Hanukkah and Cosmic Credits
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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 n 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 ddler acl of 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 & n 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’CHAYIM 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 n 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 n 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] & n 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 n 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 n L’CHAYIM invites correspondence on subjects of interest to Jewish people.