Connected to the People Who Have a Podcast, and This Is What He Said: Thank You

SAVE THE DATE THE DATE SAVE Honoring Volunteers…that make a difference! SEE DETAILS INSIDE

L’ www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 42, No. 8 n April 2020 / 5780

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Due to the potential challenges that the coronavirus poses to 6 Our Community our community, the Jewish Federation has postponed/cancelled 8 Jewish Interest all events and programs through April 30. 15 Israel & the Jewish World Israelfest scheduled for May 3, and the Annual Meeting 18 Commentary scheduled for May 13, will take place unless otherwise indicated. 19 Marketplace 22 From the Bimah 26 Focus on Youth Imagine the impact you can have 29 Organizations in the future 30 Temple News By Brian Simon, Federation President ife is a constant balancing act. foundation holds money that can be “Fundraising is easy. Asking for 30 Community Directory Balancing work and family. used for any number of purposes – do- money is easy as soon as you real- LBalancing our spiritual lives nor advised funds, scholarship funds, ize that you’re not asking for money. with our secular lives. Balancing to- building funds. The money in our foun- You’re asking someone to invest in day’s needs with future needs. dation may be used for other worthy changing someone’s life. The size of Part of the work of the Federation causes, not just our Federation. the gift is really the size of the impact board is thinking about the future of Our funds are professionally man- you are inviting that person to have.” our organization. aged through our new partner, the TOP At the Jewish Federation of Lee It’s a challenge Jewish Foundation. TOP began as a and Charlotte Counties, we are asking 2 to fundraise for regional partnership (Tampa-Orlando- for you to invest in feeding the hungry the future when Pinellas) but has expanded to help of Fort Myers – both Jewish and Gen- Appreciation lunch for there are so many more Jewish organizations throughout tile. We’re asking for you to invest in Senior Lunch Bunch volunteers things that need Florida. It has a strict anti-terror and creating programs for Jewish seniors in our attention to- anti-BDS investment policy. They are Lee and Charlotte counties. We’re ask- day. It’s also chal- helping us promote securing legacy ing for you to invest in creating Jewish lenging because gifts and commitments to ensure a cultural programming like Israelfest  Brian human beings are strong Jewish future. and the Jewish Film Festival. Simon not necessarily My friend Joe Cox is the CEO of We appreciate that you have al- hard-wired to think about the future. the Museum of Discovery and Science ready invested so much in making Psychologists tell us that we treat our in Ft. Lauderdale. He’s a great fund- those programs possible. Imagine the 5 future selves like strangers. We don’t raiser. Joe was recently interviewed on impact you can have in the future. Federation’s Senior Lunch feel connected to the people who have a podcast, and this is what he said: Thank you. Bunch update to deal with the consequences of our actions today – even when those peo- Like us on Facebook! ple are ourselves! At the same time, there’s an opportunity. People also tend to be optimistic about the future and have lofty aspira- ConneCt tions for what our future selves will do. with your Jewish Community That’s why we set New Year’s resolu- 6 tions, right? So, here’s a mid-year resolution: www.facebook.com/ Holocaust Museum & Cohen consider helping us plan for the future facebook.com/jfedsrq Education Center update of your local Federation by support- JewishFederationLCC ing the Federation’s foundation. The

The Board and Staff of the

Jewish Federation 28 Lee & Charlotte Counties Fort Myers BBYO Happenings wishes you a

See page 15 for “ Israel: The top 10 tech Chag Pesach trends for 2020” Sameach

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

DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR www. JewishFederationLCC.org

social service philanthropy culture L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION

Program notes VE

To donate to By Debbie Sanford, Program Director SA & am always the first person to say how valuable $ $ BUYING: INSTANT CASH CLIP our volunteers are – not just helping with pro- the Federation’s gramming but all of the different Federation de- $ $ I VE partments. It would be impossible to execute many of our programs and events with- $ $ SA HIGHEST PRICES PAID! & Annual Campaign, out them. As the season comes

to an end, I am grateful to those CLIP who have stepped up to as-

GIVE BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES THE VE call 239.481.4449 sist me with holiday gift bags, event registration, set-up and SA & clean-up, and especially for the OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS!! or visit Jewish Film Festival – a very CLIP large undertaking this year with GOLD & SILVER COINS PAPER CURRENCY 14kt • 18kt • 22kt GOLD

 Debbie 17 films, different times of the “But young lady, do you not realize that there are rd VE

IMMEDIATE PAYMENT SA JewishFederationLCC.org Sanford day and in multiple locations. many miles of beach and thousands of starfish? You 3 Generation Expertise • Call Today & That is why our Annual Meeting coming up next cannot possibly make a difference.”

month is very meaningful and I invite you to attend. The young woman listened politely, then bent CLIP When we sat in the office talking about the down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the

“theme” of the meeting or the “program,” it was sea. “It made a difference to that one.” VE OUR MISSION

DIAMONDS • SAPPHIRES SA unanimous that this year we needed to recognize the ~ Adapted from the original by Loren Eiseley To strengthen and enrich the Jewish outstanding contributions of our many volunteers. A Our volunteers definitely make a difference, so, &

Community by providing and supporting few years ago at an Annual Meeting in my prior posi- Jodi Cohen, Lori Ramos and I have chosen volun- CLIP philanthropic, educational and social tion, we recognized our volunteers. I think I found the teers we would like to recognize. They will be an- RUBYS • EMERALDS service programs locally, in Israel and perfect thing to read to our volunteers. It’s called the nounced in the next issue, so stay tuned. Please mark VE

throughout the world. Starfish Story. your calendars and save the date for this wonderful SA The Starfish Story event and join us for a short meeting and celebration ALL DIAMOND JEWELRY • WATCHES &

OUR VISION An old man was walking on the beach one morning with a dessert reception. We will present the honorees CLIP after a storm. In the distance, he could see someone with a small gift as a token of our appreciation and A Jewish Community that is based on ANTIQUES • ART OBJECTS • OIL PAINTINGS moving like a dancer. the Starfish Story. It would mean a lot to have you VE Jewish values such as Tzedakah As he came closer, he saw that it was a young there. SA (benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing & the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking woman picking up starfish and gently throwing them Our Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: BEANIE responsibility for one another). into the ocean. “Young lady, why are you throwing May 13 at 6:30 p.m. at FineMark Bank. The invita- CLIP starfish into the ocean?” tion can be found on page 7. I hope to see you there! BACKUS • HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR • ETC

“The sun is up, and the tide is going out, and if I My family and I wish you and your families a VE

do not throw them in they will die,” she said. Happy Passover. SA

Rolex • Cartier • Patek Philippe • Tiffany • Bvlgari & all Wrist and Pocket Watches & Buccellati • Chimento • David Webb • David Yurman • Cartier • Tiffany • Harry Winston • John Hardy • Chopard Appreciation lunch for Mid Century Furniture, Oil Paintings & Accessories: Andy Warhol • Calder • Miro • George Nelson • Lepho • Paul Evans CLIP • Phillip Laverne • Nakashima • Dunbar • Frank Lloyd Wright • Vladimir Kagan • Dunbar • Charles Eams • Knoll VE

L’ SA

Senior Lunch Bunch volunteers & Jewish news published monthly by By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator

Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties CLIP 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 he Jewish Federation’s Senior (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 Lunch Bunch program contin-

Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org VE  ues to be successful for many SA

T & April 2020 • Volume 42, Number 8 reasons, the most important one being  the dedication, generosity of spirit and

President: Brian Simon CLIP Board: Paul Bartrop • Karen Fine • Carolyn Gora hard work of the amazing volunteers. Jerry Greenfield • Andi Horowitz The Federation hosted a volun- Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler • Sara Krivisky teer appreciation lunch on Thursday, VE Michele Laboda • Rozzi Osterman • Barbara Siegel Diamonds ROLEX Estate Jewelry Gold Coins Oil Paintings Sterling Silver SA

Sylvia Simko • Robert Thomas • Sherri Zucker March 5 as a way to say thank you. & Executive Director: Alan Isaacs Everyone involved in the pro-

Program Director: Debbie Sanford CLIP Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos gram contributes by calling and invit- Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen ing people to the lunch, picking up  people who need rides, setting up and VE Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 SA

Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923 cleaning up the lunch, greeting and & Aliza Katz (913) 244-7247 seating people, and bringing dessert.

Ian Sanford (845) 649-9903 CLIP  There are random acts of kindness by L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to the volunteers that take place during Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, every single lunch. Some moments VE but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are SA

involve volunteers getting drinks or & welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be Patek Philippe Chihuly Glass Jade Statues Picasso Pottery Russian Enamel Peter Max directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly food for the people who need assis- printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. tance. What makes the luncheons feel CLIP Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the so celebratory is all of the caring and right to edit for space and content. MID CENTURY FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES VE Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color love between everyone. Every volun- prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, SA teer received a candle with a message STERLING SILVER, & self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. KPM • SEVRES • MEISSEN ROYAL VIENNA The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims attached that read, “No one holds a responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the candle to you!” FLATWARE, & TEA SETS JUDAICA • SWAROVSKI • HERREND CLIP writers and claims by advertisers. Thank you to our Senior Lunch Bunch volunteers! GORHAM MARTELLE • GEORG JENSEN • CARTIER VE

TIFFANY • DAUM • GALLE • ARTGLASS SA

MAY ISSUE LALIQUE, WATERFORD, BACCARAT, DAUM, STEUBEN & BOHEM • ROYAL DOULTON EDITORIAL DEADLINE: CLIP Jewish Family Services update LOUIS VUITTON • CHANEL Monday, April 6 ROOKWOOD • B&G By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator LIEBER • BIRKIN HANDBAGS VE s a reminder, the Jewish Federation provides 2) all of the ‘extra’ items he received, 3) the toiletries, WELLER • DODIE THAYER SA food and emergency assistance to anyone liv- 4) the grocery gift cards, and 5) the gas gift card, as & Grow your business Aing in Lee and Charlotte counties, regardless he had driven from Cape Coral. As he was leaving, ANTIQUE FURNITURE • TAPESTRIES • MOSAICS ORIENTAL RUGS • CHANDELIERS CLIP of background or religion. he said, “Do you mind if I hug you? My wife will kill

with L’CHAYIM. I’ve been thinking a lot about abundance. A Fed- me if I don’t.” He also said that when they are back on ANTIQUE CLOCKS • ART GLASS ORIENTAL FURNITURE VE eration client called in early February, saying that he their feet, he would like to come and make a donation. SA Reach 4,000 local was receiving dialysis, had been out of a work for a Your abundant generosity and donations to the ALL MODERN & ANTIQUE OIL PAINTINGS ORIENTAL HARDSTONES &

little while, and after he and his wife paid their bills, food pantry, as well as the Marcia Can Help Fund, en- CLIP Jewish residents there wasn’t money left for food and could we help able the Federation to provide food and resources to AMERICAN & EUROPEAN PAINTINGS OBJECTS D’ART • PIANOS him. They have two teenagers, including one boy, those in need. It is a mitzvah when someone shows up BRONZE & MARBLE STATUARY • PIANOS ERTE BRONZES & LITHOGRAPHS VE which translates into a ginormous appetite. The client in distress and leaves with a feeling of abundance. It SA through this paper. showed up and I gave him large tote bags of grocer- is a good day for me personally when I witness some- RUSSIAN ENAMEL • OIL PAINTINGS • OBJECTS D’ART CHINESE FURNITURE • PORCELAIN • HARD STONE &

ies, including healthy snack foods for the kids, many one transition from a scarcity mentality to a feeling of CLIP For more information condiments, drinks, toiletries, grocery gift cards, and being taken care of and provided for by the Federa- COPENHAGEN • HUMMELS BIRD & MUSIC BOXES • ORIENTAL RUGS

also a gas gift card, which made the client visibly re- tion. VE

lieved. If there was a fancier, more erudite-ish way of SA or to place an ad, call Lori I helped him carry out the many bags of food and saying this, I would, but there ain’t: every single thing & supplies, and it took both of us to load all of it into his that you donate to the food pantry, every donation that BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES CLIP at 239.481.4449 x5 car. He showed up looking for ‘some food’ and left you make, matters and makes a difference in the lives with a big, hefty load, including gift cards to buy veg- of the people in our community. It is a privilege to HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE or send an email to VE etables, fruit, milk and protein to go with the Federa- do this work. Oy, please, I’m verklempt writing my Serving SA rd Florida Toll Free: 1-800-356-3637 tion groceries. He was overwhelmed at: 1) how much column this month. 3 Generation Indian River, & [email protected]. food was in each bag that the Federation provided, Expertise 24 Hour On Call: 1-800-920-0067 St Lucie, CLIP INSTANT PAYMENT Call Mr. Kodner: 1-561-822-7043 Martin, and VE

CALL TODAY Email Us: [email protected] Palm Beach SA L’CHAYIM is published by the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties www.JewishFederationLCC.org • 239.481.4449 Counties &

Visit us: www.BruceKodner.com CLIP TR-SPAD0828111248

PROOF O.K. BY: ______O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:______

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

ADVERTISER: BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES PROOF CREATED AT: 8/28/2019 11:43 AM SALES PERSON: Meredith Zajac-Leedham PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 09/27/19 PUBLICATION: SPEC ADS SIZE: 10 col X 20 in TR-SPAD0828111248. INDD L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3

Program notes VE SA $ $ & BUYING: INSTANT CASH CLIP $ $ VE

$ $ SA HIGHEST PRICES PAID! & CLIP

GIVE BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES THE VE SA OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS!! & GOLD & SILVER COINS PAPER CURRENCY 14kt • 18kt • 22kt GOLD CLIP

rd VE

IMMEDIATE PAYMENT 3 Generation Expertise • Call Today SA & CLIP VE

DIAMONDS • SAPPHIRES SA & RUBYS • EMERALDS CLIP VE SA ALL DIAMOND JEWELRY • WATCHES & ANTIQUES • ART OBJECTS • OIL PAINTINGS CLIP VE SA BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: BEANIE & BACKUS • HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR • ETC CLIP VE SA

• Phillip Laverne • Nakashima • Dunbar • Frank Lloyd Wright • Vladimir Kagan • Dunbar • Charles Eams • Knoll VE SA & CLIP VE SA & CLIP

IN STANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • N • S T H A S VE N A C T

T Diamonds ROLEX Estate Jewelry Gold Coins Oil Paintings Sterling Silver C A N & S A H T S • N CLIP I I

BUYING! HIGHEST PRICES PAID! N • S T H A S ALL DIAMOND JEWELRY • WATCHES • ANTIQUES • ART OBJECTS • OIL PAINTINGS N VE A C T

SA T C A N &

GIVE BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS!! S A H T S • N I CLIP I GOLD & SILVER COINS PAPER CURRENCY 14kt • 18kt • 22kt GOLD N • S T H A S N A VE C 3rd Generation Expertise • Call Today T

IMMEDIATE PAYMENT — HIGHEST PRICES PAID

T C SA A N S A & H T S Patek Philippe Chihuly Glass Jade Statues Picasso Pottery Russian Enamel Peter Max • N I CLIP I DIAMONDS • SAPPHIRES • RUBIES • EMERALDS N • S T H A S N A VE C T MID CENTURY FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES

T C SA

BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: A N S A

STERLING SILVER, & H T S KPM • SEVRES • MEISSEN ROYAL VIENNA • N

I BEANIE BACKUS I CLIP N • FLATWARE, & TEA SETS S T H JUDAICA • SWAROVSKI • HERREND A S HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR N A C T

GORHAM MARTELLE • GEORG JENSEN • CARTIER VE

T C A N Rolex • Cartier • Patek Philippe • Tiffany • BvlgariTIFF & ANYall Wrist• DAand UMPocket• WatchesGALLE • ARTGLASS SA S A H T & S LALIQUE, WABuccellatiTERFORD • Chimento, BACCARA • DavidT, WebbDAUM, • DavidSTEUBEN Yurman • Cartier • Tiffany • Harry Winston • John Hardy • Chopard • N I

BOHEM • ROYAL DOULTON I N Mid Century Furniture, Oil Paintings & Accessories: Andy Warhol • Calder • Miró • George Nelson • Le Pho • Peter Max CLIP • S T H LOUIS VUITTON • CHANEL A S Paul Evans • Phillip Laverne • Nakashima • Dunbar • Frank Lloyd Wright • Vladimir Kagan • Dunbar • Charles Eams • Knoll N A ROOKWOOD • B&G C T

T LIEBER • BIRKIN C A N HANDBAGS SA S A WELLER • DODIE THAYER H T & S • N I I N CLIP • S T H ANTIQUE FURNITURE • TAPESTRIES • MOSAICS

ORIENTAL RUGS • CHANDELIERS A S N A C T

T C Diamonds ROLEX Estate Jewelry Gold Coins Oil Paintings Sterling Silver Patek Philippe Chihuly Glass Jade Statues Picasso Pottery Russian Enamel Handbags VE A N ANTIQUE CLOCKS • ART GLASS ORIENTAL FURNITURE S A SA H T S • & N I ALL MODERN & ANTIQUE OIL PAINTINGSANTIQUE FURNITURE • TAPESTRIES • MOSAICS ORIENTALORIENTALHARDST RUGS •ONES CHANDELIERS • SCONCES I STERLING SILVER, N • CLIP ORIENTAL FURNITURE • JADE • CORAL • SILVER • PAINTINGS S

CLOCKS • TIFFANY • STEUBEN • ART GLASS T H A S

AMERICAN & EUROPEAN PAINTINGS OBJECTS D’ART • PIANOS N A KPM • MEISSEN • SEVRES • ROYAL VIENNA • TEPLITZ C

FLATWARE & TEA SETS ALL MODERN & ANTIQUE OIL PAINTINGS & WATER COLORS T

T C

GORHAM MARTELLE • GEORG JENSEN • CARTIER • REED & BARTON ERTE • BRONZES & LITHOGRAPHS • FREDERICK HART VE A N AMERICAN & EUROPEAN PAINTINGS & WATER COLORS S A BRONZE & MARBLE STATUARY • PIANOS ERTE BRONZES & LITHOGRAPHS SA H T WALLACE • BUCCELLATI • KIRK • STEIFF • INTERNATIONAL S •

BRONZE & MARBLE STATUARY • PIANOS • BIRD BOXES & N

I LALIQUE • WATERFORD • BACCARATI • DAUM • STEUBEN

SAME DAY SERVICE. CALL TODAY! I RUSSIAN ENAMEL • OIL PAINTINGS • OBJECTSRUSSIAN ENAMELD’AR • OILT PAINTINGSCHINESE • OBJECTS D’ARTFURNITURE • PORCELAIN • HARD STONE N • S

LOUIS VUITTON • CHANEL CLIP T H A S COPENHAGEN • HUMMELS • ROYAL DOULTON • ROOKWOOD HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE LIEBER • BIRKIN • GUCCI N A HANDBAGS BIRD & MUSIC BOXES • ORIENTAL RUGS C COPENHAGEN • HUMMELS T

T C A VE N S A H T SA S • & N I I N • S T CLIP H BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES

3rd Generation Expertise Worldwide A S Florida Toll Free: 1-800-356-3637 Serving N A C T

International Exposure T HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE C

24 Hour On Call: A N 1-800-920-0067 Sarasota, Manatee, VE S A H T INSTANT PAYMENT SA

S Visit Us: www.BruceKodner.com

Serving •

N rd Florida Toll Free: 1-800-356-3637 & I

CALL TODAY

3 Generation Lee and Charlotte Counties Email Us: [email protected] • Indian River, INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH • INSTANT CASH Expertise 24 Hour On Call: 1-800-920-0067 St Lucie, CLIP INSTANT PAYMENT Call Mr. Kodner: 1-561-822-7043 Martin, and VE

CALL TODAY Email Us: [email protected] Palm Beach SA www.JewishFederationLCC.org • 239.481.4449 Counties &

Visit us: www.BruceKodner.com CLIP TR-SPAD0828111248

PROOF O.K. BY: ______O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:______

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

ADVERTISER: BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES PROOF CREATED AT: 8/28/2019 11:43 AM SALES PERSON: Meredith Zajac-Leedham PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 09/27/19 PUBLICATION: SPEC ADS SIZE: 10 col X 20 in TR-SPAD0828111248. INDD L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 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. By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator

YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN

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

�� L�� C�� C�� S�� TRIBUTES �� L�� C�� C�� S�� Local �� e�is� E�uca�on �� L�� an� � Culture C�� C�� S�� Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture th Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for In honor of Lee Seidler’s 85 birthday LocalCommunity‐wide �e�is� E�uca�on Jewish an� Educa�Cultureon and Culture Programs for all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author from Vicki & Steve Zellner LocalCommunity‐wideall �e�is� ages including E�uca�on theJewish an� Jewish Educa�Culture Filmon Fes�val, and Culture Jewish Programs Author for Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk Community‐wideallEvents, ages Israelincluding Celebra�on, theJewish Jewish Educa� Jew Filmishon Fes�val,genealogy, and Culture Jewish Israeli Programs Author folk for dancing, social groups, etc. Events,alldancing, ages Israelincluding social Celebra�on, groups, the Jewish etc. Jew Filmish Fes�val,genealogy, Jewish Israeli Author folk L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Tributes. Events,dancing,L’CHAYIM Israel social published Celebra�on, groups, monthly etc. Jew toish keep genealogy, the Jewish Israeli community folk informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. dancing,L’CHAYIMinformed social about published groups, local, monthly na�onal etc. to and keep interna�onal the Jewish Jewishcommunity issues. Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ L’CHAYIMinformedCommunity about published Rela�ons local, monthly ac�vi�esna�onal to a includend keep interna�onal the monitoring Jewish Jewishcommunity an�‐ issues. Please send them to Lori Ramos Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the CommunityinformedSemi�sm andabout Rela�ons issues local, of ac�vi�esna�onal separa�o a includendn of interna�onal church monitoring and Jewishstate an�‐ in issues. the community. CommunitySemi�smcommunity. and Rela�ons issues of ac�vi�es separa�o includen of church monitoring and state an�‐ in the at the Federation at [email protected]. Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish Semi�smcommunity.Israel Advocacy and issues and Ini�a�vesof separa�o ton strengthen of church andlocal state Jewish in the community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the Israelcommunity.community Advocacy �es withand Ini�a�ves Israel. Holocaust to strengthen Educa�on local through Jewish the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high IsraelcommunityHolocaust Advocacy Museum �es withand ofIni�a�ves Israel. Southwest Holocaust to strengthenFlorida Educa�on to middle local through Jewish and high the Thanks to the following supporters of L’CHAYIM for their school students in the community. communityHolocaustschool students Museum �es within the of Israel. Southwestcommunity. Holocaust Florida Educa�on to middle through and high the

contribution to help underwrite the cost of bringing news of the local, OverseasschoolHolocaust students Museum in the of Southwestcommunity. Florida to middle and high Overseas national and international Jewish community to your mailbox every month! schoolFunding students to the Jewish in the Agencycommunity. for Israel and the American Overseas Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint �istribu�on Commi�ee �J�C� for full spectrum OverseasFundingJewish Joint to the �istribu�on Jewish Agency Commi for�ee Israel �J�C� and for the full American spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communi�es in �� PUBLISHERS: FundingJewishsocial services Joint to the �istribu�on toJewish Israel Agency a ndCommi Jewish for�ee Israel communi�es �J�C� and for the full Americanin spectrum �� countries around the world. Mike Klein Jewishsocialcountries services Joint around �istribu�on to Israelthe world. a ndCommi Jewish �ee communi�es �J�C� for full in spectrum �� Partnership ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region socialcountriesPartnership services around ��ether to Israelthe rela�onship world. and Jewish with communi�es the Hadera‐Eiron in �� Region in Israel. REPORTERS: SUBSCRIBERS:  countriesPartnershipin Israel. around ��ether the rela�onship world. with the Hadera‐Eiron Region

