www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 39, No. 11 n July 2017 / 5777 Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, May 9, 2017 Photos courtesy Michael Shapiro
Jewish War Veterans - Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400 Federation Co-president Rozzi Osterman with Vice Commander Robert Ruberto and Commander Harvey Charter Jeremy Dictor, FGCU Hillel Director, Leadership Award recipients Larry and Terri Eisenfeld received Honorable Menschen Awards from Rozzi Osterman reported on a successful first year
Jerry Snyderman, retiring board member, with wife Barbara Former board member Guy Whitesman installed the 2017- New board member Keith Grossman and Rozzi Osterman 2018 board, and Federation Executive Director Alan Isaacs and incoming Federation Co-president Brian Simon
Honorable Menschen Award recipient Judith Yevick Harvey Cohen, Volunteer of the Year Award Honorable Menschen Award Sherri Zucker, board member and Senior Outreach and Rozzi Osterman recipient recipient Robbie Mitnick Chair, presented the Volunter of the Year Awards A volunteer-driven organization This phenomenon is almost none of us here in our com- we address it if it’s in our power. Ad- FROM THE exemplified by two indi- munity have heard of. His name was dressing those challenges means find- EXECUTIVE viduals who were hon- Lonny Kaplan and, amongst many ing the right volunteer on short notice. ored at this year’s Annual other Jewish community responsibili- A driver here, a shopper there, a visitor DIRECTOR Meeting. Terri and Larry ties, he was a former national president somewhere else. A lawyer, a doctor, an Alan Isaacs Eisenfeld have dedicated of the American Israel Public Affairs accountant, a dentist. Our volunteers their volunteerism for Committee (AIPAC). Lonny embodied often lead us to the best resources at a am always eager to remind our many years to ensuring that our com- what Jewish community and pro-Israel moment’s notice. community that the Jewish Federa- munity becomes and remains vibrant. leadership should reflect: warmth, gen- Our volunteers are ambassadors I tion is a volunteer-driven organiza- They have personified the mission of erosity, authenticity, expertise, open- for the Federation, often without real- tion. These opportunities most often the Jewish Federation: To strengthen mindedness and commitment. izing it. They talk about what they do arise when I am explaining why we do and enrich the Jewish community by Volunteerism in our community and see. They invite, they refer and what we do. I think that we understand providing and supporting philanthrop- comes in many forms: from familiar they endorse. They fuel our mission that decisions related to service to our ic, educational and social service pro- faces and diverse skills to “specialists” and fulfill our vision: A Jewish com- community – arts, education, culture grams locally, in Israel and throughout – those who have a favorite interest munity that is based on Jewish values andsocial services – are made and over- the world. and can be counted on in that capac- such as Tzedakah (benevolence), Tik- seen by a board of volunteers. What I Yesterday I returned from an un- ity; from daily, weekly, monthly or kun Olam (repairing the world) and don’t get to explain often enough is timely memorial service in New Jer- several times a year to “whenever you K’lal Yisrael (taking responsibility for the personal dedication to community- sey. It marked the passing of a pro- need me.” Much of our volunteerism is one another). building that inspires this service. Israel giant that, I am sure, ironically, ad hoc. We see or hear of a need and
9701 Commerce Center Court POSTMASTER: NONPROFIT ORG Fort Myers, Florida 33908 DATED RELIGIOUS U.S. POSTAGE NEWS ITEMS. PAID TIME SENSITIVE– FT. MYERS, FL PLEASE EXPEDITE! PERMIT NO. 175 DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION Program notes In this issue: mentioned in last month’s column that Carolyn to come to your community and we won’t know for a Gora and I would be attending the Jewish Book while if our requests will be approved. But I can tell 5 Our Community Council Network Conference in New York City at you that if we are approved, we have some exciting 6 Jewish Interest Ithe end of May. What I didn’t mention was that Sara author events lined up for the coming year. I will defi- Krivisky, who was in the city during the same time nitely keep you posted! 12 Israel & the Jewish World as the conference, would also Work has also begun for the Film Festival Com- be joining us for all the author mittee. If you have heard of any films that you 14 Marketplace events. think would be good for us to consider for our 2018 The three-day conference Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida, please let 16 Commentary included sessions on planning, me know. The committee has already watched several 18 From the Bimah promoting and enhancing book films, a couple of which are definite festival contend- festivals and programs. Best ers. We expect our film festival to start on Thursday, 19 Focus on Youth of all, the conference included January 11, 2018, and run through Tuesday, February author events where we got to 13. Now is a good time to mark your calendars. 20 Organizations Leni Sack hear from some of the finest Don’t forget our food pantry over the summer. Jewish writers about their new All donations are greatly appreciated. Enjoy your 22 Temple News books. We also had the opportunity to meet them at summer. 22 Community Directory receptions held after their talks. Over the course of the three days we heard from over 200 authors. During the conference and the days since, we have spent a lot of time discussing the authors and their various books. We are now reading some of those books, along with other members of our community who have volun- teered to read and give their feedback. There is a very detailed process of requesting authors Sara Krivisky, Carolyn Gora and Leni Sack at the Jewish Book Council Conference in New York City Building community with food and song By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach Coordinator f the seniors got together once a month to see each other and visit, dayenu (it would have been Jewish news published monthly by enough). If the seniors just got together to see Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties I 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 each other and have a delicious lunch, dayenu. (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 Well, the 60+ people who attended the Jewish Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org Family Services Senior Lunch Bunch in May at The July 2017 • Volume 39, Number 11 Community Free Synagogue had a chance to not only catch up with friends and eat pizza, but they also got Co-Presidents: Rozzi Osterman • Brian Simon Board: Paul Bartrop • Herb Fried • Carolyn Gora to sing some of their favorite songs, including, “Tum- Jerry Greenfield • Keith Grossman • Andi Horowitz balalaika,” “Hava Nagila,” and “Hine Ma Tov.” As Charles Idelson • Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler always, when people sing together, the joy became Sara Krivisky • Michele Laboda • JoAnn Lewin Barbara Siegel • Sylvia Simko • Sherri Zucker palpable, our voices melded into one, and we were all Executive Director: Alan Isaacs bopping and hopping in our seats. Rabbi Bruce Dia- Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach Coordinator, with Helene Glocer, Program Director: Leni Sack Volunteer of the Year Award recipient at the Annual Meeting Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos mond led the spirited sing-a-long, told a couple of sto- Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen ries, and began the event by asking people to “please Sherri Zucker and the 20+ volunteers involved take their seats so we can see where we stand.” with the Senior Lunch Program provide a welcoming Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923 This was my first “official” visit to the ever-grow- and nourishing experience for each and every person ing Senior Lunch Program in my capacity as the new who walks in the door. We were delighted to welcome L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to Senior Outreach Coordinator at the Jewish Federation several first-timers in May. Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, of Lee and Charlotte Counties. I’ve been involved The Senior Lunch Program is a chance for seniors but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be with the program since it began over 16 months ago to connect, fress (eat), participate in a short program, directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly and did some improvisation with the group in 2016. and be in community with funny, kind-hearted, smart printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the and interesting people. right to edit for space and content. Upcoming lunches: Tuesday, July 18 at noon at Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color Temple Beth Shalom in Cape Coral; Thursday, Au- prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. gust 17 at noon at Temple Judea in Fort Myers. The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims If you know of anyone who would be interest- responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the ed in attending future lunches, please contact me at writers and claims by advertisers. 239.481.4449 x6 or [email protected]. AUGUST ISSUE EDITORIAL DEADLINE: Thursday, July 6 Grow your business with L’CHAYIM.
Reach 5,000 local Smiling faces at the Jewish Family Services Senior Lunch Bunch at The Community Free Synagogue in May Jewish residents through this paper. For more information or to place an ad, call Jim at 239.634.6923 or send an email to [email protected]. L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3
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L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION
The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. YOUR SUPPORT Sunday Promote Strengthen & enrich Honor/ Share your KINDNESS JEWISH COMMarchMUNITY 1st Remember MITZVAH A LOVED ONE
This year please consider making an additional campaign contribution in honor or in memory of a loved one. Because kindness is contagious we would like to highlight your generosity in L’CHAYIM and notify personally those whom you honor. You may choose how your generosity is noted and how we share your mitzvah with our community.
Generous Donors: How the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Serves AnonymousAnonymous Angels Angels Temple Beth El Local Jewish Education and Culture Temple Beth El Temple Judea Community wide Jewish Education and Culture Programs for Temple Judea all ages including the Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Author MellowMellow MahMah JonggJongg Ladies Ladies Events, Israel Celebration, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk IsraeliIsraeli DancersDancers dancing, social groups, etc. RobertRobert && CarolynCarolyn SiegelSiegel L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community BatBat YamYam TempleTemple ofof the the Islands Islands informed about local, national and international Jewish issues. Gene & Andrea Sipe Gene & Andrea Sipe Community Relations activities include monitoring anti Community Free Synagouge Semitism and issues of separation of church and state in the TheStan Community Zell Free Synagogue Stan Zell community. Andrea & Gene Sipe Israel Advocacy and Initiatives to strengthen local Jewish ShalomShalom LifeLife CenterCenter community ties with Israel. Holocaust Education through the VictorVictor GoldGold Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high StacieStacie BonitoBonito ValloneVallone school students in the community. LindaLinda BonitoBonito Overseas Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communities in 60+ countries around the world. Partnership 2Gether relationship with the Hadera Eiron Region in Israel.
TRIBUTES Local Seniors Services In honor of Becky Kon Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facilities for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. from Cheryl & Barry Fulmer Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health In the previous edition of L’CHAYIM, the above tribute and socialization. was listed incorrectly. The editor regrets the error. Local Case Management Services The leadership and staff of the Jewish Federation extend condolences Non sectarian, individual and family outreach, information and to the family of Frances Hodosh, who passed away on Saturday, June 10. referral services. Individual life coaching and support services.
Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Tributes. Local Emergency Services Please send them to Lori Ramos Food Pantry. Emergency financial assistance. at the Federation at [email protected]. Education and aid associated with natural disasters.
Local Community Services Thanks to the following supporters of L’CHAYIM Support families of children with special needs. for their contribution to help underwrite the cost of SAT preparatory classes for high school students. Volunteerism. bringing news of the local, national and international Organizational Collaboration. Jewish community to your mailbox every month! Assessment and Planning.
Jewish Community Foundation EDITOR: REPORTERS: An endowment that ensures the long term financial base of Judith Leeder Robin & Gerald Razowsky charitable, social and educational programs in our community. Needs based college scholarships and study scholarships in Israel. Have an item you’d like to share? Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. Need to reach the editor of L’CHAYIM? Send an email to [email protected].
Senior Outreach Program
Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel
Come out for lunch, see familiar faces and meet new friends at our monthly senior lunches. Grants Available
UPCOMING DATES
th The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through Tuesday, July 18 at 12:00 P.M. the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee Temple Beth Shalom and Charlotte Counties. The grant may be used for travel to 702 SE 24th Ave., Cape Coral
th Israel to participate in programs that are volunteer or (R.S.V.P. by July 14 ) educational in nature. Our hope is that these programs will
enhance Jewish knowledge and identity in preparation for th Thursday, August 17 at 12:00 P.M. participation in American Jewish life. This grant is for Jewish
Temple Judea R.S.V.P. residents of either county who are 25 years old or younger 14486 A&W Bulb Rd., Fort Myers and can demonstrate a financial need. Academic standing
(R.S.V.P. by Aug 14th) to Jodi Cohen and community involvement may also be considered. For 239.481.4449 x 6 more information or an application, please visit our website at www.JewishFederationLCC.org or contact the Federation at 239-481-4449, ext. 4 or email [email protected].
Let us know if you will be driving or if you would like a volunteer to pick you up. www.jewishfederationlcc.org L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5
The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to With love and gratitude strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. By Amy Snyder, Executive Director, Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL YOUR SUPPORT s many of you have heard by 15,000 students across a minimum of the Museum with you, now as a member average 3-4 months to complete. Sub- Strengthen &Sunday enrich now, I will be concluding my five counties. We have five great staff and volunteer. jects range from happy pre-war family Promote time as Executive Director of members (not counting me!) and over With love and gratitude, scenes to Nazi occupation, deportation, Share your JEWISH COMMUNITY A Honor/ KINDNESS March 1st the Holocaust Museum & Education 50 volunteers. As you know, we were Amy liberation and Esther’s post-war life in Remember MITZVAH Center of Southwest Florida at the end recently voted “Best Museum of Col- * * * America. A LOVED ONE of July. This has lier County” by readers of Gulfshore Don’t forget to come by the Mu- The exhibit, on display through been my home for Life magazine. What a journey we’ve seum this month! Our summer photo- August 6, is presented in conjunction the past 14 years had together! Our staff, volunteers, graphic exhibit is Fabric of Survival: with the Art and Remembrance organi- and I am very members and donors are fantastic and The Story of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz as zation, which was founded by Esther’s This year please consider making an additional campaign contribution in honor or in memory of a loved one. proud of what deserve all the credit for these wonderful Told Through Her Needlework. Created daughters, Bernice Steinhardt and He- Because kindness is contagious we would like to highlight your generosity in L’CHAYIM and notify personally those whom we’ve been able accomplishments. to provide her daughters with a more lene McQuade, to bring her work and you honor. You may choose how your generosity is noted and how we share your mitzvah with our community. to do together. Many of you have commented that visual sense of her family life before, life story to a wider audience. For more When I start- you’ve watched me grow up here at the during and after WWII, Esther produced information, visit their website at http:// ed with the Muse- Museum. Although I’ve worked in edu- 36 large-scale panels. She wove together artandremembrance.org. Amy um in the summer cation for almost 24 years, the majority colorful fabric collage and intricate Snyder of 2003 as the of my professional career has been here. embroidery to dynamically depict her Education Outreach Coordinator, the The Museum has shaped me more than life in Poland. Each panel took on only official employees were Hadassah I have shaped it. “My” survivors Schulman and me, and both of us were and liberators (those who have part-time. Lorie Mayer, our Honorary been here as long as me) have Curator and a Museum Founder, was a become part of me. As much as constant presence, always making sure my own parents, you have taught things were ship-shape. On a good day, me perseverance, respect and how we had maybe five people come into the to have hope in the midst of un- Museum. In my first year, we provided imaginable circumstances. It has education programming for approxi- been my greatest privilege to be mately 1,200 students in Collier County. part of your life and to be trusted Look at how we’ve grown! Last with your stories. season, we set a daily Museum visi- To my Museum family, you tor record with 111 people. Each have been an incredible blessing school year we now provide educa- to me in so many ways. I look for- tional programs for an average of ward to being part of the future of Childhood Home Swimming in the River Community Free Synagogue The music of Jane Galler events open to the public returns to Temple Beth El July Community Free but it’s not a “must.” These meals are emple Beth El, Fort Myers, is Since leaving Fort Myers, Jane Sabbath Eve Dinners open to all at no charge. delighted to announce that Jane has been the soloist at Naples Jew- Each Friday evening in July the Com- Brown Bag Movie Night TGaller will be joining Rabbi ish Congregation. She has also taught munity Free Synagogue hosts a tradi- The Community Free Synagogue’s Nicole Luna on the bimah for a series preschool, Hebrew school and music tional Sabbath Eve dinner starting at next Brown Bag Movie Night featur- of summer music Shabbats. As the at Temple Shalom in Naples. Jane has 6:30 p.m. in its Community Hall. ing Yentl starts at 6:30 p.m. on Thurs- cantorial soloist at TBE, Jane’s beau- also played with the Naples Klezmer After candle lighting and Qiddush, day, July 13 in the synagogue’s Com- tiful voice and charming Revival Band for many years parents are invited to offer an age-old munity Hall at 10868 Metro Parkway, personality made her a be- and is a founding member of Jewish blessing to their children fol- Fort Myers. loved member of the TBE that group. While the core lowed by spouses reciting “A Woman Directed and starring Barbra Strei- family prior to her mov- repertoire of that group is of Valor” (Proverbs 31) to their wives sand, this Academy Award-winning ing to Naples. She will be the traditional Ashkenazi before the meal begins. romantic musical is loosely based on filling that role again on music of the 16th-19th centu- Following these rituals, a home- Isaac Bashevis Singer’s short story Fridays, July 7, August 11 ries, Sephardic, Israeli, and cooked meal is enjoyed, including Yentl the Yeshivah Boy. In traditional and August 18 as guest so- adaptions of the music of the home-baked “artisan hallah” and Jewish Poland only young men were loist. As anyone who has synagogue and Yiddish the- award-winning soups. First-time visi- allowed to study Talmud, so the preco- heard her sing and play Jane Galler ater are also included. tors are encouraged to bring a bottle of cious orphan Yentl passes herself off her guitar knows, Jane’s love of mu- The congregation at Temple Beth wine or a dessert to share. Those wish- as one in order to advance her Jewish sic is contagious (she loves to hear the El looks forward to once again be shar- ing to remain for the Sabbath Eve Qa- studies. congregation sing on Shabbat) and her ing Shabbat with Jane Galler. Services ballat Shabbat service in the sanctuary Pack a dinner. Admission and soft spirituality and devotion to Judaism is begin at 7:30 p.m. each Friday evening after the meal are encouraged to do so, drinks are free. boundless. and everyone is welcome.
Studying family history brings more than just historical knowledge, it builds relationships. Learning the stories behind names and dates teaches a personal history that explains more than just how each person came to be. EVERYONE WELCOME.
Jewish Genealogy SIG (Special Interest Group) Next meeting: Thursday, July 13 10:00 11:30 a.m.
LEARN HOW TO BEGIN RESEARCH INTO YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY OR GET HELP FINDING NEW STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE SEARCH
YOU HAVE ALREADY STARTED.
