik Visser ’t Hooft, who helped shel- When West Point graduated its 1,000 New York what it has done on a smaller TECHNION STUDENTS Jewish cadet on Saturday, May 25, it ter hundreds of Jews in Velp through- scale for Jersey City, it will save lives HAVE CREATED OVER out the war. She was one of the people was more than a historical moment. and promote the volunteerism that can For the 12 Jewish cadets graduating 2,000 COMPANIES bringing messages to families pro- strengthen communities across the Entrepreneurship fever has made the this year out of a class of 980, and tecting Jews. She also danced to raise city.” (Yaron Carni, Forbes) Technion-Israel Institute of Technol- the hundreds of Jewish alumni before money for the resistance and to feed ogy, Israel’s oldest university founded them, this milestone shows how much Jews in hiding. Her family members ISRAEL’S HIGH-TECH in 1912 in Haifa, one of the main fuses Jewish life has grown here since the risked their lives sheltering a British FACELIFT TAKES for the country’s roaring tech sector. military academy’s 1802 founding. soldier, and she and her mother as- THE STING OUT OF “Many of our graduates are run- (Cathryn J. Prince, Times of Israel) sisted as nurses. At one point, the Na- For daily news stories related CHECKPOINTS ning the economy,” said university zis rounded up Dutch women and girls HOW ISRAEL IS HELPING At the Qalandia military checkpoint president Peretz Lavie, who is stepping to work in German kitchens, including TO FEED THE WORLD north of Jerusalem in the West Bank, down in October after 12 years. Hepburn, but she escaped. (Rich Teno- to Israel & the Jewish world, Technion students have created Since the 1950s, Israelis have not only people step calmly up to the electronic rio, Times of Israel) over 2,000 companies. The record for been finding miraculous ways to turn barrier and allow their ID cards to hov- a single student is 21. What do you think? visit the Federation’s website their own desert green but have also er for a second over a green laser be- In a country known as start-up na- shared their discoveries far and wide. fore an automatic gate pops open like Need to reach the editor of tion, failure isn’t the end, Lavie says. Israeli drip-irrigation solutions are at an advanced airport terminal. After L’CHAYIM? Send an email to “Israelis don’t stop asking questions.” at JewishFederationLCC.org. used worldwide. a multimillion-dollar renovation, Pal- [email protected]. L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 14 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties COMMENTARY

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. The newest epidemic to sweep America…hunger! Why history still matters: The 1967 Six-Day War By Michael Golding By David Harris, CEO of American Jewish Committee (AJC), June 4, 2019 n a country that wastes billions they make trade-offs with other living to face hunger than children nation- food. In fact, according to a recent re- ention history and it can trig- of pounds of food each year, it’s expenses and employ coping strategies wide. Child food insecurity rates in the port, roughly 50 percent of all produce ger a roll of the eyes. almost shocking that anyone in to secure essential household goods. five counties of Southwest Florida are in the United States is thrown away – Add the Middle East to the I some 60 million tons (or $160 billion)M America goes hungry. Yet every day, Forty million Americans struggle with higher than overall child food insecu- equation and folks might start running millions of children and adults do not hunger, including more than 12 million rity rates across the country, according worth of produce annually. for the hills, unwilling to get caught get the meals they need to thrive. When children. They are, in the new vernacu- to the Map the Meal Gap 2019 report Even with that, the Harry Chapin up in the seemingly bottomless pit of people face hunger, they often struggle lar, “food insecure,” meaning they are released by Feeding America. In our Food Bank distributes hundreds of details and disputes. to meet other basic needs as well, such often forced to skip meals, eat less at communities, 20.4 percent of children thousands of pounds of food each But without an understanding of as housing, employment and health- meals, buy cheap and non-nutritious are food insecure compared to 17 per- month to 150-plus partner agencieswhat happened in the past, it’s impos- care. food. cent of children nationwide. A hungry serving our neighbors in need. Thesible to grasp where we are today – and According to Feeding America, the But right here in Southwest Flor- child will become an uneducated one! Jewish Federation is one of them. where we are has profound relevance National Association of Food Banks, ida the numbers are worse, according Obviously, there are those who I urge readers of L’CHAYIM tofor the region and the world. one in three low-income American to the local Harry Chapin Food Bank, “work the system” and could find em- practice tzedakah – charitable giving Fifty-two years ago this week, the families struggles to afford basic non- which works with the Jewish Federa- ployment and support themselves, but that is typically seen as a moral obliga-Six-Day War broke out. food household goods, including prod- tion of Lee and Charlotte Counties’ they are in the minority. The saddest tion – and support the Jewish Federa- While some wars fade into obscu- ucts related to personal care, house- Food Pantry. Studies show children thing of all is the fact that Americans tion’s Food Pantry. rity, this one remains as relevant today hold care and baby care. As a result, in Southwest Florida are more likely waste an unfathomable amount of Michael Golding lives in Fort Myers. as in 1967. Many of its core issues remain unresolved. Politicians, diplomats and journal- Burying Herman Wouk and burying his Zionism ists continue to grapple with the conse- By Moshe Phillips quences of that war, but rarely consider, or perhaps are even unaware of, context. erman Wouk, the famed novel- out of the path of sure extinction.” allowed him to better understand his that attachment to the Land of the Free Yet without context, some critically ist who first became a house- Forty years later in The Will to Live own son’s desire to make his home as well as to the reborn Jewish state. important things may not make sense. hold name for his 1951 Pulitzer On, Wouk, as he interwove Jewish his- in the modern Jewish state. Postscript: Self-Portrait of a Hero H First, in June 1967, there was no Prize-winning The Caine Mutiny, died tory and shared stories of his personal The Washington Post, The New is a must read. It contains Yoni Ne- state of Palestine. It didn’t exist and on May 17, nearly 70 years after achiev- interaction with David Ben-Gurion, York Times, The Jerusalem Post as well tanyahu’s letters to family and friends never had. Its creation, proposed by the ing fame. Besides his long career as a Yitzhak Rabin and other leading Is- as wire services and other newspapers from 1963 when he first entered high UN in 1947, was rejected by the Arab writer, he was also a lifelong Zionist. raeli generals and politicians, showed all managed to leave Zionism out school in the Philadelphia suburbs to world because it also meant the estab- This fact of Wouk’s love affair with that his love of Israel was clearly undi- of their summations of Wouk’s life. just days before the rescue of hostages lishment of a Jewish state alongside. the State of Israel has been completely minished. “The resurgence of Jewry in Whether deliberate or not, this miss- at Entebbe. His intellect, patriotism, Second, the West Bank and eastern absent from the many articles celebrat- the Holy Land is nothing but phenom- ing piece of his life surely matters as compassion, dedication to duty and Jerusalem were in Jordanian hands. ing his literary career and marking his enal,” he wrote. one simply cannot understand Wouk leadership are all on full display, am- Violating solemn agreements, Jordan passing, less than two weeks before Wouk had been a U.S. Naval of- without realizing the central place Zi- plifying the loss of someone who had denied Jews access to their holiest what would have been his 104th birthday. ficer during World War II, and his love onism occupied in his life, no less just turned 30. The book had a profound places in eastern Jerusalem. To make In this small space, I will attempt of the Israeli military and respect for than his love of Torah and his deep faith. effect on Wouk. If you have not read it, matters still worse, they desecrated and to rectify that. its accomplishments was a large part Wouk’s passion for the well-be- do yourself a favor and read it, and you destroyed many of those sites. Again and again – from his 1959 of his Israel novels, The Hope and The ing of his fellow Jews and for Israel too will be forever changed by it. Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip was un- first non-fiction work, This is My God: Glory. should serve as a reminder to Ameri- Moshe Phillips is national director of der Egyptian control, with harsh military The Jewish Way of Life, through his pair Those two books can be juxtaposed can Jews of how the Greatest Genera- Herut North America’s U.S. division. rule imposed on local residents. of books about modern Israel, The with his pair of famous World War tion also bore witness to the horrors of Herut is an international movement for And the Golan Heights, which were Hope (1993) and The Glory (1994), II novels, The Winds of War (1971) the Holocaust and the rebirth of Israel. Zionist pride and education and is dedi- regularly used to shell Israeli communi- until his second nonfiction book, pub- and War and Remembrance (1978). Those who reflected on what they saw cated to the ideals of pre-World War II ties far below, belonged to Syria. lished in 2000, The Will to Live On: This In his Israel novels, the heroine Natalie were forever changed. Wouk loved Isra- Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Herut’s Third, the Arab world could have is Our Heritage – Wouk focused much Jastrow undergoes a long and tortured el and America, and we should emulate website is https://herutna.org/. created a Palestinian state in the West of his literary abilities on Israel. journey from American Jewish girl to Bank, eastern Jerusalem and the Gaza Perhaps no line in any of his books Holocaust victim to Zionist. Strip any day of the week. They didn’t. demonstrates his love of Israel more Herman Wouk penned the introduc- There wasn’t even discussion about it. than this one from This is My God: “The tion to the 1980 English version of Self- And Arab leaders, who today profess first time I saw the lights of the (Israeli) Portrait of a Hero: The Letters of Jona- such attachment to eastern Jerusalem, airport in the dusk from the descending than Netanyahu. Yoni’s brothers, Ben- rarely, if ever, visited. It was viewed as plane, I experienced a sense of awe that I jamin and Iddo Netanyahu, put together an Arab backwater. do not expect to know again in this life.” the book. “My parents like his were Fourth, the 1967 boundary at the Wouk, an Orthodox Jew, synthe- Zionists,” writes Wouk. Later in the time of the war, so much in the news sized his love of Torah with his love introduction he explains his connection

these days, was nothing more than an of the reborn Jewish state. to Israel. “Like most American Jews In preparation for this hurricane season armistice line dating back to 1949 – And his view of Zionism is also we believe in Israel and support it, buy please remember to: familiarly known as the Green Line. clearly laid out in This is My God: “Zi- Israel Bonds, make frequent trips there; That’s after five Arab armies attacked onism is a single long action of lifesav- I give speeches for Israeli causes and so  Fill out the form below and return it to us. The information will be used only Israel in 1948 with the aim of destroying ing, of snatching great masses of people forth,” and then relates how the book in an emergency to contact you and/or a relative.  Contact your county emergency operations center using the contact Infor- the embryonic Jewish state. They failed. mation below to receive guidance on how to prepare for an emergency. Armistice lines were drawn, but they weren’t formal borders. They couldn’t be. The Arab world, even in defeat, MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT refused to recognize Israel’s very right Lee County, Florida Division of Public Safety to exist. Emergency Management/Emergency Operations Center Fifth, the PLO, which supported A tribute is a thoughtful gift honoring a Phone: 239.533.3622 / Fax: 239.477.3636 the war effort, was established in 1964, special occasion , including birthdays, www.leeeoc.com three years before the conflict erupted. anniversary's, promotions, bar/bat Charlotte County Office of Emergency Management mitzvah, or to express sympathy. Phone: 941.833.4000 / Fax: 941.833.4081 www.charlottecountyfl.com/emergency/index.asp