Barry & Emilye Semansky Ruth Zimmer LocalinPartnership Seniors Israel. Services ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region Local Seniors Services inHoliday Israel. baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es Local Holiday Seniors baskets Services and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. LocalHolidayfor Seniors Rosh baskets Hashanah, Services and Hanukah teen visits and to Passover.seniors and senior facili�es Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. HolidaySeniorsfor Rosh &baskets Hashanah, Volunteers and Hanukah teen Lunch visits Program. and to Passover.seniors and senior facili�es Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health SeniorsEmergingfor Rosh & Hashanah, andVolunteers pressing Hanukah Lunch needs Program. andrela tedPassover. to senior housing, health and sociali�a�on.  SeniorsEmergingand sociali�a�on. & andVolunteers pressing Lunch needs Program. related to senior housing, health

LocalandEmerging Case sociali�a�on. Management and pressing Services needs rela ted to senior housing, health Local Case Management Services andNon‐sectarian, sociali�a�on. individual and family outreach, informa�on and Local Non‐sectarian, Case Management individual Services and fa mily outreach, informa�on and referral services. LocalNon‐sectarian,referral Case Management services. individual Services and fa mily outreach, informa�on and Individual life coaching and support services.  Non‐sectarian,referralIndividual services. life coaching individual and and support family services.outreach, informa�on and Local referralIndividual Emergency services. life Servicescoaching and support services. Local Emergency Services IndividualFood Pantry life and coaching Publix andfood support cards. services. Local Food Emergency Pantry and Services Publix food cards. Emergency financial assistance grants. LocalFoodEmergency Emergency Pantry financial and Services Publix assistance food cards. grants. Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters.  FoodEmergencyEduca�on Pantry and financial and aid Publix associated assistance food cards. with grants. natural disasters. Local EmergencyEduca�on Community and financial Servicesaid associated assistance with grants. natural disasters. Local Community Services Educa�onSupport families and aid of associated children with with special natural needs. disasters. Local Support Community families Services of children with special needs. Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, LocalSupportAddressing Community families pressing Services of children community with n specialeeds related needs. to volunteerism, ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and SupportAddressingins�tu�onal families pressing coopera�on of children community and with community n specialeeds related needs. assessment to volunteerism, and planning.  Addressingins�tu�onalplanning. pressing coopera�on community and community needs related assessment to volunteerism, and

�e�is�ins�tu�onalplanning. Community coopera�on �oun�a�on and community assessment and �e�is� Community �oun�a�on planning.An endowment that ensures the long‐term financial base of INDIGENT FUND PACESETTERS �e�is� An Communityendowment that�oun�a�on ensures the long‐term financial base of charitable, social and educa�onal programs in our community. �e�is�Ancharitable, Communityendowment social that�oun�a�on and ensures educa�on theal long‐term programs financial in our community. base of The Federation expresses special gratitude to our Indigent Needs‐based college scholarships and study scholarships in charitable,AnNeeds‐based endowment social college that and ensures scholarshipseduca�on theal long‐term programsand study financial inscholarships our community. base inof Fund Pacesetters for the example they set for the rest of us. Israel.  charitable,Needs‐basedIsrael. social college and scholarshipseduca�onal programsand study inscholarships our community. in Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. Anonymous Needs‐basedIsrael.Projects and programs college scholarships aimed at Jewish and study community scholarships enrichment. in

Jack Cohen - Marcia Can Help Israel.Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. Jackie & Alan Cadkin  Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. Naomi Bloom & Ron Wallace Sherri & Ira Zucker Toni & Stuart Morgenstein Karin Fine M A K E A TRIBUTE GIFT

Shalom Dancers Barbara & Earl Magdovitz MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT A tribute is a thoughtful gift honoring a Mellow Mah Jongg special occasion , including birthdays, aAn tnriibvuertesa irsy a's ,t hporoumghottfiuoln gsi,f tb haor/nboartin g a special occasion , including birthdays, mitzvah, or to express sympathy. anniversary's, promotions, bar/bat The Jewish Federation loves our mitzvah, or to express sympathy. GENEROUS DONORS Honoring a special person

through a tribute gift to the Jewish Family Services of Lee & Honoring a special person

INDIGENT FUND / MARCIA CAN HELP Charlotte Counties is a wonderful way to recognize a simcha (happythrough occasion) a tribute orgift remember to the Jewish a loved Family one. NotServices only doesof Lee your & Marty & Judy Freling Gene & Andrea Sipe giftCharlotte show yourCounties family is anda wonderful friends that way you to care,recognize it goes a tosimcha work Paul & Sylvia Simko Rosalyn Shraiar helping(happy occasion)Jews in need or remember and build inga loved vibrant one. communities Not only does locally, your Vicki & Steve Zellner ingift Israel show and your around family the and world. friends that you care, it goes to work helping Jews in need and building vibrant communities locally, in Israel and around the world.  Bar/Bat Mitzvahs  Loss of a loved one  Births  New homes  Bar/Bat Mitzvahs  Loss of a loved one FOOD PANTRY  Confirmations  Weddings  GetBirths well wishes  andNew much homes more Temple Beth El Brian & Mindi Simon  Confirmations  Weddings Temple Judea Mary Ellen & Bob Hedges  Job promotions Shalom Dancers Mindi Weinstein  Get well wishes  and much more  Job promotions Mellow Mah Jongg Jay & Linda Scott A personalized Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Boni Raitt Rabbi Yossi Labkowski tribute card will be sent to the honoree or bereaved on your Howard Silverman Brian & Sara Krivisky Marsha Kistler Marty Freling behalf,A personalized reflecting Jewish a personal Federation message of Leeif you & wish. Charlotte Counties Barb & Neil Henry Maria Buscani tribute card will be sent to the honoree or bereaved on your Victor Gold Michael & Cheryl Gildstein behalf, reflecting a personal message if you wish. MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT

visit our website at jewishfederationlcc.org/tribute-memorials

MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT Jewishfederationlcc.org visit our website at jewishfederationlcc.org/tribute-memorials

Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5

Senior Lunch Bunch update NEXT SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH: By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator Thursday, May 21 at 12:30 p.m. merican House Senior Living around Fort Myers. Keystone Place at Four Mile Cove hosted the Federation’s senior We’re thrilled to announce that the 1701 Four Mile Cove Pkwy., Cape Coral luncheon for the first time in Israel Scouts will perform (should their A RSVP by Friday, May 15 to Jodi Cohen at February and welcomed us with pi- U.S. summer tour not be cancelled) at zazz, warmth and the senior lunch bunch on Monday, 239.481.4449 x2 or [email protected] a delicious buf- June 15 at Temple Judea. Even though fet! Abi Mitchell the luncheons are usually on Thurs- and her amazing days, we switched the day for the June staff went all out luncheon because we couldn’t resist to accommodate the chance to experience the joy and our group of 70 ruach of these talented young people. people. Adam We’re so excited and hope to see you Corcoran of Gold- there!  �� L�� C�� C�� S�� Jodi Cohen en Care Home Health provided four fun and funky gift Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture baskets as the raffle prizes. The Federa- Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for tion is delighted to welcome American Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author House Senior Living as a community all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk partner. dancing, social groups, etc. dancing, social groups, etc. The free monthly senior lunch L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community bunch is a chance for people to get to- informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ gether to eat, learn a little something, Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the make friends and build new connec- Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the community. tions. Whether you’re new to town or community. Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish you’ve been here for years, there is al- Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the ways room at the table for YOU! We Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high rotate the lunches between synagogues school students in the community. school students in the community. and various senior living facilities to

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

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

Local Case Management Services Local Case Management Services Non‐sectarian, individual and family outreach, informa�on and Non‐sectarian, individual and family outreach, informa�on and referral services. referral services. Individual life coaching and support services. Individual life coaching and support services. Local Emergency Services Local Emergency Services Food Pantry and Publix food cards. Food Pantry and Publix food cards. Emergency ﬁnancial assistance grants. Emergency ﬁnancial assistance grants. Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters. Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters. Local Community Services Local Community Services Support families of children with special needs. Support families of children with special needs. Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and planning. planning.

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

HAVE TO DO IS SAY, M A K E A TRIBUTE GIFT MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT It Matters to Us... A tribute is a thoughtful gift honoring a “AHHH!” That you love where special occasion , including birthdays, aAn tnriibvuertesa irsy a's ,t hporoumghottfiuoln gsi,f tb haor/nboartin g a you live. special occasion , including birthdays, mitzvah, or to express sympathy. At American House, we offer maintenance-free living anniversary's, promotions, bar/bat FREE screenings for oral, at its finest. Our charming communities feature mitzvah, or to express sympathy . head & neck cancer! spacious apartments with a variety of amenities and services. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, weekly Honoring a special person housekeeping, salon and barber shop services, access

through a tribute gift to the Jewish Family Services of Lee & to care, wellness centers and so much more. Honoring a special person WHEN: WHERE:

Charlotte Counties is a wonderful way to recognize a simcha (happythrough occasion) a tribute orgift remember to the Jewish a loved Family one. NotServices only doesof Lee your & Saturday, April 18, 2020 Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Florida Call today or visit us online to learn more giftCharlotte show yourCounties family is anda wonderful friends that way you to care,recognize it goes a tosimcha work 9 am – Noon (Walk-ins welcome) 39 Barkley Circle, Fort Myers FL helping(happy occasion)Jews in need or remember and build inga loved vibrant one. communities Not only does locally, your about a community near you. ingift Israel show and your around family the and world. friends that you care, it goes to work helping Jews in need and building vibrant communities locally, Bonita Springs Coconut Point Fort Myers in Israel and around the world. For more information or to make  Bar/Bat Mitzvahs  Loss of a loved one (239) 221-6042 (239) 221-6043 (239) 221-6439  Births  New homes an appointment, call 239.936.3756.  Bar/Bat Mitzvahs  Loss of a loved one ALF# 12672 ALF# 12898 ALF# 13171  Confirmations  Weddings The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel  GetBirths well wishes  andNew much homes more payment or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment that is  JobConfirmations promotions  Weddings performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free,  Get well wishes  and much more discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination or treatment.  Job promotions A personalized Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties tribute card will be sent to the honoree or bereaved on your behalf,A personalized reflecting Jewish a personal Federation message of Leeif you & wish. Charlotte Counties tribute card will be sent to the honoree or bereaved on your behalf, reflecting a personal message if you wish. MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT visit our website at jewishfederationlcc.org/tribute-memorials

MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care AmericanHouse.com

visit our website at jewishfederationlcc.org/tribute-memorials 20-AHMK-5165

Due to COVID-19, please check with each organization for event cancellations/postponements. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY

Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center update By Susan Suarez, President & CEO pring greetings from the Holo- the liberation of concentration camps, caust Museum & Janet G. and will conclude this month. The butterfly SHarvey D. Cohen Education image is a powerful symbol of hope and Center! Last month we had the won- remembrance, with a special connection derful opportunity to host Dr. Ruth K. to the Holocaust. The program began in Westheimer at Tri- November with the Catholic-Jewish Di- umph 2020. Many alogue of Collier County’s community thanks to all who commemoration of Kristallnacht at St. supported this John the Evangelist Church. Thanks to annual fundrais- all the organizations and individuals we ing event, which partnered with to present the memorable benefits the Mu- films, book discussions, art exhibit and seum’s Education special events. The program educated programs, now many students and adults in the com-  Susan offered in seven munity about the Holocaust and this Suarez Southwest Florida important anniversary. counties. Thanks to Rabbi Adam Miller On Sunday, April 19, the Museum of Temple Shalom for his marvelous job will participate in the Community Com- interviewing Dr. Ruth about her life! memoration of Yom HaShoah. Each Rabbi Adam Miller with Dr. Ruth Westheimer (photo credit: Dell River Imagery) The special 2019-2020 “Butterflies year, local students and Holocaust Sur- lost during the Holocaust. Working library’s parking lot. We also thank of Hope and Remembrance” program, vivors from SWFL join to create a spe- with a group of students, each Survivor Branch Manager Denise McMahon and commemorating the 75th anniversary of cial program of remembrance for those shares their family’s experience during her staff for hosting January program- the Holocaust. In doing so, they and the ming for the “Butterflies of Hope and children form strong bonds. During the Remembrance” program – a film and Commemoration Service, led by their book discussion – and for extending the IsIs YourYour BusinessBusiness WorthWorth Survivor, the students jointly light a “Butterfly Art” exhibit. candle, signifying that the knowledge This artwork, created by local art- and remembrance of the Holocaust is ists and students at local schools, was MoreMore ThanThan YouYou Think?Think? being passed on to another generation so auctioned at the March 18 screening they, too, will “Never Forget.” On Tuesday, April 7, we Find hidden value in your balance sheet. are pleased to present a new The Living Balance Sheet® can help you protect and grow exhibit in the Estelle and Stu- your business making the most of untapped potential. art Price Gallery: Through Using this revolutionary financial model, you can: Their Eyes: The Liberation of • See the big picture of your Concentration Camps. Created finances, both business and personal • Adjust your strategies for optimal in-house, the exhibit draws on Brian Simon, ChFC, CLU materials from the Museum’s impact across the board Financial Professional • Maximize your opportunities and the Alliance Financial Group permanent collection. The value of your business 14021 Metropolis Avenue Fort Myers, FL 33912 photographs, documents and It’s insight you won’t find anywhere else. artifacts were donated by local Butterfly artwork display at Triumph 2020 For your complimentary business valuation contact Brian Simon at SWFL residents who are Holocaust Sur- of Footsteps of My Father, which tells Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Life Cycle (239) 246-8928 or [email protected] vivors, Camp Liberators, their families the stories of Camp Liberators. The and other interested parties. Materials screening was in memory of the late events – births, B’nai Mitzvah, engagements, etc. Registered Representative of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 14021 Metropolis Ave. Fort Myers FL, 33912 (239) 561-2900. Securities products offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Alliance Financial Group is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. 2019-79040 Exp. 5/21 on special loan for this exhibit will also Perry Switzen and his father, who was a Submit your events to [email protected]. be included. Through testimonies and Liberator. Proceeds from the art auction artifacts, Through Their Eyes provides will benefit the Museum’s new initiative a look into the experience of liberation to send teachers on a travel study trip to from the perspective of both the liber- Holocaust sites in Europe. ated and the Liberators. The exhibit is a For details on how you can support fitting conclusion to the 75th anniversary the Museum’s Education programs or of the liberation of the camps and the sponsor exhibits and events, please REALTY GROUP “Butterflies of Hope and Remembrance” contact me at [email protected] or program. The exhibit will run through 239.263.9200. Attendance at the new October 23, 2020. Museum continues to grow, with many Frye Commercial Group The Museum is very grateful to the people returning with friends and fami- South Regional Library for hosting the lies for another visit. If you haven’t been COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Museum’s Boxcar Exhibit. Many people here yet, we hope to see you before too SALES, INVESTMENT, ACQUISITION & DISPOSITION have visited the exhibit, located in the long! HAL ARKIN (239) 910-5363 cell • [email protected] This month’s

Direct (239) 689-2246 • Ofﬁ ce (239) 489-0444 advertisers 7910 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Fort Myers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support www.ftmyerscommercial.com of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. Advanced Physical Therapy.....21 Higginson Tax & Accounting...19 Each Ofﬁ ce Independently Owned and Operated Ajax Paving Industries...... 12 Irving Lewin, Music Lessons...19 Alliance Financial Group...... 6 Jason’s Deli...... 12 Amavida...... 15 Keystone Place...... 18 American House...... 5 Kushner & Kushner...... 19 LET ME HELP YOU Hal Arkin, Realtor®...... 6 David Lovitch, Broker Assoc...19 Art of Fashion and Moore...... 19 Michael Shapiro Photography..27 BUY OR SELL Atrium at Liberty Park...... 13 Paragon Pools...... 19 Gwen Baker, Realtor®...... 19 PCC Tile...... 22 YOUR HOME! Howard N. Barrow, MD...... 8 Pegasus Financial Consulting...19 Bruce Kodner Galleries...... 3 Publix...... 16 BOB Calusa Harbour...... 23 Alan J. Rubinstein, Attorney.....19 VINIKOOR Cypress Cove...... 7 Seniors Helping Seniors...... 22 Fort Myers REALTOR Harold Eskin, Attorney...... 19 Shell Point...... 9 FGCU...... 8 Shemtov Title...... 19 FineMark Natl. Bank & Trust...23 Snyderman’s Shoes...... 19 Florida Specialists in Urology..19 Southwest Florida Symphony...11 Gateway Accounting & Tax Svcs.15 Taschner Periodontics...... 17 Susan Glasser, Realtor®...... 17 The Bagel Factory...... 19 Gordon’s Pool & Spa Service...19 The Print Shop Ink...... 24 Green Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP.19 The Terraces at Bonita Springs.10 Gulf Breeze Hair Studio...... 19 21st Century C.A.R.E...... 5,11 Gulf Coast Orthodontics...... 17 Bob Vinikoor, Realtor®...... 6 Dr. David Heligman...... 25 Wilkes Weinstein Financial Grp.21 239-258-110 2 [email protected] Henderson Franklin...... 19

Please support our advertisers. They help make L’CHAYIM possible. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7 Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center updateExplore biblical secrets in a new JLI course eginning Thursday, April 30, does it hold for us today? biblical Jewish tradition, the course courses are open to the public, and at- Chabad Lubavitch of South- Throughout its six sessions, “Se- recognizes an interpretative process tendees need not be affiliated with a Bwest Florida will offer a new crets of the Bible” explores major life that begins with the Bible itself (in- particular synagogue, temple or other six-session course from the Rohr Jew- themes, including human subjectivity terpreting its own past) and goes on house of worship. ish Learning Institute (JLI), titled “Se- and bias, the underpinnings of rela- to awaken the interpretive impulse in We are very Grateful to Dr. Gary crets of the Bible: Iconic Stories, Mys- tionships, negotiating spiritual growth later readers exploring the experience & Marlene Price for sponsoring this tical Meanings and Their Lessons for with practical impact, why inspiration of their own era.” course for the community. Life.” is fleeting and how to make it last, un- Like all JLI programs, this course Interested students may visit www. “People tend to read biblical stories derstanding equality and privilege, and is designed to appeal to people at all myJLI.com or call 239.433.7708 for as they do primitive mythology,” said navigating parallel spiritual and mate- levels of knowledge, including those registration and other course-related Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz of Chabad rial life paths. without any prior experience or back- information. Lubavitch of Southwest Florida, the lo- “The course presents wonderful ground in Jewish learning. All JLI cal JLI Instructor in Fort Myers. “Our ancient biblical stories in fresh and course invites participants to look modern ways that deal with universal deeper and discover the underlying human dilemmas,” explained Dr. Erica Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties themes and relevant life lessons that Brown, director of the Mayberg Cen- Jewish these stories were designed to convey.” ter for Jewish Education and Leader- The course presents a whole new ship at George Washington University. way of reading the stories of Adam “The wisdom it shares should not re- Rabbi Adam Miller with Dr. Ruth Westheimer (photo credit: Dell River Imagery) and Eve and the Tree of Knowledge, main a secret.” library’s parking lot. We also thank Noah and the great flood, the lifelong “‘Secrets of the Bible’ brings to and Dessert Reception Branch Manager Denise McMahon and feud between Jacob and Esau, Joseph’s an intelligent lay readership texts so her staff for hosting January program-multicolored coat, the golden calf, and formative to so many cultures world- HONORING VOLUNTEERS... ming for the “Butterflies of Hope andKorah’s rebellion. For each of these wide that they cannot be ignored even Remembrance” program – a film andstories, it seeks to answer the ques- by cultures looking on from with- THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE! book discussion – and for extending the tions: What is the deeper meaning be- out,” commented Dr. Joel Rosenberg, “Butterfly Art” exhibit. hind the story? How does it shape the a professor of biblical literature at This artwork, created by local art-Jewish worldview? And what wisdom Tufts University. “By embracing post- ists and students at local schools, was auctioned at the March 18 screening OBITUARY Longtime Bat Yam member Martin Pokedoff passed away on February 18 at Health Park Hospital in Fort Myers. Marty served as president of Bat Yam from 2014 to 2016, and for many years as an officer and trustee. Marty was born on Long Island and grew up there and in Brooklyn. He attended New York University, majoring in English. He was an independent insurance broker in New York. He and his beloved Esther were married for 61 years. After living on Long Island, they came to Sanibel in 2001. Marty enjoyed reading and

FineMark Bank watching sports. In addition to Esther, he leaves a son and daughter and six 12681 Creekside Lane grandchildren. Fort Myers, FL 33919 of Footsteps of My Father, which tells Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Life Cycle the stories of Camp Liberators. The RSVP by May 7 screening was in memory of the late events – births, B’nai Mitzvah, engagements, etc. to Lori at 239.481.4449 X-5 or [email protected] Perry Switzen and his father, who was a Submit your events to [email protected]. Liberator. Proceeds from the art auction will benefit the Museum’s new initiative to send teachers on a travel study trip to Holocaust sites in Europe. For details on how you can support the Museum’s Education programs or sponsor exhibits and events, please contact me at [email protected] or 239.263.9200. Attendance at the new Museum continues to grow, with many people returning with friends and families for another visit. If you haven’t been here yet, we hope to see you before too long! Explore More. Active Senior Lifestyle

• 5-Star Dining • Fitness Center and Daily Classes • Salon and Spa • Woodworking Shop • Creative Arts Studio • Utilities and Housekeeping • Indoor Heated Pool Included

CypressCoveLiving.org

Please support our advertisers. They help make L’CHAYIM possible. Save the date for Israelfest: Sunday, May 3 from 2-5pm! See the back page for more info. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 8 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST

Liberation, April 1945 By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD eventy-five years ago this month Scandinavian citizenship included pris- University (FGCU); the Sarasota-based only points the way for what was truly an saw April 1945, a momentous time oners from Poland and France, among non-profit organization Better Futures; absolute good, it also helps to redeem the Sfor the surviving Jews of Europe other places. and the Ravensbrück Archive at Lund record of humanity at a time when it was languishing in concentration camps. With Ravensbrück was a Nazi concentra- University and the Malmö Museum tested to its maximum. Those involved the end of the war, tion camp for women, located 56 miles (both in Sweden), is mounting a major in the White Buses initiative formed an- prisoners (whether north of Berlin on swampy land near exhibition entitled To Life. This brings other part of the “Greatest Generation,” Jewish or not) facing the Havel River. In late 1939, the camp to FGCU the story of the White Bus one which has, all too infrequently, been the prospect of lib- held 2,000 prisoners. By late 1942, there rescue mission and the liberation of the brought to light. It is of course right that eration saw each day were 10,800. In 1944, the main camp women and children from Ravensbrück we focus on the deaths of the Holocaust. dragging by, seem- contained 26,700 women and several concentration camp. It is a phenomenon that has rightly been ingly without end. thousand girls in a separate compound To Life tells the story of the libera- called, in Latin, the mysterium tremen- Yet painfully slowly, for children. During its existence, at tion through the lens of the women and dum – the “mystery that repels.” Yet  Dr. Paul as German units both least 107,753 women (123,000 accord- children after being rescued by the the story of the White Buses can, by Bartrop west and east surren- ing to a former prisoner, Germaine Til- White Buses, relating this story of hope, contrast, be termed the mysterium fas- dered, the concentration camps were lion) were interned at Ravensbrück and compassion and heroism. cinosum – the “mystery that attracts.” liberated. its satellite camps, most of which were To help facilitate this, the Ravens- It is a story that to some extent On April 12, 1945, Westerbork, in the industrial slave labor sites. brück Archive at Lund University in redeems the value of humanity, and for Netherlands, was set free. The day before, During 1942 and 1943, Ravens- Sweden has loaned the Library valuable this reason alone it is something which Buchenwald’s inmates rose against their brück also served as a training base for artifacts from the survivors. The Malmö we are proud to bring to the FGCU family SS guards and took over the camp, hand- female guards, and eventually some Museum, which houses the White Bus and the wider community. It is, in short, ing it to United States forces on April 3,500 women were trained there for Collection, has agreed to loan origi- significant. In the period of stress in 13. Bergen-Belsen was liberated by the work in this and other camps. nal photographs of the White Buses, which we are living, the example pro- British Army on April 15, and on April 23 Most of the camp was evacuated in the rescue mission and the survivors vided by the rescuers is a model for us the SS transferred Mauthausen to the In- March 1945 as the Russians approached. disembarking the buses once safely in all to follow in our hearts and through ternational Committee of the Red Cross. When the camp was liberated by Soviet Sweden, as well as other artifacts that our conduct. The next day, Dachau, after 12 years and troops during April 29-30, they found contribute to the story. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of His- 28 days of unending misery and abuse, only 3,500 ill and famished women left. Through the stories of the survivors tory and the Director of the Center for was overrun by the United States Army. It has been estimated that approxi- and the heroism of the rescuers, the To Holocaust and Genocide Research at Five days later, on April 29, the women’s mately 50,000 inmates died at Ravens- Life exhibition shares a message of hope Florida Gulf Coast University. He can camp at Ravensbrück was liberated. brück across the camp’s duration. In and belief in the human spirit. be reached at [email protected]. Thousands of survivors from camps addition to general overwork, exposure, The story of the White Buses not throughout Western Europe were then malnutrition, disease and abuse, indi- rescued in a unique scheme undertaken vidual women were subjected to excru- by the Swedish Red Cross and the Dan- ciating medical experimentation while Center for Holocaust ish government, known collectively as in the camp, including bone transplants, the “White Buses” initiative. The term induced gas gangrene and deliberately and Genocide Research “White Buses” was employed because infected incisions. Early in 1945, a gas Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about the vehicles were painted white with chamber was constructed at the camp, red crosses to keep them from being where, it is asserted, between 2,200 and Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: confused with military vehicles. The 2,400 women were gassed. • scholarship rescued prisoners would then be trans- In the spring of 2020, through to • outreach ported to neutral Sweden. the end of April, the Center for Ho- Ultimately, a total staff of about 300 locaust and Genocide Research, in • inquiry mainly volunteer rescuers was able to conjunction with the Department of • sharing knowledge save 15,345 prisoners. Of these, 7,795 Archives, Special Collections, and • preserving the record were Scandinavian citizens and 7,550 Digital Initiatives at the Wilson G. • helping teachers were from elsewhere. Those of non- Bradshaw Library of Florida Gulf Coast • encouraging students

Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director

The Center for Holocaust and Genocide Research presents SURVIVOR STEEN METZ SPEAKS ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS LIBERATION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | 11:00 Am

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY’S Marieb Hall - Room 200 inCANCELLED conjunction with the Bradshaw Library’s exhibition Visit us at our new Cape Coral To Life: The Liberation of Ravensbrück Location! Free event ~ no RSVP required For more information, contact Dr. Paul Bartrop at 239.590.7239 or [email protected]

Follow the Federation at www.facebook.com/JewishFederationLCC L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9

Location. Location. Shell Point.

Waterfront Resort Retirement Lifestyle and the Assurance of Lifecare

EXPLORE SHELL POINT TODAY! ATTEND A DISCOVERY SEMINAR | 9:30 A.M. EVERY TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY

April 1 April 7 & 8 April 14 & 15 April 21 & 22 April 28 & 29

It’s Paradise Here From the moment we came to Shell Point, we felt welcomed. After leaving our friends and family on ‘‘ the East Coast, we found an abundance of friendly neighbors, exciting programming and wellness ‘‘ opportunites. Seven years later, we couldn’t be happier in our beautiful home and with the wonderful life we’ve created in the community. Morton and Dorothy Zablotsky (Oakmont)

Unparalleled setting. Unparalleled lifestyle.™

EXPLORE TODAY! Call (239) 529-4749 or 1-800-780-1131 or visit www.shellpoint.org Shell Point is located in Fort Myers on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River just 2 miles from the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Shell Point is a nonprofit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc. ©2020 Shell Point. All rights reserved. SLS-4078-20

Stay connected all month long at www.JewishFederationLCC.org L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 10 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Stars of David Interested in Your By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist By Arlene Stolnitz Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to Family’s History? ith Passover approaching, be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish the name of the group Let have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Nate Bloom (see column above) has become a family history expert in 10 My People Sing! caught years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help W Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts my eye recently. After researching it, to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a I discovered this is not a group con- full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start nected to the holiday at all. Instead, like Broadcast, Cable and Streaming every genre (including Casablanca, with a limited search of one family line. many other Jewish choral groups, Let Offerings: Catch-Up and Look Ahead White Christmas and Mildred Pierce). So here’s the deal: My People Sing! (LMPS) is a group of The Plot Against America is a six-part The film covers the production of people who love HBO series that started on Monday, Casablanca, which was made just be- Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. to sing and whose March 16. It’s based on the novel of fore and just after America entered the Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that mission is to sing the same name by the late PHILIP war in December 1941. Curtiz had to goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. music of diverse ROTH. The novel and series posit an fend off script interference from studio Jewish traditions alternative American history. Franklin executives while coping with a dysfunc- The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, from ancient to Roosevelt is defeated in the 1940 presi- tional relationship with his daughter. several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate contemporary dential election by Charles Lindbergh, YAN FELDMAN, 46, an Ireland-born songs. But this the famous aviator who was, in real and raised “landsman,” co-stars as friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out is a group with life, a xenophobic isolationist. Lind- JULIUS EPSTEIN (Julius and his iden- great for them. So contact him about this as well. a difference. All bergh turns the nation toward fascism, tical twin brother PHILIP won the Os- Arlene Stolnitz about inclusion, tinged with more than just a little anti- car for writing Casablanca). Feldman is The Baker & the Beauty premieres 54, co-wrote and directed the film.The this unique group will get together Semitism. The impact of Lindbergh’s distantly related to the late, great comic on ABC on Monday, April 13. It is a Lovebirds is a romantic comedy aboutthis summer at the Isabella Freedman policies is told via its effects on a New actor MARTY FELDMAN. romantic-comedy-musical series based a charming couple who are unintention-Jewish Retreat Center in Canaan, Con- Jersey working class Jewish family, Run is an original HBO series that on a hit Israeli series of the same name. ally involved in a murder mystery. Itnecticut, for a week of singing and called the Levins in the HBO series. The begins on Sunday, April 12. The main Set in Miami, it follows Daniel Garcia, was directed by MICHAEL SHOW-camaraderie. story is mostly told through the perspec- characters are Ruby and Billy, a couple who works in his family’s bakery and ALTER, 49. He was long best known LMPS is a group that considers tive of Philip Levin, a 10-year-old boy. who entered into a pact while in col- does everything that his loving Cuban as a comedic actor (Hot Wet Americanmusic as medicine. Music levels the The cast includes MORGAN SPEC- lege: if either couldn’t stand their life parents and siblings expect him to do. Summer) before moving over to direct-playing field. It has the ability to free TOR, 39, as Herman, Philip’s father, anymore, they would text the other But on a wild Miami night after breaking. His first three films got fairly goodand heal the soul. Everyone can be a and WINONA RYDER, 48, as Evelyn, person the word “run” and the other ing up with his girlfriend, he meets Noa reviews but didn’t make much money.leader and learner of song. Building a Philip’s aunt. Plot was co-created by person would drop everything and travel Hamilton, an international superstar That changed with The Big Sick (2017), community of song should be intergen- DAVID SIMON, 60 (The Wire), and he to New York to meet the “texter.” After and fashion mogul, and his life moves a romantic comedy about an interracialerational and inclusive. At the center of wrote or co-wrote four of the episodes. the meet, they would travel together into the spotlight as the pair discover couple who overcome many obstacles,this community are the voices of those Curtiz, which began streaming across America. Well, 17 years after a mutual attraction toward each other. including illness. This low-budget indie who have been marginalized in the on Netflix on Wednesday, March 25, graduation, Ruby texts “run” to Billy. The supporting cast includes DAN film got great reviews and made a lot of Jewish community. That includes queer is a 2018 dramatic film that played a The recurring cast includes TAMARA BUCATINSKY, 54. You almost cer- money. Jews, Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews, Jews limited number of theaters last year. PODEMSKI, 43, as a police officer. tainly know him from scores of TV of color, transgender Jews, Jews with It was also screened at several Jewish Tamara and her actress sisters (SARA guest roles. His parents were born and PLEASE SUPPORT disabilities, indigenous Jews and even film festivals. The title refers to direc- and JENNIFER PODEMSKI) are the raised in Argentina, so Dan almost cer- Jewish women. Most organizations do tor MICHAEL CURTIZ (1912-61), daughters of an Israeli father and an tainly speaks Spanish. It’s not yet known OUR ADVERTISERS not include “the other” at the center who was born in Hungary and arrived Aboriginal (Indian) Canadian mother. whether that is true of his character, too. of their programming. While anyone in America in 1926. He was known as Podemski, the granddaughter of a Holo- At the Movies THEY HELP MAKE is welcome to attend, the emphasis is a difficult man and there was a famous caust survivor, studied Hebrew literature Opening Friday, April 3 are Father- definitely on the marginalized group. line that his accent was so thick that in college and has appeared at forums in hood and The Lovebirds. Fatherhood L’CHAYIM As a result, those who have not always he was “incomprehensible in five lan- which she has discussed the similarities is about a single man who brings up his been welcomed and have not had access guages.” However, he was a very good and differences in the Jewish and “First daughter after his wife’s death a day POSSIBLE. to Judaism, have found a way to express director who turned out good films in Nation” experiences. after she gave birth. PAUL WEITZ, themselves. FINDFreedom. DISTINCTIVE RETIREMENT LIVING.

A SantaFe Senior Living Community EXPECT More Open 7 days a week. Indulge in the luxury of catered living in a Life Plan Community – free from the responsibilities of home Call 239-303-4038 to schedule maintenance and the concerns of future health needs your visit and complimentary brunch or lunch. while enjoying gracious services including gourmet dining and valet parking. We take care of everything. TheTerracesAtBonitaSprings.com All under one roof. 26455 S. Tamiami Trail | Bonita Springs, FL 34134

L.A.T. FOUNDATION FRIENDS OF THE SYMPHONY ERNIE FOGG SR. ON SANIBEL Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Support | Skilled Nursing | Rehabilitation & MARGOT FLINN territory

Assisted Living Facility License #12385 | COA: #08075 TICKETS S T A R T A T J U S T $15! WWW.SWFLSO.ORG | (239) 418-1500

Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts. Send an email to [email protected]. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 Interested in Your Let My People Sing! By Arlene Stolnitz Family’s History? ith Passover approaching, God receives us as we are, judging free time/nap time in between. Then everyone! In song and solidarity! Yasher the name of the group Let not our level of knowledge but rather the another song session followed by dinner Koach to all! WMy People Sing! caught depths of our hearts. As it turns out, one at 6:45 p.m. Community Sing/Ma’ariv Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota my eye recently. After researching it, key to finding that space is through mu- precedes Havdalah. At 9:30 p.m. there Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jew- I discovered this is not a group con- sic. The group’s goal is to strive to create is a Participatory Concert for all. Hav- ish Congregation of Venice. A retired nected to the holiday at all. Instead, like a model that rewrites the script in ways ing attended similar retreats in the past educator from Rochester, New York, many other Jewish choral groups, Let that allows many to unlearn messages at the North American Jewish Choral she has sung in choral groups for over My People Sing! (LMPS) is a group of received earlier. Singing in community Festival, I can tell you the camaraderie 25 years and also sings in The Venice people who love encourages listening to one another, does not end there. After a full day, the Chorale. Her interest in the preservation to sing and whose blending voices and building something fun continues into the early hours of the of Jewish music of all kinds has led to mission is to sing collaborative… to respect and trust not morning with singing and dancing until this series of articles on Jewish Folk music of diverse only ourselves, but each other. one can no longer stand. Music in the Diaspora. Jewish traditions How did the group start out? Much What a wonderful experience for from ancient to like the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, which contemporary also started 20 years ago, the project be- songs. But this gan as an experiment. Five friends came is a group with together to run a weekend-long retreat SNOWBIRDS, a difference. All dedicated to sharing and singing Jew- Arlene Stolnitz about inclusion, ish music. To their surprise, 150 people newspapers don’t fly… 54, co-wrote and directed the film.The this unique group will get together signed up that first summer to sing in however, your address will! Lovebirds is a romantic comedy aboutthis summer at the Isabella Freedman Hebrew, Ladino, Yiddish, Arabic, Ara- however, your address will! a charming couple who are unintention-Jewish Retreat Center in Canaan, Con- maic, English and Spanish, wherever ally involved in a murder mystery. Itnecticut, for a week of singing and Jews have dwelled in the diaspora. was directed by MICHAEL SHOW-camaraderie. This year, the co-created weeklong ALTER, 49. He was long best known LMPS is a group that considers experience already was sold out in as a comedic actor (Hot Wet Americanmusic as medicine. Music levels the February! Through the years, more than Summer) before moving over to direct-playing field. It has the ability to free 200 workshops have been presented. At ing. His first three films got fairly goodand heal the soul. Everyone can be a the retreat, one might hear Baghdadi- reviews but didn’t make much money.leader and learner of song. Building a Indian melodies of Shabbat presented That changed with The Big Sick (2017),community of song should be intergen- by Rahel Musleah, who introduced Going North? a romantic comedy about an interracialerational and inclusive. At the center of Sarasota Jews to the distinctive music Going North? couple who overcome many obstacles, this community are the voices of those of India and Iraq a few years back at Don’t forget to contact us with including illness. This low-budget indie who have been marginalized in the the Federation’s Women’s Passover Don’t forget to contact us with your change of address to film got great reviews and made a lot of Jewish community. That includes queer Seder. Other workshops abound such as your change of address to money. Jews, Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews, Jews Yiddish songs about Moshiach, Syrian continue receiving L’CHAYIM. continue receiving L’CHAYIM. of color, transgender Jews, Jews with Piyutim, How to Engage Children in

PLEASE SUPPORT disabilities, indigenous Jews and even Song, Improvisational Singing, Judeo Send address changes to: Send address changes to: Jewish women. Most organizations do Arab Song, Yemenite Song and A Queer [email protected] OUR ADVERTISERS not include “the other” at the center Nigun Project Circle (Allies Welcome). [email protected] or call: 239.481.4449 ext-5 of their programming. While anyone There is even a reference of music for or call: 239.481.4449 ext-5

is welcome to attend, the emphasis is Jews who are in prisons. THEY HELP MAKE Safe Travels definitely on the marginalized group. A typical Shabbat day at the retreat Safe Travels L’CHAYIM As a result, those who have not always includes 7:00 a.m. yoga followed by been welcomed and have not had access breakfast, then Shabbat services until POSSIBLE. to Judaism, have found a way to express lunch at noon. The afternoon consists of themselves. two song sessions (or workshops) with

JOIN US FOR OUR 8TH ANNUAL 5K RUN & 2-MILE WALK TO SUPPORT HEAD & NECK CANCER PATIENTS! Saturday, April 25, 2020 Century Link Sports Complex at Hammond Stadium | Fort Myers, FL

Head & Neck Cancer is diagnosed in more than 50,000 people in the U.S. yearly. Head & Neck Cancer is preventable and is treatable. All funds raised will be used locally to provide financial assistance to Head & Neck Cancer patients in need and to conduct Head & Neck Cancer screenings in Southwest Florida.

T-shirts & gift bags to the first 100 to register by April 10, 2020 For more information, please visit our website 21stCenturyCare.org or contact us at 239.936.3756.

Event Chairperson STACEY BRILL, MSCCC-SLP Speech Pathologist

RUN/WALK SCHEDULE ENTRY FEE THRU APRIL 10 ENTRY FEE AFTER APRIL 10 7:00 am: Registration Adult (18+): $25.00 Adult (18+): $30.00 8:00 am: 5K run/2-mile Youth (5-17): $15.00 Youth (5-17): $20.00 walk refreshments, awards and chance drawings after Child (Under 5): No Charge Child (Under 5): No Charge

L.A.T. FOUNDATION FRIENDS OF THE SYMPHONY ERNIE FOGG SR. ON SANIBEL & MARGOT FLINN territory

TICKETS S T A R T A T J U S T $15! WWW.SWFLSO.ORG | (239) 418-1500

Due to COVID-19, please check with each organization for event cancellations/postponements. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 12 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST

Bearing witness: Andrea Simon’s Bashert marks Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old an important addition to the Holocaust canon When Seder night falls on a weekday, Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM Bashert: A Granddaughter’s Recent historical fiction about the Paramount is the inde- death in the gas cham-invite family for the Secret Seder Holocaust Quest, by Andrea Simon. Holocaust includes Andrew Gross’s pendence and improvisa- bers, but rather of po-By Rabbi Barbara Aiello Vallentine Mitchell. 300 pages. disturbing The Fifth Column and Tara tion handed down to the groms and mass shoot- Trade paperback $24.95. Lynn Masih’s unforgettable My Real author by her grandmother ings at Volchin, Brest, Name Is Hanna. Masha, whose life seems to the Brona Gora forest amuel D. Kassow’s highly ap- Several of the narratives above were be a series of unexpected and elsewhere. Simon plauded Who Will Write Our written by children or grandchildren of outcomes. Masha’s jour- discovers, over and over, SHistory came out in 2007, fol- survivors. And the survivors themselves ney was a long one: from that there are few innocent lowing a long silence in the publica- were able to contribute stories of their Volchin – the largely Jew- bystanders. tion of Holocaust history. It tells the relatives and friends murdered by Hit- ish village of her birth Her chapters are num- story of how Polish historian Emanuel ler’s minions – in too many cases, aided in present-day Belarus bered, but more crucially, Ringelblum created the Oyneg Shabes by the neighbors of those victims. – to escaping the death they are given one-word scholarly group to capture and preserve Andrea Simon’s astonishing Bash- marches, moving to the U.S., then on titles that trace the movement from the experiences ert: A Granddaughter’s Holocaust to Israel and Berlin. Andrea follows concept to concept: protest, connection, of those trapped Quest, first published in 2002 and her grandmother vicariously and, in her longing, collaboration, isolation, annihi- in the Warsaw recently re-released, tells not only travels, chronicles the trails and trials of lation, response and survival. These are Ghetto. The proj- the stories of what her research and her family’s large, segmented odyssey. the steppingstones along a meaningful ect, which began interviews uncovered, but also – and Her research shifts the balance path that was clearly meant to be. in 1940, is some- perhaps more importantly – the story within the world of Holocaust history. This review first appeared in the times known as of her determined, compulsive journey It is no longer haunted solely by the Washington Independent Review of “the archives hid- to discover the truth about her extended sorrows and annihilations of Jews from Books and is reprinted by permission. den in milk cans.” family’s past. Both those who perished Poland, Austria, Hungary and Germany Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeri- The answer to and those who survived. itself. The material and cultural land- tus of English from the United States  Phil Kassow’s provoc- What drove the author? What were scape is pulled in another direction, Naval Academy. He reviews regularly Jason ative title question her victories and what were her defeats? taking us to Czarist and Communist for Florida Weekly, Washington Inde- has emerged. More than a decade later, What kept her going? The memoir Russia and their satellites. pendent Review of Books, Southern it has led to a blossoming of Holocaust dimension of this brave and uplifting For the Jews who found their way Literary Review, other publications and narratives. These include book answers these to these places only to run into the the Jewish Book Council. Please visit Judy Stone’s Resilience: questions and serves Germans’ often successful attempts Phil’s website at www.philjason.word One Family’s Story of as a model for similar to absorb them, Bashert is a story not press.com. Hope and Triumph over projects. so much of concentration camps and Evil; D.Z. Stone’s No Past Perhaps all of Tense: Love and Survival these confrontations Like us on Facebook! in the Shadow of the Holo- and breakthroughs caust; Debbie Cenziper’s were fated; that is, Citizen 865: The Hunt meant to be. Such ConneCt for Hitler’s Hidden Sol- terms are the usual diers in America (reviewed translations of the with your Jewish Community in a previous issue); and Yiddish word bash- Heather Dune Macadam’s Andrea Simon ert that titles Simon’s 999: The Extraordinary Young Women book. Bashert, as well, were dozens of www.facebook.com/ of the First Official Jewish Transport to unexpected outcomes of adventures facebook.com/jfedsrq Auschwitz (also reviewed in a previous (and misadventures) that wind through JewishFederationLCC issue). the book.

