L’ www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 41, No. 12 n August 2019 / 5779 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Religion vs. spirituality 6 Our Community By Brian Simon, Federation President 7 Jewish Interest eorge Carlin asked, “Have “Jewish” is still an identifier, but on what the Constitution says, how the you ever noticed that anybody the practice of Judaism in the U.S. var- free enterprise system should work, or 8 Marketplace Gdriving slower than you is an ies from those who wear black hats and even what it means to be idealistic. 12 Israel & the Jewish World idiot, and anyone driving faster than live in their own neighborhoods, to Voltaire said, “If God didn’t exist, you is a maniac?” those who enjoy a bagel and lox now it would be necessary to invent him.” 14 Commentary Does George and then. It would be nice to have an authority 17 From the Bimah Carlin’s wisdom Herberg suggested that the real re- to settle these arguments, or at least to apply to religion? ligion of the U.S. was what he called find some common ground. 19 Focus on Youth Does it seem like the American Way of Life. “It is a faith The Jewish Federation of Lee and 20 Community Directory anyone who is that has its symbols and its rituals, its Charlotte Counties is a cultural organi- more observant holidays and its liturgy, its saints and zation, not a spiritual one. We sponsor 21 Organizations than you is a fa- its sancta, and it is a faith that every Jewish cultural events, we support the natic, and anyone American, to the degree that he is an community (both Jewish and non-Jew- 22 Temple News who is less obser- American, knows and understands.” Its ish) through family services, and we  Brian vant than you isn’t sacred components were the U.S. Con- support Israel. Simon doing it right? stitution, the free enterprise system of Seth Godin said that culture is In the 1950s, sociologist Will Her- competition and upward mobility, and “People like us do things like this.” I berg observed that almost all Ameri- “a certain kind of idealism.” hope we can agree that the things we cans identified themselves as either a The American Way of Life has do as a Federation are worthy of your Protestant, Catholic or Jew. Back then, changed over 60 years. We can’t agree continued support. there were only three television chan- 3 nels. Today, there are infinite channels, Like us on Facebook! Federation’s Senior Lunch and those three religious classifications Bunch update have been divided in countless ways. The traditions and laws of the past do not appear to be as important as ConneCt whatever makes someone feel “spiritu- with your Jewish Community al.” There are now non-denominational churches and synagogues. I remember when author Michael www.facebook.com/ Wex came to Fort Myers and brought facebook.com/jfedsrq up the Jewish Your Way movement. He JewishFederationLCC 6 said, “We’re all Jewish our way!” Holocaust Museum & Education Center prepares for move

12 Start-up strategies unite FGCU with Israeli university Marcia Can Help MARCIA CAN HELP, a fund of the Jewish Federation 21 and Jewish Family Services, provides for emergency JWV Post 400 presents Herb nutritional needs through our Food Pantry, gift card Schwartz Memorial Scholarship distribution, and crisis grants to prevent utility cut-offs, evictions, loss of transportation and other essential services without Have an item you’d which none of us can live. Inspired by the recognition that these needs must be addressed in our like to share? community, and as a tribute to Marcia Cohen, Need to reach the a long-time resident of Sanibel and social activist, her editor of L’CHAYIM? husband Jack established the MARCIA CAN HELP fund in 2017. Send an email to LChayim36@ Marcia Can Help Help us meet these pressing needs by contributing to the MARCIA CAN HELP fund. gmail.com. For further information please contact Alan Isaacs at (239) 481-4449 or [email protected].

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

social service philanthropy culture L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION Program notes To donate to By Debbie Sanford, Program Director ast month I had the pleasure of joining the Sha- beautiful facility is anxious to host us. You won’t lom Club at Shell Point for a film and discus- want to miss this year’s guest and topic. Hint…it the Federation’s sion. It was a pleasure to meet so many nice will be “out of this world!” L ‹ people. If you belong to a group and would like me ‹ Our film festival committee is screening some to come visit and bring a film, amazing films for our 24th Annual Jewish Film Annual Campaign, discussion or another type of Festival. It is NEVER TOO EARLY to sign up to program, please let me know. I be a sponsor! love to get out and meet mem- ‹‹ I am in the process of booking authors for our call 239.481.4449 bers of our community. “Read the Book; Skype the Author” events. If We also had our first TRIBE you like to read and want to have some fun inter- event. TRIBE is our new social action with the authors, you will want to sign up. or visit group for adults ages 25-40. It’s The first book and author will be announced next a great way to meet other Jew- month. The Bagel Factory will once again be the  Debbie ish adults. The Federation will generous dinner sponsor. JewishFederationLCC.org Sanford plan social events, trips, speak- ‹‹ We are in need of some new volunteers to assist ers and other engaging activities throughout the year. the programming department this coming season. If you are interested in joining or would like more In addition to assembling and delivering holiday information, please contact me at 239.481.4449 x4 or gift bags, starting with Rosh Hashanah gift bags [email protected]. in early September, our film festival will need Here are some things to keep in mind as we gear some volunteers with daytime availability. Call o strengthen and enrih the ewish up for an exciting season of programming: or email me if you are interested and would like onit roiding and sorting ‹‹ SAVE THE DATE: Our Community Breakfast some more information. hilanthroi edational and soial is scheduled for Sunday, December 8 at a new Enjoy your summer, stay cool and I hope to see serie rogras loall in srael and location, the Heritage Palms Country Club. This you soon. throghot the world

Jewish Family Services update ewish onit that is ased on By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator ewish ales sh as edakah he Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Whitman, Suzanne Orkin, Randi and Payton Wolf, (eneolene) ikkn la (reairing Counties’ food pantry measures 8½ by 9½ Barbara Gribin, Laurie McConville, Larry Epstein the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking feet, with shelves along two of the walls that and Phyllis Boyar. resonsiilit or one another) T are almost seven feet high. The pantry is small, but Federation Program Director Debbie Sanford it is mighty. Ten volunteers contribute their time for wrote and received a grant in May for tote bags to use the weekly tasks of organiz- in the pantry. These bags have changed things dra- ing community donations in the matically. For one, we are able to put more food in storeroom as well as the pan- each bag. Besides providing the basics – peanut but- try, unloading the monthly haul ter, tuna, pasta, tomato sauce, beans, rice, vegetables, from the Midwest Food Bank, cereal and fruit – there is now more room to easily L’ packing bags of food for clients, add food that we receive from the Midwest Food breaking down and recycling Bank, including crackers, chips, condiments, cereal Jewish news published monthly by Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties boxes, and keeping the pantry bars and snacks. The inventory varies each month. 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 running smoothly. We ask clients to return the bags so we can re- (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139  Jodi Cohen Clients know when they cycle them, although not everyone comes each month Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org  come to pick up their food that the lobby area will and not everyone remembers to bring the bags. We August 2019 • Volume 41, Number 12 be clean, their bags of food will be ready along with started to run low on these roomy bags that are easy to  whatever paper products and toiletries are available. pack and fit easily on the shelves. A Federation mem- President: Brian Simon Clients also know they will be offered any special ber asked Fresh Market manager James Ponce if he Board: Paul Bartrop • Karen Fine • Carolyn Gora lose electricity, performances by the Jerry Greenfield • Andi Horowitz items in stock. would be willing to donate Fresh Market tote bags for Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler • Sara Krivisky Israel Scouts, and gift cards to people One client is a baker, another client is going the pantry. Not only did Mr. Ponce donate an entire Michele Laboda • Rozzi Osterman • Barbara Siegel who need to buy clothes for work. Sylvia Simko • Robert Thomas • Sherri Zucker through cancer treatment, while another client gets box of bags, but he carried them out to the car and put I shared the Federation mission Executive Director: Alan Isaacs dialysis every week. Due to your generosity, I’ve them in the trunk. Trader Joe’s in Naples also donated Program Director: Debbie Sanford statement, as well as the vision state- been able to offer flour, sugar and salt to the baker, one bundle of 200 paper grocery bags for the pantry. Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos ment of, “A Jewish Community that Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen Ensure to the person receiving radiation, and a gift The Federation is grateful to our community partners.  is based on Jewish values such as card for gas to the client who drives to dialysis three It takes a village to feed a village. Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 Tzedakah (benevolence), Tikkun Olam Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923 times a week. The gratitude on behalf of the clients is I was invited to give a presentation about The (repairing the world) and K’lal Yis-  enormous. Sometimes it is spoken, other times I can Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties at rael (taking responsibility for one an- L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to see it in people’s eyes or by the way they’ve started the July Coalition on Aging meeting. Preparing the Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are hugging me when they arrive and leave. presentation allowed me the chance to step back and welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be In June, the Federation distributed food to 16 notice how much your generosity enables our Federa- directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly households totaling 59 people. Three of those house- tion to contribute locally, to Israel and to the global PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the holds were new clients. I’d like to thank the food community. You make it possible for the annual Jew- right to edit for space and content. pantry volunteers for their hard work and good cheer: ish Film Festival, assistance to families so they don’t Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color Carolyn Gora, Judith Yevick, Donna Cotler, Karen WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, continued on next page self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. writers and claims by advertisers. SEPTEMBER ISSUE EDITORIAL DEADLINE: Monday, August 5 Grow your business with L’CHAYIM.

Reach 5,000 local JEWISH FEDERATION Jewish residents FOOD PANTRY

through this paper. Following is a list of staples always in need at the food pantry: For more information Peanut butter and jelly Pasta sauce (pasta, not needed) or to place an ad, call Lori Rice and beans Canned vegetables and fruits Cereal Canned meats at 239.481.4449 x5 Condiments Toiletries for adults & children

or send an email to Gift cards to places like Publix, Walmart, Target, etc., as well as cash donations, are also appreciated. [email protected]. Jewish Family Services helps seniors, individuals and families with a variety of needs. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3 Program notes Senior Lunch Bunch update By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator e had almost 60 people at She thought about it and realized she our June luncheon and were wanted to practice law! Ronnie attend- Wwarmly greeted by Rabbi ed law school, graduated and got a job Devora Buchen and the fabulous vol- as the assistant district attorney in Suf- unteers at Temple Beth Shalom. Since folk County, New York. Since moving everyone is always in the mood for to Florida, she’s decided to become a pizza, we’d like to thank our generous legal guardian for seniors. community partners, Jason’s Deli and The Federation offers a free Domino’s for their delicious salads, monthly lunch for Jewish seniors who desserts and pizzas. want to get out, be social, eat a little Ronnie Lamm was our guest something and learn a little something. speaker and shared her story about The lunches are user-friendly and there becoming a lawyer later in life. Sev- is always a place at the table for YOU. eral years ago, someone asked Ronnie If you’d like to attend the lunch or are about herself. After she talked about interested in volunteering, please con- her husband, her kids and others, the tact me at [email protected] or man interviewing Ronnie asked, “But 239.481.4449 x2. what about you? What do you want?” NEXT SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH: Thursday, August 15 at 12:00 p.m. Community Free Synagogue (in SW FL Masonic Center) 10868 Metro Pkwy., Fort Myers RSVP by Friday, August 9 to Jewish Family Services update Jodi Cohen at 239.481.4449 x2 or [email protected]

JFS update...continued from previous page lose electricity, performances by the other).” I was proud to talk about how Israel Scouts, and gift cards to people all of you honor that vision, and how it ELIMINATE YOUR PAIN who need to buy clothes for work. resonates daily for me as I attend the I shared the Federation mission senior luncheons, distribute food every statement, as well as the vision state- week, and talk to the people who call RESTORE YOUR MOBILITY ment of, “A Jewish Community that almost daily asking for assistance. is based on Jewish values such as “Deeds of kindness weigh as much REGAIN YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE Tzedakah (benevolence), Tikkun Olam as all the commandments.” ~ Talmud (repairing the world) and K’lal Yis- Yerushalmi, Peah 1:1 rael (taking responsibility for one an- All physical therapy is not the same… Thank you for letting us show you PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS what sets us apart from the rest! WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION AWARDED SW FLORIDA’S BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY & & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. REHABILITATION CENTER 6 YEARS IN A ROW! • One-on-one care with all patients This month’s • You will always receive the personalized care you deserve advertisers • Highly skilled and licensed therapists This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, • Relaxed, friendly and encouraging atmosphere and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. • Therapist-owned private practice Advanced Physical Therapy...... 3 Dr. David Heligman...... 6 Ajax Paving Industries...... 8 Henderson Franklin...... 8 • Best of Southwest Florida recipient Alliance Financial Group...... 9 Higginson Tax & Accounting.....9 Hal Arkin, Realtor®...... 9 Irving Lewin, Music Lessons...... 8 Art of Fashion and Moore...... 9 Living Happily Counseling...... 9 “We invest ourselves personally in every patient’s Atrium at Liberty Park...... 7 David Lovitch, Broker Associate.8 progress and goals. This is all part of having a Gwen Baker, Realtor®...... 9 Michael Shapiro Photography...22 true commitment and passion for what we do.” Dr. Daniel Bendetowicz...... 8 Paragon Pools...... 8 Candlewood Suites...... 15 PCC Tile...... 9 Cypress Cove...... 11 Alan J. Rubinstein, Attorney...... 8 Harold Eskin, Attorney...... 8 Seniors Helping Seniors...... 9 FGCU...... 15 SK Lawyers...... 8 FineMark Natl. Bank & Trust....23 Snyderman’s Shoes...... 9 THE RESULTS YOU WANT. THE CARE YOU DESERVE. Florida Specialists in Urology.....9 Taschner Periodontics...... 12 Susan Glasser, Realtor®...... 9 Temple Judea...... 5,13,15,19 Thomas S. Zeller, DPT & Associates Gordon’s Pool & Spa Service.....8 The Bagel Factory...... 9 www.YourBestTherapy.com Green Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP...9 The Pampered Soul...... 9 Gulf Breeze Hair Studio...... 9 Bob Vinikoor, Realtor®...... 8 Fort Myers 239-432-0556 Gulf Coast Orthodontics...... 15 Paul Weinstein, CFP®...... 8 Cape Coral 239-772-2363 L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen My March of the Living experience and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. By Rebecca Henry

YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN

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

TRIBUTES ��� ��� ������ ���������� �� L�� � C�������� C������� S����� The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties thanks Jewish War Veterans Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400 Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture for its generous donation of a new large-screen television Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for to be mounted in the Federation’s community room. all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Tributes. dancing, social groups, etc. Please send them to Lori Ramos L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. at the Federation at [email protected]. Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the community. Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community.

Overseas Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint �istribu�on Commi�ee �J�C� for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communi�es in ��� countries around the world. NEEDED TO LABEL ’CHAYIM Partnership ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region NEEDED TO LABEL ’CHAYIM in Israel. JOINNEEDED US for coffee, TO bagels LABEL and the simple’CHAYIM satisfaction JOIN US for coffee, bagels and the simple satisfaction Local Seniors Services JOINthat comesUS for coffee,from meeting bagels andand the making simple friends satisfaction with Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es thatother comes volunteers, from asmeeting we help and keep making thousands friends of localwith for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. readersotherNEEDED volunteers, informed TO as about we LABEL help local, keep national thousands’CHAYIM and interna-of local Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. other volunteers, as we help keep thousands of local  readers informed about local, national and interna- Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health readerstionalJOIN USJewish forinformed coffee, news. about bagels lo andcal, thenational simple and satisfaction interna- and sociali�a�on. tionalthat comes Jewish fromnews. meeting and making friends with Local Case Management Services Callother Debbievolunteers, Sanford as we help481.4449 keep thousands ext. 4 toof localadd Non‐sectarian, individual and family outreach, informa�on and Callyourreaders Debbiename informed toSanford the about phon 481.4449loecal, list. national Each ext. andmonth 4 interna-to addwe referral services. willyour call name to confirmto the phon the emailing list. Each date month and youwe Individual life coaching and support services. yourtional Jewishname news.to the phone list. Each month we willcan calllet usto knowconfirm if theyou mailingare available date andto helpyou Local Emergency Services Food Pantry and Publix food cards. canlabelCall let DebbieL’CHAYIM. us know Sanford if you 481.4449 are available ext. 4 toto helpadd label L’CHAYIM.Time: 9:30 A.M. Emergency financial assistance grants. labelyour nameL’CHAYIM. to the phone list. Each month we Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters. will call to confirmTime: the 9:30 mailing A.M. date and you Monday, August 26, 2019 Local Community Services can let us know if you are available to help Support families of children with special needs. MondayMonday, September, August 26, 23, 2019 2019 label L’CHAYIM.Monday , August 26, 2019 Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, Monday, September 23, 2019 ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and Time: 9:30 A.M. planning.

Monday, August 26, 2019 �e�is� Community �oun�a�on An endowment that ensures the long‐term financial base of Monday, September 23, 2019 charitable, social and educa�onal programs in our community. Needs‐based college scholarships and study scholarships in Israel. Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment.

The Jewish Federation loves our The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through the Community Foundation of the Jewish through the Community Foundation of the Jewish GENEROUS DONORS Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.

INDIGENT FUND FOOD PANTRY Marty & Judy Freling Temple Beth El Paul & Sylvia Simko Temple Judea The grant may be used for travel to Israel to participate Jay & Linda Scott Israeli Folk Dancers inThe programs grant may that be are used volunteer for travel or toeducational Israel to participate in nature. Temple Judea Mellow Mah Jongg in programs that are volunteer or educational in nature. Stan Zell Boni Raitt OUR HOPE is that these THIS GRANT is for Jewish Brian & Mindi Simon Sara Krivisky OUR HOPE is that these THIS GRANT is for Jewish programs will enhance residents of either county Joe Bord & Rabbi Nicole Luna Jay Scott programs will enhance residents of either county Jewish knowledge and who are 25 years old or Zara & Iris Luna Bord Mindi & Brian Simon Jewish knowledge and who are 25 years old or identity in preparation for younger and can demon- Roz Shraiar Betty & Jim Rubenstein identity in preparation for younger and can demon- participation in American strate a financial need. Barbara Siegel participation in American strate a financial need. Jewish life. Academic standing and Marsha & Mike Kistler Jewish life. Academic standing and Send an email to community involvement Barbara Gribin community involvement may also be considered. Harry Cotton may also be considered. Ruth Lefberg [email protected] Temple Beth Shalom Ruth Belkin Dan & Ellen Fox Howard Silverman For more information or an application, Wendy Berman For more information or an application, visit our website at JewishFederationLCC.org. Jewishfederationlcc.org visit our website at JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5 My March of the Living experience By Rebecca Henry s a Fort Myers native and re- untouched. However, the same cannot held our Israeli opening ceremony at a profound trip, I am so grateful for the cent high school graduate, I be said of Auschwitz-Birkenau, which kibbutz along the Mediterranean coast opportunity to have been part of the had the privilege to attend the has been “museumized,” made to look where we met Israeli teens our age and March of the Living. Even though this Ast 31 International March of the Liv- pretty, and even has a gift shop! What had time for reflection. pilgrimage can be quite intense and ing with BBYO (formerly known as really struck me about Majdanek was During my stay in Israel, I had time emotionally draining, I believe that ev- the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization). the small crematorium – one room for personal exploration throughout the ery Jew should go on a trip of this sort The trip – or pilgrimage – consisted of which housed a gas chamber and an- cities of Jerusalem, Tsfat, Tel Aviv and to connect and mourn the mass loss of spending one week in Poland (April other room the ovens. Located immedi- Beit Shean, visiting a variety of plac- our people, but also then have a greater 29 - May 6) and another week in Israel ately next to it was a large mausoleum es from shops to the Kotel. Different appreciation for Israel – as it has done (May 7-13). inscribed with words (in English), “Let than my previous trips, I had the privi- to my friends and me. I got a glimpse My delegation held our opening our fate be a warning to you.” This lege to observe the holidays of Yom into the magnitude of pure evil carried ceremony at the Krakow Ghetto, where saucer and circular shaped urn, that HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom out during the Holocaust, and it broke we learned about the Ghetto Heroes spanned several feet in diameter, depth Ha’Atzmaut (Independence Day). The my heart. However, it only showed me Square and the memorial chairs scat- and height, contained at least seven transition between these two days was how much the Jewish people need Is- tered throughout the Ghetto to symbol- tons of ashes and bone fragments of the breathtaking, as I had never seen peo- rael and how crucial it is that we call it ��� ��� ������ ���������� �� L�� � C�������� C������� S����� ize the hardships of the Polish Jews. souls who perished there – only a small ple be so somber, especially during the our home. We moved on to explore the town of representation of those whose demise national sirens, and then exuberate so Rebecca Henry received a Joseph Oswiecim, but more specifically, the was met at the camp. From there we much joy for their country’s indepen- Horowitz Israel Travel Grant from the Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture only remaining synagogue (that has traveled to the Treblinka Death Camp dence. We ended our trip by planting Jewish Federation of Lee and Char- Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author since been restored) in the town. From and the remains of the Warsaw Ghetto trees to symbolize the growth of Jew- lotte Counties toward the cost of the Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk there we moved on to the hallowed Uprising. My delegation concluded ish people. March of the Living program. dancing, social groups, etc. grounds of Auschwitz-Birkenau. While our time in Poland by holding a clos- After having time to reflect on this L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community touring Birkenau, my delegation (con- ing ceremony at the Rappaport Memo- informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. sisting mostly of high school seniors rial – the Monument to Ghetto Heroes  Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ from around the U.S.) made a strong – before heading off to Israel. Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the connection with the story behind the Even though I’ve been to Israel be- community. Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish Children’s Barracks – the barracks that fore, arriving this time felt different – community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the housed teens our age before they were Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high marched to the gas chambers. We vis- school students in the community. ited the site where the Plaszow labor

Overseas and concentration camp once stood – a Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American place built on top of two Jewish cem- Jewish Joint �istribu�on Commi�ee �J�C� for full spectrum eteries. We returned to Auschwitz to social services to Israel and Jewish communi�es in ��� join thousands on the three-kilometer countries around the world. march to Birkenau and take part in the Partnership ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region official Yom HaShoah ceremony. in Israel. As we traveled through Poland’s Local Seniors Services Galicia en route to Lublin, we stopped Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es at the Children’s Forest to pay hom- for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. age to the Jews of Tarnow, including Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. 800 children, who were murdered and  Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health buried in mass graves – a site our del- and sociali�a�on. egation strongly connected with. The Local Case Management Services last concentration camp we visited Rebecca Henry in Israel Non‐sectarian, individual and family outreach, informa�on and was Majdanek. Personally, this camp during her March of the Living trip referral services. had the biggest impact on me and is and more liberating – as I had a better Individual life coaching and support services. one of the most profound examples of appreciation of the hardships and per- Local Emergency Services pure evil. The camp was essentially left secution that the Jews had faced. We Food Pantry and Publix food cards. Emergency financial assistance grants. Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters.

