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social service philanthropy culture L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION It’s great to meet you the Jewish community, and our community as an im- L’ FROM THE portant constituency for his election. Well, last year, a good friend of our community, Dr. Sandy Cohen, Jewish news published monthly by EXECUTIVE Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties introduced me to David Klein, knowing how much I 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 DIRECTOR wanted to meet newcomers. While David was not a (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 newcomer to Southwest Florida, he was certainly a Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org  Alan Isaacs  new acquaintance for me. That initial meeting with November 2020 • Volume 43, Number 3 David led to numerous chats about our communi-  ne of the challenges that our Jewish Feder- ty, his former home community of Rochester, New Co-Presidents: Barbara Siegel & Sherri Zucker Board: Karen Fine • Helene Glocer ation faces is to identify new and/or unin- York, and his involvement with the Jewish commu- Carolyn Gora • Jerry Greenfield • Elisa Grossman volved members of our community. Very nity there. Amongst his philanthropic activities, he Andi Horowitz • Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler • Sara Krivisky O Michele Laboda • Rozzi Osterman • William Reynolds often, the newcomers have vacationed in our area on focused his attention and generosity on the Jewish Sylvia Simko • Brian Simon • Robert Thomas occasion prior to the move, have followed friends or Federation of Greater Rochester along with the Unit- Executive Director: Alan Isaacs relatives to the area or, in a few cases, “thrown a dart ed Way and American Cancer Society. This confirms Program Director: Debbie Sanford Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos at a map.” again my long-held belief that generous folks tend to Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen Those who have moved to our community recent- spread their generosity around.  Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 ly are acclimatizing themselves to Southwest Florida, While David has spent most of his time recently Advertising: Lori Ramos (239) 481-4449 x5 finding their way around and beginning to put down on his campaign, he and his wife Dawn have found  roots. And it is surprising how often they have not the time to respond positively to the Federation’s pro- L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to been involved in the Jewish community in their for- posal to dedicate the Community Room at the Jewish Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are mer hometowns “up north.” In any case, only some Federation building in the Klein family name – an welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be of them reach out to the Jewish Federation to let us expression of their commitment and generosity for directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. know they are here. That’s why it is especially wel- which we are very grateful. Needless to say, the in- Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the come when I have the opportunity to meet someone troduction that Dr. Sandy so smartly undertook, has right to edit for space and content. new to town, or new to me, who is interested in be- forcefully advanced our Jewish Federation’s mission: Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, coming an active part of our community. And it is par- “…To strengthen and enrich the Jewish community self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. ticularly refreshing when an established member of by providing and supporting philanthropic, educa- The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims our community takes it upon himself to introduce us. tional and social service programs locally, in Israel responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the writers and claims by advertisers. You may have noticed a paid, full-page adver- and throughout the world.” tisement in the last several issues of L’CHAYIM pro- If you encounter folks who are new to you, or moting David Klein for Lee Health Hospital Board whom you already know, who are Jewish, and you

DECEMBER ISSUE 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 • in the upcoming elections. Clearly, David Klein sees feel could become part of and benefit from our Feder- S T H A S N EDITORIAL DEADLINE: L’CHAYIM as a valuable means to communicate with ation’s mission, please send them my way. A C T

T C A N S Thursday, November 5 A H T S • N Jewish Family Services update I I

BUYING! HIGHEST PRICES PAID! N • By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator S T H A S ALL DIAMOND JEWELRY • WATCHES • ANTIQUES • ART OBJECTS • OIL PAINTINGS N lmost 40 years ago I was saying a final good- it is ongoing. Every single gift that you make enables A

To donate to the Federation’s C T

T C A bye to my best friend in Eugene, Oregon, the Federation to practice tzedakah (benevolence), N

GIVE BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS!! S A H Annual Campaign, T S

before leaving for Israel and parts unknown. tikkun olam (repairing the world) and k’lal Yisrael • N I

A I My friend was in an elevator, I was in the lobby and (taking responsibility for one another). GOLD & SILVER COINS PAPER CURRENCY 14kt • 18kt • 22kt GOLD N •

call 239.481.4449 S T as the doors closed, our farewells became louder and The food pantry volunteers demonstrate a resil- H A S N A C more dramatic. She turned to the man in the eleva- ience and willingness to do whatever it takes to keep 3rd Generation Expertise • Call Today T IMMEDIATE PAYMENT — HIGHEST PRICES PAID

or visit T C A tor and said, “I just lost my best friend,” to which our small but mighty food pantry humming. We are N S A H T S JewishFederationLCC.org he replied, “And I just lost my still getting several new clients every month, and • N I I hearing.” have to remind everyone to “lift the bags from the DIAMONDS • SAPPHIRES • RUBIES • EMERALDS N • S T I was reminded of this after bottom” because they are so full. A heartfelt thank H A S N A C T

I told a client that the Federation you to volunteers Arnie Flakowitz, Barbara Gribin,

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BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: A N

would pay her electric bill so Debi Greenfield, Debbie Feinberg, Doreen Kostel, S A H T S To strengthen and enrich the Jewish that her power would be restored Elise Sewall, Karen Whitman, Laurie McConville, • N

I BEANIE BACKUS

Community by providing and supporting I by evening. She just started Laurie Morris, Linda Silver, Mary Beth Mandelkorn, N • S T philanthropic, educational and social H A screaming. Sometimes sound is Rachel Mandelkorn, Robert Thomas, Ron Reed, Ruth S HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR N A C T service programs locally, in Israel and all one has; the pain or the relief Lefberg and Tracey Siegel.

T C A throughout the world.  N Rolex • Cartier • Patek Philippe • Tiffany • Bvlgari & all Wrist and Pocket Watches

Jodi Cohen S is that visceral. This mom woke Thank you for all that you do and the spirit in A H T S Buccellati • Chimento • David Webb • David Yurman • Cartier • Tiffany • Harry Winston • John Hardy • Chopard •

up without power and with four children who were which you do it. N I I OUR VISION attending school virtually. She had the four children Mid Century Furniture, Oil Paintings & Accessories: Andy Warhol • Calder • Miró • George Nelson • Le Pho • Peter Max N • S T H A in the car when she called the Federation because the S Paul Evans • Phillip Laverne • Nakashima • Dunbar • Frank Lloyd Wright • Vladimir Kagan • Dunbar • Charles Eams • Knoll N A C A Jewish Community that is based on T

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car had air conditioning. Even as I write this, I find C A Jewish values such as Tzedakah N S myself thinking, “There are no words.” A H T S (benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing •

It is due to your ongoing generosity that the Fed- N I

the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking I N

eration was able to help this client, as well as the • S T responsibility for one another). H A woman we helped buy new clothes because hers were S N A C T

T covered in mold; the family who called asking for a Diamonds ROLEX Estate Jewelry Gold Coins Oil Paintings Sterling Silver Patek Philippe Chihuly Glass Jade Statues Picasso Pottery Russian Enamel Handbags C A N S A H “yontif meal” two days before Rosh Hashanah; and T S • N the family whose medical bills we are helping to pay. I ANTIQUE FURNITURE • TAPESTRIES • MOSAICS ORIENTAL RUGS • CHANDELIERS • SCONCES Grow your business I STERLING SILVER, N • In between our clients struggling to pay for food, rent, ORIENTAL FURNITURE • JADE • CORAL • SILVER • PAINTINGS S

CLOCKS • TIFFANY • STEUBEN • ART GLASS T H A S N with L’CHAYIM. and utilities, we are able to help people with unexpect- A KPM • MEISSEN • SEVRES • ROYAL VIENNA • TEPLITZ C

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T ed expenses like new tires, new glasses and furniture. GORHAM MARTELLE • GEORG JENSEN • CARTIER • REED & BARTON ERTE • BRONZES & LITHOGRAPHS • FREDERICK HART C A N AMERICAN & EUROPEAN PAINTINGS & WATER COLORS S A H Reach 4,000 local At a time when the resources of many local agencies T WALLACE • BUCCELLATI • KIRK • STEIFF • INTERNATIONAL S BRONZE & MARBLE STATUARY • PIANOS • BIRD BOXES • N and organizations have been depleted, people often I LALIQUE • WATERFORD • BACCARATI • DAUM • STEUBEN SAME DAY SERVICE. CALL TODAY! I RUSSIAN ENAMEL • OIL PAINTINGS • OBJECTS D’ART N • Jewish residents call the Federation as a last straw. I wish you could LOUIS VUITTON • CHANEL S T H A S COPENHAGEN • HUMMELS • ROYAL DOULTON • ROOKWOOD HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE LIEBER • BIRKIN • GUCCI N hear the surprise, relief and gratitude in each person’s A HANDBAGS C T

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voice when I say that the Federation is able to help. N S A H T

What’s true is that the COVID-19 virus is still S • N For more information I

front and center, affecting people’s jobs, work hours, I N • S T

employment opportunities and ability to make ends H

3rd Generation Expertise Worldwide A S Florida Toll Free: 1-800-356-3637 Serving N or to place an ad, contact meet. I receive calls as well as stand on the porch and A C T

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24 Hour On Call: A talk to people who are struggling at so many levels. N 1-800-920-0067 Sarasota, Manatee, S A H Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 T INSTANT PAYMENT

S Visit Us: www.BruceKodner.com The Federation is deeply grateful for your continued • N I

CALL TODAY

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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 NOVEMBER 2020 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION

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

YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN

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

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Management Services www.facebook.com/ Local Non‐sectarian, Case Management individual Services and fa mily outreach, informa�on and facebook.com/jfedsrq LocalreferralNon‐sectarian, Case Management services. individual Services and fa mily outreach, informa�on and IndividualreferralNon‐sectarian, services. life coaching individual and and support family services.outreach, informa�on and JewishFederationLCC  Individualreferral services. life coaching and support services. Local Individual Emergency life Servicescoaching and support services. Local Food Emergency Pantry and Services Publix food cards. LocalEmergencyFood Emergency Pantry financial and Services Publix assistance food cards. grants. Educa�onEmergencyFood Pantry and financial and aid Publix associated assistance food cards. with grants. natural disasters. Educa�onEmergency and financial aid associated assistance with grants. natural disasters. 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days, anniversary's, promotions, bar/ planning.ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and �e�is� planning. Community �oun�a�on bat mitzvah, or to express sympathy . �e�is� An Communityendowment that�oun�a�on ensures the long‐term financial base of �e�is�charitable,An Communityendowment social that�oun�a�on and ensures educa�on theal long‐term programs financial in our community. base of Needs‐basedcharitable,An endowment social college that and ensures scholarshipseduca�on theal long‐term programsand study financial inscholarships our community. base inof Israel.Needs‐basedcharitable, social college and scholarshipseduca�onal programsand study inscholarships our community. in ProjectsIsrael.Needs‐based and programs college scholarships aimed at Jewish and study community scholarships enrichment. in  ProjectsIsrael. and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. Honoring a special person  Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment.

through a tribute gift to the Jewish Family Services of Lee & Charlotte Counties is a wonderful way to recognize a simcha (happy occasion) or remember a loved one. Not only does your gift show your family and friends that you care, it goes to work Stay in touch throughout the month. helping Jews in need and building vibrant communities locally, in Israel and around the world. Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts.  Bar/Bat Mitzvahs  Loss of a loved one Get the latest information  Births  New homes  Confirmations on upcoming community

A personalized Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties events and cultural activities, tribute card will be sent to the honoree or bereaved on your behalf, reflecting a personal message if you wish. breaking news, updates from Israel and lots more.

MAKE A TRIBUTE GIFT

visit our website at jewishfederationlcc.org/tribute-memorials

Send an email to

[email protected] L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen Thankfulness and a lesson from Goldilocks and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. By Sherri Zucker, Federation Co-President s a co-President of the Jewish rabbi’s used to say that “there’s a curse the most difficult hurdles presented to home as well as a meeting place for ac- Federation, I frequently find in every blessing and a blessing in ev- Jewish Federations around the coun- tivities, interest groups and committee Amyself evaluating how things ery curse.” He was so right. Our Jewish try by the Coronavirus pandemic have meetings. It’s also the workspace for are going for our organization. Is there community’s smaller size means that not affected us. We don’t have multi- the Jewish Federation staff. something else we should be doing? we do not have a JCC, kosher butcher ple large buildings to maintain. We We’re large enough to produce Are we using our resources wisely? or millions of dollars to spend on Jew- don’t have a huge payroll to meet each a monthly newspaper, L’CHAYIM, Is Jewish Family Services effectively ish Family Services. We would all love month. In short, we just don’t have the that keeps us all informed about local YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN meeting the needs of the most vulnera- to have those things but there are real huge financial obligations (and debt) Jewish happenings, with Jewish and ble in our community? Do people enjoy advantages to having a Jewish commu- that larger Federations have. We are Israeli news from around the world. In

This year please consider making an additional campaign contribution in honor or memory of a loved one. our programs? Do nity and Federation of our size. more streamlined and more nimble last year’s informal survey, L’CHAYIM Because kindness is contagious, we would like to highlight your generosity in L’CHAYIM and notify personally those whom you honor. we have a wide We’re small enough that our due to our smaller size. This has been received rave reviews and was con- You may choose how your generosity is noted and how we share your mitzvah with the community. enough range of Jewish community is very close-knit. a significant factor in our ability to re- sistently named one of the best things offerings? Do we We all know each other very well. spond effectively to the Coronavirus about the Jewish Federation of Lee and have the finan- We work together, our children go to pandemic. Charlotte Counties. ��� ��� ������ ���������� �� L�� � C�������� C������� S����� cial support to do school together, we live in the same And yet… We’re large enough to make a ��� ��� ������ ���������� �� L�� � C�������� C������� S����� everything we’re neighborhoods, and our friends know We’re large enough to be able to significant contribution to The Jewish planning? Is there our neighbors and coworkers and the provide excellent programming. When Agency for Israel (JAFI), which sup- Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture something else we children’s teachers. We celebrate each we’re not exercising social distancing, ports social service programs in Israel,  LocalCommunity‐wide �e�is� E�uca�on Jewish an� Educa�Cultureon and Culture Programs for  Sherri Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for can do to support other’s life milestones and come to we all enjoy an extensive Jewish Film and The Joint Distribution Committee all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author Zucker Events,all ages Israelincluding Celebra�on, the Jewish Jew Filmish Fes�val,genealogy, Jewish Israeli Author folk Israel? each other’s aid during difficult times. Festival, a vibrant Senior Lunch Bunch (JDC), which serves global Jewish dancing,Events, Israel social Celebra�on, groups, etc. Jew ish genealogy, Israeli folk With the Thanksgiving holiday We have many overlapping relation- program, interesting author events, a communities. These organizations are L’CHAYIMdancing, social published groups, monthly etc. to keep the Jewish community right around the corner, I realize that ships and that creates strong bonds. festive Israel Independence Day cele- strengthened by the financial contribu- informedL’CHAYIM about published local, monthly na�onal to and keep interna�onal the Jewish Jewishcommunity issues. it’s time to set aside the questions We’re small enough that there’s bration and much more. tions they receive from our Federation. Communityinformed about Rela�ons local, ac�vi�esna�onal a includend interna�onal monitoring Jewish an�‐ issues. about “what could be” and dwell in the always room for anyone who wants to We’re large enough to have Jew- So at this time of year, meant for Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the gratitude of “what is.” become involved, at any level. We all ish Family Services, which helps hun- cultivating gratitude, I’m thankful for community.Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the Israelcommunity. Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish As I think about our Federation, I have a stake in the future of our com- dreds of people each year. Our JFS the Jewish community and Jewish Fed- communityIsrael Advocacy �es withand Ini�a�ves Israel. Holocaust to strengthen Educa�on local through Jewish the can say that one of the things I’m most munity and only we can make it hap- serves Jews and non-Jews alike with eration that is ours. Although the little Holocaustcommunity Museum �es with of Israel. Southwest Holocaust Florida Educa�on to middle through and high the thankful for is the size of our Jewish pen. There are not thousands of other referrals and assistance to the most girl with the golden locks had a lot to schoolHolocaust students Museum in the of Southwestcommunity. Florida to middle and high community. You may be surprised to Jewish residents on whom we can rely needy. A busy food pantry provides learn about respecting the privacy of school students in the community. hear that. I have to chalk it up to the to create the Jewish community of our nutrition each Wednesday to those who others, she was onto something when Overseas OverseasFunding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Goldilocks Principle. We’re not too big dreams. We can each take part, work- experience food insecurity. she went in search of that which was JewishFunding Joint to the �istribu�on Jewish Agency Commi for�ee Israel �J�C� and for the full American spectrum and we’re not too small. Our size gives ing together. There’s a valuable role for We’re large enough to own a “just right.” socialJewish services Joint �istribu�on to Israel a ndCommi Jewish�ee communi�es �J�C� for full in spectrum ��� us tremendous advantages in ways that everyone. beautiful building that meets so many Happy Thanksgiving! countriessocial services around to Israelthe world. and Jewish communi�es in ��� are easy to lose sight of. One of my We’re small enough that some of of our needs perfectly. It is our physical Partnershipcountries around ��ether the rela�onship world. with the Hadera‐Eiron Region inPartnership Israel. ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region in Israel. Local Seniors Services LocalHoliday Seniors baskets Services and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es Holidayfor Rosh baskets Hashanah, and Hanukah teen visits and to Passover.seniors and senior facili�es Seniorsfor Rosh & Hashanah, Volunteers Hanukah Lunch Program. and Passover. EmergingSeniors & andVolunteers pressing Lunch needs Program. related to senior housing, health andEmerging sociali�a�on. and pressing needs related to senior housing, health and sociali�a�on. Local Case Management Services LocalNon‐sectarian, Case Management individual Services and fa mily outreach, informa�on and referralNon‐sectarian, services. individual and family outreach, informa�on and Individualreferral services. life coaching and support services. Individual life coaching and support services. Local Emergency Services LocalFood Emergency Pantry and Services Publix food cards. EmergencyFood Pantry financial and Publix assistance food cards. grants. Educa�onEmergency and financial aid associated assistance with grants. natural disasters. Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters. Local Community Services LocalSupport Community families Services of children with special needs. AddressingSupport families pressing of children community with n specialeeds related needs. to volunteerism, ins�tu�onalAddressing pressing coopera�on community and community needs related assessment to volunteerism, and planning.ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and planning. LET ME HELP YOU �e�is� Community �oun�a�on �e�is�An Communityendowment that�oun�a�on ensures the long‐term financial base of BUY OR SELL charitable,An endowment social that and ensures educa�on theal long‐term programs financial in our community. base of Needs‐basedcharitable, social college and scholarshipseduca�onal programsand study inscholarships our community. in Israel.Needs‐based college scholarships and study scholarships in YOUR HOME! ProjectsIsrael. and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment.  Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. BOB VINIKOOR Fort Myers REALTOR

