www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 39, No. 5 n January 2017 / 5777 Senior Lunch program hits the road By Helene Glocer fter eight straight months at gether after a very emotional and divi- where we will get to see the artwork Temple Beth Shalom, the sive election. our local artists created in collabora- ASenior Lunch program ven- It was wonderful to hear the chat- tion with artists from Israel as part of tured out, first to The Community Free ter and laughter around the room, and the Partnership2Gether program. Synagogue in No- people talked to familiar friends and We welcome all seniors in the vember and then made new friends. Lunch was provided community, and are sure that there are to Temple Judea at a deep discount by Publix, with left- many more out there who would en- in December, with overs to take home for another meal. joy the companionship and conversa- great success. As of this writing, we have not yet tion that these lunches provide. If you The Jewish Federation Rabbi Bruce been to Temple Judea, but we would would like to come or know of some- Diamond and his like to thank Rabbi Marc Sack for host- one else who would enjoy them, please of Lee and Charlotte congregation were ing us at his synagogue in December. call Micaela Solomon at 239.481.4449 Counties Presents very warm, gra- We are looking forward to it and will x6. st  Helene cious hosts. With let you know how it went in the next If you are looking for a fun vol- the 21 Annual Glocer the new location issue of L’CHAYIM. unteer opportunity, call Micaela. We came new seniors and new volunteers. The January lunch will return to guarantee that this will be the nicest Jewish Film Festival We had a record turnout with 45 people Temple Beth Shalom, which nurtured and most rewarding project you have of Southwest Florida. attending. Rabbi Diamond entertained us from the beginning. In February we ever volunteered for. the crowd with a short and humorous, will be ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­at Temple Beth El and in March See pages 14-15 for but very relevant talk about getting to- we will go to the Alliance for the Arts, complete details.

Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties and

Facing antiIsrael sentiments on college campuses:

A PROGRAM FOR 11TH AND 12TH GRADERS

 Hear a firsthand account of how one student overcame anti Semitism at Florida Atlantic University

 Learn about what's happening on college campuses today with regard to the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) movement, Students for Justice in Palestine and other antiIsrael movements.

With special guest Rayna Rose Exelbierd StandWithUs Southeast High School Coordinator

Sunday, January 15, 2017

4:00 P.M. 6:30 PM

Jewish Federation 9701 Commerce Center Court Fort Myers

Pizza & beverages will be served

Guests are welcome. Space is limited.

R.S.V.P to Leni Sack: 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 JANUARY 2017 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION Program notes In this issue: t’s FILM FESTIVAL time! Hard to believe this is prior to their entrance in college. The goal is to inspire the Jewish Federation’s 21st annual Jewish Film high school students to become better educated about 6 Our Community IFestival of Southwest Florida and more impor- Israel and the Arab-Israel conflict, and to be prepared tantly, my fourth! I’ve written in past years about how to combat any anti-Israel sentiment they may face on 14 Jewish Film Festival much I enjoy the festival and look forward to going to their future college campuses. The program is free the mailbox each day to get the of charge and includes pizza and beverages. Space is 16 Jewish Interest orders. But I think what excites limited, but guests are welcome to register as well. me the most is all of you who For more information and to register, contact me at 19 Marketplace come to the films. I feel like we 239.481.4449 x3 or [email protected]. are old friends who get to see It’s not too early to mark your calendars for some 21 From the Bimah each other at a reunion once a upcoming events in March. On Wednesday, March 1, year. It’s fun to bring the Jew- Victoria Kelly, author of the bestselling novel, Mrs. 23 Focus on Youth ish community together – those Houdini, will be at the Alliance for the Arts for a book who live here fulltime, those talk, co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation. 24 Organizations  Leni Sack who are snowbirds and those On Sunday, March 5, the P2G art exhibit opens. who are regular short-time visi- P2G is a city-to-city and region-to-region partnership 26 Community Directory tors – for this annual festival. So old friends, see you between Jewish and Israeli communities. Our Federa- in a few weeks! tion is a member of the P2G Southeast Consortium of 26 Temple News Be sure to check out the section below for the communities in the U.S. The partnership has included names of this year’s Film Festival Sponsors. It is with a variety of person-to-person experiences shared with their help that we are able to bring the high-quality the Hadera Eiron Region in Israel, including a fire- films to our community. We are very appreciative of fighter exchange and hosting delegations. It continues their support. with “Art Beyond Boundaries,” an arts collaboration And certainly thank you to the committee mem- that began in the fall of 2015 and continues through bers who have spent a lot of time over the last several April 2017. months previewing films and helping to make the se- Led by local artists Carolyn Gora and Shirley Lit- lections. The committee is chaired by Sara Krivisky man, the Southeast Consortium and the Hadera Eiron and includes Susie Ferkel, Helene Glocer, Claire Region produced a collaboration and an exhibition Goldhagen, Carolyn Gora, Irwin Kash, Dan Sharff, that was truly a partnership. Along with Carolyn and Lynn Talone and Sid Wilker. Shirley, our Federation was represented by local art- On Sunday, January 15 from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., ists Herb Sklar, Celeste Borah, Janice Heligman, Gale we have a very important event for 11th and 12th grad- Shamblott, Elise Gold Sewall and Juli Bobman. That ers. ISRAEL ADVOCACY BOOT CAMP is a pro- exhibition will be on display at the Alliance for the gram of StandWithUs, an international, non-profit Is- Arts through the month of March. rael education organization that believes education is Movies, advocacy, author and art – there’s a lot the road to peace. In the past few years, StandWithUs to look forward to in the coming year. I wish every- has increased its scope of activity by identifying the one a very Happy and Healthy New Year. See you in need to train, empower and inspire younger students 2017!

Thank you to these sponsors who help to Jewish news published monthly by Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties ensure the continuity of the 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org  Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida. January 2017 • Volume 39, Number 5  President: Rozzi Osterman PRINCIPAL SPONORS: Advanced Pain Management and Spine Specialists Board: Paul Bartrop • Larry Eisenfeld • Herb Fried Carolyn Gora • Jerry Greenfield • Andi Horowitz Dr. Jonathan Daitch and Dr. Michael Frey Charles Idelson • Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler Sara Krivisky • Michele Laboda • JoAnn Lewin Barbara Siegel • Sylvia Simko • Brian Simon Jerry Snyderman • Sherri Zucker Producers: Martha & John Wolf Miromar Outlets Executive Director: Alan Isaacs Program Director: Leni Sack Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos Radiology Regional Center Dr. Brian and Sara Krivisky Jewish Family Services: Micaela Solomon  Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 DIRECTORS: Kushner and Kushner, Attorneys Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923  FineMark National Bank & Trust L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, Northern Trust but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly SCREENWRITERS: Investor’s Security Trust– Linda & Charles Idelson printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the Rachel Abraham right to edit for space and content. Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color Sylvia & Paul Simko prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. PCC Tile– Helene & Jorge Glocer The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the Zelda Dubin Philanthropic Memorial Fund writers and claims by advertisers. Lin & Ron Klein FEBRUARY ISSUE Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.– Guy Whitesman EDITORIAL DEADLINE: Barbara and Barry Epstein Thursday, January 5 FILM STARS: Anna & Yale Levin Judi & Richard Davis Grow your business Shirley & Byron Frank Marsha & Mike Kistler Harriet & Alan Josephson Cheryl & Harold Goldste with L’CHAYIM. Lynda & Michael Rubenstein JoAnn & Jim Lewin ENT Specialist of FL– Dr. Howard Barrow Reach 5,000 local Gulf Coast Orthodontics Dr. Michele Laboda Jewish residents Thank you to through this paper. Signarama for donating the film festival banner Regal Cinema Group for hosting the annual film festival For more information or to place an ad, call Jim at 239.634.6923 For a continuously updated or send an email to calendar of events, visit [email protected]. www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3

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L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. YOUR SUPPORT Sunday Promote Strengthen & enrich Honor/ Share your KINDNESS JEWISH COMMarchMUNITY 1st Remember MITZVAH A LOVED ONE

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

TRIBUTES In memory of Betty Cohen SOCIAL from Annette & Steve Paine Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Tributes. ARE YOU interested in giving back to the community? DO YOU want to experience the riches Please send them to Loria Ramos that our local seniors have to offer?

at the Federation at [email protected]. JOIN US for our monthly senior lunches!

If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity that is fun Generous Donors: and rewarding and will not require a lot of time, please Israel travel grants call Micaela at the Federation. We need volunteer Anonymous Angels Temple Beth El drivers to pick up the seniors. We need volunteers to available for youths Temple Judea call a senior once a week and pick them up for the Mellow Mah Jongg Ladies Israeli Dancers luncheon. Volunteers are also needed to greet people Bruce Greenberg as they come in, help set up the food and tables and to Richard & Sari Bornfreund Annette & Steve Paine help clean up afterwards. We will provide rides for Phyllis & Arthur Geller those who need them. We guarantee that you will have Andrea & Gene Sipe Ron Wallace & Naomi Bloom as much fun as the people you are assisting. Shalom Life Center Betty & Jim Rubinstein Shelly Komito & Abbe Forman Brenda & Jacob Burk Ruth Lefberg If you are interested in volunteering for the Senior Outreach Program please contact Micaela Solomon at Jewish Family Services, (239) 4814449 ext. 6.

Thanks to the following supporter of L’CHAYIM How the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Serves for their contribution to help underwrite the cost of bringing news of the local, national and international Local Jewish Education and Culture  Communitywide Jewish Education and Culture Programs for Jewish community to your mailbox every month! all ages including the Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Author Events, Israel Celebration, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk SUBSCRIBER: dancing, social groups, etc. Mildred Marateck  L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community informed about local, national and international Jewish issues.  Community Relations activities include monitoring anti Semitism and issues of separation of church and state in the PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS community.  Israel Advocacy and Initiatives to strengthen local Jewish community ties with Israel. Holocaust Education through the WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community. & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE.

Overseas  Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communities in 60+ countries around the world.  Partnership 2Gether relationship with the HaderaEiron Region in Israel.

Local Seniors Services  Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facilities for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover.  Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program.  Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health and socialization. Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel

Local Case Management Services  Nonsectarian, individual and family outreach, information and Grants Available referral services.

 Individual life coaching and support services.

Local Emergency Services  Food Pantry. The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through  Emergency financial assistance. the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee  Education and aid associated with natural disasters. and Charlotte Counties. The grant may be used for travel to

Local Community Services Israel to participate in programs that are volunteer or  Support families of children with special needs. educational in nature. Our hope is that these programs will  SAT preparatory classes for high school students. enhance Jewish knowledge and identity in preparation for  Volunteerism. participation in American Jewish life. This grant is for Jewish  Organizational Collaboration. residents of either county who are 25 years old or younger  Assessment and Planning. and can demonstrate a financial need. Academic standing

Jewish Community Foundation and community involvement may also be considered. For  An endowment that ensures the longterm financial base of more information or an application, please visit our website at charitable, social and educational programs in our community. www.JewishFederationLCC.org or contact the Federation at  Needsbased college scholarships and study scholarships in 239-481-4449, ext. 4 or email [email protected]. Israel.  Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment.

L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to “Battle for Israel’s Soul” Pacesetters Division event strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. n November 20 – at an event Held at Temple Judea, the event YOUR SUPPORT co-sponsored by Temple Bat attracted a large audience and gave Strengthen &Sunday enrich OYam, Temple Judea and the those attending an opportunity to Promote Jewish Federation – J.J. Goldberg, edi- hear differing points of view from the Honor/ Share your KINDNESS JEWISH COMMarchMUNITY 1st tor at large and senior commentator at speakers and have some questions an- Remember MITZVAH the Jewish daily Forward, and Jona- swered. It was also another successful A LOVED ONE than Tobin, senior online editor and collaboration between the Federation chief political blogger at Commentary and other Jewish organizations in our magazine, discussed the “Battle for Is- community. rael’s Soul” with our community. 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 FineMark National Bank and Trust hosted a food and wine pairing event for the Pacesetters Division you honor. You may choose how your generosity is noted and how we share your mitzvah with our community. of the Jewish Federation. Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by FineMark chef Mike Gavala. Federation board member and wine expert Jerry Greenfield selected the delicious wines to go with each of the courses served, and gave a very interesting and enlightening description of each. (Photos courtesy Michael Shapiro) SOCIAL

ARE YOU interested in giving back to the community? DO YOU want to experience the riches that our local seniors have to offer?

JOIN US for our monthly senior lunches! Rabbi Marc Sack, J.J. Goldberg, Jonathan Tobin, Rabbi Myra Soifer, Alan Isaacs Sunny Lubner, Terri Eisenfeld, John Osterman Paul Weinstein and Chuck Weisinger If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity that is fun and rewarding and will not require a lot of time, please Israel travel grants JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA call Micaela at the Federation. We need volunteer 2017 SPONSORSHIP FORM drivers to pick up the seniors. We need volunteers to available for youths call a senior once a week and pick them up for the he Joseph Horowitz Israel Trav- awarded many grants for this purpose. BE A “REEL” SUPPORTER

el Grant represents the culmina- Today, the opportunities have ex- luncheon. Volunteers are also needed to greet people tion of Joe’s lifelong passion for panded and The Joseph Horowitz Isra- Executive Producer: SOLD Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists as they come in, help set up the food and tables and to T promoting Jewish culture and educa- el Travel Grant is available through the help clean up afterwards. We will provide rides for tion. Having lived his formative years Community Foundation of the Jewish ___ Producer: $1,500  Listed as the “PRODUCER” of one film of your choice; introduce the film for that evening those who need them. We guarantee that you will have during the Great Depression, Joe’s op- Federation of Lee and Charlotte Coun- portunities in this regard were quite ties. The grant may be used for travel  Receive 6 tickets to each film and 6 reserved “PRODUCER” seats at each film as much fun as the people you are assisting.  Be recognized as a sponsor in ads and festival program limited. His family’s circumstances at to Israel to participate in programs that the time prevented Joe from having a are volunteer or educational in nature. ___ Director: $1,000 Bar Mitzvah upon attaining the age of The hope is that these programs will  Receive 4 tickets to each film and 4 reserved “DIRECTOR” seats at each film 13. enhance Jewish knowledge and iden-  Be recognized as a sponsor in ads and festival program

Fortunately, Joe’s successes as an tity in preparation for participation in ___ Screenwriter: $500 adult allowed him to personally pursue American Jewish life.  Receive 2 tickets to each film and 2 reserved seats at each film If you are interested in volunteering for the Senior Outreach these passions later in life. In celebra- This grant is for Jewish residents  Be recognized as a sponsor in ads and festival program Program please contact Micaela Solomon at Jewish Family th tion of his 60 birthday, Joe studied for of either county who are 25 years old ___ Film Star: $250 Services, (239) 4814449 ext. 6. and became a Bar Mitzvah. In lieu of or younger and can demonstrate a fi-  Receive 2 tickets to each film the usual gifts associated with such a nancial need. Academic standing and  Be recognized as a sponsor in ads and festival program celebration, Joe requested a scholar- community involvement may also be Thanks to the following supporter of L’CHAYIM ship fund be created bearing his name. considered. ___ Festival Friend: $100  Be recognized in the festival program for their contribution to help underwrite the cost of Thus was created the Fund. At For more information or an ap- the time, High School in Israel was a plication, please visit www.jewishfed bringing news of the local, national and international Please print your name as you would like it to appear in ads and in the festival program: very popular educational opportunity erationlcc.org or contact Lori Ramos at Jewish community to your mailbox every month! for interested local high school stu- the Federation at 239.481.4449 x4 or Name: ______

dents. During its early years, the Fund [email protected]. ______

Address: ______City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______From Herb Fried I wrote this on my Facebook page: Phone: ______Email: ______“Yesterday (November 17) I attended an event as the Payment: ____ credit card _____ check enclosed ____ bill me

representative of the Jewish Federation to the Pastors’ Association of SWFL at FGCU for its annual prayer get Card number: ______Expiration date: ______Security code ______Print name on card: ______together to pray for Israel and all aspects of our commu- nity. There were probably 40 churches represented. There Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties 9701 Commerce Center Ct. Fort Myers 33908 were also prayers against anti-Semitism, against persecu- tion of Christians around the world, and against bigotry. It was an experience to be one of the special guests in the front row, asked to stand and be recognized as the representative of the Jewish Federation, and be welcomed and applauded as such. It was very heartwarming to be a part of the solidarity that was evident. As this was an enthusiastic Evangelical group, there were many times I sat re- spectfully in my chair while everyone else stood and prayed to Jesus. It wasn’t at all as awkward as it may seem since it was understood I was Jewish. It was a great heartwarming experience. I decided to post a link to an article about the event, recognizing the persecu- Ronny S Taschner DDS tion both Jews and Christians have found themselves in around the world just Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology for the “crime” of practicing the religion of their choice.” Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel This was attached to a video at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article- 3944922/Three-Christians-sentenced-80-lashes-Sharia-court-Iran-taking- Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc Grants Available communion-wine.html. Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

Herb Fried serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Lee

and Charlotte Counties.