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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. Why history still matters: The 1967 Six-Day War By David Harris, CEO of American Jewish Committee (AJC), June 4, 2019 ention history and it can trig- That’s important because it was cre- Ambassador to the U.S. was quoted in post-1967 Israeli settlement-building ger a roll of the eyes. ated with the goal of obliterating Israel. The New Yorker as saying, “It broke my is the key obstacle to peacemaking. MAdd the Middle East to the Remember that in 1964 the only “settle- heart that Arafat did not take the offer The Six-Day War is proof positive that equation and folks might start running ments” were Israel itself. (of a two-state deal presented by Israel, the core issue is, and always has been, for the hills, unwilling to get caught Sixth, in the weeks leading up to with American support, in 2001). Since whether the Palestinians and larger Arab up in the seemingly bottomless pit of the Six-Day War, Egyptian and Syrian 1948, every time we’ve had something world accept the Jewish people’s right details and disputes. leaders repeatedly declared that war on the table, we say no. Then we say to a state of their own. If so, all other But without an understanding of was coming and their objective was to yes. When we say yes, it’s not on the contentious issues, however difficult, what happened in the past, it’s impos- wipe Israel off the map. There was no table anymore. Then we have to deal have possible solutions. But, alas, if not, sible to grasp where we are today – and ambiguity in their blood-curdling an- with something less. Isn’t it about time all bets are off. where we are has profound relevance nouncements. Twenty-two years after to say yes?” And they want the world to believe for the region and the world. the Holocaust, another enemy spoke Today, there are those who wish to the Arab world had nothing against Jews Fifty-two years ago this week, the about the extermination of Jews. The rewrite history. per se, only Israel, yet trampled with Six-Day War broke out. record is well-documented. They want the world to believe abandon on sites of sacred meaning to While some wars fade into obscu- The record is equally clear that Is- there was once a Palestinian state. There the Jewish people. rity, this one remains as relevant today rael, in the days leading up to the war, was not. In other words, when it comes to as in 1967. Many of its core issues passed word to Jordan, via the UN and They want the world to believe the Arab-Israeli conflict, dismissing the remain unresolved. United States, urging Amman to stay there were fixed borders between that past as if it were a minor irritant at best, Politicians, diplomats and journal- out of any pending conflict. Jordan’s state and Israel. There was only an irrelevant at worst, won’t work. ists continue to grapple with the conse- King Hussein ignored the Israeli plea armistice line between Israel and the Can history move forward? Abso- quences of that war, but rarely consider, and tied his fate to Egypt and Syria. His Jordanian-controlled West Bank and lutely. Israel’s peace treaties with Egypt or perhaps are even unaware of, context. forces were defeated by Israel, and he eastern Jerusalem. in 1979 and Jordan in 1994 power- Yet without context, some critically lost control of the West Bank and eastern They want the world to believe the fully prove the point. At the same time, important things may not make sense. Jerusalem. He later acknowledged that 1967 war was a bellicose act by Israel. though, the lessons of the Six-Day War First, in June 1967, there was no he had made a terrible error in entering It was an act of self-defense in the face illustrate just how tough and tortuous the state of Palestine. It didn’t exist and the war. of blood-curdling threats to vanquish path can be – and are sobering reminders never had. Its creation, proposed by the Seventh, Egypt’s President Gamal the Jewish state, not to mention the that, yes, history does matter. UN in 1947, was rejected by the Arab Abdel Nasser demanded that UN peace- maritime blockade of the Straits of world because it also meant the estab- keeping forces in the area, in place for Tiran, the abrupt withdrawal of UN The AJC West Coast lishment of a Jewish state alongside. the previous decade to prevent conflict, peacekeeping forces, and the redeploy- Second, the West Bank and eastern be removed. Shamefully, without even ment of Egyptian and Syrian troops. All Florida office, Jerusalem were in Jordanian hands. the courtesy of consulting Israel, the UN wars have consequences. This one was located in Sarasota, Violating solemn agreements, Jordan complied. That left no buffer between no exception. But the aggressors have denied Jews access to their holiest Arab armies being mobilized and de- failed to take responsibility for the ac- can be reached at places in eastern Jerusalem. To make ployed, and Israeli forces in a country tions they instigated. matters still worse, they desecrated and one-fiftieth, or two percent, the size of They want the world to believe 941.365.4955. destroyed many of those sites. Egypt – and just nine miles wide at its Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip was un- narrowest point. der Egyptian control, with harsh military Eighth, Egypt blocked Israeli ship- rule imposed on local residents. ping lanes in the Red Sea, Israel’s only And the Golan Heights, which were maritime access to trading routes with regularly used to shell Israeli communi- Asia and Africa. This step was under- ties far below, belonged to Syria. standably regarded as an act of war by Third, the Arab world could have Jerusalem. The United States spoke created a Palestinian state in the West about joining with other countries to Bank, eastern Jerusalem and the Gaza break the blockade, but, in the end, Strip any day of the week. They didn’t. regrettably, did not act. There wasn’t even discussion about it. Ninth, France, which had been And Arab leaders, who today profess Israel’s principal arms supplier, an- such attachment to eastern Jerusalem, nounced a ban on the sale of weapons on rarely, if ever, visited. It was viewed as the eve of the June war. That left Israel an Arab backwater. in potentially grave danger if a war were Fourth, the 1967 boundary at the to drag on and require the resupply of time of the war, so much in the news arms. It was not until the next year that these days, was nothing more than an the U.S. stepped into the breach and sold armistice line dating back to 1949 – vital weapons systems to Israel. Specializing in familiarly known as the Green Line. And finally, after winning the war of outpatient hip and That’s after five Arab armies attacked self-defense, Israel hoped that its newly- knee replacement Israel in 1948 with the aim of destroying acquired territories, seized from Egypt, the embryonic Jewish state. They failed. Jordan and Syria, would be the basis for Armistice lines were drawn, but they a land-for-peace accord. Feelers were weren’t formal borders. They couldn’t sent out. The formal response came be. The Arab world, even in defeat, on September 1, 1967, when the Arab refused to recognize Israel’s very right Summit Conference famously declared to exist. in Khartoum, “No peace, no recognition, Fifth, the PLO, which supported no negotiations” with Israel. the war effort, was established in 1964, More “no’s” were to follow. Un- three years before the conflict erupted. derscoring the point, in 2003, the Saudi

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Connecting the dots A vibrancy and lease know that I am writing world view, it is sometimes hard to this column today…for me. I see the virtues of studying Torah. But a goodness in Israel Phope that some of you reading it just being in the presence of our sa- he Hula Valley in northeastern what sells. So the image of Israel we will receive some benefit as well. The cred writings has a beneficial aspect. Israel is a way station for birds get from news outlets is usually nega- near-chaos of our day has seemingly And no matter what your politics may migrating between Europe and tive. The negative is absolutely there. reached a level that be, there is obviously a breakdown in T Africa. My wife and I were there, to- The conflict with the Palestinians, es- many of us are un- speaking the truth lately. So commit to gether with a Temple Judea trip, the pecially those in Gaza, is not going familiar with. What doing these things: study Torah for an second week of May, away soon. Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy, is am I speaking of? hour every day. And resolve to check hoping to see a wide stockpiling missiles. Chaos…Politics… yourself whenever you hear a lie com- variety of birds. The But everyday life in Israel tells War…Tariffs…Con- ing out of your mouth. And if you can preserve was virtu- a different story. Arab Israelis were gressional Inves- do both of these things, that is even ally empty! The birds the staff in our Jerusalem hotel; Abu tigations…Global better. had all continued on Hasan Hummus in Jaffa was full of  Rabbi Warming and acts of He also suggested: “Never miss their journey back to Israeli Jews and Arabs eating side by Michael J. “extreme weather”… an opportunity to study the Word of Schorin Europe for the sum- side (including this American Jew); the Anti-Semitism… G-d. It settles the mind and calms the  Rabbi mer. We did see a lot pharmacist at the SuperPharm in Be’er Politics…and so forth. With all of these heart. G-d’s Word is the source of all Marc of cranes, however – Sheva was wearing a head scarf. (A stressors, it would not be surprising for true life. Know and understand it. The Sack the kind that are used large percentage, perhaps a majority anyone to over-react, over-medicate Word can heal your soul and unite it in constructing high-rise buildings. Is- of the pharmacists in Israel are Israeli or hide in the closet. Of course, with with its source.” rael was exploding with construction Arabs.) Everyday life in Israel shows the ubiquity of cell phones, even your These words are not just meta- – office buildings, hotels and apart- a country that is thriving economically, closet may not be safe. phors, but part of our human reality. ments. This was especially the case in socially and culturally. So what can we do about all of When issues accost us from all sides, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. And the coun- Toward the end of the trip, our these issues, as individuals and as we need to deepen our connection to try was full of tourists. We saw groups group visited the Children’s Heart Hos- members of our tribe? I’m glad you’re our source, our center. That is why we from the Philippines, Argentina and pital in Tel Aviv where children from asking that question. In our long histo- have the rabbinic midrash that in the Europe as well as other North Ameri- around the world, including Palestin- ry, we have gone through many topsy- center of the world is Israel. And in the can Jewish communities. There were ian and other Arab children, receive turvy times. I assure you this is not the center of Israel is Jerusalem. And in Birthright groups everywhere. state-of-the-art medical treatment. This first and it will not be the last. In his the center of Jerusalem is the Temple While standing in a long line at a commitment to caring never makes the book, The Empty Chair: Finding Hope Mount. And in the center of the Temple falafel stand in the Jewish Quarter of news media but it too is a regular part and Joy, Reb Nachman of Bratzlav Mount is the Holy of Holies. It all goes the Old City, I struck up a conversation of Israeli life. (also spelled Breslov) gives us some together and it is all connected. with a young woman who was there My favorite stop on the trip was wonderful advice. Most of all, Reb Nachman con- with Honeymoon Israel, a program that the Yemin Orde Youth Village, a resi- His first statement is that: “Peace stantly adjured his Hasidim to: “Never brings Jewish couples in their first five dential high school for children from heals. When your own world is frac- despair! Never! It is forbidden to give years of marriage to Israel for a 10-day dysfunctional immigrant families. Our tured, increase your knowledge of up hope.” I pray that hope and faith and trip. (Honeymoon Israel is for couples presenters were two Ethiopian Jewish G-d. It will spawn inner peace.” And trust will grow within each of us, until in which both partners are Jewish and women who had gone through the pro- he balances that with: “When the out- we meet again. for interfaith Jewish couples. It tries to gram. Yemin Orde gives teenagers both side world is fractured, promote the Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC, bring couples from the same geograph- an education and the life skills needed search for truth. It will spawn universal BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’s ic area. The young woman I met was for the army and adulthood. peace.” Department of Spiritual Services, and on a trip from Atlanta.) For sure, we saw Israel through Both of these statements seem ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical Israel is busy because business is sympathetic Jewish eyes. Our trip to be wise. In our rational, scientific Center. booming there. The Times of Israel re- was planned by an Israeli-American cently reported that Bill Ford of Ford tour company. All of us had been to Motor Company was in Tel Aviv open- Israel multiple times. We wanted to ing a new research center to develop be wowed and we were. But there is a computer vision and machine learning vibrancy – and a goodness – in Israel algorithms, both of which are used in that people who only know about Is- self-driving cars. Nissan and Renault rael from the media don’t see. They are are doing the same. missing a lot. It is the nature of news media to Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple focus on controversy. Candidly, that’s Judea in Fort Myers. COMMENTARY BRIEFS FINEMARK NATIONAL BANK & TRUST IS PROUD THANK YOU, FLORIDA the two,” he said at the Gush Etzion GOVERNOR DESANTIS Industrial Zone, meeting with Jew- TO CONSISTENTLY EARN A 5-STAR RATING ¡¡ Even before his trip to Israel, in ish and Arab businesspeople who the weeks after Ron DeSantis was oppose boycotts. “We are not go- FROM BAUER FINANCIAL, THE NATION’S elected governor last year, he im- ing to discriminate against certain Israelis – and if people do... we will * mediately took action on behalf of LEADING INDEPENDENT BANK RATING FIRM . the Jewish state. Florida’s cabinet take action accordingly.” recognized Jerusalem as “Israel’s ¡¡ “You have people that are willing eternal capital,” invested $10 mil- to trade with Iran, the leading state We attribute our success to delivering unparalleled lion in Israel Bonds, and blacklisted sponsor of terrorism in the world service and putting our clients fi rst. Airbnb because of its plan to boy- – some of the worst regimes in the cott listings in West Bank settle- world – and yet they only want to ments, which the global company boycott the one Jewish and demo- has since reversed. cratic state in the world,” he said. “If ¡¡ This week, DeSantis repeatedly you support BDS in Florida, you are spoke out against the anti-Israel dead, politically,” he added. Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions ¡¡ The Florida delegation signed over movement, leading the first official 20 memoranda of understanding in trade mission to the West Bank led multiple fields including business, by a U.S. governor – with two dozen trade, academia, innovation and business leaders. tourism. (Editorial, May 31, Jeru- ¡¡ “Anti-Semitism is driving the BDS salem Post) movement, and you cannot separate L’CHAYIM delivers! Introduce your business to a POWERFUL demographic and reach 5,000 readers each month for pennies per reader! 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L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 FROM THE BIMAH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 17

