L’CHAYIM www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 42, No. 4 n December 2019 / 5780 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Hanukkah and cosmic credits 6 Our Community By Brian Simon, Federation President ne of the best Hanukkah gifts from Avila College, the Catholic girls’ them away or be blind to the opportu- 13 Jewish Interest I received as a child came school across the street from our house nities they bring with them. 20 Jewish Film Festival Ofrom a babysitter. It was “The in Kansas City. (Side note: that little The work of the Federation is to Grand Illusion” album by the rock college is now Avila University, a co- bring a lot of good into the commu- 25 Israel & the Jewish World band Styx. The album came out in ed school with many sports programs nity. Our food pantry supports local 27 Commentary 1977, so I’m guessing I was 8 years old including, surprisingly, football.) families. Our Jewish Family Services at the time. I was Is it possible to show gratitude for division supports friends in need. Our 28 From the Bimah thinking about something that happened 40 years ago? Senior Lunch Bunch program provides 31 Focus on Youth this recently as I And if so, how? This is one of those sit- a lot of benefit for the attendees and listened to a few uations where one could suggest that I the volunteers. Our holiday gift bag 33 Organizations songs from that put my appreciation out into “The Uni- programs let local seniors know that 36 Community Directory album (not the ac- verse,” where all the cosmic debits and we’re thinking of them. We support Is- tual vinyl record credits are somehow reconciled. “The rael both financially and through part- 36 Temple News – that’s long gone Universe” is the non-denominational, nership programs. We sponsor Jewish – but off Amazon civic religion, politically correct way cultural programs that enrich the lives  Brian Music). And the of accounting for God. of all of us in the Jewish community. Simon thing that stuck I have this theory that we experi- Call it cosmic credits. Call it bring- out to me is that I don’t even remem- ence God through our relationship with ing God’s presence into the world. Call ber the babysitter’s name. Or if I ever others. Rabbi Marc Sack has a similar it experiencing God through our re- showed enough appreciation for what theory. He says it’s up to us to bring lationship with others. However you was a very thoughtful gift. I was 8. At God’s presence into the world. My choose to see the work that we do – 2 this point, I hope I at least said, “Thank friend (and often editor of this column) and by we, I’m including you – it’s you.” Keith Grossman says it’s the work of important work that should make us Federation’s Senior Lunch All I remember is that she was one God when people enter our lives, and all proud. I appreciate your support. Bunch update of the babysitters my parents hired we have free will to draw them in, push Happy Hanukkah.

24th Annual Jewish Film Festival of

Southwest Florida 5 February 2 - March 1 Jewish Family Services update OPENING DAY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 3:00PM

REGAL BELLTOWER THEATER, 13499 Bell Tower Dr., Fort Myers Featuring Golda’s Balcony and special guest, Film Producer Dave Fishelson.

Discussion and dessert reception to follow at Society. (across from Regal) Sponsored by: Norman Love Confections 6 Film: $13, Reception: $25 OR $36 combo ticket Holocaust Museum’s Grand Opening & Dedication Ceremony CLOSING DAY SUNDAY, MARCH 1 3:00PM REGAL BELLTOWER THEATER, 13499 Bell Tower Dr., Fort Myers Featuring ddl acl o acls Reception and music to follow with special guest Fretless Rock at Society. (across from Regal) Sponsored by: Andi & William Horowitz 31 Film: $13, Reception: $25 OR $36 combo ticket BBYO teens from Fort Myers Festival Passes are on sale now! Individual tickets go on sale 12/1. Visit www.jewishfederationlcc.org/JFF2020 and Naples connect

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

DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT OR www. JewishFederationLCC.org

social service philanthropy culture L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 2 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION

Program notes VE

To donate to By Debbie Sanford, Program Director SA & elcome back to all of our snowbird friends. to come along, please call me at 239.481.4449 x4 to $ $ BUYING: INSTANT CASH CLIP You were missed! You are back just in reserve your space. the Federation’s time for some amazing programming that If you have ever thought about volunteering at $ $ W VE you do not want to miss. one of our events or if you are already a regular vol- Upon writing this article, there were just a few unteer, you will want to stop by our Volunteer Open $ $ SA HIGHEST PRICES PAID! & Annual Campaign, seats left on our JFED Hits the Road Bus Trip. On House on Wednesday, December 4 between noon and

Tuesday, December 3, we are 4:00 p.m. Check out the great opportunities we have CLIP heading north in a luxury char- for you to help make a difference in our community.

GIVE BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES THE VE call 239.481.4449 ter bus to St. Petersburg. There Volunteers for programming, Jewish Family Services you will enjoy lunch at Acrop- and office help are needed this coming season. SA & olis (one of my favorites), and December also brings our much-loved Commu- OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS!! or visit then visit the beautiful Chihuly nity Breakfast on Sunday, December 8, at a new lo- CLIP exhibit. Afterwards, we head cation this year. The Heritage Palms Golf & Country GOLD & SILVER COINS PAPER CURRENCY 14kt • 18kt • 22kt GOLD

to the Morean Arts Center for Club offers beautiful views, accessible parking and, rd VE JewishFederationLCC.org a glass-blowing demonstra- of course, delicious food. Our speaker from Space IMMEDIATE PAYMENT 3 Generation Expertise • Call Today SA &  Debbie tion. And, of course, I have Florida will enlighten you to the collaborative pro-

Sanford left some shopping time in the gramming, research and endeavors between the State CLIP schedule. The bus leaves from the Federation parking of Florida and Israel. You will also hear about its in-

lot at 9:00 a.m. We will make two stops on our way volvement in assisting Israel with its first mission to VE OUR MISSION

DIAMONDS • SAPPHIRES SA up for our Charlotte County residents: Exit 141 at the the moon. To strengthen and enrich the Jewish Cracker Barrel in North Fort Myers and Exit 170 at I look forward to seeing everyone soon. From my &

Community by providing and supporting the Cracker Barrel in Punta Gorda. If you would like family to yours, Happy Hanukkah! CLIP philanthropic, educational and social RUBYS • EMERALDS

service programs locally, in Israel and VE

throughout the world. SA Senior Lunch Bunch update ALL DIAMOND JEWELRY • WATCHES & By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator

OUR VISION CLIP abbi Marc Sack and Temple Judea hosted the for Jewish seniors to gather on a regular basis, eat a A Jewish Community that is based on Federation’s Senior Lunch Bunch in October. little something, learn a little something, and make ANTIQUES • ART OBJECTS • OIL PAINTINGS Jewish values such as Tzedakah VE The volunteer village that ensures the lunches new friends. If you are new to town, have been here SA

(benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing R & run smoothly did a fantastic job, as always. The Fed- awhile, are shy or outgoing, there is always a place at the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking eration would also like to thank our generous commu- the table for YOU. BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: BEANIE CLIP responsibility for one another). nity partner, Jason’s Deli. If you’d like to volunteer by making calls, help- Rabbi Sack shared some sto- ing with set-up or clean-up, bringing a dessert, vis- BACKUS • HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR • ETC VE

ries about the community where iting with seniors during lunch or driving seniors, SA

he grew up, which he referred to please be in touch at 239.481.4449 x2 or jodicohen@ Rolex • Cartier • Patek Philippe • Tiffany • Bvlgari & all Wrist and Pocket Watches & as a “thick Jewish community,” jfedlcc.org. Buccellati • Chimento • David Webb • David Yurman • Cartier • Tiffany • Harry Winston • John Hardy • Chopard and invited others who came Mid Century Furniture, Oil Paintings & Accessories: Andy Warhol • Calder • Miro • George Nelson • Lepho • Paul Evans CLIP from the same kind of communi- NEXT SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH: • Phillip Laverne • Nakashima • Dunbar • Frank Lloyd Wright • Vladimir Kagan • Dunbar • Charles Eams • Knoll VE

L’ ties to share their stories. Several Thursday, December 12 at 12:00 p.m. SA

people told stories to the entire & Jewish news published monthly by Calusa Harbour, 2525 First St., Fort Myers  Jodi Cohen group, while people also told Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties Valet parking will be available. CLIP 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 some tales to each other. A good time was had by all, (239) 481-4449 • Fax: (239) 481-0139 as stories allow us to connect with each other so eas- RSVP by Friday, December 6

Online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org VE  ily and with such heart. to Jodi Cohen at SA

December 2019 • Volume 42, Number 4 The Senior Lunch Bunch is a free monthly lun- 239.481.4449 x2 or [email protected] &  cheon sponsored by the Federation as an opportunity Photos courtesy Helene Glocer President: Brian Simon CLIP Board: Paul Bartrop • Karen Fine • Carolyn Gora Jerry Greenfield • Andi Horowitz

Linda Idelson • Marsha Kistler • Sara Krivisky VE

Michele Laboda • Rozzi Osterman • Barbara Siegel Diamonds ROLEX Estate Jewelry Gold Coins Oil Paintings Sterling Silver SA

Sylvia Simko • Robert Thomas • Sherri Zucker & Executive Director: Alan Isaacs

Program Director: Debbie Sanford CLIP Executive Assistant: Lori Ramos Jewish Family Services: Jodi Cohen

 VE

Editor/Designer: Ted Epstein (239) 249-0699 SA

Advertising: Jim Lewin (239) 634-6923 & Aliza Katz (913) 244-7247

Ian Sanford (845) 649-9903 CLIP  L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to Jewish people. Partisan political opinions will not be published, VE but opinions on subjects affecting the Jewish community are SA & welcome. All inquiries regarding copy for L’CHAYIM should be Patek Philippe Chihuly Glass Jade Statues Picasso Pottery Russian Enamel Peter Max directed to the editor. All news material must be very clearly printed or typed (not in all-capital letters) and double-spaced. CLIP Electronic submissions encouraged. The editor reserves the right to edit for space and content. MID CENTURY FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES VE Photographs should be clear, black-and-white or color prints. If you wish a photograph returned, include a stamped, SA

STERLING SILVER, & self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. KPM • SEVRES • MEISSEN ROYAL VIENNA The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties disclaims responsibility or endorsement of the views expressed by the FLATWARE, & TEA SETS CLIP writers and claims by advertisers. JUDAICA • SWAROVSKI • HERREND

GORHAM MARTELLE • GEORG JENSEN • CARTIER VE

TIFFANY • DAUM • GALLE • ARTGLASS SA

JANUARY ISSUE LALIQUE, WATERFORD, BACCARAT, DAUM, STEUBEN & BOHEM • ROYAL DOULTON EDITORIAL DEADLINE: LOUIS VUITTON • CHANEL CLIP Thursday, December 5 ROOKWOOD • B&G LIEBER • BIRKIN HANDBAGS VE WELLER • DODIE THAYER SA &

Grow your business ANTIQUE FURNITURE • TAPESTRIES • MOSAICS ORIENTAL RUGS • CHANDELIERS CLIP

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or to place an ad, call Lori &

at 239.481.4449 x5 BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES CLIP HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE or send an email to For a continuously updated calendar of events, VE Serving SA rd Florida Toll Free: 1-800-356-3637 [email protected]. visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org. 3 Generation Indian River, & Expertise 24 Hour On Call: 1-800-920-0067 St Lucie, CLIP INSTANT PAYMENT Call Mr. Kodner: 1-561-822-7043 Martin, and VE

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PROOF O.K. BY: ______O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:______

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

ADVERTISER: BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES PROOF CREATED AT: 8/28/2019 11:43 AM SALES PERSON: Meredith Zajac-Leedham PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 09/27/19 PUBLICATION: SPEC ADS SIZE: 10 col X 20 in TR-SPAD0828111248. INDD L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 3

Program notes VE SA $ $ & BUYING: INSTANT CASH CLIP $ $ VE

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new friends. If you are new to town, have been here SA awhile, are shy or outgoing, there is always a place at & the table for YOU. BUYING ALL HIGHWAYMEN OIL PAINTINGS: BEANIE CLIP If you’d like to volunteer by making calls, help- ing with set-up or clean-up, bringing a dessert, vis- BACKUS • HAROLD NEWTON • ALFRED HAIR • ETC VE

iting with seniors during lunch or driving seniors, SA please be in touch at 239.481.4449 x2 or jodicohen@ Rolex • Cartier • Patek Philippe • Tiffany • Bvlgari & all Wrist and Pocket Watches & jfedlcc.org. Buccellati • Chimento • David Webb • David Yurman • Cartier • Tiffany • Harry Winston • John Hardy • Chopard Mid Century Furniture, Oil Paintings & Accessories: Andy Warhol • Calder • Miro • George Nelson • Lepho • Paul Evans CLIP

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PROOF O.K. BY: ______O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:______

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

ADVERTISER: BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES PROOF CREATED AT: 8/28/2019 11:43 AM SALES PERSON: Meredith Zajac-Leedham PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 09/27/19 PUBLICATION: SPEC ADS SIZE: 10 col X 20 in TR-SPAD0828111248. INDD L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 4 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR FEDERATION

The Jewish Federation Annual Campaign provides the resources to strengthen and enrich our Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world.

YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN

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

Like us on Facebook! ��� ��� ������ ���������� �� L�� � C�������� C������� S�����

Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for ConneCt all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author with your Jewish Community Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk dancing, social groups, etc. L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community www.facebook.com/ informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ facebook.com/jfedsrq Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the JewishFederationLCC community. Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community.

Overseas Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint �istribu�on Commi�ee �J�C� for full spectrum social services to Israel and Jewish communi�es in ��� countries around the world. Partnership ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region in Israel.

Local Seniors Services Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health and sociali�a�on.

Local Case Management Services INDIGENT FUND PACESETTERS Non‐sectarian, individual and family outreach, informa�on and referral services. The Federation expresses special gratitude to our Indigent Individual life coaching and support services.

Fund Pacesetters for the example they set for the rest of us.

Local Emergency Services Anonymous Food Pantry and Publix food cards. Jack Cohen - Marcia Can Help Emergency financial assistance grants. Jackie & Alan Cadkin Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters. Naomi Bloom & Ron Wallace Sherri & Ira Zucker Local Community Services Toni & Stuart Morgenstein Support families of children with special needs.  Karin Fine Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, Shalom Dancers ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and planning. Barbara & Earl Magdovitz Mellow Mah Jongg �e�is� Community �oun�a�on An endowment that ensures the long‐term financial base of charitable, social and educa�onal programs in our community. Needs‐based college scholarships and study scholarships in The Jewish Federation loves our Israel. Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. GENEROUS DONORS

INDIGENT FUND Mae Dreyfuss Folb Marty & Judy Freling Sheila & Jerry Laboda Paul & Sylvia Simko Judi & Rick Davis Lubov Ruvinskaya Stuart Hodes Gene & Andrea Sipe Barbara & Bud McGrew

FOOD PANTRY Rabbi Nicole Luna & Joe Bord Temple Beth El Tom & Barbara Vinson The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available Temple Judea Mary Beth Mandelkorn The Joseph Horowitz Israel Travel Grant is available through the Community Foundation of the Jewish Temple Beth Shalom Judy Lutkoff through the Community Foundation of the Jewish Shalom Life Center Harry Cotton Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. Shalom Dancers Boni Raitt Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. Mellow Mah Jongg Bernie Perlstein & Jerry Wadro Paul & Sylvia Simko Leo Capsuto Abraham & Linda Silver Ruth Lefberg Karin Fine Bob & Ella Morley Roz Shraiar Victor Gold Phyllis Silver Henkel Cheryl Fulmer Betty & Jim Rubinstein Carol & Irwin Friedman The grant may be used for travel to Israel to participate inThe programs grant may that be are used volunteer for travel or toeducational Israel to participate in nature. in programs that are volunteer or educational in nature.

OUR HOPE is that these THIS GRANT is for Jewish OUR HOPE is that these THIS GRANT is for Jewish programs will enhance residents of either county programs will enhance residents of either county Jewish knowledge and who are 25 years old or The Federation thanks Jewish knowledge and who are 25 years old or identity in preparation for younger and can demon- identity in preparation for younger and can demon- participation in American strate a financial need. Temple Beth El participation in American strate a financial need. Jewish life. Academic standing and Jewish life. Academic standing and Temple Judea community involvement community involvement may also be considered.

may also be considered.

Temple Beth Shalom

for their High Holiday Food Drive donations

“If you offer your compassion to the hungry and satisfy the famished creature, then shall your light shine in darkness.” – Isaiah 58:10 For more information or an application, For more information or an application, visit our website at JewishFederationLCC.org. visit our website at JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 OUR FEDERATION Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 5 Jewish Family Services update By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator ood Pantry to get free food from the Midwest out. The generosity of spirit is larger especially for those who are not used A large, heartfelt “thank you” to Food Bank of Florida. There are any- than any physical structure, and the to asking for assistance. I sometimes FTemple Beth El, Temple Judea where from 30-50 volunteers from lo- volunteers are incredibly appreciative bump up against people’s pride, embar- and Temple Beth Shalom for their High cal churches who work every day in when I show up with lunch. rassment and reluctance to talk about Holiday Food Drive donations. The the warehouse during client load-outs. Emergency Assistance their situation, and I have learned not Federation food pantry is well-stocked Because the Federation doesn’t have Things I heard from clients in Octo- to take things personally, as fear can (for now) with basic staples plus many volunteers to send to the MFB, we buy ber and November included, “I got my show up as indignation or impatience. other food items and toiletries as a re- lunch twice a year for the volunteers new teeth!” and “I was in a car acci- After listening to over 100 people sult of this outpouring of support for who dedicate their time and energy dent.” Then there was what felt like a during my tenure at Jewish Family the pantry. The photos show just one to keep this phenomenal organization long pause during a conversation with Services, I am astounded at how dense congregation’s donations as well as running. a client who called asking for help and complicated life is and how tricky how the Federation social hall was The photos accompanying this ar- with medical bills. I realized the client it can be for a person or a family if just transformed during the sorting and ticle give you an idea of the size and wasn’t talking because she was crying. one cog in the wheel of life becomes stocking of all the donations. scope of the operation. On the first People are so vulnerable when they jammed or out of sync due to illness, It certainly takes a village to un- call or come in and share their stories. injury or the transition of housing/ ��� ��� ������ ���������� �� L�� � C�������� C������� S����� pack well over 150 bags and boxes, I was quiet too then, and waited for the employment/family members. sort items, put everything away, and client to regain her composure. In October and early November, then break down and recycle materi- I am always in the middle of some- the Federation helped clients with Local �e�is� E�uca�on an� Culture Community‐wide Jewish Educa�on and Culture Programs for als. Several people contributed their thing when someone calls, and it is auto repairs, new tires, FPL bills and all ages including the Jewish Film Fes�val, Jewish Author time and energy to this amazing mitz- imperative that I remember it is not medical payments. Thank you for your Events, Israel Celebra�on, Jewish genealogy, Israeli folk vah: Karen Whitman, Suzanne Orkin, business as usual for the person on the continued support of the Federation’s dancing, social groups, etc. Barbara Gribin, Judith Yevick, Carolyn other end of the line or sitting across Indigent and Marcia Can Help Funds. L’CHAYIM published monthly to keep the Jewish community Gora, Mary Beth Mandelkorn, Laurie from me in my office. I have to stop Every donation enables the Federation informed about local, na�onal and interna�onal Jewish issues. McConville, Hilary and Jerry Kobrin, whatever I am doing to listen deeply, to offer assistance to those in our com- Community Rela�ons ac�vi�es include monitoring an�‐ Phyllis and Berny Aronson, Russ Bo- pay attention, gather information and munity who have no one else to turn Semi�sm and issues of separa�on of church and state in the community. gen, Barry and Ruthie Belkin, Sharon determine if or how the Federation can to, who are unable to receive help any- Israel Advocacy and Ini�a�ves to strengthen local Jewish Berry, Rabbi Marc Sack and Donna help. For some people it is difficult where else, and who are enormously community �es with Israel. Holocaust Educa�on through the Cotler. telling the story of their circumstances, grateful. Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community.

Overseas Funding to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American 23rd HotWorks.org Jewish Joint �istribu�on Commi�ee �J�C� for full spectrum ™ social services to Israel and Jewish communi�es in ��� Tuesday of every month, I drive into Estero Fine Art Show countries around the world. the warehouse, walk through the one  Partnership ��ether rela�onship with the Hadera‐Eiron Region aisle with non-perishable food items, in Israel. January 4 & 5, 2020 choose which products I want for our Local Seniors Services pantry while volunteers make note of At JetBlue Park, Fort Myers Holiday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior facili�es the inventory, load it onto a cart, and for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukah and Passover. then load it into my car before I drive Seniors & Volunteers Lunch Program. Emerging and pressing needs related to senior housing, health and sociali�a�on.

Local Case Management Services Non‐sectarian, individual and family outreach, informa�on and referral services. Individual life coaching and support services.

Local Emergency Services Food Pantry and Publix food cards. The numbers of those in need are Emergency financial assistance grants. rising, even before the holidays. The Educa�on and aid associated with natural disasters. Federation served 76 people from a Local Community Services total of 19 families in October. Harry Support families of children with special needs. Chapin Food Bank provided the Fed- Addressing pressing community needs related to volunteerism, eration with several Publix gift cards ins�tu�onal coopera�on and community assessment and that were distributed to clients before planning. Thanksgiving. Although the pantry is �e�is� Community �oun�a�on well stocked for now, your ongoing An endowment that ensures the long‐term financial base of contributions are needed, as December charitable, social and educa�onal programs in our community. is our busiest month for the food pan-  Needs‐based college scholarships and study scholarships in try. Israel. Projects and programs aimed at Jewish community enrichment. The Jewish Federation is one of many organizations that are eligible

HotWorks.org Facebook.com/hotworksartshows Elaine Rose Lanoue, Painting

Juried Fine Art & Fine Craft Show ~ $1,500 Professional Awards All Art is Original, Personally Handmade and for Sale by the Artist Who is Present at the Show Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm daily ~ Free Admission & Free Parking ~ Optional $5 Donation Supports Plus! While at the show Visit the Youth Art Competition for Grades K-8 or Ages 5-13 ~ $250 Cash Awards Save the Date! 3rd Naples Fine Art Show March 28 & 29 at Naples Italian-American Club, Naples