The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. The grant may be used for travel to Israel to participate in programs that are volunteer or educational in nature. Our hope is that these programs will enhance Jewish knowledge and identity in preparation for participation in American Jewish life. This grant is for Jewish residents of either county who are 25 years old or younger and can demonstrate a financial need. Academic standing and community involvement may also be considered. For more information or an application, please visit our website at www.JewishFederationLCC.org or contact the Federation at 1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL 239-481-4449, ext. 4 or email [email protected]. Phone 239-936-0635 Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY January exhibits and programs at the Museum By Amy Snyder, Executive Director, Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL e are pleased to announce the courage, knowledge of four languages, 2000, and was posthumously awarded “Jewish Genealogy Internet Re- opening this month of The photographic memory and diplomatic the Presidential Medal of Freedom in sources.” The workshop is free and WWorld Knew: Jan Karski’s skills made him a key underground 2012. Yad Vashem also recognized open to the public; reservations are Mission for Humanity. It will be on operative. Karski in 1962 as “Righteous Among required. To RSVP, email David@ display from January 3 through May In 1944, Karski wrote Courier The Nations.” HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org or 14, 2017. from Poland: Story of a Secret State, call 239.263.9200. The new ex- documenting his work in the Polish Un- ¡¡ Monday, January 23 from 1:00 to hibit profiles the derground, providing further evidence 3:30 p.m. at Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine life of the extraor- to convince the Allied powers of the Ridge Road, Naples: The Museum dinary Jan Karski, need to act against the Nazi atrocities is sponsoring a Collier County whose personal that went far beyond the normal acts of Jewish Book Festival event with experience in war. After the war, he settled in the U.S., Josh Aronson, author of Orchestra World War II becoming a citizen, and a professor at of Exiles, and Robert P. Watson, spanned the gam- Georgetown University for 40 years. author of The Nazi Titanic. For  Amy ut from reserve He married Pola Nirenska, a dancer more information on tickets, visit Snyder officer and junior who was a Holocaust survivor. After The tour of The World Knew: Jan www.jewishbookfestival.org or call diplomat to Polish Underground courier Karski’s Mission for Humanity traveling Renee’ at 239.263.4205. to the Polish government in exile in exhibition is organized by the Jan Karski There will be a special commemora- London. In 1942 and 1943, he person- Educational Foundation. The exhibit tion of International Holocaust Remem- ally alerted Prime Minister Churchill, was created by the Polish History Mu- brance Day at Temple Shalom on Friday, President Roosevelt and U.S. Supreme seum with major support from the Polish January 27 at 7:30 p.m. The guest Court Justice Felix Frankfurter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additional speaker is Dr. Stephen M. Berk, the presence of Jewish Ghettos, transit funding was provided by the National Henry and Sally Schaffer Professor of camps and the atrocities being commit- Endowment for the Humanities. Any Holocaust and Jewish studies at Union ted against Jews in Poland and Eastern views, findings, conclusions or recom- College in Schenectady, New York. The Europe. However, his reports were met mendations expressed in this exhibition event is free and open to the public. with disbelief and, as a result, no help publication do not necessarily reflect Finally, the Museum will officially was provided by the Allies to relieve the those of the National Endowment for open its new Memorial Garden Art In- plight of the Jews. the Humanities. stallation on Sunday, January 22. This Karski didn’t give up trying, how- Other January Museum-related unique artwork was designed by artist ever, because he knew firsthand the activities: Juan Diaz, who recently made his debut dangers Jews were in during the war. ¡¡ Wednesday, January 4 at 10:00 at Art Basel Miami. The work was cre- He was an eyewitness to the cruelty of a.m. at the Museum: Shelley Lieb ated to honor those Holocaust survivorsNo Asylum: The Untold Chapter the Nazis. In 1940, as a member of the will lead a discussion of the book and camp liberators who were part of Polish Underground, he was betrayed. The Nazi Titanic by Robert P. our Museum family and Educationof Anne Frank’s Story Arrested and tortured by the Gestapo, Watson. The event is free and open programs. For more information, visit he tried to commit suicide to prevent the war, he didn’t want to speak about to the public. Reservations are re- www.HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org. providing information on his group’s his experiences. Eventually though, he quired. Please call the Museum at The Museum is located at 4760 activities. Miraculously, he was able felt compelled to, saying, “I have no 239.263.9200 to RSVP. Tamiami Trail North, Suite 7, in Naples. to escape with the help of the Polish other proofs, no photographs.” ¡¡ Monday, January 16 from 10:00 It is open year-round Tuesday through Resistance. In 1942, Karski personally He was known as an incredibly a.m. to noon at the Museum: third Sunday; closed Monday and major Jew- investigated conditions in the Warsaw humble person. Despite all his coura- of four Genealogy Workshops led ish and U.S. holidays. Ghetto, where he was smuggled in us- geous acts and diplomatic efforts, he by David Nelson; the topic will be ing a disguise. He also went undercover once told colleagues during a talk that in a transit camp, where he saw Nazi he felt he “didn’t do enough” to help the mistreatment and killing of Jews. His Jews and occupied Poland. He died in Challah baking workshop By Helene Glocer very month, volunteers turn properly and, most importantly, how Artist-in-Residence Weekend out to make our monthly senior the dough should feel when it is ready Elunches a success. Some take for the next step. While the dough was care of the food, some come early to rising, Malka talked about Jewish tra- at Temple Judea with set up, others to clean up, some to pick ditions with such enthusiasm that we up someone in need of a ride, others were all fascinated. look for entertainment, provide flow- “Before all the braiding begins,” ers, greet people as they come in and Malka explained, “each batch of dough Naomi Less much more. Last month, the Jewish needs to be sanctified by removing Federation together with Betty Ru- a small piece of challah dough after Friday, February 3, 2017 benstein thanked the volunteers with a making the blessing of hafrashas chal- 6:00pm Reception challah baking event. lah (separating challah). By perform- 6:30pm Musical Kabbalat Shabbat with Naomi Less It was amazing to watch the volun- ing this mitzvah, we commemorate Dinner following service $18 for adults and $7 for kids teers crowd around the island in Bet- the portions of dough that were set RSVP to 239-433-0201 or [email protected] ty’s kitchen rolling out challah dough, aside for the cohanim (members of the

Saturday, February 4, 2017 7:00pm Teen Havdalah Concert and Exploration Before Whom Do I Stand? Naomi uses music education to explore this idea with teens, helping them discover ways to have a relationship with God in their lives. To be held at a private residence. Please contact Temple Judea at 239-433-0201 or [email protected] to RSVP and for the address.

Sunday, February 5, 2017 11:00am Rock Concert with Naomi Less & Band Open to all and free of charge

All events throughout braiding it, messing up and starting priestly tribe) in the times when the the Artist-in-Residence again. It was a team effort with vol- Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem. In Weekend have been unteers helping each other. All were this way, we bring holiness not just into generously sponsored guided by the patient instructions from the bread that we bake, but also into by the Dosoretz Family Betty and Malka Forshner. With much our homes and hearts (and stomachs!) effort, laughter and team work, every- of our family and friends with whom one managed to form two challahs, we share this special challah.” some with chocolate and some plain, Finally, the second set of challahs and put them in the oven. were rolled, braided and baked, and ev- While the challahs were baking, we eryone went home with several fresh, went out on the lanai and started again delicious challahs. It was an afternoon from scratch. We worked in groups of of fun, laughter, learning and deepen- Naomi Less in an two or three, with all the ingredients ing friendships among volunteers. internationally renowned provided at each station. Malka ex- Thanks to Betty Rubenstein and songwriter, musician, educator plained many aspects of challah bak- Malka Forshner for organizing and ing, including why we were using the hosting this memorable event, and to 14486 A&W Bulb Road and worship leader who crafts rapid rise type of yeast, the different all the volunteers who do so much for Fort Myers, FL 33908 experiences to help create a world of more equality and love. types of flour, in what order to add the others. www.TJSWFL.org ingredients, how to knead the dough L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7

Temple Beth El to host 19th Bi-Annual HotWorks.org ™ “Jewish Genealogy Internet Re-Maud Dahme sources.” The workshop is free and f the 1,600,000 Jewish chil- the Nazi death camps by courageous Estero Fine Art Show open to the public; reservations are dren living in Europe before Christians. required. To RSVP, email David@ World War II, only 100,000 Sisterhood Co-Chair Linda Bonito January 7 & 8, 2017 HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org orsurvivedO the Holocaust. Most were and Men’s Club Co-Chair Rich Chaet At Miromar Design Center call 239.263.9200. sheltered away in attics, cellars, con- look forward to both the film and a dis- ¡¡ Monday, January 23 from 1:00 tovents or in villages or farms. Maude cussion with Dahme, who will explore 3:30 p.m. at Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Dahme was among those who were issues such as tolerance, mutual respect Ridge Road, Naples: The Museumhidden and survived. and understanding. Today, Dahme is sponsoring a Collier County Temple Beth El will host speaker devotes her life to Holocaust and Jewish Book Festival event withMaud Dahme, Holocaust survivor and genocide education and is the former Josh Aronson, author of Orchestrasubject of the PBS documentary, The president of the New Jersey Board of of Exiles, and Robert P. Watson,Hidden Child, on Sunday, February Education. A member of The March of author of The Nazi Titanic. For19 at 2:00 p.m. This complimentary the Living Board of Directors, Dahme more information on tickets, visitprogram is sponsored by the Beth El travels with groups to Poland and Is- www.jewishbookfestival.org or call Sisterhood and Men’s Club. The doc- rael each year to discuss the Holocaust Renee’ at 239.263.4205. umentary traces the steps of Maud and genocide education. Dahme, who There will be a special commemora-Dahme and how she survived during lives in New Jersey, also has a home tion of International Holocaust Remem-the Holocaust as a child. The program in Estero. brance Day at Temple Shalom on Friday,is free and open to men, women and Temple Beth El’s Sisterhood is January 27 at 7:30 p.m. The guest high school students of the Jewish dedicated to bringing informative and speaker is Dr. Stephen M. Berk, the community. spiritual activities to all members. The Henry and Sally Schaffer Professor of A gripping tale of survival, The Men’s Club promotes camaraderie and Holocaust and Jewish studies at UnionHidden Child tells six-year-old Dahme brings service to the temple. Temple College in Schenectady, New York. Theand her sister’s story. Separated from Beth El is located at 16225 Winkler event is free and open to the public. their parents, dodging bullets, lying Road, Fort Myers. Finally, the Museum will officiallyfor survival, and relying on the com- Light refreshments will be served. open its new Memorial Garden Art In-passion of strangers, Dahme was one For reservations, please call Linda Bo- stallation on Sunday, January 22. Thisof the estimated 3,000 - 8,000 Jewish nito at 239.362.2848 or Dottie Ruberto unique artwork was designed by artistchildren in the Netherlands saved from at 239.482.2552 by February 17. Juan Diaz, who recently made his debut at Art Basel Miami. The work was cre- ated to honor those Holocaust survivorsNo Asylum: The Untold Chapter and camp liberators who were part of our Museum family and Educationof Anne Frank’s Story programs. For more information, visit new award-winning docu- lecturer. YIVO is dedicated to fostering www.HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org. mentary is bringing to light a knowledge of the ongoing story of Jew- The Museum is located at 4760 A vital story about one of his- ish life, with a focus on the history and Tamiami Trail North, Suite 7, in Naples.tory’s darkest times. No Asylum: The culture of East European Jewry. It is open year-round Tuesday throughUntold Chapter of Anne Frank’s Story This event, which is sponsored by Sunday; closed Monday and major Jew-explains how, in 2005, an archivist at the Holocaust Museum & Education ish and U.S. holidays. New York’s YIVO Institute for Jewish Center of Southwest Florida and Gen- Research discovered a number of letters Shoah SWFL, will take place on Tues- written in 1941 by diarist Anne Frank’s day, January 31 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple father, Otto. Sent to relatives, friends Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. and various government officials, these For reservations and information, email Challah baking workshop urgent communiqués describe Otto [email protected]. Donations Frank’s desperate efforts to save his are requested and appreciated. properly and, most importantly, how wife and daughters, and escape Nazi- the dough should feel when it is readyoccupied Holland They also for the next step. While the dough wasshow the failure of the world to rising, Malka talked about Jewish tra- respond to the plight of Jewish HotWorks.org Ronnie Phillips, Mixed Media ditions with such enthusiasm that we refugees. were all fascinated. Dr. Jonathan Brent, Ex- “Before all the braiding begins,” ecutive Director of YIVO, will Voted top 100 Art Shows in America Malka explained, “each batch of doughbe coming from New York Up to 175 Juried Artists needs to be sanctified by removingto give additional informa- Miromar Design Center ~ I-75 & Exit #123/Corkscrew Road a small piece of challah dough aftertion regarding the letters and Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5pm ~ $5 donation making the blessing of hafrashas chal- YIVO. In addition to his role Kids! Enter your original art for a chance to win a prize lah (separating challah). By perform-at YIVO, Brent is an author, with the Youth Art Competition, grades K-8 ing this mitzvah, we commemorateeditor, media commentator See Art, Love Art, Buy Art! the portions of dough that were set and internationally-known Dr. Jonathan Brent aside for the cohanim (members of the 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 Hadassah...... 17 Alliance Financial Group...... 19 Dr. David Heligman...... 18 Alpha Epsilon Phi Alumnae...... 9 Henderson Franklin...... 19 Art of Fashion and Moore...... 19 Jewish Museum of FL-FIU...... 16 ArtFest Fort Myers...... 11,13 Lee Lighting...... 19 BBYO...... 23 Living Happily Counseling...... 19 Dr. Daniel Bendetowicz...... 19 Charles Massie, CPA, CFP®.....19 priestly tribe) in the times when the Cypress Cove...... 12 Michael Shapiro Photography...24 Needed to label L’Chayim Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem. In Harold Eskin, Attorney...... 19 Miromar Outlets...... 24 this way, we bring holiness not just into Rena Essrog, MSS, LCSW...... 10 Paragon Pools...... 19 join us for coffee, bagels and the simple satisfaction that the bread that we bake, but also into Estero Fine Art Show...... 7 PCC Tile...... 19 comes from meeting and making friends with other our homes and hearts (and stomachs!) Eureka Painting...... 19 Pepper Pet Sitting...... 19 volunteers, as we help keep thousands of local readers of our family and friends with whom informed about local, national and international Jewish we share this special challah.” Joseph Faerber, Attorney...... 19 Alan J. Rubinstein, Attorney.....19 news. Finally, the second set of challahs FineMark Natl. Bank & Trust...18 Ryder Orthopaedics...... 19 were rolled, braided and baked, and ev- Florida Gulf Coast University...27 Seniors Helping Seniors...... 19 eryone went home with several fresh, Florida Specialists in Urology...19 Snyderman’s Shoes...... 19 Call 481.4449 ext. 3 to add your name to the delicious challahs. It was an afternoon Fort Myers Memorial Gardens.21 Southwest Florida Symphony...28 phone list. Each month we will call to confirm the of fun, laughter, learning and deepen- Frantz Eye Care...... 19 Douglas Spiegel, Attorney...... 19 mailing date and you can let us know if you are ing friendships among volunteers. Susan Glasser, Realtor®...... 9 Taschner Periodontics...... 5 available to help label L’CHAYIM. Thanks to Betty Rubenstein and Gordon’s Pool & Spa Service....19 Temple Beth El...... 9 Malka Forshner for organizing and Time: 9:30 A.M. Green Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP..19 Temple Judea...... 6 hosting this memorable event, and to Bruce Greenstein, LUTC...... 10 Bob Vinikoor...... 19 Monday, January 23, 2017 all the volunteers who do so much for Gulf Coast Orthodontics...... 5 Paul Weinstein, CFP®...... 19 others. Monday, February 27, 2017 Gulf Coast Symphony...... 16 L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 8 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Community Free Synagogue events open to the public ebrew Reading Ulpan in the Community Hall with the show- Israel’s Ulpan programs are ing of the 2015 film Remember, star- Hintensive “Hebrew Boot ring Christopher Plummer and Martin Camps” that enable new immigrants Landau. to learn basic Hebrew in a compacted Remember is a 2015 Canadian- amount of time. The Community Free German drama thriller film about an Synagogue Ulpan will elderly Holocaust sur- enable to student to mas- vivor with dementia ter basic Hebrew reading who sets out to kill a skills over two six-hour Nazi war criminal. At “studios” on the last two the 4th Canadian Screen Sundays in January. Awards, the film -re Upon completing the ceived the Award for C.F.S. Ulpan, students can Best Original Screen- move on to three Hebrew play and was also nom- Reading Labs in February inated for Best Motion to practice and hone their Picture. new skills. These HRLs Pack a dinner as are also open to students C.F.S. provides com- who already have rudi- plimentary soft drinks. mentary Hebrew reading abilities that Admission is free and open to all. Each Tuesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg need improvement. “Exploring the Roots of European is held at the Jewish Federation. Those successfully completing the Anti-Semitism through Primary HRLs can then elect to learn to read Sources” Players must be at least advanced beginners, as no a passage from the Torah and the ac- The Community Free Synagogue will lessons are given. companying prayers, and may choose offer a three-week mini-course on Eu- to share their accomplishments during ropean anti-Semitism before World DAY: Tuesdays, 12:30~3:30 P.M. synagogue Sabbath worship either in- War II from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Sundays, FEE: $1 per week dividually or as a group in the spring. February 12, 19 and 26 in its Com- The C.F.S. Hebrew Ulpan meets munity Hall. The course, taught by

from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sun- Holocaust and Modern European His- days, January 22 and 29. There are no torian Jessica Evers, focuses on viru- charges for the C.F.S. Ulpan and He- lent, widespread European Jew hating th brew Reading Lab, but registration from the 19 century through the Holo- is a must. To learn more about these caust. Evers will help students examine programs and to register, email synfre- anti-Semitism throughout Europe with [email protected] or call the Commu- longer and deeper roots than just in

nity Free Synagogue’s 24-hour voice Germany, and its undertones that still

for more information call messaging service at 239.274.7485 resonate even today. Rona Strausberg at 239.949.9003 (SHUL). While the course is free and open to Brown Bag Movie Night all, advance registration is appreciated. The Community Free Synagogue’s You can register by emailing synfree@ next “Brown Bag Movie Night” starts comcast.net or calling the synagogue’s at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12 24-hour voice messaging service. Broadway – here we come! ho doesn’t love a good Tickets are $50 for general seat- Broadway musical? Many ing and $75 for Benefactor Preferred with certified Yoga Instructor, Micaela Solomon Wof you love to hum or sing seating. Buy tickets online at www. along with the memorable tunes – es- naplesjewishcongregation.org. Or mail pecially in the shower! On Thursday, a check with your name, address and February 9, you won’t have to depend phone to NJC, P.O. Box 111994, Naples, Class Details on a shower to embrace some of the FL 34108. most iconic musical On Friday night, Mondays, starting January 9, 2017 tunes from your favor- February 10, during our ite Broadway shows Shabbat service, Rabbi 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. - Yoga as Naples Jewish Con- Kanter will give a more

1:10 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. - Meditation gregation will present scholarly presentation

this season’s Artist and on the social mores of

Location: Jewish Federation Scholar-in-Residence, the times and the effect Rabbi Kenneth Kanter, of Jewish composers’ 9701 Commerce Center Court

a nationally known au- backgrounds and values

thor, entertainer and on the music they pro- expert on the Jewish duced for Broadway and Freewill$15 per classdonation contribution to Ameri- Tin Pan Alley. Scholarships available can music. Our Friday night Plan to join us at Rabbi Kenneth Kanter Shabbat services begin at 7:30 p.m. at the fabulous new Wang 7:30 p.m. when we meet at the Unitarian Auditorium of Opera Naples for an Universalist Congregation of Greater  Our approach is tailored evening of wonderful music – to sing Naples, 6340 Napa Woods Way. Please for all fitness levels. This along if you choose – and learn about join us for a Shabbat service and find out class teaches simple prac- the many Jewish composers and lyricists why “NJC is a place for you to belong!” tices of mindfulness who produced those lasting memories. An Oneg always follows our services, meditation, breathing This evening is sure to entertain you which gives everyone a chance to greet, and stretching that you and we guarantee that you will go home meet and chat. For further information can learn and apply in happy, exhilarated and singing your fa- about Naples Jewish Congregation, daily life. vorite songs! The event concludes with please call 239.431.3858 or visit our an elegant dessert reception. website.