There is no cost to attend. RSVPs are a must to Arthur at [email protected]. Meetings are held at the Jewish Federation ● 9701 Commerce Center Ct. ● Fort Myers 33908
Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel
Grants Available
BAT MITZVAH
Mazel Tov to Abigayl Elizabeth Burnikel,
daughter of Traci and Lee Pavel, who will be The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Sabbath the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee morning, July 8 at The Community Free Syna- and Charlotte Counties. The grant may be used for travel to gogue. Abigayl is entering 8th grade at Three Israel to participate in programs that are volunteer or JEWISH FEDERATION Oaks Middle School, plays the flute and piano, educational in nature. Our hope is that these programs will FOOD PANTRY enhance Jewish knowledge and identity in preparation for loves animae and drawing animae characters and participation in American Jewish life. This grant is for Jewish animals (specifically cats), reading, and chatting residents of either county who are 25 years old or younger Following is a list of staples always in need at the food pantry: with new friends across the globe. Abigayl hopes and can demonstrate a financial need. Academic standing Peanut butter and jelly Pasta sauce (pasta, not needed) to be a veterinarian or have a career in digital animation. and community involvement may also be considered. For Rice and beans Canned vegetables and fruits more information or an application, please visit our website at www.JewishFederationLCC.org or contact the Federation at Cereal Canned meats Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Life Cycle 239-481-4449, ext. 4 or email [email protected]. Condiments Toiletries for adults & children events – births, B’nai Mitzvah, engagements, etc. Gift cards to places like Publix, Walmart, Target, etc., as well as cash donations, are also appreciated. Jewish Family Services helps seniors, individuals and families with a variety of needs. Submit your events to [email protected]. L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST The roundup at the Vel’ d’Hiv By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD any readers will have seen The result saw a razzia, or raid, buses transported the adults to the ment of the Jews, and publicly protested the movie or read the book, that began at 4:00 a.m. on the morning transit camp at Drancy, in the Paris the events. The sight of Jewish mothers MSarah’s Key. Others might of July 16, 1942. Approximately 4,500 suburbs. holding their babies, and children being have seen the movie La Rafle. While French police began arresting Jews In the week following the arrests, placed under arrest, was a turning point both were heart-wrenching tales of throughout Paris. Over 11,000 were the Jews at the Vel’ d’Hiv were also for many, leading to the French public’s the innocent being caught up in the arrested that same day, and confined in deported to other transit camps at condemnation of the treatment of the maelstrom of the Holocaust, few would the Vel’ d’Hiv. The arrests were made Beaune-la-Rolande and Pithiviers in Jews during the German occupation. be aware of the full quickly and without discussion. the Loiret region south of Paris, as well For decades the French govern- story. Ultimately, 13,152 Jews were taken, as to Drancy. At the end of July and the ment declined to apologize for France’s This month sees of which 5,802 were women and 4,051 beginning of August, those detained in role in the roundup. It was not until 53 the 75th anniversary were children. This was not the first time these camps were separated from their years later, on July 16, 1995, that France of the events played that French police had arrested Jews in children and deported in freight cars to publicly acknowledged its role in an his- out by Sarah’s Key Paris, but it was the first occasion in Auschwitz, where they were murdered. toric speech given by President Jacques and La Rafle, and it which women, children and the elderly More than 3,000 babies and children Chirac. Here, he stated that the roundup is appropriate that we were specifically targeted. Included were left alone in Beaune-la-Rolande was a crime committed “in France, by Dr. Paul recall what actually among those arrested were children and Pithiviers. France.” In 2012, on the 70th anniver- Bartrop happened then. aged between two and sixteen, together Of the 13,152 Jews that had been sary, President François Hollande reaf- The capture of the Jews of Paris with their parents. Many of the Jews arrested during the roundup, fewer than firmed the message in another address that became known as the Vel’ d’Hiv arrested were already refugees from 100 survived. Of the 4,000 children at a monument to the roundup. Roundup was organized and carried out Germany, Austria, Poland, Czechoslo- deported to Auschwitz, none survived. On April 10, 2017, however, in an on July 16-17, 1942. It was effectively vakia and Russia. In the two months following the ar- ugly footnote, French Presidential can- undertaken by French police under Conditions in the stadium dete- rests, approximately one thousand Jews didate Marine Le Pen argued that France the direction of German occupation riorated dramatically and very rapidly. were deported to Auschwitz every two bore no responsibility for the Vel’ d’Hiv authorities. Codenamed “Operation The detainees were kept in extremely or three days. Overall, by the end of Roundup, questioning the French state’s Spring Wind,” the object of the raid was crowded conditions, almost without September 1942 France had deported role in the Holocaust and suggesting to round up the Jews of Paris, confine water, food and sanitary facilities. The almost 38,000 Jews, of whom only that France was not responsible for the them, and then transport them to their stadium’s dark glass roof was painted some 780 survived to see the liberation roundup of Jews. Her remarks were met death in Eastern Europe. As they were blue to avoid bombings, and heat lev- in 1945. with widespread condemnation across captured, the captives were taken to the els rose unbearably in the already hot There were varied French reactions France. cycling and sports stadium known as summer month of July with all of the to the arrests and deportations, ranging Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History the Vélodrome d’Hiver (“Winter Velo- windows sealed shut for security. Of from active collaboration with the Ger- and the Director of the Center for Ju- drome”) in the 15th Arrondissement of the ten restrooms available, five had mans, indifference, empathy and rescue daic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies Paris, near the Eiffel Tower. been locked owing to the windows efforts. Certain elements of French so- at Florida Gulf Coast University. He In the months leading up to the offering escape possibilities. The only ciety, such as the press and some in the can be reached at [email protected]. roundup, SS leader Reinhard Heydrich, food or water available was brought in churches, voiced repulsion at the treat- together with Fritz Sauckel, the organiz- by several doctors and members of the er of forced labor for German armament Red Cross, who were allowed to enter. factories, and Adolf Eichmann, the SS Any Jew who tried to escape was shot official in charge of Jewish policy, made on the spot; in some cases, desperate several trips to Paris. As they familiar- individuals took their own lives. ized themselves with the French situa- No photographs exist of the events tion, German administrators replaced of July 16-17, 1942, other than one French officials in charge of the “Jewish showing a row of buses taken outside Question,” in a process intended to ac- the stadium. Over time, the arrested celerate anti-Jewish policies. Jews were placed on these buses. The
WEEKLY ISRAELI DANCING
Dancing will resume in the fall of 2017
All ages (10 to 96) are welcome to join us. All levels of dance
experience are welcome. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle
BRING A FRIEND! See you Sundays. RSVP a must by Fridays at noon to Marsha Kistler [email protected]
PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. This month’s advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. Advanced Pain Management...... 3 Higginson Tax & Accounting....14 Alliance Financial Group...... 15 JNF...... 13 Art of Fashion and Moore...... 15 Lee Lighting...... 14 Gwen Baker, Realtor®...... 15 Living Happily Counseling...... 15 Dr. Daniel Bendetowicz...... 14 Charles Massie, CPA, CFP®.....15 Campo Felice Retirement Living...8 Mathematics Tutoring...... 15 Cypress Cove...... 7 Michael Shapiro Photography...16 Harold Eskin, Attorney...... 14 Paragon Pools...... 14 Eureka Painting...... 15 PCC Tile...... 14 Joseph Faerber, Attorney...... 14 Alan J. Rubinstein, Attorney.....14 FineMark Natl. 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Persons identified as Jewish holding their babies, and children being have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Nate Bloom (see column at left) has become a family history expert in 10 placed under arrest, was a turning pointJudaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help for many, leading to the French public’sto Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a condemnation of the treatment of the full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start Jews during the German occupation. TV Catch-Up and One Film and Cassie Felder (ARI GRAYNOR, with a limited search of one family line. For decades the French govern-On June 5, HBO premiered a documen- 34), a funny Jewish woman from a small So here’s the deal: ment declined to apologize for France’stary, If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Break- Texas town. Felder is largely modeled role in the roundup. It was not until 53fast . CARL REINER, 96, is the main after comedian ELAYNE BOOSLER, Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. years later, on July 16, 1995, that France interviewer, checking in with other very now 64. I think Graynor is a great talent Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that publicly acknowledged its role in an his-elderly celebs and asking them how they who may have finally found the right toric speech given by President Jacquesmanaged to live so long. Interviewees vehicle. By the way, the comedians hang goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. Chirac. Here, he stated that the roundupinclude NORMAN LEAR, 94, KIRK out at Canter’s (Jewish) Deli, an LA The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, was a crime committed “in France, byDOUGLAS , 100, Betty White, 95, and, showbiz institution for decades. several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate France.” In 2012, on the 70th anniver-of course, Reiner’s best friend, MEL On June 13, Netflix began stream- sary, President François Hollande reaf-BROOKS, 90. Reiner also talks to two ing a recorded version of the stage friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out firmed the message in another addressremarkably fit “regular” folks. play Oh, Hello on Broadway. It stars great for them. So contact him about this as well. at a monument to the roundup. The original Showtime series I’m comedian NICK KROLL, 39, and On April 10, 2017, however, in anDying Up Here premiered on June 4. John Mulaney as two strange elderly ugly footnote, French Presidential can-The first episode is free to view on the men, and features a lot of improv as be deaf. Hours got good reviews at Sun- adult in helping the Foundation. didate Marine Le Pen argued that FranceShowtime website. It’s the 1970s and they often go off the loose script. Kroll dance. Brie and Franco, both children of Comedian T.J. MILLER, whose bore no responsibility for the Vel’ d’Hivthe action centers around a Hollywood and Mulaney have been playing these Jewish mothers, wed last March. mother is Jewish, has had a huge career Roundup, questioning the French state’scomedy club, Goldie’s, which is mod- characters for over a decade, introducing Shalom Vanessa and T.J. – boost in the last few years. He co-starred role in the Holocaust and suggestingeled a great deal after The Comedy them first in Comedy Central sketches May Great Things Lie Ahead! in the mega-hit Deadpool (playing Jack that France was not responsible for the Store, which was founded by MITZI and then touring them in Oh, Hello to VANESSA BAYER, 35, has announced Hammer/the Weasel), and everyone roundup of Jews. Her remarks were met SHORE, now 86 (the mother of come- packed theaters in 2015. This acclaim that she is leaving Saturday Night Live loved his performance as the wacky tech with widespread condemnation acrossdian PAULY SHORE, 49). propelled Oh, Hello into a Broadway after seven seasons. Known for her entrepreneur Erlich Bachman in Silicon France. Like Shore, Goldie (Melissa Leo) theater last fall. big smile and versatility, she became Valley on HBO. His first HBO stand-up Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History rules her club with an iron hand. She On June 23, Netflix began stream- a leading cast member with spot-on special, Meticulously Ridiculous, began and the Director of the Center for Ju-doesn’t pay comics anything, but she ing Glow, a new series. It stars the busy impersonations of Miley Cyrus and airing on June 17. daic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studieshas a great eye for talent and brings Alison Brie as Ruth, an out-of-work Rachel Green (from Friends), as well as Miller, 36, shocked Silicon Valley at Florida Gulf Coast University. Hecomics along from playing her cellar – actress who seeks stardom by entering characters that included Jacob, the bar fans when he announced in late May that can be reached at [email protected] when she thinks they’re ready – to the glitz-and-spandex world of 1980s mitzvah boy; child actor Laura Parsons he was leaving the show at the end of its the club’s main stage. The payoff is pro women wrestling. Ruth and 11 (with her “news, talkin’ ‘bout news” current, fifth season (June 25). It’s his experience and Goldie’s sway with tal- other Hollywood misfits are managed jingle); J-Pop America Fun Time Now! choice, he said. He wasn’t written out ent bookers who can turn an unknown by a washed-up Hollywood “B” movie co-host Rebecca Stern-Markowicz; and of the show. His reason was vague. Just into a star overnight with the right TV director (MARC MARON, 53). Brecky, a former porn star hawking that it was the right time to go. booking (especially The Tonight Show The Little Hours, co-starring ALI- luxury items. starring Johnny Carson). SON BRIE, 34, and DAVE FRANCO, Bayer grew up in a heavily-Jewish What do you think? Goldie, we learn early on, is Jewish. 32, opened in limited theater release Cleveland suburb, was a bat mitzvah, She mentions a relative is a Holocaust on June 30. This comic romp is set in a and is a leukemia survivor. She was Need to reach the editor of survivor and she translates a Yiddish medieval nunnery. Brie plays a nun, who diagnosed with leukemia at age 15 and L’CHAYIM? Send an email to record into English. Two Jewish come- like her sisters, is very bored and looking the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted dians are prominent characters: Eddie, a for irreligious fun. Franco plays a new, her wish for a family Hawaiian vacation. [email protected]. comic from Boston (Michael Angarano) “hot” groundskeeper who pretends to Nice to note: she’s been very active as an
PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 8 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST A new and challenging understanding of a most Evil: A Matter of Intent exhibit imaginative, penetrating and influential Jewish mindat Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM Artists confront the many faces of inhumanity Rabbi Akiva: Sage of the Talmud, is known about his parents. We don’t the ways that we might how much he must learn in vil: A Matter of Intent features by Barry W. Holtz. Yale University know the place of his birth and where deem important, a self- order to make sound deci- the work of over thirty-five con- Press. 248 pages. Hardcover $25.00. he resided. Stories about his execution made man. One tradition sions about what is the “right Etemporary and modern artists ad- have legendary power, but there are no suggests that Akiva the thing” to do. dressing the many faces of inhumanity. his recent addition to Yale’s references to this event in Talmudic unmarried shepherd “be- Another tale tells of Aki-This pertinent group show features art- “Jewish Lives” series addresses sources. There is a frequently visited gan his studies for the va’s presence as part of a rab-ists hailing from around the world with Twhat can be discovered and rea- alleged burial place on the edge of the love of a good woman.” binic triumvirate determined diverse backgrounds, including Helene sonably imagined about the life of a man Sea of Galilee, but scholars don’t give Another tradition finds to overturn another celebrated Aylon, Judith Glickman Lauder, Grace for whom there is no physical record. it much credence. As Dr. Holtz puts it, him already a married rabbi’s earlier decision. TheGraupe-Pillard, William Sharp, Tamar Rabbi Akiva, known as the founder what we must accept is in searching man with a son when he interplay among the rabbis Hirschl, John Lawson, Paul Margolis, of Rabbinic Judaism, is mentioned for Akiva “we remain caught between – on his own volition – clearly illustrates Akiva’s stel-Mark Podwal, Trix Rosen and Arthur everywhere, but fact and legend, history and the shared took on the career of lar status among them. He isSzyk. the mentions were memory of an old culture.” learning. regularly given the final – and On loan from the Hebrew Union written long after In order to put Rabbi Akiva in Does it matter? Perhaps not. What decisive – word on a contested issue.College Jewish Institute of Religion in his death. Indeed, context, Dr. Holtz devotes a chapter does matter is that his abrupt transition This importance is underscored by theNew York, this exhibition was curated in Rabbi Akiva’s to what is known about the world in captured the imagination of people who rabbinic interchange recorded in the by Laura Kruger and features more than lifetime (consid- which he lived. He draws upon the fairly can never ask enough questions. Dr. Haggadah in which Akiva has the pre-seventy artworks that span from 1940 ered to be 50-135 proximate picture painted by the Jewish Holtz guides us to understanding what vailing argument. Here and elsewhere,to the present, including mixed media CE), the kind of historian Josephus, “who managed to it meant for others to probe, perhaps Dr. Holtz reinforces the Akiva principle paintings, works on paper, photogra- recordkeeping and negotiate the boundaries of the Jewish half-create, their hero teacher-scholar of interpretation that “requires payingphy and sculptural works. Presented in documentary evi- and Roman worlds in a savvy and suc- Akiva. If their answers to questions careful attention to every detail in theMiami Beach by the Jewish Museum Phil dence that is at the cessful way.” about this enigmatic figure are contra- text.” of Florida-FIU, the exhibition opened Jason heart of biographi- The author gives us enough history dictory, so much the better. Comparing Other Akiva stories find him por-to the public on April 20 and is on view cal and historical writing did not exist. to make us understand that Jews, then various sources, and the sources of the trayed as “a spiritual master, a personthrough October 1 at 301 Washington What’s a scholar to do? as in more recent times, “were a na- sources, Dr. Holtz develops a notion capable of attaining an insight into GodAvenue, in the heart of South Beach. In this case, he can write the biogra- tion, ruled by a foreign power.” They that important stories about Akiva led and God’s hidden realms that other As the title reminds us during these phy of his subject’s mind, achievements constituted roughly 50% to discovering Akiva’s own worthy figures were unable to attain.” precarious times, acts of evil are pre- and reputation as transmitted to those of a Roman region called insights about the shaping Over and over, Dr. Holtz suggestsmeditated and intentional, motivated by many generations after Akiva’s time. Palestine that had about – strengthening or softening and demonstrates fruitful ways of read-selfishness and the desire to gain at the They, the rabbis to follow, inherited and one million people. Prof. – of his heart. ing and drawing understanding from theexpense of others. rehearsed the tales of his extraordinary Holtz explores the Great Much about Akiva con- Akiva stories. His book may be best “Evil is not a cosmic accident, it insights into the Torah and how these Revolt, its causes and cerns his career – in both life valued as a remarkable primer in today’sdoes not just happen,” said Laura Kru- insights live in the Talmud (and else- consequences, and the and afterlife – as an exem- methodology. ger. “Evil is a deliberate action or inac- where), thus continuing to inform our important rabbis with plary figure. For example, his At the end of a reader’s journeytion. Evil is the violation of our common sense – even today – of what Judaism whom Akiva interacted. modesty is often praised. We through Holtz’s remarkable and inspi-humanity.” The work of these artists is. Rabbi Akiva is the major founder and He explains how the are urged to remember that rational “life of Akiva,” one is likely shows how evil manifests in many forms exemplar of Rabbinic Judaism – the Ju- group of scholar-leaders Barry W. Holtz his origins were in poverty, to agree with the author’s feeling thatincluding genocide, torture, slavery and daism that emerged after the destruction called rabbis emerged. He connects that he was a true nobody until he be- Akiva, a most eminent sage at the centerfear of “the other.” of the Second Temple (70 CE) and the Akiva to the rabbis who were first his came committed to his religious studies. of early rabbinic Judaism, prepared the The artists in Evil: A Matter of In- failed revolt against the Romans (132- teachers, men who eventually saw him Rabbi Akiva’s engagements with Jewish world for its future. tent demonstrate how evil is reinforced 135 CE). The Jerusalem Talmud calls as their master. religious and ritual issues are often at Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus by indifference, bullying, cruelty and him a “father of the world.” The story goes that Akiva reached the center of these biographical snap- of English from the United States Na-denial. Terrorist acts, murder, rape, In many ways, Rabbi Akiva must middle age with no significant Jew- shots. One such tale involves Akiva val Academy. He reviews regularly fordestruction of culture and knowledge, remain a mysterious figure. Nothing ish identity or learning. He was, in all coming upon a corpse and puzzling over Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, pogroms, obliteration of cultural heri- its final disposition. The complexities Southern Literary Review, and other of Jewish law make the decision dif- publications. Please visit Phil’s website ficult, and the still-young rabbi realizes at www.philjason.wordpress.com.
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L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9 Evil: A Matter of Intent exhibit at Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU Artists confront the many faces of inhumanity vil: A Matter of Intent features tage, child abuse, poisoning of the earth View the exhibition catalogue at the work of over thirty-five con- and water, and murder are rampant and http://online.pubhtml5.com/rosq/egoc/ Etemporary and modern artists ad- unceasing. #p=2. dressing the many faces of inhumanity. These are artists who refuse to “This exhibition is timely and This pertinent group show features art- remain silent despite forces of intimi- powerful,” said Susan Gladstone, Ex- ists hailing from around the world with dation or popular beliefs. Their voices ecutive Director of the Jewish Museum diverse backgrounds, including Helene and visions are direct and distinct, for- of Florida-FIU. “These artists tackle is- Aylon, Judith Glickman Lauder, Grace ever asking the viewer what he or she sues we are all confronting right now, at Graupe-Pillard, William Sharp, Tamar would do if placed in similar situations this juncture in history. They bring evil Hirschl, John Lawson, Paul Margolis, depicted in these works of art. to light from a multitude of shadowy Mark Podwal, Trix Rosen and Arthur Mark Podwal is well known for his angles, capturing historical events and Szyk. drawings in The New York Times’ op-ed expressing outrage. They leave us, the On loan from the Hebrew Union page. His work has been engraved on a viewers, to our own responses – and College Jewish Institute of Religion in Congressional Gold Medal, and is also possibly to our own personal calls to New York, this exhibition was curated featured in a series of decorative plates action.” by Laura Kruger and features more than at the Metropolitan Museum. Helene About the Jewish Museum seventy artworks that span from 1940 Aylon’s career includes her Process Art of Florida-FIU to the present, including mixed media in the 1970s, anti-nuclear Art in the ’80s, The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU Ben Shahn: Thou Shalt Not Stand Idly By, 1965, paintings, works on paper, photogra- and her later G-D Project that spanned Lithograph, 26” x 21” serves as a major cultural attraction and phy and sculptural works. Presented in two decades. Her work can be found in Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel once asserted source of information for a wide audi- that the entire ethical teachings of the Hebrew Miami Beach by the Jewish Museum Bible could be condensed into one sentence: ence of residents, tourists, students and of Florida-FIU, the exhibition opened “Thou shalt not stand idly by” – an excerpt from scholars of all ages and backgrounds to the public on April 20 and is on view Leviticus 19:16, “Thou shalt not stand idly by from throughout the state, nation and the while your neighbor’s blood is shed.” Shahn through October 1 at 301 Washington illustrated this admonition by depicting a white world. Located in a former synagogue Avenue, in the heart of South Beach. hand reaching out to raise a black hand. that housed Miami Beach’s first Jewish As the title reminds us during these collections around the world including congregation, the museum’s restored precarious times, acts of evil are pre- the San Francisco Museum of Modern 1936 Art Deco building and 1929 meditated and intentional, motivated by Art, New York’s Museum of Modern original synagogue are both on the Na- selfishness and the desire to gain at the Art (MOMA) and Whitney Museum, tional Register of Historic Places. The expense of others. and the Victoria and Albert Museum in 301 building features nearly 80 stained “Evil is not a cosmic accident, it London. In the mid-sixties, she painted glass windows, a copper dome, marble does not just happen,” said Laura Kru- her iconic 16-foot mural for the syna- bimah, and many Art Deco features ger. “Evil is a deliberate action or inac- gogue library at JFK airport. including chandeliers and sconces. The tion. Evil is the violation of our common humanity.” The work of these artists shows how evil manifests in many forms including genocide, torture, slavery and Grace Graupe-Pillard: Boy with a Gun: Saturday Night Special, 1992, Pastel, cutout canvas, 82” fear of “the other.” x 51” The artists in Evil: A Matter of In- Boy with a Gun: Homeless Man, 1987, Pastel, tent demonstrate how evil is reinforced cutout canvas, 72” x 42” Graupe-Pillard’s powerful works call attention by indifference, bullying, cruelty and to the urgent need for gun control laws. In denial. Terrorist acts, murder, rape, her series, Boy with a Gun (1987-1992), she destruction of culture and knowledge, suggests that a child’s game can become adult gun violence. What will it take to thwart the gun pogroms, obliteration of cultural heri- industry and stop the killing?
