www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 40, No. 7 n March 2018 / 5778 “Covenant With Israel” celebration mindfulness. bers and leaders of other FROM THE Now, one doesn’t Christian churches from EXECUTIVE need to react in these ways Lee, Charlotte and Col- in order to love Israel. lier counties. Also at- DIRECTOR These reflexive actions tending was the Deputy Alan Isaacs are probably attributable Consul General of Israel to growing up in a certain from the Miami consul- elebrating Israel, her mean- environment where Israel and, more ate as well as other lu- ing and accomplishments, has importantly, when Israel mattered in minaries from Israel and Cchanged over the years – just very different ways than it does today. the U.S. “Covenant With Israel” celebration at Word of Life Ministries as Israel has changed. And just as ev- Many who love Israel have come This annual event, erything seems more complex today, to do so through study of the Bible and now in its 10th year, un- so does Israel and how to celebrate her the teachings of their spiritual leaders; derscores the commit- existence. in some cases as a revelation. Their ment that this evangeli- To some of us, Israel is with us, commitment to Israel and her people, cal Christian community in our consciousness, routinely. We indeed, all Jewish people, emanates feels toward Israel and skim articles online or on paper, and from a devotion to their faith. the support that they are if we skim the word “Israel” we in- On January 29, I spent the evening ready to give, and al- stinctively stop skimming, to read. To with a large group of Israel supporters ready give, to our Israel us, the chance occurrence of the col- at the “Covenant With Israel” celebra- and the Israel that cel- ors blue and white together has mean- tion hosted by Pastor Gaspar Anastasi ebrates the 70th anniver- ing. We recognize an Israeli accent in at his Word of Life Ministries in Fort sary of its establishment a crowd. And these are the very su- Myers. We were joined by members this year. perficial things that signify a deeper of his congregation as well as mem- OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY
WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY
AUTHOR EVENT & DESSERT RECEPTION
March 13, 2018 @7:30 P.M.
SUSAN SILVER AUTHOR OF Hot Pants in Hollywood will entertain with stories of life as a Jewish, female comedy writer in Hollywood.
Hosted by Susan Silver was one of TV’s first female comedy FINEMARK BANK writers and wrote for shows like The Mary Tyler 12681 Creekside Ln. ~ Fort Myers Moore Show, Bob Newhart Show and Maude. Susan achieved fame and fortune in Hollywood, Couvert: while looking to re-connect with her Jewish $36/person or $60/2 people roots. She is a funny and engaging speaker, with Includes a copy of the book great stories to share. Join us for an evening of (Your payment is your reservation.) laughter, entertainment and a delicious dessert reception.
RSVP to Leni by March 7 239 481 4449 Ext. 3 or [email protected]
9701 Commerce Center Court POSTMASTER: NONPROFIT ORG Fort Myers, Florida 33908 DATED RELIGIOUS U.S. POSTAGE NEWS ITEMS. PAID TIME SENSITIVE– FT. MYERS, FL PLEASE EXPEDITE! PERMIT NO. 175 DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION Program notes In this issue: ulltime residents, snowbirds and short-term mitzvah for all ages. As much as the seniors like re- visitors to our community helped to make the ceiving the gift bags, what they most enjoy is the visit 7 Our Community Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida a from the volunteers. Packing takes place on Wednes- 10 Jewish Interest Fgreat success this year. Every film was screened to day, March 14 at 11:00 a.m., and bags can be picked a packed theater, and two of the films were shown up for delivery any weekday starting on Thursday, 14 Israel & the Jewish World simultaneously on two screens March 1h and also on Sunday, March 18 between 9:30 with over 350 attendees each and 11:00 a.m. Please let me know if you are able to 18 Marketplace of the two nights. Thank you help with packing and/or delivery. again to everyone who bought Holocaust Memorial Service 19 Commentary tickets, to the film selection On Sunday, April 8, the community is invited to the 20 From the Bimah committee and to the sponsors annual Holocaust Memorial Service, which takes – all of you helped to ensure place this year at Temple Beth Shalom in Cape Coral. 23 Focus on Youth the continuity of this popular This annual service is a moving remembrance to the annual event. victims of the Holocaust and a tribute to those who 24 Organizations Leni Sack There’s lots more happen- survived to tell their stories. This year we will be tell- ing in the next few months. ing the stories of some of the survivors now living in 26 Community Directory PJ Library holiday program our community. Please mark your calendars and plan 26 Temple News PJ Library families will enjoy the third of a series of to attend. four holiday programs held at different congregations “Two Bernsteins” around the community. On Tuesday, March 6 from On Wednesday, April 11, a special evening is planned 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., Temple Judea Shlicha Zohar Ben at the Federation. Nir Kabaretti, Conductor of the Hamu will lead a fun Passover-themed program for Southwest Florida Symphony, will give a talk about families with children ages 6 months to 8 years at the “Two Bernsteins” – the two Jewish composers, the Shalom Life Center. There is no cost to attend, Leonard Bernstein and Elmer Bernstein. While Leon- but RSVPs are needed at [email protected] or ard Bernstein is better known, especially for compos- 239.481.4449 x3. The fourth PJ Library program will ing the music for West Side Story, Elmer Bernstein celebrate Lag B’Omer at Temple Judea on Thursday, was a prolific composter of many film scores who April 26. won an Oscar for his score to Thoroughly Modern Women’s Philanthropy event Millie and was nominated for fourteen Oscars in all. There is still time to RSVP for the Women’s Philan- The community is invited to enjoy a dessert and wine thropy event on Tuesday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at reception before hearing Maestro Kabaretti’s talk. FineMark Bank. The event is open to everyone in the Seating is limited. RSVPs are a must to me. community. Susan Silver, one of television’s first fe- Happy birthday, Israel! male comedy writers, will share some hilarious sto- You are invited to a community celebration of Israel’s ries about her life as a writer for shows like The Mary 70th birthday on Sunday, April 15 at the Heights Cen- Tyler Moore Show, Maude and Bob Newhart. She’ll ter. There will be entertainment, shopping opportuni- also share how she came to reconnect with her Jewish ties in the “shuk,” activities for all ages, and delicious roots. The event is open to everyone. The cost is $36 Israeli food. There is no entry fee or cost for the en- and includes a copy of her book, Hot Pants in Hol- tertainment or many of the activities. Food and items lywood, which Susan will autograph after her talk. It in the shuk will be available for purchase. also includes a lovely dessert reception. Come pre- I look forward to seeing you at all our events
Jewish news published monthly by pared to laugh a lot and enjoy a relaxing, fun evening. over the next few months. Snowbirds, don’t forget Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Passover gift bags to let the Federation know when you are leaving our 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 By the time you read this, we will have just celebrated area. L’CHAYIM does not get forwarded to your other (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org Purim, which means Passover is not far behind! As address. Please let Lori Ramos (239.481.4449 x4 always, we are looking for volunteers to help pack or [email protected]) in our office know when March 2018 • Volume 40, Number 7 and distribute the over 200 Passover gift bags we send you leave and again when you return, so your current Co-Presidents: Rozzi Osterman • Brian Simon to seniors in independent, assisted living and nursing address is on file and you receive all necessary mail- Board: Paul Bartrop • Herb Fried • Carolyn Gora homes in Lee and Charlotte counties. It’s a wonderful ings. Jerry Greenfield • Keith Grossman • Andi Horowitz Charles Idelson • Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler Sara Krivisky • Michele Laboda • JoAnn Lewin From Rozzi Osterman, Federation President Barbara Siegel • Sylvia Simko • Sherri Zucker Executive Director: Alan Isaacs s you probably know, I have been involved with our Federation for many Program Director: Leni Sack years. I have held leadership positions as Program/Education VP, Admin- Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen istration VP, Partnership P2G - Hadera/Eiron USA Chair, Nominating A Committee Chair, Jewish Family Services Chair, Campaign Chair (the most chal- Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923 lenging and least fitting of my natural inclinations), and as President. This wide range of responsibilities has enriched me with new skills, innovative approaches L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to and a deeper understanding of our Jewish values. Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, Working with our talented staff and dedicated volunteers brings out the best but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be of my thinking and creativity. I have met so many wonderful people here and in directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly Israel, and have created lifelong friendships. The bottom line is that I have truly printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. received more than I have given. I am honored to be a part of this inspired Federation and am grateful for Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the right to edit for space and content. all the love and support that you gift me every day. Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color Thank you, Rozzi 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. APRIL ISSUE EDITORIAL DEADLINE: Monday, March 5 Grow your business with L’CHAYIM. Reach 5,000 local Jewish residents through this paper. For more information or to place an ad, call Jim at 239.634.6923 or send an email to [email protected]. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3 Program notes There is no need to live in CONSTANT PAIN!
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L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION
The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. YOUR SUPPORT Sunday Promote Strengthen & enrich Honor/ Share your KINDNESS JEWISH COMMarchMUNITY 1st Remember MITZVAH A LOVED ONE
This year please consider making an additional campaign contribution in honor or in memory of a loved one. Because kindness is contagious we would like to highlight your generosity in L’CHAYIM and notify personally those whom you honor. You may choose how your generosity is noted and how we share your mitzvah with our community.
TRIBUTES How the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Serves In memory of Dr. Allen Shevach from the Rosman family Local Jewish Education and Culture from Sheila & Gerald Laboda Community wide Jewish Education and Culture Programs for all ages including the Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Author Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Tributes. Events, Israel Celebration, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk Please send them to Lori Ramos dancing, social groups, etc. at the Federation at [email protected]. L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community informed about local, national and international Jewish issues. Community Relations activities include monitoring anti Thanks to the following supporters of L’CHAYIM Semitism and issues of separation of church and state in the community. for their contribution to help underwrite the cost of Israel Advocacy and Initiatives to strengthen local Jewish bringing news of the local, national and international community ties with Israel. Holocaust Education through the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high Jewish community to your mailbox every month! school students in the community.
EDITORS: SUBSCRIBERS: Overseas Herbert Goldenberg Charlene Friedman Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Irwin & Dana Wolfe Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communities in 60+ Doris Loigman countries around the world. REPORTERS: Nancy & Howard Barrow Partnership 2Gether relationship with the Hadera Eiron Region Edina & Alan Lessack Martin Wolt in Israel. Kelly Incretolli Local Seniors Services Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facilities for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. For a continuously updated Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health and socialization.
Local Case Management Services calendar of events, visit Non sectarian, individual and family outreach, information and referral services. Individual life coaching and support services. www.JewishFederationLCC.org. Local Emergency Services Food Pantry. Emergency financial assistance. Education and aid associated with natural disasters.
Local Community Services The Jewish Federation thanks our Support families of children with special needs. SAT preparatory classes for high school students. GENEROUS DONORS Volunteerism. Organizational Collaboration. Assessment and Planning.
Jewish Community Foundation An endowment that ensures the long term financial base of INDIGENT FUND charitable, social and educational programs in our community. Shalom Dancers Sheila & Gerald Laboda Needs based college scholarships and study scholarships in Temple Beth Shalom Rosman family Israel. Jack & Ellen Esformes Gene & Andrea Sipe Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment.
FOOD PANTRY Temple Beth El Boni Raitt Temple Judea Phyllis Henkel
Shalom Life Center Janet & Jack Sigman Mellow Mah Jongg Jim & Betty Rubenstein Howard Silverman Ruth Lefberg PJ LIBRARY PROGRAM Marian Iglesia Joan & Richard Davis Beginner’s Mah Jongg Group Victor Gold FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel 2-8 YEARS OF AGE Grants Available Celebrate PASSOVER
TUESDAY, MARCH 6 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
MAKING MATZO, arts & crafts, songs, stories The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through and refreshments are all part of this the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. The grant may be used for travel to fun family Passover event. Israel to participate in programs that are volunteer or There is no cost to attend. educational in nature. Our hope is that these programs will enhance Jewish knowledge and identity in preparation for RSVP to Leni at 239-481-4449 Ext. 3
participation in American Jewish life. This grant is for Jewish [email protected] residents of either county who are 25 years old or younger and can demonstrate a financial need. Academic standing at SHALOM LIFE CENTER and community involvement may also be considered. For more information or an application, please visit our website at 13411 Shire Lane Fort Myers www.JewishFederationLCC.org or contact the Federation at 239-481-4449, ext. 4 or email [email protected]. Together we CAN Make a Difference! L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5
The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to Senior Lunch Bunch update strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach Coordinator YOUR SUPPORT hat do you get when you Senior Lunch Bunch program, perhaps So many people are instrumen- lences go out to her family. Sunday add together 21 sponsors, the biggest benefit is being there in per- tal in helping before, during and after The next Senior Lunch Bunch is on Promote Strengthen & enrich JEWISH COMMUNITY W19 volunteers, one magi- son to experience the gratitude and ap- the lunch, that there is literally a vil- Thursday, March 15 at noon at Temple Honor/ Share your KINDNESS March 1st cian, 72 people in attendance and cold preciation of everyone involved. lage of volunteers who are responsible Judea, 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Remember MITZVAH weather? Since It is always a pleasure to widen the for pulling off this event every single Myers. RSVP by Monday, March 12 A LOVED ONE this is an equation circle of the luncheon to include new month with attention to detail, joy and by calling 239.481.4449 x6 or email- of joy and spirit, people, and in January we had the larg- warmth. If you’re interested in joining ing [email protected]. Let me the only possible est group ever – with 72 people! The this volunteer village, please call Sher- know if you’ll need a ride or if this will answer is a fan- cold weather didn’t stop people from ri Zucker at 239.980.5760. be your first time attending the lunch. This year please consider making an additional campaign contribution in honor or in memory of a loved one. tastic senior lun- coming to eat a delicious lunch ca- The Senior Lunch Bunch lost one It is difficult to capture the true spirit in Because kindness is contagious we would like to highlight your generosity in L’CHAYIM and notify personally those whom cheon in January, tered by Jason’s Deli. Stuart Rudnick of its original participants, Muriel the room with words, so come on down you honor. You may choose how your generosity is noted and how we share your mitzvah with our community. hosted by Temple performed comedy mixed with magic Fichtelberg, in January. Our condo- and see for yourself! Beth El. that included making things disappear, Jodi Cohen Twenty-one optical illusions, and ending with a live families from the Grandezza commu- rabbit in a red box which everyone got nity in Estero generously offered to sponsor the entire January luncheon, including the program, and thus “The Grandezza Volunteers” were created! We were delighted to have six of The Grandezza Volunteers in attendance. They created floral table arrange- ments, provided the desserts, tended to the participants, and assisted with the luncheon. While there are several to pet. A personal highlight was when The Grandezza Volunteers: Karen Schwartz, Annette Paine, Kathy Renas, benefits for the people or companies volunteer Bob Vinikoor pointed to Stu- Winnie Silberman, Felice Hurwitz, Shelley Handler who choose to support the Federation’s art, who was talking to folks before the lunch, and asked me, “Is that man in the bowtie and vest the magician, or am I underdressed for the occasion?” The free monthly Senior Lunch Bunch program is an opportunity for seniors to get together to socialize, Bat Yam make new friends, stay connected to Temple of the Islands current friends, eat a good meal and learn something. The more people in A REFORM JEWISH CONGREGATION SERVING SANIBEL, the room, the more freylach, merrier, CAPTIVA, FORT MYERS & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES the vibe. We are delighted to welcome new people, and if you’re worried about not knowing anyone, we will make sure you have a lunch buddy. UPCOMING EVENTS There is always room for more Jewish seniors at the table. Sunday, March 11 at 3:00pm GREAT CANTORS OF THE GOLDEN AGE AND GREAT CANTORS IN CINEMA
produced and presented by Bat Yam’s Cantor MURRAY SIMON
Stuart Rudnick (center) performed comedy mixed with magic
Sunday, March 25 at 3:00pm “THE YEAR I WAS PETER THE GREAT: 1956 – KRUSCHEV, STALIN’S GHOST AND A YOUNG AMERICAN IN RUSSIA”
authored and presented by reporter and PJ LIBRARY PROGRAM journalist FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN MARVIN Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel 2-8 YEARS OF AGE KALB Grants Available Celebrate PASSOVER
TUESDAY, MARCH 6 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
MAKING MATZO, arts & crafts, songs, stories The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through and refreshments are all part of this the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee Programs are free and open to the public and Charlotte Counties. The grant may be used for travel to fun family Passover event. Sponsored by the Rosner Foundation in honor of June Rosner Israel to participate in programs that are volunteer or There is no cost to attend. educational in nature. Our hope is that these programs will enhance Jewish knowledge and identity in preparation for RSVP to Leni at 239-481-4449 Ext. 3 Come to Bat Yam at our shared campus: participation in American Jewish life. This grant is for Jewish [email protected] residents of either county who are 25 years old or younger Sanctuary and can demonstrate a financial need. Academic standing at SHALOM LIFE CENTER Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ and community involvement may also be considered. For more information or an application, please visit our website at 13411 Shire Lane Fort Myers 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel www.JewishFederationLCC.org or contact the Federation at 239-481-4449, ext. 4 or email [email protected]. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT BATYAM.ORG
Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION
ANNUAL PASSOVER The “Heart Remembers” By Susan Suarez, Executive Director VISITS TO project SENIORS By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach Coordinator SENIORS onsider the number 23,545. If organizational and whole-community Volunteers Needed you are counting raindrops, level. Volunteers Needed they might add up to the size of In 2016, eight artists from Fort C a puddle you could jump over. If you Myers participated in P2G’s “Art Be-
Do a mitzvah and help pack and/or deliver our PESACH bags to the Jewish are counting pieces of candy, that num- yond Boundaries” project where they Do a mitzvah and help pack and/or deliver our PESACH bags to the Jewish seniors living in independent, assisted living and nursing home facilities in ber represents one seriously busy trick- seniors living in independent, assisted living and nursing home facilities in Lee & Charlotte Counties. The residents enjoy not only the contents of the or-treater. Without context, the number Lee & Charlotte Counties. The residents enjoy not only the contents of the has no meaning. gift bags, they love being visited by the members of the community who gift bags, they love being visited by the members of the community who Local artist and Jewish Federation collaborated with Israeli artists to cre- deliver them. board member Carolyn Gora is spear- ate pieces of art inspired by selected deliver them. heading a group of six local artists to Psalms. The work was shown and cel-
THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS participate in Israel’s “Heart Remem- ebrated in Israel as well as Fort Myers. THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS OR TO DO A MITZVAH PROJECT FOR THEIR BAR/BAT MITZVAH. bers” project, a national artistic exhi- P2G connects 450 Jewish and Is- OR TO DO A MITZVAH PROJECT FOR THEIR BAR/BAT MITZVAH. bition meant to commemorate fallen raeli communities in 46 city-to-city Bags will be packed on Wednesday, March 14. IDF soldiers. The project will see the and region-to-region partnerships. Fort Bags will be packed on Wednesday, March 14. creation of 23,545 ceramic red hearts Myers is fortunate to be included in the Bags will be delivered on Sunday, March 18. Bags will be delivered on Sunday, March 18. Hadera - Eiron and Southeast Com- Volunteers should come to the Federation between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. munities U.S. region. Check out the Volunteers should come to the Federation between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. inspiring work that P2G is doing all to pick up the bags to deliver. to pick up the bags to deliver. over the world at www.jewishagency. (Other pick up and delivery times can be arranged also, if needed.) org/p2g-eng. (Other pick up and delivery times can be arranged also, if needed.) These tens of thousands of hearts
This is an opportunity for all family members to get involved. will be hand-created by thousands of This is an opportunity for all family members to get involved. ceramic artists throughout Israel and Seniors love having young children come visit. Seniors love having young children come visit. the U.S. The ceramic hearts will be of From babies to bubbes, this is a mitzvah (one for each fallen soldier) that will be uniform size (approximately 4.7”) and From babies to bubbes, this is a mitzvah the whole family can do together. placed along a long, winding path out- be painted red, as an expression of love the whole family can do together. side of Tel Aviv’s Yitzhak Rabin Center and honor. The Hebrew words HaLev TO VOLUNTEER, CONTACT LENI: and running into it. The hearts will be Zocher (the heart remembers) will be TO VOLUNTEER, CONTACT LENI: [email protected] or 239 481 4449 Ext. 3 placed just prior to Remembrance Day printed on each heart. We are invited [email protected] or 239 481 4449 Ext. 3 for Fallen IDF Soldiers, April 2018. to include ornamental elements in our Along with Carolyn and myself, creations and add a personal inscrip- Janice Heligman, Juli Bobman, Celeste tion on the reverse side of each heart. Borah and Sheila Sklar will participate I am honored to contribute to this in yet another project through Partner- project, as it feels like sacred work. On ship2gether (P2G), a successful Jewish the back of each heart that I create, I ConneCt Agency model for generating ongoing, plan to write a line from a poem by Ho- with your Jewish Community direct and meaningful partnerships be- locaust survivor and French poet Paul tween Jewish world communities and Celan: “The world is gone, I must carry www.facebook.com/ Israeli communities – on an individual, you.” facebook.com/jfedsrqJewishFederationLCC PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7 Holocaust Museum update By Susan Suarez, Executive Director he Museum is proud of the undertook their own educational mission will honor Golden Gate Middle School been updated with new information and positive reviews on Trip Advisor to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to teachers David Bell and Michelle Lee interactive features. The Boxcar Exhibit, th organizational and whole-communityT from our guests. This comment their families, friends and community. on the 20 anniversary of “Out of The on loan to the Museum from Jack and level. from a recent guest is a great example of As we support our community Ashes.” Both their students and the F.E. Nortman and The Boxcar Founda- In 2016, eight artists from Fort our impact: “Though the Museum itself through partnerships in programming Museum have carried on the important tion, continues its travels in Southwest Myers participated in P2G’s “Art Be- is small, it packs a and events, so our community supports Holocaust education work begun by Florida. Contact the Museum for loca- yond Boundaries” project where they major punch with our mission in a variety of interesting General Eisenhower in 1945. tions. Thursday, March 8 and 22 are personal stories, ways. Last month, through the generos- If you’d like to attend Triumph the final 2018 Elliott Katz lectures at letters and arti- ity of Board Member Maureen Lerner, 2018, contact Development & Mem- Hodges University. Contact April May facts from the Ho- community members supported the bership Specialist Tim Morrison at at [email protected]. collaborated with Israeli artists to cre- locaust. The staff Museum by attending a concert featur- 239.263.9200 x207 or Tim@Holocaust Finally, Palmetto Ridge High ate pieces of art inspired by selected and docents were ing Brian Thornton, cellist and William MuseumSWFL.org. School will present the play And A Psalms. The work was shown and cel- knowledgeable P. Blair III Endowed Chair at the Cleve- We hope you’ll visit our current Child Shall Lead Them, Friday, March ebrated in Israel as well as Fort Myers. and friendly, and land Orchestra. exhibit, “Resettling and Rebuilding: The 24 and Saturday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. P2G connects 450 Jewish and Is- Susan it is a gift to the Mr. Thornton performed the music Displaced Persons in Post-War Europe.” in the auditorium. Written by Michael Suarez raeli communities in 46 city-to-city local community of his former teacher, Lev Aronson, a It looks at that chaotic period and the im- Slade, the fast-paced drama incorpo- and region-to-region partnerships. Fortto have such a place for learning and Holocaust survivor, and skillfully inter- pact of DP camps in helping the Jewish rates the poems of children imprisoned Myers is fortunate to be included in theremembrance.” wove stories of Aronson’s life with his population devastated by the Holocaust at the Theresienstadt (Terezin) camp Hadera - Eiron and Southeast Com- That comment encapsulates two music. Naples-based fine artist Arturo try to rebuild their shattered lives. in World War II. Contact the school at munities U.S. region. Check out thethemes inherent in our work – education Correa donated a portion of the proceeds Our self-guided Museum tour has 239.377.2400 for more information. inspiring work that P2G is doing alland community. of the “Open Studio Day” he held to over the world at www.jewishagency.Education: This is the basis of our mis- benefit our Education programs. org/p2g-eng. sion statement: to teach the lessons of The Museum will celebrate both our These tens of thousands of hearts the Holocaust to inspire action against Educational mission and Community will be hand-created by thousands ofbigotry, hatred and violence. The word partnerships during our Triumph 2018 ceramic artists throughout Israel and“education” is also an integral part of event on Monday, March 5 at the new the U.S. The ceramic hearts will be of our organization’s name. Indeed, edu- Club Pelican Bay. The highlights of this uniform size (approximately 4.7”) andcation plays its part in every interaction special evening will include a discus- be painted red, as an expression of lovewith students, teachers, the public and sion with our Featured Speaker, David Honest, caring and and honor. The Hebrew words HaLev our wonderful volunteers and supporters. Eisenhower, and veteran CBS News Zocher (the heart remembers) will beCommunity: We began and evolved Correspondent Phil Jones, as they recall knowledgable advice printed on each heart. We are invitedas an educational institution with local Dwight D. Eisenhower’s World War II about assisted to include ornamental elements in our community input, and our programs legacy and, specifically, his actions to creations and add a personal inscrip-continue to serve our schools and the document and tell the world about the living options… tion on the reverse side of each heart. public. The genesis of the Museum was existence of the Holocaust to force- at no cost to you! I am honored to contribute to this also local – a community middle school fully contradict those who might deny project, as it feels like sacred work. Onclassroom project on the Holocaust, it happened in the future. This effort to Personal and professional the back of each heart that I create, I “Out of the Ashes.” Twenty years ago educate future generations about the advice for you or a loved one plan to write a line from a poem by Ho-this school year, under the direction of lessons of the Holocaust stands along when you need it the most locaust survivor and French poet Paulteachers David Bell and Michelle Lee, with his many other notable achieve- th Celan: “The world is gone, I must carryGolden Gate Middle School 7 graders ments as a world leader. The Museum Bruce B. Rosenblatt, Owner you.” Senior Housing Expert 239.595.0207 PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT www.SeniorHousingSolutions.net OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. Each Tuesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg isEach held Tuesday at the Jewishafternoon, Federation. an open session of Mah Jongg
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for more information call Rona for Strausberg more information at 239.949.9003 call Rona Strausberg at 239.949.9003 This month’s advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. Advanced Pain Management...... 3 Charles Massie, CPA, CFP®.....19 Alliance Financial Group...... 19 Mathematics Tutoring...... 23 HalArkin, Realtor®...... 19 Michael Shapiro Photography...23 Art of Fashion and Moore...... 19 Miromar Outlets...... 8 Gwen Baker, Realtor®...... 19 Paragon Pools...... 18 Bat Yam Temple of the Islands...5 PCC Tile...... 18 Dr. Daniel Bendetowicz...... 18 Publix...... 28 Cypress Cove...... 6 Alan J. Rubinstein, Attorney.....18 Harold Eskin, Attorney...... 18 Senior Housing Solutions...... 7 FineMark Natl. 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Renee Beddouk, sentations by FSW faculty: Dr. Bruno Fannual Dr. Talbot Spivak Holo- “Never Again.” Marcel Fachler, Cesare Frustaci, Steen Baltodano (Professor of Political Sci- caust Memorial Week, March 26-30, A major feature of Holocaust Me- Metz, Rob Nossen and Irene Skolnick ence), Professor Rachel Cox (Profes- with a series of events. The mission of morial Week at FSW continues to be will present their individual Holocaust sor of Violin/Viola), Sarah Gottwalles the Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memo- firsthand commentary by Holocaust survivor stories. Steen, also, will present (Professor of History), Dr. Mark Her- rial Week at FSW is to educate students survivors. Our local community has his heartrending story to the FSW Col- man (Professor of History), Professor and the community about the Holocaust, been blessed to have a number of legiate High School students. All of the Frank Kohn (Professor of Psychology), to honor its victims and survivors, to residents who are Holocaust survivors survivor stories help our students realize Professor Robbie Manauis (Professor of cultivate tolerance, and to promote and are willing to share their personal how tragic the Holocaust was and to put First Year Experience), and Dr. Sandi a face to the victims. Renee Beddouk, Towers-Romero (Professor of Hospital- Marcel Fachler, Cesare Frustaci, Steen ity Law). Metz and Irene Skolnick will participate The FSW Writing Center’s Book in a Round Table Lunch where they are Club will hold a book discussion on Elie able to talk to students in a more inti- Wiesel’s Night. mate setting to tell their stories. This is The FSW Holocaust Memorial a unique opportunity to meet and get Committee would like to thank the Ho- to know our local Holocaust survivors. locaust Museum & Education Center We are honored to offer several of Southwest Florida, the Kenneth and sessions with guest speakers. Myra Mary Ruth Stegman Endowed Chair, Roberts will present pieces from her Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte “Dream Peace” collection featuring Counties, and FSW Campus Student portraits of Bielski partisans and other Engagement for their continued support. survivors of the Holocaust. Michael Please visit https://www.FSW.edu/ Berube II (FSW Alumni) will retell his holocaust for more detailed event infor- great-grandfather’s experiences as an mation and to access archived videos American soldier in Germany. from our Holocaust survivors. 6th Annual Community Free Synagogue 5K Run & 2 M ile Walk events and programs Brown Bag Movie Night Adult Education: Getting Ready The Community Free Synagogue’s for Passover next Brown Bag Movie Night is Thurs- Rabbi Bruce Diamond will teach the day, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Com- traditions of Passover on Sundays, munity Hall, 10868 Metro Parkway, March 4 and 11 from 10:30 a.m. to Fort Myers. It features the 1958 classic noon. Learn about the Seder’s history Marjorie Morningstar, starring Natalie and how to conduct one at home, as Wood, Gene Kelly and Carolyn Jones. well as the holiday’s dietary laws and Based on Herman Wouk’s 1955 related practices. Platinum Sponsor novel, the film depicts a young Jew- On Sunday, March 25 at 10:30 ish woman from New York trying to a.m., Rabbi Diamond will once again break away from her traditional roots. conduct his very popular workshop on Notably, it featured the first on-screen how to bake your own matzah from depictions of Jewish rituals since the scratch. Once you’ve made your own, 1927 Jazz Singer. you won’t be going back to the indus- Pack a dinner; admission and soft- trial boxed substitute. The classes are Look Spend drinks are free! free and open to all. Great Less Senior Outreach Program For a continuously updated calendar of events, visit
COMPANY STORE www.JewishFederationLCC.org.
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Thursday, March 15th 12:00 PM Temple Judea 14486 A and W Bulb Rd. Fort Myers (RSVP by March 12th)
Tuesday, April 10th Temple Beth Shalom 702 SE 24th Ave., Cape Coral (RSVP by April 6th)
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Studying family history brings more than just historical knowledge, Studying family history brings more than just historical knowledge, Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memorial Week And so it began it builds relationships. Learning the stories behind names and dates it builds relationships. Learning the stories behind names and dates By Carol B. Polis teaches a personal history that explains more than just how each teaches a personal history that explains more than just how each very story has a beginning, and turn in her scores, but Bob didn’t lis- person came to be. EVERYONE WELCOME. at Florida SouthWestern State College person came to be. EVERYONE WELCOME. mine was writing diaries as a ten. Lo and behold, when Zack looked
young girl. My book, The Lady at my scores, he said they were better Jewish Genealogy SIG (Special Interest Group) E Jewish Genealogy SIG (Special Interest Group) is a Champ, with co-author Rich Her- than the men, and for me to keep do- Next meeting: Thursday, March 8 Next meeting: Thursday, March 8 schlag, would not have come to pass ing it. Zack sent me a small but super- 10:00 11:30 a.m. 10:00 11:30 a.m. were it not for all the diaries I kept of thick book of Pennsylvania Rules and LEARN HOW TO BEGIN RESEARCH INTO YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY LEARN HOW TO BEGIN RESEARCH INTO YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY my 27 title fights all over the world Regulations, which took me a year and OR GET HELP FINDING NEW STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE SEARCH OR GET HELP FINDING NEW STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE SEARCH YOU HAVE ALREADY STARTED. plus many boxing experiences. Bob a half to get through. YOU HAVE ALREADY STARTED.
Polis, my husband who passed away, Every time I went to the fights, There is no cost to attend. RSVP is a must to Arthur at [email protected] There is no cost to attend. RSVP is a must to Arthur at [email protected] Meetings are held at the Jewish Federation ● 9701 Commerce Center Ct. ● Fort Myers 33908 was both a stock broker and boxing Zack would ask me on-the-spot ques- Meetings are held at the Jewish Federation ● 9701 Commerce Center Ct. ● Fort Myers 33908 referee. He was the referee for the Joey tions. I also turned in my scores for Giardello vs Hurricane Rubin Carter him to compare to those of the male fight in 1965. He insisted I go to the officials. Call that the oral and written fights with him, which I found barbaric part of my exam. and cruel, as I didn’t understand why One night at intermission, prior to the fight wasn’t stopped when one or the wind-up or main event, Zack came over to me and said he had some good and bad news for me. The bad news was a 2-hour ride to Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, and the good news was that Governor Milton Shapp of Pennsylvania was going to appoint me as the first woman professional boxing judge in the world! At first I thought he was kidding, and then it JEWISH NATIONAL FUND INVITES YOU TO THE sunk in. What an aha moment, which I shall never forget! Off Bob and I went the follow- ing week to the Governor’s chamber. I was asked to put on huge gloves and pretend I was hitting the Gover- nor. When I leaned over, I whispered HONORING in his ear, “Local Jewish girl makes HELENE KRIVOSHA Carol B. Polis good.” He was hysterical, and I have & THE HONORABLE NORMAN KRIVOSHA both of the fighters were bleeding. photos of that moment. Television, ra- ARLENE & KEITH SILVER Through osmosis and judging thou- dio and newspaper people were there, FEATURING GUEST SPEAKER sands of fights from 1973 on, I learned and I loved every minute of it. I kept YEDIDYA HARUSH that the only way the fight would be thinking this is the way Marilyn Mon- JNF-Halutza Liaison stopped was due to profuse bleeding, is roe must have felt. When we got back if the blood interfered with their vision. home, many reporters were waiting on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 When judging fights both here and the front porch. 6:00 PM all over the world, I always wore dark It is now 45 years later and I have clothes, as blood would get on me and judged 27 title fights throughout the Twin Eagles Country Club 11725 Twineagles Blvd, Naples, FL my score card. My husband gave me world – I have judged Mike Tyson only a 10-second “how to” judge a and Larry Holmes. I have appeared on fight on the back of a program. He was What’s My Line and To Tell the Truth, RSVP by March 6 at jnf.org/naplestol the referee and I kept score sitting in and in the movie, Rocky V. I have done or 727.536.5263 the audience at the spectrum in Phila- many speaking engagements as I love delphia. At the end of the night, Bob sharing my story. I moved to Cape Cor- For more information, contact Marcy Friedland, came to get my scores to share with al four months ago and hope to con- Senior Campaign Executive, Southwest Florida the state athletic commissioner, Zack tinue speaking all over Florida. Come [email protected] or 727.536.5263 Clayton. Zack was the referee for the meet me at the farmers’ market on the fight, “The rumble in the Jungle.” It weekends where I will be selling my was not a pretty sight seeing a grown book. woman begging her husband NOT to For a continuously updated calendar of events, visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org.