Food for All! Welcome Home to Elevated Senior Living Now Accepting Reservations for: Supportive Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care

Beautiful, amenity-rich community thoughtfully designed for great living Exceptional dining program presented by Executive Chef Daily social calendar focused on wellness, friendship and fun Compassionate and highly trained staff available 24 hours a day Studios, One-Bedroom and One Bedroom Deluxe with Den and Two Baths

- BE A MEMBER - CHARTER Pre-Open Special! First Residents Save Big. RESIDENT Top-Tier Membership Going Fast! Call Today: (239) 215-1467 PROGRAM

Spinach Veggie Wrap

You have your own fitness goals, dietary preferences or restrictions and we can help feed them, every day. It’s a family thing.TM

Sales & Use Tax Recovery, Audit �efense and Consul�ng Ira H. Zlatkin,

Contact Ira for a FREE review of CPA,MST,CFST SUPPORTIVE INDEPENDENT LIVING · ASSISTED LIVING · EXCLUSIVE MEMORY CARE

your Accounts Payable to see if Fort Myers / 13550 Reflections Pkwy. / 239-590-9994 8916 Tropical Court you qualify for a tax refund. 16451 Corporate Commerce Way / 239-466-3354 Fort Myers, FL 33908 WELCOME CENTER: (239) 215-1467 · 2565 Liberty Park Drive, Suite 6108 · Cape Coral, Florida 33909

Port Charlotte / US Hwy. 41 & 776 / 941-235-3354

Sarasota / 5231 University Pkwy. / 941-351-5999 Fax: 239‐245‐8876 www.atriumatlibertypark.com Cape Coral / 2311 Santa Barbara Blvd. / 239-458-8700 239-898-0332

Naples / 2700 Immokalee Rd. / 239-593-9499 Email: [email protected] jasonsdeli.com A MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY ASSISTED LIVING LIC # PENDING www.PegFin.com

For advertising info, call Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 or email [email protected] L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13

Bearing witness: Andrea Simon’s Bashert marks Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old an important addition to the Holocaust canon When Seder night falls on a weekday, invite family for the Secret Seder By Rabbi Barbara Aiello e’d better call the kids,” “Neofiti,” as these persecuted Jews since hamish is the Yiddish word for a symbol of the burden of slavery. The “ said Al, cell phone in hand but now newly minted Christians were cozy, homey and friendly. singing of “Dayenu” features green Wand poised to dial. “It’s called, continued to arouse the suspicion As rabbi of an Italian b’nei anusim onion stalks that guests use to tap each nearly Passover so we’ve got to orga- of Inquisition authorities – so much so community, I have initiated the Hami- other, symbolizing the sound of the nize the Seder!” Al’s wife Debra agreed that gardeners, maids, cooks and nannies shi Secret Seder designed to bring our whips used to beat the Hebrew slaves, and, in seconds, thanks to the internet who worked in households of converted synagogue members together with local while the recitation of the Ten Plagues phenomenon, Zoom, they were talking Jews were offered a bounty if they could Christian families to tell the story and includes placing the ten droplets of red simultaneously to their four grown chil- catch their employers cleaning the house share Sephardic Passover traditions. wine in an old tin can which is later car- dren and six grandchildren who are scat- of chametz (leavened bread); changing Symbolic Seder foods include the ried outdoors, symbolizing our wish that tered from Seattle pots, pans and dishes; or preparing pane traditional shank bone, but for us anusim evil will stay far from our door. to Montreal. azimo (matzah), the unleavened bread it is coupled with the bietola (blood red For Al and Debra, they can consider But smiles eaten during the Passover holiday. And beet) to symbolize the lamb’s blood on making a Seder this year on the third, turned to frowns then, when the first night of Passover the doorposts that saved the firstborn fourth or fifth night of Pesach, which fall when the family finallyarrived, Inquisition soldiers, who in Hebrew families. Locally grown during the weekend – a more convenient checked the cal- laid in wait for the sun to set, would burst romaine lettuce (more bitter than the time for families who live long dis- endar to find that through the doors of what had once been American variety) replaces horseradish, tances to gather. As they come together, the 2020 first- Jewish homes, checking to see if any of and pieces of celery stalk, rather than families have the unique opportunity and second-night these former Jews were “judaizing,” – in parsley, serve as karpas, the green veg- to celebrate our Jewish brothers and Seders fall on a this case, making Passover in secret. etable that is dipped in vinegar, rather sisters – Jews who were nearly robbed Rabbi Barbara Aiello Wednesday and Observing this injustice, some cou- than saltwater. of their religion, culture and heritage, Thursday night. “Bummer,” was all rageous Christians concocted a plan to The Seder meal begins with a and our nameless Christian protectors grandson Alex could say and everyone help their Jewish neighbors. At great primo piatto of rice steamed with veg- whose courage helped preserve the agreed. Work, school and sports sched- personal peril to themselves and their etables, because in our Sephardic or very traditions that we Jews are able to ules made it impossible for Al and Deb’s families (Christians who helped Jews Mediterranean tradition, rice as well enjoy today. family to share Pesach 5780 together. were often tortured and murdered along as other kitniyot are considered kosher Note: For a detailed description of The alternative? The Sephardic with the Jews they tried to save), these for Pesach. Roasted lamb is a must Hamishi Passover traditions and recipes, style Hamishi Secret Seder. Christians encouraged their Jewish along with mina, a layered lasagna-type see Too Good to Passover, Sephardic & Some historians believe that Rus- neighbors to hold a Seder, not on the meat, spinach and matzah pie brought Judeo-Arabic Seder Menus and Memo- sian painter Moshe Maimon’s most first or second night, but, in order not to Italy from Spain by our crypto- ries from Africa, Asia and Europe” by famous work, “Marranos: Secret Seder,” to arouse the authorities’ suspicions, at Jewish ancestors. Jennifer Felicia Abadi (pp. 590-625). actually tells the story of the Seder Hami- an alternative time, often the fifth night. Pesach anusim traditions begin with Rabbi Barbara Aiello is the first non- shi, a special Passover Seder held, not Stories are told of Christian families the lighting of the memorial candle in Orthodox rabbi and first woman rabbi on the first or second night of Passover, who allowed Jews to sneak into their honor of our “forced ones,” followed by in Italy. She is spiritual leader of the but as its name suggests, on the fifth Christian cantinas (basement rooms) the candle blessing for Yom Tov, sung first active synagogue in southern Italy night of the holiday. Legend has it that and under the cover of darkness, these in an ancient Ladino melody. The Seder since Inquisition times, founder of Italy’s during the time of the Inquisition, first in Jewish neighbors first made the space plate itself is actually a ke’arah, a woven Pluralistic Jewish movement, and a Spain, then in Portugal and finally on the kosher and then actually observed basket-type tray covered with silk net- mentoring rabbi for Darshan Yeshiva’s islands of Sicily and Sardinia and into Passover complete with symbolic foods, ting that makes a grand entrance to the conversion program. She is a vice presi- Italy’s mainland, Jews who had been prayers and blessings. Seder table after the kindling of light. dent of Kulanu, an international Jewish forced into Christian conversion (b’nei Over the years, the fifth-night Seder At the chanting of “Ha lachma organization that supports Jewish diver- anusim) were helped, surprisingly, by became known as the Seder Hamishi – anya,” the plate of matzah is passed sity worldwide. Contact Rabbi Aiello at their Christian neighbors. a doubly appropriate name especially shoulder to shoulder among the guests, [email protected].

Welcome Home to Elevated Senior Living Now Accepting Reservations for: Supportive Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care

- BE A MEMBER - CHARTER Pre-Open Special! First Residents Save Big. RESIDENT Top-Tier Membership Going Fast! Call Today: (239) 215-1467 PROGRAM

SUPPORTIVE INDEPENDENT LIVING · ASSISTED LIVING · EXCLUSIVE MEMORY CARE

WELCOME CENTER: (239) 215-1467 · 2565 Liberty Park Drive, Suite 6108 · Cape Coral, Florida 33909 www.atriumatlibertypark.com

A MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY ASSISTED LIVING LIC # PENDING

Stay connected all month long at www.JewishFederationLCC.org L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 14 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST

The end of Passover’s sweetest secret – recipe by Chef Dalia Hemed hen I was growing up in rations are symbols of fertility, wealth, • 1 tsp sugar Israel, the way my family success and sweetness, all reflecting the • 1 tsp salt Wfinished Passover was very Tirbach u’tissad u’tissad (May you pros- • 3 cups warm water different from how most of my friends’ per and succeed) Mimouna greeting. • 1 cup oil for dipping (doesn’t go families did. In our small apartment, Mimouna is first about opening up your into the dough) though, something magical was hap- home, and no matter how many people • Slightly softened butter or butter pening. show up, there’s always plenty of room substitute My parents, who were born in Mo- and food for everyone. • Honey for drizzling rocco and moved to Israel in the 1950s, As a child, we went Mimouna hop- • Lots of napkins were preparing for one of the highlights ping from one house to the other, but it X Process the ingredients (without of our family’s Jewish year, an extraor- was just for our North African neighbors the oil) into slightly sticky dough. dinary celebration called Mimouna. and friends. Ashkenazi Israelis were not Grease a work surface and place the Mimouna, which falls on the night part of our Mimouna experience. dough on it. Cover and let rest for when Passover ends, is one of Sephardic From those small parties in the 5 minutes. Jews’ most beautiful celebrations. For homes of families like ours, the Mi- X Cut the dough into 30 ping pong our family, it was an all-night party. My mouna has grown in recent years into a size pieces, grease a work surface mother, dressed in a beautiful kaftan, far larger event – a national holiday for and place the pieces of dough on Personal Chef Dalia Hemed was preparing our beautiful traditional all. It is now widely observed in Israel, it. Roll each one into a flat ball and can be reached at Mimouna table of Moroccan sweets where it is celebrated during the day [email protected]. and spreads. with BBQs and picnics in city parks. Cooking and baking for the Mi- For the past 18 years, my husband preparing the next one. As soon as mouna starts during the weekdays of and I have hosted a beautiful Mimouna you flip the mufleta, place the next Passover. My grandmother ground al- that now attracts over 100 guests. I’m one on top, wait a minute, peek and monds and sugar to make marzipan, and proud to have successfully recaptured see that the underside is ready and used it to stuff dates and walnuts. She the aura of the Mimouna I grew up then flip the entire stack, meaning prepared candied orange, eggplant jam, with in Israel. I love seeing so many that the mufleta that was on top carrot and prune jam and grapefruit jam. guests – Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Israeli, is now on the bottom, then place And right after the holiday was over, she American, religious and secular – all another new mufleta on top, wait sent someone to the Makolet (Market) enjoying the sweets, the music and the a minute, and flip the whole stack. to get the flour and yeast to prepare the joyful atmosphere. X You can make a few mufletas in suc- most typical of the Mimouna dishes, Even if you can’t get to Israel or cession and then remove the stack the mufleta. Morocco to join in one of the many once 6-7 are ready, whatever works Our Mimouna table included a community parties, you can still get in for you. Once you remove the stack, whole fish, a bowl of flour topped with the Mimouna celebration. Make your start all over again, frying the first gold coins, dairy products, honey, dates, own sweets or try your hand at mufleta. one on both sides and so forth. a colorful arrangement of marzipan They are so delicious that they disappear when they are all ready, start smear- X Prepare a lot of napkins. Spread the sweets and pastries, tea with mint, before they have a chance to get cold. ing each ball with the oil. softened butter on the mufleta and Moroccan arak and, of course, the tasty Serve it with mint tea and lots of honey X Grease the work surface, dip your drizzle with honey. Roll or fold the fried dough pancakes dipped in honey to help ensure that all that you do this fingers in the oil and start flattening mufleta so you can hold it without called mufleta. The custom is to line spring is sweet and successful. the ball of dough. Use the pads of getting too messy and enjoy! the table with flowers and green leaves, Mufleta Ingredients: your fingertips and every so often, and the tablecloth often has a detailed • 2 lb bread flour dip your fingers in the oil. You want mosaic design. These foods and deco- • 1 tablespoon dry yeast the dough to be thin. The mufleta needs to be the size of whatever pan you’re using. X Place the mufleta on a hot pan, wait L’CHAYIM delivers! a minute, even less, until it goes golden and then flip. This is the only Introduce your business to a POWERFUL mufleta you fry on both sides. demographic and reach 4,000 readers X While the mufleta is in the pan, start each month for pennies per reader! For ad rates and deadlines, contact Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 or [email protected]. Wine delight in Northern Italy By The Wine Whisperer ost people lucky enough to ing the time of the Holy Roman and pronounced aromas and flavors of tart California 2017 ($13) – This blend travel in Italy hit the high Austro-Hungarian empires. The influ- strawberry, and the fruitiness makes it of seven varietals is inky black in the Mspots first. It’s understand- ence is inevitable, and the major grapes a great summer sipper. glass, offering an explosion of - can able that you’d want to see Rome, are decidedly non-Italian. They are, in So here are a few Alto Adige wines died cherry and sweet black plum. The Florence and Venice, maybe Milan and fact, more northern European and Ger- we enjoyed, along with some new dis- perfumed aromas and huge flavors are Lake Como, and perhaps even wan- manic, including varietals such as Syl- coveries. truly upfront, making this an excellent der a bit farther vaner and Riesling. Elena Walch Castel Ringberg solo sipper. WW 85 afield to the sur- Since the area sits in the southern Lagrein Riserva Alto Adige 2014 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc rounding areas. Alps it’s actually a glacial valley, so the ($35) – One of the largest producers St. Helena 2017 ($30) – A pleasant de- Problem is, cooler climate is perfect for cultivat- in the region, growing the somewhat parture from the typical flavor profile, there’s so much ing Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon blanc esoteric Lagrein grape. It’s well worth with candied fruit and wet stone aro- more to see – and turning them into refreshing, zesty discovering. This version offers com- mas. The palate offers refreshing tart and so many wines. They also do an amazing job on plex layers of mocha, leather, smoke, green apple in a sleek, light style. WW more wines to Gewürztraminer, which is one of our blackberry and a dark bitter chocolate. 88 enjoy – by dis- favorites with Asian cuisine. We loved it. WW 92-93 Ask the Wine Whisperer  Jerry covering some The region also crafts a few red Cantina Terlano Gewürztra- What’s the best wine to drink with Greenfield of the less-visited wines that are well worth seeking out: miner Alto Adige 2016 ($12) – An- chocolate? – Evan L., Port St. Lucie winegrowing regions. Maremma in Lagrein is our favorite example. Ap- other relatively undiscovered varietal Chocolate has big flavor, so you’ll Tuscany is an example of a sensational parently, the Alto Adige has been pro- that usually comes from Austria and need a big wine. I’d recommend a secret spot. And few hours northwest ducing it for a very long time, since Germany, this sample offers succulent Cabernet, but you also want to select a of Venice is the Alto Adige region. Go there are records of it as early as the flavors of pear, peach and lychee, that chocolate with a very high percentage there, and you’ll be right around the 1500s. It’s rich with deep purple fruit make it a perfect pair with Asian cui- of cacao. Milk chocolate won’t work. corner from Austria and Liechtenstein. and earth notes, along with a substan- sine…especially Thai. WW 87-88 Bitter is better. You’ll also find yourself in the midst tial structure of tannin. That makes it Scheid Pinot Noir Sta. Lucia Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- of tons of medieval castles like Castel an excellent companion to rich, salty Highlands Doctor’s Vineyard 2016 er. He is Creative Director of Green- Roncolo and Schloss Tirol and discov- foods and grilled meats. The bad news ($75) – The Pinots from this region field Media & Marketing, and Wine er some amazing wine around Bolzano is only about 1,000 acres of it are tend to be darker and denser than those Director of the international Direct and the village of Trento…and all over grown, so it may be a bit hard to find. from Burgundy, but this example has a Cellars wine club. His new book, Ask the area. It may be one of Italy’s best- Worth searching for first in your favor- definite Burgundian twist, with aromas the Wine Whisperer, has just been pub- kept secrets. ite store, then online. of pepper, smoke, black cherry, straw- lished. Read his other writings at www. Alto Adige shares a border with Schiava is another red favorite, sort berry and even a hint of tart pomegran- winewhisperer.com. Austria, which pretty much ran ev- of like Zinfandel but in a lighter style. ate. WW 87 erything in that part of the world dur- Much like a Russian River Zin, it has 7 Moons Darkside Red Blend

Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 15

Israel: The top 10 tech trends for 2020 What sectors will be disruptive and actionable in the coming year? OurCrowd experts share predictions and name Israeli firms advancing these fields. By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c.org, February 18, 2020 op 10 Tech Trends for 2020, six years. “Supply cannot keep up in a mann17 are innovating AI technol- Israeli startup leading this field: “ and Beyond” was one of the sustainable way,” said Nir. ogy that can bridge the safety gap Hailo is developing deep-learning pro- Tmost packed plenary sessions Israeli startup leading this field: until full vehicle autonomy is reached. cessors for edge devices. at the OurCrowd Global Investor Sum- Aleph Farms is one of several Israeli Viziblezone is focused on protecting If you are not scared of the dark, mit, held February 13 at the Jerusalem startups working toward the commer- pedestrians by harnessing the power of you should be International Convention Center. cialization of cultivated meat and sea- smartphone location sensors. The Dark Web is the part of the internet The largest tech event in the Middle food made in bioreactors using animal AI beats Moore’s Law that cannot be indexed by search engines East and the biggest business event cells. “They’re growing steaks that look Moore’s “law” is a prediction from 1965 such as Google. This hidden world is in Israel’s history, this year’s summit and taste as if they originated in a cow,” that processor speeds would double a hotspot for illegal activity including attracted 23,000 registrants from 183 said Nir. every two years. This prediction was drugs, human trafficking and fake IDs. countries, including 22 Arab or Muslim Our brains get wired accurate for several decades and guided It has also become the preferred loca- nations. Over the course of the day, 231 The human brain has been evolving the semiconductor industry, said Erez. tion for hackers to orchestrate and plant Israeli and international experts spoke for millions of years. Machines have “However, artificial intelligence has cyberattacks. at 34 sessions. been around for only about 200 years. accelerated faster than the develop- Israeli startup leading this field: Personal Chef Dalia Hemed OurCrowd, the largest global ven- The new field of brain-computer (or ment of traditional processors since Sixgill (which just raised $15 million in can be reached at ture investing platform, has been brain-machine) interface explores how 2012, doubling every three and a half a second funding round) automatically [email protected]. ranked “Most active venture investor the brain can communicate with an ex- months.” continued on page 17 in Israel” by Pitchbook for the past ternal device. Elon Musk’s Neuralink, preparing the next one. As soon astwo years. for example, is developing implantable you flip the mufleta, place the next At the opening session, OurCrowd brain-machine interfaces. one on top, wait a minute, peek andCEO Jon Medved told delegates he be- Israeli startup leading this field: Mindi Smedley, EA, MSAT, CAM, Notary see that the underside is ready andlieves that “Together we can make this CorrActions is developing a plug- then flip the entire stack, meaningnext decade a truly Roaring Twenties.” and-play SaaS (software as a service) 12220 Towne Lakes Dr. #85 that the mufleta that was on top And what directions will technol- platform to prevent disastrous human- Fort Myers, FL 33913 is now on the bottom, then place ogy take in this roaring decade? Our- machine interface errors noninvasively. another new mufleta on top, waitCrowd Senior Investment Partner Eli The software decodes the brain’s 2392364559 Fax: 2394033 a minute, and flip the whole stack. Nir and OurCrowd Partner Stav Erez early error-detection signals and hu- [email protected] X You can make a few mufletas in suc-shared their predictions. man touch. It translates these signals cession and then remove the stack Erez is also executive vice president into actions that prevent errors in real once 6-7 are ready, whatever worksof business development for Labs/02, a time, faster than the body receives those for you. Once you remove the stack, seed-stage deep-tech incubator in Jeru- signals. start all over again, frying the firstsalem run by OurCrowd in collaboration The race to autonomous vehicles one on both sides and so forth. with India’s Reliance and U.S.-based becomes a marathon X Prepare a lot of napkins. Spread theMotorola Solutions and Hebrew Uni- Just two years ago, most analysts Services: Specializing In: softened butter on the mufleta andversity’s Yissum tech-transfer company. predicted widescale deployment of drizzle with honey. Roll or fold the So, without further ado, here are autonomous vehicles by the middle of Tax Preparation Individual Taxes mufleta so you can hold it withouttrends to expect in the coming years. the decade. Since then, the technical Full Charge Bookkeeping Real Estate Agent Industry getting too messy and enjoy! Lab steaks get tasty challenges involved have moved out Small Businesses Notary Services Global demand for meat and seafood is the timeline considerably. Passenger and Condominium & Homeowner Associations at an all-time high. Negative environ- pedestrian safety is among the biggest NotForProfits mental impact, overfishing and animal hurdles to overcome. suffering have increased as meat pro- Israeli startups leading this field: duction has grown five-fold in the last Companies such as Cartica and Brod-

Wine delight in Northern Italy

California 2017 ($13) – This blend of seven varietals is inky black in the glass, offering an explosion of candied cherry and sweet black plum. The perfumed aromas and huge flavors are truly upfront, making this an excellent solo sipper. WW 85 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc St. Helena 2017 ($30) – A pleasant de- parture from the typical flavor profile, with candied fruit and wet stone aromas. The palate offers refreshing tart green apple in a sleek, light style. WW 88 Ask the Wine Whisperer What’s the best wine to drink with chocolate? – Evan L., Port St. Lucie Chocolate has big flavor, so you’ll need a big wine. I’d recommend a Cabernet, but you also want to select a chocolate with a very high percentage of cacao. Milk chocolate won’t work. Bitter is better. Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- er. He is Creative Director of Green- field Media & Marketing, and Wine Director of the international Direct Quadrum Cellars wine club. His new book, Ask Senior Living Management the Wine Whisperer, has just been published. Read his other writings at www. winewhisperer.com.

Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 16 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

POLL: WHAT AMERICANS KNOW ABOUT THE HOLOCAUST Only 45% of U.S. adults correctly answered a multiple-choice question about the number of Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust (6 million), according to a new Pew Research Cen- ter survey. When asked to describe the Holo- caust, 84% mentioned the attempted annihilation of the Jewish people or concentration-death camps, Hitler or the Nazis. 63% knew about Nazi- created ghettos where Jews were forced to live. 43% knew that Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany through a democratic political process. (Pew Research Center)

ETHIOPIAN ISRAELI SINGER TO REPRESENT ISRAEL IN EUROVISION Israel has chosen Eden Alene, 19, as its representative for the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest. Alene, who won Israel’s X-Factor reality show in 2018 and recently won The Next Star, will be the first singer of Ethiopian origin to represent Israel in the contest. Born and raised in Jerusalem, Alene is currently an IDF soldier. (Mi- chael Bachner, Times of Israel)

STUDY: 80 PERCENT OF U.S. JEWS SAY THEY ARE PRO-ISRAEL 80% of American Jews describe themselves as pro-Israel and more than 70% say their personal attachment to Isra- el is as strong or stronger than it was five years ago, according to a new poll conducted for the Ruderman Family

Top 10 tech trends...continued from page 15 searches the Dark Web for any sign of cyberthreat and provides real-time actionable intelligence to the customer. Productivity leaps ahead to discovery “Everything that can be automated will be automated,” said Erez. “The early adopters of this trend will be software developers. They are already starting to use low-code or no-code tools. The no-code market is expected to reach $52 billion by 2024.” Israeli startups leading this field: While the no-code revolution is led by multinationals such as Microsoft, Israeli startup Kaholo is automating the entire DevOps process, cutting development time from days to merely hours. Kryon Systems empowers enterprises with best-in-class robotic process automa- tion and AI. Looking good means feeling good Recent advances in computer vision and AI have created a growing wave of health-tech companies aiming to improve our lives and protect us against illness. Israeli startups leading this field: Sight Diagnostics is combining AI with breakthrough hardware to bring lab- Have a joyous Passover. And share what it means to you. quality blood count capability to the doctor’s office. Scopio Labs is redefin- #PassoverPublix ing microscopy with high-resolution imaging systems enabling powerful analysis and collaboration through AI. Kemtai offers a beta version of a virtual interactive fitness trainer. Robots will play nicely together Robots in the Fourth Industrial Revolu- tion will have to work with one another and with people as a team. Collaborative robotics is therefore the new realm in the emerging robotics market. For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit the Federation’s website at www.JewishFederationLCC.org.

