Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties

e t

a Tuesday

D Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties May17, 2016 e h t e v a S

www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 38, No. 8 n April 2016 / 5776 How your support of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties is used overseas

Overseas: generation. World ORT is the Today, JAFI connects the global world’s largest Jew- Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, ish education and and Israel to Jews, by providing mean- vocational training Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for ingful Israel engagement and facilitat- non-governmental Israel has been working to secure a vi- ing Aliyah. JAFI builds a better society organization. The American Jewish Joint Distribu- brant Jewish future. in Israel – and beyond – energizing Started in 1880, World ORT is tion Committee (JDC) is the world’s JAFI was instrumental in found- young Israelis and their worldwide today operational in 59 countries and leading Jewish humanitarian assistance ing and building the State of Israel peers to rediscover a collective sense helps around 300,000 students around organization. Since 1914, JDC has ex- and continues to serve as the main link of Jewish purpose. the world. Specialized in technology, emplified that all Jews are responsible between the Jewish state and Jewish The Jewish Agency continues to its mission is to provide communities for one another and for improving the communities everywhere. be the Jewish world’s first responder, wherever they are, with the skills and well-being of vulnerable people around This global partnership has en- prepared to address emergencies in Is- knowledge necessary to cope with the the world. abled the Agency to address the Jewish rael, and to rescue Jews from countries complexities and uncertainties of their Today, JDC works in more than 70 People’s greatest challenges in every where they are at risk. environment. countries and in Israel to alleviate hun- ger and hardship, rescue Jews in dan-

ger, create lasting connections to Jew- ish life, and provide immediate relief ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Enjoy live music, Israeli foods and spirits, kids’ activities and more as we celebrate during a Miracle baseball game.

THURSDAY, MAY 12 6:00 PM

CENTURYLINK SPORTS COMPLEX * HAMMOND STADIUM * 14110 SIX MILE CYPRESS * FT MYERS and long-term development support for victims of natural and man-made disasters. Who is served: • The poorest Jews in the world, ISRAELFEST ivities including isolated elderly, at-risk  Klezmer music Authentic tastes of Israel including: families, and vulnerable children  Israeli folk dancing  Falafel • Jewish communities around the  Speed pitch game  Hummus globe building their future, wher-  Face painting  Israeli salads ever they may be  Bounce house  Israeli beer & wine • Israel’s most disadvantaged citizens, including at-risk children and  PJ Library and youth, the elderly, immigrants, and  Arts & crafts Grilled cheese & fries for kids people with disabilities  Community organizations • Victims of natural disasters and  & more

humanitarian emergencies Next month: How your support Advance Admission: $5/person or $20/family Tickets purchased at the gate: $7.50/person of the Jewish Federation To order advance tickets go to www.jewishfederationlcc.org of Lee and Charlotte Counties or contact Leni Sack at 239.481.4449 x3 or [email protected] is used locally.

9701 Commerce Center Court POSTMASTER: NONPROFIT ORG Fort Myers, Florida 33908 DATED RELIGIOUS U.S. POSTAGE NEWS ITEMS. PAID TIME SENSITIVE– FT. MYERS, FL PLEASE EXPEDITE! PERMIT NO. 175 DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FEDERATION Program notes In this issue: he community is invited to celebrate Israel’s port for Israel and for the local Jewish community birthday at the CenturyLink Sports Complex/ and have lots of fun at the same time. 6 Our Community THammond Stadium on Thursday, May 12 at Passover PJ Library program 6:00 p.m. That day is actually Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel Calling all families with children ages 3-8 to join us 11 Jewish Interest Independence Day, the day Israel was recognized as a for an interactive and engaging Passover PJ Library 19 Israel & the Jewish World Jewish state 68 years ago. program on Sunday, April 10 at 9:45 a.m. The pro- We will mark the occasion with klezmer music, gram is open to all families in Lee and Charlotte 21 Marketplace Israeli dancing, arts & crafts and games for kids, de- counties, and is sponsored by Temple Beth El, Temple licious Israeli food, beer and Judea and the Federation. Temple Beth El will host 24 From the Bimah wine, and lots more! And we the program at 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers. will celebrate our strong U.S./ There is no cost to attend. RSVP to me by April 4. 26 Focus on Youth Israel ties by topping off the Holocaust Memorial Service 27 Organizations celebration with an American Now is the time to mark your calendar for our an- baseball game. The Fort My- nual Holocaust Memorial Service on Sunday, May 29 Temple News ers Miracle will be playing the 1 at 3:00 p.m. at Temple Judea, 14486 A&W Bulb Bradenton Marauders. Road, Fort Myers. Our guest speaker will be Marina 29 Community Directory Tickets purchased in ad- Berkovich, a Naples documentary producer, who will vance will only cost $5 each talk about her interview with an infamous Holocaust  Leni Sack 31 Community Calendar or $20 for a family. Tickets denier. Marina and her husband lend their time and purchased at the gate will cost the regular price of expertise to defend freedom and to fight anti-Semi- $7.50 each. You can purchase tickets in advance on tism. www.jewishfederationlcc.org or by contacting me at Each year, the Holocaust Memorial Service helps 239.481.4449 x3 or [email protected]. Tickets to remind us of what can happen when bigotry, hatred will be mailed to everyone who orders by May 1, and and indifference go unchecked. Join us as we honor held at “will call” at the stadium for orders received and remember the victims and survivors or the Holo- after May 1. caust and promise “Never Again.” Let’s come togeth- Take us all out to the ball game – and there may er as a community to remember the past, to celebrate be some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, but there will the present, and to ensure the future. also be falafel and hummus! Come show your sup- Conditions Treated Treatments Offered Senior outreach Sciatica Sacroplasty By Helene Glocer Discography few years ago, when I was visiting my elderly idea and ran with it. Through her work, she had a few Back Pain Neck Pain Vertebroplasty uncle, he complained very bitterly that he was names to start with, and she recruited volunteers. The Joint Injections active in the synagogue for 50 years, was on result was our first Senior Outreach Lunch and Learn Neuralgia A Bursa Injections the Board of Directors, participated in the brother- on Tuesday, February 23 at Temple Beth Shalom in RSD/CRPS hood, etc., and now that his wife was sick and home- Cape Coral. Cancer Pain Sacroiliac Injections bound nobody remembered them. I started wonder- The seniors were paired with volunteers who Shingles Pain Facet Joint Injections ing how many people in our community might have picked them up for the event. In addition, the volun- Joint Arthritis Spinal Cord Stimulation the same complaint. How many people, whether they teers will be calling their seniors at least once a week Peripheral Nerve Block ever belonged to a synagogue or not, are isolated in and getting to know them. The excitement at the Spinal Stenosis Jewish news published monthly by Trigger Point Injections their homes, estranged from the Jewish community, Lunch & Learn was palpable. The seniors have a lot Herniated Discs Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Radiofrequency Ablations 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 and how do we find them? of experience, and although they may have physical Sacral Fractures (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 A few months ago, over lunch with Micaela Solo- limitations, still have a lot to share, and the volunteers Post-Surgical Pain Epidural Steroid Injections Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org mon, the Jewish Family Service case manager, I told (who may be seniors themselves) also have a lot to  Spinal Pain and Auto Injuries Testosterone Replacement April 2016 • Volume 38, Number 8 her about my concern and presented some ideas as give. Stan Zell probably said it best when he said he Selective Nerve Root Injections  to how to deal with it. Micaela immediately took the was so excited with his new partner, he feels like he Vertebral Compression Fractures Co-Presidents: Barbara Siegel & Rozzi Osterman Percutaneous Disc Decompressions Board: Paul Bartrop • Larry Eisenfeld • Herb Fried has a new grandmother. Carolyn Gora • Jerry Greenfield • Andi Horowitz A hot lunch was served thanks to do- Spinal Infusion Pumps for Cancer Patients Charles Idelson • Marsha Kistler • Sara Krivisky nations from Cafe Portofino (Pita Palace) Botox Injections for Migraine Headaches and Spasticity Michele Laboda • JoAnn Lewin • Sylvia Simko Jerry Snyderman • Paul Weinstein and discounts from Jason’s Deli. We also Guy Whitesman • John Wolf • Sherri Zucker received donations from our volunteers in- Executive Director: Alan Isaacs Program Director: Leni Sack cluding a fruit salad, flowers, tablecloths Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos and fresh-baked challah. Temple Beth Jewish Family Services: Micaela Solomon Shalom provided the location with special  Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 help from Lenore Cohen in setting up, and Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923 Rabbi Devora Buchen who made a short  presentation to get the conversation start- L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, ed. And converse they did. The conversa- but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are tions went on for almost two hours. A huge welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be thanks also to all the volunteers and seniors directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. who made this a success. Providing Compassionate “State-of-the-Art” Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the Loneliness is a terrible thing but it right to edit for space and content. Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color doesn’t take much to alleviate it. If you prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, know anyone who is living alone or other- self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. wise isolated from the community, please Pain Relief since 2001 The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the call Micaela at the Federation with the writers and claims by advertisers. person’s name and we will do our best to incorporate that person in our program. If MAY ISSUE you have just a few hours a month to vol- EDITORIAL DEADLINE: unteer to call a lonely person just once a week and maybe drive them to a lunch Tuesday, April 5 once a month, we need your help. Call Micaela Solomon at the Jewish Federation at 239.481.4449. Grow you business 239.437.8000 Fort Myers art works have arrived! with L’CHAYIM. ast month, the local artists participating in the P2G art 8255 College Pkwy Reach 5,000 local Lexhibition in Israel were Fort Myers, FL 33919 able to share their creations with Jewish residents friends and family. Immediately afterwards, all eight art works were www.apmss.net packed and shipped to Israel for the through this paper. April exhibition there. All works arrived in Israel, where the pack- For more information ages were unwrapped in Hadera. Jonathan S. Daitch, MD Michael E. Frey, MD Four Fort Myers artists will be Board Certified, Interventional Pain Physician Board Certified, Interventional Pain Physician or to place an ad, call Jim at the opening exhibition: Carolyn Board Certified, Pain Management Board Certified, Pain Medicine Gora, Shirley Litman, Elise Sewall Board Certified, Anesthesiology Board Certified, Physical & Rehabilitative Medicine and Herb Sklar. They are all look- Expert Medical Advisor at 239.634.6923 ing forward to seeing the completion of their project: Art Beyond or send an email to Boundaries.

Shlomit Hefer in Hadera, Israel, unpacking [email protected]. the Fort Myers artists’ art works L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3

Treatments Offered ConditionsConditionsConditions Treated TreatedTreated TreatmentsTreatments OfferedOffered Sciatica SacroplastySacroplastySacroplasty SciaticaSciatica Discography BackBackBack Pain PainPain DiscographyDiscography Neck Pain VertebroplastyVertebroplastyVertebroplasty NeckNeck PainPain Joint Injections NeuralgiaConditions Treated TreatmentsJointJoint InjectionsOfferedInjections NeuralgiaNeuralgia BursaSacroplasty Injections RSD/CRPSRSD/CRPSRSD/CRPSSciatica BursaBursa InjectionsInjections Back Pain SacroiliacDiscography Injections Cancer Pain TreatmentsSacroiliacSacroiliac Offered InjectionsInjections CancerCancerConditions PainPainNeck Pain Treated Vertebroplasty FacetFacetFacet SacroplastyJoint JointJoint Injections InjectionsInjections Senior outreach ShinglesShinglesShingles Pain PainPainNeuralgiaSciatica Joint Injections Spinal DiscographyCord Stimulation Joint ArthritisRSD/CRPSBack Pain SpinalSpinalBursa Injections CordCord StimulationStimulation JointJoint ArthritisArthritis Vertebroplasty CancerNeck Pain Pain PeripheralSacroiliacPeripheralPeripheral Nerve Injections NerveNerve Block BlockBlock SpinalSpinalSpinal Stenosis StenosisStenosis Joint Injections ShinglesNeuralgia Pain TriggerFacetTriggerTrigger PointJoint Point PointInjections Injections InjectionsInjections HerniatedHerniatedHerniated Discs DiscsDiscs SpinalBursa Cord Injections Stimulation JointRSD/CRPS Arthritis Radiofrequency Ablations Sacral Fractures RadiofrequencyRadiofrequencySacroiliac Injections AblationsAblations SacralSacral FracturesFracturesSpinalCancer Stenosis Pain Peripheral Nerve Block EpiduralEpiduralEpiduralFacet Steroid Joint SteroidSteroid Injections Injections InjectionsInjections Post-SurgicalPost-SurgicalPost-Surgical HerniatedPainShingles PainPain PainDiscs Trigger Point Injections TestosteroneSpinal Cord ReplacementStimulation Spinal Pain and AutoSacralJoint Injuries FracturesArthritis RadiofrequencyTestosteroneTestosterone Ablations ReplacementReplacement SpinalSpinal PainPain andand AutoAuto InjuriesInjuries Peripheral Nerve Block Post-SurgicalSpinal Stenosis Pain SelectiveSelectiveSelectiveEpidural Nerve Steroid NerveNerve Root Injections RootRoot Injections InjectionsInjections VertebralVertebralVertebral Compression CompressionCompression Fractures FracturesFractures Trigger Point Injections Spinal HerniatedPain and AutoDiscs Injuries PercutaneousPercutaneousPercutaneousTestosterone Disc ReplacementDisc DiscDecompressions DecompressionsDecompressions SelectiveRadiofrequency Nerve Root Ablations Injections VertebralSacral Compression Fractures Fractures Spinal Infusion Pumps for Cancer Patients SpinalSpinalPercutaneousEpidural InfusionInfusion SteroidDisc PumpsPumps Decompressions Injections forfor CancerCancer PatientsPatients Post-Surgical Pain Botox Injections for Migraine Headaches and Spasticity Spinal Pain and Auto Injuries BotoxBotox Spinal InjectionsInjections InfusionTestosterone forfor Pumps MigraineMigraine Replacement for Cancer HeadachesHeadaches Patients andand SpasticitySpasticity Selective Nerve Root Injections Vertebral Compression Fractures Botox Injections for Migraine Headaches and Spasticity Percutaneous Disc Decompressions Spinal Infusion Pumps for Cancer Patients Botox Injections for Migraine Headaches and Spasticity

ProvidingProvidingProvidingProviding Compassionate CompassionateCompassionate Compassionate “State-of-the-Art” “State-of-the-Art”“State-of-the-Art”“State-of-the-Art” Providing CompassionatePain Relief since “State-of-the-Art” 2001 PainPainPainPain Relief ReliefRelief Relief since sincesincesince 2001 2001 20012001

239.437.8000

239.437.8000239.437.80008255 College Pkwy Fort Myers art works have arrived! 239.437.8000239.437.8000Fort Myers, FL 33919 8255www.apmss.net College Pkwy 825582558255 CollegeFort CollegeMyers,College Pkwy FL Pkwy Pkwy33919 Fort Myers,FortFort Myers,Myers, FL 33919 FLFL 3391933919 www.apmss.net Jonathan S. Daitch, MD Michael E. Frey, MD Board Certified, Interventional Pain Physician www.apmss.netwww.apmss.netwww.apmss.net Board Certified, Interventional Pain Physician Board Certified, Pain Management Board Certified, Pain Medicine BoardJonathan Certified, AnesthesiologyS. Daitch, MD Board Certified,Michael Physical E. Frey,& Rehabilitative MD Medicine Expert Medical Advisor Board Certified, Interventional Pain Physician Board Certified, Interventional Pain Physician Board Certified, Pain Management Board Certified, Pain Medicine Jonathan S. Board Daitch, Certified, MDAnesthesiology Board Certified,MichaelMichael MichaelPhysical E. & Frey,Rehabilitative E.E. Frey,Frey, MD Medicine MDMD JonathanJonathan S.S. Daitch,Daitch, MDMD Expert Medical Advisor Board BoardBoardCertified, Certified,Certified, Interventional InterventionalInterventional Pain PhysicianPainPain PhysicianPhysician Board BoardBoardCertified, Certified,Certified, Interventional InterventionalInterventional Pain PhysicianPainPain PhysicianPhysician Board BoardBoardCertified, Certified,Certified, Pain ManagementPainPain ManagementManagement Board BoardBoardCertified, Certified,Certified, Pain MedicinePainPain MedicineMedicine Board BoardBoardCertified, Certified,Certified, Anesthesiology AnesthesiologyAnesthesiology Board BoardBoardCertified, Certified,Certified, Physical PhysicalPhysical & Rehabilitative && RehabilitativeRehabilitative Medicine MedicineMedicine Expert ExpertExpert Medical MedicalMedical Advisor AdvisorAdvisor L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FEDERATION

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. YOUR SUPPORT Sunday Promote Strengthen & enrich Honor/ Share your KINDNESS JEWISH COMMarchMUNITY 1st Remember MITZVAH A LOVED ONE

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

PARENTS AND CHILDREN AGES 38 FOOD PANTRY ARE INVITED TO A PASSOVER PJ LIBRARY PROGRAM The Federation thanks the following for their generous donations to the Sunday, April 10 Federation Food Pantry: 9:45 11:45 a.m. Anonymous Angels Enjoy stories, songs, crafts, snacks and more, celebrating Passover. Lila Williamson This is a free program open to all families in our community! If you are already signed up, you know how great PJ Library is; if not, sign up today Temple Beth El for your children ages 6 months to 8 years to receive free monthly books and CDs of Jewish content. Just go to www.pjlibrary.org. Mellow Mah Jongg Ladies Sponsored by the Jewish Federation, Temple Judea & Temple Beth El The program will be held at Temple Beth El Israeli Dancers PJ Library in Lee & Charlotte counties 16225 Winkler Rd. is generously sponsored by the Fort Myers, FL 33908 Gene & Andrea Sipe Roth Family Foundation and the RSVP to Leni at 239.481.4449 x3 or [email protected] Shalom Life Center Asher Family Foundations. Howard Silverman Studying family history brings more than just historical knowledge, it builds relationships. Temple Judea Preschool Learning the stories behind names and dates teaches a personal history that explains more than just how each person came to be. Marsha & Mike Kistler EVERYONE WELCOME Jewish Genealogy SIG (Special Interest Group) Barbara Rutstein Next meeting: Thursday, April 14 10:00 11:30 a.m.

Julie Guterman LEARN HOW TO BEGIN RESEARCH INTO YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY OR GET HELP FINDING NEW STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE SEARCH YOU HAVE ALREADY STARTED.

There is no cost to attend. RSVP to Leni at [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3 Fall 2016 Meetings are held at the Jewish Federation ● 9701 Commerce Center Ct. ● Fort Myers 33908 Educational Scholarships Like us on Facebook! Available ConneCt with your Jewish Community www.facebook.com/ Scholarship facebook.com/jfedsrq applications are JewishFederationLCC now available for Jewish residents of Lee and Charlotte Counties, Are you interested in giving back to your community? Florida, wishing to pursue postsecondary education. DO YOU want to experience the riches that our local seniors have to offer? DO YOU enjoy socializing and learning a Applicants must be under little about Judaism along the way? 30 years of age and priority will be given to full-time stu- If you answered “yes“ to any of these questions you may dents. Funding is limited be interested in a new program through Jewish Family and decisions will be based Services. In February, we began a “Lunch and Learn” primarily on financial need. program for a few of our homebound seniors.

In March, April and May we will meet at Temple Beth Completed applications Shalom in Cape Coral for lunch and a short message are due by April 28, delivered by Rabbi Devora Buchen. 2016. We need volunteer drivers to pick up the seniors and take them to Beth Shalom. The volunteers will then stay and enjoy lunch and a short program along with the seniors. Scholarships are Afterward, the seniors will be driven home. Volunteers For more information or to made available may also be needed to be at Beth Shalom to set up and request an application, con- from designated clean up. tact the Jewish Federation of funds held by the Lee and Charlotte Counties Jewish Community at (239) 481–4449 ext. 4, Foundation. fax (239) 481–0139 or email: [email protected] If you are interested in volunteering for the Senior Outreach Program please contact Micaela Solomon at Jewish Family L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers Services, (239) 481-4449 ext. 6. and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5 Federation’s Major Gifts event in February Photos courtesy Michael Shapiro

PARENTS AND CHILDREN AGES 38 ARE INVITED TO A PASSOVER PJ LIBRARY PROGRAM

On February 6, Jewish Federation Major Gift donors enjoyed dinner and a performance The event was held at the beautiful home of Andi and Bill Horowitz. by Maestro Nir Kabaretti, conductor of the Southwest Florida Symphony, Here Bill is sharing his reasons why he supports the Jewish Federation and the work it does. Sunday, April 10 and Eric Docinger, cellist with the Naples Symphony

9:45 11:45 a.m.