2nd Night Community Seder
Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 6:30 PM
Enjoy a traditional kosher-for-Passover menu
$45/Adult - Member $55/Adult – Non Member $20/child (12 and under) Children under 3 are free
Make your reservation NO LATER THAN MARCH 25
For reservations call Leslie at (239)-433-0201 or by email at [email protected]
14486 A and W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, Fl 33908 L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 10 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Rescuing the Jews of Bulgaria Stars of David By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist hile many people know that in 1942 the government set up a special Together with a close friend and 1943. Not wishing to have his authorityEditor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to Denmark rescued most of its Commissariat for Jewish Affairs. colleague from Kyustendil, Petar Mi- undermined, Filov demanded that eachbe Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish WJewish community from the On January 21, 1943, SS officer halev, he went to Parliament and burst of the signatories stand and verbally an-have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Nazis, the story of how the 48,000 Jews Theodor Dannecker, acting on behalf into the office of Interior Minister Petar nounce their support of Peshev’s letter.Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts of Bulgaria were saved was hidden for of Adolf Eichmann, arrived in Sofia Gabrovski, insisting that he cancel the Shamefully, only 30 of the original 42to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. many decades. to force Bulgaria to deport its Jewish deportations. Explaining the gravity of affirmed their position, and when a final Seventy-five years ago this month, population. On February 22, 1943, he the situation, and after a fierce argu- vote was taken it was decided to censure in March 1943, the reached a secret agreement with the ment, Gabrovski called the governor Peshev. The next day he was forced to worst fears and head of the Bulgarian Commissariat of Kyustendil and instructed him to step down as Deputy Speaker. brightest hopes of for Jewish Affairs, Alexander Belev, for stop the deportations. By 5:30 p.m. on The years that followed were not the Jews of Bulgaria the deportation of Jews from the newly- March 9 – just one day after Peshev kind. Under communist rule, Peshev were realized. They acquired Bulgarian territories in Thrace had learned about the planned action was arrested as a member of the former were saved largely and Macedonia, to German-occupied against the Jews – the deportations had Bulgarian collaborationist government through the effort of areas, by April 15. The Jews in these been cancelled. and, facing the death penalty, mem- one remarkable poli- territories numbered around 13,000, but Despite Gabrovski’s assurance, bers of the Jewish community from Dr. Paul tician. the Germans were hoping also to deport however, Peshev needed further guar- Kyustendil testified on his behalf. He Bartrop Dimitar Peshev some 8,000 Bulgarian citizens of Jewish antees – especially after he learned that was sentenced to 15 years in prison at was a leading Bulgarian lawmaker in ancestry living in “old” Bulgaria. the Jews in the occupied territories of forced labor, but after eighteen months the 1930s and 1940s, and a major actor In the spring of 1943, the Bulgarian Thrace and Macedonia were already the court reviewed his case and he was in resisting the pro-Nazi government government signed a new law whereby being deported. On March 18-19, 1943, released upon learning of his key role of Premier Bogdan Filov. Through this all of Bulgaria’s Jews would be deported Jews in Thrace were taken to Lom, in in saving Bulgaria’s Jews. Released, he opposition he prevented the deportation through Kyustendil on March 10, 1943, Bulgaria; from there they were shipped was forced to live in isolation, without a of Bulgaria’s Jews to the death camps and sent to Nazi death camps in Poland. to Vienna, and then transferred to trains job or a means for sustenance. of Nazi Germany. The small Jewish Jews in Thrace and Macedonia would going to Auschwitz and Katowice. All In January 1973, Yad Vashem rec- community dated back to the 2nd century also be rounded up and deported. When Macedonian Jews were interned by ognized Dimitar Peshev as one of the CE, and there were also some Sephardic the Jews of Kyustendil learned of their March 11. On March 22 and 25, some Righteous among the Nations for his Jews whose ancestors had been expelled imminent deportation, they attempted to were deported by train to Auschwitz; role in saving the Jews of Bulgaria. A from Spain after 1492. have the order overturned through the in- on March 29, the rest were deported to few weeks later, on February 20, 1973, Bulgaria had resisted pressure to tercession of one they knew as a friend: Treblinka. he died – a Holocaust resister recog- join the Axis until circumstances beyond Dimitar Peshev, the Minister for Justice Peshev now decided to bring up nized, sadly, much too late. its control forced the government to take and Deputy Speaker of the Sobranie the matter in Parliament. On March 17, Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History sides, and in order to spare his country (Parliament). 1943, he wrote a letter of protest and and the Director of the Center for Ju- the devastation of possible German On March 8, 1943, a local Jewish had 42 Members sign it. Disregarding daic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies occupation, Tsar Boris III reluctantly delegation, including Jakob Baruch, a Prime Minister Filov’s instruction not to at Florida Gulf Coast University. He agreed to join the Tripartite Pact on personal friend of Peshev’s, spoke with subject the letter to a vote in the House, can be reached at [email protected]. March 1, 1941.This alliance allowed him about the government’s deportation it was discussed in caucus on March 23, Bulgaria to recapture Macedonia from plan. Peshev had not previously known Yugoslavia, and Thrace from Greece, of it. Upon confirmation of the story, he territories which the country lost after decided that the deportations had to be Center for Judaic, Holocaust, World War I. stopped. He traveled to Kyustendil and Under German pressure, Bulgaria met with the assistant chief of police, and Genocide Studies enacted anti-Semitic laws even before who described to him how they were becoming an Axis ally. On January 23, to take place. Peshev now saw all too Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about 1941, the Law for Protection of the clearly the consequences of Bulgaria’s Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: Nation, which copied Nazi Germany’s alliance with Hitler, and decided he had Nuremberg Laws, came into effect, and to act. • scholarship • outreach • inquiry • sharing knowledge • preserving the record • helping teachers • encouraging students
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odges Send address changes to: Funeral Home [email protected] H or call: 239.481.4449 ext-4 at Lee Memorial Park Safe Travels 12777 State Road 82 Fort Myers, FL 33967 (239) 334-4880 L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 Rescuing the Jews of Bulgaria Stars of David Interested in Your By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist 1943. Not wishing to have his authorityEditor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to Family’s History? undermined, Filov demanded that eachbe Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish of the signatories stand and verbally an-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 nounce their support of Peshev’s letter.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 Shamefully, only 30 of the original 42 to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a affirmed their position, and when a final full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start with a limited search of one family line. vote was taken it was decided to censure The Tribe at the Oscars: No Jewish writers are nominated Peshev. The next day he was forced to2018 Edition for an original screenplay. However, a th So here’s the deal: step down as Deputy Speaker. The 90 Oscars ceremony takes place on number are nominated for best adapted The years that followed were not Sunday, March 4. It begins at 8:00 p.m. screenplay. The Disaster Artist, a com- Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. kind. Under communist rule, Peshev on ABC. Jimmy Kimmel will host. The edy about a terrible real movie, was Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that following is a list of “confirmed” Jew- written by SCOTT NEUSTADTER was arrested as a member of the former goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. Bulgarian collaborationist governmentish Oscar nominees. My practice is not and MICHAEL H. WEBER, both 40. and, facing the death penalty, mem-to include the technical categories. The They have been a writing team since The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, bers of the Jewish community fromnumber of Jewish nominees is smaller 1999 and have similar backgrounds. several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate Kyustendil testified on his behalf. Hethan some years, but still substantial. Neustadter grew up on Long Island was sentenced to 15 years in prison at Best Leading actor: TIMOTHÉE and Weber in Atlantic City. Both had a friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out forced labor, but after eighteen monthsCHALAMET , 24, Call Me by My bar mitzvah and like to dish about Jews great for them. So contact him about this as well. the court reviewed his case and he was Name. He competes in this category in the movies. Their breakout film was released upon learning of his key rolewith DANIEL DAY-LEWIS, 60, who 500 Days of Summer (2006), a clever in saving Bulgaria’s Jews. Released, hestarred in The Phantom Thread. Chal- original romantic comedy/drama. Also best feature-length animated movie Greatest Showman. HANS ZIMMER, was forced to live in isolation, without aamet is the breakout actor of 2017. Be- in this category: Logan, which was co- nominee. He directed Toy Story 3, 60, is nominated for best musical score job or a means for sustenance. sides starring in Call Me, a best picture written by SCOTT FRANK, 57, James which won the Oscar in 2011. FRANK for Dunkirk. He’s been Oscar nominated In January 1973, Yad Vashem rec-nominee, he had a biggish supporting Mangold and MICHAEL GREEN, 45. STIEFEL, 60ish, is nominated for best 11 times, winning in 1995 for The Lion ognized Dimitar Peshev as one of therole in Lady Bird, another best picture Logan is the first comic-book based documentary short subject with Heaven King. Righteous among the Nations for hisnominee. He grew up in New York movie to get a best screenplay Oscar is a Traffic Jam. It’s about MINDY The best picture nomination goes role in saving the Jews of Bulgaria. A City, the son of an American Jewish nomination. Frank’s credits include ALPER, 58, a talented artist who has to the film’s producers. Nine movies few weeks later, on February 20, 1973,mother and a French Protestant father. writing Minority Report, Marley and battled mental problems. Stiefel made a are nominated. The following have he died – a Holocaust resister recog-He’s referred to himself as Jewish. In Me and Out of Sight (best adapted short movie, Ingelore (2009), about how “confirmed” Jewish producers: Call Me nized, sadly, much too late. Call Me, he plays a 17-year-old Jew- nomination). He also wrote and directed his mother, a deaf teen, escaped Nazi by My Name (PETER SPEARS, 50); Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History ish man living in Italy who has a brief Godless, a Netflix series. Green, grew Germany. BRYAN FOGEL, 40ish, The Darkest Hour (ERIC FELLNER, and the Director of the Center for Ju-same-sex affair with a visiting American up in a New York City suburb where his wrote and co-starred in Icarus, a best 58); Lady Bird (SCOTT RUDIN, daic, Holocaust, and Genocide StudiesJewish student. Day-Lewis, 60, is the religious, Israel-born mother insisted he feature-length documentary nominee. 59) – the film’s director/writer, Greta at Florida Gulf Coast University. Heonly male actor to win three best actor attend a yeshiva. He became more secu- Fogel, a very serious bicyclist, blew Gerwig, recently told NPR she wanted can be reached at [email protected]. His father, famous poet Cecil lar as he grew older. A top screenwriter, the lid off Russian athlete doping in his to use excerpts of a STEPHEN SOND- Day-Lewis, was of Irish Protestant now, he got his big break writing a first film. BeforeIcarus , he was best known HEIM musical in her film. Fortu- background, while his mother, the late season Sex and the City episode. Also: for Jewtopia, a comedic play/film. His nately, she said, Rudin is friends with actress JILL BALCON, was Jewish. AARON SORKIN, 56, for Molly’s parents, who belong to a Denver Ortho- Sondheim, 87, and Sondheim gave her Jill’s father, MICHAEL, was a founder Game, a film from a memoir by Molly dox synagogue, will accompany him to permission; The Post (AMY PASCAL, of the British film industry. Daniel has Bloom (whose father is Jewish) about the Oscars. 59, and STEVEN SPIELBERG, 71 – always been secular. He says Phantom running high-stakes poker games. DIANE WARREN, 61, is nomi- Spielberg directed The Post, but wasn’t Thread, in which he plays a fashion de- Sorkin became famous with his 1989 nated for best song, “Stand Up for nominated for best director this year. signer, will be his last film. (No Jewish play A Few Good Men. It became a hit Something” from Marshall. This is her th What do you think? Need to reach actresses were nominated this year and movie in 1992. 9 best song nomination. She competes the editor of L’CHAYIM? Send an no Jewish actor got a supporting actor LEE UNKRICH, 50, is the co- with BENJ PASEK, 32, and Justin nomination.) director and co-producer of Coco, a Paul, who wrote “This is Me” from The email to [email protected].
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TBS_21-Ad1_L'Chayim_10.25x9.25_VF.indd 1 12/5/2017 2:15:49 PM L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 12 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST The Best Hamantaschen – recipe by Dalia Hemed Breathtaking tale of prominent professor’s undoing urim is the Jewish calendar’s of those triangle-shaped cookies. surface, and flip the dough over. biggest party festival. The holi- My grandmother owned a restau- Continue rolling the dough out expertly woven with biblical and Mishnaic passages Pday celebrates the heroism of rant and bakery in Israel, and I would very thin (less than 1/8-inch thick). Queen Esther, a Jewish woman who bake hamantaschen with her. All my The thinner you roll the dough, the rose to become the Queen of Persia and teenage life, we made hamantaschen more delicate and crisp the cookies saved her people from destruction at the every Purim. They are my favorite. will turn out. Just make sure that hands of her husband’s ill-intentioned When I left Israel and came to Amer- the dough is still thick enough to advisor, Haman. People celebrate Pu- ica, my grandmother would always hold the filling and its shape! rim by gathering in synagogues to read mail me a box full of hamantaschen XX Use a 3-inch cookie cutter (not Esther’s story aloud. They then head from Israel just before Purim. My smaller) or the 3-inch rim of a glass off to parties to celebrate the ancient grandmother passed away few months to cut circles out of the dough, cut- victory by wearing costumes, getting ago. I am not going to have a box of ting as many as you can from the tipsy and, of course, eating. hamantaschen from her this year. Now, dough. Hamantaschen, the triangular I will need to make them myself. I am XX Gather the scraps and roll them out cookies that hold a variety of tasty fill- sharing her Best Hamantaschen recipe again. Cut circles. Repeat the pro- ings, are Purim’s most recognizable as a memorial to my grandmother. Ha- cess again if needed until you’ve food. The name translates from Yiddish mantaschen traditionally have poppy cut as many circles as you can as “Haman’s pockets,” and the cookie seed filling, but my grandma used to from the dough. You should end up Personal Chef Dalia Hemed fittingly represents the pockets of the make other flavors too. with around 35 circles. can be reached at Purim story’s primary villain, Haman. Hamantaschen Dough Ingredients: XX Use two cherries and place a little [email protected]. (Some people say it also represents the • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room bit of filling (whichever filling you tri-cornered hat he wore.) temperature choose) into the center of each that folds over and a corner that In Eastern Europe, where haman- • 2/3 cup sugar circle. Do not use more than a tea- folds under. This creates a “pin- taschen originated, they were tradi- • 1 egg, room temperature spoon of filling or you run the risk wheel” effect. This method of fold- tionally filled with sweetened ground • tsp vanilla instant pudding of your hamantaschen opening and ing is not only pretty, it will help poppy seeds, thick prune jam, or apri- • 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream spilling out during baking. to keep the cookies from opening cot preserves. Those fillings remain • 1 tsp grated orange zest XX Assemble the hamantaschen in while they bake. popular today, but in recent years bak- • 2 1/4 cups flour three steps. First, grasp the left side XX Pinch each corner of the triangle eries and home cooks have also taken • 1/4 tsp salt of the circle and fold it toward the gently but firmly to secure the creative license with hamantaschen, Filling for Hamantaschen: center to make a flap that covers shape. swapping out the typical preserves for You can fill the Hamantaschen with the left third of the circle. XX Repeat this process for the remain- spreads like halvah, marzipan, apple poppy seeds filling, apricot jam, prune XX Grasp the right side of the circle ing circles. caramel and Nutella. On a festive holi- jam, Nutella, caramel apple filling and and fold it toward the center, over- XX When all of your hamantaschen day like Purim, the more cookie variet- almost everything you feel like. My fa- lapping the upper part of the left have been filled, place them on a ies the merrier! vorite is, the best filling of all – cherry side flap to create a triangular tip lightly greased baking sheet, even- Each Purim, it is customary to bun- pie filling. at the top of the circle. A small tri- ly spaced. dle up small gifts of food – typically You will also need: angle of filling should still be vis- XX Place them in the oven and let them a few hamantaschen and another ed- Large mixing bowl, electric mixer, sift- ible in the center. bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 min- ible goodie or two – and deliver them er, pastry scraper, rolling pin, 3-inch XX Grasp the bottom part of the circle utes, till the cookies are cooked to friends and family. The idea behind cookie cutter or drinking glass with and fold it upward to create a third through and lightly golden. this tradition stems from the notion that 3-inch diameter rim. flap and complete the triangle. Purim is meant to be a joyous holiday, XX Slice room-temperature butter into When you fold this flap up, be sure Look for and sharing these food gifts ensures that small chunks and place in a large to tuck the left side of this new flap Chef Dalia Hemed’s everyone will have enough to celebrate mixing bowl. underneath the left side of the tri- with. Delivering mishloach manot, XX Add sugar to the bowl. Use an angle, while letting the right side recipes each month which literally means “sending of por- electric mixer to cream the butter of this new flap overlap the right in the pages of tions” in Hebrew, also offers a chance and sugar together for a few min- side of the triangle. This way, each to drop by for a visit with friends. utes till light and fluffy. side of your triangle has a corner L’CHAYIM. Hamantaschen originated in East- XX Add the egg, vanilla and orange ern Europe, but Jewish communities zest to the bowl. Beat again till across the globe had their own Purim creamy and well mixed. Fall 2018 foods. In addition to hamantaschen, XX Sift flour and salt into the bowl. some Eastern European Jews serve XX Mix with the electric mixer on low Educational Scholarships kreplach, meat-filled soup dumplings speed till a crumbly dough forms. that keep their filling hidden inside, the XX Begin to knead dough with hands Available way Queen Esther initially had to hide till a smooth dough ball forms. her Jewish identity. Moroccan Jews, XX Form the dough into a flat disk and meanwhile, make yeast bread shaped wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the like Haman’s face with hardboiled refrigerator to chill for 3 hours to eggs baked directly into the bread that overnight. symbolize his eyes. And in Italy, Jews XX Before you begin to assemble the make fried strips of dough served in hamantaschen, choose and make Scholarship honey syrup that represent Haman’s your filling and have it on hand applications are ears. Without doubt, there seems to be to work with. Preheat oven to 350 now available for a global trend of immortalizing the guy degrees F. Lightly flour a smooth, Jewish residents of Lee in baked-good form! clean surface. Unwrap the dough In Israel, for weeks, every grocery disk and place it on the floured sur- and Charlotte Counties, store and baker is hawking the Purim face. The dough will be very firm Florida, wishing to pursue pastry of hamantaschen. By the time after chilling. postsecondary education. the holiday finally rolls around, every- XX Use a rolling pin to roll the dough one has more than had their fill of these out to 1/4-inch thick. poppy-seed and prune-filled delights. XX When the dough reaches 1/4-inch My childhood memories of Purim cel- thickness, scrape the dough up with ebrations in Israel are filled with a lot a pastry scraper, lightly re-flour the Applicants must be under 30 years of age and priority
will be given to full-time stu- dents. Funding is limited and decisions will be based primarily on financial need.
Completed applications are due by April 30, 2018
JEWISH FEDERATION FOOD PANTRY Scholarships are made available Following is a list of staples always in need at the food pantry: For more information or to request an application, con- from designated Peanut butter and jelly Pasta sauce (pasta, not needed) tact the Jewish Federation of funds held by the Rice and beans Canned vegetables and fruits Lee and Charlotte Counties Jewish Community Foundation. Cereal Canned meats at (239) 481–4449 ext. 4, Condiments Toiletries for adults & children fax (239) 481–0139 or email:
[email protected] Gift cards to places like Publix, Walmart, Target, etc., as well as cash donations, are also appreciated. Jewish Family Services helps seniors, individuals and families with a variety of needs. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13 Breathtaking tale of prominent professor’s undoing expertly woven with biblical and Mishnaic passages Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM The Ruined House: A Novel, by Ruby it, with a lyricism that is only the richer Of course, Cohen only a representative figure Namdar. Translated by Hillel Halkin. for the hideous images that increas- bears the title of priest. in a doomed civilization. For Harper. 528 pages. Hardcover $29.99. ingly fill up Cohen’s world as he falls That’s what his last name Cohen, the phrase “Things apart. The erotic turns into its hideous means. However, he has fall apart, the centre cannot ome books are so spectacularly opposite. Images of grotesque tongues not taken on the mantle hold” is only about him. original, so far beyond the bound- and penises fill his imagination. He sees of a Kohane’s respon- The many scenes of dis- Saries of any reader’s expectations, signs of what’s coming, has nightmares sibilities. If he were orientation, gluttony, perverse and so challenging, that they establish and incredible daydreams, and they all truly a descendent of visions, panic and depletion in a new point of reference for any further finally rest on how his being – if not his the Kohanim, his be- the novel are gorgeously craft- discussions of literary achievement. world — has been penetrated and irra- havior until this inva- ed, as are those that develop Ruby Namdar’s The Ruined House, diated by ancient texts: sections of Old sion of the distant past the several boldly conceived set at the dawn of the 21st century, ex- Testament with accompanying Mishnaic would have disgraced characters in this convention- plores the givens of a cataclysmic era commentary. his lineage. bursting novel. These include that may become This material, represented in the It is hard to determine to what ex- Cohen’s insightful older daughter, Ra- Personal Chef Dalia Hemed a period of tumul- graphic style of the original manu- tent author Namdar wishes his readers chel, his shallow friend the university can be reached at tuous cleansing. scripts, focuses on the preparation of to engage with these seven intriguing president, and his clever, complicated [email protected]. Though centered the Temple’s high priest for performing passages, but clearly they are not meant girlfriend, Ann Lee. on the physical, his duties during the seven days leading to be merely ornamental digressions. Namdar’s sketches of the various that folds over and a corner that emotional, men- to Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Readers must be open to the relevance New York neighborhoods in which folds under. This creates a “pin- tal and spiritual Jewish calendar. These duties are largely of this unexpected material. scenes are set are in themselves small wheel” effect. This method of fold- disintegration of rituals of purification, but also include As Andy Cohen falls from the masterpieces. So, too, are his descrip- ing is not only pretty, it will help a successful, mid- various kinds of sacrifices – offerings grace of his comfortable, prestigious tions of the more confined settings: the to keep the cookies from opening dle-aged college to God. university position, it is as restaurants, the apartments, the offices, while they bake. Phil professor, it fully Inner and outer though he has worshiped and the interiors of universities. XX Pinch each corner of the triangle Jason engages the new cleansing of the self false gods. He had taken his This effort must have been an enor- gently but firmly to secure the American century’s self-masking: its and the Temple are gifts for granted by delud- mous challenge for translator Hillel shape. adulation of elites and its confusion of described, along ing himself into thinking Halkin, whose contribution to Namdar’s XX Repeat this process for the remain- cultural values. with a number of that he had used them well. opportunity to amaze the English-lan- ing circles. Andrew P. Cohen, an accomplished sacred objects like His behavior toward guage audience is immeasurable. XX When all of your hamantaschen and proud secular Jew, has tripped over fire pans and cande- his ex-wife, his daugh- Ruby Namdar has set himself enor- have been filled, place them on a the scales of hubris and found himself labras. The strange ters, his students and col- mous challenges, met them marvelously, lightly greased baking sheet, even- to be a foul beast. His aura of polite ceremonial practice leagues, and his girlfriend and left this reader gasping for breath. ly spaced. self-congratulation has become con- of purifying holy is ultimately always Andy- Reprinted, with permission, from www. XX Place them in the oven and let them taminated and slowly begins to smother places by sprinkling centric. Namdar is remark- washingtonindependentreviewofbooks. bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 min- him. His many faults, the recognition them with blood is able at painting Cohen’s com. See: http://www.washingtoninde utes, till the cookies are cooked of which he has artfully hidden from included. dawning awareness of his pendentreviewofbooks.com/bookre through and lightly golden. himself for decades, are in the process Seven sections ravenous ego, as well as view/the-ruined-house-a-novel. Look for of being revealed. drawn from this Ruby Namdar at representing the false Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus The selfishness with which he running narrative/commentary serve as promises Cohen makes to himself to of English from the United States Na- Chef Dalia Hemed’s ended his marriage is exposed to him. the dividers marking the seven chap- change his ways. val Academy. He reviews regularly for recipes each month The comfort and security he felt in his ters of Namdar’s book. The yearning Namdar alludes to (and briefly Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, academic achievements, the physical for divine approval registered in the quotes from) Yeats’ The Second Com- Southern Literary Review, and other in the pages of attractiveness and health that he nur- priest’s actions seems to magically ing, and through this reference, reminds publications. Please visit Phil’s website L’CHAYIM. tured and in which he delighted, and journey through time and space, ush- us, if not Cohen, that the professor is at www.philjason.wordpress.com. his assumption of fully controlling his ering in Cohen’s self-loathing. The always upward-bound destiny are most images in these passages also vividly painfully stripped away. reveal themselves in Cohen’s world and Fall 2018 Namdar tells his story, almost sings Cohen’s awareness, however fleetingly. Educational Scholarships F M N B T is proud to consistently earn a 5-star rating from Bauer Financial, Available the nation’s leading independent bank rating rm*. We attribute our success to the meaningful relationships we build with our clients. e better we know you, the better we can serve you.