Send an email to 239-258-110 2 [email protected] [email protected] Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION Program notes Politics and religion By Debbie Sanford, Program Director By Brian Simon, Federation Past-President ’d like to start by thanking our Jew- of our very generous sponsors, would “Never talk about religion or politics used to describe this environment is ish Film Festival committee and like to gift this festival to you. That in polite company.” – Unknown “tribalism.” Are we Members of the chairs, many of whom, if you did means there will be no charge for tick- “Those who believe that politics and Tribe? How do you manage one tribe I religion do not mix, understand nei- when it’s split among other tribes? not already know, have been working ets! You will simply register for a link on this festival since inception: Festival to screen the amazing films we have in ther.” – Albert Einstein “I think my first and most import- Chair Sara Kriviski, Co-Chair Carolyn store for you on your own computer, ur nation is more divided to- ant job is to be a pastor,” says Rabbi Gora, Event Chair Andi Horowitz, and TV or tablet. Directions will accompa- day than at any time in my Marc Sack of Temple Judea in Fort screening committee members Karin ny these links. Not to fear, it will be Olifetime. For some reason Myers. “It is to be a rabbi to every Fine, Claire Goldhagen, Helene Glo- made as easy as possible. If there are (perhaps the lack of a rival superpow- member of the congregation regardless cer, Elisa Grossman, Jan Klein, Car- any concerns or you encounter any er?), we Ameri- of their politics, regardless of whether ol Lovitch and trouble, there will be a direct hotline cans have come to they like me or don’t like me. That is Lynn Talone. to committee members and me before treat our political my most important job. Another part of The decision each film for assistance. Registration rivals as enemies. my job is to take the issues of the day FOR LEE HEALTH HOSPITAL BOARD DISTRICT 3 to move our fes- for film links will be open on January 1 Cable news and and do the best I can to put them in a tival to a virtual online through a dedicated page on our social media have Jewish context. Does Jewish tradition one was diffi- website. There you will find a link to a made the situation offer us any wisdom, any path on this cult, but after the preview and synopsis of each film. You worse. We’ll soon issue? Yes, I do try to do that. Yes, it is news from Re- will love the selections we have lined find out if we’ve fraught with difficulty.”  gal to close their up for you. Brian hit a breaking Rabbi Luna told me she is proud Simon  Debbie theaters, we are Please consider becoming a spon- point. of her congregation for starting a voter Sanford confident it was sor. We need your support now more In the meantime, religious leaders drive. “We felt the most non-partisan EXPERIENCE. KNOWLEDGE. LEADERSHIP. a smart one. We won’t be together, but than ever. You are not just supporting are left to navigate the treacherous task (way) was civic engagement. It’s about FOR DISTRICT we will be celebrating together with the Jewish Film Festival, but the mis- of pastoring to congregations that have community building,” she said. our families and friends in the safe- sion of the Jewish Federation for the people on both sides of the political di- Rabbi Sack says Jews “owe it to ty and comfort of our own home, the upcoming year. We have a lovely swag vide. America” to work for the greater com- huge accomplishment of the festival’s bag as a gift to you, and other bene- “All of my focus is on bringing the munity. “This country has given us so 25 years. fits for individuals and corporations in community together and keeping it go- much. It’s given us freedom and oppor- David Klein brings real health care business leadership I won’t lie. Not worrying about re- addition to taking pleasure in the fact ing,” says Rabbi Nicole Luna at Tem- tunity and prosperity. We, as a commu- served seating will be a nice break… that you have gifted this 25th anniver- ple Beth El in Fort Myers. nity, have much to contribute. It’s citi- to the Hospital Board when it needs it more than ever. until next year, when we will do it all sary Jewish Film Festival to our com- The issue is not limited to Jewish zenship,” he said. over again and I look forward to it! munity! If you would like a sponsor- communities. A 2020 Barna Group We Jews came to America to flee As a THANK YOU for your sup- ship form, please email me at debbie survey of 475 Protestant pastors found persecution in Europe, to flee econom- The ONLY candidate or board member with senior executive port over the past 25 years, the Jew- [email protected]. 33% were very concerned about the ic and political instability in South experience at health care delivery systems or insurance companies ish Federation, thanks to the support impact of the presidential election, America, to pursue opportunities that and another 41% were somewhat con- didn’t exist wherever our families were 10 years as CEO of a multi-billion-dollar, not-for-profit cerned, although a large majority also from. The same can be said for all the believed that it would not divide their immigrants who came here. The great- health insurance company and delivery system congregations. ness of the United States is summa- Knows Lee Health and serves as active member of One way to deal with it is to avoid rized by our motto, e pluribus unum, Lee Health Finance and Investment Committee the problem. A 2019 Pew Research sur- “from many one.” I hope that regard- vey found most Americans want reli- less of who wins this election, we can Demonstrated compassion for his community gious leaders to stay out of politics, but remain true to our pledge, “one nation, by his distinguished leadership of United Way, the problem may be too big to ignore. under God, indivisible.” I find it ironic that one of the words American Cancer Society and Boy Scouts Deep experience as a board leader, member This month’s and advisor for not-for-profit and for-profit It’s In The Bag! health care companies nationwide Drive-thru locations to pick up advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support your party in a bag. MEMBER of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, Plus… Jelly Donuts (Sufganiyot)! and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. Temple Beth El Ajax Paving Industries...... 12 Henderson Franklin...... 23 Alliance Financial Group...... 14 Higginson Tax & Accounting...23 Claim your gift bag by MAJOR DONOR Amavida...... 20 Israel Handyman, Inc...... 14 December 2nd! American House...... 17 David Klein...... 7 Jewish Federation of Lee Hal Arkin, Realtor®...... 19 Kushner & Kushner...... 23 Pick up on December 13th Art of Fashion and Moore...... 23 Irving Lewin, Music Lessons...23 and Charlotte Counties Atrium at Liberty Park...... 11 Michael Shapiro Photography..26  Lee County Families—between 11-12 P.M. Bruce Kodner Galleries...... 3 Paragon Pools...... 23 JFED Office @ 9701 Commerce Calusa Harbour...... 8 PCC Tile...... 23 Center Ct, F.M. 33908 Comprehensive Hematology...... 5 Alan J. Rubinstein, Attorney.....23 Cypress Cove...... 19 Senior Choice at Home...... 13  Charlotte County Families between Harryet Ehrlich...... 23 Seniors Helping Seniors...... 23 2-3 P.M. Port Charlotte Beach Park— Harold Eskin, Attorney...... 23 Shell Point...... 9 VOTE FOR DAVID KLEIN for hospital board like our 4500 Harbor Blvd P.C. 33952 FGCU...... 12 Shemtov Title...... 23 FineMark Natl. Bank & Trust...22 Snyderman’s Shoes...... 23 community’s health depends on it... Because it does. For kids 8 & under. Please send child’s name to: Susan Glasser, Realtor®...... 14 Taschner Periodontics...... 10 Gordon’s Pool & Spa Service...23 The Bagel Factory...... 23 [email protected] Green Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP.23 The Terraces at Bonita Springs.15 Gulf Coast Orthodontics...... 5 Bob Vinikoor, Realtor®...... 5 Learn more about David and support us at *Only registered families will receive gift bags.* Dr. David Heligman...... 21 Wilkes Weinstein Financial Grp.23 www.VoteDavidKlein.com or on Facebook @VoteDavidKlein

L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, Paid for by David Klein, Candidate for Hospital Board committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7

FOR LEE HEALTH HOSPITAL BOARD DISTRICT 3

EXPERIENCE. KNOWLEDGE. LEADERSHIP. FOR DISTRICT

David Klein brings real health care business leadership to the Hospital Board when it needs it more than ever.

The ONLY candidate or board member with senior executive experience at health care delivery systems or insurance companies 10 years as CEO of a multi-billion-dollar, not-for-profit health insurance company and delivery system Knows Lee Health and serves as active member of Lee Health Finance and Investment Committee Demonstrated compassion for his community by his distinguished leadership of United Way, American Cancer Society and Boy Scouts Deep experience as a board leader, member and advisor for not-for-profit and for-profit health care companies nationwide

MEMBER Temple Beth El

MAJOR DONOR Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties

VOTE FOR DAVID KLEIN for hospital board like our community’s health depends on it... Because it does.

Learn more about David and support us at www.VoteDavidKlein.com or on Facebook @VoteDavidKlein

Paid for by David Klein, Candidate for Hospital Board L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 8 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center update By Susan Suarez, President & CEO hank you to all who partici- Holocaust Museum & Cohen Educa- and Stanlee Stahl. Chris is a Senior International Council of Christians and pated in the virtual “Movies tion Center; Sponsored in part by the Pastor at Piney Grove Baptist Church Jews and author of Christ in the Light TThat Matter” series last month. State of Florida, Department of State, in Maryville, Tennessee, and the au- of the Christian Jewish Dialogue and Hopefully, next year we will be back in Division of Cultural Affairs and the thor of No Surrender: A Father, a Son, co-editor of Ethics in the Shadow of the a theater, but if not, we know the vir- Florida Council on Arts and Culture. and an Extraordinary Act of Heroism Holocaust. The event is free to attend, tual format will serve everyone well. Special Veterans Day Zoom program That Continues to Live on Today. Stan- but registration is required at https:// Special thanks to our sponsors, expert On Wednesday, November 11 from lee is the Executive Vice President of jfgn.regfox.com/kristallnacht. You will panelists and part- 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., we will present a The Jewish Foundation for the Righ- receive the Zoom link via email after ners who made special Veterans Day Zoom program teous. The organization searches out you register. The event is co-sponsored this year’s virtu- about the documentary Footsteps of and recognizes those non-Jews who by the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of al program such My Father. The film depicts the cou- risked their lives to save Jews during Collier County, Jewish Community a success: Plat- rageous action of World War II POW the Holocaust and preserves the legacy Relations Council of the Jewish Fed- inum Sponsor - Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds. A of these rescuers through its national eration of Greater Naples, Diocese of Sherry and Steve devout Christian from Tennessee, he Holocaust Education program. Venice, GenShoah of SWFL, and the Pino; Gold Spon- risked his life to save the lives of 200 This Zoom program is free of Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and sor - The Tikkun Jewish G.I. prisoners of war. This act charge to attend, but you must regis- Harvey D. Cohen Education Center.  Susan Olam Council of of bravery would have been forgotten ter to get the Zoom link information. Customized Museum programs Suarez Temple Shalom; and lost to history except for two rea- RSVP at our website – www.HMCEC. available for your group Silver Sponsors - Marcy Cotton, Mon- sons: his son, Chris Edmonds, found org. If you know any local WWII vets, Looking for an interesting Zoom ica and Allan Goodwin, Elaine and his father’s diary, and Chris’ chance please feel free to share this informa- program for your community, club, Fred Kamin, and Ida and Jeff Margo- encounter with one of the surviving tion with them. religious congregation or group of lis; Panelists - Dr. Abe Levy, Dr. Wil- Jewish American POWs. Roddie Ed- Earlier this year, COVID-19 can- friends? Contact us! We can schedule liam Mitsch, Kenneth Paul Rosenberg, monds was eventually honored by celled our planned screening of the a customized Zoom program just for M.D., Nancy Dauphinais, Pam Baker, Yad Vashem as “Righteous Among the film. The late Perry Switzen had orig- you. Programs vary from a virtual tour Joe Myers and Eileen Wesley; Series Nations” – the only American soldier inally proposed screening Footsteps of the Museum with a docent with a co-sponsors: Temple Shalom, Jewish ever recognized as such – but passed of My Father at the Museum, in hon- Q&A session, a Zoom discussion with Federation of Greater Naples, GenSho- away before knowing about the honor. or of his father, Liberator Abraham a Survivor, an overview of the Muse- ah, Naples United Church of Christ, Our two special guests for the Switzen. Sadly, Perry has passed away, um’s mission and education programs Jewish Community Relations Council, Zoom program will be Chris Edmonds so we dedicate this Zoom program to with me, or a program customized to both their memories. Footsteps of My your group’s interests. Programs will A FIVE STAR INDEPENDENT, ASSISTED LIVING Father is available for viewing and be about an hour in length and can be AND SKILLED NURSING COMMUNITY rental on Amazon Prime Video. scheduled at your convenience. Please Annual Kristallnacht Community contact David Nelson at david@ Commemoration on Zoom HMCEC.org for details. The annual community commemo- As always, if you have any ques- ration of Kristallnacht will take place tions or would like to discuss how to

Jenny on Zoom on Sunday, November 8 at support our mission, contact me at Admission Coordinator Five Star Team Member 2:30 p.m. This year, the guest speak- 239.263.9200 or [email protected]. Since 1997 er will be Rev. John Pawlikowski, a Wishing you and your families a leading figure in the Christian-Jewish safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Dialogue. He is the President of the Angela Nurse Five Star Team Member Since 2001 There is no substitute for experience.

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International Council of Christians and Jews and author of Christ in the Light of the Christian Jewish Dialogue and co-editor of Ethics in the Shadow of the Holocaust. The event is free to attend, but registration is required at https:// jfgn.regfox.com/kristallnacht. You will THE receive the Zoom link via email after you register. The event is co-sponsored by the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Fed- eration of Greater Naples, Diocese of BEST PLACE Venice, GenShoah of SWFL, and the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and to be Harvey D. Cohen Education Center. Customized Museum programs available for your group Looking for an interesting Zoom program for your community, club, RIGHT NOW religious congregation or group of friends? Contact us! We can schedule a customized Zoom program just for you. Programs vary from a virtual tour of the Museum with a docent with a Q&A session, a Zoom discussion with a Survivor, an overview of the Muse- um’s mission and education programs JUST ASK A with me, or a program customized to your group’s interests. Programs will SHELL POINT RESIDENT be about an hour in length and can be scheduled at your convenience. Please contact David Nelson at david@ HMCEC.org for details. “I appreciate the the wide As always, if you have any ques- tions or would like to discuss how to variety of activities and support our mission, contact me at 239.263.9200 or [email protected]. Wishing you and your families a interest groups Shell Point safe and Happy Thanksgiving! provides in beautiful natural surroundings.” LIZ SCHILLING

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SLS-4265-20 L'Chayim Ad - November Best Place SEMINAR.indd 1 10/13/20 12:02 PM L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 10 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY “Heroes, Heroines and Helpers” focuses on An understanding of intergenerational trauma Rabbi Henry Cohen and everyday heroes brimming with illuminations and courage By Ida Margolis Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM eroes, Heroines and Help- country. They continue to be our mil- U.S. through Galveston. Only about can find online or in the book Kindler The Escape Artist by Helen Fremont. “ ers” is this season’s program itary and police who have to balance 300 stayed, along with Rabbi Cohen, of Souls: The Story of Rabbi Henry Gallery Books. 2020. theme for the Holocaust Mu- maintaining peace and safety with con- who dedicated his life to continuing Cohen of Texas. H 351 pages. $28. seum & Cohen Education Center and stitutional guarantees of all citizens.” good works, prison reform, civic life I found the story of Rabbi Cohen GenShoah SWFL. In addition to many There will be a panel of clergy and spirituality. He retired in 1949 at inspirational and heroic, as I do of the his powerful, intelligent and films, lectures and programs centered recognized for their efforts, which in- the age of 86, having served Congrega- work of many everyday heroes I learn highly moving memoir explores around the theme, each month, the clude how they brought comfort and tion B’nai Israel in Galveston for just about during this pandemic. When we the persistence of trauma as it GenShoah enewsletter and L’CHAYIM faith when churches, synagogues and over 61 years. After Rabbi Cohen’s fu- have the opportunity, let’s thank ourT affects children of survivors. As Helen will highlight famous and unsung he- mosques were closed, and how they neral, flags in Galveston and Houston everyday heroes and let them knowand her sister Lara grew up, they had roes. dealt with life cycle events. were flown at half-staff. There is much that they are appreciated more than gathered pieces of In earlier editions of the Federation While considering all of the chal- more to the story of Cohen, which you ever. their parents’ (and Star, the featured heroes were lenges that clergy have had, I happened other relatives’) During this eighth month of the to read the story of Rabbi Henry Co- Holocaust experi- pandemic, after seeing many media hen of Texas. I had never heard of this ences. They real- stories focus on unsung or “everyday” rabbi, who was known for service to ized, with varying the needy, Jews and degrees of trepi- non-Jews, and also dation, that much for his service to had been hidden the Galveston com- from them. munity for over 60 The parents’ years. As a young large personalities release hints that rabbi he dealt with a burst through the masks, signaling that huge challenge: being much had been withheld. The secrets the Galveston rabbi involve a sense of shared obligations, during the “storm of daring decisions, invented biographical the century,” when a details and doses of crippling shame. tropical storm nearly destroyed Galveston INDIGENT FUND PACESETTERS heroes, I thought that would be ap- in 1900 along with killing approxi- propriate for this column. Interesting- mately one fourth of the citizens of The Federation expresses special gratitude to our Indigent ly, a virtual program is being planned the city, estimated between 6,000 to Fund Pacesetters for the example they set for the rest of us.