Local Community Services What do you think? Support families of children with special needs. Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and planning. L’CHAYIM wants to know!

�e�is� Community �oun�a�on Send your letters and comments to Ted Epstein, An endowment that ensures the long‐term financial base of charitable, social and educa�onal programs in our community. L’CHAYIM Editor, at [email protected]. Needs‐based college scholarships and study scholarships in Israel. Letters Policy  Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone.

Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length Jewish Federation and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM nor its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received. VOLUNTEERS STAY IN TOUCH Sign up for e-blasts! NEEDED Help us deliver Rosh Hashanah Gift

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L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center update By Susan Suarez, President & CEO ummer greetings from the new HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org. home of the Holocaust Museum As you can imagine, it is an enor- S& Janet G. and Harvey D. Co- mous task to dismantle and move an hen Education Center! Exciting news entire museum. Everything from large – we will open to the public this Au- banners to small artifacts had to be care- gust! Please check our website or call fully handled and individually wrapped after Thursday, August 8 for the exact for the move – over 1,000 items in all. opening date. Our We are so grateful to those who gen- new address is erously volunteered multiple hours of 975 Imperial Golf their time to help us: Patti Bloom, Ro- & Course Blvd., salee Bogo, Steve Brazina, Becky Cor- Cohen Education Center Suite 108, Naples, nacchia, Linda Denning, Rachel Hujsa, FL 34110. We are Brian Kelly, Lucas Kiesel, Rob Nos- conveniently lo- sen, Ellen Rindfleisch, Stanley Ruskin, cated just off U.S. Jack Sellinger, Miriam and Gerald 41 in the Impe- Span, Ruth Stockinger, Ashley Suarez,  Susan rial Golf Square Patrick Wuschke, Alex Weiselberg and Suarez shopping center Judy Wertz. We could not have done it in North Naples. This is just south of without their hard work and assistance. Wiggins Pass Road and 1.4 miles north Kudos to Curator Cody Rademacher of the intersection of Immokalee Road for a terrific job organizing and seeing of Rissa and late board member Rich- 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. This event is free and this complex project ard Grossman, allows visitors the op- open to the public. Activities planned through from start to portunity to sit and consider what they include tours, talks and children’s ac- finish. have learned after their tour. Outside, tivities. When you visit, you will find expanded parking for cars We appreciate your support of the you will be amazed as well as school and tour buses. We Museum since its founding in 2001. at the transformation also hope to permanently locate the Thanks to you, our education pro- of the Museum’s in- Boxcar Exhibit in our parking lot. grams, exhibits and events have now terior. The expanded In addition to visiting, we hope impacted over 250,000 students, teach- space has newly de- ers and visitors. We look signed galleries, ex- forward to welcoming you hibits and displays, to our new Museum build- some including in- ing – The Holocaust Muse- Lost Childhood section of Museum pre-takedown teractive features. um & Janet G. and Harvey and U.S. 41. Please note that our phone The larger classroom permits us to seat D. Cohen Education Cen- number, email address and website will more visitors and students for talks, ter. Its purchase was made remain the same: 239.263.9200, info@ films and education programs. The possible by the generous HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org and www. new Reflection Room, named in honor capital campaign gifts of Janet G. Cohen and other generous donors. We will now be able to continue our mission – to teach the Judy Wertz, Ellen Rindfleisch and Cody Rademacher at work lessons of the Holocaust to you’ll join us for the Museum’s special inspire action against bigotry, hatred Grand Opening and Dedication Cer- and violence – for many years to come emony on Sunday, November 10 from in our own building.

Specializing in outpatient hip and knee replacement Cody Rademacher and volunteers unpin quilt display Community Free Synagogue to screen To Dust he Community Free Syna- a grieving American Haredi widower gogue’s Brown Bag Movie plagued by the arcane mythologies TNight’s August feature is the of his Old World traditions attempt- 2018 seriocomedy To Dust, starring ing to get some answers from a Staten Matthew Broderick and Géza Röhrig. Island Community College science in- The screening begins at 6:30 p.m. on structor. Together, this newest cinema Thursday August 15 in the congrega- Odd Couple explore some of human- tion’s Community Hall, 10868 Metro ity’s deepest mysteries in endearingly Boulevard, Fort Myers. Admission is quirky ways. free and participants are encouraged To Dust garnered top honors at the to pack a dinner. Complementary soft Tribeca Film Festival, the San Francis- drinks and snacks will be served. co Jewish Film Festival and the Hamp- The award-winning film is about tons’ International Film Festival. SAVE THE DATE Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties presents Community Breakfast Sunday, December 8 Heritage Palms Country Club, Fort Myers L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7 Teenager’s diary reveals the world of a promising life cut short Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM Renia’s Diary: A Holocaust Journal, for themselves or for an alter ego. The from her mother and these additions, the answers by Renia Spiegel, with Elisabeth diary is a companion (“dear diary”). from God. She needs to questions that are not an- Bellak and Sarah Durand. Translated Such journals are about the happenings them both desper- swered in journals or diaries from Polish by Anna Blasiak and and concerns of the immediate present. ately. like Renia’s are brought fully Marta Dziurosz. Foreword by Memoirs are retrospective. The Renia’s diary is to light. It is here that readers Deborah E. Lipstadt. St. Martin’s writer knows the outcome of events also, perhaps pri- receive the conditions of Ho- Press. 336 pages. Hardcover $27.99. initiated in the past and has processed marily, a collection locaust life in Poland. the experiences after the immediate has of her poems, both * * * his book, a diary never meant become the remembered. Memoirs are recent and brand Renia Spiegel was born to for publication, is not what one meant to have an audience and they are new. Her writerly a Jewish family in Poland in Twould expect from something written in anticipation of that audience. aspirations drive 1924. She began her diary at labeled as a Holocaust diary or jour- Renia spent her time writing her her to produce the start of 1939, right before nal. In it, young Renia gives very little observations, her primary concerns, as a more and more poems in the invasion of Poland by the attention to the teenage girl in the last years of her well- which she skillfully employs nature German and Soviet armies. In 1942, immediate effects designed secular schooling. Boys and imagery to help explore her emotional she was forced to move to a ghetto, of Nazi aggres- possible relationships are on her mind, life. The poems fall short of greatness, but was smuggled out by her boyfriend sion on a Jewish as are her female peers in the school. She especially in that they are so repetitive and went into hiding with his parents. community. Most writes about her moods, whom she likes, of one another, but Renia is clearly a She was discovered by the Gestapo and 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. This event is free and often, she seems and whom she thinks does and does not promising poet whose work could have murdered on July 30, 1942. open to the public. Activities planned barely aware of it. understand her. grown in depth and sophistication if her Elizabeth Bellak (née Ariana Spie- include tours, talks and children’s ac- Perhaps it’s fairer Foremost here is the student who life had not been cut short. gel), Renia’s sister, born in 1930, was tivities. to say that she is becomes her committed boyfriend, Meanwhile, she was trusted to run a child actress once called “the Polish We appreciate your support of the only intermittently Zygmunt. Her word portraits of this her school’s student newspaper. Shirley Temple.” In 1942, she and her  Museum since its founding in 2001. Phil aware of the es- young man are astonishing, as are her While the last passages that Renia mother fled to Warsaw, and then to Aus- Jason Thanks to you, our education pro- tablishment of a records of their meetings and conversa- wrote do focus on the conditions of tria, finally arriving in New York City, grams, exhibits and events have now ghetto near her grandparents’ home, tions. Parties, dances and other standard ghetto life, a fuller picture of that period where she lives today. impacted over 250,000 students, teach-where she has been living since being teen activities are on Renia’s mind, and the family’s life before and after can Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeri- ers and visitors. We lookseparated from her parents. She as is her sense of be found in two additional sections of tus of English from the United States forward to welcoming youhears rumors that over time how she is maturing the book prepared by Renia’s younger Naval Academy. He reviews regularly to our new Museum build-solidify. physically, intel- sister. They are not journal mate- for Florida Weekly, Washington Inde- ing – The Holocaust Muse- Most of her impressions of lectually and emo- rial but a mix of memoir and research. pendent Review of Books, Southern um & Janet G. and Harvey ongoing or expected destruction tionally. Like most Titled “Epilogue” and “Elizabeth’s Literary Review, other publications and D. Cohen Education Cen-of Jewish communities seem diary writers, she is Commentary,” these sections provide the Jewish Book Council. Please visit ter. Its purchase was madesecondhand, and perhaps they talking to herself, much-needed context that is otherwise Phil’s website at www.philjason.word possible by the generousmost often were secondhand – addressing the di- missing from the journal proper. With press.com. capital campaign gifts of until the end. ary directly as if it Janet G. Cohen and other Readers will wonder why were a sympathetic generous donors. We willthey are not getting the kind of Renia Spiegel friend – a true and For a continuously updated now be able to continuescenes that make up the bulk of first- loyal confidante. our mission – to teach theperson Holocaust writings. The diary also records her concern lessons of the Holocaust to Deborah E. Lipstadt’s Introduction about her mother’s situation, her long- calendar of events, visit inspire action against bigotry, hatredhelps clarify the issue by making the ing for her mother to visit, and her high and violence – for many years to come important distinction between diary esteem for her absent mother. Many www.JewishFederationLCC.org. in our own building. and memoir. Diary writers are writing entries end with the author’s cry for help

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A MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY ASSISTED LIVING LIC # PENDING L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 8 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Stars of David Interested in Your By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to Family’s History? be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Nate Bloom (see column at left) has become a family history expert in 10 Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start At the Movies; Some Starring EISENBERG, 42, wrote Boys. The pair with a limited search of one family line. “Unexpected” Jews wrote many episodes of the hit TV show Opening Friday, August 9 is The Kitch- The Office. So here’s the deal: en, a sort-of-feminist gangster movie Angel stars Gerard Butler as a Secret Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. that is based on a comic book series. Service agent who is framed for the at- Melissa McCarthy, Elisabeth Moss and tempted assassination of the president. Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that TIFFANY HADDISH, 39, play the He must evade his own agency and the goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. wives of mobsters. The wives take over FBI as he tries to uncover the real threat. The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, after their husbands are jailed. They are TIM BLAKE NELSON, 55, plays the adept at running the rackets and taking vice president. Ready or Not follows a several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate out the competition. The director is young bride (Samara Weaving) as she friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out ANDREA BERLOFF, 44. Haddish’s joins her new husband’s rich, eccentric great for them. So contact him about this as well. late father was an Eritrean Jew. family (ADAM BRODY, 39, Henry Opening Friday, August 16 is The Czerny, Andie MacDowell). The wed- Informer. It stars JOEL KINNAMAN, ding, somehow, turns into a lethal game City to reconnect with their adult sons. 1937 in an Oklahoma City food store 39, as a former special ops soldier caught with everyone fighting for their survival. Along the way, they realize that their he owned.) up in a convoluted stateside mess that Over on Netflix sons are not the only ones whose lives A Nice Note starts with him protecting his wife. He The Red Sea Diving Project, an origi- need to change. They start to think hard Something I saw recently on YouTube eventually has to take on the mob, the nal Netflix film, begins streaming on about how to redefine their relationships prompted me to look at an online bio of NYPD and the FBI. Kinnaman was born Wednesday, July 31. This dramatic with their friends, their children and actor KIRK DOUGLAS, 102. I noticed and raised in Sweden, the son of a non- film recounts the true efforts of the their spouses. something not noted in most news out- Jewish American father and a Swedish Israeli secret service, the Mossad, to The film was written by and di- lets: Kirk’s wife, ANNE BUYDENS, Jewish mother (her family moved to rescue thousands of Ethiopian Jews in rected by CINDY CHUPACK, 54, the turned 100 in April. In May, the couple Sweden from Ukraine in 1850). the 1980s. Many of them were hid in a former co-head writer of Sex and the celebrated their 65th wedding anniver- Opening Friday, August 23 are Sudan resort before being transported City. Oddly enough, like Tim Blake sary. Buydens converted to Judaism in Good Boys, Angel Has Fallen and to Israel. The film was directed and Nelson, above, Chupack was born and 2004 when the couple renewed their Ready or Not. Good Boys is a teen written by Israeli GIDEON RAFF, 46, raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Nelson and wedding vows. I checked a bit and could comedy that opens with 12-year-old who shared an Emmy for best writing, Chupack are about the same age and I not find another famous person who was Max (Jacob Tremblay) trying to learn dramatic TV show (Homeland). Most have to believe that they either knew alive and over 100 when their spouse, how to kiss, and egged on by his bud- of the film’s characters are Jewish, but each other in Tulsa or knew “Jews in too, turned 100. dies, he uses his father’s drone to spy only one major cast member is really common.” Oklahoma has a surprisingly Douglas and Buydens may be on neighbors. The drone crashes and Jewish (Israeli actress ALONA TAL, vibrant Jewish community, but it isn’t unique. Statistically, “two-centenarian” the boys skip school hoping to find 35). Chris Evans and Ben Kingsley have large. (Fun fact: the inventor of the marriages are very rare, period. Imagine someway to replace it. They embark on starring roles. shopping cart, SYLVAN GOLDMAN the odds against one “100+” spouse be- an odyssey that involves a lot of weird Otherhood, also an original Netflix [1898-1984], was born and raised in ing famous. Imagine the odds against stuff. MOLLY GORDON, 23, has a film, begins streaming on Friday, August Oklahoma. The cart made its debut in them both being Jewish. large supporting role. Kiev-born com- 9. On Mother’s Day, three longtime edy writer GENE STUPNITSKY, 41, friends – played by Angela Bassett, PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT makes his debut as a director with this PATRICIA ARQUETTE, 51, and film. 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Reach 5,000 local Jewish residents through L’CHAYIM. For more information, call Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 or send an email to [email protected]. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9 Interested in Your Wine from way down south By The Wine Whisperer Family’s History? ’ve never written a column exclu- While Argentina’s Mendoza region it’s often blended with other reds to bit. Great value. WW 91-92 sively about South American wine. is justly famous for Malbec, there’s a add structure and body. However, on a Ruca Malen Terroir Series Pe- IThat’s going to change right now. lot more to discover. Production and recent trip to Uruguay, we tasted sev- tit Verdot Valle de Uco 2015 ($18) – Sure, I’ve reviewed and evaluated export of Torrontes, a floral-scented eral types of Tannat, and many of them Bursting with black fruit and overtones many wines from Chile and Argentina, white wine, has soared, and way down stand up just fine on their own, comple- of leather, with a mildly-sweet note on but have completely (and foolishly) in Patagonia, Pinot Noir is making its menting a wide range of richly flavored the finish and soft tannins throughout. neglected to tell mark. and textured foods. The country’s in- Notes of cherries and violets supported the story of how In Chile, grapes are grown in long dustry is also very good at Viognier, by nicely balanced acidity. WW 86 South American narrow valleys along the coast which another intriguing floral white. Ask the Wine Whisperer wines rose to are cooled by air from the snow- So if you’re ready to enjoy and ap- What’s the difference between Cham- commercial and capped Andes. This is a perfect climate preciate wines from way south of the pagne and other sparkling wines? critical success – for world class Cabernet Sauvignon, border, here are some new favorites. – Carol G., Fort Myers and why they’ve and wines such as Don Melchor from Finca Decero The Owl & The For a wine to be called Champagne it become so enor- Concha y Toro, and Clos Apalta from Dust Devil Red Blend Mendoza 2015 must (1) come from the officially des- mously popu- Casa Lapostolle sell for well over $100 ($24) – The reason for the name is ex- ignated Champagne region of France  Jerry lar on the world a bottle. They’re also producing excel- tensively detailed on the back label, if and (2) be made in the “traditional Greenfield market. lent wines from a red grape called Car- you’re interested. This blend of Mal- method,” a complex, multi-step pro- They’ve been making wine down menere, and from Carignan, which is bec, Cabernet, Petite Verdot and Tan- cess that involves secondary fermenta- there since Franciscan monks planted native to southern France. nat offers seductive aromas of smoke, tion in the bottle, among other steps. grapevines in the 1500s. Viticulture ex- Even though Chile and Argentina tobacco, black fruit and a definite hint Other sparkling wines can be made that 1937 in an Oklahoma City food storepanded mainly through Chile and Ar- get most of the attention, other coun- of cinnamon. This should be decanted way and be labeled “methode traditio- he owned.) gentina, and sometime around the late tries are emerging with their own va- and will age for several years. WW 90- nelle,” or be carbonated using several A Nice Note 1800s, cuttings of Malbec, Cabernet rietals and traditions. Some excellent 91 other methods. Something I saw recently on YouTubeand other major varietals were brought wines are now coming out of Brazil Ruca Malen Terroir Series Pe- Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- prompted me to look at an online bio offrom France and Spain. However, until and Uruguay. tit Verdot Lujan de Cuyo 2015 ($18) er. He is Creative Director of Green- actor KIRK DOUGLAS, 102. I noticedjust recently, the wines were, let’s say, Uruguay got into the wine game a – Expressive aromas and flavors of field Media & Marketing, and Wine something not noted in most news out-just not up to international standards. little late, but they’ve made impressive blackberry with soft tannins and a Director of the international Direct lets: Kirk’s wife, ANNE BUYDENS,They are now, thanks to investment strides in both domestic and interna- lingering, persistent finish. Aged 12 Cellars wine club. His new book, Ask turned 100 in April. In May, the couple from European and American compa- tional markets. The country’s signature months in French and American oak, the Wine Whisperer, has just been pub- th celebrated their 65 wedding anniver-nies, and skilled winemakers heading wine is Tannat, named for the fact that giving it notes of caramel, vanilla and lished. Read his other writings at www. sary. Buydens converted to Judaism indown there to apply their art. it contains huge amounts of tannin, so mocha. Worth decanting and waiting a winewhisperer.com. 2004 when the couple renewed their wedding vows. I checked a bit and could not find another famous person who was alive and over 100 when their spouse, too, turned 100. Douglas and Buydens may be Lowell S. Schoenfeld unique. Statistically, “two-centenarian” Florida Board Certified Wills, marriages are very rare, period. Imagine Trusts & Estates Attorney Brian Simon, ChFC®, CLU® Financial Advisor, Park Avenue Securities, LLC the odds against one “100+” spouse be- 1380 Royal Palm Square Boulevard ing famous. 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Reach 5,000 local Jewish residents through L’CHAYIM. For more information, L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by call Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 or send an email to [email protected]. generous readers, ommitted advertisers and the Jewish Federation. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 10 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Israeli schnitzel takes over the U.S. – recipe by Chef Dalia Hemed n August 1939, 80 years ago this othing says delicious like It was only a matter of time before • 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard month, the Reich Committee for homemade Israeli schnitzel. the Israeli schnitzel reached the U.S., • 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs Ithe Scientific Registration of Seri- Tender on the inside, crunchy successfully riding the chicken trend • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs ous Hereditary and Congenially Based N Diseases was established in Germany. on the outside. Although the origins that I mentioned earlier this year, and • 1 tsp sesame seeds of schnitzel go back to Germany, it is encouraged by the growing popularity • 1 tsp salt Its object was to remove from German eaten in one form or another in many of all things flat and deep fried. • 1/4 tsp fresh black pepper society children and young people countries. But not many countries The Israeli schnitzel is nostalgic • Canola oil for frying who were incurably would consider it to be a national dish. yet cosmopolitan, kosher, fast, con- • Challah bread cut and sliced open insane or physically Israel does. venient and instantly comforting. And • Tahini sauce handicapped. The The Israeli version of the schnitzel now, Americans don’t even need to have XX Slice each chicken breast into two means employed to is having a moment. The dish is pop- an Israeli grandma to call it their own. pieces lengthwise as if you were remove them was to ping up on menus across the U.S. Schnitzel was something my mom butterflying the breast open, but murder them. The breaded and fried slices of made every Friday for lunch. It was al- just cut through. Should be be- On May 23, meat – most commonly known as the ways made with thinly pounded chick- tween about 1/2-inch thick. Season 1939, a request came Viennese version, wiener schnitzel en coated in breading and pan-fried, both sides with a generous amount from a German fam- – is made from veal. But it’s chicken stuffed into a fresh challah bread with of salt. ily for the mercy kill- X ing of their handicapped child, Gerhard schnitzel that’s been making the most matbucha (Spicy Moroccan tomato X Prepare the breading station in Personal Chef Dalia Hemed Kretschmar, born that same year on headway on menus across the country. sauce) and fried eggplant. This was the baking pans or shallow bowls. In can be reached at The chicken version of the Eastern only form of chicken I ate for almost the first, place the flour. In the sec- February 29. His parents, who lived in [email protected]. European dish was quickly adapted my entire childhood, and I still prefer it ond, whisk together the eggs and Saxony, petitioned Adolf Hitler, asking to European Jews, who were seeking over many other chicken dishes. mustard. In the third, combine the and warm the oil. Add the garlic, for Gerhard to be “put to sleep” as he a more affordable, more plentiful and Normally, schnitzel is served on plain breadcrumbs, panko, sesame stirring for just a few seconds. Addwas born blind, mentally retarded, and definitely more kosher chicken and, a platter with Israeli salad and rice or seeds, salt and pepper. the tomatoes, stir and cover thelacked one leg and part of an arm. Hitler mashed potatoes. I’ve taken the XX Heat a large skillet with 1/3-inch of pot. Allow to cook, over low heat, approved the request, and carbon mon- basic schnitzel and sandwich, and canola oil over medium heat. Once for an hour. oxide gas was selected as the means of stuffed it into an everything chal- the oil is hot and rippling, dredge XX Add the peppers (if using hot pep-the baby boy’s death. lah matbucha and eggplant. This is the chicken in the flour, shake pers), paprika, salt and pepper to This then served as the pretext my Israeli take on a fried chicken off the excess, dip it into the egg the pot with the tomatoes. Stir, andfor the initiation of a much larger sandwich. The challah bread is wash, let the excess drip off, and cook, uncovered, on a low flame“euthanasia” program. The program’s soft enough to allow the crispy then place it into the breadcrumb for an hour. original intention was to kill disabled texture of the chicken and egg- mixture. Fried Eggplant infants and young children, and Dr. plant to come through, the Matbu- XX Place the breaded breast straight Ingredients: Karl Brandt, a medical doctor and SS cha adds spice, and pickles add a into the oil. Continue with the rest • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour officer who served as Adolf Hitler’s sometimes, turkey breast meat. Ger- great acidity. And, of course, drizzling of the chicken. • 1/2 tsp salt personal physician, was placed in man and Austrian Jewish immigrants with tahini sauce. XX Don’t bread the chicken until just • 3 eggs charge of the program’s planning and brought this version to Israel, where it Every Israeli has his or her own before you place it in the hot oil to • 3 tbsp water execution along with Philipp Bouhler, eventually became a staple because it schnitzel recipe they are passionate ensure that it won’t get soggy. Fry • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko head of the Reich Chancellery. They is easy to source and produce. Today, about. Here’s mine. I am sharing my for 3 minutes on each side or un- • 1 medium eggplant (about 3/4 received a rare explicit authorization schnitzel is undoubtedly the most com- mom’s secrets for perfect schnitzel: til golden brown. Transfer onto a pound) from Hitler, allowing them to grant mon food Israelis of all stripes eat at Dijon mustard in the egg wash plus cooling rack. Season with salt im- • 1 cup canola oil “mercy deaths” to “incurable” patients. home and on the road. Families choose panko mixed into the breadcrumbs. mediately. XX Combine the flour with the 1/2 tea-Before the program relating to children chicken schnitzel as their No. 1 choice Schnitzel XX Construct the sandwiches by spoon salt. Place the mixture in a commenced, however, Hitler authorized for a family meal and it has also pen- Ingredients: smearing a good amount of mat- shallow bowl. Beat the eggs withits expansion to euthanize adults with etrated the Israeli fast-food scene, be- • 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts bucha on both sides of the challah. the water and put them in anotherdisabilities as well. ing sold alongside falafel and sabiche • Salt for seasoning Place the schnitzel on the bread, shallow bowl. Put the breadcrumbs Accordingly, Brandt and Bouhler sandwiches, stuffed into a pita or- ba • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour top with the sumac eggplant, driz- in a third shallow bowl. guette with hummus and salads. • 2 large eggs zling with tahini and pickles. Serve XX Trim the ends from the eggplant with French fries. and cut it into roughly 3/4-inch Matbucha slices. Line a plate with paper tow- Ingredients: els, and put the canola oil in a large Senior Outreach Program • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (I use canola) skillet over medium heat. • 10 garlic cloves XX Working in batches of four or five • 2 pounds tomatoes slices, dredge the eggplant first in • 4-5 fresh hot peppers (optional) the flour, patting off any excess; • 1 tbsp paprika (preferably then in the eggs; and finally in the Moroccan or Hungarian) breadcrumbs. • Salt and white pepper XX Add the slices to the pan in batch- XX Peel the tomatoes and coarsely es, making sure they’re not too chop them. Peel and chop the gar- crowded. Fry, flipping occasion- lic cloves. ally, until both sides get crispy and Come out for lunch, see familiar faces XX Set a medium pot over low heat brown. and meet new friends at our free monthly senior lunches

