Connections2020 Guide to Jewish Living in Greater Naples
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SouthwestR Florida’s Preferred Full Service Travel Agency • Business Observer Gulf Coast 500 Top Company • Luxury, Cruise, Adventure & Group Travel At Your Service! • Gulfshore Business Magazine Best of Business • Worldwide Connections with Exclusive Amenities Hilton Naples proudly supports the • Florida Weekly Best of the Best • Exclusive Travel App and Technology Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival. • Gulfshore Life Best of the Gulfshore • Complimentary 24/7 Emergency Travel Service (239) 261-1177 (800) 523-3716 www.preferrednaples.com 5111 Tamiami Trail North I Naples, FL 34103 239.430.4900 I HiltonNaples.com I ShulasNaples.com SunTrust Building at Pelican Bay 801 Laurel Oak Drive • Suite 300 Connections2020 Guide to Jewish Living in Greater Naples From Federation Leadership Connections2020 ccording to the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “connec- A Guide to Jewish Living tion” relates to coherence, continuity and people having an association or in Greater Naples common interest(s); something that connects, a link. “Link” sums up the Aintent of this magazine. Whether you are Volume 9, No. 1 new to the community or you have been 2020 Edition here over 20 years, there are so many or- 76 pages ganizations that offer so many programs that without this magazine as a reference, Publisher it is impossible to know about all the things available to the local Jewish community. By joining a group, attending a pro- gram, going to a religious service, seeing a film, volunteering, or in any reaching out to your community, which is here and waiting 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road for your involvement, you enhance your life Federation Board Chair Jane Schiff and Suite 2201 and enrich the entire Jewish community. Federation President/CEO Jeffrey Feld Naples, FL 34109 We are a community because of the connections we share. We are a commu- Phone: 239.263.4205 nity because of the programs we attend. We are a community because we help one Fax: 239.263.3813 another in supporting each of the endeavors listed in this publication. Email: [email protected] Each organization is unable, due to space, to list all that they offer. We strongly Website: www.jewishnaples.org urge you to contact any organization listed here for an up-to-date listing of their activities. The Federation’s monthly Federation Star newspaper publicizes many of Editor the individual programs offered by each organization. Ted Epstein This is a guide for you to see and investigate your Jewish community. The [email protected] Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is thrilled to be able be an integral part of your Jewish community. – Jeffrey Feld & Jane Schiff Jewish Federation Staff Jeffrey Feld, President/CEO From the Editor Renee Bialek, Program Director halom! Welcome to the ninth edition of Connections – A Guide to Jewish Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Dir. Living in Greater Naples. This is THE publication to turn to for the local Julie Hartline, Annual Campaign Director Jewish community’s activities, programs, services and organizations. Janine Hudak, Administrative Coordinator SJust as the Federation Star keeps you up-to-date on all things “Jewish” each Nathan Ricklefs, Database Manager Teresa Zimmerman, Finance & Operations Manager month, Connections serves as your annual resource guide. Please keep Connections handy throughout the year. In addition to an over- Advertising Sales view of the local organizations, special interest groups, schools and temples, you’ll Joy Walker find a wealth of opportunities – cultural, educational and spiritual – available to 941.284.0520 the Jewish community in Greater Naples. [email protected] Of particular interest in 2020 are the Jewish Book Festival, two Jewish Film Festivals, the Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event, the Israel Scouts, Saul I. Graphic Design Stern Cultural Series and Jewish Community Day of Learning. & Production Without our valued advertisers, the Federation Star, Connections and the Federation Media Group, Inc. Community Directory would not be possible. When you visit an advertiser, 239.249.0699 please be sure to say, “Thank you for advertising in the publications of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.” – Ted Epstein
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ALF License #: AL10071 ALF License #: AL12658 Table of Contents FEDERATION...... 8-17 RELIGIOUS LIFE...... 54-58 From the President/CEO...... 8 Jewish Federation of Greater Naples...... 10-13 FOCUS ON YOUTH...... 60-66 Jewish Community Relations Council...... 14 BBYO Naples...... 60 Israel Advocacy Committee...... 15 Schools...... 61-64 Jewish Community Study...... 16-17 PJ Library®...... 62 Camps...... 65-66 ARTS & CULTURE...... 18-37 CALENDAR...... 67-70 ADULT EDUCATION...... 38-43 Community Events...... 67-69 Candle Lighting Times...... 70 COMMUNITY SERVICES...... 44-45 Jewish Holidays...... 70 COMMUNITY HISTORY...... 46 DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS...... 71 ORGANIZATIONS...... 47-53 INDEX...... 72 Special Interest Groups...... 47-50 Advocacy Groups...... 51 Israel Connection...... 52-53
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contact Ellen Weiss at 813-769-4785 contact Marcy Friedland at 239-263-4205 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] website: www.topjewishfoundation.org website: www.jewishnaples.org Together, we are ensuring the Jewish future.
