Gainesville's Jewish Cemetery May Be the Oldest

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Summer 2015 Kayitz 5775 Gainesville’s Jewish Cemetery May Be The Oldest ‘Separate’ Jewish Cemetery In Florida

Is it possible that Gainesville has the oldest Jewish Cem- etery in the state of Florida? Yes, according to Ralph Lowenstein, dean emeritus of UF’s College of Journalism and Communications, and chair of B’nai Israel’s cemetery committee for a dozen years. Ac- cording to Lowenstein, Gainesville has the oldest “separate” This gravestone Jewish cemetery in the state, dating back to 1871, when a 20 marks the burial site -year-old named Abraham Pinkussohn was buried in the of Abraham cemetery. Pinkussohn, age 20, “Several other cities claim to have the oldest Jewish the first person buried cemetery,” Lowenstein said, “but based on my research of in B’nai Israel Ceme- the Internet, they are – if you will pardon the expression – tery in 1871. dead wrong.” Jacksonville and Key West have older burial areas, but those areas are sections of a larger municipal cemetery. St. Augustine should logically take the title, but there are no tombstones in the bare area where, guides say, Marranos (Jews who converted to Christianity) were supposedly buried. Ocala has a very old Jewish cemetery, but provides no fund-raising campaign currently under way for the expan- gravestone proof on the Internet. Lowenstein says he plans sion of B’nai Israel Cemetery. This is his listing of Florida’s to investigate. oldest “separate” Jewish cemeteries: Lowenstein said he came across Gainesville’s interesting Gainesville, 1871 distinction while preparing information for the $250,000 Pensacola, 1874 Tampa, 1881 Miami, 1897 Jacksonville (not separate) Key West (not separate) Tallahassee (not separate) St. Augustine (authenticity suspect) The Jewish Council is grateful to these organizations Ocala (age not yet proven) and businesses for their support. Our successful program Gainesville’s original cemetery was purchased for $20 year was made possible by the relationships we have devel- by young Abraham Pinkussohn’s father, Pincus Pinkussohn, oped and the resources we shared. Thank you for helping us and another early Gainesvillian named Gershon Joseph. build the wonderful, dynamic Jewish community of North (Continued on page 10) Central Florida! Organizations Inside This Issue B’nai Israel Community Day School Center for Jewish Studies at UF Stuart Cohn’s History of the Warsaw Museum ······················· 3 Chabad of Marion County The Rabbi’s Pen Pillars of the World ····································· 4 College of the Arts at UF JCNCF Grant Reports ······················································· 5 Congregation Beth Israel Virginia Brissette Reflects On Five Years With The JCNCF ······· 7 (Continued on page 6) The Music Maven: New Cantor Shlomo Glick ························· 8 News from Israel - Acro-Yoga is the latest fitness trend ·········· 11 Page 2 The ChrOnicle Summer 2015 Congregation B’nai Israel Program On Aug. 30 Will Help You Prepare Your Heart For The High Holidays

On Sunday, August 30th, B’nai including traditional prayer and expe- scotch tasting. You can take one class Israel presents a special opportunity riences. For families looking to be or you can take them all! Each of these for spiritual preparation for the high home by naptime, this will be perfect classes will show you how to prepare holidays. Beginning at 9 a.m., Rabbi for you! your home and your heart for the up- David Kaiman, Debby Kinman-Ford Following lunch, participants will coming New Year. and Suzanne Chester will lead educa- be able to take part in various sessions Registration for this event will be tion sessions suitable for families and including floral arrangements and ta- available beginning July 1st, but until individuals with a focus on blescape, meditative yoga, cooking for then mark your calendars and save the meaningfully celebrating the holidays, the holidays and Shofar blowing and date!