 You will learn i-Rest Yoga Nidra which provides you KNITTERS & CROCHETERS with breathing tech- We’ve got a group for you. niques that will help

reduce stress, anxiety, JFed Stitchers depression and insom- Calling all knitters and crocheters — join us at the next group meeting. nia. Find out about our “Knitter Knockers” and “beanies” projects. Need help with a pattern? There’s someone in the group to advise. Not sure what to work on next? We’ll offer suggestions. Next group meeting at the Federation For registration or information, contact TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 at 10:30 a.m. Micaela Solomon at 239.481.4449 ext. 6 Contact Leni if you would like to participate: or [email protected] [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3 SPONSOR:

Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9 Estero Fine Arts Show Calling all featured artist ixed-media artist Robert Bery creative philosophy have clearly been Alpha Epsilon Phi is one of the participating shaped and informed by his experiences Mjuried artists with the 19th as a post-World War II Hungarian-born Alumnae of SW Florida bi-annual Estero Fine Art Show™, Jew. In the wake of the war, Bery’s fam- Saturday and Sunday, January 7 and 8 ily immigrated to Israel. Robert was six at Miromar Design Center. at the time. When he became an adult, Let’s get together for brunch/lunch on Bery’s work aims to promote posi- he served in the military as an electric tivity in-the-midst-of the ever-dueling technician, applying his accomplished Sunday, February 12 at 11:30 a.m. opposing forces of love and hate. and highly-refined engineering and tech- at Brio, Waterside Shops, Naples, Toward that end, he employs pop ico- nical skills to aviation communication nography designed to advance peaceful systems and the production of Phantom to meet and schmooze. jets. But it was during an archaeological excavation in Israel that Bery discov- ered his passion for art. RSVP to Lynn Prosten, After a period of reflection, Robert decided to utilize his considerable tal- Past AEPhi Foundation Vice President, ents to foster communication and unity among diverse peoples. Art would be his at [email protected] or 301-641-6432. vehicle. “Like a massive jigsaw puzzle,” Bery concludes, “we fit together to make Should be a blast! a single perfect whole.” Following the Yom Kippur War, Mixed-media artist Robert Bery Bery devoted himself fully to his artis- globalization, discourage egotistical tic pursuits, studying at the Ecole Des hubris, and celebrate life. For example, Beaux Arts in Paris and in the studios in a recent series titled Thou Art My of Henry Moore and Jacques Lipshitz Subject, Bery re-imagines flags in order in Italy. to invoke new concepts about the mean- His art has been shown at the Miami ing of national identity. Through this Museum of Art, Soho West in Santa body of work, he openly questions the Monica, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, boundaries these symbols have come to Artopia in New York, Gallery Func- represent over time, and by overlapping tion Art, Blum Helman Warehouse and and entwining traditionally independent several other notable galleries. His work characters, he invokes the concepts of can be found in the private collections of interdependence and cosmopolitanism Bill and Hillary Clinton, David Bowie, that define contemporary post-nation- Willem Dafoe, Alec Baldwin, Benjamin alistic culture. Bratt, the Smithsonian Institute and the Numerals play an important role in Federal Reserve Bank. But in addition many of Bery’s mixed media and sculp- to his artistic legacy, Bery has advanced the rights of all American art- ists to artistic freedom. His legal challenge of a restrictive New York City statute in 1993 resulted in a landmark case that now recognizes artistic expres- sion as protected speech under the First Amendment. Tickets are $50 for general seat- Robert Bery is a shining ex- ing and $75 for Benefactor Preferred ample of the type of artists Hot seating. Buy tickets online at www. Works brings to Estero twice Studying family history brings more than just historical knowledge, naplesjewishcongregation.org. Or mail a year in its ongoing efforts to it builds relationships. Learning the stories behind names and dates a check with your name, address and produce a quality art show that teaches a personal history that explains more than just how each phone to NJC, P.O. Box 111994, Naples, not only intrigues and entices person came to be. EVERYONE WELCOME. FL 34108. collectors, but advances art ap- On Friday night, preciation and education in all Jewish Genealogy SIG (Special Interest Group) Next meeting: Thursday, January 12 February 10, during our viewers. Hot Works Estero Fine 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Shabbat service, Rabbi TM Art Show was recently voted Kanter will give a more one of the top 100 art fairs in LEARN HOW TO BEGIN RESEARCH INTO YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY scholarly presentation OR GET HELP FINDING NEW STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE SEARCH the country among more than YOU HAVE ALREADY STARTED. on the social mores of 2,000 surveyed by Sunshine the times and the effect There is no cost to attend. tural work. When used, they signify the Artist magazine, America’s most trusted RSVP to Leni at [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3 of Jewish composers’ importance of numbers both as a human publication for independent artists. backgrounds and valuesuniversal and as a representation of Hot Works has gained a national on the music they pro-monetary value. Through the use of fi- reputation for quality art. At January’s duced for Broadway andber, many of his pieces reflect the erotic show, more than 150 juried artists will For All Your Southwest Florida Tin Pan Alley. underpinnings of everyday male-female be personally selling original, handmade Our Friday nightinteractions. The pleasure Bery takes in art in multiple media. Event hours are Real Estate Needs Shabbat services begin atlife’s gift of sensation virtually bursts 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days. Ad- 7:30 p.m. when we meet at the Unitarianfrom his colorful works, radiating the mission is free (although a $5 donation Universalist Congregation of Greaterenergetic essence that the sense of touch supporting Hot Works’ non-profit arm, Susan Glasser, Realtor® Naples, 6340 Napa Woods Way. Pleaseembodies. “My intention is to reflect, Institute for the Arts & Education, is join us for a Shabbat service and find out challenge and inspire the viewer through suggested). There is ample free park- John R. Wood Properties why “NJC is a place for you to belong!” color and image,” Bery summarizes. ing. For more information, visit www. An Oneg always follows our services, The artist’s vision and underlying hotworks.org. 15065 McGregor Blvd. #105 which gives everyone a chance to greet, Fort Myers, FL 33908 meet and chat. For further information In front of Gulf Harbour about Naples Jewish Congregation, please call 239.431.3858 or visit our website. [email protected] Mobile: (239) 281-3105 Office: (239) 472-2411 Lee County resident for more than 20 years L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 10 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Book Festival kicks off with six January events By Ted Epstein, Jewish Book Festival Coordinator he second annual Collier County On Wednesday, January 11 at 1:00 an unusual and suspenseful Holocaust kids’ table. Meet the founding member Jewish Book Festival heads into p.m., two novelists will speak at Temple narrative tied to a present-day legal case of The Blues Project and Blood, Sweat Ta six-event month after author Shalom. Alyson Richman, author of and a promise made long ago. This event & Tears. All this and a mini-concert by Kate Siegel and her mom, Kim Fried- The Velvet Hours, tells a tale of Paris is sponsored by WCA. the author/musician as well. This event man, entertained an audience of 162 at on the edge of the German Occupation. On Thursday, January 19 at 2:00 is also sponsored by WCA. the preview event on December 13 at A young French woman closes the door p.m., come to the Hilton for a very The event later that evening, with the Hilton Naples. special event. Author Steve Katz was a author Amy Kurzweil, is sold out. Jesse Itzler headlines the opening major contributor to the rock scene in Holocaust narratives are featured on event on Thursday, January 5 at 11:30 the 1960s and ’70s. His Blood, Sweat, Monday, January 23 at 1:00 p.m. when a.m. at the Hilton, sponsored by U.S. and My Rock ’n’ Roll Years takes read- Beth Tikvah hosts Robert P. Watson, Bank. Jesse was the #1-rated author – ers to the Greenwich Village folk/rock author of The Nazi Titanic, and Josh out of 200! – at the Jewish Book Council to her late grandmother’s treasure-filled scene, the ’60s most celebrated venues Aronson, author of Orchestra of Exiles. network conference in New York City apartment. This leads to the unveiling and concerts, and behind closed doors This event – which will probably sell last May, attended by Jewish Book of an unlikely relationship in danger- on international tours and grueling stu- out by mid-January – is sponsored by Festival co-chairs Robin Mintz and ous times. Novelist-lawyer Ronald H. dio sessions. It’s the unlikely story of a the Holocaust Museum & Education Susan Pittelman and me. Balson will discuss Karolina’s Twins, nice Jewish boy who got to sit at the cool Center of Southwest Florida. Sports interest ties together the two JOIN US FOR AN AUTHOR EVENT books introduced on Monday, January 30 at 7:00 p.m. Come to Beth Tikvah to hear Gary Belsky and Jeffrey A. Margo- with Victoria Kelly lis. Belsky’s On the Origins of Sports author of the bestselling novel, sets out to understand why and how sports have become so important to us. It Mrs. Houdini gathers the rules, history and miscellany of the world’s 21 most popular sports. Margolis takes a close look at Violence Wednesday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. in Sports. He discusses the issues related Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation & the Alliance for the Arts to manifestations of violent behavior in sports at all levels of competition. at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers For more information and to order tickets, visit www.jewishbookfestival. After Ms. Kelly’s talk, enjoy a reception Cost: $10 org or call 239.263.4205. and book signing. Copies of her book RSVP to www.artinlee.org Phil Jason, Jewish Book Festival co- chair, contributed the descriptions of will be available for purchase. Seating is limited. several of the events in this article. Request for nominations for 21st Annual Breaking the Glass Ceiling Awards he Jewish Museum of Florida- orees must have demonstrated activities 5:00 p.m. You may submit FIU is seeking nominations for in the Jewish and civic community, more than one nominee. Tthe 21st Annual Breaking the and served as role models or mentors. Nomination is an honor, Glass Ceiling Awards to be presented More than 85 women have received but not a guarantee of fi- on Sunday, March 26 in Miami Beach. this prestigious award to date, including nal selection. In order to From the submissions, the Breaking the women in medicine, banking, account- receive the award, recipi- Glass Ceiling Committee will select ing, academia, politics, law, aviation, ents must be able to take four women from around the state to sports, journalism, arts, entertainment part in the Glass Ceiling receive the annual award. and more. Ceremony at JMOF-FIU 2016 winners: Lynn Leight, Ruth VanDyke, The award was established in 1995 If you know a woman who quali- on March 26. Wendy Mann Resnick, Karen Asher Cohen by the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU fies for this award, please log onto (JMOF-FIU) to honor Florida Jewish www.jewishmuseum.com, or contact professional women who have become Nancy Cohen at 786.972.3164 or nan PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS successful pioneers in fields generally [email protected] to obtain a nomination dominated by men. While this is not an form. Nominations need to submitted WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION award for community service, the hon- to JMOF-FIU by Friday, January 20 at & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE.

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Request for nominations for 21st Annual Breaking the Glass Ceiling Awards

2016 winners: Lynn Leight, Ruth VanDyke, Dina Ben-Ari, FIDF Florida Regional Director (center), with Paul and Sylvia Simko Wendy Mann Resnick, Karen Asher Cohen PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. TheFun BeginsOpening Night!

FREE Friday Night ADMISSION & Photos courtesy Ted Epstein EASY PARKING! February 3 6-9pm Gerald Ziedenberg Lectures Edwards Drive & Hendry Street erald Ziedenberg, historian, renowned scientist who saved tens Downtown Fort Myers Riverfront lecturer, author and winter of thousands from the scourge of resident, is returning to pres- polio. G ‹ ent his popular lecture series at Temple ‹ Albert Einstein, a one-time math- Beth El in Fort Myers. ematician, physicist, philosopher, Get VIP Perks & The community is invited to attend cosmologist, Zionist and a refugee Reserved Parking each Monday evening beginning on from Nazi Germany. January 9 through March 27 (exclud- Classes are free. Please call the Only $95/person ing February 13 and February 27) from temple office for further information VIP Tent on Opening Night 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and learn about his- at 239.433.0018. Temple Beth El is lo- • Gourmet hors d’oeuvres, tory through lectures, discussions and cated at 16225 Winkler Road. Wine, Beer and more films. If you are looking for a way to • Popular tunes and Topics for the winter series include: spend an enjoyable time with friends jazz of L Jay fill the air ‹‹ The Holocaust: Dr. Januscz Korc- while sharing your knowledge and • 70 fabulous artists zak, the heroic doctor of the War- opinions on current issues facing Jews • AND MORE! saw Ghetto who would not leave today, have we got an invitation for his 200 orphan children and save you! VIP Tent Saturday & Sunday himself. Our winter resident, Historian • Morning Mimosas, Lunch, ‹‹ The Right Wrong Man, the story of Gerald Ziedenberg, leads a spirited Snacks, Wine, Beer and More John Demjanjuk and the last great conversation each Thursday morning • Jazzy entertainment Nazi War Crimes Trial. at 10:00 a.m. in the library at Temple • AND MORE! ‹‹ The Russian Jews: Vasilyu Gross- Beth El. With subjects ranging from Visit us online for tickets man, one of the greatest figures of the rise in anti-Semitism to the Irani- or more information! Soviet literature and a war corre- an nuclear war crisis, members of the Sponsored by: spondent, one of the first to tell the group share their knowledge, questions story of the Nazi death camps. and concerns. ‹‹ Natan Sharansky, who led the fight There is great power in knowl- For a continuously updated calendar of events, to free Soviet Jewry and led the edge, and isn’t it our responsibility as immigration that changed the face Jews to stay informed? We invite you ArtFestFortMyers.com of Israel. to join our group each Thursday morn- #ArtFestFM visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org. ‹‹ The Scientists: Dr. Jonas Salk, the ing…there is a lot to learn! L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 12 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Celebrate the creative at ArtFest Fort Myers! one-of-a-kind art experience this February: always welcomed my creative input kia. A near death experience brought awaits you at ArtFest Fort My- Steven B. Levine is a woodworker while teaching me the meaning and re- him closer to God and made him real- A ers on February 4 & 5, with an who is guided by the beauty and char- wards of hard work.” Ronna’s abstract ize that the overwhelming purpose of Opening Night on Friday, February acter inherent in each board he works paintings often incorporate cultural his life was to express his creativity 3. Recognized locally for its Cultural with. Feeling honored to have a suc- symbols, and she finds the spiral most through glass. Achievement with an acclaimed 2016 cessful career doing something that he powerful, as it speaks to physical or By sharing his experiences through Chrysalis Award, and nationally as one truly loves, Steven has been recognized spiritual growth or transformation. his paintings, Dan Bondroff draws the of the Best Southern Art Fairs by Art- Wesley Rasko is a glass sculptor viewer into his story. “Regular renewal FairCalendar.com, this fine art festival who finds fluidity in combining glass, of spirit, self-reflection and personal is a true favorite. stone, crystal, wood and other mate- growth are so important in my work Upgrade to the VIP Experience at rials of seeming contrast. Growing ArtFest Fort Myers, as Ron Bucher, up in Canada with immigrant parents Vice President, Investments at Ray- mond James, looks forward to wel- coming you to a weekend of all things artfully pampered. Your VIP treatment begins with reserved weekend parking, admission to the Friday Night Open- ing VIP Tent with delicious food and drinks, plus unlimited access to the VIP Experience Tent with breakfast and my faith,” explains Bondroff. “Ju- treats, a delightful lunch and beverages daism has always been a vital part of all weekend long. The VIP Experience for his outstanding creative achieve- my life.” Exploring our everyday envi- is $95 per person and your support ment numerous times. “It is particu- ronment, Dan gives us the opportunity contributes to the year-round ArtFest larly gratifying to know that my wood to slow down a bit and appreciate the Fort Myers’ art education outreach pro- boxes with secret compartments are from Czechoslovakia, he was exposed beauty that surrounds us. grams. popular gifts honoring boys and girls equally to two cultures and remem- Join us at ArtFest Fort Myers, Feb- Be sure to bring the entire fam- who are celebrating their Bar Mitzvahs bers fondly his grandmother’s tradi- ruary 3, 4 & 5. For more information, ily to this fun and free outdoor fine art and Bat Mitzvahs,” explains Levine. tional folk songs that permeated his visit ArtFestFortMyers.com - Like Us festival, where the work of over 200 A second-generation art show art- childhood. His formal glass technique on Facebook - Connect with us on professional artists are showcased. ist, Ronna Katz spent every summer training was obtained in Czechoslova- Linkedin - Tag us #artfestfm. Take time to enjoy our talented high of her youth trav- school artists’ work at the Art Under 20 eling to art fes- Exhibit and Competition and prepare tivals, where her to be amazed as students create large parents displayed street paintings in the Chalk Block. Al- and sold their art ways a crowd-pleaser, the Publix Art work. Ronna and Yard and Youth Stage are full of oppor- her two younger tunities for children of all ages to join brothers helped us in creating several Public Art pieces, to dolly and carry, while enjoying a variety of great per- set up the tent/ formances. And be sure to visit the art displays, help sell festival’s Dining Galleries, where de- and wrap, and licious culinary fare from around the then disassemble world is the norm. the booth at the Meet a few of the artists who will end of the week- be exhibiting at ArtFest Fort Myers end. “My parents L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13 Celebrate the creative at ArtFest Fort Myers! First ever CAMERA event in Fort Myers kia. A near death experience broughtBy Jean Campaiola him closer to God and made him real- ver 80 Israel supporters gath- Israeli offers of Palestinian statehood, dating back to the days of the second and Charlotte Counties. Participants ize that the overwhelming purpose of ered in the clubhouse at Re- or the Israeli government’s voluntary intifada. He spoke of his efforts to get were given an article to analyze and his life was to express his creativity flection Lakes on December settlement freeze to entice the Pales- the news coverage changed in Raleigh, each wrote their own letter to the editor through glass. O 4 to hear a talk by Sarit Catz, Interna- tinians to the negotiating table, or that North Carolina. He was particularly in response. In the interactive session, By sharing his experiences through tional Director for CAMERA’s letter Palestinian incitement in the schools eager to bring CAMERA to the Fort Ms. Catz gave pointers on how to im- his paintings, Dan Bondroff draws thewriting campaign. and mosques continues in blatant vio- Myers Jewish community because prove the letters and increase the like- viewer into his story. “Regular renewal CAMERA, which stands for Com- lation of the Oslo accords. Further, of the deep love for Israel which ex- lihood of publication. of spirit, self-reflection and personalmittee for Accuracy in Middle East Re- many papers omit the ongoing vio- ists here. Roger encouraged people to People often wonder what a small growth are so important in my work porting in America, is a media monitor- lence against Israeli citizens – whether write – both to write letters and to write group of letter writers can do. Ms. ing group whose mission is to promote during the stabbing intifada, the rock- checks. Catz told the story of a CAMERA let- fair treatment of Israel in the press. ets from Gaza, or the deliberate arson Though there was not time to cov- ter writer, an elderly woman in Dallas, Ms. Catz, an Israeli native who which caused hundreds of fires to rage er this, Nadine Richterman, Florida Texas. This woman wrote a letter about has a degree in International Relations across Israel. Director of CAMERA, emphasized Israel to the editor every single day. from the University of Pennsylvania Ms. Catz urged us to pay attention the work that CAMERA also does on When there was positive coverage, she and an MBA from the Wharton School to language. What is the difference be- campus, in an effort to identify and thanked him. When there was biased of Business, spoke passionately about tween a terrorist and a militant? Usu- combat BDS. CAMERA has fellows or inaccurate coverage, she politely the struggles Israel faces in the court of ally, a terrorist is one who kills civil- on 70 U.S. campuses. These fellows but firmly corrected it. And when there public opinion. She gave examples of ians, and a militant is a person who are trained in Boston and supported by was no coverage, she sent him an ar- coverage from a variety of media out- feels strongly about an issue. Militant CAMERA staff on letter writing and ticle highlighting something wonderful and my faith,” explains Bondroff. “Ju-lets, especially The New York Times. vegetarians for example, feel strongly event planning, and are also given a about Israel, its advances in medicine, daism has always been a vital part ofThough readership of The Times is de- about what they eat, and perhaps even budget to bring pro-Israel speakers to high tech or wine making. Over time, my life.” Exploring our everyday envi-clining, it remains an opinion leader, what you eat. But they do not resort to campus. CAMERA has also expanded the coverage of that paper changed. ronment, Dan gives us the opportunity operations to monitor media in the UK, This was due to the persistent efforts of to slow down a bit and appreciate the Europe, Latin America and Israel. one person. beauty that surrounds us. The following day, a smaller group For more information and to join Join us at ArtFest Fort Myers, Feb- met for a letter writing workshop with the effort to set the record straight, ruary 3, 4 & 5. For more information, Ms. Catz, sponsored by Temple Beth please go to CAMERA.org. visit ArtFestFortMyers.com - Like Us El and the Jewish Federation of Lee on Facebook - Connect with us on Linkedin - Tag us #artfestfm.