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L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 Child euthanasia in the Third Reich By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD n August 1939, 80 years ago this organized what became known as which likewise included those who were child’s race. This was so that Jewish month, the Reich Committee for Aktion T-4, from the address of the ad- physically or mentally disabled. children could be easily identified, and Ithe Scientific Registration of Seri- ministrative offices in Berlin running the On October 6, 1939, Hitler ordered in these cases death was mandatory. ous Hereditary and Congenially Based program, Tiergartenstrasse 4. Although Brandt to “relieve through death” those As precedents were generated, the Diseases was established in Germany. starting as a program centering on chil- mentally ill individuals who could not range of those to be included in the Its object was to remove from German dren in August 1939, Hitler’s preference “take any conscious part in life.” He child euthanasia scheme was broadened. society children and young people to euthanize “life unworthy of life” backdated his signature to September What began as an assault against chil- who were incurably – men, women and children deemed 1, 1939, to highlight the order’s con- dren with psychological and physical insane or physically mentally and physically disabled – was nection to the war; his logic was that handicaps was expanded such that those handicapped. The initiated to cover all categories in Oc- the life of every dead soldier should be deemed to be “unfit for society” – those, means employed to tober 1939. balanced by taking the life of a person for example, with behavioral problems remove them was to In time, after that first child’s death, “unworthy of life.” – were also listed on registration forms, murder them. others followed quickly, leading ulti- It now became the duty of doctors, and many were subsequently assessed On May 23, mately to the organized murder of up nurses and midwives to report to the negatively and sent to euthanasia cen- 1939, a request came to 5,000 children in so-called special appropriate health authorities if a child ters, where they were gassed.  Dr. Paul from a German fam- children’s wards. Aktion T-4 covered or newborn baby came across their Some children slated for compul- Bartrop ily for the mercy kill- two separate euthanasia programs: one purview with any of the designated sory euthanasia were even reprieved ing of their handicapped child, Gerhard dated back to spring 1939, dealing with conditions, so that further action (that is, temporarily so that they could be Kretschmar, born that same year on infants and small children up to three their murder) could be undertaken. The “studied” as objects of medical or sci- February 29. His parents, who lived in who had physical deformities; and a registration of potential victims became entific research prior to being sent to Saxony, petitioned Adolf Hitler, asking second that included mentally disabled a crucial determinant of whether a child their death. and warm the oil. Add the garlic, for Gerhard to be “put to sleep” as he older children and adults. was to be euthanized, in accordance The killing centers that were set stirring for just a few seconds. Addwas born blind, mentally retarded, and The child euthanasia program usu- with a stringent set of conditions. up for children as specialized pediatric the tomatoes, stir and cover thelacked one leg and part of an arm. Hitler ally murdered its victims through lethal Three Nazi medical bureaucrats clinics were a precedent for much larger pot. Allow to cook, over low heat, approved the request, and carbon mon- overdoses of medication. Adult patients, received the relevant registration forms, killing centers catering to physically and for an hour. oxide gas was selected as the means of on the other hand, were removed from with comments made by the first two as mentally disabled adults. Once sent to XX Add the peppers (if using hot pep-the baby boy’s death. their home institutions and transferred to the nature of the case to assist the third these clinics, children received lethal pers), paprika, salt and pepper to This then served as the pretext to one of six designated killing centers in making his final determination. Only injections or were sometimes simply the pot with the tomatoes. Stir, andfor the initiation of a much larger throughout Germany, where they were the reporting form was used in making starved to death. It is worth reflecting cook, uncovered, on a low flame“euthanasia” program. The program’s murdered in specially designed gas the decision of life or death; the doctors this month that children – whether for an hour. original intention was to kill disabled chambers. did not examine the child in person or Jewish or not – were the first and most Fried Eggplant infants and young children, and Dr. Planning the program meant that a review previous records. Sometimes a vulnerable of Hitler’s victims, as they Ingredients: Karl Brandt, a medical doctor and SS departmental infrastructure and bureau- child might not be condemned if the remained throughout the war years and • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour officer who served as Adolf Hitler’s cratic guidelines had to be established, doctors concluded that he or she could the Holocaust. • 1/2 tsp salt personal physician, was placed in and this was initiated in a directive from grow up and be a productive member Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History • 3 eggs charge of the program’s planning and the Reich Minister of the Interior dated of society. These, however, were in a and the Dir. of the Center for Judaic, • 3 tbsp water execution along with Philipp Bouhler, August 18, 1939. This specified the minority. Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko head of the Reich Chancellery. They groups to be included in the program The forms also included a compul- Florida Gulf Coast University. He can • 1 medium eggplant (about 3/4 received a rare explicit authorization and was to apply not only to those chil- sory clause in which those doing the be reached at [email protected]. pound) from Hitler, allowing them to grant dren who had already been identified as reporting were required to indicate the • 1 cup canola oil “mercy deaths” to “incurable” patients. incurably ill or handicapped, but also to XX Combine the flour with the 1/2 tea-Before the program relating to children newborn babies suspected of a range of spoon salt. Place the mixture in a commenced, however, Hitler authorized “congenital disorders” at birth. Stay connected all month long at shallow bowl. Beat the eggs withits expansion to euthanize adults with Brandt would later develop another the water and put them in anotherdisabilities as well. program of enforced abortions for wom- www.JewishFederationLCC.org shallow bowl. Put the breadcrumbs Accordingly, Brandt and Bouhler en classed as “genetically defective,” in a third shallow bowl. XX Trim the ends from the eggplant and cut it into roughly 3/4-inch slices. Line a plate with paper tow- els, and put the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. XX Working in batches of four or five slices, dredge the eggplant first in the flour, patting off any excess; then in the eggs; and finally in the breadcrumbs. XX Add the slices to the pan in batch- es, making sure they’re not too crowded. Fry, flipping occasion- ally, until both sides get crispy and brown. Explore More. Active Senior Lifestyle

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Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care Assisted Living | Skilled Nursing | Rehabilitative Care | Home Health Services Cypress Cove at HealthPark | 10200 Cypress Cove Dr., Fort Myers | 239- 317- 8511 L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 12 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Start-up strategies unite FGCU with Israeli university Schools team up in historic pact to make strides in entrepreneurial studies By Rick Weber, June 18, 2019, fgcu360.com s Dr. Sandra Kauanui stood signed a Memorandum of Understand- passion to become the driving force ship and innovation. Entrepreneurship on Israeli ground and gave a ing (MOU) with Tel Aviv University behind the formation and management is seeing the need and solving a prob- Atwo-minute speech in front (TAU), Israel’s largest public research of the Institute of Entrepreneurship and lem. And that differentiates you from of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a university, to cooperate on growing the establishment of one of the nation’s other people. 100-person Florida delegation, digni- both schools’ entrepreneurial studies – few interdisciplinary entrepreneurship “They knew that in order to sur- taries from Israel and officials from Tel part of an historic eight MOU signings degree programs. vive, they had to be a start-up and Aviv University, she couldn’t help but involving five other Florida universi- And there she stood – on the soil grow. They created a start-up nation, think that she had come full circle. ties and one Florida college. of a country that earned the nickname and they’ve done it with very little The trip to Israel heralded the Kauanui, a professor of entrepre- “Start-Up Nation” as the result of a funds. That is the basis for a lean start- May 28 announcement that Florida neurship and management at FGCU 2009 book by the same name that im- up. That’s what entrepreneurs do when Gulf Coast University (FGCU) had since 2007, had applied her unbridled mortalized the Israelis’ dramatic rise they start businesses and grow them. to entrepreneurial kingpin, with more They do it with shear tenacity, determi- high-tech start-up companies and a nation and passion.” larger venture capital industry per cap- The MOU will match a rising en- ita today than any country in the world, trepreneurship program at a fast-grow- according to The Economist magazine. ing Florida university with a develop- “Our entrepreneurship program at ing program in a country that is leading FGCU is a start-up program,” she says. the way in innovation and TAU’s new- “It’s something I started and helped ly formed, nationally funded Center build. It felt like it’s come full circle. In for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Israel, I was in a place where they sur- (CEI). Ronny S Taschner DDS vived and they built and they grew and “Israel is known for entrepreneur- Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology they created a name for themselves. ship and innovation,” Kauanui says. “I truly believe that’s something “We’re unique because we have an we’re doing here at FGCU with our en- interdisciplinary degree at FGCU, and Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc trepreneurship program. We’re making there aren’t many in the country that Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology a difference in our students’ lives and have it. Tel Aviv University probably creating a name for ourselves. We have has a more traditional program. It’s grown rapidly. We’re not a big univer- more of a business program than an sity with a large amount of funding, interdisciplinary entrepreneurship pro- and yet we’ve been able to do this.” gram that allows students to incorpo- How did Israel become the “Start- rate courses from other disciplines in up Nation of the World?” And why are the arts, science, health or engineering. start-up accelerators still swarming to They’re just starting to develop their Silicon Wadi (Hebrew for Silicon Val- Center for Entrepreneurship, which we ley) on the coastal plain of Israel, with could help with. Tel Aviv as the epicenter? “Our students are very entrepre- This is a 71-year-old country with neurial. They’re out there trying to just 8.7 million people, virtually no re- create new businesses and ideas. I sources amid a topography that is more think they have lot of entrepreneurial than 50% desert, a geographical posi- knowledge, and if we can tie it togeth- 1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL tion surrounded by enemies, a history er, it will be a win-win for both sides. of external and internal conflict, and Our students would learn from them Phone 239-936-0635 an inflation rate that hit 400% after the and learn from some of their innova- Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com 1973 Yom Kippur War and the 1983 Is- tive ideas, and they might learn some rael Bank Stock Crisis. things from our entrepreneurship pro- That’s part of the fascination for grams and our students.”

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Lee County, Florida Division of Public Safety Emergency Management/Emergency Operations Center Phone: 239.533.3622 / Fax: 239.477.3636 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis with FGCU Professor Sandra Kauanui www.leeeoc.com Kauanui and a powerful driver for For FGCU, the path to partner- her belief that this MOU will be life- ship all started when Dr. Paul Snyder, Charlotte County Office of Emergency Management Phone: 941.833.4000 / Fax: 941.833.4081 changing for her students and FGCU as senior associate provost and associate www.charlottecountyfl.com/emergency/index.asp a whole. vice president for planning and insti- “They’re a small country, and the tutional performance, learned that De- potential for being attacked is great, Santis was looking for universities to Please fill out the following information (print clearly): so they came up with a way to protect engage in joint relationships with Is- themselves and shoot down the mis- raeli universities. Name:______siles,” she says. “They came up with “Governor DeSantis’ trade mission a way to sap the algae out of the water to Israel represented an opportunity Summer address: ______in lakes. They created the first 3D heart to significantly increase FGCU’s and City/state/zip: ______that the scientist can print. Their artifi- Florida’s international footprint. That Phone: ______Fax: ______Cell: ______cial intelligence is amazing. is very much in line with the course Email address: ______“Through the universities and re- President Martin has set for FGCU,” Emergency contact outside the area search and all the things they’ve done, Snyder says. “Entrepreneurism is one they recognized that if they were going of the five main themes of FGCU’s cur- Name:______to become economically sustainable, rent strategic plan. It is also one of the Phone: ______they needed to support entrepreneur- continued on next page Special Needs:______PLEASE SUPPORT THE