Scholarship applications are now available for Jewish residents of Lee and Charlotte Counties, Florida, wishing to pursue postsecondary education.
JEWISH FEDERATION BOOK CLUB Applicants must be under 30 years of age and priority will be given to full-time stu- dents. Funding is limited Upcoming events: and decisions will be based primarily on financial need. Tuesday, March 13
“Hot Pants Completed applications in Hollywood” are due by by Susan Silver
April 30, 2018 Women’s Philanthropy Event Scholarships are For more information or to made available request an application, con- from designated tact the Jewish Federation of funds held by the For more information Lee and Charlotte Counties Jewish Community contact Leni at at (239) 481–4449 ext. 4, Foundation. fax (239) 481–0139 or email: [email protected] [email protected] 239-481-4449 Ext. 3 Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Charleston • Estero • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale 239-461-5900 • www.fi nemarkbank.com • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender *5-Star Financial Rating issued by Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating and research fi rm. Rating is 5 out of 5. Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 14 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD 7 Israeli buildings that will make you stop and stare Ranging from unusual to daring to strangely appealing, these extraordinary architectural eye-poppers show the quirky side of Israeli creative genius. By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org, January 11, 2018 he austere “less is more” mantra own family in 2007. It’s not completely of architecture in the first half of finished because he’s always experi- Tthe 20th century gave way to the menting with the design. postmodern “less is bore” approach that “I’ve been doing this kind of shape said buildings could be both functional since I started learning architecture in and artistic, even incorporating elements Paris,” Pavie tells ISRAEL21c. “I don’t of irony and asymmetry. see why I should be obliged to use geo- While “less is more” defines the metrical shapes which have nothing in famous White City Bauhaus buildings common with nature’s system of shapes. that earned Tel Aviv a UNESCO World The separation between inside and Ramot Polin, Jerusalem Heritage Site designation, the “less is outside should integrate the life of the (photo via zvihecker.com/projects) bore” approach in Tel Aviv and other outside, and I think curves are the best hill,” explained Hecker. “Each ‘finger’ is Israeli locales led to structures that have way to make an envelope for a family.” composed again of five boomerang-like people stopping in their tracks to gawk, His teachers warned that if he buildings assembled in such a way as to Spiral House, Ramat Gan grin or gasp. wanted to graduate he’d have to sketch create interior courtyards [transected] by (photo via zvihecker.com/projects) Are these buildings beautiful or baf- rectangular buildings like everyone pedestrian paths reminiscent of the Old 1999, as a modern Tower of Babel. “It fling, or both? That’s up to you. Beauty else. But once his diploma was safely City of Jerusalem.” is a work of incomplete precision. Be-‘HOUSE ON THE BOARDWALK,’ is in the eye of the beholder. in hand, Pavie and a few friends built Similar geometry is seen in Heck- cause it is so precise it can’t be reallyTEL AVIV ‘BUBBLE HOUSE,’ two feng shui-inspired bubble houses er’s Synagogue in the Negev, where finished. The Spiral’s incompletenessTel Aviv University Prof. Tzvi Harel, the NEVE DANIEL in Paris in 1974. three types of polyhedral units comprise is also its poetry, because poetry is thegood-natured architect who designed this French-born architect and interior de- “The technical approach we devel- the truncated octahedron building. most precise expression of our need forpost-modernist gravity-defying seaside signer Ephraim Henry Pavie planned oped allowed us to build free shapes. precision. Expressive as it is, the Spiralapartment house, tells ISRAEL21c that this 10-room, four-story house for his The structure is flexible, and when I’m can’t be fully understood. It speaks tohe is “proud of being insulted about it. I sure everything fits the way it should many languages at one and the samebelieve humor and criticism in architec- fit I spray concrete on it,” says Pavie, time.” ture is very important.” who has also built bubble houses in ‘THE CRAZY HOUSE,’ TEL AVIV The four-story building was never Miami and on the French Riviera, and is This nine-story postmodernist apart-meant to be more than imaginary. Harel completing another one in Israel. Every ment house, finished in 1985, was sketched it for a 1980s newspaper component, including the windows, is designed by Syrian-born architect Leon column on the renaissance of Tel Aviv custom made onsite. Gaignebet (also called Leon Geneva). culture and art. ‘BEEHIVES,’ RAMOT POLIN, The side of the building that faces Local entrepreneur Avraham Piltz JERUSALEM the beach is embedded with gravel, The Pavie Bubble House mimics the flowing shapes of nature Israel prize-winning architect Zvi Synagogue in the Negev shells, sand, natural wood and plants. (photo courtesy of Ephraim Henry Pavie) Hecker designed the northern Jerusa- (photo via zvihecker.com/projects) The front-facing side features a metal- lem neighborhood of Ramot Polin as SPIRAL HOUSE, RAMAT GAN and-concrete fresco. an enormous grid of pentagonal (five- The internationally prolific Zvi Hecker The architect has described these sided) units. Completed in 1975 and also designed this twisty house, which opposite sides as “east and west, mascu- since expanded upon, Ramot Polin’s took five years to build, from 1984 to line and feminine, mineral and natural.” 720 apartments zigzag around inner 1989. The facade of plaster, pink glass, Due to its prime location along courtyards. stone fragments, corrugated tin and mir- Hayarkon Street in north-central Tel “The general plan of the Ramot rors reflect the interior courtyard and the Aviv, the Crazy House elicits lots of Housing is reminiscent of the palm of surroundings. smiles and picture-taking from visitors An interior view of the Bubble House in Neve an open hand – its five fingers are retain- Hecker describes the Spiral House, to Tel Aviv. Daniel (photo courtesy of Ephraim Henry Pavie) ing walls ‘supporting’ the slope of the which won an architecture award in continued on next page MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO ATTEND The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties
Annual Holocaust Memorial Service
Sunday, April 8 at 3:00 P.M.
Temple Beth Shalom 702 SE 24th Avenue Cape Coral 33990
“To remember, not once to forget”
Come hear the stories of the survivors in our community, who light the memorial candles each year. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 15
continued from previous page 7 Israeli buildings that will make you stop and stare launch into outer space. Designed lem, Igra earned a degree in architecture by Dina Ammar, the tower was com- in Canada and returned to Israel in 1989 pleted on February 28, 2002, and made to create Israel’s first themed hotel resort similar to those in Las Vegas. The $140 million project is distin- guished by historic-looking arches, tow- ers, domes and columns symbolizing seven cultures that had great influence on the region: the Egyptians, Nabateans, Greeks, Romans, Ayyubids, British and Israelis. Igra oversaw each detail down to the doorknobs. The complex of three hotels (Herods Palace for families, Herods Boutique for business travelers and Herods Vi- Sail Tower in Haifa (photo by Simeon Kohlman talis spa hotel) opened in 1999. Igra Rabbani/skyscrapercenter.com) lives in the Palace and continues to Emporis.com’s top 10 list of best sky- update and tweak his creation. House on the Boardwalk at 2 Trumpeldor Street, scrapers that year. Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and The front of the “Crazy House,” Tel Aviv Tel Aviv (photo via happyintlv.net) The Sail Tower, with 29 above- associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior (photo by Fotokon/Shutterstock.com) loved the oddball design and brought it ground and three below-ground sto- to moving to Israel in 2007, she was ‘HOUSE ON THE BOARDWALK,’ to life, though he died before the house ries, is covered in curtain walls of a specialty writer and copy editor at a TEL AVIV was completed in the mid-1990s. aluminum and glass. Counting the daily newspaper in New Jersey and has Tel Aviv University Prof. Tzvi Harel, the “The idea was that since it was on antennas, it stands at 152.5 meters freelanced for a variety of newspapers good-natured architect who designed this the shore of Tel Aviv, which in those days (500 feet) tall, making it the highest and periodicals since 1984. post-modernist gravity-defying seaside was quite neglected, you could be an ex- skyscraper in Haifa. In the lob- apartment house, tells ISRAEL21c that hibitionist and expose yourself playfully by, 10 steel arcs soar above he is “proud of being insulted about it. I in front of the sea,” Harel says, pointing mosaics depicting Haifa’s his- believe humor and criticism in architec- out that every room in each of the seven tory, including a city map from ture is very important.” apartments has a sea view. 1773 and a painting of Mount The four-story building was never SAIL TOWER (MIGDAL Carmel from 1667. meant to be more than imaginary. Harel HAMIFRAS), HAIFA HERODS EILAT HOTELS sketched it for a 1980s newspaper This government office building is The Herods Eilat Hotels are column on the renaissance of Tel Aviv meant to evoke a huge boat with in- the brainchild of architect/ culture and art. flated sails. Locals call it “The Rocket” entrepreneur/sailor Yoav Igra. Local entrepreneur Avraham Piltz because it looks like it’s ready to Born and educated in Jerusa- Herods Eilat Hotels complex by Yoav Igra
March 18, 2018 @ 11:00 A.M
THE U.S.-ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING MIDDLE EAST
Joshua Karsh is AIPAC's Florida Deputy Regional Director. He is responsi- ble for creating the strategic direction and supervising the daily operations for one of the largest AIPAC offices in the United States. He previously served five years as AIPAC’s Southeast Region Synagogue Initiative Director.
Prior to his position at AIPAC, Joshua served as the Chief Operating Officer for a leading political consulting firm in South Florida where he was responsible for managing the political MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO ATTEND campaigns for members of Congress, representatives to the Florida State House and numerous lo- cal mayors and commissioners.
The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Joshua previously worked in Jerusalem with a political consulting firm that served Israeli and Euro- pean clientele. In addition, he served as a Foreign Affairs Analyst in the elite General Staff of Israel Defense Forces. R.S.V.P to Jeff Dawson at [email protected] or at (954) 382-6110
Annual Holocaust Memorial Service 14486 A & W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 433-0201 [email protected] Sunday, April 8 at 3:00 P.M. An Evening with Maestro NIR KABARETTI Temple Beth Shalom of the Southwest Florida Symphony 702 SE 24th Avenue Presenting Cape Coral “THE TWO BERNSTEINS” 33990 Wednesday Enjoy an evening with Nir Kabaretti and learn April 11, 2018 about these two talented Jewish composers
7:15 P.M. at the “To remember, not once to forget” Wine & Dessert Reception Jewish Federation Leonard Bernstein Elmer Bernstein 9701 Commerce Center Ct. 8:00 P.M. There is no cost to attend Fort Myers Maestro Kabaretti’s talk Seating is limited RSVP by April 8th to Come hear the stories of the survivors in our community, Leni Sack [email protected] who light the memorial candles each year. 239-481-4449 Ext. 3 L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 16 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
For All Your Southwest Florida positive coverage – illustrated BRIEFS the vast transformation in Israel’s standing in the region. (Col. (res.) a shared threat from totalitarian Is- Real Estate Needs CHINA IS ISRAEL’S Dr. Eran Lerman, Jerusalem Insti- lamism, as well as an appreciation FASTEST GROWING tute for Strategic Studies) SOURCE OF TOURISTS of Israel’s capacity to contribute in ® a variety of fields. Susan Glasser, Realtor Over 113,000 Chinese traveled to Is- ISRAEL TRIES ARABIC President Trump’s declaration on rael in 2017, up 41% over 2016, said OUTREACH December 6, 2017, that the Ameri- John R. Wood Properties Bora Shnitman, China director of the Israel is using the Arabic language to can administration recognizes Je- 15065 McGregor Blvd. #105 Israel Government Tourism Office. seek common ground with Tehran’s rusalem as the capital of Israel and He attributed the surge to more enemies. With 1.2 million followers Fort Myers, FL 33908 is planning to move the American targeted promotion campaigns, stream- on his Arabic Facebook page and more In front of Gulf Harbour embassy there constitutes a sig- lined visa applications, and more direct than 181,000 on Twitter, Maj. Avichay nificant landmark in the struggle, flights. (Xinhua - China) Adraee is the face of the Israeli army’s which has been ongoing since [email protected] messaging campaign. For Israel, social 1949, over the formulation of the PENCE SAYS U.S. media has become a way to engage with Mobile: (239) 281-3105 U.S. position on Jerusalem. For EMBASSY TO MAKE Arabs and reinforce a growing align- the first time since Israel’s found- Office: (239) 472-2411 Lee County resident ment with Sunni Muslim Arab states. JERUSALEM MOVE ing, the president has recognized for more than 20 years In one of Adraee’s most intense NEXT YEAR ON that Israel is the sovereign in Jeru- social-media exchanges, a fighter from FASTER TIMETABLE salem. Hizbullah last year tweeted a picture The U.S. will open its embassy in Jeru- The willingness to present reality of himself in uniform with a message salem next year, Vice President Pence as it is, after two generations of that his group was going to conquer said Monday, January 22, in Israel’s succumbing to Arab and Islamic northern Israel. Adraee responded: “If parliament. After President Trump for- pressures and threats, consti- you dare, we will surprise you.” (Rory mally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s tutes a first-rate Israeli diplomatic Jones and Nazih Osseiran, Wall Street capital in December, the State Depart- achievement. The American move Journal) ment began looking for a possible site reflects the president’s decision to on which to build an embassy to re- abandon the patterns of appeasing place the existing one in Tel Aviv. STATEMENT ON Palestinians and deliberately creat-HOLOCAUST The administration weighed ing a position gap with Israel. whether to build an entirely new em- In May 2017, an American presi-REMEMBRANCE FROM bassy, which could take as long as a de- dent chose Israel as one of the des-HEAD OF SAUDI-BASED cade and be very expensive, or whether tinations for his first trip abroad. InMUSLIM WORLD LEAGUE to retrofit one of the consulate buildings his meeting with Mahmoud Abbas “On the occasion of the Interna- in Jerusalem. A State Department offi- in Bethlehem, President Trump tional Holocaust Remembrance cial said the building being eyed is the publicly demanded that the PA Day, celebrating the anniversary U.S. consular service building in the should end the extensive financing of the liberation of the Auschwitz Arnona neighborhood, which opened of families of Palestinian prisoners death camp...I confirm...our great in 2010 on a site originally slated for and “martyrs” (terrorists). sympathy with the victims of the the embassy. (Washington Post) In June, Prime Minister Netanyahu Holocaust, an incident that shook was the sole non-African speaker humanity to the core, and created ISRAEL DIGS DEEP TO at the summit of the Economic an event whose horrors could not THWART TUNNEL THREAT Community of West African States be denied or underrated by any FROM GAZA (ECOWAS) in Liberia. Later that fair-minded or peace-loving per- The Israeli military said Thursday, Jan- month was the tripartite Israel- son.” Needed to label L’Chayim uary 18, that a secretive project to build Greece-Cyprus summit in Thes- “This human tragedy perpetrated Needed to label L’Chayim an underground wall along the border saloniki to discuss the production by evil Nazism won’t be forgotten joinNeeded us for coffee, to bagels label and the Lsimple’Chayim satisfaction with Gaza is proving to be a deterrent of energy in the eastern Mediter- by history, or meet the approval of that comes from meeting and making friends with against Palestinian attack tunnels. The ranean. join us for coffee, bagels and the simple satisfaction wall extends hundreds of feet below In July, India’s Prime Minister Na- otherjoin usvolunteers, for coffee, as bagels we help and keep the thousandssimple satisfaction of local that comes from meeting and making friends with ground and is studded with sensors. It’s rendra Modi came for a three-day otherreadersthat comes volunteers, informed from as meetingabout we help local, and keep nationalmaking thousands andfriends interna-of localwith also topped by a 26-foot metal fence. visit to Israel (and to Israel alone). readerstionalother volunteers,Jewish informed news. as about we help local, keep national thousands and interna-of local Excavating machines, concrete mixers Israel’s relationship with India tionalreaders Jewish informed news. about local, national and interna- and hundreds of workers are toiling fu- is rooted in both countries’ self- riously to complete the barrier by mid- Location. Location. tional Jewish news. image as democracies opposed by Call 481.4449 ext. 3 to add your name to the 2019 at a cost of $700 million. (Ilan ruthless Islamist enemies. phone list. Each month we will call to confirm Ben Zion, Washington Post) In September, Netanyahu met Call 481.4449 ext. 3 to add your name to the phonetheCall mailing481.4449 list. Each date ext. month and 3 to you weadd canwill your calllet name usto knowconfirm to the if Egyptian President el-Sisi on the ISRAEL’S REMARKABLE theyouphone mailingare list. available Each date month toand help you we label canwill L calllet’CHAYIM. usto knowconfirm if sidelines of the UN General As- DIPLOMATIC sembly, their first public meet- youthe mailingare available date toand help you label can Llet’CHAYIM. us know if ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2017 ing since Sisi came to power in Shell Point. you are availableTime: to help 9:30 label A.M. L’CHAYIM. During 2017, Israel secured a se- 2013. The mere fact that a public MondayTime:, March 9:30 26,A.M. 2018 meeting took place – let alone in Time: 9:30 A.M. ries of unprecedented diplomatic MondayMonday,, March April 23, 26, 20182018 achievements, reflecting a growing a relaxed mood and garnering Monday, March 26, 2018 global and regional recognition of Monday, April 23, 2018 continued on next page Monday, April 23, 2018
Sundays at 4:00 P.M. Resort Retirement Lifestyle Jewish Federation Community Room and the Assurance of Lifecare 9701 Commerce Center Ct. Fort Myers 33908
ISRAELI DANCING IS FOR ALL AGES Everyone is welcome, no partner is EXPLORE SHELL POINT TODAY! needed and no previous experience is necessary. ATTEND A DISCOVERY SEMINAR | 9:30 A.M. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Tuesday, March 6 Wednesday, March 7 Tuesday, March 13 Wednesday, March 14 Better yet, bring a friend — the more the merrier! Tuesday, March 20 Wednesday, March 21 Tuesday, March 27 Wednesday, March 28
RSVP necessary each week Reserve today; call (239) 529-4749 or 1-800-780-1131. Or, reserve online at shellpoint.org/seminars. to Marsha Kistler Shell Point is located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River just 2 miles from the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Unparalleled setting. Unparalleled lifestyle. ™ [email protected] Shell Point is a nonprofit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc. www.shellpoint.org ©2018 Shell Point. All rights reserved. SLS-3584-18
SLS-3548-18 L'Chayim-Mar.indd 1 2/14/18 10:57 AM L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 17
Briefs...continued from previous page positive coverage – illustrated anyone, except criminal Nazis or tions and attempts by the Iranian from rebuilding that country. A war the vast transformation in Israel’s their genre. True Islam is against Quds Force and Hizbullah to build in Lebanon would thwart that too. standing in the region. (Col. (res.) these crimes. It classifies them in such a factory in Lebanon, after a (Ron Ben-Yishai, veteran Israeli Dr. Eran Lerman, Jerusalem Insti- the highest degree of penal sanc- similar factory was destroyed in a military correspondent, Ynet News) tute for Strategic Studies) tions and among the worst human bombing in Syria. atrocities ever.” The Iranians believe Israel won’t 41 PERCENT OF ISRAEL TRIES ARABIC “One would ask, who in his right dare strike in Lebanon for fear PALESTINIAN TERRORISTS OUTREACH mind would accept, sympathize Hizbullah will respond by firing FREED IN EXCHANGE FOR Israel is using the Arabic language to or even diminish the extent of this missiles and lead to war. They be- CAPTIVE SOLDIER GILAD seek common ground with Tehran’s brutal crime.” lieve there is mutual deterrence be- SHALIT HAVE RETURNED enemies. With 1.2 million followers “We consider any denial of the Ho- tween Israel and Hizbullah, which on his Arabic Facebook page and more locaust or minimizing of its effect allows them to fearlessly build the TO TERRORISM 420 of the 1,027 Palestinian terrorists than 181,000 on Twitter, Maj. Avichay a crime to distort history and an in- “missile accuracy improvement released in exchange for captured IDF Adraee is the face of the Israeli army’s sult to the dignity of those innocent factories” in Lebanon. Cpl. Gilad Shalit in November 2011 messaging campaign. For Israel, social souls who have perished...Islam... Israel’s political-security estab- have returned to terrorism and vio- media has become a way to engage with decrees that anyone who assaults lishment, however, has conveyed lence, according to a senior security of- Arabs and reinforce a growing align- and kills an innocent soul will be to the Iranians and Hizbullah that ficial. ment with Sunni Muslim Arab states. held accountable as if he has killed their assessment is wrong: “We The major damage comes from the In one of Adraee’s most intense all people.” (Dr. Mohammad Al have red lines, and if precision freed prisoners who were deported to social-media exchanges, a fighter from Issa, Washington Institute for Near missile factories are built in Leba- or sent back to Gaza, beyond Israel’s Hizbullah last year tweeted a picture East Policy) non, or if we detect Shiite militias reach. of himself in uniform with a message in the Syrian Golan Heights, we’ll Prisoners released in the Shalit that his group was going to conquer IRAN AND HIZBULLAH act to remove the threat without deal have seized control of Hamas in northern Israel. Adraee responded: “If ARE TAKING ISRAEL’S any hesitations, even if this leads Gaza and are hatching plans for terror- you dare, we will surprise you.” (Rory to an escalation and war. If there THREATS SERIOUSLY ist attacks in the West Bank. Jones and Nazih Osseiran, Wall Street is an escalation, we’ll act immedi- The Israeli intelligence community Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas Journal) ately, with full force.” recently detected the emergence of in Gaza who himself was released in “Unlike you, Israel is already serious strategic threats to Israel the deal, is thinking up plans for an- STATEMENT ON prepared, right now, to defend it- by Iran, Hizbullah, Syria, Hamas other abduction. Hamas’ fingerprints HOLOCAUST self with offensive and defensive and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. To are all over many of the attacks that Is- means, and your side stands to REMEMBRANCE FROM prevent these threats from mate- rael managed to thwart in the past year. suffer from the results of that war HEAD OF SAUDI-BASED rializing, Israel’s diplomatic and (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) MUSLIM WORLD LEAGUE military system was enlisted for a much more than Israel would suf- “On the occasion of the Interna- concentrated diplomatic-PR effort fer. So you better think very care- THE INDIAN JEWISH tional Holocaust Remembrance to deter the threatening elements fully if you want Lebanon to return COMMUNITY HELPS Day, celebrating the anniversary and use international leverages of to the Stone Age for the sake of a influence against them (like Rus- precision-improvement factory.” FOSTER ISRAEL TIES of the liberation of the Auschwitz Israel has always sought friendship sian President Vladimir Putin, for There are signs that Iran and Hiz- death camp...I confirm...our great with India from even before the inde- example). bullah are taking Israel’s messages sympathy with the victims of the pendence of both countries from the There are still no Shiite militia seriously. Hizbullah has yet to re- Holocaust, an incident that shook same imperial power. The Indian Jew- fighters near the Golan Heights turn its fighters from Syria. The humanity to the core, and created ish community has played an impor- border, Hizbullah doesn’t have a Iranians, even the Revolutionary an event whose horrors could not tant part in fostering these relations. At considerable number of precision- Guards, can’t afford a war in Leba- be denied or underrated by any the time of independence, many senior guided missiles yet, and there are non now in light of the economic fair-minded or peace-loving per- officers in the Indian Armed Forces no Iranian factories for improving situation at home. son.” were Jews. Many founders of medi- the accuracy level of surface-to- The Iranians are now focused on “This human tragedy perpetrated cal faculties, leading doctors, senior by evil Nazism won’t be forgotten surface missiles in Syria or Leba- expanding their presence and in- by history, or meet the approval of non. There are, however, prepara- fluence in Syria and want to gain continued on next page Location. Location. Shell Point.