Speaker Sarit Catz during her PowerPoint presentation and as such sets the news agenda for violence if you eat something they dis- the country. approve of. For many papers, a person Israel is covered with a micro- who deliberately kills Americans is a scope. Every terrorist incident, every terrorist, but a person who kills Israelis IDF reaction and every election pro- is a militant. duces dozens of articles from journal- Then there are the feature stories ists across the world. But often the which hold Israel to a double standard. coverage fits into a flawed, slanderous Israel has been accused of being an narrative. apartheid state and was severely criti- Sometimes errors are blatant and cized in the world media for gender- easy to spot. But media bias often ap- segregated buses in religious neighbor- pears in subtle and potentially more hoods. Though it is jarring to American damaging ways. In her presentation, ears to hear of this practice, it is not Ms. Catz urged us to notice headlines, official government policy. It is a vol- Speaker Sarit Catz, Sylvia Simko, Nadine Richterman, Dottie Ruberto photographs, language, and the under- untary self-segregation in some Or- lying narratives and biased opinions thodox neighborhoods. Yet there is no which inform many so called “news corresponding mention of actual gen- stories.” der apartheid in Arab countries – gov- Through a detailed PowerPoint ernment-sponsored, state-sanctioned presentation she showed some of the systematic oppression of women, gays worst examples. and non-Muslim populations, which A suicide bomber detonates his includes violence and imprisonment. bomb on an Israeli bus, murdering sev- As frustrating as this is, she cau- eral people. The Times headline: A bus tioned us not to see anti-Semitism be- explodes in Jerusalem; several people hind every article. In her view, many died. Note the passive tense. The bus reporters simply do not know any bet- explodes, seemingly on its own, and ter. Many have degrees in English or the Israelis simply die. journalism, and do not have any spe- If people read past the headline, cialized knowledge of the regions they they might go to the photo. A photo- cover. So CAMERA takes a respectful, graph is worth a thousand words, at educational approach when confront- least. Last year, an IDF soldier was ing media inaccuracies. But CAMERA February 4&5 stabbed to death while he was sleep- needs help. ing on a bus. The Israeli security forces Ms. Catz urged us to call it out 10am-5pm then shot his attacker. Appallingly, The when we see it, whether it is in our lo- Times ran a photo of the grieving Pal- cal paper, national media, TV shows, Downtown estinian mother. or even on social media with our Fort Myers River District Speaking of photos, have you ever friends and family, too. We all want to noticed, Ms. Catz asked, that photos of avoid confrontation. But when some- Palestinians are usually of a frightened one posts things about Israel which are Art for Everyone child or a bereaved mother? And that inaccurate, it is essential to say firmly FREE 200 Nationally photos of Israelis are typically of an and clearly that it simply isn’t so. N & DMISSIO Known Artists IDF soldier or an Orthodox man in a Israel remains a bipartisan issue, A KING! ASY PAR black hat? These selections reinforce and fully 2/3 of the American public E Kid’s Activities the narrative of Palestinians as defense- hold Israel in high regard. But cam- less victims, and Israelis as militaristic paigns of disinformation could weak- Food & Entertainment and religious fundamentalists. en support for Israel and turn public If someone were to wade through opinion against the Jewish state. So it an article, even after a misleading head- is urgent that we try and reverse the OPENING NIGHT line and an inappropriate picture, they narrative being spread by so many of will often find a complete lack of con- Israel’s defamers. February 3 text. The press routinely blames Israel Roger Harris, a member of CAM- for a stalled peace process. But jour- ERA’s Florida advisory board, told of 6-9pm nalists almost never mention multiple his own association with CAMERA, Edwards Drive & Hendry Street 70 Artists•Fine Food Artist Beer&Wine• Music Charlene Heilman, Visit our website for VIP upgrades! ConneCt Glass with your Jewish Community www.facebook.com/ facebook.com/jfedsrq For directions, parking and more information ArtFestFortMyers.com JewishFederationLCC #ArtFestFM L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 14 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Presents the 21st Annual Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida All films will be screened at the Regal Cinemas Bell Tower. Open seating at all films for general admission tickets. Tickets will be mailed up to December 31. Tickets ordered after December 31 will be available after 6:00 p.m. inside the theater on the day of the show. Thursday, January 12 at 7:15 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities SABENA HIJACKING: are available that include MY VERSION reserved seating. This docu-drama is based on previously undiscovered audio recordings of former pilot Captain Reginald Levy. Captain Levy, now deceased, was See the form on page 5. in command of Sabena Flight 571 from Brussels, Belgium, to Tel Aviv on May 8, 1972, when it was hijacked by four members of Black September, the armed wing of Fatah or PLO. The film finally shares the untold story Thank You to these of what exactly took place on the flight throughout the 30 hours of nerve- wracking captivity. It fuses candid interviews with dramatic reenactments. Sponsors of the It takes viewers into the aircraft to witness the events firsthand as the hijackers threaten to explode hand grenades unless 300 prisoners were Jewish Film Festival: released. The result is a fast-paced film full of suspense, which poses historical and political questions that helped to shape the Israel of today. Language: English /Hebrew/Arabic/French Principal Sponsor Running Time: 1 hr. 38 min. Tuesday, January 17 at 7:15 p.m. IN SEARCH OF ISRAELI CUISINE This film is a portrait of the Israeli people told through food. It is drawn from the more than 100 cultures that make up Israel today. Through interviews with chefs, farmers, home cooks, vintners and cheese makers, to visits to farms, markets, restaurants and kitchens, audiences will discover that this hot, multi-cultural cuisine has developed only in the last 30 years. In that short time, Israel went from being one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the most advanced. Its sophistication mirrors the current state of the Israeli people and their food: secular, outward looking and innovative. The chef/guide of the film is Michael Solomonov, the James Beard award-winning chef/owner of Zahav and a number of other restaurants in Philadelphia. Language: English Running Time: 1 hr. 34 min.

Thursday, January 19 at 7:15 p.m.

FANNY’S JOURNEY Dr. Brian and Sara Krivisky Fanny’s Journey is an incredible tale of bravery, strength and survival – a story of a daring young girl who will stop at nothing and fear no one. In 1943, 13-year-old Fanny and her younger sisters were sent from their Martha & John Wolf home in France to an Italian foster home for Jewish children. When the Nazis arrive in Italy, their caretakers desperately organize the departure of the children to Switzerland. Suddenly left on their own, these eleven children will do the impossible to reach the Swiss border in order to survive. Helene & Jorge Glocer Language: French with English subtitles Lin & Ron Klein Running Time: 1 hr. 34 min. Barbara & Barry Epstein Sylvia & Paul Simko Rachel Abraham Zelda Dubin Memorial Linda & Charles Idelson Philanthropic Fund Tuesday, January 24 at 7:15 p.m. Wills, Estates and Trusts Eric Gurgold, Esq. Marsha & Mike Kistler Florida Bar Board Certifi ed Wills, Trust and Estate Attorney KEEP QUIET Anna & Yale Levin Business and Tax Planning Guy E. Whitesman, Esq. As Vice President of Jobbik, Hungary’s far-right extremist party, Cheryl & Michael Florida Bar Board Certifi ed Tax Attorney Csanad Szegedi regularly espoused anti-Semitic rhetoric and Goldstein Holocaust denials. He was a founder of the Hungarian Guard, JoAnn & Jim Lewin a now-banned militia inspired by the Arrow Cross, a pro-Nazi Guyhenlaw.com Whitesman • 239. 344.1100 party complicit in the murder of thousands of Jews during Lynda & Michael WWII. Then came a revelation which transformed his life. Rubenstein Szegedi’s maternal grandparents were revealed to be Jewish and Judi & Richard Davis his beloved grandmother an Auschwitz survivor who had hidden her faith fearing further persecution. Keep Harriet & Alan Quiet depicts Szegedi’s three-year journey as he is guided by Rabbi Boruch Oberlander to embrace his Josephson newfound religion, forced to confront the painful truths of his family’s past, his own wrongdoing, and the Shirley & Byron Frank turbulent history of his country. But is this astonishing transformation a process of genuine reparation and spiritual awakening or is he simply a desperate man with nowhere else to turn? Dr. Howard N. Barrow, Language: English, Hebrew with English subtitles Running Time: 1 hr. 30 min. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Florida L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 15

Thursday, January 26 at 7:15 p.m. THE WOMEN’S BALCONY An incident during a Bar Mitzvah celebration leads to a gendered rift in a devout Orthodox community in Jerusalem in this rousing, good-hearted tale about women speaking truth to patriarchal power. The day of Osher’s Bar Mitzvah begins auspiciously, with happy guests in their Sabbath best making their way through Jerusalem’s streets. They congregate in the synagogue and the men look up adoringly at the women’s balcony where their wives, daughters, sisters, cousins and grandmothers are gathered. Then disaster strikes: the floor under the balcony gives way, leaving several injured. Most everyone regards the collapse as a tragic result of a structure flaw. No one stops to wonder if it might have been a message from God – until Rabbi David comes along. Language: Hebrew with English subtitles Running Time: 1 hr. 36 min.

Tuesday, January 31 at 7:15 p.m. The Jewish Federation of THE PICKLE RECIPE Lee and Charlotte Counties Joey Miller is a single father and deeply in debt. To make matters worse, thanks the members of the he’s a DJ and his work equipment is destroyed in a freak accident. His daughter Julie’s Bat Mitzvah is only four weeks away and she is counting 2017 Jewish Film Festival on him to DJ her party. After exhausting all his options, he turns to his Committee for their help shady Uncle Morty, who agrees to give him the money he needs to get back into business, but only under one condition. Joey must steal his in reviewing and selecting grandmother Rose’s most prized possession – her famous top-secret dill pickle recipe. It’s a recipe she has vowed to take to her grave. films: Language: English Running Time: 1 hr. 37 min. Sara Krivisky, Chair Carolyn Gora, Lynn Talone, Irwin Kash, Susie Ferkel, Helene Glocer, Claire Goldhagen, Thursday, February 2 at 7:15 p.m. Dan Sharff, Sid Wilker JUST ANOTHER VERSION OF YOU This documentary profiles legendary TV mogul Norman Lear, best ORDER FORM known for creating a number of groundbreaking 1970s sitcoms – All in Indicate your choices on the form below the Family, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, Maude, Good Times – that mirrored the cultural changes roiling the country. and send it along with your payment to: Through his shows, Norman Lear boldly cracked open dialogues and shifted the national consciousness into sociopolitical debates on race, The Jewish Federation class, creed and feminism. The film uses the recurring motif of a theater filled with television screens as a means to explore Lear’s personal life, 9701 Commerce Center Court his work and his impact on American society. Fort Myers, FL 33908 Language: English Running Time: 1 hr. 31 min. Questions? Call 239.481.4449 x3 or email [email protected]. Name______Tuesday, February 7 at 7:15 p.m. Address______HARMONIA City______ST____ Zip______This film is inspired by the biblical story of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar. Phone______Sarah, the harpist of the Jerusalem Philharmonic, is married to Abraham, Email______the conductor. They have no children. When Hagar, a young horn player from East Jerusalem joins the orchestra, Sarah’s world changes. The two Tickets will be mailed up to December 31. women develop a unique friendship that is challenged when Hagar offers Sarah to have a baby for her, from Abraham. When the baby is born, Tickets ordered after December 31 will be Hagar leaves the orchestra and the newborn son, Ben, with Sarah and available after 6:00 p.m. inside the theater Abraham. Twelve years pass, Ben is a phenomenal pianist, yet wild and the day of the show. uncontrollable. Something is wrong, he feels it deep inside. At the same time, Sarah gets pregnant in her late forties and gives birth to Isaac. When No refunds on tickets. Isaac is three, Hagar returns to the orchestra and an unexpected series of events lead to the fated ending. OPEN SEATING AT ALL FILMS Language: German with English subtitles Running Time: 1 hr. 37 min. SERIES OF 9 EVENING FILMS: $96 INDIVIDUAL FILMS: $12 each Indicate # of tickets desired for each film: Sunday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m. _____ Series Ticket...... (all 9 films) MR. PREDICTABLE _____ Sabena Hijacking...... 1/12/17 When Adi was 5 years old, his father died in the war in Lebanon. Before _____ In Search of Israeli Cuisine....1/17/17 he left home, his father made Adi swear he would be a good boy, help his _____ Fanny’s Journey...... 1/19/17 mother and be responsible. Adi kept his promise: he helped more than enough at home, at school, in the military, in his marriage – he became _____ Keep Quiet...... 1/24/17 the most thoughtful man you can imagine. Or to say it another way – Adi _____ The Women’s Balcony...... 1/26/17 became a “sucker” who was exploited by his mother, his wife, his son, _____ The Pickle Recipe...... 1/31/17 his boss and nearly everyone he ever met. Things change radically on the day Adi meets Natalia – a sweet, young, wild girl who entices him _____ Just Another Version of You.....2/2/17 into a life full of emotion, passion and romance. Now Adi has to choose _____ Harmonia...... 2/7/17 between love and reason, between dreams and reality, between Natalia MATINEE and his family. Language: Hebrew with English subtitles _____ Mr. Predictable...... 1/22/17 Running Time: 1 hr. 43 min. Matinee _____ Total Due Several of the films will include brief introductions r Check payable to Jewish Federation enclosed Charge: r MasterCard r Visa r Amex r Discover that help set the background for the movie, Name on card______as well as follow-up discussions after the movie Card#______for those who would like to participate. Exp. Date______L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 16 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Three kings, a mad princess, and their times reimagined in dazzling, expansive novel Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM The Secret Book of Kings, text and also read the texts differently and arrogance, palaces for how brilliantly she by Yochi Brandes. Translated by from the perspective of the Biblical and temples, frankness brings her characters to Yardenne Greenspan. St. Martin’s. author(s), as well as the perspectives of and cunning, passion and life. Her penetration into 416 pages. Hardcover $26.99. traditional interpreters. The resources coldness, tribe and nation, the longings, confusions, presented here are meant to aid inter- royal splendor and simple deliberations and joyful irst published in Hebrew in 2008, ested readers in learning more about family life. moments of these charac- this is a book about the power of traditional and modern perspectives on Though the author’s ters is remarkable. Many Fstories. It recognizes the truth the Bible, as well as to guide readers scholarly preparation, undergo changes that are that the stories we inherit are most often in comparing the Biblical text with the fueled by her imagi- convincingly motivated the stories of those who prevailed. We book’s text.” nation, allows her to though not predictable. Al- must understand Two voices dominate this sprawling recreate the lands, the most all the major figures are that this aphorism epic. One is the voice of Shelomoam, politics, the genealo- complex individuals whom includes the sto- a conflicted young man who grows up gies, and the material the readers come to know ries of the Jewish living in fear and enveloped by secrets. and spiritual culture of these turbulent intimately. King David is one Bible. In retell- His true identity is a secret, and the one times with great particularity, she strives particularly complex character, but there ing and reimagin- he is cloaked in is a fabrication meant for and attains a welcome sense of are so many. ing these stories to protect him. The early story of She- universality. With the online supplementary – the kingships of lomoam, mainly provided in his own Anyone who reads this book with material, this is a great choice for book Saul, David and words, launches the novel. It is followed the concluding stages of the recent groups. Solomon – author by one section of the story of Michal, U. S. political campaigns in mind Yochi Brandes was born in 1959  Phil Yochi Brandes daughter of King Saul will find many paral- in Haifa to a family of Hassidic rabbis. Jason includes many and abandoned queen lels in the campaigns of Earning her BA in biblical studies and scenes in which scribes are at work – of King David. Once the ancient candidates an MA in Judaic studies, Brandes taught or thought to be at work – writing and again, the main charac- for kingship and their bible and Judaism for many years. She is rewriting history. To the victors go the ter is the narrator. She subordinates. Brandes the author of novels and essays on bibli- spoils of war – including having the is soon identified as the makes a point of having cal women – all of them bestsellers in final, authoritative word. That is, until Mad Princess, and we her characters reflect on Israel. She has been awarded the Book the lines of power are rearranged and will discover why. the stories they know, Publishers Association’s Platinum Book new versions of what happened replace The novel continues seeing parallels in their Prizes for seven of her books, including older ones. to alternate perspectives own lives to the sto- The Secret Book of Kings, and the Stei- But the older ones remain concealed and locations with a ries about the patriarch matsky Prize for Akiva’s Orchard. She only until they are needed again. And suspenseful building of generations, especially lives outside of Tel Aviv. stories may be written, and purposely story-telling rhythms. the rivalries within the Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus be concealed, for later revelation. The cast of charac- families. Parallels are of English from the United States Na- “Stories are deadlier than swords. ters is enormous, and Yochi Brandes (photo by Iris Nesher) also drawn to portions val Academy. He reviews regularly for Swords can only harm those standing the names of many are both strange to of the Moses saga. Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, right in front of them, while stories de- English ears and yet so much like other In other words, the more things Southern Literary Review, and other termine who will live and who will die names that it’s sometimes hard to keep change the more they remain the same. publications. Please visit Phil’s website in future generations.” all the character straight. However, the Yochi Brandes is to be commended at www.philjason.wordpress.com. An official website for the book pro- situations and the emotions they pro- vides resources to foster complex reader duce are always vivid and clear. involvement. Readers can discover The twists and turns of the plot Stay connected all month long at “how the Bible’s stories as told in the spin around opposites: loyalty and be- novel are deeply rooted in the Biblical trayal, courage and cowardice, modesty www.JewishFederationLCC.org

Sunday, January 22, 7pm Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW • Tickets from $42

FEATURING: Brian Duprey, vocalist Brian Duprey’s flawless acting ability channels Sinatra’s energy and spirit. His command of the stage, uncanny mannerisms, and note-for-note renditions of Sinatra’s material creates a suspension of disbelief for the audience who believes they have been transported back in time to witness a real Sinatra concert.

Sponsored in part by: Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists.

Performance accessible to all patrons.

TICKETS: 239.481.4849 • GulfCoastSymphony.org SYMPHONY OFFICE: 239.277.1700 L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 17 Shiva, prison and a father’s legacy By Mark Sweitzer ver the past year, you have is sadly obsolete in 2016/2017. he is gone, I still do. I could not have So, I sit shiva. I do it in a 7x10 bath- read articles from the mem- Another area where this phenom- asked for a better dad. He taught me all room that I share with another man. Obers of Bet T’Shuvah about enon occurs is in our relationships with I needed to know about life. Fortunately, I have an understanding our past and our lives in prison. About our family and friends. Suddenly, that He taught me how to play baseball roommate. I am not allowed to go to how difficult it can be to practice our little boy or girl we knew is now grown and ride a bike. He showed me how my dad’s funeral. Prison rules. In fact, faith in this environment. I would like up, married and has children. We look to work on a car – though, even into the prison Chaplain failed to notify me to bring it to an even more personal in the mirror and discover a head full adulthood, my “help” often consisted of his death. I found out only when I level – about our relationship with of grey hair. Or, in my case, missing of handing him the requested tool. He called home inquiring how dad was do- those in the outside world. Even though hair. Where did the time go? I am re- taught me the importance of a strong ing. this will not be published until January minded of the song “Sunrise, Sunset” work ethic and the value of money. In the meantime, I sit alone, re- 2017, this article is being written on the from Fiddler on the Roof. And most importantly, he taught me by membering him and his legacy. I know morning of Thanksgiving Day. For years, my goal when I got out his demonstration, the difference be- his suffering is over, and for that, I Yesterday, my father passed away of prison was to take care of my mom tween right and wrong, to tell the truth am glad. I will miss him. Yet, the best after a long illness. So, even though I and dad. Now, after 58 years of mar- at all times, and a deep love for God. way I can honor his legacy is to live am sitting shiva, I wish to honor him riage, only my mom remains. And, When I messed up, I knew he still by the values he instilled in me as the and his memory with this article. It is with her advanced Alzheimer’s, I am loved me. “That’s okay,” he’d say. “We “World’s #1 Dad.” probably the most difficult thing I have left wondering if she will make it an- all make mistakes. Just learn from this ever written. other six months. She does not grasp one.” As I grew into adulthood, he The Jewish Federation is grateful Prison is an odd place. For most of yet that dad is gone. I realize it is the became my mentor, my advisor, my us, we are semi-frozen in a place where disease talking, but she speaks of him friend. It was for this reason I chose to Sharon Rosenberg of Cape Coral time seems to stop. Meanwhile, on the as if he is still here. him to be the Best Man at my wedding. for editing and transcribing outside, the pace of life continues to Years back, I gave my dad one of I do not recall him ever speaking ill of the monthly articles from Jewish scurry along at an ever-increasing rate. those goofy “World’s #1 Dad” coffee anyone. inmates at Charlotte County I’ve “only” been in eight years, and mugs. You’ve all seen them. But, at Now he is gone – but not from my cutting-edge technology in 2008/2009 the time, I meant it. And even though memory. Correctional Institution. The Wannsee Conference at 75 By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD ne of the most frequently dis- directives already made. flowed freely and that the cakes were anniversary of the conference. cussed – and misunderstood Therefore, the conference was delicious. Heydrich toasted the success- In view of this history, why is the O– events of the Holocaust took intended to move the process of death ful outcome of the meeting with a glass meeting, as I said at the outset, so fre- place exactly 75 years ago this month. forward, beyond the work already of cognac. quently misunderstood? It must be noted On January 20, 1942, in a home at 56-58 being accomplished in Russia by the Eichmann was tasked with draw- that the purpose of the meeting was not Am Grossen Wannsee, Berlin, formerly Einsatzgruppen (mobile killing squads). ing up the protocols resulting from the to discuss whether or not to implement owned by a Jewish family, a group of Accordingly, the delegates discussed meeting, and Heydrich ordered that the Final Solution, but, rather, to discuss high-ranking Nazi whether or not there was a more “effi- they were to be carefully drafted using the various and best ways of achieving officials held a short cient” way to accomplish the core end of coded language and euphemisms. The the objectives of a Europe to be Juden- conference in which mass murder, meeting the organizational result was a short summary document in rein (“Jew-free”). All too many people, they discussed the challenges of identifying, transporting, which the purposes of the meeting were beholding the horror of the meeting in co-ordination and housing and eventually eliminating the outlined, together with conclusions as to which the fate of 11 million Jews was implementation of European Jews. Among the discussion next steps. The resultant document was discussed, conclude automatically that the “Final Solution of items stemming from this was the use of then edited by Heydrich himself. it was here that the decision was taken the Jewish Problem” mobile gas killing vans and large-scale Thirty copies were made, and those for the Final Solution. It is, perhaps, a  Dr. Paul – the coded phrase stationary gas chambers. who had been present were ordered to natural conclusion to draw, but it belies Bartrop for the extermination The conference also established read over their copy and then destroy it. the fact that by the time the meeting of all of Europe’s 11 million Jews. policies for the treatment of Jews who One, however, remained. In 1947, Mar- took place up to half-a-million Jews had The meeting was convened by were of “mixed blood” (so-called tin Luther’s copy was located, enabling already been murdered. Reinhard Heydrich, head of the Reich Mischlinge), or in mixed marriages, the story of the conference at Wannsee All the Wannsee Conference did Security Main Office, or RSHA. Those using the Nazi racial laws set down at to be reconstructed. Then, at the trial of was to confirm and coordinate – in real- attending were Heydrich (presiding), Nuremberg. Criteria were established Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem in 1961, ity, to make more efficient – a situation Adolf Eichmann (RSHA, Unit IV B4), for dealing with the Mischlinge, who many of the tentative conclusions of mass annihilation that was already Alfred Mayer and Georg Leibbrandt were divided into a complex classifi- reached by earlier researchers were well in train by January 1942. The (Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Ter- cation system based on “degrees” of confirmed by Eichmann’s testimony. bureaucracy of death, thus activated, ritories), Wilhelm Stuckart (Interior), “mixed blood.” Soon after the conference, plans became an unstoppable force that only Erich Neumann (Office of the Four Heydrich closed the meeting with a for what would eventually become the the defeat of the Nazis in 1945 could Year Plan), Roland Freisler (Justice), call for cooperation among all ministries system of death camps went forward in defeat. Josef Bühler (Director General of the present, after which food and drink were earnest, and the deadliest phase of the Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History Generalgouvernement), Martin Luther provided. Several of the participants Holocaust began. and the Director of the Center for Ju- (Foreign Office), Gerhard Klopfer and remained after the meeting broke up Today, the villa at Wannsee is a Ho- daic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies Friedrich Wilhelm Kritzinger (Reich to socialize and enjoy good fellow- locaust memorial and museum, visited at Florida Gulf Coast University. He Chancellery), Otto Hofmann (Race and ship. Eichmann later related that the by hundreds of people every day. It was can be reached at [email protected]. Settlement Main Office), Heinrich Mül- attendees were quite jovial, the liquor opened on January 20, 1992, the fiftieth ler (RSHA), Karl Eberhard Schöngarth (Commander SD/SiPO Kraków) and BENEFITING THE COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH Rudolf Lange (Commander SD Latvia). Within this group of 15 men were numbered nine lawyers; eight of those attending had earned doctoral degrees. The German invasion and occu- pation of Eastern Europe presented a KOSHER COMEDY TOUR demographic challenge for the Nazis presents because of the large Jewish populations in those areas. By the end of 1941, the head of the SS, Heinrich Himmler, rec- ognized that deportation and emigration THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 • 7:30PM • TEMPLE SHALOM, NAPLES Sunday, January 22, 7pm were no longer adequate for the task of Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW • Tickets from $42 eliminating the Jews; he thus authorized In the tradition of “Catskills on Broadway,” this exciting multimedia comedy show stars Heydrich to create the bureaucracy and three top-notch Jewish comedians: PETER FOGEL • STU MOSS • MARLYN SANCHEZ FEATURING: Brian Duprey, vocalist arrangements for the Final Solution, and RSVP by January 20, 2017 PLEASE PRINT it was the conference at Wannsee that Brian Duprey’s flawless acting ability channels Sinatra’s energy DIAMOND $1,000 and spirit. His command of the stage, uncanny mannerisms, and dealt with these matters. Finest seating for two, dessert party, 2 CDs Name ______note-for-note renditions of Sinatra’s material creates a suspension Henceforth, Jews from across PLATINUM $500 Email ______of disbelief for the audience who believes they have been Europe were to be “evacuated to the Premium seating for two, dessert party, 1 CD transported back in time to witness a real Sinatra concert. East.” Those to be murdered included GOLD $250 Phone ______the Jews of Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Excellent seating for two, dessert party, 1 CD Sponsored in part by: Address ______Switzerland, Turkey and other places, SILVER $136 Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists. both neutral and yet-to-be-occupied. Reserved seating for one, dessert party City/State/Zip ______The decision to annihilate all of BRONZE $54 ______Number of tickets ______Seating level Performance accessible to all patrons. Europe’s Jews had already been made General seating for one (At the door, if available, $100) All seating levels above Bronze receive a listing in our program and are eligible for a during the late spring or early summer Proceeds to benefit Hadassah Medical Organization and the work tax deduction to the extent of the law. of 1941. No one can determine this with of Hadassah. Your attendance at this event gives permission for o Sorry I am unable to attend. Please accept my precision, but it is clear that the decision Hadassah to take and use photographs for appropriate purposes in accordance with its mission. tax-deductible contribution. TICKETS: 239.481.4849 • GulfCoastSymphony.org had nothing to do with Wannsee several Make check payable to HADASSAH and mail to: Total amount enclosed ______SYMPHONY OFFICE: 239.277.1700 months later. The purpose of the meet- ing was to further discuss and resolve Reservations • Collier/Lee Hadassah • 6017 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 319 • Naples, FL 34119 questions regarding the execution of For information contact Elissa Goldstein at [email protected] or 239-455-2004 LC FS L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 18 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Stars of David Interested in Your ble Different ta mfor By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Co Sylish o and Mo re Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to ion Family’s History? Art of Fash be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish The Art of Fashion and Moore 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 (in the Arcade in historic downtown Ft. Myers) Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start Teri Moore, Owner (239) 204-9759 2267 1st. St., Suite 12 [email protected] December Oscar Contenders solo screenplay, but he has contributed with a limited search of one family line. Many films thought to be Oscar con- to the scripts of two recent action films. Ft. Myers, FL 33901 www.artoffashionandmoore.com tenders open in December so they are The romantic musical La La Land So here’s the deal: fresh in the minds of Oscar voters when has received major kudos from critics. Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. they start voting in January. Here are Co-stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone three such “Oscar-worthy” releases that were well-cast. They had real romantic Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that may still be playing near you and have chemistry in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011). goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. big Jewish connections. When their La La characters meet, he’s The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, Jackie stars NATALIE PORT- a jazz musician working in dives and Lowell S. Schoenfeld several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate Florida Board Certified Wills, MAN, 35, as Jackie Kennedy. It cen- she’s an aspiring actress/barista trying Trusts & Estates Attorney ters on the most dramatic period of to survive. They fall in love, but as they friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked 1380 Royal Palm Square Boulevard Jackie’s life – the time just after the become successful, that success starts out great for them. So contact him about this as well. Fort Myers, Florida 33919 JFK assassination. It’s almost a sure tearing them apart. JASON FUCHS, 239-936-7200 bet that Portman and others connected 30, whose father was raised Hasidic, different backgrounds. Paul’s father is ex-wife (Michelle Williams), who lives [email protected] with the film will be Oscar-nominated. has a smallish supporting role. a Protestant minister and Pasek comes in Manchester. www.gskattorneys.com Portman has mastered Jackie’s dis- The film was written and directed from a religious Jewish home. They’ve Lonergan, whose mother was Jew- tinctive voice: a mixture of a New by Damian Chazelle, whose best known written several shows together, includ- ish, has plowed this ground before. Most York accent, finishing school diction, for his 2014 film Whiplash, which ing the Broadway hit musical version of of his works begin with an unexpected and a breathiness that reminds one of won three Oscars. The main Whiplash A Christmas Story. event that forces a confrontation be- Marilyn Monroe. But her performance character was a young Jewish jazz stu- Oscar talk is in the air for the lead tween close friends or family members. is far more than the voice. Top critic dent. In 2015, Chazelle told the Jewish actors of Manchester By the Sea and The confrontation always features dia- DAVID EDELSTEIN, 57, says Port- Journal of Los Angeles that his Catholic for KENNETH LONERGAN, 55, the logue that is smart, sharp and surpris- man just nails “Jackie’s mix of slyness parents were dissatisfied with his Chris- film’s director and screenwriter. Joe ingly funny. Lonergan’s first Broadway Brian Simon, ChFC®, CLU® and shyness.” MAX CASSELLA, tian Sunday school and they sent him, Chandler and his 16-year-old son, Pat- success, This is Our Youth (1996), Financial Advisor, Park Avenue Securities, LLC 49, co-stars as Jack Valenti, the LBJ instead, to Hebrew school for four years. rick (Lucas Hedges), live just north of was about three young adult Jewish aide who clashed with Jackie when About those four years, Chazelle said: Boston. Joe suddenly dies and his will friends who face a real crisis involving she insisted that she would walk in the “…I was very, very into Hebrew…and names his younger brother, Lee (Casey embezzled money, a possible mob hit open streets with JFK’s casket as it was then I went with my class to Israel when Affleck), as Patrick’s legal guardian. on one, and the need to quickly raise taken to his funeral. we were in the sixth grade. I don’t think The modest monetary benefits that come cash through selling drugs. Likewise, The screenplay, by NOAH OP- they even knew I wasn’t Jewish. I was, with the guardianship persuade Lee his film You Can Count on Me (2000) PENHEIM, 38, has already won like, ‘passing.’” to give up his dead-end job and come was a critical hit about a “half Jewish” awards. Oppenheim has a foot in screen- Chazelle met JUSTIN HURWITZ, back home – even though it forces him brother and sister who work to sort out writing and politics and that’s perfect 31, the La La Land film composer, at to deal with a tragic past involving his their relationship after a crisis. for this film. A Harvard grad, where he Harvard, and there they formed a na- sometimes wrote on Jewish issues for tionally successful rock band. Hurwitz the Harvard Crimson, he went on to wrote 15 songs for La La and some are produce political talk shows like The full production numbers. The lyrics for Chris Matthews Show and Scarborough these songs were written by the team Country. Currently, he is senior pro- of Justin Paul and BENJ PASEK, 31. ducer of The Today Show (he’s the guy Pasek and Paul met at orientation at who fired Billy Bush).Jackie is his first college and quickly hit it off, despite

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By The Wine Whisperer f you’d like to know more about ously aiming for much more well- Long story short, Direct Cellars a young wine, it’s very approachableLet the world not change us wine, one of the easiest ways is to resourced prospects. gives you the opportunity to enjoy now. Ijoin a wine club. You subscribe, All clubs (except one, which I’ll wines you might never find or buy on Manarola Sangiovese 2015 – A bit tell them your preferences (reds, discuss below) offer wines from many your own, and offers a chance to make tight at first, but opens up in the glass. whites, an assortment), they pre-select regions of the world, and they’ll take money, or at least enjoy your monthly Smoke, cedar and black fruit aromas, the wines and back any you don’t like and issue you shipment of wine for less…even for full-bodied with a spine of acidity that ship you a num- a credit. They also offer discounts to free. I receive four bottles a month for makes it perfect with traditional Italian ber of bottles on get you to sign up. Of course, you then $79 (free shipping), and have liked ev- dishes. a regular basis. sign up for automatic shipments on a ery one. Here are some examples: Cantine Grasso Terre Siciliane You learn about monthly or quarterly basis. Aside from Tamaya Chardonnay Limari Val- Cabernet 2015 – This wine was a sur- a wide selection the relative level of the wines you get, ley Reserve 2015 – This tasty white prise because I don’t think of Sicily as a of varietals and the clubs are pretty much the same. is very true to type, source of Cabernet Sauvignon. winegrowing But recently, I discovered a very with tropical fruit But this one is crafted in a very regions without different national wine club that’s ac- flavors of melon New World, fruit-forward style  Jerry having to puzzle tually headquartered in Southwest and grapefruit, and that goes well with steaks and Greenfield through a bunch Florida. It’s called Direct Cellars, and a nice balance of other grilled meats. of strange place names. they’ve put an interesting spin on the acidity. These wines are available The clubs also include helpful in- club concept. When you join, you re- Del Rio Vine- through Direct Cellars. formation about the selected wines. ceive an assortment of very enjoyable yards Pinot Noir To find out more, contact Tasting notes, facts about the grape wines, but you also become a repre- Rogue Valley 2013 me at jerry@thewine-whisper- varietals and regions where they’re sentative…with the opportunity to in- – A nice surprise, er.com. Sample widely. grown, and sometimes a map of the vite your friends to join, as well. When with characteristic Jerry Greenfield is The Wine area. they do, you earn income. It is, in truth, flavors of strawber- Whisperer. He is Creative Di- I receive mailers from various a wine club with a network marketing ry, cherry and rasp- rector of Greenfield Advertis- kinds of clubs, and they seem to be cat- opportunity built in, but that can be a berry. A bit more ing Group, as well as a wine egorized by their (generally mistaken) real positive. After all, think about how full-bodied than many Pinots, and consultant, educator, and writer. His estimation of my net worth. Some offer much money motivated, enterprising stands up to many types of cuisine. book, Secrets of the Wine Whisperer, four to six wines for as little as $5 a people have made with Mary Kay, Fachada Merlot 2015 – Medium- is now available on Amazon or through bottle, while others, like the club run Pampered Chef or Amway. They win bodied, soft and plush, offering flavors his website at www.winewhisperer. by The Wall Street Journal, are obvi- Cadillacs. of red currant, plum and smoke. For com. Latkes & Sufganiyot – recipe by Dalia Hemed anukkah the, Jewish festival of small shreds). frying lights, is an eight-day festival XX Drain the potato shreds in a colan- • 2/3 cup smooth jam Hbeginning on the 25th day of der. Rinse and dry the bowl used to • Powdered sugar, for dusting the Jewish month of Kislev. Hanukkah soak the shreds and set aside. Servings: 30 Mini Sufganiyot is celebrated for eight days in honor of XX Place drained potato shreds and You will need the miracle of the oil that lasted eight grated onion in the center of a A candy/fat thermometer, as well as a days in the Holy Temple. clean tea towel or multiple layers 12- to 18-inch pastry bag fitted with a The best part on Hanukkah is the of cheesecloth. 1/4-inch round tip to fill the doughnuts food. Jews eat food that is deep fried XX Wrap the shreds up in the cloth, with jam or jelly. in oil, another (tasty) reminder of the twisting loose material to secure Directions miracle of the oil. A classic Hanuk- the bundle, and squeeze firmly Chef tip: When deep frying, make sure kah dish is crispy potato pancakes, to remove excess liquid from the the oil stays at a constant temperature, called latkes in Yiddish and levivot in shreds. adjusting your stove’s heat as neces- Hebrew. They are often served with XX Pour potato and onion into the sary. applesauce and sour cream. Another clean, dry bowl. Stir the shreds XX Place the flour, sugar, yeast, and delicious Hanukkah treat is sufgani- with a fork to make sure the grated salt in the bowl of a stand mixer yot (jelly doughnuts). onion is evenly mixed throughout and whisk to combine. Add the While latkes are the snack most the potato shreds. yolks and milk and mix, using the commonly associated with Hanuk- XX Pour oil into skillet to a depth of hook attachment, on medium-low Personal Chef Dalia Hemed kah, sufganiyot are more commonly 1/8 inch. Heat slowly over medium speed until a shaggy dough forms, can be reached at consumed in Israel. A sufganiyah is a to about 365°F. about 1 minute. Add the butter, in- [email protected]. round jelly doughnut, deep fried, filled XX While oil is heating, use the fork to crease the speed to medium high, with jelly, and then topped with pow- stir the beaten egg, salt and pepper and mix until the dough is smooth, 6 at a time, leaving at least 1 inch dered sugar. Sephardic Hanukkah do- into the potato shreds. Take care to shiny and elastic, about 5 minutes. of space in between and keeping nuts are traditionally dipped in honey. make sure the egg and seasonings XX Let the dough rise in a warm place the oil temperature at 350°F. The perfect size to make these de- are fully mixed throughout the po- for 2 hours. XX Fry until the bottoms are golden licious latkes and sufganioyot is mini- tato shreds. XX Divide the dough to 30 small balls, brown, about 1 1/2 minutes. Care- size. The smaller size cooks faster and XX Scoop up a rounded tablespoon of ping pong size. Cover loosely with fully flip with a fork and fry until requires less oil. The miniature size potato batter and squeeze it firmly plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the second side is golden brown, also makes them an irresistible bite- in your palm over an empty dish to rise in a warm place, about 30 min- about 1 1/2 minutes more. (If air sized treat. Enjoy! remove excess liquid. utes. bubbles appear in the doughnuts, Latke Ingredients XX Shape the batter into a rough disk. XX Place the vegetable or canola oil pierce with the tip of a paring • 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled XX Place it gently into the hot oil. in a Dutch oven or a large, heavy- knife.) • 2 medium onions Use a metal spatula to gently press bottomed pot and set over medium XX Remove with a slotted spoon to the • 2 eggs, beaten down on the latke to flatten it. heat until the temperature reaches wire rack. • 3/4 tsp salt XX Continue shaping the latkes in this 350°F on a candy/fat thermometer. XX Repeat with the remaining dough • 1/2 tsp white pepper way, using only a rounded table- Meanwhile, line a second baking rounds. • canola oil for frying spoon of potato batter for each sheet with paper towels and place XX When the doughnuts are cool • Potato starch (optional) latke. Fry in batches of 5 or 6 a wire rack over the paper towels; enough to handle, use a paring Servings: 24-28 mini latkes latkes at a time for 2-3 minutes per set aside. Place the jam or jelly in knife to puncture the side of each You will also need side till brown and crispy. Note: If a piping bag fitted with a 1/4-inch to form a pocket in the center. A hand grater or food processor shred- your latkes aren’t holding togeth- round tip; set aside. Place the tip of the piping bag into ding disc attachment with fine holes, er, stir some potato starch into the XX Using a flat spatula (don’t use the pocket and pipe about 1 tea- clean tea towel or layers of cheese- mixture, 2 teaspoons at a tie, till your hands as this will deflate the spoon of jam inside. cloth, skillet or electric skillet for fry- the batter “holds.” doughnuts), carefully transfer the XX Dust with powdered sugar before ing, metal spatula, wire cooling rack. XX Remove the latkes from the pan dough balls, one at a time, into the serving. Directions using the metal spatula and place oil. You should be able to fit about XX Before you start making the latkes, them on the wire cooling rack to place your wire cooling rack close drain. Sign up for the Federation’s weekly e-blasts. to the area where you will be fry- XX Serve latkes with applesauce and/ ing the latkes. Place a layer of pa- or sour cream, if desired. Send an email to [email protected]. per towels below the cooling rack to catch excess oil. Sufganiyot Ingredients XX Peel the potatoes, and then grate • 1 lb all-purpose flour them using a hand grater or food • 1/2 cup sugar Candle lighting times: processor shredding attachment • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tea- with fine holes (small shreds). spoons) January 6: 5:33 XX Place grated potato into a bowl and • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt immediately cover with cold wa- • 3 large egg yolks January 13: 5:38 ter. Let soak for a few minutes to • 1 1/2 cup warm whole milk or wa- remove excess starch. ter January 20: 5:44 XX Meanwhile, grate the onion using • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), at L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, the same grater or attachment you room temperature (or oil) January 27: 5:50 used for the potatoes (fine holes for • 6 cups vegetable or canola oil, for committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 FROM THE BIMAH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 21 Are wine clubs worth it? Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. a young wine, it’s very approachableLet the world not change us now. s I write this, Shabbat Vayetze can those words possibly mean? used to him. I have reached the live with Lavan, provided that we do Manarola Sangiovese 2015 – A bit has just passed. Our traditional commentators point where I think what he does not become accustomed to his ways. tight at first, but opens up in the glass. Over the decades of my rab- teach that Jacob is saying that Lavan’s is what you are supposed to do, Jacob headed home to Canaan Smoke, cedar and black fruit aromas,A binate, I increasingly find myself drawn attitude toward him has changed – spe- that it is normal and proper to be when he felt himself succumbing to the full-bodied with a spine of acidity thatto the “smaller” verses of each weekly cifically, that Lavan no longer looks devious. I look at him and I am no evil round about him. The “home” to makes it perfect with traditional Italian Torah portion. And upon him with favor. The problem with longer shocked or offended. There- which we must flee is our Jewish tradi- dishes. so, while this por- that understanding is that Lavan never fore, we better leave this place... tion of what is right. We needn’t leave Cantine Grasso Terre Siciliane tion is chock-full of really did look upon Jacob with kind- and do so quickly. Because if we our places to stand up for our values. Cabernet 2015 – This wine was a sur- important narratives ness or favor. He has always been ma- stay much longer, I will get so ac- With a New Year just beginning, prise because I don’t think of Sicily as a – Jacob’s ladder, his nipulative, cunning and cruel toward customed to him and his unethical and a new President about to be inaugu- source of Cabernet Sauvignon. unintended marriage his son-in-law. ways that I will soon become just rated, Jacob’s words (with Rav Kook’s But this one is crafted in a very to both Leah and Ra- So Rav Kook, the first Chief (Or- like him. commentary) remind us that while we New World, fruit-forward style chel, and then lots thodox) Rabbi of Israel, offered a dif- And so, Jacob left. can’t always change the world, and the that goes well with steaks and Rabbi of conjugal consort- ferent explanation for this verse. He Rav Kook offers us a clear and reality under which it operates, we can other grilled meats. Myra ing – still, I am taken says that Jacob was really saying: challenging lesson. We must not, we – and must – always fight to make sure These wines are available Soifer by a seemingly less We have to leave this place be- dare not, we can not ever become so that the world doesn’t change us and through Direct Cellars. dramatic moment. After all that drama, cause when I first came here, I hardened or so calloused or so just our values. To find out more, contactmuch of it generated by his father-in- looked at this man, Lavan, and saw plain worn-out that we become accus- That is our sacred obligation as me at jerry@thewine-whisper-law Lavan, Jacob decides it is time to how he lived, and how devious he tomed to injustice. We can’t ever al- 2017 begins. We pray that we won’t er.com. Sample widely. get out of Haran. In Genesis, chapter was...the way he did business...and low ourselves to think that moral evil forget this lesson and that it will sus- Jerry Greenfield is The 31,Wine verses 2 and 5, Jacob explains his I abhorred him. I was repelled. But is just the way it is and the way it is tain us. Whisperer. He is Creative Di-decision, saying, “Lavan’s face is not now that I have been here for two going to be. We just can not become Rabbi Myra Soifer serves at Bat Yam rector of Greenfield Advertis-the same to me as it used to be.” What decades, I find that I have gotten morally numbed or hopeless. It’s ok to Temple of the Islands on Sanibel Island. ing Group, as well as a wine consultant, educator, and writer. His book, Secrets of the Wine Whisperer,The fluidity of the is now available on Amazon or through his website at www.winewhisperer. com. religious community t is old news that the American come Jewish. This was a very different Jewish community is changing Jewish world from the one in which I Iquickly. While we were very ho- grew up! mogeneous through the middle of the We Jews are not alone in the chang- last century – largely in-married and ing face of our community. A 1994 Ashkenazi – we have book, A Generation of Seekers, pointed become a commu- out that Americans were changing re- nity of people from ligion and houses of worship multiple many backgrounds. I times in their adult lives. Fluidity of think we should open the religious community was now the our doors wide and norm. More than twenty years after celebrate our new di- this book, we see in our own congre- Independently owned, family oriented. versity. gations and those of our neighbors that  Rabbi A few weeks this is true. Together we celebrate tradition. Marc ago, I invited an old The Shulchan Arukh, our 16th and Sack friend to give the 17th centuries Jewish law code, states Keeping Memories Alive. d’var Torah at my congregation. My that a rabbi should push away three friend, who is mixed-race, was ad- times anyone who inquiries about con- opted in infancy by an African Ameri- version. In today’s world, I disagree. 1589 Colonial Blvd. can family. When she was 29, she re- We should open our doors wide to searched her birth parents and learned anyone who seriously wants to make that her birth mother was Jewish. My Judaism and the Jewish people their Fort Myers, FL 33907 Personal Chef Dalia Hemed friend had been on a religious journey home. For sure, our conversion process can be reached at before this discovery – she studied for should include a rigorous program of www.fortmyersmemorial.com [email protected]. a year at a Protestant seminary. But study and expectations of Jewish prac- since she learned about her lineage, the tice. But our attitude should be one of 239-936-0555 ~ 877-936-0555 Jewish community has been her home. welcome. Now, she reads Torah and leads morn- One more story: An interfaith ing minyan and just returned from her couple wanted a nurturing educational first trip to Israel where she fell in love environment for their children and so with the country. Today, this story is they sent them to Jewish day school. not unusual. After graduating from that program, I grew up in a very dense Jew- the children continued their Jewish ish suburb of Hartford, Connecticut. education through Confirmation and Ninety-five percent of the students in were involved in youth group. Dur- my public middle school were Jew- ing college, one daughter said that she ish. Every family but one on our street wanted to be a rabbi. The father, who was Jewish. While I saw changes tak- was not Jewish, said, “My daughter ing place in our communities when I wants to be a rabbi, I should convert to began my career in the 1980s, I was Judaism.” And he did. still amazed in 1990 when one couple Today, these stories are common in told me this story: The woman grew the Jewish community. We should en- up in a Pentecostal family in Montana. courage more of them by opening our She moved to Arizona when she was doors wide to all who want to explore 19 and converted to Judaism. With her our faith. was her African American boyfriend Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple from Detroit who also wanted to be- Judea in Fort Myers. L’CHAYIM delivers! Sign up for the Federation’s weekly e-blasts. Introduce your business to a POWERFUL Send an email to [email protected]. demographic and reach 5,000 readers each month for pennies per reader! For ad rates and deadlines, contact Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923 or [email protected].