The CHrONICLE

Published 10 times per year by The Jewish Council of North Cen- President Board Members tral Florida, Inc. * Dawn Burgess-Krop Joanne Block (2013-2015) PO Box 357936 (2013-2015)* Stuart Cohn (2014-2016)* Gainesville, FL 32635 Vice President Larry Hartfield (2014-2016)* office: (352) 371-3846 Reba Bandyopadhyay Sharon Hirshik (2013-2015)* fax: (352) 371-3846 * www.JCNCF.org (2013-2015) Richard Howard (2014-2016)* Secretary Edward Hunter (2013-2015)* Heath Lynn Silberfeld * * Abe Goldman (2013-2015) (2013-2015) Helene Johns (2014-2016)* Treasurer Esther Mauffray (2013-2015)* Steve Bobroff Myrna Neims (2014-2016)* (2013-2015)* Email: [email protected] Richard Sadove (2014-2016)* The Chronicle is produced for the Staff * Jewish Council by: Executive Director Stacey Steinberg (2014-2016) * Virginia L. Brissette Steven Slutsky (2013-2015) * Hunter Communications Community Ken Wald (2014-2016) Ed Hunter, Editor * Engagement Associate Dan Wernecke (2014-2016) Toby Hunter, *Member’s Term of Office Ad Layout Damien Boada and Design (352) 379-5802 Submission Policy General The entire contents of The Chronicle are copyright © 2015 by the Jewish Council Please submit all material on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication. of North Central Florida. Because of space limitations, it is not always possible to publish all items submitted. If an item is not published and is still relevant, it will be automatically considered for the next month’s Chronicle. Publication and/or specific placement in The Chronicle cannot be guaranteed. Please limit articles to 500 words. Articles should be substantially original material of interest to the Greater North Central Florida Jewish Community. Material can be e-mailed in Word Document format to [email protected], faxed Support (please don’t fax pictures) to (352) 379-5802 or dropped off at the Jewish Council of North Central Florida offices next door to Temple Shir Shalom. If you have any questions, e-mail [email protected] or call (352) 379-5802. Our The Chronicle and the Jewish Council do not endorse the goods and services advertised in these pages, and make no representation as Advertisers to the kashrut of the food, products and services in such advertising. Kayitz 5775 The Chronicle Page 3 Highlights Of The Warsaw Museum Of Jewish History Include A Replica Of A Wood Synagogue

By Stuart Cohn Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of Stuart Cohn's description of his Holocaust. In post-war Po- The Golden Years were visit to the Warsaw Museum of the History of the Polish People, which land the Russians fomented the 15th-17th centuries. opened in October, 2014. The museum chronicles the 1,000 year history strong anti-Semitism as an Those years were so favora- of the Jewish community in Poland. excuse for local problems, ble that Poland was referred Part 1 of the article, in the May 2015 issue of The Chronicle, culminating in 1968 in the to during that time as the described how Polish nobility welcomed Jews to Poland in the Middle expulsion of Jews from aca- “Jewish Paradise.” The good Ages when other European countries closed their borders or were expel- demic positions and a major times came to a sudden end ling Jews. Part 1 can be viewed online at going to www.jcncf.org, and exodus of almost 18,000 in 1648 with the Cossack clicking on the Chronicle tab. Jews to the U.S., Israel and uprising against the Polish elsewhere. nobles led by Chmielnicky. The defeat because it immediately followed the I am well aware that many Jewish of the nobles led to huge massacres of period 1919-1939 when Polish Jewry people have a strong negative attitude Jews who no longer could count on was at its height. Warsaw was one- towards Poland and the Polish peo- protection from the nobility. Enor- third Jewish in 1939 and Jewish cul- ple. I had my own serious misgivings mous insecurity existed, which was a ture thrived as nowhere else in the the first time I went to Poland to major factor in the rise of Hasidism, as world. There were dozens of Yiddish teach. Although there is no question many lost faith in traditional ways. newspapers, theaters, movies and that anti-semitism was very strong, This was fertile ground for the “God is schools. Numerous pictures and films and still exists in Poland as it does all found through ecstasy” notion of Ba'al of schoolchildren, sports groups, social over the world, the fact is that, until Shem Tov and his disciples. All of this clubs and families were heartbreaking the Nazis took control, Poland al- history is wonderfully re-created with to see, as the observers knows what lowed the greatest flowering of Jewish visuals, pictures, original writings and was coming to these innocent people. religion and culture in a relatively interactive stations. And the problems did not end with the (Continued on page 10) One of the highlights, among many, was a large room that replicated the inside of a wooden synagogue, with beautifully painted walls and ceil- B’nai Israel To Offer Free K-2 ings depicting Biblical motifs, and a corresponding painted “bema” in the Religious School To Members middle of the room. The ark was against the Eastern wall. During the Every organization strives to stand our youth is a vital component of what Torah portion, the Torah was taken by their purpose and mission in all we do at B’nai Israel. We are invested from the ark to the bema. things they do and that sentiment was in making sure that every family can The room also had several com- clear at Congregation B’nai Israel provide a Jewish education for their puter terminals with interactive soft- when the Board of Trustees voted child.” said Rabbi Kaiman. ware information ranging from de- overwhelmingly to offer free religious With this next school year, free scription of the painted elements to the school education to students in kinder- kindergarten through second grade nature of the religious services. garten through second grade beginning education is a benefit of membership Obviously the hardest segment of in the 2015-2016 school year. at Congregation B'nai Israel. the museum is the Holocaust. This “Providing Jewish education to (Continued on page 12) was an especially poignant segment Page 4 The Chronicle Summer 2015 The Pillars Of The World