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. Connecting the dots Rising Anti-Semitism in Germany: an on-the-ground assessment what sells. So the image of Israel we s I write these words, my wife Syrian refugees who have been raised one is more problematic or dangerous to heart Felix Klein’s advice: Denounce get from news outlets is usually nega- Vickie and I are spending five in an atmosphere where Israelis – syn- than the other.” anti-Semitism through educational fo- tive. The negative is absolutely there.A weeks in Germany speaking onymous in the minds of many, though Fortunately, those whom Vickie rums, public service announcements, The conflict with the Palestinians, es-about the Shoah and reconciliation not all, with Jews – are the enemy. and I have encountered in our travels and school programs such as the one pecially those in Gaza, is not going in several schools. In addition, I am The paradox is that Russian Jews, to speak and teach in different parts Vickie and I present. Schools should away soon. Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy, is teaching interfaith groups in syna- because of their native land’s longtime of Germany have, without exception, educate students to learn from the hor- stockpiling missiles. gogues and preach- support of the Arab war effort against treated us with respect and dignity and rors of the past so as not to repeat them. But everyday life in Israel tells ing in synagogues Israel, align themselves in Germany as most welcome guests. In addition, there should be swift sanc- a different story. Arab Israelis were and churches, en- with the right-wing AFD (Alternative Nonetheless, there is a “fear fac- tion for anti-Semitic speech and severe the staff in our Jerusalem hotel; Abu couraging Germans for Germany) party. That party is under tor.” punishment for anti-Semitic acts of Hasan Hummus in Jaffa was full of to learn from the past scrutiny for promoting neo-Nazi ac- We are not naïve. Our minds’ eyes violence. Israeli Jews and Arabs eating side by to create a better fu- tivities. But their staunchly anti-Syrian cannot ignore what we envision we No Jew should ever fear to wear side (including this American Jew); the ture. refugee stance is what attracts many see from our trains’ windows through a Star of David or a kipah (yarmulke) pharmacist at the SuperPharm in Be’er I was not sur- Russian Jews to them. the Black Forest region en route to in public, nor should Christians fear Sheva was wearing a head scarf. (A Rabbi prised, therefore, when A complicated scenario, indeed. Freiburg and our many other destina- wearing a cross, Muslims a hijab, or large percentage, perhaps a majority Stephen several people back As The New York Times Magazine tions: Rottweilers and S.S. soldiers Sikhs a turban. Germany, the United of the pharmacists in Israel are Israeli Fuchs home sent me a link article notes: “It can be difficult to de- searching for Jews in the forests. States and all other countries, too, must Arabs.) Everyday life in Israel shows to the feature story, “The New German termine the root of anti-Semitic crimes. Our “fear factor” intensifies be- do all in their power to become places a country that is thriving economically, Anti-Semitism,” which appeared in the When researchers looked at all report- cause we both acknowledge that what in which people – no matter their reli- socially and culturally. May 21 edition of The New York Times ed anti-Semitic incidents in Berlin in James Angelos reports about Germany gion – are safe to identify publicly with Toward the end of the trip, our Magazine. 2018, they were unable to determine is occurring, too, in an eerily similar their faith. group visited the Children’s Heart Hos- Anti-Semitism, like the Hydra of the ideological motivation in nearly way in the United States today. Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs serves at pital in Tel Aviv where children from Greek mythology, is a monster with half the cases.” In both countries, the government Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sani- around the world, including Palestin-many heads. I often characterize it as However, it is not difficult to un- and educational authorities should take bel Island. ian and other Arab children, receivea chronic condition that can be kept derstand this statistic: From 2017 to state-of-the-art medical treatment. This under control, but not cured. Anti- 2018, there was a 60 percent rise in commitment to caring never makes the Semitism comes from both the left and violent anti-Semitic crimes. Equally An inspirational meeting news media but it too is a regular partthe right; politics, economics, religious easy to comprehend is this one: Thirty an you believe it is already and we began to talk. I had no idea that of Israeli life. beliefs and racist theories all have pro- percent of those who responded to a July? The snowbirds have de- he was world renowned. His name was My favorite stop on the trip wasvoked it throughout history, and each 2015 ADL survey in Germany “hate parted for northern destinations Krishnamurti. What I remember most the Yemin Orde Youth Village, a resi-of these forces plays a role in its re- Jews because of the way they behave.” C and new visitors are appearing, think- about our first meeting was the conver- dential high school for children fromemergence in Germany. As detailed in James Angelos’ ar- ing about moving to sation and how inspired I was by his dysfunctional immigrant families. Our Two additional factors are at play ticle, Felix Klein, Commissioner for Florida. It is again a being. He was one of the most compas- presenters were two Ethiopian Jewish as well. The first is that the Jewish pop- Jewish Life in Germany, cares less time for new begin- sionate souls that I have ever had the women who had gone through the pro-ulation of 20,000 left in Germany after about parsing the different Hydra heads nings. As I sat pon- honor to spend time with. gram. Yemin Orde gives teenagers boththe Holocaust has swelled to 200,000. of the new anti-Semitism in Germany dering over the last His life had been dedicated to sav- an education and the life skills neededThis increase is the result of an influx of and more about controlling it. “The few years, I began ing this world – tikkun olam. for the army and adulthood. immigrants and refugees from the for- right strategy,” he says, “is to denounce to think of the many The years have passed but the For sure, we saw Israel through mer Soviet Union. The second factor is any form of anti-Semitism. I don’t people who have memory of our subsequent conversa- sympathetic Jewish eyes. Our trip the flow into Germany, since 2015, of want to start a discussion about which  Rabbi had an effect on the tions have guided me in attending to was planned by an Israeli-American Devora directions that my the many requests and needs of our Buchen tour company. All of us had been to life has taken. Some- community. Israel multiple times. We wanted toLay leaders and rabbis times the most beautiful encounters are “Save the world be wowed and we were. But there is a ome of you know that this is are times when genuinely inspired rab- those that are unplanned. But do not try to achieve it vibrancy – and a goodness – in Israel one of my very favorite stories. bis are blessed to work with, not for, I had been invited to a music fes- Do what comes naturally that people who only know about Is-SI’d venture that virtually ev- visionary lay leaders who are among tival in Ojai, California – a marvelous The desire is strong rael from the media don’t see. They areery American rabbi over 40 probably the most decent human beings you’ll event where many musicians from all Compassion blossoms” missing a lot. knows it! ever want to meet. We rabbis, especial- over come to perform together. There May our world have peace. Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple A rabbi who had served her congre- ly in the first decades, can always learn was a rest period and so I took a walk, Rabbi Devora Buchen serves at Temple Judea in Fort Myers. gation for a number of years came to in a lot from these gifted lay-leader part- whereupon I met an older gentleman Beth Shalom in Cape Coral. intensive care after a ners. We may be a mile deep in Jewish major heart attack to learning but are often just a few inches find her synagogue wide in life experience, especially the president seated be- experience of working with groups of What do you think? side her bed. people, creating and leading successful “Rabbi,” said the organizations of all sorts. president, “I am so We’d all like to believe that “the L’CHAYIM wants to know!  Rabbi relieved to hear that cream floats to the top” for rabbinic Bruce you’ll be okay! You and lay community leadership and, Send your letters and comments to Ted Epstein, Diamond will be pleased to thank Heaven, it often does, both in L’CHAYIM Editor, at [email protected]. know that the Board of Directors synagogue and other Jewish commu- passed a resolution wishing you a nal institutions. When it doesn’t, it’s a Letters Policy speedy recovery! Then she quickly messy “mix and match” situation. Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone. added, “I am happy to report that the When competent inspired rabbis Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length vote was 11 to 4!” work with visionary, well-seasoned lay and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM Typical wry Jewish humor for sure leaders, together they can create whole- nor its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received. with that knipel (little pinch and twist) some outcomes the meet the needs of at the end. But, as I recall from the their people and then some. Of course, years that I labored under synagogue like everyone else, lay leaders want Boards of Directors, an 11-4 split is of- the best rabbis, but if they happen to Center for Judaic, Holocaust, ten a landslide for the rabbi! stumble upon one, well then, you have I am hardly the first one to won- the not-so-funny story at the beginning and Genocide Studies der why it has to be so hard so much of this column. of the time for rabbis and lay leaders to And then you have the saddest Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about get along. It’s especially hard on rabbis match – chronically sick synagogues Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: who often are the most sincere. They that find unethical, self-seeking “spiri- grow up studying all about the ancient tual leaders” who are able to get along • scholarship Hakhmim (Sages) and learning to re- just fine in the sludge and even thrive • outreach vere the words and lives of the great in the moral morass. They’re in it for • inquiry Rabbanim who followed to expand and the money in a forever futile attempt • sharing knowledge L’CHAYIM delivers! deepen the received traditions. They to satisfy a damaged ego. It should go • preserving the record Introduce your business to a POWERFUL go on to seminaries that teach them without saying that, behind a mirage and urge them to be learned, high- of progress, over time this creates a • helping teachers demographic and reach 5,000 readers minded leaders of their people just like downward death spiral for the organi- • encouraging students each month for pennies per reader! the great ones that came before them zation. whose teachings are the cornerstone of This why we find in the first verse everything they are learning to prepare of the first psalm in our Sacred Writ- For ad rates and deadlines, contact for their rabbinical calling and voca- ings: “Blessed is the one that moves Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923 or tion. not in the circle of the ungodly, nor Then what happens? Years and stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in [email protected]. years of 11-4 votes, and not always in the place of the scornful...” their favor! It can be a real soul-crush- Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ ing letdown! Community Free Synagogue in Fort Now don’t get me wrong. There Myers. Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 18 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FROM THE BIMAH

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Rabbi Gittelsohn’s memorial sermon s we approach the fourth of Gittelsohn to listen to the sermon he faith or despises him because of his those who mourn this will come, we July and celebrate our country had originally written for a combined color. Here there are no quotas of how promise, the birth of a new freedom for Aand its ideals, I’m reminded service. And then they took action. Not many from each group are admitted or the sons of men everywhere.” of a story I first heard from Michael only did they show up, but they en- allowed. Among these men, there is no As we celebrate the founding of Feldberg, Ph.D., a scholar of American sured Rabbi Gittelsohn’s words would discrimination. No prejudices. No ha- America this month, we pray that we Jewish history. The be heard by all Americans. One of tred. Theirs is the highest and purest may truly live out Rabbi Gittelsohn’s story begins at the them borrowed the manuscript and cir- democracy… We here solemnly swear call. battle of Iwo Jima, culated several thousand copies to his that this shall not be in vain. Out of this Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple one of the most dev- regiment. And even in an age before and from the suffering and sorrow of Beth El in Fort Myers. astating battles dur- email or Facebook, his powerful mes- ing World War II. sage spread. The sermon was shared The American invad- in Marines’ letters home to families, Person to person ing force at Iwo Jima in local newspapers and ultimately in ne of the great purposes of law taking in this world could be improved  Rabbi included approxi- Time magazine. The Army distributed is to protect people; to help the if we would but be aware that we are Nicole mately 1,500 Jewish it by shortwave radio to broadcast to individual, and to preserve not dealing not with things or decisions or Luna O Marines, including American troops around the world. It only the sacredness but the welfare of programs, but rather with persons. Rabbi Roland B. Gittelsohn, the first was read on national radio on Memo- each human life. The We should struggle to maintain Jewish chaplain in the Marine Corps. rial Day 1945 and many years after. importance of ev- this awareness even more fully in our To honor the fallen and dedicate Fifty years later, Rabbi Gittelsohn ery person is an un- technological, computerized and auto- the Marine Cemetery after the battle, was invited to read his sermon at the changing eternal fact mated society, which tends to obliter- the presiding division chaplain, War- 50th anniversary memorial of the battle, of life as well as of ate the person. All of us tend to forget ren Cuthriell, a Protestant minister, held at the Iwo Jima statue in Washing- religion. People are that the essential purpose of living is to planned to hold a combined religious ton D.C. His message remains pain- the ultimate values make ourselves truly human. service. In a spirit of interfaith cooper- fully relevant for us today. He wrote in this world; every- A secretary at an airline office in ation advanced for its time, he invited the following, using the language of  Rabbi thing else comes sec- Washington, D.C., was heard to answer Rabbi Gittelsohn to deliver the memo- his time: Solomon ond. the phone: “Our automatic answering rial sermon. “Here lie men who loved America Agin No matter who device is away for repair, this is a per- But a culture of religious bigotry because their ancestors generations we are or where we are or what we do, son speaking.” Let us resolve to speak and prejudice reigned. Other Christian ago helped in her founding, and other it is the person that should determine as a person to other persons. And in the chaplains protested having Rabbi Git- men who loved her with equal passion our thoughts and our actions. When a last analysis we must also listen care- telsohn preach, and ultimately three because they themselves or their own physician is about to operate, he or she fully, because in every case “a person separate religious memorials were held fathers escaped from oppression to her is not merely cutting into flesh or dis- is speaking.” – Jewish, Protestant and Catholic. Yet blessed shores. Here lie officers and secting a body, he/she is treating a liv- The welfare, right and honor of ev- three Protestant chaplains refused to men, Negroes and whites, rich men and ing person. When a lawyer is involved ery individual, even the lowest, is the give into the bigotry. They boycotted poor...together. Here are Protestants, in a legal matter, he/she should think community’s concern. their own memorial service and joined Catholics and Jews together. Here no of his/her client not as just a case, but Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Temple the Jewish congregation and Rabbi man prefers another because of his as a human being. Almost every under- Shalom in Port Charlotte. Send updates and changes Sign up for the Federation’s to the Jewish Directory below weekly e-blasts. Send an email to [email protected]. to [email protected].

TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY REFORM ORTHODOX 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (941) 833-3381 Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig E-mail: [email protected] President: Governance Committee IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com Email: [email protected] Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Phone: 433-0018 • Fax: 433-3235 a kiddush Web site: www.templebethel.com Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday CHABAD LUBAVITCH Religious & Hebrew School: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 Sunday COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Judaica Gift Gallery REFORM ORTHODOX Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers 5620 Winkler Road (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) Fort Myers, FL 33919 TEMPLE BETH SHALOM P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz REFORM Rabbi Bruce Diamond Phone: 433-7708 • Fax: 481-9109 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 ([email protected]) E-mail: [email protected] Rabbi Devora Buchen Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Web site: www.chabadswf.org President: Harvey Wolfson Adult Educator: Jessica Evers Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah Phone: 772-4555 • Fax: 772-4625 Phone: (239) 466-6671 class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday at 6:30 p.m. CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Religious School: Thursday 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. OF CAPE CORAL Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi ORTHODOX Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) every Saturday morning from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Phone: 963-4770 BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS TEMPLE JUDEA E-mail: [email protected] REFORM CONSERVATIVE Web site: www.chabadcape.com 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Marc Sack 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs E-mail: [email protected] President: Dan Fox Kiddush luncheon President: Barry Fulmer Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. Earn CAS Credits Director of Congregational Learning: Phone: 732-780-2016 Monday-Friday morning 7:00 a.m. Email: [email protected] Tab Scribner Preschool Director: Joann Goldman JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Cantor: Murray Simon Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org [email protected] Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct-Apr) Phone: 433-0201 • Fax: 433-3371 E-mail: [email protected] Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Friday (May-Sept) Adult Education: Web site: www.tjswfl.org Saturday, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Nov-Apr) Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday  Shalom Life Center to 12:15 p.m. (Nov-Apr) Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.-noon; Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader - 218-3433 Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Wed. 4:30-6 p.m. • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Early childhood education: Jacki Waksman - (954) 653-9053 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Preschool, M-F, ages 18 months-5 years; “Mommy & Me,” 12 months-2 years Brian Lipton - (941) 365-4955 TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative • Anti-Defamation League: (561) 988-2900 HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS Judaism • B’Nai B’rith International: (941) 302-4500 REFORM • Chevra Kadisha: 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 Gene Sipe - 841-4615 CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963-9347 Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4675 ESTERO • Hadassah - Collier/Lee Chapter: Rabbi Solomon Agin Lynn Weiner - 598-1009 President: Gary Wein ORTHODOX 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood • Hadassah - Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): Phone: (941) 625-2116 Odette Port - (941) 505-1409 E-mail: [email protected] Centre) Bonita Springs, FL 34135-7024 • Hazak 55+ Chapter: Web site: templeshalomfl.com Joyce Rosinger - 437-1566 Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Phone: 949-6900 • Humanistic Jewish Havurah: Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Paula Creed - 495-8484 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Web site: www.JewishBonita.com • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: (800) 622-8017 Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by • Jewish Community Services: 481-4449 Organizations: Sisterhood a kiddush • Jewish National Fund: (727) 536-5263 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Memorial Tree Planting in Israel - 1-800-542-8733 • Jewish War Veterans: Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter - 246-3151 • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Nechamie Minkowicz - 822-2784 • ORT - Gulf Beaches Chapter Marina Berkovich - 566-1771 L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19

being disconnected when PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS life gets in the way. PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! Fort Myers Have you ever made PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! a shofar? A real one? Rabbi Gittelsohn’s memorial sermon Tab Scribner, Have you ever tied tzitzit? If you Director of Congregational Learning haven’t, this year is your chance to I now understand what “Quiet Season” do so. We are very busy this summer means… and I miss the kids. The good at Temple Judea as we make plans for news is that the summer won’t last next year. In September, Rabbi Gutnik long (sorry kids) and we will be back from Boca Raton will join us for a spe- at it on Sunday, August 25 for the first cial shofar construction clinic. In No- day of Religious School. In many ways vember, our older students will make I can’t wait for things to get started up their own tallitot and more. We are again. We have so much planned for also planning special events with our Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids next year. friends at Temple Beth El. Now PJ librarymusic families — anytime, can listen anywhere. to Jewish kids In addition to our regular religious This past year we learned a lot Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids school programming, we are extend- about ourselves and our school. This music — anytime, anywhere. taking in this world could be improved Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online ing the learning through our Post- coming year is our opportunity to music — anytime, anywhere. if we would but be aware that we are B’nei Mitzvah program, Gesher. Our thrive in Jewish life. To join us, please streamingIntroducing radio PJLibraryRadio.com station with more than, an 2,000 online songs dealing not with things or decisions or program is structured with the busy contact me at [email protected] or Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online programs, but rather with persons. streamingfrom hundredsradio station of artists with moreacross than the 2,000globe. songs teenage schedule in mind with shorter 239.433.0201. We should struggle to maintain streamingMusicfrom is availablehundredsradio station 24/7 of artists withwith specialmoreacross than themusic 2,000globe. blocks songs “units” to minimize those feelings of this awareness even more fully in our Musicfrom isfor availablehundreds Shabbat, 24/7 of Holiday artists with and specialacross Bedtime. themusic globe. blocks technological, computerized and auto- mated society, which tends to obliter-BBYO happenings Music isfor available Shabbat, 24/7 Holiday with andspecial Bedtime. music blocks ate the person. All of us tend to forget • for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. By Jessica Zimmerman, Associate Regional Dir., North Florida Region Listen to the music online that the essential purpose of living is to make ourselves truly human. n May, Ft. Myers BBYO joined with old friends, learning a little bit • DownloadListen to the the music free apponline on ITunes, Google Play A secretary at an airline office in Naples BBYO for City Conven- about BBYO, and learning a thing or • Listen to the music online • Downloador Tune In Radiothe free app on ITunes, Google Play Washington, D.C., was heard to answer tion, which consisted of a one-night two about painting. I • the phone: “Our automatic answeringovernight at the Jewish Federation of This summer, while BBYO teens orDownload Tune In Radiothe free app on ITunes, Google Play device is away for repair, this is a per- Greater Naples. The are away at leadership summer camps or Tune In Radio son speaking.” Let us resolve to speak teens enjoyed an ex- or traveling the world with BBYO as a person to other persons. And in the perience on a party Passport, we will be on hiatus in terms last analysis we must also listen care- bus, Havdalah on of local programming until early Au- fully, because in every case “a person the beach, dinner gust when school is back in session. is speaking.” on the town, and If you are interested in being added The welfare, right and honor of ev- traditions and sur- to our email list to receive information prises throughout about middle and high school pro- ery individual, even the lowest, is the Jessica Zimmerman community’s concern. the night. One spe- grams, please email me at jesszimmer- Candle lighting times: Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Templecial surprise was the arrival of a Kona man@bbyo.org. Shalom in Port Charlotte. Ice truck. We bid our seniors farewell. We continue the search to find We will miss them very much and look two advisors for our girls’ and boys’ July 5: 8:07 forward to hearing about their accom- chapters. Advising is a volunteer posi- Sign up for the Federation’s plishments in college and beyond. tion and asks anywhere from six to ten Ft. Myers and Naples BBYO also hours of your time per month. Be in July 12: 8:06 weekly e-blasts. Send an email hosted a parent-only night out at Paint- touch if you are interested. ing with a Twist. We had a wonderful Your friends at Ft. Myers BBYO July 19: 8:04 to [email protected]. time making new friends, connecting wish you a lovely summer. July 26: 8:01 Read the current and recent issues of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org.

Results of a recent national survey of DISCOVER 25,000 families THE FUN! conducted by PJ Library

Parents in Lee PJ Library is and Charlotte counties whose making a children are difference in the enrolled in lives of families PJ Library raising Jewish participated in RECEIVE the survey. children.. THE GIFT OF FREE JEWISH Earn CAS Credits CHILDREN’S BOOKS The Jewish Federation of Lee MAILED TO and Charlotte Counties is YOUR HOME interested in hearing from SHARE the experience teenagers in high school who of reading with your EVERY MONTH! might like to earn CAS credits children as they grow with

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Funded by the Jewish community. SIGN UP TODAY! Roth Family If you are interested, please Enrollment is open to Foundation send the following information Jewish families with to [email protected]: children between the Name ages of six months to More information, contact Debbie Sanford Address eight years Phone # 239.481.4449 ext. 3 living in [email protected] Age Lee & Charlotte Counties. Grade School Preferred volunteer hours (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays) Families can sign up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 20 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ORGANIZATIONS

ple and others no matter coming representatives from 12 Jewish must remember the millions of lives HADASSAH where we live. Hadassah organizations. “It is simply not enough lost and how creeping anti-Semitism Collier/Lee Chapter strives to expand Holo- to condemn hateful, violent attacks to caused such havoc and tragedy. Urge (732) 539-4011 caust and anti-hate edu- the Jewish community. We must take your legislators to support the Never cation nationwide, and steps to educate all people about the Again Education Act today! A legacy is more than a bequest hold accountable those who perpetrate horrors of the Holocaust and the con- Call, email or write your congres- Diane Schwartz harassment and violence. sequences of intolerance.” sional representative in support of the Our lives are filled with material things Recently, leaders of the Jew- The Never Again Education Act Never Again Education Act and use the like money, family treasures or just ish community joined Rep. Carolyn would expand and encourage Holo- information in this article as “Talking plain “stuff” that often become legacy B. Maloney and Hadassah CEO/Ex- caust education and its lessons for Points” for your outreach. gifts. However, if we have nurtured our ecutive Director Janice Weinman at a contemporary conflict. The legislation Our children or grandchildren will families with Jewish values, we have a press conference for the reintroduction would authorize the Department of Ed- ask, “What did you do?” Let’s answer head start on leaving a legacy beyond of the Federal Never Again Education ucation to award Holocaust education with the conviction of our values. Let’s the material. We can emulate the belief Act (H.R. 943). This bill, reintroduced grants to educational institutions offer- leave this action as part of our legacy. of caring, concern and, importantly, by Rep. Maloney and Rep. Elise Ste- ing classes, resources, teacher training Save the Date leadership. Truly, a legacy of values! fanik, would expand Holocaust and and student field trips. Hadassah supports its important ad- We teach our children and grand- anti-hate education around the country. “Hadassah’s New York and Wash- vocacy, medical and educational work children what’s right, true and moral. As anti-Semitic threats and attacks rise ington, D.C., advocacy teams are work- through events and activities as noted Even better, we can take a stand on nationally, Hadassah is serving as the ing closely with the congresswomen below. We would love to have you join principles and model the behavior we non-governmental organization (NGO) and their staffs, and we will continue to us. value. We are in such a moment at this convener of this legislation. take action until we see the passage of Sunday, August 18: Summer Fun time. And we need to act now! “We are at a dangerous moment this important legislation,” promised Pot Luck Dinner at Autumn Woods at As anti-Semitism once again rears in time. Anti-Semitism is on the rise Janice Weinman. 6:00 p.m. For more information, con- its ugly head, and outright acts of vio- around the world and here at home, and Supporting meaningful legislation tact Susan Falkenstein at 203.257.8598 lence and hate are increasing, those of the memory of the Holocaust is fading through its passage is one way to “live” or [email protected]. us in Hadassah stand committed to the for large numbers of our youth,” said our values and seek a better world. In safety and security of the Jewish peo- Congresswoman Maloney, after wel- order to ensure that we never forget, we