Please support our advertisers. They help make L’CHAYIM possible. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 17

BRIEFS POLL: WHAT AMERICANS Foundation by the Mellman Group on investigation training at the National most successful project in the current KNOW ABOUT THE a sample of 2,500 U.S. Jews. Police Academy. and last century is the Zionist proj- HOLOCAUST 67% said they were “attached” or “I want to convey a message to ect,” Faisal al-Qassem, the host of Al “very attached” to Israel on an emo- all other religious Muslim women like Jazeera’s The Opposite Direction, a Only 45% of U.S. adults correctly tional level. At the same time, 57% me,” she said. “The police is a good well-known debate show, tweeted re- answered a multiple-choice question identified as “pro-Israel but also criti- home for us. The organization lets you cently. about the number of Jews who were cal of Israeli policy.” climb up the ranks, to prove yourself “All of the Arabs’ projects, espe- murdered in the Holocaust (6 million), “It appears doomsday talks about and feel equal.” (Israel Moskovitz, cially that of Arab nationalism, failed. according to a new Pew Research Cen- an irreversible chasm between Israel Ynet News) So...before you use the term ‘Zionist’ ter survey. and the American Jewish community as a curse, you must first come some- When asked to describe the Holo- were mistaken,” said Jay Ruderman, AL JAZEERA HOST what closer to what Zionism has ac- caust, 84% mentioned the attempted president of the Ruderman Family complished and then we will talk.” annihilation of the Jewish people or CALLS ISRAEL MOST Foundation. (Jeremy Sharon, Jerusa- Qassem hosted Arabic-language concentration-death camps, Hitler SUCCESSFUL PROJECT lem Post) IDF spokesman Avichai Adraee on his or the Nazis. 63% knew about Nazi- IN 120 YEARS program in 2018. His Twitter account created ghettos where Jews were “For most Arabs, if they want to curse TEL AVIV IS HOME has 5.5 million followers. (Times of forced to live. you, they will describe you as a ‘Zion- Israel) 43% knew that Adolf Hitler be- TO OVER 100 ist,’ even though they know that the came chancellor of Germany through MULTINATIONALS a democratic political process. (Pew In 2019, 16 new development centers Research Center) opened in Tel Aviv courtesy of multinationals on the hunt for Israeli talent, ETHIOPIAN ISRAELI joining the established 91 centers of SINGER TO REPRESENT giants such as Amazon, Google, Face- book, eBay and Alibaba. ISRAEL IN EUROVISION Those centers employed 10,250 Israel has chosen Eden Alene, 19, as its people, up from 9,663 in 2018, and representative for the 2020 Eurovision 6,624 in 2016. Song Contest. Forty-four percent of these com- Alene, who won Israel’s X-Factor panies are in the enterprise software reality show in 2018 and recently won sector, especially cyber and business The Next Star, will be the first singer of analytics, while 24% operate in e-com- Here to help YOU anywhere in Ethiopian origin to represent Israel in merce, online advertising and social the contest. networks. (Billy Frenkel, Calcalist) Southwest Florida! Born and raised in Jerusalem, Alene is currently an IDF soldier. (Mi- HIJAB AND HANDGUN: chael Bachner, Times of Israel) ISRAEL’S FIRST MUSLIM FEMALE DETECTIVE Susan Glasser, Realtor® STUDY: 80 PERCENT Police Master Sergeant Sabrin Sa’adi, Fort Myers Resident for Nearly 30 Years OF U.S. JEWS SAY THEY an investigator for the juvenile division [email protected] ARE PRO-ISRAEL in the Israeli Arab village of Kafr Kan- 239-281-3105 80% of American Jews describe them- na, will become the first hijab-wearing John R. Wood Properties selves as pro-Israel and more than 70% religious Muslim female to be a police 15065 McGregor Blvd. Ft. Myers, FL 33908 say their personal attachment to Isra- investigation officer. el is as strong or stronger than it was Sa’adi was born and raised in the five years ago, according to a new poll northern Bedouin village of Basmat conducted for the Ruderman Family Tab’un, and went through basic and

Top 10 tech trends...continued from page 15 searches the Dark Web for any sign Israeli startup leading this field: of cyberthreat and provides real-time Brillianetor is an SaaS solution that pro- actionable intelligence to the customer. vides robots with collective autonomous Productivity leaps ahead decision-making capabilities. to discovery Materials become material “Everything that can be automated will Innovation is being applied to both new be automated,” said Erez. “The early and old materials. The Super Bowl used adopters of this trend will be software easy-to-recycle aluminum instead of developers. They are already starting plastic for drinks. Boeing introduced to use low-code or no-code tools. The a new plane with 3D-printed turbine no-code market is expected to reach $52 blades. Nissan developed a new acoustic billion by 2024.” metal material to make vehicles quieter. Israeli startups leading this field: Israeli startups leading this field: While the no-code revolution is led by SolCold is developing a high-tech paint multinationals such as Microsoft, Israeli to cool buildings while being heated by startup Kaholo is automating the entire sunlight. Materials Zone is working on DevOps process, cutting development aggregating, normalizing and sharing time from days to merely hours. Kryon material science tests to help compa- Systems empowers enterprises with nies get the most out of their R&D best-in-class robotic process automa- efforts. tion and AI. Race toward quantum supremacy Looking good means feeling good At the beginning of 2019, IBM an- Recent advances in computer vision nounced IBM Q, its first-ever circuit- and AI have created a growing wave based commercial quantum computer. Ronny S Taschner DDS of health-tech companies aiming to Two weeks ago, Google and IBM stated Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology improve our lives and protect us against that in less than five years, quantum illness. computers would be able to break the Israeli startups leading this field: encryption we use today. Google es- Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc Sight Diagnostics is combining AI with timates that there are only 800 people Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology breakthrough hardware to bring lab- around the world with the knowhow to quality blood count capability to the build quantum systems. doctor’s office. Scopio Labs is redefin- Israeli startup leading this field: ing microscopy with high-resolution QuantLR is protecting the next genera- imaging systems enabling powerful tion of networks with secure, low-cost analysis and collaboration through AI. quantum cryptology for transmitting Kemtai offers a beta version of a virtual highly sensitive data. interactive fitness trainer. Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and Robots will play nicely together associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior to Robots in the Fourth Industrial Revolu- moving to Israel in 2007, she was a spe- tion will have to work with one another cialty writer and copy editor at a major and with people as a team. Collaborative daily newspaper in New Jersey and has robotics is therefore the new realm in the freelanced for a variety of newspapers emerging robotics market. and periodicals since 1984. 1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit the Federation’s Phone 239-936-0635 website at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com

Changing your address? Keep L’CHAYIM coming to your home. Email [email protected]. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 18 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties COMMENTARY

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

Europe’s lessons...continued from previous page Europe’s lessons for the struggle against anti-SemitismAnti-Semitism can be understood only By Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, March 2, 2020 with this multifocal lens, keeping in mind that the varied sources often are The Atlantic magazine invited American grettable caution about the dangers Democracies thrive on shared values, said in an interview with James Kir- interconnected. Take, for example, the Jewish Committee (AJC) Europe Direc- of wearing a kippah in public. In the political debate and compromise. chick: “The idea that an institution “day of anger,” a demonstration that tor Simone Rodan-Benzaquen to share United Kingdom, each of the past three Majorities and minorities must respect as robust as the Labour Party and as took place in Paris in 2014. An odd as- her analysis of rising anti-Semitism in years has brought a new high in anti- one another. And everyone, while leav- important to Britain’s democracy could sortment of people – “ultra-Catholics” Europe and the United States, and rec- Semitic incidents. The U.K. Equality ing space for debate, should at least rally be so vulnerable to takeover by extrem- opposed to the idea of same-sex mar- ommendations, based on the experience and Human Rights Commission has around a shared vision, finding ground ists and racists was unthinkable. But riage; the far right; elements of the far in Europe, on what can and should be launched an investigation into the for common ideals rather than focusing that should serve as a stark warning to left; and young people from immigrant done in the U.S. to fight all forms of Labour Party for “institutional anti- on divisions. people in the states that if that can hap- backgrounds – demonstrated against hatred against Jews. “We have come Semitism,” and many Jewish members But unfortunately, we are living in pen in the Labour Party in the U.K., it the government of François Hollande. to understand that no single country have left the party. a time of identity politics, conspiracy can happen here.” Some shouted “Jews, out of France!” is immune to anti-Semitism. Europe’s The picture is depressingly grim theories and lies. The ties that once In this context, it can lead to a and “Jews, France is not yours!” provid- experience offers a cautionary tale for across the European continent. Seeing united our societies – truth, an idea of situation where anti-Semitism can also ing a sad reminder that people who have the United States,” Simone writes. a similar phenomenon arise in the U.S. the common good – are falling apart. come from those who have made their nothing in common can and do come n October 28, 2018, I was at feels for many European Jews like a Dialogue and compromise, the essence objective protecting minority rights. The together in their hatred of Jews. home in Paris, a blissful bubble, scary déjà vu, confirming to Jews on of our communities, are dysfunctional. French historian Pierre-André Taguieff The most important lesson of the feeding my one-month-old both sides of the Atlantic just how bad Radical rhetoric on the left and the right defines this new Judeophobia as an O European experience for the U.S. is the baby girl, when I got the news of the the situation has become. is the political language of the day, aided ideological framework in which Jews need to analyze and confront all forms massacre of Jewish worshippers at the Two recent studies from the Ameri- – and, one might even argue, provoked are no longer seen as an enemy race, of anti-Semitism without exception, and Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. can Jewish Committee – one in France – by the echo chambers of Big Data and but as a people conveying the putatively to depoliticize the problem entirely. Eu- One thought repeated in my head: That’s with the Foundation for Political In- social media. racist ideology of Zionism. This allows rope wasted many years by not address- it. A haven for Jews in the diaspora novation, a French think tank, and one Extremists, whether religious or the battle against Jews to be presented ing the more contemporary forms of doesn’t exist anymore. I had feared for in the U.S. with SSRS, a leading poll- political, subscribe to exclusive ideolo- as part of an antiracist or antifascist years that this moment would eventually ing firm – showed heightened anxiety gies based on the conviction that they agenda, leading them to be excluded arise, when the cancer of anti-Semitism among Jews. In France, 70 percent of possess the absolute truth. At a time of and sometimes even targeted. would spread to liberal democracies Jews have personally experienced anti- instability and change, they are looking The second source of resurgent around the world, including to the one Semitism, while in the U.S., a stagger- for purity and authenticity, as French anti-Semitism comes from the far place that had always seemed safe to me: ing 35 percent of the Jewish population author Marc Weitzmann has argued. right, with the proliferation of white- Lowell S. Schoenfeld the United States of America. reported that they had been the target Whether for Islamists striving for reli- nationalist conspiracy theories as well Florida Board Certified Wills, In France, the disease started nearly of anti-Jewish hatred over the past five gious purity, the far right striving to be as revisionist Holocaust-denial writings Trusts & Estates Attorney 20 years ago. The first anti-Semitic years. “true Americans” or “true Germans,” or online and off. Although the growing 1380 Royal Palm Square Boulevard Fort Myers, Florida 33919 murder occurred in 2003. Sebastian A third of the respondents, both in even the far left seeking to rid the world populist movements on both sides of 239-936-7200 Sellam, a young French DJ, was killed France and in the U.S., said that they had of “imperialists,” Jews are and always the Atlantic are not anti-Semitic at first [email protected] by his childhood friend, who shouted taken concrete steps to hide their Jewish have been the perfect scapegoats. glance, they often play with a certain www.gskattorneys.com after the murder, “I killed my Jew! I’ll identity, including not displaying visible In Europe, just as in the U.S., anti- sense of ambiguity, never entirely push- go to heaven! Allah guided me!” Since Jewish symbols and refraining from Semitism is multifaceted. It is en- ing away their anti-Semitic followers. then, 14 other French Jews have been wearing traditionally Jewish clothing trenched in parts of the left where an And finally, in Europe more so Different killed simply because they were Jews. in public. irrational aversion to Israel can lead than in the U.S., a dramatic increase fortable Com ish In 2018, there was a 74 percent spike The question in Europe, and also in to the embrace of anti-Semitic tropes. in anti-Semitism comes from within Syl Moore n and in anti-Semitic hate crimes, followed the U.S., is: Why is this happening now? Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party in the minority groups, in particular from ashio Art of F The Art of Fashion and Moore by another 27 percent increase in 2019. The causes are multiple but, most U.K. provides one example; statements within parts of Muslim communities. (in the Arcade in historic Meanwhile, in Germany, anti- important, the rising anti-Semitism made by Representative Ilhan Omar of Nearly all violent anti-Semitic at- downtown Ft. Myers) Semitic incidents increased so sharply seems to be the symptom of a crisis Minnesota provide another. tacks in Europe over the past 20 years that the country’s anti-Semitism com- in the current system of liberal, plu- As the former British Labour mem- have been committed by jihadists. Teri Moore, Owner (239) 204-9759 missioner, Felix Klein, issued a re- ralist democracies around the world. ber of Parliament Ian Austin recently continued on next page 2267 1st. St., Suite 12 [email protected] Ft. Myers, FL 33901 www.artoffashionandmoore.com NEW YEAR NEW YOU SENIOR

Come out for lunch, see familiar faces and meet new friends at our NEW HOME monthly senior lunches.

UPCOMING DATES: Thursday, April 23rd 12:00 PM Community Free Synagogue (The SW Florida Masonic Center) 10868 Metro Pkwy. Fort Myers (RSVP by Fri., Apr.17th) AT THE ONLY ALL-INCLUSIVE SENIOR LIVING RESORT RENTAL COMMUNITY Thursday, May 21st 12:00 PM Temple Beth El 16225 Winkler Road Fort Myers (RSVP by Fri., May. 15th)

Newest Luxury Living with Independent and continuum of care! With Let us know if you would like SATISFACTION being GUARANTEED, a volunteer to pick you up. you never have to worry again! RSVP to: Jodi Cohen 239-481-4449, x2 or D

V 78 L B

O D

r [email protected] A e R v P

i L R E

D e Keystone e h c

Place t a

FOUR MILE COVE PKWY h a

s 1701 Four Mile Cove Parkway o o l Information a 41 Cape Coral, FL 33990 Cape Center C Coral Midpoint Assisted Living License #AL13360 VETERANS PKWY Bridge

Cape CAPE CORAL PKWY W Coral PET Bridge FRIENDLY!

(239) 677-3969 • WWW.KEYSTONEPLACEATFOURMILECOVE.COM

Please support our advertisers. They help make L’CHAYIM possible. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 COMMENTARY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19

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.

Europe’s lessons...continued from previous page Anti-Semitism can be understood only anti-Semitism, because it was politically before realizing that the problem had a whole. Jews are only the sentinels: with this multifocal lens, keeping in uncomfortable to do so. It was difficult grown to such magnitude that it had be- anti-Semitism is a vicious disease that, if mind that the varied sources often are for many to realize and then admit, for come difficult to reverse the tide. Public left unchecked, will spread and destroy interconnected. Take, for example, the example, that anti-Semitism could come authorities must instead unequivocally everything that comes its way. Only “day of anger,” a demonstration that from individuals who themselves were condemn anti-Semitism and its propo- when different parts of society come took place in Paris in 2014. An odd as- suffering from discrimination. nents when it first surfaces, prepare a together – when difficult dialogue hap- sortment of people – “ultra-Catholics” Those willing to combat anti- clear action plan, and commit the neces- pens, whether between the right and opposed to the idea of same-sex mar- Semitism only when it stems from sary resources to fight this disease. the left or Jews and Muslims – can riage; the far right; elements of the far their opponents, while rationalizing the Additionally, the U.S. needs a genu- anti-Semitism effectively be countered. left; and young people from immigrant phenomenon when it comes from their ine reappraisal of its approach to under- And without abandoning the First backgrounds – demonstrated against own camp, are not helping. They are stand how it got to this point. Different Amendment, the U.S. must counter hate the government of François Hollande. merely playing a political game. Only an forms of anti-Semitism sometimes need speech on the internet and social media. Some shouted “Jews, out of France!” approach that fights all forms of hatred different approaches. Public policies The internet should no longer be a wild and “Jews, France is not yours!” provid- against Jews in equal measure can be need to be adapted accordingly. west where hate propaganda is poured ing a sad reminder that people who have effective. In addition, successfully combat- into the public sphere with impunity. nothing in common can and do come Europe also holds other lessons for ting anti-Semitism will require wide Several studies have demonstrated the together in their hatred of Jews. the United States, some drawn from the engagement with civil society. The role of social media in the increase of The most important lesson of the mistakes it made in confronting anti- Jewish community in Europe spent hate crimes. We must understand that European experience for the U.S. is the Semitism. We in Europe have suffered many years feeling entirely abandoned words can kill. need to analyze and confront all forms from the lack of an effective political by the rest of society. We marched in Finally, responses to anti-Semitism of anti-Semitism without exception, and response to increasing anti-Semitism. the streets of Paris and Toulouse, but need to deal with some of its underly- to depoliticize the problem entirely. Eu- Too many years have been wasted dur- mostly alone. The reality is that anti- ing causes. Moderate politicians on the rope wasted many years by not addressing which politicians first denied, then Semitism is not the problem of Jews right and the left must work to repair the ing the more contemporary forms of hesitated, and finally paid lip service alone. It is the problem of society as continued on page 21

RICK SNYDERMAN Licensed Pedorthist

Lowell S. Schoenfeld 1900 Trailwinds Dr. Florida Board Certified Wills, Fort Myers, FL 33907 Trusts & Estates Attorney 1380 Royal Palm Square Boulevard Ph: (239) 939-2239 Fort Myers, Florida 33919 Fax: (239) 939-7792 239-936-7200 [email protected] FIT • SERVICE • QUALITY FORT MYERS We Specialize In All Widths www.gskattorneys.com We Will Ship Anywhere

Different fortable Com ish Syl Moore Higginson Tax & Accounting, LLC n and ashio Art of F The Art of Fashion and Moore Tax Preparation • Planning • Audit Representation (in the Arcade in historic downtown Ft. Myers) Eric Higginson Certified Public Accountant Teri Moore, Owner (239) 204-9759 2267 1st. St., Suite 12 [email protected] 239.935.6950 Ft. Myers, FL 33901 www.artoffashionandmoore.com www.higginsontax.com

    

3571 Del Prado Blvd North • North Cape Coral 543-2075 8841 College Parkway • Ft. Myers 433-2245 est.1995 

David E. Lovitch Broker Associate 813.447.9002 Office 727.619.6900 Office 845.629.7804 Mobile [email protected] David.LovitchRealty.com

PATTERSON, ESKIN & BALL

HAROLD S. ESKIN, P.A. YOUR AD COULD BE ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW MEDIATOR CERTIFIED CIVIL LAW MEDIATOR HERE FOR AS LITTLE

1420 S.E. 47TH STREET, CAPE CORAL (239) 549-5551 • FAX (239) 549-4834 AS $33 PER MONTH! E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] CALL 239.481.4449 X5

Business & Divorce, Wills, Trusts Tax Planning Marital & & Estates Guy E. Family Law Eric Gurgold Whitesman Jennifer FFloridalorida BarBar FFloridalorida BarBar Siegal-Miller BBoardoard CertifiCertifi eedd Repairs • Salt Chlorine Generators • Heat Pumps BBoardoard CertifiCertifi eedd WWills,ills, TTrustrust andand TTaxax AttorneyAttorney EEstatestate AttorneyAttorney Lake Suzy (941) 627-2001 Florida

henlaw.com • 239. 344.1100

For advertising info, call Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 or email [email protected] L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 20 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties COMMENTARY

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Defensive course for Jewish elementary schoolchildrenThe latest BIG LIE: the anti-Israel boycott By Jerrold L. Sobel, ZOA of SWFL President his past February, the ZOA of vandalism against Jews remain at near- Krav Maga. For those interested, the weeks, Premier charges $50 per studentis not anti-Semitic Southwest Florida closed out historic levels in the U.S. The deadly course will teach boys and girls how to for a weekly class for the remaining 10 Tthe 2019/2020 lecture schedule attacks in synagogues in Pittsburgh and defend themselves in the face of rising weeks. n 1945 the Arab League called for with an informative talk by Islamic Poway have made American Jews feel anti-Semitism and will definitely boost The course will begin on Sunday, a boycott of Jews in the Middle scholar Robert Spencer. We would like more vulnerable than they have felt in their self-confidence. April 19, at 10:00 a.m. in the recreation East to drive them from land soon to thank all those who participated in decades. The first two weeks of instruc- hall of the Chabad Jewish Center ofI to be the State of Israel. Obviously this year’s events and look forward ADL’s most recent Audit of Anti- tion will be sponsored by the ZOA of Naples, 1789 Mandarin Road. anti-Semitic, this movement gained to our 2020/2021 program which we Semitic Incidents in the United States Southwest Florida for free. There is no For more information and to pre-little world support. The goal of driv- pledge to be equally enlightening. The recorded 1,879 acts in 2018, with a long-term commitment required. For register, call me at 914.329.1024. ing Jews from Israel did not change, lectures may be over but most assuredly, dramatic increase in physical assaults, those wishing to continue after two but in 2005 the reason for the boycott the ZOA is not done with our activism including the deadliest attack on Jews did change. It was redefined as being on behalf of the Jewish people. in U.S. history. A wave of anti-Semitic against ‘Israeli policies’ that violated Unfortunately, anti-Semitism, the robocalls targeted Jewish schools, ‘human rights’ and therefore not anti- scourge of the Jewish people for mil- JCCs and synagogues, and a significant Semitic. lennia, is not seasonal. It may wax and number of incidents occurred at K-12 Have you Have you ever Psychologists have shown the first wane, but its many manifestations are schools and on college campuses. information people get about a subject never far from the surface. Blood libels, For those of us living in Naples in ever thought played bridge is the one they most believe. The ‘hu- conspiratorial accusations, propagandist 2009, few can forget the infamous “Kick man rights’ message became the first tropes, vandalism and, the most banal a Jew a Day” incidents which occurred about playing before and want one young people heard. Media, politi- of all, bullyism and violence to Jewish in November of that year. to play again? cal pundits and university intellectuals kids in school systems and universi- As reported by the Naples Daily bridge ? have not challenged the truth of this ties throughout the United States is News at the time, “Ten students are message. They ignore the hundreds of endemic. serving suspensions for their roles in Palestinian dissenters jailed, murdered This past February, New York what was called ‘Kick a Jew Day’ at and tortured by Palestinian administra- Governor Andrew Cuomo indicated North Naples Middle.” Word had spread tions since the 1995 Oslo accords gave to reporters that multiple Jewish Com- around the school that if you saw a them control over parts of the West munity Centers across New York were Jewish student on Thursday, you were Bank and Gaza. Perhaps Israeli policy emailed anonymous bomb threats supposed to kick them. If anything, could be improved but it is a better prompting an evacuation of an Albany anti-Semitic offenses have increased Meet new Mentally protector of ‘human rights’ than any location. He said, “There were 42 inci- exponentially since that time. people of its neighbors. This is the latest anti- dents of anti-Semitism in this state these As it would be for any other ethnic- stimulating Semitic BIG LIE, naming Israel as the past couple of months,” adding that the ity, this is unacceptable today as it was Middle East’s greatest violator of ‘hu- recent bomb threats are “not just an then. What can we do about it? In these man rights.’ anti-Semitic attack. You have children daunting times, how can we give Jew- Young people whose first truth was who go to the JCC. You have gym facili- ish kids the confidence to go to school the 2005 BIG LIE have become lead- ties here. So, you are really threatening without the fear of violence and being ers. They continue to ignore any com- children.” bullied? As if needed, this past December, We think we have at least part of the the slaughter of Jews in a Jewish mar- answer. The ZOA of Southwest Florida ket in New Jersey further buttresses the has enlisted the services of Premier Mar- argument that anti-Semitism is indeed tial Arts of Naples to teach a 12-week Interested? Contact reaching pandemic levels in the United defensive course to all Jewish elemen- States. tary schoolchildren in our community. According to the Anti-Defamation The particular discipline taught is League (ADL), assault, harassment and an Israeli form of defense known as [email protected]

Marcia Can Help MARCIA CAN HELP, a fund of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services, provides for emergency nutritional needs through our Food Pantry, gift card distribution, and crisis grants to prevent utility cut-offs, evictions, loss of transportation and other essential services without which none of us can live. Inspired by the recognition that these needs must be addressed in our community, and as a tribute to Marcia Cohen, a long-time resident of Sanibel and social activist, her husband Jack established the MARCIA CAN HELP fund in 2017.

Marcia Can Help

Help us meet these pressing needs by contributing to the MARCIA CAN HELP fund. For further information please contact Alan Isaacs at (239) 481-4449 or [email protected].

Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts. Send an email to [email protected]. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 COMMENTARY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 21

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. The latest BIG LIE: the anti-Israel boycott is not anti-Semitic By Michael Raab n 1945 the Arab League called for parison of LGBTQ rights or women’s 2014, anti-Semitic attacks were in- celebration of the establishment of the a boycott of Jews in the Middle rights or Rule of Law safeguards in creasing. In 2016, bystanders applaud- State of Israel. Anti-Semitic Progres- IEast to drive them from land soon Israel with those of the surrounding ed when Trump officials were chased sive Democrat Cortez is funding candi- to be the State of Israel. Obviously countries. They ignore that the goal of from restaurants. Charlottesville police dates to oust fellow Democrats Nadler anti-Semitic, this movement gained the boycott remains to drive Jews out watched left-wing activists attack those (Judiciary) and Engel (Foreign Af- little world support. The goal of driv- of the Middle East and that Palestinian on the right. Portland police failed to fairs), both supporters of Israel. Lowey ing Jews from Israel did not change, leaders can improve the lives of those protect ICE workers. Intimidation by (Finance), a third Democratic Israel but in 2005 the reason for the boycott in areas they control without a boycott. ‘college activists’ successfully stifled supporter, is retiring. did change. It was redefined as being The success of this redefinition is opposing views. It is time to be very afraid. Anti- against ‘Israeli policies’ that violated exemplified by the 2007 creation of J No surprise, next they came for the Semitism grows when society allows ‘human rights’ and therefore not anti- Street. Jewish teachings call for pro- Jews. Democrats in Congress, after an intimidation, whether on college cam- Semitic. tection and justice for all, especially initial outcry, did nothing to censure puses, in restaurants or in Congress. Psychologists have shown the first those vulnerable, including ‘helping the anti-Semitism of Ilhan Omar. In- Jews need to expose and strongly, re- information people get about a subject lift your enemy’s overburdened don- timidated Democrats failed to attend peatedly condemn these actions. is the one they most believe. The ‘hu- key.’ The Jews of J Street ignore (or the annual Israeli Embassy bipartisan Michael Raab lives on Sanibel Island. man rights’ message became the first never learned) that this obligation to one young people heard. Media, politi- help does NOT extended to those who cal pundits and university intellectuals attack the innocent, shoot missiles or have not challenged the truth of this pay the families of those who do. J message. They ignore the hundreds of Street believes the BIG LIE, condemn- Palestinian dissenters jailed, murdered ing ‘apartheid’ Israeli policy, more “Our greatest marker of success is and tortured by Palestinian administra- than those who support attacks on the the client’s wholehearted trust tions since the 1995 Oslo accords gave innocent. and conﬁ dence in us.” them control over parts of the West Jews should NOT forget the risks Weinstein Wilkes Financial Group Bank and Gaza. Perhaps Israeli policy of denial. Jews in 1930s Germany be- Raymond James Financial could be improved but it is a better lieved because they fought in WWI Services, Inc. protector of ‘human rights’ than any and were assimilated, they could wait of its neighbors. This is the latest anti- and anti-Semitic attacks would end Semitic BIG LIE, naming Israel as the when intellectually advanced, highly Middle East’s greatest violator of ‘hu- cultured Germans came to their senses. man rights.’ They denied there was a problem when Young people whose first truth was police allowed intimidation and physi- the 2005 BIG LIE have become lead- cal attacks on Jews. ers. They continue to ignore any com- The 2005 redefinition worked. By

13720 Six Mile Cypress Parkway #1, Fort Myers, FL 33912 How do you Jew? 239-768-1490 • 888-768-1490 • raymondjames.com/weinsteinwilkes hat if we no longer identi- We become doctors. And many of us Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. fied ourselves as Reform, often feel guilty. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Weinstein Wilkes Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of WConservative or Orthodox So, how do you answer, how do Raymond James Financial Services. Jews? Imagine that instead of using a you Jew? My sense is that we all have noun to define our participation in our our own answer. Some of us lean to- people and faith, we ward traditional religious observances used a verb. This and some not. But what if every ex- possibility was first pression of loving your Jewishness ELIMINATE YOUR PAIN raised by the “zayde” was valuable? In larger numbers than of the Jewish Renew- you might expect, Jewish Americans al Movement, Reb fast on Yom Kippur, light Hanukkah RESTORE YOUR MOBILITY Zalman Schachter- candles and attend Passover Seders. Shalomi, z’l. Reb But we also learn yoga, meditate and REGAIN YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE  Rabbi Zalman lived from work to protect the earth. Many of us Michael J. 1924 to 2014. He look for how many Jews win Academy Schorin escaped from the Awards, Oscars, etc. And some of us All physical therapy is not the same… Shoah, became a Chabad emissary and love a good Jewish joke. then proceeded to pioneer Jewish Re- Please don’t misunderstand. I am Thank you for letting us show you newal. We are all, whether we know not claiming that eating gefilte fish what sets us apart from the rest! it or not, in his debt. Before we enter equals attending Shabbat services! the above question, please know it has But it does seem to me that we don’t nothing to do with the anti-Semitic use give ourselves enough credit for all of of the term, Jew. The two meanings the Jewish things we do. As we enter AWARDED SW FLORIDA’S BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY & could not be further apart. the world of post-modernism, and 21st So, how do you Jew? Some of us century Jewish practice, we need to ex- REHABILITATION CENTER 6 YEARS IN A ROW! light candles on Erev Shabbat. Some plore what feels right to us. We have of us listen to, or perform, klezmer. survived the Shoah, the worst perse- • One-on-one care with all patients th We cook chicken soup. We bake chal- cution of the 20 century. Many of us • You will always receive the lah and hamentashen. We work for so- are old enough to remember the UN cial justice and tikkun olam. We attend vote on partition in 1947. And we have personalized care you deserve Federation events and film festivals. been blessed to see Israel blossom in We play mah jongg. We might even so many ways. From the beginning of • Highly skilled and licensed therapists th enjoy bagels and lox. We put on tal- the 20 century, it has been a tumultu- • Relaxed, friendly and encouraging atmosphere lit and tefillin. We like to be amongst ous time. other Jews. Some of us attend Shabbat Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC, • Therapist-owned private practice services. Some of us like to debate the BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’s fine points…of just about anything. We Department of Spiritual Services, and • Best of Southwest Florida recipient read Thomas Friedman columns. We ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical pay close attention to the news out of Center. Israel. And we visit. We buy wholesale. “We invest ourselves personally in every patient’s progress and goals. This is all part of having a Europe’s lessons...continued from page 19 true commitment and passion for what we do.” social contract, to address the most dif- overwhelming amount of anti-Semitic ficult contemporary issues that populists hate speech online, and every time I and extremists tend to exploit, and to see certain politicians in the U.S. fail develop new forms of democratic debate to find the courage to speak out clearly and governance. and unequivocally and come up with a As a European engaged around the clear plan to combat this cancer, I get clock with American Jews, I feel a sense more nervous. THE RESULTS YOU WANT. THE CARE YOU DESERVE. of responsibility and urgency to share We have come to understand that our experience. no single country is immune to anti- Thomas S. Zeller, DPT & Associates With every exhausting debate over Semitism. Europe’s experience offers a what constitutes anti-Semitism, with cautionary tale for the United States. www.YourBestTherapy.com every refusal to take into consideration Simone Rodan-Benzaquen is the direc- Fort Myers 239-432-0556 anti-Semitism from the other side of the tor of the American Jewish Committee Cape Coral 239-772-2363 political divide, with every glance at the (AJC) Europe.

Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 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. The Haggadah Providing exceptional care that makes like to tell my students that one of Hebrew name for Egypt, Mitzrayim, as senior’s lives better and happier! the most important dates in history being related to the word, meitzarim, Homemaker/Companion Services I was 1454. It was in those years the constricted or narrow places. Egypt first books were printed, the most im- represents the place where everyone Personally Matched Caregivers, Prepare Meals, Light portant of which was the Gutenberg thought alike – or perhaps where peo- House Tasks, Laundry & Linens, Shopping & Errands, Take to Appointments/Events, Social Interaction, Advocate Bible. Before then, all books were ple didn’t think at all; they were robot- Service, From a Few Hours to 24-Hour Care & More! handwritten and, therefore, rare and ic. The Haggadah, and the experience expensive. With the at the Seder, is supposed to be one of Personal Care & Nurse Services invention of printing, open discussion and debate about what Post Surgery or Hospital Stay Care, Mobility Help, ADL’s, there was an exploit means to be Jewish and to be free. Baths, Dressing, Personal Hygiene, Special Needs Care, sion of publishing. And so, this book has naturally opened Medication Management, Up to 24-Hour Care, Much More! In 1482, Solomon itself to creative renditions. Alkabez published a But the popularity of the book, and AS SEEN ON TV Haggadah in Guada- the Pesach celebration that it guides, is lajara, Spain. In the about more than the Seder experience  Rabbi 1500s, there were itself. It is about the basic story of our Marc 25 new editions; 37 people. We are a people who came out Sack in the 1600s; 234 in of slavery and oppression. We are a Free Consultation. It’s easy … the 1700s; 1,269 in the 1800s; and, in people that cherishes our freedom, and Call us at (239) 243-8555 the 20th century more than 1,000. In the Haggadah is the book that both cel- SeniorcareSouthwestFlorida.com 1599, a four-language Haggadah was ebrates and encourages our freedom.

©2019 Each office is independently owned and operated. License HCS #232083, HHA # 299994663 published in Venice. There were trans- Alongside the Torah and Talmud, the lations into Yiddish, Judeo-Italian and Haggadah, in all its variety, is an es- Mention you saw us in L’Chayim Ladino, as well as the original Hebrew sential Jewish book. text. And, in 1874, a Haggadah is pub- I grew up in a traditional home in or show your military lished in the Indian language Marathi which my grandfather recited the en- Rabbi veteran ID for an extra for the Bene Israel, the Jews of India. tire Haggadah in Eastern European He- Stephen 5% OFF! The Haggadah is the Jewish book with brew. We survived. My s’darim are dif- Fuchs the most varied editions. ferent. I try to encourage conversation, One can only speculate why the storytelling, even disagreement. I think DIRECT IMPORTERS • LARGE IN-STOCK INVENTORY • GREAT PRICES Haggadah has stimulated so much Jew- that’s what’s supposed to happen at the ish creativity and innovation. My guess table. The Haggadot that my wife Leni is that as much as Pesach is about the and I use are more than 20 years old. civic freedom of Jews (and others), it It’s time for us to get new ones, with is about a freedom of the mind. It is the new interpretations and insights into book and story that encourages ques- what it means for us Jews to be free. tions and multiple answers. The rabbis, Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple correctly in my opinion, interpreted the Judea in Fort Myers.

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR Ask, ask Ceramic & Porcelain Tile, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), he words of the Haggadah that of his actions and simply exists. On Decorative Mosaics and Carpet, plus all the tools stay with us most vividly are the other hand, a man lives because he and materials you’ll need for installation! Tmah mishtanah, “Why is this keeps asking himself about the mean- night different?” It is interesting that ing of things and events. Why is the Fort Myers 239-267-1445 Cape Coral 239-772-5815 this very important evening service in sky blue? Why do I feel this way? 16165 S. Tamiami Trail www.pcctile.com 916 SE 15th Avenue the Jewish year begins with a question. What should I do? Usually, a statement of faith is couched So it follows that in dealing with as an assertion of positive conviction people it helps to open up relationships and belief. But here we begin with a by asking questions rather than stating question. This is be- opinions. Instead of saying emphati- cause as Socrates cally, “You cannot stay out after mid- well knew, asking night!” It is wiser to ask, “How late do and answering ques- you think a teenager like you should be tions is the best way able to stay out at night?” In hiring an to learn. When we employee, teaching a student, helping say things that others a person in distress, it is first necessary have said before, we to find out where they are before decid-

 Rabbi are only repeating ing where you want them to go.

239.481.4449 x4 or [email protected] Solomon and adding nothing In human relationships, closeness Agin to human knowl- and warmth only occur when we ask

edge. But when we about one another, when we are con-

To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford ask questions, we begin to discover cerned about one another, when we new facts, to awaken new thoughts, to seek to know how we can help one plumb the depths of the human mind. another. Until we ask, we will never As a matter of fact, one significant know.

way that man differs from the animal Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Temple

Wha t is a Women’s Giving Circle? is that he asks himself questions. An Shalom in Port Charlotte.

What is a Women’s Giving Circle? animal eats, drinks, carries on the rest

What is a Women’s Giving Circle? 

 ach uesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg is held at the Jeish Federation.   Players must e at least advanced eginners, as no lessons are given.    Y uesdays, 1230330 P.M. 

F 1 per ee

 

  ’ What is a Women s Giving Circle? W    

 

To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford 239.481.4449 x4 or [email protected] To join239.481.4449 and for more x4 or information [email protected] call Debbie Sanford for more information call heryl Lippel at 239.839.3228 239.481.4449 x4 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 APRIL 2020 FROM THE BIMAH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. The Chosen People: One of the most misunderstood Jewish concepts ith all my heart I believe “The Jews were the first people to let us join with them not just as “good prophet Micah offered us valuable God chooses specific indi- break out of this circle, to find a new people” but specifically as proudly guidance for these troubled times: “Let viduals for specific tasks: way of thinking and experiencing, a identified Jews. all the peoples walk in the name of its W Abraham to begin the journey that new way of understanding and feeling Let us learn of the faith of others god, but we shall walk in the name of created the Jewish people the world…” Nearly 3,000 years ago while proudly embracing our own. By the Lord our God forever.” (Micah 4:5) Moses to lead us out of Egypt the Prophet Amos taught that we are proclaiming our special destiny, we do Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs serves at William Harvey to teach humanity not better than others, but that we have not deny theirs. Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sani- about the circulation of blood a particular responsibility to uphold More than 3,000 years ago, the bel Island. The Wright Brothers to inaugurate and live by the ideals of Torah. Amos the era of aviation wrote: “I have known you uniquely Abraham Lincoln to end slavery in among the peoples of the earth. There- The message of Passover this country fore I will hold you accountable for ev- his Pesach most of us will head Passover celebrates the eternal Martin Luther King Jr. to make the ery one of your transgressions.” to a Seder, to celebrate Passover connection with G-d for every Jew, dream of racial equality more of a No, to be chosen does not mean we Tregardless of how religious we whether Reform, Conservative, Or- reality in our society consider ourselves better than anyone are. Why is Passover so important? thodox or even secular. It’s a reminder If individuals else. Still, many Jews, both famous and Many of us would sum up the holi- that with faith, G-d can work miracles can have destinies, ordinary, shy away from the concept of day like this: “We in our lives too. why not peoples as a chosenness because they fear anti-Se- were slaves, now Today, each one of us needs to break whole? mitic reactions. we’re free, let’s eat.” free from our own personal Egypt, from Just as God Do we really think we will mollify There’s much more. our own self-imposed slavery. Feeling chooses individu- anti-Semites by disavowing our des- When I was a as though we were slaves in Egypt can als, so too does God tiny as a people? child, my father used teach us to say “Dayeinu, whatever I choose peoples for We shall not. Anti-Semitism is the to tell me that we have is enough and I have gratitude for  Rabbi certain tasks. As I responsibility of anti-Semites, not the were slaves in Egypt, all my Blessings.” Stephen look at history, I responsibility of us Jews.  Rabbi meaning that every We’re taught in Pirkei Avot, “Who Fuchs agree with an essay Abandoning the idea that God has Lawrence generation is obligat- is wise? The one who is content with written by the late Professor of Labor chosen us for the task of bringing the Dermer ed to see themselves his lot.” Relations at Cornell, Milton R. Kon- ideals based on Torah to the world will as slaves who were brought out from This Passover let’s try to remem- vitz, called, “Many Are Called and not stop either anti-Semites or anti- Mitzrayim. Why? ber that the holiday is much more than Many Are Chosen.” He noted that God Semitism. A connection to the Exodus story just a history lesson of celebrating free- chose the ancient Greeks to bring the Jews do not hold exclusive rights in our generation is an affirmation that dom from Egyptian bondage. The Exo- world an unprecedented sense of beau- to acts of goodness. God revealed To- miracles not only occurred in the past, dus teaches us to believe in miracles. ty, and God chose the Romans to teach rah to us, the Midrash teaches, in the but they can happen to us in the pres- Pesach teaches us that true freedom the world new ideas about order. desert, so we would know that its ide- ent. Modern day Israel and its contin- is being happy with where we are at God chose us Jews too. God chose als are open to everyone who wishes ued survival against all odds is defi- this very moment, appreciating what us to bring the ideals of Torah to the at- to embrace them. They are not the nitely a miracle. we have and not focusing on what we tention of the world. God chose us, as exclusive property of any one faith or The miracle of our return to Eretz lack. Freedom is the faith, the certainty Thomas Cahill teaches in his bestsell- people. Yisrael is just one recent illustration that no matter how difficult our circum- ing book Gifts of the Jews, to give the Other religions have their own of the power of bringing our Seders to stances, G-d is always working behind world a sense of the sanctity of time. wonderful ways of bringing more life. My father did such a convincing the scenes and ready with a new mira- Before we came along, Cahill notes, kindness, caring and compassion into job of retelling the story of our Exo- cle. All we have to do is believe! people perceived life as a series of re- the world. Let us join forces in that dus that I asked him, “Daddy, were we Rabbi Lawrence Dermer serves at peating cyclical events. quest with all people of good will. But slaves in Egypt too?” Shalom Life Center in Fort Myers.

A FIVE STAR INDEPENDENT, ASSISTED LIVING AND SKILLED NURSING COMMUNITY

Jenny Admission Coordinator Five Star Team Member Since 1997

Angela Nurse Five Star Team Member FINEMARK NATIONAL BANK & TRUST IS PROUD Since 2001 TO CONSISTENTLY EARN A 5-STAR RATING There is no substitute FROM BAUER FINANCIAL, THE NATION’S for experience. LEADING INDEPENDENT BANK RATING FIRM*. Located directly on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, where residents enjoy spectacular views, Calusa Harbour is a full-service, resort-style senior living We attribute our success to delivering unparalleled community offering spacious and comfortable apartments for independent service and putting our clients ﬁ rst. living and assisted living, as well as skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, outpatient therapy, and respite/short stays for those with more specialized needs.

Our many exceptional senior living services and amenities include restaurant-style dining, social and recreational activities, waterfront lanai and heated swimming pool, fishing dock, game room, fitness center, full-service beauty salon, library, transportation, 24-hour staff, laundry and housekeeping. • Delicious all-day dining in brand-new facilities • Large-size apartments ideal for hosting friends • Only continuing care community in Southwest Florida with no buy-in • Enjoy activities galore in our soaring atriums • $7 million renovation project now complete • Experienced staff makes your care a priority

Call (239) 309-1969

to schedule a tour Assisted 2525 First Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 Living Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Charleston • Estero • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale Facility www.ﬁ nemarkbank.com • 239-461-5900 • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender www.CalusaHarbour.com #6066 Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value. *5-Star Financial Rating issued by Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating and research ﬁ rm. Rating is 5 out of 5. J.D. Power 2019 Certified Senior Living Community Program recognition is based on successful completion of an audit, exceeding a customer experience benchmark through a survey of recent claims servicing interactions, and a Financial strength rating. For more information, visit jdpower.com

The Federation can be reached at 239.481.4449 L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 24 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. Holocaust education for the next generation n April we commemorate Yom especially moved by this focus on in- HaShoah, Holocaust Remem- dividual stories. The tragedy of the Ibrance Day. With each passing Holocaust is overwhelming and truly year, one question becomes more beyond comprehension. By connecting pressing: How do we ensure that the visitors to specific women, the exhibit next generation re- helped us understand their experience. mains aware of and The teenagers were also inspired educated about the by stories of defiance, moments when Holocaust? women resisted in ways large and In late February, I small. Jordan shared a story of a wom- took 10 Temple Beth an who gathered the names of women El teenagers to an in the camp, under the guise of deliver- exhibit at the FGCU ing potato salad. Amidst the immense  Rabbi Bradshaw Library tragedy, these stories reminded the stu- Nicole Archives and Special dents of the power of courage and the Luna Collections titled “To need to act. Life: The Liberation of Ravensbruck.” It was a truly unique experience to The small two-room exhibit chronicles hear from someone who not only re- the tragic suffering and the miraculous searched but also organized the actual Swedish Red Cross White Bus rescue exhibit. Jordan’s passion and concern mission of 15,500 women at Ravens- for the Ravensbruck history was ob- bruck, a women’s concentration camp. vious. Students commented how they Our guide, Jordan, was part of a group appreciated that a non-Jewish student of five graduate students who traveled cared so much about the Holocaust. It to Germany and Sweden to research the made them feel less alone. women’s histories and stories. Jordan Alas, we were all concerned to shared not only the history of Ravens- hear of the extra security necessary bruck and the rescue mission, but her for the exhibit. Security officers make own experience researching, traveling rounds regularly, and all the guides had to Germany and Sweden, meeting a to undergo active shooter training. The Ravensbruck survivor, and organizing threat of hatred and violence is still real the exhibit. today. Following our visit, the students The exhibit is open through May 2. sat together and discussed their experi- I encourage you to see it, learn about ence. They shared multiple reflections this remarkable story, and think about that can help guide us as we seek to how we can continue to share this his- share the history and memories of the tory with the next generation. Holocaust. First, the exhibit showed Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple large photos of women accompanied Beth El in Fort Myers. by brief bios, and the students were The editorial deadline for the May issue of L’CHAYIM is Monday, April 6.

Kosher for Passover provisions

A fine selection available at Publix Super Market at The Shoppes at Grande Oaks in Estero

Store manager Joe Schifferl has made a special effort to provide NEEDEDNEEDED TOTO LABELLABEL ’CHAYIM’CHAYIM the best possible selection for Passover.