L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 22 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FROM THE BIMAH

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS Fort Myers

Jacob’s sacred encounter The joy of Judaism Temple Judea Preschool rd ag B’Omer is the 33 day of caust. But at the very heart of Judaism Joann Goldman, Director with God the Omer, the traditional 49-day is the concept of serving God with joy. Happy New Year from Temple Judea arly in December I traveled clothes to wear, and if I return safely to “countdown” between Passover Think of all the positive aspects. Ev-Preschool. to Dallas, Texas, with Lise my father’s house, then will the Eternal L and Shavuot. The Omer is a period of ery day a devout Jew finds a hundred During the month of December, Plattner, Temple Beth El’s new be my God.” In synagogue life, details E mourning and during these weeks, cel- reasons to praise God. Judaism is up-our students traveled around the world co-Executive VP, for the Union for Re- matter for us as well. What will we ebrations are forbidden. But on Lag beat, an affirmative of all that is goodand had the opportunity to learn about form Judaism’s Shallat Rabbinic Tran- actually do together to create a sacred B’Omer there is a pause for rejoic- in life. We speak of Oneg Shabbat, themany different cultures. They learned sition Program and community? At the end of the retreat, ing. Marriages are pleasure of the Sabbath; Simhat Torah, new words, tasted some interesting Retreat. We learned Lise and I sat together for hours and celebrated, picnics the joy of the Torah. Music and dance,snacks, created beautiful art work, and about the principles focused on one area of growth – lead- and many other fes- song and rejoicing are all intrinsic tolearned fun songs and new dances that of transition manage- ership development. Volunteers are not tivities are held. Al- Judaism. represented the countries they were ment, strategies for just our bread and butter, they are in, though there are dif- Furthermore, Jews have a finelylearning about. Thanks to all our fami- communication, and Jacob’s words, our bread, clothes and ferent theories about honed sense of humor. We have sur-lies that participated in our multi-cul- tools for identify- safety. They are the main detail that the origin of Lag vived because we have learned to laughtural theme. ing responsibilities. makes the vision possible, that allow B’Omer, its meaning – at others and at ourselves. Ridicule is We had such a fun time celebrat-  Rabbi However, since we the transition to be successful, and ul-  Rabbi is clear. It empha- a powerful weapon that we use to com-ing Hanukkah with our students. The Nicole were talking about timately for God’s promise of blessing Solomon sizes that Judaism is bat anti-Semitism. There are humorouschildren danced the Hora, ate latkes, Luna sacred communities, to occur. Agin a religion of joy. stories that deal with every aspect of learned the dreidel game, and sang fun we studied these leadership skills Jacob’s encounter with God chang- It is important to remember this life from birth to death, from marriagesongs. All of our students participated through the lens of a story from Gen- es him. Waking from his sleep he ex- because some people associate Juda- to taxation. in our holiday book exchange. esis 28, the famous story of Jacob’s claims, “Truly, God is in this place and ism with pain and suffering. We grieve Laughter is the Jewish tonic. This year promises to be a fun and dream. I did not know it!” A synagogue is the over the fearful catastrophes that have Happy 2017 to one and all. exciting one for us as we continue on our In the story, Jacob leaves home and place where we sense the presence of befallen our people: the destruction of Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Templejourney toward kindergarten readiness. heads into the unknown desert. When God and are changed by that presence. the Temple, the Crusades, the Holo- Shalom in Port Charlotte. Our very own Fred E. Bear has been hi- Jacob encounters God in a dream, God It is the only place in our secular so- bernating in Berry Land in preparation offers him blessings but makes no im- ciety that actively promotes that as its to be cared for by each and every one mediate promises. Everything is in mission. You can find friends in any A parable of our Pre-K students. Fred is ready to the future – the land will eventually organization, you can learn in diverse here are several different ver- the rest of the king’s subjects to beginvisit and has his suitcase packed. The be in the hands of his descendants, af- adult education settings, you can do sions of this parable. The oldest fearing the people of the palace, con-children draw pictures and share their ter many years they will multiply and volunteer work for many worthwhile I was able to trace is attributed vinced that the king, his household andexperience in a journal. They love this grow numerous, over time they will charities, you can hear entertaining T to Nachman of Beslov, the great- all his retainers had suddenly and in-program. expand and spread out. God’s bless- music in multiple venues – but this is grandson of the Ba’al Shem Tov in the explicably lost their minds. No longer January is full of fun academics ing to Jacob acknowledges that divine the only place where our relationships, th late 18 century. A more recent adap- did the king and his servants make any and social activities. We will also be blessing unfolds slowly but surely. God our talk and our actions are guided by tation is called “The sense at to them at all, as they grewworking more on fun ways of learning knows that transition is a process, an the spirit of God. Together, we are sa- Well of Madness” by certain that the king would inescapablyour phone numbers and addresses. internal reorientation of expectations, cred partners in bringing God’s cov- Paulo Coelho. Nach- lead them to ruin. Dark plans regarding identities, relationships and customs. enant with the people of Israel to life. man’s used poisoned their once-beloved ruler could now be Deep understanding of place and per- When Jacob rises that morning af- grain and Coelho heard in the land. sonality take time to develop. It takes ter his dream, he sets up a monument water. This one was The king let several months pass, time to build up experiences together, to God at that place. This is the place told to me by my allowing what he was certain must be to truly know each other in many dif- where Jacob hears of God’s promises friend the noted Jew- enough time for the poison and its ef- ferent circumstances. I have experi- for the future, the place where he in-  Rabbi ish folklorist Howard fects to disappear, but the madness enced so many blessings over the past quires about the details of God’s vision, Bruce Schwartz, z”l: persisted. A hopeful man, he waited five months in Fort Myers, and I know, the place where he discovers God’s Diamond A wise and be- another month, but clearly the lunacy as God promised Jacob, that more will presence. He names this sacred place, loved king of a prosperous and happy was spreading and deepening. come only over time. Beth El. I am honored to become in- kingdom was informed by his agents What finally forced his hand was Jacob acknowledges the miracu- stalled on Friday, January 6 at Temple that in a short time an enemy would his agents’ report that any day now a lous nature of his dream and then asks Beth El, a congregation named after poison all the public wells and rivers frenzied mob would storm the palace for details, saying, “If God is with me Jacob’s sacred encounter with God. so that anyone who drank from them and show no mercy to those who lived and watches over me on this path that I Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple would soon be driven insane. there, even to the king and his family. am taking and gives me bread to eat and Beth El in Fort Myers. The king immediately ordered that Now he summons all the palace’s his servants fill up all the palace’s cis- inhabitants to his throne room, even the terns with enough water to tide them chambermaids, the cooks and ground- What do you think? over for as long as it took the poison skeepers, and, rising slowly from his to dissipate, and that they did, gather- throne, says this to them: ing sufficient water for years if need “I hereby command you to now be. Furthermore, he cautioned all who join me as I leave the gates of the pal- L’CHAYIM wants to know! knew what was about to happen to ace to drink from the public well in the tell no one outside of the palace, since town’s square, and after I have drunk Send your letters and comments to Ted Epstein, there was absolutely nothing to be each of you must do the same in turn L’CHAYIM Editor, at [email protected]. done that could avert the catastrophe. without exception.” The king understood that widespread They understood and accepted the Letters Policy panic would make things even worse. last wise thing they heard their lord Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone. He also commanded that, from this command them, and silently followed Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length moment on, all residents of the palace him beyond the walls of the castle with and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM drink only from the stored water and townspeople jeering and mocking, drink- nor its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received. never, under any circumstances, from ing one by one from the public water. any other source in the kingdom. Yet even before the king led them Sure enough, several days later, down the path of madness, he caused everyone outside of the palace went the stonecutter to inscribe this above FEDERATION mad, engaging in utterly irrational and the palace gates: “Remember, you too UPCOMING destructive behaviors. Mercifully, or so are now insane!” it seemed, those in the palace remained Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The BOOK CLUB MEETINGS unchanged. Community Free Synagogue in Fort It took remarkably little time for Myers.

Bring your dinner and join us for book group WEEKLY ISRAELI DANCING discussions at the Jewish Federation building. Sundays, January 8, 15, 29  Wednesday, January 25 at 6:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman Jewish Federation All ages (10 to 96) are welcome  February No book club meeting to join us. All levels of dance experience are welcome.  Wednesday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle

Book Club will attend the author event with Victoria Kelly discussing her book Mrs. Houdini BRING A FRIEND! See you Sundays. RSVPs for all regular book club meetings RSVP a must by Fridays at noon to Marsha Kistler a must to [email protected] or [email protected] 239.481.4449 x3 L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23

We will be celebrat- TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS ing 100 days of school Fort Myers in January. The children CALLING ALL 6TH–12TH GRADE will be bringing in items Temple Judea Preschool from home and counting to 100. The TEENS & PARENTS Joann Goldman, Director children have been counting by tens Happy New Year from Temple Judea since August and we are so excited for Preschool. this day to come! During the month of December, We look forward to a fun party. our students traveled around the world We are seeing tremendous growth and had the opportunity to learn about in the children’s writing skills. Their many different cultures. They learned names, numbers and letters are looking new words, tasted some interesting fantastic. They are extremely proud of snacks, created beautiful art work, and themselves, as they should be. Most learned fun songs and new dances that of our students in Pre-K are blending represented the countries they were letters and some are reading with such BBYO is launching a new chapter in learning about. Thanks to all our fami- enthusiasm. They love bringing home lies that participated in our multi-cul- books to read to their family. Fort Myers and we invite you to join us at tural theme. We will continue to focus on emo- an informational session to learn more! We had such a fun time celebrat- tional and social development, devel- ing Hanukkah with our students. The oping self-esteem, sense of self and Tuesday, January 24, 2017 children danced the Hora, ate latkes, early conflict resolution, decision- learned the dreidel game, and sang fun making and self-help skills. at 7:00 pm songs. All of our students participated All of our classes have planned ac- in our holiday book exchange. tivities, which will focus on and devel- Shalom Life Center This year promises to be a fun and op language, including early pre-writ- 13411 Shire Lane exciting one for us as we continue on our ing skills, phonics and reading skills, journey toward kindergarten readiness. creative expression through storytell- Fort Myers, FL 33912 Our very own Fred E. Bear has been hi- ing, music and dance, as well as early bernating in Berry Land in preparation math and science. To RSVP, call 239-218-3433 or email: [email protected] to be cared for by each and every one Our students have the opportunity of our Pre-K students. Fred is ready to to work in small groups while playing visit and has his suitcase packed. The in our learning centers. Each classroom children draw pictures and share their offers a wide variety of math, science, experience in a journal. They love this reading, writing and sensory activities. ing liturgy. Parents, you program. Temple Judea Preschool invites the TEMPLE BETH EL SCHOOLS are encouraged to attend January is full of fun academics community to our Scholastic Book Fair Fort Myers with your children. and social activities. We will also be from January 31 to February 2. Please Please note that there working more on fun ways of learning call 239.482.1121 for the schedule. Temple Beth El Religious School will not be Religious School on Sun- our phone numbers and addresses. Dale M. Cohen, R.J.E., MA, Educ. day, January 15 in honor of Martin Lu- Religious School Director ther King, Jr. Day. Dear Parents of the Religious School: Religious School is ready to forge The Learning Tree into the year 2017. The time is just go- Jesyca Russell Virnig, M.A.Ed., ing by too quickly and it seems like Director we just finished celebrating the Jewish The Learning Tree is proud to honor New Year, Rosh Hashanah (not really, Mrs. Ellen Goldstein for 20 years of but it sounds good!). I hope everyone service. Ellen has been a loyal and val- has a wonderful Chanukah, winter ued member of our staff through pro- break and a great New Year’s celebra- gram growth and change almost from tion, and will be ready to get back into the school’s inception. Ellen has done the swing of things. it all over the years, from cleaning the Religious School will officially building to preparing children for kin- resume on Sunday, January 8 and on dergarten, to developing a reputation Wednesday, January 11. Thank you to our students, par- ents and congregants who participated in our “Poppin Popcorn Fundraiser.” We raised approximately $350, which will help to fund our many Religious School activities and programs. We look forward to a wonderful Multi-Cultural Week at Temple Judea Preschool Chanukah party and celebration this year. Todah rabah to our incredible Rabbi Luna’s Confirmation class visits Vice President for Education, Vanessa Sax, and our outstanding Karen Kagan for exciting science experiments. The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve (a.k.a. assistant to the “fearless leader”) other teachers always look to Ellen for By Berny Aronson for always going above and beyond the creative ideas. She is a true treasure n Sunday, November 6, Rabbi of light and shadow, the various tex- call of duty. We have equally incred- trove of activities! Nicole Luna led a nature walk tures of leaves, plants, bark on trees, ible volunteers who always “step up to These days Ellen works as a part- Othrough the Six Mile Cypress the presence of water and insects, and the plate.” Todah rabah to my husband, time curriculum specialist supporting Slough Preserve on Penzance Blvd. the effect of conservation areas like the Nir, and the latke crew – Jay Sax, Rus- the emergent reading and math skills in Fort Myers for her Confirmation slough on the Earth. sell Goodman, Ilan Dahan – for their of our 4- and 5-year-olds. Her dedica- students. Several parents and friends Rabbi Luna cleverly made connec- unwavering support of our scrump- tion is never lost upon any of us as she accompanied the group as well. The tions between various Jewish prayers tious latkes. Vanessa, Mackenzie and is always the one to be sure to double weather was ideal and the children and what was being observed, to the Zoe Sax, and Karen, Evan and Abby check that a door is locked, a light is were inquisitive and motivated. delight of parents and students alike. Kagan have been awesome, as always, During the walk through the All in all, it was an educational and helping me out. slough, Rabbi Luna stopped frequently spiritual day, and the rabbi’s efforts We all are looking forward to Rabbi to point out and then discuss the play were well appreciated. Luna’s Installation Celebration Week- end which should be nothing short of spectacular! We are so blessed to have WEEKLY ISRAELI DANCING her as rabbi of our beloved Temple Beth