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Start-up strategies...continued from previous page emerging strengths of the university as Points for potential traction in- opportunities. Then they approved the major two it cuts across all disciplines. Matching clude: “We have some venture capitalists years ago, and at the end of spring, we the purpose of the trade mission with ‹‹ Veterans (FGCU has helped vets in our community, and they’re always had 450 students in our major. Professor Kauanui’s efforts just made use their skills to become entre- looking for future investments,” Kau- “The institute has been extremely ship and innovation. Entrepreneurshipperfect sense.” preneurs, and Israel’s success has anui says. “I can see, through Naples active for the last four years, the mi- is seeing the need and solving a prob- Snyder assembled a proposal and been largely due to the work of Is- accelerators, connecting some inter- nor was started four years ago and the lem. And that differentiates you fromKauanui jumped on the opportunity. rael Defense Forces veterans) national businesses to our community. major two years, so we’re a start-up. other people. FGCU’s proposal was accepted by ‹‹ Accessible pools of venture capital There are also potential investors who We’ve grown so large at this point that “They knew that in order to sur-DeSantis, and Enterprise Florida set up (TAU Ventures) might be interested in investing in we really needed to become a school.” vive, they had to be a start-up andthe six-day mission in Israel. ‹‹ Access to each other’s markets and these businesses.” These are exciting times for FGCU, grow. They created a start-up nation, The MOU covers five years and intellectual capital FGCU wants to establish a rela- and Kauanui believes that the Israeli and they’ve done it with very littlecalls for the two universities to: coop- ‹‹ International connections (TAU of- tionship between its Institute of En- collaboration won’t end with TAU. funds. That is the basis for a lean start-erate in the exchange of scholarship fers connections to East and South trepreneurship and TAU’s CEI. FGCU “I talked with several other univer- up. That’s what entrepreneurs do whenplans of mutual interest; pursue fac- Asia, Europe and the Americas) transitions to a School of Entrepreneur- sities when I was over there, and they they start businesses and grow them. ulty and student exchange programs; There will be joint projects and ship on July 1, and aims to expand its seem very interested in what we are They do it with shear tenacity, determi-seek exchanges of cultural and artistic collaboration among students and footprint internationally as a key com- doing in entrepreneurship,” she says, nation and passion.” activities; and collaborate on coopera- faculty of FGCU and TAU, establish- ponent in realizing the Board of Trust- specifically mentioning Ben-Gurion The MOU will match a rising en-tive research and hold joint academic ment of a venture capital pool, “shark- ees’ Strategic Plan goal of eventually University. “Maybe we could create a trepreneurship program at a fast-grow-seminars. tank” competition and study abroad creating a College of Entrepreneurship future partnership with them. ing Florida university with a develop- to grow and support a more vibrant and “It would be a great environment ing program in a country that is leading diversified workforce and stimulate for our students to get involved in. It’s the way in innovation and TAU’s new- economic development for the region a great experience for our students to ly formed, nationally funded Center BRIEFS and the state. The college will be estab- see that Israel started from nothing for Entrepreneurship and Innovation consider such a thought. The City of lished “when we get strong enough,” and has built what they’ve built. You (CEI). 2,000-YEAR-OLD David is an essential component of the Kauanui says. think of the entrepreneurial mindset. “Israel is known for entrepreneur-PILGRIMAGE ROAD national heritage of the State of Israel. “I guarantee when they signed that They’ve done it. It’s a great model for ship and innovation,” Kauanui says.OPENS IN JERUSALEM’S It would be akin to America returning Strategic Plan, they had no idea that our students to understand. It’s not just “We’re unique because we have an CITY OF DAVID the Statue of Liberty.” (Yaakov Katz, we would grow as rapidly as we did,” about starting your own business. It’s interdisciplinary degree at FGCU, and Archaeologists in Jerusalem have iden- Jerusalem Post) she says. “We started with virtually no about learning to problem-solve and there aren’t many in the country thattified the “Pilgrimage Road,” the path funding as a minor in 2014. We were evolve.” have it. Tel Aviv University probablymillions of Jews took three times a year INDIA VOTES IN FAVOR the largest minor after a few years. has a more traditional program. It’swhen performing the commandment to OF ISRAEL AGAINST more of a business program than ango up to the holy city during Judaism’s PALESTINIAN NGO IN UN interdisciplinary entrepreneurship pro-three key holidays: Passover, Shavuot In a rare move, India voted in favor gram that allows students to incorpo-and Sukkot. of a decision introduced by Israel in rate courses from other disciplines in The Pilgrimage Road goes from the UN Economic and Social Coun- the arts, science, health or engineering.the Shiloah Pool to the area adjacent to cil (ECOSOC) that objected to grant- They’re just starting to develop theirthe Western Wall known as Robinson’s ing consultative status to a Palestinian Center for Entrepreneurship, which we Arch, where today you can still see non-governmental organization that could help with. remnants of the ancient stairway that Israel said did not disclose its ties with “Our students are very entrepre-led into the Jewish Temple. Josephus, Hamas. The Council decided to return neurial. They’re out there trying tothe Roman-Jewish historian, wrote that the NGO’s application in a 28 to 15 create new businesses and ideas. I2.7 million people used to visit Jerusa- vote with five abstentions. Countries think they have lot of entrepreneuriallem during the Jewish holidays. voting in favor of the decision includ- knowledge, and if we can tie it togeth- The official opening of the Pilgrim- ed Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, er, it will be a win-win for both sides.age Road has far greater significance Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Ko- Our students would learn from themfor Israel than just the opening of a rea, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the and learn from some of their innova-new, impressive tourist site, said Ze’ev United States. tive ideas, and they might learn someOrenstein, director of international af- Israel’s Permanent Mission to the things from our entrepreneurship pro-fairs for the City of David. It proves the UN said the NGO, registered in Leba- grams and our students.” long and historic Jewish connection to non under the name “Witness,” osten- Jerusalem. sibly deals with the rights of Palestin- U.S. Ambassador David Friedman ian refugees in Lebanon. However, in said, “The City of David brings truth recent months, Israel’s security ser- and science to a debate that has been vices have revealed that “Witness” be- marred for too long by myths and de- longs to the Hamas movement and acts ceptions. Its findings, in most cases by on its behalf against Israel as part of a secular archaeologists, bring an end to network of institutions and organiza- the baseless efforts to deny the histori- tions the terrorist organization operates cal fact of Jerusalem’s ancient connec- outside the Gaza Strip. “Witness” has tion to the Jewish people.” been declared a terrorist organization Pilgrimage Road, Friedman said, in Israel. “brings to life the historical truth of The Deputy Chief of Mission at Is- the [Second Temple] period in Jew- rael’s Embassy in New Delhi tweeted, ish history. Peace between Israel and “Thank you #India for standing with the Palestinians must be based upon a @IsraelinUN and rejecting the request foundation of truth. The City of David of terrorist organization “Shahed” advances our collective goal of pursu- to obtain the status of an observer in ing a truth-based resolution.” #UN. Together we will continue to act Asked if Israel would give up the against terrorist organizations that in- City of David in a peace deal, he said, tend to harm.” (Press Trust of India) For FGCU, the path to partner-“I do not believe that Israel would ever continued on next page ship all started when Dr. Paul Snyder, senior associate provost and associate vice president for planning and insti- tutional performance, learned that De- Santis was looking for universities to engage in joint relationships with Is- raeli universities. “Governor DeSantis’ trade mission to Israel represented an opportunity to significantly increase FGCU’s and Florida’s international footprint. That is very much in line with the course President Martin has set for FGCU,” Snyder says. “Entrepreneurism is one of the five main themes of FGCU’s cur- rent strategic plan. It is also one of the

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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. Concerns about $50 billion “Peace to Prosperity” plan for Palestinian-Arabs By Gene Sipe recent email blast from the plan proposes funding $500 million for and is not likely to “manage” crossing hance Hezbollah’s military capabilities ZOA on this topic was the a new Palestinian University. By the points to keep out terrorists and arms. to deploy its 150,000 missiles that are A most detailed and concisely time students reach university, they Effectually, Israel would be cut into two pointed at Israel. Currently, one of Is- explained reasoning why there is good are already primed for recruitment as and the Israeli-owned land, homes and rael’s major strategic concerns is that reason to debate long and hard before radicals, terrorists and martyrs. Rather farms would be usurped and the own- Iran will not allow its investment in implementing this plan. Unfortunate- than building a new recruitment center, ers displaced. Such a corridor would this armory to go to waste. ly, the entire message was too long to would not a better option be to direct enable Hamas terrorists, other terror The administration proposing this hold the attention of all but the most funding toward providing future stu- operatives and their weapons to spread plan is well intentioned and has made bookish reader. If you are really in- dents better access to existing univer- death and destruction. Israel cannot af- great strides by moving the U.S. Em- terested, the entire text can be found sities where both Jewish students and ford to return to the days of the Second bassy to Israel’s eternal capital Jeru- at https://mailchi.mp/50dfb1286975/ Israeli-Arab students already find a Intifada (2000-2005) when the lack salem; merged the U.S. consulate in zoa-praises-amb-friedman-for- peaceful academic environment? of a security barrier, checkpoints and Jerusalem into the U.S. Embassy; rec- stating-israel-has-right-to-annex- Money and investments do not Israeli security control enabled Pales- ognized Israeli sovereignty over the some-of-the-west-bank-judeasamaria- transform someone into a lover of tinian terrorists to murder and maim Golan Heights; left the Israel-bashing 1721305?e=babcf77c80. peace, willing to live peacefully with 10,000 innocent Israelis. UN Human Rights Council; closed the Subsequently, the objective of this, Israelis and Jews. Their hateful ideol- Past experience has shown that the PLO/PA office in Washington; stopped paraphrased, article is to summarize ogy and Koranic religious teaching is Palestinian-Arabs place higher value funding to the terror-supporting Pales- the message as detailed by the ZOA to to hate Jews and Christians. Economic on destruction of Israel than on im- tinian Authority and UNRWA; with- a digestible read and generate honest power in the wrong hands means more proving the status of their infrastruc- drew from the catastrophic Iran deal; debate toward determining if this plan terror. As of May 2018, the U.S. gave ture. When the opportunity avails, they made numerous strong statements has merit or is simply a continuation of $5 billion of aid to the Palestinian Au- immediately destroyed 300 Jewish, against anti-Semitism, neo-Nazism the wishful Oslo mindset. thority, plus another $6 billion to Pal- technically advanced greenhouses in and white supremacy; and demanded To start with, the plan does not deal estinian-Arabs through UNRWA. Yet, Gaza; repeatedly set fire to gas pipes, that the Palestinian Authority must end with the real reason there is no peace, the PA and Hamas have continued all electricity infrastructure, and a con- its incitement of terror and heinous which is that the Palestinian Author- their efforts to destroy Israel and attack veyor belt used to transfer fuel and “pay to slay” payments to terrorists to ity and Hamas are dedicated to Israel’s innocent Israelis, including the PA’s goods from Israel into Gaza; and divert murder Jews and Americans. destruction. It completely avoids the over $400 million per year of “pay to electricity, concrete and other building In consideration of these factors, issue of the hateful Palestinian-Arab slay” payments. The huge wealth of materials intended for Gaza’s recon- the ultimate outcome of this plan is culture of incitement to terror, violence leading Palestinian Authority, Hamas struction to instead build dozens of so- deeply concerning. Added to this is and murder. It has been compared to and al-Qaeda terrorists demonstrates phisticated terror tunnels. the expressed attitude of some in our the Marshall Plan. However, the Mar- that money and investments are not the The plan does not specify which community that “since nothing else shall Plan began only after the Nazis answer. One example is that in 2014, sites will be included within the $400 has worked, it may be worth a try.” and their ideology were completely de- the Hamas terror group itself report- million budget for promoting, repair- Hasn’t this approach, however, been feated and removed from power. The edly had a $1 billion net worth, mak- ing, restoring and upgrading “cultural, tried already? Has the Iran plan made PA and Hamas continue to incite hatred ing it the second-richest terror group historical and religious sites.” Recall, the world a safer place? Have any of of Jews and Christians; pay terrorists in the world. Prior to the recent influx please, Palestinian-Arabs destroyed the funds-for-peace programs in recent to murder Jews and Americans; teach of Iran-deal funds and funding from or bulldozed important Jewish and history led to improved relations? school children to “martyr” themselves Qatar, other Middle East terror groups Christian religious sites and artifacts, The ZOA’s conclusion is that, first to murder Jews. They employ their me- were already known to have significant including Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem, and foremost, we need a plan for com- dia messaging, public square-naming, assets. and the remains of a Byzantine Church pletely transforming the violent Pales- television specials, government-con- The plan includes funding of more in Gaza City. Are these going to be tinian-Arab culture, leadership and ed- trolled mosques and all other means than $12 billion to build a highway rebuilt? And if so, how will Jews and ucation. Without that, the investments of communication to idolize terrorists and/or rail corridor from Gaza to Judea Christians safely visit them? envisioned by the “Peace to Prosper- who murder Jews, and to incite more and Samaria, other transportation in- Little known of the plan is a $6.325 ity” plan will only make Israel’s neigh- terror. frastructure, and increase the capacity billion investment in Hezbollah-domi- borhood even more dangerous than it The first step toward peace must of the Palestinian public sector to man- nated Lebanon. While investing in road is today. be overhauling PA textbooks and all age crossing points, inspect goods and corridors, airports, railroads and other Gene Sipe lives in Fort Myers. other mechanisms used to preach and facilitate trade. The “Palestinian public infrastructure projects in Lebanon may teach hatred against Israel. Instead, this sector” is dominated by terror groups sound good, it is more likely to en-

For daily news stories related cessfully address significant strategic threats to the State of Israel, and are to Israel & the Jewish world, BRIEFS characterized by their innovative, dar- ing approach and superior operational continued from previous page visit the Federation’s website at capabilities,” Prime Minister Benja- ISRAEL SECURITY PRIZE min Netanyahu said. (Judah Ari Gross, www.JewishFederationLCC.org. RECIPIENTS HONORED Times of Israel) FOR INNOVATION AND DARING ISRAEL’S BLOSSOMING President Reuven Rivlin on Tuesday, INTERNATIONAL TIES July 2, awarded Israel’s top security ARE UNPRECEDENTED Jewish Federation prize to those who contributed in the Israel today is less isolated than at past year to the country’s protection. any other time in its history. Our re- Recipients included the Mossad lationship with Latin America is at agents behind the operation to steal an unprecedented high and the prime VOLUNTEERS Iran’s nuclear archive and the IDF minister of Israel has visited four coun- teams that located and destroyed six tries there. The countries in Africa are cross-border attack tunnels dug by standing in line to strengthen their re- Hizbullah from Lebanon into Israel. lationships with us. Our relationships NEEDED An Israel Security Agency team with Eastern Europe, the former Soviet led by a female agent received the bloc countries, are excellent. award for the development of a big We didn’t have relationships with Help us deliver Rosh Hashanah Gift data program that is used to predict and China or India 30 years ago. They are Bags to our Senior Community! prevent terror attacks. our biggest trading partners outside of “Many dozens of attempted terror Europe today. With India, we also have attacks were stopped, hundreds of ter- a strategic relationship, an alliance. rorists were arrested and a large num- The Sunni Arab states no longer view ber of significant terror attacks were us as an enemy state, but as an impor- Bags will be available for pick up prevented, including suicide bomb- tant ally. These are sea changes. ings, explosive attacks and car bombs Israel is perceived in the world to- at our office on: that were meant to be carried out day as a power. One international met- against populations within Israel,” the ric had us as the eighth most powerful Wednesday, 9/11 — Friday, 9/13 ISA said. country in the world. This is a function “The system even allowed the ISA of the IDF, which is today more than Please contact Debbie at to find and stop a number of armed ter- twice as big as the British and French rorists who were en route to carry out armies combined. Add our ability to 239.481.4449 ext. 4 attacks.” project power and to maintain close Another recipient was the team relationships with the leading powers that created an advanced version of the of the world – whether they be Rus- or [email protected] SPICE (Smart, Precise Impact, Cost- sia, China or the U.S. – and Israel is Effective) air-to-surface bomb. uniquely positioned. (Interview with “The four winning projects suc- Michael Oren, Octavian Report) L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 COMMENTARY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 15

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. “If you prick us, do we not bleed?” By Michael Golding he above headline is part of Less than 0.2% of the world popu- Felix Klein was quoted in an interview tics released earlier this month showed the famous soliloquy delivered lation is Jewish, yet 22% of Nobel Prize with the Funke newspaper group pub- that the number of anti-Semitic and Tby Shylock to his anti-Semitic winners and 41% of Nobel laureates in lished Saturday as saying that “my anti-foreigner incidents rose in Germa- tormentors in Shakespeare’s play The economics are Jewish, as are 11% of opinion has unfortunately changed ny last year, despite an overall drop in Merchant of Venice, in an attempt to the world’s billionaires, and 20% of the compared with what it used to be” on politically motivated crimes. explain that other than religion, he and world’s richest 50 people. These statis- the matter. He said: “I cannot recom- Of course, the huge question is all Jews are no less human then Gen- tics obviously don’t prove anything. mend to Jews that they wear the skull- how, after 2,019 years, can Jews ever tiles. Written in 1599, Shakespeare’s Being of Jewish descent doesn’t ensure cap at all times everywhere in Ger- change the in-bred hatred of some script reveals much about the hate that success and, of course, not all Jews many.” He didn’t elaborate on what Gentiles, all over so many countries, existed then, so many years after the are successful. Still, I believe there are places and times might be risky. century after century, passed on from death of Christ. several factors at play here that could Germany’s main Jewish leader generation to generation? Can it or will The passage reads: “I am a Jew. begin to explain the overrepresentation said last year that he would advise peo- it ever change? I have no answers! Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew of Jewish people in high ranking posi- ple visiting big cities against wearing Michael Golding lives in Fort Myers. hands, organs, dimensions, senses, af- tions: education, community and, most Jewish skullcaps. Government statis- fections, passions; fed with the same importantly, history. food, hurt with the same weapons, sub- Jews have been associated with ject to the same diseases, heal’d by the money since medieval times. A lot of same means, warm’d and cool’d by the Jews had to practice money-lending to same winter and summer, as a Christian survive, and were restricted from own- is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? If ing land or engaging in other trades. you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you Christian doctrine at the time forbade poison us, do we not die? And if you Christians from lending money, so wrong us, do we not revenge? If we are Jews had the industry to themselves. like you in the rest, we will resemble Tensions between lenders – often Jew- you in that.” ish – and debtors – often Christian – I was first “pricked and bled” at the were often peppered with religious tender age of eight in London. My fa- undertones. The profession Jews held ther was a working-class man, and we was seen as unethical by the Christian lived in a lower-class area of London community, but Jews couldn’t engage mainly populated by Gentiles. Boys in anything else because of the restric- and girls in 1947 were sent to separate tions they faced. So, in a sense, the de- schools, and when somehow the Gen- monization of Jews became a self-ful- tile boys found out I was Jewish, they filling prophecy. It’s a story that begins beat me up regularly, and took turns to explain the image of Jews as greedy, holding me on the ground and spitting money-lending conspirators seeking on my face, shouting “Dirty Jew” and global domination. “Christ Killer.” I had no knowledge And Jews have paid the price. Gesher גשר -of the New Testament, of course, so I We have been expelled from 109 na didn’t understand the “Christ Killer” tions since 250 AD. A third of world shouts and asked my parents what that Jewry was wiped out in the Holocaust. Post-B’nei Mitzvah meant. They both avoided the question, There is a famous video showing a but of course this stems from various grim-faced General Eisenhower walk- passages in the New Testament. ing around a concentration camp. The A poll released recently by the video shows the piles of skeletons and Education Program Anti-Defamation League (ADL) re- bodies. It was reported that a shaken ports that 26 percent of the Ameri- Eisenhower called for photographers can public continues to believe that to take photos of everything, saying, “Jews were responsible for the death “In 50 years, some bastard will say this of Jesus. For all of the surprise over never happened.” How prescient… the results of the poll, there’s no real how right. The internet provides many mystery about the origins of this idea. outlets for hate, with many posts deny- The claim that Jews were responsible ing the Holocaust. Drive your Judaism for Jesus’s death is in the New Testa- Are we ignoring the rise of ha- cessfully address significant strategicment. The historical legacy of these tred? I think that the news of increased threats to the State of Israel, and arestories is devastatingly clear. They laid anti-Semitism in Germany, France and Hybrid program (Online and in-person) characterized by their innovative, dar-the groundwork for and nurtured over Britain are warnings we cannot ignore. ing approach and superior operational2,000 of years of anti-Semitism. There The following report in May from a -Modern Hebrew (Eventually leading to HS Credit) capabilities,” Prime Minister Benja-is no doubt that stories about the death German government official needs to -Jewish Literature min Netanyahu said. (Judah Ari Gross,of Jesus can provoke violence. In the be heeded. This, in my opinion, is an Times of Israel) medieval period, when the death of ominous warning, and cannot be disre- -Hands-on Judaic Study Jesus was publicly performed in pas- garded, as anti-Semitism rears its ugly -Intergenerational Mentoring ISRAEL’S BLOSSOMING sion plays at Easter time, riled-up audi- head not only in Europe, but here in For more information please call: INTERNATIONAL TIES -Social Outings ence members would spill out onto the the U.S. Tab Scribner at 239-433-0201 ARE UNPRECEDENTED streets and attack Jewish members of Berlin (AP) – The German govern- Israel today is less isolated than attheir communities. And, as the poll re- ment’s top official against anti-Sem- or email [email protected] any other time in its history. Our re-veals, a quarter of Americans still hold itism says he wouldn’t advise Jews to lationship with Latin America is atJews “responsible.” wear skullcaps in parts of the country. an unprecedented high and the prime minister of Israel has visited four coun- Center for Judaic, Holocaust, tries there. The countries in Africa are standing in line to strengthen their re- and Genocide Studies lationships with us. Our relationships with Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about FORT MYERS/ SANIBEL GATEWAY bloc countries, are excellent. Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: We didn’t have relationships with Newly Renovated! • scholarship China or India 30 years ago. They are FREE Parking • outreach our biggest trading partners outside of FREE High- Speed Internet MENTION THIS Complimentary Laundry Facility • inquiry Europe today. With India, we also have Complimentary Fitness Center AD AND GET a strategic relationship, an alliance. 24-Hour Candlewood Cupboard 20% OFF BEST • sharing knowledge The Sunni Arab states no longer view Heated Pool, Gazebo, and 2 Gas Grills AVAILABLE • preserving the record Pet Friendly Hotel :) RATE us as an enemy state, but as an impor- Bedrooms with fully equipped * • helping teachers tant ally. These are sea changes. kitchens, dishwasher, microwave, flat panel TVs, and desk area. • encouraging students Israel is perceived in the world to- Minutes to Fort Myers Beaches & day as a power. One international met- Sanibel/Captiva Island, Shopping, ric had us as the eighth most powerful Golfing & Restaurants. country in the world. This is a function of the IDF, which is today more than twice as big as the British and French BOOK TODAY! armies combined. Add our ability to 239-244-5770 project power and to maintain close 9740 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers FL 33908. Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ relationships with the leading powers (pass the round-a-bout) of the world – whether they be Rus- *Valid May 1, 2019 - July 31, 2019 Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director sia, China or the U.S. – and Israel is uniquely positioned. (Interview with Michael Oren, Octavian Report) Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 16 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties COMMENTARY