sized in recent weeks when tragedy, sonal note, we are very proud of one The Rabbi’s Pen unfortunately struck Nepal twice, with of our alumni, Aviela Weltman, who By Rabbi Berl Goldman devastating earthquakes. As human graduated in 2014 and has spent the Lubavitch-Chabad beings and specifically as Jews, who past year in Nepal; she is currently Jewish Student & Community Center have suffered our fair share of tragedy very involved in the relief efforts on at the University of Florida throughout history, it is incumbent the ground. Of course, great credit upon us to do whatever we can to help goes to the Chabad-Lubavitch During the weeks between Passo- others. Shluchim, emissaries; Rabbi and ver and Shavuot, it is traditional to Maimonides writes in his Doctor’s Rebetzin Lifshitz for their incredible study Pirkei Avot, Ethics of our Fa- prayer, “Grant me the physical and self-sacrifice in assisting so many Is- thers, which espouses character refine- mental strength to be forever prepared raeli backpackers and local citizens ment and positive human behavior. to help the poor and the rich, the good with food, shelter and more. They Since it is a time when we prepare and the bad, my love and my enemy, have been incredibly instrumental in ourselves to receive the Torah, G-d’s and may I always see the human in the relief efforts and from day one set greatest gift to the world, it is appro- the infirm.” their Chabad house as a makeshift priate and fitting to put in the effort That is the essence of Judaism’s shelter. You can learn more about towards self-improvement and com- view on kindness and compassion. their relief efforts at passion to others. In many communi- Indeed, Israel, one of the smallest www.chabadnepal.com. ties, it is customary to continue study- countries sent one of the largest dele- The Hebrew word for love is ing these important ideas and ideals gations to assist in Nepal. On a per- ‘Ahava,’ which also comes from the through the summer, as a continued (Continued on page 10) motivation. One of the foremost principles emphasized in all six chapters is the concept of loving kindness. It states in Chapter 1, “The world stands on three things: on the Torah, on the service (of G-d), and on acts of loving- kindness.” Furthermore, it is written in Chapter 3, “He whose good deeds exceed his wisdom, his wisdom will Elias Boada in costume endure. But he whose wisdom exceeds for Temple Shir Shalom’s his good deeds, his wisdom will not Purim Celebration. endure.” The importance of kind- heartedness, benevolence, good deeds, and helping others has been empha-

The Rabbi’s Pen is a monthly col- umn featuring a message from one of North Central Florida’s Rabbis.

Jewish Council of North Central Florida, PO Box 357936, Gainesville, Florida 32635 email: [email protected], telephone: 352-371-3846, website: http://www.jcncf.org Pledge and Donation Card I am/We are pleased to pledge/donate the following amount to support Jewish activities in Gainesville while maintaining support for international Jewish needs. Name______Address ______City ______State ______Zip ______Telephone______e-mail ______Pledge amount______Amount Enclosed______Signature______To make your donation securely online with a credit card, please go to www.jcncf.org. Please call or email the office for instructions on donating stock or making your gift directly to Jewish Federations of North America. Kayitz 5775 The Chronicle Page 5 Grants Reports JCNCF Grants Fund Ocala Trip To Holocaust . Museum And Intensive Workshops At B’nai Israel As we wrap up our financial year, FL. A parent accompanied each child. was very cooperative. the JCNCF is pleased to provide two The parents were able to explain some The two groups then went to dif- more reports from recent grants recipi- of the background history to their chil- ferent areas of the second floor. There ents that indicate how much good dren. This wonderful trip was spon- is a new exhibit that has letters from your donations accomplish in the sored by the JCNCF when they different towns that were invaded by greater North Central Florida Com- awarded a grant for the cost of the bus. the Nazis. Lomza was one of the munity. The two-hour drive went by very towns that had information about it. Temple Beth Shalom Ocala Religious smoothly due to the excellent driving Group Leader Terri Stein said, “It just School’s Trip to the Holocaust Muse- skills of Barbara from the Annett Bus so happens that my father and Stan’s um in St Petersburg Company. (Terri’s husband) maternal grand- On February 22 at 9 a.m. twelve When we arrived, we were met by mother were from that town. Hopeful- children and 36 adults boarded a bus the two docents who split us into two ly, one day we will visit it.” that would take a trip to the Florida groups and talked to us about the mu- The docent led us around to the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, seum. other exhibits and explained one It was close to noon and we all where a man had painted people that went back to the had been in a concentration camp with bus that was parked him. It was very moving. in front of the mu- After two hours of being led seum. Everyone around the museum, we were allowed had left their lunch- to revisit areas where we felt we want- es aboard the bus. ed to learn more about the specific We were allowed to sections. eat on the bus and Three o’clock was the time we were very careful needed to leave and most of us were not to leave any ready. There is just so much sadness a garbage. The group (Continued on page 10)