Welcome Home to in March for the community by Ken 10,000 people. Goldstein with the focus on a group Rabbi Cohen assisted Clara Barton Anonymous Taryn Sasser of everyday heroes, specifically on the and the Red Cross to meet emergency Jack Cohen - Marcia Can Help Karin Fine Senior Living work of clergy during the pandemic. needs. He distributed food and gave Naomi Bloom & Ron Wallace Sherri & Ira Zucker Elevated Ken stated, “During this turmoil we comfort to those who lost homes and Barbara & Earl Magdovitz Shalom Dancers Toni & Stuart Morgenstein Mellow Mah Jongg Now Accepting Reservations for: have been reminded of who are our family members. While many people Jackie & Alan Cadkin heroes. They are the medical doctors, left Galveston, Rabbi Cohen stayed. Supportive Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care nurses and EMT. They are also the men He was instrumental in the Galveston and women who are on the front lines. Plan to help Jewish immigrants who They are the grocery workers, deliv- left Eastern Europe during pogroms. Beautiful, amenity-rich community thoughtfully designed for great living ery people and neighbors helping each From July 1907 to September 1914, The Jewish Federation loves our other in communities throughout our approximately 10,000 Jews entered the Exceptional dining program presented by Executive Chef GENEROUS DONORS Daily social calendar focused on wellness, friendship and fun Compassionate and highly trained staff available 24 hours a day

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Phone 239-936-0635 A MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY ASSISTED LIVING LIC # PENDING Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com www.jewishfederationlcc.org L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 “Heroes, Heroines and Helpers” focuses on An understanding of intergenerational trauma Rabbi Henry Cohen and everyday heroes brimming with illuminations and courage Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM The Escape Artist by Helen Fremont. The daughters lived in a shadow world embrace or commendation. They were without mutual sacrifices? The author Gallery Books. 2020. that had its own life, one that was only monstrous in the way they played keeps gnawing at such questions. 351 pages. $28. slowly and partially revealed. It’s al- favorites. For decades, the sisters Fremont’s book gains energy by most as if the mother and father were were psychologically victimized and freeing itself from being a strict chronol- his powerful, intelligent and ashamed of surviving, and parts of their manipulated into making each other ogy. She chooses to jump back and forth highly moving memoir explores disguised cover stories, once revealed, victims. in time in order to orchestrate scenes the persistence of trauma as it explain why. Slowly, with elegance, fortitude and that have, when juxtaposed, enhanced T As a writer, Fremont is a fine clini- harrowing self-accusations, Fremont reverberations. Her poetic prose also affects children of survivors. As Helen and her sister Lara grew up, they had cian, pressing to understand and explore reveals the stages of her liberation and has a quality of reverberation. gathered pieces of her trauma inheritance. Over and over, her pursuit of self-definition. There are This is more than one person’s their parents’ (and she shares searing insights and devas- so many intricate strands that make up memoir. It is the pursuit of a larger, other relatives’) tating disappointments. the evolving Helen Fremont. One is her more fully shareable understanding of Holocaust experi- Her life and worth become a strange slow-growing recognition and accep- intergenerational trauma brimming with ences. They real- kind of penance for never truly knowing tance of her lesbian identity, another is illuminations and courage. ized, with varying the sacrifices that the parents had to her love of athletic pursuits and natural Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus degrees of trepi- endure, submerge and transform. The surroundings, and yet another is her of English from the United States Na- dation, that much parents manifest a sorrowful kind of somewhat wandering pathway to and val Academy. He reviews regularly for had been hidden survivors’ guilt that they transformed through professional development and the Washington Independent Review from them. into a range of valuable accomplish- performance. Who was she trying to of Books, Southern Literary Review, Phil Jason The parents’ ments. Always fearing exposure, they please all these years? Why would she other publications and the Jewish Book large personalities release hints that strove to steer the daughters away from so often choose paths likely to be anath- Council. Please visit Phil’s website at burst through the masks, signaling that experiences and decisions that might ema to her parents? Can true love exist www.philjason.wordpress.com. much had been withheld. The secrets risk exposure of the almost buried involve a sense of shared obligations, past. They overstepped the normal PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT daring decisions, invented biographical borders of familial love, using paren- details and doses of crippling shame. tal power as a weapon rather than an OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE.

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A MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY ASSISTED LIVING LIC # PENDING L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 12 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST The Eternal Jew and its creator By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD he Eternal Jew was one of the His most famous – indeed, infamous most notorious of all anti-Jewish – creative work was undoubtedly Der A fond farewell Tpropaganda movies ever made. Ewige Jude (The Eternal Jew). The film By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD Exactly 80 years ago this month, on consisted of documentary footage com- November 28, 1940, the 65-minute film bined with materials filmed shortly after ear readers, that my articles have been appreciated premiered in Berlin. the Nazi occupation of Poland. Hippler After eight years of writing – notwithstanding the frequently de- Its director was Fritz Hippler, a shot footage in the Jewish ghettos of Dthis column, it falls to me to say pressing and tragic themes they have German filmmaker Łódź, Warsaw, Kraków and Lublin, the that this will be my last. In December, I covered. who ran the film de- only such footage, as it turned out, shot will be retiring from Florida Gulf Coast There is still a long way to go, partment in the Pro- specifically for the film. The rest of the University and returning to my native however. If you have enjoyed reading paganda Ministry of film consisted of stills and archival ma- Australia to embark on the next phase of my articles, I appeal to you to keep alive Joseph Goebbels. terial from other feature films – footage my life’s journey. The COVID-19 pan- the memory of the Holocaust during the He was born on Au- that was presented as if it was additional demic has hastened this decision. It has, dark time in which we are living, and to gust 17, 1909, and documentary film. The film itself cov- let’s face it, caused huge transformations bear in mind the words of the late Rabbi brought up in Berlin. ered four essential tropes: “degener- for people the world over, translating, Hugo Gryn, a survivor of the Holocaust Dr. Paul Bartrop In 1927 he joined ate” Jewish life as seen in the Polish in my case, to bringing forward my who became an esteemed and much- the Nazi Party, became a law student at ghettos; the nature of Jewish political, retirement plans. loved communal leader in the United universities in Heidelberg and Berlin, cultural and social values; Jewish reli- My first article in these pages was Kingdom after the war: “Time is short and by 1934 had earned his PhD. gious ceremonies, instruction, worship exactly eight years ago this month. and the task is urgent. Evil is real. So is In 1932 he became a Nazi Party and ritual slaughter; and Adolf Hitler Since that time, my articles have ranged good. There is a choice. And we are not district speaker and was promptly ex- as the savior of Germany. widely across the full spectrum of the so much chosen as choosers.” pelled from the University of Berlin for While the intention of the film was tragedy that was the Holocaust, and I can think of no better sign-off than inciting violence. On April 19, 1933, to prepare the German population for always with an eye to showcasing an the one always given at the end of every however, Nazi Education Minister the coming Holocaust (even though the anniversary relative to that month’s show from the Irish comedian Dave Bernhard Rust overthrew all existing Nazis had not themselves yet decided issue. Judging by the many emails I Allen: thank you, goodnight, and may disciplinary actions against students on mass annihilation as the means to have received from across Southwest your God go with you. associated with the Nazi Party, enabling destroy Europe’s Jews), the movie Florida during that time, it would appear Hippler’s return. He then became the did not have the desired impact on the pressive, generated resentment in some Der Ewige Jude, having directed large district and high school group leader German public owing to the fact that a quarters – no less than from Goebbels parts of it himself and giving Hippler for Berlin-Brandenburg in the National major motion picture, Jud Süss (directed himself. He had long kept a watching the credit. Later, he stated that he re- Socialist German Students’ League. On by Veit Harlan, 1940), had already ap- brief on Hippler, whom he saw as gretted being listed as the director of the May 22, 1933, he led his fellow students peared to rapturous acclaim employing sometimes impertinent, often immature, movie because it unfairly resulted in his in a march from the student house to Op- top box-office stars and building on a disorganized and too fond of alcohol. In treatment after the war. In his opinion era Square, with a collection of banned captivating period drama. By contrast, June 1943 Goebbels finally dismissed he had nothing to do with the killing books which were then publicly burned. The Eternal Jew was a documentary him. Hippler was stripped of his SS of Jews, and only shot some footage In 1936 Hippler became an assistant based on limited original footage, still rank, and a trumped-up accusation was for a film which Goebbels himself then to artist, photographer and film director images and archive film clips. brought against him of having denied put together. He claimed further that at Hans Weidemann. In this capacity he Unlike Jud Süss, therefore, which that he had a Jewish great-grandmother. the time he had little knowledge of the worked on the production of newsreels was a great commercial success, Der He was sent to an infantry replacement Nazis’ murderous policies toward the and learned the techniques behind doc- Ewige Jude was something of a failure battalion and underwent mountain in- Jews and was not aware of the Holocaust umentary filmmaking. In January 1939 at the box office. As a propaganda film fantry training. Released from active as it was taking place. If he was given he took over Weidemann’s position, it would be shown repeatedly for train- duty, he was then given the task of the chance, he said, he would “annul” meaning that he now worked directly ing purposes to troops fighting on the shooting newsreel footage as a camera- everything about the film, which had for Goebbels and by August 1939 he Eastern Front as well as to members man until February 1945. At the end of caused him such personal difficulties in had been promoted to head the film de- of the SS, while a number of foreign the war he was taken by the British as a his subsequent life. partment. Among his tasks, he regulated language voiceovers were made and prisoner of war. Fritz Hippler lived in Berchtesgaden, which foreign films would be allowed the film was exported to countries In 1946 he was tried for directing Bavaria, until his death on May 22, on German screens, and what parts of occupied by Germany. Der Ewige Jude and sentenced to two 2002, at age 92. them would be cut. Hippler, for his part, was honored years in prison. Staging a comeback Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of His- He also produced movies of his by Adolf Hitler for making the movie. after his release, he collaborated on tory and the Director of the Center for own. In 1940 he directed Der Feldzug In October 1942 he was given respon- documentary movies under another Holocaust and Genocide Research at in Poland, a propaganda film demon- sibility for the control, supervision and name. In a 1981 memoir he claimed Florida Gulf Coast University. He can strating the superiority of German arms direction of all German movies, making that Goebbels was the real creator of be reached at [email protected]. in the first phase of World War II from him second only to Goebbels. September 1939 onwards. Such a career trajectory, though im- Center for Holocaust and Genocide Research Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: • scholarship • outreach • inquiry • sharing knowledge • preserving the record • helping teachers • encouraging students

Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13 The Eternal Jew and its creator A fond farewell that my articles have been appreciated WHENWHEN ITIT – notwithstanding the frequently de- pressing and tragic themes they have covered. There is still a long way to go, COMESCOMES TOTO however. If you have enjoyed reading my articles, I appeal to you to keep alive the memory of the Holocaust during the dark time in which we are living, and to RETIREMENTRETIREMENT bear in mind the words of the late Rabbi Hugo Gryn, a survivor of the Holocaust who became an esteemed and much- LIVING...... loved communal leader in the United LIVING Kingdom after the war: “Time is short and the task is urgent. Evil is real. So is good. There is a choice. And we are not so much chosen as choosers.” I can think of no better sign-off than YOUYOU HAVEHAVE the one always given at the end of every show from the Irish comedian Dave Allen: thank you, goodnight, and may your God go with you. OPTIONSOPTIONS..

Der Ewige Jude, having directed large parts of it himself and giving Hippler the credit. Later, he stated that he re- gretted being listed as the director of the movie because it unfairly resulted in his treatment after the war. In his opinion he had nothing to do with the killing of Jews, and only shot some footage for a film which Goebbels himself then put together. He claimed further that at the time he had little knowledge of the Celeb Celeb rat rat Nazis’ murderous policies toward the ing 30 Years ing 30 Years Jews and was not aware of the Holocaust as it was taking place. If he was given A Family of Senior Living Options A Family of Senior Living Options the chance, he said, he would “annul” by Volunteers of America by Volunteers of America everything about the film, which had caused him such personal difficulties in The Gulf Coast Village ADVANTAGE: Senior Choice at Home ADVANTAGE: his subsequent life. Fritz Hippler lived in Berchtesgaden, • Full continuum of care • Stay in your own home Bavaria, until his death on May 22, 2002, at age 92. • Friendly neighbors • Concierge Care Coordination Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of His- • Kind-hearted staff • Avoid rising price of long-term care tory and the Director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Research at • Delicious dining • Membership covers future care Florida Gulf Coast University. He can be reached at [email protected]. • 5-star services and amenities • Individualized life plan at home • Top quality, integrated senior care • Peace of mind

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1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33991 SeniorChoiceatHome.com Senior Choice at Home is a Volunteers of America membership-based community. Learn more GulfCoastVillage.org at voa.org. AL #12982, HHA #299993155, HHA #299991969, SNF #1188096 L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 14 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Toe stompin’ Jewgrass: Combining bluegrass with Jewish identity By Arlene Stolnitz By Rabbi Barbara Aiello y latest “best group” comes liked country and bluegrass music, and they immediately understand we are is not the vocalist in the original Yiddish an looked up from her book and from a whole different genre. listening to this group I was surprised doing something very different, and they recording “Bei Mir Bist Du Shejn” by observed the man she’d been MHave you ever heard of Jew- at the integration of two very different feel our honesty. We want to make sure the Budapest Klezmer Band. Instead,N married to for more than 40 grass? It’s the fusion of the music of musical genres. that we are truly honoring sacred Jewish she has recorded “Bist du bei mir” byyears. “Kurt, you’re pacing, and when Appalachia with traditional Jewish Husband-wife team Eric Lindberg texts and traditions as we explore new 17th century German composer G.H. you’re pacing I know something’s not prayers. Jewgrass refers to an umbrel- and Doni Zazloff, both New Yorkers, ways to share them with the world. We Stolzel. right.” la term that en- have created a wonderful sound of are intent, as well, on being honest and Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota “OK, so I’m compasses blues, ruach or “spirit,” which turns out to be true with playing music in the American Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jew- pacing. What’s bluegrass, folk an authentic Jewish-American spiritual bluegrass canon with its own language ish Congregation of Venice. A retired the big deal?” and country mu- hybrid. In naming the group Nefesh and instrumentation.” educator from Rochester, New York, was Kurt’s de- sic with klezmer Mountain, nefesh refers to the soul or I would suggest checking out she has sung in choral groups for over fensive response. and includes sa- spirit of all living things, while “moun- YouTube to hear the music of Nefesh 25 years and also sings in The Venice Undaunted, Nan cred Jewish texts. tain” refers to bluegrass and old musical Mountain, which I think is a part of the Chorale. Her interest in the preservation continued, “The American Jews forms as well as references in Jewish Jewish-American experience. of Jewish music of all kinds has led to big deal is that have always in- texts to mountains as cross-cultural Note: Correction in last month’s this series of articles on Jewish Folk something’s both- corporated spiri- symbols. Often singing in Hebrew as article: Coloratura Soprano Natalie Music in the Diaspora. ering you. I’m Arlene Stolnitz tual with popular well as English, they are the principal Dessay, who currently sings at the Met, here. I’m listening. So you’ll tell me.” music because it brings people into the players in the group. Their instrumenta- Reluctant as he was to open up, shul. As early as the 1950s, European tion mainly consists of stringed instru- Kurt knew it was time to talk. After Jewish musicians, who had immigrated ments such as fiddle, banjo, mandolin all, it had been five weeks and things to the U.S., were looking for ways to in- and guitar. I found their renditions of Israel Handyman Inc. weren’t getting any better. In fact, Kurt corporate “Americanism” into the music “Mi Chamocha,” “L’dor Vador” and felt miserable. He said, “Rosh Hashanah performed in the synagogue. “Oseh Shalom” inspirational. usually picks me up, but this year, no. By the ’60s and ’70s, icons such as In their own words, “There is a huge It’s the COVID-19 thing, the lockdown, Shlomo Carlebach and Debbie Fried- misperception about Jewish bluegrass, - Carpet Installation, Cleaning, Stretching and Repair the restrictions. OK. so I’m not a regular man were writing the popular folk songs or “Jewgrass, that we have to overcome. shul-goer. I mean, twice, three times - Upholstery Cleaning based on Jewish liturgy that we sing in People automatically assume it is a a year is enough for me. But I had no synagogue services today. joke or silly music. We are not doing a - House Cleaning idea how much I’d miss just sitting in While checking out Jewgrass’ parody. This is real soulful, honest, true, - Handyman Repairs the synagogue. How sad it was that the unique style, I came upon Nefesh Moun- bluegrass mountain music. It takes a kids aren’t here and all we’re getting are tain, a folk group extraordinaire. Several minute for people to stop laughing when virtual hugs. I want the real thing. I want other groups play music in this genre, we tell them ‘Jewish bluegrass.’ But our life back to the way it used to be!” but this one spoke to me. I have always once they hear us and understand this, Nan looked closely at Kurt. Were Call or Email for a those tears in his eyes? Certainly it had FREE Estimate been a difficult year, but only now did IsIs YourYour BusinessBusiness WorthWorth Nan realize how unhappy Kurt was. MoreMore ThanThan YouYou Think?Think? (239)770–1138 Israel Bajarlia - [email protected] - Lee County Find hidden value in your balance sheet. The Living Balance Sheet® can help you protect and grow This Is Assisted your business making the most of untapped potential. 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Send your response to Federation Board member Robert Thomas [email protected]. Fort Myers resident for over 28 years We will contact you as needed. Thank you. Assisted Living Facility License #12385 | COA: #08075 L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 15 Toe stompin’ Jewgrass: Combining bluegrass Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old with Jewish identity Finding happiness By Rabbi Barbara Aiello is not the vocalist in the original Yiddish an looked up from her book and What do our traditions teach us right thing to do, and not because you God In Your Words recording “Bei Mir Bist Du Shejn” by observed the man she’d been about happiness? What can we do to expect something in return. When you pray, meditate or reflect, vi- the Budapest Klezmer Band. Instead,N married to for more than 40 overcome sadness? According to Tzvi God Will Save Us sualize that God is invested within the she has recorded “Bist du bei mir” byyears. “Kurt, you’re pacing, and when Freeman (“How the Baal Shem Tov Be joyful in the knowledge that when letters and the words that you choose. 17th century German composer G.H. you’re pacing I know something’s not Changed the Way We Think About you have troubles, the God of your un- Zernitsky writes, “Words are the cloth- Stolzel. right.” Happiness,” chabad.org), the famous derstanding will come to your rescue – ing for your thoughts. Clothing that is Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota “OK, so I’m sage, the Baal Shem Tov, had an answer. with a fresh perspective, a new thought, neat and clean brings out a person’s Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jew- pacing. What’s A respected rabbi who lived in Poland an idea of how to approach and solve a inner beauty. Your words of prayer pro- ish Congregation of Venice. A retired the big deal?” in the 19th century, his name means the problem. vide the same sort of clothing for God’s educator from Rochester, New York, was Kurt’s de- “man who has an excellent reputation.” Joyous Studies presence as well-spoken words bring out she has sung in choral groups for over fensive response. He brought about major changes in the Find a subject that interests you and your inner thoughts. 25 years and also sings in The Venice Undaunted, Nan Jewish religion. He encouraged rabbis study it with energy and great joy. When The Baal Shem Tov taught that Chorale. Her interest in the preservation continued, “The to refrain from a focus on the negative you immerse yourself in study you will in every word you speak, you should of Jewish music of all kinds has led to big deal is that and instead teach the people how to have reduce disturbing thoughts. intend to sweeten a relationship. This this series of articles on Jewish Folk something’s both- a joyful relationship with God. Reverence and Happiness means that you must let go of the harsh Music in the Diaspora. Rabbi Barbara Aiello ering you. I’m How is happiness achieved? Rab- Don’t torment yourself that you do not approach of finding fault with everyone here. I’m listening. So you’ll tell me.” binic sages from historical to modern know the proper prayers or that you are and instead enter a mode of compassion, Reluctant as he was to open up, times have interpreted the Baal Shem unfamiliar with rituals. Use your own seeking out the positive.” Kurt knew it was time to talk. After Tov’s teachings and applied them to words and melodies and be grateful for Finally, our sages believed that all, it had been five weeks and things our lives. According to Leon Zernitsky every opportunity to pray and sing. “The joy we are talking about is not Israel Handyman Inc. weren’t getting any better. In fact, Kurt (“Eighteen Joyous Quotations of the The Happy Ascetic the screaming and shouting of a crazed felt miserable. He said, “Rosh Hashanah Baal Shem Tov,” chabad.org), these We all want the good things in life but fanatic. It is joy with a purpose, for usually picks me up, but this year, no. teachings emphasize principles that do not permit an obsession, like a desire when we offer a helping hand to another, It’s the COVID-19 thing, the lockdown, alleviate sadness and lead us to living for a new car, a bigger house, the latest when we marshal our efforts to bring - Carpet Installation, Cleaning, Stretching and Repair the restrictions. OK. so I’m not a regular in joy. Here are several: electronics, more money, etc., to lead happiness to our world, we find that we shul-goer. I mean, twice, three times Trust and Celebrate you into depression. On the contrary, are living in joy.” - Upholstery Cleaning a year is enough for me. But I had no Imagine that God’s loving presence is celebrate that you have the capacity For 10 years Rabbi Barbara Aiello - House Cleaning idea how much I’d miss just sitting in continually with you and protecting to overcome these desires and remain served the Aviva Campus for Senior - Handyman Repairs the synagogue. How sad it was that the you. Remember that you are bound to grateful for what you have. Life as resident rabbi. Her most pop- kids aren’t here and all we’re getting are the Creator and the Creator is bound Better Happy Than Strict ular columns are now published in her virtual hugs. I want the real thing. I want to you. You are never alone. Do not become so obsessed with details new book, Aging Jewishly, available our life back to the way it used to be!” Sincerity and Joy that you castigate yourself over every on Amazon. Rabbi Barbara now lives Nan looked closely at Kurt. Were When you do something out of love for little thing. Do not become obsessively and works in Italy where she is rabbi Call or Email for a those tears in his eyes? Certainly it had God and your fellow human beings, self-critical because this will bring de- of Italy’s first Reconstructionist syna- FREE Estimate been a difficult year, but only now did do so with no ulterior motive. In other pression. Living a joyful life does not gogue. Contact her at Rabbi@Rabbi Nan realize how unhappy Kurt was. words, take an action because it is the require perfection in every activity. Barbara.com.