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Connections! t’s all about CONNECTIONS! Here we are in Greater Naples Jewish Congregation, Jewish Congregation of Marco Naples, Florida, and we are very lucky. We get to enjoy Island, Jewish War Veterans, Cardozo Society and others. many wonderful experiences that our community has to The Federation also works with national Jewish advo- Ioffer. Beyond the blue skies, white sand beaches, palm trees, cacy organizations: the weather, etc., what makes our community wonderful? ¡ Anti-Defamation League The first thing that pops into my mind are the people. Ev- ¡ American Friends of Magen David Adom eryone I have met is as warm and engaging as the climate. It ¡ Jewish National Fund really is the people talking with each other, socializing, shop- ¡ American Jewish World Service ping…in other words, making connections. It’s all about the Included in our community is our Israel and overseas relationships – the connections. connection: We, the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, believe in ¡ The Jewish Federations of North America building connections. We do this formally and informally. ¡ Jewish Agency for Israel We do this singularly and collaboratively. You might ask, how ¡ American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee does Federation do this? I’m glad you asked! ¡ Neve Michael Children’s Village We build connections through our Federa- ¡ Yad LaKashish – Lifeline for the Old tion Executive Committee and Board of Direc- ¡ Sapir Community Center – Kfar Saba tors, and through our Federation committees ¡ World Union for Progressive Judaism – and activities. This includes: Preschool in Kiev, Ukraine ¡ Jewish Community Relations Council ¡ Taglit-Birthright Israel ¡ Fund for Human Needs ¡ ORT ¡ Stand Up for Justice Grant ¡ Ethiopian National Project ¡ Catholic-Jewish Dialogue ¡ Sderot Indoor Recreation Center ¡ Israel Advocacy Committee ¡ Special in Uniform ¡ Camp Scholarship Committee JEFFREY FELD ¡ American Friends of ELI ¡ Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance President/CEO ¡ Yashar LaChayal ¡ Jewish Federation Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event of Greater Naples Being a member of the Jewish community ¡ Women’s Cultural Alliance is all about connecting to each other. Federa- ¡ Men’s Cultural Alliance tion recognizes the importance of “Kol Yisrael Aravim Zeh ¡ Jewish Book Festival L’z e h ,” which means “All Israel is Responsible, One for Each ¡ Mix & Mingle O t h e r.” ¡ Jewish Young Professionals Again, it is all about the connections that we know and ¡ Jewish Families with Children even some we may not know. Being connected, being re- In our Greater Naples community, we collaborate with sponsible in some way for each other, having all of these agencies, congregations and organizations to provide: opportunities and experiences, is absolutely wonderful! ¡ Youth Programs & Youth Education Let’s continue to grow our community through all of our ¡ Local Humanitarian & Social Services connections. ¡ Cultural Programs & Adult Education We are fortunate in this community to be able to work closely with Beth Tikvah, BBYO Naples, Chabad, Temple No Gift Touches Shalom, Hillel, Naples Senior Center at JFCS, the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center, More Lives 8 Connections2020 A Guide to Jewish Living in Greater Naples w watercrest seniornaples living www.watercrestseniorliving.com
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Who is “Federation” and what do we do? he answer is simple: It’s you – and every member of today’s Federation has evolved into a major fundraising, the Jewish community of Greater Naples and the sur- planning and coordinating entity of the Greater Naples Jew- rounding areas. The Jewish Federation of Greater Na- ish community. The Jewish Federations of North America Tples is the thread that runs through the fabric of our Jewish are meeting places for Jews from all backgrounds, ensuring community, its organizations and services, connecting us all. the continuity of the Jewish people here at home, through The Federation is your center for Jewish Philanthropy. national initiatives, in Israel and in 60 countries globally. The Federation supports programs for Jewish people in Through your support of the Federation’s Annual Com- need in Greater Naples, Israel and throughout the world, munity Campaign, you play a vital role in helping Federa- providing food for the hungry and counseling for the trou- tion “get the job done.” Think of it as a triangle: Federation, bled, spearheading rescue and relief efforts for isolated Jews its agencies and you. So, if anyone asks you who Federation in distressed regions, and funding innovative Jewish educa- is – just point to yourself – because that’s where it all begins. tional and unity initiatives. The Federation creates a sense of community for thou- Where does the money go? sands of Jewish residents in Greater Naples and its surround- The local Campaign allocation process involves a commit- ing