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Store Hours Tuesday 4 – 6 pm For other times or questions Wednesday 10 am – Noon call Jill Tomar 352-379-8524 Sunday 9 am – Noon or the Synagogue Office 352-376-1508 Page 6 The Chronicle Summer 2015 Mitzvah Minute You Can Be The Helping Hands At The Clinic

By Debra Trione said. Then they stood in line for the the gift of our food. I boiled the long pasta and care- salad, the lasagna, and the bread. We The First United Methodist fully combined just the right ingredi- also had gooey brownies and cookies Church of Gainesville sponsors the ents—ricotta cheese, spinach, nutmeg, for dessert. Thank you. Thank you. Helping Hands Clinic, which provides garlic salt, oregano. Thank you. I heard that from everyone food, clothing, and basic medical ser- I wanted the women who ate this there. vices to indigent men and women. On lasagna at the Helping Hands Clinic In line for the meal, one woman the fourth Thursday of every month, on Thursday to get more than a good collapsed suddenly to the floor. She the Jewish Council coordinates a din- meal. I wanted them to also feel en- lay in a heap for a long moment before ner for approximately 40 homeless and couragement through the food. others rushed over to help. I tried to hungry women at the Helping Hands For the last two years the Jewish imagine what circumstance had Clinic. Volunteers are asked to provide Council of North Central Florida has brought her to this place. Was she sick one or more of the elements of the been engaging volunteers from across or injured, demoralized or depressed? meal. the community to provide a hearty Later, I observed her crying in silence For more information about this meal once a month to hungry and over her food. Whatever her burden ongoing Mitzvah project, please con- homeless women at the Helping was that day, I was glad to have been tact JCNCF at [email protected] or Hands Clinic in Northeast Gaines- able to provide some small respite with 352.371.3846. ville. The clinic sits next to the First United Methodist Church in North- east Gainesville. In fact, someone had Community Partners told me it was in the church, so when I got there I headed straight for the of- (Continued from page 1) Culture and Society fice. Congregation B’nai Israel The Tabacinic Lubavitch-Chabad “I’m part of the Jewish Council,” Gainesville Chapter of Hadassah Jewish Student and Community I began, “here for the charity meal.” Gainesville Civic Chorus Center “Uh, I’m pretty sure we don’t Hillel at UF University of Florida Student Gov- provide charity meals for the Jewish Jewish Student Union at UF ernment Council,” said the befuddled secre- Museum of Natural History at UF tary. Temple B’nai Darom Businesses “No!” I exclaimed. “I’m providing Temple Beth Shalom Aviant Party Rentals the meal!” Temple Shir Shalom Dean G. Poole, CPA When I finally made it to the cor- The Helping Hands Clinic at the Gainesville Tennis Academy rect dining room, “clients” started First United Methodist Church Ellett Insurance trickling in. I was new to this place, The Institute for Southern Jewish Everyman Sound but they weren’t. Their banter could Life Ibti Hijazi Catering have been heard in any coffee shop; it The Isser and Rae Price Library of Kitchen & Spice was all about kids, clothes, acquaint- Judaica Panera ances, where to find this or that. The Norman and Irma Braman Publix “I’m so hungry,” said one old- Chair in Holocaust Studies The Hippodrome Theater er woman suddenly. Still, they waited The Samuel R. “Bud” Shorstein Trader Joe’s for their turn and the blessing to be Professorship of American Jewish Xerographics Copy Center

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Jewish Council of North Central Florida PO Box 14937 Gainesville, FL 32604. Kayitz 5775 The Chronicle Page 7