Sundays, January 8, 15, 29 El. Our Religious School students will be singing at the brunch and presenting 4:00 p.m. Rabbi Luna with a beautiful and most memorable letter holder/chalkboard. A Jewish Federation All ages (10 to 96) are welcome special todah rabah to Morah Randy to join us. All levels of dance Kashi and Morah Elana Beame for the music and “special art project.” experience are welcome. Wear comfortable shoes, On Saturday, January 14, Leah bring a water bottle Krauss will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. I wish Leah and her BRING A FRIEND! family much naches on one of the most See you Sundays. meaningful days of their lives. off, or a detail is not forgotten. RSVP a must by Fridays at noon Our next Junior Congregation will Both of Ellen’s children received be held on Saturday, January 28. Please their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs here at Temple to Marsha Kistler note that this is a mandatory part of our Beth El, and currently she is able to en- [email protected] curriculum for students in grades 4-7. joy watching her grandson attend his This is a wonderful opportunity to be first preschool class. Rabbi Nicole Luna and her Confirmation class at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve introduced into the Saturday morn- Thank you, Ellen! L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 24 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ORGANIZATIONS

on our similarities and ALL Jewish, we are here to stay, we formational meeting for all teens and SHALOM LIFE CENTER less on our differences. are proud and we are growing, come their parents on Tuesday, January 24 GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH Fort Myers Whether we are religious join us!” at 7:00 p.m. For more information and SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (239) 218-3433 or not, and regardless of The future of our Southwest Flor- to RSVP, call 239.218.3433 or email (239) 963-9347 our politics and affilia- ida Jewish community depends on [email protected]. One light tions, we are all connected. We are all our unity and the continuation of our We meet every Friday for Shab-Astonishing stories now being told Lawrence & Robin Dermer beams of the same light shining in our ideals and traditions to new genera- bat services at 7:30 p.m. and SaturdayIda Margolis With so much division, separation and own unique way from a single source. tions. It is with great pride that Shalom mornings for Torah study at 10:00 a.m.After many sold-out events and pro- even hatred in our world, we must re- There are 13 million Jews in the Life Center announces the arrival of a Visit www.shalomlifecenter.org for grams last season, GenShoah SWFL main spiritually strong and unified. world today, yet despite our individu- brand new chapter of BBYO! We are our many clubs, programs and specialformed focus groups to do an evalu- The key to becoming harmonious and ality we are all part of one big family. elated to be partnering with the lead- events, and don’t forget to mark youration and to plan future programs. It united within our community rests Wherever we live we continue to share ing pluralistic teen movement aspiring calendar for Saturday, January 21 atwas determined that the most popular within each of us and, in fact it, is com- the ideals and traditions in our sacred to involve more Jewish teens in more 7:30 p.m. for “Billy and the Beatles.”and significant programs were those manded of us. Torah. This is the face of a unified Jew- meaningful Jewish experiences. For 90 This will be a wonderful evening filledthat were inspirational or told stories V’ahavta l’rei’acha kamocha ish community that we must show to years, BBYO has provided exceptional with the music of Billy Joel and Thethat were unfamiliar. The audiences means we must love our neighbor as the rest of the world, which is often in- identity enrichment and leadership Beatles that shaped pop culture of thefor GenShoah programs are generally ourselves. We may not particularly tolerant at best or, worse, even hostile development experiences for thou- 20th century. For more information,knowledgeable about the history of the like and agree with them, however, we toward us. We as a people must remain sands of Jewish teens. Skyler Haas, email us at [email protected], are aware of the importance are still obligated to love them. This cohesive so that we may exclaim with the associate director for BBYO North or call 239.218.3433. of continuing to tell stories about this is simple if we strive to focus more one voice: “We are not divided, we are Florida Region, will be leading an in- unique event, and that there are many stories that are recently coming to light. Screening and presentation ing accepted by Dena its existence. The religious right has created a new“Just when you thought you’d heard HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH Sklaroff at 239.591.0101 We cannot assume that the but- definition of religious liberty that now of Southwest Florida or [email protected]. tresses of law and precedent will hold includes the rights of corporations to (239) 495-8484 After a successful firm. Acts of intolerance have risen withhold birth control in insurance 35-year career in edu- since the election and we can only ex- plans and threatens to discriminate JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Religious freedom in changing times cational publishing, where he served pect that well-supported attacks on re- against same-sex couples. And this is OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Paula Creed most recently as CEO for a success- ligious freedom will continue as well. just the tip of an iceberg of demands (239) 566-1771 On Sunday, January 15, Rev. Tony ful Boston area development house, Issues of governmental entanglement that also includes the degradation of Fisher will discuss the ramifications of Tony changed course and went back with religion have undergone a consid- science education, the “war” on Christ-Florida Jewish History Month 2017 the 1993 Religious Freedom Restora- to school to earn his Masters of Divin- erable shift over the last few decades. mas, prayer in school and much more. Marina Berkovich tion Act (RFRA) in the light of recent ity at Andover Newton Theological I marvel at the fortuitous designation of U.S. Supreme Court decisions and the School and was ordained into the Uni- January as Florida Jew- prospect of the newly-elected Trump tarian Universalist ministry in 2014. ish History Month. What Administration appointment to the A lifelong Unitarian Universalist, Rev a great way to start each bench. There is much to contemplate. Fisher sees his faith tradition as living year for us all, isn’t it?! At 1:30 p.m. we will enjoy a short “cof- on the boundary between the sacred The Society will be- fee and chat” prior to the beginning of and the secular, the faithful and the gin the year with its An- the program at 2:00 p.m. skeptic, the believer and the doubter. nual Fundraising Event, The public is invited to attend this Religious freedom is thus both at the the premier of a new film timely program. Reservations are be- core of this tradition and essential for in its Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers Series – “Stuart Kaye, a Mensch For a continuously updated for All Reasons.” Stuart is a notable Collier County developer and one of calendar of events, visit SHARE the experience of the contemporary leaders of the Col- reading with your children lier County Jewish community, who as they grow with has made Naples his home since 1981. www.JewishFederationLCC.org. PJ Library books. His story is loaded with Collier County Funded in Lee & Charlotte historical tidbits and is a treasure trove Counties by the Roth for local history buffs and sleuths. Family Foundation and the Stuart’s journey from his arrival Asher Family Foundation . here just after college is unique for HIGH STYLE SIGN UP TODAY! Enrollment is open to families raising Jewish children HADASSAH at Affordable Prices! between the ages of six months to eight years living in Lee & Charlotte counties. Collier/Lee Chapter

Families can sign up for PJ Library at (239) 370-6220 www.pjlibrary.org For more information, contact Leni Sack at [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3

Bar / Bat Mitzvah Specialist ZIONIST ORG. of AMERICA Choosing the right photographer is an important decision. Southwest Florida Chapter Michael Shapiro has more than 30 years experience in media and journalism. He is able to capture images that are unique, (239) 597-0855 unexpected and spontaneous. A champion of women’s rights visits the ZOA of Southwest Florida Jerrold L. Sobel As Americans we often take for grant- ed the right to protest and stand for or against positions unpopular to others. In other parts of the world it could be downright dangerous. Yet no matter the danger of ostracism, there are people willing to defy conventional wisdom to fight for what they believe in. Such ® a woman will be honoring our commu- MIROMAR OUTLETS nity with a presentation on Wednesday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. at The Chabad Over Top Designer and Brand Name Outlet Stores and Restaurants 140 Jewish Center of Naples. Voted the Best Shopping Mall and Best Factory Outlet Mall in Southwest Florida Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events Raheel Raza is a Muslim woman UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICES author and activist born in Pakistan and 239.770.6860 living in Toronto with her husband and MiromarOutlets.com • I-75, Exit 123 • (239) 948-3766 • two daughters. Brought up in a culture Copyright © 2017, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Outlets is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation. 0117-3019 [email protected] www.shapiro-photography.com where women were supposed to “be seen and not heard,” she has kicked up L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 25

every vital story about Ship in WWII by Robert Watson, and be an opportunity to hear two extraor- GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH the Holocaust, along Orchestra of Exiles: The Story of Bron- dinary stories from two outstanding SOUTHWEST FLORIDA comes the stirring docu- islaw Huberman, the Israel Philhar- speakers. Holocaust survivor Steen (239) 963-9347 mentary No Asylum: The monic, and the One Thousand Jews He Metz will relate his personal story of Untold Chapter of Anne Saved from Nazi Horrors by Josh Ar- being transported to Theresienstadt Astonishing stories now being told Frank’s Story to shine further light on onson. Shelley Lieb will lead a discus- Concentration Camp. Filmmaker and Ida Margolis one of history’s darkest periods,” wrote sion of The Nazi Titanic on Wednes- author Marina Berkovich will tell her After many sold-out events and pro- Gary Goldstein of the LA Times. day, January 4 at 10:00 a.m. at the story about interviewing a well-known grams last season, GenShoah SWFL This award-winning film will be Holocaust Museum & Education Cen- Holocaust denier. formed focus groups to do an evalu- presented at Temple Shalom in Naples ter of Southwest Florida. Authors Wat- Information about additional pro- ation and to plan future programs. It on Tuesday, January 31 at 7:00 p.m. son and Aronson, who are part of the grams will be in future issues of the was determined that the most popular Dr. Jonathan Brent, the executive di- Collier County Jewish Book Festival, Federation Star and in the GenShoah and significant programs were those rector of New York’s YIVO Institute will be speaking on Monday, January e-newsletter. that were inspirational or told stories for Jewish Research, will join us and 23 at 1:00 p.m. at Beth Tikvah, 1459 Reservations are required due to that were unfamiliar. The audiences explain about YIVO and how the Pine Ridge Road, Naples. These two space limitations. Tax-deductible do- for GenShoah programs are generally cache of letters written in 1941 by stories are more than interesting – they nations for GenShoah programs are knowledgeable about the history of the Anne Frank’s father, Otto, was recently are astonishing. Information about pur- requested at events and are greatly ap- Holocaust, are aware of the importance found there. Brent will also be avail- chasing tickets to Jewish Book Festi- preciated. To RSVP for programs or of continuing to tell stories about this able for a Q&A. val events can be found online at www. to receive the GenShoah e-newsletter, unique event, and that there are many Jewish Book Festival event jewishbookfestival.org. email [email protected]. stories that are recently coming to light. Two little-known Holocaust stories are Two guest speakers Screening and presentation told in the books The Nazi Titanic: The On Sunday, February 19 at 5:00 p.m. “Just when you thought you’d heard Incredible Untold Story of a Doomed at the Holocaust Museum, there will

those who understand Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Tick- mary, (handwritten is okay) by January JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY that in those long-ago ets include the movie, a wine & cheese 7. Include your contact information. OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA days of Naples history reception, and optional new member- Winners will be announced on January (239) 566-1771 (1980s!), there were only ship or renewal. Donations are most 16. a few single young Jew- welcomed and very much appreciated The following volunteer opportu- Florida Jewish History Month 2017 ish men and no single young Jewish to enable the Society to further its mis- nities are still available for the 2017 Marina Berkovich women living in Collier County. To sion of Jewish history preservation in season: researcher, data entry and cor- I marvel at the fortuitous designation of Stuart, who was raised on Florida’s the region. To purchase tickets, please respondence assistant. January as Florida Jew- east coast and expe- email [email protected] or leave a Our Mission ish History Month. What rienced the thriving message at 239.566.1771. Collecting, protecting and preserving a great way to start each Jewish life and cul- The Virtual Museum of Southwest Jewish history to celebrate the contri- year for us all, isn’t it?! ture it offered, partak- Jewish History is now active. You may bution by Jews in Southwest Florida The Society will be- ing in the creation and explore our discoveries and collections every day of every year is part of our gin the year with its An- shaping of the Collier at any time convenient to you, and send mission. nual Fundraising Event, County Jewish com- links to your family members and any- Become a member of JHSSWF, a the premier of a new film munity was a given. one else. You can access it at www. sponsor, business associate, volunteer in its Southwest Florida And his accomplish- jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org. and/or donor. Contact us at: Jewish Pioneers Series – ments are many. Many interesting and important The Jewish Historical Society “Stuart Kaye, a Mensch The Jewish His- Jews relocated or became seasonal res- of Southwest Florida for All Reasons.” torical Society of idents of Southwest Florida. Some of 899 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 116, Stuart is a notable Stuart Kaye Southwest Florida them influenced their contemporaries Naples FL 34108 Collier County developer and one of strives to boost the current flow of through their deeds, legacy, accom- 239-566-1771 the contemporary leaders of the Col- information about our community’s plishments, stories, conversations or www.jhsswf.org lier County Jewish community, who founders and contemporaries. We hope just their very presence in same circles. The Jewish Historical Society of has made Naples his home since 1981. you will come to enjoy the film, meet Jews of Southwest Florida used to be Southwest Florida is a section 501(c) His story is loaded with Collier County the Kaye family, and experience the few, and everyone knew everyone else (3) charitable organization. Contribu- historical tidbits and is a treasure trove festive surprises the Society has pre- even as recently as just two decades tions are deductible to the extent al- for local history buffs and sleuths. pared. The event will take place on ago. lowed by law. Stuart’s journey from his arrival Monday, January 16 at 5:00 p.m. at To enter a candidate for the Virtual here just after college is unique for the Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Museum, please send a one-page sum-

members have joined We definitely are not ready to com- rent email address to gayledorio@ HADASSAH together in communi- promise our rights. Hopefully, he and gmail.com. Collier/Lee Chapter ties around the country leaders around the world will work to Upcoming events: (239) 370-6220 to achieve our mission. achieve these goals. • Tuesday, January 10 at 11:00 We do this across lines of We are the Power of Women Who a.m.: Being inspired by All Karen Cohn geography, across political aisles, and Do. Things Hadassah with Roz I just read a letter that National Presi- across generations – l’dor v’dor. To- If you are interested in helping dent Ellen Hershkin sent to the women gether we will build on this legacy. with any of our upcoming events, Rosen speaking to our mem- of Hadassah. She states “that now more President-elect Donald Trump please contact me and I will give your bers. than ever we need to take stock and chose to focus on uniting the American name to the appropriate person. • Tuesday, January 17 at 11:30 replenish our inner strengths, because people. Hadassah is looking forward IMPORTANT NOTICE! Two a.m.: Luncheon at Vineyards Hadassah needs you in the days, weeks to working with him and his staff to Board Positions Available: Records Country Club and months ahead to work together for strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, Administrator and Co-Treasurer • Thursday, February 2 at 7:30 women’s health, gender equity and, promote gender equity, and address the We are sending our Happen- p.m.: “Kosher Comedy Tour” at most definitely, Israel.” issues important to us as Zionists and ings electronically. If you are not Temple Shalom Since our founding, Hadassah women. receiving it, please send your cur-

quite a hornets’ nest. knowledgement of the abuses perpetu- and Canada as well. ZIONIST ORG. of AMERICA An outspoken ad- ated not only against Muslim women For ticket information, visit http:// Southwest Florida Chapter vocate for gender equal- abroad but here in the United States zoaswfl.org. (239) 597-0855 ity and an activist for women’s rights interna- A champion of women’s rights visits tionally, she has appeared many times artist trip to Israel. Ad- the ZOA of Southwest Florida in print, radio and television media to HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER ditional information will Jerrold L. Sobel reveal and debate Canadian issues re- at Temple Judea appear in next month’s As Americans we often take for grant- lated to media, diversity, gender and (239) 433-0201 issue. ed the right to protest and stand for or immigration. Her outspoken stand on In addition to oth- against positions unpopular to others. such issues as female genital mutila- Joyce Rosinger er programs, a trip to the Holocaust In other parts of the world it could be tion, forced marriages, male domi- Saturday, January 14 is the annual Museum in the spring is also being downright dangerous. Yet no matter the nance, and other denials of equal rights HAZAK Shabbat. We are pleased that planned. danger of ostracism, there are people for Muslim women has made her our guest speaker will be Amy Sny- Information about HAZAK ap- willing to defy conventional wisdom anathema to advocates of Sharia law. der, Executive Director of the Holo- pears monthly in L’CHAYIM and Tem- to fight for what they believe in. Such In January 2014, Raheel and eight caust Museum. & Education Center ple Judea’s Scroll. a woman will be honoring our commu- other women’s rights activists partook of Southwest Florida. Miles Thom- Annual membership dues are a nity with a presentation on Wednesday, in a Clarion Project film, Honor Dia- son will read the Haftorah and other modest $5 per person. We always look January 25 at 7:30 p.m. at The Chabad ries. The women discuss the aforemen- HAZAK members will also participate forward to greeting new members. If Jewish Center of Naples. tioned gender inequality, honor-based in the service. HAZAK will sponsor you are new to Fort Myers we wel- Raheel Raza is a Muslim woman violence, forced marriage and FGM. the Kiddush lunch. come you to join us. If you are not new author and activist born in Pakistan and They come with awareness and un- On Sunday, February 5 at 4:00 p.m. to the area and wish to join, come and living in Toronto with her husband and derstanding of the complex cultural is- our program will feature local artists meet new friends. For more informa- two daughters. Brought up in a culture sues at play, and are therefore able to Carolyn Gora and Herb Sklar. Carolyn tion, call George or Joyce Rosinger where women were supposed to “be attack political correctness taboos that and Herb will give a PowerPoint pre- at 239.437.1566 or the Temple Judea seen and not heard,” she has kicked up restrict dialogue and prevent true ac- sentation and speak about their recent office at 239.433.0201. L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 26 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