areas by creating and supporting programs to further tee of volunteers as well as Federation staff. They take part in Jewish learning, identity, pride and culture. Federation meets this important process, which balances available resources the challenge of providing for the needs of our Jewish breth- with community priorities through a grant process. ren, wherever they may be, from young children and families Locally, the Federation makes a grant to the Naples to seniors. Senior Center at JFCS in support of the social services it provides for our community. And grants are made in support of a variety of educational and cultural programs conducted by local synagogues, the Holocaust Museum and other local Jewish organizations. Additionally, several national organizations receive sup- port from the domestic allocation. Internationally, your contribution works to support a broad range of social, edu- cational and vocational needs throughout the Jewish world. Our allocation to JFNA is distributed to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which brings relief to the needy and works to revitalize Jewish life in 60 Federation offers grants in support of projects like Neve Michael countries, and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), which Youth & Children’s Village in Pardes Hana, Israel rescues people from countries and resettles them in Israel. The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is a non-profit We also provide supplemental grants in support of spe- organization dedicated to providing connection, advocacy, cial programs and projects that our community has em- education and care for anyone in need through its network of braced like Neve Michael Youth & Children’s Village in beneficiary and constituent agencies and local Jewish orga- Pardes Hana, Israel; the Sapir Community Center in Kfar nizations. While the Federation is doing this here, elsewhere Saba, Israel; transportation and Shabbat dinners in Cuba; other Federations and network communities are doing the and the Progressive Synagogue Preschool in Kiev, Ukraine. same; all are connected through The Jewish Federations of Giving tzedakah to an umbrella organization like Fed- North America (JFNA). eration, which then distributes it to a number of member Founded on the principles of unity and dignity for all, agencies, has its roots in early Jewish history. In small towns
10 Connections2020 A Guide to Jewish Living in Greater Naples Federation and large cities, donations were given to nearly $50 million of the community’s ship, it recognizes that it is through a communal kupah as an expression of assets and taken a leading role in pro- your generosity that our entire commu- devotion to community and the entire moting and securing legacy gifts and nity can continue to grow in strength. Jewish people. It demonstrates a love of commitments, ensuring a strong Jew- Finally, in working with TOP for community that is without limitation. ish future. your philanthropic goals, you’ll find TOP prides itself on being the only that it truly lives up to its tagline: We Annual Community Jewish Foundation that maintains a make giving easy. Campaign strict anti-terror and anti-BDS (boy- For more information about TOP, The annual fundraising arm of the Jew- cott, divestment, sanctions) investment please contact Marcy Friedland, Capital ish Federation is organized to secure policy. It has worked with its invest- Campaign & Planned Giving Director, maximum funds to meet the financial ment manager, Goldman Sachs, to cre- at 239.263.4205 or mfriedland@jewish needs of our local, regional, national ate a screening tool that does not allow naples.org. and overseas humanitarian organiza- any such problematic companies to en- tions and beneficiary agencies. ter its portfolio. Community Outreach TOP offers its partners – organiza- Each year, the Federation hosts numer- Major Gifts and tions and individuals just like you – a ous events, affording the community Lions of Judah Campaigns level of white-glove service, regardless opportunities to gather, socialize, net- Major Gifts and Lions of Judah are of your fund’s balance. As a partner- continued on next page the premier fundraising divisions of the Jewish Federation. These divisions provide exclusive social experiences to The faces of Federation and our community the community’s leading Jewish phi- Photos courtesy Ted Epstein lanthropists who give a major portion of the Annual Campaign dollars raised each year. These donors are dedicated leaders involved in Federation’s ex- tended lifeline of humanitarian relief and support.
Pomegranate Society The Federation’s Pomegranate Society, formed in 2017, represents a new level of giving for women’s philanthropy. A minimum gift to the Annual Campaign of $1,800 in her own name qualifies a woman to be a member of the Pome- granate Society. The Pomegranate Soci- ety program represents the best of what Federation does, bringing together like- minded women to do a world of good – promoting, supporting, enhancing and celebrating Jewish life.