Enjoy stories, songs, crafts, snacks and more, celebrating Passover. This is a free program open to all families in our community! If you are already signed up, you know how great PJ Library is; if not, sign up today for your children ages 6 months to 8 years to receive free monthly books and CDs of Jewish content. Just go to www.pjlibrary.org. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation, Temple Judea & Temple Beth El The program will be held at Temple Beth El PJ Library in Lee & Charlotte counties 16225 Winkler Rd. is generously sponsored by the Fort Myers, FL 33908 Roth Family Foundation and the Asher Family Foundations. RSVP to Leni at 239.481.4449 x3 or [email protected]

Hostess Andi Horowitz (second from left) enjoyed time to visit Sheila & Jerry Laboda and Jonathan Daitch, all long-time Major Donors of the Federation, with friends Sara Krivisky, Naomi Thomson and Barbara Snyderman chat after the performance

L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Please join us at the 9th PFLAG Interfaith ConvocationHolocaust Remembrance/Yom HaShoah By David Goldstein n Sunday, April 10, PFLAG gation Achduth Vesholom in Fort of seventeen people represented by its president. The mission of PFLAG, Naples will hold its 9th Annual Wayne, an openly gay, married the ACLU in a federal lawsuit that which originally stood for Parents, Fam- OInterfaith Convocation. More rabbi, who was born and raised as challenged Florida’s ban on mar- ily & Friends of Lesbians and Gays, is than twenty religious organizations, a Catholic in Argentina. This con- riage for same-sex couples; to provide support for individuals and including clergy and congregants, will gregation was Stan Lipp’s family ¡¡ Last and least, I will at long last talk families that may be struggling with gather together at 3:00 p.m. at The Cur- congregation when the Lipps lived about how (badly) I handled the LGBTQ issues. rent Ecumenical Center to pray, sing, in Fort Wayne. situation many years ago when my PFLAG also works to protect the listen and learn. ¡¡ Arlene Goldberg of Fort Myers, daughter Debbie came out to me, civil rights of LGBTQ people and Although I have been involved in who has at long-last qualified to re- which was long before I evolved eliminate discrimination that they face the Convocation since its inception, I ceive the Social Security survivor’s into the activist I have become. in their daily lives. In June 2015, Mar- am looking forward to this event when benefits to which she was entitled as The Convocation is a special op- riage Equality became the law of the our speakers will be: the surviving spouse of her late wife portunity for people of faith to gather land. Since then, Rabbi Adam Miller has ¡¡ Rabbi Javier Cattapan of Congre- Carol Goldwasser. Arlene was one together to wish for peace, for under- officiated at the first same-sex wedding standing, to think about the world and at Temple Shalom in Naples. However, all of the people who inhabit it. It is despite attaining marriage equality, in an opportunity to get know “the oth- most states including Florida, an LG- ers” and to recognize that we are more BTQ person can be married one day and “alike” than we are “different.” Perhaps fired the next day simply for being LG- you will be surprised, perhaps you will BTQ. And in some states local officials be inspired, but, if nothing else, you still try to block same-sex marriage. will have taken one small step toward We hope that you will join with us improving interpersonal, inter-human on Sunday, April 10 at The Current, relationships. which is located at 975 Imperial Golf PFLAG is an international organi- Course Blvd. in North Naples, to cel- zation and PFLAG Naples is our local ebrate our Interfaith Convocation. For Clergy and speakers at the 8th Annual PFLAG Interfaith Convocation (photo by Bob Kelly) chapter, and I am honored to serve as more information, call 239.206.3267. FREE Workshop

TEMPLE JUDEA Community Tour of Berlin, Munich & Prague Call SEPTEMBER 4-15, 2016 FREE Workshop 424-3122 Manage Your Chronic Health Condition Reduce ER Visits and Hospitalizations Join Rabbi Marc Sack and the Temple Judea It’s All About You What to expect: community as we explore Munich, Nuremberg, • A free six-week workshop • A lively, fun, interactive research-based 2.5 Prague, Dresden and Berlin. • If you have a chronic health condition hour session or love someone who does, then this • Meet and gain support from others who workshop is for you have similar health conditions Together we will discover what was lost and what • A research-based Chronic Disease Sessions are available throughout the year and are held at various locations. For has been rebuilt. And along the way, we will meet Self-Management Program (CDSMP) developed by Stanford University more information or to register, please call 424-3122. with members of local communities to learn about Through this program you will learn to: Register for our next workshop. the remarkable resurgence of Jewish life taking • Live with a chronic health condition hold in the heart of Europe. • More easily manage your medications Jewish Federation • Understand the benefits of exercise 9701 Commerce Center Court For questions about the program call Rabbi Sack at 1-239-433-0201. • Make smarter decisions related to Fort Myers, FL 33908 healthy eating For registration-related questions, call Bonnie Shoval at Thursdays, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm 1-202-537-6056 or [email protected] Chronic health conditions may include, but are not limited to: March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May • Arthritis • Diabetes 5, 2016 Learn More @ www.templejudea2europe.org • Cancer • Heart Disease • Respiratory • High Blood Conditions Pressure

ANNUAL PASSOVER 2200.04 4-15 ANNUAL PASSOVER VISITS TO VISITS TO SENIORS SENIORS

Do a Mitzvah and help us pack and/or deliver our PESACH bags to the Do a Mitzvah and help us pack and/or deliver our PESACH bags to the Get your FREE caption JewishDo a Mitzvah residents and in helpour community us pack and/or living deliver in independent, our PESACH assisted bags to living the Jewish residents in our community living in independent, assisted living Jewish residentsand nursing in our home community facilities living in Lee in independent,& Charlotte counties. assisted living phone today! and nursing home facilities in Lee & Charlotte counties. The residentsand nursing enjoy home not only facilities the contents in Lee &of Charlotte the gift bags,counties. they love The residents enjoy not only the contents of the gift bags, they love Thebeing residents visited byenjoy the notmembers only the of contentsthe community of the giftwho bags,deliver they them. love being visited by the members of the community who deliver them. being visited by the members of the community who deliver them.

THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS THISOR ISTO A DO GREAT A MITZVAH WAY FOR PROJECT STUDENTS FOR TO THEIR EARN BAR/BAT VOLUNTEER MITZVAH HOURS. OR TO DO A MITZVAH PROJECT FOR THEIR BAR/BAT MITZVAH. OR TO DOBags A MITZVAH will be PROJECT packed FOR at THEIR11:00 BAR/BAT a.m. on MITZVAH . Bags will be packed at 11:00 a.m. on Matter. Bags willWednesday, be packed APRILat 11:00 13. a.m. on Ensemble. Words Wednesday, APRIL 13. Powered by ClearCaptions, Ensemble is for Wednesday, APRIL 13. the 48 million Americans with hearing loss. Bags will be delivered on Sunday, APRIL 17. For people who don’t take conversations for Bags will be delivered on Sunday, APRIL 17. granted. People who understand the weight VolunteersBags should will come be todelivered the Federation on Sunday, from 11:00 APRIL a.m. 17.and 1:00 p.m. Volunteers should come to the Federation from 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and meaning of words. Ensemble is a captioned Volunteers should come to to pick the up Federation the bags to from deliver. 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. phone that displays text of conversations in to pick up the bags to deliver. near real-time on a large color touchscreen so (Other pick-up and deliveryto pick up times the bags can tobe deliver.arranged also, if needed.) you can see and hear what callers are saying. (Other pick-up and delivery times can be arranged also, if needed.) (Other pick-up and delivery times can be arranged also, if needed.)

This is an opportunity for all family members to get involved. Seniors This is an opportunity for all family members to get involved. Seniors Thislove is anhaving opportunity young children for all family come membersvisit. From to babies get involved. to bubbes Seniors — love having young children come visit. From babies to bubbes — love havingthis is young a Mitzvah children the comewhole visit. family From can babies do together. to bubbes — this is a Mitzvah the whole family can do together. this is a Mitzvah the whole family can do together.

RSVP [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3 ©2015 Purple Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. ClearCaptions, the ClearCaptions logo, the “CC phone” icon, and “Get the whole conversation” RSVP [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3 are trademarks of Purple Communications, Inc. All other product or service names mentioned are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their RSVP [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3 respective owners. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7 Holocaust Remembrance/Yom HaShoah ach year as we commemorate up and marched through the camps leave with a powerful message to share Yom HaShoah, we reflect upon to see just what their government and with others. We are grateful to our lo- Ethe lives lost in the Holocaust, as fellow citizens were capable of doing. cal survivors and liberators for helping well those who survived that horror to Eisenhower, in an effort to counter carry out the mission of the Museum: share their stories with the world. future Holocaust deniers, ordered to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to In the final months of war in Europe, photographs and newsreels to record inspire action against bigotry, hatred Allied and Soviet armies uncovered dis- the atrocities he saw. This visual docu- and violence. turbing evidence mentation of evidence would reinforce We recently honored New York in newly cap- to future generations that the Holocaust Times bestselling author Edwin Black tured territories. did indeed happen. with the inaugural “Abe Price Moral As the advanc- We treasure the survivors and liber- Compass” award. As many of you ing armies came ators who have so courageously shared know, the late Abe Price was the Ho- upon concentra- their experiences with our local com- locaust survivor involved with the tion and slave munities. They have enriched our lives original student project “Out of the labor camps, in many different ways – participating Ashes” at Golden Gate Middle School they struggled in our Oral Visual History project, in Naples. Mr. Black spoke at numerous  Amy to comprehend working with our education programs events while here in Collier and Lee Snyder what they saw. and speaking in the Museum. Each counties. These battle-hardened veterans were time their personal stories are shared Triumph Fundraiser shocked at man’s inhumanity to man. with an audience, the memories of those On Wednesday, April 13, the annual Family. They are being recognized for When Supreme Allied Command- who perished are honored. The stories Triumph Fundraiser will be held at their gracious loan of the iconic boxcar er General Eisenhower was alert- powerfully impact all involved – those Naples Yacht Club to celebrate our artifact to the Museum’s Boxcar Project. ed to this, he took his commanders who share their experiences and those 15 years of service to the community. The Project is a major component of with him to inspect the scenes. He who listen. The audience members, Special Honorees at “Our Triumph” are the Museum’s education programs, and ordered the local townspeople rounded whatever their age or circumstances, Jack and F.E Nortman and the Nortman has traveled to over 90 locations. Thou- sands of Southwest Florida students, parents and communities have been impacted since the Project’s inception in 2008. For information on tickets and spon- sorship opportunities, please contact me at [email protected] or 239.263.9200. Thank you to all whose support and good wishes have made our first 15 years possible. You have allowed us to share the stories of the Holocaust with over 145,000 students and thousands of visitors. With your help, we can keep alive the memory of those who perished, and work toward the prevention of Sidney & Patti Price and Patti & Herb Price at an Edwin Black presentation Edwin Black with Abe Price Moral Compass Award future genocides around the world.

FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT YOUR PORTFOLIO

Today’s market presents challenges – such as rising interest rates – when evaluating income- producing investments. Ask yourself these four questions as they pertain to your income- producing securities:

1. What role do they play in my portfolio? 2. What will happen if interest rates rise? 3. What other risk exposure do I have? 4. What action should I take?

We have the tools, resources and expertise to help you make informed decisions and adjust appropriately, given risks in today’s market.

Call us today for help assessing whether you are well positioned for any scenario.

CARY R. KLEINFIELD, CFP® ,MBA Registered Principal, Kleinfield Wealth Group

9726 Commerce Center Ct, Suite 2 // Fort Myers, FL 33908 T 239.322.5020 // T 877.752.3691 // F 239.322.5024 [email protected] // www.raymondjames.com/invest

Kleinfield Wealth Group is an independent firm. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. 15-BRAKM-0002 KM 1/16 L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 8 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Temple Beth Shalom Dale Cohen honored Hadassah fundraiser honors Ida and Jeff Margolis By Vanessa Sax, Temple Beth El VP of Education By Arlene Yedid Cape Coral events n Monday February 8, Dale Shinbaum, have taught at Temple Beth was blown away from the moment n Saturday, March 26, GAT- On Sunday, April 3, the Brother- Cohen was honored by the As- El for 18 years or more. Morah Sharon I entered Heritage Bay Country LIN will perform an evening hood will hold its umpteenth Samuel Osociation for Reform Jewish Cohn has taught for 14 years, Morah Club on May 1 for “Sail Away,” Educators and received a Milestone Bari Blitefield for 12 years, Morah Hil-I show at Temple Beth Shalom. S. Belkin Memorial Golf Tournament. the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah’s O Award for her 18 years of service as a ary Stone for 4 years, and Morah Shir- Before joining forces as GATLIN, This year, the contest returns to Palmet- 2016 fundraising event. A classy display Darryl and Andrea were accomplished to-Pine Country Club in Cape Coral. Religious School Director. ley Litman and Cantor Victor Geignerof prizes displayed in baskets beckoned performers in their own right. Darryl The tournament includes a two-person On Friday, February 12, Dale was for 3 years each. attendees to join in the delightful raffle. achieved major success in Nashville, scramble, lots of prizes for closest to then honored by Temple Beth El dur- The longevity of our teachers is aI wondered how many prizes were and tours with stars like Reba McEn- the pin, etc., and a two-year lease on a ing Shabbat Services, for her 18 years true testament to Dale’s caring leader-gathered and who was responsible. I tire, Alabama, and The Oak Ridge luxury car for a hole-in-one. Palmetto’s of service as Temple Beth El Religious ship and their love for and commitmentdiscovered that Barbara Kronenfeld was Boys. Darryl has been a performer/ Sunday Brunch will be open when the School Director. to our children. We are so proud of“Wonder Woman.” singer/songwriter from a young age golfers finish, and awards, drawings This is truly an incredible accom- Dale and our teachers, and appreciate During the course of the evening, and his incredible voice has built a and door prizes will be handed out. To plishment. their loyalty and dedication to Templethe event was very organized. Paige huge fan base all over the country. enter your twosome, please call Joel Passion, devotion, commitment, Beth El Religious School. Reddick played island music, setting Andrea’s degree in music and her Barlow at 941.639.7293 or leave word caring, tough but fair, loving, full of Dale’s passion for her work, herthe tropical flair for the evening. Craig voice has taken her to many stages, in- at the temple office at 239.772.4555. cluding Miss Ohio, winning the award * * * for Best Classical Talent and Prelimi- On the second and fourth Wednes- nary Talent. She sings in six different day of the month, Rabbi Devora Bu- languages and was a featured guest chen leads a discussion group at noon. performer in England. She has also Everyone is invited to bring their lunch, written and recorded an album. and so it is the “Brown Bag Lunch.” For tickets to this event, please Discussions of all kinds of topics have call the Temple Beth Shalom office at included politics and national defense. 239.772.4555 Monday thru Thursday Who knows what surprises Rabbi De- from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you vora holds ahead for this group. Seeing have to leave a message, we will get as it is in its infancy, the subject topics back to you the next day. will grow. For now, the group meets in * * * the religious school classroom. life, funny, amazing, smart, knowl- love of Judaism and for teaching Juda- edgeable, beautiful signing voice, in- ism is beyond reproach. She is always telligent, distinctive laugh and incred- available for her students and families. Jamibeth Margolis honored her parents with a touching and fun slide show ible teacher. Dale is the reason so many have chosen These and so many more are words Temple Beth El Religious School and often used to describe Dale Cohen. She why her students keep coming back, truly is someone special. Over these often volunteering for many activities last 18 years, Dale has helped to grow right through high school, and then the Religious School into the thriv- coming back to see her when home on ing and vibrant school it is today. She college breaks. would also be the first to tell you that She is a bright spirit with an infec- Ronny S Taschner DDS she has had the privilege of working tious and recognizable laugh! Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology with an amazing staff, assistants, vol- It is a true privilege for so many unteers, and especially her teachers, to be a part of the Temple Beth El Re- who have contributed so much to mak- ligious School. We are so very proud Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc ing this school so successful. Three of of Dale Cohen, and we appreciate her Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology our teachers, Morah Robin Amar, Mo- dedication, enthusiasm and love.

rah Barbara Tursky and Morah Amy L’CHAYIM delivers! Introduce your business to a POWERFUL demographic and reach 5,000 readers each month for pennies per reader! For ad rates and deadlines, contact Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923 or [email protected]. 1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL

Phone 239-936-0635 This month’s Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. SNOWBIRDS, Advanced Pain Management...... 3 Lee Lighting...... 21 All Aboard Travel...... 20 Living Happily Counseling...... 21 newspapers don’t fly… Alliance Financial Group...... 21 Charles Massie, CPA, CFP®.....21 however, your address will! Art of Fashion and Moore...... 21 Michael Shapiro Photography...24 Dr. Daniel Bendetowicz...... 21 Miromar Outlets...... 12 ClearCaptions...... 6 Paragon Pools...... 21 Cypress Cove...... 5,15 P.B.S. Photography Studio...... 20 Harold Eskin, Attorney...... 21 PCC Tile...... 21 Joseph Faerber, Attorney...... 21 Pepper Pet Sitting...... 21 FineMark Natl. Bank & Trust....11 PFLAG...... 19 Florida Gulf Coast University..25 Publix...... 32 Florida Specialists in Urology...21 Riverland Nursery...... 22 Fort Myers Memorial Gardens.18 Dr. Louis Rosenfield...... 21 Going North? Frantz Eye Care...... 21 Alan J. Rubinstein, Attorney.....21

Susan Glasser, Realtor®...... 12 Ryder Orthopaedics...... 21 Don’t forget to contact us with Gordon’s Pool & Spa Service....21 Shell Point...... 13 your change of address to Green Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP..21 Snyderman’s Shoes...... 21 continue receiving L’CHAYIM. Gulf Coast Orthodontics...... 12 Douglas Spiegel, Attorney...... 21 Gulf Coast Symphony...... 14 Southwest Florida Symphony...14 Send address changes to: Hadassah...... 9 Taschner Periodontics...... 8 [email protected] Dr. David Heligman...... 11 Temple Judea...... 6 or call: 239.481.4449 ext-4 Henderson Franklin...... 21 The Brisket Brothers BBQ...... 16 Jewish Museum of FL-FIU...... 20 The Palms...... 23 Safe Travels JNF...... 19 21st Century Care...... 9 Kays Ponger & Uselton...... 10 Bob Vinikoor...... 21 Cary R. Kleinfeld, CFP®...... 7 Paul Weinstein, CFP®...... 21 Larry’s Lunch Box...... 10 Winn-Dixie...... 17 L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9 Dale Cohen honored Hadassah fundraiser honors Ida and Jeff Margolis By Arlene Yedid was blown away from the moment Price was captain and MC, steering the calm seas, a feat for an event that was of the evening. I entered Heritage Bay Country evening’s tides and keeping everything so packed with a great number of dif- Jamibeth also presented a video I Club on May 1 for “Sail Away,” on an even keel. fering events. commentary on Ida and Jeff’s journey the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah’s Dinner was served in stations, Ida and Jeff’s daughter, Jamibeth, to, and life in, Naples. For those of 2016 fundraising event. A classy display eliminating long lines. The food, reflect- assembled singers from New York City us who work with and know Ida and of prizes displayed in baskets beckoned ing different cultures, was excellent. for a spectacular Broadway review. Jeff, we are aware that their commu- attendees to join in the delightful raffle. I journeyed from Chinese to Jewish, Mark Sanders, who starred in Hadas- nity involvement and commitment are I wondered how many prizes were eggrolls to blintzes. sah’s 2014 fundraiser, Warsaw a Story huge and unique. These are the reasons gathered and who was responsible. I I was impressed with how calm in Song, returned to Naples for another why Hadassah honored Ida and Jeff discovered that Barbara Kronenfeld was and organized our Hadassah volunteers brilliant performance. The review was Margolis. They are a class act, and so “Wonder Woman.” were. This was a large fundraiser, yet awesome. In fact, this was the high point was “Sail Away with Hadassah.” During the course of the evening, they seemed to sail in the breeze. No the event was very organized. Paige hysteria; no nerves. Everyone, vol- Photos courtesy Reddick played island music, setting unteers to attendees, was smiling and Ted Epstein the tropical flair for the evening. Craig happy. There was smooth sailing on

Jamibeth Margolis honored her parents with a touching and fun slide show Emcee (Captain) Craig Price and Rhonda Brazina Ida and Jeff Margolis (seated) with Hélène Gaillet de Neergaard and Jennifer Babiak

Jamibeth Margolis brought Broadway actors, singers and musicians to the event to perform a spectacular Broadway review L’CHAYIM delivers! PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS Introduce your business to a POWERFUL WHO SUPPORT OUR FEDERATION demographic and reach 5,000 readers each month for pennies per reader! & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. For ad rates and deadlines, contact Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923 or [email protected]. ALS BREAKING NEWS!

The ice bucket challenge started the conversation. Now let’s talk about results.

4th Annual Run & 5K 2 Mi With a new stem cell treatment, 87% of the le Walk patients in an ALS clinical trial conducted at Hadassah Hospital showed improvement.

SUPPORT HADASSAH’S LIFESAVING MEDICAL RESEARCH. THE WORLD IS WAITING. hadassah.org/ALSresearch 1.800.928.0685

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a devastating and incurable disease that robs patients of the ability to walk, to speak, to swallow and, ultimately, to breathe.

HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST Platinum Sponsor ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC. ©2016 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah is a registered trademark of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 10 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY The Magic of the Night: Oz Pearlman By Linda Sweet, VP Fundraising, Temple Beth El hanks to a wonderful team of from Arlene Foreman, Carol Kann, Forest Country Club, Galeana Chrys- planning was a labor of love. Working volunteers and community sup- Irwin Bosworth, Leslie Schoenfeld, ler Dodge Jeep Ram, Re/Max Realty as a committee to achieve this success Tport, Temple Beth El’s recent Doug Gribin, Bev and Ed Drucker, Group - Michael J. Frye and Hal Arkin, perfectly defines what we mean by “Oz Pearlman, The Mentalist” event Mike Kashi, Jeff Avon, Phyllis and and White Sands Treatment Center. We community, and Temple Beth El has a held on February 21 at Pelican Pre- Berny Aronson, Judy Zfaz, Betty also thank all those who advertised in long and rich history of accomplishing serve was a huge success. Massie and Sylvia Simko. And, as al- our evening’s program book and we amazing things…together! Won’t you We are fortunate to have a sup- ways, thank you to Karen Kagan and encourage you to support them. And, consider becoming part of our team portive fundraising committee whose Inna Vasser for their support and for of course, thank you to all who attend- as we work together toward a greater core members include Ruth Ehrreich, doing a great job in the arduous task of ed. It was wonderful seeing so many purpose? Volunteer to divide the task Barbara Gribin, Carolyn Gora and Pam accounting for the ticket and ad sales. people together laughing and enjoying and multiply the success. You will be Arkin. These incredible women con- Temple Beth El and the Dubin a unique evening of incredible enter- rewarded with a feeling of accomplish- tinue to astound with their creativity Alzheimer’s Resource Center are tainment. ment and pride. and dedication to TBE. The talented grateful to our generous sponsors: The The night was magical and the Randy Kashi was responsible for the graphic artwork, from ads, posters and tickets to the event program book. Jew- elry designer Mark Loren was gracious enough to create a work of art for us to raffle, raising even more money for TBE and the Dubin Alzheimer’s Re- source Center. When we sent out a request for additional committee members to help sell ads for our program book, we were delighted with the response and results Ruth Ehrreich, Carolyn Gora, OZ, Linda Sweet, Barbara Gribin, Pam Arkin The Pelican Preserve ballroom was packed for the “Oz Pearlman, The Mentalist” event BAR MITZVAH Community Free Synagogue On March 25 and 26, David Urban will be called to the To- rah as a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Beth Shalom. Rabbi Devora events open to the public Buchen has been his teacher. His mother, Rebbeca Snow, and n Thursday, April 14 from * * * nd grandparents Derek and Susan Snow are proud to be bringing 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., The Com- The Community Free 2 Night this young man to his Jewish fulfillment and responsibilities munity Free Synagogue will Seder is on Saturday, April 23 at 6:30 th O on his 13 year. Temple Beth Shalom is proud to be initiat- offer a class on the Haggadah. Explore p.m. in the congregation’s Commu- ing David as they did his older sister Elyssa, his older brother the origins, structure and content of nity Hall. This complimentary family- Zachary, and we still have brother Gregory coming up last, the Haggadah, our ancient guide to the friendly joyous, festival meal, catered but not least! On Friday night, David will lead the service, and Seder Supper. Taught by Rabbi Bruce by Cohen and Cohen, is open to the on Saturday, he will read from the Torah, and give his “Bar Diamond, this class will underscore first 150 participants by email reserva- Mitzvah speech.” what is essential in the Haggadah, tions only on a “first come, first served” the prayers and rituals that are a must basis. To make your reservation, please for your Seder. The Seder is all about visit the synagogue’s website at www. 2200 Martin Luther King Blvd • Fort Myers teaching, and this year you’ll be able to fortmyerssynagogue.com. Telephoned (across from Fort Myers Police station) be a teacher at yours! reservations cannot be accepted. The This event is free and open to the Seder is underwritten by our friends at 239-208-4035 Hrs: M-F 10a-3p public in the congregation’s Community Advanced Pain Management. Hall, 10868 Metro Pkwy., Fort Myers. buy one get one Community Free Synagogue AUTHENTIC KOSHER STYLE FOOD! Yom HaShoah Observance his year, Thursday, May 5 marks Jewish refugees before and during the Yom HaShoah, the worldwide Holocaust, and those rare but notewor- FREEBuy any menu item at regular TJewish commemoration of the thy countries and individuals who de- price and get a second, equal Holocaust. Our observance of Yom fied this trend and opened their doors or lesser value, free. HaShoah will be in the sanctuary of to save fleeing Jews. The Community Free Synagogue, A pictorial presentation, prepared HOMEMADE SOUP Must present coupon. Not valid 10868 Metro Parkway (The Southwest by local Holocaust scholar Jessica with other offers Florida Masonic Center), on that day Evers, will focus on those righteous he- or discounts. Exp 05/16/1604/16/16 LL LC starting at 7:00 p.m. roic individuals who enabled the reset- The synagogue, in cooperation tling of Jewish refugees in their lands with the Victor Paul Tuchman Post as far-flung as China, the Dominican JUMBO SIZE SANDWICHES! www.larryslunchbox.com #400 of the Jewish War Veterans, and Republic and Bolivia. the Holocaust Museum & Education A coffee discussion hour will fol- Center of Southwest Florida, will of- low in the synagogue’s Community In life, faith gives you strength. fer an hour of prayer, learning and in- Hall. spirational music. This year’s theme For more information, visit The is “Open Doors - Closed Doors,” the Community Free Synagogue’s website In times of loss, it will give your world’s largely indifferent response to at www.fortmyerssynagogue.com. family the strength to live on. Read the current and recent issues of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. Kays Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes is committed to serving the Jewish community. Through the knowledge of your most sacred beliefs, the service you receive will Each Tuesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg is held at the Jewish Federation. be truly reflective of the life it represents. For more Players must be at least advanced beginners, as no lessons are given. information on our services

and your options, call us today. DAY: Tuesdays, 12:30~3:30 P.M. FEE: $1 per week

Englewood (941) 474-5575 Port Charlotte Punta Gorda LemonBayFH.com (941) 625-4113 (941) 639-1133 Venice (941) 493-4900 Englewood (941) 474-2413

Kays-Ponger.com Glenn Pomerantz GulfPinesMP.com Jewish Funeral Director for more information call “every life has a story” Rona Strausberg at 239.949.9003 L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 The Holocaust comes to Yugoslavia By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD azi Germany invaded the King- Chetniks sought a resumption of Serbian for Serbian Jews, and it has been es- fectively destroyed as a force within dom of Yugoslavia 75 years ago dominance, while the Partisans wanted timated that between 4,000 and 8,000 Yugoslavia. Many of the leaders man- Nthis month, on April 6, 1941. to establish a communist federation in Jews were murdered there, in addition aged to flee to safety in Spain or South Initially Yugoslavia had tried to remain states divided along ethnic lines. to Serbian resisters and Roma. In total, America. Ante Pavelic himself fled to neutral after the outbreak of World Yugoslavia’s entry into World War the Ustashe’s extermination policies, Argentina, where he reorganized the War II, but the wider strategic situa- II provided a breakaway Croatian move- implemented with merciless brutality, Ustashe in exile. tion drew the country more and more ment, the Ustashe, with the opportunity were responsible for the deaths of more Against this background, it is in- deeply into the Ger- to establish an independent Croatia, and than 500,000 Serbs, 20,000 Roma, most deed ironic that half a century later, man orbit. German after the Axis invasion of April 1941, of the country’s Jews, and untold thou- during the Bosnian War of 1992-1995, dictator Adolf Hitler, they came to power and formed a fas- sands of political opponents. the Jews were considered by all sides having made military cist puppet state ruled by Ante Pavelic. By August 1942, the Yugoslavian (Orthodox Serbs, Catholic Croats and alliances with Hun- The Ustashe pursued a policy of ethnic heartland in Serbia became the first Muslim Bosniaks) to be neutral – one gary, Romania and cleansing against Jews, Roma, Muslims state declared by the Nazis to be “Free of the very few occasions in the history Bulgaria, next put and Serbs in the territories under its of Jews” (Judenfrei). By the time Yu- of European warfare that Jews were left pressure on Yugosla- control. goslavia was liberated in 1945, most alone and unmolested.  Dr. Paul via to join Germany’s Chetnik and Partisan resistance to of Serbian Jewry had been murdered. Some very brave Jewish leaders, Bartrop Tripartite Pact, and the Nazis, followed by brutal forms of At the outset of the German invasion in such as Zoran Mandlbaum, were aware on March 25, 1941, a deal was struck repression in response, would lead to April 1941, the country’s Jewish popu- of what the Jewish past had been during with Yugoslavia’s regent, Prince Paul. violence on a genocidal scale. While the lation was estimated at 82,500; at the World War II, and turned their attention The alliance prompted widespread Germans rounded up Jews and Roma for liberation, only 14,000 survived. Within to saving lives in this new conflict. It was popular discontent and public protest, extermination at Auschwitz, the Ustashe Serbia, the figures were even starker, a most remarkable set of circumstances, and a contingent of military officers murdered their victims in a network with the Nazis having murdered some practically unprecedented over the past moved quickly to overthrow the regency of locally constructed concentration 14,500 of the pre-war Serbian Jewish millennium of Jewish history – and a in a coup d’état on March 27, 1941. camps. The most notorious of these was population of 16,000. Serbia, moreover, fitting coda to the Holocaust years that Prince Peter, who was still a minor, was at a place whose name is infamous in the was the only country outside of Poland began in April 1941. declared to be of age, and proclaimed Balkans to this day: Jasenovac, about or the Soviet Union where all Jewish Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History King Peter II. In his name, the newly- 60 miles south of the Croatian capital victims were killed on the spot without and the Director of the Center for Ju- Community Free Synagogue installed government repudiated the of Zagreb. undergoing the traumatic experience of daic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies German alliance. A location in central Croatia, deportation. at Florida Gulf Coast University. He can events open to the public Upon hearing the news, Hitler flew Jasenovac was not established by the Ultimately, by the time Tito’s be reached at [email protected]. into a rage and by way of response is- Nazis, but was, instead, set up in August Partisans had gained the upper hand sued Führer Directive 25. This declared 1941 by the Ustashe. Over time, it grew and effectively driven the Nazis out of Have an item you’d like that henceforth Yugoslavia was to be to become a complex of five sub-camps Yugoslavia, their numbers had swollen treated as a hostile state, to be slated and three smaller compounds, including to over half a million fighting men and to share? Need to reach for destruction. On April 6, German, a camp for children at Sisak, and a piti- women – the foundation of what would the editor of L’CHAYIM? Italian and Hungarian troops invaded, less camp for women at Stara Gradiska, be a communist state in a reconstituted and within two weeks the country was east of the main Jasenovac complex. Yugoslavia. Send an email to occupied. Jasenovac would ultimately see the The anti-Semitic and fascist [email protected]. Two rival resistance groups rose murder of over 100,000 victims, mainly Ustashe, on the other hand, was ef- up to oppose the Nazi occupation: the Serbs, Jews and Roma. Chetniks (Serbian nationalists) and The Nazis were not to be denied the Partisans, communists led by Josip their contribution to the suppression Broz Tito. While both groups fought of Yugoslavia. Other camps were the Nazis, they ultimately had different established at Zemun, Sajmiste and ideas regarding what a reconstituted Donja Gradina. Sajmiste was run by Yugoslav state would look like. The the Nazis as an extermination camp Community Free Synagogue Yom HaShoah Observance Jewish refugees before and during the Holocaust, and those rare but noteworthy countries and individuals who de- fied this trend and opened their doors to save fleeing Jews. FineMark National Bank & Trust is proud to consistently A pictorial presentation, prepared earn a 5-Star Rating from the nation’s leading by local Holocaust scholar Jessica independent bank rating ﬁ rm*. Evers, will focus on those righteous he- roic individuals who enabled the reset- However, the real reason for our success comes from tling of Jewish refugees in their lands the meaningful relationships we build with our clients. The better we know you, the better we can serve you. as far-flung as China, the Dominican Republic and Bolivia. A coffee discussion hour will follow in the synagogue’s Community Hall. For more information, visit The Community Free Synagogue’s website at www.fortmyerssynagogue.com.

Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale • www.ﬁ nemarkbank.com • 239-461-5900 Member FDIC. An Equal Housing Lender . Trust and Investment Services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value. *5-Star Financial Rating issued by Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating and research ﬁ rm. Rating is 5 out of 5. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 12 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 Ten years of doing a Jewish celebrities column has turned Nate Bloom (see Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts column at left) into something of an expert on finding basic family history to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. records and articles mentioning a “searched-for” person. During these 10 years, he has put together a small team of “mavens” who aid Outrageous Casting of massacring Jews. Bakri directed the his research. Most professional family history experts charge at least $1,000 of Biblical Proportions so-called documentary Jenin, Jenin for a full family tree. However, many people just want to get “started” by Of Kings and Prophets, an ABC bibli- (2002). He procured demonstrably false tracing one particular family branch. cal series, started airing on Tuesday, interviews to support the claim that the March 8. The main characters include Israeli army slaughtered hundreds of So here’s the deal: King SAUL and King DAVID. The Palestinians living in the Jenin refugee Send Nate an email at [email protected], producers say that it will have as much camp. Even the hardly pro-Israel Human sex and violence as broadcast TV allows Rights Watch and Amnesty International tell him you saw this ad in L’CHAYIM, (but will be – their words – “tasteful”), concurred with the Israeli finding that and include your phone number (area code, too). and maybe some of the especially “hot” about 53 residents were killed, two thirds Nate will then contact you about doing a scenes will be in the online version only. of whom were combatants. Twenty-three No doubt, many will object to the sex Israeli soldiers died in the raid, which “limited” family history for you at a modest cost and violence, especially if, as in most followed Palestinian attacks on Israelis (no more than $100). No upfront payment. biblical epics, it’s invented and not in that originated in Jenin. (The Israeli the text of anyone’s Bible. What I object Supreme Court struck down an attempt Rican father, was raised Jewish and Nancy Reagan (Jewish) Footnote to more is that there isn’t a single lead to ban the showing of the film on free had a bar mitzvah. In recent years, he Actress ALLA NAZIMOVA (1879- Jewish actor in the series and it wasn’t speech grounds. But they, too, labeled has identified more strongly as Jew- 1945) was born Adelaida Leventon in filmed in Israel. Modern non-Jewish Bakri a liar.) ish, and his wife since 2003, ERICA the Crimea. She was a Russian theater Brits didn’t look like ancient Hebrews, Catching-Up With MICHELLE LEVY, 40, is Jewish. star before moving to the States in 1905 but six of the eleven big roles are played Other New TV Series They have a daughter, SOL LILIANA, and becoming an American star, too. by non-Jewish English actors. Jorma Taccone, AKIVA SCHAFFER, 10. (Geraldo’s late mother was named She toured the country until about 1930 “White-washing” is the term black 38, and ANDY SAMBERG, 37, three Lillian.) Also dancing is Marla Maples, and she made some silent films. She was actors have recently applied to roles that guys that met as teens, often work “the Donald’s” ex-wife. Her presence in very kind to an aspiring actress, Edith blacks should have or could have gotten together under the collective name the cast, in light of recent events, should Luckett, when they were in a stage that were given to white actors, instead. “Lonely Island.” Under this name, they skyrocket ratings for awhile. play together and, in 1921, when Nancy I would call the Of Kings and Prophets created and are producing Party Over The TBS weekly series Separation was born, Edith asked Nazimova to casting “WASP-washing.” Here, a Fox comedy series that debuted Anxiety started on Tuesday, March 8 at be her godmother. Until her death, If there were any Jews in the on Saturday, March 12, at 11:00 p.m. It 10:00 p.m. It’s a game show in which Nazimova remained close to Edith, to cast, I wouldn’t quibble with the fact skewers everything from pop culture host ILIZA SHLESINGER, 33, tests Edith’s second husband, Dr. Loyal that a Muslim Lebanese actor plays to politics. It combines video comedy couples on how well their partner knows Davis (a far-right Republican who JONATHAN, Saul’s son. I have much shorts along with sketches filmed before trivia in different subjects. Shlesinger adopted Nancy), and to Nancy. The more serious objection about the cast- a live audience. began doing improv comedy in college. backstory: Nazimova was openly les- ing of Mohammed Bakri, an Israeli The cast for the new season of In 2008, she became the first woman, bian and famous for her many intimate Muslim actor. He plays the prophet ABC’s Dancing with the Stars includes and the youngest contestant, to win relationships with famous women. It SAMUEL. Fox News journalist GERALDO NBC’s Last Comic Standing stand-up goes to show that personal kindness Yes, Jewish actors have played Mus- RIVERA, 72 (begins on Monday, competition. Over on YouTube, you and friendship can often trump so-called lims, but I don’t recall a Jew playing a March 21 at 8:00 p.m.). Rivera, the can see her tell three Jewish jokes, sub- family-values views of gay people, and Muslim after falsely accusing Muslims son of a Jewish mother and a Puerto mitted by visitors to a popular website that the Reagans, including the late – it’s entitled “Laugh Out Loud Jewish President, were not as rigid as often Jokes.” depicted. Hot Brands Cool Prices

For All Your Southwest Florida Real Estate Needs

Susan Glasser, Realtor®

John R. Wood Properties 15065 McGregor Blvd. #105 Fort Myers, FL 33908 In front of Gulf Harbour

[email protected] Mobile: (239) 281-3105 Office: (239) 472-2411 Lee County resident for more than 20 years

Vist the Info Kiosk for a FREE VIP Savings Brochure! MIROMAR OUTLETS® Over 140 Top Designer and Brand Name Outlet Stores Voted the Best Shopping Mall and Best Factory Outlet Mall in Southwest Florida Up TO 70% OFF ReTail pRiceS MiromarOutlets.com • I-75, Exit 123 • (239) 948-3766 • Copyright © 2016, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Outlets is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation. 0416-0670 L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13 Enjoying Israeli opera…under the stars By Arlene Stolnitz nyone traveling to Israel this nearby Dead Sea resorts, enabling them everything. So if you need a choir of will be performed by the Israeli Opera year will want to see two dra- to be rewarded with full-scale produc- 80 in the opera house, you need 150 in Chorus and the Jerusalem Symphony Amatic events taking place dur- tions accompanied by full orchestra and the desert.” Orchestra. Sarasota classical music loving the summer months. chorus. Other opportunities abound for ers recently heard the orchestra when Over 4,000 tourists will visit The Staging an opera at the foot of Ma- seeing opera in Israel. In the summer it had an appearance at the Van Wezel Masada Opera sada where there is only parched land of 2016, Jerusalem will hold its second earlier this season. Festival in June, and rocks is a monumental task. The annual Jerusalem Opera Festival at Sul- If you are in Israel in June, you with visitors from Dead Sea, the lowest dry-land place on tan’s Pool, located at the foot of Mount won’t want to miss either of these won- the world over earth is in a desert region that is blister- Zion. Sultan’s Pool, a water reservoir, derful musical events. traveling to Israel ing hot most of the year. Each year, a was a key part of Jerusalem’s water Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sara- to see this awe- complex lighting system, LCD display supply from Roman times to the end of sota Jewish Chorale, is a member of inspiring event. for English and Hebrew subtitles, and the Ottoman era. An ancient water basin the Jewish Congregation of Venice. A This year, two op- setting up a tiered seating system for on the west side of Mount Zion, some retired educator from Rochester, New eras are planned 7,000 viewers are only a small part of think it is the Snake Pool mentioned by York, she has sung in choral groups for for the program: what is required to enable the produc- Josephus in his writings. Since it is dry over 25 years and also sings in Venice’s Arlene Stolnitz “Samson and Del- tions to take place. Producing an op- in summer, the setting is used today Chorale (formerly Exsultate!). Her ilah” by Saint Saens and “A Masked eratic work at Masada is a gargantuan for concerts and festivals. Set against interest in choral music has led to this Ball” by Verdi. “Samson and Delilah” task that requires building a stage three the backdrop of the Old City Walls, series of articles on Jewish folk music is the classic biblical story of the Israeli times the size of a regular opera stage. this year the production of “Rigoletto” in the Diaspora. hero Samson and the beautiful Philis- Tons of equipment are trucked in to Nancy Reagan (Jewish) Footnote tine, Delilah. “A Masked Ball” is based construct a backstage Actress ALLA NAZIMOVA (1879-on the real-life assassination of King opera “city” to house the BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO ATTEND 1945) was born Adelaida Leventon inGustavus III of Sweden. hundreds of performers the Crimea. She was a Russian theater Many Israeli citizens also come to and extras. Over 2,500 star before moving to the States in 1905Masada to be part of the festival. Known workers are responsible The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties and becoming an American star, too. for its outstanding productions, The for the infrastructure and She toured the country until about 1930 Israeli Opera, based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, operation of the Festival. and she made some silent films. She wasstages its summer program at Masada Most are residents of the Annual Holocaust Memorial Service very kind to an aspiring actress, Editheach year. The Masada Fest is a high- Negev and Dead Sea Luckett, when they were in a stage light of its program repertoire. More area. Rehearsals of the play together and, in 1921, when Nancythan 200 Israeli schools send students productions are an op- Sunday, May 1 at 3:00 P.M. was born, Edith asked Nazimova toto this spectacular event at Masada, portunity for local resi- be her godmother. Until her death,which looms in the background rising dents to enjoy the operas Nazimova remained close to Edith, to 1,400 feet. free of charge. They Temple Judea Edith’s second husband, Dr. Loyal The Masada Open Air Festival, es- also can take advantage 14486 A&W Bulb Rd. Davis (a far-right Republican who tablished in 2010, enables opera produc- of education activities adopted Nancy), and to Nancy. Thetions to be presented on a much larger related to the festival. Fort Myers backstory: Nazimova was openly les-scale than can be done in a typical opera According to Mi- 33908 bian and famous for her many intimatehouse. The larger stage can accommo- chael Ajzenstadt, Israeli Guest speaker: Marina Berkovich relationships with famous women. It date many more performers as needed Opera’s artistic director, “My Interview with a Holocaust Denier” goes to show that personal kindnessin operas such as “Aida” by Verdi or “Opera, wherever you and friendship can often trump so-called“Carmen” by Bizet. These larger-than- do it, is a larger-than- family-values views of gay people, andlife productions soar in the magic of life genre… and in the “To remember, not once to forget” that the Reagans, including the latethe summer nights of the Judean desert. desert, it has to be even President, were not as rigid as oftenWith bleachers having a seating capacity grander. You have to depicted. more than 7,000, people often stay in have larger numbers of

HONOR THE VICTIMS, BY REMEMBERING THEM Your Retirement Your Traditions Guiding him through the rhythms of life

Rest assured, we’ll take care of what you need... Your healthcare...Your home...Your retirement lifestyle. So you can enjoy what matters most. Discover vibrant retirement lifestyles with the assurance of lifecare at Shell Point — where you can continue your traditions — and maybe even begin some new ones.

Explore Shell Point Today! Attend a FREE Discovery Event. CHOOSE THE DATE THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU Tuesday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Wednesday, April 5 April 13 April 19 April 27 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m.

Seating is limited, so reserve today; call Maureen at (239) 228-4062 or 1-800-780-1131. If you prefer, you can reserve online at shellpoint.org/seminars. Light Refreshments will be served.

Visit www.shellpoint.org or call (239) 228-4062 or 1-800-780-1131 15101 Shell Point Boulevard • Fort Myers, Florida 33908 Shell Point is located just off Summerlin Road in Fort Myers, 2 miles before the Sanibel Causeway. Shell Point is a nonprofit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc. ©2016 Shell Point. All rights reserved. SLS-3084-16 L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 14 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST “Rabbi USA” explored in ambitious, Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle penetrating biography “Working Out” By Yoni Glatt Difficulty Level: Manageable Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM Pillar of Fire: A Biography of Rabbi with a powerful and engaging voice, as founding of the American Jewish stamina. Though he Stephen S. Wise, by A. James Rudin. well as sterling oratorical skills, Rabbi Congress and later the World remained a major Texas Tech University Press. Stephen (as Rudin frequently calls him) Jewish Congress; his founding force, he was no 416 pages. Trade paperback $39.95. was soon recognized as a committed of the Jewish Institute of Reli- longer a young man. leader. His twin passions were social/ gion (a seminary in his own im- The central hrough the first half of the twen- political action and Zionism. Reform age); his fierce outrage against thread of these years tieth century, no one dominated Judaism’s negative stance toward Zi- Henry Ford’s anti-Semitism; was Wise’s troubled Tthe American Jewish cultural onism (which was eventually reversed) or his energetic support in relationship with landscape like Rabbi Stephen S. Wise. was the main factor in Wise’s need to 1928 for Al Smith for president, FDR Franklin Delano Another rabbi with a distinguished build his own brand of liberal Judaism. for governor of New York, and Herbert Roosevelt– a man whom he praised career, A. James For himself he sought influential pulpits Lehman for Lieutenant-Governor of early and often, but whose decisions Rudin, has taken and institutional roles that would allow New York; Rabbi Rudin elaborates the and behavior Wise often found disap- it upon himself to him to make a difference in U.S. social circumstances surrounding Wise’s role pointing. Social activist Wise applauded explain this phe- policy, in Jewish life, and in a future for with abundant detail. the New Deal, but the president’s lack nomenon. He does the Jewish people in its own land. Some will say too much detail. And of leadership in blunting the growing so with abundant Author Rudin meticulously takes us that’s just to get us through the 1920s. horror of the Holocaust was more than energy, exquisite through the stepping stones of Wise’s as- As Rabbi Wise’s celebrity grew merely perplexing. Rabbi Rudin’s nu- detail, and a bal- cent to power and influence (and his acquaintance- anced treatment of the many interactions anced view of his over several decades. And ships with other celebri- between these two giant figures is one of controversial sub- he does much more than ties), so did the demands the book’s most engaging achievements.  Phil ject. this. In fact, an alternative on his time. Writes au- Rabbi Rudin does not neglect Jason Hungarian- title for Rabbi Rudin’s book thor Rudin, “During his to explore Stephen Wise the private born Wise (the family name originally could be “Stephen S. Wise in career of fifty-six years, citizen: the son, the husband, the father, spelled differently) was a rabbi’s son His Time.” Just about every Stephen exhibited a zest the friend. However, in some ways, the and something of a prodigy. His family major episode in Wise’s life for all things religious fellow who would inevitably receive moved to the United States when he was is set into the larger context and political. Because any letter addressed to “Rabbi USA” Editor: YoniGlatt, [email protected] Solution on page 26 very young, imbued with the spirit of the of national and international he broadly defined those remains a mystery. It’s as if his private European Jewish Haskalah (enlighten- events in which he played a terms, his enthusiasm and inner life was subsumed into his ment movement), a spirit that informed role or had a stake. allowed him to become outer life. young Stephen and sent him into the Whether it’s the drama Rabbi A. James Rudin involved in almost ev- Rabbi Rudin is aware of his sub- orbit of Reform Judaism in the United of Wise’s initial meeting with Theodore ery aspect of American society. He ject’s faults, and doesn’t hesitate to States. However, it was an uneasy fit. Herzl at the second Zionist Congress in was a human version of today’s 911 reveal them. However, he doesn’t dwell Though allied broadly with a liberal Basel in 1898; his support for Woodrow emergency number: if there was a crisis, on them. Rather, he keeps them in the Jewish orientation, Wise attained his Wilson and for the president’s call for conflict, confrontation or controversy, perspective of Wise’s accomplishments. rabbinic ordination at a yeshiva in Vi- a League of Nations; two decades later, individuals and groups contacted Rabbi This biography is a splendid achieve- enna. He added to this a doctorate from his work as founder and senior rabbi Stephen Wise for help.” Rabbi Rudin ment both as a work of scholarship and Columbia University, where he had at New York’s Free Synagogue (which illustrates Wise’s responses by quoting as a piece of storytelling. already earned his bachelor’s degree. stressed freedom of the pulpit); his con- from a wide range of letters. Rudin, the author of many books ish Handsome, strongminded, and flicts with the Reform establishment; his The 1930s and early to mid-1940s from the United States Naval Acad- were extremely busy, strenuous years emy. He reviews regularly for Florida for Rabbi Wise: the Great Depression, Weekly, Jewish Book World, Southern World War II and the Holocaust, and Literary Review, and other publica- the effort to create the modern Jewish tions. Please visit Phil’s website at www. State occupied his time and drained his philjason.wordpress.com.

Friday, April 15 at 8pm & Saturday, April 16 at 7pm

With Carousel, the Gulf Coast Symphony unveils a new tradition, spotlighting one great American musical, fully staged, in concert, each year. It’s a theater lover’s dream come true: a beloved Broadway musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel - featuring fantastic actors, costumes, and choreography, performed as its creators intended, with full symphony orchestra! Come see why Carousel is one of musical theater’s greatest, most soul-stirring masterpieces.

Sponsored by:

TICKETS FROM $42 Online: GulfCoastSymphony.org Box Office: 239.481.4849

BOOK CLUB — OPEN TO EVERYONE Bring your dinner & join us Bring your dinner & join us for book group discussions at the for book group discussions at the Jewish Federation building Jewish Federation building

Wednesday, March 30 Wednesday, March 30 The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman

Wednesday, April 27 Wednesday, April 27 Henna House by Nomi Eve Henna House by Nomi Eve

RSVPs for all regular book club meetings a must to RSVPs for all regular book club meetings a must to [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3 [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3

L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 15 Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle “Working Out” By Yoni Glatt Difficulty Level: Manageable OPENING SUMMER 2016 Now accepting reservations

The Cottage at Cypress Cove: Editor: YoniGlatt, [email protected] Solution on page 26 Across that mentions Japhet The newest address in 1. Ginger cookies bubbi might make 4. “Frasier” actress Gilpin 6. Magen David Adom letters 5. In ___, sing like the Miami Boys Fort Myers for the best in 9. Zion and Acadia Choir 14. Dip for the new year 6. Implies, as the written Torah often visionary memory care. 15. Output from the Timnah mine does 16. Wilpon, e.g. 7. Acts like a Yenta Every aspect of The Cottage at Cypress Cove, our new memory care 17. Dress a kallah 8. Hassidic leaders 18. Pareve Twizzler bite 9. Barometer for Sanders residence, was purposefully designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s 19. They should be uninteresting from 10. Missing from Sayeret Matkal, say and other dementia-related conditions. The Cottage will feature many of the Jew to Jew? 11. It’s passed down in the mishpacha memory-care industry’s most unique and visionary components, including: 20. Workout device for Jonas Salk 12. Yes and Maimonides? 13. Many Jews in Fl. 23. Play for a yutz 21. Ilan Rubin, drummer for Nine ___ A small household setting that provides an elegant, homelike, 24. Schnozzes Nails and secure environment 25. “Aladdin” prince voiced by Scott 22. Like Jonah, when he runs The industry’s first Ketra™ light treatment system designed to help Weinger 25. Israel’s Gali (with a video game 28. Sadducee, e.g. last name) minimize the effects of sun-downing 30. Makes like a really boring rabbi 26. What Madoff did to many The area’s only Snoezelen™ Room—a multi-sensory therapy room 33. Matzo exercises? investors that creates soothing yet stimulating experiences 37. Fleet Israel never had 27. “What would you do if ___...,” 38. Relating to a “cholent bean” organ words at the start of Savage’s “The A tropical outdoor garden with interactive water features and 39. Title for Rabbi Israel Brodie Wonder Years” low-impact walking paths 41. Uncle of Hur 28. Set part for Ilan Rubin An all-inclusive monthly fee that includes assistance with activities of 42. Crowned girl’s name 29. Brilliant display, like a Chagall daily living (ADLs) and medication management by a licensed nurse 44. Lifting weights after a meal? show 46. Device used on David Simon’s 31. Foe of Harry lauded HBO show 32. Talmud lengths (in English 48. The least anti-Semitic country, vernacular) Schedule a visit today by calling apparently 33. Go through a Bar Kokhba cave 49. “Solaris” author Stanislaw 34. String a tallit again 1(877)476-9389 or visiting 50. Develop, like a citron 35. Take an uzi from 52. King before Jehoshapat 36. Levi to Dan www.MemoryCareFtMyers.com/lchayim 55. Exercises over Black and Klugman? 40. What Pharaoh did after each 59. Biblical fruit plague 62. Benji, e.g. 43. ISIS inflicts it 63. NFL star Foster with a very 45. Da ___ (city in Vietnam) un-Jewish sounding name 47. 1972 Bob Fosse musical 64. The Witch of Endor might have 51. One Reese’s in “E.T.” cast one 52. Pitching like Sandy Koufax 65. Diamond District “rocks” 53. Make like Sarah Hughes 66. He encountered no Jews in 54. Actor Ed “Inferno” 55. What a moving service can give to 67. Like fresh babka the soul 68. Flanders who visited King David’s 56. Gehazi after he becomes a leper tomb 57. Woody Allen’s “The Curse of the 69. Tool used at the Baha’i Gardens ___Scorpion” 58. City in Southern Israel Down 59. Time Zone in Boro Park 1. The biggest star in the world (who 60. Resort that might have Ahava is neither a Jew nor a Gentile) products 2. Lymph masses 61. ___ judicata 3. “___ to Himself,” Ben Jonson poem L’CHAYIM delivers! Introduce your business to a POWERFUL The Cottage demographic and reach 5,000 readers at each month for pennies per reader! 10600 Cypress Cove Drive | Fort Myers, FL 33908 For ad rates and deadlines, contact www.MemoryCareFtMyers.com/lchayim | 1(877)476-9389 AL License # AL9630 Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923 or Cypress Cove is a non-profit organization, sponsored by Lee Healthcare Resources; a support organization to Lee Memorial Health System, one [email protected]. of Southwest Florida’s most well-respected healthcare providers. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 16 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Cork dorks and grape geeks By The Wine Whisperer ne day, countless thousands year: a doormat that says “A wine snob but I’m sure you’ll be of years ago, somebody put and a normal person live here.” Thanks amused by its presump- Oa bunch of grapes into some a lot. tion,” well, no jury in kind of bowl. The fruit got crushed and It’s a well-recognized danger of the the world will convict the yeast on the skins acted on the juice, wine life: a practically inevitable pro- you if you shoot him. which spoiled in pensity to become a grape geek. Any There are hundreds the most delight- hobby, passion or obsession we pur- of grape varietals, and ful way. Thanks sue takes up a chunk of our lives, and hundreds of places – to the accident of when we get jacked about something, some well-known and fermentation, a we want to share. Those who succumb some quite obscure – Gewurztraminer grapes lot of people got to and pursue an interest in wine can where wine is made. You don’t need to speak about the wines being poured. happy. sooner or later become the same way. be able to name the ten wine districts of My favorite introductory book is The The making Only worse. Beaujolais, or the five wines allowed in Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil. Great of wine is an in- But on the other hand, a bit of wine the Bordeaux blend, to increase your place to start.  Jerry credibly ancient knowledge and understanding can understanding and appreciation, but a A good way to start your sam- Greenfield pursuit. It’s a be rewarding. It brings to us what we little effort – and a little knowledge – pling program is with some great value sacrament in our religion and others, bring to it, so why not bring as much can go a long way. wines, and an assortment of whites and and in the last thousand years or so, as we can? We’re all faced with the problem reds. So your first tasting assignment has become part of what we usually Problem is, cork dorks who dis- of looking at restaurant wine list, or includes these favorites: call the finer things in life. Wine is a course over dinner about the 500-year gazing upon the selection in a wine Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc cultural artifact, and it communicates history of what’s in the bottle can be- store, and trying to figure out what to Kim Crawford Unoaked something about where the grapes come boring at best. And if you ever try next. Fact is, no consumer product Chardonnay were grown and about the people who hear somebody say “it’s a naïve little in the world gives us less information Columbia Crest Cabernet made it. Burgundy without much breeding, than the label on a wine bottle. About Sauvignon Since winemaking has been prac- all producers are required to list is Kendall Jackson Grand Estates ticed for well over three thousand years their name, the place where it’s made, Chardonnay (almost certainly more), the world of how much is in the bottle, and the al- Columbia Crest H3 wine has become a very big place. The cohol content. Not even the name of Les Chevaux Red Blend topic fascinates many of us, but there’s the grape. This causes a lot of aspiring Questions? Comments? The Wine always a danger that fascination can wine lovers to throw up their hands in Whisperer loves emails. Send yours become obsession, and then…snob- disgust and go back to beer. to [email protected]. For bery. People become cork dorks. It’s The solution? Sample widely. more information about Jerry Green- not a good thing. In fact, someone gave Read a bit. Go to tastings at wine re- field’s books and other publications, me a “wine life” birthday present last Domaine Drouhin tailers and wine dinners where people visit winewhisperer.com. Haroset – recipe by Dalia Hemed ith Passover around the cor- is to allay the bitterness of the maror Most people like their haroset reci- ner, I’ve been getting a lot (bitter herbs) required at the Seder. Ha- pe so much that it is not only spread on Wof calls from readers asking roset also shows how Jewish cookery matzo at the Seder table. Some families about my traditional haroset recipe. was developed by the emigration from make large quantities to be eaten for For those who are not familiar with ha- Mediterranean countries to Eastern Eu- breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout roset (also charoset or charoses), it is rope and by local ingredients supple- Passover. a blend of fruits and nuts symbolizing mented or discarded based on their My family’s haroset recipe is Sep- the mortar which our forefathers used availability. hardic/Moroccan-style. to build pyramids in Egypt, and it is Ashkenazi haroset, which is the I adopted this haroset from a tradi- one of the most popular and discussed haroset most American Jews are famil- tional Moroccan haroset recipe that my foods served at the Seder. Fruits, nuts iar with, is usually made as a chunky, “Safta” (grandma) from my mother’s and red wine are found in almost all sticky mixture of apples, walnuts and side shared with me. haroset. The red wine symbolizes the sweet kosher wine. Sephardic Jews in She learned the recipe from her Red Sea, which parted its waters for the Middle East and Mediterranean mother-in-law, a Sephardic Israeli Jew the Jews. make haroset somewhat differently, who was married to a Moroccan Jew. Charoset is used as a blessing for using dates and a variety of nuts in the The haroset is pureed with dates, date Personal Chef Dalia Hemed can the Passover Seder. The texture of cha- mix (almonds, pine nuts, pistachios). syrup and red wine for a Sephardic/ be reached at 239.887.1986 roset symbolizes the mortar used by Sephardic haroset may or may not in- Moroccan-style. or [email protected]. the ancient Israelite slaves of Egypt clude apples. One of the more interest- In our home, we make extra haros- sor. Blend for 1-2 minutes, scrap- when they toiled under the rule of Pha- ing ways haroset is served in the Mid- et for the Seder and nosh on it all week! ing the sides periodically until raoh. Most Jews have a soft spot for dle East is in a ball form. Moroccan Ingredients: mixture becomes the consistency charoset. Eating it signifies the end of Seders will often serve these haroset • 20 pitted dates, preferably Medjool of a sticky paste. the long Haggadah blessings and the balls rather than the spreadable haro- • 1/2 cup golden raisins XX Taste the mixture. Add kosher beginning of the Seder feast. set we are more familiar with here in • 1/4 cup sweet red wine wine for more sweetness and to The real purpose of the haroset America. • 3 tablespoons date syrup (silan) soften the mixture, if desired. or honey XX Best when served chilled. Store in • 1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted an airtight container in the refrig- THE BRISKET BROTHERS BBQ SMOKEHOUSE • 1 tsp cinnamon erator. is your BBQ destination in Fort Myers XX Pulse the pitted dates in a food Spreading this haroset on a mat- processor till they form a crumbly zo cracker is a highlight of our Seder mixture. meal. I hope your family enjoys this XX Add raisins, walnut halves, sweet recipe as much as we do! wine, and cinnamon to the proces- Happy Passover!

Since 2014, we have been offering a mix of all your tasty BBQ FAVORITES, from Beef Brisket to St. Louis-style Ribs, Homemade Corned Beef, Roasted Mojo Chicken and Baltimore-Style Pit Beef with Horse Radish Sauce. All of our food is prepared fresh and made right here at The Brisket Brothers.

Come to THE BRISKET BROTHERS BBQ SMOKEHOUSE and TRY OUR AWESOME BBQ and ROASTED MEATS 8595 College Parkway, Suite 130, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Monday - Friday: 11AM to 7PM Saturday - Sunday: 11AM to 6PM Call ahead for faster pick-up: 239-267-2384 L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 17 Cork dorks and grape geeks

GREAT TRADITIONS START WITH GREAT FOOD

PASSOVER COOKING Visit our website winndixie.com/kosher with for the latest Passover eBook from Jamie Geller for new recipe ideas the whole family will love.

To find a kosher store near you, visit winndixie.com/kosher L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 18 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST

My wife, Phyllis, of 54 years passed eulogized Phyllis read this column at deny it? Based on the high accuracy of Births on our end, bar and bat mitzvahs away on February 19, after 11 years of her funeral. the match, it was also likely that she on theirs, and grown-up birthdays all suffering remission and three relapses It is uplifting and pertinent to Jew- was Jewish, which made it that much around. I reminded my kids over and from her disease, Acute Myeloblastic ish belief and Torah, “Save One Life more of a mitzvah. over how lucky they were to have an Anemia Leukemia (AML). The article and You Save the World.” Please read I did a little acupuncture to prepare extra set of grandparents, and Grammy below was written for the publication Yiftach’s column entitled “I Won a my body, had the surgery, and eagerly and Papa never failed to pick the per- “How Do You Jew” by her bone mar- Grammy.” awaited the tiniest bit of news that trick- fect birthday and Chanukah presents row donor Yiftach Levy. The rabbi who – Joel Hersch led in over the next several months. even for kids they’d never met. First the transplant grafted, which was Grammy Phyllis is gone now, but good. Then nothing for a while, then a it is all that time over the last 11 years I Won a Grammy general “she’s doing OK” message. Fi- that I’ll continue to draw strength from. By Yiftach Levy, February 19, 2016 nally, as the mandated year for keeping All that love, all that life. nd I bet you didn’t even know registration drive on campus. the identification of donor and recipi- From How Do You Jew, an education- I could sing or produce records Probably about 10 days after that ent confidential from each other neared al, informational, conversational blog Aor anything. Well, I can’t and I initial inquiry, I was told I was a win- its end, I called the NMDP and autho- and (someday) podcast about Judaism, don’t, but any way, my Grammy was ner and perfect match! Then followed a rized them to release my information to Jewish practices, customs and rituals, way better, if only slightly taller, than few weeks of vetting, getting my bona the recipient and her family. Israel and whatever else we decide to the award they give out. fides checked out, and being asked As I remember, it was the day af- talk about. I found out about my Grammy, about a thousand times if I was SURE ter the year was up that I got the phone Phyllis Hersch, the way I’ve heard peo- I was willing to go forward and donate, call from the Grammy herself. We Joel Hersch says: ple find out about winning the Nobel and did I remember that I could back talked for quite a while that first time, Phyllis and I enjoyed eleven additional Prize, from a phone call at an odd hour out at any time. At this point all I knew exchanging information about our re- years of life and living as a result of that originally went to an old number about the patient was that she was a spective families, finding out wonder- Yiftach Levy’s precious donation of then got forwarded. I was told that I she who was 63 years old. That made ful shared joys like her birthday being bone marrow, stem cells, and donor was nominated as a potential bone mar- her about the same age as my own par- the same day as my wedding anniver- lymphocytes. The thing is, Phyllis had row match for a patient with some kind ents, which made it logical that she had sary, and trying to figure out how we three relapses from her Acute Myelo- of leukemia, and would I mind getting grown kids, probably grandkids (I was were now related. I implored Phyllis blastic Anemia Leukemia during her tested to see if I was a true match. I late starting a family, that didn’t mean not to take up a life of crime, since we eleven years of survival. At one point, barely remembered signing up for the everyone else was), and therefore it now shared the same DNA and I wasn’t the Doctors at M.D. Anderson Center National Marrow Donor Program (Be was clear I would do this. If I had even ready to take the fall for her. (Did I say in Houston wanted another donor who The Match) several years earlier while a chance to give someone a little ex- I’m not a singer? I’m also not a genetic eventually backed away. Yiftach sent in grad school, at a random student tra time with her family, who was I to scientist.) word. “I will be there if you need me,” Less than a year after that first he said. phone call, I became a father for the How do you thank this selfless first time, and less than a year after gift? Yiftach’s wife, Jennifer, is just as that Grammy and Papa came to visit much a person to thank as she support- and celebrate life and love with us in ed the donation and this interruption of San Diego. In the subsequent decade, family life. we saw each other a few more times An inscription on the back of a (one or two planned occasions and one wristwatch we presented to Yiftach surprise visit), spoke numerous times, from Jewish liturgy is appropriate. and shared loads of family simchas “Save One Life and You Save the (mostly by mail, Internet, phone, etc.). World.” And so he did. The intervention of Hashem By Michael “Mikey” Cohen, Member of Beth T’Shuvah halom. I would like to share with ladies would take over the kitchen to Independently owned, family oriented. you my story of how Hashem in- start preparing the Shabbos meal. Oy Stervened in a Jewish man’s life. vey! I have not seen food like this in a Together we celebrate tradition. My name is Michael Cohen and this is long, long time. my story. On top of all of this, Rabbi Mark Keeping Memories Alive. I was sitting in Los Angeles Coun- Borovitz conducted a Torah Study ty jail waiting to be sentenced to seven Monday through Friday mornings be- years in California State Prison. fore the day began. Usually there was 1589 Colonial Blvd. While I was there, a man by the about six or seven men and women name of Michael Hecht came to visit present. Fort Myers, FL 33907 me. He came from a place called Beit I would like to share with the larg- T’Shuvah, a drug treatment program er Jewish community that here at Char- just for Jews. He explained to me that lotte Correctional Institution we try to www.fortmyersmemorial.com although it was a long shot, he was go- do the same thing. We try to keep our ing to try to get me in there. Two days Jewish heritage alive by studying To- 239-936-0555 ~ 877-936-0555 later, I was taken to court. rah. You see, I believe that Judaism is When I walked into the courtroom, not a religion, but rather it’s a heritage I saw Mr. Hecht talking with the judge. for a Jew, as well as a way of life for When they were done, the judge asked every Jewish soul. It should not matter me if I would accept one year at Beit if we are in prison or on the outside to T’Shuvah’s drug program followed by live right. three years of probation. Now it was At this present time, I have been made clear to me that if I messed up, fighting for my life for a crime Idid I would have to go to prison for seven not commit. I’ve been in prison since years. I did not realize that if I accept- 2003. And even though I cannot afford ed, it would change my life forever. a lawyer, I firmly believe that Hashem Well, I did accept. No prison? Of will provide a lawyer on my behalf. course! I would be required to take Meanwhile, I will continue to study drug classes during the day and either Torah and to keep my mitzvot as best NA or AA meetings at night. In addi- as I can in a place like this. tion, I would also take Hebrew classes Thank you for allowing me to and do a lot of soul searching. share my story about how Hashem’s On Friday, we would only have love and patience will always bring a classes in the mornings because the Jew back to his Jewish heritage. Stay in touch throughout the month. Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts. Get the latest information on upcoming community events and cultural activities, breaking news items, updates from Israel and lots more. Send an email to [email protected] L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19 From Kaifeng to the Kotel: Five women from ancient Chinese Jewish community arrive in Israel to make Aliyah erusalem, February 29 – For the Kaifeng Jews in recent years have be- Shavei Israel, which will also cover their down to their descendants, who continue first time in nearly seven years, five gun seeking to return to their roots and living expenses and support them as to observe Jewish customs. Today the Jtwenty-something women from the embrace their Jewish identity,” Freund they prepare to undergo formal conver- community is experiencing a revived ancient Chinese Jewish community of said, adding that, “These five young sion by Israel’s Chief Rabbinate. Upon interest in its roots, and Shavei Israel has Kaifeng arrived in Israel this morning women are determined to rejoin the Jew- completion of the conversion process, been providing support while helping to fulfill their dreams of making Aliyah ish people and become proud citizens of they will receive Israeli citizenship. some immigrate to Israel. thanks to the Jerusalem-based nonprofit the Jewish state, and we are delighted to About the Chinese Jews About Shavei Israel: Shavei Israel. help them realize their dreams.” of Kaifeng, China: Shavei Israel is a nonprofit organiza- The women – Gao Yichen (“Wei- “Being part of the Jewish people is Believed to have been founded by Iraqi tion founded by Michael Freund, who wei”), Yue Ting, Li Jing, Li Yuan, and an honor, because of the heritage and or Persian Jewish merchants in the 8th immigrated to Israel from the United Li Chengjin (“Lulu”) – have been study- wisdom,” said Li Jing, who on a brief or 9th century, Kaifeng’s Jewish com- States, with the aim of strengthening ing Hebrew and Judaism intensively for previous visit to Israel put a note of munity built a large and beautiful syna- the ties between the Jewish people, the several years in Kaifeng. Upon arrival prayer in the Kotel asking to return and gogue in 1163, which was renovated State of Israel and the descendants of in Israel, they were greeted by Shavei live in Israel. “Now, my prayer has been throughout the years. At its peak, during Jews around the world. The organiza- Israel Chairman Michael Freund, who answered,” she said. the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the tion is currently active in nine countries took them straight from Ben Gurion The last time Shavei Israel was Kaifeng Jewish community may have and provides assistance to a variety of Airport to the Western Wall (the Kotel) able to bring a group of Chinese Jews numbered up to 5,000 people. But wide- different communities such as the Bnei so they could thank God for helping from Kaifeng on Aliyah was in October spread intermarriage and assimilation, Menashe of India, the Bnei Anousim them return to the land of their ances- 2009, when seven young men from the and the death of the community’s last (referred to as the derogatory “Marra- tors. community arrived in the Jewish state. rabbi, brought about its demise by the nos” by historians) in Spain, Portugal “Kaifeng’s Jewish descendants are a The organization has brought a total early 19th century. Today the community and South America, the Subbotnik Jews living link between China and the Jew- of 19 members of the Kaifeng Jewish claims between 500 to 1,000 members. of Russia, the Jewish community of ish people,” said Freund, who succeeded community to Israel. Despite the pressure to assimilate, Kaifeng in China, descendants of Jews in obtaining the requisite permission to The five women plan to continue many of the Kaifeng Jews sought to living in Poland, and others. For more bring the Chinese Jews on Aliyah after their Jewish studies at Jerusalem’s preserve their Jewish identity and pass it information, visit www.shavei.org. several years of struggling with the Midreshet Nishmat – The Jeanie Schot- Israeli bureaucracy. “After centuries of tenstein Center For Advanced Torah assimilation, a growing number of the Study For Women, with the support of