By Virginia Brissette work. The year before I joined the of a day’s work, is connected to build- JCNCF Executive Director JCNCF team, I had been invited to ing our Jewish community. It is often July 2015 will mark five years that enroll in a Jerusalem based program to a great challenge to compete for the I have worked for the Jewish Council train as a Jewish educator. For a num- time, talent and treasure of the Jewish of North Central Florida. Instead of ber of reasons, I decided not to attend, community in 2015. With the endless another program year wrap up article, which was a very difficult, but neces- number of social, intellectual, physical I would like to offer some reflections sary, decision. and spiritual pursuits available to our and thanks for the opportunities and I struggled with that decision, as community, it takes more persistence support I have received while on this moving to Israel was the goal that I and creativity than ever to engage peo- journey. had been working toward for a num- ple and to hold their attention. First and foremost, I am incredi- ber of years. Saying “no” to that op- But this is important work and the bly blessed to have full time employ- portunity was one of the hardest things payoff is great. Through JCNCF, I ment working for a Jewish organiza- I have ever had to do, and at the time, have been privileged to meet great tion. When I decided to leave public I didn’t fully understand why I didn’t minds and know great hearts and to education in 2010, the American econ- go, but something nagged at me that witness their incredible dedication and omy had yet not recovered from the said, “I’m not ready to leave Gaines- endless generosity. Those who work recession of 2009, and many people ville yet.” and volunteer in congregations, feder- were searching for jobs. I was fortu- As I look back on that time and ations, or any other form of Jewish nate to secure a position that summer connect the dots of my path to Jewish communal or organizational life are and I was doubly blessed to find a job community engagement, I have a bet- on the front lines of service to the Jew- working specifically for the Jewish ter understanding of what drove my ish people and I am honored to be community. I still am. decision. counted among them. I came to know JCNCF through Yes, I wanted to live in Israel The ability to fulfill the mission of volunteering on the planning commit- where I imagined I could “be Jewish” the Jewish Council has been made tee for the first ever Mitzvah Day. I all the time. But when I looked into possible by your support since the was impressed by the committee’s en- my heart and focused on what I really 1970s. My ability to carry out that thusiasm for large scale community wanted to do with my life - what I still mission, and by extension, my profes- event planning and their deep commit- want to do with my life – I found a sional Jewish development, have also ment to tikkun olam. desire to serve my community through been generously supported by you That same spring, I also got in- learning and teaching. The goal of the over the last five years. To the Offic- volved with the JCNCF group respon- program in Israel was to train me to ers, Board and donors of JCNCF and sible for organizing the Israeli Inde- work in Jewish education in the Unit- all of my colleagues and friends in pendence Day event. Again, I appreci- ed States and, as I see it, I made it to North Central Florida’s Jewish com- ated the creative, hard-working team that destination, just down a different munity, I will always be indebted to drawn from many different streams of path. you for this opportunity. I am here Jewish life in our community. I am grateful to have found work because you inspired me, empowered JCNCF advertised for a program that allows me to “be Jewish” all day, me, encouraged me and supported director in the spring of 2010 and I every day. Through the work of the me. I am grateful beyond words and immediately knew that, given the op- JCNCF, nearly every conversation I will close with all that is left to say - portunity, I would love doing this have, every task that I do in the course Todah Rabah! Page 8 The ChrOnicle Summer 2015 Worth Listening To By Howard Rothman, The Music Maven There is yet an- the words and prayers that he is sing- pleased, from the Amidah prior to other new and rela- ing. Modim Ananchnu Loch, We thank You, tively young cantor He is accompanied by the Kol Singer’s Zohreinu L’Chaim, Remember that is well worth Rina Choir us for life. This is a com- listening to. Cantor Shlomo Glick was which includes bination of Yiddish and born in Jerusalem and is 43 years old. a m o n g it s Hebrew and incorpo- His grandfather was a chazzan at members a rates the traditional Shaarey Chesed in Jerusalem. brother of Can- High Holy Day melody. As a child, Shlomo became a solo- tor Noam Ra- I also like Werdyger’s ist in the Jerusalem Cantorial Choir kovsky who Shma Yisroel, Hear O conducted by the famous Binyamin was our High Israel, from the Musaf Glickman. He began his formal canto- Holy Day can- Amidah’s Kedusha rial studies at the Haifa Cantorial In- tor. The little prayer and Yehoshua stitute and continued studying with foldout booklet Wieder’s Mimkomcha Cantor Naftali Herstik at the Tel Aviv accompanying Malkeinu, From your Cantorial Institute. the CD is en- Abode sung during the Further studies were with Eli Jaffe tirely in He- Shacharit Amidah’s Ke- the conductor of the Jerusalem Great brew except for dusha. One of the most Synagogue and with Dr. Mordechai his biography beautiful prayers is Heil- Sobol who along with his son Ofir is and some personal thoughts on this man’s L’kel Baruch N’imot Yiteinu, To doing much to foster an interest in recording and his collaborators. the blessed God we offer melodies current cantors and also of many There are nine songs on the CD found in the Shacharit service and Golden Age cantors by re-mastering composed by Moshe Koussevitzky (2), most beautifully sung by Naftali Her- the old recordings. Maurice Ganchoff, David Werdyger, stik in a CD called The Best of Naftali The CD’s title is Mikolot, From the Moshe Stern, Samuel Heilman, Shlo- Herstik which was reviewed in the Voices, which is a quote from psalm 93 mo Carlebach and Y. Singer. Summer 2012 Chronicle. which is recited as the Psalm of the Some of my favorites are Stern’s The Carlebach song is interesting. day on Friday mornings. Cantor Glick Ezrat Avoteinu, The help of our ances- It includes, from Psalm 90, Moshe has a powerful tenor voice and uses it tors. The prayer said just before the V’Aharon B’Kohanov, Moses and Aaron with true feeling and understanding of Shacharit Amidah, Ganchoff’s R’tzei, Be among His priests, and continues with Psalm 29, Mizmor L’Dovid Hovu Lashem, A Psalm of David, give to the JCNCF Caregivers Support Group Lord. These two Psalms are said on Friday evenings, erev Shabbat just be- Meets Monthly At Temple Shir Shalom fore L’chah Dodi, Welcoming the Sab- bath Bride. The next meeting of the Jewish the first Wednesday of the month. The CD will provide much listen- Council of North Central Florida For more information, or to con- ing pleasure. I’ve checked and this is Caregivers Support Group will be at 7 firm dates for July and August, contact his only CD as of this time and it is p.m. June 3 at Temple Shir Shalom. Lori Waxenberg at lo- available at both mostlymusic.com and The program meets monthly on [email protected]. amazon.com Kayitz 5775 The Chronicle Page 9