MENTORED BY

2019 L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 6 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center update By Susan Suarez, President & CEO s 2019 ends, we are thankful for Senator Kathleen Passidomo; Rabbi program, “Butterflies of Hope and Re- Film and Musical Performance: The an incredibly exciting year for Amos Chorny of Beth Tikvah; Rev. membrance.” Numerous events, films, Boys of Terezin Athe Holocaust Museum & Janet Robert Kanter of St. Agnes Catholic speakers and exhibits will be presented Date/Time: Sunday, January 26 at G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Church and the Catholic-Jewish Dia- throughout the year. Here are the Janu- 2:00 p.m. Center! Our first-ever capital campaign logue of Collier County; Pastor Dawson ary programs: Location: Temple Shalom, 4630 was successful, Taylor of Naples United Church of Film: NOT The Last Butterfly Pine Ridge Road, Naples with its goal met Christ; Kamela Patton, Superintendent Date/Time: Friday, January 10 at The film features five Holocaust and exceeded. The of Collier County Public Schools; and 2:00 p.m. Survivors, a Pennsylvania boys choir generosity of lo- the Greater Naples Chamber of Com- Location: South Regional Library, and a chamber music group uniting cal philanthropist merce for its assistance with the ribbon- 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples to tell the story of the creation of a Janet G. Cohen cutting ceremony. This film tells the tale of The Butter- secret concentration camp journal. Ac- and other donors We were also honored by the pres- fly Project, a grass roots arts and educa- companying the film will be a musical enabled us to fi- ence of Museum co-founders and their tion initiative that memorializes the 1.5 performance and appearance by a very nally fulfill a long- families, some of special guest.  Susan standing dream whom came from Film: Defiant Requiem Suarez – the purchase of out of town to at- Date/Time: Monday, January 27 at a permanent home for the Museum. tend this special 2:00 p.m. Through the efforts of Naples-based Da- milestone event; Location: Holocaust Museum & vid Corban Architects PLLC and PBS Golden Gate Mid- Cohen Education Center, 975 Imperial Contractors, the former retail location dle School teacher Golf Course Blvd., Suite 108, Naples was transformed into an award-winning Michelle Le,e who The film celebrates the courage and new Museum. Specially designed exhib- worked with David resilience of the human spirit. It follows its with updated technology were cre- Bell and students to the trip by a modern-day choir to the ated and installed by Capitol Museum create the “Out of Theresienstadt Concentration Camp Services. While this work was going the Ashes” project, (Terezin) where, in 1944, conductor Ra- on, the Museum continued to present which inspired the fael Schacter taught his fellow prisoners interesting programs and exhibits in Museum’s found- to perform Verdi’s Requiem during the our old location. This summer, with the ing; as well as cur- visit of the International Red Cross. help of many dedicated volunteers, we rent and former Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Museum’s Grand Opening on November 10 Please note the Museum will be open packed up the collections and moved Museum board members. Many thanks million children killed in the Holocaust that day for self-guided tours from 1:00 into our new, larger space. This beautiful to Governor DeSantis for his gracious through global displays of ceramic but- to 4:00 p.m. space is now ready to fulfill its purpose letter about the Museum’s opening terflies... one butterfly painted for each For more information on the “But- – education. Since we opened in mid- and mission, and to the Collier County child. The Butterfly Project’s messages terflies of Hope and Remembrance” September, we have already welcomed Board of County Commissioners, of hope and healing are woven together program, visit the Museum’s website at hundreds of visitors for special gather- Mayor Bill Barnett and the Naples City with survivors’ courageousButterfly stories. Artworkwww.HMCEC.org. Needed! ings, adult group tours and student tours, Council for their Proclamations honor- as well as the general public. ing the Museum on its Grand Opening Butterfly Artwork Needed! Thanks to all who joined us at our Day celebration. Thanks to Elias Broth- Grand Opening and Dedication Cer- ers Painting, who painted the entire Calling all children, teens & college students... emony on November 10. We are grateful Imperial Square building pro bono to for the wonderful media coverage and prepare for the Grand Opening. We need Butterfly art & craft projects community support the event received. 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of Calling all children, teens & college students... Nearly 500 people of all ages were in the liberation of concentration camps. for our Jewish Heritage Month displays at our local libraries. We need Butterfly art & craft projects attendance. We thank all our special The Museum is working with a num- All media welcome! guests who participated in the cer- ber of organizations across Southwest for our Jewish Heritage Month displays at our local libraries. emony: our Holocaust Survivors; State Florida to present a special year-long Please bring artwork to the Federation office All media welcome! by December 15th, labeled with the child’s name and age. Please bring artwork to the Federation office Thank you! by December 15th, labeled with the child’s name and age. Thank you! REALTY GROUP Frye Commercial Group COMMERCIAL & INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE SALES & LEASING This month’s Hal Arkin (239) 910-5363 cell • [email protected] advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support Direct (239) 689-2246 • Offi ce (239) 489-0444 of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, 7910 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Fort Myers and mention that you found them in L’CHAYIM. www.ftmyerscommercial.com Advanced Physical Therapy.....18 Irving Lewin, Music Lessons....25 Ajax Paving Industries...... 18 Jason’s Deli...... 14 Alliance Financial Group...... 10 Kushner & Kushner Attorneys..35 Each Offi ce Independently Owned and Operated Amavida...... 17 David Lovitch, Broker Assoc...25 American House...... 39 Michael Shapiro Photography..33 Hal Arkin, Realtor®...... 6 Norman Love Confections...... 28 Art of Fashion and Moore...... 25 Paragon Pools...... 25 Atrium at Liberty Park...... 11 PCC Tile...... 26 Gwen Baker, Realtor®...... 25 Pegasus Financial Consulting...39 “Our greatest marker of success is Howard N. Barrow, MD...... 25 Publix...... 40 the client’s wholehearted trust Bruce Kodner Galleries...... 3 Robb & Stucky...... 14 Calusa Harbour...... 24 Alan J. 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Bank & Trust....37 Synergy Home Care...... 10 Florida Specialists in Urology..25 Taschner Periodontics...... 29 Gateway Accounting & Tax Svcs.35 Temple Beth El Gift Gallery...10 Susan Glasser, Realtor®...... 28 Temple Beth El Sisterhood.....10 Gordon’s Pool & Spa Service...25 Temple Judea...... 26 Green Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP..25 The Bagel Factory...... 25 13720 Six Mile Cypress Parkway #1, Fort Myers, FL 33912 Gulf Breeze Hair Studio...... 25 The Colonnade of Estero...... 19 239-768-1490 • 888-768-1490 • raymondjames.com/weinsteinwilkes Gulf Coast Orthodontics...... 9 The Print Shop Ink...... 16 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Dr. David Heligman...... 33 The Terraces at Bonita Springs.15 Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Henderson Franklin...... 25 Bob Vinikoor, Realtor®...... 24 Inc. Weinstein Wilkes Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Higginson Tax & Accounting...25 Wilkes Weinstein Financial Group.6 L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 7

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TRIBUTES OBITUARIES The leadership and staff of the Jewish Federation extend condolences to: Shirley Spokane Newman was born in Pittsburgh on September 13, 1927, and passed away in Los Angeles on October 26, 2019. She married the love • Rozzi Osterman, on the passing of her mother, Shirley Newman, her life, Albert, in 1949. They relocated for job opportunities and Shirley in Los Angeles on October 26 enjoyed raising her three loving daughters, Rozzi (John), Elisa (Andy) and • Marty Freling, on the passing of his wife, Judy, in Fort Myers Linda (Omri) in Washington State and Northern California. In her profes- on October 27 sional life, she was a talented and dedicated teacher, specializing in reading, • Rabbi Marc Sack on the passing of his mother, Geraldine and continued teaching many years after her retirement. Shirley enjoyed clas- (Gerri) Sack, in Fort Myers on October 29 sical music, playing the piano, sewing and poetry. She will be greatly missed for her generous heart, sense of humor and love of family. • Karen Kagan on the passing of her mother, Carol Levine

In memory of Alli Lazarus Judith Susan Freling (Bubba) passed away October 26 at the age of 82. from Jamie Beth Gates Judy left behind her loving husband, Marty, of 62 years; two beloved daugh- ters, Elyse Jonas (and husband Ron) and Ellen Levitt (and husband Eric); In memory of Eleanor Lazarus and sister Harriet Blattstein. Both daughters live in Fort Myers. Judy adored from Julie Schaffer her five grandchildren: Jessica Jonas, Brandon Jonas, Lauren Levitt, Jordana Levitt and Gillian Levitt. Last, but certainly not least, is her beloved Cody, In memory of Shirley Newman a 5-year-old Havanese pup who loved naps with his mom! For many years, from Jim & Betty Rubenstein Judy volunteered at the Federation, and only stopped due to health problems. These same health conditions prevented her from making her final and fourth In memory of Judy Freling visit to Israel from Eileen Eckhaus from Mark & Cindie Thompson BAT MITZVAH from Michael & Maxine Golding Congratulations to Kathryn Ferrer, a long-time Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Tributes. Community Free Synagogue congregant, who Please send them to Lori Ramos will be called to read from the Torah for the first at the Federation at [email protected]. time as a Bat Mitsvah at Shabbat Minhah worship on December 28 at the Community Free Syna- gogue. A student of C.F.S. Auxiliary Rabbi Thom- as Miess, Kathryn will also conduct a Torah class in the afternoon before services. Kathryn was born in San Diego and raised on a farm near Corsicana, Texas. She moved to Cape Coral in 1994. She has worked in residential lending for 21 years, currently with Security National Mortgage Co. in Fort Myers. Kathryn converted to Judaism in 1989. She has three sons: Sean Hart- man, a political activist; Ethan Hartman, a medical student at UCF; and Conor Gavitt, a high school student and artist. In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoys doing charitable work for her community with the Lost Riders organization. She also enjoys running, yoga, reading, dancing and being outdoors in nature. Each month, L’CHAYIM will list your Life Cycle events – births, B’nai Mitzvah, engagements, etc. Submit your events to [email protected]. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9 The Collier/Lee Chapter Community Free of Hadassah presents Hanukah 1st Night Dinner By Arlene Yedid he Community Free Synagogue built by David Schwartz. Each night he Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadas- Day, Lenny managed to send home will host a Hanukah 1st Night throughout Hanukah, additional lights sah announces an exciting new his carefully saved packet of letters TLatke and Quiche Dinner, ca- will be lit in keeping with the Sages’ series of educational and enter- for safekeeping. Later, after being sent tered by Cohen & Cohen Catering of edict “to publicize the miracle.” T Fort Myers, at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, The evening continues in the Com- taining programs and events beginning home, he decided to add details to his on Thursday, January 16 with a unique letters. Was this collection a means of December 22 in its Community Hall, munity Hall with the lighting of family memoire, We Are Going to be Lucky: preserving this wonderful love story for 10868 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers. It hanukiyot, a Hanukah sing-along led A World War II Love Story in Letters. future generations to appreciate Lenny’s is free and open to the first 150 reser- by C.F.S. Cantorial Soloist Traci Pavel Elizabeth L. Fox will be in Naples to and Diana’s devotion during a time of vations, which can be made by email- accompanied by C.F.S. musician Jo- present her recently published love war and uncertainty? ing [email protected] or calling seph Brauer, followed by the meal. story told in a vast collection of letters However, the correspondence sat on 239.466.6671. Dreidls and chocolate Hanukah between her parents, Lenny and Diana a shelf over decades awaiting discovery. The evening will begin with the gelt will be on all the tables, but par- Miller, during their three long years of This is where the story resembles a dedication of the synagogue’s new ticipants are encouraged to bring their living separate lives. novel in which a woman opens a trunk Grand Metro Menorah, designed and family menorot and candles. The Millers were a young married in which lies an amazing collection couple deeply committed to social of love letters. Unlike many romance justice and bonded by love. Diana was novels, Elizabeth’s find wasn’t of fam- pregnant when, in 1943, Lenny joined ily secrets; it was a declaration of her the throngs of young men volunteering parents’ love. She dedicated three years for service. to transcribing, editing and finally pub- BAT MITZVAH Recognizing their need to bridge lishing this tribute to her parents. their separation, they pledged to write This special Hadassah program will each other daily. The touching cor- be followed by refreshments and a book respondence is filled with day-to-day signing. Join us from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. details of their lives, and expressions on January 16 at the Naples Conference of deep love and hope for their future. Center, 1455 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. Written as casual conversations, they Tickets are available for $18 in deliberately avoided mention of the advance or $25 at the door. For more deadly war or their darkest fears. information, call Debbie Kaprove at Despite being seriously wounded 860.558.3331, or Dale Hackerman at in combat during the aftermath of D- 609.828.3765.

Highlighted EVENTS Forecast

Community Breakfast Your Federation team December 8th

NEW Loca�on forecasts a Heritage Palms PERFECT SEASON Country Club Feb. 2nd ‐ of programming Mar. 1st 2020

Monthly Programming Forecast Ongoing activities at the Federation: Mah Jongg * Jewish War Veterans * BBYO

Israeli December January February March April May Folk Dancing 2019 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020

Sundays (Sept-Apr)

03 01‐31 02 01 05 03 JFed Hits the Road Bu�er�ies of Hope Monthly Senior Opening Day Closing Day PJ Library IsraelFest 2020 LUNCH BUNCH Artwork Display Film Fes�val Film Fes�val Passover Party County Libraries

08 13 Community Breakfast TBA Annual Mee�ng

08 03 ‐ 28 16 Skype the Author

Jewish Film Lion of Judah

15 Pacese�ers Fes�val PJ Library Hanukkah Party 31 19 20 Out & About Films Holocaust Memorial For more Out & About Films 23 Witness Theater Program 17 ��staina��e �a��n JFF at Bat Yam FSW, Punta Gorda information Ma�or Gi�s visit our web at

Jewishfederationlcc.org

Grand Chanukah Event Community Celebration Sunday, December 22 at 3:00 p.m. Zoomers Family Î Fun for the whole Family Amusement Park Î Music, Games, Rides 17455 Summerlin Road Î Mini-Golf, Go-Karts Fort Myers Î Giant Menorah Lighting Î Holiday Refreshments Free Event for the Community This event is sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of SWFL. For reservations and more information, please call 239.433.7708 or email [email protected]. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 10 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties OUR COMMUNITY First Annual Fort Myers Interfaith Service Day marked by tree planting, service and fellowship By Laurie Morris he 1st Annual Interfaith Service Rev. Robert Bledsoe, Associate Pas- this evening representing the Center for “One of the central tenets of Juda- Day in Fort Myers was one of tor of Cypress Lake United Methodist Islam and Cultural Awareness to show ism is called tikkun olam, which com- Tremembrance, solidarity and Church and one of the founders of Fort solidary with the Jewish community mands Jews to confront the imperfec- community service, held on the one- Myers Interfaith Service Day. “This is and all those who may be experienc- tions of the world and work to repair year anniversary of one of the worst a time for building bridges and bigger ing injustice or suffering on some level them,” Temple Beth El’s Rabbi Nicole religious hate crimes in U.S. history. tables.” or another. So this symbol this evening Luna explained. “This can include acts In October 2018, 11 people were As an olive branch of support and as we gather, is to recognize we have a of kindness – for each other and for the killed and seven injured in a mass friendship, Bledsoe and faith leaders common humanity through the roots of earth with which we’ve been entrust- shooting during morning Shabbat ser- from Temple Beth El, Iona-Hope Epis- this tree.” ed. That’s what the preserve project is vices at the Tree of Life synagogue in copal Church, Temple Judea and the In addition to the Unity Tree, con- Pittsburgh. This year in South Fort My- Center for Islam and Cultural Aware- gregants and community volunteers ers, followers of Judaism, Christianity ness together planted a special “Unity spruced up the site by planting hun- and Islam gathered to remember those Tree.” The cedar, expected to reach dreds of shrubs. Other helpers lined up lost, unite in the spirit of peace for peo- a height of 40-50 feet at full growth, inside the temple, assembly-line-style, ple of all faiths, and work together for joins 300 other recently planted trees to pack meals for the homeless to be de- the greater good. at the newly founded Temple Preserve livered to distribution points through- “In a world full of division, fear & Community Gardens at Temple Beth out Lee County. Some also crafted and distrust, it brings me immense joy El. greeting cards for children at Golisano to know we’re fighting for something “We all have common roots,” Ab- Children’s Hospital and active-duty better here in our community,” said dul Haq Muhammed said. “I am here U.S. military service members. Temple Beth El’s five-acre pre- serve and garden site is one of the Volunteers attach ribbons with messages few remaining tropical hammocks be- of peace to the Unity Tree tween Summerlin Road and Hendry about and it’s a big part of what Inter- Creek. For years, the land was overrun faith Service Day is about too.” by non-native, invasive species. This When the work was finished, summer, with the help of Fort Myers volunteers shared a meal beneath a reforestation non-profit OneTree.org, sprawling canopy of live oaks before volunteers broke ground to begin the faith leaders welcomed everyone to labor-intensive process of restoring adorn its branches with messages of and beautifying the property. Long- peace scrawled on white ribbons. term, the area will yield a natural Flor- Rev. Thom Shafer of Cypress Lake Volunteers plant shrubs in the new Temple preserve ida forest and botanical garden. It will United Methodist Church spoke of civ- be a place where wildlife can thrive il unrest throughout the world in recent and the community will be welcome to years, but said, “As clergy and as we peacefully gather, reflect, play and pray gather laity together, we have hope for among pathways lined with sugarberry, a different tomorrow than we’ve expe- maples, holly trees and cypress. rienced in our past.”

Members of the faith community enjoy a meal together

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Call us today! synergyhomecare.com L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 OUR COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 11 First Annual Fort Myers Interfaith Service Day Estero Fine Art Show to feature artist Yoram Gal ot Works’ 23rd Estero Fine Art British and American movies, designs marked by tree planting, service and fellowship Show takes place January 4 & sceneries, and exhibits in shows with H5 at JetBlue Park in Fort My- his paintings. Yoram lives and works “One of the central tenets of Juda-ers. This juried fine art and fine craft in Old Jaffa since 1978. He has had 14, ism is called tikkun olam, which com-show brings up to 120 quality artists one-man exhibitions of his paintings. mands Jews to confront the imperfec-to JetBlue Park selling original and Wild, a feature film Yoram wrote tions of the world and work to repairpersonally handmade art in all forms and directed, participated in interna- them,” Temple Beth El’s Rabbi Nicoleof discipline, including painting, clay, tional festivals worldwide and won first Luna explained. “This can include actsglass, fiber, jewelry, sculpture, wood, prize for best feature film in Picciano, of kindness – for each other and for thephotography and mixed media. There Italy, in 2001. earth with which we’ve been entrust-is something for everyone, in all price The Old Man & I, a play he jointly ed. That’s what the preserve project is ranges. wrote with Nili Dotan, won the Israeli One of the participating artists in the Prime Minister’s Prize in 2001. The Estero Fine Art Show is internationally Secret of America is his first illustrated renowned painter Yoram Gal. Born in e-book, published on Amazon in 2009. Jerusalem in 1952, Yoram grew up and Yoram has been invited to partici- was educated in London and Tel Aviv. pate in many art events in the U.S.; the He started painting at age 12 and has Firenze Biennale, Italy; Beijing Interna- exhibited his art since age 13. Yoram tional Art Expo, China; and more. The Fu ZheNan Museum in Nanjin, China, acquired 12 major pieces in August my painting like a child. Having fun at the art show. There is $250 in Youth 2011. Biennale at Stanback Museum SC celebrating my decades on earth in the Art Awards as students are exposed to acquired five major works in 2012. In most colorful, joyful and intense way I the rules and entrepreneurship oppor- addition, Yoram has won 50 awards in can. Joie-de-vivre is my motto. tunity of doing art shows for a living. American Art shows, from 2004-2018. Meet Painter Yoram Gal and up Youth art applications can be found at Volunteers attach ribbons with messages of peace to the Unity Tree Yoram’s main influences are to 120 other professional juried artists www.hotworks.org. about and it’s a big part of what Inter- Gauguin, Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, at the Estero Fine Art Show. Event faith Service Day is about too.” Bacon, Miro, Hockney, Nolde, Munk, hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. When the work was finished, Ensor, Bruegel, Michelangelo, Kan- both days. There is free admission volunteers shared a meal beneath a dinsky, De Kooning, Turner, Bonnard, and free parking. An optional $5 sprawling canopy of live oaks before Daumier, Soutine, Nahum Guttman, donation supports the Institute for faith leaders welcomed everyone to Fima and the Expressionists. the Arts & Education, a 501(c)(3) adorn its branches with messages of Yoram’s artist statement is in Ham- non-profit organization that focuses peace scrawled on white ribbons. let’s words: “To hold a mirror up to on visual arts, cultural diversity, Rev. Thom Shafer of Cypress Lake nature.” Paint as wide a range of modern community enrichment and foster- United Methodist Church spoke of civ- life’s rich diversity as I can, capturing ing art education among youth. il unrest throughout the world in recent fleeting moments of dramatic, comic There is $1,500 in professional artist years, but said, “As clergy and as we and lyrical interactions between people. awards. More info can be found at gather laity together, we have hope forwas accepted to Art College at 15 but Juicifying the changing landscapes of at www.hotworks.org. a different tomorrow than we’ve expe-decided against it. He served as an in- our times on paper and canvas, stretch- While at the show, be sure to rienced in our past.” fantry officer in the IDF and earned his ing the styles of painting from realism visit the Youth Art Competition. As BFA with Honors in Theater, Acting and to abstract, through my own expres- part of our commitment to bring art Directing at Tel Aviv University. sionism. Experimenting in dangerous education into the community, the Since 1977, Yoram writes plays non-comfort zones, striving to go be- competition is integrated within the for stage and screen, he paints, directs, yond my previous piece into something art show. All students in grades K-8 acts and produces shows in his Trav- I did not know before. Starting from or ages 5-13 are invited to submit eling Theater. Yoram acts in Israeli, scratch, daily, working at re-inventing original art that is publicly displayed

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Sustainable Nation follows three individuals who are doing their part to bring sustainable water solutions to an increasingly thirsty planet. Using solutions developed in water-poor Israel, they are working to change the status quo of a world where one in ten people lacks access to safe drinking water. Sustainable Nation shows how fixing global water issues is not only a matter of life and death, it’s the start of healing the world. When it comes to water, Israelis are incredible role models for how individuals around the world can have an impact.

Every individual has a responsibility to protect the environment, and even the smallest acts can make a difference. Monday, January 20 at 7:00 P.M. Southwest Florida Community Foundation Collaboratory 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers Tickets $18 Dessert Reception to Follow For tickets visit: www.jewishfederationlcc.org/outandabout For more information visit: www.CaptainsForCleanWater.org L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 13 Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old Jews and “Jingle Bells” – sharing the holiday with our Christian friends By Rabbi Barbara Aiello t’s that time of year when the world ing the observance of another religion. for them, so too, can we marvel at the Holidays.” And when they sing carols “ falls in love.” Beautiful words for For our children it can be confusing. For beauty of the Christmas season. But it is around the piano, we’re not offended. Ia beautiful time. Christmas time. us grown-ups it can be exhausting. But not our party. It belongs to someone else. It’s their party. If we’re friends or even For us Jews it is not our time of the year, for the most part, we Jews aren’t mad Over the years, I’ve noticed some- family members, we’re happy they but many of us like it just the same. In about it, and many of us enjoy being thing interesting about the Christmas asked us to join them. recent years, a PC assault on Christmas guests at the party. season. I can walk through a shopping So, to all our friends in the Christian has swept the United States, leading Over the years, that’s how I ap- mall, scoot into the supermarket and community, we Jews wish you a happy many to believe that religious mi- proached the “December Dilemma” dash into the drugstore, and amaz- holiday season. We wish you and your norities have gone sour on the holiday. with my family. Given the Chanukah ingly most people are in a good mood. families a season of peace, understand- That being said, Christmas crossover this December, They’re dropping dollars into the ing and joy. For these are the very same I want to share you may find this approach helpful Salvation Army kettle, they’re filling things we pray for in our synagogues two things that when discussing holidays with friends, “Adopt a Family” food baskets, they’re each week and work toward in our have grown out colleagues, co-workers and interfaith more patient with their kids and they’re Jewish communities every day. Our of my decades of family members. smiling at one another. There is less families join yours in the belief that experience with In his book, The Art of Jewish violence on television and more “fam- love for, and peace between, all people interfaith issues. Living, Dr. Ron Wolfson comments ily specials.” The songs on the radio can happen in our time. And we applaud First, Jews don’t on toddlers and how they behave at share thoughts of peace, brotherhood your celebration of values and ethics dislike Christmas. birthday celebrations. It’s not unusual and goodwill. that apply to all people of goodwill And second, even that when the cake is brought to the If the national focus on Christmas everywhere. And yes, we wish you a Rabbi Barbara Aiello though we don’t table, all the other children try to blow is responsible for this positive change Merry Christmas! observe the holiday, we are glad that out the candles along with the birthday in behavior, then I’m all for it. Rabbi Barbara Aiello is rabbi at Sinago- Christians do. boy or girl. So what do we do about Christ- ga Ner Tamid del Sud in southern Italy For many of us Jews, especially Then as the gifts are opened, each mas? Many Jews appreciate invitations – a country where Christmas Nativity those of us who grew up in the ’50s child reaches for the toys. Wolfson tells to neighborhood parties and being scenes are displayed in both private and and before, we remember December as us that is why party favors or “goody included in holiday gift exchanges at public venues. She says, “Here in Italy a challenging time. For those of us who bags” were invented. These teach social clubs or at the office. We like it Christmas is culture. And no, I am not were parents of Jewish children, the children the important lesson of “This when non-Jews send us a Chanukah offended.” She can be reached at www. challenges were especially, well, chal- belongs to you and that belongs to her.” greeting or a card that wishes us “Happy rabbibarbara.com. lenging. Anyone who identifies as part Children learn the difference, Wolfson of any minority group probably will tell says, between celebrating one’s very you the same thing. It’s sometimes very own birthday and celebrating another’s Chanukah hard to be different. At Christmas, Jews special day. are part of a tiny minority who are not Wolfson applies this message to embracing practices and customs that al- Jewish families who live in a Christmas begins Sustainable Nation follows three individuals who are doing their most the entire country has adopted and culture. Christmas is someone else’s part to bring sustainable water solutions to an increasingly made into a national tradition. We’re on party, not ours. Just as we can appreciate Sunday our own, celebrating Chanukah, a minor someone else’s birthday party, just as we thirsty planet. Using solutions developed in water-poor Israel, Jewish holiday that this year falls during can admire the gifts and decorations, night, they are working to change the status quo of a world where one Christmas week. So it’s understandable just as we can eat the cake and maybe if the Jewish celebration takes a back even take a token gift home with us and, December 22 in ten people lacks access to safe drinking water. seat to the month-long hoopla surround- most important, just as we can be happy Sustainable Nation shows how fixing global water issues is not only a matter of life and death, it’s the start of healing the world. When it comes to water, Israelis are incredible role models for how individuals around the world can have an impact.