April 3*,10, 17,24 in the Jewish Federation Community Room ISRAELI DANCING IS FOR ALL AGES. Everyone is welcome, no partner is needed and no previous experience is necessary. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Better yet, bring a friend — the more the merrier! *The first class of each month will begin at 3:30 for beginners or anyone wanting to review dances. RSVP necessary each week Jewish Federation 9701 Commerce Center Ct. to Marsha Kistler Fort Myers 33908 [email protected] Li Yuan, Yue Ting, Li Jing, Li Chengjin and Gao Yichen standing in front of the Kotel in Jerusalem (Photo Credit: Laura Ben-David / Courtesy of Shavei Israel)

ACHIEVE YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS AND SUPPORT

ISRAEL Earn Up to 9.5% AGE RATE* 65 5.5% 70 5.8% 75 6.4% 80 7.2% 85 8.1% 90 & Over 9.5%

*Single-life Gift Annuity (Two-life rates are also available)

Stay in touch throughout the month. Sign up for the Why fund a JNF Gift Annuity?

Federation’s e-blasts. “JNF charitable gift annuities offer us a generous income, tax advantage, and the opportunity to change the face of Israel.”

-Alan and Louise Dabrow, Haverford, PA

800.562.7526 • JNFLEGACY.ORG L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 20 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

soul singer, won Female Artist of the U.S. FDA approval for its neuroAD Year at the 2016 Victoires de la Mu- system to slow and even reverse the BRIEFS sique (France’s Grammys). progression of Alzheimer’s. The nov- Her new album, “Older,” was el technology combines transcranial TOURISM TO ISRAEL subcommittee of the House Oversight nominated for Album of the Year. magnetic stimulation (TMS) and cog- REMAINS STRONG Committee, the OVT has not brought Naim won album of the year in nitive training of specific brain regions According to Anat Aronson of Israel’s about a single prosecution for attacks 2008 and French singer of the year in to slow the rate of mental deterioration Tourism Ministry, “Tourism in 2015 in Israel or the Palestinian Authority 2011. (Viva Sarah Press, Israel21c) in patients with mild to moderate Al- was more or less what it was in 2014 – areas. The record of the OVT is “an zheimer’s and other neurodegenerative about 3% lower – and most of that was affront to the victims of terror,” ac- EUROPEAN REGIONS THAT disorders. The treatment is commer- due to a falloff in tourism from Russia cording to a statement submitted to the EXPELLED JEWS HAVE cially available in Europe and Asia, and Eastern Europe, due to severe eco- committee by Sherri Mandell, mother LOWER GDP THAN THOSE including in Israel. nomic problems in those regions. Tour- of 13-year-old Koby Mandell, who THAT DIDN’T Neuronix CEO Eyal Baror said, was murdered by terrorists near Tekoa ism from the United States in 2015 was Jewish communities were instrumental “Our previous successful six clini- in 2003. (Stephen M. Flatow, Times of actually up over the year previously.” in the establishment of some of the ear- cal trials have shown that neuroAD is Israel) Green Schoenfeld & Kyle LLP Altogether, 3.1 million tourists ar- ly banks during the Renaissance and safe and effective in treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer patients, sig- rived in Israel in 2015. (David Shamah, APPLE’S CHIEF the effects are still noticeable in mod- Times of Israel) ern economies. “Cities in which the lo- nificantly improving their cognitive Lowell S. Schoenfeld CHIPMAKER IS AN cal Jewish community in 1500 caused performance and day-to-day activities, Attorney at Law THE U.S. RECORD ISRAELI ARAB an early development of the banking and slowing down their mental dete- Florida Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates ON PROSECUTING Johny Srouji, 51, is the senior vice sector, have more banks today and, rioration for about one year.” In 2015, president for hardware technologies at Korean researchers said a clinical trial PALESTINIAN KILLERS because of this, are more developed (239) 936-7200 Apple. He runs the division that makes showed that neuroAD “was remark- OF AMERICANS today,” said Professor Luigi Pascali, FAX (239) 936-7997 processor chips for the iPhone, iPad, 1380 ROYAL PALM SQUARE BLVD. 64 American citizens have been mur- an economist at the University of War- able in the memory and language do- FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33919 [email protected] Apple Watch and Apple TV. dered by Palestinian terrorists in Israel wick and Pompeu Fabra University in mains, which are severely affected by Srouji is a Christian Arab born in since the signing of the 1993 Oslo ac- Barcelona. Alzheimer’s disease.” (Abigail Klein Haifa, Israel, who learned at the Tech- cords, yet the U.S. has not prosecuted In a paper in The Review of Eco- Leichman, Israel21c) nion-Israel Institute of Technology, one even one of the killers. The Justice De- nomics and Statistics, Pascali examined of the world’s top engineering schools. ISRAELI VOLUNTEERS partment’s Office for Victims of Over- the presence of Jewish communities in After graduating, Srouji got a job seas Terrorism (OVT) was established Italian cities during the Renaissance. PASSING CRITICAL with IBM, which had placed its larg- in 2005 after years of protests over the He estimates that if the Jews had not HUMANITARIAN SUPPLIES est non-U.S. research facility in Haifa, Brian Simon, ChFC®, CLU® failure of the U.S. to take action against been expelled from southern Italy by TO SYRIANS then moved to Intel, and joined Apple Financial Advisor, Park Avenue Securities, LLC Palestinian Arab killers of Americans. its Spanish rulers after 1503, the GDP Several times a year, Doreen Gold, an in 2008. (Brad Stone, Bloomberg) A total of 138 U.S. citizens have been there would have been 7% higher and Israeli Jew, goes undercover to orga- murdered, and 193 wounded, since the ISRAEL’S YAEL NAIM IS that the expulsion of the Jews may ex- nize a mission of humanitarian aid for 1960s. plain at least 10% of the income gap Syrian NGOs. Some 200 Israeli vol- The OVT is required to help bring “SINGER OF THE YEAR” currently seen between northern and unteers are working for her nonprofit, about the prosecution of the terrorists. IN FRANCE southern Italy. He added that similar iL4Syrians. Doreen (not her real name) But according to testimony at a Febru- Israeli-French singer-songwriter Yael trends likely happened in other coun- has signed a form that says that if she is ary 2 hearing at the national security Naim, 38, a French-born, Israeli-raised tries in Europe when Jewish communi- captured, the government will not ne- ties were expelled in the Middle Ages. gotiate for her release. iL4Syrians be- (Richard Gray, Daily Mail - UK) gan operating in April 2011. “We were probably the first international NGO ISRAELI DEVICE operating in the area,” she says. SLOWS PROGRESSION The first mission brought in sani- OF ALZHEIMER’S tation kits, baby powder, food and Based on a just-completed study in- medical supplies. Since then the orga- volving 131 patients, Israel’s Neuronix nization has passed along survival kits, medical device company will apply for continued on page 22

Susan Miller: Testament in Stone On View Through September 11, 2016 Susan Miller “sees” through stone. She has the ability to perceive and reveal, through the density of weighty blocks of marble, a form that communicates human dignity and energy. Miller’s sculptures express her spirit and the beauty of the human body. The subjects of the pieces are connected to names from history, mythology and the Old Testament. Biblical passages, poetry, and prose Susan Miller, Leah Rejected, 20 x 15 x14” accompany the works.

Cinema Judaica: The Epic Cycle (1947-1971) On View Through October 23, 2016 Serving Ft. Myers & beyond for over 25 years! Hollywood films in the three decades after WWII portrayed 4,000 years of Jewish historical identity and, in some of the biggest box office hits of all times, transformed the image of the Jew from embattled to triumphant. Flamboyant posters and bold advertising materials for films are • Major Cruise Lines • Fund Raisers featured in this blockbuster www.doctorben.net • Small Cruise Lines • Group Cruises exhibition. • Custom Cruise Packages (ask about our group leader program) Exhibition sponsored by the Robert Arthur Segall Foundation. On loan from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Sins of Jezebel (1953), 16 x 38” • Custom Bus Tours • Incentive Travel Curated by Laura Kruger. • River Cruises • Reunion Cruises • Cruise Tours • Family Cruises L’Chayim • Land Tours • Honeymoons/Weddings 2-for-1 admission with this ad • Rail Tours • Meetings/Seminars at Sea Give us a call today. Let’s talk about your next exciting vacation! L’Chayim Welcome Offer: Book your next cruise, tour or 301 Washington Avenue land package with All Aboard Travel and receive $50 off Miami Beach, FL 33139 per booking*. Call our office for details.*minimum purchase $1,500 305.672.5044 • jewishmuseum.com [email protected] 866.235.7326 Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am - 5pm Except Holidays AllAboardTravel.com The Museum is supported by individual contributions, foundations, memberships and grants from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development 12530 World Plaza Lane #1 | Ft. Myers, FL 33907 Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and FL ST#37304 Board of County Commissioners and the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 MARKETPLACE Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 21

Different fortable Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS Com ish Syl nd Moore A Trusted Name in Eye Care Certified Public Accountants/Financial Consultants ion a Art of Fash The Art of Fashion and Moore Charles Abels Massie CPA, CFP® (in the Arcade in historic One of our NFLPA Registered Player Financial Advisor downtown Ft. Myers) Country’s TOP 5 Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgeons 15671 San Carlos Blvd. Ste 201 O: 239-768-2171 Fort Myers, FL 33908 F: 239-768-6074 Teri Moore, Owner (239) 204-9759 (239) 418-0999 www.cpamassie.com [email protected] 2267 1st. St., Suite 12 [email protected] BetterVision.net Ft. Myers, FL 33901 www.artoffashionandmoore.com “We Save Your Income for You to Enjoy Your Outcome” Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Lehigh Acres • Punta Gorda • Naples

Green Schoenfeld & Kyle LLP Ryder Orthopaedics INC. Adult and Pediatric Prosthetics and Orthotics Lowell S. Schoenfeld Laura E Ryder, CPO, FAAOP Attorney at Law Prosthetist/Orthotist Florida Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates Michelle Schoenfeld, LCSW 15050 Elderberry Lane, Suite 4-3 (239) 936-7200 1500 Royal Palm Sq Blvd 1250 Tamiami Trail N #104 Fort Myers 33907. Ph 239.208.2217 Fort Myers, FL 33919 Naples, FL 34102 www.livinghappily.org FAX (239) 936-7997 1380 ROYAL PALM SQUARE BLVD. 239-939-0009 239-643-6673 [email protected] FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33919 [email protected]

RICK SNYDERMAN CARDIOLOGY Licensed Pedorthist ASSOCIATES 1900 Trailwinds Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33907 Brian Simon, ChFC®, CLU® Louis D. Rosenfield, M.D., F.A.C.C. Financial Advisor, Park Avenue Securities, LLC Ph: (239) 939-2099 Diplomate of the American Board of Cardiology and Internal Medicine Fax: (239) 939-7792 4130 Tamiami Trail, Suite 201 303 E. Gibson Street Fort Myers FIT • SERVICE • QUALITY Port Charlotte, FL 33952 Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: (941) 629-4500 Phone: (863) 993-2900 We Specialize In All Widths Fax: (941) 629-5049 Fax: (863) 993-3634 We Will Ship Anywhere

Attorney at Law Divorce • Child Support • Visitation P: 239.333.0500 F: 239.333.0501 [email protected] www.leejustice.com 1625 Hendry Street, Suite 102 Fort Myers, Florida 33901

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS THEY HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE.

Paul Weinstein, CFP® Managing Partner, WWFG JOSEPH FAERBER Branch Manager, RJFS Attorney and Counselor at Law Janet Astrin Admitted N.Y. and FLA. Bars ® Sales Associate RAYMOND JAMES Handling All Legal Matters 13720 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy #1 • Fort Myers, FL 33912 14360 S. Tamiami Trail • Fort Myers, Florida 33912 Free Consultation 239-768-1490 • 888-768-1490 Toll Free • 239-768-1935 Fax (239) 482-3001 • Fax (239) 482-8846 [email protected] leelightingflorida.com [email protected] Securities offered through Like us on Facebook Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC 239-498-0518

INTERNIST OF THE YEAR AWARD Presented by the Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians Repairs • Salt Chlorine Generators • Heat Pumps Lake Suzy www.doctorben.net (941) 627-2001 Florida

PATTERSON, ESKIN & BALL Wills, Estates and Trusts Rubinstein, Holz & King P.A. Family Law Attorneys Eric Gurgold, Esq. HAROLD S. ESKIN, P.A. Florida Bar Board Certiﬁ ed Wills, Trust and Estate Attorney ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW MEDIATOR CERTIFIED CIVIL LAW MEDIATOR Business and Tax Planning Alan J. Rubinstein Guy E. Whitesman, Esq. Board Certified - Marital & Family Law Florida Bar Board Certiﬁ ed Tax Attorney 1420 S.E. 47TH STREET, CAPE CORAL Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (239) 549-5551 • FAX (239) 549-4834 E-mail: [email protected] 1375 Jackson St., Ste. 304 (239) 332-3400 E-mail: [email protected] Fort Myers, FL 33901 Fax (239) 332-5078 henlaw.com • 239. 344.1100 L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 22 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Syrian refugee creates website to thank Israelis Aboud Dandachi says the world should know about the assistance given to Syrian refugees by Israeli and Jewish organizations and individuals. By Viva Sarah Press, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org, February 21, 2016 boud Dandachi, a Sunni Mus- of Israel.”) countries, Israeli medical teams and hos- helping Syrians, my view of the world lim from the city of Homs now “There are new stories of Israelis pitals have been tireless and unstinting changes.” Aliving in Istanbul, has created helping Syrians every day. As far as in treating Syrians in need... Israeli and “Why are we the Jews’ enemies?” a website dedicated to the Israeli and I’m concerned, because we as Syrians Jewish organizations are, despite con- he asks. “At a time when Donald Trump Jewish organizations and people helping cannot give back to Jews what they give siderable personal risk, on the ground in is defaming us, when Denmark and Syrian refugees. to us, we should at least thank them,” Greece and the Balkans, providing aid Switzerland confiscate Syrian refugees’ The website, Thank You Am Israel, Dandachi told Ynetnews. and assistance to the seemingly endless belongings, when all these countries highlights the humanitarian aid being He says this “one-man operation” wave of refugees fleeing the mayhem of are against us – we have the Jews who given to displaced Syrians and also the Middle East. even endanger themselves to help us. So refutes any reasons why Israelis and “I grew up with statements like ‘These “No one why should I be an enemy of the Jews? Syrians should be enemies. people are your enemies. The Jews are could have fault- They have proven that they want to be “As a Syrian, I am morally obli- ed Israelis and my friends. They held out their hand, so gated to ensure that the goodwill that evil.’ And then I saw that the Jews are Jews had they why should I turn against them?” Israelis and Jews have displayed toward taken a strictly This is why he created the Thank my people will not be overlooked nor the most humane and generous people hands-off ap- You Am Israel portal. forgotten. The day will come when the proach to the “For what it is worth, you have the conflict in Syria will come to an end, as of this era.” humanitarian ca- thanks of at least this Syrian. I myself all things come to an end. On that day, is a personal mission and that he had tastrophe created by the Syrian conflict. am not a media mogul, or a well-placed it is imperative that Syrians reciprocate no idea what feedback he’d get, if any. Indeed, with six Arab societies tearing columnist. I am at heart a simple Syr- the enormous goodwill shown toward “I’ve been getting tremendous themselves apart and in different stages ian village boy caught up in events far us by Israelis and the Jewish people. feedback and messages of support,” of failed statehood, the sensible thing for bigger than himself, trying to muddle Whatever supposed reasons we may Dandachi tells ISRAEL21c. “What sur- Israelis to do would have been to hun- through as best as can be expected. have had to be adversaries is dwarfed by prised me is the feedback from Arabs. I ker down, and wait until the mayhem My powers of persuasion are limited. the compassion shown to us during our was expecting hostility Heck I can’t even convince one of my darkest days, a time when we have noth- from Arabs and instead own brothers to stop being such a Rus- ing to give back except our gratitude,” a surprising number sophile,” he writes. writes Dandachi in a January opinion have told me that I’m “But by chronicling and acknowl- article on his site. saying what they can’t edging the numerous acts of compassion Dandachi, a 39-year-old high-tech say and that I should and generosity shown by the Jewish project manager, says he never imagined keep saying what I’m people to my own people, I can try to the civil war in Syria would last five saying. It surprised me ensure that Syrians, Arabs and the world years. Dandachi left his hometown of the number of Arabs and at large never be allowed to forget what Homs in September 2013 for Lebanon refugees like me who you have offered and provided to Syrian and then made his way to Turkey. say that.” refugees, at a time when you had every In December 2015, he created a Dandachi tells IS- historical and practical reason not to. blog, Twitter account and Facebook RAEL21c that his site “Thank you Am Israel, and may you page “in appreciation of the assistance has also prompted great always be safe and blessed.” given to Syrian refugees by Israeli and interest from Israel. He Aboud Dandachi at the 12th century Krak des Chevaliers in Homs. Viva Sarah Press reports on the creativi- Jewish organizations and individuals.” says he gives talks via In 2013, the Syrian government bombed this site, destroying ty, innovation and ingenuity taking place “I wanted to start this blog a while Skype to groups in Is- what had been the world’s best preserved Crusader Castle. in Israel. Her work has been published ago, but I was a little wary of the politi- rael and is regularly interviewed by beyond had burned itself out.” by international media outlets including For daily news stories related to Israel cal climate in Turkey. But now it seems local media here. While he would love Dandachi calls himself “a displaced Israel Television, CNN, Reuters, Time & the Jewish world, visit the Federation’s the Turks are reconciling with Israel so to visit Israel, he says: “I’m a Syrian. Syrian refugee currently living in Istan- Out and The Jerusalem Post. website at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. that gives me an opening, so to speak,” Visiting Israel is not even remotely pos- bul.” His site chronicles aid, assistance Dandachi tells ISRAEL21c on a Skype sible. I would love to visit Israel when and medical care to Syrian refugees call from Istanbul. “When you’re a it becomes possible.” from 2011 to the present. refugee you have to be very careful A displaced Syrian refugee Dandachi told Ynetnews about his BRIEFS about what you say and what you do. Dandachi blogs: “Turned away from childhood anti-Israel education. “I grew continued from page 20 When you’re a refugee you’re on your Arab countries, increasingly unwelcome up with statements like ‘These people medical devices and even 3,000 chemi- best behavior in your host country. You in Europe, Syrian refugees have found are your enemies. The Jews are evil.’ cal suits to protect the doctors working never want to offend your host country.” support, aid and assistance from the And then I saw that the Jews are the with patients who had been victims of The site includes news stories and last place they could have expected: most humane and generous people of chemical attacks. The group supports opinion pieces on the global humani- Israeli and Jewish organizations and this era. When I see that Hezbollah and 17 field hospitals and surgery rooms tarian aid being offered by Israeli and individuals. the Iranians are coming to kill me and in Syria. Doreen’s team keeps them Jewish people to the Syrian people. “While thousands of Syrians lan- I’m forced from my home by Syrians, stocked with everything they need. It (Am Yisrael is Hebrew for “Nation guish on the borders of neighboring and then I hear that Israelis and Jews are has also provided four 3D printers to Syria and trained 22 orthopaedic doctors to print out prosthetic limbs. Two years ago Doreen admitted to one of the large Syrian NGOs she works with where she comes from. “They understood for the first time that...Israeli volunteers were risking their own lives in order to save their women and children. Their world was Extraordinary! shaken to the core. After a month they came back to the table and made an Our plants aren’t agreement with us.” (Nicky Blackburn, FLjust pretty...Native Israel21c) ISRAEL TO LAUNCH ONE They’re smart! OF THE MOST ADVANCED Plants MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD, WITH U.S. HELP When it is complete, Israel’s multi- billion-dollar missile defense system will rival, and in some ways surpass, in speed and targeting, air defenses deployed by Europe and the U.S. The U.S. has provided $3.3 billion over the past 10 years to support the defensive system, which will be able to knock down not only ballistic missiles but www.riverlandnursery.com 13005 Palm Beach Blvd, also orbiting satellites. The Israeli defense establishment 239-693-5555 Fort Myers and its American partners have designed a layered system that can re- spond to simultaneous attacks from multiple fronts – rockets lobbed by Delivery and installation available. Hamas from Gaza, mid-range rockets fired by Hizbullah from Lebanon, Open 7 Days A Week! and long-range ballistic missiles be- continued on next page L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23