F M N B T is proud to consistently earn a 5-star rating from Bauer Financial, the nation’s leading independent bank rating rm*. We attribute our success to the meaningful relationships we Evil: A Matter of Intent exhibit build with our clients. e better we know you, the better Grace Graupe-Pillard’s work was Jewish Museum of Florida is accredited featured in the recent exhibition at by the American Alliance of Museums. we can serve you. New York’s Chaim + Reid Gallery (The The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday Female Gaze: Women Look at Men), and from 1000 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed has also shown at the Aldrich Museum, on Mondays and holidays. Admission: the National Academy Museum and the adults $6; seniors $5; families $12; Bass Museum. In her Boy with a Gun se- members and children under 6 always ries in this exhibition, silhouette figures free; Saturdays - free. For more informa- are shown as containers housing images tion, call 305.672.5044 or visit www. of gang warfare and capital punishment. jewishmuseum.com. PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE.
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WW 86 bit of a vacation from teaching my col- So, as I have done in the past, I’d Reben” Riesling 2015 ($18) – For Marina Cvetic Merlot Terre Aq- lege classes, and activity in the adver- like to share with you a listing of the Riesling lovers, the Saar region may uilane 2010 ($40) – We’re big fans of tising trade tends wines we most enjoyed. Most of them not be as well-known as the Mosel, but Italian Merlot because they generally to quiet down in are available locally, but if you can’t this “alte reben” (old vine) Riesling make it in a richer, more concentrated the “off” season find them, visit wine-searcher.com and strikes a nice balance between bracing style – like this one. Dark ruby color, when the area is you’ll find a store (or two or three) that acidity and slight sweetness. We noted smoke, leather, dark cherry and choco- not flooded with will ship them directly to your door. flavors of Granny Smith apple and late on the nose, and rich currant and tourists and part- Ciù Ciù Passerina Evoè Marche Bosc pear, which would make this a leather notes on the midpalate. Soft time residents 2015 ($7) – This wine would be a steal great accompaniment to Asian cuisine. mouthfeel with round, pleasant tannins driving too slow- at three times the price. The Passerina Nice. WW 89-90 Great with or without food. WS 91-92 ly in the left lane grape is an ancient white varietal not Chasing Venus Sauvignon Blanc Ask the Wine Whisperer Jerry on 41. seen much these days. In fact, it was Marlborough 2016 ($16) – A quintes- How is natural wine different from Greenfield Still, there new to me. The nose offers fragrant sential New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc organic wine? – Scott F., Naples are things to be done, and some of it flowers and cantaloupe, with similar with a typical nose of grapefruit, pine- Most organic wines, while made from involves working through the sample flavors on the palate. Highly recom- apple and citrus. Light peach flavors organically-grown grapes, may still be bottles that are stacked up in the wine mended. WW 89+ on the palate. Great with seafood. WS technologically or chemically manipu- room, or as I like to call it, the “cave.” Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Sa- 89-90 lated during the winemaking process. In fact, I recently convened my tast- grantino 2008 ($32) – A rich, power- BR Cohn Chardonnay Sangia- In a way, all wine is organic, but not all ing panel to help me dispatch several ful Sagrantino with a nose of leather, como Vineyard ($24) – If you like ’em organic wine is natural. bottles that were anxiously awaiting smoke and deep black fruit. The palate buttery and oaky, this is the wine for Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- review. The panel consists of my wife of dried plums, prunes and chocolate you. Deep yellow in the glass, with er. He is Creative Director of Green- Debi and me, plus two other couples. goes on forever through an amazing aromas of butter for days. Think mel- field Advertising Group, as well as a One of them is actually in the wine finish. Killer stuff. WW 92 on, crème brulee and caramel. Nicely wine consultant, educator, and writer. trade, while the other drinks a lot of Fontanafredda Barolo 2012 ($46) balanced for all that. WW 86 His book, Secrets of the Wine Whis- the good stuff, and drinks it critically. – Possibly the most translucent Barolo Viansa Chardonnay Carneros perer, is now available on Amazon or People like that are not easy to find. We we’ve ever seen. Pleasant aromas and 2013 ($45) – The other end of the “but- at www.winewhisperer.com. don’t just sit around the table on the flavors of mint and orange peel. Very ter and oak” spectrum, the Viansa is 4th of July Israeli style – recipes by Dalia Hemed The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU he 4th of July is around the cor- • 1 egg the meat along with the parsley or names new director: Susan Gladstone ner and many people will in- • 1 1/2 tsp cumin cilantro, onion, egg, cumin, garlic Tvite family and friends to their • 1/4 tsp garlic powder powder and cayenne pepper. Add backyard cookout. Are you grilling up • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more salt and pepper. something delicious for the 4th of July? to taste) XX Stir ingredients with a fork and/ I am! In our family, the 4th is all about • 1/2 tsp salt or clean hands until the spices and outdoor grilling, salads and Israeli • 1/4 tsp pepper herbs are well blended with the food. Here are some of my personal 4th • Vegetable oil for frying (optional) meat. of July recipe to help you plan a deli- XX Place ground beef in a medium XX Gather the meat mixture in 1/4 cious holiday feast. mixing bowl. cupfuls and make small thick pat- Israeli Kebob XX Cut the crust off of your piece of ties (they will shrink up during Ingredients: bread. Pour olive oil onto a small cooking). • 1 lb lean ground beef plate. Soak the crustless bread in XX Cook the patties. If grilling, grease • 1 slice white bread, crust removed the olive oil, turning the slice once, the preheated grill before you start • 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until all the oil is soaked up by the cooking. • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley or bread. XX We like to brush the patties with cilantro, finely minced XX Shred and crumble the oil-soaked olive oil periodically as they grill • 2 tbsp onion, very finely minced bread into tiny pieces and add it to to keep them nice and moist. XX Grill for 15-20 minutes till cooked Personal Chef Dalia Hemed through to desired doneness. Cook- can be reached at ing times may vary by grill type. [email protected]. Candle lighting times: XX Serve with hummus, tahini and Is- raeli salad. • 2 tablespoons olive oil Israeli Chicken Skewers • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice July 7: 8:07 Ingredients: XX Combine the garlic, salt, mayon- • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken naise and lemon juice in a food July 14: 8:05 thighs processor or blender and puree. July 21: 8:03 • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil XX Add the oil in a slow stream and • 3 tbsp minced fresh rosemary continue to process for 1 minute. July 28: 7:59 • 2 tsp minced fresh garlic Israeli Salad • 1 tsp paprika Ingredients: • 1 tsp salt • 1 lb Persian cucumbers, diced • 1/2 tsp cumin • 1 lb fresh ripe tomatoes, seeded • 1/4 tsp turmeric and diced Stay connected all month long at • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • 1/3 cup minced onion (optional) You will also need: • 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley • Wooden skewers • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil www.JewishFederationLCC.org XX Cut the chicken into 1½ inch strips • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice for skewering. In a small bowl, • Salt to taste (I use about 1/2 tsp) whisk together the olive oil, rose- XX Here is the way I like to dice the mary, crushed garlic, paprika, salt, Persian cucumbers – it produces cumin, turmeric and cayenne pep- small, even, triangular pieces. per. Place the chicken pieces in Slice the Persian cucumber in half a glass dish. Pour the marinade lengthwise. Each Tuesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg over the chicken and stir to coat. XX Slice each half into 4 slices length- is held at the Jewish Federation. Cover with plastic wrap. Place in wise, so you have 8 long, thin piec-
the refrigerator and let the chicken es total. Players must be at least advanced beginners, as no marinate for 20 minutes. If using XX Hold the long, thin pieces together lessons are given. wooden skewers, soak them in wa- with one hand, and slice the bunch
ter while the chicken is marinating. into very small pieces with the oth- DAY: Tuesdays, 12:30~3:30 P.M. XX Generously grease the grill and er hand. FEE: $1 per week heat over medium. Skewer the XX Place the diced cucumbers into a chicken, evenly divided between large mixing bowl along with all 6-8 skewers. the other ingredients. XX Place the skewers on the hot grill XX Mix till vegetables are well coated and cook for 10-15 minutes, turn- with parsley, oil, lemon juice and ing once during cooking, until salt. X cooked through. Serve with Israeli X Best served fresh at room tempera- garlic sauce. ture. Israeli Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients: Look for Chef Dalia Hemed’s for more information call • 2 garlic cloves, pressed recipes each month in the Rona Strausberg at 239.949.9003 • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 cup mayonnaise pages of L’CHAYIM. L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old Buy a trombone Look for Rabbi Barbara Aiello’s Aging Jewishly column in most issues of L’CHAYIM. By Rabbi Barbara Aiello or Harriet K. it’s the piano. For with me, playing only occasionally, but The accumulation of losses, the ‘little I approached my friend Milton, who at Milton S. it can be either the clari- determined that one day I would make deaths’ of the aging process moves us 90-plus, indeed fit the bill to “ask your Fnet or sax. For me, it’s always sounds worthy of any one of Spring- to re-define ourselves.” elders.” I poured out the long sad story been the trumpet. As I watched Harriet’s steen’s E Street Horns. Faced with that redefinition, it is of my physical disability in an endless fingers fly over the keys as she sang “Owwww! That hurts!” Rabbi de- apparent that as we age we have two stream of “Oh Poor Me,” and how I the old-time tunes corum aside, when the doc’s assistant choices. While we adapt to each loss thought “trigger finger” was a frivolous and then, during ever so gently pulled on the middle of physical capability we can approach name for such a serious problem and a break in the finger of my right hand, trying to get the these changes as either victims or sur- how frustrated I was now that I had the sing-along, as I sticking joint to straighten out, I let out vivors. The “little death” brought about time to play trumpet and couldn’t. Blah listened to Milton a very unspiritual yelp. Later the doc- by “trigger finger,” offered me that same blah blah… jamming on the tor gave me the news. “It’s a condition challenge. But first I had to tell Milton Milton, my wise elder, a sturdy man sax, it occurred called ‘trigger finger,’ and you’ve got it that I wasn’t able to play trumpet in his steeped in a life of Jewish resilience and to me that I could in both hands. It comes from doing re- pickup band. adaptation, stopped me in mid-lamenta- add my trumpet petitive motions.” He went on to explain It is Rabbi Friedman who empha- tion and in a few words helped me move to the music mix that “trigger finger” was an age-related sizes that, “In the Jewish tradition, first from victim to survivor. “Dahling,” he Rabbi Barbara Aiello that happens most condition and was a common ailment and foremost, old age is associated with said. “If it’s music you want to make, Saturday afternoons in the Rotunda, among musicians, especially trumpet wisdom.” Friedman writes that for us stop kvetching. Buy a trombone.” the Aviva campus’ version of a vibrant players. Jews the elderly are viewed as leaders For ten years Rabbi Barbara Aiello “town square.” “So that’s it,” I said to my 69-year- that have good advice to share. In fact, served the Aviva Campus for Senior As resident rabbi for the Aviva old self, “Just when I was going to join in the Torah we are told, “Ask your Life in Sarasota as resident rabbi. Campus for Senior Life, pressing ob- Aviva’s music mash up, I won’t be able father and he will tell you, ask your Currently as Aviva’s Rabbi Emerita, ligations demanded most of my time to play in Milton’s band.” elders and they shall instruct you.” she shares her experiences on Aging and it was weeks before I headed up to In her book Jewish Visions for I still hadn’t spoken to Milton. Jewishly. Contact her at Rabbi@Rabbi my storage locker to find my trumpet – Aging, Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman In the Book of Job it is Job himself Barbara.com. the very same one my father cherished writes, “The aging process challenges who tells us that, “For wisdom is with and the one he played just days before a person’s sense of who she is, who the old, and understanding with length he passed on. I’ve kept Dad’s trumpet she has been and what she will yet be. of days.” Taking those words to heart, The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU names new director: Susan Gladstone usan Gladstone has been ap- ary education, outreach and research academic director, Dr. Tudor Parfitt, sponsorship activations for the world- pointed as the new director for focused on the history of the Jewish the museum’s curator, membership/ class, internationally-renowned South Sthe Jewish Museum of Florida- experience in Florida, the ways in programming director, fiscal admin- Beach Food and Wine Festival which FIU. Gladstone brings more than 30 which Florida Jews influence and are istrator and grants manager, museum raises more than $2 million per year years of executive experience at the influenced by the cultural dynamics educator, exhibit designer, and a staff for FIU. As Vice President at Logistics national and global levels. In her most of Florida, the nation, and the world, of administrators, coordinators, docents Management Group, Gladstone pro- recent leadership positions she served and issues of discrimination against all and volunteers. duced multi-million dollar events for as the museum’s acting director, and peoples in Florida throughout the his- Gladstone has served in several up to 50,000 attendees across multiple before that as the museum’s director of tory of the state. prominent leadership positions in the cities and supervised staffs of up to 750 development. As director, Gladstone will work U.S. and abroad, most recently as Di- people. “We look forward to Susan Glad- closely with the museum’s board of rector of Development for the museum She has a Masters of Social Work stone leading the next era of the Jewish directors and FIU leadership. The muse- and for all of FIU’s Jewish Strategic from Yeshiva University, and a Bach- Museum of Florida-FIU,” said FIU um’s Board Chair, Kenneth M. Bloom, Initiatives – including the university’s elors of Social Work from Florida Provost and Executive Vice President praised the selection of Gladstone as Global Jewish Studies Program, Holo- International University. “The Jewish Kenneth G. Furton. “Her proven track the new director: “Susan is strategically caust Studies and Hillel FIU. Museum of Florida-FIU is a true gem in record of leadership combined with her Gladstone’s career has led her to this community,” said Susan Gladstone. educational, cultural and fundraising excel at the highest levels of expertise “It is an honor for me to be chosen to Personal Chef Dalia Hemed initiatives on the international stage in creating and managing multi-million both preserve its powerful heritage and can be reached at made her the ideal leader to steer this dollar budgets, fundraising, and the lead the way toward an exciting new [email protected]. museum, which has served as a cultural cultivation of sponsorships, donors future in this rapidly changing world. As beacon for more than 20 years.” and major gifts. Some examples of her a lifelong member of the Jewish com- The Jewish Museum of Florida- leadership experience include serving munity in Miami, and the daughter of a FIU serves as one of Florida’s cultural as Director of VeritageMiami where rabbi who championed the importance attractions, and is a resource for a wide she spearheaded fundraising efforts of acceptance and tolerance, I applaud audience of residents, tourists, students Susan Gladstone for this United Way of Miami-Dade FIU for its commitment to educating and scholars of all ages and backgrounds poised to propel the museum forward. program. students about the diverse cultures that from throughout the state, nation and She brings an expanded vision that In Asia, Gladstone taught at FIU’s make this mosaic our home.” the world. transcends beyond gallery walls to campus in Tianjin, China. She directed The museum’s collection encom- reach global pathways that intersect passes more than 100,000 items. Its with commerce, business, education, two buildings, located in the heart culture and the advancement of our most of Miami Beach’s Historic Art Deco precious cultural resources – students District, are on the United States and youth, our next generation.” National Register of Historic Places. Gladstone will lead the Jewish The museum’s partnership with FIU Museum of Florida‒FIU’s team, which has ignited a new era of interdisciplin- includes its distinguished professor and
Center for Judaic, Holocaust, Ronny S Taschner DDS Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology and Genocide Studies Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: • scholarship • outreach • inquiry • sharing knowledge • preserving the record • helping teachers • encouraging students
1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL
Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ Phone 239-936-0635 Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 12 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Miami residents join NY Holocaust survivor on her first return to Auschwitz olocaust survivor Bronia Brand- The daily bestiality and dehumaniza- man, 86, of New York returned tion was beyond words, and the world’s Hto the notorious Auschwitz- silence was deafening,” said Brandman. Birkenau death camps on April 27 “I never wished to return to that place of for the first time since her liberation, our degradation and annihilation, but to accompanied by a delegation of Israel return in the presence of our noblest, the Defense Forces (IDF) officers and bravest of the brave – our IDF soldiers Friends of the Israel Defense Forces – allows my spirit to soar with pride (FIDF) supporters from Miami. and hope.” Brandman was born in Jaworzno, Brandman’s return to Auschwitz Poland, and watched two of her sis- was among the highlights of the FIDF ters being sent to the gas chambers at delegation to Poland and Israel. Chaired Auschwitz-Birkenau. Except for her by FIDF National Vice President Robert older brother and cousin, who also live Cohen, the 10-day trip, April 24-May 3, The FIDF “From Holocaust to Independence” delegation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the United States, her entire fam- spanned Jewish history, from its darkest and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, May 2. ily perished in the Holocaust. She has moments to its most triumphant. Israeli the Nazis in Poland during World War Israel’s 69th Independence Day. one daughter and two grandchildren in soldiers and Holocaust survivors ac- II. The delegation then traced the Jew- “This historic delegation traced the BRIEFS Israel. Brandman, who lives in Brook- companied the FIDF supporters across ish community’s steps from the city’s modern history of the Jewish people lyn, and had vowed never to return to Poland, starting in Krakow, once home ghetto to the Buczyna forest, where the through the eyes of Holocaust survivors Poland, decided to come to Auschwitz to more than 60,000 Jews. Nazis executed more than 800 children, and IDF officers,” said FIDF National as part of the FIDF “From Holocaust The delegation began with a recep- before visiting the site of the Auschwitz- Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) to Independence” delegation to Poland tion featuring a speech by IDF Chief Birkenau concentration and extermina- Meir Klifi-Amir. “It told the story of our and Israel for the first time since the of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi tion camps. near extinction in Europe, the creation Red Army liberated the camps in 1945. Eisenkot. During the reception, Israeli The entire delegation then flew on of a Jewish homeland, and the new “I came to Auschwitz in 1943 as a Holocaust survivor Miri Amir was re- an Israeli Air Force (IAF) transport jet generation of Jewish defenders of the child of 12. My parents and four siblings united with Miroslawa Gruszczynska, from Poland to Israel, where they met Jewish people who safeguard our legacy were consigned to the gas chambers. the woman whose family hid her from today. By marching to- gether into the dread- ful Auschwitz-Birkenau camps with IDF soldiers and the survivors who somehow endured that torture, we sent a power- ful message to the world that we remember, and that the Holocaust can- not and will not ever happen again. ‘Never again’ is not a platitude.
Miroslawa Gruszczynska, IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. It is our people’s solemn Gadi Eisenkot, Holocaust survivor Miri Amir, FIDF National Director promise.” and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir “No matter how with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin many books you read or movies you Netanyahu and President Reuven Riv- watch, nothing prepares you for the lin, visited IDF bases, commemorated experience of seeing Auschwitz, and FIDF supporters from Miami with IAF Commander of Aerial Defense Brig. Gen. Zvika Haimovich (fourth from left), FIDF National Vice President Robert Cohen (fifth from left), and FIDF National Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers then Israel, side by side with the young Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir (sixth from left) (Photo Credits: ShaharAzran) and victims of terror, and celebrated continued on next page Grow your business with L’CHAYIM!
JEWISH FILM FESTI AL
C M 201 L'CHAYIM 1 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Each month, 5,000 The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlottest CountiesAnnual Jewish residents Targeted Distribution Presents the 21 Jewish Film Festival in Lee and Charlotte Reach our affluent, informed, health-conscious, and of Southwest Florida savvy readers who are looking for new and better ways All lms will be screened at the Regal Cinemas Bell Tower. Open seating at all lms for general admission tickets. counties turn to ickets will be mailed u to ecember 31 to enrich their lives and those of their loved ones. ickets ordered a ter ecember 31 will be a ailable onsorshi a ter :00 m inside the theater on the day o the show 201 21 L'CHAYIMo ortunities C M are L’CHAYIM for: Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Thursday, January 12 at 7:15 p.m. a ailable that include L’CHAYIM – the monthly newspaper published by the SABENA HIJACKING: ISRAEL & THE JEWISHMY WORLD VERSION reser ed seating ee This docu-drama is based on previously undiscovered audio recordings of former pilot Captain Reginald Levy. Captain Levy, now deceased, was the orm on age 18 in command of Sabena Flight 571 from Brussels, Belgium, to Tel Aviv on Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties – is Israel rushes aidMay 8,to 1972, whenthe it was hijackedworld’s by four members of Blackworst September, earth ua esThank You to these u Upcoming major events Israel is often one of the fi rstthe countries armed wing of Fatahon orthe PLO. ground The fi lm fi nally to sharesoffer the untold story of what exactly took place on the fl ight specialiststhroughout theto 30train hours local of nerve-NGOs to run humanitarian aid after the world’swracking mostcaptivity. Itdevastating fuses candid interviews earthquakes. with dramatic reenactments. Sponsors of the They also fortifi ed 332 public build- an emotional support hotline, and has By Nicky Blackburn, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org,It takes viewers September into the aircraft 13, to 201 witnessset theup eventsa beekeeping fi rsthand cooperative as the staff ed ings, and conducted safety and survival hen Krishna Devi Khadka, hijackers threaten to explode hand grenadesby women unless 300who prisoners lost their were homes andJewish Film Festival: workshops for 605 Nepalese citizens. Exhibit “Drawing Against Oblivion” has local connection was pulled out of the rubble released. The result is a fast-paced fi lm sources full of suspense, of income which in the poses earthquake. mailed to 5,000 residents in the area. Additional copies of a hotel fi ve days after a Israelihistorical civilian and NGOpolitical IsraAID questions also that helped to shape the Israel of today. A baby is born at the IDF fi eld hospital in Nepal The organization also trained six Principal(Photo courtesy ofSponsor the IDF) W arrivedLanguage two days: Englishafter 1the hr. /Hebrew/Arabic/French quake,38 min. with u devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Running Time: theater troupes to present plays in Japan, which killed some 16,000 Community Directory an emergency relief team of doctors Nepal on April 25 2015, the fi rst people earthquake-aff ected districts, to relay and search-and-rescue specialists. The people and left 230,000 homeless. she saw were Israeli. information about community resilience team quickly established a temporary As in Haiti, Israeli aid organizations Khadka, a maid at the hotel, had and trauma, a model that is now being field clinic in the Sindhupalchowk remain in Japan today long after been trapped in an air pocket covered adopted by UNICEF. are available at the Jewish Federation office. Tuesday, Januarydistrict of Nepal, one17 of theat worst-hit 7:15 p.m. all other foreign aid organizations by a corpse. She was rescued after a dra- Nepal was not the fi rst time that areas. IN SEARCH OF have left. Aid workers are helping matic 10-hour operation led by IsraAID, The organization brought sup- to build a mental health support net- u an Israeli humanitarian aid organization. ISRAELI CUISINE work in the country, and recording plies and medical services, and opened Synagogue news The 24-year-old was taken imme- This fi lm is a portrait of the Israeli people told through food. It is drawn psychologist-staffed safe spaces for the testimonies of survivors. diately to the only working hospital in from the more than 100 cultures that make up Israel today. Through children left wandering the streets after April 2015: A double earthquake Kathmandu, a large fi eld hospital run by interviews with chefs, farmers, home cooks, vintners and cheese makers, the quake.to visits to farms, markets, restaurants and kitchens, audiences will in Kumamoto City, Japan, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Community development nonprofi t killed 49 and injured 3,000. Khadka was one of thousands of discover that this hot, multi-cultural cuisine has developed only in the Tevel b’Tzedeklast 30 years. (The In thatEarth short in Justice),time, Israel went from being one of the poorest Feb 2016: A 6.4 magnitude earth- people across Nepal who survived the which hascountries been carryingin the world out humanitar-to one of the most advanced.The IDF Its fi eld sophistication hospital in Nepal quake in Taiwan, which killed 117 u fi rst quake and the second magnitude mirrors the current state of the Israeli people and their food: secular, people, 115 of them in one residen- Local Organization news ian work in Nepal since 2007 and al- 7.3 quake that followed two weeks later, Israel has rushed to provide aid in the ready hadoutward a team looking on the and ground, innovative. rushed The chef/guide of the fi lm is Michael tial building in Kaohsiung City. thanks to Israeli aid. The two quakes wake of a deadly earthquake. Israeli to help,Solomonov, providing connections,the James Beard training award-winning chef/owner of Zahav and a April 2016: The 7.8 magnitude were a catastrophic double blow for Ne- number of other restaurants in Philadelphia.1 humanitarianhr. 34 min. workers have helped out and understanding of the region to other earthquake in Ecuador, which killed Life-Enriching Information Language: English Running Time: after earthquakes in India, Turkey, Peru, 661 and injured nearly 28,000 NGOs arriving on the scene. Magen David Adom (MDA) sent and the devastating earthquake and people. tsunami that hit SoutheastOUR Asia in 2004. COMMUNITY out a trained disaster delegation includ- To view more stories on Israel’s Here are the main earth uakes where u Jewish Federation updates ing 10 paramedics and two physicians, exceptional humanitarian aid efforts Israel has given aid since 2010: C M 201 abroad in the My Name is Israel aid L'CHAYIM Thursday, andJanuary later distributed building19 at supplies 7:15 p.m.Jan 2010: Israel gained worldwide Dr. Brian and Sara rivisky Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotteand Counties foodFANNY’S to 800 Nepali families. JOURNEYpraise for the speed and effi ciency exhibition, or to download the exhibit Each month, readers of L’CHAYIM get news and updates The Dream Doctors sent medical Fanny’s Journey is an incredible tale of bravery,with strength which andit off survival ered aid – a to Haiti for display, visit http://www.israel21c. ily members they lost, and others artha were John olf clownsstory to bringof a daring relief young and girlcheer who towill stop at innothing the wake and fear of noa catastrophic one. In 7.0 org/exhibition/my-name-is-israel/. IsraAID working in the Gongabu district of survivors.1943, 13-year-old Fanny and her younger sisters were sent from their created by theEditor families and of HolocaustIsrael Director, sur- Nicky Kathmandu (Photo: IsraAID/Mickey Noam Alon) mission from themagnitude Museum, earthquake Mr. Diaz that killed thOtherhome Israeli in France NGOs to an Italian– ZAKA, foster home for Jewish children. When the vivors and Blackburncamp liberators has worked we worked extensively as a Comingpal that left 9,000 up people at dead, 22,000the Holocaust Anniversary Edition, considered Museum optionsaround for its 160,000 creation. peopleCon- and left u George – United7 Nazis Hatzalah, arrive Natanin Italy, International their caretakers desperately organize the departure with in ourjournalist education and programs editor both who in Britain and Community Calendar By Amy Snyder,injured andExecutive hundreds Director, of thousands Holocaust of Museum & Education Centertemplating of SWFL the tragedy280,000 of buildings the Holocaust destroyed. Five The Little Ships:Humanitarian ofThe the Heroic children AidAcross andRescue to Switzerland. Israelithe Flying Suddenly leftand on “alltheir of own, the genocidesthese eleven have passedIsrael away. for The a communityrange of national also andTravel inter- t is hardhomes, to believe offi ceswe andhave temples come destroyed years later, Israel was still in Haiti on all Jewish-related local events including the Jewish at Dunkirk Aidin World – childrenwere War also IIwill, involved do the impossible in rescue, to reach thewhich Swiss had border occurred in order in to participatednational by creating publications tribute fl owersincluding to the orend damaged. of another year, and The Great-survive. helping rebuild the community. Helene Jorge Glocer Blue Pacifi recoveryc, and relief operations in Nepal history and continue for relativesWeekly lost in, theIsrael Holocaust, High Tech as . InvestorShe was 2017 is fastIsrael approaching! was one ofWe the look fi rst countries Language: French Feb 2011: A 6.3 magnitude earth- I est Skatingalong Race with and FIRST, a1 consortiumhr. 34 min. of to occur in the modern well inas garden and on landscape The lein Times fl owers of London created The forward toto welcoming send humanitarianwith you a number in aid2017 toof Nepal, and Running Time: quake in New Zealand, which killed His Name IsraeliWas Raoul government and army rescue world,” he “decided to by students theand High-Tech the public Correspondentto fi ll in the for the range andvery breadth special ofpro- that aid from 185. Wallenberg. The set can create a work of art that gardenBarbara backgroundJerusalem Barry scene. Post . services. March 2011: The 9.0 magnitude pstein u so many sectorsgrams and of events.Israeli lifebe – thepre-ordered Over with a ayear later, Tevel b’Tzedek would convey seren- The offi cial unveiling of the Memo- Holocaust Museum news government,Please the militaryvisit our and various earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku, inda Charles delson Film Festival, Jewish author programs, holiday celebra- signed bookplate,and IsraAID at no are still at work in Nepal, ity and beauty, always rial Garden will take place in late Janu- NGOs – waswebsite so significantat www. that the elda Dubin extra charge,off eringand will training and support to help keeping in mind our ary 2017 e orial as part of the commemoration Nepalese todayHolocaustMu regard Israel as a besource ready for pickup at hopes, to live in bal- of International Holocaust Remem- villagers get back on their feet. Philanthropic of inspiration.seumSWFL.orgTuesday, the event. January Tevel b’Tzedek 24 runs aat youth 7:15 ser- p.m.ance, peace and loveJEWS brance Day. & Accordingand lookto fi guresfor our compiled by KEEP QUIET und Luncheonvice ticketsprogram modeled after Israel’s in the world society, The Museum is located at 4760 CNN, IsraelJanuary sent more column personnel to the As Vice President of Jobbik, Hungary’s far-right extremist party, pm are $150 perShnat person, Sherut, and year of national service, moving away from our Tamiami Trail North, Suite 7, in Naples. disaster sceneto provide than any addi- other country. Csanad Szegedi regularly espoused anti-SemiticBROADWAY rhetoric and arsha ike u tions, concerts, food festivals, book study groups, timely Amy sponsorshipsin areearthquake-devastated avail- Holocaust denials. villages He wasto a foundermistaken of the Hungarianprimitive ways Guard, It is open year-round istler Tuesday through Candle Lighting Times The IDFtional arrived details. in Nepal two days Thursday, February 9 at 7:30 Snyder able. Dresshelp is business rebuild communities.a now-banned Tevelmilitia alsoinspired by theof Arrowthinking Cross, and a goingpro-Nazi Opera Sunday; closedNaples Monday and major Jew- after the fi rst quake, with a team of casual. Netruns proceeds a variety partyof recovery complicit programs in the murder of forwardthousands with of theJews lessons during2408 Linwoodish nnaand U.S. Avenue, holidays ale Naples evin Annual Luncheon260 physicians and search-and-rescue benefit thein education agriculture, WWII.education, Then disaster-risk came a revelation which transformed his Keeplife. We extend our best wishes for The Museum’sexperts. Annual Within Luncheon 12 hours will they had set learned.” Cheryl ichael programs reduction,of the Ho- resilience,Szegedi’s crisis maternal interven- grandparents were Rabbirevealed Kanter to be Jewishpresents and We Happy Jews OnHolidays Broadway, to youa sing-along and your history be held on Thursday,up a fi eld December hospital in 15 Kathmandu, from the Entitled “The Garden,of the American2016,” the musical in- from theGoldstein Gay ’90s operetta of Romberg & locaust Museumtion and & incomeEducation generation Center for some family. 11:30 a.m. IDF’sto 1:00 largest p.m. ever, at The which Ritz- included two dividually-framed Friml…painted throughbackgrounds Berlin, Kern, the Gershwins and Rodgers & Hart… to of SWFL. 25,000For more villagers information in six of on Nepal’s most lectures, mah jongg and much more. They also get up- Carlton Beach Resort, 280 Vanderbilthis beloved grandmother an Auschwitz survivor who had hiddenfeature her faith an idealizedfearing furtherSondheim, meadow persecution. scene. Mel Brooks The andPhoto Kander ynda Credit for& EbbCurious ichael – the George Broadway image above: of today. operating tents, four intensive-carereservations and sponsorships, please u uiet depicts Szegedi’s three-yearimpoverished journey regions. as he is guided by Rabbi Boruch Oberlander to embrace his The requested images from the cover are used Business Directory Beach Road,tents, Naples. 60 hospitalHost Sponsors beds, andfor specialists memorial “tribute fl owers”$50.00 createdGeneral dur- seating • $75.00 ubenstein Benefactor Preferred seating newfound religion,contact forced Development to confrontIsraAID the Specialist runspainful a variety truths Tim of of his humani- family’s past, his own wrongdoing,Event concludes and the with in an the elegant book by permissionwine and ofdessert the de Grummond reception the event arein Estelleneonatal and and Stuart adult Price. care. ing the1 Novemberhr. 30 min. workshops will be Children’s Literature Collection, The University of turbulent historyMorrison of his country. at Tim@HolocaustMuseum But is this astonishingRunning transformation Time: a process of genuine reparation and Our guest speakerThe team is author brought Louise 95The tons of hu- tarian projects in Nepal and plansincorporated to be into theTickets design. are Under available Mr. at Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS. or mail spiritual awakeningSWFL.org or is he orsimply call 239.263.9200.a desperate man with nowhere else to turn? naplesjewishcongregation.org Borden, who will discuss her book, . there for at least three more years.Diaz’s The direction, someyour were check created made by out to Naples Jewish Congregation, along with manitarian and medicalLanguage supplies: English,Memorial from Hebrew Garden with English Art Installationsubtitles Journey that Saved Curious George organization distributes warm clothingHolocaust survivorsyour in honor name, of addressthe fam-Naples and phone FL 34108, number, Attn to:Tickets NJC, PO Box 111994, Israel, and during their stay they treatednearing completion dates from the area’s synagogues and numerous local The book describes the “story behind to Nepali children, has brought in Israeli 1,600 patients, performed more thanThe 85 Museum’s Memorial Garden the story” of the creation of the much- u surgeries and delivered eight babies.Art Installation in Rabbinical Reflections loved Curious George character. Be our front windows prepared to learn a lot of “curious” facts BROADWAY & is nearing comple- about everyone’s favorite monkey. Did IF YOU AREtion. AsNOT mentioned in MAKING you know that his original name wasn’t pm our October column, SOCIAL CHANGE Jewish organizations. It’s the place they turn to for com- George? Or that he wasn’t the main 5% ON YOURartist Juan Diaz cre-MONEY Friday, February 10 at 7:30 character starring in the books created ated the four beautiful by H.A. and Margret Rey? Or that he Unitarian Universalist Congregation u ...Then you want topanels give in, us and a ascall. part The product has a 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples • Free admission! Israel updates almost never got to be famous at all? Ms. of, the LIGHT Per- Borden will fi llfixed you in onrate all theof details.5% per annum or higher, paid monthly! Rabbi Kanter will be our guest at Shabbat services, and will trace She is also the authorNo waiting of several around formance until Art the Style end of the term the dominant role played by Jewish composers in Tin Pan Alley. to receiveSeries foryour which interest! he is From Irving Berlin and George Gershwin to Jerome Kern and Billy munity news, the community calendar, candle lighting children’s books dealing with World Rose, these songs are musical companions to American history. well known. War II and the Holocaust. Five of her Your Principal and Interest are SECURED When he received The Garden, 2016Created - Acrylic in and on Treatedpart of the Muslin LIGHT Fabric, Performance 6’2” x 16’3” Art Diptych Style Series. (Each Artist: Panel: Juan 6’2” Diaz©x 8’1” and 6’2” x 8’2”) books will be available for purchase at the Memorial com- the event as a set for $60. Titles included No long term commitments – RABBI KENNETH KANTER u The Journey that Saved Curious short duration of about a year Rabbi Kenneth Kanter is a nationally known author Photos of recent events are Jewish Federationand entertainer offocusing Lee on& theCharlotte Jewish influence Counties This is NOT an ANNUITY ecemberand 2016 / 5777 on American popular music. Viewers have called ,” times, and a business directory. STOCKS, OPTIONSF or a REIT Vol. 39, No. This is NOT d his unique sing-along concert/ lecture events high-energy,” “inspiring,” “exhilirating,” Gold, Silverthe Ior any other “ This is NOT F “an absolutely superb night of entertainment and “the kind of event we will long remember.” on and joy” ti Commodity Events ewish Federa www.JewishFederationLCC.org Iends o Anti-Israel media bias J sponsored u and much more There are NO TRANSCTION FEES OR -Israel sentiments on college campuses: Facing anti in part by COMMISSIONS for you toand pay EVER! how to fi x it! Further the mission of our A AME A etter ritingA PROGRAM FOR or shop1:00 p.m.11TH at ANDTemple 12TH Beth GRADERS El CONGREGATION (16225 Ion to the Fr Winkler Rd, FortJEWISH aMyers), first-hand is accountco-spon- of 100% OF YOURto realize that, MONEY in my years GOEShink the media are biased? NAPLES Hear overcame Federation and communityin Jewish philanthropy, If you answered yes, you’re sored by thehow Jewish one Federation student of Lee Shabbat services are held every Friday night at the A DAY TO SALUTE OURneither SOLDIERS a Democratic nor a not alone. Americans’ trust in and Charlotteanti Counties Semitism and at Florida Temple TO WORK FOR YOU IMMEDIATELY! Atlantic University FROM THE Republican administration T Unitarian UniversalistBeth El. Congregation, 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples the media has sunk to an all-time low, An Introduct For more information, please contactTh 2016 The workshop will be led by Sarit has materially aff ected 13 in a according to a Gallup surveyMore released information at 239-431-3858 or www.naplesjewishcongregation.org EXECUTIVE Catz, the Learninternational about what'sdirector happening of Bruce Greenstein,positive manner those LUTC who this past September. DIRECTOR ECEMBER WARM • REFORMCAMERA’s onletter-writing college• AFFORDABLE campuses team, a todaynet- • ADULT Tim Shawneed Financial help the most.Consultants There , FL 34119Confi dence in the mass media “to with regard to the Boycott, ALOMAPLES work of 17,000 volunteers who respond Alan Isaacs 7:00PM - CONCERT Sh N report the news fully, accurately and Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) is never enoughTUESDAY, public DassistanceOAD to go to distorted news coverage of Israel. TEMPLE R OSENfairly” plunged to its lowest level in movement, Students for around. And that’s where the JewishICk R Catz will speak about recognizing y the time you read this(239) we will 425-9707 ~ [email protected] RIDGE Ent Chairs: R INE Ev Gallup polling history. Only 32% of Justice in Palestine and other have voted to elect the next Federation comes in and where AND you, as media bias and then-Israel conduct movements. a hands- 4630 P those polled said they had a great deal anti president of the United States individuals, can have aE LLAINEdecisive impact on letter-writing workshop that will or fair amount of trust in the news. B on the outcome no matter who presides provide attendees with the tools needed and, hopefully, he or she will have News about Israel can be particu- over our country. to respond thoughtfully and eff ectively received a clear mandate to lead our I call on you to reconcile with the VIPlarly SEAT distorted and unfair. In Septem- $90 PATRON Withto faulty special reporting. guest country. We, as Jews, have endured, TO Aber, PRIv ATEthe same month in which the Gal- The exclusive way to reach the Jewish election outcome as soon as ARE possible INvITED E “I don’t believe there’s a journalis- through our longA SPECIALhistory as PERFORMANCE wander- SPONSORS PERFORMANc and begin again*PATRON to further thebEFORE mission ThE lup poll came out, the Committee for ers, the hazards ofOF life POPULAR under dictators, AND TRADITIONAL ckTAIL REcEPTION tic conspiracy to denigrate Israel,” said of our FederationcO and our community Accuracy SEAT in Middle East ReportingRayna in Rose Exelbierds monarchs and otherISRAELI manifestations SONGS PERFORMED of ADMISSION Catz. “ButdWith coverageU does frequently “To strengthen$18 and G enrichENERAL the Jewish America (CAMERA) prompted cor- Stan governance into which we have had 12 AND UNDER suff er from a number of serious prob- BY ISRAELI SOLDIERScommunity by providingFREE andAGES support- rections from 20 major news outlets Coordinator little, if any, input. We have often been lems High that School CAMERA’s staff and letter ing philanthropic, educational and so- that had published false informationSoutheast the victims of these rulers and their writers seek to fi x and prevent.” onlcialIne: service https://www.fidf.org/ programs locally,naples-I in IsraeldF-e nsemble16ChAPTERabout the Jewish state. Journalists, she said, are sometimes whims, in some cases to mortalse tI effckets ect. MIAMI CAMERA, the oldest and largest to PurchA and throughout the world” and to pur- The Jewish destiny resided often in the ETS CALL FIDF GREATER FIDF.ORG just uneducated about Middle East his- FOR TICsuek our vision of “A AIMEJewish.SAGONA communi-@ Middle East media monitoring organi- hands of a capricious individual and a Sunday,tory. January “Reports can lack 15,crucial histori-2017 305.354.8233 | j zation in the world, will be presenting a ty that is based on Jewish values such cal context,” she said. “Our -researchers 6:30 PM hostile society. workshop to teach local residents how 4:00continued P.M. on page 3 I think that it is important in these as Tzedakah (benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and K’lal to combat media bias. The workshop, Jewish Federation
weeks following the election to refl ect - Fort Myers to be held on Monday, December 5 at Community in Lee and Charlotte counties. Yisrael (taking responsibility for one on our standing today as Jews in our another).” 9701 Commerce Center Court society, in our country and in our com- munity, and to appreciate what we, JEWISH FEDERATIONPizza & beverages will be served as Jews, have accomplished and will ed. imit s l i continue to accomplish irrespective of ce a Sp e. lcom we who governs this country. COMMUNITYGuests are BREAKFAST While I know intimately of Jews in our community who struggle to put Sunday,R.S.V.P December to Leni Sack: 239.481.4449 11 ext. 3 food on the table, we are a community or [email protected]. that is suffi ciently strong and caring 10:00 a.m to help. While some of us suff er the anguish of isolation andPhone loneliness, (305) 354-8233 | Fax (305) 354-8296 | e-mail [email protected] our community reachesFriends out of theand Israel sup- defense Forces is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. For more information ports. While some Jewish communities Guest Speaker : Dr. David Dalin around the world still fi ght anti-Sem-
itism, repression and poverty, we are Topic : The Presidents of the alert and provide relief. United States and the Jews: We cannotRead predict thewith anycurrent as- and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. surance how we as individuals and as From Abraham Lincoln to Barack Obama a community will be aff ected by the outcome of the election. It is reason- ably safe to assume however, that the needs of our community will not re- or to place an ad in L’CHAYIM: David G. Dalin, an ordained rabbi and duce in quantity or urgency. It is sad -author or historian, is the author, co editor of eleven books on American Jewish history and politics, and Jewish He has taught at Christian relations. Ave Maria University, and at the University of Hartford, has been a visiting professor at the Jewish Theological Call: Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923
CROWNE PLAZA Seminary of America, a Research Fellow at Stanford University and a Visiting Fellow at Princeton University. 13051 Bell Tower Drive Fort Myers Based on his book, Dr. Dalin will talk about the role and The Jewish Federation - presiden- of Lee and Charlotte experiences of Jews in various presidential administra- Couvert: $18/person tions. He will illuminate the history of Jewish Email: [email protected] Counties Presents st Annual tial relations, presidential appointments of Jews to politi- the 21 RSVP to Leni by December 7 cal positions, and the history of presidential views and Jewish Film Festival 239.481.4449 x3 or policies on Jewish interests and concerns. of Southwest Florida. See pages 16-1 for [email protected] L’CHAYIM complete details. Website: Visit the page at NONPROFIT ORG POSTMASTER: U.S. POSTAGE 9701 Commerce Center Court DATED RELIGIOUS PAID Fort Myers, Florida 33908 NEWS ITEMS. FT. MYERS, FL TIME SENSITIVE– PERMIT NO. 175 PLEASE EXPEDITE! www.JewishFederationLCC.org DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13
continued from previous page men and women of the IDF,” said FIDF recreational and social programs and For All Your Southwest Florida supporter Gay Peisach of Miami. facilities that provide hope, purpose and Peisach’s husband, Alberto, added: life-changing support for the soldiers “Marching into Auschwitz with a Ho- who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. Real Estate Needs locaust survivor on one side and the Today, FIDF has more than 150,000 soldiers of the IDF on the other side loyal supporters and 15 regional of- ® made me feel proud of our ancestors and fices throughout the United States and Susan Glasser, Realtor our people. We will endure and flourish Panama. FIDF proudly supports IDF over time. It was wonderful to see the soldiers, families of fallen soldiers, and John R. Wood Properties work of the Friends of the IDF.” wounded veterans through a variety of 15065 McGregor Blvd. #105 About Friends of the innovative programs that reinforce the Fort Myers, FL 33908 Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) vital bond between the communities in In front of Gulf Harbour FIDF was established in 1981 by a the United States, the soldiers of the group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c) IDF, and the State of Israel. For more (3) not-for-profit organization with the information, please www.fidf.org. [email protected] mission of offering educational, cultural, Mobile: (239) 281-3105 Office: (239) 472-2411 Lee County resident BRIEFS for more than 20 years MAY 2017 SEES ALL-TIME so important” or even “not impor- MONTHLY HIGH IN ISRAEL tant at all.” TOURISM To the idea of a “regional approach” to Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking, May 2017 marked a record monthly in which “Arab states would offer high in incoming tourism with 347,000 both sides incentives to take more tourists arriving in Israel, according to moderate positions,” in the West the Tourism Ministry. Bank, 58% approve, in Gaza 55%. In the first five months of 2017, “What is the one thing you’d most 1.43 million tourists entered Israel, an like the U.S. to do about the Pal- increase of 25% over the same period estinian issues these days?” A plu- in the previous year. (Ilan Gattegno, rality (34%) of West Bankers pick Israel Hayom) “put pressure on the PA and Hamas CZECH PARLIAMENT to be more democratic and less RECOGNIZES JERUSALEM corrupt” – more than those who prefer “pressure on Israel to make AS ISRAEL’S CAPITAL concessions” or “increased eco- Like us on Facebook! The Czech Parliament approved on nomic aid to the Palestinians.” Wednesday, May 24, the recognition of Among West Bankers, 49% pick Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. 112 “having a good family life” as their of the 156 MPs supported the resolu- ConneCt top priority, followed by “making tion. enough income to live comfort- with your Jewish Community The parliament also condemned ably” with 30%; just 12% pick recent UNESCO decisions that do not “working to establish a Palestinian recognize the rights of Jews to Jerusa- www.facebook.com/ state.” lem and called on the government to facebook.com/jfedsrq The poll was conducted by the stop payments to UNESCO. (Itamar Palestinian Center for Public Opinion, JewishFederationLCC Eichner, Ynet News) May 16-27. (David Pollock, New York THE COOLEST TECH Daily News) continued on next page COMPANIES IN ISRAEL THANKS TO THE StoreDot has developed a smartphone SIX-DAY WAR battery that charges in one minute, us- What did Israel and the world look like JEWISH NATIONAL FUND ing proprietary amino acids in place on June 4, 1967? Israel was a nation INVITES YOU TO A LUNCH AND LEARN TO of lithium components. The batteries Grow your business with L’CHAYIM! of a mere 2.7 million, many of them are due to go into mass production this Holocaust survivors and refugees from year. HEAR ABOUT Arab lands. At its narrowest, the state GlucoMe allows diabetes sufferers was nine miles wide with Arab armies to monitor their blood sugar levels and on all its borders and its back to the sea. INCLUSION IN ISRAEL stores the information in the cloud so it Its cities were within enemy artillery can be accessed by their doctor. range – Syrian guns regularly shelled Thursday, July 20, 2017 As an increasing number of auto- 12:00 - 2:00 pm the villages of Galilee – and the terror- motive manufacturers are choosing to ists of the Palestine Liberation Orga- connect their cars to the internet, Argus nization (PLO) and Yasser Arafat’s al- Temple Beth El develops technology to prevent them Fatah nightly struck at civilian targets. 16225 Winkler Road, Ft. Myers, FL from being hacked. Jerusalem was divided and Jews were With over 85 million users, My- Featuring prohibited from visiting their holiest Heritage is one of the largest sites in Yossi Kahana places, above all the Western Wall. the social networking and genealogy Economically, the country was in field, offering access to search and crisis, and internationally it was alone. matching technologies, a library of his- China, India, Soviet Russia and its 12 torical records, and a wide collection satellite nations were all hostile. The of family trees. U.S., though friendly, was not allied Zebra has developed an algorithm militarily with Israel. Most of its arms to identify early signs of breast cancer, came from France which, just days be- based on thousands of previous mam- fore the war, switched sides. With the mograms. In December, the company Soviets lavishly arming Egypt, Iraq Director, JNF Task Force on Disabilities launched a service that allows people and Syria, and the U.S., Jordan and As the Director of Jewish National Fund’s Task Force on to upload their medical imaging scans Saudi Arabia, the Arabs enjoyed mas- Disabilities, Yossi Kahana supports a network of JNF’s and receive an automated analysis for partnership programs for people with disabilities, ensuring sive superiority over the Israel Defense key clinical conditions. (Sam Shead, that all programs are effective and fiscally strong. Previously, Forces. Millions of Arabs were clamor- Business Insider - UK) he served for 17 years at Aleh, Israel’s largest network of ing for war. residential facilities for children with disabilities. THE SURPRISING Egypt’s Nasser expelled UN OPINIONS OF peacekeeping forces from Sinai in More Information mid-May and paraded his army back Marcy Friedland, Senior Campaign Executive, PALESTINIANS into the peninsula. Next, he closed the Western Florida, at [email protected] or 727.536.5263 A new poll of 1,540 Palestinians in the Straits of Tiran, cutting off Israel’s Red West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem Sea route to Asia. Nasser’s Syrian ri- reveals that much of the Palestinian vals signed a mutual defense pact with public actually agree with several key NO COST BRING him and Jordan’s King Hussein placed points Trump raised in the Middle East. TO YOUR OWN his army under Egyptian command. ATTEND LUNCH Two-thirds of Palestinians think Thanks to the Six-Day War, Israel “the PA should give prisoners’ will never again be nine miles wide, families normal social benefits and Jerusalem will always be open to like everybody else, not extra pay- the followers of all faiths. Thanks to ments based on their sentences or jnf.org the Six-Day War, the Syrian civil war is armed operations.” 800.JNF.0099 raging far from the old border, a mere A majority on the West Bank 10 meters from the Sea of Galilee. (Mi- (56%) say the issue of moving the chael B. Oren, New York Daily News) U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem is “not L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 14 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Why Israel is a fast-moving force in smart transportation The megatrend in this world is electric, connected and autonomous. That put Israel in the center because those are things we are really good at. By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org, May 25, 2017 n June 2013, 250 Israeli smart- National Program for Alternative Fuels tion are Waze and Mobileye. space and prototyping lab in Tel Aviv transportation visionaries flocked to and Smart Transportation and the Israeli Not long after that first EcoMo- headed by Boaz Mamo, founder and Ithe inaugural EcoMotion “unconfer- Innovation Institute, with the support of tion unconference, Google bought the former head of EcoMotion. Renault’s ence” to share their crazy fantasies about the Ministry of Economy. Ra’anana-based crowd traffic-naviga- Open Innovation Lab was established the future of moving people from one “The megatrend in this world is tion pioneer Waze for $1.03 billion. in Tel Aviv last June to work with local place to another. electric, connected and autonomous – Jerusalem-headquartered Mobileye, startups. Only four years later, leaders of the and that put Israel in the center because which developed vision-based driver- Time to deliver global automotive and transportation in- those are things we are really good at,” assistance systems and is prominent in It’s not only the success stories that dustry were among 1,500 participants at she tells ISRAEL21c. the engineering of self-driving cars, was focused the transportation world’s at- the fifth annual EcoMotion Main Event EcoMotion’s year-round work- acquired by Intel in March 2017 for a tention on Israel, Zeno-Zamanski points at the Peres Center in Jaffa on May 18. shops, competitions, hackathons, meet- record $15.3 billion. out. Electric-car network Better Place, It hasn’t taken long for Israel to ups and investor events have helped Now, Mobileye is partnering with meant to position Israel as a model for emerge as a significant source of innova- grow its community to more than 700 the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- the rest of the world, helped put Israel tion for autonomous and connected ve- affiliated organizations. About 200 nology and corporations including on the map for transportation innovation hicles, navigation, public transportation, startups were represented at the all-day Microsoft to establish an international before going bankrupt in May 2013. alternative fuels, super-efficient engines, conference, which drew 250 prominent EcoMotion, started urban parking, and environment-friend- overseas attendees. around the same time, re- ly personal and mass transportation. “Everyone is coming to see Is- ceives government, phil- More than 500 Israeli companies raeli technology for smart mobility. Our anthropic and industry involved in this sector have raised a smart-transport ecosystem is becoming funding to support knowl- combined nearly $20 billion over the a global center together with Silicon edge-sharing, networking past four years. Valley. We even met a lot of people and collaboration in smart “Five or six years ago, who’d have from the Valley at our event,” Zeno- transportation. thought Israel would be a potential Zamanski notes. “We’re constantly player in the global industry of trans- The conference showcased inno- looking at the ecosystem to portation? We don’t even have any vative solutions for autonomous and see what is missing,” says automakers,” says Lior Zeno-Zamanski, connected vehicles, cybersecurity, ride- Zeno-Zamanski. “The gap executive director of EcoMotion, a sharing, bike-sharing, drones, electric now identified has to do Moshe Rackach of ParKings, an Israeli startup with an app nonprofit community initiated by the motorcycles and racing cars, fast-charg- for reserving parking spots, with his display at EcoMotion with implementation and ing automotive batteries and (photo by Asaf Kliger) POCs [proofs of concept] much more. transportation lab in the Israeli port city and collaboration. That’s the hard part. “Now we need to bring of Ashdod. You can honestly say Israel is a global all this innovation to the Mercedes Benz, General Motors, center for transportation innovation and market and change the world BMW, Ford, Honda, Uber, Volkswagen now it’s time to deliver.” of transportation through col- and Volvo have opened R&D centers in Anat Bonstein, head of the National laborations with corporations Israel and/or invested in Israeli technol- Program for Alternative Fuels in the and municipalities,” says ogy since 2016. Prime Minister’s Office, said she hopes Zeno-Zamanski. The Honda Silicon Valley Lab, to see pilots and projects in technolo- Waze and Mobileye Volvo, Hertz International and Israel’s gies from autonomous vehicles to ride- Serge Passolunghi, director of the Renault Innovation Lab Two well-known Israeli Ituran are sponsoring DRIVE, a new sharing by the end of this year. in Silicon Valley, sitting in a Renault Twizy at EcoMotion names in smart transporta- smart-mobility accelerator, co-working continued on next page in Tel Aviv (photo by Shlomi Mizrachi)
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Why Israel is a fast-moving force in smart transportation “The State of Israel recognizes the Israeli industry and technology, and the The megatrend in this world is electric, connected and autonomous. huge potential and the great opportunity faith that foreign and Israeli investors to promote an area which will develop have in it.” That put Israel in the center because those are things we are really good at. into a trillion-dollar market,” she said. Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and Oded Distel, director of the Israel associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior space and prototyping lab in Tel AvivNewTech program in the Foreign In- to moving to Israel in 2007, she was headed by Boaz Mamo, founder andvestment and Industrial Cooperation in a specialty writer and copy editor at a former head of EcoMotion. Renault’s the Ministry of Economy and Industry, daily newspaper in New Jersey and has Open Innovation Lab was establishedsays EcoMotion’s 2017 conference “is freelanced for a variety of newspapers in Tel Aviv last June to work with localliving proof of the attractiveness of the and periodicals since 1984. startups. Time to deliver It’s not only the success stories that focused the transportation world’s at- Needed to label L’Chayim tention on Israel, Zeno-Zamanski points out. Electric-car network Better Place, join us for coffee, bagels and the simple satisfaction meant to position Israel as a model for that comes from meeting and making friends with the rest of the world, helped put Israel other volunteers, as we help keep thousands of local on the map for transportation innovation readers informed about local, national and interna- before going bankrupt in May 2013. EcoMotion, started tional Jewish news. around the same time, re- ceives government, phil- anthropic and industry Call 481.4449 ext. 3 to add your name to the funding to support knowl- phone list. Each month we will call to confirm SoftWheel was at EcoMotion showing its Fluent bicycle wheels for smooth riding off-road, edge-sharing, networking down and up curbs, and down stairs (photo by Asaf Kliger) the mailing date and you can let us know if and collaboration in smart you are available to help label L’CHAYIM. transportation. For daily news stories related “We’re constantly Time: 9:30 A.M. looking at the ecosystem to to Israel & the Jewish world, see what is missing,” says Monday, July 24, 2017 Zeno-Zamanski. “The gap visit the Federation’s website at Monday, August 28, 2017 now identified has to do www.JewishFederationLCC.org. with implementation and POCs [proofs of concept] and collaboration. That’s the hard part. You can honestly say Israel is a global center for transportation innovation and ADRIENNE WEINER now it’s time to deliver.” Broker-Associate Certified Public Accountants/Financial Consultants Anat Bonstein, head of the National ® Charles Abels Massie CPA, CFP® Program for Alternative Fuels in the Realty Group NFLPA Registered Player Financial Advisor Prime Minister’s Office, said she hopes Brian Simon, ChFC®, CLU® 7910 Summerlin Lakes Drive Financial Advisor, Park Avenue Securities, LLC Fort Myers, FL 33907 15671 San Carlos Blvd. Ste 201 O: 239-768-2171 to see pilots and projects in technolo- Cell: (239) 246-4991 Fort Myers, FL 33908 F: 239-768-6074 Office: (239) 489-0444 • Fax: (239) 288-6727 gies from autonomous vehicles to ride- Email: [email protected] www.cpamassie.com [email protected] sharing by the end of this year. www.soldsign.com www.AdrienneWeiner.com “We Save Your Income for You to Enjoy Your Outcome” continued on next page Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
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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. COMMENTARY BRIEFS 50th anniversary of the 1967 Six-Day War: Why history matters By David Harris, AJC CEO, May 31, 2017 ention history and it can trig- created a Palestinian state in the West and tied his fate to Egypt and Syria. His Isn’t it about time to say yes?” ger a roll of the eyes. Bank, eastern Jerusalem, and the Gaza forces were defeated by Israel, and he Today, there are those who wish to MAdd the Middle East to the Strip any day of the week. They didn’t. lost control of the West Bank and eastern rewrite history. equation and folks might start running There wasn’t even discussion about it. Jerusalem. He later acknowledged that They want the world to believe for the hills, unwilling to get caught And Arab leaders, who today profess he had made a terrible error in entering there was once a Palestinian state. There up in the seemingly bottomless pit of such attachment to eastern Jerusalem, the war. was not. details and disputes. rarely, if ever, visited. It was viewed as Seventh, Egypt’s President Gamal They want the world to believe But without an understanding of an Arab backwater. Abdel Nasser demanded that UN peace- there were fixed borders between that what happened in the past, it’s impos- Fourth, the 1967 boundary at the keeping forces in the area, in place for state and Israel. There was only an sible to grasp where we are today – and time of the war, so much in the news the previous decade to prevent conflict, armistice line between Israel and the where we are has profound relevance these days, was nothing more than an be removed. Shamefully, without even Jordanian-controlled West Bank and for the region and the world. armistice line dating back to 1949 – the courtesy of consulting Israel, the UN eastern Jerusalem. Fifty years ago this month, the Six- familiarly known as the Green Line. complied. That left no buffer between They want the world to believe the Day War broke out. That’s after five Arab armies attacked Arab armies being mobilized and de- 1967 war was a bellicose act by Israel. While some wars fade into obscu- Israel in 1948 with the aim of destroying ployed and Israeli forces in a country It was an act of self-defense in the face rity, this one remains as relevant today the embryonic Jewish state. They failed. one-fiftieth, or two percent, the size of of blood-curdling threats to vanquish as in 1967. Many of its core issues Armistice lines were drawn, but they Egypt – and just nine miles wide at its the Jewish state, not to mention the remain unresolved. weren’t formal borders. They couldn’t narrowest point. maritime blockade of the Straits of Politicians, diplomats and journal- be. The Arab world, even in defeat, Eighth, Egypt blocked Israeli ship- Tiran, the abrupt withdrawal of UN ists continue to grapple with the conse- refused to recognize Israel’s very right ping lanes in the Red Sea, Israel’s only peacekeeping forces, and the redeploy- quences of that war, but rarely consider, to exist. maritime access to trading routes with ment of Egyptian and Syrian troops. All or perhaps are even unaware of, context. Fifth, the Palestine Liberation Asia and Africa. This step was under- wars have consequences. This one was Yet without context, some critically Organization (PLO), which supported standably regarded as an act of war by no exception. But the aggressors have important things may not make sense. the war effort, was established in 1964, Jerusalem. The United States spoke failed to take responsibility for the ac- First, in June 1967, there was no three years before the conflict erupted. about joining with other countries to tions they instigated. state of Palestine. It didn’t exist and That’s important because it was cre- break the blockade, but, in the end, They want the world to believe never had. Its creation, proposed by the ated with the goal of obliterating Israel. regrettably, did not act. post-1967 Israeli settlement-building UN in 1947, was rejected by the Arab Remember that in 1964 the only “settle- Ninth, France, which had been is the key obstacle to peacemaking. world because it also meant the estab- ments” were Israel itself. Israel’s principal arms supplier, an- The Six-Day War is proof positive that lishment of a Jewish state alongside. Sixth, in the weeks leading up to nounced a ban on the sale of weapons on the core issue is, and always has been, Second, the West Bank and eastern the Six-Day War, Egyptian and Syrian the eve of the June war. That left Israel whether the Palestinians and larger Arab Jerusalem were in Jordanian hands. leaders repeatedly declared that war in potentially grave danger if a war were world accept the Jewish people’s right Violating solemn agreements, Jordan was coming and their objective was to to drag on and require the resupply of to a state of their own. If so, all other denied Jews access to their holiest wipe Israel off the map. There was no arms. It was not until the next year that contentious issues, however difficult, places in eastern Jerusalem. To make ambiguity. Twenty-two years after the the U.S. stepped into the breach and sold have possible solutions. But, alas, if not, matters still worse, they desecrated and Holocaust, another enemy spoke about vital weapons systems to Israel. all bets are off. destroyed many of those sites. the extermination of Jews. The record And finally, after winning the war of And they want the world to believe Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip was un- is well-documented. self-defense, Israel hoped that its newly- the Arab world had nothing against Jews der Egyptian control, with harsh military The record is equally clear that Is- acquired territories, seized from Egypt, per se, only Israel, yet trampled with rule imposed on local residents. rael, in the days leading up to the war, Jordan and Syria, would be the basis for abandon on sites of sacred meaning to And the Golan Heights, which were passed word to Jordan, via the UN and a land-for-peace accord. Feelers were the Jewish people. regularly used to shell Israeli communi- United States, urging Amman to stay sent out. The formal response came on In other words, when it comes to ties far below, belonged to Syria. out of any pending conflict. Jordan’s September 1, 1967, when the Arab Sum- the Arab-Israeli conflict, dismissing the Third, the Arab world could have King Hussein ignored the Israeli plea mit Conference famously declared in past as if it were a minor irritant at best, Khartoum: “No peace, no recognition, irrelevant at worst, won’t work. no negotiations” with Israel. Can history move forward? Abso- More “no’s” were to follow. Un- lutely. Israel’s peace treaties with Egypt Letter to the Editor derscoring the point, in 2003, the Saudi in 1979 and Jordan in 1994 power- Ambassador to the U.S. was quoted in fully prove the point. At the same time, The June edition of L’CHAYIM fea- iors” of Israel. Greenblatt indirectly The New Yorker as saying: “It broke though, the lessons of the Six-Day War tured a lengthy article by the ADL that supported criticisms of Israel while de- my heart that [PLO Chair] Arafat did illustrate just how tough and tortuous the ostensibly described anti-Semitic inci- fending Israel’s critics as part of a Ho- not take the offer (of a two-state deal path can be – and are sobering reminders dents of the past few years, focusing on locaust Remembrance Day message. presented by Israel, with American sup- that, yes, history does matter. Florida. Unfortunately, its self-serving Jonathan Greenblatt describes his port, in 2001). Since 1948, every time pronouncements were clearly intended commonality with anti-Israel groups we’ve had something on the table, we The AJC West Coast Florida to attack the current administration as like J Street and If Not Now because say no. Then we say yes. When we say office, located in Sarasota, can being “responsible” for the “surge” as they agree with issues such as gay yes, it’s not on the table anymore. Then well as proclaiming itself as the leader rights and Syrian Muslim migrants, we have to deal with something less. be reached at 941.365.4955. in fighting anti-Semitism. thus diminishing any support for Israel. The ADL, under the leadership of The ADL’s National Leadership Jonathan Greenblatt (an Obama asso- Summit had three panels, one each for ciate) has moved from its previously anti-Semitism, BDS and Israel. Yet, held centrist position to veering sharp- greater attention was given to the is- ly to the left. The following are recent sue of transgender bathrooms (which examples. attracted twice as many participants Recently, Prime Minister Netanya- as the BDS and Israel panels). Where hu responded to the Palestinians’ desire were the panels that dealt with the for a state void of any Jews as “ethnic growing anti-Semitism facing Jewish Bar / Bat Mitzvah Specialist cleansing.” Along with the Obama ad- college students, the increasing threat Choosing the right photographer is an important decision. ministration’s anger at such a descrip- posed by Hezbollah and, most of all, Michael Shapiro has more than 30 years experience in media tion, Mr. Greenblatt chastised Netan- the nuclear aspirations of Iran? yahu, while dismissing the 1.5 million Sadly, many Reform and Conser- and journalism. He is able to capture images that are unique, Arabs living in Israel. vative Jews, particularly millennials, unexpected and spontaneous. In a recent Holocaust Remem- are drifting away from defending Is- brance Day, Greenblatt recommended rael while simultaneously “aligning” that the Jewish community “embrace” themselves with those whose goal is to a vigorous debate “by those who dis- ultimately eliminate the Jewish state. agree with certain policies and behav- – Samuel Frazer, Fort Myers What do you think? L’CHAYIM wants to know! Send your letters and comments to Ted Epstein, L’CHAYIM Editor, at [email protected]. Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events Letters Policy Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone. Letters 239.770.6860 should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/ [email protected] or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM nor its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received. www.shapiro-photography.com L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 COMMENTARY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 17
kill you,” Barkat said. “You’ve got versity in Saudi Arabia – is in the to neutralize them as fast as pos- Arab world. COMMENTARY BRIEFS sible.” According to the World Economic “And in our city, it’s amazing, be- Forum’s Gender Gap Report, the PALESTINIANS NEED causes in the human rights communi- cause in many places in the world, Arab world is the worst region REAL SUPPORT, NOT ty. Other groups with grievances have we see in a terror attack, people to be a woman. Of the bottom 20 SELF-SERVING BDS learned from the success of Palestin- run out of the scene and rely on se- countries out of 144, 11 are in the ian terrorism and have emulated them. Nothing is being done to establish curity forces. In our case, if it’s a Arab world. Even today, when the Palestinian Au- an economic infrastructure in the lone wolf and others, you see peo- (James L. Gelvin, professor of thority claims to reject terrorism, they Palestinian territories. We Pales- ple, including residents, run to the modern Middle East history at the reward the families of suicide bombers tinians have no legitimate leader- scene and jump, to stop the guy. University of California, Los Angeles, and other terrorists with large compen- ship. Even though the world still And while in some cases people History News Network) sation packages that increase with the pretends that Mahmoud Abbas is lost their lives doing so, they saved number of innocent victims. TO RESOLVE THE ISRAELI- the legitimate president, no one others.” If the perpetrator of the Manches- believes that he represents anyone (Joseph Brean, National Post - PALESTINIAN CONFLICT, ter massacre had been Palestinian, and anymore. Canada) DISMANTLE THE if the massacre had taken place in Is- When Israeli Prime Minister Ben- PALESTINIAN REFUGEE rael, the Palestinian Authority would THE REAL CRISIS IN jamin Netanyahu said, “I think that CAMPS FIRST have paid his family a small fortune for anyone who moves to establish a THE ARAB MIDDLE EAST A critical factor in explaining why the murdering so many children. People Palestinian state today, and evacu- The Arab Middle East faces nu- Israeli-Palestinian conflict has not yet and organizations that pay other peo- ate areas, is giving radical Islam merous threats to human security, been resolved is the UN Relief and ple for killing innocent civilians are an area from which to attack the beginning with violence and bad Works Agency (UNRWA). Prime Min- known as accessories to murder. (Alan State of Israel,” he was right. If governance. ister Benjamin Netanyahu has called Dershowitz, Washington Examiner) Israel evacuated the West Bank, According to The Economist’s for dismantling UNRWA, whose very Abbas would quickly be replaced “Democracy Index 2016,” among existence, he said, “perpetuates the JERUSALEM MAYOR: the 22 members of the Arab by Hamas. WEST STARTING TO Palestinian refugee problem rather Outside Israel, much of the world League, 16 are labeled as authori- than solves it.” sees us through the lenses of the UNDERSTAND WHAT tarian – the worst proportion of For years, Israeli officials have Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) ISRAEL HAS FACED any region in the world. noted that UNRWA has provided a movement, which Palestinians WITH RADICAL ISLAM Dramatic increases in population breeding ground for the growth of ter- largely do not support, since many In the wake of the Trump admin- have led to diminished water re- rorist activity against Israel. In 2014, Palestinians are employed by Is- istration decision not to move the sources, overgrazing and soil ex- UNRWA used its schools for storing raeli firms – the only source of U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, Jeru- haustion. By 2025, 18 out of 22 rockets, and UNRWA building sup- good jobs for Palestinians. salem Mayor Nir Barkat said on a states in the region will be below plies were found to have been used by The BDS movement does not seem recent visit to Toronto, “We want the water poverty line. Hamas for tunnel construction. to understand that the building of to fix that irregularity. We want to Besides oil, the Arab Middle East Successful UN refugee programs settlements benefits Palestinians. make sure that the world under- has little to export. The region was overseen by the UN High Commission- The settlements are a great source stands that in any potential deal, less industrialized in 2000 than it er for Refugees have led to a diminu- of well-paying jobs for Palestin- if we ever do a deal with the Pal- was in 1970. tion of the refugee problem in different ian workers. Jews residing in the estinians, the city of Jerusalem is Of the top 300 universities in the continued on page 23 West Bank is not a problem. Why the capital of the Jewish people, world, only one – Abdul Aziz Uni- should it be? Muslims live all over period.” the world, so why should there be “If we need any proof, put a shovel areas where Jews are not allowed? in the ground anywhere you want, That would be apartheid. and you will see Jewish roots go- The Arab world is almost one ing back 2,000, 3,000 years. Le- thousand times larger than Israel, gally, this is our land more than so the existence of Israel was nev- anybody else’s land.” er a threat to the Arab world, but With regard to the terror attacks it was a great opportunity to allow in Paris, Nice, Berlin, Manches- corrupt Arab leaders to keep their ter and London, he said, “I think peoples distracted. the world is starting to understand We cannot expect our situation to what we’ve gone through. Radical improve while terrorism continues Islam is active, more than it was in and while Palestinian youth are the past, and it forces people to re- taught to believe that killing Jews think how they operate relative to is honorable. It is not honorable, the threat. We’ve done that.” and such hate will never benefit the Barkat has greater personal cred- Palestinians. ibility on anti-terrorism than most (Bassem Eid, founder and former di- people. In 2015, he and his body- rector of the Palestinian Human Rights guard confronted a rampaging ter- Monitoring Group, Times of Israel) rorist. The bodyguard aimed his Specializing in gun, the terrorist dropped his knife outpatient hip and TERRORISM PERSISTS and Barkat took him down. knee replacement BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN Unlike in London, for example, REWARDED where police urged people to “Run, The many terrorist atrocities perpe- Hide, Tell,” in Jerusalem civilians trated by Palestinian terrorists have are encouraged to “take action, to elevated their cause above all other engage.” “Look, terrorists want to 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. If you are interested, please send the following information to [email protected]: Name Address Phone # Age Grade School Preferred volunteer hours (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays) L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 18 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FROM THE BIMAH
Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Getting ready for What do we do now? ne of my takeaways from learned that the Jewish state was a beginnings again Harold Kushner’s great book force to be reckoned with. We were When Bad Things Happen to no longer defenseless. Arab states and oon we will be celebrating the first broken heart. O Good People is that throughout our the rest of the world learned this too. beginning of the world. I should Then in rapid succession: work, lives we are faced with life-changing Beginning with Israel’s lightning vic- add our world and our version career, marriage and children, who S situations in which the most impor- tory in that war and continuing with the of its birth because there are dozens of reenact the cycle of all your own be- tant question we economic explosion of the 1990s and fascinating creation myths all over the ginnings, and then unexpectedly the ask is “what do I do beyond, Israel gained recognition for world. cycle takes a turn for the worse. Sud- now?” Rabbi Kush- having one of the strongest militaries, But all seek to answer three recur- denly, endings begin to compete with ner’s book was about intelligence operations and economies rent and common beginnings. Abruptly, unwelcome ca- personal loss and in the world. questions: reer changes occur, companies close, the role of commu- With all that strength, what should 1. How was our only dead-end jobs are available, you nity in bringing an Israel and her leaders do now? Not for a world created? are getting older, you reluctantly leave individual or family second do I believe that Israel can ever 2. How did we come homes and neighbors you loved, fami- Rabbi through their difficult let down her guard. Iran poses a mortal to be? lies are scattered all over the coun- Marc time. But I think the threat. Even without a nuclear weapon, 3. Who was the Cre- try; and finally you retire, or have to Sack question applies to Iran sends rockets and weapons to He- ator of both? because you can’t take the cold and all major life events. How we respond zbollah and sponsors terrorism around Rabbi Our sages be- snow anymore, and Soutthwest Florida determines our sense of meaning – that the world. Radical Palestinian terror- Devora lieve that these are beckons. Buchen our lives are making a difference to the ists still plan attacks against Israeli not abstract or dis- So where are we emotionally? world around us – and our personal civilians. Against enemies like these, tant events, but impact and imprint our Living with more endings than begin- sense of well-being. Israel’s strength can never be in doubt. lives often and regularly. Of all the in- nings, perhaps with more regrets than In a recent New York Times column But Israel was founded for more fluences upon us, nothing matches that hopes; with more nostalgia about the (June 6, 2017), David Brooks wrote than survival. It was founded to be the of persistent and recurrent beginnings. good old days and with more shouda about Warren Buffet’s Giving Pledge place of Jewish flowering. The early It starts with our birth and never woulda than what is or was. campaign in which he encouraged Zionist writers envisioned a country stops. And to insure its importance, But it is my belief and that of Juda- other billionaires to give away much where Jewish culture and ethics would Jewish rituals are there to underscore ism that we cannot live, laugh and love of their money during their lifetime. flourish. What do we do now that we the tradition of birth and the life cycle without beginnings. Brooks wrote his own, fanciful, “what and the rest of the world have learned of many beginnings. Isak Dinesen claimed, “There is a would I do now,” about the causes and of the strength of the Jewish state? Settle back and reflect. You all re- miracle in every new beginning.” ideas he’d support were he to suddenly The last fifty years have brought call being born – so Freud claims – and The key word is ‘new.’ What are have a billion dollars to give away. great triumphs and heartbreaking con- when you were one year old. Those old new beginnings? Is not that redundant? The question “what do we do now” flicts. When it comes to Israel’s place black-and-white blurry pictures capture After all, a beginning is already new. came up frequently for me as I read the in the world, especially with her neigh- the excitement of that first birthday. The difference is that all the be- many articles written about the fifti- bors, and for those of us Jews who live And then the cycle takes over and ginnings were given – built in and dis- eth anniversary of the Six-Day War a outside the state, the answers to the picks up speed: the first day of -nurs pensed by the cycle of life itself. But a few weeks ago. Thinking back to those question “what do we do now” remain ery school and kindergarten; the first new beginning is not given but created. days, when Israel was just nineteen works in process. This Zionist is hope- time in synagogue for Rosh Hashanah It is made by us, for us and of us. It years old, the Shoah just twenty-two ful that the Israelis will come up with and Yom Kippur to show off your new comes to be from the insight that we years behind us, the entire Jewish com- answers that show us and others how clothes; first loss of baby teeth; gradu- cannot live fully and vividly without munity was terrified. The Arab nations much of a contribution the Jewish state ations – from elementary, middle and bounce, joy and surprise. So once more promised to “wipe the Jews into the can make to the betterment of the re- high school – and the excitement of the ball is in your court. It is up to you. sea.” Could our people be decimated gion and the world community. starting off at a new school; bar and Rabbi Devora Buchen serves at Temple once again? Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple bat mitzvah, first date, first prom, Beth Shalom in Cape Coral. In six days, the Jewish people Judea in Fort Myers.
Synagogues oyfully led by Rabbi Nicole Luna, hat is the origin of the word congregations who kept on chasing Every moment is worthy ninth-graders in the confirmation “synagogue?” It is made up Jews on the move by selling their old Jclass of 2017 participated in every of two Greek roots: “syn” buildings and building new ones now of prayer aspect of Shabbat services on May 19, W n Judaism, no moment is so mun- reach our destination in peace, that weleading prayers and chanting Torah. A (together) and “agein” (to set in mo- often find themselves in the same tion or bring), transitioning into the downward spiral as their business dane that we cannot reach out to avoid disasters along the way, that Godslide show with music presented by Latin “synagoga,” and then finally into counterparts. There simply is no better IGod. Every moment is worthy of sends us peace and hears our prayer.Vanessa and Jay Sax showcased all the its present forms. Thus “synagogue” place anymore to build a new building prayer. Prayer is not just for Shabbat And then perhaps we add a few extraincredible learning and volunteer trips literally means “to bring together.” for a Jewish congregation in the U.S. or special occasions. Prayer can in- lines of our own, asking God for pa-the confirmands experienced through- Underlying this is the Hebrew term Those coming of age in the West fuse our daily life with meaning and tience while our flight is delayed, mer-out the year. Rabbi Luna shared a pri- “kenesset” and its Aramaic equivalent in this new millennium greatly value bring us a sense of cy toward the other drivers on the road,vate moment of blessing with the stu- “kenishta,” mean- function over form: what they are able peace and calm. and a peaceful and restful time on ourdents on the bimah, followed by the ing “assembly.” The to DO is vastly more important to them Even traveling is an much-deserved vacation. priestly benediction. The ninth-graders location of the as- than where they are able to GO. Of occasion for prayer. Tefilat HaDerech, Traveler’s Prayer: sembly is a “beit ke- course, every now and then they will Remember this when May it be Your will, Eternal One, our nesset.” “Beit” in an- go to a place to shop, eat or catch a live you’re traveling in God and the God of our ancestors, cient Hebrew meant show or big screen movie in a theatre, an airplane this sum- that You lead us toward peace, direct “place of” as in Beit but more often they not, they can sat- mer, enduring the our footsteps toward peace, guide us Lehem (Bethlehem isfy those functions without going any- Rabbi loud roar of the en- toward peace, and make us reach our Nicole Rabbi – a place where food where at all. gine, the stale smell desired destination for life, gladness Luna Bruce was stored) or Beit Many “big box” synagogues are of uncirculating air, and peace. Save us from every enemy Diamond ‘El (a place of God). trying to catch up by streaming their and cramped seats with no leg room. and ambush, from robbers and wild The simple noun “bayit” itself just worship services online and maintain- Remember this when you’re travel- animals along the way, and from all meant and still means “a house.” ing websites, but often they are strug- ing on a car trip this summer, the air kinds of punishments that assemble For the very longest time a “beit gling under the weight of a physical conditioning battling 90-degree tem- and come to the world. May You send then passed down the Torah scrolls to kenesset” meant a building where Jews place they are trying to maintain at a peratures, the highway congested with blessing upon the work of our hands,the eighth-graders who will themselves gather to pray. It was an obligation time when place is becoming less rel- other travelers trying to avoid expen- and grant us peace, kindness and mer-be confirmed next year. from the Sages to dedicate (“leyahed”) evant to new generations of Jews. sive airfares, perhaps a couple of kids cy in your eyes and in the eyes of all In Rabbi Luna’s confirmation class, special places for prayer, and those One solution is contained in the (or even an adult) pestering “Are we who see us. May You hear the soundwhich met twice a month, students built who help do so are praised each week very roots of the word “synagogue.” there yet?” During those moments of our supplication, because You areon knowledge gained in their bar and during traditional Sabbath morning First and foremost, we must set in mo- when you’re wondering if the long- the God who hears prayer and suppli-bat mitzvah classes to explore issues of worship: “May (God) bless those who tion authentic reasons to come together awaited vacation is worth the aggrava- cations. Blessed are You, Eternal One,Jewish identity. What does it mean to dedicate gathering places for prayer as a synagogue. The reasons for the tion of summer travel, remember that who hears prayer. be a mensch? What’s it like being the and those who come to pray in them.” 21st century synagogue are immeasur- every moment is worthy of prayer. Ju- May the summer be a time of joyonly Jew in your school? How do we However, in our cyberage 21st cen- ably more important these days than daism offers a Traveler’s Prayer,Tefilat and rest for us all. make good Jewish choices? Our con- tury, the very definition of place has its building, which now often own the HaDerech, giving us the opportunity to Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Templefirmation students lived the process of shifted from the old brick-and-mortar congregation rather than the other way turn our travel frustrations into prayer. Beth El in Fort Myers. making good Jewish choices. definition to something else entirely. around. We reach out to God and ask that we Throughout the year, the commu- “Sites,” “rooms” and “stores” are no Those reasons for coming together nity-based social action curriculum en- longer just physical spaces. They are have to be to meet needs that you sim- abled students to focus on issues that now defined by functions like “visit- ply cannot satisfy online: to be in the matter to them in their lives and in the ing,” “chatting” and “shopping.” In presence of “the real thing” with others For a continuously updated wider world. Class activities were cho- short, “place” is now defined by what who likewise find joy in moral, intel- sen based on Jewish values. Some ex- we do, not what we build. lectual and spiritual authenticity. Beau- amples from a busy year include: the The consequences have been enor- tiful buildings are no longer the draw; calendar of events, visit Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve visit mous for brick-and-mortar businesses what goes on inside is. which was linked to bal taschit: pro- which now find the buildings they’ve Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The tecting our environment; visiting the owned dragging them into insolvency. Community Free Synagogue in Fort Harry Chapin Food Bank and partici- More particularly in our Jewish case, Myers. www.JewishFederationLCC.org. pating in the food insecurity shopping exercise at Publix demonstrated al L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19
We might learn about the doors. We have a full summer of TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS tradition of cooking chal- interesting visitors. Fort Myers lah that we will then share Temple Judea Preschool with the congregation. begins August 7 What do we do now? Liz Singer, We might learn about a time in Jew- Looking ahead to next month, Director of Congregational Learning ish history when Jews became known preschool will begin on Monday, This upcoming year Temple Judea Re- for their pickle making and encourage August 7. We have a wonderful ligious School is focusing on the goals students to teach themselves that art as year planned with exciting activi- of making learning fun. In that effort well. There are tons of possibilities and ties. Temple Judea Preschool val- we are adopting an alternative model. I I look forward to watching the students ues active exploration, discovery want to share with you some of the rev- grow through these immersive experi- and play. We carefully plan the olutionary approaches that the school ences. environment and activities to is striving to tackle. The hope is that the curriculum support your child’s learning. Temple Judea will introduce two will teach more than can merely be If you would like to learn new outdoor classrooms where stu- read in books. Kids will be able to more about Temple Judea Pre- At the Temple Judea Preschool 2017 Graduation, dents will be encouraged to explore touch, feel and interact with what they school and the various pro- Rabbi Marc Sack presents graduates a copy of Yertle the Turtle subjects without the physical limita- are learning. grams we offer, please call tions of a classroom. Among other * * * 239.482.1121. We offer full- and things, these classrooms will be used Temple Judea Preschool half-day programs for children as a great place to have conversations Joann Goldman, ages 18 months to 5 years of age. about Jewish values and to explore the Temple Judea Preschool Director Toddler Time different elements of the world that Temple Judea Camp Program Our Parent and Child program is G-d had a part in creating. Our campers are having a great time a great introduction to our pre- Students will rotate from class this summer. The children are enjoy- school program. This program to class much like they do at middle ing our fun themes and love all the art begins at 12 months of age. It is school or camp. The addition of elec- projects we have been working on. We offered on Tuesday and Wednes- tives will help students find a cultural can’t wait for Smokey to visit us, and day. Join in the fun as the parents and creative connection to the Judaism Taylor will stop by with some interest- and children, cook, dance, sing, material. With the help of our teen as- ing animals. We will have fun with Too paint and socialize. This program sistants as well as with the addition of Tall Torrie as we dance to some fun will begin in September. our congregational Shaliach, Zohar, music. The children can’t wait to see Pre-K flag holder we will be learning Hebrew words, and what a contortionist can do. Peg will about Jewish heroes by playing sports. stop by to teach about the great out- Camp Gan Israel Camp Gan Israel is the camp where Girls 9-12, July 10-28, 3-week kids are actively involved in fun! Give program your child an experience of a lifetime Boys 9-13, July 10-21, 2-week and send them to Camp Gan Israel. The program counselors and staff are eager to greet To register your child or for more your child with many new and exciting information, please visit www.chabad activities. ofcharlottecounty.com or call Sheina at Girls and boys ages 2-8, July 10- 941.258.0188. 28, 3-week program Temple Beth El confirmation class Terrific Threes perform By Laurie Morris oyfully led by Rabbi Nicole Luna, taamod al dam reicha: do not be pas- ninth-graders in the confirmation sive in the face of need; the speaker’s Jclass of 2017 participated in every message from ACT (Abuse Counseling aspect of Shabbat services on May 19, & Treatment) was linked to k’vod hab- leading prayers and chanting Torah. A riot: respect for the dignity and integ- slide show with music presented by rity of each person; last February’s trip DISCOVER Vanessa and Jay Sax showcased all the to Washington, D.C., for the Religious incredible learning and volunteer trips Action Center’s L’Taken social justice THE FUN! the confirmands experienced through- seminar was a real life exercise in tze- out the year. Rabbi Luna shared a pri- dek, tzedek tirdof: justice, justice shall vate moment of blessing with the stu- you pursue. dents on the bimah, followed by the A compilation of essays written priestly benediction. The ninth-graders by the confirmands and distributed at
RECEIVE THE GIFT OF FREE JEWISH CHILDREN’S then passed down the Torah scrolls to the confirmation service addressed the BOOKS the eighth-graders who will themselves question: What was my path to confir- MAILED TO be confirmed next year. mation and where do I go from here? In Rabbi Luna’s confirmation class, Essays revealed the ninth-graders’ ap- YOUR HOME which met twice a month, students built preciation of their TBE teachers, men- EVERY MONTH! on knowledge gained in their bar and tors and friends, as well as their grati- SHARE the experience bat mitzvah classes to explore issues of tude for the wonderful memories they of reading with your Jewish identity. What does it mean to accumulated in confirmation class. children as they grow with Funded by the be a mensch? What’s it like being the Brianna Levy summed it up: “The PJ Library books.