Every individual has a responsibility to protect the environment, and even the smallest acts can make a difference. Monday, January 20 at 7:00 P.M. Southwest Florida Community Foundation Collaboratory Explore 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers More. Tickets $18 Dessert Reception to Follow Active Senior Lifestyle

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Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care Assisted Living | Skilled Nursing | Rehabilitative Care | Home Health Services Cypress Cove at HealthPark | 10200 Cypress Cove Dr., Fort Myers | 239- 317- 8511 L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 14 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Stars of David Interested in Your David Lehman’s top ten Christmas songs written by Jews By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist By Arlene Stolnitz Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to Family’s History? on’t get me wrong! I’m a nice be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish Jewish girl from upstate New have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Nate Bloom (see column above) has become a family history expert in 10 DYork. But still, I like hearing a Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help Christmas tune during the holiday sea- to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a son, while at the same time wondering full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start why these same composers, mostly Jew- At the Movies: December Offerings were raised in New York, are of Syrian with a limited search of one family line. ish, wrote lots – Jumanji: The Next Level opens on Jewish background. This is the brothers’ mostly all – of the Friday, December 13. It is a sequel to first big budget studio film, having made So here’s the deal: great American Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017). five well-received smaller budget flicks Write Bloom at [email protected] and enclose a phone number. Christmas songs. Capsule plot: A team of friends returns in the last 12 years. Gems has received Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that But not one of to Jumanji to rescue one of their own great advance reviews, with star ADAM them ever wrote but discover that nothing is as they SANDLER, 53, getting unusually good goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. a Hanukkah tune, expect. The players need to brave parts notices. Sandler plays a jewelry store The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, which does make unknown in order to escape the world’s owner who is a compulsive gambler. several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate me wonder! I do most dangerous game. JACK BLACK, He has to find a way to pay his debts know the reason. 50, reprises his role in the 2017 film. before it is too late. The supporting cast friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out It was their desire JAKE KASDAN, 45, directs. His father includes IDINA MENZEL, 48, and great for them. So contact him about this as well. to be more American. But not even a is director LAWRENCE KASDAN, 70 JUDD HIRSCH, 84. single song? (The Big Chill, many others). All the Trivia break: There are other per- Recently, I came across an interest- Jumamji films are based on the 1981 sons of Syrian Jewish background time. They are using footage from the continues to rise. It was recently an-ing book about the story of American children’s novel Jumanji by CHRIS who have made it in showbiz: JERRY two Star Wars films she made just nounced that ZOE KRAVITZ, 30, will popular music having been written VAN ALLBURG, 70, who converted SEINFELD, 65 (his late mother was before her death. play Catwoman in The Batman, a biglargely by Jews. David Lehman, poet, to Judaism decades ago. of Syrian Jewish ancestry; his father, Guide to Tribe Members with a Big feature that will open in 2021 (Robertliterary critic and non-fiction writer, is th Also opening the 13 are Richard Ashkenazi); actor DAN HEDAYA, 79 Impeachment Connection Pattinson plays Batman). Other tribethe author of A Fine Romance: Jewish Jewell and Uncut Gems. The former is (you know his face; among others, he Congress: ADAM SCHIFF, 59, the members playing superheroes include Songwriters, American Songs. Lehman a Clint Eastwood biopic about Jewell, played Nick, the no-good ex-husband chair of the House Intelligence Com- GAL GADOT, 34, as Wonder Woman;is the son of European Holocaust survi- a security guard who found a backpack of Carla, the waitress, in Cheers, and mittee; JERROLD NADLER, 72, the NATALIE PORTMAN, 38, as Janevors and grew up in Manhattan, where with three pipe bombs at the Atlanta ALICIA SILVERSTONE’s father in chair of the House Judiciary Commit- Foster (who often can wield Thor’she attended Stuyvesant High School site of the August 1996 Olympics. He Clueless); and JUSTIN HURWITZ, tee; and Republican House member powers); SCARLETT JOHANSSON,and Columbia University, and then the saved many lives when he alerted police 34, the Oscar-winning composer of La LEE ZELDIN, 39, a big President 35, as Black Widow; EZRA MILLER,University of Cambridge in England. and helped evacuate the area. However, La Land. His father is Ashkenazi and Trump supporter; Witnesses: Ambas- 27, as The Flash; and PAUL RUDD, 50,His many accomplishments include shortly thereafter, an FBI leak to the his mother is of Lebanese and Syrian sador GORDON SONDLAND, 62 as Antman. writing for The New York Times, The press led to reports that he was sus- Jewish ancestry. (his parents were refugees from Nazi Next February, you can catchWall Street Journal, American Heritage pected of planting the bombs. His life Opening Friday, December 20 is Germany), and Lt. Col. ALEXANDER Kravitz in High Fidelity, a 10-episode and The Washington Post. He is the became hell for two months. In October Star Wars: The Rise of Starwalker. VINDMAN, 44 (born in Ukraine; series on Hulu. It’s based on the hit series editor for the prestigious Best 1996, he was completely cleared when Advance publicity promises us that came to the States when he was 3). 2000 movie of the same name about American Poetry, of which he is the the actual bomber was identified. The this film will be the final part of the Other: LEV PARNAS, 47, and IGOR people working in a hip little record founder. screenplay is by BILLY RAY, 48, an nine-episode Skywalker saga. This is a FRUMAN, 47ish, the Ukraine-born store. Also, last month, it was announced In an interview published in Smith- Oscar-nominated writer and director biggie, so I won’t go into plot details. I associates of Rudy Giuliani. They are that Gadot will produce and star in sonian magazine, Lehman discusses the who has joked that his name doesn’t will simply note that this one, like the charged with using foreign funds to Irena Sendler. This biopic is about artistry of the great lyricists: “The best “sound Jewish.” last three really big Star Wars films, influence American elections. the Polish Jewish heroine who savedsong lyrics seem to me so artful, so bril- Gems is a black-comedy crime was directed and co-written by J.J. Kosher Superheroes thousands of Jewish children duringliant, so warm and humorous, with both film directed and co-written by broth- ABRAMS, 53. Also, one sad note: and Other Cast Notes the Holocaust. passion and wit, that my admiration is ers JOSH and BENNY SAFADIE (35 CARRIE FISHER, who died in 2016, The number of Jews playing super- matched only by my envy... these lyri- and 33, respectively). The brothers, who does appear as Princess Laia one more heroes based on comic book characters cists needed to work within boundaries,

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Not valid for third party gift card purchases. Free $5 gift card to be used toward a future purchase. EQUAL HOUSING Assisted Living Facility #12385 COA #08075 LJF OPPORTUNITY L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 15 David Lehman’s top ten Christmas songs written by Jews Interested in Your By Arlene Stolnitz on’t get me wrong! I’m a nice to get complicated emotions across and And, yes, they are all Jewish com- cabeats’ song “Burn.” It incorporates a Family’s History? Jewish girl from upstate New fit the lyrics to the music, and to the posers and lyricists! modern interpretation of a Chanukah DYork. But still, I like hearing a mood thereof. That takes genius.” Lehman says, “This Christmas song with the problem of bullying. In Christmas tune during the holiday sea- And yet we know that these same phenomenon is just one example of doing so, the group is addressing a social son, while at the same time wondering composers were anxious to shed their this larger point: that the story of issue in modern society. How clever! why these same composers, mostly Jew- immigrant past and reinvent themselves American popular music is massively I am always on the lookout for more ish, wrote lots – as American. The lyrics represent an a Jewish story.” Their art is not one of tunes like this one. You can hear and see mostly all – of the America that offered a new idea of what defiance but an affirmation of American their accompanying video on YouTube. great American America should be, even in the face of ideals. Check it out! Christmas songs. changing times, and it was especially But still the question remains. Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sara- But not one of true during the holiday season. It was Where are the Hanukkah songs that sota Jewish Chorale, is a member of them ever wrote their “affirmation of American ideals could have been written? We all know the Jewish Congregation of Venice. A a Hanukkah tune, as they understood them… pressing “Hanerot Hallelu,” “Ma’oz Tzur,” retired educator from Rochester, New which does make back against the forces that aimed to “Hanukkah, O Hanukkah” and “The York, she has sung in choral groups me wonder! I do extinguish them.” Dreidel Song” – just a few tunes in the for over 25 years and also sings in know the reason. Recently, Lehman was asked to list Chanukah repertoire. The Venice Chorale. Her interest in Arlene Stolnitz It was their desire his top ten Christmas songs written by As I have noted in an earlier col- the preservation of Jewish music of to be more American. But not even a Jews. umn, we do have Hanukkah songs all kinds has led to this series of ar- single song? ‹ 10. “The Christmas Waltz,” music written by contemporary composers. ticles on Jewish Folk Music in the Recently, I came across an interest- and lyrics by Sammy Cahn and One I would like to focus on is the Mac- Diaspora. ing book about the story of American Jule Styne popular music having been written ‹ 9. “Silver Bells,” music by Jay Liv- largely by Jews. David Lehman, poet, ingston, lyrics by Ray Evans literary critic and non-fiction writer, is ‹ 8. “Winter Wonderland,” music and SAVE THE the author of A Fine Romance: Jewish lyrics by Felix Bernard Songwriters, American Songs. Lehman ‹ 7. “Santa Baby,” music and lyrics is the son of European Holocaust survi- by Joan Ellen Javits and Philip DATE vors and grew up in Manhattan, where Springer ‹ he attended Stuyvesant High School 6. “Sleigh Ride,” lyrics by Mitch- A Special Evening for Pacesetters and Columbia University, and then the ell Parish (born Michael Hyman University of Cambridge in England. Pashelinsky) His many accomplishments include ‹ 5. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” writing for The New York Times, The music by Buck Ram and lyrics by Alexandra Silber Wall Street Journal, American Heritage Walter Kent and The Washington Post. He is the ‹ 4. “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me series editor for the prestigious Best Warm,” music and lyrics by Irving Wednesday, January 8, 2020 American Poetry, of which he is the Berlin founder. ‹ 3. “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It 6:30 P.M. In an interview published in Smith- Snow,” music by Julie Styne, lyrics Alexandra Silber takes you on a musical journey through her sonian magazine, Lehman discusses the by Sammy Cahn artistry of the great lyricists: “The best ‹ 2. “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts multi-faceted career encompassing classic hits from Fiddler on the song lyrics seem to me so artful, so bril- Roasting on an Open Fire), music Roof, Kiss Me Kate, Cabaret, She Loves Me and West Side Story. liant, so warm and humorous, with both and lyrics by Mel Torme and Bob passion and wit, that my admiration is Wells matched only by my envy... these lyri- ‹ 1. “White Christmas,” music and cists needed to work within boundaries, lyrics by Irving Berlin

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If you seek an exceptional community with extraordinary assisted living care, your search just got easier.

Anniversary pricing now available until the end of the year. 26455 S. Tamiami Trail Call 239-444-8440 to learn more or visit Bonita Springs, FL 34134 TheTerracesAtBonitaSprings.com

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EQUAL HOUSING Assisted Living Facility #12385 COA #08075 LJF OPPORTUNITY L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 16 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST Establishing the Łódź ghetto By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD riedrich Übelhör was a German Ludwig Popperoth. By June of 1925 he Main Office, Reinhard Heydrich, would city streets that ran through the ghetto, politician and Nazi Party official had become politically active, reorga- later promulgate a decree on October thereby allowing the Jews to move to Fgovernor who ordered the con- nizing the regional Party structure in 1, 1941, relating to the identification of and from various sections of the ghetto struction of the Łódź ghetto on Decem- Naumburg. In 1931, he became Nazi Jews, but this did not apply to children without leaving it. A tram ran through ber 10, 1939 – 80 years ago this month. Party County Leader in Naumburg and under the age of six. Übelhör’s decree the ghetto, but for non-Jews only, and He was born on September 25, 1893, was elected to the Reichstag on March certainly applied to infants; violations no stops were made inside. The ghetto in Bavaria. His father was a professor 5, 1933. were punished by death, thus going well at Łódź became the longest lasting of at the University of Würzburg, the city Poland was invaded in September beyond that of his superior. all the Nazi-imposed ghettos in Poland, from where Übelhör 1939, and the city of Łódź, second The Jewish community had their operating for more than four years. graduated from high only to Warsaw in population and in businesses taken away. They were im- Conditions for the Jews imprisoned school in 1913. He the size of its Jewish community, was prisoned in their own apartments and, inside were terrible. Overcrowding, joined an artillery occupied by the Germans on September prevented from supporting themselves, disease (tuberculosis, typhus and dys- regiment when war 8, 1939. On October 26, Übelhör was were left without any means to survive. entery, among others), atrocious sanita- broke out in 1914, appointed as the provisional governor Many Jews were shot, and many oth- tion, and the absence of electricity and and then served for of the Kalisch district, with the rank of ers froze to death. According to Nazi running water were only some of the four years, fought on SS-Obersturmbannführer (lieutenant estimates, more than 71,000 Jews either things that threatened survival. Hunger,  Dr. Paul the Western Front, colonel). On November 9, Łódź fell left or were deported from Łódź during leading to death by starvation, as well as Bartrop was assigned to the under the authority of Gauleiter Arthur the first few months of the occupation. contributing to the outbreak of some of Army High Command, and received Greiser, who sought the rapid and total On December 10, 1939, Übelhör the diseases already noted, was perhaps various decorations. He ended the war Germanization of the areas under his produced a report on the feasibility the greatest burden within the ghetto. as a first lieutenant. command. of establishing an enclosed area for Unlike some other ghettos, there was After the war, Übelhör served in the It took little time for the Jews of Jews. Estimating that there were some virtually no successful smuggling of Freikorps militia of General Paul von Łódź to be subjected to rigorous legal 230,000 Jews in the greater Łódź re- food into Łódź. Lettow-Vorbeck, and took part in the orders and bans. On November 14, gion, he reported that he would be able Friedrich Übelhör was dismissed suppression of the communist uprising Übelhör announced additional restric- to collect all of these into a ghetto. His from his post as governor of Łódź in in Hamburg on July 19, 1919. He stud- tive measures: Jews were to wear a report set out the boundaries of where December 1942 after being accused ied law and political science in Freiburg distinguishing Jewish yellow patch on the ghetto should be, and noted that of embezzlement. The charges were and Würzburg for five semesters but their clothing, and a curfew was intro- preparation and execution of the plan ultimately unproven, but the suspicion dropped out and did not complete his de- duced for Jews between the hours of would be carried out largely by German damaged his reputation and halted his gree. He joined the Nazi Party in 1922. 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Übelhör’s order officers from different policing agencies. advancement in the SS. In the latter In 1924, Übelhör moved to Na- to mark the Jews of Łódź was the first The ghetto would be enclosed in barbed days of World War II, he disappeared, umburg, and on April 4, 1925, married of its kind enacted in the Third Reich, wire and its borders guarded. A Jewish and remained unaccounted for until he Asta Popperoth, daughter of the former having no previous basis in Nazi legis- administration would be set up. Food was declared legally dead by the West Higher Regional Court Vice-President, lation. The head of the Reich Security and fuel for the ghetto was to be paid for German government in 1950. by an exchange of materials in order to On January 19, 1945, when the obtain from the Jews “all their hoarded Soviets liberated the ghetto – created and hidden items of value.” Übelhör 80 years ago this month – fewer than thereupon ordered the construction of 10,000 of the 230,000 Jews of Łódź the ghetto and was instrumental in the had survived. destruction of the Jewish population. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History The Łódź ghetto was formally and the Dir. of the Center for Judaic, established in February 1940. It was Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at sealed on May 1, 1940, surrounded Florida Gulf Coast University. He can

by a wooden fence, barbed wire and be reached at [email protected]. armed guards. Bridges were built over

Senior Outreach Program

Please contact: [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x4 Come out for lunch, see familiar faces and meet new friends at our free monthly senior lunches Thursday, December 12th 12:00 PM Calusa Harbour Senior Living 2525 First Street Fort Myers RSVP required by Fri., Dec. 6th

Thursday, January 16th 12:00 PM Temple Beth Shalom 702 SE 24th Ave. Cape Coral (RSVP by Fri., Jan. 10th)

Let us know if you will be driving or if you would like a volunteer to pick you up.

RSVP—Jodi Cohen 239-481-4449, ext. 2 or [email protected]

Please bring your non-perishable food donations for the Federation food pantry to the Senior Lunch Bunch .

Read the current and previous editions of L’CHAYIM online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 17 A zany crew pulls a fast one on the Third Reich in this surprising tale based on actual events Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to L’CHAYIM The Ventriloquists: A Novel are prostitute/smuggler Lada Tarcovich; character to character, enough, is further enlivened by E.R. Ramzipoor. David Spiegelman, who can write in the setting to setting, and ob- by unexpected subsidiary Park Row Books. 544 pages. voice and persona of others; and Gamin, stacle to obstacle. Even- areas of interest. Perhaps the Hardcover $26.99 a girl disguised as a boy, who sets fires, tually, the critical needs most thought-provoking and creates confusion, picks pockets and of the Faux Soir scheme emotionally fraught subplot his astonishingly original debut carries out risky tasks in service to Au- are met, but not without has to do with the relation- novel draws upon a little-known brion’s scheme. close calls and tragic ship between Lada and a Tpiece of WWII history and the They and others form part of the losses. female judge. The thread text of a journalistic hoax. It pays hom- resistance movement that wants to All along the way, involving these lesbian lovers age to the human spirit that can thrive block the omnivorous Reich, as well as time is of the essence. and the circumstances that test in the midst of the cruelest oppression. Russian expansion. It is late 1943, and Faux Soir must come their various loyalties could The Ventriloquists begins with, resistance forces are stalling until the out on the same day launch a fascinating sequel. and often returns Allies arrive. that Le Soir is due to hit In today’s world of pro- to, the need for To implement their plan for replac- newsstands. Author Ramzipoor ampli- paganda wars, fake news and alleged someone to ask ing an edition of the Nazi-propaganda- fies this time bind with “countdown” fake news, The Ventriloquists holds up and answer ques- filled Le Soir with their own send-up chapter headings: “17 Days to Print a dazzling looking glass for those intent tions. The ques- version, Faux Soir, the conspirators Afternoon,” 15 Days to Print Late on silencing others and for those who tioner, a woman need paper, ink, typewriters, typeset- Morning” and so forth. will not be silenced. named Eliza, has ting machinery, a distribution system, Readers are ushered back to the This review was first published in the heard something money, hiding places and storage space. storyline’s ongoing present (with Eliza Washington Independent Review of about this histori- They must also fool, among oth- and Helen, the latter of whom is the Books and is reprinted with permission. cal event and, fas- ers, August Wolff, the regional Nazi much older incarnation of Gamin) Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeri-  Phil cinated, has spent paramilitary officer. Working under via headers like “Yesterday,” and to tus of English from the United States Jason 12 years tracking events occurring long before the Faux Naval Academy. He reviews regularly down a witness or participant. Now she Soir caper with “3 Years Before Faux for Florida Weekly, Washington Inde- has found one, an old lady named Helen. Soir.” Ramzipoor’s control over the pendent Review of Books, Southern While author E.R. Ramzipoor often manipulation of time-sensitive infor- Literary Review, other publications and returns to the present-time conversa- mation is splendid, and the results are the Jewish Book Council. Please visit tion between Eliza and Helen, Helen’s magnetic. Phil’s website at www.philjason.word story (or Eliza’s transcription thereof) The main narrative, energetic press.com. reaches into a past in which the hoax was hatched and executed. We are introduced to the main play- L’CHAYIM delivers! ers. Their names, nicknames, personali- E.R. Ramzipoor (photo credit: Sherry Zaks) ties and experiences are slowly, vividly Introduce your business to a POWERFUL revealed. For the most part, the narrative Himmler, Gruppenführer Wolff is is set in occupied Brussels, with some somehow fooled by this motley crew, demographic and reach 4,000 readers scenes in the small Belgian town of whose members agree to aid the Axis each month for pennies per reader! Enghien. The principal character is the with their journalistic and other talents. main instigator of the grand charade, a Their skill at deceiving him is another For ad rates and deadlines, journalist with a comic flair named Marc kind of ventriloquism. contact Lori at 239.481.4449 x5 Aubrion (nicknamed “The Jester”). He The novel explodes with released is an intuitive planner and improvisor. suspense every few pages as the chap- or [email protected]. Among the other six key characters ters and their subdivisions shift from SIGN A LEASE BY DECEMBER 31, 2019 RECEIVE SPECIAL PRICING ON SELECT APARTMENTS!

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amavidaliving.com • 7650 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908 • Conveniently Located Next to Lakes Park! Assisted Living Facility License #13261 L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 18 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST How much should wine cost? By The Wine Whisperer hen you shop for wine, the buy it. So it pays to know what factors the shelf for a crazy low price, and one and spicy scents of black pepper and cost question is always at affect the (widely variable) prices of of my distributor friends will tell me, “I game, with a lengthy smooth finish. Wthe top of your mind. How wine. couldn’t sell it to you for that.” Below Works well with creamy pastas and can you figure out the relationship (if First, the distributors. In Florida, wholesale? It happens. spicy cured meats. WW 93 any) between a wineries sell to distributors who then Not surprisingly, wines that are E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2015 wine’s price and sell to bars, restaurants and retailers. produced in huge volume are priced in ($14) – This Syrah from the northern its quality? Why Now, these distributors have monthly the $8-$15 range, just because of econ- Rhône is a sensational value from a do some wines sales goals. So at the end of the month, omies of scale. More exclusive wines world-class producer. The winegrow- costing $300 get when they find themselves with cases made in smaller quantities demand ing region surrounds the famous Her- a 94-point rating and cases of wine that didn’t sell, the higher prices. Supply and demand. mitage hill, and this wine offers loads from critics, and sales reps call their clients and offer Another factor that influences pric- of sweet dark fruit on a core of typical other wines cost- crazy deals, cutting prices way below ing is what I call mystique. Certain Syrah pepper and spice. Fresh and very ing $30 get the regular wholesale. The clients snap “cult” wines have such reputations for approachable now. WW 89-90  Jerry same number of them up, but do they pass the savings rarity and quality that people will pay EX Chardonnay Unoaked Mon- Greenfield points or higher? on to their customers? You can answer just about anything. The total produc- terey 2017 ($19) – As you would expect It’s amazing how much the price that one for yourself. tion of Screaming Eagle, a Cabernet from an unoaked Chardonnay, there is for a particular wine will vary among Another issue is volume. Some re- from California, is about 750 three- plenty of minerality on the nose. The retail outlets. A nice everyday drinking tailers buy so much wine that they can bottle boxes a year. They’re available balanced acidity is quite refreshing and wine that costs around $13 can cost up demand insanely low prices from sup- only to people on the exclusive mem- carries flavors of pear, citrus and espe- to $3-$4 more depending on where you pliers. On occasion, I’ll find a wine on ber list…for about $1,100 a bottle. cially lemon. WW 87-88 Many lucky collectors just flip it right Scheid Vineyards Chardonnay away on the secondary market and Santa Lucia Highlands 2016 ($45) – double their money. This Chardonnay has layer upon layer Mystique affects many types of of floral aromas, oak and vanilla that wine. A single bottle of Domaine de la go on forever. The pronounced oak is Romanee-Conti Grand Cru 1990 from balanced by savory sweet green apple, Burgundy will set you back around pear and citrus. It’s soft and crisp at the $21,000. On the other hand, a bottle of same time. A winner. WW 91 1990 Château Petrus from Bordeaux is Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisper- a steal at $3,500. Are they that good? er. He is Creative Director of Green- I’m not the one to ask, but I can tell you field Media & Marketing, and Wine how much we enjoyed this month’s se- Director of the international Direct lections. Hope you do, too. Cellars wine club. His new book, Ask Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni the Wine Whisperer, has just been pub- 2014 ($25) – Deep purple wine with an lished. Read his other writings at www. intense nose of blueberries and cher- winewhisperer.com. ries, followed by floral notes of roses

ELIMINATE YOUR PAIN Sundays, 3:30 P.M. RESTORE YOUR MOBILITY December

REGAIN YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE 8, 15, 22, 29

Jewish Federation Community Room, 9701 Commerce Center Ct., Fort Myers All physical therapy is not the same… Thank you for letting us show you RSVP to Debbie Sanford at 239.481.4449 x4 what sets us apart from the rest! $20 for all 4 sessions

AWARDED SW FLORIDA’S BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHABILITATION CENTER 6 YEARS IN A ROW! • One-on-one care with all patients • You will always receive the personalized care you deserve • Highly skilled and licensed therapists • Relaxed, friendly and encouraging atmosphere • Therapist-owned private practice • Best of Southwest Florida recipient Volunteer Open House “We invest ourselves personally in every patient’s Wednesday, December 4th, 12-4 P.M. progress and goals. This is all part of having a true commitment and passion for what we do.” Jewish Federation Office - 9701 Commerce Center Ct. Fort Myers Are you interested in volunteering at some of our biggest events of the year?

Community Breakfast ~ Jewish Film Festival ~ PJ Library ~ Israelfest 2020

 A variety of opportunities

THE RESULTS YOU WANT. THE CARE YOU DESERVE.  Daytime, Evening & Weekend options  Thomas S. Zeller, DPT & Associates Different locations to choose from www.YourBestTherapy.com  All ages welcome (16+) Fort Myers 239-432-0556 Please contact Debbie Sanford to register and for more information. Cape Coral 239-772-2363 [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x4 L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 JEWISH INTEREST Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 19 How much should wine cost? You say latkes, I say sfenj – recipe by Chef Dalia Hemed o a Jewish child in the United including special foods. On Passover we Ingredients: States, Hanukkah means parties, eat matzah, she said, on Purim we have • 3 cups flour Tpotato pancakes (latkes) and hamentashen, on Rosh Hashanah we • 4 tablespoons warm water presents. To his cousin in Israel, it is dip apples in honey, and on Hanukkah • 2 tablespoons brandy the time to enjoy fluffy doughnuts filled we make sufganiyot. At this point, she • 1 teaspoon salt with red jam or covered with sugar. In drew a picture on the chalkboard of a • 2 teaspoons sugar the U.S., latkes still reign supreme, but big round sufganiya with jelly bursting • 1 tablespoon dried active yeast in my home, sfenj are the quintessential out of the top. • 1¼ cup warm water Hanukkah foods. I ran home after school that day, • Vegetable oil, for frying Latkes get all the glory around Ha- burst through the door and fearfully • Sugar and honey for garnish nukkah, but it’s time they started sharing asked my grandmother if we were Jew- (optional) the spotlight. Tender, sweet sufganiyot ish. I mean, we didn’t eat anything that X Make the yeast starter by dissolving – jelly doughnuts and sfenj (Moroccan remotely looked like what my teacher 1 teaspoon of sugar in 4 tablespoons doughnuts) – are the most had drawn on the board. of lukewarm water in a small bowl. coveted Hanukkah treat. On Hanukkah, my Stir in 1 tablespoon of dried active Sufganiyot first became a grandmother prepared yeast. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Hanukkah-time staple in Is- ring-shaped pastries X Mix the flour and 1 tablespoon Personal Chef Dalia Hemed rael, but they’ve made their and other sweet, fried of salt in a large bowl. Add the can be reached at way around the world. Like dough delicacies. She remaining water, brandy and yeast [email protected]. latkes, sufganiyot and sfenj just smiled at me and mixture, and stir vigorously with are fried. It’s customary to told me that of course your hand or a spoon until smooth about an inch of oil. eat fried foods during the we were Jewish, and that for about 10-15 minutes. The dough X Dip your hands in water and pull off Jewish Festival of Lights to each community made should be too sticky to knead or a piece of dough about the size of an recognize the miracle that their own types of fried shape, almost like a batter. The egg. Use your fingers to make a hole the holiday commemorates: pastries on Hanukkah. alcohol in the brandy keeps the in the ball of dough, stretch the hole a small jug of oil kept the Usually made from sfenj from absorbing too much oil wide to make a ring about the size menorah in the Jewish tem- flour, water, yeast and when it’s being fried. You can use of a golf ball, and place the dough in ple lit for eight days instead of just one. salt, sfenj dough can be sweetened with any alcoholic beverage, but brandy the hot oil. The dough will puff up. Sfenj are popular across Moroccan sugar or left savory. Although it must be makes the sfenj taste more like X Repeat with the remaining dough, Jewish communities in Israel and in the left to rise, the dough is not kneaded, Morocco. wetting your hands as necessary to U.S. The rich food traditions of the Mo- and the result is a lighter pastry than X Oil a mixing bowl lightly. Oil your keep the dough from sticking as you roccan Jewish community did not know American doughnuts. hands and push dough down into work with it. of potato latkes or jelly doughnuts, but The word “sfenj” comes from the center of the original bowl with X Fry the sfenj until golden brown, they had heard of the sfenj doughnut, the Moroccan for “sponge,” and the oiled hands until you can easily pick turning once or twice. Remove the which was made with the juice and zest comparison is spot-on. The texture is it up and transfer to the oiled bowl. cooked sfenj with a slotted spoon of an orange. From the early days of na- soft and pillowy, like an airy, raised Wipe any dough that might stick to and place on a plate lined with paper tion building in Israel, the orange came doughnut. But the yeast-based dough is your hands, dip fingers in oil again, towels to drain. to be associated with the holiday of barely sweetened, if at all, so its tangi- and turn dough over in bowl. Then X Serve the sfenj hot. If desired, dip Hanukkah as the famous Yaffa oranges ness works well with sugary toppings cover with a clean kitchen towel or the sfenj in sugar or drizzle honey came into season in time for Hanukkah. or honey drizzled on top. plastic wrap, and allow to rise for to sweeten them. One of the most unforgettable Enjoy your sfenj while it’s fresh 3-4 hours. X Allow for at least two sfenj per memories from my childhood is my from the fryer. They are light and sweet, X When the dough rises, punch it person. I am yet to meet anybody first school Hanukkah celebration in first just crunchy on the outside, moist and down in the bowl with your fist. In who can stop at one. grade. The teacher explained to us in fluffy inside. They are somehow dense a wide pot, heat an inch or more of detail about the traditions of the holiday, but not heavy. vegetable oil until hot. You need

Sundays, 3:30 P.M. December

8, 15, 22, 29

Jewish Federation Community Room, 9701 Commerce Center Ct., Fort Myers

RSVP to Debbie Sanford at 239.481.4449 x4 The perfect place $20 for all 4 sessions to put down roots.

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The Colonnade of Estero is a Volunteers of America community. Founded in 1896, Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to uplifting all people. Learn more at volunteersofamerica.org. PCOA #: 31808 PCOA L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 20 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties The Jewish Federation of Wed., February 12 at 2:00pm thanks the members of the 2020 Jewish Film Festival Beneath the Ink Committee for their help in reviewing and selecting lms: Sara Krivisky, Chair horts “Bring me your mistakes” is the invitation Ohio tattoo Lee and Charlotte Counties artist Billy Joe White makes. A timely look at racism in Carolyn Gora, Co-Chair Day contemporary America, Beneath the Ink reveals the Andi Horowitz, Event Chair th possibility for change in one Appalachian community. Karin Fine, Claire Goldhagen, Helene Glocer, Elisa Grossman, Short Documentary Jan Klein, Carol Lovitch, Leni Sack, Lynn Talone Presents the 24 Annual Language: Enlish Running Time: 13 min. Across the Line ananel, a oun reliious Jew, is hurrin hoe for Jewish Film Festival Shabbat. An unexpected encounter with Mundir, an unwanted and stubborn Palestinian hitchhiker, leads Hananel on a series of mix-ups that eventually teach- of Southwest Florida es him a lesson in communication, friendship and love. Short Comedy Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles Running Time: 29 min. Films will be screened at the Regal Belltower Stadium 20* Dear God INDIVIDUAL TICKET A poetic Jerusalem told through the eyes of Aaron, a simple Wailing Wall guard that follows a mysterious ORDER FORM Open seating at all lms for general admission tickets beautiful woman’s notes in the holy stones of the wall. Short Drama Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles Regal Belltower Stadium 20 Theaters icets will be mailed u to December 31 Running Time: 12 min. *OPEN SEATING AT ALL FILMS An Average Story *Reserved seating for some levels of sponsorship. icets ordered ater December 31 will be aailable Avi Cohen has just been informed that he is the most average man who ever lived. Overnight, he reluctantly one hour beore screening inside the theater on the day o the show becomes a national icon and celebrity. With his wife’s TOTAL #______INDIVIDUAL EVENING TICKETS @ $13 enthusiastic urging, they translate the situation into a TOTAL #______INDIVIDUAL MATINEE TICKETS @ $10 business venture that goes awry. Short Comedy February 23 eent taes lace at at Yam emle o the Islands on anibel Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles TOTAL #______OPENING DAY EVENT TICKETS: @ $25 Running Time: 18 min. TOTAL #______CLOSING DAY EVENT TICKETS: @ $25 TOTAL # ______FESTIVAL PASSES (evenings only): @ $117 TOTAL # ______FESTIVAL PASSES (evenings & matinees) @ $135 Sunday, February 2 at 3:00pm Thursday, February 13 at 7:15pm Tuesday, February 25 at 7:15pm *Passes include 1 ticket to each film—event tickets sold separately Golda’s Balcony Love in Suspenders Tel Aviv on Fire Golda’s Balcony Sunday, February 2 3:00 P.M. Based on the awardwinnin pla and lonest run The encounter between two people with such diff erent Salam, an inexperienced young Palestinian man, be- Followed by: Dessert Reception with the Producer nin onewoan show in Broadwa histor, Golda’s personalities, such as Tammy and Beno, has to result comes a writer on a popular soap opera after a chance at Society. Event ticket required. Event starts at: Balcony, the fi lm transcends both cinema and stage in a nightmare…but love has its own rules. From their meeting with an Israeli soldier. His creative career is *Sponsored by Norman Love Confections 5:00 P.M. in this genre-bending emotional experience. Written fi rst unfortunate encounter, when Tammy hits Beno on the rise until the soldier and the show’s fi nancial by William Gibson (The Miracle Worker, the stor of with her car, Tammy and Beno experience all sorts of backers disagree about how the show should end, The Light of Hope Tuesday, February 4 Golda Meir’s rise from Russian schoolgirl to American emotional, funny struggles. They get closer, break up, and Salam is caught in the middle. The fi lm is a satire 7:15 P.M. schoolteacher to the fourth Prime Minister of Israel is get back together and fi ght again, until ultimately their that highlights the awful absurdity of war, and proves *Sponsored by Sylvia & Paul Simko revealed intimately and often humorously by the cap- love wins out. Comedy it’s possible to fi nd humor in the midst of cultural con- Thursday, February 6 tivating Tovah Feldshuh. Recently discovered footage Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles fl ict. Comedy/Satire Picture of His Life 7:15 P.M. from the play’s original run gives viewers the oppor- Running Time: 1 hr. 38 min. Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles *Sponsored by Sara & Brian Krivisky tunity to witness Tovah’s incredible performance up 1 hr. 40 min. Running Time: Tuesday, February 11 close and personal. Documentary From Slavery To Freedom Language: Enlish Running Time: 1 hr. 26 min. 7:15 P.M. Shorts Day Matinee Wednesday, February 12 Tuesday, February 4 at 7:15pm Tuesday, February 18 at 7:15pm Wed., February 26 at 2:00pm An Average Story ~ Across the Line ~ 2:00 P.M. Beneath the Ink ~ Dear God The Light of Hope Unorthodox The Other Story *Sponsored by American House In 1942, after three years of bringing back dignity to The year is 1983, and Yaakov Cohen, the owner of Anat is a rebellious young woman who wants to fl ee Love in Suspenders Thursday, February 13 mothers interned in refugee camps and saving the a Jerusalem printing press, is tired of being pushed the chaos of secular hedonism for the disciplined 7:15 P.M. lives of their babies, the Maternity of Elna has been around. It seems that he was born on the wrong comforts of faith. Sari is a young woman who wants *Sponsored by Cypress Cove at HealthPark FL. ordered to close its doors by French authorities. Its side, with the wrong family name, and in a moment’s to leave behind her oppressive religious upbringing Tuesday, February 18 director, Elisabeth Eidenbenz, the mothers and their decision he decides to establish a Sephardic-ultra- for sexual and spiritual freedom. When Anat and Sari Unorthodox collaborators who have helped to make everything Orthodox list that will run to the Jerusalem mu- cross paths in Jerusalem, it soon changes both of their *Sponsored by DLS Construction, Inc. 7:15 P.M. possible, will try to prevent it. The fi lm is based on the nicipality. He gathers two friends, and together they lives in startling and unexpected ways. Drama true story of Elisabeth Eidenbenz (1913-2011) and her improvise a campaign – no means, no connections, Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles The Spy Behind Home Plate Thursday, February 20 female co-workers who saved the lives of almost 600 no money, but with much rage, passion and a sense Running Time: 1 hr. 57 min. *Sponsored by Fort Myers Miracle Baseball 7:15 P.M. infants in World War II. Historical Period Drama of justice. Comedy, Drama, History Language: Spanish & French with English Subtitles Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles My Polish Honeymoon -JFF at Sunday, February 23 Running Time: 1 hr. 36 min. Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min. 2:00 P.M. Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

Tel Aviv on Fire Tuesday, February 25 Thursday, February 6 at 7:15pm Thursday, February 20 at 7:15pm Thursday, February 27 at 7:15pm *Sponsored by Gulf Coast Orthodontics, Dr. Michele Laboda 7:15 P.M. Picture of his Life he Sy ehind Home Plate The Bird Catcher The Other Story Matinee Wednesday, February 26 2:00 P.M. World-renowned wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum Morris “Moe” Berg was an enigmatic and brilliant On her attempt to fl ee the Nazi round-up in Nor- has one fi nal photographic dream remaining – to Jewish baseball player turned spy. Berg caught and way, Esther fi nds herself alone, on an occupied farm Thursday, February 27 photograph a polar bear underwater while swimming fi elded in the Major Leagues during baseball’s Gold- forced to conceal her identity, leading to a series of The Bird Catcher alongside it. The fi lm follows Amos in the Canadian en Age in the 1920s and 1930s, but very few people choices and consequences which shift the paths of *Sponsored by Kushner & Kushner Attorneys 7:15 P.M. Arctic as he prepares for his ultimate challenge. As know that Berg also worked for the Offi ce of Strate- those around her. This story uncovers a hidden slice the journe unfolds, so does an intiate and painful gic Services (OSS), spying in Europe and playing a of histor that rips at the heart and inspires us all at Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles Sunday, March 1 story of dedication, sacrifi ce and personal redemption. prominent role in America’s eff orts to undermine the the deepest level. Drama/Mystery 3:00 P.M. Documentary German atomic bomb program during WWII. Language: Enlish Followed by: Reception & music at Society Event starts at: Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles Documentary Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min. Event ticket required. Running Time: 1 hr. 12 min. Language: Enlish *Sponsored by Andi & Bill Horowitz 5:00 P.M. Running Time: 1 hr. 41 min.

Total Due: ______Name______Tuesday, February 11 at 7:15pm Sunday, February 23 at 2:00pm Sunday, March 1 at 3:00pm Address______City______ST____ Zip______Phone______From Slaery to Freedom My Polish Honeymoon Fiddler Miracle of Miracles Email______The fi lm portrays the story of Soviet “Refuseniks” Anna and Adam, a young Parisian couple with Jewish When Fiddler on the Roof opened on Broadwa in through the prism of Natan Sharansky’s biography. In origins, are about to travel to Poland for the fi rst time. 1964, it explored themes of tradition, religion and anti- Charge my: __Visa/Mastercard __Amex __Discover 1977, Sharansky, a human rights activist, was arrested They are just married and this will be their honeymoon. Semitism against a modern backdrop of radical social Credit Card#______on charges of spying for the U.S., treason and anti-So- They will attend a ceremony in memory of the Jewish change that addressed gender roles, sexuality and Exp. Date______viet agitation. The fi lm takes you back to a Soviet era community in the village of Adam’s grandfather, which race. Rare archival footage and interviews with musi- where there was an overwhelin sense of fear and was destroyed 75 years ago. Adam is not enthusiastic, cal luminaries explore the legacy of this long-running, Purchase your tickets online at: www.jewishfederationlcc.org/JFF2020 insecurity. No single person symbolizes the era more but sees it as an occasion to spend some quality time award-winning musical. Documentary Or mail this form with a check or credit card to: than Sharansky, who defi ed the entire Soviet system with his wife. Anna is both anxious and excited about Language: Enlish in his fi ght for freedom and national identifi cation. After the trip to her grandmother’s country. She is hoping to Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min. Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties spendin ears in prison, he won the strule, pavin reconnect with her roots and discover more about her the way for all of Soviet Jewry. Documentary own family’s history. Comedy/Drama Language: Russian with English Subtitles Language: French with English Subtitles 9701 Commerce Center Ct * Fort Myers, FL 33908 Running Time: 1 hr. 24 min. Running Time: 1 hr. 28 min. Questions? Call 239.481.4449 x4 or email [email protected] L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 21

The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties The Jewish Federation of Wed., February 12 at 2:00pm thanks the members of the 2020 Jewish Film Festival Beneath the Ink Committee for their help in reviewing and selecting lms: Sara Krivisky, Chair horts “Bring me your mistakes” is the invitation Ohio tattoo Lee and Charlotte Counties artist Billy Joe White makes. A timely look at racism in Carolyn Gora, Co-Chair Day contemporary America, Beneath the Ink reveals the Andi Horowitz, Event Chair th possibility for change in one Appalachian community. Karin Fine, Claire Goldhagen, Helene Glocer, Elisa Grossman, Short Documentary Jan Klein, Carol Lovitch, Leni Sack, Lynn Talone Presents the 24 Annual Language: Enlish Running Time: 13 min. Across the Line ananel, a oun reliious Jew, is hurrin hoe for Jewish Film Festival Shabbat. An unexpected encounter with Mundir, an unwanted and stubborn Palestinian hitchhiker, leads Hananel on a series of mix-ups that eventually teach- of Southwest Florida es him a lesson in communication, friendship and love. Short Comedy Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles Running Time: 29 min. Films will be screened at the Regal Belltower Stadium 20* Dear God INDIVIDUAL TICKET A poetic Jerusalem told through the eyes of Aaron, a simple Wailing Wall guard that follows a mysterious ORDER FORM Open seating at all lms for general admission tickets beautiful woman’s notes in the holy stones of the wall. Short Drama Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles Regal Belltower Stadium 20 Theaters icets will be mailed u to December 31 Running Time: 12 min. *OPEN SEATING AT ALL FILMS An Average Story *Reserved seating for some levels of sponsorship. icets ordered ater December 31 will be aailable Avi Cohen has just been informed that he is the most average man who ever lived. Overnight, he reluctantly one hour beore screening inside the theater on the day o the show becomes a national icon and celebrity. With his wife’s TOTAL #______INDIVIDUAL EVENING TICKETS @ $13 enthusiastic urging, they translate the situation into a TOTAL #______INDIVIDUAL MATINEE TICKETS @ $10 business venture that goes awry. Short Comedy February 23 eent taes lace at at Yam emle o the Islands on anibel Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles TOTAL #______OPENING DAY EVENT TICKETS: @ $25 Running Time: 18 min. TOTAL #______CLOSING DAY EVENT TICKETS: @ $25 TOTAL # ______FESTIVAL PASSES (evenings only): @ $117 TOTAL # ______FESTIVAL PASSES (evenings & matinees) @ $135 Sunday, February 2 at 3:00pm Thursday, February 13 at 7:15pm Tuesday, February 25 at 7:15pm *Passes include 1 ticket to each film—event tickets sold separately Golda’s Balcony Love in Suspenders Tel Aviv on Fire Golda’s Balcony Sunday, February 2 3:00 P.M. Based on the awardwinnin pla and lonest run The encounter between two people with such diff erent Salam, an inexperienced young Palestinian man, be- Followed by: Dessert Reception with the Producer nin onewoan show in Broadwa histor, Golda’s personalities, such as Tammy and Beno, has to result comes a writer on a popular soap opera after a chance at Society. Event ticket required. Event starts at: Balcony, the fi lm transcends both cinema and stage in a nightmare…but love has its own rules. From their meeting with an Israeli soldier. His creative career is *Sponsored by Norman Love Confections 5:00 P.M. in this genre-bending emotional experience. Written fi rst unfortunate encounter, when Tammy hits Beno on the rise until the soldier and the show’s fi nancial by William Gibson (The Miracle Worker, the stor of with her car, Tammy and Beno experience all sorts of backers disagree about how the show should end, The Light of Hope Tuesday, February 4 Golda Meir’s rise from Russian schoolgirl to American emotional, funny struggles. They get closer, break up, and Salam is caught in the middle. The fi lm is a satire 7:15 P.M. schoolteacher to the fourth Prime Minister of Israel is get back together and fi ght again, until ultimately their that highlights the awful absurdity of war, and proves *Sponsored by Sylvia & Paul Simko revealed intimately and often humorously by the cap- love wins out. Comedy it’s possible to fi nd humor in the midst of cultural con- Thursday, February 6 tivating Tovah Feldshuh. Recently discovered footage Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles fl ict. Comedy/Satire Picture of His Life 7:15 P.M. from the play’s original run gives viewers the oppor- Running Time: 1 hr. 38 min. Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles *Sponsored by Sara & Brian Krivisky tunity to witness Tovah’s incredible performance up 1 hr. 40 min. Running Time: Tuesday, February 11 close and personal. Documentary From Slavery To Freedom Language: Enlish Running Time: 1 hr. 26 min. 7:15 P.M. Shorts Day Matinee Wednesday, February 12 Tuesday, February 4 at 7:15pm Tuesday, February 18 at 7:15pm Wed., February 26 at 2:00pm An Average Story ~ Across the Line ~ 2:00 P.M. Beneath the Ink ~ Dear God The Light of Hope Unorthodox The Other Story *Sponsored by American House In 1942, after three years of bringing back dignity to The year is 1983, and Yaakov Cohen, the owner of Anat is a rebellious young woman who wants to fl ee Love in Suspenders Thursday, February 13 mothers interned in refugee camps and saving the a Jerusalem printing press, is tired of being pushed the chaos of secular hedonism for the disciplined 7:15 P.M. lives of their babies, the Maternity of Elna has been around. It seems that he was born on the wrong comforts of faith. Sari is a young woman who wants *Sponsored by Cypress Cove at HealthPark FL. ordered to close its doors by French authorities. Its side, with the wrong family name, and in a moment’s to leave behind her oppressive religious upbringing Tuesday, February 18 director, Elisabeth Eidenbenz, the mothers and their decision he decides to establish a Sephardic-ultra- for sexual and spiritual freedom. When Anat and Sari Unorthodox collaborators who have helped to make everything Orthodox list that will run to the Jerusalem mu- cross paths in Jerusalem, it soon changes both of their *Sponsored by DLS Construction, Inc. 7:15 P.M. possible, will try to prevent it. The fi lm is based on the nicipality. He gathers two friends, and together they lives in startling and unexpected ways. Drama true story of Elisabeth Eidenbenz (1913-2011) and her improvise a campaign – no means, no connections, Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles The Spy Behind Home Plate Thursday, February 20 female co-workers who saved the lives of almost 600 no money, but with much rage, passion and a sense Running Time: 1 hr. 57 min. *Sponsored by Fort Myers Miracle Baseball 7:15 P.M. infants in World War II. Historical Period Drama of justice. Comedy, Drama, History Language: Spanish & French with English Subtitles Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles My Polish Honeymoon -JFF at Sunday, February 23 Running Time: 1 hr. 36 min. Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min. 2:00 P.M. Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

Tel Aviv on Fire Tuesday, February 25 Thursday, February 6 at 7:15pm Thursday, February 20 at 7:15pm Thursday, February 27 at 7:15pm *Sponsored by Gulf Coast Orthodontics, Dr. Michele Laboda 7:15 P.M. Picture of his Life he Sy ehind Home Plate The Bird Catcher The Other Story Matinee Wednesday, February 26 2:00 P.M. World-renowned wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum Morris “Moe” Berg was an enigmatic and brilliant On her attempt to fl ee the Nazi round-up in Nor- has one fi nal photographic dream remaining – to Jewish baseball player turned spy. Berg caught and way, Esther fi nds herself alone, on an occupied farm Thursday, February 27 photograph a polar bear underwater while swimming fi elded in the Major Leagues during baseball’s Gold- forced to conceal her identity, leading to a series of The Bird Catcher alongside it. The fi lm follows Amos in the Canadian en Age in the 1920s and 1930s, but very few people choices and consequences which shift the paths of *Sponsored by Kushner & Kushner Attorneys 7:15 P.M. Arctic as he prepares for his ultimate challenge. As know that Berg also worked for the Offi ce of Strate- those around her. This story uncovers a hidden slice the journe unfolds, so does an intiate and painful gic Services (OSS), spying in Europe and playing a of histor that rips at the heart and inspires us all at Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles Sunday, March 1 story of dedication, sacrifi ce and personal redemption. prominent role in America’s eff orts to undermine the the deepest level. Drama/Mystery 3:00 P.M. Documentary German atomic bomb program during WWII. Language: Enlish Followed by: Reception & music at Society Event starts at: Language: Hebrew with English Subtitles Documentary Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min. Event ticket required. Running Time: 1 hr. 12 min. Language: Enlish *Sponsored by Andi & Bill Horowitz 5:00 P.M. Running Time: 1 hr. 41 min.

Total Due: ______Name______Tuesday, February 11 at 7:15pm Sunday, February 23 at 2:00pm Sunday, March 1 at 3:00pm Address______City______ST____ Zip______Phone______From Slaery to Freedom My Polish Honeymoon Fiddler Miracle of Miracles Email______The fi lm portrays the story of Soviet “Refuseniks” Anna and Adam, a young Parisian couple with Jewish When Fiddler on the Roof opened on Broadwa in through the prism of Natan Sharansky’s biography. In origins, are about to travel to Poland for the fi rst time. 1964, it explored themes of tradition, religion and anti- Charge my: __Visa/Mastercard __Amex __Discover 1977, Sharansky, a human rights activist, was arrested They are just married and this will be their honeymoon. Semitism against a modern backdrop of radical social Credit Card#______on charges of spying for the U.S., treason and anti-So- They will attend a ceremony in memory of the Jewish change that addressed gender roles, sexuality and Exp. Date______viet agitation. The fi lm takes you back to a Soviet era community in the village of Adam’s grandfather, which race. Rare archival footage and interviews with musi- where there was an overwhelin sense of fear and was destroyed 75 years ago. Adam is not enthusiastic, cal luminaries explore the legacy of this long-running, Purchase your tickets online at: www.jewishfederationlcc.org/JFF2020 insecurity. No single person symbolizes the era more but sees it as an occasion to spend some quality time award-winning musical. Documentary Or mail this form with a check or credit card to: than Sharansky, who defi ed the entire Soviet system with his wife. Anna is both anxious and excited about Language: Enlish in his fi ght for freedom and national identifi cation. After the trip to her grandmother’s country. She is hoping to Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min. Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties spendin ears in prison, he won the strule, pavin reconnect with her roots and discover more about her the way for all of Soviet Jewry. Documentary own family’s history. Comedy/Drama Language: Russian with English Subtitles Language: French with English Subtitles 9701 Commerce Center Ct * Fort Myers, FL 33908 Running Time: 1 hr. 24 min. Running Time: 1 hr. 28 min. Questions? Call 239.481.4449 x4 or email [email protected] L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 22 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

THANK YOU TO OUR

Brian Simon L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 23

FILM FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Andi & Bill Horowitz Sara & Brian Krivisky

Jody & Joel Altschule Elizabeth & Russell Bogen

Jack Cohen & Marsha Weiner Richard H & Judi Davis

Barbara & Barry Epstein Karin Fine

Carol & Irwin Friedman Lynn Jaffe & Peter Goldberg H. Michael & Cheryl Goldstein Gutstein & Correnti Families Lin & Ron Klein James & JoAnn Lewin Leni & Rabbi Marc Sack Reeva & Ian Shaffer Barbara Siegel CPA LLC Jill & Carlos Weil Zelda Dubin Fund

Anonymous Phyllis & Berny Aronson

Fran & Andrew Chernow Oran Daniel Fox Shirley & Byron Frank Diane & Bob Goldstein Mel & Sheila Goldstein Carolyn Gora Jan & Mitchell Hoffman Marsha & Mike Kistler Irwin Kroskin & Nancy Kanter Sofia & Howard Parish Julia Perry Marlene & Ron SchwartzEhrens Gary & Mary Skogebo Judith Yevick Avner Yonai Vicki & Steve Zellner Anonymous in honor of Sara Krivisky L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 24 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties JEWISH INTEREST AJC 2019 Survey of American Jews on Antisemitism in America n October 23, 2019, the Ameri- over the past five years; nearly a believe that anti-Zionism – that Republicans expressing approval of can Jewish Committee (AJC) quarter (23%) say they’ve been is, the belief that Israel should not the President’s response, compared released the results of its land- targeted by antisemitic remarks in exist – is a form of antisemitism: to only 4% of Democrats. O ‹ mark survey of American Jewish opin- person, by mail or by phone; a fifth 84% of respondents said the state- 81% of American Jews characterize ion on antisemitism in America. The (20%) say they’ve been targeted ment “Israel has no right to exist” U.S. law enforcement’s response to poll represents the largest and most by antisemitic remarks online; and is antisemitic. antisemitism as either very or some- comprehensive examination ever of 2% say they’ve been physically at- ‹ 80% of respondents said the state- what effective, compared to only American Jews’ experiences and per- tacked for being Jewish. ment “The U.S. government only 15% who said the response is not ceptions of antisemitism. ‹ Nearly a third (31%) of American supports Israel because of the too effective or not effective at all. This survey makes clear that Ameri- Jews have avoided publicly wear- Jewish money” is antisemitic, and Responsibility for Antisemitism can Jews view antisemitism as a signifi- ing, carrying or displaying things 73% said so about the statement ‹ 89% of American Jews believe the cant problem in America – and one that that might help people identify them “American Jews are more loyal to extreme political right represents a is getting worse. as Jewish, while 25% say they avoid Israel than to America.” threat to Jews in the United States, An overview of some of the key certain places, events or situations ‹ Only 14% of American Jews say while 85% say the same of extrem- findings are below. For the full results out of concern for their safety or the Boycott, Divestment and Sanc- ism in the name of Islam, and nearly along with in-depth analysis, go to AJC. comfort as Jews at least some of tions (BDS) Movement targeting two thirds (64%) say so about the org/Antisemitism-Survey-2019. the time. Israel is not antisemitic; over a third extreme political left. Antisemitism in America ‹ Young people between the ages of (35%) characterized the movement ‹ American Jews assign greater re- ‹ 88% of American Jews believe an- 18-29 are the most vulnerable, with as mostly antisemitic, while 47% sponsibility to the Republican Party tisemitism is a problem in America nearly half (45%) saying they have said it is not mostly antisemitic for the current level of antisemitism today and 84% say it has increased been the victims of antisemitism but has antisemitic supporters. The in the United States than they do to over the past five years, including over the past five years, and four more familiar American Jews are the Democratic Party. When asked a plurality (43%) who say it has in ten (38%) saying they have con- with the BDS Movement, the more to assign responsibility on a scale of increased a lot. cealed their Jewishness in public likely they are to consider it to be 1 (no responsibility) to 10 (total re- ‹ More than a third of all American – more than any other age group. antisemitic, with a majority of those sponsibility), respondents assigned Jews (35%) say they have person- Antisemitism and Israel who say they are “very familiar” the Republican Party an average ally been the targets of antisemitism ‹ American Jews overwhelmingly with the movement characterizing score of 6.2, while the Democratic it as mostly antisemitic. Party scored a 3.6. Government Response ‹ While those who identify as Repub- NEW LISTING! DON’T MISS THIS ONE! ‹ 72% of American Jews disapprove lican or Democrat tend to assign of President Trump’s handling of greater responsibility to the oppo- the threat of antisemitism in Amer- site party, American Jews also view ica, compared to only 24% who their own parties as having some approve. Respondents’ assessment responsibility for the current level Sold of President Trump’s response to of antisemitism in America, with antisemitism varied vastly by their each rating their own party with political affiliation, with 84% of similar scores of 2.7. Under Contract Appearing at the Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida 9530 Mirada Boulevard, Fort Myers ~ $436,000 Thursday, February 20 Beautifully designed, completely furnished, all new 4 BR/3 BA lakefront model home 6:15-7:15 P.M.

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DWIGHT EISENHOWER, to eliminate witnesses to their crimes, HOLOCAUST RESCUER the SS guards had murdered 4,000 BRIEFS As commander-in-chief of the Allied prisoners before fleeing. The surviving prisoners were emaciated skeletons, leadership to stigmatize any form of Forces in Europe, Dwight D. Eisen- JEWISH AGENCY AID and bodies were piled everywhere. joint Palestinian-Israeli activity. The hower was the primary driver behind SAVED JEWISH LIVES Eisenhower called the atrocities “be- elephant in this room is that every the memorialization of the Holocaust; IN HALLE, GERMANY yond the American mind to com- day, 130,000 Palestinians cross into he ordered extraordinary measures to The only thing that stopped the gun- prehend,” and ordered every Ameri- Israel from the West Bank to work for ensure the well-being of Jewish dis- man from massacring those attending can unit not on the frontlines to see some 8,100 employers. Their employ- placed persons during the occupation Yom Kippur prayers in Halle, Ger- Ohrdruf. The next day he visited Buch- ment is an important part of the West of Germany; and, following David many, was the synagogue’s heavy door enwald. “I made the visit deliberately,” Bank economy. Palestinians working Ben-Gurion’s recommendation, he es- and security system, which had been he said, “in order to be in a position to in Israel bring home $1.4 billion. Their tablished a “temporary haven” in the recently upgraded with the assistance give first-hand evidence of these things average salary is two and a half times American Zone of Occupation for per- of the Jewish Agency Security Assis- if ever, in the future, there develops a the average salary in the Palestinian secuted Jews from Eastern and Central tance Fund. tendency to charge these allegations autonomous areas. Europe – a policy that both the Soviets For the last few years, the Jewish merely to ‘propaganda.’” (Benjamin In addition, 36,000 Palestinians and the British strongly opposed. Agency has been providing funds to Runkle, Tablet) are employed in Israeli firms in the Growing up in Abilene, Kansas, communities across Europe to safe- West Bank, many earning up to three Eisenhower had virtually no firsthand guard Jewish institutions from terror ISRAEL’S RAFAEL times the average Palestinian wage. Is- knowledge of Jews or Judaism. He attacks. (Jerusalem Post) rael has established several industrial once told Abba Eban that as a boy he DELIVERS U.S. ARMY TANK PROTECTION SYSTEMS NORMALIZATION: 166,000 zones there, comprising around 1,000 did not think there were any Jews on earth, that they were “all in heaven Israeli defense electronics company PALESTINIANS WORK businesses. This ongoing demonstra- tion of Palestinian-Israeli joint activity as angels.” Rafael has delivered a first consign- WITH ISRAELIS EVERY DAY on a massive scale is rarely referred On April 12, 1945, Eisenhower ment of Trophy anti-missile protection “Normalization” has been adopted to by the anti-normalization activists. visited the recently liberated Ohrdruf- systems to the U.S. Army for Abrams as a term of abuse by the Palestinian (Neville Teller, Jerusalem Report) Nord concentration camp. In an effort continued on next page

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The U.S. Army will also use Elbit’s The showcased startups include The U.S. experienced 780 anti-Se- Iron Fist system for protecting Bradley EyeRon Systems, makers of toughened mitic incidents in the first six months BRIEFS armored fighting vehicles. (Yuval Azu- first-response drones that fly indoors of 2019. lai, Globes) into burning buildings to give firefight- In at least three cases – in Monroe, continued from previous page ers earlier warnings. Washington; Lehighton, Pennsylvania; tanks and armored personnel carriers. AMAZON LAUNCHES Intuition Robotics pioneers a small and Las Vegas, Nevada – ADL’s Center The system has been in operational use SERIES ON HI-TECH, robot called ElliQ to provide compan- on Extremism provided critical intelli- with the Israel Defense Forces since WITH FOCUS ON ISRAEL’S ionship for the elderly. ElliQ provides gence to law enforcement, leading to 2011 and has on many occasions inter- someone to talk to and checks up on investigations and arrests. cepted missiles fired at Israeli armored STARTUP NATION Over 50 cutting-edge Israeli tech com- its “companion,” suggesting exercise, Since the Pittsburgh shooting on vehicles. games to play and even connects via October 27, 2018, white suprema- Rafael CEO Gen. (res.) Yoav Har panies are featured in the first season of a new series released on Amazon Prime Skype to family members. cists have targeted Jewish institutional Even said, “There is great satisfaction The first season includes flying property on at least 50 occasions. (An- that technology developed in Israel Video on October 18 called TechTalk. The show’s creator is co-founder cars, 3D holographic surgery, the Is- ti-Defamation League) over many years of investment will raeli robot soccer team, cannabis scan- play a major role in protecting U.S. of Tech Talk Media, Jonny Caplan, a British-born entrepreneur who moved ners, car hackings, augmented reality BRITAIN’S GERMAN- soldiers.” snowboarding, and mind-controlled BORN JEWISH “SECRET Production of about half of the from England to Israel in 2013. Tel Aviv has the highest concentra- gaming. (Nadine Wojakovski, Times of LISTENERS” HELPED WIN components making up the Trophy Israel) system is being carried out in the U.S. tion of startups per capita in the world. WORLD WAR II Historian Helen Fry describes in her 12,000 INTERNATIONAL new book, The Walls Have Ears: The Mention you saw us in L’Chayim STUDENTS ARE PURSUING or show your military Greatest Intelligence Operation of HIGHER EDUCATION IN World War II, how captured Nazi gen- veteran ID for an extra ISRAEL erals were confined at Trent Park, a 5% OFF! Currently, 11,853 international students stately country house in north London are studying in Israel – 6,000 coming that resembled a gentleman’s club. But for a semester or summer courses, and unbeknownst to, and unsuspected by, DIRECT IMPORTERS • LARGE IN-STOCK INVENTORY • GREAT PRICES 5,000 studying for full degrees, includ- the Nazi military commanders, Trent ing almost 800 PhD students. (Abigail Park was wired for sound. “The gener- Klein Leichman, Israel21c) als did not realize that everything that could be bugged was – from the light ADL: 12 WHITE fittings to the fireplaces, plant pots... SUPREMACISTS ARRESTED under floorboards of the bedrooms, FOR PLOTS, ATTACKS AND and even the trees in the garden,” Fry THREATS AGAINST JEWISH says. The house and its surrounding es- COMMUNITY SINCE tate were nothing less than “a theatrical stage set.” PITTSBURGH SHOOTING Unseen by the generals, an army of YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR According to data released by the Anti- “secret listeners” – many of them Jew- Ceramic & Porcelain Tile, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Defamation League on October 20, at ish refugees – eavesdropped on their Decorative Mosaics and Carpet, plus all the tools least 12 white supremacists have been conversations from a basement room. and materials you’ll need for installation! arrested for terrorist plots, attacks or The conversations were transcribed, threats against the Jewish community translated and passed on to intelligence Fort Myers 239-267-1445 Cape Coral 239-772-5815 in the year since the attack on Pitts- agencies and government departments. 16165 S. Tamiami Trail www.pcctile.com 916 SE 15th Avenue burgh’s Tree of Life synagogue. Fry’s book draws on thousands of tran- scripts and reports in Britain’s National Archives which were released in the late 1990s. The eavesdropping elicited a wealth of intelligence: on the Germans’ battle plans, new technology being de- veloped by the Nazis on U-boats and aircraft, and the progress of Hitler’s secret weapons program that produced THE AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE the V1 and V2 rockets. There were cordially invites you to the also graphic eyewitness accounts ofConnecting the dots the mass murder of Jews in the East – ou may not know this about by the very men who had perpetrated me, but my father was a wan- AIPAC Fort Myers Community Briefing: them. “The unguarded conversationsY dering Aramean. Actually, this of the generals revealed to the intelli-isn’t quite true. My father was from gence services that Germany’s militaryPittsburgh, not Aram, and he wasn’t A World Changing commanders not only knew about themuch of a wanderer either. Nonethe- war crimes committed, but some were less, these words complicit in it,” writes Fry. (Robert might be famil- Philpot, Times of Israel) iar to you from the Partnership Passover Haggadah JEWISH AGENCY REPORTS where we read: “My HUGE SPIKE IN REQUESTS father was a wan- FOR HELP TO UPGRADE dering Aramean and Thursday, December 12, 2019 SECURITY AT JEWISH he went down into Egypt and sojourned 7:00 p.m. Check-in and Reception • 7:30 p.m. Program CENTERS there with but a few The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) persons, and there TEMPLE JUDEA has begun upgrading security at 50 became a nation, great, mighty and nu- 14486 A and W Bulb Road • Fort Myers Jewish institutions in 24 countries,merous.” But if you read the original following a spike in requests for as-text from Deuteronomy, the ending is a sistance in the wake of increased anti-lot better. The farmer who has just har- Semitic attacks around the world. vested his fields brings the “first fruits” The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Se-of his produce to the Temple, lays FEATURED SPEAKER curity Assistance for Jewish Commu-his basket down and then recites this nities was established in 2012 follow-prayer of gratitude ending with “…and Michael Fleischman ing an attack against a Jewish school in God has brought us into this wonder- ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF POLICY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, AIPAC the French city of Toulouse in whichful land as He promised.” And as a sign Michael Fleischman is AIPAC’S Associate Director of Policy and Government Affairs. an Islamist gunmen murdered a rabbiof that gratitude, he offers this token of As one of AIPAC’s professional lobbyists, he works with Members of Congress, and three children. Since then, the fund the harvest. Thanksgiving, indeed! Congressional staff, and Executive Branch officials to strengthen the U.S. – Israel has provided assistance at 600 Jewish relationship. Additionally, Michael focuses his work on science and technology That may be a long prayer to re- collaboration between the U.S. and Israel. institutions in 260 communities in 60cite, but how beautiful it is! Gratitude countries at a cost of $13 million, us-is on my mind today. Not just because From 2013 through September of 2015, Michael served as the Legislative Director for ing money from donors in the Jewish Congresswoman Grace Meng; prior to that, he practiced law in New York. Michael Thanksgiving is around the corner, but received a Bachelor of Arts degree Cum Laude from Tufts University in 2005 and a Juris Doctor from the Benjamin diaspora. for all of the great things that happen N. Cardozo School of Law in 2009. The funds were used to installevery day. Brother David Steindl-Rast, security cameras, bulletproof glass, a Benedictine monk, says: “We have shatter-proof glass, security fences andthousands of opportunities every day Open to the pro-Israel community. For more information, contact Mark Sachs, walls, anti-ramming barriers, guard to be grateful: for having good weath- For security reasons, advance registration AIPAC North and Central Florida Area Director: posts and alarm systems. Fifty percenter, to have slept well last night, to be 954.382.6110 • [email protected]. required. of the funds have gone to communi-able to get up, to be healthy, to have ties in Europe, 12% to countries of the This event is off-the-record and closed to the press. enough to eat…There’s opportunity To register, please visit: former Soviet Union, 19% to Latinupon opportunity to be grateful; that’s www.aipac.org/FortMyersBriefing America, and the remainder to the restwhat life is.” of the world. (Jeremy Sharon, Jerusa- When we retire, how do we say lem Post) thanks for that wonderful occasion? L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 COMMENTARY Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 27

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 comparison: the Israeli and U.S. electoral systems By Jerrold L. Sobel, ZOA of SWFL President, October 29, 2019 lections, elections, elections. It affiliations has won every United States In turn, the Knesset elects a govern- is given the same option: to select one seems like you can’t turn on the presidential election since 1852 and has ment headed by a Prime Minister from political party and the vote goes to the ETV or listen to the radio either controlled the Congress since 1856. among its 120 members. In effect, the candidate represented by that party. here in the United States or in Israel and Regarding the president, no analysis administrative branch is part of the The reason it’s been difficult to form not hear about an upcoming or past elec- of an election can be made without first legislative branch. Following the elec- a new government over the past two tion. Surprisingly, given the opportunity discussing the Electoral College and its tion, the Prime Minister is ceremonially elections in Israel is that the 120 Knesset to freely choose their own leadership, a role in an election. appointed by the President upon recom- seats are assigned in proportion to each right millions around the world would The founding fathers established the mendation of the Knesset. party’s percentage of the total national die for, a large swath of eligible voters Electoral College in the Constitution as Another dissimilarity to the United vote, thus making it difficult or near in Israel and the United States don’t a compromise between election of the States is that the Israeli system is heav- impossible for one party to receive a show up on Election Day. Starting with President by a vote in Congress and ily centered on innumerable smaller majority of 61 seats. When this occurs, the United States, let’s begin examining election by a popular vote of qualified political parties, which play a critical as it often does, compromises and co- the electoral systems of both countries. citizens. It consists of 538 electors of and central role in its electoral process. alitions with smaller parties come into The United States is a federal re- which a majority (270) are needed for a Forty-five days prior to elections, all play in the hope one side or the other public comprised of individual states, all candidate to be elected President. When parties within the Knesset must register can garner the 61-seat majority needed of which have a chief executive officer, you vote for a candidate you are actu- themselves and submit a list of their pro- to elect a Prime Minister and form a called a governor, a state senate, a state ally voting for your candidate’s electors posed candidates. First on the list will government. legislature and a state Supreme Court. within the state you are voting in. be the party leader, usually the larger At first blush, this electoral process Unlike the federal government, based Finally, if a candidate receives a parties’ candidate for Prime Minister. may seem archaic to the American way upon their census, each state can have majority of the popular vote, or a plu- On Election Day, all Israeli citizens of thinking, as the Electoral College many representatives. State elections rality of the popular vote in a state (less above the age of 18 and residing in the might be to the eyes of an Israeli. One normally take place on a yearly basis. than 50 percent but more than any other country are eligible to vote. Here again, thing for certain is, if given the liberty, The federal government consists of candidate, with the exception of Maine voters do not vote for individuals or the Hong Kongese and multitudes of three branches, including: a President, and Nebraska), that candidate takes all candidates, nor do they vote according others throughout the world would be which by law is allowed to serve no of the state’s electoral votes. Confusing, to the area or district where they live. ecstatic embracing either democratic more than two, four-year consecutive yes, but this has been the American sys- Instead, every citizen in the country system. terms; a 435-member House of Rep- tem of electing a President since 1804, resentatives, whose members serve ratified by the 12th Amendment to the two-year terms and are considered for Constitution. reelection every even year; a 100-mem- Let’s now look at Israel’s system of ber Senate comprised of two members electing a Prime Minister, and you can from each state elected to six-year decide which system makes the most terms; collectively, the House and the sense. Whereas the United States has Senate are known as the Congress; the a presidential system of government, third branch consists of a permanent Israel is a parliamentary democracy. nine-member Supreme Court, whose Its system is more similar to that of the members, upon retirement or death, are United Kingdom. replaced by a nominee selected by the Unlike the United States, the Prime president and confirmed by Congress. Minister is the chief executive officer, Although there are several smaller whereas the Israeli president plays parties such as the Libertarian party, largely a ceremonial, figurehead role. the Conservative party, Reform party, Similar to the U.S., there are two the Green Party and many others, the main political parties in Israel: the Likud, modern political party system in the basically a secularist, center/right party, U.S. is a two-party system dominated by and the Israeli Labor party, a center/left the Democratic and Republican parties. party. On Election Day, the people only One or the other of these two political elect the 120 members of the Knesset. Connecting the dots ou may not know this about When we move to Southwest Florida, me, but my father was a wan- full- or part-time, how do we express Ydering Aramean. Actually, this our gratitude? When we buy a condo or isn’t quite true. My father was from house, what prayer do we say? Pittsburgh, not Aram, and he wasn’t Rabbi Abraham J. Heschel once much of a wanderer either. Nonethe- said, “By performance of sacred deeds, less, these words we concretize our faith in G-d; we jus- might be famil- tify G-d’s faith in us.” So, the question iar to you from the troubling me today is what do we say Passover Haggadah or do – sacred text or sacred deeds – where we read: “My to show our status has changed or our father was a wan- lives have changed? Where is the rit- dering Aramean and ual that can parallel “my father was a he went down into wandering Aramean” with bringing the  Rabbi Egypt and sojourned first fruits to the Temple? Michael J. there with but a few Of course, the first challenge is to Schorin persons, and there take a moment to reflect and appreci- became a nation, great, mighty and nu- ate the change. Without that moment of merous.” But if you read the original reflection, we won’t be able to feel the text from Deuteronomy, the ending is a gratitude bubble up. The second chal- lot better. The farmer who has just har- lenge is to find a way to express this vested his fields brings the “first fruits” in some act. Maybe you will choose to of his produce to the Temple, lays volunteer some of your time to a local his basket down and then recites this organization. Maybe you will choose prayer of gratitude ending with “…and to find some charity whose work you God has brought us into this wonder- approve of and will donate to them. ful land as He promised.” And as a sign And maybe some of us will cash in our of that gratitude, he offers this token of “first fruits” and take the proceeds to the harvest. Thanksgiving, indeed! Israel. Or maybe you will choose to do That may be a long prayer to re- all of the above. cite, but how beautiful it is! Gratitude Two principles stand out, though. is on my mind today. Not just because The first is that for the moment to be a Thanksgiving is around the corner, but “sacred deed,” there must be a physi- for all of the great things that happen cal expression, even if that is writing every day. Brother David Steindl-Rast, a check. The second principle is you a Benedictine monk, says: “We have need to feel the joy that comes with the thousands of opportunities every day moment. As Brother David says, “The to be grateful: for having good weath- root of joy is gratefulness. It is not joy er, to have slept well last night, to be that makes us grateful, it is gratitude able to get up, to be healthy, to have that makes us joyful.” enough to eat…There’s opportunity Rabbi Dr. Michael J. Schorin, MAPC, upon opportunity to be grateful; that’s BCC is a Chaplain in Lee Health’s what life is.” Department of Spiritual Services, and When we retire, how do we say ministers at the Gulf Coast Medical thanks for that wonderful occasion? Center. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 28 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. Hanukkah memories The Chanukah miracle Seeing each other magine it is the first night of Ha- the candles and vie as to which candle n the Modern Love column of The nukkah. A little girl and her older will expire first. Daddy always tells the we still need New York Times, writers share Ibrother anxiously wait as their fa- story of Hanukkah and ends with new f you ask most Jews about Chanu- give it all up and the Jews who wanted stories of their romantic struggles ther takes down the old menorah, that pennies that are given for the dreydls I kah, beginning this year on Sun- to remain loyal to our tradition, cameand triumphs. In one article, titled has been polished, game that always commenced after the day evening, December 22, they to blows, and there was civil war in the“Take Me as I am, Whoever I am,” and places it before story. I will tell you it is the story of a miracle. streets in Judea, did Antiochus, the em- Terri Cheney writes the two children. The battle is real but invariably The Assyrian Greeks conquered Ju- peror of Assyria, intervene. about dating while The box filled with the older brother always wins the gam- daea; they polluted Of course, if he was going to in- managing her bipolar orange Hanukkah bling game. Is it over? No way! our Temple in Jeru- tervene between those who wanted to disorder. The story candles is placed on Mom appears with homemade salem and used it as be more like him and ones who wanted is both humorous the table with a box latkes, apple sauce or sour cream. A a shrine to sacrifice to be more Jewish, there is no question and heart-breaking. of wooden matches. small family laughs and looks forward pigs in pagan rites. as to what side he would take. In tak- She picks up a guy  Rabbi Dusk is beginning to celebrating for eight days. Gifts? After a courageous ing over the Temple and forbidding the in the produce aisle Devora and anticipation is Not the main event. They were small  Rabbi Buchen struggle, under the practice of Judaism in any way, shape, but then can’t get out mounting. and not memorable. The lights and sto- leadership of Judah size or form, though, Antiochus went Nicole of bed to answer the Finally, it is time. Two candles are ries, games and latkes, remain a mem-  Rabbi and the Maccabees, too far. It is similar to today. Many Luna door when he comes chosen and placed in the menorah. A ory filled with joy. Stephen we rededicated our Americans rarely practice their faith,over. In a later interview she explains, match is lit and one candle is lit. Three Rabbi Devora Buchen serves at Temple Fuchs Temple and wanted but they would protest strongly or even“Other than my doctors, very few peo- blessings are sung with gusto. The Beth Shalom in Cape Coral. to light the eternal flame on the altar. be willing to fight if the governmentple knew what was going on with me. children look at the tiny flames from There was, however, only a little cruse forbade them to practice their faith. SoI would just disappear from the world of oil enough to last for one day, and it was in ancient Judaea. so nobody saw.” everyone knows that it takes eight days For the first time in human history, The story of Noah is an example to make new oil. Miracle of miracles a people took up arms in order to pre-in our own tradition when we often took place, though, and the oil lasted serve the freedom to practice their reli-fail to see the full picture, the com- for eight days. gion. After a difficult three-year strug-plete story. We may know about the In truth, the legend of the cruse gle, the Jewish fighters, led by Judahark, the flood and the rainbow, but the of oil does not appear in any Jewish Maccabee, drove out the Assyrian sol-text is very adult in what happens next. source until at least 300 years after the diers. We commemorate that victory byGenesis 9:30-23 reads, “Noah, the til- actual events of Chanukah took place celebrating Chanukah for eight days. ler of the soil, was the first to plant a in 165 BCE. The “oil story” is about Why eight days? Not because of vineyard. He drank of the wine and as central to the real meaning of Cha- the little cruse of oil but because webecame drunk, and he uncovered him- Here to help YOU anywhere in nukah as Santa Claus is the real reason were forbidden during the time of theself within his tent. Ham, the father of Christians commemorate Christmas. struggle to celebrate our major festivalCanaan, saw his father’s nakedness Southwest Florida! The real story of Chanukah is much Sukkot. and told his two brothers outside. But more complex and much more contem- The real message of Chanukah, Shem and Japheth took a cloth, placed porary. The real story pitted two groups then, is a message about values. We al-it against both their backs and walking of Jews in Second pre-Christian centu- most lost the right to be Jewish 2,200backward, they covered their father’s

® ry Judaea against one another. On the years ago, not because of a Syrian op-nakedness; their faces were turned the Susan Glasser, Realtor one hand there were those who wanted pressor but because of our own apathy.othear way, so that they did not see Fort Myers Resident for Nearly 30 Years to assimilate. They wanted to abandon Such religious apathy is rampant today.their father’s nakedness.” [email protected] much of Jewish life and practice in or- Chanukah reminds us that no out- When Noah wakes up from his 239-281-3105 der to follow the Greek way of life and side force can destroy our people, butwine, he curses Ham, who saw his na- John R. Wood Properties culture, which was sweeping the world we can destroy ourselves. Apathy iskedness, but blesses Shem and Japheth 15065 McGregor Blvd. Ft. Myers, FL 33908 at that time. our greatest enemy. Neglect of Jewishwho avert their eyes. However, Rabbi On the other side of the conflict learning and observance is the force thatShira Milgrom, has a different under- were the Jews who resisted the strong almost destroyed us 2,000+ years ago.standing. She writes, “They didn’t see, assimilationist pull. These Jew pro- They are the very forces which we needand from then on, they didn’t know. claimed, “We have a Covenant with a Chanukah miracle to thwart today. We don’t see, we don’t know. Those in God. We must maintain it.” It was not Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs serves at our community who suffer from alco- until the tension between those two Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sani-hol and drug addictions not only suffer, groups, the Jews who were willing to bel Island. they suffer alone.” Our task in creating a holy commu- nity is to be open to hearing the fullness Changing your address? Keep of people’s stories, to make sure no one with suffers alone. We have members of our Jewish community who struggle with L’CHAYIM coming to your home. alcoholism. We have members of our Jewish community suffering through LOVE addiction. We have members of our Every occasion is brighter with gourmet Email [email protected]. Jewish community managing their bi- desserts and ultra-premium chocolate gifts by polar disorder. We have members of Norman Love Confections! Ultra-premium Chocolates • Decadent Desserts Fresh Made Bakery Items • Gelato • Gifts • and More! Reina L. Schlager CPA/PFS,* RHU *Personal Financial Specialist

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Call Reina Today! 239-333-0490  Bus leaves Federation parking lot at  $60.00 / per person* (lunch is in- 9:00 A.M. Bus returns at cluded) SCHLAGER SCHLAGER & LEVIN (SS&L) provides tax advice & tax strategies services. Securities offered through JW Cole Financial, Inc (JWC), Member SIPC. Investment advisory services approximately 6:00 P.M.  Door prizes & movie on board offered through JW Cole Advisors, Inc (JWCA). SS&L and JWC/JWCA are not affiliated entities. Neither JWC nor JWCA nor their representatives provide legal, tax or accounting advice. If advisors do provide  Charter bus, museum admissions NormanLoveConfections.com  Your payment reserves your space such advice or tax strategies services, they do so in a capacity other than as a registered representative or and private docent tour included investment advisor. *PFS designation is regulated by the AICPA, not a State or Federal agency. 239-561-7215  Visit: https://jewishfederationlcc.org  Glass Blowing demonstration FORT MYERS, FORT MYERS, FORT MYERS, NAPLES ESTERO, NAPLES, to purchase tickets or call Debbie San- Congratulations to the Jewish Federation for another great DANIELS MCGREGOR WHOLE FOODS MIROMAR OUTLETS TAMIAMI TRAIL  Lunch at Acropolis Greek Taverna ford at 239.481.4449 x4 for more infor- Jewish Film Festival! ~ Bob and Reina Schlager L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 FROM THE BIMAH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 29

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Seeing each other Hanukah is about courage n the Modern Love column of The our Jewish community dealing with his year I am thinking that Ha- courage to persevere and move for- New York Times, writers share mental health issues. The stigma and nukah is about courage. It is ward, even when the reasons why we stories of their romantic struggles taboo only increase the suffering. Tabout the courage to stand up should don’t seem entirely clear. As I to what seems impossible and to do Rabbi Moses Hadas, the great scholar and triumphs. In one article, titled Temple Beth El is taking steps to “Take Me as I am, Whoever I am,” become a community where people what you believe you must do no mat- who served Kansas City’s Congre- Terri Cheney writes do not suffer alone. We are hosting a ter what. gation Beth Shalom for many years, about dating while Jewish Recovery Group meeting for In the ancient story, it is about the observed, “God gives us just enough managing her bipolar anyone in the Jewish community who courage to face Antiochus’ war el- good things to keep us interested.” disorder. The story struggles with addiction. Temple Beth ephants and to light Hanukah teaches that somehow is both humorous El is showing that the Jewish com- sacred lamps that we must find enough sacred oil to keep and heart-breaking. munity must be a place where people couldn’t possibly our light alive to see where to place our She picks up a guy can be their truest selves and find ac- stay lit for very long. next step as we grope our way through in the produce aisle ceptance, solidarity and support to- Protestant theo- the darkness. But to actually take that  Rabbi but then can’t get out ward change. I hope the Jewish Recov- logian Paul Tillich next step requires courage, since that Nicole of bed to answer the ery Group at TBE will strengthen our wrote what soon light is a tender solitary flame. That is Luna th door when he comes community as a place of honesty and  Rabbi became a 20 cen- Tillich’s “Courage to Be.” over. In a later interview she explains, hope. Bruce tury religious classic There are those whose flame goes “Other than my doctors, very few peo- We are only willing to be “seen” Diamond called The Courage out and all that remains for them is ple knew what was going on with me. in our fullness if we know we will be to Be. It’s about how darkness. The most important thing we I would just disappear from the world received with loving support. If we are we “moderns” must find the courage to can do with our lives is to help rekin- so nobody saw.” truly to become a community of com- stand up to the darkness around us and dle the light within them. So no mat- The story of Noah is an example passion, we must move away from within us without relying on ancient ter how small that reservoir of sacred in our own tradition when we often judgement. This is modeled for us by mythologies and superstitions, and oil might at times be within us, it is the fail to see the full picture, the com- none other than God. In the beginning why we should. greatest commandment to share what plete story. We may know about the of the story of Noah, God decides to Sometimes it takes great and per- we have with those for whom it is ut- ark, the flood and the rainbow, but the send a flood because of humanity’s sistent courage to answer Hamlet’s im- terly depleted. text is very adult in what happens next. wickedness. God then promises to mortal question, “To be or not to be?” In this way we become the miracle Genesis 9:30-23 reads, “Noah, the til- never again send a flood because God in the affirmative. Surely our lives are of Hanukah. ler of the soil, was the first to plant a recognizes our potential to do evil. marked by moments of great joy and Rabbi Bruce Diamond serves at The vineyard. He drank of the wine and The same reason is given for send- beauty, but to get from one of those Community Free Synagogue in Fort became drunk, and he uncovered him- ing the flood and then for not send- moments to the next often requires the Myers. self within his tent. Ham, the father of ing another! Rabbi Shai Held writes, Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness “What has changed after the flood is PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT and told his two brothers outside. But not human nature but God’s attitude Shem and Japheth took a cloth, placed toward it. The very same shortcom- OUR FEDERATION & HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE. it against both their backs and walking ings which had called forth doom and backward, they covered their father’s denunciation now elicit forbearance nakedness; their faces were turned the and generosity instead. Judgement othear way, so that they did not see gives way to mercy, condemnation to Providing exceptional care that makes their father’s nakedness.” compassion.” senior’s lives better and happier! When Noah wakes up from his No one should suffer alone in our Homemaker/Companion Services wine, he curses Ham, who saw his na- community. No one should feel like kedness, but blesses Shem and Japheth they have to hide part of who they are. Personally Matched Caregivers, Prepare Meals, Light who avert their eyes. However, Rabbi No one should feel they will be judged House Tasks, Laundry & Linens, Shopping & Errands, Take to Appointments/Events, Social Interaction, Advocate Shira Milgrom, has a different under- for their struggles or terrified that Service, From a Few Hours to 24-Hour Care & More! standing. She writes, “They didn’t see, someone will find out. No one should and from then on, they didn’t know. feel shame. In revealing our full selves, Personal Care & Nurse Services We don’t see, we don’t know. Those in we come into relationship not only Post Surgery or Hospital Stay Care, Mobility Help, ADL’s, our community who suffer from alco- with each other, but with God. Later in Baths, Dressing, Personal Hygiene, Special Needs Care, hol and drug addictions not only suffer, Genesis an angel will ask Hagar, where Medication Management, Up to 24-Hour Care, Much More! they suffer alone.” are you coming from and where are Our task in creating a holy commu- you going? Hagar shares her story, her AS SEEN ON TV nity is to be open to hearing the fullness full self. And she names God, “the Liv- of people’s stories, to make sure no one ing One Who Sees Me.” When we cre- suffers alone. We have members of our ate a sacred community that sees each Jewish community who struggle with person’s worth and acts with compas- alcoholism. We have members of our sion, we mirror God, the Living One Free Consultation. It’s easy … Jewish community suffering through Who Sees Us. Call us at (239) 243-8555 addiction. We have members of our Rabbi Nicole Luna serves at Temple SeniorcareSouthwestFlorida.com

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Congratulations to the Jewish Federation for another great Phone 239-936-0635 Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com Jewish Film Festival! ~ Bob and Reina Schlager L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 30 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FROM THE BIMAH

Opinions and letters printed in L’CHAYIM do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. A spark of the divine Miracles – faith and n Hanukkah, the lights of the man’s delight at his appointment soon menorah are kindled by the turned to despair when he discovered action required Oshamash, the lead or service that he had failed to learn how to kindle he Talmud teaches that, “A in Gd and themselves, along with the light. Every menorah has such a spe- a spark. All of his skill and knowledge person should never stand in a willingness to take action that truly cial light, whose sole purpose is to pro- in handling the tool were of no avail dangerous place and say that a made the Chanukah miracle possible. vide the spark of the others. because he had not learned the most T miracle will take place which will save Both miracles, the military victory and The importance elementary principle – to light the fire. him, for perhaps a miracle will not oc- the miraculous oil, happened only after of the spark can be Unless we are fired with the con- cur.” The words ein the Jews refused to rely on a miracle, seen in the following viction of what we do, then what we do somchin al hanes, and fought for their freedom. story: will be essentially meaningless. Unless “we do not rely on We learn from our past so that we A young man we find that we are warmed by enthu- miracles,” remind may have a brighter tomorrow. In our who had become siasm, any project in which we engage us never to place times it cannot be disputed that the sur- an apprentice to a will eventually cool off. The spark that ourselves in danger- vival of the modern-day Jewish State blacksmith, learned kindles a world, a people or a person ous situations armed of Israel could possibly be considered  Rabbi during the course of illuminates the causes in which we are solely with the belief anything less than a miracle. Since the Solomon his training how to involved and fires us with the energy  Rabbi Agin that Gd will save us very moment of our return in 1948, we hold the tongs, how to carry through. The Maccabees of old Lawrence with a miracle. As we have been surrounded by enemies that to lift the hammer, how to smite the an- proved that people who possess a spark Dermer know, Gd helps those share a common goal, our destruction. vil, and how to blow the fire with the of the divine will leave their brand on who help themselves. Gd will always Israel has defeated its enemies, sur- bellows. Having finished his appren- history. meet us halfway provided we take the vived and turned the barren and life- ticeship, he was chosen to be employed Rabbi Solomon Agin serves at Temple first step. We must pray for Gd’s help less desert into an oasis of life. Israel at the royal smithery. But the young Shalom in Port Charlotte. while simultaneously taking action – has emerged as a leader in utilizing Asiah! So how do we relate the idea the power of technology and is now of miracles with the special emphasis considered a world leader not only in “Thick” communities on miracles so deeply engrained into military tactics and self-defense, but in go to Hartford, Connecticut, my Howard Sowalsky was there. the holiday of Chanukah? Maybe there medical advancements, cybersecurity, hometown, infrequently. My par- Howard, who I only knew as “Howie,” were really two miracles in the story. water conservation and biotechnology. I ents left there for south Florida in is now the executive director of our During the Festival of Lights, we Like the Chanukah miracles, the the late 1990s. None of my siblings Hartford congregation. His father was celebrate the miracle of the menorah miraculous victories over Israel’s en- live there. Now, it is only funerals, this a leather goods salesman who sold to in the Temple. However, before that emies over the past 70+ years were time my mother’s, that bring my family my father. He was also the gabbai at miracle could come to be, we needed made possible because we refused to and me back to Hartford and yet I still the synagogue. I saw him every Shab- a different miracle to occur. In the Al wait for a miracle, but instead took the think of it as home. bat morning. Hanisim prayer, we give thanks and necessary action needed to make the In his recent book, The Second Jay Gershman’s mother, a cousin of praise to Gd for our military victory miracle happen. Just like the Macca- Mountain, David Brooks describes my father’s, fixed up my parents when as He stood by us and protected us in bees did so many years ago, we must some communities as they were in high school. His father be- our time of distress, waged our battles, continue to take the initiative to ensure “thick.” Neighbors came my father’s business partner for defended our rights, and avenged the our survival, knowing that our faith in know each other and 30 years in a neighborhood drug store. wrong done to us. It is said that “Gd Gd will provide us with the strength spend time together. Jay came and stayed to shovel in the delivered the mighty into the hands we need to overcome any and all ob- Multigenerational grave at the end of the funeral. of the weak, the many into the hands stacles. families are rooted There are more of these stories. of the few, the impure into the hands This year, as we celebrate Chanu- in a place and are What I did not appreciate growing up of the pure, the wicked into the hands kah and allow the light of the menorah connected on many was how strong this environment was. of the righteous…” Looking back, we to illuminate our homes and our world,  Rabbi levels. People stay It’s no coincidence that four rabbis and observe this military victory as noth- may we continue in the tradition of Marc in touch for many several Jewish educators came out of ing short of a “miracle,” but we should generations past so that future genera- Sack years. This described my congregation, not to speak of the never forget how the Maccabees did tions will be able to look back and say well the Jewish community of Hartford others. Jewish life was all-encompass- more than just wait for a miraculous about us, “Nes gadol hayah sham,” “A in which I grew up. ing. It was home. Divine intervention. They took the great miracle happened there.” Chag My great grandparents emigrated I don’t know if the Hartford Jewish necessary action to rise up and defend Sameach! to there in the 1910s and built small community of today is as thick as it was themselves against their Greek oppres- Rabbi Lawrence Dermer serves at businesses. My parents were born and in the ’50s and ’60s when I was grow- sors. It was the combination of faith Shalom Life Center in Fort Myers. raised there and had an extensive web ing up. I suspect, because of mobility, of friendships from childhood into it is not. To create a thick community, their adult years. Everyone knew that we in the synagogue and Federation For a continuously updated I was Gil and Gerri’s son, Saul and businesses must be more deliberate. It Lil’s, George and Rose’s grandson. It is worth the effort. It gives Jewish chil- is this thickness that keeps me thinking dren and their families a strong sense calendar of events, visit of Hartford as home. My family and I of belonging. were known. My family and I received a note Lorraine Grody Pinsky – whom I from Bev Wilson, my mother’s best www.JewishFederationLCC.org. could only call “Mrs. Pinsky” – came friend for more than 50 years. Bev now to the luncheon we had after my moth- lives in south Florida and was unable er’s funeral at the synagogue where my to come to the funeral. Her husband, family was a member for 32 years. Mrs. Pete, built my parents’ home and the Pinsky’s father, Izzy Grody, owned the families became fast friends. It was Chevrolet dealership in Hartford from to Bev that my mother made her last whom my grandfather bought cars and phone call. I bought my first car. Mrs. Pinsky, who These relationships sustain us. went to high school with my father, was They certainly did for me. The hard my first-grade Hebrew School teacher. work of building and maintaining them I grew up with her daughter. It’s been is worth the effort. more than 40 years since I’ve seen her, Rabbi Marc Sack serves at Temple but I knew her right away when she Judea in Fort Myers. came in with her walker. NEEDED TO LABEL ’CHAYIM

JN S for coffee, bagels and the simple satisfaction that comes from meeting and making friends with other volunteers, as we help keep thousands of local readers informed about local, national and interna- tional Jewish news.

Call Debbie Sanford 481.4449 ext. 4 to add your name to the phone list. Each month we will call to confirm the mailing date and you can let us know if you are available to help label L’CHAYIM. ime 930 .M. Friday, December 20, 2019 Friday, January 17, 2020 L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 FOCUS ON YOUTH Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 31

the prayers and blessings BBYO happenings TEMPLE BETH EL SCHOOLS from the bimah. By Jessica Zimmerman, Associate Regional Dir., North Florida Region Fort Myers On October 27, the n October, Fort Myers BBYO gath- elections, which are both member-only religious school and ered with Naples BBYO for South- events. Temple Beth El Religious School Confirmation students partnered with west Florida Fall Fest in Miami If you are a Jewish teen in grades Temple Beth El religious school held the larger religious community of Fort I its first Camp TBE extended day on Myers to honor the victims of the Pitts- on October 6. Thirty-two teens came 8-12, you are eligible for BBYO mem- together for an all-inclusive day in bership in Fort Myers. BBYO is a October 13. After religious school burgh shooting. Students helped plant Miami filled with pluralistic youth movement. We wel- ended at 12:30 p.m., the students gath- a Unity Tree and wrote messages of arcade fun, rock come all Jews regardless of affiliation ered in the Dubin Center for pizza and love and hope, and made sandwiches climbing, bumper or temple membership. Membership drinks. At 1:00 p.m., our youngest stu- for the homeless. cars, a visit to the is a one-time fee and lasts through 12th dents made their way to the sukkah On Sunday, December 15, we will Wynwood Walls grade graduation. With membership where they enjoyed “Smoothies in the have a Hanukkah Religious School and Miami’s fa- comes opportunities for chapter leader- Sukkah” sponsored by PJ Library. Our luncheon. On Friday, December 20, mous Salty Do- ship, discounts to almost all local and older students worked with the Con- join us for a Hanukkah dinner and fam- nut Shop. Teens regional programming, and the oppor- firmation students to make smoothies ily service following dinner. had a wonderful tunity to participate in BBYO summer and decorations to hang in the sukkah. For more informatio, call the Tem- Jessica Zimmerman time! Jalen Good- programming. The students had a blast as they were ple Beth El office at 239.433.0018 or man, Or Shemesh BBYO President, To register for these great events able to get crafty with the decorations. email [email protected]. said, “Fall Fest was one of my favor- and to learn more about membership At 2:00 p.m., we all ite events because I saw all of my best or local programming, email me at headed to the suk- friends and met so many new ones. We [email protected]. kah to hang our dec- bonded as we experienced Miami.” Happy Hanukkah from BBYO! orations and drink Later in October, Or Shemesh our smoothies. The gathered once again with Naples next extended day BBYO for an event at the Haunt- camp will be Febru- ed Corn Maze at Farmer Mike’s ary 2 to celebrate Tu U-Pick. Nearly 20 Jewish teens B’Shevat. took on the maze on October 19, On October 20, and everyone came out ready for following a deli- more. cious catered dinner, In December, Or Shemesh children in the reli- will meet on Saturday, December gious school partici- 7 and Sunday, December 8 for pated in our Simchat its winter sleepover and chapter Mishpacha BBG teens at the Wynwood Walls Torah service. Our newest religious school members re- ceived blessings on the bimah under the chuppah, and partic- ipated in the service. Our students really love helping with Rabbi Nicole Luna with Religious School students in the sukkah

Fort Myers and Naples BBYO teens at the entrance of Farmer Mike’s U-Pick for the Haunted Corn Maze event

Fort Myers and Naples BBYO teens outside of FUNDimension in Miami Confirmation students making smoothies to drink in the sukkah

Family Bash Sunday, December 15 12:00 –1:30 PM Come celebrate the festival of lights

For families with kids 8 & under. No Charge! 14486 A and W Bulb Rd., Fort Myers Guest Chef preparing fresh latkes Decorate Chanukah Cookies Stories & Crafts Registration is required. Email or call Debbie Sanford at [email protected] or 239.481.4449 x4

Hosted by: Support provided by:

L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 32 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties FOCUS ON YOUTH

welcome to come for the TEMPLE JUDEA SCHOOLS music, crafts and light Candle lighting times: Fort Myers service. RSVP to me in our office so I’m sure to Temple Judea Religious School have enough craft materials for your December 6: 5:17 Tab Scribner, child(ren). Also on December 13, we Director of Congregational Learning will host our first Religious School November marked a turning point for Shabbat program beginning at 6:30 December 13: 5:19 Temple Judea Religious School. As p.m. Students will lead the Kabbalat the public and private school systems Shabbat service to round out the fall December 20: 5:21 went into holiday mode, we made our term. adjustments and tried to make the most On Sunday, December 15 from of a limited schedule. noon to 1:30 p.m. we will host a Cha- December 27: 5:25 November and December are both nukah/PJ Library Celebration in con- short months as we approach the mid- junction with the Jewish Federation of point of the year. It is good to see prog- Lee & Charlotte Counties. All children ress in the time we’ve had so far. Our fifth-grade class has stepped up to the plate on nu- High School Students: merous occasions this fall in leading our student minyan. It is great to see more and more Earn CAS Credits! of our students get comfort- able with their Hebrew and The Jewish Federation of Lee synagogue skills and lead the and Charlotte Counties is group. interested in hearing from On Sunday, December 8, Religious School students Brenden and Josh teenagers in high school our eldest students will put engage in a traditional Chevruta on Pirke Avot who might like to earn CAS the finishing touches on a take-home and families are welcome. You do not project in making their own tallitot. need to be affiliated with Temple Judea credits though various work The children, with their parents, will to participate. Come join in the food, in the Jewish community. participate in a family education pro- fun and crafts for all ages. gram on tefillin and tallitot, and tie the We bring the calendar year to a If you are interested, tzitzit together. Independently they close with a two-week vacation, and please send the following have selected the fabrics, sewn on or- classes will resume on Sunday, Janu- information to namentation (if desired), prepared the ary 5. If you are interested in any of [email protected]: holes, and had the material hemmed in our religious school or toddler pro- preparation for our family program. gramming, or would like to volunteer Name On Friday, December 13, we will for our programs, please contact me Address host our monthly Tot Shabbat pro- at 239.433.0201 or tjswfledu@gmail. Phone # gram. All families with toddlers are com. Age Results of Grade a recent School national Preferred volunteer hours survey of 25,000 (e.g. 2 - 5P.M. Sundays) families conducted by PJ Library

Parents in Lee PJ Library is and Charlotte counties whose making a children are difference in the enrolled in lives of families DISCOVER PJ Library raising Jewish participated in THE FUN! the survey. children..

PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE!

RECEIVE THE GIFT OF FREE JEWISH CHILDREN’S BOOKS Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids MAILED TO Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids music — anytime, anywhere. YOUR HOME music — anytime, anywhere. SHARE the experience Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online of reading with your EVERY MONTH! Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs children as they grow with streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs PJ Library books. from hundreds of artists across the globe.

from hundreds of artists across the globe. Funded by the Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks SIGN UP TODAY! Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks Roth Family for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime. Enrollment is open to Foundation Jewish families with • Listen to the music online children between the • Listen to the music online More information, ages of six months to • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play contact Debbie Sanford • Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play eight years 239.481.4449 ext. 3 or Tune In Radio living in [email protected] or Tune In Radio Lee & Charlotte Counties.

Families can sign up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 33

ans, as well as the efforts JEWISH WAR VETERANS of Mr. Posnansky’s best Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400 friend, Bert Seidman, (239) 246-3151 Mr. Posnansky now has a grave marker which not Eryka Aptaker only recognizes his military service but While we did not have a “traditional” also showed that he was a Bronze Star meeting in October, our Post decided Medal recipient. There was an unveil- Bar / Bat Mitzvah Specialist to visit The Holocaust Museum & Ja- ing of the stone and a Mitzvah Service. net G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Commander Charter played “Taps” Choosing the right photographer is an important decision. Center at its new location in Naples. following our Honor Guard, who pre- Michael Shapiro has more than 30 years experience in media The gentleman giving the tour was sented a rifle salute (21-gun salute). and journalism. He is able to capture images that are unique, quite educated about the Ho- locaust and that time period unexpected and spontaneous. and I learned so much! While I am very involved with our WWII veterans and try to keep myself knowledgeable of both the Holocaust and WWII, it’s amazing to me that there are so many un- derlying stories and events of which I was not aware. If you haven’t been to the museum, I would highly recommend it. 21-gun salute for Martin S. Posnansky While there is so much sadness What a wonderful way to honor one of Religious School students Brenden and Josh wrapped around the Holocaust, where our veterans. Mr Posnansky now has engage in a traditional Chevruta on Pirke Avot horrific, inhumane acts took place, the recognition he so deserves. I am Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events there were also some stories which re- so proud of this Post’s commitment to newed my faith in mankind – stories participate. 239.770.6860 of those who worked diligently to save Our next “traditional” meeting will members of our Jewish population, be Sunday, January 26. Our meetings [email protected] simply because it was the right thing are held monthly, on a Sunday at 9:30 www.shapiro-photography.com to do. Visiting this place really put a.m., at the Jewish Federation office in things into perspective for me and re- Fort Myers. Come join this wonderful minded me to never take what we have and committed group as we engage in for granted. At the end of our visit, our great conversation and enjoy bagels PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS Commander, Harvey Charter, present- and cream cheese. ed the museum staff with a donation To become a member or if you WHO HELP MAKE L’CHAYIM POSSIBLE from our Post. We are in full support of have questions, please contact Com- them and grateful that we were able to mander Harvey Charter at hbcharter@ coordinate a tour. aol.com or 239.246.3151. On November 2, members of our The Jewish War Veterans, founded Post participated as Honor Guard for in 1896, is the oldest continuing vet- Vietnam Veteran Martin S. Posnan- erans organization in America. We are sky, U.S. Army. Mr. Posnansky was a challenged in the pursuit of new mem- Vietnam veteran who passed away in bers to keep our organization alive. 2006 and was buried at Coral Ridge With the loss of many of our WWII vet- Cemetery without a marker. With the erans, we are striving to have members help of Hearts and Homes for Veter- of our younger generations join and show support to the JWV. We have a Patron member- ship for non-veterans. If your family members were veterans, think about honor- ing their memory by joining the JWV Post 400. I joined in honoring the memory of my father, a Korean War Specializing in veteran. Best decision I have outpatient hip and ever made. This group has knee replacement been a blessing in my life and some of the members have become like family to PJ LIBRARY RADIO LIVE! me. We hope to see you at

Grave marker for Martin S. Posnansky our future meetings!

Now PJ library families can listen to Jewish kids music — anytime, anywhere.

Introducing PJLibraryRadio.com, an online Post 400 members at The Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center streaming radio station with more than 2,000 songs from hundreds of artists across the globe. Music is available 24/7 with special music blocks for Shabbat, Holiday and Bedtime.

• Listen to the music online

• Download the free app on ITunes, Google Play or Tune In Radio

Commander Harvey Charter presents museum staff with a donation from Post 400

L’CHAYIM is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 34 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties ORGANIZATIONS

Americans. That’s one- who have contributed their trailblazing Florida to create the Mosaic project, JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY half of the non-Christian adventures and life stories to our cause. out of which the Jewish Museum of OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA faith-based population of Our 2019 Southwest Florida Jewish Florida - FIU emerged. She had been (239) 566-1771 the state. Note that 24% Pioneers films – Judith and Samuel instrumental in pushing legislation of Florida’s residents have Friedland – The Power of Two and Chief to declare January as Florida Jewish December already? no particular religious affiliation. Richard Plager – were seen by many History Month, and May as Jewish Goodbye 2019, hello 2020 By county, the SWFL population community members. We had a success- Heritage Month. The Jewish Federa- Marina Berkovich growth rate since 2010 and state rank, ful pairing with WCA for its Summer tion of Greater Naples is co-sponsoring History will remember 2019 as a very respectively, are 17.33% and 16th in Series, raising awareness of the timeline this event. Tickets are $10 for Society important year in Jewish Southwest Collier; 21.62% and 8th in Lee; 14.72% and importance of the Jewish presence members and $15 for non-members, Floridians’ lives. The communities have and 29th in Charlotte; 12.31% and 14th in the region. It was quite fascinating to and must be purchased in advance. To expanded, absorbing many transplants, in Sarasota; 6.64% and 64th in DeSoto; see so many unfamiliar faces during the order tickets for this event as well as as permanent residents are eager to and 6.52% and 45th in Hendry. summer, confirming our understanding for our 10th Anniversary Celebration continue the work that was started by Twenty percent of Floridians are of the metamorphosis our community with Naples Mayor Bill Barnett, email their predecessors. naturalized U.S. citizens. Lee than 10% is experiencing. [email protected]. The small board and membership are foreigners. Approximately 36% of In 2020, we will continue to bring Membership in The Jewish His- of The Society are proud of our ongo- Floridians who are U.S. citizens were unique exciting, educational and enter- torical Society of Southwest Florida is ing achievements. Our important local born in Florida. taining material to our membership and open to anyone who is interested in our historical preservation work continues Nine hundred people per day relo- general community. We are releasing mission of local Jewish history preser- steadily, generating buzz in many circles cated to Florida in 2019. That is what new films about three upstanding indi- vation. with its timely and relevant content. our “local” population is like. Now, take viduals – Irving Berzon, Florence Hertz- The Jewish Historical Society The demographics of the Southwest a deep breath and project this to your im- man and Naples Mayor Bill Barnett – in of Southwest Florida Florida region are changing, as surely mediate circles. Do these statistics speak the first quarter of 2020. 8805 Tamiami Trail North, as is its landscape. Florida is the third to you as clearly as they speak to us? We are starting the year with a bang Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108 most populous state in the nation with a The more recent the arrival date, the by commemorating Florida Jewish His- 833.547.7935 (833.JHS.SWFL) 2019 population growth rate of 1.63%. more fascinating the attendees find the tory Month on Monday, January 6 from www.jhsswf.org ~ [email protected] Out of the total Florida population of educational and informational aspects 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Our guest speaker, Virtual Museum of SWFL 21,646,155, almost 3% or 629,120 of our work. All our films are locally Marcia Jo Zerivitz, has done unprec- Jewish History http:// people identify as members of an eth- produced, locally funded and are about edented research, collecting tidbits of jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/ noreligious group known as Jewish the “local” individuals and families Jewish history from every corner of

Florida Jewish History of hope and healing are woven together Holocaust Remembrance Day, Monday, GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH Month. with survivors’ courageous stories. Both January 27 at 2:00 pm. at the Holocaust SOUTHWEST FLORIDA During January, Gen- a moving account of survival and a les- Museum and Cohen Education Center, (239) 963-9347 Shoah and the Holocaust son in the healing power of art work- 975 Imperial Golf Blvd., Naples. It Museum will present three ing its magic, NOT The Last Butterfly chronicles how six decades after bril- GenShoah is calling all film, inspirational and educational films. The offers young and old alike a new way liant conductor Rafael Schacter taught music and art lovers first film NOT The Last Butterfly will to find hope in one of history’s great prisoners in Theresienstadt Concentra- Ida Margolis be shown on Friday, January 10 at 2:00 tragedies. Along with this film, the tion Camp (Terezin) Verdi’s Requiem, This season, GenShoah is among the p.m. at the South Regional Library, South Regional Library will host an a new choir returned to the same spot to groups commemorating the 75th an- 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples. exhibit of artistic butterfly creations highlight this story of the courage and niversary of the end of WWII and the This film tells the tale of The Butterfly by artists, community members, visi- resilience of the human spirit. liberation of the Nazi concentration Project, a grass roots arts and educa- tors, students, and even young and A discussion of the novel The Lost camps. The Southwest Florida com- tion initiative that memorializes the 1.5 special-needs children. A great variety Wife, by popular author Alyson Rich- memoration known as “Butterflies of million children killed in the Holocaust, of butterfly creations will be on display man, will take place on Wednesday, Hope and Remembrance” will present through global displays of ceramic but- during the entire month of January. Al- January 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the South many important, inspirational and mov- terflies... one butterfly painted for each ready, beautiful paintings of butterflies Regional Library. This highly acclaimed ing programs, especially during January, child. The Butterfly Project’s messages as well as glass, quilted and origami book is not only a love story but also butterflies have been contributed for contains a very accurate description of this exhibit. If you would like to cre- how one of the lovers survived as an ate a butterfly to be displayed, please artist in Terezin during the horrors of HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER email me at genshoahswfl@gmail. Nazi Europe. at Temple Judea com for parameters and information. RSVPs for both the book discussion (239) 433-0201 You do not need to be a professional and film NOT The Last Butterfly will artist. begin in December at CollierLibrary.Temple Judea’s active HAZAK 55+ The second film, The Boys of Ter- org/events. Reservations for The BoysChapter is a chartered member of the ezin, shows how five Holocaust survi- of Terezin and Defiant Requiem shouldUnited Synagogue of Conservative vors, a boy choir and a chamber music be made at HolocaustMuseumSWFL.Judaism. HAZAK Chapters are for group unite to tell the story of the secret org. There is no cost for any of thesesingles or couples. Membership in the concentration camp journal created events. The art exhibit will be availableorganization is open to the community. under the nose of their Nazi captors. for viewing throughout January. Join HAZAK and meet new friends. After the film there will be renowned The Lost Wife will also be discussed It’s an organization that enables mem- musicians presenting a performance of at the annual GenShoah Pot Luck Din-bers to meet and socialize with each selections featured in the film. In addi- ner on Sunday, December 15 at 4:30other. Our monthly programs vary in tion, a very special guest is scheduled to p.m. For the location of this event andnature. appear. This film and performance will to RSVP, email shirleybesikof@gmail. be at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge com. Space is limited for this dinner. Road, Naples, on Sunday, January 26 To receive more information about beginning at 2:00 p.m. “Butterflies of Hope and Remem- Music lovers as well as history buffs brance,” upcoming events and Gen- will be astounded by the film Defiant Shoah, please email genshoahswfl@ Requiem. This film will be presented on gmail.com.

Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies December 8, 15, 22, 29 Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: All ages & levels of dance experience are • scholarship welcome. Wear comfortable shoes, bring • outreach • inquiry a water bottle AND A FRIEND! • sharing knowledge • preserving the record • helping teachers • encouraging students Jewish Federation Community Room

9701 Commerce Center Ct., Fort Myers

RSVP a MUST to Marsha Kistler Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ [email protected] Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director

L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 35

Florida to create the Mosaic project, elected officials by find- sional representative to share your po- tice; Refugees & Immigration; Care- out of which the Jewish Museum of HADASSAH ing your legislators on sition and ask for their support of the giving; Women’s Economic Equity Florida - FIU emerged. She had been Collier/Lee Chapter Hadassah.org/Advocate. above legislation. Since the assault and Security; Support and Funding instrumental in pushing legislation (732) 539-4011 You can also sign weapons ban was lifted in 2004, the for Women’s Health Research; Hate to declare January as Florida Jewish up to receive Advocacy number of people who have died in Crimes; Economic Justice & Social History Month, and May as JewishThe cost of doing nothing Alerts from Hadassah’s mass shootings has increased by 400%, Welfare; and Violence Against Women. Heritage Month. The Jewish Federa-isn’t nothing Government Relations Office. according to March for Our Lives. For more information on advocacy tion of Greater Naples is co-sponsoring Diane Schwartz You can take action on gun con- A partial list of other Hadassah’s and the effort to support the Florida this event. Tickets are $10 for SocietyAdvocacy is central to Hadassah’s mis- trol now! Hadassah has long been a advocacy positions and platforms in- gun control petition drive, please con- members and $15 for non-members,sion – helping our members and sup- strong supporter of strict legislative cludes: Combating Anti-Semitism; tact me at [email protected] and must be purchased in advance. Toporters realize their potential as a dy- gun control initiatives and believes Women’s Health Equity; Racial Jus- or 731.539.4011. order tickets for this event as well asnamic force in American society and that current laws do not go far enough, for our 10th Anniversary Celebrationacting on our beliefs and values. nor are enforced rigorously enough, Save the Date: with Naples Mayor Bill Barnett, email From supporting the creation of the to help prevent gun violence. Hadas- X Wednesday, December 4: Knowledge and Nosh featuring Lee County [email protected]. State of Israel and selling war bonds, sah urges Congress and state legis- Sheriff’s Office Crime Specialist, Heather Turco: “What to Do in an Active Membership in The Jewish His-to championing stem cell research and latures to enact stronger gun control Shooter Situation – contact Elyse Morande at [email protected] or torical Society of Southwest Florida is women’s health equity, Hadassah has legislation, including a ban on assault 239.498.0623 th open to anyone who is interested in our a long and proud history of advocacy weapons, and ensuring more consistent X Sunday, December 15: Keeper of the Gate 20 Anniversary Breakfast mission of local Jewish history preser-on issues important to women and the enforcement of current laws, that will featuring Ellen Hershkin, National Hadassah President, open to all members vation. Jewish community. protect our communities and our na- – contact Ellen Harris at [email protected] or 508.395.5116 The Jewish Historical Society You can be an advocate for an is- tion. Specific legislative changes that X Thursday, January 16: Hadassah Presents… A Book Reading: We Are Going of Southwest Florida sue that touches you – your heart, your Hadassah support include: raising the to be Lucky: A World War II Love Story in Letters – contact Debbie Kaprove 8805 Tamiami Trail North, family, your conscience, our state, our minimum age for purchase of a firearm at [email protected] or 860.558.3331, or Dale Hackerman Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108 country. On vital issues, the option of from 18 to 21, requiring a mandatory at [email protected] or 609.828.3766 833.547.7935 (833.JHS.SWFL) sitting on the sidelines is not our best waiting period for purchase, imple- X Thursday, January 23: Installation of Officers and Fashion Show by www.jhsswf.org ~ [email protected] choice. We are good people and we can menting universal background checks, Rebecca’s – contact Elyse Morande at [email protected] or 239.498.0623 Virtual Museum of SWFL do something! and mandatory seizure of household X Monday, February 3: Annual Mahjong, Card & Game Day – for reservations, Jewish History http:// Hadassah encourages education guns when an emergency restraining contact Carol Weisberg at [email protected] jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/ and action on many issues informed by order is issued for domestic violence. X Monday, March 16: Spring Luncheon featuring That’s Entertainment with specific Policy Statements, the organi- Today, on the state level in Flori- vocalist Carolann Sanita – contact Elyse Morande at [email protected] zation’s official stance, which “speak da, Hadassah Chapters across the state or 239.498.0623 to” and carry weight and import on are joining Ban Assault Weapons Now

Holocaust Remembrance Day, Monday,current and important issues in our so- (BAWN), seeking to place a Florida January 27 at 2:00 pm. at the Holocaustciety and in our lives. Constitutional Amendment on the bal- Museum and Cohen Education Center, Hadassah’s Legal Advocacy fo- lot in 2020 which would create legisla- Mindi Smedley, EA, MSAT, CAM, Notary 975 Imperial Golf Blvd., Naples. Itcuses on Amicus Briefs which are filed tion to ban assault weapons. Hadassah chronicles how six decades after bril-on legal actions relating to Hadassah’s members and associates, concerned 12220 Towne Lakes Dr. #85 liant conductor Rafael Schacter taughtinterests and policy positions as well as citizens and gun control advocates Fort Myers, FL 33913 prisoners in Theresienstadt Concentra-the Hadassah Supreme Court Swear- are joining together to reach toward 2392364559 Fax: 2394033 tion Camp (Terezin) Verdi’s Requiem,ing-In Program. 700,000+ signatures by December 31, a new choir returned to the same spot to The Legislative Advocacy initia- 2019, to achieve the first step in this [email protected] highlight this story of the courage and tives support contacting government Florida gun control measure. resilience of the human spirit. officials to make your voice heard on If you are interested in supporting A discussion of the novel The Lost issues of importance to you. an Assault Weapons Ban on the Fed- You can gather additional informa- eral level, pending legislation in the Wife, by popular author Alyson Rich- man, will take place on Wednesday,tion on the subjects listed below, read House of Representatives is the Assault the complete list of positions and ac- Weapons Ban of 2019 (H.R. 1296). January 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the South Services: Specializing In: tivities, and contact Congress and other You can reach out to your congres- Regional Library. This highly acclaimed book is not only a love story but also Tax Preparation Individual Taxes contains a very accurate description of Real Estate Agent Industry HAZAK members, Full Charge Bookkeeping how one of the lovers survived as an Small Businesses artist in Terezin during the horrors of HAZAK 55+ CHAPTER in November, had an Notary Services Condominium & Homeowner Associations Nazi Europe. enjoyable outing to the at Temple Judea NotForProfits RSVPs for both the book discussion (239) 433-0201 Octagon Wildlife Sanc- and film NOT The Last Butterfly will tuary in Punta Gorda. begin in December at CollierLibrary.Temple Judea’s active HAZAK 55+ In December, HAZAK will celebrate org/events. Reservations for The Boys Chapter is a chartered member of the Chanukah at Temple Judea’s annual of Terezin and Defiant Requiem should United Synagogue of Conservative dinner party along with our entire con- be made at HolocaustMuseumSWFL.Judaism. HAZAK Chapters are for gregation. Future programs will be an- org. There is no cost for any of these singles or couples. Membership in the nounced. events. The art exhibit will be availableorganization is open to the community. Members of the community are al- for viewing throughout January. Join HAZAK and meet new friends. ways welcome to join and attend our The Lost Wife will also be discussed It’s an organization that enables mem- programs. Dues are a moderate $10 at the annual GenShoah Pot Luck Din-bers to meet and socialize with each per year. For more information, please ner on Sunday, December 15 at 4:30other. Our monthly programs vary in email [email protected] or call Tem- p.m. For the location of this event and nature. ple Judea at 239.433.0201. to RSVP, email shirleybesikof@gmail. com. Space is limited for this dinner. To receive more information about “Butterflies of Hope and Remem- brance,” upcoming events and Gen- Shoah, please email genshoahswfl@ Have you Have you ever gmail.com. ever thought played bridge about playing before and want bridge ? to play again? SERVING SW FLORIDA FOR 40 YEARS • Social Security Disability • Long Term Disability • Personal Injury Meet new Mentally people stimulating Call for a free Consultation 239-337-3600 1-800-261-8787

JONAS H. KUSHNER JEFFREY KUSHNER ROBERTA D. KUSHNER

Interested? Contact 2121 West First Street Fort Myers, Florida 33901 [email protected] WHEN THINKING SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY...THINK KUSHNER & KUSHNER L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 36 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

ber 8 for the last hour of gregation will enjoy a fun Chanukah cember 5. The class is held the first TEMPLE JUDEA religious school. dinner. Reservations are required. Thursday of the month at noon at the TEMPLE BETH SHALOM Fort Myers Chaverot begins More information about the dinner will offices of Myers & Brettholz. There Cape Coral (239) 433-0201 a monthly program of be available from the synagogue office. is no cost to attend and all levels of (239) 772-4555 “Lattes and Learning” on Adult Education classes, which Jewish background are welcome. www.tjswfl.org Wednesday, December began on Monday, November 11, will Our monthly service of meals at www.templebethshalomcc.org 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the continue through Monday, December the Salvation Army’s Meals with Com- December is a busy month at Temple synagogue social hall. Bring your own 16 as follows: passion continues. Meals are served Judea. Chaverot and Temple Judea will favorite coffee or drink, or we’ll pro- • Starting at 6:15 p.m., Rabbi Mi- on Monday evenings and volunteers co-sponsor a special program on Sat- vide the coffee and something sweet, chael Schorin, Gulf Hospital are needed for December and January. urday morning, December 7. Lesley while learning and discussing topics of Chaplain, will teach a class on Please contact Linda Idelson to help at Sachs of Women of the Wall will give current interest. Pirke Avot [email protected]. the D’var Torah during Shabbat servic- Come to Tot Shabbat on Friday, • At 7:15 p.m., Rabbi Sack will teach Regular scheduled events: es. Her talk will be about “The Cracks December 13 at 5:00 p.m. There is a class based on the book, The • Friday evening Shabbat services in the Wall Let the Light In: The Battle always a fun activity included with Holy Fire: The Teachings of Rabbi at 6:30 p.m., preceded each week for Equal Rights at the Western Wall.” the musical and entertaining services Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the with a wine and cheese reception For 30 years, Women of the Wall has designed for toddlers and preschool- Rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto by starting at 6:15 p.m. been waging the battle to achieve gen- ers. Following Tot Shabbat, Religious Nehemia Polen • Saturday morning Shabbat servic- der equality at this sacred Jewish site. School students will lead regular Fri- • Also, at 7:15 p.m., Tab Scribner, es at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kid- Lesley will give a history of this group, day evening services. Director of Lifelong Learning, will dush luncheon as well as the progress that has been On Sunday, December 15, Temple teach a beginning reading Hebrew • Morning minyan every Monday at made and what it still hopes for the fu- Judea is partnering with the Jewish class 9:00 a.m. ture. The community is invited to at- Federation to hold a PJ Library Hanuk- Call the synagogue office to enroll • The Rabbi’s Monthly Torah Study, tend. kah party from noon to 1:30 p.m. The in the classes. There is no charge to at- the first Thursday of every month Sixth and seventh graders and their party is open to all families in the com- tend. at noon at the offices of Myers & families will participate in a “Talit and munity with young children. Rabbi Sack’s monthly lunchtime Brettholz Tefillin” program on Sunday, Decem- On Friday, December 27, the con- Torah study will be on Thursday, De-

The students of The month of December will have provided. Please call to register. The TEMPLE SHALOM Charlotte County School some great programs that are open to program is sponsored by the Sylvia and Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands Choir performed on No- all. Lesleigh Hershkowitz Fund. (941) 625-2116 vember 17 under the On Friday Evening, December 13, Join us on Sunday, December 22 direction of Dr. David Rabbi A. James Rudin will speak on at 4:00 p.m. for our outdoor lighting of www.templeshalomfl.com Sommer. This was their the theme “How Christmas is Linked the Hanukkah menorah. There will be second time performing to Hanukkah.” The event is sponsored Hanukkah treats, latkes, cookies, gifts The month of November was indeed at our temple. by the Robert “Bob” Bader memorial and a special Klezmer Music Program. a most active time at Temple Shalom. The “Lunch and Learn” had its and is open to the community. Special thanks to the Sheldon and Marc The first Sisterhood meeting had more second session. This is a current events On Tuesday, December 17 from Friedman Fund. than 30 women in attendance. There program of Jewish interest supported 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., join us for “Lunch The Azi Schwartz concert on Janu- was an early lunch meeting and a mov- by the Sylvia and Lesleigh Hershkow- and Learn.” A newspaper and lunch are ary 12 is sold out. ie to follow. itz Fund. On November 5, the Book Talk On November 22, David Bern- with author Marica Rudin was most re- stein, President and CEO of the Jew- Send updates and changes to the Jewish Directory warding. Mrs. Rudin spoke about her ish Council on Public Affairs, was our book, Flower Toward the Sun. speaker. below to [email protected].