ity through technical training in collaboration with Israel. BRIEFS Israel has promised to double the L’CHAYIM delivers! number of Kenyans training in Israel continued from previous page and to establish the Irrigation and Wa- Introduce your business to a POWERFUL ing developed by Iran. In addition, Is- ter Engineering Institute in Kenya to rael’s new X-Band radar will allow it give the country technical capability as demographic and reach 5,000 readers to detect incoming missiles 500 or 600 it increases its acreage under irrigation. each month for pennies per reader! miles out. Other initiatives include partnering “I define the system as pioneer- with Kenya in developing desalination For ad rates and deadlines, ing,” said Uzi Rubin, former director along Kenya’s 500 km. coast along the of Israel’s missile defense program. Indian Ocean, and supporting Kenya’s contact Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923 “Even the United States doesn’t have new Water for Schools Program to anything as complex, as sophisticat- connect all our public schools to water. or [email protected]. ed.” (Ruth Eglash and William Booth, (Eugene Wamalwa, Standard Digital - Washington Post) Kenya) KENYA-ISRAEL WHAT ISRAEL IS PARTNERSHIP WILL GIVING ME: THE VOICE MAKE THE COUNTRY OF AN ARAB DOCTOR WATER SECURE Faiza is the head of the intensive care Israel changed its water and food for- unit at a major private hospital in Isra- tunes after realizing that rain-fed agri- el. She lives in Shuafat, an Arab neigh- culture was not sustainable and turned borhood in Jerusalem where there are to irrigated agriculture. Israel stopped frequent disturbances. She comes from waiting for rain and water from the Sea a family of eleven, most of them gradu- You’re in Good of Galilee and sent salt water from the ates of Israeli universities. “I love my Mediterranean Sea through desalina- life. I love living in Israel. I thank Al- tion plants and practiced waste-water lah every day for having given me the Company... recycling to give its citizens millions of opportunity to grow up here,” she says. cubic meters of water in excess of their “I know that if it was not for this coun- At The Palms of Fort Myers where we have built a needs. Through irrigation, Israel has try, I would never be what I am.” turned the desert green and produced “Here you can choose,” she says. reputation providing seniors and their families Peace of enough food for its national consump- She turns her head toward the Arab Mind and Superlative Care for over two Decades… tion as well as export. Israel is a water doctors and nurses. “Israel gives you and irrigation superpower and No. 1 in the opportunity to express your human Make the once-in-a-lifetime choice. the world in waste-water recycling. potential.” In all Israeli universities The PAlMS oF ForT MyerS Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta there are guaranteed places for Arab- promised to bring about a paradigm Israeli citizens. “Have you seen how A Rental Community You Will Call Home shift from rain-fed agriculture to ir- Israeli soldiers are helping Syrians? rigated agriculture that will remove Have you seen how they are putting Kenya from the yoke of food and wa- their own lives in danger crossing the ter insecurity by rapidly increasing the border in order to take the wounded You can’t build a acreage under irrigation to over a mil- Syrians to Israeli hospitals?” (Gheula reputation on what you lion acres, while building local capac- Canarutto Nemni, Times of Israel) For daily news stories related to Israel are going to do. & the Jewish world, visit the Federation’s website at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. • Independent Living •Assisted Living • Memory Care Alzheimer’s/Dementia • Respite Care • Short Term Stays • Seasonal Stays Pet Friendly!

Located in the heart of SW Florida, The Palms of Fort Myers is a full-service, resort-style senior living retirement community offering independent and assisted living apartments, Five Star’s award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimer’s care program, and outpatient rehabilitation services. Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel SERVICES & AMENITIES •Social, Educational and Recreational Activities Grants Available •Restaurant Style Dining •Exercise and Wellness Programs

•Game Room •Heated Swimming Pool

•In-House Beauty Salon & Barber Shop • Library & Computer Center

• 24-Hour Staff •Transportation The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through •Laundry & Housekeeping the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. The grant may be used for travel to Taste the Five Star Difference Israel to participate in programs that are volunteer or Five Star is honored to be a leader in senior living dining. Our creative chefs educational in nature. Our hope is that these programs will enhance Jewish knowledge and identity in preparation for know that cooking is about more than following a recipe. It’s an experience. participation in American Jewish life. This grant is for Jewish A passion. An opportunity to bring people together. Now, we’re bringing residents of either county who are 25 years old or younger our residents and families new ways to connect over a shared love of food. and can demonstrate a financial need. Academic standing and community involvement may also be considered. For more information or an application, please visit our website at The PAlMS oF ForT MyerS www.JewishFederationLCC.org or contact the Federation at thepalmsatfortmyers.com 239-481-4449, ext. 4 or email [email protected]. 239-275-7800 • 2674 Winkler Avenue • Fort Myers, FL ALF#07269

L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 24 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. The purpose of Passover assover activates us; it literally Finally, Passover is a way of mak- puts us to work. Think of all the ing vivid through our senses our ancient Pthings we have to do. We have to trials and historic purpose. The Seder, clean the house and change the dishes, with its symbolic foods, enables the order the matzo and Jew to relive and recreate his past. Is- Bar / Bat Mitzvah Specialist wine, invite the fam- rael Zangwill correctly said, “On Pass- ily, make sure that over the Jew eats history.” He literally Choosing the right photographer is an important decision. the youngest knows ingests the bread of affliction, and so Michael Shapiro has more than 30 years experience in media the four questions, the meaning of freedom becomes a part and journalism. He is able to capture images that are unique, maybe buy a new of the very marrow of his bones. Jews unexpected and spontaneous. pair of shoes and so have always known what it means to on. The Seder itself suffer. The Seder simply presents the  Rabbi makes participants story of this suffering and of redemp- Solomon of us all. There are tion in a way that makes us feel with Agin those of us who have all our senses. We hear the crackling to do the cooking, preparing the meal; of the matzo, we taste the haroset, we there are those of us who have to lead smell the sharpness of the horserad- the Seder; everybody has to sing, ev- ish, we feel the Haggadah in our hand, erybody has to eat the Matzo and all and our eyes take in the entire scene of the other foods. Jews actively recreating their tradition. Aside from motivating and en- Through this personal involvement a ergizing us, the Passover observance Jew senses completely the meaning of teaches us an important lesson: all of Passover and the underlying message us must participate in the great drama of freedom. of liberation, all of us must share in The late Ludwig Frank said, “The Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events creating a better society, all of us must Seder nights tie me with centuries be- move from inaction to action if we are fore me.” 239.770.6860 to better the world. As one wit put it: Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Temple [email protected] “You may be on the track, but if you Shalom in Port Charlotte. just sit there you will be run over.” www.shapiro-photography.com On the Wings of Awe s we approach Pesach and shall eat, and there will be enough. Spring, I think of the prayer But if we turn from Sinai’s words ConneCt Athat follows. This version of making gods of our own comfort or the paragraph (the our power then the holiness of life will with your Jewish Community V’ahavtah) that fol- contract for us, our world will grow in- lows the Sh’ma lifts hospitable to rains from heaven and the our hearts and in- produce of the earth will not be ours. www.facebook.com/ spires our actions. Or worse it will be ours unjustly facebook.com/jfedsrq Its challenge at this and our acts shall isolate us from the JewishFederationLCC season, and in every flowing waves of green and gold. season, should direct Let us therefore lace these wordsPassover prep  Rabbi our lives. into our passion and our intellect and Robert * * * bind them, all of us, as a sign upon Ourach If we can hear our hands and our eyes, writing them JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES the words from Sinai then love will in mezuzot for our doors and gates, of Lee & Charlotte Counties flow from us and we shall serve all that teaching them to our children, listening is holy with all our intellect and all our to our children teaching us. That our Our Mission passion and all our life. generations may be as numerous as the To strengthen and enrich the Jewish Community by providing and supporting philanthropic, educational and social service programs locally, in Israel and If we can serve all that is holy, we stars of heaven and the dust of earth, as throughout the world. shall be doing all that humans can to faithful as the living waters that unite

Our Vision help the rains to flow, the grasses to be them all. A Jewish Community that is based on Jewish values such as Tzedakah green, the grains to grow up golden like Rabbi Robert Ourach serves at Temple (benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking the sun and the rivers to be filled with Beth El in Fort Myers. responsibility for one another). life once more. All the children of God

Our dedication to service comes from our commitment to ancient What’s really Jewish values: benevolence, taking responsibility for one another and repairing what we can in our world. in the details e don’t usually think of quote, I think that Einstein tapped into God as an interior decora- the point of all those tabernacle details. Wtor. An architect, maybe. Most of us are not likely to be Think back to the creation of the world building any sanctuaries. So how does in Genesis. But not, say, a designer all the minutia of building the Mishkan of curtains. And yet translate into our lives? Perhaps the we’ve just finished lesson is that sanctity resides, through- five weeks of Torah out our lives, in the smallest of details. We do this by developing and maintaining readings that spell There is wonder to be seen in the con- community outreach programs such as out every detail of struction of an avocado. There is grati- Jewish Family Services, offering information the Mishkan, that tude to be experienced in the warmth and referrals to the elderly, the indigent portable sanctuary of a fuzzy, comfortable sweatshirt. and families with special needs. that traveled with the There is joy to be savored in the first Israelites throughout gulp from a bottle of water.  Rabbi Family services provides their desert journey. It’s not the devil that’s in the de- support groups for those Myra Soifer Does the Eternal tails. It is, rather, sanctity – and even suffering separation, One really need to the miraculous – that is to be found in bereavement and other worry about poles and lamps and yarns the smallest of details. If only we are challenges of life. On Jewish holidays our children and adult and linens? Aren’t earth and sky and perceptive enough to see. members visit senior facilities and private water and wind more in keeping with An early Pesach sameach to all! The Food Pantry provides homes, bringing gift baskets, greetings and God’s grandeur? May the wonder of the details of our groceries and food cards cheer to our community’s aging members. Albert Einstein is quoted as having liberation from Egypt inspire us to to those in need. Preparation classes for the SAT exam are said, “My religion consists of a humble work for justice and freedom. And may provided at a reduced cost. admiration of the illimitable superior the tiniest details of our most common spirit who reveals himself in the slight days inspire us with wonder and awe. Needs-based scholarships are available details we are able to perceive with our Rabbi Myra Soifer serves at Bat Yam The Jewish Federation of for college attendance and educational frail and feeble minds.” And with that Temple of the Islands on Sanibel Island. Lee and Charlotte Counties. programs in Israel. We are the thread that runs through and unites our For a continuously updated Jewish community. calendar of events, visit Connect with us. Join us. Support us! www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 FROM THE BIMAH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 25

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. A “No Shav’ Zone” “To transliterate or not to his year, when preaching on times and gatherings for shav’. I con- the Decalogue in the Book of cluded by urging that we adopt a rule transliterate – that is the TExodus (in our religion they against any discussion of politics by are called the Aseret Dibrot, the “Ten any of us in the synagogue until the au- Pronouncements”, never the “Ten tumn election is behind us. And so The question” t Temple Judea, we put a strong a synagogue service, I want them to Commandments,” since we count nine Community Free Synagogue is now emphasis on Hebrew decod- sing. Whether they can read them or commandments and formally a “No Shav’ Zone.” ing, even some comprehen- not, whether they understand them or a preamble!), I fo- As far as I can determine, my peo- A sion, in our religious school. Because not – the vast majority of Jews have cused on the third ple are, more or less, trying to follow we believe that Hebrew is the national not understood Hebrew for the last statement: “Do not this rule, so that my synagogue is a safe language of our people, we want our two thousand years or more – I want invoke the name of haven from the mind-numbing trash children to be able to follow a prayer people to open their mouths and sing Ya*** (the Lord) talk that now passes itself off as politi- service, read from the Torah, and the words of our people in the language your God for deceit, cal and civic discourse in our country. sing the Four Ques- of our people. I think a key component for Ya*** will not It hasn’t been easy for me and for tions, the Chanukah to the synagogue experience is feeling  Rabbi find blameless any- many of my very politically engaged blessings and Ma- deeply rooted in the sacred words of Bruce one who invokes His people. We are fairly bursting to share oz Tzur. We try to our people. Diamond name for deceit.” our points of view on, and reactions to, make Judaism excit- The Conservative Movement has The Hebrew term translated here the political spectacle of the day. How- ing and comfortable just come out with a new Shabbat and as deceit is shav’. Traditionally ren- ever, we are determined to try to honor for our children, but holiday siddur. Following the pattern dered as “in vain,” it can also mean our “No Shav’ Zone.” we know one’s Jew- of the machzor published five years “without purpose” or “folly.” In the Heaven knows we have endless  Rabbi ish feelings fluctu- ago, the book has explanatory com- context of this commandment, it here opportunities outside of the synagogue Marc ate throughout one’s ments on one side of the page and means not to invoke God’s name in an to debate electoral politics both face- Sack life. In teaching our supplementary readings and prayers, oath intended to deceive or for no su- to-face and online, and many of us children to read Hebrew, we give them ancient and modern, on the other. One premely important cause. robustly avail ourselves of these. But skills so they can say “I know this” any can find something new every time one My sermon that evening easily we are learning to enjoy and even sa- time they walk into a synagogue. opens the book. identified the use of God in politics vor giving it a rest when we come to But anyone who comes to Temple And it’s full of transliteration. It as a parade example of an obviously synagogue. Judea knows that in our bookracks, gives Jews of all Judaic backgrounds glaring violation of this fundamental Of course, once this cycle of elec- alongside our siddurim, is a translit- the opportunity to come to the syna- commandment. Clearly the promiscu- tions has mercifully (bimhayrah bya- eration guide to the entire Shabbat gogue and sing the words of our people. ous bandying about of God for political maynoo!) ended and new leaders in- service. All the Hebrew we sing out In social work school, I learned that gain should trigger a revulsion in the stalled in their powerful offices, it will loud is written in English characters. the practitioner must work to “meet hearts and minds of those who revere again become our biblically-mandated On the Wings of Awe At every service, I see a quarter of the the client where they’re at.” I think the Lord and seek to serve God’s pur- duty to encourage all the good that shall eat, and there will be enough. people using this booklet. that’s what this dual approach does: it pose. good government can accomplish, and But if we turn from Sinai’s words Are we not sending mixed mes- strengthens the skills of children and As an upshot of this sermon I ex- to “speak truth to power” when it falls making gods of our own comfort or sages? Only if consistency is impor- adults who want to learn more, and it horted my people to refrain from any short. our power then the holiness of life will tant, and in this case it’s not. For the helps everyone connect deeply with discussion of contemporary politics All in good time. contract for us, our world will grow in- reasons I stated above, we believe that the prayers of our people. That’s what when in synagogue for prayer or study, Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The hospitable to rains from heaven and the Hebraic literacy is very important to the synagogue experience is all about. especially on the Sabbath and festivals, Community Free Synagogue in Fort produce of the earth will not be ours. future Jewish commitment and par- Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple since that would be using these sacred Myers. Or worse it will be ours unjustly ticipation. But when people come for Judea in Fort Myers. and our acts shall isolate us from the flowing waves of green and gold. Let us therefore lace these wordsPassover prep Center for Judaic, Holocaust, into our passion and our intellect and any years ago in many Jew- soundness? Is it our annual chance to bind them, all of us, as a sign upon ish households, preparing do some moral housecleaning togeth- and Genocide Studies for Pesach took more time er?” our hands and our eyes, writing themM Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about in mezuzot for our doors and gates,and strain than the holiday itself. What is moral housecleaning? I am teaching them to our children, listening The first frenzy had to do with pu- not talking about monumental sins, al- Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: to our children teaching us. That ourrity. The enemy was chametz – those though surely these are also included. I vicious little bread crumbs hidden mean the little things by which families • scholarship generations may be as numerous as the • outreach stars of heaven and the dust of earth, aslike bacteria from normal detection start to flounder (congregational fami- faithful as the living waters that unite by the eye. But not lies as well). It’s the bad habits that eat • inquiry them all. from Bobbee’s blow at our spiritual health, the “moral bread • sharing knowledge Rabbi Robert Ourach serves at Temple torch which burned crumbs” to which we become so accus- • preserving the record Beth El in Fort Myers. the oven clean and tomed that we hardly notice them after • helping teachers sometimes set fire to a while. the kitchen curtains. I mean the subtle barbs we use be- • encouraging students The next inten- cause we know best how to land a good sity was the acqui- one! I mean the spiritual toxicity that  What’s really Rabbi sition of food ap- collects over the long season of our Devora proved for Pesach. discontent, even though it may seem Buchen in the details No quickie super- ever so slight. market solution because specialists So I have a suggestion. Toss all were dictated. Thus, you went to the the nonsense out with last year’s stale dairy man for all your butter and chees- bread crumbs. Traditionally, we burn Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ es, the fish man for all the species to the chametz. Well, literally burn them make gefilte fish kept alive and fresh as your spiritual chametz this Passover. Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director in your bathtub, the chicken man, etc. Will this Passover be different Finally, getting the food when from all other Passovers? It won’t just dispersed this way required military be the food. It will be the absence of tactics, precision and coordination, destructive behavior patterns that you Earn CAS Credits otherwise you would spend all your burned as the real chametz of the soul. time shopping and never celebrating. We have to be able to look into each The Jewish Federation of Lee So assignments were given to stand in other’s eyes and recognize that we and Charlotte Counties is line at all the key shopping points. Of have collectively left bondage behind. course, you were always scolded after- Let this month be a new beginning interested in hearing from wards when some item was forgotten for those near and dear to us, and a new teenagers in high school who or if you did not challenge its quality beginning for our collective congrega- might like to earn CAS credits or cost. tional family that has become ever so though various work in the My zeyda sat and watched all this near and dear to all of us. craziness going on with total disbelief. Rabbi Devora Buchen serves at Temple Jewish community. He mused to me, “Is it also the time Beth Shalom in Cape Coral. If you are interested, please to restore our family life to spiritual send the following information to [email protected]: What do you think? Name Address L’CHAYIM wants to know! Phone # Send your letters & comments to [email protected]. Age Letters Policy Grade Letters must include the writer’s full name, full address and daytime phone. Letters School should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/ Preferred volunteer hours or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of L’CHAYIM nor its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received. (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays) L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 26 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FOCUS ON YOUTH

spaghetti meal. take care of our plants and TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS April is a short month gardens. The children will HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH Fort Myers for religious school, but taste and have a chance to of Southwest Florida we still have a few events grow vegetables. We will (239) 495-8484 Liz Singer, to look forward to. April 10 we will help them understand that Director of Congregational Learning be joining with Temple Beth El for lettuce does not grow in a Humanistic Jewish Havurah One of the customs at this time of year the community PJ Library event. Our bag from Publix. celebrates Carl Sagan and Passover is to be silly, and play jokes on your school Passover breakfast and celebra- April will find our Paula Creed, President friends. On March 13, Temple Judea tion will be held on April 24. classrooms all a bloom as On Friday, April 1, the Humanistic Religious School and parents had quite * * * we make an array of flow- Jewish Havurah celebrates Shabbat the Purim prank in store for our stu- Temple Judea Preschool ers to fill the rooms. Our with a potluck dinner in the Pelican dents. The students were completely Joann Goldman, school has its very own Marsh Community Room (1504 Peli- unaware and came to school like any Temple Judea Preschool Director vegetable and flower gar- can Marsh Blvd., Naples) starting at other Sunday. When the clock hit 11:00 Stan Malecki has returned to teach the den. Some of our students 5:30 p.m. After dinner, Carl Sagan’s a.m., students were dismissed and a Pre- K children how to bake cornbread will have a chance to plant New York Times bestseller, The Demon- party bus was awaiting them in the from scratch! flowers in our garden. Haunted World: Science as a Candle in parking lot. They boarded the bus not This event was hosted by the Col- The children are also the Dark, will be discussed. knowing the destination. When the stu- lege of Life Foundation. A big thanks learning about different Because of his adherence to hu- dents exited the bus they saw that they to Peggy Phillips and Brandy Minchew gardening tools and how manist principles, Carl Sagan has been were at the HeadPinz Entertainment for coordinating this entire program. to nurture the plants. chosen as “Humanist of the Year” Center where parents greeted them. We will celebrate our Environ- If some of the plants by the Society for Humanistic Juda- While there, they ate and bowled and ment this month and how we should do not grow, they will ism. Early in this book, Sagan writes, everyone had a great time. take care of it. We will learn about the have an opportunity to dis- “Scripture is said to be divinely in- March 20 was our school Purim water cycle, keeping our water, air and cuss this topic. spired – a phrase with many meanings. celebration, where families and sib- ground clean, and about Recycling. April ends with mat- But what if it’s simply made up by fal- lings were invited to join us for break- The children will learn why we should zah covers and Seder lible humans? It is certainly conceiv- fast. Following breakfast, we had recycle and how the process works. We plates. We will take a jour- able that doctrines and ethics that may special Purim songs and activities, in- will bury some food and some plastic ney back in time to the have worked fairly well in patriarchal cluding hamentashen making and put- containers to see which is biodegrad- land of Egypt as we dis- ting together shalach manot for special able. The children will discover which cuss the holiday of Pass- friends and family. one helps the Earth and which can hurt over. The children will On March 23, our Wednesday the Earth. The children will also have enjoy singing songs and Hebrew students got to take part in a chance to build with recycled boxes sharing some special tra- two of the three mitzvot of Purim. Stu- and create work from recycled items. ditions. dents were dismissed and joined the Our next theme will help the chil- rest of Temple Judea for a communal dren understand how important it is to

The TBE PTO will gross to Washington, D.C. We will be lead- On Sunday morning, April 17, our TEMPLE BETH EL SCHOOLS 40% of this total. Todah ing our 9th and 10th grade Confirmation students will be participating in our an- Fort Myers Rabah to everyone who students for a five-day Community nual Pre-Passover “Chocolate Seder.” has participated, and we Service Trip (Tikkun Olam) through It is such a fun and meaningful way to Dale M. Cohen, R.J.E., MA Ed., are very grateful for all of your support the Amizade Global World Organiza- share a Seder with our students. A little Religious School Director of Temple Beth El Religious School. tion. We will be taking 11 students, and unorthodox maybe, but nevertheless, a Dear Parents of the Religious School: Our Purim celebrations and ac- Mary Gatof has graciously offered to most sumptuous Seder! I am reflecting back to when we had tivities last month were absolutely be a chaperone. I will be reporting next our wonderful PJ Library program at phenomenal. Our Wednesday students month on many of the highlights of our Temple Judea hosted by Leni Sack baked hamentashen for the congrega- trip. Jerusalem Post and Liz Singer. We live in such a small tion’s Megillah reading and a great Please mark your calendars, be- Jewish community, that it is so nice to time was had by all! cause something exciting will be hap- Crossword Puzzle Solution to puzzle on page 15 be able to get together and work col- The Purim Pancake Breakfast was pening on Sunday, April 10: Rabbi Ni- laboratively while celebrating the holi- full of whimsy as we watched our stu- cole Luna will be visiting Temple Beth day of Tu B’Shevat. Our next PJ Li- dents decorate their favorite Purim El and will be with us during Religious brary program (Passover) will be held characters on top of their pancakes. School. We are so excited and look for- at Temple Beth El on Sunday, April 10, Morah Hilary’s 5th grade class per- ward to spending time with our new as we continue to work and plan with formed a “Purim Schpiel” that had all permanent rabbi! Leni and Liz. All of us at Temple Beth of us in stitches! Our next Junior Congregation El Religious School have thoroughly Please note: There will not be any is scheduled for Saturday, April 16. enjoyed this process! Religious School on Sunday, April Please remember that this is a manda- I have just tallied up the amounts 3 due to the continuation of “Spring tory part of our curriculum for grades from our Barton’s (Miss Chocolate) Break.” Religious School will resume 4-7. This is the best way to familiarize Passover Candy Sale, and we have sold on Wednesday, April 6. our students with the Saturday morn- approximately $1,500 worth of some As you know from last month, Kar- ing liturgy. We look forward to seeing of the finest kosher candies available. en Kagan and I are anticipating our trip you all there!