only Jew in your school? How do we lessons that are taught to me by Rab- Roth Family make good Jewish choices? Our con- bi Luna really help me overcome the SIGN UP TODAY! Foundation firmation students lived the process of struggles of high school, family, rela- & making good Jewish choices. tionships and just life in general.” Enrollment is open to Asher Family Throughout the year, the commu- Many of the confirmands have Jewish families with Foundation nity-based social action curriculum en- been educated at TBE since kinder- children between the abled students to focus on issues that garten. Their essays emphasized their ages of six months to matter to them in their lives and in the clear connection to Judaism and their eight years wider world. Class activities were cho- Temple Beth El family. More information, sen based on Jewish values. Some ex- To further their education after living in Lee & Charlotte contact Leni Sack amples from a busy year include: the confirmation, ninth-graders will partic- Counties. 239.481.4449 ext. 3 Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve visit ipate in the Chai (Hebrew high school) [email protected] which was linked to bal taschit: pro- program. As Dale Cohen, Religious tecting our environment; visiting the School Director, said in her remarks Harry Chapin Food Bank and partici- to the confirmands, “Remember, your pating in the food insecurity shopping Jewish education is just beginning. Families can sign up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org exercise at Publix demonstrated al You are the future.” L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 20 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ORGANIZATIONS
Post – Eugene Gordon, pient at our next meeting. This year’s Charter, along with Vice Commander JEWISH WAR VETERANS Commander Harvey committee gathered and chose the win- Robert Ruberto, attended the Jewish Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400 Charter, Marshall Lieber- ner in a democratic fashion. The name War Veterans National Convention. (239) 246-3151 man and Herb Lutsky of the winner will be posted in next They got to meet with the National – participated in the Me- month’s article. Commander, Col. Singer. Thank you Eryka Aptaker morial Day service at Shalom Life On June 6, Commander Harvey both for representing our Post so well! Inclusive of Memorial Day, it was quite Center. Several of our Post’s members/ the busy month for the Jewish War Vet- officers participated in the Memorial erans - Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400. Day service at Temple Beth El Memo- Commander Harvey Charter works rial Cemetery followed by the unveil- diligently to make sure our members ing for Joe Jankow at the Coral Ridge who are no longer with us are honored Cemetery. This tireless group addition- and respected. Our Commander had ally participated in a Memorial Day noticed that Robert Cummings did not service at Memorial Gardens. have any indicator on his headstone At our May 21 meeting, our new showing that he was a veteran. Com- slate of Officers was installed. Con- mander Charter quickly remedied the gratulations to all. We are all positive issue. that you will serve our Post well, as May 20 was Armed Forces Day. you have done in the past. Marshall Lieberman led us in prayer We will be announcing our Herb Harry Shapiro, Bert Kurland, Hy Tuchman and Matthew Lawrence (all WWII veterans!) for our military. Four members of our Schwartz Memorial Scholarship reci- at the Memorial Day service at Temple Beth El
JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (239) 566-1771 Midsummer dream of historic proportions Vice Commander Robert Ruberto and Commander Harvey Charter meet with COL Carl A. Singer Marina Berkovich Installation of officers (center), National Commander of JWV People tell stories in their own way, embellishing or omitting, centering on what is or was important to the story- was my time. In the Ha- you to celebrate your loved one’s life. ¡¡ Tuesday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m.: teller. I, for one, always believed that HADASSAH dassah chapter I was in, A rabbi will say Kaddish in the Hadas- Coffee and bagels at Gayle Dorio’sthe beauty of understanding history is Collier/Lee Chapter we had bake sales and sah Sanctuary at the Hadassah Hospital home with speakers Joanne Wilsonin the ability to hear, read and watch, (239) 370-6220 did other events. Every- in Jerusalem. and Susan Lafer for Keepers of thewhile interpreting the information re- one in my chapter was And don’t forget that Hadassah Gate and perspective Keepers. ceived through an internal prism of Who are we? young. We even went bowling to raise partners with other research centers ¡¡ Thursday, July 27: Chai Tea atindividual perception and relationship Karen Cohn money. Remember the blue boxes? around the world. Charlotte Foreman’s home. Infor-to the events, not the particular fact, We are a group of amazing women who We need new blood in all the Hadassah does not stop during the mation will be sent at a later date. description of it, or a detail that may are Hadassah members. Each and ev- chapters to keep ideas up to date. Our summer. Here is what’s happening: or may not have been of actual conse- ery member represents the diversity of members need to keep this in mind and quence at the time history was made. our membership. We each share a per- think about taking a position on the History lives through viewpoints of its sonal commitment to women’s beliefs board. Committees are a good way to historians. and strength. We do make a difference. begin the journey. The most challenging thing about Hadassah women all have their Maybe you think Hadassah is al- focusing on local Jewish history has very own unique story as to why they ways asking for money. Well, that’s been its newness. In the areas of es- joined this organization. Some women what we do. There aren’t just one or tablished communities, with muse- are in the medical fields and believe in two amounts you can give. We have a the hospitals and the research programs program – the Chai Society – that has in Israel. Others are educators and see been around for some time, in which the need for educating the young and you can begin donating for just $180 old, while other women are drawn to a year ($15 a month). You can give the legal aspects of Hadassah. You can more but it is a good beginning to start say Hadassah is a community of wom- giving. This money helps to defray ex- en throughout the world who give of penses for Hadassah. Luba Rotsztain is themselves as well as donating money in charge of this program. to different causes because they believe Another way to donate is “Who Hadassah’s 2018 major fundraiser will be a brunch on Sunday, February 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Israel. Will Say Kaddish?” – a Perpetual at the Hilton Naples. Pictured are Event Chair Lee Henson with committee members Lynn Weiner, When I was young, all I could give Yahrzeit. It’s a one-time donation for Carol Hirsch, Elissa Goldstein, Belle Agronin, Diana Yarkin and Gayle Dorio
tility of external power. must be and do, and in the absence of is important, but of equal or greater im- HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH Repeatedly, they learned an authoritative document (such as a portance is the development and use of of Southwest Florida a painful lesson: Do not sacred text) that lists people’s duties one’s talents for the benefit of oneself (239) 495-8484 trust your fortune to au- and responsibilities, each person is free and others, i.e., the importance of the thority. At one moment, it to set the purpose and course of his or survival of the human community to Authority, freedom, ethics might promise safety and prosperity; in her own life. which all individuals belong. and reason the next it might deliver violence and Freedom is a prerequisite to exer- While the conclusions reached by Paula Creed destruction. While sacred texts taught cise one’s rational faculty. Human be- one Humanistic Jew may differ from Authority that divine authority is benevolent ings cannot be forced to think, nor can those reached by others, all are com- One of the fundamental questions and reliable, daily experience demon- the results of thinking be coerced. Rea- mitted to rational, free inquiry as the asked and answered by all religions and strated that authority (whether divine son demands freedom. most effective and appropriate means philosophies is: “Where does ultimate or secular) was fickle, dangerous and, The limits of freedom are defined for the discovery of ethical truth. authority over the individual person re- ultimately, deadly. by the equivalent liberty possessed in- Reason side?” The distinctively humanistic an- Thus, humanism and Jewish ex- herently by all human beings. One’s For Humanistic Jews, reason is the best swer is that ultimate authority resides perience confirm one another. Both freedom to act ends when it impedes method for the discovery of truth. in the individual person. Although one demonstrate that 1) there is no author- that of others. Reason is a tool for solving prob- may delegate power to properly struc- ity in the universe, human or divine, Ethics lems. Problems are a function of the tured secular or religious functionaries, that may rightfully impose its power Humanistic Jews embrace a wide human desires for survival and happi- no external power – religious or secu- on human beings; and 2) every person range of ethical perspectives and moral ness. The desires for survival and hap- lar, human or divine – may legitimately owns himself or herself and possesses philosophies: from libertarian to utili- piness are tied up with the powerful usurp that authority. the right to determine the purpose and tarian, from individualist to communi- emotions of fear, anger, love and guilt. One of the most prominent charac- course of his or her life. tarian. Reason, by appealing to the ob- teristics of Jewish history is the vulner- Freedom The central ethical message of lib- served consequences of behavior, ability of Jews, in all times and places, An essential value of Humanistic Juda- ertarian humanism is: You are respon- helps to create a proper balance among at the hands of authority. Lacking po- ism is freedom, which follows directly sible for yourself, including the im- these emotions. Rational people never litical sovereignty, living typically as from the humanistic principle of self- mediate and long-range consequences become hostage to any single emotion. a minority within larger societies, and ownership. In the absence of belief in of your freely chosen behavior upon The use of reason, a distinctively hu- dispersed among the nations of the an authority who created human be- yourself and others. man capacity, enables human beings to world, Jews found that to be Jewish ings and who, therefore, has the right Utilitarian or communitarian hu- be most fully human. meant to be subject to the favor or hos- and the power to determine what they manists agree that personal autonomy Reach 5,000 local Jewish residents through L’CHAYIM. For more information or to place an ad, call Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923. L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 21
G-d’s promise to Abra- pacha. We are all family, and family innovative and inspiring programs for SHALOM LIFE CENTER ham, “your children shall is the foundation upon which Shalom next season. We are preparing to ensure Fort Myers be as numerous as stars Life Center was built. an incomparable SWFL Jewish Com- (239) 218-3433 in the sky,” was not in From Creation in the book of munity 5778 High Holiday Experience vain. Despite tremendous Genesis to the present day, a family, and are looking forward to sharing the Family first odds, the power of love and together- for better or worse, is forever. Fami- High Holy Days with our extended Lawrence & Robin Dermer ness prevailed and the first families of lies don’t need written commitments family. Our choir will be back along Why is it that before the Torah gives Judaism birthed the twelve tribes of or term contracts; they’re connected with our amazing symphonic ensemble us any laws and commandments it de- Israel. The Jewish people as a whole for the long haul. They are bound by and world-renowned concert accompa- scribes the blessings and challenges are described as “B’nei Yisrael - The something much deeper, an often un- nist. As in previous years, everyone is of being part of a family? Adam and Children of Israel,” not descendants of explainable connection, unfathomable welcome to join us for Rosh Hashanah, Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and the land, but of our patriarch Jacob, the feeling – love. In a world of chaos and Tashlich and Yom Kippur services as Rebecca – their lives, like ours, were grandson of Abraham. All the children distraction, calm and concentration, well as our Meditative Healing con- not simple or straightforward. Chil- of Israel, all of us, are part of one con- our beautiful and deeply rooted ancient certs and Grand and Gourmet Break dren fought and made up, couples con- nected extended family. traditions and family values offer an the Fast Feast. nected and broke up, there was love, Our family relationships teach us oasis of peaceful and sweet spirituality Let your spirit soar at Shalom loyalty and happiness as well as lying, how to relate to others and how to un- for us to share with our Jewish com- Life Center where prayer is always deceit and jealousy. The full range of derstand ourselves. Family is where munity, our extended family. inspirational, meaningful and musi- emotions existed and through those fa- we first experience loss and sadness Shalom Life Center offers every- cal. For more information, please visit milial bonds and challenges the Jewish while learning about joy and happi- one the opportunity to deepen and en- www.shalomlifecenter.org, email us people were born. ness. In Hebrew we say “mishpacha” rich their life through prayer, study, at [email protected] or call Family is the foundation upon which means a Jewish family or social community and good deeds. In addi- 239.218.3433. which our Torah rests and is at the unit that includes both close and distant tion to our summer services and clubs, core of who we are as a Jewish people. relatives. Simply put, we are all mish- we are in the midst of finalizing our
ums and networks of newcomer, I could not even fathom Please save the date for the “JHSS- JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY historical preservation that I’d be founding this organiza- WF Celebrates Jewish History With OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA organizations, where his- tion, building it up from the proverbial Murray Hendel” event on Sunday, (239) 566-1771 tory occupies a place of scratch, or even writing an article in a January 21, 2018, starting at 10:30 a.m. respectability, numerous Jewish publication. All that changed, To learn more, visit the Virtual Midsummer dream resources and research tools are avail- as you see. And so it did for every per- Museum of Southwest Jewish History of historic proportions able to its keepers. Here, we are string- son whom we interview, regardless of at www.jewishhistorysouthwestflorida. Marina Berkovich ing it on, little by little, tip by tip, when they arrived, how old they were, org. People tell stories in their own way, predominantly through eyewitness ac- or what they did before. It could be Our Mission embellishing or omitting, centering on counts. something in the sand or the Gulf wa- Collecting, protecting and preserving what is or was important to the story- So I have a midsummer dream ters, right?1 Something contagious that Jewish history to celebrate the contri- ¡¡ Tuesday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m.: teller. I, for one, always believed that and ask for your help. By the year drives people to explore, settle and pio- bution by Jews in Southwest Florida Coffee and bagels at Gayle Dorio’sthe beauty of understanding history is 2020, I hope everyone in Southwest neer – every step of the way. every day of every year is part of our home with speakers Joanne Wilsonin the ability to hear, read and watch, Florida will get to hear about the Jew- On Thursday, July 27, there will be mission. and Susan Lafer for Keepers of thewhile interpreting the information re- ish Historical Society of SWFL, visit a Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers Become a member of JHSSWF, a Gate and perspective Keepers. ceived through an internal prism of its Virtual Museum, and introduce it to film presentation in the Naples Daily sponsor, business associate, volunteer ¡¡ Thursday, July 27: Chai Tea atindividual perception and relationship newcomers – Jews and non-Jews alike News community room. This is a WCA and/or donor. Contact us at: Charlotte Foreman’s home. Infor-to the events, not the particular fact, – so that the work we do will become event. We hope many full-timers can The Jewish Historical Society mation will be sent at a later date. description of it, or a detail that may a fixture of distinction on Southwest be there to experience the beginnings of Southwest Florida or may not have been of actual conse- Florida’s map. of this Jewish community through the 899 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 116, quence at the time history was made. People tell me that I should do a eyes of eyewitnesses. How you will in- Naples FL 34108 History lives through viewpoints of its periodic reality check and that the new- terpret it, what you will take away or 239-566-1771 historians. comers care nothing about regional bring into it is entirely up to you. We [email protected] ~ www.jhsswf.org The most challenging thing about history, only of real estate prices, deco- are here to capture it, while we can, The Jewish Historical Society of focusing on local Jewish history has rating their new homes, beachcomb- and leave a trail, so that those after us Southwest Florida is a section 501(c) been its newness. In the areas of es- ing, parties, cocktails and more parties. would not have to guess or reinvent. (3) charitable organization. tablished communities, with muse- Not too long ago, when I was a They will know.