TEMPLE BETH EL CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY REFORM ORTHODOX 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 204 E Mckenzie St Unit B, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Rabbi Nicole Luna Rabbi Simon Jacobson E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 941-833-3381 Preschool director: Jesyca Virnig E-mail: [email protected] President: Governance Committee IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES Web site: www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com Email: [email protected] Services: Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by Phone: 239-433-0018 • Fax: 239-433-3235 a kiddush Web site: www.templebethel.com Torah study: Wednesday at 8 p.m. Shabbat services: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Torah study COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE 9:00 a.m. Saturday; B’nai Mitzah 10:30 a.m. Saturday REFORM CHABAD LUBAVITCH Religious & Hebrew School: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 Sunday 10868 Metro Parkway, South Fort Myers OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Judaica Gift Gallery (The Southwest Florida Masonic Center) ORTHODOX Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism P.O. Box 07144, Fort Myers, FL 33919 5620 Winkler Road Rabbi Bruce Diamond Fort Myers, FL 33919 TEMPLE BETH SHALOM ([email protected]) Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz REFORM Coordinator: Natalie Fulton Phone: 239-433-7708 • Fax: 481-9109 702 S.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33990 Adult Educator: Jessica Evers E-mail: [email protected] Rabbi Devora Buchen Phone: 239-466-6671 Web site: www.chabadswf.org President: Harvey Wolfson E-mail: [email protected] Services: Friday 5:15 p.m.; Saturday Kabbalah Phone: 239-772-4555 • Fax: 239-772-4625 Web site: www.fortmyerssynagogue.com class 9 a.m.; Shacharit 10 a.m.; Kiddush at noon E-mail: [email protected] Community Sabbath eve dinner each Friday Minyan: Monday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. Web site: www.templebethshalomcc.org at 6:30 p.m. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday Sabbath eve worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Religious School: Thursday 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. Light breakfast and Torah study with the rabbi OF CAPE CORAL Torah study with Rabbi Buchen: Shabbat 10:30 a.m. every Saturday morning from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. ORTHODOX Organizations: Brotherhood, Sisterhood, 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral, FL 33914 Family Service (1st Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.) TEMPLE JUDEA Rabbi Yossi Labkowski CONSERVATIVE Phone: 239-963-4770 BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS 14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 E-mail: [email protected] REFORM Rabbi Marc Sack Web site: www.chabadcape.com Meets at Sanibel Congregational Church E-mail: [email protected] Services: Friday Evening 7:30 p.m. 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island President: Dan Fox Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by Rabbi Stephen L. Fuchs Director of Congregational Learning: Kiddush luncheon President: Barry Fulmer Tab Scribner Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. Phone: 732-780-2016 Preschool Director: Joann Goldman Monday-Friday morning 7:00 a.m. Email: [email protected] [email protected] JLI Courses: Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Phone: 239-433-0201 • Fax: 239-433-3371 Cantor: Murray Simon Weekly Torah Study: Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m. Web site: www.batyam.org E-mail: [email protected] Hebrew School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct-Apr) Web site: www.tjswfl.org Services: 6:15 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Jgirls: Tuesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Friday (May-Sept) Adult Education: Saturday Minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday Saturday, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Nov-Apr) Religious School: Sun. 9:30 a.m.-noon; COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Current Events: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Wed. 4:30-6 p.m.  Shalom Life Center to 12:15 p.m. (Nov-Apr) Early childhood education: Lawrence Dermer, Spiritual Leader - 218-3433 Write: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957 Preschool, M-F, ages 18 months-5 years; • AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): Jacki Waksman - 954-653-9053 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism “Mommy & Me,” 12 months-2 years Affiliated: United Synagogue of Conservative • AJC (American Jewish Committee): Brian Lipton - 941-365-4955 TEMPLE SHALOM CHARLOTTE Judaism • Anti-Defamation League: 561-988-2900

HARBOR AND THE GULF ISLANDS • B’Nai B’rith International: 941-302-4500 REFORM SHALOM LIFE CENTER • Chevra Kadisha: 23190 Utica Ave., P.O. Box 494675 TRANS DENOMINATIONAL Gene Sipe - 239-841-4615 7470 Hickory Drive Fort Myers, FL 33967 • Generations of the Shoah SWFL: 963-9347 Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4675 • Hadassah - Collier/Lee Chapter: Rabbi Solomon Agin Rabbi Lawrence Dermer Phone: 239-218-3433 Diane Schwartz - 732-539-4011 President: Judith Migdol • Hadassah - Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County): Phone: 941-625-2116 E-mail: [email protected] Odette Port - 941-505-1409 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.shalomlifecenter.org • Hazak 55+ Chapter: Web site: templeshalomfl.com Shabbat Evening Services 7:30 p.m. (Oct-Apr) Joyce Rosinger - 239-437-1566 Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday 7:00 p.m. (May-Sept) • Israel Bonds: Regional Headquarters: 800-622-8017 Religious school: Sunday 10 a.m. Saturday Torah & Kabbalah Study 10:00 a.m. • Jewish Community Services: 239-481-4449 Beginning Hebrew: Tuesday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. • Jewish National Fund: Advanced Hebrew: Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS/ Joshua Mellits, Director, Western Florida Organizations: Sisterhood 941-462-1330 ext. 865 Affiliated: Union for Reform Judaism ESTERO Memorial Tree Planting in Israel - 1-800-542-8733 ORTHODOX • Jewish War Veterans: 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (in the Bernwood Post 400: Commander Harvey Charter - 239-246-3151 Centre) Bonita Springs, FL 34135-7024 • Mikvah Bashka of Southwest Florida: Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Nechamie Minkowicz - 239-822-2784 Phone: 239-949-6900 Web site: www.JewishBonita.com Services: Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by a Kiddush

L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 37

10. We visited the Holo- TEMPLE BETH SHALOM caust Museum in its new Cape Coral location in Naples, had (239) 772-4555 an amazing docent-led tour, and then lunched at www.templebethshalomcc.org Stir Crazy. Our South Ameri- What a wonderful High Holy Day sea- can dinner hosted by Helene and Jorge

son we experienced at Temple Beth Glocer and Denise and Peter Simenau- Shalom. It’s so nice that in addition to er is sure to be a delightful evening on

our annual theme of repentance and Saturday, December 7. The annual Sis-

spiritual renewal, we always enjoy the terhood Chanukah dinner and Chinese 239.481.4449 x4 or [email protected]

feeling of great friendship and connec- auction on Tuesday, December 10 will

tion that’s integral and essential to our be hosted by Robin Razowsky at her To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford congregational life. Our choir adds so home. The Brotherhood’s annual Latke much to our worship experience and Party on Friday, December 27 and the we’re grateful for the time and effort Honoree Gala on Sunday, January 19

they put forth to enhance our holidays. round out our December and Janu-

After a delicious Sukkot dinner and ary activities. Religious School meets  service and the October Rosh Chodesh, Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m.

we entered into our Fall/Winter season For information on any of our What is a Women’s Giving Circle? filled with fun, fellowship and educa- events, please call the temple office at What is a Women s Giving Circle?

tional experiences. Our art show fea- 239.772.4555 or email us at office@ What is a Women’s Giving Circle?

turing Jewish and Tikkun Olam themes templebethshalomcc.org. Guests are 

opened with a reception on November always welcome.





  



The Temple Beth Shalom Choir   ’ What is a Women s Giving Circle? W    Dermer with a focus on  SHALOM LIFE CENTER the relevance of our time-  Fort Myers less traditions and bring-  (239) 218-3433 ing the ancient wisdom of Torah and Kabbalah To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford www.shalomlifecenter.org into our daily lives. To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford SLC also has a dy- To join and for more information call Debbie Sanford Shalom Life Center is Southwest namic Women’s Circle that meets the To join239.481.4449 and for more x4 or information [email protected] call Debbie Sanford Florida’s premier warm and welcom- second Monday of the month for soup, ing home for contemporary Jewish life salad and soul, led by Rebbitzen Robin 239.481.4449 x4 or [email protected] with a passionate commitment to com- Dermer with an emphasis on women’s munity and spiritual growth where ev- spirituality and personal growth. eryone is always welcome! Our Men’s Group enjoys monthly December is a very busy and ex- dinner meetings and special outings, citing month at SLC. We invite the en- and is currently involved in a holiday tire community to join us on Sunday, toy drive to benefit the Golisano Chil- December 22 with our second annual dren’s Hospital “Latkes and Laughs” comedy night Our Yiddish Culture Club gathers featuring Michael Blaustein, who has the fourth Monday of the month for been seen on Comedy Central, MTV laughter, learning and lunch. and CBS! On Friday, December 27 Our Exodus study group meets at 7:00 p.m., we will “Light Up the for monthly discussion exploring the World” with our epic community me- themes and interpretation of Exodus norah lighting, musical Shabbat ser- chapter by chapter using the book The vice, and lots of delicious, gourmet Rational Bible: Exodus – God, Slavery, latkes and other Chanukah treats. and Freedom by Dennis Prager. In addition to our Chanukah cele- SLC also offers a Book Club, Mah- FINEMARK NATIONAL BANK & TRUST IS PROUD brations, SLC offers many exciting and jong, Canasta, Choir, religious learn- wonderful services, classes and special ing and Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation TO CONSISTENTLY EARN A 5-STAR RATING events. as well as many other opportunities to Every Friday night at 7:30 p.m., enhance your Jewish life and learning, FROM BAUER FINANCIAL, THE NATION’S we experience an uplifting, musical and further your involvement in com- * and meaningful Shabbat service fol- munity service while making friends in LEADING INDEPENDENT BANK RATING FIRM . lowed by an always spectacular Oneg. a warm and welcoming community. Every Saturday morning at 10:00 For more information on all our a.m., SLC offers a delicious bagel & inspiring services, classes, great activi- We attribute our success to delivering unparalleled lox breakfast followed by an interac- ties and upcoming events, visit www. service and putting our clients fi rst. tive and participatory Torah and Kab- shalomlifecenter.org, email info@sha balah study led by Rabbi Lawrence lomlifecenter.org or call 239.218.3433.

JEWISH FEDERATION FOOD PANTRY

Following is a list of staples always in need at the food pantry: Peanut butter and jelly Pasta sauce (pasta, not needed) Rice and beans Canned vegetables and fruits Cereal Canned meats Condiments Toiletries for adults & children

Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Charleston • Estero • Naples • Palm Beach • Scottsdale Gift cards to places like Publix, Walmart, Target, etc., as well as cash donations, are also appreciated. www.fi nemarkbank.com • 239-461-5900 • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender Jewish Family Services helps seniors, individuals and families with a variety of needs. 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 DECEMBER 2019 38 Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties TEMPLE NEWS

on Saturdays at 11:00 to the Jewish Federation’s food pantry their help during our Religious School TEMPLE BETH EL a.m. at TBE. It’s open is a mitzvah for those in our commu- extended day program. BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS Fort Myers to those seeking whole- nity who would otherwise go without. On Simchat Torah, which every- Sanibel (239) 433-0018 ness through the Jewish Grocery bags were returned filled with one loved, young and old got to parade (732) 780-2016 twelve steps. There is food. Cash and grocery store gift cards with all seven Torah scrolls around the www.templebethel.com no cost to attend. Ano- were donated, too. It’s not too late to sanctuary, wave flags, dance with the www.batyam.org nymity is our watch- do a mitzvah: food/cash/gift card col- Torah, and see an entire Torah scroll Holiday time is upon us. People may word. Contact the Recovery5780 lection is ongoing. Also ongoing is the unrolled around the sanctuary. OurAs the calendar for 2019 quickly draws be traveling, families may be gather- group at [email protected] or Cycle Forward program, which col- newest Religious School students wereto a close, here are some thoughts for ing. Holidays can be fun. However, 239.354.7487. lects and distributes women’s menstru- welcomed with a blessing under the2020. An article in The Wall Street Jour- for some people the holidays are a Don’t miss this: Sisterhood pres- al health supplies to 15 sites throughout chuppah. nal on October 9, 2019, by Jason Riley, struggle. Some people feel alone in a ents Trivia Night on Thursday, De- the county, year-round. During sum- The TBE Book Club’s upcoming was titled, “Harvard’s Asian Quotas crowd. You needn’t struggle alone. If cember 5 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. mertime, Cycle Forward collects food choices are My Mother’s Son by Da-Repeat an Ugly History.” It starts with you’re a friend of Bill W., or if the let- Register at templebethel.com or call for school children. We are excited to vid Hirshberg, for December, and The a ditty dating to the 1910s, “Oh, Har- ters AA, OA, GA, NA, etc., mean any- 407.592.8280. have Chaverot, the women of Temple Gown by Jennifer Robson for January.vard’s run by millionaires, And Yale is thing to you, the Jewish Twelve Steps TBE’s High Holy Days food drive Judea, collaborating with us on Cycle Join us at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesdays, run by booze, Cornell is run by farm- to Recovery meeting is here for you was hugely successful. Delivering food Forward. December 4 and January 8 for livelyers’ sons, Columbia’s run by Jews.” In Learning about Sukkot, Confir- discussions, even if you haven’t read1914, about 40% of Columbia’s stu- mation Class students examined anti- the books. Book Club meets the firstdents were Jewish. By 1918, quotas at Semitic myths circulating in soci- Wednesday of each month. Columbia reduced the number to 22%. SNOWBIRDS, ety. Using materials provided by the The new Jewish Hispanophone The Harvard class of 1925 was 30% Anti-Defamation League, anti-Jewish Group meets Wednesday, December 18 Jewish. Then the Ivy League schools newspapers don’t fly… tropes and the facts that combat them at noon. Meeting the third Wednesday went beyond Columbia and set their were studied. They read case stud- of each month, these gatherings are at-Jewish quota at 15%. According to Mr. however, your ies about anti-Semitic moments they tracting Spanish speakers who were Riley, Harvard claimed that while Jews might encounter, such as someone say- originally from several other countries.were excellent students, they had de- address will! ing, “Jews think they’re better than The Jewish Francophone group meetsficient personalities and were focused everyone else,” when Jewish students the second Wednesday of each month miss school for Jewish holidays; or at noon. The next meeting is December someone nominating a Jewish student 11. Both groups are an opportunity to for treasurer because “Jews are good meet new people and speak languages COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE with money.” Lightening up a bit, they you love. Love Hebrew? Hebrew for Fort Myers learned about building a sukkah. Split adults meets each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. (239) 466-6671 into groups, with handouts regarding Current events meets Thursdays at Coming South? Jewish law concerning building a suk- 10:00 a.m. www.fortmyerssynagogue.com kah, they had fun deciding how they Save the dates: Sunday, January Don’t forget to contact us with would build theirs. Religious School 26 for Mitzvah Day 2020; Mah jonggRabbi Bruce Diamond and people of your change of address to kids decorated the sukkah and enjoyed tournament on Tuesday, February 18,The Community Free Synagogue ex- smoothies in the sukkah, as well as an doors open 8:30 a.m.; TBE 65th anni-press heartfelt condolences to Rabbi continue receiving L’CHAYIM. extended school day/day camp. Todah versary on Sunday, February 23. Marc Sack, whose beloved mother,

rabah to the Confirmation class for Geraldine Sack (z”l), went on to the Send address changes to: world to come, in early November. Her [email protected] soul will be bound in the bonds of life. or call: 239.481.4449 ext-4 Sign up for the Federation’s Rabbi Diamond will speak at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 8 at the Safe Travels Holiday Luminary Service at the Fort weekly e-blasts. Send an email Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colo- nial Boulevard. It is a deeply moving interfaith holiday season gathering for to [email protected]. family and friends of those for whom the cemetery is their final resting place. The Community Free Synagogue will host a Hanukah 1st Night Latke and Quiche Dinner, catered by Cohen & Cohen catering of Fort Myers, at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 22 in its Community Hall. It is free and open to the first 150 reservations, which can be made by emailing synfreersvp@

Marcia Can Help MARCIA CAN HELP, a fund of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services, provides for emergency nutritional needs through our Food Pantry, gift card distribution, and crisis grants to prevent utility cut-offs, evictions, loss of transportation and other essential services without which none of us can live. Inspired by the recognition that these needs must be addressed in our community, and as a tribute to Marcia Cohen, a long-time resident of Sanibel and social activist, her husband Jack established the MARCIA CAN HELP fund in 2017.

Marcia Can Help

Help us meet these pressing needs by contributing to the MARCIA CAN HELP fund. For further information please contact Alan Isaacs at (239) 481-4449 or [email protected]. L'CHAYIM DECEMBER 2019 TEMPLE NEWS Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 39

on their studies to a fault. Fuchs teaches Hebrew reading from Scholar will be Dr. Mary Evelyn BAT YAM TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS Jews were considered 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. Then from 9:30 to Tucker. Dr. Tucker is a Senior Lecturer Sanibel a poor fit for the - Har 10:30 a.m., Rabbi Fuchs offers com- and Research Scholar at Yale Univer- (732) 780-2016 vard environment. Now mentary on the Bible. At 10:30 a.m., sity, where she has appointments in the Asians are the target for a congregant or guest presents on a School of Forestry and Environmental www.batyam.org exclusion. A lawsuit was topic of interest. On December 7, Kay Studies, the Divinity School and the filed in 2014 against Sadighi will speak about DNA and Department of Religious Studies. She As the calendar for 2019 quickly draws Harvard. On October 1, 2019, Federal ancient migrations. Sid Picker will teaches in the joint MA program in re- to a close, here are some thoughts for Judge Allison Burroughs issued a deci- convey the Russian perspective on ligion and ecology and directs the Fo- 2020. An article in The Wall Street Jour- sion in favor of Harvard’s admissions Russian-U.S. relations on December rum on Religion and Ecology at Yale nal on October 9, 2019, by Jason Riley, policies. History repeats itself. 14. No classes on December 21 or 28. with her husband, John Grim. was titled, “Harvard’s Asian Quotas The next Grief Support meeting is Jewish current events begins at 11:30 We extend best wishes for a Repeat an Ugly History.” It starts with Wednesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m., a.m., led by Leonard Minsky. Vickie healthy and peaceful year ahead to a ditty dating to the 1910s, “Oh, Har- to be held in the library (second floor) Fuchs is coordinator of programming all of our Temple Bat Yam family and vard’s run by millionaires, And Yale is of the Sanibel Congregational UCC. for Adult Education. friends whether in SWFL or elsewhere run by booze, Cornell is run by farm- It is a safe space to discuss feelings The Chanukah celebration is in the U.S. We look forward to having ers’ sons, Columbia’s run by Jews.” In from loss and is open to the commu- scheduled for Sunday evening, Decem- everyone together again at Bat Yam 1914, about 40% of Columbia’s stu- nity. Questions may be addressed to ber 22. Add this to your calendar. very soon. dents were Jewish. By 1918, quotas at Dr. Ellen Feingold at 302.345.7187. Joint classes will be taught by Bat Yam services and classes are in Columbia reduced the number to 22%. If you missed the first two classes Rabbi Fuchs and Reverend Danner on Fellowship Hall (second floor – stairs The Harvard class of 1925 was 30% given by Rabbi Stephen Fuchs about Wednesdays, January 8, 15 and 22 at or elevator) on the campus of the Sani- Jewish. Then the Ivy League schools Genesis, plan to attend the last class on 10:00 a.m. and repeated at 7:00 p.m. bel Congregational UCC at 2050 Peri- went beyond Columbia and set their Thursday, December 5 at 10:00 a.m., The Shared Scholar lecture will winkle Way on Sanibel. Members of Jewish quota at 15%. According to Mr. titled “Cain and Abel: The Symbol take place on Sunday, January 26 at the community, guests and visitors are Riley, Harvard claimed that while Jews Story of the Human Soul.” Bring your 3:00 p.m., and the Shared Scholar always welcome to join with congre- were excellent students, they had de- Bible if you have one at home. Seminar on Monday, January 27 from gants. ficient personalities and were focused On Saturday mornings, Rabbi 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Shared

gmail.com or by call- Each Friday at 6:30 p.m., The private membership organization. It COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUE ing 239.466.6671. See Community Free Synagogue serves is comfortably supported by volun- Fort Myers the story in this issue for a traditional Sabbath dinner. It is free teerism and voluntary donations. (239) 466-6671 more details. and reservations are never required. The synagogue is guided by Rabbi The synagogue’s next At 7:30 p.m., the Sabbath is welcomed Bruce Diamond, D.D., now in his 23rd www.fortmyerssynagogue.com “Brown Bag Movie with prayer and song. A coffee hour year in Fort Myers. He is assisted by Night” starts at 6:30 p.m. follows worship. Auxiliary Rabbis Thomas Meiss and Rabbi Bruce Diamond and people of on Thursday, December 26, and fea- Every Saturday at 9:30 a.m., C.F.S. Terri Goldberg, and Lay Cantors Rich- The Community Free Synagogue ex- tures Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph offers a light breakfast followed bya ard McConville and Traci Pavel. press heartfelt condolences to Rabbi and the Amazing Technicolor Dream- lively discussion of the week’s Torah C.F.S. meets at The Southwest Marc Sack, whose beloved mother, coat. Admission and soft drinks are portion with Rabbi Diamond until Florida Masonic Center, 10868 Metro Geraldine Sack (z”l), went on to the free. 11:30 a.m., when the Mourner’s Qad- Parkway, Fort Myers. For additional world to come, in early November. Her Worship on Sabbath Eve, Decem- dish is recited. information, visit the C.F.S. website at soul will be bound in the bonds of life. ber 27 starts at 7:30 p.m. at the All Founded in 2005, The Commu- www.fortmyerssynagogue.com or call Sign up for the Federation’s Rabbi Diamond will speak at 5:30 Faith Unitarian Congregation, 2756 nity Free Synagogue is an open Jew- 239.466.6671. p.m. on Sunday, December 8 at the McGregor Boulevard. Torah Study ish community resource rather than a Holiday Luminary Service at the Fort will be at the synagogue the following weekly e-blasts. Send an email Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colo- morning. nial Boulevard. It is a deeply moving Kathryn Ferrer will be called to the interfaith holiday season gathering for Torah for the first time as a Bat Mits- to [email protected]. family and friends of those for whom vah on Sabbath afternoon, December the cemetery is their final resting place. 28 in the synagogue. At 3:00 p.m., The Community Free Synagogue Kathryn will teach a Torah lesson con- will host a Hanukah 1st Night Latke cerning her Torah portion, followed by and Quiche Dinner, catered by Cohen minhah at 4:00 p.m. A se’udah shlishit & Cohen catering of Fort Myers, at meal will be served at the conclusion 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 22 in of the afternoon service. The meal will its Community Hall. It is free and open be followed by ma’ariv-havdalah and to the first 150 reservations, which can the benedictions for the new moon of be made by emailing synfreersvp@ Tevet. All are encouraged to attend.

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Happy Chanukah from all your friends at Publix.