UF Hillel Works Matches Students With Internships

By Hannah O. Brown It was late on a Thursday during Members of the finals week, but college-induced fa- 2015 group of UF tigue was not enough to keep a lively Hillel Works Fel- discussion from taking place in the UF lows pose with re- Hillel conference room. The students cent guest speaker shouted out phrases one at a time: Arnie Sair (far dynamic, tight-knit, community- right), vice president oriented. of quality and regu- These students were describing latory operations at their impressions of the first-ever UF Signature Brands. Hillel Works Fellowship program. The beta cohort consists of about 10 students, who went into the experi- Tree Media Cindy Bennett led a dis- sessions under my belt helped me un- ence knowing that their input would cussion on marketing, both for individ- derstand what it looked like to be a help to shape the future direction of uals and businesses. Students re- leader and how to get there,” Youshak the program. worked their resumes, critiqued a said. UF Hillel Works is a fellowship mock interview and explored what it Youshak joined the program hop- program that provides leadership de- means to be Jewish in the professional ing to get experience in the legal velopment for students as well as the world. world. He was matched with Three opportunity to work a summer intern- Now our UF Hillel Works Fel- Rivers Legal Services, a non-profit ship in their field of study. The pro- lows are engaged in summer opportu- organization that provides free legal gram was launched this April as a way nities around the globe. During their services to low-income clients through- to offer services that could make a real internships, they are tasked with con- out North Florida. difference in student lives. sidering the role of social responsibility “I will have the opportunity to The program’s leadership devel- in business, and when they come back experience family law head on and opment seminars are composed of in August, the group will reassemble decide if it is something I am interest- round table discussions and presenta- to share their ideas and experiences. ed in pursuing,” he said. tions from accomplished professionals Fellows will also write blog posts Next summer, UF Hillel Works who serve as mentors, sharing tips about what they have learned, which plans to include even more internships they’ve learned from experience. will be posted on the UF Hillel website and students. The program will begin In this summer’s session, Arnie later this summer. in early spring in order to allow more Sair, vice president of quality and reg- UF student Trevor Youshak time for students to become a solid ulatory operations at Signature joined UF Hillel Works after working cohort by incorporating community Brands, spoke to the group about how as a UF Hillel intern during the spring service activities and leadership devel- to make a good first impression in the semester. opment seminars throughout the se- business world. Founder of Willow “Having four UF Hillel Works mester. Remember Hadassah When You Want To Remember Others

To buy or send cards or certificates for any occasion, call Ann Heft: 376- 8145.