TOP Jewish Foundation The Jewish Federation of Greater Na- ples has a legacy partner called the TOP (Tampa, Orlando, Pinellas) Jew- ish Foundation. TOP began over three decades ago as a regional endeavor of three Jewish Federations. Since its in- ception, TOP has grown to manage
Connections2020 A Guide to Jewish Living in Greater Naples 11 Federation
work and connect. Here is a sampling The Federation has sponsored visits The Federation also compiles, up- of the larger ones: and performances of the Israel Scouts dates and distributes the annual Com- The Evy Lipp People of the Book Friendship Caravan since 2015 and will munity Directory for use by the Jewish Cultural Event is attended by 600-750 continue to do so on an annual basis. community. And this copy of Connec- people. Past speakers include Alan Der- tions is published by the Federation. showitz, Ted Koppel, Jeffrey Toobin, Publications Rabbi Harold Kushner, Rabbi Joseph The Federation publishes the Federa- Website Telushkin and Dr. Daniel Gordis. tion Star, a monthly newspaper that Visitors to www.jewishnaples.org will Our Fifth Annual Greater Naples is mailed to more than 3,000 Jewish find a wealth of information including Jewish Book Festival features 22 au- households in the Greater Naples area. upcoming Federation events, the com- thors at 12 events. The newspaper is the one publication munity calendar, the Women’s Cultural The community Chanukah cele- that ties together our Jewish commu- Alliance, the Men’s Cultural Alliance, brations in Naples and on Marco Island nity. If something local is happening and links to news items relating to Israel are always festive events with the light- that is Jewish-related, you’ll read about and the Jewish world. There is also a di- ing of the giant menorah, the Naples it in the Federation Star. The latest and rectory of local synagogues and organi- Klezmer Revival Band, local choirs, and past issues can be viewed online at zations, and links to online versions of greetings from local dignitaries. www.jewishnaples.org. recent issues of the Federation Star and this publication. Community Calendar The Federation, as the community clearinghouse to coordinate services, compiles and maintains a calendar for scheduling meetings and events of all Jewish organizations in the area, in an effort to avoid scheduling conflicts.
eNewsletter Each week the Federation emails a community eNewsletter with the latest on upcoming community events and cultural activities, news from Israel, important news updates and more. To sign up, please send your request to [email protected].
And so much more These are just some of the highlights of “Who is Federation and what do we do?” You’ll find lots more in this resource guide, courtesy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.
12 Connections2020 A Guide to Jewish Living in Greater Naples IT ALLIT ALL STARTS STARTS WITHWITH YO YUO U You make everything we do — possible. You make everything we do — possible.
You open a child’s eyes to the beauty of our heritage. Revive the Jewish spirit in places where it’s been all but crushed. Arrive with whatever is needed, in the wake of natural or financial disaster.
You — together with Federation — are at the heart of all of these, and countless other efforts that invigorate and sustain our community. You have the power to do it. Give today.
Everything Federation does is made possible C20 YOU MAKEYou open IT POSSIBLE!a child’s eyes to the beautythrough ofthe ourgenerous heritage. donations Revive from members the of Jewish spirit in places where it’s beenthe community. all but Please crushed. consider Arrivemaking a giftwith today! I hereby pledgewhatever and promise is to needed, pay my Federation in the for wake the JFGN of Annualnatural Community or financial Campaign adisaster. contribution of: $36 $72 $180 $540 other $______ Contribution enclosed (Check #______) Please bill me You — together with Federation — are at the heart of all of Please chargethese, my: and MasterCard countless otherVisa efforts Discover that American invigorate Express and sustain our Account #______Exp. Date______CVV#______community. You have the power to do it. Give today. Name: ______Signature:______Billing Address:______City: ______ST: ______Zip: ______Phone: ______Please send to: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Attn: Julie Hartline, Annual Campaign Director 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Suite 2201, Naples, FL 34109-0613 Federation Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) he Jewish Community Relations Council membership consists of representatives from Jewish Torganizations that serve our commu- nity as well as at-large members. The diversity of members enables the JCRC to represent the thinking of the Jewish community and be the public face of the Federation. The JCRC’s primary mission is to promote and enhance the relationships between the Jewish community and the general community of Greater Naples. The JCRC participates in many pro- Human Needs Award Chair Judi Palay and Bedz for Kidz Founder Cynthia Shafer grams with a number of groups with Laces of Love Co-Founders whom it collaborates, especially activi- opportunity for everyone in our com- Jeanne Nealon and Susy Warren ties that promote religious freedom, munity to learn something of interest separation of religion from govern- and