tive volunteers at its Harvey Wolfson was born in Bos- jewelry, photography and fused-glass. TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Honoree Banquet in Jan- ton but grew up in Miami, where he Now retired, they didn’t waste any TEMPLE JUDEA Cape Coral uary. This year’s honor- learned to enjoy water sports such as time in getting involved in Temple Fort Myers (239) 772-4555 ees are Harvey Wolfson, boating, sailing, fishing and snorkel- Beth Shalom. (239) 433-0201 Georgette Bothner, and ing. He still finds time to play tennis Robin is the editor of our temple www.templebethshalomcc.org Robin & Jerry Razowsky. several times a week. He also loves to bulletin, the Shofar. She works on pub- www.tjswfl.org Georgette came to travel. Most of Harvey’s career was licity, the yiskor book, serves as pho- If someone asked you, “What is the Florida from New Jersey, where she spent as Chief Auditing Officer in vari- tographer of special events and orders The ladies of Temple Judea will be most important part of a congrega- was one of the “foundling mothers” ous hospitals in the Miami area. the flowers for the bima. leading services on Women’s League tion?” what would you answer? Some of a battered women’s program and Harvey has been a member of TBS Jerry fills in wherever needed! HeShabbat on Saturday, January 28. The would answer the rabbi, others the shelter before beginning her 20-year since he and his late wife retired to helps with building and grounds main-ladies aren’t the only ones taking over building, the school, the affiliation or career with the Division of Youth and Cape Coral in 2006. He has served on tenance, maintains the audio equipment the location. It is true that all of the Family Services. There she served as a the Nominating Committee, the Social for the rabbi, served on the Nominating above are important, but at Temple caseworker, unit supervisor and trainer Action Committee, and various com- Committee, was an emcee for the Hon- Beth Shalom, it is the people who are before retiring in 2005. She also had a mittees to plan and execute temple oree Banquet, and provided us with an most important. Specifically, it is the private counseling practice and taught events.. He is also a latke fryer and grill insightful High Holiday appeal. volunteers who make things happen! adult education seminars on time man- master at temple picnics. Harvey also The above descriptions of the Our calendar is full of activities, agement and problem solving tech- volunteers for other organizations: the things the honorees have done for TBS Sabbath services, Passover Seders, niques. Georgette joined Temple Beth City of Cape Coral, Coast Guard Aux- are far from complete. They don’t like Chanukah latke parties, bowling, mah Shalom a little over three years ago and iliary and Jewish War Veterans. to brag about themselves, but these are jongg, concerts, dances and a myriad quickly became involved. She has been Robin and Jerry Razowski moved the people you turn to when you need of other social events. None of this an active member of Sisterhood, cur- to Cape Coral four years ago from help getting a job done. would happen without the people who rently serving as Vice President. She Chicago, where Jerry was a Vice Presi- The Annual Honoree Banquet will put in hours of work putting together is also on the TBS Board of Directors, dent of Forbes Electric and Robin was be held on Sunday, January 15 at La the events, maintaining the building, serving as chairperson of member- a manager of condominiums for 20 Venezia Ballroom in Cape Coral. Join working in the office and serving on ship, a member of the religious prac- years. Jerry is also an actor who does us for delectable food and drinks, enter- the board, in the Sisterhood, Brother- tices committee, and an ardent student voiceovers and acts in many plays. tainment, dancing and a silent auction. hood, on the committees, and provid- in the Torah study group. She helped Most recently he had the role of a Jew- Don’t forget about our wonderful Fri- ing a loving heart and a helping hand organize the 2016 Passover Seder and ish doctor in the radio series of Left Be- day night services starting at 7:30 p.m. to congregation members. works with the kitchen work group hind, which ran for five years. Robin and Torah study on Saturday mornings Every year, the congregation of preparing for, serving and cleaning up and Jerry are also talented artists: Jerry at 10:30 a.m. For more information, TBS honors some of its most produc- after temple functions. in sculpting and clay, and Robin in call the temple office at 239.772.4555.

lawn of the temple. This state of activities and the community is da Wein. The series is based upon the TEMPLE SHALOM is a yearly observance invited to participate. Melton System. Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands that is open to the entire On Sunday, January 22 at 3:00 On Tuesday, January 31 at 12:30 (941) 625-2116 community to participate p.m., the first in a 3-part series of Jew- p.m., “Lunch and Learn with the For- in. Latkes were served ish films will be shown. (More infor- ward” continues. There is always a www.templeshalomfl.com along with sufganiyot, mation can be obtained by calling the great discussion on current Jewish is- gelt, dreidels, Hanukkah temple office.) sues. Registration for each session is December was a busy time at Temple cookies and more. Rabbi Agin led the On Tuesday, January 24 at 6:45 required. Lunch is included. Shalom that concluded with the light- service and singing. p.m., part three of the Meaning of For other events and information, ing of the Giant Menorah on the front The month of January has a full Prayer series continues with Dr. Lin- call the temple office at 941.625.2116. Send updates and changes to the Jewish Directory below to [email protected].

TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY REFORM ORTHODOX 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson Email: [email protected] Phone: (941) 8333381 Temple educator: Dale Cohen, Ma.Ed., R.J.E Email: [email protected] Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com President: Russ Bogen IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Phone: 4330018 • Fax: 4333235 a kiddush Web site: www.templebethel.com Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday CHABAD LUBAVITCH Religious School: 9:30 a.m.noon Sunday COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Confirmation class: 6 p.m. Wednesday REFORM ORTHODOX Hebrew School: Wednesday 5:30 p.m. 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers 5620 Winkler Road Judaica Gift Gallery (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) Fort Myers, FL 33919 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz Rabbi Bruce Diamond Phone: 4337708 • Fax: 4819109 TEMPLE BETH SHALOM ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] REFORM Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Web site: www.chabadswf.org 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 ([email protected]) Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah Rabbi Devora Buchen Music director: David Pincus class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon President: Arnie Schwartz Phone: (239) 2747485 Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. Phone: 7724555 • Fax: 7724625 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday OF CAPE CORAL Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday at 6:30 p.m. ORTHODOX Religious School: Thursday 4:00 6:30 p.m. Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, every Saturday morning from 9:30 11:30 a.m. Phone: 9634770 Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) Email: [email protected] TEMPLE JUDEA Web site: www.chabadcape.com BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS CONSERVATIVE Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. REFORM 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church Rabbi Marc Sack Kiddush luncheon 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Email: [email protected] Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. Rabbi Myra Soifer President: Jennifer Manekin MondayFriday morning 7:00 a.m. Director of Congregational Learning: President: Alan Lessack JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Elizabeth Singer Phone: (239) 5790296 (OctMay) Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Email: [email protected] Preschool Director: Joann Goldman [email protected] Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.12:30 p.m. Cantorial Soloist: Douglas Renfroe Jgirls: Tuesday 6:007:00 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org Phone: 4330201 • Fax: 4333371 Email: [email protected] Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (NovApr) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS 7:00 p.m. Friday (MayOct) Web site: www.tjswfl.org Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m.  Shalom Life Center Adult Education: Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader 2183433 Saturday, 9:00 11:30 a.m. (NovApr) Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.noon; • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Jacki Waksman (954) 6539053 to 12:15 p.m. (NovApr) Wed. 4:306 p.m. • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Early childhood education: Brian Lipton (941) 3654955 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Preschool, MF, ages 18 months5 years; • AntiDefamation League: (561) 9882900 (formerly UAHC) “Mommy & Me,” 12 months2 years • B’Nai B’rith International: (941) 3024500 Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative • Chevra Kadisha: TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE Judaism Gene Sipe 8414615 • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 9639347 HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS • Hadassah Collier/Lee Chapter: REFORM CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ESTERO ORTHODOX Lynn Weiner 5981009 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 • Hadassah Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): Port Charlotte, FL 339494675 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood Centre) Odette Port (941) 5051409 Rabbi Solomon Agin • Hazak 55+ Chapter: President: Carol Roark Bonita Springs, FL 341357024 Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Joyce Rosinger 4371566 Phone: (941) 6252116 • Humanistic Jewish Havurah: Email: [email protected] Phone: 9496900 Paula Creed 4958484 Web site: templeshalomfl.com Web site: www.JewishBonita.com • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: (800) 6228017 Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by • Jewish Community Services: 4814449 Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. a kiddush • Jewish National Fund: (727) 5365263 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 5:15 p.m. Memorial Tree Planting in Israel 18005428733 Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 5:15 p.m. • Jewish War Veterans: Organizations: Sisterhood Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter 2463151 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Nechamie Minkowicz 8222784 • ORT Gulf Beaches Chapter Marina Berkovich 5661771 L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 27 jewelry, photography and fused-glass. the pulpit. HAZAK, the monthly TJ’s PJs, aka Jammies and • Saturday morning Shabbat Now retired, they didn’t waste any TEMPLE JUDEA 55+ group of Temple Jeans Shabbat, a young-family-friend- services at 9:30 a.m. time in getting involved in Temple Fort Myers Judea will be davening ly Shabbat service beginning at 5:30 • Lunchtime Torah study with Beth Shalom. (239) 433-0201 the service on Saturday, p.m. followed by dinner. Rabbi Sack the first Thursday Robin is the editor of our temple January 14. For more information about Tem- of each month at noon bulletin, the Shofar. She works on pub- www.tjswfl.org Shabbats, when so ple Judea, upcoming programs or to • TJ’s PJs on one Shabbat each licity, the yiskor book, serves as pho- many members partici- make reservations, call 239.433.0201 month at 5:30 p.m. followed by tographer of special events and orders The ladies of Temple Judea will be pate in leading the service, are always or email [email protected]. dinner the flowers for the bima. leading services on Women’s League a special treat for Rabbi Marc Sack and Regular scheduled events: • Morning minyan every Monday Jerry fills in wherever needed! HeShabbat on Saturday, January 28. The the congregation. • Friday evening Shabbat services at 9:00 a.m. helps with building and grounds main-ladies aren’t the only ones taking over Friday evening, January 20 is the at 6:30 p.m. tenance, maintains the audio equipment for the rabbi, served on the Nominating Committee, was an emcee for the Hon- Follow-on Hebrew visit www.fortmyerssynagogue.com. Every Saturday morning at 9:30 oree Banquet, and provided us with an COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE Reading Fluency Labs The Community Free Synagogue a.m., C.F.S. offers a light breakfast insightful High Holiday appeal. Fort Myers will be offered in Febru- will offer a 3-week “mini-course” on followed by a lively discussion of the The above descriptions of the (239) 274-7485 ary, after which partici- European anti-Semitism before World week’s Torah portion until 11:30 a.m. things the honorees have done for TBS pants can elect to learn to War II from 6:30 to 8:00 on Sundays, The purpose of The Community are far from complete. They don’t like www.fortmyerssynagogue.com read a passage from the February 12, 19 and 26 in its Commu- Free Synagogue, led by Rabbi Bruce to brag about themselves, but these are Torah. nity Hall. There is no charge and it is Diamond, is “Study, Worship and Be- the people you turn to when you needThe Community Free Synagogue’s The Community Free Synagogue’s open to all. nevolent Acts” practiced tradition- help getting a job done. Basic Hebrew Reading Ulpan (inten- next “Brown Bag Movie Night” starts Deepest condolences to the fami- ally but with progressive values. The The Annual Honoree Banquet willsive workshop) is from 11:00 a.m. to at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12 lies of Herbert Lieberman and Arthur synagogue does not sell memberships be held on Sunday, January 15 at La5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22 in in the Community Hall with the show- Brower on the death of their loved or solicit funds. All of its events and Venezia Ballroom in Cape Coral. Jointhe Community Hall, and then contin- ing of the 2015 film Remember, star- ones. programs, including youth and adult us for delectable food and drinks, enter-ues the following Sunday at the same ring Christopher Plummer and Martin Each Friday evening at 6:30 p.m., Jewish education, are open to all and tainment, dancing and a silent auction.time and place. After completing this Landau. Pack a dinner. Admission and The Community Free Synagogue always free. The synagogue meets at Don’t forget about our wonderful Fri-12-hour “Hebrew Boot Camp,” partici- soft drinks are free. serves a traditional Sabbath dinner. It the Southwest Florida Masonic Center, day night services starting at 7:30 p.m.pants will be able to read prayerbook There are only a few places open is free and reservations are never re- 10868 Metro Parkway in South Fort and Torah study on Saturday morningsHebrew. This course is free, but regis- for the C.F.S. Biennial Israel Pilgrim- quired. At 7:30 p.m., the Sabbath is Myers. at 10:30 a.m. For more information,tration is appreciated to synfreersvp@ age leaving June 4 for nine nights in Is- welcomed with prayer and song. A call the temple office at 239.772.4555. gmail.com or 239.274.7485 (SHUL). rael. For information and registration, coffee hour follows worship.

searched presentations she described in her book Hidden In- tween Rabbi Soifer and Reverend Dan- BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. heritance: Family Secret, Memory and ner is scheduled for Friday, February 3 Sanibel on various aspects of Faith. A reception will follow the lec- at 7:30 p.m. during Shabbat Services, (239) 395-2544 “Jews in the Diaspora.” ture. and Sunday, February 5 during church On Wednesdays, Reverend Neumark will also con- services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. www.batyam.org January 11, 18 and 25, at duct a seminar on Tuesday, January 24 On Wednesdays, February 8 and 10:00 a.m. and repeated at 10:30 a.m. titled “How Faith Com- 15 at 10:00 a.m. and repeated at 7:30 For those of us who are in Southwest at 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Soifer, Reverend munities Engage in Social Action.” p.m., Reverend Danner and Cantorial Florida this winter season to enjoy John Danner and Imam Abdul ‘Haq The Shared Scholar program is Soloist Doug Renfroe will jointly pres- the snow-free weather and to partake Muhammed will jointly present classes co-sponsored annually by Temple Bat ent music and commentary about “God of Temple Bat Yam services and pro- that follow the themes from last year’s Yam, the Sanibel Congregational UCC, on Broadway, Hollywood and Vine.” grams, we are the fortunate ones. series, “After Abraham: Judaism, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Using the Bible texts often cited The new calendar year of 2017 Christianity and Islam.” The Part II Church, First Church of Christ Sci- as the basis for anti-LGBT sentiments, begins with a busy schedule of Tem- topics for this year will be “The Status entist and Captiva Chapel by the Sea. Reverend Danner and Rabbi Soifer ple Bat Yam programs and classes to of Women,” “War and Peace” and “The Funding for Bat Yam’s sponsorship is will offer a different perspective on be held at the Sanibel Congregational Messiah.” Reverend Danner is from provided by the Leo Rosner Founda- Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. United Church of Christ, located at our host Sanibel Congregational UCC. tion in honor of June Rosner. All programs and classes described 2050 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. It is Imam ‘Haq Muhammed is the founder A team from Temple Bat Yam will above are free and open to the public. also the 26th anniversary of Temple Bat and executive director of the Quality participate on Sunday, January 29 at Please come to worship and to learn Yam and its relationship with the Sani- Life Center in Fort Myers. 1:00 p.m. in the Sanibel/Captiva Heart with the Temple Bat Yam family at our bel Congregational UCC. Doug Renfroe returns on Sunday, Walk held on behalf of the American meeting place, the Sanibel Congrega- In season, every Friday evening at January 22 at 3:00 p.m. with the Doug Heart Association. tional United Church of Christ. 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Myra Soifer conducts & Friends Concert that will feature The traditional pulpit exchange be- Shabbat services, assisted by Cantorial music by Doug, John Danner and cel- Soloist Doug Renfroe and pianist Abi- list Susannah Kelly. gail Allison. The annual Shared Scholar pro- Adult Education classes are held gram will take place on Monday, L’CHAYIM delivers! Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00 January 23 at 7:00 p.m. Reverend a.m. with Hebrew reading with Rabbi Heidi Neumark, pastor of Trinity Lu- Introduce your business to a POWERFUL Soifer. At 9:30 a.m., the rabbi con- theran Church in Manhattan, is the tinues her series with a discussion of 2017 Shared Scholar. Her presenta- demographic and reach 5,000 readers a different ethical or ritual “mitzvah” tion will expand upon the story of her each month for pennies per reader! each week. Congregants then offer re- discovery of her Jewish ancestry that For ad rates and deadlines, contact SNOWBIRDS, Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923 or [email protected]. newspapers don’t fly… however, your address will! Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: • scholarship Coming South? • outreach • inquiry

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• encouraging students Send address changes to: [email protected] or call: 239.481.4449 ext-4

Safe Travels Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director L'CHAYIM JANUARY 2017 28 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties

Pops CONCERTS START AT 8PM. FEBRUARY 3 & 4 BIG BANDS THROUGH THE DECADES Matt Catingub, conductor Steve Moretti, drums Michelle Amato, vocals Sponsor: Charles B. Munsch

MARCH 3 & 4 A GERSHWIN EXPERIENCE Nir Kabaretti, conductor Lisa Vroman, vocals Sponsor: Madeleine Taeni

APRIL 7 & 8 DEBBY BOONE 2016/17 SWING THIS: VEGAS, THE 60’S & ME Tim Berens, conductor Debby Boone, vocals Masterworks Sponsors: Mr. Ernie Fogg & Ms. Margot Flinn CONCERTS 8PM; PRE-CONCERT LECTURES 7PM. CONDUCTED BY MAESTRO NIR KABARETTI.

JANUARY 21 MASTERWORKS 2 SmallStageSymphonies CELLOBRATION CONCERTS START AT 7:30PM. Zuill Bailey, cello Joseph Schwantner: Chasing Light Elgar: Concerto, Violoncello JANUARY 12 & 13 Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 THE FOUR SEASONS Masterworks Sponsor: Nir Kabaretti, conductor Uhler & Vertich Financial Planners Timothy Chooi, violin Concert Sponsors: Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Charlotte Qua Alexandra Carlson, piano/harpsichord JAN 12 | BIG ARTS, Sanibel FEBRUARY 18 JAN 13 | Southwest Florida Performing Arts Cntr MASTERWORKS 3 Vivaldi: The Four Seasons LET’S DANCE Piazzolla: The Seasons of Buenos Aires Gilad Karni, Viola Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 2 FEBRUARY 8-10 Rozsa: Concerto for Viola and Orchestra GLORIA Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite Dr. Trent Brown, conductor Ravel: Bolero FGCU Chamber Chorus Sponsor: Sheeley/Lotus Architecture FEB 8 | Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center FEB 9 | The Village Church at Shell Point MARCH 25 FEB10 | Sanibel Community Church MASTERWORKS 4 J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 NIGHT AT THE OPERA Mendelssohn: Heilig and Richte mich Gott Featuring The Symphonic Chorale of Bach: Jesu, meine Freude Southwest Florida Vivaldi: Symphony in G Major Soprano, Anna Skibinski Vivaldi: Gloria Tenor, Harold Meers Narrator, Robert Van Winkle, NBC-2 MARCH 8-10 Chief Meteorologist CONCIERTO DE Concert Sponsor: Southwest Florida Symphony ARANJUEZ Endowment Foundation Nir Kabaretti, conductor Symphonic Chorale Sponsor: Don Fjellin Tim Berens, guitar MAR 8 | BIG ARTS, Sanibel APRIL 22 MAR 9 | The Village Church at Shell Point MASTERWORKS 5 MAR 10 | Southwest Florida Performing Arts Cntr MAGNIFICENT MAHLER J. Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez Caroline Goulding, violin Haydn: Symphony No. 101: “The Clock” Jonathan Leshnoff: Starburst Cristian Carrara: Mater Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto Mahler: Symphony No.1 Sanibel Sponsors: Bailey’s General Store, Sanibel-Captiva Beach Resorts, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, L.A.T. Foundation, Friends of the Symphony on Sanibel Sponsors: Eric Diefenbach & J.K. Brown Shell Point Sponsor: Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists

MASTERWORKS AND POPS CONCERTS HELD AT BARBARA B. MANN PERFORMING ARTS HALL AT FSW.