who would like to get a the highly successful reading program, that she has helped us plan. GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH head start on this season’s One Book SWFL. The mission of GenShoah SWFL is: SOUTHWEST FLORIDA book, Displaced Persons: We would like to thank Amy, let her promotion of Holocaust education and (239) 963-9347 Growing Up American human rights, pres- After the Holocaust by ervation of the his- Ida Margolis Joseph Berger is the selection. tory and memories Recently there was a wonderful com- Berger is a masterful storyteller, of the Holocaust, munity event held in Fleischmann Park whose memoir, according to Elie Wiesel connection of the to celebrate Israel. At that event, many “is a remarkable tribute not only to his Second Generation community groups were able to pass out parents but to an entire generation of with one another, information about their organizations. Holocaust survi- and support of the As chair of GenShoah SWFL, a group vors who, in spite Holocaust Museum for children of Holocaust survivors and of the burden of & Education Center all those interested in Holocaust educa- suffering they car- of SWFL. tion and human rights, I was pleased ried from Europe For more infor- to be invited to share a booth with the and its legacy of Amy Snyder, Ida Margolis, Steve Brazina mation about Gen- Holocaust Museum & Education Center hatred and vio- know that she will be greatly missed, Shoah SWFL, email genshoahswfl@ of SWFL. I was especially pleased when lence, succeeded and wish her best of luck as Director of gmail.com. Future programs will be quite a number of people stopped by in rebuilding their Educator Programs at Champions for described in the next GenShoah e- to inquire about GenShoah. They told lives and dreams.” Learning. We hope that we will still see newsletter and in upcoming issues of me that they are children of survivors, This book will be of interest to anyone her at next season’s GenShoah programs L’CHAYIM. that they did not realize there were any who wants more insight into the expe- children of survivors in Naples, and rience of 140,000 refugees who came were totally unaware of the existence to the United States between 1947 and Chapter is for singles of GenShaoh SWFL. They asked how 1953, and will especially resonate with HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER or couples. It’s an orga- they could learn more. anyone who falls into that category. at Temple Judea nization formed by the GenShoah SWFL has been an af- GenShoah SWFL would like to (239) 433-0201 United Synagogue of finity group of the Holocaust Museum thank Amy Snyder, the Executive Direc- Conservative Judaism to & Education Center of SWFL with tor of the Holocaust Museum & Educa- Join HAZAK at Temple Judea on Sun- enable members to meet and socialize over 250 people who have requested tion Center of Southwest Florida, for her day, July 16 at 4:00 p.m. to see The with each other. Temple Judea’s active to receive the GenShoah e-newsletter, support of this group. Sadly, Amy has Chosen starring Maximillian Schell, HAZAK Chapter is a chartered mem- which is usually emailed monthly from resigned her position at the Museum. Rod Steiger and Robby Benson. Af- ber of the USCJ. Dues are a modest $5 September through May. To receive the Thousands of students have visited the ter the movie we will enjoy dinner at per year per person. Membership in the free newsletter, email genshoahswfl@ Museum during Amy’s 14 years there, Ruby Tuesday, 9001 Park Royal Dr. organization is open to the community. gmail.com. It lists upcoming programs and programs that Amy has presented RSVP by July 13 to Shirley Schiffman Join HAZAK and meet new friends. and events and how to RSVP. Programs have impacted many students and visi- at 239.395.0135 in order to sit with For additional information, please include local and nationally-known tors. Under her leadership the Museum the group. The cost for the movie, in- contact George or Joyce Rosinger at speakers, authors and scholars as well has received many accolades. Recently, cluding snacks and soft drinks, is $3 239.437.1566, Bunny or Matt Law- as award-winning films that GenShoah the readers of Gulfshore Life magazine for HAZAK members and $5 for non- rence at 239.245.7708, or Shirley program chair Steve Brazina will be voted the Holocaust Museum “The members. Schiffman at 239.395.0135. presenting. This year we will also be Best Museum in Collier County.” With Temple Judea’s HAZAK 55+ adding programs of special interest to Amy’s support and encouragement, Second Generation children. GenShoah has been able to grow and Read the current and recent issues of L’CHAYIM Each season, GenShoah members present nationally-renowned speakers, discuss a book in December. For those award-winning films, and co-sponsor online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 22 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS
already planning great his monthly Torah study sessions on For more information about Tem- TEMPLE JUDEA events for next year. Thursday, September 7 at noon at the ple Judea or upcoming programs, call Fort Myers HAZAK, the 55+ offices of Myers and Brettholtz and or email the synagogue office. (239) 433-0201 group of the synagogue, Company. It is an hour of open discus- Regularly scheduled events: will host its monthly sion of Torah and Judaism where all • Friday evening Shabbat services at www.tjswfl.org meeting and movie on levels of background and all questions 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 16 at 4:00 are encouraged. • Saturday morning Shabbat services A big Yasher Koach and thank you p.m. at the shul. The event is open Congregants continue to volunteer at 9:30 a.m. Summer is here, the snowbirds are to Toby Moss, outgoing president of to both members and nonmembers. each month at Sally’s Café, a Salvation • Lunchtime Torah study with Rabbigone, and life has slowed down, but our Sisterhood, for her hard work and Please call the synagogue office if you Army-sponsored program to feed the Sack the first Thursday of Templeeach Beth Shalom’s commitment dedication to making “Chaverot” such are interested in attending. homeless and those in need. To volun- month – resumes in September to the community is as strong as ever. a vibrant and contributing organiza- There will be no monthly To- teer, call the synagogue office. Volun- • Morning minyan every Monday atWe recognize that many children who tion of Temple Judea. Mazel Tov to rah study session in July or August. teers are needed on three Sunday eve- 9:00 a.m. receive free and reduced lunches and the incoming board members, who are Join Rabbi Sack when he resumes nings in July: July 9, 23 and 30.
7:30 p.m. Music is an im- 5-star-rated preschool in the area. The We have an active Sisterhood, TEMPLE BETH EL portant part of our service school is non-denominational and led Men’s Club and a monthly Book Club. Fort Myers and we are grateful for by Director Jesyca Virnig and her well- The Schmoozers Pot Luck event is (239) 433-0018 the commitment and tal- trained staff. very popular, as is a weekly current ents of our two pianists, Our many B’nai Mitzvah students events group, and a seasonal lecture se- www.templebethel.com accordionist and flautist, are encouraged to continue with their ries led by one of our winter residents. as well as our choir and Jewish education by attending Confir- We also sponsor a monthly Mah Jongg Join us for Liturgy and Life Cycle choir director. mation classes (post-B’nai Mitzvah) Tournament. All events are highlighted events every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Our beautiful building is owned and our own “Chai” School for post- in our monthly TBE newsletter, on our Rabbi Nicole Luna talks about the by our congregation, and our sanctu- Confirmation students. Our Hebrew website and a weekly email blast. prayers and melodies heard at baby ary has permanent seating for approxi- School is under the direction of Dale Unique to our area, Temple Beth namings, weddings and funerals, as mately 250 people with a capacity to Cohen, who holds various degrees in El owns a section of the Memorial Gar- well as new contemporary rituals such double that plus. We “live stream” Jewish Education and has been our di- dens Cemetery in Fort Myers, and a as milestone birthdays, retirement cer- Friday night services and then archive rector for almost 18 years. burial plot is a benefit of membership. emonies and marriage vow renewals. them. This feature allows us to serve Do you need a multi-purpose so- We also offer the services of a Shiva The upcoming Torah Study meet- those unable to attend services. The cial hall with a dance floor, stage and Committee should the need arise. ings conducted by Rabbi Luna cover audiovisual team can also record B’nai commercial kitchen? Our Dubin Cen- As you can see, we pride ourselves The Book of Numbers, B’midbar, Mitzvah ceremonies for the celebrating ter has it all and is available for rental on offering a wide selection of educa- meaning “in the wilderness.” How do families. to groups outside our temple for their tional, social and community opportu- the Israelites survive wandering in the On the first Friday of the month, at special events. nities in which to participate. Visitors desert and how will they make it to the 6:00 p.m., our temple sponsors a “Tot Our Gift Gallery has the largest se- are always welcome to join us for ser- Promised Land? Torah Study is con- Shabbat” program for our youngest (6 lection of Judaica in our area. We offer vices any Friday night. Our address is ducted every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. months to 3 years old) congregants and a unique assortment of talitot and kip- 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers. Any We are proud of our vibrant, warm their parents. ahs, mezuzahs, handmade jewelry, gift questions you have can be answered by and welcoming rabbi who leads ser- Temple Beth El is proud to be items from Israel, and holiday-themed a member of our friendly office staff by vices each Friday night beginning at home to The Learning Tree, the only merchandise. calling 239.433.0018. Send updates and changes to the Directory below to [email protected].
TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY REFORM ORTHODOX 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson E mail: [email protected] Phone: (941) 833 3381 Temple educator: Dale Cohen, Ma.Ed., R.J.E E mail: [email protected] Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com President: Ellis Rabinowitz IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Phone: 433 0018 • Fax: 433 3235 a kiddush Web site: www.templebethel.com Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday CHABAD LUBAVITCH Religious School: 9:30 a.m. noon Sunday COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE Hebrew School: 5:00 6:30 p.m Wednesday OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REFORM ORTHODOX Judaica Gift Gallery 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism 5620 Winkler Road (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) Fort Myers, FL 33919 P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Rabbi Bruce Diamond Phone: 433 7708 • Fax: 481 9109 REFORM ([email protected]) E mail: [email protected] 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Web site: www.chabadswf.org Rabbi Devora Buchen Cantorial Soloist: Richard McConville Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah President: Arnie Schwartz Adult Educator: Jessica Evers class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon Phone: 772 4555 • Fax: 772 4625 Phone: (239) 274 7485 Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. E mail: [email protected] E mail: [email protected] Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday at 6:30 p.m. OF CAPE CORAL Religious School: Thursday 4:00 6:30 p.m. ORTHODOX Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) every Saturday morning from 9:30 11:30 a.m. Phone: 963 4770 E mail: [email protected] BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS TEMPLE JUDEA Web site: www.chabadcape.com REFORM CONSERVATIVE Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Rabbi Marc Sack E mail: [email protected] Kiddush luncheon Rabbi Myra Soifer Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. President: Alan Lessack President: Jennifer Manekin Director of Congregational Learning: Monday Friday morning 7:00 a.m. Phone: 239 579 0296 (Oct Apr) JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. 773 251 8862 (May Sept) Elizabeth Singer Email: [email protected] Preschool Director: Joann Goldman Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Cantorial Soloist: Douglas Renfroe [email protected] Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org Phone: 433 0201 • Fax: 433 3371 Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00 7:00 p.m. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Nov Apr) E mail: [email protected] 7:00 p.m. Friday (May Oct) Web site: www.tjswfl.org COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Adult Education: Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Shalom Life Center Saturday, 9:00 11:30 a.m. (Nov Apr) Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader 218 3433 Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m. noon; • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): to 12:15 p.m. (Nov Apr) Wed. 4:30 6 p.m. Jacki Waksman (954) 653 9053 Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Early childhood education: • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Brian Lipton (941) 365 4955 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Preschool, M F, ages 18 months 5 years; “Mommy & Me,” 12 months 2 years • Anti Defamation League: (561) 988 2900 (formerly UAHC) • B’Nai B’rith International: (941) 302 4500 Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism • Chevra Kadisha: TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE Gene Sipe 841 4615 • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963 9347 HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ REFORM • Hadassah Collier/Lee Chapter: Lynn Weiner 598 1009 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 ESTERO ORTHODOX • Hadassah Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): Port Charlotte, FL 33949 4675 Odette Port (941) 505 1409 Rabbi Solomon Agin 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood Centre) • Hazak 55+ Chapter: President: Carol Roark Joyce Rosinger 437 1566 Phone: (941) 625 2116 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 7024 Rabbi Mendy Greenberg • Humanistic Jewish Havurah: E mail: [email protected] Paula Creed 495 8484 Web site: templeshalomfl.com Phone: 949 6900 • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: (800) 622 8017 Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Web site: www.JewishBonita.com • Jewish Community Services: 481 4449 Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by • Jewish National Fund: (727) 536 5263 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 5:15 p.m. a kiddush Memorial Tree Planting in Israel 1 800 542 8733 Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 5:15 p.m. • Jewish War Veterans: Organizations: Sisterhood Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter 246 3151 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Nechamie Minkowicz 822 2784 • ORT Gulf Beaches Chapter Marina Berkovich 566 1771 L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23
For more information about Tem- breakfasts at school may Caring Center’s Healthy Not Hungry Sisterhood’s Mad Hatter Tea on ple Judea or upcoming programs, call TEMPLE BETH SHALOM be going hungry. To Kids Program. June 4 was lovely and the new officers or email the synagogue office. Cape Coral help alleviate this prob- Our own temple community is still – President Georgette Bothner, Vice Regularly scheduled events: (239) 772-4555 lem, TBS is sponsoring going strong. Friday night services President Fern Deutch; Secretary Peri • Friday evening Shabbat services at its Feed a Child for the start at 7:30 p.m. and are well attended, Pantazes and Treasurer Merna Stein – 6:30 p.m. www.templebethshalomcc.org Summer food drive. Torah study is every Saturday morn- are busy planning a fun-filled season. • Saturday morning Shabbat services Please bring non- ing at 10:30 a.m., Brown Bag Lunches Guests and new members are al- at 9:30 a.m. Summer is here, the snowbirds are perishable items to Temple Beth Sha- with the Rabbi continue every other ways welcome at all of our activi- • Lunchtime Torah study with Rabbigone, and life has slowed down, but lom. Suggested items include maca- Wednesday through the summer, and ties. Please call the temple office at Sack the first Thursday of Templeeach Beth Shalom’s commitment roni & cheese, ravioli, soup, tuna fish, Mah Jongg is every Wednesday at 239.772.4555 for more information. month – resumes in September to the community is as strong as ever. shelf-stable milk, cereal, oatmeal, juice 11:00 a.m. Check with the temple of- • Morning minyan every Monday atWe recognize that many children who boxes, crackers and snack bars. Every- fice for the next Rosh Hodesh and other 9:00 a.m. receive free and reduced lunches and thing will be brought to the Cape Coral Sisterhood and Brotherhood activities.
second night of Shavu’ot, can anti-Semitism before World War II Rabbi Bruce Diamond received his COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE May 31. The officers of after the High Holidays. masters degree in Hebrew Letters, or- Fort Myers the synagogue appointed The next Brown Bag Movie Night dination and Doctor of Divinities from (239) 274-7485 both to serve as auxiliary starts at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July the Hebrew Union College - Jewish rabbis in the congregation. 13, featuring the Jewish film classic Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, and www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Abigayl Burnikel, Yentl. See the article in this issue for masters degree in Jewish Studies from daughter of Traci and details. Pack a dinner; admission and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. On Sabbath morning, May 27, adult Lee Pavel, will be called to the Torah soft drinks are free. He has served on the faculty of Florida B’not Mitzvah Linda Shuster and Nan- as a Bat Mitzvah on Sabbath morning, Each Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. Gulf Coast University, teaching Social cy Schwartz helped conduct worship, July 8. All in attendance are invited to The Community Free Synagogue Ethics, Critical Thinking Skills, Civic chanted from the Torah and Prophets, a Qiddush luncheon following worship serves a traditional Sabbath dinner. Engagement. and Issues in Culture and and delivered inspirational messages to in the Community Hall. It is free and reservations are never Society. This year, Rabbi Diamond the congregation. Mazel Tov to Linda Doctoral candidate Jessica Evers required. At 7:30 p.m. the Sabbath is marks his 40th anniversary as an or- and Nancy, and our heartfelt gratitude has been appointed Adult Educator welcomed with prayer and song. A cof- dained rabbi. to them and their families for commit- of the Community Free Synagogue. fee hour follows worship. The synagogue does not sell mem- ting to sponsor the congregation’s Yom Evers, an adjunct professor at Florida Every Saturday morning at 9:30 berships or solicit funds. All of its Kippur break-the-fast in recognition of Gulf Coast University, will also serve a.m. C.F.S. offers a light breakfast fol- events and programs, including youth all they have received from the syna- as acting director of its Center for Ju- lowed by a lively discussion of the and adult Jewish education, are open gogue. daic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies week’s Torah portion until 11:30 a.m. to all and always free. The synagogue “Hazak, barukh ubrukhah” to new while Dr. Paul Bartrop is on leave. She The purpose of The Community meets at the Southwest Florida Ma- Community Free Synagogue Rabbis has already taught congregational Eu- Free Synagogue is “Study, Worship sonic Center, 10868 Metro Parkway Thomas Miess and Terri Goldberg who ropean Jewish history courses, and will and Benevolent Acts” practiced tradi- in South Fort Myers. For more infor- were appointed before the congrega- offer an adult education series on The tionally but with progressive values. mation, visit www.fortmyerssynagogue. tion by Rabbi Bruce Diamond on the American First Movement and Ameri- Now in his 20th year in Fort Myers, com.
live in West Hartford, him in teaching about the Shoah in networking with other religious orga- BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS Connecticut. He served German high schools. nizations on Sanibel in order to coor- Sanibel as senior rabbi for 14 Rabbi Fuchs’ career has many dinate activities and increase effec- (773) 251-8862 years at Congregation more accomplishments such as profes- tiveness. A Fort Myers Imam is also Beth Israel until retiring sor, book author, essayist, and world- interested in working with Bat Yam on www.batyam.org in 2011. Previous pulpits wide advocate on behalf of Reform social action issues. The Human Traf- were in Nashville, Ten- Jewish thinking and practice. There- ficking Awareness partnership has been Organizations experience cycles and nessee, and Columbia, Maryland. fore, Friday Shabbat services and Sat- contacted for discussion about ways to changes just as individuals do. It is Rather than coasting after retiring urday morning Adult Education classes support them. If you have a particular such a time for Bat Yam. Rabbi Myra from the pulpit, Rabbi Fuchs journeyed at Bat Yam will continue to provide a social action passion, consider joining Soifer departed for the opportunity to to Milan, Italy, to be an interim rabbi. blend of intellectual discourse and the committee and attending meetings make a difference in another part of the For the last three years, he has trav- meaningful Judaism lessons. Plan to and special events. world. As a consequence, Bat Yam has eled to Germany to teach and preach in attend services and classes and meet A note of correction is necessary been searching for a capable successor synagogues and churches, some wel- Rabbi Fuchs. concerning the 2017 Bat Yam Commu- to be the next rabbi for the congrega- coming a rabbi for the first time. In ad- For those of you who will be in the nity Passover Seder. The actual number tion. dition, Vicki, a retired teacher, joined Philadelphia area this summer, con- in attendance was 162, not 125, as pre- According to Bat Yam’s founder, sider going to the National Museum of viously reported. Many thanks again to Mel Bleiberg, lightning has struck American Jewish History by July 16. Annette Pacyga and Sue Danforth for twice. The distinguished Rabbi Ste- There is a special exhibition focused on crafting such a memorable event for phen L. Fuchs has accepted the posi- the year 1917 and the three events that so many of us. We are already looking tion of rabbi for Bat Yam. He has al- had a major impact on Jews: America’s forward to next year. ready begun to modify past practices. entry into World War I, the Bolshevik Friday Shabbat services are held He intends to begin his term the week- Revolution in Russia, and the Balfour each week at 7:00 p.m., instead of end before Rosh Hashanah by con- Declaration expressing British support 7:30 p.m., from May through October. ducting a special Selichot service to for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Please join with residents and visitors help prepare everyone for a thoughtful The restrictions on immigration to the for a service conducted by volunteer state of mind to enhance the High Holy U.S. that hurt European Jews are ex- congregants. The Bat Yam meeting Days. With water surrounding Sanibel, plored. The 250,000 American Jews place is at 2050 Periwinkle Way in Fel- a Tashlich service will be included on who joined the U.S. military are hon- lowship Hall of the Sanibel Congre- Rosh Hashanah. Exact times and dates ored. gational United Church of Christ on will be announced in the August issue. The Bat Yam Social Action Com- Sanibel. Rabbi Fuchs and his wife Vicki Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs mittee chaired by Garry Weiss started
THE PALESTINIANS CAN more per capita than was spent to re- an actual state. If they were to do so, WIN IF THEY GIVE UP build Europe after World War II. Yet they could dedicate themselves to the BRIEFS VICTIM STATUS there is little in the way of progress challenge of giving their people qual- and there are still “refugee” camps ity of life rather than a false hope they After World War II, the Italians, Ger- continued from page 17 that have stood for decades. Their state will somehow drive the Israelis out of mans and Japanese left behind their parts of the world. But by UNRWA’s of perpetual grievance has prevented Israel. (Jim Hanson, Fox News) failed attempts at conquest and conse- own data, the number of Palestinian them from using this largesse to build quently they were treated to the benev- refugees (750,000 in 1948) has mush- olence of the Allies and a rebuilding roomed to five million today. Refugee process that turned them into modern status has continued from generation to nations. The Palestinians, on the other Stay in touch throughout the month. generation in perpetuity. hand, have maintained belligerence With the implementation of the and failure to even accept the existence Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts. Oslo Accords in the 1990s, 26 refugee of Israel in any meaningful way. Their camps fell under Palestinian control. Arab friends have made multiple at- Get the latest information on Yet despite the advent of Palestinian tempts to destroy Israel and failed each self-government, not a single Palestin- upcoming community events time. Then the Palestinians switched to ian camp has been closed. The only ex- terrorism as a strategy and turned their and cultural activities, breaking planation for this is that the Palestinian proto state into an international pariah. leadership wanted to keep their griev- news items, updates from This profound failure to comprehend ance with Israel alive and perpetuate their profound failure to destroy Israel Israel and lots more. the conflict. has kept them in perpetual victim sta- If a new peace initiative is to start, tus. it should include at the outset a pro- Send an email to Billions of dollars in aid have gram to dismantle the refugee camps. flowed into the Palestinian territories. (Dore Gold, Jerusalem Post) Some studies show it to be 25 times [email protected] L'CHAYIM JULY 2017 24 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties
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