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SLS-3548-18 L'Chayim-Mar.indd 1 2/14/18 10:57 AM L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 18 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Mike Huckabee addresses 800 at Miami benefit raising $2.4M for Israeli soldiers Connecting the dots ollywood, Fla., Jan. 29 – submarine fire control officer; and Israe- FIDF National Chairman Emeritus Nily (3) not-for-profit organization with Some 800 members of the li Air Force (IAF) Maj. “D.,” a squadron Falic, FIDF Miami President Oscar the mission of offering educational, HMiami community gathered on leader and one of the first pilots to test Feldenkreis, and FIDF National Direc- cultural, recreational and social pro- Wednesday, January 24 for the Friends the IAF’s new F-35 fighter jet. tor and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir grams and facilities that provide hope, of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) “As they did 70 years ago, the Klifi-Amir. purpose and life-changing support for Greater Miami Solidarity Gala, which brave men and women of the IDF still FIDF sweepstakes winner Rita the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews raised $2.4 million to support well-being put their lives on the line every day Shmulevsky and her husband Mark worldwide. Today, FIDF has more than and educational programs for Israel to protect Israel and Jews around the flew from Portland, Oregon, to attend 150,000 loyal supporters, and 20 chap- Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. world,” said FIDF Florida Executive Wednesday’s gala. Their son Arthur ters throughout the U.S. and Panama. The gala, which honored Israel’s Director Dina Ben-Ari. “This evening had served as a Lone Soldier – one who FIDF proudly supports IDF soldiers, soldiers and celebrated 70 years of the gave our supporters the chance to hear volunteers in the IDF without any im- families of fallen soldiers, and wounded IDF, was chaired by Oren and Rene from steadfast supporter of Israel Mike mediate family in Israel. veterans through a variety of innovative Kattan, and featured a keynote address Huckabee – and they were able to meet About Friends of the Israel Defense programs that reinforce the vital bond by former Arkansas Governor Mike and personally thank some of the brave Forces (FIDF): between the communities in the U.S., Huckabee. soldiers who risk everything to defend FIDF was established in 1981 by a the soldiers of the IDF, and Israel. For Also speaking were uniformed IDF the Jewish homeland.” group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c) more information, visit www.fidf.org. soldiers and officers, including 2nd Lt. The gala also honored Tibor Feld- Noam, a woman combat paramedic mar, FIDF Young Leadership Miami who treated wounded Syrian civil war President Emeritus Evan Glassman, victims; 1st Lt. Don, who commands Miriam Jacobi Josielewski and Malcia Israel’s “Iron Dome” missile inter- Rothstein for their commitment to Is- ceptions; Israeli Navy Capt. “Y.,” the rael’s troops. grandson of Holocaust survivors and a Distinguished guests also included
Briefs...continued from previous page teachers, lawyers and judges were from pital in Poona, and his personal physi- the Indian Jewish community. cian and friend was Abraham Solomon Bombay University was the first Erulkar. Even the signature tune of in the world to revive the teaching of All India Radio was written by Wal- Hebrew as a second language way be- ter Kaufman, a Jew. (Nissim Moses- fore Herzl even dreamt of the creation Talkar, historian and president of the of the State of Israel. Mahatma Gandhi Indian Jewish Heritage Centre, Hindu- was operated upon at the Sassoon Hos- stan Times - India) For daily news stories related to Israel
& the Jewish world, visit the Federation’s Ellen Feldenkreis; FIDF Miami President Oscar Feldenkreis; former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee; FIDF National Chairman Emeritus Nily Falic; FIDF Florida Executive Director Dina Ben-Ari; website at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir (Photo Credit: Carlos Chattah)
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L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 COMMENTARY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19 Mike Huckabee addresses 800 at Miami benefit 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. raising $2.4M for Israeli soldiers Connecting the dots (3) not-for-profit organization withBy Rabbi Michael J. Schorin the mission of offering educational, hen you’re hungry, every a scientific basis for this. They say the or commentary has said you shouldn’t It has been said that every problem cultural, recreational and social pro- restaurant and fast food wood of the oak contains tannin, which feel that way. But I suggest we take is psychological, and every remedy is grams and facilities that provide hope, joint on U.S. 41 will jump neutralizes albuminous matter, etc… these verses as a key to understanding spiritual. When we balance our indi- purpose and life-changing support forW out at you. If you’re not especially hun- and leaves me in need of a good dic- ourselves better. vidual ego with our people’s existence, the soldiers who protect Israel and Jewsgry, all of these same places will fade tionary. In Legends of the Bible, we If you are feeling bitter, the first we come closer to healing. When we worldwide. Today, FIDF has more thaninto the background. There is nothing read that “God bade him take a piece issue is to realize it. The second is to temper our egos with a dash of humil- 150,000 loyal supporters, and 20 chap-new about this. Indeed, there’s a say- of a laurel tree, write upon it the great ask ourselves why we might be feeling ity, we purify ourselves. ters throughout the U.S. and Panama.ing in the Talmud that says, “We see and glorious name of God, and throw that way. And the third idea would be May all of your waters be sweet. FIDF proudly supports IDF soldiers,things not as they are, but as we are.” it into the water, whereupon the water to seek help from a rabbi or therapist. Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC, families of fallen soldiers, and woundedWhat an amazing idea! For all of the became drinkable and sweet.” (Louis And finally, the answer seems to be that BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’s veterans through a variety of innovative physicality of this world, our eyes can Ginzberg, Legends of the Bible, page whether we write the Holy Name upon Department of Spiritual Services, and programs that reinforce the vital bondstill deceive us. We perceive what we 362) our suffering or we simply connect our ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical between the communities in the U.S., are looking for. In a Hasidic commentary called individual affairs to that of our people, Center. the soldiers of the IDF, and Israel. For A few weeks ago, in the portion “Itture Torah,” composed by Simcha we will overcome the bitterness. more information, visit www.fidf.org. Beshallach, we read of our ancestors Bunim of Przysucha (1765-1827), we leaving Egypt and encountering the read the following: desert. Nowadays, we don’t go any- “It says: ‘they could not drink the where without our bottles of water, but water because it was bitter.’ Bitterness COMMENTARY BRIEFS obviously, the water they carried with was not the actual condition of the wa- THE HEART OF THE conviction that all of Palestine, like all them was sufficient for only so long. ter; rather, the Israelites felt bitter and of the rest of the Middle East, belongs So, in Chapter 15 of Exodus, they therefore, whatever they tasted was bit- PALESTINIAN-ISRAELI CONFLICT exclusively to the Arabs and it is an un- come to the waters of Marah: ter to them.” endurable and uncompromisable injus- Actually, recognition of Israeli sover- “They came to Marah, but they And so we return to “We see things tice for Jews to exercise sovereignty on eignty over Jerusalem is unlikely to could not drink the water of Marah be- not as they are, but as we are.” No less Arab land. have a major effect on peace one way cause it was bitter; that is why it was than the Israelites having endured slav- Tactically useful peace agreements or the other. First of all, there has been named Marah. And the people grum- ery for generation after generation, may be permitted, but permanent peace no serious diplomacy for years. And bled against Moses, saying, ‘What many of us can feel bitter at times. We with Israel is not. This is a philosophi- secondly, the conflict is about much shall we drink?’ So he cried out to the lose the people we love, we face finan- cal point rooted in both religious and more than Jerusalem. Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece cial difficulties, and maybe our health nationalistic principles that are widely Let’s be clear on why there is an of wood; he threw it into the water and has not been as robust as it used to be. held as sacred in the Palestinian com- Arab-Jewish conflict over Palestine – the water became sweet.” (Exodus 15: Perhaps you bet on the New England munity. U.S. officials will be able to 23-25) Patriots to win and they didn’t. It is and why it has lasted for more than a continued on page 22 Some commentators will suggest okay to feel bitter sometimes. No text century. At the heart of the matter is the
Ellen Feldenkreis; FIDF Miami President Oscar Feldenkreis; former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee; FIDF National Chairman Emeritus Nily Falic; FIDF Florida Executive Director Dina Ben-Ari; FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir (Photo Credit: Carlos Chattah)
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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. Polish-Jewish relations: A case study in what can go wrong By David Harris, AJC CEO, February 2, 2018 ne day, I fear, what is currently legitimate and understandable security forces on September 1, 1939 – was And Polish soldiers fought valiantly happening in Polish-Israeli and anxieties. Berlin’s willing partner in Hitler’s Final at the battle of Monte Cassino – as my OPolish-Jewish relations will Who is there for Poland? Solution. late father, who was there, testified – and become a case study for universities and Well, for starters, Washington, the Yes, there is an undeniable and elsewhere in the Allied struggle. diplomatic academies around the world actor that, more than any other, has the immensely painful record of Polish In other words, Poland made a in how an outwardly strong partnership will and capability to stand alongside anti-Semitism before, during and after significant contribution to shortening can unravel practically overnight. Poland. Israel, with its long experience, the war, and Poland cannot dodge that Hitler’s dream of a “thousand-year” The core lesson will doubtless be has lots to offer as well. history or seek, in effect, to outlaw dis- reign by 988 years. that the moderate voices – committed Moreover, many in Poland attribute cussion of any part of it. Democratic And fast forward to today. to finding common ground on difficult its NATO accession, in 1999, in part nations emerge far stronger from self- Twenty-eight years after Poland issues, as befits friends – were out- to the efforts of the American Jewish examination than self-denial. led the remarkable effort to throw off shouted and outmaneuvered by shrill, Committee, which testified in the United But, however agonizing, this must the yoke of communism and reconnect uncompromising voices for whom any States Senate for the security pact’s not be the beginning and end of the dis- to the Western world, a vibrant Jewish concession was seen as weakness, if not expansion, notwithstanding consider- cussion. There is far more to Poland’s community has re-emerged and Is- capitulation. able opposition from those who feared history regarding both Jews and its war- rael looks to Warsaw for support in the This is particularly true, alas, in Moscow’s reaction. time record, and this can’t conveniently European Union and at the UN, where Poland right now. Imagine a Poland today without be swept under the rug in a paroxysm of it currently sits on the all-important Having already confronted Euro- NATO membership in light of what’s uncontrolled Jewish anger. Security Council. pean Union institutions on unrelated been happening to the east. Poland was brutally occupied by It’s often said that moderates – those issues, and finding itself quite isolated Further, why does Poland, by its two nations, not one – Nazi Germany willing to listen to others and look for a among member states, Poland has now current action, seek to trigger a reopen- and the USSR. Thousands of its finest “ZOPA,” Zone of Possible Agreement chosen to jeopardize its links with Israel ing of painful and complex historical military officers were murdered, under – are rarely as motivated and passionate and the Jewish world by going ahead narratives? Who stands to gain from Stalin’s orders, in the Katyn Forest. as more extreme voices. with problematic legislation regarding this? Apart from the hotheads, I can Countless Poles were sent to both Nazi So far, regrettably, that seems to be World War II and the Holocaust. imagine only one political leader outside and Soviet camps. the case in this current contretemps. But, As if all this weren’t enough for the country who is grinning, and Vladi- Polish pilots played a vital role in as one who cares deeply about all that’s Warsaw, the United States has also mir Putin is not exactly Poland’s most the Battle of Britain. Without them, the been achieved since 1989, I refuse to be spoken up, taking issue with the parlia- trusted friend to begin with. outcome might, in fact, have been quite silent – or, for that matter, to abandon mentary measure and suggesting that its To be sure, some in Israel and the different. my moderation. passage could adversely affect Poland’s larger Jewish world have made a bad Polish cryptographers originally standing in America. situation worse by pouring oil on the broke the Nazi code, leading to the The last time I checked, Poland fire, especially in their irresponsible game-changing breakthroughs at The AJC West Coast Florida needed friends, just like every other claims suggesting, in effect, that War- Bletchley Park. office, located in Sarasota, country, all the more so given its entirely saw – attacked mercilessly by German The Polish underground alerted the world to the German plan to exterminate can be reached at the Jewish people, and one unit, Żegota, 941.365.4955. worked to save individual Jews. Six women heroes of Passover y column in January dealt have a choice. (Exodus 1:15-21) with the feminist leaning of Yocheved Mthe Hebrew Bible. Its argu- Yocheved, Moses’ mother, hid her ment is that women often play crucial baby in defiance of Pharaoh’s decree. roles in biblical stories, but they do not Then she placed him in a wicker basket receive the attention they should. and floated him among the reeds of the In that column, I Nile. What courage that took, but her briefly mentioned the gamble paid off! (Exodus 2:1-3) six women Heroes Miriam of the Exodus. This Miriam, Moses’ sister, watched the Specializing in month I would like basket from afar. When Pharaoh’s outpatient hip and to elaborate on their daughter drew it out of the water, Miri- knee replacement heroism. Passover am runs to her and suggests the baby’s comes at the end of own mother as its nurse. In so doing Rabbi March this year, and she saved her brother’s life. (Exodus Stephen sociologists tell us 2:4-9) Fuchs that more Jews will Pharaoh’s Daughter participate in some form of Passover The heroic role of Pharaoh’s daugh- Seder than will participate in any other ter also should not escape our atten- religious event during the year! tion. She defied her father’s decree and We cannot really appreciate the saved Moses. For this she received the meaning and message of Passover privilege of giving Moses’ his name, without recognizing the importance of and she herself received the name Bit- these six women! yah, which means “daughter of the From a religious perspective, the Lord.” (Exodus 2:5-10) Exodus from Egypt enabled all subse- Zipporah quent Jewish history to unfold. With- The final female hero of Passover is out Passover we would still be slaves Zipporah, Moses’ wife. She circum- in Egypt! Moses, of course, is God’s cised their son Eleazar when apparent- agent in the liberation and the story’s ly Moses had neglected to do so. The foremost hero. The Book of Exodus, passage really does not fit into the flow however, makes it clear that the role of the story, so the rabbis could have six women play in that event is crucial. interpreted it any way they wished. Without them, the Exodus could not They could have deemed it crucial or have taken place, and we would have inconsequential. They chose to teach no Passover to celebrate! us that God would have killed Moses Shiphrah and Puah had Zipporah not intervened and cir- Shiphrah and Puah were humble mid- cumcised their son! (Exodus 4:24-26) wives. Pharaoh ordered them to kill The heroism of the women who every baby boy that emerged from made Passover possible is a strong and his mother’s womb. The most pow- accurate answer to those who claim erful man on earth – one worshipped that women always play a secondary as a god – gave them a direct order! or subordinate role in Jewish think- The midwives, though, answered to a ing. The heroic women of Passover higher authority than Pharaoh. Their also provide wonderful role models for bravery rings across the millennia as girls and women today to admire and an answer to those Nazis who claimed emulate. they had no choice but to kill Jews. Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs serves at They were only following orders. Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sani- Shiphrah and Puah teach us we always bel Island. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 FROM THE BIMAH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 21
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. Polish-Jewish relations: The beginning of prayer A thought for Purim n 1982, when I began my career, had life by the lapels, that modern sci- here is a story of a man who touch. Foul or fragrant is something we A case study in what can go wrong I don’t remember doing a mishe- ence would cure all diseases? Are we spent most of the day in front of can smell. Loud or soft is something we Ibeirakh, a special blessing for the confronting our own aches and pains, This television set watching one can hear. Bitter or sweet is something sick, during the Shabbat morning ser- and those of our loved ones? Are we football game after another. Finally, he we can taste. But freedom, justice, re- And Polish soldiers fought valiantly vice. (Mishebeirakh, means “May the confronting our own mortality and say- fell asleep and spent the night in his sponsibility and decency are literally at the battle of Monte Cassino – as my One Who blessed.” ing, “we need some help”? chair. When his wife arose in the morn- non sense or nonsense. Judaism, how- late father, who was there, testified – and It is the first word of I suppose for many, perhaps most, ing she was afraid ever, believes just the opposite – that elsewhere in the Allied struggle. a variety of prayers people, when they participate in the that he would be late these very values give meaning to life, In other words, Poland made a of personal blessing mishebeirakh, their hopes are very lit- for work. “Get up, and without them life is nonsense. significant contribution to shortening that are usually said eral. They are praying that God will dear,” she said, “it is In fact, that belief is the basic dif- Hitler’s dream of a “thousand-year” during the Torah ser- bring physical health to their loved one twenty to seven.” In ference between an animal and a hu- reign by 988 years. vice.) who is sick. The prayer in our siddur an instant, the man man being. To an animal, morality and And fast forward to today. Sometime (there may be more than one version), was fully awake. “In honor are meaningless tools, while to Twenty-eight years after Poland Rabbi around 2000, a new asks for more than this. It asks God to whose favor?” He a human they are of supreme mean- led the remarkable effort to throw off Marc congregant told me send a “healing of spirit and healing of Rabbi asked. We must not ing. Values determine the direction and the yoke of communism and reconnect Sack that his former con- body.” What is this healing of spirit to Solomon fall asleep in life so purposes of an individual, of a society. to the Western world, a vibrant Jewish gregation spread out a large canopy which the prayer refers? That is left to Agin that we do not know Human beings create concepts, goals community has re-emerged and Is- during the Shabbat morning Torah ser- our imagination. Are we praying that the goals of living. and ideas. Human beings know that rael looks to Warsaw for support in the vice; they called it the mishebeirakh our loved one be less afraid; that they There is a school of thought which ideas have consequences. European Union and at the UN, where tallit. He said that many people came are hopeful and not depressed; that maintains that only that which is per- Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Temple it currently sits on the all-important up and stood underneath it during the they have the courage to face whatever ceived through the senses is real. A Shalom in Port Charlotte. Security Council. blessing for the sick. I was skeptical may come; perhaps that they find new chair or table is something you see or It’s often said that moderates – those but gave it a try. I was shocked. Every strength to combat their illness? Per- willing to listen to others and look for a Shabbat morning, dozens of people haps all of these and more? (When it “ZOPA,” Zone of Possible Agreement stood under the canopy and called out comes to prayer, we can only use the – are rarely as motivated and passionate Daylight Savings Time names of relatives or friends, in He- word “perhaps.” Can we fully under- as more extreme voices. s we anticipate Daylight Sav- people saying the prayer. Rabbi Law- brew or English, during the prayer. stand or capture our inner experiences So far, regrettably, that seems to be ings Time and the return of rence Hoffman calls it a “sacred- dra Now, at Temple Judea, we don’t have in words?) the case in this current contretemps. But, extra daylight late into the ma.” Liturgy might be the script, but a canopy. But every Shabbat morn- In his book about prayer, Man’s A as one who cares deeply about all that’s evening, we turn to our liturgy to see many aspects come together to create ing, when we pause the Torah reading Quest for God, Abraham Joshua Hes- been achieved since 1989, I refuse to be God’s hand in light and darkness, day our act of worship, to bring us closer to say the mishebeirakh, people stand chel wrote, “We do not communicate silent – or, for that matter, to abandon and night. Maariv Aravim and Yotzer to God. On Shabbat, we warm up by throughout the sanctuary, pull out a list with God. We only make ourselves my moderation. Or are prayers about creation. They reciting Psalms, singing together, tran- of names from their pocket, and call communicable to Him. Prayer is an make a claim about sitioning into the sacred time of Shab- them out to be included in our prayer emanation of what is most precious our world and also bat. We are called to bless God with The AJC West Coast Florida for healing. in us toward Him… The purpose of establish boundar- the Barchu, and then we formally start office, located in Sarasota, The practice of Temple Judea must prayer is to be brought to His atten- ies between what we our prayers. So where should we be- be widespread. First-time visitors to tion, to be listened to, to be understood believe compared to gin? What inspires awe and wonder, can be reached at the congregation come prepared with by Him; not to know Him, but to be what others believe. a sense that there’s something be- their list of names. People sing the known to Him.” They are based on a yond us? How do we begin to connect 941.365.4955. Debbie Friedman mishebeirakh song Perhaps this is why so many are Jewish understand- with God? without looking at the words. Ameri- calling out names for the mishebeira- Rabbi ing of the universe, In the evening, the sun is setting, can Jews – and, I guess, many of our kh. We are showing a piece of our in- Nicole that God is the cre- darkness descends, it’s that time of neighbors – have incorporated praying ner fear, longing and hope to God. We Luna ator behind both light twilight when the day slips away and Six women heroes for healing as a regular part of their are hoping that the healing of body and and dark, day and night, evening and is gone. Stars come out, we rely on the worship service. spirit comes to our loved ones – and morning. This was developed in direct light of the moon. In the morning, we of Passover I wonder what’s changed from to ourselves. This is the beginning of contrast to Gnostics or Zoroastrians bask in the sunlight, with light stream- the beginning of my career when this prayer. who emphasized duality – two creative ing through our sanctuary windows. prayer was not part of the service. Is it Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple forces in opposition to each other. Now We begin our worship by praising what that we baby boomers once thought we Judea in Fort Myers. today, we recognize more than two op- is all around us – God’s glorious act of posing forces at play in the universe: creation that continues every day. Each we have gravity, electromagnetism, sunset, each sunrise is God creating Musings strong and weak forces. But we still night and day, again and again. Our lit- suppose I should be writing some- an interested face. experience day and night, so still this urgy starts by exciting our imagination thing about Passover in this So let me tell you something prayer makes the claim that the uni- and sense of wonder with the claim I month’s “From the Bimah” col- you may not know much about. Two verse is ordered, that it is set with laws that the world is ordered, and calls our umn, but since you’re reading a Jewish months ago, I was invited to return that regulate times and seasons, that attention to the beauty and mystery of paper you probably know most of the to Florida Gulf Coast University to there is predictability, and of course creation. May we pay attention and basics by now, so I’ll pass on that. Be- teach the course in social ethics called that God is somehow part of this cre- give thanks to God. sides, my cherished “Foundations of Civic Engagement.” I ative process. Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple colleagues are prob- had taught a course, the “Senior Semi- But prayer is about more than Beth El in Fort Myers. ably writing about nar and Issues in Culture and Civiliza- text. It’s about the setting, timing, the the holiday in their tion,” many times over for 10 years at pieces and they’re the university before taking a break a sure to be covering few years ago, but I agreed with my de- all the bases. partment head that it was time to come Rabbi It occurred to me back, and I sure am glad I did! Bruce that I could be writ- So here’s the really good news. On Diamond ing about turning the whole, these kids are better than 70 this month, and the Psalmist calls ever. They seem more mature, more “threescore years and 10” a full lifes- focused and more interested in the big- pan. But 70 down here in Fort Myers is ger world than I remember them, and I no big deal, since so many L’CHAYIM still have a pretty good memory. Ronny S Taschner DDS readers have already blown right past Some of this might be attributable Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology that so it’s gornisht mit gornisht, right? to FGCU’s constantly rising admission So let’s not write about that. standards and increasing sophistica- Of course, I bet some of you are tion as it aspires to become a top-tier Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc expecting me to say something about school, but I think there’s more to it. Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology getting married this month to one of These kids came of age in really the finest women ever created, but I rough economic times that surely im- won’t be doing that either, even though pressed on them some of the concrete this is really a big deal. You see, when I values of a good education. They also was first starting off in the clergy busi- cannot help but notice just how screwed ness, a respected senior rabbi advised up politics and government have be- me not to burden my audience with come over the last several years, and autobiographical stuff (he called them how society is fragmenting into lots of “Life with Father” sermons), since ev- factions that just won’t get along with erybody has a life and lots of stories each other. They realize they’ll have to to tell, and mine are no more impor- be more self-reliant and count more on tant or interesting than yours. Most of themselves to sort things out. your marriages are long and great, and It seems the net effect of all this I’m just getting started, so what could I mishigas it that there be other “Great- possibly tell you that you don’t already est Generations” in the pipeline! Now 1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL know about the subject? that’s a really big deal, right? Besides, we all know how tedious Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The Phone 239-936-0635 it is to have to sit through someone Community Free Synagogue in Fort Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com else’s home movies while putting on Myers. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 22 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 & Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Briefs...continued from page 19 help end the Palestinian-Israeli con- prayers still remain unanswered. flict only if they actually grasp what There is a mafia of religious thugs the conflict is about. (Douglas J. Feith, who, in the name of Islam, inflame the senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, sentiments of the masses for stupid served as the U.S. undersecretary of trivial issues. They challenge the rule defense for policy in 2001-2005, For- of law at their will and no one has the eign Policy) courage to stand against this religious anarchy. MUSLIMS IGNORED We should learn from the Jewish PJ LIBRARY PROGRAM JERUSALEM FOR people and see what they did to over- FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN CENTURIES come their adversaries. They empha- There isn’t a member of the Arab sized education. They never let their 2-8 YEARS OF AGE League or the Organization of Islamic religion become a hindrance in their Cooperation whose right to designate progress. They let their women have Celebrate PASSOVER its own capital city is challenged by equal rights and become progres- TUESDAY, MARCH 6 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. anyone. In every nation governed by sive. Their contribution to science and Arabs or Muslims – or, for that matter, knowledge speaks volumes. They fo- MAKING MATZO, arts & crafts, songs, stories by Scandinavians or Africans or Chris- cused on their survival and at the same tians or Latin Americans – foreign em- time contributed a lot toward the good and refreshments are all part of this bassies are located in the capital. Every of mankind. fun family Passover event. one, without exception. Only Israel has My dear fellow Muslims, please There is no cost to attend. been treated differently. tell me if any Muslim country’s news- Mohammed never saw Jerusalem paper will publish this article. That the RSVP to Leni at 239-481-4449 Ext. 3 or walked its streets; his Arab follow- Jerusalem Post published it is one of
[email protected] ers didn’t conquer Jerusalem until six the reasons that I write in this newspa- years after his death. During the cen- per. (Naseem Khan, Jerusalem Post) at SHALOM LIFE CENTER turies when various Islamic dynasties WHY IS ARAB VIOLENCE 13411 Shire Lane Fort Myers controlled Jerusalem, none established Jerusalem as its capital. TAKEN AS A GIVEN? After 1948, when east Jerusalem President Trump’s announcement that and the Temple Mount were under America officially acknowledges- Je Muslim rule, they were ignored by the rusalem as Israel’s capital is entirely PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! Arab and Muslim powers. No foreign a symbolic gesture. The Israeli people PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! Arab leader ever paid a visit, not even already view Jerusalem as their capital PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! to pray at the al-Aqsa mosque. Pales- in theory and in practice, and all gov- tinians placed so low a priority on Je- ernment business is conducted in the rusalem that the Palestinian National city. Covenant of 1964, the PLO’s found- In response to Trump’s declara- ing charter, makes no reference to it. tion, the Palestinian “national and Only when the Jews returned after the Islamic forces” announced “days of Six-Day War did the Arabs grow pas- rage,” which included rioters throwing sionate about Jerusalem. (Jeff Jacoby, rocks and firebombs. Over 30 rockets Boston Globe) were fired indiscriminately into Israeli communities from Gaza, and Hamas WHY THIS MUSLIM promised an intifada. The last intifada, Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids WRITES IN A JEWISH the Second Intifada that began in 2001, Now PJ librarymusic families — anytime, can listen anywhere. to Jewish kids NEWSPAPER saw the killing of over 1,000 Israelis. Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids As a U.S. citizen and as a Muslim who Why is the immediate international Introducingmusic PJLibraryRadio.com — anytime, anywhere., an online had lived and worked in Saudi Ara- reaction to Trump’s declaration a call music — anytime, anywhere. bia for 13 years, I wanted to reach the to repeal his declaration, in light of the streamingIntroducing radio PJLibraryRadio.com station with more than, an 2,000 online songs “people of the book” and found the Je- “eventual” violence and instability that streamingIntroducingfrom hundredsradio PJLibraryRadio.com station of artists with moreacross than the, an 2,000 globe.online songs rusalem Post a perfect platform. While this purely symbolic move will cause? Why is there not an immediate con- streamingMusic is availableradio station 24/7 withwith specialmore than music 2,000 blocks songs no Muslim country’s newspaper would from hundreds of artists across the globe. give me the opportunity to speak my demnation of the incitement and calls Musicfrom isfor availablehundreds Shabbat, 24/7 of Holiday artists with and specialacross Bedtime. themusic globe. blocks mind openly, especially when I would to violence witnessed across the Arab world? Why is Arab violence taken as Music isfor available Shabbat, 24/7 Holiday with andspecial Bedtime. music blocks expose the flaws of Muslims, the Jeru- salem Post has so far published all my a given and why does the international • for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. Listen to the music online blogs without any alteration. community impose few expectations regarding violent uprisings that target • The fundamental problem with • DownloadListen to the the music free apponline on ITunes, Google Play Israeli civilians. If we establish a status • Listen to the music online the Muslims is that they think that • Downloador Tune In Radiothe free app on ITunes, Google Play either God or America would solve quo where violence against civilians is • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play all of their problems. The Muslims overlooked or justified, then there will or Tune In Radio never be peace. (Suri Bandler, CAM- or Tune In Radio have been praying for the destruction of Israel since its existence, but their ERA) ConneCt with your Jewish Community Earn CAS Credits facebook.com/jfedsrqwww.facebook.com/ The Jewish Federation of Lee JewishFederationLCC and Charlotte Counties is interested in hearing from teenagers in high school who might like to earn CAS credits Results of though various work in the a recent national Jewish community. survey of 25,000 If you are interested, please families send the following information conducted by to [email protected]: PJ Library Name Address Parents in Lee PJ Library is Phone # and Charlotte making a Age counties whose children are difference in the Grade enrolled in lives of families School PJ Library raising Jewish Preferred volunteer hours participated in the survey. children.. (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays) L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23
tuary to hear Rabbi Luna TEMPLE BETH EL SCHOOLS read the Megillah, and Fort Myers we will use our groggers every time we hear Ha- Temple Beth El Religious School man’s name! The whole TBE commu- Dale M. Cohen, R.J.E., MA.Ed. nity is invited to participate in this as Religious Education Director well. Following the Megillah reading I wish everyone a happy and celebra- we will enjoy the hamantaschen that tory month of March. We have so many were made by our students. exciting programs planned for this On Saturday, March 10 we will month of Adar! (Be happy, it’s Adar!) have another Junior Congregation. This On Friday, March 2, during the is the best opportunity for our students Shabbat service, our 9th and 10th in grades 4-7 to practice the Saturday grade students who participated in the morning liturgy in order to prepare for L’Taken trip (Religious Action Cen- their future bar or bat mitzvah. As al- ter) to Washington, D.C., will make a ways, I encourage our parents to attend presentation on their experiences. I am and learn along with the students. thrilled this year to be leading, along On Sunday, March 11 we will cel- with Vanessa Sax, our students on this ebrate Passover. And by popular de- most memorable trip. mand, our infamous chocolate Seder On Sunday, March 4 we will have a will return. It is so much fun and an Purim pancake breakfast where our stu- interactive way to learn about the Pass- dents can invite their grandparents and/ over Seder while munching on choco- or parents to share in the fun. We will late matzo and other delicious choco- Bar / Bat Mitzvah Specialist decorate our pancakes as our favorite late options. Purim characters. Following the break- On Sundays, March 18 and 25, Choosing the right photographer is an important decision. fast, Morah Hilary’s 7th grade class will and Wednesday, March 21, we will Michael Shapiro has more than 30 years experience in media present a Purim play, which will leave not have any Religious School as Lee and journalism. He is able to capture images that are unique, you laughing right out of your seats! County has its spring break. We will unexpected and spontaneous. Following the play, at approximately at resume on Wednesday, March 28. 11:00 a.m., we will go into the sanc-
in their daily lives. TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS The 5th and 6th grade Fort Myers discussed responsibility as it relates to values like Temple Judea Religious School stewardship over the earth, hashavat Liz Singer aveidah (returning lost items), and how Dir. of Congregational Learning the military is viewed differently in Is- Temple Judea Religious School uses rael. In the context of Israel, they had a Jewish values as an overarching value lengthy discussion centered around the which informs the rest of the students’ controversial subject of pidyon shvuy- studies. im (redeeming the captives). Students The lower grades learned about also studied the Prayer for Israel as part Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events Eretz Yisrael, which included being of this unit. able to recognize some important plac- Currently, students are learning 239.770.6860 es like Haifa, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and about HaKarat HaTov (Calling out [email protected] Eilat, as well as to be able to point out the Good). This will be taught in rela- www.shapiro-photography.com some key characteristics of these cities. tionship with Purim, and recognizing Following that unit, our younger stu- Esther and Mordechai for their efforts dents began to study the value of Ba’al in saving the Jewish people. Also for Tashchit (do not waste), which includ- Purim, students heard the Megillah be- ed how important it is to take care of ing read, and enjoyed fulfilling the cus- the earth, and to not waste. tom of the seudat (meal) and enjoyed The upper grades completed learn- ample amounts of spaghetti. ing about Achrayut (responsibility) Six of our teens traveled to Camp and how it relates to the environment Shalom, where they joined with others DISCOVER as well as our relationships with the from across the region in a summer-in- people around us. These lessons mani- winter theme. Everyone had a blast, so THE FUN! fested themselves in a variety of ways. much so, that many also signed up to The 3rd-4th grade class talked about meet their new friends at the next re- the Hillel and Shammai story of learn- gional event which is an annual trip to ing Torah while on one foot, and how the theme parks in Orlando that took we have an obligation to care for others place on Presidents’ Day weekend. . They also learned about the meaning It is always such a pleasure to see of “loving your neighbor as yourself” students so invigorated and engaged. and asked themselves what this means We hope that you will be a part of it. RECEIVE THE GIFT OF FREE JEWISH CHILDREN’S BOOKS MAILED TO YOUR HOME SHARE the experience EVERY MONTH! of reading with your children as they grow with Funded by the
PJ Library books.
Roth Family SIGN UP TODAY! Foundation TJUSY teens & Enrollment is open to Asher Family Jewish families with Foundation Candle lighting times: children between the ages of six months to eight years March 2: 6:11 More information, living in Lee & Charlotte contact Leni Sack March 9: 6:15 Counties. 239.481.4449 ext. 3 March 16: 7:19 [email protected] March 23: 7:22 March 30: 7:26 Families can sign up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 24 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ORGANIZATIONS
were both physically and know there would be a miracle when It’s almost time to celebrate Pesach SHALOM LIFE CENTER spiritually liberated. The he jumped. He had doubts as we all together again. This year our Shalom HADASSAH Fort Myers deeper meaning behind do, but he chose faith, freeing him- Life Center Seders will be even more Collier/Lee Chapter (239) 218-3433 Yetziat Mitzrayim, G‑d’s self from fear as he waded deeper and wonderful than 2017. If you attended (239) 301-0509 taking us out of Egypt, deeper into the water. This lesson is as last year’s amazing Seder on either the Why do we celebrate the past? was to clear the path for our ancestors relevant for us today as it was for our first or second night, you know that Lawrence & Robin Dermer and for us as well on our multi-genera- ancestors in Egypt. When we celebrate an SLC Seder is beautiful, traditional, Why do we celebrate events that have tional quest for personal and collective our Exodus, we’re not just celebrating musical, interactive and probably un- already happened? A celebration can be redemption. Pesach offers us the poten- something that happened 3,000 years like any Seder you’ve ever attended. defined as: The act of observing a day tial for liberation, freedom from physi- ago, we’re celebrating the potential for Please join us for the best Seder experi- or event with ceremonies. Or: Showing cal and emotional slavery. G‑d rescued freedom from any negativity, fear or ence of your life, which will be held on joy and gratification at an event. us from a place called Egypt and also a doubt that keeps us from moving for- March 30 and 31 at the elegant Crowne When a Jewish holiday occurs on state of mind called Mitzrayim. In He- ward and being our very best selves. Plaza Hotel in the grand ballroom. For a specific day, there is a special, spiri- brew, Mitzrayim can be translated as We sing Ha Lachma Anya at our more information and to RSVP, call tual energy for that event. Each year on the narrow straits or narrow places, and Seder, which means: “This is the bread 239.218.3433 or email info@shalom the anniversary of that event, the origi- even our own narrowmindedness that of affliction that our ancestors ate in lifecenter.org. We look forward to see- nal essence is remembered, and it’s as may keep us locked in a self-imposed Egypt... This year we are still slaves, ing you there! if it is happening all over again. The bondage. G‑d took us from a state of next year we will be a free people.” Join us every Friday evening for time and place are different, meaning fear and self-doubt and gave us the We need to be reminded and re- joyful, musical and meaningful Shab- the actual event does not happen all ability to access His Divine assistance inspired, and that is why we celebrate bat Services at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday over again, but the spiritual feeling re- in all we do. every year. We celebrate to avoid fall- mornings for Torah study at 10:00 a.m. curs. On Pesach, we recall the Divine G-d assisted Nachshon by split- ing back into bondage. We celebrate to Visit our website at www.shalomlife intervention in which we were freed ting the red sea, but only after he took appreciate and redefine the meaning center.org for information on our many from bondage. On this day we were the leap of faith and jumped into the of freedom in our own lives. Pesach clubs, programs and special events redeemed from Egyptian slavery and a waters. G-d waited until he almost reminds us we have another chance such as Yiddish Culture Club, Book slavery mindset as well. drowned and only then parted the seas. to reach the stars. Once again we cel- Club, Men’s Group, Sisterhood, Wom- Every year on Pesach we can access Pesach reminds us we must demon- ebrate our freedom from the physical en’s Circle, Choir, BBYO, SLC Kitch- this amazing and transformative ener- strate our emunah shleyma, our com- and spiritual bondage of Mitzrayim and en and more. There are so many ways gy which is even stronger at the Seder. plete and unwavering faith, before the continue our journey to the promised to enhance your Jewish life at Shalom When G‑d took us out of Egypt, we miracles can happen. Nachshon didn’t land! Life Center.
Nearly two hundred 21, 2018, as Murray Hendel Day from time and other resources. Thanks to JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY guests were in attendance Mayor Bill Barnett, and the Commu- our members. Your support makes us OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA in the Hilton Naples ball- nity Star from the Collier County Sher- stronger one day at a time. And very (239) 566-1771 room for the festivities iff’s Office. importantly, we thank our volunteers and the premiere of the The event committee chair Peter for a job well done at the event and the ZIONIST ORG. of AMERICA Marching on! Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers: Klein, and event coordinators Ursula entire cycle. Southwest Florida Chapter Marina Berkovich Murray’s Mile documentary. To quote Pfahl of Bigham Jewelers and hard- JHSSWF’s next Master Class pre- (914) 329-1024 The Jewish Historical Society of South- Bob Raymond, whose heartfelt, often working volunteer board member sentation will be at the Jewish Fed- west Florida received glorious com- humorous, comments in the film gen- Charlane King made sure every detail eration of Greater Naples on Tuesday, “Strategic Challenges munity support at our Annual Florida erated spurts of laughter, “The world was executed impeccably. Ted Epstein April 24 at 5:00 p.m. It will include for the U.S. and Israel” Jewish History Month Celebration on would be a better place if there were and Alexander Goldstein earned great a film presentation and discussionJerrold of L. Sobel January 21. Many dignitaries honored more Murray Hendels in it.” accolades for selflessly contributing Southwest Florida’s early Jewish his-At no time since the end of the Cold our organization, its mission and our We extend our congratulations to their talent, skill and time. Our goals of tory. This is a free event; light refresh-War has global peace been threatened 2018 honoree by attending the event Murray Hendel for his years of civic gaining wider exposure within the lo- ments will be served. Register at http://as it is today. Some may argue the and offering proclamations to validate service to Collier County and its gen- cal community and funding to enable jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/ byworld has always been a dangerous the work of Murray Hendel and our or- eral and Jewish communities, the ties the Virtual Museum and other projects April 20. place, but the difference is, there has ganization. he built, the matchmaking he has done, to grow and flourish in 2018 were ex- On April 1 we will be making ournever been such a confluence of bad Among the dignitaries were Flori- decision for next year’s programmingactors possessing or near possessing da State Senator Kathleen Passidomo, and Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneersnuclear weapons as there presently are. Collier County Sheriff Kevin -Ram film(s). Please submit your nomina- More than one member of the bosk, Collier County Commissioners tions of a noteworthy SWFL Jewish “Greatest Generation” I’ve spoken Penny Taylor and Andy Solis, Naples resident or a candidate for an eyewit-to sadly reminisces and finds analo- Mayor Bill Barnett, Naples Vice Mayor ness interview to [email protected]. gous those daunting days, weeks and Linda Penniman, Naples City Council To renew your membership or be-months leading to World War II to to- members Ellen Seigel, Reg Buxton and come a member or an event sponsor, day. Whereas then, the Western pow- Sam Saad, Marco Island City council please email [email protected], visit member Charlette Roman, Rabbis www.jhsswf.org or call us. Adam Miller and Fishel Zaklos, and Want to volunteer? Email office@ GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH Jewish Federation of Greater Naples jhsswf.org if you have time and would President/CEO Jeffrey Feld. like to help. Specific needs: work inde- SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Florida Governor Rick Scott was Peter Klein, Marina Berkovich, Murray Hendel and Alexander Goldstein pendently in Microsoft Word, ability to (239) 963-9347 not able to attend, but sent a proclama- at the Annual Florida Jewish History Month Celebration on January 21 do research, proofreading. tion which ended with, “the State of and the gratitude he earned while nar- ceeded. We are humbled and grateful. Explore the early Jewish life of Florida standing together with the na- rowing the gaps between people. Mr. We thank all individuals, compa- SWFL by visiting the Virtual Museum tion of Israel in peace and security for Hendel received the Key to the City nies and organizations that supported of Southwest Jewish History at www. our families.” of Naples, a declaration of January this event by participation, donations, jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org.
239.591.0101. ber that the Seder was lengthy and trimmings, but without the distasteful HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH I asked several tedious. Some remember the prayers long readings, the prayers that do not of Southwest Florida friends the question, were too long and too many. Some have significance for secular Jews, and (239) 495-8484 “Why do you want to at- remember having to sit at the “kids’ without rituals that carry no import. tend a Seder when you table.” One person reported drinking Our Humanist Haggadah is cur- Memories of Seders past – don’t generally observe Shabbat, sel- wine and getting sick! rent, includes songs, and speaks not experiencing Seders present dom attend services on the High Holi- The inference, although not openly only to the legendary tale of the exo- Paula Creed days, and only give Chanukah and expressed, is their experience was also dus, but also includes the story of the As in years past, the Humanistic Jew- other Jewish holidays cursory, if any, about being Jewish. Not one person modern Jewish exodus. Chef Richard ish Havurah of Southwest Florida cel- attention?” Maybe this question also spoke of Thanksgiving, Christmas or Brumm is noted for his exquisite prep- ebrates its Passover Seder at Bonita applies to you as a reader of this article. other family holidays having the same aration and presentation of the beauti- Bay Club, 26660 Club Drive, Bonita The consistent answer I received import. The Seder is a very positive ful Seder meal that is then served by Springs. On Saturday, March 31, the from everyone was related to memo- Jewish experience shared by everyone. the able Bonita Bay Club staff. event will start promptly at 5:30 p.m. ries of Seders they experienced as Their Haggadahs may have varied Humanistic Judaism is a non-the- and is open to the public. A traditional children and continued as they raised from the Maxwell House Coffee ver- istic movement in which cultural Jews Passover menu will include gefilte fish, their own families. But, we may also sion to one that was more traditional to and their families, whether born Jewish matzo ball soup, choice of chicken or retain childhood memories of Shabbat, the family, or even a creative version or not, can affirm, celebrate and enrich brisket, dessert, beverage and more. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Chanu- to hold the interest of the children. The their Jewish identity and values consis- Vegetarian plates are available. The kah and Purim while no longer being important element I observed is that tent with their philosophy of life. Presenter Sandy Lessig with Stuart Mest and Ida Margolis cost is $85 per person including gratu- so strongly motivated to continue ob- no matter the memories, the Seder re- We welcome you to join us this at the January GenShoah program ity. The charge for a child under 13 is serving these holidays. So, I probed mains a positive way to maintain our Passover for a truly meaningful cel- $35. further, asking, “What makes the Seder Jewish identity. ebration. Reservations may be made by so special?” Now we find ourselves living in mailing a check payable to “HJH” to The response from nearly every- Southwest Florida, miles apart from Have an item you’d like Joan Weinstein, 15191 Cedarwood one was being together as a family, family, still wanting to have that won- Lane, Apt. 2505, Naples, FL 34110. having fun with cousins, aunts, uncles derful Seder experience. Our friends to share? Need to reach Be sure to indicate your choice of en- and grandparents – singing songs, are our family. Doing something Jew- the editor of L’CHAYIM? tree with your payment. Reservations searching for the afikoman, good food, ish is important. And so, the Humanis- must be received by March 25. Further the story in the Haggadah, but mostly tic Jewish Havurah Seder has become Send an email to information is available at www.hjh- being together with family. a very popular event. We gather to con- swfl.org or by calling Dena Sklaroff at Many with whom I spoke remem- tinue celebrating Passover with all the [email protected]. Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 25
On January 30 we in- be on Thursday, March 8 at 10:45 a.m. from my face. What an impact a posi- HADASSAH stalled our 2018 Officers: at The Club at Olde Cypress with guest tive attitude has on our psyche. Collier/Lee Chapter • The Presidential Team: speaker Patti Badiner talking about So put on your smiles, think pleas- (239) 301-0509 Shelley Skelton and Lynn “Mindful Eating.” For details, please ant thoughts, and positively remind Weiner contact Carol at 708.289.5181 or carol yourself what you DO for Hadassah A message from your • Immediate Past Presidents: [email protected]. and why you DO it! Our mothers and Hadassah presidential team Karen Cohn and Gayle Dorio Hadassah will sponsor Abigail Po- grandmothers helped build the State of Lynn Weiner • Membership Vice Presidents: grebin, author of My Jewish Year, at Israel and started Hadassah. Now it is 2018 will a historic year of celebra- Maxine Brenner, Donna Goldblatt the Jewish Book Festival closing event up to our generation, our children and tions for Hadassah. This year marks the and Carol Hirsch on Monday, April 9 from 2:30 to 4:15 grandchildren to continue the extraor- 100th anniversary of Hadassah Medical • Program Vice President: p.m. at Beth Tikvah. For tickets, go to dinary work of Hadassah, known for Organization, the 100th anniversary of Carol Finn www.jewishbookfestival.org or call its commitment to health, education the Henrietta Szold Hadassah-Hebrew • Education Vice President: Renee’ Bialek at 239.263.4205. and youth programs in Israel and the University School of Nursing, the 100th Elyse Morande Looking forward to seeing you at Jewish community worldwide. anniversary of the Hadassah Depart- • Recording Secretary: Leda Lubin some of these events! Our medical centers are world re- ment of Ophthalmology, and Israel’s • Corresponding Secretary: * * * nowned for their experience in cancer 70th birthday! Watch for events and ac- Iris Shur Shelley Skelton treatment, detection and research. And tivities as we celebrate. • Fundraising Vice President: Last week, I entered an elevator in a work continues in the fields of organ In addition, Hadassah presents Lee Henson local office building, pushed the but- donation, stem cell research, heart dis- “From Dream to Innovation: Hadassah • Records Administrator: ton and waited to be whisked up to the ease, nutrition and so much more. Israel Milestone Mission” from Octo- Rona Senior third floor. There was just one other To support all of these programs ber 7-15, 2018. This amazing mission Welcome and congratulations to person in the elevator with me and, as I and more, it is crucial that we work to- includes a meeting with Israeli opinion our new Executive Board! stood quietly waiting to reach my des- gether efficiently and wisely. We have leaders, a VIP Hadassah Hospital visit Please join us for the Keepers of tination, I heard a voice behind me say, the resources to accomplish our goals, with renowned Hadassah researchers, the Gate Reunion on Sunday, March 4 “I hope you’re having a nice day!” and our volunteers are hard at work as well as a special track for nurses. You at 10:30 a.m. at a private home. This I turned around to look at this very making sure that this happens. will visit a Naval Base in Haifa, tour is for current, past and new Keepers. charming lady smiling at me, complete- And remember, the next time you Hebron and Atlit, and enjoy Jerusalem To become a Keeper of the Gate, you ly taken by surprise, and said, “Why enter an elevator, you have the power and Tel Aviv. Participate in a “Learn- pledge an annual gift of $1,000 or more thank you. It is a nice day, isn’t it?” Up to put a smile on the face of an absolute a-thon” with speakers and teachers in that can be paid in a lump sum, month- until that moment, I really hadn’t given stranger. Take advantage of every op- Jewish studies, politics, Israeli culture ly or with an Israel Bond. To RSVP, it much thought. But what a pleasant portunity! and more! Registration is open now at email Ellen at [email protected]. feeling surged through me and, as I left time and other resources. Thanks to800.237.1517 or ayelet.com. Our Annual Spring Luncheon will the elevator, I couldn’t wipe the smile our members. Your support makes us stronger one day at a time. And very importantly, we thank our volunteers ers did not take Hitler The United States, presently shar- rorists and rogue states, this can be the for a job well done at the event and the ZIONIST ORG. of AMERICA seriously and opted for ing a golden age with Israel, shares only conclusion. entire cycle. Southwest Florida Chapter appeasement, so too are common interests with her in these On Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30 JHSSWF’s next Master Class pre- (914) 329-1024 America’s “allies” to- matters and in reversing the foothold p.m., famed military analyst and author sentation will be at the Jewish Fed- day with unstable tyrants in the Middle East that past Adminis- Colonel Ralph Peters will be speaking eration of Greater Naples on Tuesday, “Strategic Challenges such as Kim Jong-Un of North Korea. trations have allowed Russia to regain. at the Chabad Jewish Center of Naples, April 24 at 5:00 p.m. It will include for the U.S. and Israel” Equally appalling and a major Following updated policies on Iraq 1789 Mandarin Road. His topic will be a film presentation and discussionJerrold of L. Sobel catalyst to every conflict in the Middle and Syria this year, the United States is “A World on Fire: Strategic Challenges Southwest Florida’s early Jewish his-At no time since the end of the Cold East as well as the major supporter of finishing off the remnants of ISIS, pur- for the United States and Israel.” He tory. This is a free event; light refresh-War has global peace been threatened global terrorism is the repressive re- suing an Assad-free Syria, and assisting will address the aforementioned and ments will be served. Register at http://as it is today. Some may argue the gime in Iran. Here again, faced with the pro-Western side in Yemen’s proxy other military issues concerning the jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/ by world has always been a dangerous the choice of being steadfast in op- war between Iran and Saudi Arabia. two allies. April 20. place, but the difference is, there has position to this rogue regime hellbent In the February 4, 2018, edition of There will also be a book signing On April 1 we will be making ournever been such a confluence of bad on acquiring nuclear capabilities, the its paper, Haaretz reported Egypt has at the conclusion of the presentation. decision for next year’s programmingactors possessing or near possessing Western response is tepid at best, pusil- allowed Israel to conduct “over 100 Admission is $30 per person prepaid; and Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneersnuclear weapons as there presently are. lanimous at worst. Fortunately, in this airstrikes” on recalcitrant ISIS forces $32 at the door. Make checks payable film(s). Please submit your nomina- More than one member of the theatre of conflict, the United States within the Sinai. This is proof the sands to ZOA of SWFL and mail to 4003 tions of a noteworthy SWFL Jewish “Greatest Generation” I’ve spoken does have an unflinching, powerful of change are rapidly taking place Upolo Lane, Naples, FL 34119. For resident or a candidate for an eyewit-to sadly reminisces and finds analo- ally, Israel. The battle-hardened Jewish in the Middle East. When countries more information, call 914.329.1024 ness interview to [email protected]. gous those daunting days, weeks and state has a vested interest in thwarting such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia seek or email [email protected]. To renew your membership or be-months leading to World War II to to- direct threats from Iran and her puppets military coordination with the United come a member or an event sponsor,day. Whereas then, the Western pow- Hezbollah, Syria and Hamas. States and Israel against Islamic ter- please email [email protected], visit www.jhsswf.org or call us. Want to volunteer? Email office@ GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH programs that many in- next generation. Shelley continues to memoration will be held at Temple jhsswf.org if you have time and would dividuals have expressed learn from her clients as she supports Shalom (4630 Pine Ridge Road, Na- like to help. Specific needs: work inde- SOUTHWEST FLORIDA an interest in attending. them through their life journeys. ples) on Sunday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m. pendently in Microsoft Word, ability to (239) 963-9347 Because of the numerous Individuals who are interested No RSVP is required and there is no do research, proofreading. requests for a program on are invited to attend and explore with cost. Explore the early Jewish life ofIntergenerational aspects of intergenerational aspects of Holocaust Wetcher and Goodman as they discuss To contribute suggestions for fu- SWFL by visiting the Virtual MuseumHolocaust trauma to be discussed trauma, GenShoah has called upon two this topic. Space is limited and reser- ture GenShoah programs or to receive of Southwest Jewish History at www.at GenShoah meeting individuals to present such a program. vations are required to zalman08054@ the GenShoah e-newsletter, email me jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org. Ida Margolis Dr. Ken Wetcher and Shelley yahoo.com. There is no cost. at [email protected]. GenShoah SWFL is an affinity group Goodman will be presenting “L’dor The annual Yom HaShoah Com- of the Holocaust Museum & Educa- Vador – Intergenerational Aspects of tion Center of Southwest Florida that Holocaust Trauma” at the Holocaust was formed nine years ago. Currently Museum (4760 Tamiami Trial N., Na- Sunday, April 22: Mu- the group is for both children of Ho- ples) at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 18. HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER sical Ensemble, coordi- locaust survivors (known at 2gs) and Wetcher and Goodman note that “there at Temple Judea nated by Liz Singer and any other individuals who are inter- has been a great deal studied and writ- (239) 433-0201 featuring, Liz, Avi, Sid ested in Holocaust education and hu- ten about survivors of the Holocaust and Sasha man rights. The number of individuals and how surviving has impacted their Jan Klein Future possible programs include who have expressed an interest in Ho- lives. That 2nd and 3rd generations of Hazak held its recent planning meet- Mini Golf followed by lunch, Jewish locaust-related programs and who have survivors are affected has been widely ings on January 14 and February 11. Trivia Game Night, Story Telling, Art accepted. The ‘how’ and ‘why’ is There was a very successful Hazak Shows, Movies, Dinner and Musical different depending on the - fami Shabbat on Saturday, December 30. Program at The Roadhouse. lies and the circumstances.” Zohar, the Shlicha from Temple Judea, Anyone who has any inquiries Ken Wetcher is a psychiatrist gave a fascinating D’var Torah on her about Hazak should send an email to who has over 50 years of diverse life in Israel. [email protected]. experience. He is a 1st and 2nd gen- The January program had to be We are very pleased to announce eration survivor. Dr. Wetcher has canceled due to the illness of the guest the new board: worked extensively with men’s is- speaker. It will be rescheduled for the • President: sues, especially focused on PTSD fall. Andy Chernow Presenter Sandy Lessig with Stuart Mest and Ida Margolis from the Vietnam War. Shelley The February program was a trip • Past Presidents: at the January GenShoah program Goodman is a psychotherapist in to the Holocaust Museum & Education Joyce and George Rosinger asked to receive the GenShoah SWFL private practice in Toronto, Canada, Center of SWFL. Those who attended • Program Chairs: newsletter has grown each year. Gen- since 1989. She has an eclectic prac- enjoyed a tour by a very knowledge- Lynda Maslow and Bernie Perlstein Shoah offers programs from October to tice working with individuals, couples able docent. After the tour, lunch was • Recording Secretaries: April, and every year asks for sugges- and families with a focus primarily on enjoyed at Brio Tuscan Grille. Fran Chernow and Bernie Perlstein tions for programs for the next season. relationships. She has done extensive Upcoming programs • Publicity: Of course, the number of programs work with Holocaust survivors and Sunday, March 11: Screening of Jan Klein and Jodi Cohen that can be presented are limited, but their children, examining the effects Remember at Temple Judea with • Temple Judea Board Rep: the steering committee tries to present one generation’s journey plays on the dinner to follow Andy Chernow Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 26 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS
we’re calling Mimosas, TEMPLE BETH EL Mah Jongg, and More. Fort Myers On that day, players will (239) 433-0018 come with their usual game friends and play www.templebethel.com whatever they want. Mah jongg, dominoes, what- As we welcome Rabbi Luna back ever. We will start with a buffet brunch from maternity leave, we also thank followed by games. This event is open the many congregants who led Shab- to Sisterhood members and nonmem- bat services, Torah study, and Lunch bers alike. Everyone will receive a & Learn. We thank Cantor Bessman, favor, prizes will be given to table as well, for his leadership during the winners, and there will be great raffle rabbi’s absence. prizes. For more information, please Let the games begin. Join Sister- email [email protected]. hood on May 9 for a new program
There will be a TEMPLE SHALOM “Lunch and Learn with Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands the Forward” on Tues- (941) 625-2116 day, March 27 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. If you www.templeshalomfl.com wish to attend, please call the temple office at On Friday evening, March 2, Temple 941.625.2116. There is no charge to Shalom will observe Purim with the participate. This is a funded learning reading of the Megillah. All are urged experience. to be in costume. Hamentashen will be The annual Congregational/Com- served. Prizes will be awarded. munity Seder will take place at the Karaoke with the one and only Kingsway Country Club on Saturday Jack Bernstein will be here on Sunday evening, March 31. Kindly call the March 4 at 5:00 p.m. Pizza and salad temple office if you would like to -at will be served. There is a $12 donation tend. Space is limited and reservations per person. Come and enjoy a wonder- are required. ful time. Open to all. Temple Shalom is the only affili- As part of its Jewish Film series, ated Reform congregation servicing all on Sunday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., the of Charlotte County, North Fort Myers temple will screen Walk on Water. and North Port.