connect with aspects of our shared The JCRC has ment, and social justice issues. Jewish heritage. The JCRC monitors state and fed- Annual Human Needs Award adopted the eral legislation and its effect on the Jew- This award allows Federation members ish community. It works in conjunction to acknowledge the positive contribu- following goals: with other JCRCs throughout Florida tions of various non-profit organizations • To further the understanding on State issues, and with the Jewish in our community. Monetary awards are of Jewish heritage and practices Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), the given to two worthy agencies each year. within the community and to act national organization for JCRCs, on Last year’s recipients were Laces of Love as a voice for Jewish causes and federal and international issues affect- and Bedz for Kidz. concerns in the Greater Naples ing Jews throughout the nation and the Annual Stand Up For area world. That work includes advocacy for Justice Educator Award • To support and join Jewish Israel – an activity that is the primary The Educator Grant Award recognizes and non-Jewish organizations function of the Israel Advocacy Com- middle and high school teachers, li- and religious institutions mittee. The JCRC will continue to work brarians, media specialists, guidance in continuing to sustain closely with the Israel Advocacy Com- constructive causes mittee in this very important area. • To provide appropriate responses The JCRC sponsors several events to counter statements of bigotry during Florida Jewish History Month and acts of anti-Semitism (January), including the annual JCRC/ • To develop educational Friends of the Library of Collier County opportunities with other “Naples Klezmer Revival Band Con- religious and ethnic groups cert,” as well as the participation of all • To participate with other groups to join in marching in the annual Mar- on behalf of pertinent legislative tin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. matters The major community event spon- sored by the JCRC is the annual Jewish • To foster an ongoing and Community Day of Learning. A variety beneficial relationship with the of presenters with expertise in numer- local media ous topics share their knowledge and • To cooperate with other Jewish 2019 Stand Up For Justice Educator Award Community Relations Councils enthusiasm with the attendees. The st 1 place winner Cindy St. John, throughout Florida purpose of this event is to provide the Oakridge Middle School Teacher
14 Connections2020 A Guide to Jewish Living in Greater Naples Federation
counselors and administrators who ing our long history and to advance the for reporting, facilitating assistance to demonstrate outstanding, unique and cause of mutual understanding and ap- the victim(s) and making referrals to educational initiatives countering big- preciation for our differences as well as the appropriate agencies where correc- otry and bullying that can be replicated. our commonalities. tive measures are needed. A yearly re- Nominees’ lessons or activities must To achieve these goals, the CJD port is produced and shared with the be of their own design, or adaptations plans events throughout the year, appropriate outlets. The Federation from other programs, and should be which include the Kristallnacht Com- works directly with local law enforce- able to show evidence of a positive na- memoration, films, book discussions, ment agencies to handle anti-Semitism ture as a result of implementation. These teen programs, interfaith weekends and and hate crimes. lessons or activities should teach stu- Passover Seders. dents to stand up for justice, no matter Anti-Semitism Task Force what religious, racial, cultural or other The Task Force fulfills the function of PLEASE SUPPORT differences exist. promoting the security of Jewish orga- Catholic-Jewish Dialogue nizations, religious institutions and the THE ADVERTISERS The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue engages Jewish community. The JCRC and the people of both faiths in understand- Federation serve as a collection point WHO HELP MAKE Israel Advocacy Committee CONNECTIONS he Israel Advocacy Commit- among other programming, the IAC tee’s mission includes providing will present several speakers, includ- POSSIBLE. informational and educational ing Herb Keinon, David Lehrer and Tprogramming to the community re- Avi Melamed. The IAC and Federa- garding current issues in Israel as well tion sponsor the Tzofim (Israel Scouts) Be sure to as its role in world affairs. To meet Friendship Caravan, who visit annually these goals, the committee presents and perform at several venues through- mention you saw films, guest speakers and discussions out the Greater Naples area. throughout the year on current topics as For more information about the well as providing a historical perspec- Israel Advocacy Committee and its ac- their ad in this tive. The committee diligently monitors tivities, see the monthly article in the and responds appropriately to relevant Federation Star or contact Renee’ Bialek publication. newspaper articles and editorials. at [email protected]. During the coming season,
The Israel Scouts at a June 2019 performance in Naples
Connections2020 A Guide to Jewish Living in Greater Naples 15 Federation Jewish Community Study Executive Summary