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Assisted Living Facility License #12385 | COA: #08075 L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 16 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Hanukkah Treats – recipe by Chef Dalia t is soon to be that time of year strongly all by itself. Latkes may be would see and smell the huge variety again…Hanukkah. Anyone who Hanukkah’s main food in America, but of sweet and sticky pastries and deli- Icelebrates Hanukkah knows that in Israel, sufganiyot rule the roost. ciously gooey rugelach on display es- aside from lighting a menorah each Sufganiyot are deep-fried jam- pecially during the holidays. night, the part of Hanukkah that most filled donuts that symbolize the burn- Rugelach and I go way back, back people look forward to is the food. ing of oil lamps in the ancient temples to the holidays of my childhood, when Antiochus, the king of Syria, tried to of Jerusalem. While old-fashioned my siblings and I would scarf down kill us, we survived…let’s eat (and you hole-less, jam-filled sufganiyot are still batch after batch of jam-filled rugelach don’t have to ask us twice). the ones most people eat during the at my grandmother’s house. “No Ha- It is a common tradition during Ha- holiday, the amount of fillings and top- nukkah gathering is complete without nukkah to eat fried foods (think latkes), pings available these days are seem- dessert,” she used to say. to honor the miracle of light which hap- ingly endless and simply mouthwater- As an Israeli, it was very difficult pened in the Temple, when just a small ing – anything from fillings made of for me to decide which pastry or baked bit of oil that should have only lasted chocolate spreads and flavored pastry good would best inspire my taste this for one night, lasted eight nights. The creams to toppings like chocolate and Hanukkah celebration. However, I do affection for fried foods during Hanuk- caramel glazes, sprinkles and choco- have one small and delicious favor- kah is rooted in the celebration of the late curls. The options are many, and ite…rugelach! But I also love the clas- miracle of the oil that kept a menorah so are the calories that go along with sic Hanukkah sufganiyot. There are lit almost 2,200 years ago. them! few greater joys than taking a bite and When I moved to the U.S., I Rugelach is another favorite Ha- letting the jam squirt out the other end, Personal Chef Dalia Hemed learned a lot of things that I didn’t nukkah treat that is a must for the Ha- while powdered sugar clings to your can be reached at know about the Jewish holidays, which nukkah dessert table. It literally means lips. That is, until you meet my mod- [email protected]. are, in theory, the same Jewish holi- “little twist” in Yiddish. Rugelach is a ern Israeli combination of “Rugelach days I grew up with in Israel. I learned yeast pastry, filled with chocolate, cin- Sufganiyot” – fried rugelach dough in X Flour a working surface and place that Hanukkah in the U.S. had changed namon and sugar or jam. The origins of the shape of a sufganiyot filled with the dough on top of it. Divide the into a commercialized show that was this pastry are in the old Jewish com- strawberry jam and more. They are oh- dough into two balls. Set one ball nearly unrecognizable to me. This is munities. Nowadays, you can find it so-yummy. These delicious Israeli Jam aside and work on one at a time. not the Hanukkah I grew up with. In literally everywhere in Israel. Rugelach Sufganiyot are the highlight X Roll one ball into a very thin dough Israel, without any other major holi- If you walk through the Mach- of my holiday season! sheet, approximately 11”x15". Fold day to compete with, Hanukkah shines ane Yehuda market in Jerusalem, you Israeli Jam Rugelach Doughnut in half and then fold again. Using Makes; 18 medium size Rugelach suf- a rolling pin, slightly and carefully ganiyot roll out the folded dough sheet to a Ingredients: rectangular shape. For the dough: X Use a 3-inch-round biscuit cutter • 1 lb. bread flour to cut a round from each rectangu- • 1 tbsp of active dry yeast lar shape. (You can use a 1-inch- • 3 tbsp white sugar round biscuit cutter to cut hole in • 1 tsp of lemon zest the center for a doughnut shape.) • ¾ cup milk Reserve the remaining dough. • 1 cup softened butter X In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, pour • 2 medium eggs in enough oil to fill it at least 2” • 1 tsp of salt deep. Heat over medium heat to • Extra flour for sprinkling 350ºF. • canola oil for (for frying) X Fry the rugelach sufganiyot in hot • strawberry jam oil for 60 to 120 seconds on each For decoration: side or until golden brown and • 1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar cooked through. Drain on paper • 2 tbsp milk towels and allow them to cool be- X In a large mixing bowl, sift the fore glazing.

flour. Add the granulated white X To make vanilla glaze: in a medium sugar and yeast and mix. bowl, mix 1¼ cups of powdered X Make a well in the center. Add into sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla, the well the zest, eggs, milk, salt and then add milk, 1 tablespoon at and butter. a time, until a smooth, glaze-like X Either with a stand mixer or your consistency forms. hands, knead the dough for about X To assemble: split a fried and 10 minutes, until the dough is elas- cooled rugelach sufganiya in half, tic, smooth and just a little sticky, and place 1 tablespoon of straw- but not too much. berry jam in the center. Sandwich X Grease a bowl, put the dough in- the halves back together and driz- side it and cover with a plastic zle the glaze of your choice over wrap. Set aside to rise for about 45 the top. Serve immediately. minutes. L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 17 Stars of David Interested in Your By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jew- Family’s History? ish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism – and don’t identify Nate Bloom (see column at left) has become a family history expert in 10 with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a Hebrews on the Gridiron would get near the site of the Democrat- full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start Here are the Jewish players on a Na- ic National Convention. The police got with a limited search of one family line. tional Football League team roster as carte blanche to beat and/or arrest an- of September 28 (main source: my ti-war demonstrators. All this was later So here’s the deal: friends at Jewish Sports Review maga- called “a police riot” by a blue-ribbon, zine): JORDAN DANGERFIELD, 30, non-partisan commission. Nonetheless, Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. Pittsburgh, (back-up) strong safety. This the Nixon Justice Dept. made the polit- Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that five-year veteran is of Ethiopian Jewish ical decision to charge (1969) a group background. NATE EBNER, 32, New of anti-war figures with conspiracy to goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. York Giants, (reserve) strong safety riot. Here are some Jewish sidelights: The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, and on special teams. For his first eight (1) Three of the defendants were Jewish: several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate seasons he played for New England, ABBIE HOFFMAN (SACHA BAR- Personal Chef Dalia Hemed often contributing to the Patriots’ many ON COHEN, 48), JERRY RUBIN and friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out can be reached at Super Bowl wins. He signed with New LEE WEINER (NOAH ROBBINS, great for them. So contact him about this as well. [email protected]. York in the off-season.JULIAN EDEL- 30). (2) The main defense lawyers, MAN, 34, New England, wide receiver. WILLIAM KUNSTLER and LEON- X Flour a working surface and placeThis future Hall of Fame wide receiver ARD WEINGLASS (BEN SHENK- mini-series that begins streaming on plays Claire’s supportive and loving the dough on top of it. Divide thedoesn’t seem to be slowing down. As MAN, 51), were Jewish. The trial judge, Hulu on Tuesday, November 10. Basic husband. The series was written and di- dough into two balls. Set one ball I’ve noted before, Edelman had only one JULIUS HOFFMAN, was Jewish. (3) plot: Claire (Rooney Mara), a popular rected by HANNAH FIDELL, 34. Her aside and work on one at a time. Jewish great-grandparent. It’s unclear if During the trial, Abbie joked that he high school teacher, enters into an affair mother is LINDA GREENHOUSE, 73, X Roll one ball into a very thin doughhe has formally converted to Judaism, was Judge Hoffman’s illegitimate son. with a handsome senior and their lives the New York Times’ Pulitzer-winning sheet, approximately 11”x15". Foldbut he identifies as Jewish in a religious He was more serious when he cried out “explode” when the affair becomes legal correspondent. in half and then fold again. Using sense and in a “community solidarity” in court, “You [Judge Hoffman] are a known. ASHLEY ZUKERMAN, 36, a rolling pin, slightly and carefullyway. Recent examples: raising money ‘shande fur de Goyim’ [disgrace in front roll out the folded dough sheet to a for Tree of Life shooting victims and of the Gentiles]. You would have served rectangular shape. publicly reaching out last July to a play- Hitler better.” (4) Five defendants were X Use a 3-inch-round biscuit cutterer who posted something antisemitic. convicted on the conspiracy charge. to cut a round from each rectangu-The Christian Science Monitor called Partially because of the judge’s clearly lar shape. (You can use a 1-inch-Edelman’s response “A master class biased conduct, these convictions were round biscuit cutter to cut hole inon how to handle hate.” ANTHONY reversed on appeal. (5) After the trial, the center for a doughnut shape.)FIRKSER , 25, Tennessee, (back-up) Weiner, now 81, worked for the An- Reserve the remaining dough. tight end and fullback. This Harvard ti-Defamation League and was active X In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, pourgrad had a good 2019 season. ALEX- in protests on behalf of Soviet Jewry. in enough oil to fill it at leastANDER 2” “Ali” MARPET, Tampa Bay, Also looking for Oscars is On the deep. Heat over medium heat to27, offensive guard. He has started 75 Rocks, a “dramedy” which opened in 350ºF. consecutive games since 2015, earns a few theaters on October 2 and began X Fry the rugelach sufganiyot in hotalmost $11M per season, and was team streaming on Apple TV+ on October oil for 60 to 120 seconds on eachcaptain in 2018 and 2019. MITCHELL 23. Like The Trial of the Chicago 7, it side or until golden brown and SCHWARTZ, 31, Kansas City, offen- got great reviews. RASHIDA JONES, cooked through. Drain on papersive tackle. Like Marpet, he is highly 44, co-stars as a wife who suspects her towels and allow them to cool be-paid and has a great streak going (over husband (Marlon Wayans) is cheating. fore glazing. 130 consecutive starts). SAM SLO- Jones’ father (Bill Murray) insists MAN, 23, Los Angeles Rams, kicker. they investigate. The supporting cast It Matters to Us... He’s a rookie who earned a starting spot. includes JENNY SLATE, 38, and His college teammates nicknamed him BARBARA BAIN, 89. That you love where “the kosher cannon.” I like the image of Look Ahead ‘the kosher cannon’ kicking the pigskin. The Mighty Ones is a child-friendly you live. Streaming Catch-Up animated series that begins streaming At American House, we offer maintenance-free living The Trial of the Chicago 7, an original on Hulu and Peacock TV on Mon- at its finest. Our charming communities feature Netflix film, began streaming on Octo- day, November 9. It follows the fun spacious apartments with a variety of amenities and ber 16. It opened in a few theaters on adventures of a group of creatures: a services. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, weekly September 28 (to be “Oscar eligible”) rock, a strawberry, a stick and a leaf. housekeeping, salon and barber shop services, access and has received mostly great reviews. Self-named The Mighty Ones, they to care, wellness centers and so much more. It will get Oscar nominations. The film live in a backyard belonging to three was directed and written by AARON people whom they mistake for gods. Call today or visit us online to learn more SORKIN, 59. In 1968, the Vietnam War JOSH BRENER, 36 (Silicon Valley), was raging and Chicago’s Mayor Daley voices one of the Mighty Ones. 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Serve immediately. or [email protected]. 20-AHMK-5165 L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 18 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST New times, new wines By The Wine Whisperer here’s so much to enjoy about Mexico…so much wine, so little time. supports flavors of green apple and Alcohol in food does diminish a the world of wine and the de- Other, smaller areas are starting lychee. Another favorite for poolside. bit with cooking but doesn’t disappear Tlights it offers. My wife Debi to produce enough wine to export and WW 89 completely. Research shows that if you and I have appreciated the many op- attract international attention. And Famiglia Pasqua Garganega simmer or bake, about 40% of the al- portunities to make new friends, try some wines we forgot about long ago Passimento Bianco Veneto 2017 cohol remains after 40 minutes. After new wines and travel to winemaking are being discovered anew. I received ($15) – The Garganega grape is known an hour, 25%. And 5% of the alcohol regions in many parts of the world. a sample bottle of Lambrusco, which mainly for its use in Soave wines, but will remain even after you cook for 2.5 Here’s a delight- was hugely popular in the 1980s and this interpretation is a bit different. hours. And don’t forget that the effect, ful discovery: made something of a “star” out of Aldo A portion of the grapes are dried be- if any, also comes from how much you they don’t make Cella, thanks to an intensive television fore fermentation, adding a touch of eat. wine in ugly commercial campaign. And there was sweetness. The nose is fairly faint, but Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- places. Many are Riunite, another Lambrusco that was smooth flavors of honeydew emerge on er. He is Creative Director of Green- impossibly an- one of the top-selling imported wines the palate. A good aperitif. WW 86 field Media & Marketing, and Wine cient, and even for decades. Ask the Wine Whisperer Director of the international Direct if the sights you Guess what else is back. Spuman- I love to cook with wine. Sometimes I Cellars wine club. His new book, Ask take in go back te, a sweetish sparkling white from even put it in the food. Just kidding. the Wine Whisperer, has just been pub-  Jerry only about six or Asti, in the Piedmont region of Italy. But if I put wine in a dish, will cooking lished. Read his other writings at www. Greenfield seven centuries, It, too, enjoyed quite a bit of advertis- eliminate the alcohol? – Marilyn K., winewhisperer.com. savoring a wine right where it’s made ing publicity about 30 years ago, and Fort Myers is a particular pleasure. then declined in popularity. But it’s be- So is discovering new regions ing rediscovered by a new generation and new varietals. In past columns, of wine enthusiasts, and producers are I’ve written about our introduction to sending out samples for review. BRIEFS Cairanne in the Rhône region and re- New regions. New (or not-yet- ISRAEL’S POPULATION the Palestinians all my life, but I’m a ported on how winemaking in Israel known) kinds of wine. And some wines REACHES 9.2 MILLION realist. I cannot remain stuck in some has reached (and surpassed) interna- that were once very much in fashion fantasyland and neither do I wait indef- tional standards. We’ve also learned are coming back. So there’s plenty to On the eve of the Jewish New Year, the population of Israel is 9.246 million. initely for miracles. about many off-the-reservation wines like…and learn from. Explore. Sample Like it or not, Israel exists as an that you might not find on the shelf ev- widely. In the previous year, 170,000 babies were born, 44,000 people passed away economic powerhouse under the un- ery day, like Blaufränkisch, Bombino Swanson Pinot Grigio San Beni- wavering protective umbrella of the Bianco and Teroldego. to 2018 ($21) – As part of California’s and 20,000 new immigrants arrived. The Jewish population is 6.841 mil- U.S. To imagine that boycotting Israe- The industry in Israel, for exam- larger Central Coast region, San Beni- li goods will force the collapse of the ple, continues to soar as more talented to’s climate is moderated by Pacific lion (74%). Israel’s Arab population is 1.946 million (21%). (Jerusalem Post) state is infantile. The Palestinians, who and educated young winemakers flock breezes that come through gaps in the still insist on the right of return for ref- to the region. I had a bottle of Char- Gabilan Range and the Santa Lucia ISRAEL’S MILITARY ugees who are in Syria, Jordan, Leba- donnay from China that I’d buy again, Mountains. There are hints of pear on non and elsewhere, know full well that if I could find it. India, Brazil, New the nose, and nicely balanced acidity INCLUSION PROGRAM INSPIRES NEW U.S. is never going to happen. There are two million Palestinians CORPS OF HONOR who have Israeli nationality. Most take Chris Neeley, whose son has Down pride in their Arab heritage, yet are syndrome, is starting an American content to call themselves Arab Israe- version of Israel’s military inclusion lis. It is beyond time for the Palestin- program, Special in Uniform, so that ians to quit blaming everyone else for young adults with intellectual and the situation they find themselves in physical disabilities can serve their today. Join us for a special country. I would urge all Arab leaderships Neeley, a major in the U.S. Army to bury old hatreds that have consumed National Guard, is a special-education 2-part collaboration. their foreign policies for 72 years with- administrator and chair of the Presi- out bearing fruit. Join us in forging a dent’s Committee for People with In- peaceful Middle East, with new and Monday, 11/2 tellectual Disabilities. “When I saw exciting opportunities for all. (Khalaf what the Israel Defense Forces did to Screen the film Ahmad Al-Habtoor, Arab News - Saudi include them among their ranks, I re- Arabia) Witness Theater alized this innovative approach could be a model for the United States,” (48 hour access) THE EMIRATI AND he said. BAHRAINI AGREEMENTS Neeley has visited some of the 28 bases where about 450 Special WITH ISRAEL ARE Tuesday, 11/3 in Uniform soldiers are stationed. “I REVOLUTIONARY was blown away. I talked to the com- The UAE and Bahrain deals with Is- 11 a.m. —12 p.m. manders about how the integration has rael set the stage for a sea change in helped relieve some of the garrison Arab-Israeli relations, as ties between A discussion with Dr. Paul R. responsibilities like logistics, food ser- Israel and the Gulf have grown expo- Bartrop, Professor of History and vices, medical services, transportation nentially in recent years. Because the Director, Center for Holocaust & and administrative jobs so you can UAE and Bahrain are regional busi- move soldiers without disabilities to ness hubs, the two peace deals will Genocide Research at FGCU. facilitate interactions between Israelis Badass Ladies: Women and the frontline. I saw how the IDF trains young people with autism to read sat- and thousands of expatriate workers Resistance in the Nazi ellite imagery and see things you and from across the Arab and Islamic world Concentration Camps. (On Zoom) I can’t see.” (Abigail Klein Leichman, whose home countries have hostile re- Israel21c) lations with Israel, if any. Register for the film link and conversation at: Even if the process is incremental, A BRAVE NEW DAWN IN creating a space for these populations ARAB-ISRAELI RELATIONS to interact with each other for the first www.JewishFederationlcc.org/virtual-events Some of my fellow Arabs, who have time as real human beings – away from no solution as to how to better the lives hostilities, mutual recriminations and of Palestinians, instead prefer to hang governmental propaganda – will have on to the same old rhetoric and unreal- a revolutionary impact on all sides and istic scenarios that belong in the mid- on regional peace. 20th century. I have been a supporter of continued on next page L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19