JNJN SS forfor coffee,coffee, bagelsbagels andand thethe simplesimple satisfactionsatisfaction thatthat comescomes fromfrom meetingmeeting andand makingmaking friendsfriends withwith Head over to this Publix & stock up! otherotherNEEDED volunteers,volunteers, TO asas wewe LABEL helphelp keepkeep thousandsthousands’CHAYIM ofof locallocal readersreaders informedinformed aboutabout lolocal,cal, nationalnational andand interna-interna- beginning March 18! JN S for coffee, bagels and the simple satisfaction tionaltional JewishJewish news.news. that comes from meeting and making friends with other volunteers, as we help keep thousands of local readersCallCall DebbieDebbie informed SanfordSanford about 481.4449481.4449local, national ext.ext. and 44 interna-toto addadd tionalyouryour Jewishnamename news.toto thethe phonphonee list.list. EachEach monthmonth wewe willwill callcall toto confirmconfirm thethe mailingmailing datedate andand youyou cancan letlet usus knowknow ifif youyou areare availableavailable toto helphelp labelCalllabel Debbie L’CHAYIM.L’CHAYIM. Sanford 481.4449 ext. 4 to add your name to imeimethe phon 930930e list. .M..M. Each month we will call to confirm the mailing date and you can let us MondayknowFriday if ,,youAprilApril are 24,20, available 20202020 to help label L’CHAYIM.FridayFriday ,, MayMay 22,22, 20202020 ime 930 .M. Monday, April 20, 2020 Friday, May 22, 2020 Please support our advertisers. They help make L’CHAYIM possible. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 FROM THE BIMAH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 25

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. The Seventh day Passover is a holiday lthough many of us are po- So we find in Isaiah 53:13-14: litically engaged, we abide by If you refrain from trampling the of celebration Amy rule not to discuss politics Sabbath, s we celebrate the holidays, we read the Bible’s most passionate love in the shul, especially on Shabbat, no from pursuing your own interests on develop interesting customs song. matter how tempting. Politics seems My holy day; Aover time. In Jewish culture, a Passover is a holiday of celebration traif since it tends to pollute because if you call the Sabbath a delight longstanding tradition is to read certain that brings families and synagogues to- it often involves dis- and the holy day of the LORD books of the Torah gether. It is a day of joy that celebrates honesty; neither has honorable; in connection with our freedom. The story is told, the a place in the pres- if you honor it, not going your own certain holidays. For questions are asked, and the songs are ence of the sacred. ways, example, Jonah is sung. The wonderful Passover meal is Unlike the time serving your own interests, or read on Yom Kip- familiar. which is given to us pursuing your own affairs; pur, Ecclesiastes on “Countless multitudes from count- to use as we wish then you shall take delight in the Sukkot, and Ruth on less cities come, come over land, others  Rabbi during the six days LORD, Shavuot. The Song over sea, from east and west and north Bruce of the week, time on and I will make you ride upon the  Rabbi of Solomon is read and south at every feast. They take the Diamond Shabbat is reserved heights of the earth; Devora on Passover. temple for their port as a general ha- by and for the Divine and does not I will feed you with the heritage of Buchen If you have pe- ven of safe refuge from the hustle and belong to us. On Shabbat we are “on your ancestor Jacob, rused the Song of Solomon, you know turmoil of life, and there they seek to the Boss’s clock.” Proprietors don’t for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. that it is a racy read. In fact, at times find calm weather, and released from want their workers discussing politics Of course, it takes a lot of restraint quite explicit. So we ask the question, the cares who’s yoke has been heavy among themselves and with the cus- in order not to discuss politics in shul what does this have to do with Pass- upon them from their earliest years, to tomers on the owner’s hours, since it on the Shabbat, be it American politics, over? The sages have suggested that enjoy a brief breathing space in scenes generally tends to create an environ- Israeli politics or, Heaven forbid, syna- the lovers in the Song of Solomon are of genial cheerfulness.” – an eye wit- ment disruptive to the enterprise’s gogue politics – the very worst kind! metaphors for God and Israel. And they ness account by Philo of Alexandria, goals and objectives. But that leaves us with the question: argue, in a real sense, God’s rescue of 1st century Jewish philosopher We are given six days to pursue our Well then, what are we to discuss? the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery Rabbi Devora Buchen serves at Temple own stuff, narishkeit or otherwise, but Here’s a thought: Take a whole- amounted to a real proposal of mar- Beth Shalom in Cape Coral. the Seventh is testimony to creation, some interest in the people around you riage. So it makes sense on Passover to the Creator, and the Creator’s power to and what’s going on in their lives and save, represented by our Egyptian Exo- share what’s happening in yours with- dus. The Shabbat is set aside by com- out kvetching or boasting. Enjoy each What do you think? mandment for us to disengage from the other’s company as you join together petty transient things in which we get in prayer and sacred song. Finally, get L’CHAYIM wants to know! ourselves enmeshed, so the better to around to learning the names of, and Send your letters & comments to [email protected]. appreciate the eternal. something about, the people you keep Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone. Letters should be no longer As descendants of homo habilis, on seeing in shul and help them do the than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM nor its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received. we are preoccupied with making stuff: same about you. Listen. things, money, reservations, plans, Enjoy the moment. Don’t waste it deals, etc. But on Shabbat, all this mak- on traif and narishkeit. Save it for you ing must stop in order to remember that own time. we too are created, so the better to ap- Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The preciate the gift of our lives, no matter Community Free Synagogue in Fort how challenging. Myers. “The Season of Our Freedom” n the Passover Haggadah, we say: this spiritual potential and giving it “Even if we are all wise, all men expression. Iof understanding, and all know the The Seder night is a time when Torah, it is a mitzva (commandment) these forces do not have the power to for us to tell of the exodus from Egypt.” hold us back. For Passover is “The This quote indicates that the point of Season of Our Freedom.” From the the Seder is not merely an intellectual time of the Exodus – and indeed, from experience. For after the beginning of time – this night was all, if we are wise chosen as a night on which the poten- Specializing in Kosher and know the Torah, tial is granted to express our G-dly outpatient hip and for Passover provisions then we also know core. Every year, at this time, within knee replacement the story of the Exo- the spiritual hierarchy of the world, dus. there is “an exodus from Egypt.” All Instead, the in- restrictions fall away and transcendent tent is that the Seder G-dliness is revealed.  Rabbi enables us to relive This spiritual awakening filters A fine selection available at Yitzchok the Exodus, to real- down within our souls, prompting us Minkowicz ize – as we say later to tap our spiritual core, express our Publix Super Market in the Haggadah – that “not only our unbounded G-dly potential and leave ancestors [were] redeemed from Egypt, Egypt, i.e., to break through any and at The Shoppes at Grande Oaks in Estero but [G-d] redeemed us as well.” Every all restraints. Seder is an opportunity for each one of This experience should not remain us to leave Egypt. an isolated spiritual peak. Instead, What does it mean for us to leave Passover should initiate a process of Store manager Joe Schifferl Egypt, when many of us have never endless growth, empowering us to con- has made a special effort to provide seen that part of the world? tinuously break through ever subtle Mitzrayim, the Hebrew name for levels of limitations and express our the best possible selection for Passover. Egypt, shares a connection with the spiritual potential at all times. term meitzarim, meaning “boundaries” This concept is reflected in the or “limitations.” Leaving Egypt means Lubavitch custom not to recite the pas- going beyond those forces that hold us sage “Chasal Siddur Pesach” (“The Head over to this Publix & stock up! back and prevent us from expressing Passover Seder is concluded”) which who we really are. The idea of leaving others say at the end of the Seder. The beginning March 18! Egypt reminds us that, in a certain way, intent of the omission is to emphasize we are all slaves. that our Passover experience should Each one of us has a soul which be ongoing. Throughout the year, we is “an actual part of G-d.” This is the should look to the Seder as the begin- core of our being, our real “I.” But we ning of a pattern of new growth and find ourselves in Egypt, for there are spiritual expression. forces, both external and internal, that Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz serves at prevent us from being in touch with Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida. Stay connected all month long at www.JewishFederationLCC.org

Save the date for Israelfest: Sunday, May 3 from 2-5pm! See the back page for more info. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 26 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FOCUS ON YOUTH

learning more. TEMPLE BETH EL SCHOOLS March 8 was our an- Fort Myers nual joint Purim Carni- val with Temple Judea. Temple Beth El Religious School Held this year on the Temple Beth El Religious school has a little something grounds, the children had a great day. for every student this past month. As Corn Hole was a huge hit for parents we approach Spring Break and wrap up and older children, while the younger the school year, Temple Beth El contin- ones played in the bounce house. Con- ues to plan engaging and active learn- firmation students made and served ing experiences for our students. popcorn and cotton candy, while par- In February, Rabbi Luna traveled ent volunteers and teachers helped to Washington, D.C., with confirmation with face painting and crafts. Everyone students for the L’Taken conference. received a hamentashen treat bag to en- Students learned about the legislative joy for Purim. Many thanks to all who process and explored the social justice helped out to make the day special. issues that matter most to our Reform For more information about Tem- Movement. The students had oppor- ple Beth El Religious School, call the tunities to meet with students from all Temple Beth El office at 239.433.0018 over the United States and participate or email [email protected]. in Jewish programming. On February 23, Rabbi Luna took Purim Carnival at Temple Beth El the Confirmation class to the FGCU campus to view the White Bus Rescue exhibit. This exhibit details the mission led by the Swedish Red Cross that brought about 15,500 people to freedom in 1945. The exhibit, “To Life: The Liberation of Ravensbruck,” tells of the brave and courageous volunteers who risked their lives to drive these white buses, painted with a large red cross on the top, through war-torn Ger- many to rescue people from concentration camps. Students viewed the list of all 15,500 names along with pictures and stories of their rescue. This exhibit runs until May 2, for those interested in Rabbi Nicole Luna and Confirmation students on their trip to the FGCU exhibit

variety of learning styles Results of TEMPLE BETH SHALOM in our classroom. We’ve a recent RELIGIOUS SCHOOL made edible menorahs national Cape Coral and painted dreidels that survey of we also played with for 25,000 Temple Beth Shalom Hanukkah. We decorated a sukkah in families Religious School the fall and planted a tree to celebrate conducted by Sheerie Beauvais Tu B’Shevat. Now we are preparing to PJ Library Temple Beth Shalom’s Religious celebrate Passover. School is thriving with small classes, Finally, because we learn by do- lots of attention and tons of fun. Our ing, we’re in the midst of completing Parents in Lee PJ Library is themes this year are Mitzvot and Tik- our most ambitious project, an illus- and Charlotte kun Olam. trated Torah. As we read through the counties whose making a We’ve been learning about the different stories, the children draw children are difference in the holidays and working on our Hebrew pictures showing the events in the por- enrolled in lives of families PJ Library language skills. Our new students have tions. With students ages 4-12, it’s a lot raising Jewish participated in been learning their letters and vowels, teamwork, but every week from 4:30 the survey. children.. while our veteran students have been to 6:00 p.m., it’s a great time. learning prayers and their meanings. New students are always welcome, We’ve also been working on counting so if you have a child who likes to make and recognizing our colors in Hebrew. new friends and have fun while learn- We learn through a variety of ways ing, give us a call at 239.772.4555. because we recognize that there are a Read the current and recent issues of L’CHAYIM PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org.

High School Students: Earn CAS Credits! The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties is Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids interested in hearing from music — anytime, anywhere. teenagers in high school music — anytime, anywhere. Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online who might like to earn CAS Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online credits though various work streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs in the Jewish community. from hundreds of artists across the globe. from hundreds of artists across the globe. Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks If you are interested, Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. please send the following for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime.

information to [email protected]: • Listen to the music online • Listen to the music online Name • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play Address or Tune In Radio Phone # or Tune In Radio Age Grade School Preferred volunteer hours (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays)

Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts. Send an email to [email protected]. Follow the Federation at www.facebook.com/JewishFederationLCC L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 27

painted our faces and TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS our groggers, bounced Fort Myers around, and some brave souls among us shared in Temple Judea Religious School a triple piggyback ride. Tab Scribner, The following evening, the Temple Director of Congregational Learning Judea students gathered again to lead March is a month of excitement and the congregation through an interga- Bar / Bat Mitzvah Specialist celebration at Temple Judea Religious lactic rendition of the Purim Story with School. From Purim Carnival to Israeli Esther and Obi-Wan Mordecai expos- Choosing the right photographer is an important decision. cooking with grandparents, it’s been an ing the plot of the evil Darth Haman, Michael Shapiro has more than 30 years experience in media action-packed month of fun and learn- and then reading part of the Megillah and journalism. He is able to capture images that are unique, ing. for the congregation. We kicked off the month by spend- We look forward to seeing you unexpected and spontaneous. ing the day with our friends at Tem- at Temple Judea! If you have ques- ple Beth El at the Purim Carnival. We tions about any of our programming or would like to volunteer to assist at a program, or attend any of our events as a guest, please contact me in our office at 239.433.0201 or tjswfledu@gmail. com. Purim Carnival at Temple Beth El

Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events 239.770.6860 [email protected] www.shapiro-photography.com

Purim Carnival fun

Rabbi Nicole Luna and Confirmation students on their trip to the FGCU exhibit Candle lighting times: April 3: 7:28 April 10: 7:31 April 17: 7:35 April 24: 7:39 Students read part of the Megillah for the congregation

DISCOVER THE FUN!

PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE!

RECEIVE THE GIFT OF FREE JEWISH CHILDREN’S Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids BOOKS MAILED TO music — anytime, anywhere. YOUR HOME Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online SHARE the experience of reading with your EVERY MONTH! streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs children as they grow with from hundreds of artists across the globe. PJ Library books.

Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks Funded by the SIGN UP TODAY! for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. Roth Family Enrollment is open to Foundation Jewish families with • Listen to the music online children between the More information, • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play ages of six months to contact Debbie Sanford or Tune In Radio eight years 239.481.4449 ext. 3 living in [email protected] Lee & Charlotte Counties.

Families can sign up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org

Follow the Federation at www.facebook.com/JewishFederationLCC L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 28 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FOCUS ON YOUTH

BBYO happenings By Jessica Zimmerman, Associate Regional Dir., North Florida Region n February, Fort Myers BBYO par- ing on the Minnesota Twins and the we will bring our BBYO traditions like miamizoo. ticipated in BBYO’s International Toronto Blue Jays that ended in a draw. Lives to Miami with us. This event is To be added to our email list and IConvention (IC). Six Southwest Everyone’s favorite event of the open to all Southwest Florida BBYO receive updates about BBYO program- Florida teens joined 3,000 Jewish teens year is just around the corner – City members. Not a member yet? you can ming, email me at jesszimmerman@ from all over the world for a once-in- Convention. This year we are taking register by visiting bit.ly/memberbbyo. bbyo.org. I hope to hear from you and a-lifetime experience in Dallas, Texas. City Convention to the next level! Want to join us at the zoo? Visit bit.ly/ welcome you to Fort Myers BBYO. IC has be- Join us on May 2-3 as we embark on come an unparal- an adventure to the Miami Zoo for an leled convening, all-inclusive overnight! Yes, you read offering a power- that correctly, we will be spending the ful, strategic and night at the Miami Zoo! Not only will inspiring platform we be participating in a night hike and from which the a special opportunity to get up close best and bright- and personal with an array of animals, est teen and adult Jessica Zimmerman leaders from across the Jewish world (and beyond) unite to celebrate, dream and take action to continue strengthening the future. Dani Rudd, Anachnu Tamid N’Siah in Sarasota, said, “IC 2020 was an incredible and enriching experience. I loved the empowering and motiva- tional speakers who made me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. I can’t wait for IC 2021.” In February, Fort Myers BBYO, along with our BBYO Connect program for middle schoolers, attended a Spring Training Baseball Game at Hammond Field in Fort Myers. We took in an action-packed game cheer- Naples and Fort Myers BBYO and BBYO Connect at the Spring Training Baseball Game on Feb. 23 STAY IN TOUCH Sign up for e-blasts!

GET THE LATEST INFORMATION ON UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS, CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, BREAKING NEWS, UPDATES FROM ISRAEL & MORE.

lcc.org Adam Henry, Natalie Levy, Dylan Saad, Ben Shoenfeld, Romy Kotler and Mica Saad a@jfed at BBYO’s International Convention ypadill l to am n emai SenSendd a an email to Joseph Horowitz [email protected] Israel Travel Grant

available through the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.

Fall 2020 Educational Scholarships Available

For more information DEADLINE: April 30, 2020 visit jewishfederationlcc.org ELIGIBILITY: Scholarship applications are now available for Jewish residents of Lee and Charlotte Counties, Florida, wishing to pursue postsecondary education.

Applicants must be under 30 years of age

is proud to offer the Stevan & Marilyn Simon Family Scholarship. and priority will be given to full-time

students. Funding is limited and decisions

This scholarship is open to those at least high school age who

will be based primarily on financial need.

demonstrate leadership qualities and will be participating in a 2-week or longer program in Israel. APPLICATION: For guidelines and application process,

PROCESS visit our website at jewishfederationlcc.org Application deadline is March 1, 2020 and requires writing a short essay.

For more information, and to access the application, visit the Scholarships are made available from designated TOP Jewish Foundation website at topjewishfoundation.org funds held by the Jewish Community Foundation.

For advertising info, call Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 or email [email protected] L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 29

she edited a Talmudic inauguration of an American-style rated the Henrietta Szold Award, which HADASSAH dictionary and furthered visiting nurse program in Jerusalem. bestowed recognition for “dedicated Collier/Lee Chapter her high school educa- She also funded hospitals, a medical service to the Jewish People, to Israel (732) 539-4011 tion by attending public school, dental facilities, x-ray clinics, and to Humanity.” Eleanor Roosevelt lectures at Johns Hop- infant welfare stations, soup kitchens was the first recipient of this award, Women Inspiring Women kins University and the and other services for Palestine’s Jew- which is still presented today. In the Diane Schwartz Peabody Institute. ish and Arab inhabitants. U.S. and Jerusalem, schools and insti- We all know something wonderful In Baltimore, she established the In 1933, when she was 73, Henri- tutes bear Henrietta Szold’s name. about Hadassah, or should by now as first American night school to provide etta Szold emigrated to Palestine and As a recognized leader and activ- the organization celebrates its found- English language instruction and voca- helped run Youth Aliyah, an organiza- ist, she has been inducted into the Na- ing 108 years ago. But how did we get tional skills to Russian Jewish immi- tion that rescued 30,000 Jewish chil- tional Women’s Hall of Fame in Sen- here, a magnificent assembly of dedi- grants. dren from Nazi Europe. Youth Aliyah eca Falls, New York, and in a fitting cated women (and men, as well) of all Working at the Jewish Publication remains a Hadassah program to this tribute to her, Mother’s Day in Israel is ages, shapes, sizes and colors? Society for 23 years, as the sole wom- day, working with at-risk children in celebrated on the day that Szold died, We cover the landscape across the an, her duties included the translations Israel. on the 30th of Shevat. United States and many other coun- of a dozen works, writing her own ar- With an eye to the future, Szold Today, Hadassah empowers wom- tries, and we do wonderful, beneficial ticles and editing books. persuaded her colleagues that proac- en to effect change through advocacy, and important things because we have Just before the turn of the century, tive programs open to all were critical advancing health and well-being here been inspired to do so by a special she took on the lion’s share of produc- to Jewish survival in the Holy Land at home in our daily lives and around woman. ing the firstAmerican Jewish Yearbook and she laid the cornerstone of the the world, and supporting Israel, its That woman was named Henrietta of which she was the sole editor for new Rothschild-Hadassah University land and its people. Szold. She founded Hadassah and her four years. She also collaborated in the Hospital on Mount Scopus in October Our members, from every Con- vision and dedication became our orga- compilation of the Jewish Encyclope- 1934. gressional district in the nation, are nization’s mission and focus. Happily, dia. Henrietta Szold died on February activists, fundraisers and visionaries we continue to follow her direction. At the age of 49, Szold traveled 13, 1945, in Jerusalem at the age of seeking to inspire others – Women Clearly, she is an example of how to Palestine for the first time and dis- 84 in the same Hadassah Hospital she Inspiring Women. That’s why we say, one person can make a difference in the covered her life’s mission: the health, helped to build. She was buried in the “Hadassah is the Power of Women world and inspire others to make a dif- education and welfare of the pre-state Jewish Cemetery on the Mount of Ol- Who Do.” ference as well. Jewish community in Palestine. ives in Jerusalem. Highly educated in Jewish Studies, Hadassah’s first project was the Subsequently, Hadassah inaugu-

bered. The bravery and stop wherever they are and whatever Kristallnacht Commemoration. The GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH towering heroism of the they are doing. They stop and stand program this year will include a candle Jewish resistance fight- silently. “On sidewalks, in markets, lighting, clergy, students from Temple Naples and Fort Myers BBYO and BBYO Connect at the Spring Training Baseball Game on Feb. 23 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (239) 963-9347 ers in the Warsaw Ghetto on the street. Cars will stop in traffic. Shalom’s religious school, local survi- should also be remem- Drivers and passengers will get out and vors, veterans, a violinist, the Kaddish Honoring Holocaust survivors bered. And the courage of the survivors stand next to their vehicles. For two for the camps, the legacy reading and a and heroism on Yom HaShoah and allied military should be remem- minutes, all across Israel, they stand. song especially written for Butterflies Ida Margolis bered as well this Yom HaShoah. They stand in respect of valuable lives of Hope and Remembrance. Each year, Yom HaShoah is commem- The local community observance – lives that were deemed worthless by No reservations are needed and orated on the date of the beginning of of Yom HaShoah will be at Temple their killers. They stand to honor those everyone in the community is invited. the Warsaw Ghetto uprising when Jew- Shalom on Sunday, April 19 at 10:30 who died in the Holocaust. They stand Especially encouraged to attend are ish resistance fighters defied the Nazis a.m. This is the date that most of the to recognize the survivors, the suffer- survivors and second, third and fourth and fought for dignity and freedom. U.S. commemorations will take place, ing they endured so many decades ago, generation. For more information, The “official” name of this day which including the New York Annual Gath- and the painful memories that have please email me at genshoahswfl@ began in Israel 1951 is Yom Hazikaron ering of Remembrance where people haunted them since. They stand in trib- gmail.com. laShoah ve-laG’vurah (Holocaust and come together as a community to say ute to the resistance heroes who fought GenShoah SWFL has had many Heroism Remembrance Day). Because “never forget” and “to honor the mem- back or risked their lives to hide, res- important and informational programs the year 2020 is the 75th anniversary ory of those who perished at the hands cue and liberate as many Jewish people this season, as well as programs for 2gs of the end of WWII and the 75th an- of evil and to pay tribute to those who as they could from the horrors of the to share their stories. The steering com- niversary of the liberation of the Nazi survived and have made a better world Holocaust.” mittee is now in the process of plan- concentration camps, in many cities for us all.” A very special program is planned ning programs for next season. If you throughout the world, this year’s Yom In Israel, Yom HaShoah falls on this year for Yom HaShoah because this would like more information about this HaShoah commemoration has special Tuesday, April 21. Every year in Israel program concludes the local Butterflies group, its programs or to receive the significance. The lives of those souls on the date of Yom HaShoah (unless it of Hope and Remembrance project GenShoah e-newsletter, please email – including 1.5 million children – who falls on Shabbat) at 10:00 a.m., sirens that has included many events and pro- me. died in the camps should be remem- go off across the country and people grams that began in November at the

Gate City that there were tives and help us through every step. Membership in The Jewish His- JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY soon enough to host High Thank you one and all! torical Society of Southwest Florida OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Holiday services.” What’s in our future? That is the (Family $54, Individual $36) is open (239) 566-1771 On February 6, the question we can answer together. One to anyone who is interested in our mis- audience who assembled Southwest Florida Jewish settler at a sion of local Jewish history preserva- Our 10-year journey to preserve at Temple Shalom for the premieres time. We are grateful to everyone who tion. the Jewish history of SWFL of the two new documentaries in the attends our events, watches the films, The Jewish Historical Society Marina Berkovich Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers se- shares their stories, affirms our mis- of Southwest Florida There are many reasons to thank our ries – By the Pier and Engineering the sion, joins the Society and spreads the 8805 Tamiami Trail North, regional Jewish Federations for their Future – heard the respective principals word about our work. Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108 commitment and investment in or- of these films, Florence Hertzman and Our next event is Masterclass of 833.547.7935 (833.JHS.SWFL) ganizing and maintaining the Jewish Irving Berzon, recall such early Jewish SWFL Jewish History on Sunday, May www.jhsswf.org communication infrastructure that has services. Those were the days in the not 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Fed- [email protected] become the core of the Jewish com- too distant past when the SWFL Jewish eration’s David G. Willens Community Virtual Museum of SWFL munity. This month, I particularly wish Pioneers rented a room at a local bank Room. No prior knowledge or partici- Jewish History http:// to begin with gratitude on behalf of for $25 that the bank used to clean up pation is required. Register online at jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/ The Society membership and its Board the space. In the 1960s and 1970s, the JHSSWF.org. of Directors to Jewish Federation of entire Collier County population was Greater Naples President/CEO Jeffrey about 5,000. The early Jewish settlers Feld and Board Chair Jane Schiff for were indeed the pioneering Jewish life the United Synagogue of their continuing support of our mission of Collier, and also of Lee, Charlotte, HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER Conservative Judaism. of collecting, preserving and protecting Hendry and south Sarasota-Manatee at Temple Judea HAZAK Chapters are of Southwest Florida Jewish history. counties. Those days may now sound (239) 433-0201 for singles or couples. Many individuals and groups in and seem like they belonged to the cen- Join HAZAK and meet Southwest Florida have joined our tury before, when frontiers were else- Joyce Rosinger new friends. It’s an organization that mission. It is a pretty powerful and where for everyone, not only the Jews. All programs are subject to cancella- enables members to meet and socialize humbling experience to participate in As I frequently remark, we are very tion or postponement. For more infor- with each other. Our monthly programs the creation of a concerted effort to privileged to live and walk in the pres- mation, email us at tjhazak@gmail. vary in nature. build a new Jewish organization and to ence of these extraordinary men and com or call the Temple Judea office at Members of the community are al- impart our discoveries and collections women, who unbeknownst to them- 239.433.0201. ways welcome to join and attend our upon the next generations of South- selves forged the historical essence of On Thursday, April 2 at 3:00 p.m., programs. Dues are a moderate $10 per west Floridians who otherwise may not this Jewish frontier. HAZAK is going bowling. Meet at year. have known. Naples’ resident historian April is the Jewish Historical So- HeadPinz bowling, 14513 Global Dr. Lois Bolin writes, “Collier, called ciety of Southwest Florida’s 10th anni- Pkwy., Fort Myers. We have a special What do you think? Need Florida’s Final Frontier, received its versary month. I am writing this ahead price of $10 per person. The group will Jewish residents during the early 1950s of our actual birthday – April 9. We are have an early dinner at Stevie Toma- to reach the editor of ushering in such business families as blessed to have earned the respect and to’s, 9510 Marketplace Road, Fort My- L’CHAYIM? Send Letters Freschel, Gilman, Dinaburg and Luff. recognition of many in our immediate ers. Join us for this fun program. RSVP Gulf American Corporation brought in area and beyond who understand and to HAZAK’s email above. to the Editor to so many additional Jewish salesmen value the imperative importance of our Temple Judea’s active HAZAK [email protected]. to the area with the opening of Golden purpose, see its long-range perspec- 55+ Chapter is a chartered member of