ceived a Shalach Manot TEMPLE JUDEA bag of goodies in cel- Fort Myers ebration of Purim. Volun- (239) 433-0201 teers will be assembling the bags on Sunday, www.tjswfl.org March 25, and bags will be ready for pickup start- The community is invited to Temple ing Monday, March 26. Shalach Manot Judea’s big Purim Social and Fundrais- bags were also sent to all Temple Judea ing event on Saturday evening, March college students. 3. This special event will honor Temple A wine and cheese reception is held Judea Preschool Director Joann Gold- every Friday from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., man for her 21 years of service at the before Shabbat services. It’s a great preschool. There will be a DJ and time for members to enjoy socializing dancing, hors d’oeuvres and dessert, and to greet prospective new members and a silent and live auction. The cost and those visiting the synagogue. is $75 per person. Fun will be had by Join Rabbi Sack at his monthly To- all. It is definitely the event of the sea- rah study session held at the offices of son and not to be missed. RSVP to the Myers and Brettholtz and Company. It synagogue office at 239.433.0201. is an hour of open discussion of Torah Another special event is planned and Judaism where all levels of back- just a few days later. Join our Shlicha, ground and all questions are encour- Zohar Ben Hamu, and her mother, Miri, aged. Everyone is welcome and there who is visiting from Israel, on Thurs- is no cost to attend. The next Torah day, March 8, to learn how to prepare a study is Thursday, March 1. typical Israeli meal. The class will be- Our monthly volunteering at the gin at 10:00 a.m. and the prepared food Salvation Army’s Meals with Compas- will be served as the Kiddush luncheon sion (formerly Sally’s Café) continues. on Saturday, March 10. Those attend- Volunteers are needed for Sundays, ing the cooking class are asked for a March 11 and 25. If you would like to donation of $18 (chai) or $36 (double volunteer, please contact Linda Idelson chai), and will then be listed as spon- at [email protected]. sors of the Shabbat luncheon. Dona- It’s not too early to start planning tions of $18 or $36 are also welcome for Passover and to mark your calendar Gatlin is coming! Hurry up and get from those unable to attend the class, to attend the synagogue’s second nightyour tickets, as they are almost gone. but who would like to be included as Seder on Saturday, March 31. More in-The amazing singing duo of Andrea & a sponsor for the Shabbat luncheon. formation about the Seder will follow. RSVP to tjchaverotfortmyers@gmail. For more information about Tem- com. ple Judea or upcoming programs, call The community is invited to Tem- or email the synagogue office. ple Judea to hear a talk by AIPAC’S Regular scheduled events: Florida Deputy Regional Director, • Friday evening Shabbat services at Joshua Karsh, on Sunday, March 18 6:30 p.m. at 11:00 a.m. Mr. Karsh will speak • Saturday morning Shabbat servic- on “The U.S.-Israel Relationship in a es at 9:30 a.m. Rapidly Changing Middle East.” He is • Lunchtime Torah study with RabbiTorah Study responsible for creating the strategic Sack the first Thursday of Ateach Chabad, we know that the richness direction and supervising the daily op- month. of our tradition, and the wisdom it of- erations for one of the largest AIPAC • Morning minyan every Monday atfers can be exciting, even thrilling. Our offices in the United States. 9:00 a.m. Torah Studies program, developed by All members of Temple Judea re- the world-renowned Jewish Learning Institute, brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of Changing you address? Keep inspiring and engaging weekly classes. Our lessons probe the depths of L’CHAYIM coming to your home. Email [email protected]. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 27 we’re calling Mimosas, Center for Judaic, Holo- conduct his very popular workshop on The Community Free Synagogue Mah Jongg, and More. COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE caust and Genocide Stud- how to bake your own matzah from serves a traditional Sabbath dinner. It On that day, players will Fort Myers ies and active CFSer, for scratch. Once you’ve made your own, is free and reservations are never re- come with their usual (239) 466-6671 her outstanding 3-week you won’t be going back to the indus- quired. At 7:30 p.m., the Sabbath is game friends and play series on American anti- trial boxed substitute. The classes are welcomed with prayer and song. A cof- whatever they want. Mah www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Semitism between the free and open to all. fee hour follows worship. jongg, dominoes, what- World Wars, and to Aux- The Community Free Synagogue’s Every Saturday morning at 9:30 ever. We will start with a buffet brunchThe people of the Community Free iliary Rabbi Miess for another of his next Brown Bag Movie Night is at 6:30 a.m., CFS offers a light breakfast fol- followed by games. This event is openSynagogue grieve the passing of our highly effective Basic Hebrew Ulpan p.m. on Thursday, March 22 in the lowed by a lively discussion of the to Sisterhood members and nonmem-dearest friend, Phil Lefton, and ex- programs. Community Hall, 10868 Metro Park- week’s Torah portion until 11:30 a.m., bers alike. Everyone will receive apress their heartfelt condolences to Once again all are invited to the way, Fort Myers. It features the 1958 when the Mourner’s Qaddish is recited. favor, prizes will be given to tableCharlotte and her family. Phil was a Community Free Synagogue’s very classic Marjorie Morningstar, starring Now in its 13th year, The Commu- winners, and there will be great raffleremarkable man in so many ways – a entertaining “PowerPoint Megillah” Natalie Wood, Gene Kelly and Carolyn nity Free Synagogue is a not-for-profit prizes. For more information, pleasedevoted family man, consummate edu- reading on Purim Eve, at 7:00 p.m., Jones. open community religious resource, email [email protected]. cator and intellectual, gifted musician, Wednesday, February 28. Rabbi Dia- Based on Herman Wouk’s 1955 not a private membership-based orga- mond will read the Scroll of Esther as novel, the film depicts a Jewish young nization. All of its events and programs, scenes are shown from the Megillah, woman from New York trying to break including youth and adult Jewish edu- staged by CFSers in lush period cos- away from her traditional roots. No- cation, are open to all and always free. There will be a tumes with ancient Persian backdrops. tably, it featured the first on-screen While the synagogue generally follows “Lunch and Learn with Come in costume or use one of the depictions of Jewish rituals since the Reform practice, it remains indepen- the Forward” on Tues- many from the CFS wardrobe. Home- 1927 Jazz Singer. Pack a dinner; ad- dent of particular “movement” affilia- day, March 27 from baked hummentaschen will be served mission and soft drinks are free! tions. 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. If you after the reading. Thanks to all the en- The synagogue will be hosting a The synagogue meets at the South- wish to attend, please thusiastic bakers who returned to bake first night Seder on Friday, March 30 west Florida Masonic Center, 10868 call the temple office at Phil Lefton this year’s batch of Purim delicacies in starting at 6:00 p.m. in its Communi- Metro Parkway in South Fort Myers. 941.625.2116. There is no charge topatriotic veteran, champion of progres- the synagogue kitchen. It was fun! ty Hall. It is free and open to the first For more information, visit www.fort participate. This is a funded learning sive causes, and deeply-rooted son of Rabbi Diamond will teach the tra- 150 participants, but reservations are myerssynagogue.com. experience. the people of Israel. His lamp cannot ditions of Passover on Sundays, March required. To make yours, email Auxil- CFS’ founder and leader, Rabbi The annual Congregational/Com-be extinguished. 4 and 11 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. iary Rabbi Goldberg at synfreersvp@ Bruce Diamond, D.D., this year cel- munity Seder will take place at the C.F.S. thoroughly enjoyed the gift Learn about the Seder’s history, how gmail.com. Once again the congre- ebrating the 40th year since ordination Kingsway Country Club on Saturday boxes of Israel’s fruits and nuts pre- to conduct one at home, as well as the gation is most grateful to Drs. David at The Hebrew Union College-Jewish evening, March 31. Kindly call the pared by Auxiliary Rabbi Goldberg for holiday’s dietary laws and related prac- Heligman and Alan Tannenbaum for Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, temple office if you would like to at-Tu B’Shvat. tices. underwriting the expenses of our Com- marks his 21st year in Fort Myers. tend. Space is limited and reservations Heartfelt thanks to Prof. Jessica On Sunday, March 25 at 10:30 munity Free Seder! are required. Evers, Associate Director of FGCU’s a.m., Rabbi Diamond will once again Each Friday evening at 6:30 p.m., Temple Shalom is the only affili- ated Reform congregation servicing all of Charlotte County, North Fort Myers about what the communi- cantors that will be held on Sunday, Temple Bat Yam will hold its Passover and North Port. BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS ty can do to help prevent March 11 at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Seder on Friday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. Sanibel this crime. He will discuss and show the historic Rabbi Fuchs will conduct the Seder. (773) 251-8862 On Friday, March documentary DVDs that he has pro- The gathering will be at the Sanibel ceived a Shalach Manot 2 at 10:00 a.m., Temple duced in conjunction with The Nation- Community House at 2173 Periwinkle bag of goodies in cel- www.batyam.org Bat Yam will join in the al Center for Jewish Film at Brandeis Way. Space is limited. Reservations are ebration of Purim. Volun- Sanibel community’s cel- University. The program is free and required. The deadline for reservations teers will be assemblingMarch 2018 is an inordinately busy ebration of the worldwide ecumenical open to the public. is Tuesday, March 20. Contact Annette the bags on Sunday,and exciting month for Temple Bat event, the World Day of Prayer. The Thursday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. is Pacyga (941.740.1650) or Sue Danford March 25, and bags willYam. There are a variety of activities service will be held at St. Michael’s the Temple Bat Yam Annual Meeting (239.579.0744) for details, including be ready for pickup start-and events such that one or more will and All Angels Church located at 2304 to elect officers and directors. A pot- cost. ing Monday, March 26. Shalach Manot capture the attention of our congre- Periwinkle Way. luck dinner will keep everyone content. Adult Education classes are usu- bags were also sent to all Temple Judea gants and visitors. At 7:30 p.m., on March 2, Purim, Contact Paula Raboy (239.472.8957) ally held Saturday mornings begin- college students. Due to the Hebrew lunar calendar, with the reading of the Book of Esther, or Paulette Lotstein (239.395.4527) ning at 9:00 a.m. with Hebrew reading A wine and cheese reception is heldeven Passover begins in March. The will be celebrated during the Shabbat so that they know what dish you will with Rabbi Fuchs. At 9:30 a.m., Rabbi every Friday from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., first day of any given Hebrew calendar service. Rabbi Stephen Fuchs will in- bring. Fuchs speaks about a different Torah before Shabbat services. It’s a greatmonth is determined by the first sight- clude commentary on prejudice, sexual Another special program will take portion each week. At 10:30 a.m., con- time for members to enjoy socializinging of the new moon. Accordingly, abuse and destiny that permeate the place on Sunday, March 25 at 3:00 p.m. gregants offer presentations. The theme and to greet prospective new membersthe Hebrew calendar has twelve lunar story. in the Sanctuary. Marvin Kalb, famous for March is Jews in Sports, facilitated and those visiting the synagogue. months alternating between 29 and 30 For a leisurely opportunity for ca- for his reporting on CBS and NBC by Stan Levine. Join Rabbi Sack at his monthly To-days. In leap years, a month is added to maraderie, Temple Bat Yam is going to TV news, and his books about foreign Come to worship and learn at our rah study session held at the offices realignof to the solar year. JetBlue Park in Fort Myers on Thurs- policy and national security, will speak meeting place located on the campus Myers and Brettholtz and Company. It The Social Action Committee com- day, March 8 at 1:00 p.m. for a Boston about his latest book that describes the of the Sanibel Congregational United is an hour of open discussion of Torah memorates its first anniversary with a Red Sox – Tampa Bay Rays baseball early years he spent in Russia as a jour- Church of Christ at 2050 Periwinkle and Judaism where all levels of back-program on Thursday, March 1 at 7:00 spring training game. Contact Howard nalist. The program is free and open to Way on Sanibel. Members of the com- ground and all questions are encour-p.m., concerning the significant prob- Lorsch at 917.543.4271 for details. the public thanks to the Rosner Foun- munity, guests and visitors are always aged. Everyone is welcome and therelem of human trafficking in SWFL. Cantor Murray Simon has prepared dation in honor of June Rosner. welcome to join with congregants. is no cost to attend. The next TorahNola Theiss will speak in Heron Hall a special program about prominent To almost conclude the month, study is Thursday, March 1. Our monthly volunteering at the Salvation Army’s Meals with Compas- Darryl Gatlin will present over Seder on the first night of Pesach, with the rabbi every other Wednesday, sion (formerly Sally’s Café) continues. TEMPLE BETH SHALOM their third annual show March 30. The TBS Seder is always bowling on Sundays, and Rosh Hodesh Volunteers are needed for Sundays, Cape Coral at Temple Beth Shalom packed with members and nonmem- with timely topics. March 11 and 25. If you would like to (239) 772-4555 on Saturday, March 10. bers of all ages. There is always some- Join us for services, Passover or volunteer, please contact Linda Idelson Tickets are $20. Their thing special for the children, great any other event and meet our very wel- at [email protected]. www.templebethshalomcc.org first two shows were food and lots of music and singing. coming rabbi and members of the con- It’s not too early to start planning huge hits and we are Call the temple office for reservations. gregation. We are sure you will leave for Passover and to mark your calendar Gatlin is coming! Hurry up and get looking forward to another spectacular In between, there will be Friday with some new friends and a warm to attend the synagogue’s second nightyour tickets, as they are almost gone. evening. night services, Torah study on Satur- feeling in your heart. Seder on Saturday, March 31. More in-The amazing singing duo of Andrea & Just as exciting will be our Pass- day mornings, Brown Bag lunches formation about the Seder will follow. For more information about Tem- ple Judea or upcoming programs, call contemporary Torah 1 for “Purim in the Shtetl,” a joyous Saturday, March 31 at 8:15 p.m. or email the synagogue office. CHABAD thought, with a special Purim celebration Enjoy the Megillah Enjoy the Holiday of Freedom with Regular scheduled events: Charlotte County focus on issues sur- reading, a Purim feast, hamentashen, friends and family at an inspiration- • Friday evening Shabbat services at (941) 833-3381 rounding spirituality, entertainment for young and old, and al Seder, complete with hand-baked the human psyche, love live music. Dress up as your favorite shmurah matza, fine kosher wine and a 6:30 p.m. www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com • Saturday morning Shabbat servic- and relationships. Every Shtetl character. delicious Seder meal. RSVP by March es at 9:30 a.m. experience offers mean- Jewish Women’s Circle 27 at 941.833.3381 or info@chabad • Lunchtime Torah study with RabbiTorah Study ingful and timely lessons – from the On Tuesday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m., ofcharlottecounty.com. Sack the first Thursday of Ateach Chabad, we know that the richness most timeless of texts. You will walk “Pause and Effect” presents “Divine For more information about educa- month. of our tradition, and the wisdom it of- away surprised, inspired, and know- Delights” – Why on Shabbat do we tional opportunities, visit www.chabad • Morning minyan every Monday atfers can be exciting, even thrilling. Our ing more about who we are as Jews, indulge in physical delights? How can ofcharlottecounty.com. 9:00 a.m. Torah Studies program, developed by and who you are as an individual. we reconcile the experience of physical All Chabad events are open for the world-renowned Jewish Learning Classes take place on Wednesdays at pleasure with spiritual transcendence? all to attend, regardless of affiliation. Institute, brings you the tradition of 7:30 p.m. at 204 E Mckenzie St., Unit Enjoy an evening out with friends and No membership required. No will classical Jewish learning in a series of B, Punta Gorda. find out the answers. be turned away due to lack of funds. inspiring and engaging weekly classes. Purim Party Family Pesach Seder Please contact us for details. Our lessons probe the depths of Join us at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March Friday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m.
L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM MARCH 2018 28 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties
Have a joyous Passover. And share what it means to you. #PassoverPublix