of Abraham, and the concomitant as prisoners during World War II. In About a year later, Reinhart was re- New times, new wines need “to foster in the Middle East 1940, biochemist Reinhart Pariser was leased. He went back to England and BRIEFS a reality in which Muslims, Jews, a student in his 20s at the University of joined the war effort. But other men Christians and peoples of all faiths, Cambridge in England when one day spent years locked up. Alcohol in food does diminish acontinued from previous page denominations, beliefs and nation- police knocked on his door and gave Many prisoners went on to become bit with cooking but doesn’t disappear The Emirati and Bahraini agree- alities live in, and are committed him 10 minutes to pack. He was put on extremely successful. Walter Kohn and completely. Research shows that if you ments with Israel upend decades of sti- to a spirit of coexistence, mutual a boat crammed with German Jews and Max Perutz received Nobel prizes in simmer or bake, about 40% of the al- fling status quo and fruitless political understanding and respect.” (Amb. German Nazis – both labeled by the chemistry. Walter Homburger became cohol remains after 40 minutes. After orthodoxies that have failed to advance Alan Baker, Jerusalem Center for British as “enemy aliens.” Some boats the director of the Toronto Symphony an hour, 25%. And 5% of the alcohol the cause of a genuine, positive peace. Public Affairs) went to Australia, others to Canada. Orchestra. “This small group of refu- will remain even after you cook for 2.5 In time, the Gulf’s embrace of Israel In Canada, Reinhart looked out of the gees and the enormous contributions hours. And don’t forget that the effect, could even encourage Egypt and Jor- UAE-ISRAEL TREATY window of the train and saw signs that they made is an example of what could if any, also comes from how much you dan to move toward a warmer peace read, “No dogs or Jews allowed.” have happened if the world had opened eat. IS FAR LARGER STEP with the Israelis. (Varsha Koduvayur In Sherbrooke’s Camp N, the men its doors to Jews trying to escape the Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- TOWARD PEACE THAN and David Daoud, Foreign Policy) were housed in an old train repair yard. Holocaust,” said Paula Draper, a histo- er. He is Creative Director of Green- CRITICS ALLEGE It was cold. There was one water faucet rian who wrote her PhD thesis on the field Media & Marketing, and Wine ¡ The UAE-Israel Peace Treaty WHAT WAS IN THE for 900 people, and only nine toilets. Canadian internment camps for Ger- Director of the international Direct commits the two countries to a re- ABRAHAM ACCORDS The men wore uniforms with a big cir- man, Austrian and Italian Jews during Cellars wine club. His new book, Ask lationship far warmer than the cold cle on the back that looked like a tar- the war. the Wine Whisperer, has just been pub-SIGNED IN WASHINGTON? peace Israel has with Egypt and ¡ The Declaration of Peace, Cooper- get. There was barbed wire and watch “They were kept interned because lished. Read his other writings at www. Jordan (outside the security field). ation, and Constructive Diplomat- towers. One prisoner lost his nerve and the Canadian government knew they winewhisperer.com. ¡ It will facilitate peace by showing ic and Friendly Relations between that Arab governments and their ran for the fence. The guards shot him. continued on page 24 the State of Israel and the Kingdom citizens benefit more by partnering of Bahrain is a bilateral, non-bind- with Israel than by seeking to iso- ing declaration expressing the joint late or dismantle it. BRIEFS intentions of the two parties to en- ¡ The UAE’s commitment to sweep- ter into negotiations on a series of ing government-to-government co- agreements in 12 fields of normal- operation with Israel, close peo- REALTY GROUP ization. ple-to-people relations with Israe- ¡ The declaration includes agree- lis, and other stark departures from Frye Commercial Group ment to establish “a culture of the zero-sum Palestinian agenda COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE peace,” an expression which also represent a remarkable strategic SALES, INVESTMENT, ACQUISITION & DISPOSITION appears in the Israel-UAE Peace pivot. (Orde Kittrie, National In- Agreement. terest) HAL ARKIN ¡ The preamble to the Treaty of (239) 910-5363 cell • [email protected] Peace, Diplomatic Relations and IN WWII, CANADA KEPT Direct (239) 689-2246 • Offi ce (239) 489-0444 Full Normalization between the JEWISH “ENEMY ALIENS” 7910 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Fort Myers United Arab Emirates and the IN BARBED WIRE CAMPS www.ftmyerscommercial.com State of Israel includes a unique Sherbrooke, Quebec, two hours east of reference to the Arab and Jewish Montreal, was the site of a camp where Each Offi ce Independently Owned and Operated common heritage, as descendants German and Austrian Jews were held

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Choose either a Our lives should be shared with family and friends and spent virtual visit from the mostly on joyful pursuits – not filled with worry and uncertainty. comfort of your home or a private At Cypress Cove, you’ll find the senior living options you need to one-on-one create a plan for your future that aligns appointment, call perfectly with your priorities. 239-481-6605 or sign up at 10200 Cypress Cove Drive | Fort Myers, FL 33908 239-481-6605 | www.CypressCoveLiving.org CypressCoveLiving.org L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 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. The miracle of Israel’s diplomatic breakthroughs By David Harris, CEO of American Jewish Committee (AJC), September 9, 2020 n the past decade, a number of pun- some which consistently opposed Israel our AJC delegation, until the subject tinians might be unchanged. dits had talked about Israel’s grow- in UN votes, and some whose links to of Israel’s economic stewardship came Fourth, the Arab economic em- Iing isolation under Prime Minister Israel could be generously described as up. He asked if we, as American Jews, bargo, once a powerful factor, is dead. Benjamin Netanyahu – in the words of lukewarm at best. could introduce him to Israeli experts, Countries that used to believe doing New York Times columnist Tom Fried- As far back as 2016, when asked by and kept us for 90 minutes, far longer business with Israel meant no Arab man, “the most diplomatically inept … an Israeli official to draw conclusions than any of us might have expected. markets, know this is no longer the case. government in Israel’s history.” from the AJC’s whirlwind meetings in The same eagerness goes for med- Indeed, many Arab countries, openly I disagreed at the time. I disagree New York during UNGA, I said: “Coun- ical breakthroughs, cyber-security, or just below the surface, are doing today. To the contrary, I have repeatedly terintuitive as it may sound to some ears, defense, counter-terrorism, airport se- booming business with Israel, so why said that Israel’s diplomatic position I cannot recall seeing Israel in a stronger curity, national resilience models, emer- should others, in Asia for example, deal globally has been on the upswing. That’s position bilaterally than it is today.” gency responses, natural gas, invest- themselves out of the game? been proven dramatically in recent Obviously, each country is a story ments and, perhaps most intriguingly Fifth, the fear of primary, secondary weeks, judging from the news about the unto itself. But there are certain factors of all, the creation of innovation-based and even tertiary boycotts was especial- UAE, Serbia, Kosovo and Malawi, but that apply pretty much across the board. ecosystems. ly felt among energy importers, who the trend began years ago. First, Israel is the quintessential Second, once hostile countries are relied heavily on Arab exporters. The I say this not as a card-carrying 21st century country. It’s home to a vast now compartmentalizing their foreign global energy glut, reflected both in member of the Likud Party or a spokes- knowledge industry and entrepreneurial policies more than in the past. They supply and pricing, has totally changed person for the prime minister, but as a spirit. This creates technologies and ser- may still not necessarily like Israel or its the calculus. No country needs to fear lifelong friend of Israel and the U.S.- vices needed around the world. When an politics a whole lot, but they understand a supply disruption today because of Israel relationship, who’s been fortunate arid country, Israel, is predicted to run they’re cutting off their noses to spite commerce with Israel. to witness many events firsthand and out of water as its population swells, and their faces if they define the sum total And sixth, Israel is seen by many measure trends longitudinally. instead becomes a water exporter, it has of their approach towards Israel through as a global powerhouse, with especially In 1990, as geopolitics was being something to offer countries fearful of policy differences. strong ties to the United States, as well upended by the collapse of the Soviet life-threatening shortages. Third, whether they verbalize it as India, Germany, the United Kingdom, bloc, the American Jewish Committee As one Latin American foreign publicly or not, many now understand Central and Eastern Europe, Central (AJC) began a new global advocacy minister said to us, “Israel has no rain that they can’t continue to give the Pal- Asia, Japan, Brazil, Egypt and many campaign to encourage support for Is- and yet it has flourishing agriculture. estinians a veto on their attitudes toward other nations, not to mention world rael’s rightful place in the community We have plenty of rain and a chronic Israel. This is most evident in the Arab Jewry. of nations. water shortage. How can we learn from world, but not only. As a consequence, in the minds of Over time, AJC expanded its ef- Israel?” The Palestinians have been given some, having strong bilateral ties with forts to engage nearly 120 countries, In the same vein, we met with a one chance after another to make peace Israel could potentially yield added ben- including as many as 75-80 alone during European prime minister, whose country with Israel based on a two-state model, efits elsewhere. In my experience, this the 10-day period of the UN General rarely voted with Israel. Exhausted by starting in 1947. They haven’t. factor reveals itself, whether directly or Assembly (UNGA) opening each fall. an all-night cabinet meeting to discuss Seventy-three years have passed, subtly, rather often. Those countries included some budget cuts that could trigger street pro- hence a desire to move on with Israel, The bottom line is that today, Israel which had no diplomatic ties to Israel, tests, he showed little interest in seeing even as rhetorical support for the Pales- continued on next page You’re at a great place in life. It’s called Amavida.

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. The miracle of Israel’s diplomatic breakthroughs Connecting the dots here is a wonderful statement forget about converting. Not only did For those of you who may not those with fins and scales. tinians might be unchanged. in the Zohar, the primary book he remain Jewish, he went on to write a have heard of the Zohar, or kabbalah, Many of us have sought to under- Fourth, the Arab economic em-Tof kabbalah and Jewish mysti- classic called The Star of Redemption. or even of wearing a red band, much stand why the Divine does “x,” “Y” or bargo, once a powerful factor, is dead. cism. The statement reads: “G-d con- And he then proceeded to translate the of it is due to our ancestors wanting to any other letter. But our brains are too Countries that used to believe doingceals himself from the mind of man, Bible into German with Martin Buber. show the world how rational Judaism limited to comprehend the great mys- business with Israel meant no Arab but reveals himself When Rosenzweig opened his heart, he is. And so poetry, and superstition and teries of life. Our heart, however, is the markets, know this is no longer the case. to his heart.” Isn’t was able to perceive much more than kabbalah all had to be swept under the primary organ in approaching G-d. Per- Indeed, many Arab countries, openly this true? Back in with his brain alone. rug. As one of my teachers used to say, forming the mitzvoth, opening ourself or just below the surface, are doing the early years of the “G-d conceals himself from the “Judaism isn’t just Maimonides’ Guide and our heart to the reality of our in- booming business with Israel, so why 20th century, Franz mind of man, but reveals himself to to the Perplexed. It is also “saltz, fef- terconnectedness helps orient us in the should others, in Asia for example, deal Rosenzweig was a his heart.” When the enlightenment fer and kishke too.” If Judaism has no right direction. Maybe this is why we themselves out of the game? philosopher in Ger- began in the 18th century, many schol- taste, why be Jewish? read in Deuteronomy 8:2: “Learn what Fifth, the fear of primary, secondary many. Though he ars believed that reason would be able Again and again in the High Holi- is in your heart.” May we all learn to  and even tertiary boycotts was especial- Rabbi was born Jewish, he to conquer all of our problems. Wars day liturgy, we read prayers asking for open our hearts in prayer and may we Michael J. ly felt among energy importers, who was considering con- would be no more, poverty would be G-d’s help in opening our hearts. Our be able to perceive the depth of both. Schorin relied heavily on Arab exporters. The verting to Christiani- eliminated and society would blossom. tradition has referred to it as “circum- Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC, global energy glut, reflected both inty, mostly for the increased chances of Almost three centuries later, the prom- cising our hearts.” This operation is to BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’s supply and pricing, has totally changedgetting a professorship. Prior to con- ise has not been fulfilled. But don’t make us more sensitive to the world Department of Spiritual Services, and the calculus. No country needs to fearverting, he thought he would attend one get me wrong. Rational thinking and and to all of its creatures – two-legged, ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical a supply disruption today because of final High Holiday service and he spent science have propelled us a long way four-legged, those with wings and Center. commerce with Israel. Yom Kippur in an Orthodox shul. His from where we were. But when we try And sixth, Israel is seen by manyexperience there of the depth of prayer, to solve problems of the heart with rea- as a global powerhouse, with especially and the turning of heart, inspired him to son alone, we are in for trouble. strong ties to the United States, as well as India, Germany, the United Kingdom,David Harris...continued from previous page Central and Eastern Europe, Central has relations with all but a handful of to get on committees, elect their repre- Asia, Japan, Brazil, Egypt and many countries, and the number continues sentatives to leadership posts, or gain other nations, not to mention world to climb. In any given week, at least support for key national priorities, they Jewry. pre-Coronavirus, Israeli hotels were need the majority of member states on As a consequence, in the minds of filled with official visitors from many their side. And at the UN, that majority some, having strong bilateral ties with nations. continues to reflexively position itself Israel could potentially yield added ben- And my informal barometer of against Israel, even as, outside the efits elsewhere. In my experience, this Israel’s global standing – the arrivals public glare, many seek closer ties with factor reveals itself, whether directly or and departures boards at Ben Gurion Jerusalem. subtly, rather often. Airport – reveals dramatic changes from There remains much to be done The bottom line is that today, Israel a time not so long ago when the bulk of in the bilateral realm, not to mention flights were to and from North America the multilateral arena, but the positive and Western Europe. No longer. changes have been remarkable. So why the claims of Israel’s isola- They reveal an Israel increasingly Specializing in tion? Presumably because the laggard engaged with every corner of the world, outpatient hip and in Israel’s diplomatic advances has been and every corner of the world increas- knee replacement lopsided UN votes and discriminatory ingly engaged with Israel. structures. By and large, that hasn’t im- proved nearly as rapidly as the bilateral The AJC West Coast sphere has. True and troubling. Florida office, located in But it will be the last place to reflect the new environment because many Sarasota, can be reached countries see little upside to changing their multilateral postures. If they want at 941.365.4955.

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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. An essay for this season By Victoria Fuchs Editor’s note: Victoria Fuchs, wife of a young boy who, when his house was walls and gravestones, and videos of others to risk their own lives to save Rabbi Stephen Fuchs of Bat Yam Tem- on fire, didn’t know where to run to es- people, even children, marching with them if they contract the virus? ple of the Islands, shared these words cape the flames. So he ran to the fami- hateful posters saying “Kill the Jews.” And how do I forgive people who with the congregation at the Kol Nidre ly car. He died in that car with his dog My relatives were murdered by Na- have wronged me personally or have service. on his lap. My heart is crying. Whom zis, by people who hate Jews simply wronged someone I love, and do not y heart is heavy this year. should I forgive when corporations because they think they are different. ask for forgiveness? How do I help my This year I really had to continue to perpetuate the causes of Should I forgive these people when I heart heal from all this? I used to print Mprepare because if I am tru- global warming? They have not asked despise what they do? out sayings that I thought were mean- ly to have peace in my heart, I must me to forgive them. They will not. Is While I am so very grateful that ingful and tape them to my wall. One be able to forgive those whom I feel there room in my heart to forgive them? so far my immediate family and close is about the Cherokee grandfather who have wronged me, who have wronged As an idealistic San Francisco teen- friends have not contracted COVID-19, told his grandson that there is a battle people I love, who have wronged our ager of the 1960s, I naively thought that my heart again cries for the more than between two wolves inside us all. One country, our world, and who are still racism was only in the south and that 200,000 American people, and thou- wolf is anger, jealousy, greed and lies. doing so. Theoretically I would for- we were working so hard to end it that sands more worldwide who have died The other wolf is joy, love, humility, give those who ask forgiveness. That it would cease to exist soon. Fifty years because of this pandemic. My heart kindness, empathy and truth. The child forgiveness is not a difficult task. But later, the phrase “systemic racism” has cries for the hundreds of thousands who asks, “which one wins,” and the grand- what about those who do not ask? Shall entered my vocabulary. It makes me have lost grandparents, parents, broth- father answers, “the one you feed.” I let my anger burn in my heart because cringe. My heart cries when my brain ers, sisters, dear friends and children. Another one of my favorite sayings is I doubt they will ever ask? revisits the knee on the neck, and when Each one of those thousands who died credited to Buddha, which says, “Hold- Let’s start with global warming. I realize that it was only one of many was a human being, taken too soon. ing on to anger is like drinking poison For years we have been warned that examples, and that we only learned re- My heart is angry at those who refuse and expecting the other person to die.” it was getting worse. Now the fires in cently, because of cell phone cameras, to wear masks, who throw parties, who The third and last one I’ll quote is ad- my home state of California and all that it exists in such great proportion go to such parties because they want vice from Don Miguel Ruiz, who said, across the west are destroying millions against people of color. My heart cries “liberty” and say this is a free country, “Nothing others do is because of you of acres of forests, tens of thousands of when I see bombings in synagogues and then they cause others to become but is a reflection of their own reality. homes and scores of lives. I read about and anti-Jewish writing on synagogue ill and die. Must I find a way to forgive When you are immune to the opinions them? and actions of others, you won’t be the On 9/11 this year, I mourned with victim of needless suffering.” our country the anniversary of the de- This high holiday season, as I work struction of the twin towers in New to look at my past year, evaluate my York, the 2,977 people who died and own actions and reflect on what I need the more than 6,000 injured on that to do to make myself a better person, I day. Like everyone else, I know ex- will also try to let go of the anger with- actly where I was and what I was do- in so that it does not poison me. I will ing when I first heard. My third-grade work to be more kind, humble, loving class was in line, waiting to use the re- and joyful. I will look at those who stroom a few at a time. When parents have wronged me with pity, and real- started picking up their children early, ize that their unkind behavior is indeed the remaining children all looked out a reflection of their own reality, not the window and commented that it was mine. I must continue to work to help not snowing and asked me why parents our country, to help get out the vote, to FINEMARK NATIONAL BANK & TRUST IS PROUD were coming to pick up their children help those who need help, while main- TO CONSISTENTLY EARN A so very early. But I also remember how taining their dignity and self-respect. 5-STAR RATING our country came together and helped My husband has often said we FROM BAUER FINANCIAL, THE NATION’S each other. Every morning my class Jews are prisoners of hope. And I am and I sang either “God Bless America” definitely that. I hope and pray that * LEADING INDEPENDENT BANK RATING FIRM . or the “Star Spangled Banner” before this Jewish New Year will be a year we started our lessons. I remember in which the people who are able will the photos of the first responders who take steps to decrease global warming, We attribute our success to delivering unparalleled risked their lives to save people. It was will once again behave morally and service and putting our clients fi rst. not “just their job” they were doing, ethically, will work to end racism and it was their moral responsibility. And all ethnic hatred, and will find a cure they were proud to carry out their mor- for COVID-19. And I hope and pray al responsibilities. They were moral, that I personally will find ways to work they were ethical and they were very, harder to help the world heal, and will very brave. be able to help my heart to heal from Today our moral leaders on the its sadnesses. front lines are in hospitals and ambu- May we all find ways to help our lances, trying to save lives, again risk- hearts and each other’s heal from our ing their own. How do they forgive sadnesses, and may we all find many those who refuse to wear masks or joys in this coming New Year. avoid large gatherings but then expect What do you think? L’CHAYIM wants to know! Send your letters and comments to Ted Epstein, L’CHAYIM Editor, at [email protected]. Letters Policy Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone. Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Charleston • Estero • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length www.fi nemarkbank.com • 239-461-5900 • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value. and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM *5-Star Financial Rating issued by Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating and research fi rm. Rating is 5 out of 5. nor its advertisers. 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Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. United we stand The words we long to hear he Babylonian Talmud (Shab- sonal liberty or personal safety. It has against antisemitism bat 33b) contains this midrash. been framed in terms of faith in God fter the tragic shooting at the and services, or radical Islamist terror- Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai deni- and religious freedom. As of this writ- or many years I have pondered Tree of Life synagogue in ist groups that demand the destruction T the contradiction found in the grated the Roman government in Pales- ing, more than 211,000 have died in th Pittsburgh, we transitioned of Israel and the Jewish people, our tine during the persecutions of Hadrian. the United States and 1,700 in Israel.F 15 chapter of Deuteronomy. A Verse four says: “There shall be no from having a security guard, often un- message should be the same. With … When the Roman authorities heard, (During WW II, 405,000 Americans armed at special events and High Holy ONE single unified Jewish voice we he fled with his son, soldiers died. During the Yom Kippur needy among you.” Days, to having an armed security need to stand together against all forms Rabbi Eliezer … War, Israel’s deadliest, 2,656 soldiers But a few sentences guard at all services of antisemitism, period! and hid in a cave died. The pandemic is more than half- later in verse 11, we and events. I was Dr. Martin Luther King and Rab- where, for most of way toward reaching these grim statis- read, “The poor shall now thinking dif- bi Abraham Joshua Heschel marched their days, they bur- tics in both countries.) Israel has the never cease out of the ferently about who side by side in Selma, standing for the ied themselves up to highest infection rate per capita of any land.” As Thanks- might want to harm civil rights of black Americans and the their necks in sand country in the world. And still, there is giving approaches, us and was remind- plight of Soviet Jews. Recalling these and discussed To- angry, burning rhetoric in both countries. I have written the ed that antisemitism historic moments of mutual love and  Rabbi rah. Twelve years Who is saying, “We are in this to- Rabbi following poem to was alive and well understanding can inspire us to bring Marc later, after the death gether”? Who is saying, “We have a Stephen address the contra-  Rabbi in the 21st century. about healing, which we’re really in Sack of the emperor, they responsibility to take care of each oth- Fuchs diction. Lawrence Unfortunately, 2020 need of right now. returned and were confronted with ev- er, as well as take care of ourselves”? Dermer was no exception. The antisemitic statements made a eryday life. They saw farmers plowing Where is there any call to act for theThanksgiving soon will be here, Before the new year there was bru- short time ago by Nick Cannon have and sowing and were shocked: “They greater good – not just for the greaterA grand and special day, tal attack against a rabbi in Monsey, resulted in constructive and healing abandon eternal life and toil in tempo- economic good, though I do not dismissSo I opened up the Good Book Congresswoman Ilhan Omar accused dialog with rabbis. Desean Jackson ral life?” Every place that they direct- the real hardship many have endured –To see what it has to say. Jews of having allegiance to a foreign joined with Julian Edelman visiting ed their eyes was immediately burned. but for the sake of saving lives? Who government, and over 50 JCCs re- a Holocaust museum, gaining an un- A heavenly voice went out and said to is calling upon us to sacrifice for Ithe find in Deuteronomy ceived emailed bomb threats, A Sara- derstanding of the horrors of the Ho- them, “Did you come out to destroy sake of a greater good? We are waitingA glorious proclamation: sota synagogue was spray-painted locaust that began with no more than My world? Return to your cave!” to hear these words, this call to action. “There shall be no needy among you with swastikas, synagogues in Rich- hateful speech. When they came back a year later, The virus is a scourge that attacksIn any land or nation!” (15:4) mond and L.A. were vandalized in the Our Torah calls us to love and nev- Rabbi Eliezer’s gaze still burned what- all people. (I do not ignore that death wake of George Floyd protests, Jewish er to hate each other universally, with ever he looked at, but Rabbi Shimon rates have been greater in some com-What a glorious vision that is! businesses were attacked and defaced no racial divides. With all the love in bar Yochai’s healed. Then they saw an munities than others. Sadly, for a num-If only it were true, during protests in L.A., rapper Ice Cube the world, let’s exclaim, “Attention old man running at twilight on a Friday ber of reasons, some are able to sur-But I note a few lines further shared antisemitic views and support antisemites: Your biggest fears are cor- with two bunches of myrtle. They said vive the virus more than others.) AndThat we have much work to do for virulent Jew hater Louis Farrakhan, rect, you’ll be rendered obsolete and to him: “Why do you have these?” He while we may, most of the time, live in Winona Ryder accused Mel Gibson of soon. We’ll replace every act of your said to them: “In honor of Shabbat.” our distinct neighborhoods and social“There will never cease to be those in antisemitism by calling her an “oven hate with acts of love and kindness. They said to him: “One is enough.” He groupings, we cannot forget our com-want,” (15:11) dodger,” Pink Floyd co-founder Roger We’ll educate your ignorance with Di- replied: “One is for ‘remember’ [the monality and, I believe, our responsi-The very next paragraph reads. Waters claimed that Israeli police are vine inspiration. We’ll illuminate the Sabbath day to keep it holy] (Exodus bility for each other. How can two such opposite views responsible for teaching U.S. police darkness of bigotry with the light of 20:8), and one is for ‘observe’ [the We will get through this. A vaccineBe almost rubbing knees? racist tactics, demonstrators in D.C. truth. As one Jewish voice, along with Sabbath day to keep it holy] (Deuter- will be discovered; effective treatments linked Black Lives Matter and Pal- all good and decent people of all races onomy 5:12).” will be standardized. But this is an op-The answer lies between estinian protests chanting “Israel, we and religions we’ll stand up and over- In their response to the Coronavi- portunity to reestablish a national unityThe conflicting thoughts we heard, know you, you murder children, too,” come you!” rus, it feels like too many speak with and sense of purpose – in the U.S. andBut we must follow closely Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeSean With polarization and division at a the burning gaze of Rabbi Shimon bar in Israel. Instead, we hear burning ac-And take to heart God’s words! Jackson posted antisemitic quotes on high, let’s not waste time blaming an- Yochai and Rabbi Eliezer. It is a gaze cusation. social media, and TV host Nick Can- tisemitism on the left or the right. We that seeks to denigrate the worries and A heavenly voice is calling out,There will be no poor about! non supported antisemitic conspiracy can’t afford to be fighting with each needs of others. “Will someone please say the words,That will only happen when, theories referencing the Rothschilds. other. We have enough real enemies In this country and in Israel, the ‘We are responsible for each other’”? All of us work together The list goes on... out there. We must be unified, never discussion about mask-wearing has Rabbi Marc Sack serves at TempleTo make that time “Now,” not “Then!” Following the news, we see people again retreating from our Jewish iden- been framed in the language of per- Judea in Fort Myers. across the political divide each blam- tity in the face of ignorance and hatred. But we all know the time’s not near ing the other for antisemitism. This May the wisdom of our Torah re- When all will heed God’s wish infighting is a misguided a waste of verberate from generation to genera- So those of us who really care energy. We should be calling out all tion, uniting us in changing the world Must step up to the dish. antisemitism without blaming it on the with a message of acceptance, love left or right. and peace for all G-d’s children every- Whether confronting Holocaust where in the world. We Are Strong. We may be keeping our distance, deniers, neo-Nazis, the KKK, support- Rabbi Lawrence Dermer serves at ers of BDS, a boycott of Israeli goods Shalom Life Center in Fort Myers. but we are in this together. the antisemitism that was part of the cultural discourse. When I was a stu- BRIEFS dent in Damascus, Syria, 26 summers ago, agents of the regime regaled me continued from page 19 Stay Calm. were Jews and didn’t want them in the one evening with a long and exhaus- country.” Still, she said, most of the tive string of antisemitic canards be- former internees are not bitter because, cause they felt it was important that after all, they survived the Holocaust. they teach me what I did not learn in Stay Connected. (Julie Masis, Times of Israel) the U.S. With the signing of the Abraham THE ARAB WORLD Accords, the Emiratis have flipped the IS HAVING A JEWISH narrative. Their outreach to Israel has REVOLUTION generated an interest in Jews and Juda- Stay Active. ism that is refreshing. (Steven A. Cook, A critical consequence of the Abraham Foreign Policy) Accords is the normalization of Jews and Judaism in an Arab and Muslim For daily news stories related society. That is a big deal. to Israel & the Jewish world, During my time in Cairo in the late visit the Federation’s website at 1990s and early 2000s, I was struck by www.JewishFederationLCC.org.

Go to AloneTogether.com for ways to take care of yourself and others. L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 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. 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. Bridging the gap between Recognizing the good ack in August, when I was Mishkan HaNefesh, added a new sec- Deuteronomy 15:4 and 15:11 pre-recording sections of our tion to the Vidui called Hakarat HaTov or many years I have pondered Those of us who’ll read this Yom Kippur services, I had to – Recognizing the Good. the contradiction found in the Are comfortable no doubt. B repeat the Vidui confession about three This Jewish value encourages us F15th chapter of Deuteronomy. But all too many on God’s earth times in a row. When we finally got to find the good in ourselves and those Verse four says: “There shall be no Surely do without done with it, after repeating the exhaus- around us. It inspires us to live up to needy among you.” tive list of al cheit the best version of ourselves. But a few sentences Without a home to keep them dry sh’chatanu l’fanecha, The prayer book offers us an in- later in verse 11, we And clothes to keep them warm “the ways we have terpretive version of Hakarat HaTov. read, “The poor shall From snow and sleet and wind and rain wronged you, and The section for the end of Yom Kippur never cease out of the From every passing storm harm we have caused reads in part: “We loved. And we wept. land.” As Thanks- you,” our videographer We were kind, and spoke thoughtful- giving approaches, Others strive just to exist exclaimed, “Whoa, ly. We were faithful and trusting. We I have written the Without enough to eat who are you talking put forth effort. We were mindful. We  Rabbi following poem to Try feeding five on minimum wage.  Rabbi about?” fought for justice, and searched out the Stephen address the contra- That’s surely no mean feat. Nicole The Vidui, be- good. We tried our best. And we were Fuchs diction. Luna ginning with the ad- attentive. We proclaimed Your name. And don’t forget those in our midst mission that we are often quick to deny And we were accepting. We were joy- Thanksgiving soon will be here, Who have much that they own, blame, to give excuses, to conveniently ful. And we cared.” A grand and special day, But suffer sadness deep inside forget our mistakes, can leave us with During this season of gratitude and So I opened up the Good Book And feel so all alone. a negative view of humanity. It goes thanksgiving, may we focus on our po- To see what it has to say. through all our worst traits including tential for goodness and the possibility Loneliness was always real inflexibility, envy, dishonesty, hostil- of a better world. Then, may we live I find in Deuteronomy But now things are much worse ity, etc. So to provide some balance, up to it. A glorious proclamation: In this time of the Pandemic to remind us of the greatest ideals of Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple “There shall be no needy among you It’s a veritable curse. humanity, to remind us of our purpose, Beth El in Fort Myers. In any land or nation!” (15:4) the Reform movement’s machzor, “For just such a time as this,” (Esther 4:4) What a glorious vision that is! God calls on us to serve If only it were true, Because so many suffer But I note a few lines further And lack what they deserve That we have much work to do A sense that life has purpose “There will never cease to be those in And hope for a new day want,” (15:11) Will continue to elude too many The very next paragraph reads. Before Corona goes away. How can two such opposite views

Be almost rubbing knees? So let’s focus on the “Giving” This coming holiday

The answer lies between To enrich the lives of those who lack

The conflicting thoughts we heard, In a meaningful way! 239.481.4449 x4 or [email protected]

But we must follow closely

And take to heart God’s words! There is so much To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford That still needs to be done, There will be no poor about! Before our world and God’s will That will only happen when, Truly become one!

All of us work together

To make that time “Now,” not “Then!” May we give thanks for all our blessings 

With hearts and hands unfurled

But we all know the time’s not near To embrace God’s challenge to us What is a Women’s Giving Circle? When all will heed God’s wish To repair our broken world! What is a Women’s Giving Circle?

So those of us who really care Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs serves at

Must step up to the dish. Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on San- 

ibel Island.

We may be keeping our distance,  but we are in this together.  

Stay Calm. 



’ What is a Women s Giving Circle? W   Stay Connected.  

Stay Active. 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] 239.481.4449 x4 or [email protected]

Go to AloneTogether.com for ways to take care of yourself and others. L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 26 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FOCUS ON YOUTH Candle lighting times: November 6: 5:23 November 13: 5:20 Bar / Bat Mitzvah Specialist Choosing the right photographer is an important decision. November 20: 5:18 Michael Shapiro has more than 30 years experience in media and journalism. He is able to capture images that are unique, November 27: 5:17 unexpected and spontaneous. Earn CAS Credits The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties is interested in hearing from teenagers in high school who might like to earn CAS credits though various work in the Jewish community.

Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events If you are interested, please send the following information 239.770.6860 to [email protected]: [email protected] Name www.shapiro-photography.com Address Phone # Age Grade School Preferred volunteer hours DISCOVER (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays) THE FUN! Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant

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

RECEIVE THE GIFT OF FREE JEWISH CHILDREN’S BOOKS MAILED TO YOUR HOME SHARE the experience of reading with your EVERY MONTH! children as they grow with

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Funded by the For more information visit jewishfederationlcc.org SIGN UP TODAY! Roth Family Enrollment is open to Foundation Jewish families with children between the ages of six months to More information, contact Debbie Sanford is proud to offer the Stevan & Marilyn Simon Family Scholarship.

eight years 239.481.4449 ext. 3 living in [email protected] This scholarship is open to those at least high school age who Lee & Charlotte Counties. demonstrate leadership qualities and will be participating in a 2-week or longer program in Israel.

A short essay is required.

For more information, and to access the application, visit the Families can sign up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org TOP Jewish Foundation website at topjewishfoundation.org L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 27

laughed themselves sil- introduce them to my new dog myself. lawn) to find the missing pieces. We TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS ly. Now they are emerg- On October 4, we were supposed also collected manna before setting off Fort Myers ing veterans of digital to meet our friends at Temple Beth El on individual archeological digs (He- instruction. When one for a Sukkot celebration. Unfortunate- brew letters buried in Moon Sand) and Temple Judea Religious School thing doesn’t go as expected, they ly, the weather did not cooperate. How- having lunch together. I am so glad that Tab Scribner, are quickly gathering the pieces and ever, on October 11, both schools met the weather cooperated so the children Director of Congregational Learning forging forward another way. They at Temple Judea for a Simchat Torah could have fun together. This fall has been a wild adventure for are making the most of the technolo- Adventure program co-organized by For more information on the Tem- Temple Judea Religious School. No gy they have learned and catering it to the sisters of the Sigma Alpha Epsi- ple Judea Religious School or our sooner did we start our fall classes, we their strengths as teachers. I couldn’t lon Pi sorority at FGCU. Last year we programming, please contact me at celebrated the High Holidays both vir- be prouder of them. teamed together on a Tu B’Shevat pro- 239.433.0201 or [email protected]. tually and in-person. I’m finding that I It has been a challenge for our stu- gram, and we wanted to do more pro- look forward to our in-person events so dents to find rhythm this fall, but that grams together. It is always fun having much more than before. There is some- is how it usually is. We start classes, the college students come out and play thing to be said for the phrase “absence have a bunch of holidays and then set- with the kids. makes the heart grow fonder.” tle into a pattern once again. This year We had a blast. As the children Our teachers are continuing to has been a little more complicated with arrived, they divided into teams com- make strides in delivering inter- finding a rhythm because it’s so much peting to build a Tower of Babel with net-based instruction to our children, harder to do it online. I love popping shoeboxes. It’s a good thing we had learning to use old resources in new in on their classes to say hello and give some wind because the towers fell ways, new internet resources, and even them an update on things. It is great over and over. So no worries about learning a few apps. If I had asked to see their smiling faces (even if the divine punishment. From there they some of my teachers if they knew screen is turned upside down), the cre- crossed the Red Sea (sidewalk chalk,

how to use Zoom, Google Classroom, ative nicknames they’ve given them- The Ground is Lava game) before re- Friends building a tower Screencastify, Kahoot or Genius Scan selves and, of course, meeting all their ceiving a Torah and going on a scav- this time last year, they would have all pets on camera. I can hardly wait to enger hunt in the wilderness (the front

Lunch! Digging for Hebrew letters Crossing the Red Sea Joseph Horowitz PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! Israel Travel Grant PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! available through the PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.

Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids Now PJ librarymusic families — anytime, can listen anywhere. to Jewish kids Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids Introducingmusic PJLibraryRadio.com — anytime, anywhere., an online Our friends from Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi at FGCU music — anytime, anywhere. streamingIntroducing radio PJLibraryRadio.com station with more than, an 2,000 online songs Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online streamingfrom hundredsradio station of artists with moreacross than the 2,000globe. songs Results of streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs a recent Musicfrom is availablehundreds 24/7 of artists with specialacross themusic globe. blocks from hundreds of artists across the globe. national Music isfor available Shabbat, 24/7 Holiday with andspecial Bedtime. music blocks For more information survey of Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks visit jewishfederationlcc.org 25,000 for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. families for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. • Listen to the music online conducted by PJ Library • ListenDownload to the the music free apponline on ITunes, Google Play • Listen to the music online • Downloador Tune In Radiothe free app on ITunes, Google Play • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play is proud to offer the Stevan & Marilyn Simon Family Scholarship. Parents in Lee or Tune In Radio PJ Library is

and Charlotte or Tune In Radio This scholarship is open to those at least high school age who counties whose making a demonstrate leadership qualities and will be participating in a children are difference in the 2-week or longer program in Israel. enrolled in lives of families PJ Library A short essay is required. raising Jewish participated in

the survey. children.. For more information, and to access the application, visit the TOP Jewish Foundation website at topjewishfoundation.org L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 28 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ORGANIZATIONS

memorative Service will or a member of GenShoah, please join information about programs, joining GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH be presented at 2:30 p.m. us at the virtual Pot Luck on Sunday, GenShoah, or to receive the GenShoah SOUTHWEST FLORIDA on Sunday, November 8. December 13 at 4:00 p.m. by making a newsletter, email me at genshoahswfl@ (239) 963-9347 Kristallnacht is recog- reservation at HMCEC.org. gmail.com. nized as “the night the Some of the Zoom presentations GenShoah update Holocaust began.” The commemora- are being recorded and will be avail-Banging pots and pans Ida Margolis tion will include a program, candle able on the Museum’s YouTube chan-Diane Schwartz GenShoah SWFL, the Holocaust Mu- lighting and a guest speaker. For the nel. To access them, search for Holo-In this year of COVID-19, we see seum & Cohen Education Center and Zoom link, please register at https:// caust Museum & Cohen Educationcountries, communities and individu- Catholic-Jewish Dialogue are working jfgn.regfox.com/kristallnacht. Center on YouTube, or click on the linkals honoring nurses and other health- to make sure that annual programs will The GenShoah SWFL Annual Hol- on the Museum’s website. care workers across the spectrum by still be available to the community. iday Pot Luck and book discussion has A reminder that GenShoah hascheering them on at set times of the Even though they cannot be presented been an opportunity not only for good asked for children of Holocaust survi-day. From balconies in France and It- in the usual manner, fortunately they food, but for GenShoah members to vors to help accept the responsibilityaly to communities across the country, can be brought to you virtually. hear an interesting book discussion and of telling their parent’s story. We havegrateful Americans joined the world to Last month in the “Heroes, Hero- socialize, greet old friends and meet asked that the stories be written in thesend out love, praise and admiration ines and Helpers” series, Master Sgt. new ones. This year we will try to do format below: for nurses and healthcare workers by Roddie Edmonds was featured because all of those things at the Pot Luck, ex- • 500-700 words banging pots and pans, singing and of his heroism during WWII, when he cept you will have to prepare your own • Include appropriate geographicalcreating beautiful music – even opera. risked his life to save Jewish POWs. good food. We will have a presentation background Honoring the 200th anniversary of Hear his son, Pastor Chris Edmonds, of the beautiful and brilliant book, Wit- • Be certain that historical facts con-the birth of Florence Nightingale, the tell this riveting story, which is an ideal ness, by Ariel Burger, who was a stu- tained are accurate World Health Organization (WHO) thing to do this Veterans Day. So, on dent of Elie Wiesel. Wiesel is a hero in • Include a personal highlight established “The International Year of Wednesday, November 11 at 4:00 p.m., so many ways. He was a “treasure of • Include a photograph the Nurse and Midwife” in 2020. The tune in to hear the story of a true hero humanity” and an extraordinary teach- The GenShoah newsletter and The stories, which may be edited,effort seeks to advance nurses’ vital who is only one of five Americans who er, and this book provides insights into L’CHAYIM will be announcing future will be available to the public and usedrole in transforming healthcare around have been awarded the title “Righteous Wiesel’s life and his classroom. You programs for the “Heroes, Heroines for instructional purposes in print and/the world. This is so appropriate at this Among the Nations,” Israel’s highest don’t have to read the book to enjoy the and Helpers” series. There will be a va- or digital format at the Holocaust Mu-time during a pandemic. honor for non-Jews who risked their discussion, but you may want to read riety of upcoming programs, including seum & Cohen Education Center. They In 1912, Henrietta Szold founded lives to save Jews during the Holo- what has been called “an insightful and those that will feature local survivors may also be printed in a book that canHadassah. Hadassah’s roots in the field caust. Prior registration is required at winsome love letter,” a treasure, and a and their rescuers. 2gs will have an be a valuable keepsake. For more in-go back to 1913, when the fledgling HMCEC.org. book that will turn the reader into one opportunity to tell a story about a hero formation, email Rochelle at liebro@organization sent nurses Rose Kaplan The Annual Kristallnacht Com- of Wiesel’s students. If you are a 2g, in their life. If you would like more gmail.com. and Rae Landy to then-Palestine and laid the groundwork for building a healthcare infrastructure in Israel. Expanding on that effort, Hadassah

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]. L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 29

led to the inauguration of satisfaction by integrating core aspects following the life of a Sabra woman HADASSAH an American-style Vis- of members’ identity. Hadassah is for who became a Hadassah nurse, trained Collier/Lee Chapter iting Nurse program in women and it’s about advocacy. Nurs- at the Hadassah School of Nursing, (732) 539-4011 Jerusalem. It also fund- es are patient advocates.” and working at Mt. Scopus – the first ed welfare stations, soup To understand the true and deep Hospital Hadassah opened. Raquela, Banging pots and pans kitchens and other ser- meaning of nursing as part of Hadas- a Woman of Israel by Ruth Gruber, a Diane Schwartz vices for Palestine’s Jewish and Arab sah, explore the September/October non-fiction book, is a gripping and fas- In this year of COVID-19, we see inhabitants. 2020 issue of Hadassah Magazine cinating look at the life experience of countries, communities and individu- How we have grown! to learn about and hear from veteran Raquela and the foundational work of als honoring nurses and other health- In a Hadassah Magazine profile of nurses as well as those beginning in the Hadassah in the founding and develop- care workers across the spectrum by Hadassah nurses, we learn that nursing profession here and in Israel. ment of Israel. cheering them on at set times of the is America’s largest healthcare pro- For a further view of how closely All Hadassah members can be day. From balconies in France and It- fession with more than three million HMO and Hadassah nurses were and proud of what we have accomplished aly to communities across the country, practitioners in settings as diverse as are tied to the development of the State but we don’t stop there. We are build- grateful Americans joined the world to primary care offices, schools, midwife- of Israel and Israel’s healthcare sys- ers of the future for our children and send out love, praise and admiration ry clinics, research laboratories and tem, you can read a wonderful book, grandchildren both here and in Israel. for nurses and healthcare workers by hospitals. banging pots and pans, singing and Hadassah’s Nurses Council offers Save the Date: creating beautiful music – even opera. mentorship, networking events, webi- Due to the Coronavirus, all Hadassah meetings and programs are being offered and Honoring the 200th anniversary of nars and continuing education to near- presented via Zoom. We hope to see you on Zoom at these interesting and diverse the birth of Florence Nightingale, the ly 2,500 members in 35 chapters across programs. For your convenience, these offerings are being presented as a series of World Health Organization (WHO) the country. This includes veterans as programs called Expanding Horizons. You may subscribe to any and all programs established “The International Year of well as beginners. and share your email to receive the Zoom link. Watch for the weekly eblast with the Nurse and Midwife” in 2020. The Council members meet with con- registration information or contact Diane Schwartz at [email protected]. effort seeks to advance nurses’ vital gressional staffers on Capitol Hill and X Monday, November 2 at 3:30 p.m.: “Zoom Dessert Anyone?” A baking role in transforming healthcare around promote initiatives around Jewish- as- demonstration by Bakery Chef Stephani Schwartz. Attendees are eligible for the world. This is so appropriate at this sociated health concerns like breast a drawing prize of the personally delivered dessert to the winner’s home in time during a pandemic. cancer. Continuing a more than centu- either Collier or Lee county. In 1912, Henrietta Szold founded ry-old legacy, Hadassah members who X Monday, November 16 at 11:00 a.m.: Fall Meeting & Speaker. Kathy A. Hadassah. Hadassah’s roots in the field are nurses collaborate with the Hadas- Feinstein, LMHC, CMPC discussing “The Mental Edge: Resilience & Coping go back to 1913, when the fledgling sah Medical Organization (HMO) in in Difficult Times” organization sent nurses Rose Kaplan Israel. X Sunday, December 13 at 10 a.m.: Annual Recognition Keepers of the Gate and Rae Landy to then-Palestine and Florida’s own Susan Lafer from Zoom Event with Guest Speaker Dr. Alex Greenberg, an HMO physician cur- laid the groundwork for building a Tampa is a nurse and Past Region Pres- rently doing his Fellowship in Joint Reconstruction at the Hospital for Special healthcare infrastructure in Israel. ident of our Florida Central Region. Surgery in New York. For information, contact Nancy Wiadro at nwiadro@ Expanding on that effort, Hadassah She says, “The group offers profound hadassah.org or 239.269.3666.

a position of recognition honest to admit now that 2020 was a The Jewish Historical Society JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY in the community with- year that disappointed in many regards, of Southwest Florida OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA out having to hide that but we learned to appreciate even the 8805 Tamiami Trail North, (239) 566-1771 he is a Jew, as many then smallest blessing more than we did in Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108 did. Bill won over many 2019. That is a definite success! 833.547.7935 (833.JHS.SWFL) Homo proponit, man proposes… of his critics by acting as a reconcil- We thank you for 10 years of your www.jhsswf.org Marina Berkovich iatory when passions and allegiances unwavering support of our local orga- [email protected] There’s nothing sweeter to my histo- flew wild at City Council meetings and nization. Virtual Museum of SWFL ry-sleuth sweet tooth than connecting keeping an objective balance. He also Have you joined our mission yet? Jewish History http:// the work we are doing to its appre- managed to remain a regular guy. “Ap- Family Membership is $54; Individual jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/ ciative recipient. Case in point: After proachable” was a word I most often Membership is $36. Mail checks to: the October 7 film and discussion on heard during the filming of The Mayor Zoom that featured Southwest Florida with a Heart in the Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers Jerry and Sheila Labo- Jewish Pioneers documentary series. singles or couples. Join da, I received a note from one of the To purchase tickets to this event, email HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER HAZAK and meet new attendees, who remembered having Dr. [email protected], visit jhsswf.org or at Temple Judea friends. It’s an organiza- Laboda extracting his wisdom tooth go to Eventbrite. (239) 433-0201 tion that enables mem- Marcia Can Help in 1976. Such seemingly small con- 2020 JHSSWF Film Schedule on bers to meet and socialize nections are meaningful validations of Zoom, Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m.: HAZAK is planning outdoor and with each other. Our monthly programs MARCIA CAN HELP, a fund of the Jewish Federation the impactful influence our pioneers • Nov. 11: Stuart Kaye, A Mensch spaced-apart get-togethers at Lakes vary in nature. actually have on the communities they for All Seasons Park. For more information, dates and Members of the community are al- and Jewish Family Services, provides for emergency helped establish. • Nov. 18: Murray’s Mile, The Story times, email [email protected]. ways welcome to join and attend our nutritional needs through our Food Pantry, gift card About a year ago, as we planned of Murray Hendel Temple Judea’s active HAZAK programs. Dues are a moderate $10 for a beautiful 10th Anniversary Cele- • Nov. 25: The Power of Two, The 55+ Chapter is a chartered member of per year. For more information, email distribution, and crisis grants to prevent utility bration of The Jewish Historical Soci- Story of Judith and Samuel Fried- the United Synagogue of Conservative [email protected] or call Temple cut-offs, evictions, loss of transportation ety of Southwest Florida with Naples land Judaism. HAZAK Chapters are for Judea at 239.433.0201. Mayor Bill Barnett that was origi- • Dec. 2: Chief Plager of Sanibel and other essential services without nally scheduled for March 2020, no • Dec. 9: Florence Hertzman, By the Stay in touch throughout the month. which none of us can live. Inspired by the recognition that one could have fathomed that all that Pier would have to wait till better times. We • Dec. 16: Irving Berzon, Engineer- Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts. these needs must be addressed in our thank you for sticking around. We are ing the Future working full force on the 2021 restart Please email [email protected] to Get the latest information community, and as a tribute to Marcia Cohen, and hope to be saying that better times receive sign-in credentials. a long-time resident of Sanibel and social activist, her are here again soon. I wish we could pretend that 2020 on upcoming community We will kick off 2021 Florida Jew- did not happen, but history is merci- events and cultural husband Jack established the MARCIA CAN HELP fund in 2017. ish History Month with the 10th An- less. It cannot erase a fact or a year, niversary Celebration of The Jewish especially in our too-well-document- activities, breaking news, Historical Society of Southwest Flori- ed and overly archived era. A hundred updates from Israel and da with Naples Mayor Bill Barnett at years from now, when they will look the Hilton Naples on January 7 at 6:00 back at us in confusion, I would not lots more. Marcia Can Help p.m. Barnett, a strong and dependable want to add to that. I want to preserve leader, held a job in Naples govern- a clear trail. I know someone will be Send an email to Help us meet these pressing needs by contributing to the MARCIA CAN HELP fund. ment since 1976, serving as City Coun- looking back. Someone always does. I For further information please contact Alan Isaacs at (239) 481-4449 or [email protected]. cil member or Mayor. He was one of do. You probably do as well since you the first few Jews in town who reached are reading this. So it’s much more [email protected] L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 30 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

once again donating the to 7:00 p.m. Sabbath Eve prayer which depth study of the origins of our Jewish COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE lulav and etrog! will also continue to be “Zoomed.” festivals. Both are intended for the se- Fort Myers After the sukkah was Log-in and passcode information can rious adult student who prepares with (239) 466-6671 completed before sun- be found on the synagogue’s website at materials sent out each week via the set on Sukkot eve, Fri- www.fortmyerssynagogue.com. C.F.S. daily email communications. To www.fortmyerssynagogue.com day, October 2, an open Sabbath morning 9:30 a.m. Torah sign up for this eblast, email synfree@ air worship service, also Study and Tuesday evening 7:00 p.m. comcast.net. Heartfelt thanks to Richard McCon- viewed via Zoom, was conducted on Adult Education are both conducted on Deepest condolences to the fami- ville and Joseph Brauer for erecting the the synagogue portico. Thanks to Tra- Zoom. Study is an in-depth scholarly ly of Selma Zemel, who died in early C.F.S. sukkah, to the dozens of volun- ci, Joe, Laurie and Richard for the mu- discussion of the weekly sedra, while October at the age of 98. Selma was teers who came to top it off, to Shayne sic! C.F.S. Adult Education runs the full predeceased in 2004 by her husband Brown for baking his festive hallah, to C.F.S. has started to welcome gamut from the Pseudepigrapha and Henry. Both were strongly committed Melinda Diamond for providing the “in-person” up to 20 worshipers will- Apocrypha, The Dead Sea Scrolls and to weekly synagogue worship. beverages, and to Jessica Evers for ing to conform to the CDC guidelines Josephus, to Maimonides and an in-

we invite the entire com- our daily lives. send us an email or give us a call. SHALOM LIFE CENTER munity to connect and SLC also has a dynamic Women’s SLC also offers many other oppor- Fort Myers engage with us through Circle led by Rebbetzin Robin Dermer tunities to enhance your Jewish life and (239) 218-3433 Livestream services and with an emphasis on women’s spiritu- learning, and further your involvement Zoom meetings. ality and personal growth. in community service while making www.shalomlifecenter.org Every Friday night at Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation, To- friends in a warm and welcoming com- 7:30 p.m. we experience rah study, Women’s Circle Ladies munity. Shalom Life Center is a warm and wel- an uplifting, musical and meaningful Night, What’s Up Wednesday, Book Let your spirit soar at Shalom Life coming home for contemporary Jewish Livestream Shabbat service. To join Club, Green Team, Yiddish Culture Center where community is family, and life with a passionate commitment to with us, please visit www.shalomlife- Club, Monthly healing services and our prayer is always inspirational, mean- community and spiritual growth where center.org and click on SLC TV. Virtual Oneg Shabbat are taking place ingful and musical. For more informa- everyone is always welcome! Every Saturday morning at 10:00 in our SLC Zoom room for the time be- tion, visit www.shalomlifecenter.org. We are looking forward to making a.m. SLC offers an interactive and par- ing. If you’d like to learn more, please an announcement very soon in regards ticipatory Torah and Kabbalah study TEMPLE BETH EL to our reopening. We are very excited to led by Rabbi Lawrence Dermer with Send updates and changes to the Jewish Fort Myers be welcoming everyone back into our a focus on the relevance of our time- (239) 433-0018 building for in-person services, clubs less traditions and bringing the ancient and special events. In the meantime, wisdom of Torah and Kabbalah into Directory below to [email protected] www.templebethel.com

TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY The High Holy Day season was beau- REFORM ORTHODOX tifully busy at Temple Beth El. Post 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, our E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 941-833-3381 members enjoyed the chance to shake Learning Tree Preschool Director: : Jesyca Virnig E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com the lulav and etrog for Sukkot social- President: Hank Betchen Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by ly distanced under our sukkah. The Email: [email protected] a kiddush Phone: 239-433-0018 • Fax: 239-433-3235 Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. religious school participated in a Suk- Web site: www.templebethel.com COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE kot-themed Zoom scavenger hunt to Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study REFORM CHABAD LUBAVITCH 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA celebrate the holiday. Religious & Hebrew School: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 Sunday (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) ORTHODOX Simchat Torah was another suc- Judaica Gift Gallery P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 5620 Winkler Road cessful and joyous holiday celebrated Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Bruce Diamond Fort Myers, FL 33919 ([email protected]) Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz socially distanced. To include home- Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Phone: 239-433-7708 • Fax: 481-9109 TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Phone: 239-466-6671 E-mail: [email protected] bound congregants and those celebrat- REFORM E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.chabadswf.org ing in assisted living facilities, Temple Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Beth El held a Simchat Torah Mitz- Rabbi Devora Buchen Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon President: Peter Simenauer at 6:30 p.m. Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. vah Parade where members met in the Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Phone: 239-772-4555 • Fax: 239-772-4625 TBE parking lot to decorate their cars E-mail: [email protected] Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org every Saturday morning from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. OF CAPE CORAL Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday ORTHODOX Religious School: Wednesday 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. TEMPLE JUDEA 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. CONSERVATIVE Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Phone: 239-963-4770 Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) Rabbi Marc Sack E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.chabadcape.com BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS President: Dan Fox Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. REFORM Director of Congregational Learning: Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church Tab Scribner Kiddush luncheon 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Preschool Director: Joann Goldman Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs [email protected] Monday-Friday morning 7:00 a.m. President: Michael Hochschild Phone: 239-433-0201 • Fax: 239-433-3371 JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 971-561-7888 Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Email: [email protected] Web site: www.tjswfl.org Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cantor: Murray Simon Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.-noon; Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct-Apr) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS 7:00 p.m. Friday (May-Sept) Wed. 4:30-6 p.m. Early childhood education: • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Adult Education: Jacki Waksman - 954-653-9053 Saturday, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Nov-Apr) Preschool, M-F, ages 18 months-5 years; “Mommy & Me,” 12 months-2 years • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Brian Lipton - 941-365-4955 to 12:15 p.m. (Nov-Apr) Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism • Anti-Defamation League: 561-988-2900 Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 • B’Nai B’rith International: 941-302-4500 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism • Chevra Kadisha: SHALOM LIFE CENTER Gene Sipe - 239-841-4615 TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE TRANS DENOMINATIONAL • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963-9347 19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33967 • Hadassah - Collier/Lee Chapter: HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS Diane Schwartz - 732-539-4011 REFORM Rabbi Lawrence Dermer Phone: 239-218-3433 • Hadassah - Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 E-mail: [email protected] Odette Port - 941-505-1409 Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4675 • Hazak 55+ Chapter: Web site: www.shalomlifecenter.org Rabbi Solomon Agin Joyce Rosinger - 239-437-1566 Shabbat Evening Services 7:30 p.m. (Oct-Apr) President: Judith Migdol • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: 800-622-8017 7:00 p.m. (May-Sept) Phone: 941-625-2116 • Jewish Community Services: 239-481-4449 Saturday Torah & Kabbalah Study 10:00 a.m. E-mail: [email protected] • Jewish National Fund: Web site: templeshalomfl.com Joshua Mellits, Director, Western Florida Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ 941-462-1330 ext. 865 Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. ESTERO Memorial Tree Planting in Israel - 1-800-542-8733 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. • Jewish War Veterans: ORTHODOX Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter - 239-246-3151 Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Organizations: Sisterhood Centre) Bonita Springs, FL 34135-7024 Nechamie Minkowicz - 239-822-2784 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Phone: 239-949-6900 Web site: www.JewishBonita.com Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by a Kiddush

L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 31

study is on the first a.m., Jenean Eichenholtz will demon- off donations for the Jewish Federation TEMPLE JUDEA Thursday of each month strate an easy way to make both “Muf- food pantry. Members continue to vol- Fort Myers at noon, with the next fins and Mandel Bread.” Jenean is the unteer at the Harry Chapin Food Bank. (239) 433-0201 class on November 5. daughter of Jan and Jed Klein and grew Temple Judea is also partnering with At this time, the class up at Temple Judea. She now lives in the Heights Center to provide tutoring/ www.tjswfl.org will be held over Zoom. New York and is an accomplished bak- mentoring to the students they serve. There is no cost to attend er in addition to being an attorney. Creative planning is underway to Mazel Tov to Dr. Amy Fox and Brian and all levels of Jewish background are The next Chaverot book club meet- safely provide a Christmas breakfast Fox on the Bat Mitzvah of their daugh- welcome. ing is on Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00 for the homeless and those in need. Jan ter Sophia on Saturday, October 24. Tab will lead an interactive and p.m. The book to be discussed The Klein and Ronnie Lamm are the coor- Mazel Tov to Dr. Rie Aihara and Dr. lively Tot Shabbat service via Zoom on Only Woman in the Room by Heather dinators of the breakfast. Meir Daller on the Bar Mitzvah of their Friday, November 13 at 5:00 p.m. All Terrell. It is a fictional account of the Regularly scheduled events: son Brenden on Saturday, November families with young children are invit- life of inventor and actress Hedy La- “Like” the Temple Judea Facebook 14. ed to participate. marr, born in the 1930s in Austria to a page to livestream services or call the Adult Education classes began on The Chaverot (Temple Judea’s Sis- Jewish father and Catholic mother. Her office for the Zoom link. Monday, October 5 with Director of terhood) Zoom cooking classes have life under the Nazis and her eventual • Friday evening Shabbat services at Congregational Learning Tab Scribner been popular. The November 18 class escape to the United States, where she 6:30 p.m. teaching Beginning Hebrew at 7:30 at 5:00 p.m. will offer a slightly differ- was not only a well-known film star, • Saturday morning Shabbat ser- p.m. The class continues Monday eve- ent twist. Lynda Adler will present a but also a talented scientist, is the focus vices at 9:30 a.m. nings for 11 weeks. Rabbi Marc Sack’s full menu of a vegetarian/vegan meal. of this book. • Morning minyan every Monday Adult Ed class began on Monday, Oc- Participants will be invited to grab Call the synagogue office for Zoom at 9:00 a.m. tober 12 at 7:30 p.m. In memory of a glass of wine and chat with Lynda information to access the Chaverot • Tot Shabbat the second Friday Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, he is teaching about the menu, how best to prepare it programming. night of each month at 5:00 p.m. the book, The Essential Talmud. The and the advantages of eating vegetari- Social Action programs continue, • Rabbi Sack’s monthly lunchtime class lasts for four weeks. an/vegan. coordinated by Doreen Kostel. There is Torah study sessions the first Rabbi Sack’s lunchtime Torah On Sunday, December 20 at 11:00 a barrel outside the synagogue to drop Thursday of each month

with flags and balloons. peanut butter, soup and cereal for stu- in the area over Zoom can follow the TEMPLE BETH EL All those participating dents choosing to attend classes online Or Shemesh chapter of BBYO on In- Fort Myers then followed each oth- during the COVID-19 pandemic, since stagram for updates on events (Insta- (239) 433-0018 er out of the parking lot they are not eligible for school food gram: @orshemeshbbyo). into congregant neigh- programs. Donations can be dropped TBE’s brand new Media and Mar- www.templebethel.com borhoods in a car parade off at the front of TBE on Tuesdays keting Committee is working to bring with mini Torahs in tow from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monetary ease of access and widespread knowl- The High Holy Day season was beau- from Consecration. donations in the form of checks can edge of our events to you. Visit our tifully busy at Temple Beth El. Post Our Zoom Comedy Night featur- be made payable to Cycle Forward, website and follow us on Facebook Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, our ing Jessica Kirson from HBO’s Crash- Jewish Federation Food Bank or Harry (Temple Beth El Fort Myers) and on members enjoyed the chance to shake ing With Pete Holmes was a success! Chapin Food Bank, as well as mailed Instagram (@templebethelfortmyers) the lulav and etrog for Sukkot social- Half of proceeds from the ticket sales to Temple Beth El. for updates, information and for an ly distanced under our sukkah. The went back to Temple Beth El. Thank Mazel tov to our very own Sophie online community experience. religious school participated in a Suk- you to everyone who came to laugh Morris on becoming a Bat Mitzvah on Just as the Jewish people have kot-themed Zoom scavenger hunt to with us! November 14! We are very proud of the risen above challenges for years, the celebrate the holiday. Thank you to those who have been hard work she has put into her special TBE community is rising above the Simchat Torah was another suc- contributing to our Food and Femi- day. We look forward to continuing to challenges COVID-19 has presented. cessful and joyous holiday celebrated nine Product Drive, organized by the support Sophie in her Jewish journey. Come join our community and take socially distanced. To include home- TBE Mitzvah Committee. Hundreds Our youths are excited to partake part in Zoom Hebrew classes, current bound congregants and those celebrat- of pounds of donations have been col- in the Fort Myers chapter of BBYO, events discussions, Shabbat services ing in assisted living facilities, Temple lected for 17 food banks in Lee County. Or Shemesh. Anyone in Cape Coral, on Friday nights and much more. We Beth El held a Simchat Torah Mitz- There is still more to do and more love Fort Myers or Naples in eighth grade look forward to seeing you in person vah Parade where members met in the to spread. Local food banks are specif- through high school and interested in soon! TBE parking lot to decorate their cars ically looking for donations of tuna, schmoozing with other Jewish youths

not want to put the last we received the news of the death of ute service led by Rabbi Fuchs could BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS months of COVID-19, of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a woman of val- be shared virtually. Bags of shells, “our Sanibel lockdown, of social dis- or and a great Justice. The deep sad- sins,” were available to be cast into (732) 780-2016 tancing and a summer rife ness on the congregants’ faces was pal- the Gulf. Atonement is not that easy with social injustice be- pable. In these bizarre times we were to achieve, merely to throw your sins www.batyam.org hind them and celebrate collectively bearing another loss, one away and hope they are carried off by new beginnings. Phys- that felt personal. the water. The 2020 High Holy Day services led ically we understand we are stalled, It was comforting to be with our The 10 days between Rosh Ha- by Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor but psychologically we embrace a new rabbi and our cantor and to absorb shanah and Yom Kippur, known as the Murray Simon, with piano accompa- year, a clean slate, an idea of a future. strength from the wisdom of the ser- Days of Awe, as well as Days of Re- niment by Abigail Allison, were con- We are able to entertain the idea of vice. A highlight for all of us was to pentance, are for the purpose of repent- ducted live and joined virtually by con- a future by preserving our tradition and hear the cadence and strength of the ing, praying and giving charity, in the gregants and friends worldwide. The our heritage that is handed down from shofar sound, being blown for the first belief God will keep us in the Book of 125 people attending Bat Yam Temple the past. Sharing the service preserves time by a congregant who had volun- Life. of the Island’s Rosh Hashanah virtual these traditions. Through our together- teered her services. This was also a first This year, 2020, the pandemic services were greeted by a Zoom split ness we experience the strength of our for Temple Bat Yam of the Islands as has made us anxious about the fate of screen. On one side, the appropriate religion. this honor has traditionally been ful- ourselves and our loved ones. It has page of the Mishkan HaNefesh prayer- On Rosh Hashanah Eve it was filled by a male. It was no mean feat to highlighted in an alarmingly vivid way book, and on the other, the clergy in wonderful to see familiar faces, beam- produce melodic strong blasts from the – our fragile mortality – similar to the the sanctuary. Rosh Hashanah could ing “hellos” from their homes. We notoriously difficult ram’s horn. message of Yom Kippur. At the reso- not have come at a better time. It is the shared the optimism that a new year After the morning service on Rosh lution of the day we find our way back holiday celebrating new beginnings, could bring renewal, to be together to Hashanah, a socially distanced group to life. This is our fervent wish with the anniversary of Creation, and the hear again the continuous narrative of met at one of Sanibel’s beaches, in regards to the pandemic. When the vi- wake-up call of whom we want to be- our story, and to proclaim, “Today the what has become our temple’s tradi- rus disappears, we can look forward to come in the new year. world is born.” tional Tashlich service. Our tech team once again celebrating life. There is not a person who does And then, at the start of the service had cameras and audio, so the 10-min- Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM NOVEMBER 2020 32 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties

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