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Connecting the dots isha B’Av is the sad holiday One, a place for openness, forgiveness COMMENTARY BRIEFS for mourning the destruction of and rectification. As a “goy kadosh,” parts of the Old City and the Tem- the 1st and 2nd Temples (in 586 a holy people, we are not as able to THE TRUTH ABOUT T JERUSALEM’S CITY ple Mount vicinity. BCE and in 70 CE). Obviously, 2,000 serve as a light to the nations as we ‹‹ Al-Aqsa is not in danger; what is years is a long time ago. So why do once did. So, the world suffers with our OF DAVID – THE LIES in danger is the freedom of scien- we continue to fast loss too. ABOUT SILWAN tific archaeological research in this and mourn (this year When we look around and see all ‹‹ The ancient Pilgrimage Road in the area. (Nadav Shragai, Institute for on Saturday night, of the problems of our country and the City of David is one of the most Contemporary Affairs - Jerusalem August 10 and Sun- world, the distrust of strangers (and es- sensational archaeological discov- Center for Public Affairs) day, August 11) for pecially minorities), the lack of com- eries to be made in Jerusalem since something that hap- passion for others, the great rigidity of Israel’s establishment. On this DEFENDING THE pened so long ago? many people’s positions, we can see road, remarkably preserved under FREEDOM OF JERUSALEM With each new year, the impact of the loss of the Temple. the ashes of the Roman destruc- Amb. Dore Gold told the Christians  Rabbi our memories of the And when we observe the catastrophic tion, many thousands of Jews in United for Israel (CUFI) conference in Michael J. event recede even weather patterns and events, we have Second Temple times, after a ritual Schorin Washington on Monday, July 8: further away. Like to wonder as well if our exploitation of bath in the Shiloah Pool, walked ‹‹ In 1999, when I was Israel’s ambas- the death of a beloved parent that hap- nature would have happened similarly about 700 meters up the hill to the sador to the UN, I sought instruc- pened decades ago, the “memories” if it had not been destroyed. Temple Mount. tions from then-Foreign Minister are no longer as sharp, or powerful, as As Rabbi Steinsaltz has said else- ‹‹ The site was first excavated more Ariel Sharon about how to respond they used to be. How can we even have where, “The redemption of Jews must than 100 years ago by French, Brit- to a Palestinian provocation at the memories of something that happened also be accompanied by change that af- ish and American archaeologists, UN involving a resolution calling way before we were even born? fects the entire world.” at a time when the State of Israel for the internationalization of Jeru- In an article entitled “Tisha B’Av: Of course, the ancient sages real- did not exist and Jerusalem was salem. Why We Should Still Care,” Rabbi ized this point too. As the hours of Ti- under Muslim rule. ‹‹ Sharon told me to read over the Adin Even-Yisrael Steinsaltz makes sha B’Av pass along, we are reminded ‹‹ The City of David, which is under Knesset speech of our first prime a fascinating observation: “The dis- of the ancient midrash that says the archaeological examination, cov- minister, David Ben-Gurion, from tinction between memory and impact “mashiach” (messiah) was born on ers about 15 acres – or about six December 1949, in which he de- holds true for both public events and this day of our destruction. Out of the percent of the Arab Silwan neigh- clared that he was moving Israel’s for personal ones. The shock, the pain, whirlwind of our destruction comes the borhood. The Israeli Supreme capital to Jerusalem. Ben-Gurion the suffering, will diminish with time; hope for a better, more healed and more Court has rebuffed claims that reminded the international com- the results may become much big- functional world. Not just for Jews ev- the digging endangers the homes munity that the people of Israel ger, much more emphatic.” Just as the erywhere, but for all people and for the of Silwan residents and has clari- had “faithfully honored for 2,500 memories of Vietnam and Watergate earth, as well. fied that it is done under strict en- years the oath sworn by the first may fade away, we can still observe Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC, gineering supervision and in line exiles by the rivers of Babylon not how much they have impacted our so- BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’s with professional standards. to forget Jerusalem.” ciety. Similarly, the repercussions of Department of Spiritual Services, and ‹‹ Hundreds of Arab residents of Sil- ‹‹ In 2016, UNESCO asserted that the Temples being destroyed still re- ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical wan have been employed in the ex- the Temple Mount was connect- verberate. As Jews, we have lost our Center. cavations under the houses of the ed to Islam, but it refused to ac- national center, we have gone into ex- village – so much so that Hamas knowledge any Jewish connection ile/diaspora and we have lost our reli- and the Palestinian Authority What do you think? Need whatsoever, or, for that matter, any gious center, as well. threatened them and forced them Christian connection. The same Please know that I am not sug- to reach the editor of to leave their jobs. year, the UN Security Council ad- gesting we should bring back a Third ‹‹ The excavations are being done in L’CHAYIM? Send Letters opted a resolution branding Jerusa- Temple, reintroduce animal sacrifice the vicinity of the Temple Mount lem as “occupied Palestinian terri- or re-establish the ancient priesthood. to the Editor to and not under it. That has been true tory,” insinuating that the Temple But what we have lost is the sense of [email protected]. of all the excavations Israel has an intimate connection with the Holy carried out over the years in other continued on next page Grow your business with L’CHAYIM!

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JAUAY 2019 L'CHAYIM 1 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Each month, 5,000 The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotterd Counties Annual Jewish residents Targeted Distribution Presents the 23 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 fi lms will be screened at the Regal Belltower Stadium 20. Open seating at all fi lms for general admission tickets. counties turn to ickets will e mailed up to ecemer 31. to enrich their lives and those of their loved ones. ickets ordered after ecemer 31 will e availale after 6:00 p.m. inside the theater on the day of the show.2019 11 L'CHAYIM JAUAY L’CHAYIM for: Sunday, January 13 at 4:00Jewish Federation p.m. of Lee and Charlotte Counties L’CHAYIM – the monthly newspaper published by the THE GRADUATE JEWISH INTEREST When The Graduate premiered in December 1967, its fi lmmakers had modest expectations for what seemedInterested to be a small, sexy art-house comedy in adapted Your from an obscure fi rst novel by an eccentric 24-year-old. Who knew this off beat story – a young man just out of college has an aff air with one of his parents’ friends and then runs off withFamily’s her daughter – would turnSeduced out History?to be by a monsterMrs. Rob- hit Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties – is Stars of David with seven Academy Award nominations. u By Nate Bloom, ContributingBOLD Columnist CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom*We towill be joinedNate by Bloomauthor Beverly (seeThe Graduatecolumn Gray, author ’sat the left ofinfl ) uencehas becomeon the future a family of history expert in 10 Upcoming major events Persons in Editor’s note: inson, for an in-depthyears look of doing at his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help fi lmmaking and when explore called how iton. rocked Most the family late-sixties history world, experts refl ecting charge and $1,000 or more to do a be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish changing the era’sfull views family-tree of sex, work search. and However,marriage. Her Bloom insight knows into never-that most people want to start have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than before-revealed detailswith a will limited enlighten search and1 hr.of entertain one46 min. family you. line. Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. ConvertsLanguage: English Running Time: o hees the e mailed to 5,000 residents in the area. Additional copies to Judaism, of course, are also identifi ed asPoppins Jewish. Returns). Hurwitz won two Oscars in 2017 for best score andSponsored best by Radiology Regional Center It’s Awards Season: ). Shaiman is best u song (La La Land Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. Community Directory The Golden Globes are being known for his score for the musical ver- The Golden Globe Awards Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that sion of Hairspray. Brief musical refer- televised live this year on NBC, on Poppins re-make ences are made in the goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. Sunday, January 6 at 8:00 p.m., 40, Sandra will to theTuesday, mega-hit score of the January original The 15 rst at search :15 fee is nop.m. more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, are available at the Jewish Federation office. h and ANDY SAMBERG RICHARD SHER 1964 Poppins fi lm. host. The Globes are an imperfect pre- several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate MANSunday,, 90, who wrote the January ’64 score with 2 at 3:00 p.m. dictor of the Oscars. But the Globes cer- ROBERT, consulted on u his late brother, THE OSLOfriends and DIARIES family members from their past, and that’s worked out Synagogue news emony is often more fun than the Oscars The year is 1992, and Israeli-Palestinian relations are at an all-time low. In an BRAD the new fi lm. equivalent. Below are the confi rmed great for them. So contact him about this as well. TV Categories attempt to stop the bloodshed, a small group of Israelis and Palestinians’80s. Pose meet was co-created by Jewish nominees and a number of non- in Oslo – secretly and against the law. The unsanctioned meetings that changed, 47, who recently wed Acting: SACHA BARON COHEN, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. FALCHUK nominated Jews closely connected to a the Middle Eastcharacter forever arein chronicled 1only hr. 37by min.the negotiators’ diaries. 47, (Who is America?) and MICHAEL GWYNETH PALTROW, 46. nominated fi lm or TV program. Unlike Language: English“Best” Running Awards: Time: Film and TV DOUGLAS, 74, (The Kominsky Meth- The best musical or comedy series, a the Oscars, Golden Globes are given The Globes for best fi lm and the best TV The Good Place od) vie for the Globe for best actor nominees include MICHAEL for excellence in TV, as well as in fi lm. show are given to the show’s principal in a comedy. The varied characters* Special Matinee at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands,fantasy series created by u Film Categories , 22, producers, of whom there are many. Local Organization news Cohen plays frequently spoof real-life SCHUR, 43 (whose father was Jewish); , co-created TIMOTHE CHALAMET 2050 PeriwinkleMy practice Way, is Sanibel to note ifIsland a Jewish direc- politicians, like former VP Dick Cheney. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel , pieces once with tongs halfway (Beautiful Boy) is up for the RACHELbest sup- tor or writer/creator is associated with Douglas stars as Sandy Kominsky, an by AMY SHERMANPALLADINO, created through cooking. porting actor Globe, and that film or TV program. Two films L.A. acting coach. ALISON 52; and The2019 Kominsky Method Life-Enriching Information  Take the chicken out of the oven WEIS, 48, (The Favourite) is a best nominated for best drama fi lm were Two Jewish actresses, BlacKkKlansmanL'CHAYIM JAUAYby CHUCK LORRE, 66. and let it cool slightly. Use a sharp supporting fi lm actress nominee. Cha- DEBRA MESS co-written by Jews: BRIE, 35, (Glow) and The nominees for best mini-series knife to slice the meat into small, lamet’s role was based on the real-life (CHARLIEJewish WACHTEL Federation ofand Lee ADAVID Star and is Charlotte Counties A Very English , now 36, who long battled ING, 50, (Will Grace) compete for or TV movie include u thin shawarma-like pieces. NIK SHEFF RABINOWIT, both 31) and Jewish Federation updates best actress, TV comedy. Scandal, a British series shown on STEPHEN  Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet on the drug addiction. Weisz played Lady Thursday, JanuaryBorn ( ERIC1 ROTHat :15, 73). Also: p.m.a best ALAN ARKIN, 84, who plays the Spider-Man: Amazon. It was directed by competes stovetop over medium. Pour half ofSarah Churchill. Sarah’s friendship with A BAGanimated OF fi MARBLESlm nominee, Scandal Each month, readers of L’CHAYIM get news and updates the chicken into the skilletOUR and sauté FEDERATION title character’s agent and bestThis friendnet heartwarming eno adaptation of Joseph nC Joff o’s enduring nC memoirFREARS tells the, 77, story a Brit. , which was Queen Anne of England (1665-1714) Into the Spider Verse, was co-written by in The Kominsky Method, is up for best with Escape at Dannemora , 53, and for 3-4 minutes, until the smallest was historically important. Honorable of the Nazi occupationRODNEY through ROTHMAN the eyes of, 45ish.the two youngJOE Jewish boys. De- BEN STILLER supporting actor. He competes withthusy Jnuy t noon directed by , 64, and pieces of chicken turn brown and mention: Adam Driver, who isn’t Jew- spite their naiveté, Thetheir Americansfather knows, thatcreated their bybest chance to escape the NaziJERRY STAHL HENRY WINKLER, 73, Barryroundup. the is Community to fl ee on their own ee to Vichy, ynoue France, where their co-writtenolder brothers by crisp. Season with additional salt ish, got a supporting actor nomination WEISBERG, 52, is up for best series, , 68. Stahl wrote Senior Lunch BunchALE update BORSTEIN, 47,The whohave Marvel- plays found safe haven. Always one false move from tragedy, theseMICHAEL tenacious TOLKIN u and pepper to taste, if desired. for playing a Jewish police offi munitycer in partner Jason’s Deli. in oidrama. It competessoni with Ct the new Ama- eto wy ot yes Community Calendar By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach, and Melissa & Food McCar- Pantrythe Coordinator title character’s agent in children survive on courage, ingenuity and more than a bit of cunninga memoir as theyabout being a drug-addicted  Remove the cooked chicken fromecember’s BlacKkKlansman senior luncheon An enormous thank you, is to nominated all of for a best zon series, Homecoming, which is based ous Mrs. Maisel make their precarious y ony way through Jnuy FranceELI hoping HOROW to to reunite withwriter their which fam- was turned into the dra- , on all Jewish-related local events including the Jewish the skillet. Heat another 1 tbsp oftook oilthy, place who during isn’t Jewish, Hanukkah is up for athe lead volunteers who work before, dur- on a podcast written by , Permanent Midnight supporting actress Globe. ily. MoreJoi than Cohen anything, t it’s MICAHtheir brotherly BLOOMBERG bond that o getsoioheneo themmatic through 1998 their fi lm, and sauté the remaining chicken andin actress I was Globedetermined for playing that ev- the lateing writer and after the lunch to make sure IT, 41 and 1 hr. 53 min.and talkative people, well, they talk! Program notes , who was Jewish, in Finally, PATRICIA ARQUETTEordeals. , in which Stiller starred. That fi lm, and the same way. Serve warm.D LEE ISRAEL everyone is tended to and taken care Language: French40ish. Running These two Time: guys are also heavilyThe lunches are a great place to meet eryone have latkes. I’d like to thank 50, (Escape at Dannemora) whosemonthly late Federation lunches as having getting clean for good, saved Stahl’s life Can You Ever Forgive Me?. of. If you’d like to volunteer by driving involvedsimcha in the, a celebration.TV series. Thesenew TV people, be in community, have a Federation volunteersand Suzanne Karen Orkin Whit- mother was Jewish, is up for bestSponsoredthe ac- feeling by ofSara a and Brian KriviskyPose, an FX drama and career. MARK RONSON, 33, is nomi-a senior, baking a dessert, or helping series compete with nosh and learn a little something. man for joining tress, mini-series/TV movie. Newcomers are easilykibbitz included up a intostorm u nated for co-writing a best song withnomi- set-up or clean-up, please call me series that explores several New York Holocaust Museum news me in makingA Star is Born. Honorable mention: Rachel Brosna-the circle, regulars Film Festival, Jewish author programs, holiday celebra- nee: “Shallow” from at 239.481.4449 x2. City sub-cultures as they existed in the over 300 latkes. han, who isn’t Jewish, got a leadwith actress each other, shy people open up, Nominated for best original score areI continue to describe the free After a few hours,, 33, ( First Man) nomination for playing the Jewish title JUSTIN HURWIT , 59, (Mary we were oily and Tuesday, January 22 at :15 p.m. and MARC SHAIMAN VIP smelly and we THE SAMUEL PROJECTtFest as a had a lot of fun. Eli gets to know his grandfather Samuel forn thec fie rst timeA rwhen he makes him E Parking the subject of an animatedp art eprojectri fore school. With dreams of becomings & FRE u The only com- Ex ive VIP Perk kend! tions, concerts, food festivals, book study groups, timely ELIMINATE YOUR PAIN a professional artist, Eli discovers that his Jewishe grandpa, a San Diego dry e Candle Lighting Times plaint I heard dur- Rec ALL we  odi Coen cleaner, was heroically saved from Nazi capture in Germany by a young wom- 1 hr. 32 min. ing the lunch was RESTORE that the latkes were YOUR MOBILITY an when he was a boy. too small. Sue me! Language: English Running Time: & 3 Temple Beth El graciously wel- ary 2 REGAIN YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE Febru comed us and we were delighted to be NIGHT lectures, mah jongg and much more. They also get up- welcomed by Rabbi Nicole Luna and ENING OP u 6pm Business Directory her one-year-old daughter Iris. Cantor Febr. uary 1, Richard BessmanAll accompaniedphysical ustherapy on is not the same… y Street rive & Hendr piano as we sang Hanukkah songs. Our Edwards D rfront rt Myers Rive delicious lunchThank was catered you by for com- letting us show you Downtown Fo u Rabbinical Reflections dates from the area’s synagogues and numerous local what sets us apart from the rest! AWARDED SW FLORIDA’S BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHABILITATION CENTER 5 YEARS IN A ROW! Jewish organizations. It’s the place they turn to for com- • One-on-one care with all patients

wicz, • You will always receive the Artist Gail Markie Ceramics oisseurs

personalized care you deserve ing of art conn u $ er is gath VIP. s in th ing a 25 e art of be Israel updates h 1 ort t efits on Supp e ben ers ll th WE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO OUR er p njoy a p you as you e • Highly skilled and licensed therapists just like t ISS y, February 1s DON’T M Night, Frida t on Opening glorious sunse ST b Tent t and munity news, the community calendar, candle lighting E BIGGE VIP Clu town waterfron • Relaxed, friendly and encouraging atmosphere TH king the down e restaurants ENT Overloo vres from 8 fin QUEEN ESTHER ART EV et hors d'oeu akers Band ! – Gourm Silver Sne HE YEAR eer / Music by • Therapist-owned private practice OF T AND YOU THOUGHT– Wine and B PURIM VIP Party is us artists abulo 70 f r – & 3rd tdoo 2nd an ou ruary WAS JUST FOR KIDS... , Feb u ay nd MASQUERADE BALL ent - & Su • Best of Southwest Florida recipient d ev rday front Photos of recent events tente Satu water t n n ine! VIP Club Te g the downtow rain or sh ing overlookin our day Garden sett ones to start y coffee and sc k Bar times, and a business directory. – Mimosas, fternoon Snac nch / A ialty lu “We invest ourselves personally in every patient’s VIP Experience Catered spec by: – re all day 03.16.2019 Sponsored er and mo – Wine, be