The Sharon Chapter of Hadassah is SHARE the experience of proud to present “An Afternoon With reading with your children Fanny Brice” on Sunday, April 3 at as they grow with 2:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom, 23190 PJ Library books. Utica Ave., Port Charlotte. Funded in Lee & Charlotte It seems that when we speak about Counties by the Roth female comedians, there is a prepon- Family Foundation and the derance of Jewish women in the mix. Asher Family Foundation . Travel back to the beginning of the last century when Molly Picon became SIGN UP TODAY! a star of the Yiddish stage and wrote Enrollment is open to families raising Jewish children many zany songs and skits. Then there between the ages of six months to eight years was Gertrude Berg who penned her living in Lee & Charlotte counties. own radio show for years, moving onto

Families can sign up for PJ Library at television when times changed. So many comedians came of age on TV: www.pjlibrary.org Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner, Rosanne For more information, contact Leni Sack at [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x3 L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 27

or patristic or medieval seen differently. Archeological surveys The Exodus story reminds us that HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH times might be thorough- failed to uncover any possibility that every human being desires to live free- of Southwest Florida ly invalid in the very dif- there had been Israelite slaves in Egypt ly and with dignity. Modern people un- (239) 495-8484 ferent world we inhabit who fled in mass and later invaded the derstand that release from formal ser- today.” land of Canaan (Israel). In fact, evi- vitude in not the same as true freedom. Humanistic Jewish Havurah To attend, contact Dena Sklaroff dence strongly suggests that the Israel- In the traditional story, the Hebrews celebrates Carl Sagan and Passover at 239.591.0101, and find out what to ites were actually natives of that land. pass from one authoritarian situation Paula Creed, President bring to the dinner. A $10 per person Today some believe the Torah’s story into another. Moses is no less dictato- On Friday, April 1, the Humanistic charge enables us to cover the costs of was created as an allegory about how rial than Pharaoh. Moses issues laws in Jewish Havurah celebrates Shabbat this event. Egypt had dominated and exploited the the name of a divine authority and this with a potluck dinner in the Pelican On Saturday, April 23 at the Bo- people of Canaan. Ultimately, regional neither provides for individual liberty Marsh Community Room (1504 Peli- nita Bay Club (26660 Club Drive, upheavals led to great changes includ- nor allows public challenge. Confor- can Marsh Blvd., Naples) starting at Bonita Springs), beginning promptly ing Egypt’s withdrawal from Canaan mity, humility and obedience are the 5:30 p.m. After dinner, Carl Sagan’s at 5:00 p.m., we invite you, your fam- and the emergence of the Israelite na- virtues of the theocratic system. New York Times bestseller, The Demon- ily and friends to attend our Seder. We tion. We have growing confirmation Passover presents us with an op- Haunted World: Science as a Candle in celebrate by the reading our Human- that this occurred beginning in the thir- portunity to explore evolving ideas of the Dark, will be discussed. ist Haggadah followed by a traditional teenth century B.C.E. freedom. What constitutes true free- Because of his adherence to hu- Passover menu. These surprising revelations about dom in our day? How can we balance manist principles, Carl Sagan has been Completing the reservation form, the entirely fictitious nature of the story it with responsibility? How might we chosen as “Humanist of the Year” available on our website, www.hjh- are quite new. Previously, even those work to bring liberty to the millions of by the Society for Humanistic Juda- swfl.org, and mailing it with proper who rejected the supernatural parts of people who do not enjoy the right to ism. Early in this book, Sagan writes, payment, will secure your seat at the the story accepted its underlying narra- pursue their own paths to meaning and “Scripture is said to be divinely in- Seder table. The cost is $67 per person. tive of Israelite bondage in Egypt. With happiness? spired – a phrase with many meanings. Contact Dena Sklaroff for further in- the knowledge that the Exodus story is These are some of the questions But what if it’s simply made up by fal- formation. a complete invention, how can we pos- that are raised when the Exodus story lible humans? It is certainly conceiv- Picking up on Sagan’s premise, sibly go on telling it? We might begin is told. able that doctrines and ethics that may the Exodus tale everyone believed and by examining the inner core of the nar- have worked fairly well in patriarchal celebrated at traditional Seders is now rative and putting our emphasis there.

fitting shoes. The sock February 25 was our last big lun- ber Brunches at Donna Goldblatt’s HADASSAH registers changes and cheon of the season with a presentation with 12 new members at each brunch. Collier/Lee Chapter shows up on the phone’s by the dynamic Dr. Caroline Ceder- Thank you to Donna and her team, Ro- (239) 370-6220 app. It lets the patient and quist. She is a physician specializing in berta Ury and Carol Hirsch. the physician know of the Nutrition and Metabolism. She spoke Another successful event was the What Hadassah is up to problem. Diabetic Neuropathy is the about changing eating habits for a Pizza with a Purpose at California Piz- Karen Cohn, Co-President leading cause of amputations. SenseGo healthier way of life. za Kitchen. Ruth Barber was the head A Hadassah Medical Center physician is a product of BioDesign: Medical In- The season is not totally over since of this undertaking with flyers given along with graduate students from He- novation – a multi-disciplinary team- there are more Knowledge and Nosh to anyone who wanted one. The flyer brew University developed a machine- based collaboration between Hadassah lunches and speakers. Elyse Morande allowed CPK to donate 20% of the washable sock that when paired with a and Hebrew University. Hadassah is is in charge and she always attracts charges to Hadassah. I know I gave out Smartphone application can warn dia- always on the cutting edge. wonderful speakers. many flyers and people were very en- betic patients of developing foot ulcers. This season has really whizzed by. Lauren Becker still has her Eve- thusiastic about this event. Thank you Ulcers can lead to diabetic amputations I cannot believe people are beginning ning Group, meeting on the second to Ruth for an excellent job. if not treated. The sock has dozens to think of going back north for the Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. un- The Collier County Jewish Book of micro fabricated pressure sensors summer. Gayle Dorio and I have tried til the end of May. Festival was well attended and Hadas- which collects and relays the informa- to go to as many functions as possible, The Book Club meets monthly and sah is proud to have been the sponsor tion to the phone. It warns the patient even with our busy schedules. I guess Hadassah members are hard at work of the March 9 event at Beth Tikvah in about too much pressure on their feet busy people are always able to take on planning, planning, planning for more. Naples. due to incorrect posture or possible ill- just one more thing. We had two successful New Mem-

Myers at 5:00 p.m. Watch serve as Honor Guard. HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER for further details. JEWISH WAR VETERANS Please feel free to reach at Temple Judea Temple Judea’s Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400 out to us if Honor Guard (239) 433-0201 HAZAK 55+ Chapter is (239) 590-6774 is needed at a veteran’s for singles or couples. funeral. Additionally, we Sunday, April 10 - Movie afternoon The group is an organization that en- Eryka Aptaker are actively seeking new members and dinner: Join us at Temple Judea to ables its members to meet and socialize Meeting of the Jewish War Veterans, to join this amazing group. We meet, see Crossing Delancey starring Amy with each other. HAZAK 55+ chapters Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400: Febru- typically, the last Sunday of the month Irving. The movie begins at 4:00 p.m. are affiliated with the United Syna- ary 2016 at the Jewish Federation office in Fort followed by a pizza dinner. The cost is gogue of Conservative Judaism, and The Jewish War Veterans worked Myers. Breakfast meeting starts at 9:30 $10 for HAZAK members and $12 for Temple Judea’s HAZAK is a Chartered diligently to raise funds by standing a.m. Our next meeting will be held on nonmembers, and includes the movie, member. The dues are a modest $5 per outside Publix and asking for donations March 27. snacks, soft drinks, pizza, salad and year. Our programs are always open to in exchange for our pop- dessert. Your check is your reservation the community. If you are interested pies. In a few short hours and must be received by Wednesday, in joining our HAZAK 55+ group and they raised $976, which April 6. This program is open to the would like more information, please they decided to round up to community. For more information, call contact Joyce or George Rosinger $1,000 to donate to Hearts Shirley Schiffman at 239.395.0135. at 239.437.1566, Harvey Cohen at and Homes for Veterans, a Save the date of Sunday, May 239.768.3677, or Roberta (Bunny) or not-for-profit organization 22: HAZAK will be dining out and Matt Lawrence at 239.245.7708. servicing homeless/indi- schmoozing at Ruby Tuesdays in Fort gent veterans. As we lose some of our members, we place their Barr, Amy Schumer, Sar- names on a plaque, in me- HADASSAH ah Silverman and numer- moriam. This past meeting, Charlotte County Sharon Chapter ous others. we had a dedication for (941) 575-2815 One of the funniest, two of our deceased mem- Fanny Brice, will visit bers, Fred Rosenstrauch The Sharon Chapter of Hadassah is Temple Shalom and tell the truth about and Mike Tisherman. We proud to present “An Afternoon With the films Funny Girl and Funny Lady. invited Lore Rosenstrauch, Fanny Brice” on Sunday, April 3 at A beloved Roaring ’20s entertainer, Fred’s wife, to “unveil” 2:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom, 23190 Fanny shares secret anecdotes about the her husband’s name on the Utica Ave., Port Charlotte. ‘ups and downs’ of her childhood, her plaque. Fred is the gentle- It seems that when we speak about career and her marriages. She will sing man wearing the cap in female comedians, there is a prepon- rare novelty tunes, as well as her trade- the picture. He had been derance of Jewish women in the mix. mark “Second Hand Rose” and “My a lead interrogator in the Travel back to the beginning of the Man.” Neuremberg trials and had last century when Molly Picon became We welcome author and actor an extensive military ca- a star of the Yiddish stage and wrote Betty Comora, who performs this one- reer. Both gentlemen will many zany songs and skits. Then there hour, one-woman show for audiences be greatly missed. was Gertrude Berg who penned her of all ages and genders. We will be participat- own radio show for years, moving onto Donation: $10 (checks made pay- ing in a future event to television when times changed. So able to Hadassah). For ticket infor- commemorate the 50th an- many comedians came of age on TV: mation, please call 941.575.2815 or niversary of Vietnam. De- Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner, Rosanne 941.637.4750. tails will be announced at a later date. Stay connected all month long at The Jewish War Vet- erans, Victor Paul Tuch- www.JewishFederationLCC.org man Post 400, is happy to L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 28 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ORGANIZATIONS

first words are “In Our cause of this very important program. Naples. We hope that many GenShoah GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH Time” or, in the Latin, Space is very limited for this presen- and community members will be able SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Nostra Aetate. This doc- tation and RSVPs to genshoahswfl@ to attend this community Holocaust (239) 963-9347 ument acknowledged the icloud.com are absolutely required. Remembrance Day event. fact that historically, the This year, the Yom HaShoah Additional information about Gen- Program on Nostra Aetate Catholic Church dealt improperly with Commemoration will be held on Shoah meetings and events are now presented by GenShoah Jews. Wednesday, May 4 at 5:00 p.m. at Tem- emailed in a monthly newsletter. To Ida Margolis, President Nostra Aetate teaches that the Jews ple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, receive emails, to RSVP for events, for On Sunday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m. there are not collectively responsible for the additional information, or to make a will be a special program on Nostra death of Jesus, anti-Semitism is un- tax-deductible donation to GenShoah, Aetate, the revolutionary document that equivocally forbidden, and the roots of please email genshoahswfl@icloud. marked an unprecedented turnaround Christianity are in Judaism. com or call me at 239.963.9347. in interreligious relations. From 1965 Dr. Jack Conroy, a member of the GenShoah SWFL is a group open to 1968, the Catholic Church held what Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of the Jew- not only to children of Holocaust sur- is called “the second Vatican Council.” ish Federation of Collier County, will vivors (the Second Generation), but to In this Council, over 2,000 bishops make this presentation. His talk will all those who are interested in the mis- reflected upon whether the life of the focus on systemic injustices which sion of GenShoah: Preservation of the church was consistent with the prin- the church dealt Judaism, and also history and memories of the Holocaust, ciples on which it was founded. The describe Nostra Aetate itself and its promotion of Holocaust education and results of these reflections were -pub consequences. Conroy is a local au- human rights, connection of members lished in a number of documents. One thor and has a Ph.D. in theology with of the Second Generation with one of the documents that was produced a specialty in Hellenistic Judaism and another, and support of the Holocaust was fairly short, but was remarkable in Christian origins. At the Holocaust Museum, Maud Dahme (with Museum & Education Center of South- terms of the relationship of the church There will be no GenShoah steer- Ida Margolis) told a capacity crowd about her west Florida. to Muslims and Jews. This document’s ing committee meeting in April be- experiences as a “hidden child” during World War II

every corner, dormant, Beach, Port Charlotte, and everywhere from Moscow and, together with her JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY waiting to be discovered. in between and around – please let us parents, ran away to the U.S. after the OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Or maybe you just like to know how you would like to become Bolshevik Revolution. The couple, re- (239) 566-1771 fund the effort and stay at part of our Jewish Historical Society of grettably, died shortly before the 1969 home, waiting to watch Southwest Florida volunteer ranks. completion of the hall that beautifully Southwest Florida, your help the films later in the air-conditioned History is sometimes revealed in bears their name – a symbol to their is needed now! comfort of your living room. odd circumstances by the most unin- philanthropy and inspiration for the Marina Berkovich, president There is no wrong or right way to volved, unsuspecting people. How? wonderful future. Collecting and preserving Southwest get involved in this community-wide Wasn’t that what you are asking just To become a member of JHSSWF, Florida Jewish history is substantially effort. All you need to do is make the about now? Well, quite recently, while a sponsor, business associate and/or more than interviewing eyewitnesses, first step – contact us. And please do I was on 5th Avenue in Naples, an at- donor: organizing events, writing articles or it as soon as you have finished reading tendee of our January event at the Col- The Jewish Historical Society of enjoying early successes. this article, otherwise you will forget, lier Museum stopped to chitchat. She Southwest Florida The bulk of the effort is for the or something else will come up, or you was accompanied by visitors from 899 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 116, would-be-sleuths, the historians in will misplace the article you clipped Sarasota, who eagerly shared some Naples, FL 34108 you, the restless “I will get to the bot- and lose your enthusiasm. exciting information: “Van Wezel is 239.566.1771 tom of it” seed in you. It is for those And we very much want you to named after a Jew!” Indeed, the Van www.jhsswf.org of you who are willing to go to county keep your enthusiasm fresh. Our ac- Wezel Performing Arts Hall of Sara- Today is the right day to opt-in for archives and libraries of all Southwest tivities to date prove that there is wide- sota bears the name of the Jewish phi- the Jewish Historical Society’s mailing Florida counties and do some research. spread interest in what we set out to lanthropists who funded the project’s list. Or for those of you who think that accomplish from the southernmost initial capital of $400,000 – Lewis The Jewish Historical Society of history will be uncovered by visiting tip of Collier to the northern border van Wezel (pronounced Wayzel), a Southwest Florida is a section 501(c) graves of early settlers. Or for those of Sarasota and Manatee counties. So diamond-cutting magnate from Hol- (3) charitable organization. Contribu- of you who know how to make calls, wherever this reaches you – in Captiva, land, who smoked too much and drove tions are deductible to the extent al- or to plan or to impart your knowledge Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers, Ever- a very fancy Cadillac, and his Russian- lowed by law. onto others. History may be hiding in glades, Immokalee, Siesta Key, Venice born wife Eugenia (Jeanie), who was

leaders. Their marital maintained training schools after the alive until the ghettos were destroyed. ORT AMERICA connections were criti- Nazi anschluss and invasion of Po- By the end of World War II, ORT Gulf Beaches Chapter cal factors in creating an land in 1938. During this period in had transformed itself into an emer- (239) 649-4000 auxiliary organization Germany, for example, ORT opened gency organization primarily serving to assist their husbands’ a vocational high school in Berlin that adult displaced persons (DPs) about to ORT to eternity work. survived until 1943. migrate or in transit. (to be continued Marina Berkovich, President First Honorary President: Mrs. Al- In 1940, WAO was created as an in the May issue) ORT has influenced the Jews and the bert Einstein independent organization at American * * * World since 1880 in many unheralded Second Honorary President: Bar- ORT’s first annual convention in thir- ORT provides scholarships to ways. oness Pierre de Gunzbourg teen years, with the theme “A Trade is 300,000 students annually in over 60 Part V. Dr. Aron Syngalowski (con- A glamorous recital by Efrem Zim- a Refugee’s Passport.” countries. GulfBeaches ORT Chapter tinued from the March issue) balist at Carnegie Hall in 1928 to help As the Nazis conquered Europe, 2015 fundraising efforts benefit ORT Dr. Aron Syngalowski’s legacy is that the Jews in Eastern Europe launched WAO funded ORT accommodations in Israel. he succeeded in converting ORT from their activities as a women’s auxil- for refugees in various ORT installa- Please help us with our financial a parochial Russian organization to an iary. Patrons were some of the leading tions in France, vocational courses in challenge by mailing your renewal or international movement with the con- American Jewish women of German Swiss camps and internment homes, donation check, payable to ORT Amer- cept of providing economic indepen- origin, Eastern European Jewish wives, and maintenance of ORT workshops in ica, to Hella Amelkin, 3200 Gulf Shore dence for Jews wherever they lived. and leaders of the International Ladies’ Polish ghettos that managed to be kept Blvd. N., #307, Naples, FL 34103. Through him, ORT was inaugurated in Garment Workers’ Union. Women’s the U.S. in 1922, with Judge Jacob Pan- support of ORT reflected Jewish wom- ORT America (Organization for Rehabilitation through Training) ken as its first president, Louis Boudin en’s emergence into public life by cre- Did you know: as vice president, and Dr. Henry Mos- ating their own organizations to meet ORT supports 325,000 students annually in 59 countries by providing kowitz and Joseph Baskin among its community needs. technical education that emphasizes employable skills? founders. By 1933, WAO was large enough ORT’s most famous (and least publicized) mission was to educate Holo- Syngalowski is often credited for to put on a pageant, Activities of ORT, caust victims in DP camps so they were able to move on with their lives? the reconstruction of the ORT network at the 44th Street Theater in New York ORT America has four college campuses in the U.S., including two in New after World War II and the establish- City, demonstrating the various skills York and one each in Chicago and Los Angeles, that serve the most vulner- ment of its activities in Israel in 1948. taught by ORT in different countries. able communities? He died in Paris in 1956 and was bur- A Women’s ORT was organized in ORT America is active in Southwest Florida? Please attend Gulf Beaches ied in Geneva. The ORT school in Tel Poland in 1935. Chapter events and support ORT’s educational mission. Aviv was named after him. In the U.S., WAO created study Help ORT raise funds to save lives through education. To join/renew/trans- Part VI. Women’s American ORT groups to educate women on the situa- fer, contact ORT America Gulf Beaches Chapter President Marina Berkov- Women’s American ORT (WAO) was tion in Eastern Europe. WAO strongly ich at 239.566.1771, or Membership Chair Marebe Crouse at 239.263.4959. founded October 12, 1927. Most of the supported ORT’s work in Germany Please visit www.ortamerica.org for a virtual ORT experience. founders were wives of American ORT and Eastern Europe, as it precariously ConneCt For a continuously updated with your Jewish Community www.facebook.com/ calendar of events, visit facebook.com/jfedsrqJewishFederationLCC www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 29

please contact Odette next president deal with all this? What The Temple Shalom Passover Sed- TEMPLE SHALOM Port at 941.505.1409. can we learn from this year’s election er will take place on Saturday, April Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands The 92nd Street “Y” campaign about the likely future of 23 at the Kingsway Country Club in (941) 625-2116 Live Series continues U.S. foreign policy? A free-wheeling Port Charlotte starting at 6:00 p.m. with its final program of discussion with four of America’s most The Seder will be under the direction www.templeshalomfl.com the season at 7:00 p.m. distinguished experts: the Hudson In- of Rabbi Solomon Agin. For reser- on Tuesday, April 19. stitute’s Walter Russell Mead, Foreign vations, please call Cindy Melser at The Sisterhood of Temple Shalom will The program is “U.S. Foreign Policy Affairs editor Gideon Rose, Foreign 941.347.8488. Seating is limited. hold its final meeting of the year on and the 2016 Election.” Policy editor David J. Rothkopf, and Concluding services for Passover Monday, April 4. Unprecedented turmoil in the Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Bret will be held on Friday evening, April The Jewish Festival Series con- Middle East. Belligerence and muscle Stephens of The Wall Street Journal. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Yizkor will be said dur- tinues with the film Jews in Baseball flexing from Moscow. Economic and This program is open to the coming the service. on Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 p.m. It is political uncertainties in Europe. A munity at no charge and is sponsored Temple Shalom is Charlotte Coun- timely as the baseball season gets un- China determined to supplant U.S. in- by the Sylvia Hershkowitz Memorial ty’s only Reform congregation affiliat- derway. For additional information, fluence in Asia. How should America’s Fund. ed with the Union of Reform Judaism.