demning anti-Semitism it is essential to bring the lessons of the of Holocaust Education and Human GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH wherever it appears. The Holocaust to as many people as pos- Rights, and support of the Holocaust SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Holocaust is a reminder sible. That is why it is important to Museum and Cohen Education Center HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER (239) 963-9347 of the way hate can infect support our local Holocaust Museum of SWFL.” If you are a 2g anywhere in at Temple Judea a society and the dangers as well as the USHMM. If you are not SWFL and have not contacted GenS- (239) 433-0201 Why Holocaust programs are of indifference. Taking the lessons of already a member of both, please con- hoah, please do so. We would love to important – even if they’re not fun this history to as many people as pos- sider becoming one. Visit https://www. get to know you. And if you want to re-Joyce Rosinger Ida Margolis sible is more urgent than ever…. ushmm.org/support/membership/be- ceive the newsletters to make sure youTemple Judea’s active HAZAK 55+ The United States Holocaust Memorial In the aftermath of the moral and come-a-member for the USHMM, and know about upcoming events, emailChapter is a chartered member of the Museum in Washington (USHMM) societal failures that made the Holo- www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org/mem- me at [email protected]. United Synagogue of Conservative Ju- sends a monthly newsletter to its mem- caust possible, confronting anti-Semi- bership/ for our wonderful Museum in When someone says to me, “I bers just as many other museums do, tism and all forms of hatred is critical.” Naples. would rather do something more fun including our local Holocaust Muse- And from Contemporary Global GenShoah SWFL is fortunate to be than go to another program about the um. The theme of the May USHMM Anti-Semitism: A Report Provided an affinity group of the Holocaust Mu- Holocaust or anti-Semitism,” I re- JEWISH WAR VETERANS newsletter was “Fighting Anti-Semi- to the United States Congress United seum and Cohen Education Center of spond, “So would I.” But I would love Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400 tism.” The excerpt below from an ar- States Department of State March 2008: SWFL. As an affinity group, we make to be able to say that there is no more (239) 246-3151 ticle titled “Confronting a New Era of “History has shown that wherever an effort to present public programs of anti-Semitism, there is no bigotry, and Antisemitism” in the USHMM news- anti-Semitism has gone unchecked, the importance as well as programs spe- that all people everywhere enjoy hu-Eryka Aptakerr letter is important to read and think persecution of others has been pres- cifically for those who are 2gs (Second man rights. Until then I will be working Our last meeting held a lot of emotions, about. ent or not far behind. Defeating anti- Generation). We have been planning to do exactly what the USHMM said toas we honored two of our deceased “The Museum is alarmed by a re- Semitism must be a cause of great im- the programs for next season, and they do: “Take the lessons of this history tomembers, Harry Shapiro and Stan surgence of dangerous and deadly anti- portance not only for Jews, but for all will be announced in September. Gen- as many people as possible.” Unfortu-Warshaw. Harry was a WWII veteran Semitism, which is not only a global people who value humanity and jus- Shoah SWFL also emails a newsletter nately, this is more urgent than ever. and Stan was a Korean War veteran. As threat, but a national one. We have tice.” each month, and you can find our mis- part of our Post’s tradition, we invited clearly entered a new era, but we can So, what can we do? I really don’t sion statement in the newsletter. Our their family members to attend our each take action by unequivocally con- have the answer, but as you read above, mission statement includes “promotion meeting and “unveiled” their names on our memorial plaque of deceased vet- eran members. JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY less hostile. And it’s not sold her Boston home and was trav- documentaries from our Southwest What made this meeting even because of the climate, as eling up north to wrap up and move. Florida Jewish Pioneers series overmore meaningful and emotional, was OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA another one of the recent “Can’t wait,” she said. “Love the beach the summer, in partnership with WCA.that it coincided with Memorial Day. (239) 566-1771 arrivals insisted confi- and weather, but will have to learn to You should join our mailing list to getThe names of all our Post’s deceased dently, after only living tolerate the absolute absence of history notified of all events we offer veterans during were announced and “Taps” Who cares about the Jewish history here fulltime for two months. It’s be- and culture. Not a decent museum be- the year. was played. Unveiling the name of vet- of SWFL? YOU DO! cause of the Southern culture and its tween Tampa and Miami.” She brought At the Jewish Historical Societyeran Harry Shapiro was his son David Marina Berkovich people. Yes, the same culture that re- to mind the words of a favorite law pro- of Southwest Florida, we strive to pre-Shapiro. Unveiling the name of veter- Each of us is able to live here because veres the legacy of the Civil War and fessor from my college days. “There is serve the eyewitness accounts. The others came before us to trailblaze. the same people who want to re-enact always one of you in every class. With- Eyewitness Stories are featured at the Not too long ago in Collier County, it the battle of Fort Myers in 2020. We out class.” I cannot count the times I Virtual Museum of Southwest Florida meant being subjected to severe anti- just don’t honk any more, and even if have used this line over the years of my Jewish History. Semitism, even after the 1964 Civil we drove like impatient maniacs back professional career. Membership in The Jewish His- Right Acts that outlawed discrimina- up the east coast, we reserve that be- So to all of you who will be reading torical Society of Southwest Florida is tion based on race, color, religion, sex havior, well, maybe for when we drive this at your home away from Naples open to anyone who is interested in our or national origin. in Miami. And we do not lump every- during the summer, step up and make mission of local Jewish history preser- At a recent luncheon that was at- thing about the South under “slavery” Jewish history of Southwest Florida vation. tended by many newcomers – and their and “white supremacy” labels. important to you all year. Where else Here’s how to reach us: numbers will escalate as baby boomer It is said that the mid-1960s’ wave can you make as huge an impact on The Jewish Historical Society retirees are moving to Florida in record of settlers from Chicago was followed your community – Jewish and general of Southwest Florida numbers – a woman doubted the ve- by the tidal surge of Ohioans. Perhaps – as you are able to make here? And 8805 Tamiami Trail North, racity of my information. “It cannot be that explains a peculiar historical fact, to the rest of you, permanently local Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108 true,” she said, “we would have heard that SWFL, with its predominantly – what else do you have to do in the 833.547.7935 (833.JHS.SWFL) about this in New York.” Democrat populutaion, turned Repub- summer except expand your involve- www.jhsswf.org ~ [email protected] There are so many facts New York- lican around that time. Now we are ment with our organization? We are Virtual Museum of SWFL ers and other “northerners” do not re- witnessing a huge exodus from the here all year long as the history quest Jewish History http:// alize about the deep-south State of New York Metro Area and New Eng- doesn’t depend on seasonality and does jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/ Florida and its Southwest corner. For land to destinations in SWFL. not discriminate. example, people are nice to one an- On a recent plane ride, a Canadian- The Jewish Historical Society of other here. They are more patient and native was seated next to me. She just Southwest Florida will present five

PLEASE The Jewish Federation thanks all our advertisers for their continued support! Without them we would SUPPORT THE be unable to provide our readers with L’CHAYIM. We ADVERTISERS invite other businesses in our community to explore this valuable advertising opportunity. WHO SUPPORT For ad rates and deadlines, contact Jim Lewin at OUR FEDERATION 239.634.6923 or [email protected]. Harvey Charter, Herb Lutsky, Isaac Osin and Bob Ruberto held a service to honor departed Post members buried at Coral Ridge Cemetery in Cape Coral L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 21

sciousness and eternal cup or a challah cover that your chil- making our life happier, the world be- SHALOM LIFE CENTER bliss, we could give away dren or grandchildren made or was comes more beautiful and illuminates Fort Myers all our worldly posses- handed down from your parents, you with G-d’s divine spirit. (239) 218-3433 sions to charity and live can raise these rituals higher and make Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Some- in a monastery in the Hi- them more transformative by connect- times the simplest solution is the best Lawrence & Robin Dermer malayas or better yet, move to Israel! ing past and future generations. The one. Try one little mitzvah, maybe Summertime is a time for us to relax More practically, we can grow where simple physical act of drinking wine, even two or three. They’re guaran- and enjoy life at a slower pace. Dur- we are planted and strive for balance. eating bread, walking in nature and be- teed to change your life. Ani v’atah ing “season” we tend to be extremely The quieter summer season is a ing with our families can bring joy and neshaneh et ha’olam. Together we can busy, and in the hustle and bustle of our great time to practice balance in our positivity into our lives. change the world. modern life, we’re sometimes drawn lives and strengthen our Judaism. We A positive mitzvah is one we are Join us for summertime musical, into activities that separate us from the can use the less chaotic time to deepen commanded to perform with joy. Hap- meaningful and joyful Shabbat services deeper dimension of ourselves. With our relationship with G-d without radi- piness can be revealed with a simple every Friday at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday our smartphones, computers, tablets cally altering our entire lifestyle. By choice to change our attitude and ex- mornings for Torah study at 10:00 a.m. and all our social media, we often get taking time to pause and live life with pectation of the outcome. In the words Our clubs run throughout summer and caught up on the surface of our lives. a higher purpose, we can infuse the en- of Nike – JUST DO IT! The physical we are preparing to ensure the SWFL We tend to allow the noise and chatter ergy of mitzvot into our lives. act of performing the mitzvah will al- Jewish community 5780 High Holi- to distract us from our Divine connec- Each mitzvah is a connection be- ter your spiritual state and change your day experience at Shalom Life Center tion with G-d, which is the essence of tween our world and a higher world. mood, which can ultimately change exceeds your expectations. Our choir our nature and the one and only true Through a mitzvah, we can take some your reality. People tell us how they will be back along with our incred- path to happiness. part of our mundane world and elevate sometimes feel too tired to attend a ible symphonic ensemble and world- If we remain unaware that the it into a holy experience. The simple Shabbat service, but they push them- renowned concert accompanist. Let noise may be blocking our spiritual act of lighting the candles on Shab- selves and always leave feeling re- your spirit soar at Shalom Life Center connection, we risk forgetting who we bat can be elevated so the experience newed, refreshed and uplifted. where prayer is inspirational, meaning- are and being swallowed by a culture brings us the symbolic meanings of Set a goal this summer to be happy ful and musical. Visit our website at of soulless materialism. So, what is the light, infusing our lives and our homes and receive out of life everything you www.shalomlifecenter.org for more alternative? with holiness. By making a blessing deserve. Joy is one of the precious gifts information on our many clubs, pro- In an effort to achieve higher con- on Shabbat with a beautiful Kiddush that Judaism brings into our lives. By grams and special events.

daism. HAZAK Chapters begin again in the fall. At that time, we Join HAZAK and meet new friends. HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER are for singles or couples. are also planning movie programs in We look forward to meeting all you at Temple Judea It’s an organization that addition to other activities each month. 55+ people. Try us. You’ll like us. For (239) 433-0201 enables members to meet Some programs planned will be car- more information, contact Joyce or and socialize with each pooled day trips. George Rosinger, or Andy Chernow at Joyce Rosinger other. Our monthly programs vary in Members of the community are [email protected]. Temple Judea’s active HAZAK 55+ nature. Membership in the organiza- always welcome to join our group and Chapter is a chartered member of the tion is open to the community. attend any of our programs. The an- United Synagogue of Conservative Ju- HAZAK’s regular programs will nual dues are a modest $10 per person.