SAVE THE DATE THE SAVE progress and goals. This is all part of having a artists – 215 fabulous ll weekend! true commitment and passion for what we do.” VIP parking a u Easy reserved and much more EDERATION F UPCOMING 2019 THE RESULTS YOU WANT. THE CARE YOU DESERVE. EVENTS yers.com tFestFortM Thomas S. Zeller, DPT & Associates TODAY! Ar UR TICKETS www.YourBestTherapy.com RESERVE YO ent – Jewish Film Festival, Regal  anua Fort Myers 239-432-0556ning Day Ev l , CHAYIMl Ope ilm Festiva L’ 19 Jewish F VIP Sponsor Reception. JAN. 13 20 Cape Coral 239-772-2363 Cinemas at Bell Towers Special Guest: Author Beverly Gray, “Seduced by The event, held at FineMark Bank, included a lively Q&A session Mrs. Robinson”. Feature film, “The Graduate”. Special eisFeeatinCC Sponsorship Opportunities Available. Festival - Showings are Tuesdays & Thursdays. litical process, to our values and to our Jewish Film JAN. 15 - We are all on the same teaminterests as Americans. By Brian Simon, Federation Presidentand one from the far left – on a tour In the question-and-answer ses- ne t e B. 12 of Israel. He wanted to demonstrate to The exclusive way to reach the Jewish FE n late November, I attended the sion after the presentation, I asked Mr. 5 Our Community both of his imaginary guests how Israel J Library - fiPresidents rst AIPAC Day Southwest Fun Day Florida an- Stephens to speak more about the im- FEB. 18 P lives its values and how those values 10 Jewish Interest nual event at the Hyatthor Coconut- “TBD” Free and open to the community. portance of bipartisanship. He said if e Aut I ok; Skype th are also American values – respect for ePoint. Bo I attended not as a representa- he had the power to vet political candi- 16 Jewish Film Festival Read th the rule of law, care for the less fortu- FEB. 20 tive of Federation but as someone who dates, he would ask each of them two was interested to nate and technology for defense (and 20 Marketplace A light dairy dinner will be served. questions: 1) When was the last time or Event – Alyson Richman,hear theLakes featured Library he meant defense from enemy attacks, 6 Auth you changed your mind about an im- 21 Israel & theFE JewishB. 2 World speaker, Bret Ste- not merely fi repower for the sake of h - Program and SpeakerThe TBD New portant subject; and 2) When was the 23 Commentary Lion of Juda phens of military might). R. 5 Ball last time you crossed the aisle to vote MA Yorkasq Timesuerad.e He pointed out that Israel is the 24 From the Bimah ults Only) M n Esther (Ad Inside the con- on an issue? . 16 Quee only country in its region to refl ect I’ll share one last observation. At 25 CommunityM ADirectoryR ference room, I the best values of the left – respect for the start of the program, they played 26 Focus on Youth thor Event - B.A. Shapiro, noticed“ The Collector’s a slide on Apprentice”the environment, respect for women’s Community in Lee and Charlotte counties. R. 28 Au the national anthem of Israel and then MA the projector with rights and the rights of the LGBTQ 28 Organizations of the US. The attendees stood atten- The Alliance for the Arts a cartoon picture community. He also noted, for those on  ian tively for “Hatikvah.” When the “Star 30 Temple News y - Pre-Pesach Partyof an elephant and the right, that the Israeli economy im- PJ Librar ion Spangled Banner” came on, people put APR. 14 proved signifi cantly in the 1990s after a donkey with boxing gloves on, star- their hands over their hearts and sang oah Event it absorbed thousands of immigrants Yom HaSingh at each other, trunk-to-snout, ready along. The lesson I took from this was, R. 28 from the former Soviet Union. Israel, AP to fi ght. The caption said, “AIPAC is that even at an event to celebrate Israel, ting he said, prioritizes its values before its Annual Ma e bipartisane organization. Leave your the attendees demonstrated their pri- 8 interests. And the country is better for MAY gloves at the door.” mary allegiance to the United States. Later in the evening, Mark Sachs, it. Stephens said America’s interests We are all on the same team. We’re are best served by reliable allies on the AIPAC’s North and Central Florida allowed our disagreements, but we far edges of the world. Area Director, gave a stirring talk about I have to tell you, bipartisanship is have to be able to distinguish between Federation’s Senior Lunch the dangers of politicization – turning a political opponent and an enemy. an issue close to my heart. I did not ex- every issue into a battle between “us” Political opponents argue over power. Bunch update LOW! pect to hear it championed so eloquent- For more information and “them.”FO HeTO trumpeted FOL AIPAC’s Enemies seek the destruction of the ORE IN ly. My concern for the U.S. is that both UNED. M overwhelming bipartisan support for other side. Israel understands the dif- STAY T the left and the right are demonizing bills to support Israel. ference. When Bret Stephens took the stage, their political opponents, treating them as enemies. This is harmful to our po- he imagined taking a pair of American politicians – one from the far right or to place an ad in L’CHAYIM: In Memoriam: Lorie Mayer and Sabine van Dam Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida —Sunday, January, 13th Opening Day Event

4:00 P.M. Regal Belltower Stadium 20 -518, Fort Myers FL 33907 13499 US 41, Suite E , 2:00 P.M. at Society VIP Sponsor Reception Introduction to the film and Q & A with Exclusive * Seduced by Mrs. Beverly Gray , author of Call: Lori Ramos at 239.481.4449 x5 Robinson. The book brings to light ’s influence on the future of When the Graduate The Graduate Local re ghter in Israel for premiered in 1967, its filmmaking and explores how it rocked the Emergency Volunteer Project filmmakers had modest late-sixties world, reflecting and changing expectations for a small, the era’s views of sex, work and marriage. sexy adaptation of an Ms. Gray spent nearly a decade in the film obscure first novel by an -year-old. industry as a story editorentertainment and has covered industry the for eccentric 24 The Hollywood Reporter. The film was a monster hit, Email: [email protected] with an extended run in *Special Meet & Greet for Sponsors theaters and To purchase tickets, visit: 7 Academy Award nominations. www.jewishfederationlcc.org/JFF2019

To become a sponsor or for more information, please contact Friendly faces at Temple Judea Debbie Sanford 239.481.4449, ext. 4 or [email protected] Religious School L’CHAYIM VISIT THE FEDERATION ONLINE AT: Website: Visit the page at NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE 9701 Commerce Center Court Fort Myers, Florida 33908 N . FT. MYERS, FL N PERMIT NO. 175 www. JewishFederationLCC.org

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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. 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. Real rabbis are those Sand on synagogue floors COMMENTARY BRIEFS here is sand on the floor of the Other reasons have been offered Portuguese Synagogue in Am- for the sand on the synagogue floors. parts of the Old City and the Tem-who “go all in” sterdam where my wife Leni Could it be an affirmation of God’s ple Mount vicinity. ongratulations to Lawrence Der- dismissing the rest as posers. T and I attended services on Shabbat promise to Abraham that the numbers ‹‹ Al-Aqsa is not in danger; what is mer, who successfully com- I was such a jerk! I look at things a morning. It is one of five synagogues of the Jewish people would be more in danger is the freedom of scien- pleted his course of studies lot differently now. C in the world that has numerous than the sands of the sea? tific archaeological research in thiswith the Rabbinical Seminary Interna- Real rabbis are those who “go all this practice. (The Could it be reminiscent of the sand of area. (Nadav Shragai, Institute fortional where he was granted rabbinical in,” dedicating their lives completely others are in the the desert though which our people had Contemporary Affairs - Jerusalemsemikhah on June 27. Rabbi Dermer to God’s people as a whole and one- Caribbean: Shaare to wander on their way to the Prom- Center for Public Affairs) serves the Shalom Life Center in Es- by-one, nourishing them on their tradi- tero. “What I would tions, even if it’s little bits at a time. Shalom in Kingston, ised Land? Each of these explanations DEFENDING THE give that all the A good rabbi has a good heart, Jamaica; the Snoa in would hold meaning for a community FREEDOM OF JERUSALEM Lord’s people were as Rabbi Eliezer ben Arakh observed Curacao; Zedek ve- of Jewish refugees still fearing perse- nd Shalom in Suriname; cution and getting established in a new Amb. Dore Gold told the Christians prophets, when the in the 2 chapter of the Pirqe Avot.  Rabbi and Beracha VeSha- land. United for Israel (CUFI) conference in Lord’s spirit will be Good-hearted people give freely of Marc lom Vegmilut Ha- Attendance at the Shabbat service Washington on Monday, July 8: given to them all!” themselves without asking what’s in it Sack sidim in Saint Thom- Leni and I attended was modest – about ‹‹ In 1999, when I was Israel’s ambas- (Numbers 11:29) for them. They need to give more than as; all are Sephardic congregations.) 50 men and 30 women, maybe a third sador to the UN, I sought instruc- Rabbi Decades ago, I others need to receive. No one knows an “official” reason of whom were tourists like ourselves. tions from then-Foreign Minister Bruce used to look down my I now know that my people don’t Diamond for the origins of the practice. We have (The congregation is modern-Ortho- Ariel Sharon about how to respond nose at what I used really need me to be a great rab- no rabbinic writings mandating the dox with men sitting downstairs and to a Palestinian provocation at theto derisively call “matchbook rabbis.” binic sage (although they expect “the spreading of sand on the synagogue women in an upstairs balcony.) The av- UN involving a resolution calling(Matchbooks used to feature ads from straight scoop” when they have ques- floor. We do know that churches and erage age was in the mid-70s. One man for the internationalization of Jeru-an art school that began, “You too can tions about the tradition). What they do taverns in 17th century Netherlands put told us that more Jews were living in salem. be an artist...”) Chalk it up to my super- need is a sincere commitment to them, sand on the floor, perhaps to control a different neighborhood and another ‹‹ Sharon told me to read over thecilious, didactic Litvischer (Yiddish: wherever “they’re at.” (Genesis 21:17) mud on the floor. The Amsterdam syn- congregation was established there. Knesset speech of our first primeLithuanian) background which valued They need a spring of living water, not agogue, now in the center of the city, The service was different from minister, David Ben-Gurion, fromrigorous classical Jewish academic lit- a Jewish whiz kid! was, in 1675 when it was built, on its ours. The liturgy was Sephardic and we December 1949, in which he de-eracy above all. Punctilious Hebrew, And so it is wonderful to welcome outskirts where the roads had not yet recognized few melodies. clared that he was moving Israel’sTalmudic mastery, near-encyclopedic another selfless person to “the calling.” been cobblestoned. But we were standing in a syna- capital to Jerusalem. Ben-Gurion knowledge of the tradition – you know, How blessed we are as a smaller Jew- In the aftermath of the expul- gogue that is close to 350 years old, reminded the international com-all that Jewish “left-brained” stuff. I ish community to have a number of sions of the Jews from Spain in 1492 built by Jews who had fled persecution munity that the people of Israeljudged other rabbis very superficially, big-hearted rabbis among us! and Portugal in 1497, Amsterdam was only to build a new, thriving Jewish had “faithfully honored for 2,500assigning high status to those with ῌizqoo v’imtsoo! more welcoming to Jews and many community. years the oath sworn by the firstthe broadest, deepest traditional and Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The settled there. (Other cities in the Neth- An elder of the congregation, com- exiles by the rivers of Babylon nottechnical grasp of the classical Jew- Community Free Synagogue in Fort erlands were not.) The Jewish commu- menting on the Shabbat morning atten- to forget Jerusalem.” ish literary sources, while more-or-less Myers. nity of Amsterdam was established in dance, said, “As long as I’m around, ‹‹ In 2016, UNESCO asserted that the late 1500s, early 1600s. An earlier I’ll work hard to keep this place open.” the Temple Mount was connect- synagogue was built in 1639. Over the The resilient Jewish spirit was clearly ed to Islam, but it refused to ac- From darkness to light entrance to the current structure are the felt on the Shabbat Leni and I were part knowledge any Jewish connection his month we will commemo- Many people would simply give words from Psalm 5:8, “In the abun- of the congregation. whatsoever, or, for that matter, any rate the anniversary of the de- up when confronted with problems like dance of Thy lovingkindness will I Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple Christian connection. The same struction of both the First and these, but Judaism teaches us to believe T come into Your house.” Judea in Fort Myers. year, the UN Security Council ad-Second Jewish Temples in Jerusalem. that life has meaning, even when our opted a resolution branding Jerusa-Tisha B’Av marks many of the darkest situation looks hopeless. Our tradition lem as “occupied Palestinian terri-days in Jewish history. guides us to always look forward with siding in the country at the time tory,” insinuating that the Temple In our Torah, in faith in G-d and a positive outlook. of the Moslem conquest in the Parshah Shelach,12 There are many examples of how 7th century consisted of the direct spies are sent by Mo- we transition from mourning to joy – BRIEFS descendants of the generations of ses to scout the land from the fast of Esther to the joy of Pu- continued from previous page Jews who had lived there since the of Canaan. They re- rim, from the fast of the firstborn to the Mount and the Western Wall were days of Joshua bin Nun.” turn from their mis- celebration of freedom during Pesach. Grow your business with L’CHAYIM! Palestinian! ‹‹ In the 1400s, Jewish immigration sion on Tisha B’Av, After commemorating the loss of six ‹ ‹ At the July 2000 Camp David to the Holy Land had increased to but only Joshua and million Jewish souls on Yom HaShoah Summit, PLO Chairman Yasser such a scale that the Franciscans  Rabbi Caleb bring a posi- and the observance of Yom HaZikaron, Arafat told President Bill Clinton petitioned the Pope to issue an Lawrence tive report, while the we are brought to a time of great joy as that there never was a Jewish Tem- edict prohibiting Christian sea cap- Dermer others give a false we celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut and our ple in Jerusalem. If there was no tains from carrying Jewish passen- and negative account that the land return to Eretz Yisrael. Temple, then Israel had no histori- gers to the Holy Land. By the mid- would be impossible to conquer. Un- Tisha B’Av follows a similar pat- cal claim to Jerusalem. But Presi- 19th century, the British Consulate fortunately, the majority chose to listen tern. Six days after we mourn the de- dent Clinton responded that “not in Jerusalem determined that Jews to the slanderous report over the posi- struction of the Temple and many other only the Jews but I, too, believe had already restored their majority tive one and our people allowed fear tragedies throughout our history, we that under the surface there are re- in the city in 1863. and doubt to keep them from entering celebrate Tu B’Av, a lover’s holiday mains of Solomon’s temple.” De- ‹‹ Today, across the Middle East, the the Promised Land. As a result of our which is the equivalent of a Jewish nying its history entailed an affront holy sites of all the great faiths are lack of faith we would wander in the Valentine’s Day. to the Christian faith as well. under a new assault by the forces desert for 40 years. According to mi- The attitude of optimism has car- ‹ ‹ According to Christian and Jewish of jihad. The only force that will drash, G-d announces that going for- ried the Jewish people through many sources brought forward by Prof. protect Jerusalem for all the great ward, the ninth of Av will be a day of dark moments in our history causing Moshe Gill, in his monumental faiths is the modern State of Is- great sadness and tragedy for all gen- us not only to survive but continue study, A History of Palestine, pub- rael. (Amb. Dore Gold, President erations. to thrive. Our national anthem is The lished by Cambridge University of the Jerusalem Center for Public In addition to the destruction of Hope - HaTikvah. We must never lose Press: “The Jewish population re- Affairs) both Temples on the ninth of Av, Jew- hope or feel as though our suffering is ish tradition marks several other major without meaning or purpose. As Jews, calamities that fall on the very same we know ultimately things will be bet- date: the Bar Kochba revolt is defeated ter and we hold hope that our suffering STAY IN TOUCH by Roman Emperor Hadrian, the First will lead us to better days. Our hope Sign up for e-blasts! Crusade is declared by Pope Urban II and prayers are that when we have to resulting in thousands of Jewish deaths confront suffering, we will have no and the destruction of Jewish commu- fear, but only the strength we need to nities in France, expulsion of the Jews be able to overcome our problems and GET THE LATEST INFORMATION ON from England, the Inquisition in Spain, emerge even stronger than before. May UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS, World War I begins and 120,000 Jew- Tisha B’Av move us from mourning to CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, ish soldiers perish, deportations from hope as we look toward the day when BREAKING NEWS, Warsaw Ghetto to Treblinka begin suffering is only an unpleasant- mem UPDATES FROM ISRAEL & MORE. (1942), bombing of the Jewish com- ory, a day when Israel and the entire munity center in Buenos Aires, Argen- world is at peace. tina, kills 86 people and wounds 300 Rabbi Lawrence Dermer serves at others (1994). Shalom Life Center in Fort Myers.

For a continuously updated lcc.org a@jfed ypadill l to am n emai calendar of events, visit SenSendd a an email to www.JewishFederationLCC.org. [email protected] L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 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. A human clock Each man has a name he scientifically-minded ancient was filled with study that marked the e are living through a new Each Man has a name Egyptians had invented the movements of the clock. turmoil in the world. Anti- Given to him by God Twater clock about 3,300 years In a similar manner, we human WSemitism is on the rise and And given to him by his father ago, but the mechanical principle of beings set the meaning of the time of we, as a community, are again witness- and mother. “escapement” that our lives. We can fill our lives with the ing an uncertainty Each man has a name. governs clocks today worthwhile or the worthless. We can that we could not Given to him by his height was the invention of squander time or render it special. We have believed would And the way he smiles. a Chinese monk in can live lives of mediocrity or of mean- or could appear in And given to him by the cloth... about the year 700. ing. our democracy. Each man has a name. On the other hand, And so it comes down to this: the The community Given to him by his sins a “monk clock” was business of life is not to dwell upon the is of tremendous im- And given to him by his longings... not a clock at all. In past or to worry about the future, but portance. The indi- Each man has a name.  Rabbi medieval monaster- to do the best we can with what clearly  Rabbi vidual who is Jewish Given to him by the sea Solomon ies, one monk was lies at hand. So take the time to make Devora is defined by others, And given to him by his death. Buchen Agin assigned the night- each moment count. And the next time even though he or Zelda’s poem is not about death. long task of reading a specified number you have a few free moments, think she may quarrel with and dispute them. Indeed, it is about life. It touches on an of previously timed pages in his Bible about God, the world and yourself. We, as Jews, are defined by our laws old Jewish individuality in belonging – then he would run to the belfry and Even though it is just a second, that even though we may choose to appeal that stamps each person without any- ring the bell. counts, too. For 60 seconds makes one or even ignore them. Community has one resembling the other and without This later clock has something to minute, 60 minutes makes one hour, been a natural mode of existence since anyone being totally alone. We are all commend it for it contains a great les- 24 hours make a day, 365 days make the time of Jacob. given our identities by persons and son. It was the personal involvement of a year, and years add up to a lifetime. “Ma tovu ohalecha Yaakov.” “How events that enter our lives during our a human being that determined the pas- Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Temple beautiful are your tents oh Jacob?” life journey. sage of time. It was a person whose life Shalom in Port Charlotte. “Each Man Has a Name” is a poem Our young people are beginning by Israeli poet Zelda. It was influenced their life journeys. Please, dear G-d, by a quotation from the midrash Tan- help us repair and protect this world for Stand up to wrongdoing huma. This poem has also been put them. Tikkun Olam. y wife Vickie and I have ‘just following orders’ is no excuse to to music and is a piece that is often Rabbi Devora Buchen serves at Temple recently returned from five do evil.” performed at Holocaust remembrance Beth Shalom in Cape Coral. Mweeks in Germany where Moses also chose courage over ex- services: we taught together about the Holocaust pedience. When an Egyptian taskmas- to high school students, and where I ter was beating a Hebrew slave, Moses, taught and preached in synagogues, as an Egyptian Prince, could well have Deborah’s story churches and at the Abraham Geiger decided, “This is not my affair.” mighty woman with a torch, also be translated as “Deborah was a Rabbinical College Instead he stood up for the lowly “ whose flame, Is the imprisoned prophetess-woman, woman of torch- in Berlin. slave and made himself persona non Alightning, and her name Moth- es.” Frymer-Kensky calls her, Torch- Repeatedly, we grata in Egypt. er of Exiles.” – from The New Colossus Lady. Or perhaps, “A mighty woman would stress the im- Ethical dilemmas are not confined by Emma Lazarus with a torch.” She guides her people portance of each hu- to the ancient world. This line from with light. man being and the • On our southern borders today, the The New Colossus In her role as prophet, Deborah choices we make. treatment of those seeking to en- undoubtedly brings calls for Barak, a military commander, The Holocaust ter our country to escape lives of to mind images of and encourages him to go to battle.  Rabbi did not happen only fear and oppression in Central and the Statue of Lib- Just as Deborah is associated with the Stephen because very bad South America is inhumane. erty raising her torch symbol of the torch, Barak’s name in Fuchs people had horrible • Our world suffers from the wanton to welcome immi- Hebrew means “lightning.” “A mighty thoughts and did horrible things. The disregard by its inhabitants of the grants and refugees. woman with a torch, whose flame, Is Holocaust happened because too many dangers of climate change attribut-  Rabbi To raise funds for the imprisoned lightning.” ordinary people turned a blind eye to able to human actions and human Nicole the statue’s pedestal, Deborah herself does not battle. the evil. indifference. Luna Emma Lazarus wrote Her role is to determine wisely the So we stress to the students with • People still suffer discrimination the famous poem, The New Colossus, proper time for battle, to call forth the whom we interact: when you see and acts of violence because of their as part of an art and literary action. The troops, and then to declare victory. something wrong – say some kids are race, religion or sexual orientation. pedestal’s cornerstone was placed 135 Her strength lies in her words, and her bullying another student – you have a We can: years ago this August. While we may name is connected to the Hebrew root choice. You can: a. Continue to contribute to these associate the line “a mighty woman for speech. She speaks with integrity a. Join in and be popular. atrocities. with a torch…Mother of Exiles” with and truth. Deborah is leading, encour- b. Say, “It’s not my problem,” and b. Pretend they are not our concern the Statue of Liberty, the woman who aging, lighting the way for the people walk away. and turn our backs on these realities. gave her that description was Jewish to fulfill their purpose. c. Have the courage to say, “Stop c. Have the courage to stand up and perhaps inspired by the biblical Just as the State of Liberty is it. This is wrong.” against these crimes against nature and character of Deborah. known as Mother of Exiles, Deborah Of course, we hope the choice you humanity. We read Deborah’s story in the is also called a mother. In the Song make, although it is the difficult choice, One of my favorite lines in all of book of Judges, which states, “Debo- of Deborah that follows the narrative, is c. Scripture comes from the Book of Es- rah was the prophetess-woman, Lapi- it reads “Deliverance ceased, ceased The Bible offers us some wonder- ther. When Esther says she cannot go dot-woman. She judged Israel at that in Israel, till you arose, O Deborah, ful examples of “c.” to the King to try to thwart Haman’s time. She would sit under ‘Deborah’s Arose, O Mother in Israel.” The term In the first chapter of Exodus, Pha- plan to kill the Jews, Mordecai’s mes- Palm Tree’ between Ramah and Beth- is not used in the biological sense; we raoh ordered the Hebrew midwives sage to her is, “Who knows if you have El on Mount Ephraim, and the Israel- don’t know whether Deborah even had to kill every Hebrew boy they helped not become Queen for just such a time ites went up to her for judgement.” children. But rather, she advises the birth as it emerged from the womb. as this.” (Esther 4:14) From just these two verses, Debo- people, she protects the people, and she They had the courage to defy Pha- When we look about and see things rah appears as a remarkable woman. leads them into their future. raoh’s decree. As I point out in What’s we know are wrong and hesitate to take Unlike most of the women of the Bi- “A mighty woman with a torch, in It for Me? Finding Ourselves in Bib- action, let us ask ourselves Mordecai’s ble who lead private lives, Deborah whose flame, Is the imprisoned -light lical Narratives: question: “Who knows if we are not is a recognized public figure. She is a ning, and her name Mother of Exiles.” Earn CAS Credits “The example of Shiphrah and where we are just for the opportunity prophet and a judge. Israelites would This describes the Statute of Liberty, Puah stands as a sharp rebuke for those to act in a way that will make a positive seek her out and go to her to determine welcoming refugees and immigrants who excuse their ethical misdeeds with difference in the world or in the life of a case. Deborah is also described as es- with the hope and promise of freedom. the claim they had no choice – they another person?” het lapidot, meaning Lapidot-woman. And it describes the biblical character were simply following orders from Our future depends on enough of Many translations assume that this Deborah, the judge, the prophet, the their superiors. Case in point: Dur- us to follow the examples of Shiphrah, means she was the wife of Lapidot, but Mother of Israel, guiding the Israelites ing the trial of Nazi war criminals at Puah, Moses and Esther and choose biblical scholar Tikva Frymer-Kensky with her torch, a “fiery-lady,” a strong Nuremburg, Germany, defendant after “c” to stand up to wrongdoing in what- notes that it’s a strange name for a leader with wisdom and integrity. and defendant attempted to justify his ac- ever ways we can. man and isn’t followed by the usual leading us, we pray, into a future of tion on the basis that he was just fol- Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs serves at “son of.” So perhaps lapidot is not a freedom and peace. lowing orders. The courage of Shiph- Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sani- name, but a noun. And as a noun, lapi- Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple rah and Puah is timeless testimony that bel Island. dot means “torches.” So the text could Beth El in Fort Myers. PLEASE The Jewish Federation thanks all our advertisers for their continued support! Without them we would SUPPORT THE be unable to provide our readers with L’CHAYIM. We ADVERTISERS invite other businesses in our community to explore this valuable advertising opportunity. WHO SUPPORT For more information, call Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 OUR FEDERATION or send an email to [email protected]. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19