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(352) 376-1508 For any questions or comments www.bnaigainesville.com contact us at: Page 10 The ChrOnicle Summer 2015

Grant Reports ner, text study, guest speakers and a teaching about the origins of the holi- craft activity for adults. The workshops days and then experiencing the activi- (Continued from page 5) were themed around various Jewish ties first hand. person can take in two hours. We holidays and Israel. The staff were also The staff participated in a full Se- needed time to process all of the infor- given a copy of two large Jewish re- der for Passover and studied the texts mation. The bus ride home was very sources to keep. The JCNCF grant of the Passover story. Staff were able to quiet. Our strength and emotions had paid for the resources and the guest ask questions and decide for them- been strained by what we saw and speakers. selves how to take the information they had explained to us. The school covered the remaining had learned and apply it in their clas- Everyone who went was very costs including paying staff for attend- ses. The staff enjoyed the workshops so appreciative of the beautiful and coming the workshops held in the evening. much the school is currently working fortable bus that was provided by The workshop was a hands on pro- on how to extend the program into JCNCF. Thank you very much. gram using YouTube videos, text study next year. Day School Teachers Enjoy Judaism Up-Close and Personal Thanks to a grant from the Pillars magnitude are a stark reminder of JCNCF, the staff at B’nai Israel Com- what is important and what our priori- munity Day School were able to par- ties should be. Every person is an im- (Continued from page 4) ticipate in monthly intensive work- portant part of the great picture. We root word, ‘Hav,’ meaning, ‘give.’ shops learning in depth about Juda- are each needed to take care of others, True love is expressed through giving, ism. The workshops included a din- not only on the other side of the world, and when we assist others, it is the but in our own communities and most best way to love and help ourselves. certainly in our homes. Museum The Lubavitcher Rebbe of righteous On behalf of Chanie and our chil- (Continued from page 3) memory emphasizes this idea as being dren, we extend best wishes to the en- tolerant environment. Remarkably, in especially relevant in the summer tire community for a safe and enjoya- post-communist Poland there is now months when Jews mourn the destruc- ble summer. a rebirth of Jewish identity, reflected tion of the Temple. Our Rabbis teach in the Museum’s last segment of vide- Note: The articles written or published by that the Temple was destroyed be- the Lubavitch-Chabad Center are primarily os by current leaders in the Polish Jew- cause of unjust hatred and will be re- based on Chassidic insights, discourses, letters ish community built through unwarranted acts of love. and talks by the Lubavitch Rebbe of righteous The museum gives more than a The Baal Shem Tov, founder of memory. Periodically we present articles and marvelous panorama of Jewish histo- the Chassidic movement taught that a thoughts from Chabad.org and its contributing ry. It is inspiring and by its presence person could live an entire lifetime, writers. We thank Chabad.org and its staff for and programming is making an enor- with the sole purpose of doing a favor allowing us to publish and share its inspiring mous contribution to Jewish identity for someone else. Tragedies of great articles. and non-Jewish understanding and tolerance. The museum was quite busy Cemetery on a Wednesday in February when I The cemetery gates will be open was there. Most of the visitors were every Sunday for the remainder of the not Jewish and there were several (Continued from page 1) year, Lowenstein said, for anyone to school groups. It is fast becoming one The cemetery was expanded in tour the cemetery. of the must-see places in Warsaw. I 2000, and the current expansion will Otherwise, the code for the gates’ highly recommend to anyone a trip to enclose the cemetery in a complete combination lock is 1818. Poland, with this museum as the cen- city block, bounded by Williston Abraham Pinkussohn’s grave will terpiece. Road, E. University Avenue, SE 12th st be marked with a special sign for the Street and SE 1 Avenue. benefit of visitors.

Advertise in The Chronicle For information about advertising opportunities in The Chronicle, contact Ed Hunter at (352) 379-5802 or e-mail: [email protected] Kayitz 5775 The Chronicle Page 11 News From Israel Israelis Flip For Acro-Yoga