an Stanley Warshaw was officers at the meeting. While we have if you have questions, please contact JEWISH WAR VETERANS his wife Lee Warshaw, a full slate of officers, including both Commander Harvey Charter at hbchar- Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400 accompanied by their elected and appointed positions, our [email protected] or 239.246.3151. (239) 246-3151 daughters and grandson. congratulations go to the following The Jewish War Veterans, founded This was a busy elected officers: Commander Harvey in 1896, is the oldest continuing vet- Eryka Aptakerr meeting in announcing all of the Post’s Charter, Sr. Vice Commander Robert erans organization in America. We are Our last meeting held a lot of emotions, Memorial Day weekend’s activities. Ruberto, Jr. Vice Commanders Isaac challenged in the pursuit of new mem- as we honored two of our deceased Activities included: (1) On Friday Osin and Herb Lutsky. A newly cre- bers to keep our organization alive. members, Harry Shapiro and Stan night, May 24, our annual Memo- With the loss of many of our WWII Warshaw. Harry was a WWII veteran rial Day Service at Temple Beth veterans, we are striving to have mem- and Stan was a Korean War veteran. As Shalom in Cape Coral. (2 & 3) bers of our younger generation(s) join part of our Post’s tradition, we invited On Sunday, May 26, our service and show support to the JWV. We have their family members to attend our at the Temple Beth El Cemetery a Patron membership for non-veterans. meeting and “unveiled” their names on in Fort Myers at 9:30 a.m. This If your family members were veterans, our memorial plaque of deceased vet- service included full military hon- think about honoring their memory eran members. ors with a firing party and “Taps.” by joining JWV Post 400. I joined in documentaries from our Southwest What made this meeting even Immediately following this ser- honoring the memory of my father, a Florida Jewish Pioneers series overmore meaningful and emotional, was vice, there was a repeat ceremony Korean War veteran. Best decision I the summer, in partnership with WCA.that it coincided with Memorial Day. at the Coral Ridge Cemetery in have ever made. This group has been You should join our mailing list to getThe names of all our Post’s deceased Cape Coral where many Jewish a blessing in my life and some of the notified of all events we offer veterans during were announced and “Taps” veterans and Post 400 members members have become like family too the year. was played. Unveiling the name of vet- are buried. (4) On Monday May me. We hope to see you at our next At the Jewish Historical Societyeran Harry Shapiro was his son David 27, Memorial Day, our Post took meeting! of Southwest Florida, we strive to pre-Shapiro. Unveiling the name of veter- part in the City of Fort Myers serve the eyewitness accounts. The Memorial Day Ceremony Guidelines Eyewitness Stories are featured at the at the Fort Myers Memorial Virtual Museum of Southwest Florida Gardens. Our Post supplied for publication Jewish History. the bugler for “Taps” and Memorial plaque with photos of DEADLINES: Membership in The Jewish His- half the firing party along Stan Warshaw and Harry Shapiro 5 p.m. on the 5th of each month for all torical Society of Southwest Florida is with American Legion Post 38. ated position of Jr. Vice Commander articles and photos. If the 5th falls on open to anyone who is interested in our A “mini ceremony” was held for Emeritus goes to WWII veteran Hy a weekend or holiday, the deadline is mission of local Jewish history preser- one of our deceased members, Tuchman. Congratulations to all! the following business day. vation. Bob Kummins, who passed away Our Post will select the recipient of WORD LIMITS: Here’s how to reach us: in 2014. Members performing the the Herb Schwartz Memorial Scholar- 600 words for temples and organiza- The Jewish Historical Society rifle salute were Harvey - Char ship and the announcement of the win- tions providing materials for their of Southwest Florida ter, Bob Ruberto, Isaac Osin and ner will be at our June 30 meeting and respective sections. Those exceeding 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Herb Lutsky. Our commander, in next month’s addition of L’CHAYIM. these limits will be edited to fit. Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108 Harvey Charter, played “Taps” on The next meeting of JWV-Victor SUBMISSIONS: 833.547.7935 (833.JHS.SWFL) a real bugle, as Bob Kummins had Paul Tuchman Post 400 will be held on Email: [email protected] www.jhsswf.org ~ [email protected] been a bugler. Sunday, July 28 at 9:30 a.m. We meet Articles should be sent as text files, Virtual Museum of SWFL Harvey Charter, Herb Lutsky, Bob Ruberto and Issac Osin Word files, or Rich Text Format files. held a Memorial Day service at Temple Beth El Cemetery We also held our election of at the Jewish Federation office in Fort Jewish History http:// Myers. Come join this wonderful and Receipt will be acknowledged if jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/ committed group as we enjoy bagels requested. Photos may be submitted and cream cheese, and engage in great electronically; high-resolution JPG or TIF formats preferred. conversation. To become a member, or Like us on Facebook! ConneCt with your Jewish Community www.facebook.com/ facebook.com/jfedsrqJewishFederationLCC Harvey Charter, Herb Lutsky, Isaac Osin and Bob Ruberto held a service to honor departed Post members buried at Coral Ridge Cemetery in Cape Coral L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 22 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

is the living connec- Missing with a personal photo. A bien- sored active shooter programs. Lee TEMPLE BETH EL tion between Margraten nial event, the next Faces of Margraten County Sheriff’s Office deputies led Fort Myers cemetery and the Dutch will take place in May 2020. (Sources: two informative and challenging ses- (239) 433-0018 people. Since 1945, abmc.org and thefacesofmargraten. sions. TBE’s Security Task Force has members of the local com) further programs planned for other se- www.templebethel.com community have adopted curity issues, involving both house of the gravesites of our fall- worship and personal safety. Learning In a time of rising anti-Semitism, it’s en. They bring flowers to the Margraten Tree preschool teachers will attend a important to remember, lift up and cel- cemetery and research the lives of ser- special safety and security program in ebrate those countries that have been vice members as a way to honor their early August, provided by the LCSO at safe havens for Jews in the past. The sacrifice. The graves of Jewish soldiers no cost. An important takeaway from Netherlands is one of those places. are marked with a Star of David. these programs: if you see something, Many Dutch citizens protected Jews Spearheaded by Roland Eisenberg, say something. LCSO deputies would during the Nazi takeover of Holland a financial donation to support the Mar- rather arrive at the scene of a false during WWII. Perhaps less well known graten cemetery enables the continuing alarm than at a scene of devastation. is the Netherlands American Cemetery, remembrance activities for the thou- Temple Beth El Sisterhood recent- the only American military cemetery sands of fallen soldiers buried there. ly enjoyed a Chinese luncheon with a in Holland. To show their gratitude to- The names of these men and women guest author. Mystery writer and Fort ward their WWII liberators, the Dutch are known, but who were they? During Lauderdale resident Nancy Cohen people maintain their commitment to the Faces of Margraten tribute, a face is regaled us with stories of her career the memory of their liberation, which put to their names, by decorating their beginnings as well how some of her came at a heavy price for those who graves or names on the Walls of the characters came to be created. Nancy fought for it. This is Temple Beth-El’s Cemetery Com- Cohen’s Bad Hair Day mystery series one way they thank mittee hosted its Memorial Day Ser- are available to borrow from the Lee American liberators vice in the Garden of Memories, the County Library System. who are buried in the TBE-owned cemetery located within By the time you read this, the an- Netherlands American the City of Fort Myers Cemetery. Led nual visit of the Tzofim Friendship Cemetery and Memo- by Rabbi Luna and Jewish War Veter- Caravan (Israel Scouts), co-sponsored rial in the town of Mar- ans Post 400, names of fallen service by Temple Beth El, Temple Judea and graten. members were read, followed by an the Jewish Federation, will have been Local citizens pay 18-gun salute. “Taps” was played by realized. Ten Israeli teenagers will tribute to them to this Harvey Charter. have swept in and stolen our hearts day by caring for the A membership benefit at Temple with their energy, singing, dancing graves of over 8,000 Beth El is a free plot in our Garden of and goodwill. Every June their visit Americans and the Memories Cemetery with only a one- inspires our SWFL Jewish community. names on the Walls of time beautification fee. They represent Israel’s future. We look the Missing (compris- Temple Beth El recently spon- forward to next year’s visit. Andi Elkes, Temple Beth El Sisterhood Director, standing in front of the ing over 1,700 names) chapel with the doors decorated by a Tree of Life.The chapel is attached with a photo. Perhaps to a wall of plaques. That wall also contains the unidentifiable remains of unique to this cemetery 1,722 soldiers. (Other photos: Netherlands American Cemetery)

ures, anti-Semitic crime keeping with the phrase frequently niversary of Rabbi James and Marcia BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS and hate crimes target- repeated by Rabbi Fuchs that we are Rudin. Sanibel ing foreigners increased obligated to try to make the world “a The Jewish High Holy Days begin (732) 780-2016 almost 20 percent in Ger- more just, caring and compassionate late this year with Erev Rosh Hasha- many last year. place.” nah on Sunday, September 29. Once www.batyam.org Rabbi Fuchs and Bat Yam congregant Rabbi James again, Rabbi Stephen and Vickie Fuchs Vickie have spoken be- Rudin wrote a review of …And Often are opening their home on Saturday, Rabbi Stephen and Vickie Fuchs were fore thousands of Germans, many born the First Jew that appeared in the April September 21 at 7:30 p.m. for Selichot leaders, with Pastor John Danner, of after WWII, in churches where no rab- 22 edition of ReformJudaism.org. Rab- reflection and discussion. Thanks to the interreligious group from Bat Yam bi had ever spoken before. bi Rudin is a prolific author and com- the effective efforts of Lois Lorsch, for and the Sanibel Congregational UCC, Recently, Rabbi Fuchs had a book mentator in his own right. He was the those who come to Bat Yam for Rosh who journeyed to Israel in early May. published by Mazo Publishers with National Inter-religious Affairs Direc- Hashanah and Yom Kippur, there will After a few extra days in Jerusalem, offices in Israel and Florida. The title tor for the American Jewish Commit- be new prayer books that provide egal- Rabbi Fuchs and Vickie flew to -Ger of the book is …And Often the First tee. itarian language for the English trans- many to continue their mission to edu- Jew. It is a collection of short essays In July, Friday evening Shabbat lations and readings on more current cate Germans in small cities and towns and reminiscences taken from their services, at 7:00 p.m., will be led by topics. about Jews and the Holocaust. Many of five summers of Holocaust education congregant volunteers Tanya and Mi- Come to worship, say Kaddish, their destinations had a Jewish popula- in Germany. Their persistence is ad- chael Hochschild, and Cheryl and Bar- at our meeting place located on the tion prior to WWII but had none by the mirable and emotional since the fa- ry Fulmer. There are some benefits for campus of the Sanibel Congregational end of the war in 1945. ther of Rabbi Fuchs was caught up in braving the warm SWFL summer. On UCC at 2050 Periwinkle Way on Sani- Their itinerary is established by the 1938 pogrom called Kristallnacht, Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m., Bat Yam bel. Members of the community, guests their longtime partners, Ursula Sieg and Vickie’s mother and family relo- will welcome Rabbi Myra Soifer to the and visitors are always welcome to join and Martin Pommerening, Lutheran cated several times to avoid capture by bimah for a special Shabbat service. with congregants. pastors who believe strongly that Ho- the Nazis. Always seeking a positive, Having been granted leave time from Best wishes for a healthy and re- locaust education remains very impor- hopeful message, Rabbi Fuchs and her Peace Corps duties in Panama, laxing summer to all our congregants tant as WWII recedes and hatred of the Vickie decided to speak in Germany Rabbi Soifer is traveling to Sanibel/ and friends no matter where in the Jews and “the others” is again a concern because, “we cannot undo the past, but Fort Myers to join in the weekend fes- world they are! in Europe. According to official fig- the future is ours to shape.” It is also in tivities in honor of the 50th wedding an-

our remarkable congre- Rabbi Diamond’s Sabbath morning young people and their families. There COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE gational hazzanim, gifted Torah classes have become a mainstay are no membership requirements. For Fort Myers musician Joseph Brauer, of adult Jewish education. The weekly more information, email synfree@ (239) 466-6671 and with a thought-pro- Torah and Haftarah are studied and ac- comcast.net or call the synagogue of- voking, educational mes- companied by lively discussion and fice at 239.466.6671. www.fortmyerssynagogue.com sage from Rabbi Bruce lots of “aha! Moments.” It’s never too Now in its 15th year, The Commu- Diamon. A social hour late to start! nity Free Synagogue is a contemporary Friday evening dinners continue follows. The Community Free Synagogue alternative to the private membership weekly throughout the summer start- Sabbath morning Torah Study provides free Jewish education includ- model, enjoying broad-based partici- ing at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge. Breakfasts with the Rabbi also carry ing personalized Hebrew tutoring to pation throughout our area. All C.F.S. Those who wish to bring a dish, salad on throughout the summer from 9:30 all Jewish young people ages 8 and activities and programs are free and or dessert are welcome to do so while to 11:30 a.m. in our Community Hall, above in our area. This special educa- open to all. avoiding dairy ingredients. Vegetarian 10868 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers. A tional opportunity is enriched within a dishes are especially welcome. Wor- breakfast nosh is always welcome. positive, wholesome congregation set- ship follows at 7:30 p.m., conducted by Over its 22 years in Fort Myers, ting that deeply values and welcomes L'CHAYIM JULY 2019 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23

you to join with or just ing membership. Lattes and Learning, study will resume in September. TEMPLE JUDEA support other women a mahj madness “fun”raiser, book and Our monthly service of meals at Fort Myers who are working to make movie club, cultural outings to plays the Salvation Army’s Meals with Com- (239) 433-0201 a difference in the life of and concerts, and a “worship in pink” passion continues. Meals are served on our synagogue and in the Shabbat for breast cancer awareness Monday evenings and volunteers are www.tjswfl.org community. are just a few of the new programs you needed for July and August. If you’d Last year, Chaverot can look forward to. like to help, please email lindaidel- Now is the time to become a new mem- members led services, came together Help us continue to make a dif- [email protected]. ber of Chaverot, Temple Judea’s Sis- for creative monthly Rosh Chodesh ference. Call the synagogue office for Regular scheduled events: terhood, or to renew your membership meetings, heard interesting speakers, information on how to join Chaverot. • Friday evening Shabbat services for the coming year. Connect with new volunteered in the community, went New members of Temple Judea, as of at 6:30 p.m., preceded each week and longstanding members participat- bowling, painted, learned Israeli danc- the spring of 2019, receive a compli- with a wine and cheese reception ing together in learning, advocacy, so- es and enjoyed meals out together, just mentary membership to Chaverot for starting at 6:15 p.m. cial gatherings and fun times. Whether to name some of the events. And at the the first year. The membership form • Saturday morning Shabbat servic- you are young or old, Jewish by birth end of the year, Chaverot made a gen- must still be filled out and submitted to es at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kid- or by choice, work outside the home, erous contribution to the synagogue’s the office. dush luncheon as well as within the home, are single Youth Activity Fund. Planning continues over the sum- • Morning minyan every Monday at or married, have children underfoot, This year, even more programs are mer by professional staff and lay lead- 9:00 a.m. have children who are grown or have planned, designed to appeal to a variety ership for the coming year. no children – this is an opportunity for of the interests and ages of our grow- Rabbi Sack’s lunchtime Torah

to have you as a member teen years. If you would like to be a rest of the JWV provided inspiration TEMPLE BETH SHALOM so you can see all of the part of this planning, please call our for all of us. Cape Coral wonderful things going office and we will arrange to talk with Look for more exciting innova- (239) 772-4555 on at Temple Beth Sha- you about it. tions being rolled out by our new lom. Our film festival was a huge suc- board on our Facebook page and future www.templebethshalomcc.org Our new congrega- cess with each film building on the L’CHAYIM articles. We hope you will tion president, Peter Si- last. The festival theme was about the join us in our ongoing activities and I thought things would slow down for menauer, has appointed a Children’s families behind Jewish food empires. new adventures. summer. Ha! The joke’s on me. We had Education Planning Committee that It started with Streit’s our annual meeting and held elections, will be making wonderful plans for Matzos, then the Russ and the new board is going gangbusters learning and fun for Jewish children. & Daughters fish em- to breathe new life into every activity We know that the children are our fu- pire and finally Nathan’s at Temple Beth Shalom ture! The committee is comprised of hot dogs. It was educa- We have a new Facebook national award-winning educators and tional, entertaining and page – Temple Beth Shalom of will use the latest research to guide it in very emotional. We will Cape Coral, Florida. The address is creating Jewish learning programs that restart this very success- https://www.facebook.com/groups/ will be exciting, individualized, engag- ful event again after the 309223796661155. Please take a look ing, and filled with meaningful learn- summer. at it and request to join. We would love ing experiences for babies through the We were honored to start the Memorial Day weekend with the Jew- Choir Master David ish War Veterans at our TEMPLE SHALOM Sommer and his students Friday night service. Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands • November 22: After The names of Jewish (941) 625-2116 Shabbat Services – Da- soldiers who have died vid Bernstein, President/ in recent wars were read, www.templeshalomfl.com CEO of the Jewish Public “Taps” was played, and Affairs Committee Harvey Charter and the Commander Harvey Charter plays “Taps” The planning committee has been very • November 26: Lunch and Learn busy with setting its calendar for the with the Forward from 12:30 to coming year. 2:00 p.m. The following programs and events • December 13: Shabbat service – have been placed on the calendar: Talk by Rabbi A. James Rudin • September 6: Early Shabbat ser- • December 22: Hanukkah Eve – vice at 5:30 p.m. with Shabbat din- The Youth Orchestra of the South- ner to follow west Florida Symphony honoring • September 15: Open House for Hanukkah the unaffiliated from 10:00 a.m. to • Four-part film festival; dates TBA noon; Dedication of the Memorial Many thanks to the Lesleigh and Board at 3:00 p.m. Sylvia Hershkowitz Foundation, and • September 21: 6:00 p.m. Selichot the Sheldon and Marc Friedman Foun- service dation for making all of our programs • November 5: Book Club and lunch and events possible. with author Marcia Rudin For additional information, call the • November 17: 3:00 p.m., Student temple office at 941.625.2116.

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JEWISH FILM FESTIAL

JAUAY 2019 L'CHAYIM 1 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Each month, 5,000 The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotterd Counties Annual Jewish residents Targeted Distribution Presents the 23 Jewish Film Festival in Lee and Charlotte Reach our affluent, informed, health-conscious, and of Southwest Florida savvy readers who are looking for new and better ways All lms will be screened at the Regal Belltower Stadium 20. Open seating at all lms for general admission tickets. counties turn to ikets will e mailed u to eemer 1 to enrich their lives and those of their loved ones. ikets ordered ater eemer 1 will e aailale ater 6:00 m inside te teater on te day o te sow2019 11 L'CHAYIM JAUAY L’CHAYIM for: Sunday, January 13 at 4:00Jewish Federation p.m. of Lee and Charlotte Counties L’CHAYIM – the monthly newspaper published by the THE GRADUATE JEWISH INTEREST When The Graduate premiered in December 1967, its fi lmmakers had modest expectations for what seemedInterested to be a small, sexy art-house comedy in adapted Your from an obscure fi rst novel by an eccentric 24-year-old. Who knew this off beat story – a young man just out of college has an aff air with one of his parents’ friends and then runs off withFamily’s her daughter – would turnSeduced out History?to be by a monsterMrs. Rob- hit Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties – is Stars of David with seven Academy Award nominations. u By Nate Bloom, ContributingBOLD Columnist CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom*We towill be joinedNate by Bloomauthor Beverly (seeThe Graduatecolumn Gray, author ’sat the left ofinfl ) uencehas becomeon the future a family of history expert in 10 Upcoming major events Persons in Editor’s note: inson, for an in-depthyears look of doing at his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help fi lmmaking and when explore called how iton. rocked Most the family late-sixties history world, experts refl ecting charge and $1,000 or more to do a be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish changing the era’sfull views family-tree of sex, work search. and However,marriage. Her Bloom insight knows into never-that most people want to start have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than before-revealed detailswith a will limited enlighten search and1 hr.of entertain one46 min. family you. line. Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. ConvertsLanguage: English Running Time: So heres the deal: mailed to 5,000 residents in the area. Additional copies to Judaism, of course, are also identifi ed asPoppins Jewish. Returns). Hurwitz won two Oscars in 2017 for best score andSponsored best by Radiology Regional Center It’s Awards Season: ). Shaiman is best u song (La La Land Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. Community Directory The Golden Globes are being known for his score for the musical ver- The Golden Globe Awards Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that sion of Hairspray. Brief musical refer- televised live this year on NBC, on Poppins re-make ences are made in the goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. Sunday, January 6 at 8:00 p.m., 40, Sandra will to theTuesday, mega-hit score of the January original The 15 rst at search 7:15 fee is nop.m. more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, are available at the Jewish Federation office. Oh and ANDY SAMBERG RICHARD SHER- 1964 Poppins fi lm. host. The Globes are an imperfect pre- several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate MANSunday,, 90, who wrote the January ’64 score with 27 at 3:00 p.m.* dictor of the Oscars. But the Globes cer- ROBERT, consulted on u his late brother, THE OSLOfriends and DIARIES family members from their past, and that’s worked out Synagogue news emony is often more fun than the Oscars The year is 1992, and Israeli-Palestinian relations are at an all-time low. In an BRAD the new fi lm. equivalent. Below are the confi rmed great for them. So contact him about this as well. TV Categories attempt to stop the bloodshed, a small group of Israelis and Palestinians’80s. Pose meet was co-created by Jewish nominees and a number of non- in Oslo – secretly and against the law. The unsanctioned meetings that changed, 47, who recently wed Acting: SACHA BARON COHEN, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. FALCHUK nominated Jews closely connected to a the Middle Eastcharacter forever arein chronicled 1only hr. 37by min.the negotiators’ diaries. 47, (ho is America? and MICHAEL GWYNETH PALTROW, 46. nominated fi lm or TV program. Unlike Language: EnglishBest Running Awards: Time: Film and TV DOUGLAS, 74, (The Kominsky Meth- The best musical or comedy series, a the Oscars, Golden Globes are given The Globes for best fi lm and the best TV The Good Place od) vie for the Globe for best actor nominees include MICHAEL for excellence in TV, as well as in fi lm. show are given to the show’s principal in a comedy. The varied characters* Special Matinee at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands,fantasy series created by u Film Categories , 22, producers, of whom there are many. Local Organization news Cohen plays frequently spoof real-life SCHUR, 43 (whose father was Jewish); , co-created TIMOTHE CHALAMET 2050 PeriwinkleMy practice Way, is Sanibel to note ifIsland a Jewish direc- politicians, like former VP Dick Cheney. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel , pieces once with tongs halfway (Beautiful Boy) is up for the RACHELbest sup- tor or writer/creator is associated with Douglas stars as Sandy Kominsky, an by AMY SHERMAN-PALLADINO, created through cooking. porting actor Globe, and that film or TV program. Two films L.A. acting coach. ALISON 52; and The2019 Kominsky Method Life-Enriching Information  Take the chicken out of the oven WEISZ, 48, (The Favourite) is a best nominated for best drama fi lm were Two Jewish actresses, BlacKkKlansmanL'CHAYIM JAUAYby CHUCK LORRE, 66. and let it cool slightly. Use a sharp supporting fi lm actress nominee. Cha- DEBRA MESS- co-written by Jews: BRIE, 35, (Glow) and The nominees for best mini-series knife to slice the meat into small, lamet’s role was based on the real-life (CHARLIEJewish WACHTEL Federation ofand Lee ADAVID Star and is Charlotte Counties A Very English , now 36, who long battled ING, 50, (ill Grace) compete for or TV movie include u thin shawarma-like pieces. NIK SHEFF RABINOWITZ, both 31) and Jewish Federation updates best actress, TV comedy. Scandal, a British series shown on STEPHEN  Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet on the drug addiction. Weisz played Lady Thursday, JanuaryBorn ( ERIC17 ROTHat 7:15, 73). Also: p.m.a best ALAN ARKIN, 84, who plays the Spider-Man: Amazon. It was directed by competes stovetop over medium. Pour half ofSarah Churchill. Sarah’s friendship with A BAGanimated OF fi MARBLESlm nominee, Scandal Each month, readers of L’CHAYIM get news and updates the chicken into the skilletOUR and sauté FEDERATION title character’s agent and bestThis friendE heartwarming SEO adaptation of Joseph Joff o’s enduring B: memoirFREARS tells the, 77, story a Brit. , which was Queen Anne of England (1665-1714) Into the Spider Verse, was co-written by in The Kominsky Method, is up for best with Escape at Dannemora , 53, and for 3-4 minutes, until the smallest was historically important. Honorable of the Nazi occupationRODNEY through ROTHMAN the eyes of, 45ish.the two youngJOE Jewish boys. De- BEN STILLER supporting actor. He competes withhrsday anary 0 at noon directed by , 64, and pieces of chicken turn brown and mention: Adam Driver, who isn’t Jew- spite their naiveté, Thetheir Americansfather knows, thatcreated their bybest chance to escape the NaziJERRY STAHL HENRY WINKLER, 73, Barryroundup. he is ommnity to fl ee on their own Free to Vichy, Synagoge France, where their co-writtenolder brothers by crisp. Season with additional salt ish, got a supporting actor nomination WEISBERG, 52, is up for best series, , 68. Stahl wrote Senior Lunch BunchALE update BORSTEIN, 47,The whohave Marvel- plays found safe haven. Always one false move from tragedy, theseMICHAEL tenacious TOLKIN u and pepper to taste, if desired. for playing a Jewish police offi munitycer in partner Jason’s Deli. in SW Floridadrama. It competesMasonic with tr. the 0868new Ama- Metro Py. Fort Myers Community Calendar By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach, and Melissa & Food McCar- Pantrythe Coordinator title character’s agent in children survive on courage, ingenuity and more than a bit of cunninga memoir as theyabout being a drug-addicted  Remove the cooked chicken fromecember’s BlacKkKlansman senior luncheon An enormous thank you, is to nominated all of for a best zon series, Homecoming, which is based ous Mrs. Maisel makeSP their precarious y Monday way through anary FranceELI hoping7 HOROW- to to reunite withwriter their which fam- was turned into the dra- , on all Jewish-related local events including the Jewish the skillet. Heat another 1 tbsp oftook oilthy, place who during isn’t Jewish, Hanukkah is up for athe lead volunteers who work before, dur- on a podcast written by , Permanent Midnight supporting actress Globe. ily. Moreodi than ohen anything, at it’s239.8.9 MICAHtheir brotherly BLOOMBERG bond 2 that or getsodicohenedlcc.org themmatic through 1998 their fi lm, and sauté the remaining chicken andin actress I was Globedetermined for playing that ev- the lateing writer and after the lunch to make sure ITZ, 41 and 1 hr. 53 min.and talkative people, well, they talk! Program notes , who was Jewish, in Finally, PATRICIA ARUETTEordeals. , in which Stiller starred. That fi lm, and the same way. Serve warm.D LEE ISRAEL everyone is tended to and taken care Language: French40ish. Running These two Time: guys are also heavilyThe lunches are a great place to meet eryone have latkes. I’d like to thank 50, (Escape at Dannemora) whosemonthly late Federation lunches as having getting clean for good, saved Stahl’s life Can You Ever Forgive Me?. of. If you’d like to volunteer by driving involvedsimcha in the, a celebration.TV series. Thesenew TV people, be in community, have a Federation volunteersand Suzanne Karen Orkin Whit- mother was Jewish, is up for bestSponsoredthe ac- feeling by ofSara a and Brian KriviskyPose, an FX drama and career. MARK RONSON, 33, is nomi-a senior, baking a dessert, or helping series compete with nosh and learn a little something. man for joining tress, mini-series/TV movie. Newcomers are easilykibbitz included up a intostorm u nated for co-writing a best song withnomi- set-up or clean-up, please call me series that explores several New York Holocaust Museum news me in makingA Star is Born. Honorable mention: Rachel Brosna-the circle, regulars Film Festival, Jewish author programs, holiday celebra- nee: “Shallow” from at 239.481.4449 x2. City sub-cultures as they existed in the over 300 latkes. han, who isn’t Jewish, got a leadwith actress each other, shy people open up, Nominated for best original score areI continue to describe the free After a few hours,, 33, ( First Man) nomination for playing the Jewish title JUSTIN HURWITZ , 59, (Mary we were oily and Tuesday, January 22 at 7:15 p.m. and MARC SHAIMAN VIP smelly and we THE SAMUEL PROJECTtFest as a had a lot of fun. Eli gets to know his grandfather Samuel forn thec fie rst timeA rwhen he makes him E Parking the subject of an animatedp art eprojectri fore school. With dreams of becomings & FRE u The only com- Ex ive VIP Perk kend! tions, concerts, food festivals, book study groups, timely ELIMINATE YOUR PAIN a professional artist, Eli discovers that his Jewishe grandpa, a San Diego dry e Candle Lighting Times plaint I heard dur- Rec ALL we  odi Coen cleaner, was heroically saved from Nazi capture in Germany by a young wom- 1 hr. 32 min. ing the lunch was RESTORE that the latkes were YOUR MOBILITY an when he was a boy. too small. Sue me! Language: English Running Time: & 3 Temple Beth El graciously wel- ary 2 REGAIN YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE Febru comed us and we were delighted to be NIGHT lectures, mah jongg and much more. They also get up- welcomed by Rabbi Nicole Luna and ENING OP u 6pm Business Directory her one-year-old daughter Iris. Cantor Febr. uary 1, Richard BessmanAll accompaniedphysical ustherapy on is not the same… y Street rive & Hendr piano as we sang Hanukkah songs. Our Edwards D rfront rt Myers Rive delicious lunchThank was catered you by for com- letting us show you Downtown Fo u Rabbinical Reflections dates from the area’s synagogues and numerous local what sets us apart from the rest! AWARDED SW FLORIDA’S BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHABILITATION CENTER 5 YEARS IN A ROW! Jewish organizations. It’s the place they turn to for com- • One-on-one care with all patients