conflicting obligations. TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS Others take more time to Fort Myers implement. As our enroll- ment changes, the needs Tab Scribner, change along with it. For example, our Each Man has a name Director of Congregational Learning kindergarten class has outgrown their Given to him by God It was at this time a year ago that I was classroom, and will be moving to a big- And given to him by his father handed the keys and directed to get ger space this fall. and mother. the religious school up and running I am also enjoying the challenge Each man has a name. for the fall. Now, a full year later, the of programming special events for Given to him by his height goal is still the same. But what does our children and families. In addition And the way he smiles. that mean? Plenty of schools are run- to the High Holiday programs built And given to him by the cloth... ning. Summer comes to a close and the around children-centered activities, Each man has a name. kids rush back to classes all over Lee we are also bringing in several guests Given to him by his sins County, but not all schools work the for special presentations. On Wednes- And given to him by his longings... same way. Even in the public schools, day, September 4, we will be joined Each man has a name. some schools emphasize the sciences, by Rabbi Gutnik from Boca Raton Given to him by the sea others the arts, and others invest heav- for a Shofar Factory Workshop. Af- And given to him by his death. ily in athletics. What does up and run- ter a presentation on how shofarot are Zelda’s poem is not about death. ning mean? made, our families will get to try their Indeed, it is about life. It touches on an At TJRS, up and running is more hand at crafting their own to keep. If old Jewish individuality in belonging about how we do things than anything you would like to join us for this spe- that stamps each person without any- else. What I’ve discovered in the last cial event, please contact me for more one resembling the other and without year is that for us, up and running is information and to reserve your spot. anyone being totally alone. We are all about maintaining a flexibility to meet (This is to make sure we order enough given our identities by persons and all of our students’ needs. Last year, shofarot.) events that enter our lives during our we tried some new things and pushed Our High Holiday programming life journey. our limits to new heights. This com- for children will include programs on Our young people are beginning ing year, we’ll be trying additional Erev Rosh Hashanah, Rosh Hashanah their life journeys. Please, dear G-d, new things and creating memories. (Day 1 only), Erev Yom Kippur and help us repair and protect this world for What works in one year may not work Yom Kippur. If you would like your them. Tikkun Olam. as well in the second. Needs change. child(ren) to join us for the holidays, Rabbi Devora Buchen serves at Temple A year ago, I didn’t have a complete but they aren’t enrolled in our religious Beth Shalom in Cape Coral. picture of what I was planning for. We school, please call our office so that we made the best educated decisions we can be prepared for your child(ren). could and pushed forward. A year later, It has been a busy summer already, there is a better understanding of what as we push forward on the adjust- Deborah’s story our kids know and are able to do, and a ments and special programs to keep Candle lighting times: better understanding of how they learn our school running smoothly. If you best. This understanding allows us to are interested in learning more about August 2: 7:56 run with flexibility, an absolute neces- those adjustments, our curriculum, en- sity in 2019. rolling your child(ren) in our school or I love the intimacy of our reli- attending our special events, I would August 9: 7:51 gious school in that I can listen to our love to hear from you. I can be reached families and adjust as we go. Some ad- at 239.433.0201 or tjswfledu@gmail. August 16: 7:45 justments are quick, like moving up a com I’d love to start the conversation student into a more challenging class about how the Temple Judea Religious August 23: 7:39 or shifting a class schedule because of School can serve your family. August 30: 7:32 Read the current and recent issues of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org.

Results of a recent national survey of DISCOVER 25,000 families THE FUN! conducted by PJ Library

Parents in Lee PJ Library is and Charlotte counties whose making a children are difference in the enrolled in lives of families PJ Library raising Jewish participated in RECEIVE the survey. children.. THE GIFT OF FREE JEWISH Earn CAS Credits CHILDREN’S BOOKS The Jewish Federation of Lee MAILED TO and Charlotte Counties is YOUR HOME interested in hearing from SHARE the experience teenagers in high school who of reading with your EVERY MONTH! might like to earn CAS credits children as they grow with

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Funded by the Jewish community. SIGN UP TODAY! Roth Family If you are interested, please Enrollment is open to Foundation send the following information Jewish families with to [email protected]: children between the Name ages of six months to More information, contact Debbie Sanford Address eight years Phone # 239.481.4449 ext. 3 living in [email protected] Age Lee & Charlotte Counties. Grade School Preferred volunteer hours (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays) Families can sign up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 20 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FOCUS ON YOUTH

dents will have the op- Saturday, September 7 is our for a Shabbat dinner and family ser- TEMPLE BETH EL SCHOOLS portunity to experience first “Lock-In” Movie Night. All re- vices. Fort Myers “Camp Beth El,” which ligious school and Conformation stu- Please call the Temple Beth El will be run by our older dents will enjoy dinner, Havdalah ser- office at 239.433.0018 or email- reli Temple Beth El Religious School students participating in the Confirma- vice, fun activities and a movie. [email protected] for more As we look forward to another year of tion or Hebrew Chai programs. En- Join us on Friday, September 13 information. religious school, we are excited to be- couraging leadership opportunities for gin new educational experiences and our older students and creating a fun family activities at Temple Beth El. camp day for our younger ones will be Over the past few months, we have ex- the focus of this program. Both extend- PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! amined our values and priorities with ed days coincide with Jewish holidays PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! input from our parents, students and to enhance the holiday experience. teachers to enable our staff to provide Our Confirmation students will the best Jewish education for our stu- participate in service learning and so- dents in partnership with our commit- cial justice activities as well as many ted families. field trips. The th9 grade students will This upcoming school year, we travel to Washington, D.C., in Febru- are adopting the CHAI curriculum that ary to attend the L’Taken Social Justice was created by the Union for Reform Seminar. Judaism as a way to standardize educa- Shabbat dinners and Friday night tion for Reform Jews across the nation. family services throughout the year CHAI creates a comprehensive cur- have been scheduled, with our first be- riculum that emphasizes Jewish learn- ing held on September 13. Dinners and Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids ing and living beyond the classroom. services are a great way for our congre- music — anytime, anywhere. We will add Project Based Learning to gants and families to commune togeth- music — anytime, anywhere. the Judaic Studies program to further er and enjoy the participation of our Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online enhance and engage our students with students in the Friday night service. Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online hands-on and deeper learning. Important upcoming dates: streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs For our Hebrew instruction, we Our first official day will be on from hundreds of artists across the globe. have adopted Mitkadem and Hebrew Sunday, August 18. Please join us from hundreds of artists across the globe. Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks in Harmony. Mitkadem is an individu- from 9:00 to 9:20 a.m. for Tefillah in Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks alized, self-paced Hebrew prayer and the Sanctuary led by Rabbi Luna and for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. ritual program. We will use Hebrew in the religious school students. There Harmony in conjunction with our mu- will be a light family potluck breakfast sic program, which is an engaging pro- after service to celebrate the begin- • Listen to the music online gram that utilizes modern songs and ning of our new school year. Following • Listen to the music online • digital technology. breakfast, we will have a parents meet- Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play We are adding two extended days ing to explain our updated Hebrew and or Tune In Radio to our Sunday schedule where the stu- Judaic studies curriculum. or Tune In Radio Send updates and changes to the Jewish Directory below to [email protected].

TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY REFORM ORTHODOX 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (941) 833-3381 Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig E-mail: [email protected] President: Governance Committee IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com Email: [email protected] 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 & Hebrew School: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 Sunday COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Judaica Gift Gallery REFORM ORTHODOX Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers 5620 Winkler Road (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) Fort Myers, FL 33919 TEMPLE BETH SHALOM P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz REFORM Rabbi Bruce Diamond Phone: 433-7708 • Fax: 481-9109 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 ([email protected]) E-mail: [email protected] Rabbi Devora Buchen Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Web site: www.chabadswf.org President: Harvey Wolfson Adult Educator: Jessica Evers Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah Phone: 772-4555 • Fax: 772-4625 Phone: (239) 466-6671 class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday at 6:30 p.m. CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Religious School: Thursday 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. OF CAPE CORAL 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 ORTHODOX Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) every Saturday morning from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Phone: 963-4770 BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS TEMPLE JUDEA E-mail: [email protected] REFORM CONSERVATIVE Web site: www.chabadcape.com 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Rabbi Marc Sack E-mail: [email protected] Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs Kiddush luncheon President: Barry Fulmer President: Dan Fox Director of Congregational Learning: Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. Phone: 732-780-2016 Monday-Friday morning 7:00 a.m. Email: [email protected] Tab Scribner Preschool Director: Joann Goldman JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Cantor: Murray Simon Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org [email protected] Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct-Apr) Phone: 433-0201 • Fax: 433-3371 E-mail: [email protected] Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Friday (May-Sept) Adult Education: Web site: www.tjswfl.org Saturday, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Nov-Apr) Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday  Shalom Life Center to 12:15 p.m. (Nov-Apr) Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.-noon; Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader - 218-3433 Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Wed. 4:30-6 p.m. • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Early childhood education: Jacki Waksman - (954) 653-9053 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Preschool, M-F, ages 18 months-5 years; “Mommy & Me,” 12 months-2 years Brian Lipton - (941) 365-4955 TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative • Anti-Defamation League: (561) 988-2900 HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS Judaism • B’Nai B’rith International: (941) 302-4500 REFORM • Chevra Kadisha: 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 Gene Sipe - 841-4615 CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963-9347 Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4675 ESTERO • Hadassah - Collier/Lee Chapter: Rabbi Solomon Agin Lynn Weiner - 598-1009 President: Judith Migdol ORTHODOX 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood • Hadassah - Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): Phone: (941) 625-2116 Odette Port - (941) 505-1409 E-mail: [email protected] Centre) Bonita Springs, FL 34135-7024 • Hazak 55+ Chapter: Web site: templeshalomfl.com Joyce Rosinger - 437-1566 Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Phone: 949-6900 • Humanistic Jewish Havurah: Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Paula Creed - 495-8484 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Web site: www.JewishBonita.com • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: (800) 622-8017 Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by • Jewish Community Services: 481-4449 Organizations: Sisterhood a kiddush • Jewish National Fund: (727) 536-5263 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Memorial Tree Planting in Israel - 1-800-542-8733 • Jewish War Veterans: Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter - 246-3151 • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Nechamie Minkowicz - 822-2784 Eryka Aptaker - Post Adjutant, Bob Ruberto - Sr Vice Commander, Herb Lutsky - Jr Vice Commander, Bert Kurland - Chief of Staff, Berny Aronson - Quartermaster, • ORT - Gulf Beaches Chapter Hy Tuchman - Jr Vice Commander Emeritus, Isaac Osin - Jr Vice Commander, Marshall Lieberman - Chaplain, Sandy Cohen - Post Physician, Marina Berkovich - 566-1771 Ed Drucker - Officer of the Day, Commander - Harvey Charter L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 21

G-d made a promise to the long haul. Families were bound Holy Days with our extended fam- SHALOM LIFE CENTER Abraham: “Your chil- by something much deeper, and even ily. Our choir will be back along with Fort Myers dren shall be as numer- though they sometimes disagreed, they our amazing symphonic ensemble and (239) 218-3433 ous as stars in the sky.” stayed together. Like the twelve tribes world-renowned concert accompanist, This promise was not in that are all connected to Abraham, Bella Gutshtein. Everyone is welcome Lawrence & Robin Dermer vain, and despite tremendous odds, the we’re all one big extended family. to join our Shalom Life Center fam- Why is it that before the Torah gives power of love and togetherness pre- Though our backgrounds may dif- ily this High Holy Days season, which us any laws and commandments it de- vailed and the first families of Judaism fer, we are all part of our Eitz Chayim, will be held at the beautiful Grandezza scribes the challenges of being part of birthed the twelve tribes of Israel. The our Tree of Life. May we all continue Country Club. Join us for Rosh Hasha- PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! a family? Adam and Eve, Abraham and Jewish people as a whole are described to grow tall and strong. Shared visions nah, Tashlich and Yom Kippur servic- Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca – their lives, as “B’nei Yisrael – The Children of Is- can become reality, and as one family es, our Yom Kippur afternoon healing like ours, were not simple or straight- rael” not descendants of the land, but there is nothing we can’t accomplish and meditative concert, followed by forward. Children fought, breakups of our patriarch Jacob, the grandson of together as we continue building bridg- afternoon Neilah and Yizkor conclud- happened, there was lying, deceit and Abraham, part of one connected ex- es to connect each other with the val- ing service and our Fabulous Break jealousy. The full range of emotions tended family. ues and principles of our Jewish past, the Fast Feast! Our beautiful and tra- existed, yet through those familial chal- In Hebrew we say “mishpacha,” the moral/ethical demands of the pres- ditional services combine meaningful lenges the Jewish people were born. which means a Jewish family or social ent, and the vision and energy to build prayers and soaring melodies. Dates From our earliest years, our fam- unit that includes both close and dis- for a Jewish tomorrow. and times can be found on our website ily relationships teach us how to relate tant relatives. Simply put, we are all In addition to our summer services at www.shalomlifecenter.org. For more to others, to be comfortable with our- mishpacha, we are all family! A sense and clubs, we are in the midst of final- information on joining us for the High selves and others. Most importantly, of family values is so important to us izing our innovative and inspiring pro- Holy Days, please call 239.218.3433 or family is where we first experience as Jews, and family is the value upon grams for next season including a BIG email [email protected]. Let Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids loss and sadness while learning about which Shalom Life Center was built. celebration/ Rabbinic installation! We your spirit soar at Shalom Life Center music — anytime, anywhere. joy and happiness. From Creation in the book of Gen- are preparing to ensure an incompa- where prayer is always inspirational, Family is the foundation upon esis up to the present, a family, for bet- rable SWFL Jewish Community 5780 meaningful and musical. Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online which our Torah rests and is at the ter or for worse, is forever. Families High Holy Days experience and are core of who we are as a Jewish people. don’t need contracts, they’re in it for looking forward to sharing the High streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs from hundreds of artists across the globe. restaurant in the Fort My- singles or couples. It’s an organization will be car-pooled day trips. Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER ers area on Sunday, Au- that enables members to meet and so- Members of the community are for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. at Temple Judea gust 25. If you are inter- cialize with each other. Our monthly always welcome to join our group and (239) 433-0201 ested in joining us, please programs vary in nature. Membership attend any of our programs. The annual email your response or in the organization is open to the com- dues are a modest $10 per person. Join • Listen to the music online Joyce Rosinger questions to the email address at the munity. HAZAK and meet new friends. We We are getting together for dinners at end of this message. HAZAK’s regular programs will look forward to meeting all you 55+ • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play local restaurants during the summer Temple Judea’s active HAZAK begin again in the fall. At that time, people. Try us you’ll like us. or Tune In Radio months. The June dinner was at the Ol- 55+ Chapter is a chartered member of we are also planning to add movie pro- For more information, please con- ive Garden, and in July our dinner was the United Synagogue of Conserva- grams in addition to other activities tact Joyce or George Rosinger, or Andy at Thai Gardens. We will go to another tive Judaism. HAZAK Chapters are for each month. Some programs planned Chernow at [email protected].