By Rachel Solomon Israel21c.org As I walk through Tel Aviv’s HaYarkon Park on a gorgeous day, I Jersusalem- watch people enjoy nice, normal activ- based instructor ities like soccer, running, rowing and Ayo Oppenheimer yoga. But that’s not what I’m here for. bases a student, No, I’m at the park to join a weekly Rabbi Rachel Ko- meet-up of people who balance, flip brin, in her first and maneuver each other in a series of acro-yoga flight. gravity-defying poses called “acro- Photo by Daniel yoga.” Cuevas Even though I don’t know a soul, I instantly recognize the acro-yoga group. They are all partnered up; the “bases” lying on their backs with the “flyers” balancing on top of them. acro-yoga is a practice that combines While acro-yoga (or acro-balance) Within minutes of joining them, I acrobatics and yoga moves between is an international practice — with the meet Yair Chuchem, a computer pro- the “base” and the “flyer.” But, as I trademarked AcroYoga school found- grammer who’s practiced these strange learn from my first experience, it also ed by two Americans in 2003 — it has yet fun-looking moves for more than involves cooperation and some fear- grown leaps and bounds in Israel, three years. When I tell him that I’m lessness, which perhaps is why Israelis which is recognized as one of the writing an article about Israel’s grow- are going absolutely crazy for it. strongest, if youngest, acro-yoga coming acro-yoga craze and ask for an “Acro-yoga is a really fun practice (Continued on page 12) interview, he responds, “The best way with lots of social to understand acro-yoga is to do it.” components to The next thing I know, I’m trust- it,” explains Ofir ing Chuchem — a complete stranger Gothilf, an estab- — to balance me upside-down with lished acro-yoga my shoulders planted on the soles of instructor based his feet. Surprisingly, Chuchem in Tel Aviv. “It’s doesn’t feel like stranger for long. Af- a warm commu- ter all, we are literally in a position nity that uses that requires us to communicate and touch in a safe, cooperate clearly and patiently with secure way; and each other. everyone is look- “This is what acro-yoga is all ing for that hu- about,” he says after carefully lower- man experience ing me back on my feet. “It’s trust and — maybe Israelis teamwork, and it bonds people.” more than oth- In terms of the physical dynamics, ers.”

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DENTISTS REAL ESTATE Cruz Davis Dental (352)384-0050 Roslyn F. Levy, GRI, CRS (352) 870-9100 Family & Cosmetic Dentistry www.CruzDavisDental.com M.M. Parrish/Coldwell Banker [email protected] 2845 NW 41stSt., Gainesville, FL32606 7515 West University Ave., Suite 201, Gainesville, FL LAWYERS SCHOOLS AND CAMPS Jack J. Fine (352) 376-6046 Jordan Glen School & Summer Camp (352)495-2728 Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. [email protected] “Challenging and Enriching the Gifted Child” jordanglen.org 622 N.E. First Street, Gainesville, FL 12425 SW 154th St, Archer, FL Jeffrey L. Meldon (352) 373-8000 Jeffrey Meldon & Associates, P.A. [email protected] SECURITY 703 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL Crime Prevention Security Systems (352)376-1499 Protecting Families and Businesses Since 1975 PHYSICIANS 4701 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL Arlene M. Weinshelbaum, M.D. (352) 331-0115 Mammography, Ultrasound, Bone Densitometry THERAPIST/MEDIATOR 6820 NW 11th Pl, Gainesville, FL www.gwcradiology.com Bhakti Cohen, LMFT 352.514.4648 Gainesville ENT & Allergy Associates (352) 331-0090 Family Therapist and Family/Divorce Mediator Dr. Jeremy S. Melker and Associates www.gainesville-entandallergy.com 115 N.E. 7th Avenue, Gainesville, FL [email protected] 7135 NW 11th Place, Gainesville, FL PLUMBERS Acro-Yoga G-DO REDO (352) 494-2695 Gary Audet, State Certified Plumbing Contractor (Continued from page 11) [email protected] munities worldwide. “[The community] started out as just 10 friends wanting PRINT AND COPY to jam and get together in the park,” explains Eitan Padan, an Israeli acro-yoga instructor with six years of experience. Xerographics Copy Center (352) 375-0797 “And now in just two years, it’s grown to over 4,000 mem- Eric HIll www.xerographicgainesville.com bers.” 927 NW 13th Street Gainesville, FL Beyond recreation and fitness, acro-yoga also has thera- peutic applications, says Jerusalem-based instructor Ayo B’nai Israel Oppenheimer, who taught in the US before immigrating to Israel. (Continued from page 3) “Acro-yoga is a tool for happiness, self-awareness and Third through seventh grade will continue with a tuition empowerment,” she says. “In addition to teaching my regu- based system as the curriculum becomes more intensive. lar practice, I’ve taught here [in Israel] at a women’s shelter “Jewish education is about community, Jewish pride for victims of domestic violence and at a hospital for teenage and identity. Our Chavaya program is meant to instill a girls at risk. strong lifetime relationship with Judaism and the Jewish “I don’t see myself as a fitness instructor. For me, I real- people.” says Rabbi Kaiman. ly believe that acro-yoga can improve people’s lives,” she Chavaya is Hebrew for “experience” and is meant to says. underscore the idea that lifelong Jewish experience is our Editor’s note: Article and photo courtesy of www.Israel21c.org. goal.