wicz, • You will always receive the Artist Gail Markie Ceramics oisseurs

personalized care you deserve ing of art conn u $ er is gath VIP. s in th ing a 25 e art of be Israel updates h 1 ort t efits on Supp e ben ers ll th WE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO OUR er p njoy a p you as you e • Highly skilled and licensed therapists just like t ISS y, February 1s DON’T M Night, Frida t on Opening glorious sunse ST b Tent t and munity news, the community calendar, candle lighting E BIGGE VIP Clu town waterfron • Relaxed, friendly and encouraging atmosphere TH king the down e restaurants ENT Overloo vres from 8 fin QUEEN ESTHER ART EV et hors d'oeu akers Band ! – Gourm Silver Sne HE YEAR eer / Music by • Therapist-owned private practice OF T AND YOU THOUGHT– Wine and B PURIM VIP Party is us artists abulo 70 f r – & 3rd tdoo 2nd an ou ruary WAS JUST FOR KIDS... , Feb u ay nd MASQUERADE BALL ent - & Su • Best of Southwest Florida recipient d ev rday front Photos of recent events tente Satu water t n n ine! VIP Club Te g the downtow rain or sh ing overlookin our day Garden sett ones to start y coffee and sc k Bar times, and a business directory. – Mimosas, fternoon Snac nch / A ialty lu “We invest ourselves personally in every patient’s VIP Experience Catered spec by: – re all day 03.16.2019 Sponsored er and mo – Wine, be

SAVE THE DATE THE SAVE progress and goals. This is all part of having a artists – 215 fabulous ll weekend! true commitment and passion for what we do.” VIP parking a u Easy reserved and much more EDERATION F UPCOMING 2019 THE RESULTS YOU WANT. THE CARE YOU DESERVE. EVENTS yers.com tFestFortM Thomas S. Zeller, DPT & Associates TODAY! Ar UR TICKETS www.YourBestTherapy.com RESERVE YO ent – Jewish Film Festival, Regal  anua Fort Myers 239-432-0556ning Day Ev l , CHAYIMl Ope ilm Festiva L’ 19 Jewish F VIP Sponsor Reception. JAN. 13 20 Cape Coral 239-772-2363 Cinemas at Bell Towers Special Guest: Author Beverly Gray, “Seduced by The event, held at FineMark Bank, included a lively Q&A session Mrs. Robinson”. Feature film, “The Graduate”. Special eisFeeatinCC Sponsorship Opportunities Available. Festival - Showings are Tuesdays & Thursdays. litical process, to our values and to our Jewish Film JAN. 15 - We are all on the same teaminterests as Americans. By Brian Simon, Federation Presidentand one from the far left – on a tour In the question-and-answer ses- SE S SSE: B. 12 of Israel. He wanted to demonstrate to The exclusive way to reach the Jewish FE n late ovember, I attended the sion after the presentation, I asked Mr. 5 Our Community both of his imaginary guests how Israel J Library - fiPresidents rst AIPAC Day Southwest Fun Day Florida an- Stephens to speak more about the im- FEB. 18 P lives its values and how those values 10 Jewish Interest nual event at the Hyatthor Coconut- “TBD” Free and open to the community. portance of bipartisanship. He said if e Aut I ok; Skype th are also American values – respect for ePoint. Bo I attended not as a representa- he had the power to vet political candi- 16 Jewish Film Festival Read th the rule of law, care for the less fortu- FEB. 20 tive of Federation but as someone who dates, he would ask each of them two was interested to nate and technology for defense (and 20 Marketplace A light dairy dinner will be served. questions: 1) When was the last time or Event – Alyson Richman,hear theLakes featured Library he meant defense from enemy attacks, 6 Auth you changed your mind about an im- 21 Israel & theFE JewishB. 2 World speaker, Bret Ste- not merely fi repower for the sake of h - Program and SpeakerThe TBD New portant subject; and 2) When was the 23 Commentary Lion of Juda phens of military might). R. 5 Ball last time you crossed the aisle to vote MA Yorkasq Timesuerad.e He pointed out that Israel is the 24 From the Bimah ults Only) M n Esther (Ad Inside the con- on an issue? . 16 Quee only country in its region to refl ect I’ll share one last observation. At 25 CommunityM ADirectoryR ference room, I the best values of the left – respect for the start of the program, they played 26 Focus on Youth thor Event - B.A. Shapiro, noticed“ The Collector’s a slide on Apprentice”the environment, respect for women’s Community in Lee and Charlotte counties. R. 28 Au the national anthem of Israel and then MA the projector with rights and the rights of the LGBTQ 28 Organizations of the US. The attendees stood atten- The Alliance for the Arts a cartoon picture community. He also noted, for those on  ian tively for “Hatikvah.” When the “Star 30 Temple News y - Pre-Pesach Partyof an elephant and the right, that the Israeli economy im- PJ Librar ion Spangled Banner” came on, people put APR. 14 proved signifi cantly in the 1990s after a donkey with boxing gloves on, star- their hands over their hearts and sang oah Event it absorbed thousands of immigrants Yom HaSingh at each other, trunk-to-snout, ready along. The lesson I took from this was, R. 28 from the former Soviet Union. Israel, AP to fi ght. The caption said, “AIPAC is that even at an event to celebrate Israel, ting he said, prioritizes its values before its Annual Ma e bipartisane organization. Leave your the attendees demonstrated their pri- 8 interests. And the country is better for MAY gloves at the door.” mary allegiance to the United States. Later in the evening, Mark Sachs, it. Stephens said America’s interests We are all on the same team. We’re are best served by reliable allies on the 3 AIPAC’s North and Central Florida allowed our disagreements, but we far edges of the world. Area Director, gave a stirring talk about I have to tell you, bipartisanship is have to be able to distinguish between Federation’s Senior Lunch the dangers of politicization – turning a political opponent and an enemy. an issue close to my heart. I did not ex- every issue into a battle between “us” Political opponents argue over power. Bunch update LOW! pect to hear it championed so eloquent- For more information and “them.”FO HeTO trumpeted FOL AIPAC’s Enemies seek the destruction of the ORE IN ly. My concern for the U.S. is that both UNED. M overwhelming bipartisan support for other side. Israel understands the dif- STAY T the left and the right are demonizing bills to support Israel. ference. When Bret Stephens took the stage, their political opponents, treating them as enemies. This is harmful to our po- he imagined taking a pair of American politicians – one from the far right or to place an ad in L’CHAYIM: In Memoriam: Lorie Mayer and Sabine van Dam Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida —Sunday, January, 13th Opening Day Event

4:00 P.M. Regal Belltower Stadium 20 -518, Fort Myers FL 33907 13499 US 41, Suite E , 2:00 P.M. at Society VIP Sponsor Reception Introduction to the film and Q & A with Exclusive * Seduced by Mrs. 2 Beverly Gray , author of Call: Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923 Robinson. The book brings to light ’s influence on the future of When the Graduate The Graduate Local re ghter in Israel for premiered in 1967, its filmmaking and explores how it rocked the Emergency Volunteer Project filmmakers had modest late-sixties world, reflecting and changing expectations for a small, the era’s views of sex, work and marriage. sexy adaptation of an Ms. Gray spent nearly a decade in the film obscure first novel by an -year-old. industry as a story editorentertainment and has covered industry the for eccentric 24 The Hollywood Reporter. The film was a monster hit, Email: [email protected] with an extended run in *Special Meet & Greet for Sponsors theaters and To purchase tickets, visit: 7 Academy Award 27 nominations. www.jewishfederationlcc.org/JFF2019

To become a sponsor or for more information, please contact Friendly faces at Temple Judea Debbie Sanford 239.481.4449, ext. 4 or [email protected] Religious School L’CHAYIM VISIT THE FEDERATION ONLINE AT: Website: Visit the page at NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE 9701 Commerce Center Court Fort Myers, Florida 33908 N . FT. MYERS, FL N PERMIT NO. 175 www. JewishFederationLCC.org

DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR www.JewishFederationLCC.org social service philanthropy culture