Join us for a memorable evening... March 29, 2015 • 6:15 pm Quail West Country Club, Naples For more information contact Amy Snyder, Executive Director 239-263-9200 Amy@HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org
Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World
Federation Star Published by the Jewish Federation of Collier County serving Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities
www.JewishNaples.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 5 Men’s Cultural Alliance 6 Women’s Cultural Alliance 7 Community Focus 13 Jewish Interest 19 Tributes 23 Business Directory 24 Israel & the Jewish World 29 Commentary 31 Rabbinical Reflections 32 Focus on Youth 34 Synagogues 35 Organizations 38 Community Calendar 39 Community Directory
3 “Human Needs Awards” honor two non-profits
6 Enjoying “Winter in Paradise” with WCA
9 Temple Shalom celebrates Mitzvah Day
33 Naples teens attend BBYO convention
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March 2015 - Adar/Nisan 5775
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Vol. 24 #7
Community Celebration 2015 – What a night! Federation’s 2015 Community Campaign Kickoff Phyllis Seaman Federation Vice Chair
T
he Jewish Federation of Collier County’s Community Celebration on Saturday, January 31 was extra special this year, as it recognized David Willens for 15 years of dedicated service to our organization and to our community, and welcomed Jeffrey Feld as its new executive. The sold-out crowd of 320 people at Wyndemere Country Club enjoyed the evening’s theme, “Around the World With Federation – A Passport To Giving.” Every inch of space was utilized and decorated beautifully by the Garden District, to represent some of the many countries that we allocate funds and assistance to for human needs. From the moment people walked in the door, our staff of local teens from our BBYO guided guests with stamped “passports” to different ports of call on our cruise around the world during the cocktail hour. The warmth and camaraderie was electrifying. At the first port of call, Israel, guests could savor delicacies of hummus, couscous, taboule and latkes. The next stop was Eastern Europe and Ukraine, with some “down home, soul food,” borscht shooters, mini schnitzel, perogies, and potatoes with caviar. South America was the last stop with chicken quesadillas, empanadas etc. Once everyone entered the red, white and blue dining room representing America, the festivities really began. A video compiled by Federation Star editor Ted Epstein was presented. It showed where Federation dollars are allocated and included photos and recordings of most of our grant recipients locally, in Israel and around the world. The emcee for the evening was Federation Board Chair Alvin Becker. Rosalee Bogo, a past president of Federation (and co-chair of the event), was called on to honor David Willens and present a plaque for his 15 years of service
Jewish Federation of Collier County Inc. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109
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to our community as Executive Director of the Federation. David was so surprised and emotional when he was not only presented with a plaque, but also given a huge poster depicting a wall in the Federation community room with the words “David G. Willens Community Room.” Our community room will now have a name. Todah Rabah, David! It was well deserved and you will be missed. Jeffrey Feld, Federation’s new President/CEO (yes, this is a new title) was now “officially” introduced to our community even though he hit the ground running since his arrival and has met many in our community. Jeffrey spoke about all we do here in Collier
time and effort put in to make this event the success it was. Rosalee Bogo, Wallie Lenchner and Andrea Gordon – you are quite a team. Thanks also to the Federation staff – Iris Doenias, Jill Saravis, Deborah Vacca and Mary Anne Kimsey – Jeff Silverman, our printer, and all our table hosts and hostesses. More importantly, I thank those of you who helped so tremendously by sponsoring this event. Without your generosity we couldn’t have done this. While this was a fun and warm evening, you all know you were also there for a reason. Our 2015 campaign is in full swing. We are working to raise donations, or at least have committed
Community Celebration co-chairs with David Willens: Rosalee Bogo, Andrea Gordon, Phyllis Seaman, Wallie Lenchner
County, nationally, in Israel and in more than 60 countries worldwide. He also spoke of the plans for our future. As you can see by the traffic lately, Naples is growing and we are a force for the future. Once dinner was served we had a wonderful dance troupe from Florida Gulf Coast University, arranged by the Garden District. They entertained us with dances from the countries we were representing, that ended with the kazatsky that became a hora with many of us participating and dancing throughout the ballroom. This was such a wonderful feelgood fun event. I am proud to have been part of it, and I thank my very hardworking friends and co-chairs for all the
pledges for 2015 in place before many of you leave for your northern residences in the spring. Your donations or pledge commitments NOW will help us plan the budget and allocations for grants this year. Our allocations committee has already started meeting and we want to be able to provide for all the grant requests we receive. We Are Building Community Together! Please consider a 10-20% or more increase in your past or planned gift. Your gift should be meaningful to you. If you have already made a gift or pledge, THANK YOU! No gift goes further than your gift to Federation. We Are The Strength of a People – The Power of Community
See pages 20-23 for 42 event photos