his achievements. He is a tion, contact me at eja3090@comcast. in 1896, is the oldest continuing vet- JEWISH WAR VETERANS second-time recipient of net or 917.607.4385. erans organization in America. We are Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400 our scholarship and we Our next meeting will be at 9:30 challenged in the pursuit of new mem- (239) 246-3151 were proud to award it to a.m. on Sunday, September 22 at the bers to keep our organization alive. him. We all feel he has a Eryka Aptaker very bright future and look forward to After a very busy month of May with seeing his success. Memorial Day activities, our June Our member Roger Satin had sur- meeting held a lot of activity as well. gery and we ask that he is kept in your Our installation of officers took place prayers. and our Chief of Staff and WWII vet- It was very touching when one of eran, Bert Kurland, installed out Com- our beloved WWII veterans, Sid Har- mander, Harvey Charter. All other ris, was asked to speak about his ex- officers were installed and we look for- periences in WWII. He gave us won- ward to another year of service from derful insight into his time spent in the this wonderful Post. war. After Sid shared with us, another Brandon Levy attended our meet- one of our beloved WWII veterans, ing and was presented with the Herb Herb Marks, chatted with Sid and also Schwartz Memorial Scholarship. Bran- shared his experiences with the group. don is a 2017 graduate of Mariner High They were both in the 8th Air Force, School in Cape Coral. He is currently stationed in England. It was amazing to a Sophomore at FSU and maintains a hear the men sharing their stories with WWII veteran Sid Harris WWII veteran Herb Marks minimum GPA of 3.8 and was named each other and understanding each oth- Jewish Federation office. Come join With the loss of many of our WWII to the Dean’s List. His parents work er, like only two WWII veterans could this wonderful and committed group veterans, we are striving to have mem- very hard in supporting the family and do. Herb is a Distinguished Flying as we engage in bagels and cream bers of our younger generation(s) join have had their share of challenges, Cross recipient. I think that there will cheese and great conversation. To be- and show support to the JWV. We have financially, as well as health issues. never be a more touching, spontane- come a member or if you have ques- a Patron membership for non-veterans. Brandon has made them very proud in ous moment as the one we experienced tions, please contact Commander Har- If your family members were veterans, listening to these two men. I vey Charter at [email protected] or think about honoring their memory by am very grateful to have been 239.246.3151. joining the JWV Post 400. I joined in there to experience this. The Jewish War Veterans, founded honoring the memory of my father, a Our August meet- Korean War veteran. Best decision I ing is canceled, as our have ever made. This group has been Commander will be in a blessing in my life and some of the Israel and many of our members have become like family to snowbirds are away. me. We hope to see you at our next The Lee County Spirit meeting! of ’45-WWII veterans tribute will take place on Sunday, August 11 Guidelines at the Sanibel Harbor for publication Marriott. Reservations are required. To RSVP DEADLINES: Commander Harvey Charter presents the Herb Schwartz 5 p.m. on the 5th of each month for all Memorial Scholarship to recipient Brandon Levy or for more informa- WWII veteran Bert Kurland installs Commander Harvey Charter articles and photos. If the 5th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the following business day. WORD LIMITS: 600 words for temples and organiza- tions providing materials for their respective sections. Those exceeding these limits will be edited to fit. SUBMISSIONS: Email: [email protected] Articles should be sent as text files, Word files, or Rich Text Format files. Receipt will be acknowledged if requested. Photos may be submitted Eryka Aptaker - Post Adjutant, Bob Ruberto - Sr Vice Commander, Herb Lutsky - Jr Vice Commander, Bert Kurland - Chief of Staff, Berny Aronson - Quartermaster, electronically; high-resolution JPG or Hy Tuchman - Jr Vice Commander Emeritus, Isaac Osin - Jr Vice Commander, Marshall Lieberman - Chaplain, Sandy Cohen - Post Physician, Ed Drucker - Officer of the Day, Commander - Harvey Charter TIF formats preferred. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 22 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

end of one of Dani Wein- Friday night services this sum- most Friday nights at the Hillel build- TEMPLE BETH EL er’s spectacular greeting mer feature Rabbi Luna’s enriching ing. While Eric has not personally been Fort Myers cards, you’ve experi- and informative sermon series called targeted by anti-Semitism, he’s all too (239) 433-0018 enced Dani’s way of “Ten Biblical Men and Women: you aware of anti-Semitism on college giving back to TBE: cre- know their names, now learn their sto- campuses and around the world. In www.templebethel.com atively, touching people ries.” New, too, is the convivial ending 2018, anti-Semitic acts were commit- in memorable ways. A for our services, with everyone filing ted at his school, with swastikas and The TBE Mitzvah Committee and brightly colored handmade envelope into the Dubin Center for the Kiddush crude words smeared in dorm areas. TBE Sisterhood have made a donation and handmade one-of-a-kind art card blessing over the wine and the Motzi Hillel and the whole campus united for of gently used shoes to Eva’s Closet, is special in this age of technology, blessing over the challah. Discover a candlelight vigil. Then came the trag- thanks to a sizable donation from Sny- and more fun than bills and junk mail. interesting things about challah and edy at the Tree of Life synagogue in derman Shoes in Fort Myers and Sis- If Dani can put a smile on someone’s about Kiddush at myjewishlearning. Pittsburgh last October. Pittsburgh was terhood’s sneaker collection efforts. face, she says, then why not. Please let org. a turning point for Eric, newly inspired Eva’s Closet is a non-profit organiza- Dani know if someone needs a card A recent Birthright Israel trip in- to express his Jewish identity more than tion located off Alico Road, serving for any occasion – anniversary, birth- spired Eric Tolep to speak before the ever. Eric and his Hillel friends went local people in need by providing ne- day, new grandbaby, new house, bat/ congregation on a Friday night to on a 10-day Birthright trip. In Israel cessities at no cost. Dozens of pairs of bar mitzvah, happy, sad or whatever, as share his insights and experiences. they experienced the powerful feeling men’s, women’s and children’s used these cards are not available in the gift The son of Lisa and Kenneth Tolep, of being in a country where Jews are shoes are going to needy families and shop. You can often find Dani in the younger brother of Marissa Kushner in the majority. Spending time with individuals. Thank you Snyderman gift shop on Friday nights before ser- and Amanda Axiotis, and uncle to Lily young soldiers around the same age as Shoes and TBE members for making vices. Bring your unused, unwanted, Kushner, Eric is an accounting major the Birthright group allowed for much this mitzvah possible right here in our broken or mismatched jewelry to Dani at the University of Miami. Eric joined fellowship and education. For more community. Learn more about Eva’s and she will repurpose it. She also re- Hillel at his school to explore his Jew- information about Birthright, visit Closet at evas-foundation.org. Learn strings and recreates pieces that need a ish identity, to practice Judaism, and to birthrightisrael.com. For more infor- more about the Mitzvah Committee at little TLC. The TBE Gift Gallery, your meet other Jewish students (fewer than mation about Hillel, visit Hillel.org. templebethel.com. best local source for Judaica, is under 20% of the students at his school are If you’ve been on the receiving the auspices of TBE Sisterhood. Jewish). He attends Shabbat services

C.F.S. is pleased to weekly throughout the summer start- lots of “aha!” moments. It’s never too COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE once again host a Jewish ing at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge. late to start! Fort Myers Federation Senior Lun- Those who wish to bring a dish, salad The Community Free Synagogue (239) 466-6671 cheon starting at noon or dessert are welcome to do so while provides free Jewish education, includ- on Thursday, August 15. avoiding dairy ingredients. Vegetarian ing personalized Hebrew tutoring, to www.fortmyerssynagogue.com The meal is always free. dishes are especially welcome. Wor- all Jewish young people ages 8 and To make your reserva- ship begins at 7:30 p.m., conducted above in our area. This special educa- We are joined in sorrow to the family tion, call the Jewish Federation office. by our remarkable congregational haz- tional opportunity is enriched within a of Joan Glaser, 91, who passed away in The Community Free Synagogue’s zanim, gifted musician Joseph Brauer, positive, wholesome congregation set- June. Joan was a longtime active, joy- Brown Bag Movie Night’s August and with a thought-provoking, educa- ting that deeply values and welcomes ous C.F.S. participant whose willing feature is the 2018 seriocomedy To tional message from the Rabbi. A so- young people and their families. There spirit will be greatly missed. Her son Dust, starring Matthew Broderick and cial hour follows. are no membership requirements. For Charlie Glaser sent us this note: “Rabbi Géza Röhrig. The screening begins at Sabbath morning Torah Study more information, email synfree@ TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Diamond, You and your congregation 6:30 p.m. on Thursday August 15 in Breakfasts with the Rabbi also carry comcast.net or call the synagogue at Cape Coral were a very special part of my mom’s the congregation’s Community Hall, on throughout the summer from 9:30 239.466.6671. (239) 772-4555 life. My family and I will always be 10868 Metro Boulevard, Fort Myers. to 11:30 a.m. in our Community Hall. Now in its 15th year, The Commu- grateful for all you did for her.” See the article in this issue for details. A breakfast nosh is always welcome. nity Free Synagogue is a contemporary www.templebethshalomcc.org Mazel to Liz and Arnie Harris, High Holiday worship will once Over its 22 years in Fort Myers, Rabbi alternative to the private membership Gina and Joe Turkel, and Kim and again be free and open to all. See the Diamond’s Sabbath morning Torah model, enjoying broad based participa-On the surface, it would seem that July Mark McGinn who renewed their mar- September edition of this paper or visit classes have become a mainstay of tion throughout our area as a vital com-and August are the calm before the riage vows overlooking Mt. Zion with www.fortmyerssynagogue.com for a adult Jewish education. The weekly munity resource. Every C.F.S. activitystorm. Activities have slowed down, the Rabbi’s help during C.F.S.’s 6th bi- detailed schedule. Torah and Haftarah are studied, ac- and program is free and open to all. snowbirds are away, and others are ennial Israel Pilgrimage. Friday evening dinners continue companied by lively discussion and taking vacations trying to get out of the heat. The calm, however, is really only an illusion. The new board is busy lowship Hall for Shabbat shofar; who participate in the High just like the demonization of the poortaking care of business, improving BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS services; who organize Holy Days services; who composes Jews under Hitler.” security, doing needed maintenance, Sanibel and volunteer to speak the bulletin; who manage the website; The multi-millennium-long mys-upgrading facilities and, most of all, (732) 780-2016 on Saturday morning for who reach out to those who are ill; who tery is why so many people focusplanning an exciting year for all of our Adult Education; who remind us of yahrzeits; who sing the negative thoughts and actions on Jews,members. www.batyam.org staff the welcome table Shabbat service; who organize and/ 0.2% of the world population. Author While as of this writing, the pro- at services; who organize or lead the summer Shabbat services; Dara Horn in a New York Times edi-gramming has not been finalized, we It is that time of year when SWFL is hot Shabbat honors; who accept Shabbat who coordinate dinner before services; torial on April 30 suggests that anti-can be sure that it will include food, and the news is slow. This is the perfect honors; who make possible the Pass- who build the sukkah; who evaluate Semites don’t just hate Jews but arepot lucks, progressive dinners, music, opportunity for Bat Yam to thank all its over Seder, Break-the-Fast, Annual tzedakah applicants; who dress up and targeting freedom and responsibilitytheater, movies and, of course, educa- members and friends who organize and meeting potluck, Tashlich luncheon; perform the Purim spiel; who serve on for a civic and civil society. The Torahtional speakers and classes. The Facili- sponsor an Oneg Shabbat; who assist who organize and participate in the the board as officers and trustees; and tells us to welcome the stranger, loveties group is working hard to improve with setting up the Sanctuary or Fel- grief support sessions; who blow the all who participate in the life of Bat one’s neighbor and much more – con-the phone system so we can get back to Yam in ways big and small. cepts difficult to accept and implementeveryone who calls. The president has In honor of her mother Ann Arnoff, for some of us. met with the Cape Coral Police to make Susan Arnoff Spohr is again coordinat- The Jewish High Holy Days begin sure we are doing everything possible ing the Rosh Hashanah Honey Jar Proj- late this year with Erev Rosh Hashanahto guarantee the safety of everyone at- ect. It is a wonderful way to let your on Sunday, September 29. Once again,tending services or events. Bat Yam friends know that you are Rabbi Stephen and Vickie Fuchs are thinking sweet thoughts about them. opening their home on Saturday, Sep- Fortunately, at Bat Yam we come tember 21 at 7:30 p.m. for Selichot re- Bar / Bat Mitzvah Specialist together as a congregation and commu- flection and discussion. For those who TEMPLE SHALOM Choosing the right photographer is an important decision. nity. Not everyone wants us whether in come to Bat Yam for Rosh Hashanah Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands Michael Shapiro has more than 30 years experience in media the U.S., Europe or in Israel. Anti-Jew- and Yom Kippur, there will be new (941) 625-2116 ish incidents keep happening in France, prayer books that provide egalitarian www.templeshalomfl.com and journalism. He is able to capture images that are unique, Hungary, Britain and Poland. Recently, language for the English translations unexpected and spontaneous. Louis Farrakhan, in a speech at a Ro- and readings on more current topics, man Catholic Church in Chicago, said thanks to the effective efforts of TheLois Program Events Committee wish- he can tell “the good Jews from the Sa- Lorsch. es to inform the greater community of tanic Jews.” The person accused of the Come to worship at our meetingthe following confirmed programs for shooting at the Chabad in Poway has place located on the campus of thethe coming year.: also been charged with attempted mur- Sanibel Congregational UCC at 2050 • Friday, September 6 – Early Shab- der and arson at a mosque in Escon- Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. Members bat Service with a Shabbat Dinner dido. The person picked to chair a new of the community, guests and visitors – Service at 5:30 p.m. Reservation federal committee on climate secu- are always welcome to join with con- required. rity, William Happer, a known climate gregants. Best wishes to those near and • Sunday, September 15 – Open change denier, told CNBC in 2014 that far for a healthy and cool summer! House for the unaffiliated from “the demonization of carbon dioxide is 10:00 a.m. to noon. • Sunday, September 15 – Dedica- tion of New Memorial Boards and Changing your address? Keep Plaques – 3:00 p.m. Refreshments. Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events • Saturday, September 21 – Selichot Services and light dairy dinner. 239.770.6860 L’CHAYIM coming to your home. [email protected] www.shapiro-photography.com Email [email protected]. L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23 most Friday nights at the Hillel build- ly Torah study class on ing. While Eric has not personally been TEMPLE JUDEA Thursday, September 5 at targeted by anti-Semitism, he’s all too Fort Myers noon at the offices of My- aware of anti-Semitism on college (239) 433-0201 ers & Brettholz. There is campuses and around the world. In no cost to attend and all 2018, anti-Semitic acts were commit- www.tjswfl.org levels of Jewish back- ted at his school, with swastikas and ground are welcome. crude words smeared in dorm areas. The summer isn’t over yet, but the staff Rabbi Sack will also be teaching Hillel and the whole campus united forand lay leaders of Temple Judea are an Introduction to Judaism Class be- a candlelight vigil. Then came the trag-busy planning for the High Holy Days ginning Monday evening, September edy at the Tree of Life synagogue inand the upcoming program year. 9. See the ad in this issue for more in- Pittsburgh last October. Pittsburgh was This is a great time to become a formation or call Rabbi Sack. a turning point for Eric, newly inspiredmember of our congregation so you The High Holiday season begins to express his Jewish identity more thanwon’t miss any of the meaningful holi- on Saturday, September 21 at 9:00 p.m. ever. Eric and his Hillel friends wentday services and events. There are pro- with Selichot. The evening will start FINEMARK NATIONAL BANK & TRUST IS PROUD on a 10-day Birthright trip. In Israelspective and new member receptions with a dessert reception and program, they experienced the powerful feelingplanned for Monday, August 19 and followed by the Selichot service. The TO CONSISTENTLY EARN A 5-STAR RATING of being in a country where Jews are Tuesday, September 24. Both are wine, community is invited to attend. FROM BAUER FINANCIAL, THE NATION’S in the majority. Spending time withcheese and dessert receptions that will On Erev Rosh Hashana, Sunday, young soldiers around the same age asbegin at 7:00 p.m. It is an opportuni- September 29, and Kol Nidre, Tuesday, LEADING INDEPENDENT BANK RATING FIRM*. the Birthright group allowed for muchty to meet Rabbi Marc Sack and Tab October 8, there will be a family ser- fellowship and education. For moreScribner, Director of Congregational vice open to all in the community. Call information about Birthright, visitLearning, as well as the current leaders Tab Scribner for more information. In We attribute our success to delivering unparalleled birthrightisrael.com. For more infor-and volunteers who help make our shul next month’s issue of L’CHAYIM, there service and putting our clients fi rst. mation about Hillel, visit Hillel.org. so special. Call the synagogue office will be a schedule of all the High Holy for more information about attending Day services. We look forward to you and about becoming a member. joining us. Religious school begins Sunday, Regular scheduled events: August 25 at 9:30 a.m. with a meet- • Friday evening Shabbat services lots of “aha!” moments. It’s never tooand-greet for families, introduction of at 6:30 p.m., preceded each week late to start! teachers and a variety of fun events for with a wine and cheese reception The Community Free Synagogue all. Tab has an amazing year planned. starting at 6:15 p.m. provides free Jewish education, includ-One of the beginning events is on • Saturday morning Shabbat servic- ing personalized Hebrew tutoring, toWednesday, September 4 from 4:30 to es at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kid- all Jewish young people ages 8 and6:00 p.m., when students get to partici- dush luncheon above in our area. This special educa-pate in the “Shofar Factory.” Get ready • Morning minyan every Monday at tional opportunity is enriched within ato blow your shofar! 9:00 a.m. positive, wholesome congregation set- Rabbi Sack will resume his month- ting that deeply values and welcomes young people and their families. There are no membership requirements. For At the end of June, we more information, email synfree@ TEMPLE BETH SHALOM had the most incredible comcast.net or call the synagogue at Cape Coral B’nai Mitzvah when Sam 239.466.6671. (239) 772-4555 and Max Brucker were Now in its 15th year, The Commu- called to the Torah. Not nity Free Synagogue is a contemporary www.templebethshalomcc.org only were both boys ex- alternative to the private membership quisitely prepared, they model, enjoying broad based participa-On the surface, it would seem that July conducted the entire service and had Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Charleston • Estero • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale tion throughout our area as a vital com-and August are the calm before the their own creative take on explaining www.fi nemarkbank.com • 239-461-5900 • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value. munity resource. Every C.F.S. activitystorm. Activities have slowed down, the Torah portion. In the middle of the *5-Star Financial Rating issued by Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating and research fi rm. Rating is 5 out of 5. and program is free and open to all. snowbirds are away, and others are service, they brought two chairs on the taking vacations trying to get out of bimah and sat facing each other. They the heat. The calm, however, is really then proceeded to analyze the Torah only an illusion. The new board is busy portion as if they were on CNN. These taking care of business, improving are two boys who are going places. security, doing needed maintenance, Their B’nai Mitzvah was an event that upgrading facilities and, most of all, will be remembered for years to come planning an exciting year for all of our and sets a high bar for all who follow. members. Other events during this “slow” While as of this writing, the pro- summer included chair yoga with Aline gramming has not been finalized, we Simenauer, a yoga instructor from Bra- can be sure that it will include food, zil; a well-attended pot luck dinner; pot lucks, progressive dinners, music, and shorter Kabbalat Shabbat services theater, movies and, of course, educa- on Friday nights. tional speakers and classes. The Facili- Temple Beth Shalom always wel- ties group is working hard to improve comes visitors and guests. Please con- the phone system so we can get back to sider joining us for Friday night servic- everyone who calls. The president has es or any of our many events. You will met with the Cape Coral Police to make find a warm, welcoming congregation sure we are doing everything possible and a diverse group of people who will to guarantee the safety of everyone at- make you feel at home. tending services or events.

6:00 p.m. TEMPLE SHALOM • Friday, December Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands 13 – Brief Shabbat Ser- (941) 625-2116 vice – Guest Speaker Rabbi James A. Rudin – www.templeshalomfl.com Topic: “How Christmas is linked to Hanukkah The Program Events Committee wish- (Robert Bader Memorial Fund). es to inform the greater community of • Sunday, January 12, 2020 – Bus the following confirmed programs for to Sarasota Opera House for con- the coming year.: cert featuring Park Avenue Syna- • Friday, September 6 – Early Shab- gogue Cantor Azi Schwartz – from bat Service with a Shabbat Dinner Bimah to Broadway. – Service at 5:30 p.m. Reservation More programs to be con- required. firmed. Please call Temple Shalom at • Sunday, September 15 – Open 941.625.2116 for information. All pro- House for the unaffiliated from grams are funded by the Lesleigh and 10:00 a.m. to noon. Sylvia Hershkowitz Memorial Fund, • Sunday, September 15 – Dedica- Sheldon and Mark Friedman Memorial tion of New Memorial Boards and Fund, and Robert “Bob” Bader Speak- Plaques – 3:00 p.m. Refreshments. er’s fund. No funding comes from out- • Saturday, September 21 – Selichot side sources. Services and light dairy dinner. Stay connected at www.JewishFederationLCC.org L'CHAYIM AUGUST 2019 24 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties

Order Your High Holiday Greeting Today!

This High Holiday season, say “L’Shana Tova” to your friends and family in Southwest Florida!

L’CHAYIM is continuing the practice of publishing your High Holiday greetings to your family and friends wherever they may be. Order your greeting for the October 2019 issue of L’CHAYIM.

L’Shana Tova Tikatevu.

Sign up now for the October issue of L’CHAYIM for as little as SEPTEMBER $18 per greeting. Choose from these sample greetings. 6 It’s easy! Just select your ad(s), then complete and return the DEADLINE form below! SE

L’Shana Tova L’Shana Tova Umetukah

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PRINT your family name(s) on the line below how you want them to appear: CHECK YOUR AD CHOICES BELOW: ______#1A ($18) _____ #1D ($18) Enclosed is my check for $______made payable to the Jewish Federation. _____ #1B ($18) _____ #2A ($36) _____ #1C ($18) _____ #2B ($54) Credit Card #______/______/______/______Exp. ______/______

Mail to: Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties 9701 Commerce Center Court * Fort Myers, FL 33908

FORM & PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6