your table. The items again represent Temple Bat Yam at this sored by Temple Bat Yam thanks to the BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS for the Seder plate will gathering. grant from the Leo Rosner Foundation Sanibel be provided. If you wish Save the date of Thursday, May 12, in honor of June Rosner, Temple Judea (239) 395-2544 to keep in practice mak- when the Jewish Federation of Lee and and the Jewish Federation. ing the special no regular Charlotte Counties will hold a com- While a regular occurrence in www.batyam.org flour, no baking powder munity-wide Israel Independence Day other congregations, the March 18 Bat Passover desserts, please celebration at the CenturyLink Sports Mitzvah of Erin Rayman from Toron- This is a Jewish leap year, which mention to Ann or Miriam what dessert Complex on Six Mile Cypress in Fort to, Canada, was indeed a noteworthy means that the month of Adar occurs you will bring. Myers. celebration for Temple Bat Yam. Hav- twice, so that the Hebrew lunar calen- To make your reservation, please Temple Bat Yam was honored to ing frequently spent spring break on from Moscow and, together with herdar recalibrates for the seasons and the contact Ann Arnoff at 239.472.8809 join with Temple Judea and the Jewish Sanibel, Erin chose to become a Bat parents, ran away to the U.S. after the related religious holidays of the year. It or [email protected], or Miriam Federation as hosts of Rabbi Capers Mitzvah among all the kvelling bubbes Bolshevik Revolution. The couple, re-also explains the unusually large gap in Bailey at 239.489.0460 or miriambai- Funnye from Chicago at three venues and zaydes of Temple Bat Yam. grettably, died shortly before the 1969 time between Passover and Easter this [email protected]. The deadline for reser- on March 11, 12 and 13. As the rabbi Many of our snowbird congregants completion of the hall that beautifullyyear. vations is April 15. of the Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethio- will be leaving us by the end of April, bears their name – a symbol to their Temple Bat Yam will hold its com- On Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 p.m., pian Hebrew Congregation, he spoke which means the number of programs philanthropy and inspiration for themunal Seder on the first Seder night of the ninth annual Interfaith Convoca- about his personal journey to Judaism and events will begin to slow down. wonderful future. Passover, Friday, April 22 at 6:00 p.m. tion organized by Naples PFLAG (Par- as well as the history of Judaism in the Friday night Shabbat services will con- To become a member of JHSSWF, The Seder will incorporate elements of ents, Families and Friends of Lesbians African American community. His pre- tinue every week at 7:30 p.m. We look a sponsor, business associate and/orthe Shabbat service since there will be and Gays) will take place at The Cur- sentations were eloquent and educa- forward to having you join us. donor: no Friday night Shabbat service at the rent Ecumenical Center, 975 Imperial tional. The weekend was jointly spon- The Jewish Historical Society of Sanibel Congregational United Church Golf Course Blvd., #111, Naples. The Southwest Florida of Christ. The location of the com- event includes clergy from more than 899 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 116, munal Seder is once again the Sanibel twenty Welcoming Houses of Worship Naples, FL 34108 Community House at 2173 Periwinkle in Lee and Collier Counties. Its pur- Send updates and changes 239.566.1771 Way on Sanibel Island. The dinner pose is to unite peoples of all faiths and www.jhsswf.org will be catered and will include all of to share religious traditions meant to to the Jewish Directory below to Today is the right day to opt-in for our favorite and traditional dishes. If promote acceptance and belonging for the Jewish Historical Society’s mailingyou can, please bring your Passover Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgen- [email protected]. list. Judaica, such as a Seder plate, matzo der persons and their families in our The Jewish Historical Society of plate, Elijah cup and Miriam cup for communities. Rabbi Myra Soifer will Southwest Florida is a section 501(c) (3) charitable organization. Contribu- TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY tions are deductible to the extent al- REFORM ORTHODOX 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 lowed by law. Rabbi Robert Ourach Rabbi Simon Jacobson Email: [email protected] Phone: (941) 8333381 Temple educator: Dale Cohen, Ma.Ed., R.J.E Email: [email protected] Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com Cantor: Victor Geigner Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by President: Russ Bogen a kiddush Phone: 4330018 • Fax: 4333235 Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Web site: www.templebethel.com Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE CHABAD LUBAVITCH 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday REFORM OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Religious School: 9:30 a.m.noon Sunday 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers ORTHODOX Confirmation class: 6 p.m. Wednesday (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) 5620 Winkler Road Hebrew School: Wednesday 5:30 p.m. P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Fort Myers, FL 33919 Judaica Gift Gallery Rabbi Bruce Diamond Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism ([email protected]) Phone: 4337708 • Fax: 4819109

Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Email: [email protected] TEMPLE BETH SHALOM ([email protected]) Web site: www.chabadswf.org REFORM Music director: Diane Coffman Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Phone: (239) 2747485 class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon Rabbi Devora Buchen Email: [email protected] Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. President: Arnie Schwartz Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com Phone: 7724555 • Fax: 7724625 Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday CHABAD OF CAPE CORAL Email: [email protected] at 6:30 p.m. ORTHODOX Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi Rabbi Yossi Labkowski Religious School: Thursday 4:00 6:30 p.m. every Saturday morning from 9:30 11:30 a.m. Phone: 5411777 • Fax: 4654942 Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. Email: [email protected] Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, TEMPLE JUDEA Web site: www.chabadcape.com Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) CONSERVATIVE Services: Friday at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday at 9:30 am 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 followed by Kiddush luncheon; Sunday at 8 a.m.; BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS Rabbi Marc Sack Monday Friday at 7:00 a.m. REFORM Email: [email protected] Weekly Torah study: Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church CoPresidents: Brian Simon and Robert Chassidic Farbrengen: Thursday at 7:30 p.m. 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Thomas Hebrew school: Sunday 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Rabbi Myra Soifer Director of Congregational Learning: Mini Chefs: Wednesday 4:30 5:30 p.m. President: Martin Pokedoff Elizabeth Singer CTeens: Wednesday 6:00 7:00 p.m.

Music Director: Douglas Renfroe Preschool Director: Joann Goldman Phone: 3952544 [email protected] COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Web site: www.batyam.org Phone: 4330201 • Fax: 4333371 • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Services: 7:00 p.m. Friday Jacki Waksman — (954) 6539053 Email: [email protected] • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Adult Education: Saturday, 9:00 11:15 a.m. Web site: www.tjswfl.org (Nov. Apr.) Brian Lipton — (941) 3654955 Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. • AntiDefamation League: (561) 9882900 Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday • B’Nai B’rith International: (941) 3024500 to 12:15 p.m. Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.noon; • Chevra Kadisha: Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Wed. 4:306 p.m. Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz — 4337708 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Early childhood education: • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 9639347 (formerly UAHC) Preschool, MF, ages 18 months5 years; • Hadassah Collier/Lee Chapter: “Mommy & Me,” 12 months2 years Lynn Weiner — 5981009 TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative • Hadassah Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS Judaism Odette Port — (941) 5051409 REFORM • Hazak 55+ Chapter: 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ESTERO Joyce Rosinger — 4371566 • Humanistic Jewish Havurah: Port Charlotte, FL 339494675 ORTHODOX Paula Creed — 4958484 For a continuously updated Rabbi Solomon Agin 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: (800) 622 President: Carol Roark Centre) 8017 Phone: (941) 6252116 Bonita Springs, FL 341357024 • Jewish Community Services: 4814449 Email: [email protected] Rabbi Mendy Greenberg • Jewish National Fund: (727) 5365263 Web site: templeshalomfl.com Phone: 9496900 Memorial Tree Planting in Israel — 18005428733 calendar of events, visit Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Web site: www.JewishBonita.com • Jewish War Veterans: Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter — 5616535 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 5:15 p.m. a kiddush • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 5:15 p.m. Nechamie Minkowicz — 8222784 www.JewishFederationLCC.org. Organizations: Sisterhood • • ORT Gulf Beaches Chapter Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism Marina Berkovich — 5661771 L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 30 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

Havdalah Service led by Fort Myers. It was a spectacular night Jewish comedian that we had sched- TEMPLE BETH EL Rabbi Luna followed by with over 190 TBE members, fam- uled for the event fell and broke his Fort Myers a Dessert Reception in ily and friends attending. We all live hip. He was in the hospital and had to (239) 433-0018 their honor. a very stressful life, within our own have a hip replacement. We then had to We are mutually ex- worlds and our own little circle of fam- hire a replacement. The owner of the www.templebethel.com cited about our ily and friends. On Comedy Club hired Carl Remi for us, future together Sunday night this and he did a good job. As we eagerly anticipate the July 1 and have already received was set aside, and The first reason why people watch arrival of Rabbi Nicole Luna and her positive support from Rabbi we watched 190 comedy is because they want to be en- family to Temple Beth El, there is Luna, evidenced by the unso- people mingle and tertained. People like to be entertained much to do to help ensure their smooth licited ad she purchased in the actually have con- because they want to relax and try to transition to both the temple and our program book for our recent versations with escape from reality. A lot of people Fort Myers community. Oz Pearlman event (see ad at people they see live a stressful life, and they need time Rabbi Luna and her husband, Dr. right). We believe this gener- only at services, to rest and calm down. So they try to Joe Bord, will be here the weekend of ous act is indicative of the en- but rarely have a escape from their hectic life through April 9 to become further acquainted thusiasm and character Rabbi true conversation comedy. The main thing is, it brought with the area and secure housing for Luna will be bringing to Tem- with. People were 190 people together who never would their summer arrival. Let’s all come out pe Beth El. speaking, laugh- have been together. to give them a warm welcome! Save * * * ing, eating and Thank you for attending. We will the date now for your opportunity to TBE Men’s Club drinking together. be planning other similar events in the spend an evening with Rabbi Luna and Richard Chaet, President Who knows, we may find that we have future that will be centered on bringing her husband Joe. Join us on Saturday, On Sunday, March 6, the TBE Men’s a lot in common, and actually like each us all closer together. April 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Temple Beth Club sponsored a “Comedy for a other. El Sanctuary and Dubin Center, for a Cause” night at the Comedy Club of Through no fault of our own, the

Moore and Sharon Pitler Seder is on Saturday, April 23 at 6:30 Every Saturday morning at 9:30 COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE for taking charge of the p.m. in the congregation’s Commu- a.m., C.F.S. offers a light breakfast Fort Myers dressing room. nity Hall. This complimentary family- followed by a lively discussion of the (239) 274-7485 On Thursday, April friendly joyous, festival meal, catered week’s Torah portion until 11:30 a.m. 14 from 7:00 to 8:30 by Cohen and Cohen, is open to the The purpose of The Community www.fortmyerssynagogue.com p.m., The Community first 150 participants by email reserva- Free Synagogue, led by Rabbi Bruce Free Synagogue will of- tions only on a “first come, first served” Diamond, is “Study, Worship and Be- Heartfelt thanks to gourmet pastry chefs fer a class on the Haggadah. Explore basis. To make your reservation, visit nevolent Acts” practiced tradition- Janyne Furster and Kelly and John In- the origins, structure and content of the synagogue’s website at www.fort- ally but with progressive values. The gretolli and to all the bakers to came to the Haggadah, our ancient guide to the myerssynagogue.com. Telephoned synagogue does not sell memberships our kitchen on the Sunday before Pu- Seder Supper. Taught by Rabbi Bruce reservations cannot be accepted. The or solicit funds. All of its events and rim to learn the finer points of prepar- Diamond, this class will underscore Seder is underwritten by our friends at programs, including youth and adult ing the humentaschen. They were thor- what is essential in the Haggadah, Advanced Pain Management. Jewish education, are open to all and oughly enjoyed on Purim eve. We are the prayers and rituals that are a must Each Friday evening at 6:30 p.m., always free. The synagogue meets at grateful to Steve and Lori Starr who for your Seder. The Seder is all about The Community Free Synagogue the Southwest Florida Masonic Center, helped set up our magnificent Sushan teaching, and this year you’ll be able to serves a traditional Sabbath dinner. 10868 Metro Parkway in South Fort scenery panels, and to David Pincus be a teacher at yours! It is free and reservations are never Myers. for leading us in a rousing Purim sing- This event is free and open to the required. At 7:30 p.m. the Sabbath is For more information on events along. A tip of the hat to our friends at public in the congregation’s Commu- welcomed with prayer and music of- and activities, please visit www.fort the Scottish Rite for once again letting nity Hall, 10868 Metro Parkway, Fort fered by the synagogue’s Shirat Hayam myerssynagogue.com. us use their sumptuous costumes on Myers. Musical Ensemble. A coffee hour fol- Purim eve, and to C.F.S.ers Melinda The Community Free 2nd Night lows worship.

contributions. the temple. For more information, see to-be born grandson. His next study TEMPLE JUDEA Myra Roberts, a the HAZAK article in this issue, check session will be on Thursday, May 5. Fort Myers well-known local artist, the synagogue website or call the syna- For more information about Tem- (239) 433-0201 will be the guest speaker gogue office. ple Judea, upcoming programs or to at Temple Judea on Sun- Temple Judea will sponsor a 2nd make reservations, call 239.433.0201 www.tjswfl.org day, March 27 at 1:00 Night Passover Seder, open to the com- or email [email protected]. p.m. Everyone in the munity, on Saturday, April 23 at 6:30 Regular scheduled events: The ten beautiful, new Torah mantles, community is invited. Myra’s topic p.m. The cost for the kosher Pesach • Friday evening Shabbat services designed by fabric artist Reeva Shaffer, will be “Hidden in the Trees.” dinner is $40 per adult and $20 per at 6:30 p.m. and donated by members of Temple Ju- The congregation will hold a “spir- child. Children under three are free. • Saturday morning Shabbat dea, were dedicated during a moving ited dinner” on Sunday, April 3 in hon- Reservations are required. Please call services at 9:30 a.m. Shabbat morning service on March 19. or of the renewal of Rabbi Marc Sack’s the synagogue office for more informa- • Lunchtime Torah study with Five of the mantles are used on Shab- contract. Dr. Gary & Robin Correnti tion. Rabbi Sack the first Thursday of bat mornings and holidays during the will host the event at their home. Res- There will not be a Torah study each month (please note exception year; the other five will be used during ervations are required. session in April. Mazel Tov to Rabbi for April above) the High Holy Days. The congregation On Sunday, April 10, HAZAK Sack, who will be in Israel during that • Morning minyan every Monday at thanks all the donors for their generous will have a movie and pizza event at time to officiate at the bris of his soon- 9:00 a.m.

one of the biggest and performer in England. She has also S. Belkin Memorial Golf Tournament. TEMPLE BETH SHALOM best fundraisers because written and recorded an album. This year, the contest returns to Palmet- Cape Coral it incorporates patriotism For tickets to this event, please to-Pine Country Club in Cape Coral. (239) 772-4555 and charity together. call the Temple Beth Shalom office at The tournament includes a two-person March 20 was the 239.772.4555 Monday thru Thursday scramble, lots of prizes for closest to www.templebethshalomcc.org date that TBS members from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you the pin, etc., and a two-year lease on a reserved 20+ seats to have to leave a message, we will get luxury car for a hole-in-one. Palmetto’s On Saturday, March 5, Joel and Barby see Bad Jews at the Laboratory The- back to you the next day. Sunday Brunch will be open when the Barlow, Wendy Blyveis and her server- ater. But first everyone gathered at the On Sunday, April 3, the Brother- golfers finish, and awards, drawings husband Nate, and Fern and headwaiter French Connection Café in downtown hood will hold its umpteenth Samuel and door prizes will be handed out. To husband Barry Deutch, put on the third Fort Myers for lunch. enter your twosome, please call Joel and final “Progressive Dinner” of the On Saturday, March 26, GAT- Barlow at 941.639.7293 or leave word year. This was a fundraising idea that LIN will perform an evening show at at the temple office at 239.772.4555. has caught on big. The dinner featured Temple Beth Shalom. Before joining A busy schedule for Temple Beth appetizers at the Barlow residence, the forces as GATLIN, Darryl and Andrea Shalom does not leave out the tradi- entree at the Blyveis home, and dessert were accomplished performers in their tions of Reform Judaism. Shabbat at the Deutch home. Sixteen people own right. Darryl achieved major suc- Kabbalat services are held every Fri- passed from house to house, dining and cess in Nashville, and tours with stars day night at 7:30 p.m. with Rabbi De- socializing on a grand scale. All three like Reba McEntire, Alabama, and The vora Buchen leading a songful, joyful of these dinners have been a sellout, Oak Ridge Boys. Darryl has been a per- Sabbath service. A warm and friendly and raised a goodly sum for the temple. former/singer/songwriter from a young Oneg Shabbat follows the Kiddush. Our plans are to hold three of these din- age and his incredible voice has built a Snow birds and vacationers are always ners every year. huge fan base all over the country. welcome. Strangers become friends March 15 was election day, and Andrea’s degree in music and her very quickly, and visitors are made two precincts voted in the temple so- voice has taken her to many stages, in- to feel as comfortable as in their own cial hall. Almost all workers are temple cluding Miss Ohio, winning the award home synagogue. Locals from the members who donate their time for for Best Classical Talent and Prelimi- Cape, Pine Island, North Fort Myers, During the Brotherhood Shabbat service their civic duty and their election work- nary Talent. She sings in six different at Temple Beth Shalom in February, and the greater Fort Myers area make er check to Temple Beth Shalom. It is languages and was a featured guest David McIntyre devoutly gave a silent prayer up the heart of our congregants. Reach 5,000 local Jewish residents through L’CHAYIM. For more information or to place an ad, call Jim Lewin at 239.634.6923. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 31 For a continuously updated community calendar of events, visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org. April 2016 / 5776 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 Candle lighting: 7:27 p.m.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Every Saturday morning at 9:30 3:30 p.m. Israeli Dancing 6:30 p.m. SAT Class 12:30 p.m. Mah Jongg Candle lighting: a.m., C.F.S. offers a light breakfast 6:30 p.m. SAT Class 7:30 p.m. followed by a lively discussion of the week’s Torah portion until 11:30 a.m. The purpose of The Community Free Synagogue, led by Rabbi Bruce Diamond, is “Study, Worship and Be- 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 nevolent Acts” practiced tradition- 9:45 a.m. PJ Library 6:30 p.m. SAT Class 12:30 p.m. Mah Jongg 11:00 a.m. Packing Senior 10:00 a.m. Jewish Candle lighting: ally but with progressive values. The 4:00 p.m. Israeli Dancing 6:30 p.m. SAT Class Gift Bags Genealogy 7:34 p.m. synagogue does not sell memberships 11:45 a.m. Jfed Social or solicit funds. All of its events and Club - Funny Girl programs, including youth and adult Jewish education, are open to all and always free. The synagogue meets at 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 the Southwest Florida Masonic Center, Deliver Senior Gift Bags 6:30 p.m. SAT Class 12:30 p.m. Mah Jongg Candle lighting: Passover 10868 Metro Parkway in South Fort 9:30 a.m. JWV Meeting 6:30 p.m. SAT Class 7:37 p.m. Myers. 4:00 p.m. Israeli Dancing For more information on events and activities, please visit www.fort myerssynagogue.com. 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 9:15 a.m. L’CHAYIM mailing 12:30 p.m. Mah Jongg 6:00 p.m. Book Club Passover 6:30 p.m. SAT Class 6:30 p.m. SAT Class Passover Passover Candle lighting: 7:41 p.m. For more information about events featured on the community calendar, please contact the sponsoring organization (see the Directory on page 29) or the Jewish Federation. May 2016 / 5776 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3:00 p.m. Holocaust 12:30 p.m. Mah Jongg Candle lighting: Memorial Service at 7:45 p.m. Temple Judea

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 S. Belkin Memorial Golf Tournament. 12:30 p.m. Mah Jongg 10:00 a.m. Jewish Candle lighting: This year, the contest returns to Palmet- Genealogy 7:49 p.m. to-Pine Country Club in Cape Coral. 6:00 p.m. Israel The tournament includes a two-person Independence Day Celebration scramble, lots of prizes for closest to the pin, etc., and a two-year lease on a luxury car for a hole-in-one. Palmetto’s 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Sunday Brunch will be open when the 3:30 p.m. Israeli Dancing 12:30 p.m. Mah Jongg Candle lighting: golfers finish, and awards, drawings Federation Annual Meeting 7:53 p.m. and door prizes will be handed out. To enter your twosome, please call Joel Barlow at 941.639.7293 or leave word at the temple office at 239.772.4555. A busy schedule for Temple Beth 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Shalom does not leave out the tradi- 9:30 a.m. JWV Meeting 9:15 a.m. L’CHAYIM mailing 12:30 p.m. Mah Jongg Candle lighting: tions of Reform Judaism. Shabbat 4:00 p.m. Israeli Dancing 7:56 p.m. Kabbalat services are held every Fri- day night at 7:30 p.m. with Rabbi De- vora Buchen leading a songful, joyful Sabbath service. A warm and friendly Oneg Shabbat follows the Kiddush. 29 30 31 4:00 p.m. Israeli Dancing Snow birds and vacationers are always Memorial 12:30 p.m. Mah Jongg welcome. Strangers become friends very quickly, and visitors are made Day to feel as comfortable as in their own home synagogue. Locals from the Cape, Pine Island, North Fort Myers, and the greater Fort Myers area make up the heart of our congregants. To submit your organization’s or temple’s event, send an email to [email protected]. L'CHAYIM APRIL 2016 32 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties

Have a joyous Passover. And share what it means to you. #PassoverPublix