Stay connected all month long at www.JewishFederationLCC.org L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 30 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

[email protected]. lox breakfast followed by TEMPLE JUDEA Help Chaverot sup- SHALOM LIFE CENTER an interactive and partici- Fort Myers port its mitzvah project Fort Myers patory Torah and Kab- (239) 433-0201 to provide feminine hy- (239) 218-3433 balah study led by Rabbi giene products to women Lawrence Dermer with www.tjswfl.org who often can’t afford www.shalomlifecenter.org a focus on the relevance them. The products are of our timeless traditions Due to the potential challenges that given out by food pantries, including Due to the potential challenges that the and bringing the ancient wisdom of To- the coronavirus poses to our commu- the Jewish Federation food pantry. We coronavirus poses to our community, rah and Kabbalah into our daily lives. nity, for updated information on April encourage all TJ members (and visi- for updated information on April and SLC also has a dynamic Women’s and Passover events and services, tors) to bring products to donate each Passover events and services, please Circle that meets the second Monday please call the Temple Judea office at time they come to the synagogue for a call the Shalom Life Center office at of the month for soup, salad and soul 239.433.0201 or visit tjswfl.org. service or event. There is a wicker bas- 239.218.3433 or visit www.shalom led by Rebbetzin Robin Dermer with Take me out to the ball game. ket in the lobby for these donations. lifecenter.org. an emphasis on women’s spirituality Chaverot’s annual baseball event is on Regular scheduled events: Shalom Life Center is Southwest and personal growth. Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. (Please • Friday evening Shabbat services Florida’s warm and welcoming home Our Men’s Group enjoys monthly note the new date and time.) Enjoy the at 6:30 p.m., preceded each week for contemporary Jewish life with a dinner meetings and special outings fun of watching a baseball game in a with a wine and cheese reception passionate commitment to community and activities. lovely, air-conditioned suite, while starting at 6:15 p.m. and spiritual growth where everyone is Our Yiddish Culture Club gathers visiting with old and new friends. The • Saturday morning Shabbat servic- always welcome. the fourth Monday of the month for Mighty Mussels will be playing against es at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kid- Shalom Life Center has moved laughter, learning and lunch. the Dunedin Blue Jays at Hammond dush luncheon into our new home. All our services, Our Exodus study group meets Stadium at the CenturyLink Sports • Morning minyan every Monday at classes, clubs and special events are for monthly discussion exploring the Complex. Space is limited, so reserve 9:00 a.m. now held at 19691 Cypress View Dr., themes and interpretation of Exodus yours now. The cost is $25 per per- • Evening minyan every Monday Fort Myers. chapter by chapter using the book son. Checks should be made payable through Thursday at 5:45 p.m. Join us on Saturday, April 18 at Exodus G-d, Slavery and Freedom by to Temple Judea Sisterhood. RSVP to 7:30 p.m. for “Happy Days,” a musical Dennis Prager. tribute to the great tunes of the fabu- SLC also offers a Book Club, lous ’50s. Dress in your best 1950s Mahjong, Canasta, Choir, religious Like us on Facebook! garb and get ready for a rockin’ sock learning and Bar/Bat Mitzvah prepa- hop followed by a gourmet dessert buf- ration as well as many other opportu- fet. nities to enhance your Jewish life and In addition to our April special learning and further your involvement ConneCt events, SLC offers many exciting and in community service while making with your Jewish Community wonderful services, classes and special friends in a warm and welcoming com- events. munity. Thanks to Shelly and Jerry Gers- Every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. we For more information on all our hune, Jayne Furster, Joyce Rose and www.facebook.com/ experience an uplifting, musical and inspiring services, classes, activities,the many others who participated in facebook.com/jfedsrq meaningful Shabbat service followed concerts and other upcoming specialhumentaschen baking on the Sunday by an always spectacular Oneg. events, visit www.shalomlifecenter.org, before Purim, and to the JewishFederationLCC Every Saturday morning at 10:00 email [email protected] or call C.F.S. Musical Ensem- a.m., SLC offers a delicious bagel & 239.218.3433. ble, which led the sing- along during the Purim Eve Megillah reading. Send updates and changes to the Directory below to [email protected]. Mazel tov to Ar- nie Harris, who will be called to chant from To- TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY rah and the haftarah on REFORM ORTHODOX Sabbath morning, April 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 4. At 83, this is Arnie’s Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson nd E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 941-833-3381 “2 time around” Bar Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig E-mail: [email protected] Mitsvah celebration, for President: Governance Committee IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com which he has spent six Email: [email protected] Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Phone: 239-433-0018 • Fax: 239-433-3235 a kiddush months studying with Web site: www.templebethel.com Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Rabbi Bruce Diamond. Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday REFORM CHABAD LUBAVITCH Religious & Hebrew School: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 Sunday 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Judaica Gift Gallery (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) ORTHODOX Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 5620 Winkler Road Rabbi Bruce Diamond Fort Myers, FL 33919 TEMPLE BETH SHALOM ([email protected]) Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz REFORM Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Phone: 239-433-7708 • Fax: 481-9109 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Phone: 239-466-6671 E-mail: [email protected] Rabbi Devora Buchen E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.chabadswf.org President: Peter Simenauer Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah Phone: 239-772-4555 • Fax: 239-772-4625 Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon E-mail: [email protected] at 6:30 p.m. Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Religious School: Wednesday 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. every Saturday morning from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. OF CAPE CORAL Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. ORTHODOX Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, TEMPLE JUDEA 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) CONSERVATIVE Rabbi Yossi Labkowski 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Phone: 239-963-4770 BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS Rabbi Marc Sack E-mail: [email protected] REFORM E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.chabadcape.com Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church President: Dan Fox Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Director of Congregational Learning: Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs Tab Scribner Kiddush luncheon President: Barry Fulmer Preschool Director: Joann Goldman Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. Phone: 732-780-2016 [email protected] Monday-Friday morning 7:00 a.m. Email: [email protected] Phone: 239-433-0201 • Fax: 239-433-3371 JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Cantor: Murray Simon Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org Web site: www.tjswfl.org Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct-Apr) Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Friday (May-Sept) Adult Education: Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.-noon; Saturday, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Nov-Apr) Wed. 4:30-6 p.m. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Early childhood education:  Shalom Life Center to 12:15 p.m. (Nov-Apr) Preschool, M-F, ages 18 months-5 years; Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader - 218-3433 BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 “Mommy & Me,” 12 months-2 years • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Jacki Waksman - 954-653-9053 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative Sanibel Judaism • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Brian Lipton - 941-365-4955 (732) 780-2016 TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE • Anti-Defamation League: 561-988-2900 HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS SHALOM LIFE CENTER • B’Nai B’rith International: 941-302-4500 www.batyam.org REFORM TRANS DENOMINATIONAL • Chevra Kadisha: 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33967 Gene Sipe - 239-841-4615 • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963-9347 Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4675 Rabbi Lawrence Dermer Bat Yam services and classes will re- Phone: 239-218-3433 • Hadassah - Collier/Lee Chapter: Rabbi Solomon Agin Diane Schwartz - 732-539-4011 sume as soon as health and safety per- President: Judith Migdol E-mail: [email protected] • Hadassah - Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): mit. Phone: 941-625-2116 Web site: www.shalomlifecenter.org Odette Port - 941-505-1409 E-mail: [email protected] Shabbat Evening Services 7:30 p.m. (Oct-Apr) • Hazak 55+ Chapter: On Sunday, March 1 at 4:00 p.m., Web site: templeshalomfl.com 7:00 p.m. (May-Sept) Joyce Rosinger - 239-437-1566 there was another spectacular “Three Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Saturday Torah & Kabbalah Study 10:00 a.m. • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: 800-622-8017 Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. • Jewish Community Services: 239-481-4449 Cantors and a Pastor” concert featur- Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ • Jewish National Fund: ing Bat Yam’s Cantor Murray Simon, Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Joshua Mellits, Director, Western Florida Organizations: Sisterhood ESTERO 941-462-1330 ext. 865 the Rev. Dr. John Danner of the Sani- Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism ORTHODOX Memorial Tree Planting in Israel - 1-800-542-8733 bel Congregational UCC (SCUCC), 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood • Jewish War Veterans: Centre) Bonita Springs, FL 34135-7024 Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter - 239-246-3151 Cantor Rachel Brook from New York Rabbi Mendy Greenberg • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: City and Cantor Elizabeth Shammash Phone: 239-949-6900 Nechamie Minkowicz - 239-822-2784 Web site: www.JewishBonita.com from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by event was held in the Sanctuary of a Kiddush the SCUCC with a delicious reception

Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. Due to COVID-19, please check with each organization for event cancellations/postponements. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 31

board to learn and play set for the little ones to enjoy. And our Book Club choice for April. Two TEMPLE BETH EL music themselves. The who wouldn’t have fun with a Tic Tac teenage girls meet in the Jewish ghetto Fort Myers keyboard is lightweight Toad wooden game set? For the ladies during World War II. Decades later, (239) 433-0018 and portable, so it can of all ages, check out the Modern Ten Jewish refugee Romy reveals family be moved around from Plagues Midrash Manicures. Why is mysteries kept hidden for more than 50 www.templebethel.com room to room as needed. this manicure different from all other years, to her granddaughter. Join us for We anticipate many years manicures? Experience the Exodus an enlightening discussion on Wednes- Music has long been integral to Juda- of enjoying this keyboard as we watch firsthand! You’ll have the Passover sto- day, April 1 at 2:45 p.m. Next month, at ism, whether it’s religious music or our children gain an appreciation of ry nailed! Easy to apply and lasts up to our Book Club on Wednesday, May 6, cultural music. To quote Rabbi Jona- music while they learn to play music. 10 days, all the way through the eight we will make book selections for next than Sacks, “There is an inner con- Thank you, Paul Tenenbaum, for your days of Passover. season. We encourage you to bring nection between music and the spirit... generous and thoughtful gift to Temple Did you ever learn about Jews in suggestions of titles we can enjoy as Music is the language of the soul.” Beth El and to the musical future of our Shanghai? When Benjamin Netanyahu a group. We will discuss choices and Longtime Temple Beth El mem- children. visited Shanghai in 2013 and hailed then vote on the books to be selected. ber and mensch Paul Tenenbaum has The TBE Gift Gallery is stocked the city’s role as a haven for Jews flee- Ongoing TBE activities include donated a keyboard to TBE. We are and ready for Passover. We have Seder ing Nazi-occupied Europe, his com- Jewish Hispanophone conversation grateful for such a practical and spiri- plates, including disposables (for col- ments highlighted a part of the city’s group; Jewish Francophone conver- tual gift. Paul, a combat-wounded lege students, those on vacation or any- history that many people don’t know. sation group; Talmud study; Current Korean War veteran, loves music and one wanting a quick cleanup). You will Today, few would guess that this quint- Events; Lunch & Learn; Schmoovies; loved playing the violin. Following an find beautiful glass, ceramic, metal essentially Chinese city once played Erev Shabbat services every Friday injury, Paul obtained a new keyboard and melamine plates as well as mat- host to a bustling community of over evening; Tot Shabbat; Torah study; with which to exercise his injured fin- zoh trays, matzoh covers and afikomen 20,000 Jews (source: theatlantic.com). Jewish 12-Step Recovery Group. gers. It sat unused, however, so Paul bags. There are lovely kiddush cups, The Song of the Jade Lily, a novel by For more information, please visit decided to donate it to his TBE com- including one for Elijah and one for Kirsty Manning, is set in the Shanghai templebethel.com or call the office at munity. The intent of Paul’s donation Miriam, charoset dishes with spoons, ghetto (also known as the Restricted 239.433.1008. is for children to enjoy using the key- and even a 10-piece plastic Seder food Sector for Stateless Refugees) and is

Due to the poten- serves a traditional Sabbath dinner. It The synagogue gathers at the COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE tial challenges that the is free and reservations are never re- Southwest Florida Masonic Center, Fort Myers coronavirus poses to our quired. At 7:30 p.m., the Sabbath is 10868 Metro Parkway in South Fort th (239) 466-6671 community, for updated welcomed with prayer and song. A cof- Myers. Now in its 16 year under the information on April fee hour follows worship. leadership of Rabbi Bruce Diamond, www.fortmyerssynagogue.com and Passover events and Every Saturday morning at 9:30 C.F.S. is an independent, free and open services, please visit a.m., The Community Free Synagogue Jewish community resource offering a Thanks to Shelly and Jerry Gers- www.fortmyerssynagogue.com or call offers a light breakfast followed bya complete range of worship, adult and hune, Jayne Furster, Joyce Rose and 239.466.6671. lively discussion of the week’s Torah youth education opportunities at no the many others who participated in Each Friday evening at 6:30 p.m, portion with the Rabbi until 11:30 a.m., charge, generally following Reform humentaschen baking on the Sunday The Community Free Synagogue when the Mourner’s Qaddish is recited. practice. before Purim, and to the C.F.S. Musical Ensem- ble, which led the sing- along during the Purim Eve Megillah reading. Mazel tov to Ar- nie Harris, who will be called to chant from To- TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY rah and the haftarah on REFORM ORTHODOX Sabbath morning, April 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 4. At 83, this is Arnie’s Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson nd E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 941-833-3381 “2 time around” Bar Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig E-mail: [email protected] Mitsvah celebration, for President: Governance Committee IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com which he has spent six Email: [email protected] Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Calusa Harbour resident and “leap year baby” Leo Capsuto, 92, Phone: 239-433-0018 • Fax: 239-433-3235 a kiddush months studying with C.F.S.ers met on Sunday morning, March 8, the day before Purim eve, to bake humentaschen celebrates his “23rd” birthday during the social hour after worship Web site: www.templebethel.com Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Rabbi Bruce Diamond. for the next evening and to send home as shalah manot at The Community Free Synagogue om February 28 Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday REFORM CHABAD LUBAVITCH Religious & Hebrew School: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 Sunday 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Judaica Gift Gallery (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) ORTHODOX and the Earth is one of Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 5620 Winkler Road nah Shimmels of New Rabbi Bruce Diamond Fort Myers, FL 33919 TEMPLE SHALOM York. TEMPLE BETH SHALOM the foundational beliefs TEMPLE BETH SHALOM ([email protected]) Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands On the last Friday Cape Coral that we have been instill- REFORM Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Phone: 239-433-7708 • Fax: 481-9109 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Phone: 239-466-6671 E-mail: [email protected] (941) 625-2116 of the month, the temple (239) 772-4555 ing in the young mem- Rabbi Devora Buchen E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.chabadswf.org celebrated Jewish Music bers of our congregation. President: Peter Simenauer Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah www.templeshalomfl.com Month with the assis- www.templebethshalomcc.org In celebration of Tu Phone: 239-772-4555 • Fax: 239-772-4625 Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon E-mail: [email protected] at 6:30 p.m. Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. tance of Dr. David Katz, B’Shevat, our Religious Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. The month of February began with who serves as our Music Director. Greetings from your friends at Temple School students worked hard to prepare Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday CHABAD JEWISH CENTER a Shabbat service to honor our new For information about all our ac- Beth Shalom! We wanted to share with displays highlighting the importance of Religious School: Wednesday 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. every Saturday morning from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. OF CAPE CORAL Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. ORTHODOX members. New members add to the tivities, please ask for a copy of our our community one of many amazing the holiday not only to them as individ- Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, TEMPLE JUDEA 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 strength of the Jewish Community in Shalom. events which recently took place at uals, but also its impact on the world. Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) CONSERVATIVE Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Charlotte County. Temple Shalom is Charlotte Coun- Temple Beth Shalom. In addition, our TBS congregation held 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Phone: 239-963-4770 BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS Rabbi Marc Sack E-mail: [email protected] On February 16 the Temple had a try’s only reform affiliated congrega- As you know, Tu B’Shevat is a a Tree Planting Celebration in honor of REFORM E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.chabadcape.com program, “Traditions – a Fiddler on the tion serving the Port Charlotte and holiday that reminds the Jewish com- Tu B’Shevat. From our little ones to Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church President: Dan Fox Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. Roof Sing Along.” Sixty temple mem- Punta Gorda areas. munity of our connection to the Earth. our high schoolers to our elders, every 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Director of Congregational Learning: Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs Tab Scribner Kiddush luncheon bers attended this outstanding pro- Temple Shalom is a center of Jew- It also reminds us that it is our respon- member helped to plant two baby palm President: Barry Fulmer Preschool Director: Joann Goldman Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. gram. Jack Bernstein with his singing ish Life and Learning. For information, sibility to be caretakers of the environ- trees in the front of Temple Beth Sha- Phone: 732-780-2016 [email protected] Monday-Friday morning 7:00 a.m. machine put on a wonderful program. please call 941.625.2116. The temple ment. lom. Just as we are excited to watch the Email: [email protected] Phone: 239-433-0201 • Fax: 239-433-3371 JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Cantor: Murray Simon Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Following the program, there was a is a member of the Union for Reform Taking care of our environment world around us flourish, we can watch Web site: www.batyam.org Web site: www.tjswfl.org Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. deli dinner featuring knishes from Yo- Judaism (URJ). our baby trees grow right Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct-Apr) Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. in front of our eyes. 7:00 p.m. Friday (May-Sept) Adult Education: Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.-noon; The Tree Planting Saturday, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Nov-Apr) Wed. 4:30-6 p.m. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Early childhood education:  Shalom Life Center that followed. Apprecia- Celebration was a joyous to 12:15 p.m. (Nov-Apr) Preschool, M-F, ages 18 months-5 years; Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader - 218-3433 BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS tion goes to Judy Adler, event filled with song, ex- Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 “Mommy & Me,” 12 months-2 years • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Jacki Waksman - 954-653-9053 citement, laughter, honor, Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative Sanibel Howard Lorsch, Janice Judaism • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Block Chaddock, Bar- compassion and love. We Brian Lipton - 941-365-4955 (732) 780-2016 TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE • Anti-Defamation League: 561-988-2900 ry Alan Roth, Michael look forward to many HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS SHALOM LIFE CENTER • B’Nai B’rith International: 941-302-4500 www.batyam.org more events like our Tu • Chevra Kadisha: Hochschild, Barry Ep- REFORM TRANS DENOMINATIONAL B’Shevat Celebration and 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33967 Gene Sipe - 239-841-4615 stein, Shirley Frank, Tan- • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963-9347 Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4675 Rabbi Lawrence Dermer Bat Yam services and classes will re- ya Hochschild, Irene Skolnick, Beth we hope that you will join Phone: 239-218-3433 • Hadassah - Collier/Lee Chapter: Rabbi Solomon Agin Diane Schwartz - 732-539-4011 sume as soon as health and safety per- Weiss and Vickie Fuchs, since it takes us. Check out our website President: Judith Migdol E-mail: [email protected] • Hadassah - Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): mit. a village to make this event a success. at templebethshalomcc.org Phone: 941-625-2116 Web site: www.shalomlifecenter.org Odette Port - 941-505-1409 E-mail: [email protected] Shabbat Evening Services 7:30 p.m. (Oct-Apr) • Hazak 55+ Chapter: On Sunday, March 1 at 4:00 p.m., The Purim spiel, retelling the Book Children plant palm trees at Temple Beth Shalom for times and locations of Web site: templeshalomfl.com 7:00 p.m. (May-Sept) Joyce Rosinger - 239-437-1566 there was another spectacular “Three of Esther, on Monday, March 9, was with Rabbi Devora Buchen our events. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Saturday Torah & Kabbalah Study 10:00 a.m. • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: 800-622-8017 Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. • Jewish Community Services: 239-481-4449 Cantors and a Pastor” concert featur- great fun. Once again, the Rev. Dr. Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ • Jewish National Fund: ing Bat Yam’s Cantor Murray Simon, John Danner was cast as King Ahasu- Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Joshua Mellits, Director, Western Florida Have an item you’d like to share? Organizations: Sisterhood ESTERO 941-462-1330 ext. 865 the Rev. Dr. John Danner of the Sani- erus. Cantor Murray Simon was Ha- Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism ORTHODOX Memorial Tree Planting in Israel - 1-800-542-8733 bel Congregational UCC (SCUCC), man. Sally Sacks was Queen Vashti. 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood • Jewish War Veterans: Need to reach the editor of Centre) Bonita Springs, FL 34135-7024 Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter - 239-246-3151 Cantor Rachel Brook from New York Alan Sacks and Ben Yokel played Big- Rabbi Mendy Greenberg • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: City and Cantor Elizabeth Shammash than and Teresh. Edina Lessack was Phone: 239-949-6900 Nechamie Minkowicz - 239-822-2784 L’CHAYIM? Send an email to Web site: www.JewishBonita.com from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The Mordecai. Vickie Fuchs was Queen Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by event was held in the Sanctuary of Esther. Afterwards, there were haman- [email protected]. a Kiddush the SCUCC with a delicious reception taschen as a tasty treat.

Due to COVID-19, please check with each organization for event cancellations/postponements. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2020 32 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties

Enjoy the Sights, Sounds & Tastes of Israel!

FREE Centennial Park ADMISSION 2000 W First St * Fort Myers, 33901

OPEN SUNDAY MAY 3 2-5PM to the Public

Featuring

 Israel-style shuk with more than 30 vendors  live performances & entertainment  crafts, face painting & henna  climb the “Masada” rock wall  kibbutz Petting Zoo  tastes of Israel in the "Jerusalem Café”  fun for all ages

For more information, contact Debbie Sanford [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x-4

What to do and who to see... Middle-Eastern  Judaica Items 24 ft. Rock Climbing Wall Cuisine  Jewelry Live entertainment and music:  Handmade Soaps Emcee Comedian/Singer Ron Feingold,  Vegan Snacks Israeli Folk Dancers, Belly-Dancers, Krav Maga  Art Demo, local bands & more.

 Face-painting

 Henna Kosher BBQ Truck  Crafts for kids & adults

 Popcorn & balloon benders

 And more...

 Israeli Innovation & Technology

 Local Synagogues

 Exhibitors

Jewishfederationlcc.org

L’CHAYIM is published by the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties