Federation Star - March 2016 by Jewish Federation of Collier County

presented by

7 events still to choose from: February 29 - March 14

See pages 19-21 for the remainings schedule of events, venue locations, author bios, book synopses, ticket packages and an order form.

Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World

Federation Star

Calendar of Events

Published by the Jewish Federation of Collier County serving Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities

www.JewishNaples.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 1 2 8 16 17 19 27 28 30 33 34 36 38 39

Women’s Cultural Alliance Men’s Cultural Alliance Community Focus Tributes Jewish Interest Jewish Book Festival Israel & the Jewish World Business Directory Commentary Focus on Youth Synagogues Organizations Community Calendar Community Directory

8 One Book Southwest Florida events

12 JCMI Jewish Deli Fest “A Nosh to Remember”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 ~ 1:00 - 4:00PM

March 2016 - Adar 5776

Reading is a popular passion with WCA members By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Director

ur Jewish community is abuzz about the First Annual Collier County Jewish Book Festival! WCA is delighted to be sponsoring the Fiction event featuring authors Julia Dahl (Run You Down) and Susan Jane Gilman (The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street). I enjoyed reading both of these books and am looking forward to hearing these authors speak on Thursday, March 3, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom. I hope you will join WCA at this special program! Sponsoring a program at the Jewish Book Festival was an easy decision for WCA, as many of our members are avid readers. In fact, WCA runs a dozen special interest groups that provide WCA members with an opportunity to read a piece of literature and then participate in a group discussion about what they have read. None of these are “drop-in” groups; registration is needed to receive information about the meetings from the liaisons. The focus of these special interest groups varies by genre and includes novels, non-fiction, “legal” mysteries, books with a Jewish twist, contemporary fiction, selections from Great Books, contemporary short stories, articles from The New Yorker, and modern plays. In addition, WCA North and WCA South

each sponsor a book group. These groups meet at different times and locations; some meet in the morning, others in the afternoon; some meet in members’ homes, others at the Federation. All provide an intellectually stimulating opportunity for participants. (The focus of this article is on the book groups. Next month I will share information about the special interest groups for Great Books, The New Yorker, Contemporary Short Stories, and Modern Plays.) I hope that when you learn what these groups are reading, you will find books to add to your own personal reading list. The “Book Study” group provides an opportunity for in-depth discussions of plot, character and writing style in novels. Liaison Louise Novis reported that so far this season, the group has read The Invention of Wings by Susan Monk Kidd, The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan, We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen J. Fowler, and The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro. In March, women will read and discuss The Blazing World by Siri Hustvedt, and in April they will read All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. First Kill All the Lawyers is comprised of women who enjoy legal mysteries and courtroom dramas. The group

continued on page 4

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Theme: Russia Talia Carner, Hotel Moscow David Greene, Midnight in Siberia

Vol. 25 #7

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 ~ 1:00 - 4:00PM Theme: Family Dr. David Bernstein, I’ve Got Some Good News and Some Bad News: YOU’RE OLD Dani Klein Modisett, Take My Spouse Please

Presents23the First- 11:00AM Annual TUESDAY, FEBRUARY ~ 9:00 Theme: Food Chef Rossi, The Raging Skillet

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 ~ 1:00 - 4:00PM Theme: Local Authors B.A. Shapiro, The Muralist Marcare Simon, The Leapavailable Year14, Boy 2016 Tickets February 18 -still March Bob Mandell, Stroke Victor ~ 23 authors toevents these events: Jerry11 Greenfield, Secrets of the Wine Whisperer

All events take place in- Naples MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29 ~ 6:30 9:00PM These areTheme: just aSpirituality few of the books Sarah L. Kaufman, The Art of Grace you’ll hear about atGate the ofFestival: Jay Michaelson, The Tears

TUESDAY, MARCH 1 ~ 1:00 - 4:00PM Theme: Holocaust Daniel M. Cohen, Single Handed Steven Pressman, 50 Children

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 ~ 1:00 - 4:00PM Theme: Israel Jessamyn T. Hope, Safekeeping Mike Kelly, The Bus on Jaffa Road

THURSDAY, MARCH 3 ~ 1:00 - 4:00PM Theme: Fiction Julia Dahl, Run You Down Susan Jane Gilman, The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 ~ 6:30 - 9:00PM Theme: Memoir For more information on the 23 authors, Sally Fingerett, Mentaland Yentlmore: their books, tickets,The venues Dafna Michaelson Jenet, It Takes a Little Crazy

www.JewishBookFestival.org To Make a Difference THURSDAY, MARCH 10 ~ 6:30 - 9:30PM Thank You to Our Sponsors Theme: Powerful Women Lisa Green, On Your Case Julia Pimsleur, Million Dollar Women

MONDAY, MARCH 14 ~ 6:30 - 9:00PM

Theme: Inspiration Megan Feldman Bettencourt, Triumph of the Heart Goldie Milgram, New Mitzvah Stories

www.JewishBookFestival.org www.JewishBookFestival.org Women’s Cultural Alliance 239.263.4205

Historic decision by Israeli government to create permanent egalitarian prayer space at Western Wall 27 Top trends to watch in Israel in 2016

33 Naples BBYO participates in Mitzvah Day

e applaud Israel’s historic decision to create a permanent egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall. The Cabinet’s approval Sunday of the new space is a dramatic, unprecedented and critical acknowledgement by the State of Israel that Judaism’s holiest site – the Kotel – should incorporate the traditions of the Masorti (Conservative) and Reform streams, in which men and women pray together. The new prayer space will be jointly governed by a new body that will include Women of the Wall and the Masorti and Reform movements, and

Jewish Federation of Collier County Inc. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109

Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit #419 Ft Myers FL

will be led by the Chair of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel. The decision sends a powerful message to Israelis and Jews across the Diaspora about the permanent value of Jewish pluralism and about what we can do when we work together. Though much work regarding the implementation of this decision still remains, it is because of our perseverance and commitment to Jewish peoplehood that we are measurably closer today to the ultimate symbol of that reality – one Wall for one people. We are grateful to Women of the Wall and Anat Hoffman, who spent 27

years working toward this moment in our collective history. Without their efforts this historic achievement would not have been realized. The role of Jewish Agency Chairman of the Executive Natan Sharansky also cannot be overstated. We thank Israeli Cabinet Secretary Avichai Mandelblit and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Jerry Silverman, President & CEO, The Jewish Federations of North America Rabbi Steven C. Wernick, CEO, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism

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Federation Star March 2016

JEWISH FEDERATION

Renee’s community program & events corner Renee’ Bialek Community Program Coordinator Backgammon on Thursdays at the Jewish Federation: Contact Dena for reservations at dena_ robbins@me.com. March 3, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. March 10, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. March 17, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. March 24, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. March 31, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Chess on Wednesdays at the Jewish Federation: All levels are welcome to attend these free events on March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. RSVP to rbialek@jewishnaples.org. Dance lessons: On Monday, March 7 from 6:45 to 8:00

p.m. enjoy free dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 1585 Pine Ridge Rd., Ste. 3, Naples. No dance experience required. This free event is open to Federation members. Maximum of 30 people. RSVP by March 4 to rbialek@ jewishnaples.org. Kids Korner: Tuesday, March 15: NO SCHOOL! Come to the Jewish Federation to play games and put puzzles together from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Free event. RSVP by March 14 to rbialek@jewishnaples.org. Tuesday, March 29: Youth group for Kindergarten through grade 5. Come join us for fun and games from 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. Free event. RSVP by March 28 to rbialek@jewishnaples.org. Purim: Thursday, March 17: Make a grogger for Purim and take it home! Free event from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. RSVP by March 15. Maximum of 25 people. All ages are welcome. RSVP by March 15 to rbialek@jewishnaples.org.

Representing the Jewish Federation of Collier County at the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in downtown Naples were Jane Schiff, Joel Pittelman, Linda Scheinberg, Jared Bialek, Renee Bialek and Jeffrey Feld

Gary A. Layton, D.D.S.

Gentle Endodontics and second opinions

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Hamentashen Baking: Sunday, March 20 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.: Do your children like to eat hamentashen? Do you like to bake? Come bake at Amy’s House in Raffia Preserve in Naples. This free event is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Collier County and is hosted by Amy in her home. It is open to 15 moms who want to make delicious hamentashen for their children. To RSVP and for driving directions, please email Amy at aperwien@ gmail.com.

Coloring for Adults: Tuesday, March 22: Relax and color with us at this free event from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Maximum of 12 people. RSVP by March 21 to rbialek@jewish naples.org. Puzzles for Adults: Monday, March 28: Let’s put puzzles together at this free event from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Maximum of 12 people. RSVP by March 25 to rbialek@ jewishnaples.org.

Thank you, Steve Brazina! By Jeff Margolis

t is said that the most successful entrepreneurs find an unmet need and go out and fulfill it. Three years ago, Steve Brazina wondered why the WCA (Women’s Cultural Alliance), with over 1,200 members including his wife Rhonda, had so many activities, yet there was no such group for men. Steve met with then Federation Executive Director David Willens and planned the inauguration of the MCA (Men’s Cultural Alliance). With a small cadre of likeminded men, the fledgling organization began to organize activities, starting with monthly luncheons. The group began to grow, slowly at first, with activity groups that included fishing, birding, bocce and so on. Today, the Men’s Cultural Alliance boasts a membership of over 400 with a whole host of activities, including films, field trips, discussion groups and its first ever dinner dance with spouses. Steve has decided to step down as the founding president of the organization, but has agreed to continue in a role as program chair. Congratulations Steve for all of your hard work and dedication to the establishment and tutelage of the MCA. At its February luncheon meeting, the MCA elected a new slate of officers for the coming year. They are: President - Les Nizin, First Vice President - Michael Sobol, Second Vice President - Jeff Zalesky, Secretary - Dick Lechtner, and Treasurer - Steve Weiss. Congratulations and best wishes for a successful year. Upcoming events The fifth and final program in the MCA Monthly Lecture Series will take place

on Wednesday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. in the David G. Willens Community Room of the Federation. Our featured speaker will be Dr. Frank M.S. Peel who will be discussing “The Euro Is Europe’s Proudest Creation. But Is the Euro Now Destroying Europe?” For reservations, contact Wayne Kargher at w8kargher@ aol.com. On Thursday, March 10, the MCA will hold its monthly luncheon meeting at the Tiburon Country Club. Our featured speaker will be Dr. Peter Bergerson, professor of political science at FGCU. His topic will be “And the winner is? Handicapping the 2016 Election.” Dr. Bergerson will explore the current candidates, their strengths and weaknesses. The cost of the luncheon is $28 and the entrée choices are salmon or chicken. To make reservations, please send checks, payable to JFCC, to Meir Kehila, 4751 West Bay Blvd., #804, Estero, FL 33928. For more information, contact Meir at meirkehila1@me.com. Due to the sellout of the Red Sox spring training game, the MCA is sponsoring a second outing on Wednesday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. as the Minnesota Twins take on the Red Sox at Hammond Stadium. A limited number of tickets are available for this event. The cost is $27 per ticket. If interested, please send a check and self-addressed stamped envelope to Les Nizin, 6825 Grenadier Blvd., Apt. 902, Naples, FL 34108. For more information, email mcanaples@ aol.com. Join the MCA today! Simply fill out and mail the membership form on page 4.

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March 2016 Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

Spring forward, leap forward

. h

Jeffrey Feld

Federation President/ CEO

n the month of March, we will once again change our clocks and spring forward. We will already have experienced Leap Year 2016, and during the month of March we will experience leap year 5776. The difference of course is that we .have one extra day in February for leap year, whereas in the Jewish calendar, we dadd an entire extra month! Normally we have Adar, but this year we have Adar I and Adar II. It is a tad bit confusing. On wthe one hand, we lose one hour of sleep. ,On the other hand, we either gain one @full day (February 29) or an entire second month of Adar. It’s interesting, that Aas a Jewish community, we celebrate Purim in Adar, and in 5776, it does not get celebrated until the appropriate date rin Adar II. e The notion of having an extra day or an extra month is somehow very -appealing to me. The Jewish Federation of Collier County and our Jewish dcommunity are very busy. Having more time to do all the things that we nare doing sounds great. In reality, we eare still limited in time. Take a look at

all of the activities – from Federation, BBYO, our congregations, JFCS, the Holocaust Museum and all of our communal organizations – that are listed in just this issue of the Federation Star. We are a very engaged community. We are a vital, vibrant Jewish community. We should be very proud of what we have been able to create, together. Of course, one challenge is how to sustain what has already been created while, at the same time, we are making plans to build and grow our community. We do know that our Jewish community will continue to grow and that there will be more needs by current and new community members that we must be able to fulfill. It is the responsibility of everyone to help sustain the vitality of the community which, based on the involvement and activity, does spring forward and leap forward. It is wonderful to see so many people participating in so many activities. The engine that helps us spring forward is the annual community campaign. We like to say that “No Gift Touches More Lives.” Your continued support is needed to sustain and grow our community. If you have already made your commitment to Campaign 2016, we thank you very much. If you have not yet made your gift to Campaign 2016, please consider how you can help this community to spring forward. Todah Rabah!

Did you see the future?

Alvin Becker

s we have written before, the Jewish continuity is facing a r crisis. Assimilation and lack rof engagement have resulted in a de@clining attachment to Judaism and a corresponding weakened connection to lIsrael among younger Jews. Your Jewish nFederation of Collier County recognizes that our challenge with the next generation is to ensure the future survival and quality of Jewish life in our community and elsewhere. As a result, Youth Programs and Youth Education are a higher priority among the activities we support. Additional funding and other support have been earmarked for synagoguebased educational programming, Jewish preschools, religious schools, summer camp experiences, Hillel and BBYO. This increased priority was highlighted by two events at the Federation’s Power of Community Celebration in January. Those in attendance were

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first treated to an inspiring address by 16-year-old Jason Randall, a junior at Barron Collier High School and a member and key leader of our local BBYO. The Naples BBYO, organized by the joint efforts of Temple Shalom, Beth Tikvah, Chabad and the Federation, consists of a group of Jewish teens who work together with their peers on programming. Jason spoke about the skills he has developed by taking on leadership roles in BBYO, and the strong and lasting bonds he has made as a member, which he feels will last into adulthood. Everyone in attendance was impressed with Jason’s maturity and enthusiasm. At the conclusion of Jason’s remarks, Federation Executive Committee member Wallie Lenchner announced the establishment of a college scholarship to be awarded by the Federation annually, beginning next year, to a deserving local Jewish high school senior whose record of achievement mirrors the Federation’s mission of service to the community. For those in attendance at the community celebration, Jason’s remarks and the announcement of the scholarship award both reflected a promise of continued Jewish identity, and provided a welcome glimpse into the future.

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Learn how she achieved: Shurat HaDin – Israel LawofCenter •Founder More thanof $2 billion in court judgments on behalf terror victims • Freezing more than $600 million of terror-related assets howHaDin she achieved: Founder ofLearn Shurat – Israel Law Center • Collecting over $150 million for victims • More than $2 billion Learn in court judgments onterror behalf of terror victims how she achieved: Freezing more than $600 judgments million of on terror-related assets • • More than $2 billion in court behalf of terror victims Collecting forterror-related terror victims • • Freezing moreover than$150 $600 million million of assets WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016 – 11:45am • Collecting over $150 million for terror victims

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(Catered Luncheon & Jewish Presentation) Presented by the Cardozo Society of the Federation of Collier County (Catered Luncheon & Presentation)

of Naples Please make your check Temple payable toShalom Jewish Federation of Collier County, and send to: Temple Shalom of Naples Yale T. Freeman, P.A., Ridge 7400 Tamiami N., Suite Naples, FL 34108 4630 Pine Road,Trail Naples, FL101, 34119 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119

For Yale Society Freeman, ytfreeman@ytfreemanlaw.com; 239-530-2500 Presented byinformation: the Cardozo ofofthe ofCollier CollierCounty County Presented by the Cardozo Society theJewish Jewish Federation Federation of

Please makemake youryour check payable to to Jewish County,and and send Please check payable JewishFederation Federation of of Collier Collier County, send to:to: Yale Yale T. Freeman, P.A., 7400 Tamiami Naples,FL FL34108 34108 T. Freeman, P.A., 7400 TamiamiTrail TrailN., N.,Suite Suite 101, 101, Naples, For information: Freeman, ytfreeman@ytfreemanlaw.com; 239-530-2500 For information: YaleYale Freeman, ytfreeman@ytfreemanlaw.com; 239-530-2500

Federation Star March 2016

JEWISH FEDERATION www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com / 215-820-6697

WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE Women’s Cultural Alliance...continued from page 1 discusses current and contemporary legal mysteries in the hope of discovering stories that deserve to become literary classics. Liaison Judy Peltz remarked, “We have a number of lawyers who joined this book group so discussions have been lively and fun.” Beginning with its opening gathering in November, the group has read The Color of the Law by Mark Gimenez, The Children Act by Ian McEwan, and Defending Jacob by William Landay. The focus of the February and March gatherings will be on the book and movie of A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr. For its final gathering in April, the group will discuss Sandrine’s Case by Thomas Cook. Contemporary Fiction meets monthly throughout the year. During season, Liaison Sue Bookbinder schedules extra sessions December through March to accommodate the larger num-

ber of participants. A different member of the group facilitates each discussion; everyone’s comments and opinions are welcomed and encouraged. Books that have been read since November include The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Nora Webster by Colm Toibin, Euphoria by Lily King, and Yachav & Lena by Halen Tanner. In March through May, the group will read Big Brother by Lionel Shriver, The Rosie Project by Graeme Simson, and An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine. Sue commented, “This group is a real joy for me. No matter how much I believe I understand and have ‘mastered each book,’ the members’ discussion of these books brings new illumination to me. And the members all claim to walk out with a better understanding and appreciation of the book than when they walked in! To me that spells success

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WCA-sponsored event: Thursday, March 3, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom~ Topic: Fiction Susan Jane Gilman ~ The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street Julia Dahl ~ Run You Down www.JewishBookFestival.org ~ 239.263.4205 and is the key to what makes this book group so wonderful! I’ve been running it for many (!) years and each year the group seems to get smarter and smarter. I plan to never give it up... What better way is there for me to keep getting smarter as well!” The Jewish Experience Book Club reads a variety of books each year, with subjects ranging from the Holocaust to life in Israel, Europe or the United States – past and current. All of the books read are written by a Jewish author. The book club meets four times per year, beginning in December. At its first two gatherings, the women read A Replacement Life by Boris Fishman and The Spinoza Problem by Irvin D. Yalom. In March and April the group will read An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris and Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein. Liaison Arlene Sobol said, “We have a lively discussion every month, whether the participants enjoyed the book or not. All books are chosen with the discussion in mind. Everyone participates and everyone’s views are welcomed. The leader each month can depend on most attendees having a point of view to contribute to the discussion!” WCA North sponsors two book groups that meet monthly year-round, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This provides flexibility to women trying to fit the book group into their busy schedules. To accommodate more members, WCA North Book Forum meets at the Grandezza Country Club; coffee and light snacks are served in a small intimate setting. This season WCA North’s selections include two books that will be presented at the Jewish Book Festival: Safekeeping by Jessamyn Hope and The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro. Other books being read this season are Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson, A Spool of Blue Thread

by Anne Tyler, Thirteen Ways of Looking by Colum McCann, and Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff. Liaison Dina Shein commented, “I love being a part of this group because I meet beautiful women with a common love for language, for sharing conversation, and an appreciation of reading. The best part is when we discover the flow of language and the sudden flash of understanding and poetry.” The book group sponsored by WCA South meets monthly, choosing books from Literary Fiction, Biography/NonFiction, and works with Jewish themes. Co-Liaison Pat Sutker (who runs the group with Co-Liaison Leda Lubin) explained, “This is the first year for the book group and it is exciting to meet new members and work out the details of just where we want our books to take us.” So far this season the group has discussed An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski, which poses the question “What do you do when you pass a panhandler on the street?”; Simon Wiesenthal’s The Sunﬂower, which also addresses a difficult moral question; The Storied Life Of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin; and Marshall Goldberg’s non-fiction The New Colossus. In March the group will read and discuss Daniel James Brown’s The Boys In The Boat, the true story of the heroic crew team from University of Washington that won in the 1936 Olympics. In April the group will read Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, a work of fiction that takes place in Nazioccupied France. Some of these WCA special interest Book Groups are still accepting members, but you need to be a member of WCA to participate. Don’t delay, join WCA today! Simply fill out and mail the membership form on this page. For more information about WCA, go to www.womensculturalalliance.com.

Women’s Cultural Alliance Membership Form Our Membership year runs from September 1 to August 31. Dues for members who join after March 1st will cover the next season.

Men's Cultural Alliance of Collier County Men's Cultural Alliance of CollierForm County 2015-2016 Membership

New Member____ Renewal____ Is there a change in your information from last year? YES___ NO___ ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Name

Spouse/Partner Name

___________________________________________________________________

Email Address (very important)

2015-2016 Membership Form 31 of the next year. The membership year is from November 1 until October The membership year is from November 1 until October 31 of the next year. Dues received after April 30 will be applied to the next season. Dues received after April 30 will be applied to the next season.

Please check one: New Please check one: ☐NewRenewal ☐☐ ☐ Renewal

___________________________________________________________________

fill the out the formcompletely completely and PRINT CLEARLY!) (PLEASE(PLEASE fill out form and PRINT CLEARLY!)

Name: _________________________________ _______________________________Name: Spouse or Partner Name, if applicable: Community in which you live FL Home Phone Spouse or Partner Name, if applicable: Local Address: ______________________________ ____________________________________ City: State: Cell Phone Northern Phone Local Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Email (very important): City: State: Northern Street Address, City, State or Province, Zip Florida phone: Cell or alternate phone: Email (very important): In FL: Full Time______ OR Part Time______ From _________________________ to _______________________ Northern Address: City: State:phone: Zip: Cell or alternate Membership Dues are $90.00 (US Funds), which includes a $36.00 donation to Federation $90.00 Florida phone: FL Street Address, City, Zip

I am also including a voluntary donation to the Federation in the amount of $_________________Northern

Total enclosed or authorized $__________________City: ____I will be paying by check. (Please make your check payable to JFCC/WCA.)

In Southwest Florida: full-time ☐ part-time ☐ (from Address:

Zip:

)

Membership fee: $56 (US Funds only, Minimum for the year; includes Federation membership.)

State: Zip: NAME BADGES A name badge will be issued to you at no charge if you are a NEW member. In Southwest Florida: full-time ☐ part-time ☐ (from to ) I want a replacement name badge: Yes ☐ No ☐ Fee: $8. If you checked yes, submit a total fee is $64. ____I will be paying by credit card: Card Number_________________________________________________________ Namefee: as you want(US it toFunds appear on the name badge Membership $56 only, Minimum for the year; includes Federation membe Exp. Date_______________ Name on Card________________________________________________________ Additional donation to the Federation is voluntary and encouraged.

NAME BADGES Please your check Federation of Collier County and mail with this form to: A name badge willmake be issued to payable you at to: no Jewish charge if you are a NEW member. MCA/ Jewish Federation of Collier I want a replacement name badge: YesCounty ☐ No ☐ Fee: $8. If you checked yes, submit a total fee i ____I would like to volunteer for WCA by Chairing or Co-Chairing a program. Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Ste. 2201 Name as you 2500 want it to appear on the name badge ____I would like to be a speaker or lead a workshop on these topics: If checked, list topic(s)_______________________ Naples, FL 34109 ____I would like to volunteer in some capacity, but I am not yet sure what. Additional donation to the Federation is voluntary and encouraged. You must sign the waiver below, and return this completed form with your check or credit card information. To be included in the WCA Directory, we must have this information by August 1.

I would like to volunteer my services/expertise and would be willing to chair or co-chair a meeting/outing Please sign Event Participation Waiver: As a participant in a WCA event, I, acting for myself, my executors, make on your payable to: Jewish Federation of Collier County and mail with this form the check following topic or topics: administrators, heirs, next of kin agree as follows: I waive all rights, claims, courses of action, of any kind whatsoeverPlease that I or my heirs or my legal representatives may claim to have against The Jewish Federation of Collier County, The Jewish Federation of Collier County EVENT PARTICIPATION WAIVER Women’s Cultural Alliance, or their agents, servants, and/or employees, for any loss, injury, or damage sustained by MCA/ me By signing below, I accept the terms of this waiver. while participating in a WCA event. This waiver and release shall be construed broadly, under the laws of the State of 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd,in Ste. 2201 As a participant an MCA event, I , acting for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin agree Florida. Your membership payment is your permission for Women’s Cultural Alliance to take and use photographs/videos for appropriate purposes in accordance with WCA’s mission as follows: That I waive all rights, claims, cause of action, of any kind whatsoever that I or my heirs, legal Naples, FL 34109

representatives may claim to have against either The Jewish Federation of Collier County, and or the Men’s Cultural Alliance of Collier County, their members, agents, servants, and or employees, for any loss, injury, I would like to my services/expertise and would be willing to chair or co-chair a meeting/ or volunteer damage sustained by me while participating in an MCA event. This waiver and release shall be construed broadly, under Laws of the State of Florida. on the following topic orthe topics:

Signature_________________________________________________ Date__________________________ Please mail this form (with the signed waiver) and your check or credit card number to: Jewish Federation of Collier County, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. #2201, Naples FL 34109.

If you prefer, you may complete this form online at www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com and then print off the form, sign the waiver, and mail it to the Jewish Federation (at the above address) with your payment.

Signature

EVENT PARTICIPATION WAIVER By signing below, accept the terms of this waiver. For more information: Contact Steve BrazinaI sbrazina@aol.com

JEWISH FEDERATION

Published by

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, Florida 34109-0613 Phone: (239) 263-4205 Fax: (239) 263-3813 www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org Officers

Board Chair: Alvin Becker Vice Chair: Kevin Aizenshtat Vice Chair: Phyllis Seaman Secretary: Wallie Lenchner Treasurer: Jerry Sobelman Immed. Past Chair: Judge Norman Krivosha

Board of Directors Joshua Bialek Rosalee Bogo David Braverman Harvey Brenner Dan Carp Stephen Coleman Karen Deutsch Michael Feldman Alan Gordon Neil Heuer Joel Pittelman Jane Schiff Arlene Sobol Michael Sobol Steve Strome Dr. Daniel Wasserman Beth Wolff Edward Wollman Barry Zvibleman

Past Presidents

Gerald Flagel, Dr. William Ettinger, Ann Jacobson, Sheldon Starman, Bobbie Katz, Rosalee Bogo

Board Members Emeritus Hans Levy Shirley Levy

Synagogue Representatives Cantor Donna Azu Sue Baum Rabbi Ammos Chorny Rabbi Mark Gross Phil Jason Rabbi Adam Miller Suzanne Paley Rabbi James Perman Dr. Arthur Seigel Neil Shnider Rabbi Sylvin Wolf Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

Federation President/CEO Jeffrey Feld

Staff

Renee’ Bialek, Community Prog. Coord. Stacy Hersha, Business Oper. Mgr. Julie Hartline, Donor Relations Coord.

Federation is the central Jewish community-building organization for Collier County, providing a social service network that helps Jewish people in Collier County, in Israel and around the world. As the central fundraising organization for Jewish communal life in our area, strength is drawn from organized committees of dedicated volunteers. Programs include: • Annual Campaign & Endowment fund • Educational & cultural programs • Israel Advocacy Committee • Jewish Book Festival • Jewish Community Relations Council • Jewish Russian-American Cultural Alliance • Men’s Cultural Alliance • Publication of the Federation Star, Connections and ership.) Community Directory • Strategic Planning • Women’s Cultural Alliance is $64. • Women’s Division • YAD – Young Adult Division • Youth Activities Committee – sponsoring youth education and o: scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and the Israel Experience

The work of the Jewish Federation of Collier County represents both our community /outing and our community’s most generous tradition – to give to others even in the most difficult times.

March 2016 Federation Star

Meet your Campaign 2016 Chair: Harvey Brenner By Jean Amodea

arvey Brenner is making his one-on-one solicitations, asking for in Naples that is growing by leaps and mark as an effective and prosupport and possible increases in donabounds. At the Power of Community ductive Federation board memtions. It has turned out to be a successful Celebration, we saw the future of our ber for the past three years. way to run a campaign, and we hope it Jewish youth from the speech given by He and his wife Maxine, natives of continues. Jason Randall, a phenomenal eleventh Pittsburgh, have three married children How is the campaign progressing? grader and the embodiment of the future who have two children each rangWe are working hard, and it is off to of our Jewish community. We support ing from age 8 to 20, a good start with the many ongoing programs, including the whom they keep close January 7 Major Gifts Jewish Congregation of Marco Island with through the Inevent that had the largest and Beth Tikvah Jewish Film Festivals, ternet with Skype and attendance in its history the JCMI Saul Stern Cultural Series and summer visits. with 98 attendees at Dan many more. Besides leisure and Linda Carp’s home. What organizations are we supportactivities like bike We had great success in ing in Israel? riding, reading, and our solicitation and still When Maxine and I visited Israel, hopes to travel, at have others who are gowe visited two that we support with least one bucket-list ing to make pledges. We grant money. One was Yad LaKashish, wish has been accomalso had the Power of Lifeline for the Old (www.lifeline.org. plished. Last May, Community Celebration il), in Jerusalem, which provides for they made their first on January 16 at Tibualmost 300 needy elders. The other trip to Israel – with ron with 340 persons in was Neve Michael Children’s Village Rabbi Adam Miller attendance. The great (www.nevemichael.com) in Pardes and friends of Temple number of pledges has Hana, which provides a safe haven for Shalom – where they put us ahead to date with some 250 at-risk Israeli children. It was Harvey Brenner renewed their wedour annual campaign. a heartwarming experience to see these ding vows in celebration of their fiftieth We have momentum now because the children happy and getting a new lease anniversary, at the Sea of Tiberius. more gifts we can get, the more money on life while being so well taken care of. A career sales representative for 30 we can give back to the Jewish comNo gift touches more lives than when years who traveled between four states munity in Collier County and to the we support the many organizations that for a men’s sportswear company sell65 countries, including Israel that we need our help. ing to retailers, Brenner honed his sales support. Jean Amodea, a former school principal techniques knowing about and believing What local organizations does the from New Jersey, is a freelance writer in his products. Federation support? for the Naples Daily News and its comSomething people don’t know about The number one target goal for last year munity publications as well as director him, he said, is that “When I do a job, I was Jewish continuity. We support the of Peter Duchin Music of Naples/Enjump in feet first and put my heart and Jewish preschools and religious schools tertainment Direct. She also performs soul into it.” An admitted type A personin Collier County with scholarships for with her husband Ron’s dance band, ality, who his wife says is a type A plus, needy students. We also support Hillel jazz ensemble and Caribbean quartet. today, Brenner uses his experience and at FGCU and Hillel International. We Reach Jean at jeanamodea@gmail.com. sales skills and non-stop energy for the have a very strong BBYO organization benefit of the Federation via his latest appointment as chairman of the annual campaign. We chatted to learn more. How did you come to settle in Southwest Florida? Knowing my 30-year sales background, a customer in Pittsburgh asked me to help buy and merchandise his store’s products. I did and managed the store for four years. My wife started talking about the cold weather and since we were empty nesters, she wanted to find a nice warm place to retire. We visited friends in Naples in March 2001, and it was love at first sight. Before we left that visit, we purchased a lot in a community and had a house built. We returned to Pittsburgh, sold our home, and then on June 1, we moved to Naples and watched our home being built while I continued to work. What kind of work did you do in Naples? I applied for work at a high-end menswear store on Third Street South and worked there for nine years, before retiring in June 2010. I then began volunteer work at the Federation and was eventually asked to serve on the board. What is the backstory to your position as the annual campaign chairman? One of our big functions is our annual campaign and raising funds. Three years ago, David Willens approached me since he knew about my work in a high-end store, that I was not afraid to sell, and that I had many client contacts. He asked if they had been solicited for our campaign. I got the go ahead to approach ® these wonderful clients and had great success with raising funds. Then, last year, I was asked to be a part of the camOver 140 Top Designer and Brand Name Outlet Stores paign cabinet, and I put together others Voted the Best Shopping Mall to help. This year, I was promoted and and Best Factory Outlet Mall in Southwest Florida asked to take on the chairmanship of the annual campaign for all solicitations. I UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICES gladly accepted it. MiromarOutlets.com • I-75, Exit 123 • (239) 948-3766 • What has been your strategy? Copyright © 2016, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Outlets is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation. 0316-0287 We took a different approach, that of

Look Like You Spent A Lot!

MIROMAR OUTLETS

The Federation Star is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

Federation Star March 2016

JEWISH FEDERATION

We need your support now! Phyllis Seaman Federation Vice Chair

eason is in full swing, roads are clogged, there are long restaurant waits, and there’s a shortage of space at our Jewish Federation office. The David G. Willens Community Room is busy every day and on many evenings. WCA and MCA (Women’s and Men’s Cultural Alliances) have many programs on most days, including cards, Mah Jongg, educational speakers and programs to name a few. Advance reservations for meeting space are required due to our Federation board and sub-committees, WCA and MCA, and our BBYO all vying for the same few meeting rooms. We are literally bursting at the seams. It can be very frustrating, but it is fabulous to see how much is going on in our wonderful, growing Jewish community. Hopefully, our 2016 Campaign will grow proportionately. The Jewish Federation of Collier County is working and planning for our Jewish community’s future and needs, but we need YOU! Over the last few years, we have dedicated our campaign to Jewish continuity and our youth, our future. For these reasons we have strongly supported and raised our allocations to our

synagogue Hebrew schools, preschools and day camps, Jewish summer camp scholarship programs, BBYO, Hillel, Taglit Birthright Israel trips, and Masa high school in Israel. We have helped send students who have qualified to participate in the Maccabi games in both Israel and the U.S. The Jewish Federation’s partnership with WCA and MCA has connected many people socially as well as culturally during season. Some of these groups have now made their social groups year round in their Northern communities. There are over 1,200 women and over 400 men participating. Look at how much you get from your membership. Many of you support Federation beyond your $36 membership contribution, but many more don’t. Those of us who take part in fundraising in this community hear from many the old standard, “We give up North” or at “home.” You have come to this community and this is your “home” for a good portion of the year. Give where you live. I bet most of you have become residents of Florida and enjoy the wonderful tax benefits. Get an added tax benefit by supporting our Federation. Just think about how much more we could do with your help. There is a saying about the power and strength in numbers. Over 1,600 people in WCA and MCA are pretty powerful numbers. This is also for anyone in our community who has never made a gift to our Federation. We really need you to

be our partners and help support our many programs. The Baby Boomer and senior generations are our most affluent, generous and committed generations ever. We need you now to help make our 2016 Campaign year our most successful ever. Help us be successful in fulfilling the request for the needs of our Jewish community here, nationally, in Israel and over 60 countries around the world. Our Campaign Cabinet and Allocations Committee are hoping to have most of our gifts or pledges in by the end of season to have a better handle on our allocation requests. Remember, if we don’t help our people, who will? The list of our recipients can be found in the “Where Your Dollars Go”

box below. Look it over. To all of you who have already made your gift or pledge to the 2016 Campaign, we thank you. If you have not yet done so, please consider an increase over last year. I want to thank everyone for their good wishes and congratulatory messages on my honor of the Kipnis-Wilson/ Friedland Lion of Judah award. I will be receiving the award at the Lion of Judah Conference in Washington, D.C., at the Washington Hilton, September 11-13. I had been hoping to have a group join me even before the announcement of the honor. Those Lions considering attending can go to The Jewish Federations of North America website (www.jfna.org) and sign up for information. Registration begins in March.

We Are the Strength of a People – The Power of Community

Jewish Federation of Collier County Alvin Becker, Chairman Jeffrey Feld, CEO/President As a representative of Temple Shalom, I want to thank your Board of Trustees and your leadership for honoring Temple Shalom’s Religious School and Preschool with a combined grant of fifty-seven thousand five hundred dollars ($57,500). This grant is to be used for programming and scholarships for those families that are in financial need but still value Jewish education. B As you know, Temple Shalom does not deny any person membership in the congregation, the opportunity to worship, or participation in educational programs due to financial hardships. Our doors are open to all. Our preschoolers attend with great enthusiasm and excitement to learn new things and meet new friends. Our religious school students begin to learn Torah and prepare for their day on the bimah as they become b’nai mitzvah and to take their place as adults in the Jewish community. Again, every child, at Temple Shalom, is entitled to that Jewish education. Temple Shalom values its partnership with the Jewish Federation of Collier County. Your support is very much appreciated. B’Shalom, Neil Shnider, President Temple Shalom

WHERE YOUR DOLLARS GO

“Serving the Jewish Community for Over 14 Years” Traditional Jewish Services

Israel & Overseas Humanitarian & Social Services  American Jewish World Service  JFNA - Overseas Core Assessment  JFNA - Israel Action Network  JFNA - Stop the Sirens Campaign  JNF - Sderot Emergency Fund  JNF - Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center  Neve Michael Children’s Village  Yad LaKashish  Sapir Community Center, Kfar Saba  WUPJ - HaTikvah Preschool in Ukraine  Birthright Israel  ORT (World ORT/ORT America)

CELEBRATE ISRAEL ITS CULTURE, PEOPLE & INNOVATION

Sponsored by the Israel Advocacy Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County

Local Humanitarian & Social Services  Jewish Family & Community Services  Senior Outreach & Support  Developing Healthy Socialization Skills  Counseling & Mental Health Support

Sunday, May 15 ~ 1-4 pm on the lawn at the Mercato FREE admission

Join our community in this multi-cultural event celebrating Israel on the 68th anniversary of its independence. Enjoy Israeli dancing, music by Simcha, games, speakers, crafts, art, food by Stage Deli, and a Mount Masada climbing wall. Visit 20 Israel-themed booths covering travel insights, science, medicine, communications and more.

George Rubin, Photographer

For more information, email jeffreymrandall@gmail.com

Youth Programs & Youth Education  Beth Tikvah Youth Education  BBYO Naples  Camp Scholarships  Chabad - Camp Gan Israel/Preschool of the Arts/Hebrew School  Jewish War Veterans Post #202  Temple Shalom - Preschool & Religious School Scholarships  Hillel at Florida Gulf Coast University

Cultural Programs & Adult Education  Anti-Defamation League  Beth Tikvah Scholar-in-Residence  Catholic-Jewish Dialogue  Evy Lipp People of the Book Event  Fund for Human Needs  Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL  Israel Advocacy Committee Programs  Jewish Community Relations Council  Men’s Cultural Alliance  Naples Jewish Congregation Cultural Program  Stand Up for Justice Grant  Temple Shalom Men’s Club  Jewish Cong. of Marco Island - Jewish Film Festival  Jewish Cong. of Marco Island - Cultural Series  Women’s Cultural Alliance

JEWISH FEDERATION

March 2016 Federation Star

Israel Advocacy Committee update: Body and Soul debuts in Naples

6By Jeff Margolis his has been quite a busy year for e the Israel Advocacy Committee of Collier County. We started the season with the Israel Bonds Brunch at Pelican Bay with guest /speaker and reporter David Ben Alon. Herb Keinon, from the Jerusalem Post addressed the community in Novemeber, followed by Asaf Romirowsky’s in-depth review of BDS (Boycott, Dinvestment and Sanctions) in December. eIn January Dr. Mordechai Kedar spoke about Islam in a joint program with the flocal ZOA chapter. ) Most recently, after a year of planning and discussions, Gloria Z. Greenfield’s film production, Body and Soul - The State of the Jewish Nation, had its premiere at Temple Shalom in Naples. The program was a joint effort of the Israel Advocacy Committee of Collier County and the local ZOA chapter. Greenfield’s film traces the historical roots of the people of Israel with the

land, validating its claim as a Jewish homeland. From biblical times to the British Mandate for Palestine in 1922, which drew the boundary lines for the modern State of Israel, Greenfield uses scholarly research and commentary to definitively debunk Palestinian and antiZionist claims to the land. In recent years there has been a concerted effort to delegitimize the State of Israel and its claims to the territory. This same anti-Zionist rhetoric has been used as a propaganda tool on college campuses as part of the BDS movement to eradicate centuries of Jewish history in the land. Professor Ruth Wisse of Harvard University noted at the film’s conclusion, “The Jewish people have a right to demand, every day, every hour, the right to be respected.” “Celebrate Israel” In its continuing effort to promote the importance of Israel culturally, economically and politically, the Is-

Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance update By Marina Berkovich

eventy-five former Soviet Jews and their spouses have already joined our group after only two events. On Sunday, March 6 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. we are looking forward to expanding our membership ranks at our next fun social. It will be combining our Jewish roots in the early feast of Esther with our Soviet Socialist traditions present as International Women’s Day, normally March 8. Women do not cook on Women’s Day, so no pot-luck this time. However, there still will be a light meal, non-alcoholic beverages, and delicious desserts to share. What really brings us together is our language (Russian) and

geographic beginnings (USSR), so like the previous two times, we will have a blast of a time talking, swapping stories, making new friends, singing and watching the Russian-language feature One of Many Wandering Stars, a film about the Crimean Jewish Commune of 1920s. Please help us spread the word. Tell your Jewish neighbors from the former USSR that we are waiting for them to be “found.” The event will take place in the David G. Willens Community Room of the Jewish Federation of Collier County. RSVP to Sofia Perlstein at 239.594.0273 or Emilia Libers at 678.428.3968 or emilialibers4@gmail.com.

rael Advocacy Committee is honored to sponsor “Celebrate Israel.” This final IAC event of the season will take place on Sunday, May 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the lawn at the Mercato. Please join the community in celebrating Israel on the 68th anniversary of its independence. Enjoy Israeli dancing, music, games, speakers, crafts, art works

and, of course, food. There will be 20 Israel-themed booths with information regarding travel, science, medicine, communications and more. This event is free and open to the public. Circle the date and be sure to bring your family and friends. For more information, please contact Jeffrey Randall, program chair, at jeffreymrandall@gmail.com.

The Jewish Federation of Collier County and the IAC Committee thank Steve Brazina. Pictured are IAC Committee members Diane Hahn, Jeffrey Randall, Steve Brazina, Luba Rotsztain, Jeff Margolis and Gerry Melnick (Members not pictured: Brian Dorn, Ed Ezrine, Howard Agranat, Monica Goodwin)

The Cardozo Society The Cardozo Society was formed as a way to network the many Jewish attorneys in our legal community. The Jewish Federation of Collier County continues to reach out to raise awareness through this association of Jewish attorneys, promoting professionalism, cooperation and identification with our Jewish community. For more information, please contact Yale Freeman at ytfreeman@ytfreemanlaw.com.

What do you think? The Federation Star wants to know! Send your letters and comments to fedstar18@gmail.com

Letters Policy Include your name, full address and daytime phone. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, the Federation Star or its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received.

The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue presents Walking God’s Paths Session 2 “Shared Origins, Diverse Roads” This session explores the Late Second Temple period that gave birth to Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism. Participants will see how the centrality of the Torah for Jews and of Jesus Christ for Christians was significantly intensified by the destruction of the Temple by the Romans. The session consists of a 15-minute video and dialogue questions. The facilitators are Rabbi Mark Gross from the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island and Fr. Jim Simko from Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Sunday, March 13 at 2:00 p.m. Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church Clausen Building 625 111th Ave. N., Naples

This is a free event. RSVP required to cjdialogue@naples.net or 239.370.4277.

Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org.

Federation Star March 2016 HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & ED CTR OF SWFL

COMMUNITY FOCUS www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org / 239-263-9200

Museum celebrates its 15th anniversary Amy Snyder Executive Director

his year, we celebrate our 15th anniversary. A lot has happened in the world in the last 15 years. Governments have changed hands, economies have been up and down, personalities and fads have come and gone. Yet, one thing hasn’t changed for any of us. No matter who you are or where you live, you want a better future for your children. A lot has happened with the Museum, too, these past 15 years. We grew from a small storefront exhibit space to our current location, where we have twice expanded and still need room. The original Museum was only open a few days a week, staffed and supported by a small group of dedicated volunteers and donors. Now, open year round, we also have an education department offering a range of programming to students in six counties in Southwest Florida. Since 2001, these programs have reached over 145,000 students in grades K-12 through the college/university level. Our permanent Museum collection now has over 1,000 World War II and Holocaust

artifacts and original photographs. Our busy calendar is full of exhibits and special events. Along the way, we have joined with our community partners in many worthwhile projects. Our volunteer corps continues to grow with dedicated people. One thing has never changed for us – to use education to create a better future for children in Southwest Florida. Did you know our roots are in education? We were inspired by teachers David Bell and Michelle Lee’s “Out of the Ashes” student project on the Holocaust at Golden Gate Middle School in the late 1990s. Several years ago, we added “& Education Center” to our name, underscoring our commitment to help students and visitors learn, remember and share the lessons of the Holocaust. In early 2016, we updated our mission statement to better reflect what we do through our education programs. Building on the original statement – “to teach the history and lessons of the Holocaust” – the new statement is “to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against bigotry, hatred and violence.” We show our students how one person can make a difference, and encourage them to act, to make a positive contribution to their families and communities now and in the future. Our 15th Anniversary Celebration

Clergy Panel: “Forgiveness in a Wounded World”

n January 14, as part of the One Book Southwest Florida events for 2016, a Clergy Panel discussed the topic “Forgiveness in a Wounded World.” David Prager, the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Southern Region Representative, moderated the panel, which included Rabbi Adam Miller of Temple Shalom, Rev. Lonnie Mills of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, and Sister Patricia Roche, Principal of St. John Neumann Catholic High School.

David shared about the role of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in connecting the lessons of the Holocaust to the world of today. The panelists answered the moderator’s and audience’s questions with insight, humility and a basis in the Scriptures of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Many thanks to all who participated and attended. Special thanks to the staff of the North Collier Regional Park and to the Naples Daily News.

Holocaust Musuem & Education Center of SWFL-sponsored event: Tuesday, March 1, 1-4 p.m. at Temple Shalom ~ Topic: Holocaust Steven Pressman ~ 50 Children Daniel M. Cohen ~ Single Handed www.JewishBookFestival.org ~ 239.263.4205 - Our Triumph will be held on Wednesday, April 13 at the Naples Yacht Club. Please contact the Museum for more information about reservations and business sponsorships. Building up to the event, we are sharing 15 special experiences from our past. The series, “15 Years – 15 Stories,” highlights the impact the Museum and its education programs have had on students, teachers and the greater Southwest Florida community. Some of the stories deal with the personal connections made by students and Holocaust survivors when participating in our programs. Some show how deeply moved students were by what

they learned about the Holocaust and how they were motivated to respond with positive action. Another illustrates how children are still impacted by discrimination, and can personally relate to family escape experiences shared by survivors. If you would like to receive these stories, please provide us with your email address. We invite you to join us on our journey to create a better future for the children of Southwest Florida and, ultimately, our world. Your support of our programs, visits to the Museum and the good example you set for the young people around you will get us all there.

Simon Wiesenthal’s legacy extolled By Jeff Margolis

is life was not about forgiveness or vengeance. His life was about justice. Simon Wiesenthal, the Holocaust survivor turned worldwide Nazi Hunter, was relentless in pursuit of justice for the 6 million who could not seek it themselves. At the One Book Southwest Florida events in mid-January, keynote speaker Mark Weitzman, who knew Simon personally, recounted Wiesenthal’s legacy dedicated to bringing Nazi war criminals to justice. From his small, cluttered office in Vienna, Wiesenthal helped track down Adolf Eichmann, the architect of the “Final Solution.” Weitzman, Director of Government Affairs and the Director of Task Force against Hate and Terrorism for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, noted that Wiesenthal was the first person to develop a list of Nazi war criminals and to investigate their whereabouts through the Jewish Documentation Center which he organized with the U.S. military at the end of World War II. His efforts eventually led to the formation of the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), an arm of the Justice Department that is still hunting down Nazi criminals and other violators of crimes against humanity in the United States today.

Weitzman urged the audiences at the South Regional Library and Temple Shalom to be diligent in the battle against anti-Semitism. “A combination of hatred and technology is dangerous,” he said. He explained how Wiesenthal tried to help rebuild society and left us a legacy from the war crimes tribunals that were directed at serving that purpose. Weitzman’s presentation was the culminating activity of this year’s One Book Southwest Florida program. The committee chose Wiesenthal’s book The Sunﬂower as this year’s selection. The project was jointly sponsored by the Collier County Library, the Lee County Library, the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, GenShoah of Southwest Florida and the Naples Daily News. Mark Wietzman still keeps in touch with Wiesenthal’s daughter and grandchildren, who live in Israel. The Simon Wiesenthal Center has a Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, a Museum of Tolerance in New York, and a Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem. The Center also produces educational and documentary films under its Moriah Films division.

Rabbi Adam Miller, Sister Patricia Roche, Rev. Lonnie Mills, David Prager

Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: • scholarship • outreach • inquiry • sharing knowledge • preserving the record • helping teachers • encouraging students

Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director

Jeffrey Feld, Ida Margolis, Mark Weitzman, Feilica Anchor and Steve Brazina at Weitzman’s One Book Southwest Florida presentation at Temple Shalom

Ida Margolis, Jeff Margolis, Mark Weitzman and Joan Hogan at the luncheon held in Weitzman’s honor

March 2016 Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Community invited to GenShoah screening of Hitler’s Courts Ida Margolis GenShoah President

n Sunday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m., the award-winning film Hitler’s Courts: Betrayal of the Rule of Law will be presented by Gen-Shoah SWFL at the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, 4760 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. The facilitator of this event is Judge Norman Krivosha, who served as Chief

Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court. He will also conduct the Q&A after the screening. The film has been shown at conferences and seminars throughout the country because of the significance of the topic of the role of lawmakers during the Nazi era. The short film shows what happens when those charged with defending the rule of law betray that trust. Perversion of the courts under Nazi rule is examined, as well as the complicity of lawmakers in mass murder. Archival footage from the Nazi era and interviews with leaders in international law are featured in the film. Lawrence Raful, dean of Touro Law Center, wrote

that this film is extremely relevant in America today as “we wrestle with the difficult balance between civil liberties and national security.” Seating is very limited and RSVPs to genshoahswfl@icloud.com are absolutely required. Yom HaShoah commemoration On Wednesday, May 4 at 5:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom (4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples), the community will commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. We hope that many GenShoah and community members will be able to attend this event. GenShoah SWFL is a group open not only to children of Holocaust survi-

Holocaust Memorial Week at FSW

he Lee (Thomas Edison) Campus of Florida SouthWestern State College will observe the twentieth annual Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memorial Week Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25. The mission of the Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memorial Week is “To educate students and the community about the Holocaust, to honor its victims and survivors, to cultivate tolerance, and to promote awareness of modern-day genocide in support of the world’s promise of ‘Never Again.’” The theme, “Innocence Lost,” will be carried through the week’s events which include presentations by survivors, faculty and students. In addition, there will be a student art show, and film and writing competitions. All sessions are free and open to the public. Once again Florida SouthWestern State College is partnering with The Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida to display the Holocaust boxcar for educational tours.

The boxcar will be on the Lee Campus Sunday, February 21 through Thursday, March 31, and will be at the HendryGlades Center Friday, April 1 through Tuesday, May 31. Associate Dean for Student Life & Orientation at FSW Kristi Rickman explained “This partnership hopes to advance the education and awareness of the history from this event, as well as to promote tolerance and human kindness moving forward.” A major feature of Holocaust Memorial Week continues to be firsthand commentary by Holocaust survivors. Our local community has been blessed to have a number of residents who are Holocaust survivors and are willing to share their personal Holocaust experiences with students and the community. Presenters this year include Fred Balfour, Rene Beddouk, Marcel Faschler, Steen Metz, Eva Sands, Curtis Sittenfeld and Irene Skolnick. Both faculty and students state that the “roundtable” lunch and discussion

scheduled for noon on Wednesday, March 23 is a unique opportunity to meet and get to know our local Holocaust survivors. Roundtable discussion participants this year include Rene Beddouk, Marcel Faschler, Steen Metz, Eva Sands, Sabine & Jacque Van Dam and Rob Nossen. Continuing GenShoah of SWFL’s participation in Holocaust Memorial Week, Ida Margolis will do a presentation on the book The Sunﬂower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal. Students have an active role in Holocaust Memorial Week. Leading up to the week, students will be able to participate in a poster competition, art show, short film competition and writing contests, all centered around the theme “Innocence Lost.” During Holocaust Memorial Week, there will be a Book Club discussion, limited to Florida SouthWestern State College students, on Night by Elie Weisel and

vors (the Second Generation), but also to all those who are interested in the mission of GenShoah: Preservation of the history and memories of the Holocaust, promotion of Holocaust education and human rights, connection of members of the Second Generation with one another, and support of the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida. Additional information about GenShoah meetings and events are now emailed in a monthly GenShoah newsletter. To receive emails, to RSVP for events, for additional information or to make a tax-deductible donation to GenShoah, contact me at genshoahswfl@ icloud.com or 239.963.9347.

The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal. Two students, Michael Berube II and Eduardo Santana, will give presentations. Berube will retell his great grandfather’s experiences as an American soldier in Germany. Santana will discuss the Rwandan Genocide. Dr. Sandi Towers-Romero will speak about her recent visits to Krakow and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Dr. Bruno Baltodano will speak about pluralistic innocence in genocide and extreme forms of violence. With the exception of the Book Club discussion, all events are free and open to the public. The full event schedule will be available on the website www.fsw.edu/holocaust after March 1. For additional information, call Professor Cindy Campbell at 239.489.9367, Professor JoAnn Lewin at 239.489.9429, or Dr. Rona Axelrod at 239.489.9437.

Let’s talk about something retirement communities hardly ever mention. Accreditation. Because having the confidence and peace of mind of accreditation is important. So, let’s talk. The Carlisle is accredited by CARF International. It’s an independent organization that sets exceedingly high standards for care and service. It’s a lot like an accreditation for a hospital or college. Or a five-star rating for a hotel. But like most things in life, you have to see it to believe it. So, let’s talk some more at a complimentary lunch and tour. Please call 239.444.6891 to schedule. I n de p e n de n t & A s s i s t e d L i v i ng R e s i de nc e s • ECC L ic e n s e d

6945 Carlisle Court • Naples, FL • TheCarlisleNaples.com • 239.444.6891 Located just south of Orange Blossom Drive on the west side of Airport-Pulling Road ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY #9408

Federation Star March 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

JFCS of Southwest Florida: Who we serve By Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, JFCS President/CEO, and David W. Rutstein, JFCS Chair

he Jewish population in Collier and Southern Lee counties has been growing – and the senior Jewish population here is growing even faster. In parallel, the need for professionally-delivered social services has become more acute. Older folks have a continuing need for opportunities to socialize; for bereavement and dementia programs; and for mental health and case management. Jewish families with challenges

welcome the assistance of trained and experienced social workers. Holocaust survivors have special needs. Those who are hungry seek food from our Food Pantry. Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) has been there for all of them. More than 76% of the people we serve in our Mental Health program are Jewish. More than 85% of those in our Senior Outreach and Support program are Jewish. Among those served through

Calling all JFS/JFCS alumni

ere you affiliated with JFS/ JFCS in your “home” or “northern” community? Were you a board member, a volunteer or on staff? Did you know that there is a vibrant and active JFCS right here in your Southwest Florida community? JFCS of Southwest Florida would love to hear from you! We would love to hear about your prior involvement and would love to share what we are doing with you!

We are planning an informal gettogether for late March and would love to have you join us. Please check us out at www.jfcsswfl.org and let us know if you are interested in getting together. For more information, or to join the guest list, please contact Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO, at 239.325.4444 or jfaffer@jfcsswfl.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

JCMI’s adult-learning: Purim for grown-ups

he Life-Long Learning Committee of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island invites members of the community to join Rabbi Mark Gross on the morning of Sunday, March 27 for the latest offering in the rabbi’s last-Sunday-of-the-month “Torah liSh’ma” study series, entitled “The Empress Esther: Confronting the Claims of Community.” While the costumes, masks, noisemakers and treats make the jolly feast of Purim feel like a jubilant children’s event, the Biblical Book of Esther tells a very grown-up story which is as serious

as it is thought-provoking. Join Rabbi Gross as we delve into the background of the drama, and explore how this ancient narrative points to an enduring message about the nature of Jewish corporate identity and personal obligation. There is no charge to attend this, or any of our “Torah liSh’ma” series convening at the synagogue at 9:30 a.m. on the last Sunday of the month. The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island is located at 991 Winterberry Drive, a half-block east of South Collier Blvd. For more information, please call the temple office at 239.642.0800.

our Senior Outreach and Support program are 14 Holocaust survivors who depend upon us for a myriad of services that enable them to age in place safely, and with dignity. More than 200 members of our senior center are Jewish. We call upon the Jewish community to let us know if there are others in the community who need our assistance by letting us know at 239.325.4444. Like every one of the 125 Jewish Family Service agencies in North America, we are non-sectarian. We provide help to those outside the Jewish

community, too. In doing so, we are all honoring our historic Jewish tradition of tikkun olam (repair the world). As we have helped people in the Greater Naples area, we have seen firsthand increased goodwill for the Jewish community and greater religious tolerance. How have we performed so far? We should not judge ourselves, but you, the public, can do that. Hold us to a high standard. Make sure that we meet the needs of all in the Jewish community who need our services. This is our goal and our commitment.

The Naples Jewish Caring Support Group Next meetings: Mondays, March 14 & 28 10:30 a.m. to noon at JFCS, 5025 Castello Road, Naples

Call Donna Levy at 239.325.4444 for more information.

Mix & Mingle – Jewish senior singles update

ur Jewish singles group, which is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Collier County, is growing, as is our schedule of activities. Mix & Mingle is well underway toward establishing itself in the local Jewish senior community. With events like the January 31 visit to the Baker Museum for a docent-guided tour of the Saint Laurent & Halston 1970s Fashion Exhibit, to a February 27 concert by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, we are offering diverse choices for our members. March events Please join us for a sampling of European wines, cheeses and more from 4:45 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 7 at Decanted Wine, 1410 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 21, in Goodlette Corners. Your check ($20 for members, $25 for nonmembers), payable to JFCC, is your reservation and should be sent to Karen David (239.353.0201) at 88 Silver Oaks Circle, #103, Naples, FL 34119 by March 1. The Laboratory Theater in Fort Myers is presenting a new comedy titled Bad Jews by Joshua Harmon. We have reserved a limited block of tickets for the matinee performance on Sunday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m. The cost is $30, plus we will go for a dutch-treat dinner following the show. RSVP by March 7 – limited to the first 20 paid reservations received. Make your check payable to JFCC immediately and send it to Bill Kaye, 670 Lalique Circle #104, Naples, FL 34119-1366. Until we process your check, your reservation is not

confirmed. Please include your email address so that we can notify you if there are any changes. We will carpool from Naples, meeting promptly at the DSW parking lot, located at U.S.41 and Wiggins Pass Road, at noon on March 20. If you wish to be a driver to Fort Myers, let Bill know. The sky is the limit! We are investigating a variety of ideas for future events and invite you to offer any suggestions that you may have. This is your organization, and your input is important. For those of you who enjoy travel, we are checking into the feasibility of a short cruise or even a trip to Cuba. Another option includes local daytrips through-

out Florida. Give us your ideas. Currently we are putting together a list of what the area synagogues are offering for Passover Seders. This will offer an opportunity for M&M members to share this special celebration together. Please watch for Mix & Mingle eblasts from the Federation. They serve as a reminder as event deadlines approach or as new events are forthcoming. Be sure we have your email address. You can update your info by contacting Judi Palay at 239.513.9141 or judipalay@aol.com. Reminder: M&M dues are only $10. Please make your check payable to JFCC and send it to the attention of Renee’ Bialek at the Jewish Federation, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, #2201, Naples, FL 34109.

Read the Federation Star on your tablet! Visit www.issuu.com Enter “Federation Star” in the search box and click on the cover image of the issue you’d like to read. Then simply scroll through the pages. It’s that simple!

Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event Wednesday, February 17, 2016

This event is sold out! If you need to cancel your reservation, please contact Renee’ ASAP at rbialek@jewishnaples.org or 239.263.4205 so we can allow those on the waiting list to attend. If you are attending, please be sure to bring your ticket with you.

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:

9A Men’s Cultural Alliance 4A Women’s Cultural Alliance 10A Community Focus 14A Tributes 18A Jewish Interest 23A Business Directory 24A Israel & the Jewish World 27A Commentary 29A Focus on Youth 31A Synagogues 32A Organizations 34A Community Calendar 35A Community Directory 1B Jewish Happenings 6B Jewish Book Festival

February 2016 - Shevat/Adar 5776

Vol. 25 #6

“Shop with a Sheriff”

The Jewish Federation and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office partner to make the holidays brighter for 90 deserving children and their families. By Joel Kessler

member of the Jewish Federation of Collier County who wishes to remain anonymous made a generous $9,000 donation so that children could team up with Collier County deputies and shop for their parents and siblings. The donor’s goal was two-pronged: to help families in need enjoy the season and to give children an opportunity to interact and spend quality time with deputies. Federation President/CEO Jeffrey Feld and Federation Board Chair Alvin Becker were in attendance on Monday, December 14, when 45 Golden Gate

students shopped with deputies. Each child was given $100 to spend at a local Kmart. The children and deputies then enjoyed snow cones and popcorn at the Golden Gate Community Center where volunteers wrapped the gifts. A simultaneous shopping trip had an additional 45 deserving East Naples students accompanied by deputies who serve the East Naples community. Jeffrey Feld was quoted as saying that the anonymous donor was looking forward to continuing “Shop with a Sheriff” each year during the holiday season as an ongoing program.

4A “Dining Out” – a favorite WCA pastime

6A Major Gifts and Lion of Judah event

At the “Shop with a Sheriff” event at the Kmart in Golden Gate: Joel Kessler, Federation President/CEO Jeffrey Feld, Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, Lt. J.J. Carroll, Stephanie Spell (Chief of Community Engagement Collier County Sheriff’s Office), Federation Board Chair Alvin Becker (photos courtesy Ted Epstein)

Phyllis Seaman to receive Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award 16A 20th Annual Women’s Hanukkah Tea

24A 15 Israeli wearable techs that will disrupt our lives

he Jewish Federation of Collier County is proud to recognize Phyllis Seaman as the first Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recipient from our community. The award, a prestigious, internationally-recognized honor to a Lion of Judah, is given to a woman who demonstrates the highest ideals of women’s leadership and involvement. The award was established in recognition of Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland (z’l), co-founders of The Jewish Federation of North America’s Lion of Judah Program. Phyllis more than exemplifies the

Jewish Federation of Collier County Inc. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109

Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit #419 Ft Myers FL

spirit of the Lion of Judah, far exceedmany board leadership positions including the recommended criterion considing Vice President. erations for the prestigious During the last 22 years, award. Phyllis has chaired or co-chaired When Phyllis Seaman Jewish Federation of Collier relocated with her husband, County campaign events – the Michael, from New York to annual Community Dinner and Naples in 1992, she started Major Gifts/Lion of Judah – volunteering on social funcmany times and has sat on nutions at the Jewish Federamerous committees. tion. In 1994, her family went Phyllis was Campaign Chair on a Federation community from 2010 to 2014, and started Phyllis Seaman family mission to Israel, which sparked writing a monthly article in the Federaher desire to join the Federation board tion Star to keep donors informed as to and her commitment to Federation in continued on page 2A

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March 2016 Federation Star

Federation Star March 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Another successful Mitzvah Day at Temple Shalom!

n Sunday, January 24, Temple Shalom was abuzz with activity. Almost 300 temple members, friends and supporters turned out to make a difference in our community. After a delicious breakfast supplied by the Men’s Club, Mitzvah Day kicked off with a rally in the sanctuary. That motivation carried over into the day’s activities, including packing meals for Meals of Hope (nearly 50,000 meals were packed!), packing toiletries and school supplies for homeless children in Collier County, packing the Purple Bags for cancer patients, baking

dog biscuits for the Humane Society, and writing thank you notes and cards for First Responders and IDF soldiers. Also on hand was the Blood Mobile which saw one of its busiest sessions here at Temple Shalom with so many people showing up to donate blood. Joining us this year for the first time was The Gift of Life, an organization that, with a simple cheek swab, matches potential bone marrow donors with those in need. New this year for Mitzvah Day were the clothing drive, which brought in a lot of clothing for St. Matthews House and Goodwill, and

Packing Shabbat Bags

the packing of Shabbat Bags. For more pictures of Mitzvah Day, please visit www.naplestemple.org

where you will also find a great video of Mitzvah Day from start to finish courtesy of George Rubin.

Packing meals for Meals of Hope

Baking dog biscuits for the Humane Society

Clothing drive

JCMI Jewish Deli Fest “A Nosh to Remember” By Estie Karpman, JCMI Deli Fest Chair

n Sunday, January 24, over 60 members of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island hosted thousands to a home-made lunch of New York-style corned beef or pastrami piled high on fresh rye, with a kosher pickle, coleslaw, Deep River potato chips, and Gulden’s mustard. Bernie’s Deli also offered home-made chicken soup with matzo ball or beef barley soup and drinks.

Of course, our visitors were first greeted by “Bubbie’s Bakery” and its bewildering variety of desserts made with love by our JCMI ladies. Some of the choices included cheesecakes covered with rich fruit toppings, strudel in a multitude of flavors, cookies, pound cakes, rugelach, babkas, mandel breads and so much more. We invited the community of Marco Island and all of Collier County to come

to our table. They did indeed come from as far away as Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Estero, Naples and New Jersey. We knew we had a winner when our New Jersey visitor declared that his corned beef was “perfect.” Our congregation worked together like a well-oiled machine to welcome our quests and make the 3rd Annual Jewish Deli Fest a roaring success. We made extra this year so we wouldn’t run

out. Not only did we feed the throngs in attendance, we also donated sandwiches and rye bread to St. Matthews House, fulfilling a key tenet of Judaism, tikkun olam, to heal the world.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

The Gerald Sager Scholarin-Residence Program at Beth Tikvah, March 4-6

March 2016 Federation Star

Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs

Art-Theater-Dance-Music-Classes Painting - Drawing Clay - Workshops Mosaics - Dance Fused Glass - Jewelry Printmaking - Music Sculpture - Lectures One Evening Classes

cholar-in-Residence Dr. Sandra at Gratz College, and the author (and Lilienthal is a major force in facilitator) of the Adult Education twoJewish education. She was born year curriculum currently used by the and raised in Brazil, where she received Broward Central Agency for Jewish her MBA in Marketing and Education. Sandra is a Strategic Planning. After alfrequent speaker at synamost 10 years in the business gogues and other Jewish world, Sandra went through a organizations. major change in careers, and Her theme for the for over 20 years has been weekend program is “Conworking with Jewish Educacepts of Freedom in Judation in many different capaciism.” ties: from Religious School Schedule: teacher and Bar/Bat Mitzvah  Friday, March 4 evetutor, to Director of Educaning service “Eat & Learn” Dr. Sandra Lilienthal tion of two synagogues, to – “Vayakhel: No Freedom Director of Lifelong Learning. She without Responsibility.” has taught every age from preschool to  Saturday, March 5 during mornadults, both in Brazil and in the U.S. ing service – “Vashti and Esther: (Waco, Texas, and South Florida). In the Personal Freedom versus National past nine years, Sandra has focused on Freedom.” Evening following teaching adults in South Florida. Havdalah – “Modern Jewish Ethical Sandra is a 2015 winner of the Dilemmas.” prestigious Covenant Award for Excel Sunday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. – lence in Jewish Education. She received “The Jewish Concept of Freedom.” her Masters in Jewish Studies and her The Friday evening “Eat & Learn” Doctorate in Jewish Education from dinner with Dr. Lilienthal, which folGratz College. She is part of the Florlows the service, requires registration ence Melton School of Adult Jewish and $25 payment. Please call the temple Learning faculty, an adjunct professor office at 239.434.1818.

Monday, February 29, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Chabad ~ Topic: Spirituality Jay Michaelson ~ The Gate of Tears Sarah L. Kaufman ~ The Art of Grace www.JewishBookFestival.org ~ 239.263.4205

Tuesdays With Morrie at Federation ofﬁce

ollier County Repertory Theatre is pleased to present a performance of Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom in the David G. Willens Community Room at Jewish Federation of Collier County at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 31. Tuesdays With Morrie is a true story of the final days of friendship between Morrie Schwartz, a history professor at Brandeis University who has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and his former student, Mitch Albom. After seeing Morrie interviewed by Ted Koppel on Nightline, Mitch begins weekly visits to his old professor, who had played a huge role in shaping his outlook on life.

Tuesdays With Morrie will remind viewers of the importance of relationships, the fragility of life and living it to its fullest. A talkback with the actors will be offered following the performance. Tuesdays With Morrie is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased by calling Collier County Repertory Theatre at 239.231.3741. If you reach a voice mail, please leave your name and number. You may also reserve your tickets by emailing rbialek@jewishnaples.org. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

FGCU to host international conference

o recognize 80 years since the notorious 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University will be hosting an international conference on Tuesday-Wednesday, March 29-30. In August 1936, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi dictatorship used the Olympics to showcase the Third Reich and conceal its anti-Semitic and militaristic intentions. The regime attempted to portray a peaceful, tolerant Germany to the international community. With the rejection of a boycott for the Summer Games, Western democracies lost an early chance to oppose the tyranny of Hitler’s regime. This conference at FGCU will bring together an international panel of scholars who will explore key issues and present recent research relating to this event. The keynote address will be presented by Dr. Dan Puckett from Troy University, Alabama, who

will discuss the reception by American whites and blacks of Jesse Owens’s victories. Other presenters include scholars from Germany and various locations across the United States. All FGCU students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Outside guests are also invited to attend, to join with the FGCU community in learning about this pivotal event in the history of Nazi Germany on the road to World War II and the Holocaust. The conference is free, and no registration is necessary. Those coming from outside should obtain a parking permit from the Welcome Booth at the university entrance off Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. FGCU is located at 10501 FGCU Blvd., Fort Myers. For further details, please contact the Center’s Executive Assistant, Ms. Courtney Sidbury at cesidbury2338@ eagle.fgcu.edu, or the Center Director, Dr. Paul Bartrop, at pbartrop@fgcu. edu.

Live Music Perfomances Tuesday, March 1, 7:00pm Meet the Composers Tuesday Art Talks: From the Jan. 3 & Feb. 7 “Old Masters” to 1914

Motown in Motionjourney to Enjoy this multimedia Januarythe 8 events that create the explore art we appreciate O Som Do Jazztoday.

JanuaryMarch 16 4, 8:00pm Friday, QuattroRichardson Divos & Dan Heck Rebecca February Evolution of4the Ladies of Swing Tea for Three From Ella to the Andrews Sisters and beyond9 February JonathanMarch Edwards Saturday, 5, 8:00pm February 11 Improv Tonight! BonArts Chamber Southwest Florida’s best Music Series comedy improvisational

February 17 6, 3:00pm Sunday, March Riders in the Sky February Meet the Composers: Haydn 25 International artist and lecturer, DanAnne Miller Dr. McLean performs in 27 presentation aFebruary multi-media highlighting a great composer’s music the first Sunday each month March 10-12 & 18-19, 8:00pm March 13 & 20, 3:00pm Arsenic & Old Lace The hilarious international hit introduces the audience to the charming and innocent ladies who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously “acceptable” roomers

Tuesday, March 15, 8:00pm Irish Night

A night of Irish music and dance by Marcille Wallis & Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish Dance

Wednesday, March 23, 7:00pm BonArts Chamber Music Series Austrian Music Salon

Bonita Springs National Art Festival Bonita Springs National Art Festival Riverside Park Saturday & Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm March 5 & 6

200 National & International artists sell & display their work in this top rated festival.

w w w. a r t c e n t e r b o n i t a . o r g / a r t f e s t

National & Local Exhibitions Surf & Turf Exhibition Opening Reception & Campus Open House Friday, March 11, 6-8pm On display March 11-24

Center for Visual Arts

26100 Old 41 Road Center for Performing Arts 10150 Bonita Beach Road Bonita Springs • FL 34135 www.artcenterbonita.org 239-495-8989

Federation Star March 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Temple Shalom welcomes ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter update new Executive Director

t is with great pleasure with his wife Sheryl. that Temple Shalom welEli brings to Temple Shacomes our new Execulom a wealth of experience as tive Director, Eli Montague. a highly respected leader and Eli comes to us from St. mentor. His proven ability to Louis, Missouri, having reinspire the highest quality of cently served for 25 years member service and pride of as Executive Director of a work among staff members Reform synagogue there. Eli will move Temple Shalom Eli Montague joins our Temple Shalom family along forward in all aspects of growth.

Temple Shalom events open to the community

For more information on these events, call 239.455.3030.

amily Shabbat Experience, Friday, March 4, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.: A different kind of Shabbat experience for families with young(ish) children. Activities, music, dinner and service. There is no charge to attend. RSVP to the Temple Shalom Education office at 239.455.2233. Torah Talk: Join us the first Shabbat morning of the month for a volunteer-led discussion of the week’s Torah portion. On March 5 the portion is Vayak’hel. There will be a light breakfast at 8:15 a.m. with discussion to follow at 8:30 a.m. There is no charge and all are welcome. Speaker Event – Eric Danko, Sunday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m.: Eric Danko is an AIPAC lobbyist on Capitol Hill. He works with members of Congress and their staff to promote foreign aid and other measures to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. Join us for Mr. Danko’s discussion on promoting and developing a new arm of the bilateral

energy cooperation between the U.S. and Israel. RSVP to the Temple Shalom Education office at 239.455.2233. Sisterhood Book Bag – Thursday, March 17 at 1:30 p.m.: The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant. Facilitator: Helen Weinfeld. Born in 1900 to immigrant parents, Addie’s intelligence and curiosity take her to a world of new opportunities for women. The Boston Girl begins when Addie’s 22-year-old granddaughter asks, “How did you get to be the woman you are today?” Dream On! A Night of Stars – Saturday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m.: Join Temple Shalom’s fun-filled, fundraising event at Wyndemere Country Club honoring outstanding members of our community, Janet & Howard Solot and Anne & Dr. Mark Rubin. For more information and to purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit the Temple Shalom website at www.naplestemple. org.

By Gene Sipe, ZOASWFL Vice President

he ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter proudly brings author, speaker and Middle East and Islam specialist, Raymond Ibrahim, to our March meeting. Mr. Ibrahim is a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center, a Judith Friedman Rosen Writing Fellow at the Middle East Forum, and a Hoover Institution Media Fellow. He is the author of Crucified Again: Exposing Islam’s New War on Christians (2013) and The Al Qaeda Reader (2007). In addition to his critically-acclaimed books, Mr. Ibrahim’s writings, translations and observations have appeared in a variety of publications and news outlets. He has also recorded two courses for Prager University. He guest lectures at universities, including the National Defense Intel-

ligence College; briefs governmental agencies such as U.S. Strategic Command and the Defense Intelligence Agency; provides expert testimony for Islam-related lawsuits; and has testified before Congress regarding the conceptual failures that dominate American discourse concerning Islam and the worsening plight of Egypt’s Christian Copts. Mr. Ibrahim’s program will be offered on Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center of Naples, 1789 Mandarin Road. The programs is open to the public and the charge is $20 in advance and $22 at the door. RSVP with a check payable to ZOA SWFL, and send it to 4003 Upolo Lane, Naples, FL 34119. For additional information, please visit www.zoaswfl.org, email info@zoaswfl. org or call 914.329.1024.

YIDDISH CLUB OF NAPLES

meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of December, January, February, March and April at 10:00am at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples You don’t have to speak Yiddish to enjoy. You just have to enjoy hearing it spoken, read or sung.

Come Schmooze and Enjoy!

Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org.

March 2016 Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

NAPLES SENIOR CENTER A PROGRAM OF JFCS

Programs and Services Mental Health Services

Senior Center Activities include:

Bereavement Support

• Weekly Lunch for Seniors

Caregiver Support

• Art Classes

Dementia Respite Programs

• Cards and Maj Jong

Geriatric Case Management

• Computer Classes/Support

Information and Referral

• Foreign Language Classes

JFCS Food Pantry

• Informative Lectures

Naples Senior Center (1st in Collier County!)

• Knitting and Crocheting

PJ Library

• Tai Chi and Yoga

Volunteer Services

• Travelogues

Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida ﬁlms

outhwest Florida Pioneers films are not for everyone. They are only for those of you who care to learn the history and heritage the early Southwest Floridians left for us to respect, protect and build upon. Hear from the eyewitnesses about their experiences, challenges, struggles and successes. If you missed any of the three films the Society has premiered or want to see them again, please join us in the David G. Willens Community Room of the Jewish Federation of Collier County on Wednesday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m. The

three films will be shown as follows:  2:00 p.m. - Helen Weinfeld, Collier County’s first Jewish historian  2:45 p.m. - Gloria Lipman and Bill Lipman of the 6L’s (Lipman Produce)  3:15 p.m. - Richard Segalman, the man and his art This event is free, and reservations are required to jhsswf@gmail.com or 239.566.1771. For more information about the Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, visit www.jhsswf.org.

• Musical Programs

….and so much more!

5025 Castello Drive Naples, Florida 34103 239-325-4444 Fax: 239-330-7947 info@jfcsswfl.org www.jfcsswfl.org

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Jewish Genealogy Group Meeting The next meeting of the Jewish Genealogy SIG (Shared Interest Group) at the Jewish Federation of Collier County offices (2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201, Naples) is on Tuesday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. Seating is limited. RSVP to genresearch13@yahoo.com. You will receive an acknowledgement that you have a reservation. Bring a notebook and pen with you to the meeting.

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The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Collier County presents The 2016 Saul I. Stern Cultural Series – now in its 22nd year! Sunday, March 6, 2016, 7:30 p.m.



DAVID RUTHERFORD, NAVY SEAL: David served eight years in the Naval Special Warfare Community as a SEAL student, Combat Paramedic, Operator and Instructor. He has participated in clandestine operations in the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. His masterful ability to motivate, enables people from all walks of life to achieve success in any environment imaginable.

THE 2016 SAUL I. STERN CULTURAL SERIES

For more information, call the Synagogue Office at 239.642.0800. Please send this form and payment to the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145. Please send me tickets for the following Cultural Series programs: ____ $20 Single tickets for members ____ $25 Single tickets for non-members ____ Enclosed is my check payable to JCMI

# of tickets:____ David Rutherford

All events take place at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Dr., Marco Island.

____ Please charge my credit card: Credit Card #_______________________________________ exp. ____/____

Please mail my tickets to the address below: Name_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip____________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________

Federation Star March 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Tributes

Tributes to the Jewish Federation Campaign To: Harvey Sandberg In honor of your 90th birthday From: Saundra & Erwin Neiman Lew & Sylvia Whitman Sheila & Howie Agranat Gail Howie Dr. & Mrs. Maurice Schneider To: Sherm & Carol Friedman In honor of your 60th anniversary From: Marilyn & Paul Goldstein To: From:

Dorothy Litt & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Irv Cookie Kimmel Betty & Alan Novick

To: From:

Harriet Israel Happy big birthday Beryl & Irv Moore Joyce & Stan Zeldin

To: Karen Ezrine In honor of your father’s big birthday From: Monica & Allan Goodwin To: Alan Kaplan Our best wishes for your speedy recovery From: Phyllis & Michael Seaman

To: From:

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. To: Barbara & Ed Cohen In memory of your daughter, Hilary From: Phyllis & Michael Seaman David Willens

Jerry Flagel In memory of your mother, Edna Phyllis & Michael Seaman Betty & Alan Novick Helene & Elliott Derfler Myra & Mort Friedman

To: Michael Feldman In memory of your wife, Hilary From: Maxine & Harvey Brenner Rosalee & Jerry Bogo Phyllis & Michael Seaman Jane Schiff & Lon Gratz David Willens Karen & Stan Deutsch

To: From:

Stan & Phyllis Magrill In appreciation of friendship and warm hospitality Rosalee & Jerry Bogo

To: From:

Phyllis Seaman Congratulations on receiving the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award Delores & Corky Levin Michal & Mord Wiesler Karen & Stan Deutsch

A a

The Jewish Federation of Collier County extends condolences to: • • • •

Jerry Flagel on the passing of your mother, Edna Flagel Michael Feldman on the passing of your wife, Hilary Barbara Cohen on the passing of your daughter, Hilary Hanalie Treiber on the passing of your husband, Elliot

To place a Tribute in the Federation Star in honor or memory of someone, please contact Julie Hartline at the Federation office at 239.263.4205 or jhartline@jewishnaples.org. Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. A note will be sent to the person you are honoring. Tributes help further the work of the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

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March 2016 Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

Ask the Rabbi: The observation of the solar year and the lunar month Jean Amodea interviews Rabbi Mark Gross of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island

n the February 2016 issue of the Federation Star, Rabbi Mark Gross made some observations in his commentary piece. He said, “Our lunar month and solar year represent a ballet in time, fulfilling the will of the Creator, who in Genesis 1 not only established what the prayer book calls ‘the orderly passage of the stars across their appointed watches in the sky,’ but also invited humanity to notice and observe that orderliness as a celebration of God’s presence in our midst.” He went on and quoted Talmudic Rabbi IshmaEil, who stated that “if the only mitzvah the Jews had to our credit was to go out once a month to recite the ‘Qiddush ha-l’vanah’ blessing over the new moon, the merit of that one act alone would be enough to bring about our redemption.” Gross concluded his piece with the suggestion that we observe and bless the new moon – and by implication, perhaps also recite the blessing and “to bask in the glory of the moment.” Fascinated by this atypical observation and recommendation, I chatted with Rabbi Gross and asked him to shed more light on the topic. What is God’s purpose in the passage of the moon, sun and stars? The church threatened to burn Galileo at the stake in the sixteenth century

unless he recanted that the earth went around the sun instead of vice versa. Nowhere in the Bible does it say what goes around what. But, in Genesis 1, it says the apparent motion of the sun, moon and stars across our sky reflects an orderliness that God established. So, we are encouraged – even required – to look, notice and observe the skies to mark the passage of time. In that sense, then, to watch the sky is a sacred mandate. I wrote a column for a synagogue newsletter, “Watching the Skies,” the underlining philosophy of which was

Rabbi Mark Gross

that we are modern, scientific people but we know a lot less about our world than our ancestors who actually lived in the world – not in air-conditioned homes. In the column, I informed the readers about what was happening in the night sky at a certain date and time, and what they would see. I encouraged people to do that in order to fulfill the mandate. How would you characterize what modern Jews do today to mark time,

Puerto Rico pays tribute to Holocaust victims By Jeff Margolis

n a Caribbean island of three and half million people and a Jewish population of about 1,200, a visitor would not expect to find a Holocaust memorial. Yet in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, across the street from the Capitol building (El Capitolio) on Constitution Avenue stands a moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. Artists Michael Berkovicz and Bonnie Srolovitz, a New York husband and wife team, designed this monument. The structure, made of steel, depicts a family whose shadows are cast on a granite slab on the ground. The memorial is titled “In the Shadow of Their Absence.” Behind the memorial is a storyboard with photos and bilingual narrative depicting the Nazi atrocities. The memorial was dedicated on August 9, 2012. Commonwealth Governor Luis Fortuno said at the dedication, “Let this place serve to renew our eternal commitment to peace, tolerance, respect for life and love of neighbors, so that another tragedy like the Holocaust never again repeats itself.” Adjacent to the memorial is a tribute to 17 Puerto Rican Christian pilgrims who were murdered during the Lod Airport Massacre on May 30, 1972. One of the prime movers of the project was the Jewish Community Center of Puerto Rico. Diego Mendelbaum is the current director of the JCC,

located in San Juan. He noted that the Holocaust memorial was a joint effort of the JCC, private donors led by Moises Berezdivin, and the government. This was quite a remarkable feat when one realizes that there are only 3 Holocaust survivors currently living in Puerto Rico and that the predominant religion on the island is Catholicism. Mendelbaum, originally from Argentina, has created a makeshift Holocaust museum at the JCC. He utilizes posters and photos, and presents programs to area school students. Our discussion with Mendelbaum traversed a widespread number of issues. He said that anti- Semitism in Puerto Rico is low. He also noted that Puerto Rico is losing a good portion of its young Jewish population to the mainland United States. Because the economy is so poor (Puerto Rico is teetering on bankruptcy), when students attend college on the mainland, many do not return. Jewish immigration to Puerto Rico from the U.S., Argentina and Cuba has significantly diminished. The island does have three synagogues: Temple Beth Shalom (Reform), Chabad of Puerto Rico, and Shaare Zedeck (Conservative). The latter is adjacent to the JCC. Mendelbaum concluded our conversation noting that he believes “every Jew is an ambassador of Judaism.”

other than observation of the sky’s movement? We wake up, drink our Starbucks and that marks the new day. We mark the weeks by Shabbat, and at sundown we light the Shabbat candies to welcome that 25-hour period. Once monthly, we have the Qiddush ha-l’vanah to offer a sanctification and celebration of the new moon and the new month. Blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah speaks for itself as a marking of a new year. We celebrate weeks, months and the year because that was God’s will. Give an example of when God spoke about time in terms of the months? Exodus 12 speaks of the time we were in Egyptian bondage. God says to Moses and Aaron, this is the night of the new moon. The sun is just setting and the western horizon is getting dark; see the sliver of the newborn, baby moon. In linear terms, this month when I am going to bring you out of Egypt represents the beginning of time. In cyclical terms, it means this is when the month begins. Nissan is identified as the first month – Rosh Hashanah marks the year in the fall. And what was God’s statement to the Egyptians regarding their worship of the sun? Our classic Midrash points out that when God says, “This renewal of the monthly moon cycle is for you Israelites and Jewish people – it is how you count the passage of time,” it is significant because the ancients recognized that the sun is a luminary and the moon is a dead rock. The moon is only a goddess, minor and secondary. We had been living in Egypt 400 years making bricks for Pharaoh, who revered the sun as the greatest god of all and the source of light. What was the next to the last plague? Blotting out the sun’s light for three days, and thereby, God killed the false god of the Egyptians. Just think that in modern times there are very few Jews in North America who have been living here for 400 years – and look how Americanized we are in talk, dress, action in only about 100 years.

We have assimilated and acculturated only after a century. Imagine what the Israelites did in Egypt after 400 years. They did as the Egyptians did. In addition to the sun, the Egyptians’ greatest gods were the goats and sheep. So, what does God say? To kill a lamb and put its blood on the door posts. In effect, Moses was told to kill their god and to go out from Egypt under the light of the moon, not under the light of the sun. Consider the configuration of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem: it goes north and south. In order to face God’s temple’s front door, you are standing in the temple facing west and turning your back on the rising sun. How do you make the connection between the cycles of the moon with a larger purpose for Jews? Our fascination with time is partly fulfilling God’s mandate in Genesis 1. We are invited by God to not only appreciate the cycle of creation but also to look at the moon as our mark of the month. God said that he wants to invite us to wrap our heads around the possibility that things run in cycles – there will be triumph and there will be tragedy. For people who have been theoretically around for 4,000 years since Abraham and 3,000 years since the Exodus, we have known both tragedy and triumph. There is darkness in the night, in the new moons, but it keeps running in cycles, and there is a marvelous focus of enduring – we are still here. There is a gag on a deli wall in Boca Raton: “They tried to kill us; we are still here, so let’s eat.” So does the observation of time define us as Jews? If you look at the yin and yang in Eastern religious philosophy, it is expressed in Jewish tradition by the waxing and waning of the moon and our firm commitment to God’s orderliness amidst all of it. So our obsession with time is a fundamental aspect of who we are. Since our month is lunar but our year is solar, we are constantly juggling. A good committed Jew is by definition, a true amateur astronomer.

Before moving to Naples, we lived in Gainesville, Florida, and had the pleasure of meeting Rabbi Shenkerman who was the rabbi of Naples Jewish Congregation (NJC) at the time. When we moved to Naples, Rabbi Shenkerman invited us to be guests at NJC for the High Holidays. We accepted the invitation and it was the best decision for a congregation we could make. The people we met during Rosh Hashanah services were warm and friendly. By Yom Kippur we decided to join NJC. That was 11 years ago. Since then, we have become involved in many activities, attend and participate in services, attend most events, and enjoy our friendships. Naples Jewish Congregation, to us, is like our extended family. – Marilyn and Barry Goldenberg, Saturnia Lakes

What do you think? The Federation Star wants to know! Send your letters and comments to fedstar18@gmail.com

Letters Policy

Holocaust memorial in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Include your name, full address and daytime phone. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, the Federation Star or its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received.

Federation Star March 2016

JEWISH INTEREST

Forgiveness: it’s not what you think it is Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to the Federation Star

member named Tony, had fired on Tariq his or her needs and offers to others. while attempting to rob him. The healinterests met through The third track involves ing relationship between Azim, Tony, different examples or what I’ll call the science of suggestions. and Tony’s grandfather, one that draforgiveness. Readers receive a matically introduces the psychological An appendix on clear, vivid overview of studbenefits of forgiveness and the means “Forgiveness Pracies that have been done, and tices” allows for imto exercise it, sets the tone for the rest research that is ongoing, to o many of us are weighed down mediate application of of the book. Azim founded and adminhelp build an understanding by negative emotions without the book’s many tools. isters the Tarik Khamisa Foundation, a of how forgiveness works. truly realizing how much damage This is not a book of model educational institution for putting Along this track, readers they are doing to our quality of life and endangered youths on the right path. platitudes, but of practiwill find the experiences of to those around us. We carry the hurts of Azim turned his loss into something cal, therapeutic wisdom. medical professionals with real and imagined slights. We continue magical, and his forgiveness of Tony That it is also uplifting patients for whom forgiveness to agonize over makes it all the more valuable. and friendship with Tony’s grandfather was a path to healing and well-being, our parents’ havThis review first appeared in Florida were part of the process, as was a form just as its absence was one cause of ing been distant of meditation. Weekly and is reprinted with permission ongoing pain and paralysis. when we needed of the publisher. Ms. Bettencourt learned a lot by A repeat theme is that forgiveness them or havwitnessing Azim in action. In fact, her Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus is something one does for one’s self. ing been harshly of English from the United States Naown problems, she disIt may have benefits for judgmental when covered, needed to be val Academy. He reviews regularly for the forgiven person, but we longed for acaddressed through the Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, that is not the point of ceptance – if not process of forgiveness Southern Literary Review, and other the book. praise. We can’t so that she could reclaim publications. Please visit Phil’s webForgiveness somePhil Jason get past a betrayal site at www.philjason.wordpress.com. her life. times means or follows of confidence, a two-timing spouse, a Megan Feldman Bettencourt will speak Triumph of the Heart self-forgiveness. boss or teacher who plays favorites and proceeds on three tracks. at the Collier County Jewish Book FestiThere is much to didn’t value our worth. One grows out of interval. Meet her at the Unitarian Universaladmire in each chapter, If we are subject to physical abuse, views conducted by the ist Congregation of Greater Naples on however, I found most or injured by a texting driver, or crippled author that lead to a wide Monday, March 14 from 6:30 to 9:00 gripping “The Role of Megan Feldman Bettencourt on the battlefield or in competitive variety of forgiveness p.m. at the “Inspiration” session. She Redemption,” “Forgivsports, we carry the anger until it be“case studies.” Because she is a stellar shares the program with Rabbi Goldie ing Our Parents,” and “Forgiveness as a comes more devastating than the origijournalist, Ms. Bettencourt was able to Milgrim, editor of New Mitzvah Stories. Chain Reaction.” Many of the chapters nal incident. How can be overcome the probe deeper and deeper into the expeTo purchase your tickets, use the order are usefully subdivided, and many of rage and grief if a child or wife or parent form on page 20, visit www.jewish riences of those who had found hope, those sections are worth returning to gets shot to death during a robbery? Our bookfestival.org or call 239.263.4205. peace and happiness through first choosseveral times. Each reader will find resentment keeps eating us alive. ing to forgive and then learning how We simply cannot forgive. Why to do so successfully. It’s not always should we? easy, nor is it always a straightforward Ms. Bettencourt tells as why and process without setbacks. how. The second track is the author’s own The first of many illustrative stories story, which has various components in this inspiring book is about Azim (her upbringing, a failed marriage, caKhamisa, who in January 1995 received reer frustrations) that had the common a phone call telling him that his twentydenominator of despair and self-doubt. By Ted Epstein, Jewish Book Festival co-chair year-old son, Tariq, had been shot dead. Her journey personalizes the issue and ither did I! Who has time to guaranteed to enjoy the presentations. The murderer, a fourteen-year-old gang lends authority to the suggestions she read 23 books, right? I did skim However, once you hear the authors talk through several of the books, passionately about their books, I’m sure though, and you can do so as well at the you’ll want to own several of them. So Naples Barnes & Noble. All 23 books after each presentation, books will be are displayed on a table on the second available for purchase and signing. floor. To purchase your tickets, use the So why don’t you have to read the order form on page 20, visit www.jewish books first? It’s about the authors! The bookfestival.org or call 239.263.4205. 23 authors presenting at the Collier Sponsors and venues County Jewish Book Festival were choThe Federation thanks the followsen for their presentation skills, sense of ing sponsors for their support of this humor, enthusiasm, and a passion for inaugural event: Hilton Naples, U.S. their books. They will make you laugh, Bank, Florida Weekly, èBella magazine, cry and think. You will be moved, eduBarnes & Noble, Women’s Cultural cated and entertained. Alliance, JFCS of Southwest Florida, By the time you read this article, Heddy Z Designs, Collier/Lee Chapter four of the eleven Festival events will of Hadassah, Naples Jewish Congretaken place. Seven still remain. gation, and the Holocaust Museum & Millions of Jews connect with have You’ll find information on these events Education Center of Southwest Florida. The Federation also thanks the host Jewish culture but not with and the 14 authors on the next three pages. There’s also a modified ticket orvenues for providing space for the 11 Millions of Jews connect with with Jewish Millions of Jews connect Jewish traditional Judaism. der form, allowing you to quickly select events: Beth Tikvah, Chabad Naples, culture but not Judaism. culture butwith not traditional with traditional Judaism. the presentations you’d like to attend. Hilton Naples, Naples Daily News, You may be them. one of them. You may Come to Temple Shalom on ThursTemple Shalom, and Unitarian UniverYou be mayone be of one of them. day afternoon, March 3, and you’ll hear salist Congregation of Greater Naples. CheckCheck our Event Calendar and Visit Us!about our Event Calendar and Visit Us!The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard “Thank You” to the Patrons Street. You’ll also get an ice cream treat Congregation for for Congregation of the Collier County and you may be crowned “Ice Cream Jewish Book Festival: Humanistic Judaism Humanistic Judaism Queen of Naples.” Belle Agronin Unity, Unity, 30233023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL FL On Wednesday evening, March 9 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, Carole Greene at Beth Tikvah, Sally Fingerett, award941.929.7771 www.chj-sarasota.org 941.929.7771 www.chj-sarasota.org Dina Shein winning composer and founding memElaine Soffer ber of the musical group The Four Estelle Price B**chin’ Babes, will not only share Helen Paulin her memoir as recounted in The Mental Helene Blinder Yentl, she also promises to entertain you Ida Margolis with several songs from her latest CD. Irene Pomerantz At the Hilton Naples on Thursday Iris Shur evening March 10, legal analyst Lisa Jane Schiff & Lon Gratz Green will share information you can use Judith Peltz throughout your life – from marriage and Judy Zahn Millions of Jews connect with Jewish culture kids to jobs, retirement, aging parents and Lee Henson but not with traditional Judaism. You may be one of them. wills. Plus, you’ll get served champagne Lourene Rapport For events and more information, visit us at and treats after her presentation. Madeline Foster This is just a sample of the many Myra Friedman Nancy Garfien authors who will be coming to Naples Patti Boochever from all parts of the country (California, Phil & Ruth Jason Jason Colorado, Ohio, New York) to spend Rita Fleischmajer time with you and share their experiSue Bookbinder ences and wealth of knowledge. Susan Garelick Paula Creed ~ prcreed725@gmail. com ~ 239.495.8484 So it’s okay if you don’t read any Susan Pittelman of the books in advance. You are still Triumph of the Heart: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World, by Megan Feldman Bettencourt. Hudson Street Press. 288 pages. Hardback $25.95. Forthcoming Avery trade paperback $16.00.

“But I didn’t read the book!”

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Jewish? Jewish?

Millions of Jews connect with Jewish culture but not with Millions of Jews connect with with Jewish Millions of Jews connect Jewish traditional Judaism. culture but not Judaism. culture butwith not traditional with traditional Judaism. You may be one of them. You may be one of them.

You may be one of them. CheckCheck our Event Calendar and Visit Us! Us! our Event Calendar and Visit

Congregation for for Congregation Humanistic Judaism Humanistic Judaism

Unity, Unity, 30233023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL FL Proctor Rd, Sarasota, 941.929.7771 www.chj-sarasota.org 941.929.7771 www.chj-sarasota.org

www.hjhswfl.org

Humanistic Jewish Havurah of Southwest Florida

Presents the First Annual

Thursday, February 18 - Monday, March 14 Remaining Events Special Event:

Thursday, March 10, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Hilton Naples ~ Topic: Powerful Women $25 ~ No tickets sold after March 7 ~ Champagne & Cheese reception Lisa Green ~ On Your Case

Television legal analyst and attorney Lisa Green offers something new: a witty, direct and empowering legal guide for women, filled with accessible information they can employ to understand and respond to common legal issues throughout their lives – from dating, marriage and kids to jobs, retirement, aging parents and wills. Lisa has an urgent message for women of all ages. Whether or not you invite it into your life, the law will find you. When it does, will you be ready to respond? Leveraging her professional training as a lawyer and her personal experience as a wife, ex-wife, mother and daughter, Lisa explains common, even complicated, legal issues in practical, easy-to-understand terms. Lisa Green is a lawyer and legal analyst, appearing on NBC News and MSNBC. While attending law school, Lisa worked as a columnist for The National Law Journal, after which she practiced law in New York, before joining NBC News – first as a lawyer and then as a senior producer and on-air analyst. She currently serves as communications director for a major NY law firm and is the mother of two young adults.

Julia Pimsleur ~ Million Dollar Women

There’s a lot for feminists today to feel happy about. But there is one stubborn barricade that just won’t come down: the one that keeps women outside the room where the capital to build a big business is doled out. Lots of women start mom-and-pop businesses, and they start businesses at nearly twice the rate that men do. But only 3 percent of female business owners have revenues over one-million dollars – and even fewer of these women are Jewish. So how do you go big with your own business? In Million Dollar Women, Julia Pimsleur shares the inspiring story of building her own company, Little Pim, which produces a program for young children to learn foreign languages, and teaches the concepts, the lexicon, and the steps for heading a multimillion-dollar business. She shows you how to network, when to delegate, and how to overcome the emotional hurdles you have to jump to join the million-dollar club. This is the essential guide for female entrepreneurs, from someone who’s followed the same path. Julia Pimsleur is the CEO and Founder of Little Pim, a leading system for introducing young children to a second language.

Monday February 29 ~ 6:30-9:00pm Chabad Naples Theme: Spirituality

Tuesday March 1 ~ 1:00-4:00pm Temple Shalom Theme: Holocaust

Wednesday March 2 ~ 1:00-4:00pm Beth Tikvah Theme: Israel

Thursday March 3 ~ 1:00-4:00pm Temple Shalom Theme: Fiction

Sarah L. Kaufman ~ Jay Michaelson

Daniel M. Cohen ~ Steven Pressman

Mike Kelly ~ Jessamyn T. Hope

Susan Jane Gilman ~ Julia Dahl

March 9 ~ 6:30-9:00pm Beth Tikvah Theme: Memoir

March 10 ~ 6:30-9:30pm Hilton Naples Theme: Powerful Women

Sally Fingerett ~ Dafna Michaelson Jenet

Lisa Green ~ Julia Pimsleur

March 14 ~ 6:30-9:00pm Unitarian Universalist Cong. Theme: Inspiration Megan Feldman Bettencourt ~ Goldie Milgram

Each of the six events on this two-page spread are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are less than $10 per event when you purchase a 5-event package. • Ticket prices are per event and not for each individual author. You get to hear two authors for the price of one. • Buy your tickets early. Due to limited seating at some venues, events may sell out. • Pick up your tickets at the event. • Tickets are NOT tax deductible. • Tickets ARE transferable and can be given to others. Consider buying the 5-event package and give some tickets as gifts to your friends or colleagues.

• Open seating at all events. Front rows will be reserved for Patrons and Sponsors. • If an author cancels (weather, illness, etc.), we will attempt to reschedule the author in late March or April. Your original ticket will be good for the rescheduled event. • No refunds unless entire event (both authors) is canceled and not rescheduled (for ticket packages, refund will be prorated). • All events will take place in Naples.

Monday, February 29, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Chabad Naples ~ Topic: Spirituality Jay Michaelson ~ The Gate of Tears

Sarah L. Kaufman ~ The Art of Grace

The Gate of Tears: Sadness and the Spiritual Path is the sixth book by Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson. Its message is a countercultural one: that sadness and joy can coexist, and that there is a great beauty to the vicissitudes of light and darkness that are inevitable parts of human life. By learning to make space for and even love these difficult emotions, they become like two notes of a minor chord – a song that is both beautiful and wise. With his blend of erudition and accessibility, Rabbi Michaelson weaves together Hasidic tales and Dharma teachings, Leonard Cohen and Langston Hughes. The Gate of Tears draws on his 15 years as a student and teacher of Jewish meditation, the recent passing of his mother, and the peace he has discovered along the way. Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson is the author of six books, editor at The Daily Beast and the Forward, and affiliated faculty member of Chicago Theological Seminary. He has taught at Boston University Law School and numerous Jewish institutions, and has appeared on NPR, CNN, MSNBC and NBC. He holds a PhD from Hebrew University, a JD from Yale, and non-denominational rabbinic ordination.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning dance critic teaches us to appreciate – and enact – grace in every dimension: physical, spiritual and emotional. Both social and physical graces have been taught since the dawn of civilization. Yet grace seems forgotten in our pushy, hectic modern world. Sarah L. Kaufman argues that we bring it back. She explores the concept of grace in faiths around the world, including Judaism, where grace is seen as a quality that engenders love. She singles out grace in sports, in the arts, and in the everyday ways people interact. Cary Grant is her muse: his uncanny ease flowed from training as an acrobat but equally from his wit, humility and compassion. So too, Kaufman suggests, we might unearth the potential for grace in ourselves. Sarah L. Kaufman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning dance critic for The Washington Post, where she has written about arts, sports and living for twenty years. A former French-American Foundation fellow, she has lived in France and Germany, and has lectured at universities around the country. She and her husband have three children and live outside Washington, D.C.

Venue Locations

Festival Sponsors

All locations are in Naples (area code 239): Special thanks to Beth Tikvah: 1459 Pine Ridge Road (434-1818) these organizations for Chabad Naples: 1789 Mandarin Road (262-4474) providing space for the Hilton Naples: 5111 Tamiami Trail N. (430-4900) Festival events. Naples Daily News: 1100 Immokalee Road (262-3161) Temple Shalom: 4630 Pine Ridge Road (455-3030) Unitarian Universalist Cong. of Greater Naples: 6340 Napa Woods Way (455-6553)

We are grateful to the following businesses and organizations for their support of the First Annual Collier County Jewish Book Festival.

Book Sales

All of the Festival’s books are on display on the second floor in the Barnes & Noble store at the Waterside Shops. Be sure to pick up a free Festival bookmark while you’re there. Books will also be available for purchase and signing at each author’s event. Books make great gifts for friends and family.

Festival Website & Email

Visit the official Festival website at www.jewishbookfestival.org for more information on the authors and their books, event updates and a printable order form. Have questions that have not been answered in this spread? Send an email to fedstar18@gmail.com.

Jewish Book Festival Committee: Carole Greene Dina Shein Harrilee Shevin Ida Margolis

Co-Chairs: Ted Epstein & Phil Jason Irene Pomerantz Linda Smith Iris Shur Marc Simon Judy Peltz Patti Boochever Lee Henson Robin Mintz

Steve Brazina Sue Bookbinder Susan Pittelman

Jewish Book Festival Ticket Order Form Order your tickets today for these remaining events Special Event: 3/10 - Green/Pimsleur # of tickets: ____ x $25 = $_____ • Tickets ARE transferable and can be given to others. • Pick up your tickets at the event. • Open seating at all events. Front rows will be reserved for Patrons and Sponsors. • If an author cancels, we will attempt to reschedule the author in late March or April. • No refunds unless entire event (both authors) is canceled and not rescheduled.

Event Date - Authors: 2/29 - Michaelson/Kaufman 3/1 - Pressman/Cohen 3/2 - Kelly/Hope 3/3 - Gilman/Dahl 3/9 - Fingerett/Jenet 3/14 - Bettencourt/Milgram Total:

5-event Individual package: tickets: $49 ea. $12 ea. Pkgs: ___ ($15 at the door) Please indicate # of tickets:

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ $____

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ $____ Women’s Cultural Alliance

YES! I’d love to attend the Jewish Book Festival! Please send me the tickets I’ve reserved above for a total of $_______.  Check enclosed - payable to Jewish Federation of Collier County  Please charge my:  MasterCard  Visa  American Express Account #____________________________________ Exp. ____/____ ccv#______ Name: _______________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________ ST: ______ Zip: _________________ Phone: _______________________ Email: __________________________________

4 easy ways to order your tickets: 1 Mail this order form to

Jewish Federation of Collier County 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109

2 In person

at the Federation office. Please fill out form in advance.

3 Charge by phone 239.263.4205 Please fill out form prior to calling.

4 Fax this order form

with credit card info to 239.263.3813 FS0316

All authors appearing at the Jewish Book Festival, with the exception of the local authors, are Jewish Book Council Network Authors.

Tuesday, March 1, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom ~ Topic: Holocaust Steven Pressman ~ 50 Children

Daniel M. Cohen ~ Single Handed

In the spring of 1939, a Jewish couple from Philadelphia, Gil and Eleanor Kraus, traveled into Nazi Germany in a bold and daring attempt to rescue a group of Jewish children and bring them back into the safety of the United States. Despite incredible obstacles at home – fierce opposition by Jewish community leaders and organizations; rigid U.S. immigration quotas – the Krauses carried out their mission, resulting in the largest single group of unaccompanied children allowed into the United States during the entirety of the Holocaust. Steven Pressman was born and raised in Los Angeles and worked for many years as a journalist in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. He wrote, directed and produced the Emmy-nominated documentary film 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus, which premiered on HBO and led to his book on the same topic. Steve lives in San Francisco.

When Tibor Rubin was 13, he spent a year in a Nazi concentration camp. When he was 18, Tibor came to America a penniless immigrant. A year and a half later he volunteered for the Korean War. When he was 20, Tibor defended a hill from hordes of North Korean soldiers single handed. He was recommended for the Medal of Honor, but a virulently anti-Semitic sergeant ditched the paperwork. After other acts of selfless daring, Tibor was recommended for the Medal again. The same sergeant refused to file the paperwork. When Tibor was 21, he was captured and sent to a Chinese POW camp, where he stole food to keep starving buddies alive. When Tibor was 50, the men whose lives he’d saved lobbied the Army to get him the medal he had been denied. Twenty-five years later, he finally received America’s highest military distinction. Single Handed is the amazing story of the only Holocaust survivor to have received the Medal of Honor. Daniel M. Cohen is a filmmaker and writer. He wrote and directed the award-winning feature Diamond Men. A film critic and essayist for over thirty years, Single Handed is his first book.

Wednesday, March 2, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Beth Tikvah ~ Topic: Israel Mike Kelly ~ The Bus on Jaffa Road

Jessamyn T. Hope ~ Safekeeping

Mike Kelly tells the story of two New Jersey teenagers who were killed in 1996 in a bus bombing on Jaffa Road in Jerusalem. In pursuit of justice, the parents of these American teenagers encountered political obstacles (from the White House and State Department, among others), adding suspense to the story of crime and punishment. The parents won a tremendous cash verdict against Hamas and Iran when a United States Federal Judge decided in their favor. Mike Kelly, a journalist for more than three decades, is the author of two books and many prize-winning newspaper projects and columns for the Bergen Record in northern New Jersey. His assignments have taken him to Africa, Northern Ireland, Israel, Palestine and Iraq. He covered the 9/11 attacks, the cleanup of Ground Zero, and the 9/11 Commission hearings in Washington, D.C., and has devoted much of his time to covering terrorism.

Set against the backdrop of Jewish history, Safekeeping is a novel about love, loss and the courage it takes to keep starting over. At its heart stands a sapphire brooch – forged in a medieval ghetto – with a perilous backstory spanning three continents and seven centuries. In 1994, Adam, a drug addict from New York City, arrives at Kibbutz Sadot Hadar with the priceless brooch. To redress a past crime, he needs to give it to a woman his grandfather loved when he was a Holocaust refugee on the kibbutz 50 years earlier. But finding this mystery woman proves more complicated than expected. On the kibbutz, Adam joins other damaged souls trying to turn their lives around. By the end of that summer, they each get their last shot at redemption. Jessamyn Hope’s fiction and memoirs have appeared in Ploughshares, Five Points and Colorado Review, among other literary magazines. She was the Susannah McCorkle Scholar in Fiction at the Sewanee Writers’ Conference and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Originally from Montreal, she lived in Israel before moving to New York City.

Thursday, March 3, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom~ Topic: Fiction Susan Jane Gilman ~ The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street

As a child in 1913, Malka Treynovsky flees Russia for New York with her family – only to be crippled and abandoned in the streets. Taken in by a tough-loving Italian ices peddler, Malka survives. When she falls in love with Albert, they set off together across America in an ice cream truck to seek their fortune. Slowly she transforms herself into Lillian Dunkle, “The Ice Cream Queen of America” – doyenne of an empire of ice cream franchises and a celebrated television personality. Spanning 70 years, Lillian’s rise – fraught with setbacks, triumphs and tragedies – is inextricably linked to the course of American history itself, from Prohibition to the disco days of Studio 54. And when her past starts catching up with her, Lillian’s world implodes spectacularly. Susan Jane Gilman was a 2014 National Jewish Book Award finalist. She provides commentary for NPR and has written for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Ms. magazine, among others. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan. She divides her time between Geneva and New York.

Julia Dahl ~ Run You Down Aviva Kagan was a just a teenager when she left her Hasidic Jewish life in Brooklyn for a fling with a college boy from Florida – and then disappeared. Twenty-three years later, the daughter she walked away from is a New York City tabloid reporter named Rebekah Roberts. And Rebekah isn’t sure she wants her mother back in her life. But when a man from the ultra-Orthodox enclave of Roseville, NY, contacts Rebekah about his wife’s mysterious death, she is drawn back into Aviva’s world. Pessie Goldin’s body was found in her bathtub, and her husband is certain she was murdered. Once she starts poking around, Rebekah encounters a whole society of people who have wandered “off the path” of ultra-Orthodox Judaism – just like her mother. But some went with dark secrets – and rage at the community they left behind. Julia Dahl writes about crime and justice for CBSNews.com. Her first novel, Invisible City, was named one of the Boston Globe’s Best Books of 2014 and was a finalist for the Edgar Award, the Mary Higgins Clark Award, and the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel. She was born in Fresno, CA, and now lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Beth Tikvah ~ Topic: Memoir Sally Fingerett ~ The Mental Yentl Known for her sharp wit and warm heart, Sally Fingerett is a freespirited, award-winning singer-songwriter who spent twenty-five years touring with the highly-acclaimed musical comedy group, The Four B**chin’ Babes. Holding artistic and contemporary Jewish life up to the light with love, humor and heart, Sally has written down the stories behind her best-loved songs from the stage and recordings. In these hilarious and endearing stories and essays, she celebrates her own personal goofs and flaws: having married, had a baby, divorced, trolled JDate, remarried, blended three teenagers into one family, while feeling that she’s really just a nine-year-old with a credit line. This designated daughter wanted only to fit in, be loved, do the right thing and – oops, almost forgot – have a career. Isn’t this what women do? Sally Fingerett is an award-winning composer and founding member of the musical comedy group The Four B**chin’ Babes. Sally has appeared on over seven-hundred stages, NPR’s What’ya Know, Mountain Stage, and World Cafe. Sally lives in Columbus, OH.

Dafna Michaelson Jenet ~ It Takes a Little Crazy To Make a Difference

Struggling with her divorce and commitment to life as an Orthodox Jewish woman and mother, Dafna Michaelson takes off to all 50 states to find and share stories of ordinary people solving problems in their community. Driven by her commitment to tikkun olam, she learns as she shares the stories of others to find her place and follow her conflicted heart when her non-Jewish boyfriend proposes. During her travels, Dafna’s quest was shared by Charles Osgood on CBS’s Sunday Morning, driving many to hear the stories of the 500 people she met. 65% of the people she interviewed are Jewish men and women driven to heal the world. The book recounts her journey over one year and shares her struggles with her commitment to faith and community. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, President of the Journey Institute, holds a BA from Stern College and an MBA from the University of Denver, and is a StorahTelling Maven. She held directorship posts at the Holocaust Awareness Institute and The March of the Living, BJENY. She currently sits on Hadassah’s National Board.

Monday, March 14, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at UUCGN ~ Topic: Inspiration Megan Feldman Bettencourt ~ Triumph of the Heart

Goldie Milgram ~ New Mitzvah Stories

Veteran journalist Megan Feldman Bettencourt had never considered herself a forgiving person. She’d just gone through a breakup and felt perfectly justified in hating her ex forever. But then she encountered a man who had truly forgiven the teenager who murdered his only son. How could anyone forgive that? Was there something wrong with him? Or was there something wrong with her? So Megan set out on a global adventure – not just to find out what forgiveness is, but how it works. Examining situations as mundane as road rage, as painful as cheating spouses, and as unthinkable as war crimes, she discovers the physical and psychological benefits of forgiveness, revealing some of the best ways we can learn to do it ourselves. The ability to forgive really is what determines our quality of life. Megan Feldman Bettencourt is an award-winning writer and adjunct professor of Journalism and Public Relations at Metropolitan State University, Denver. Her features have appeared in magazines such as Glamour, Details and 5280: The Denver Magazine, and in newspapers including Newsday, the Dallas Observer and the Miami Herald.

This collection of 43 true and fictional stories by leading Jewish authors, storytellers and educators has found its audience with all ages and groups across the spectrum of Jewish life. Each tale excites the imagination, opens the heart, and stimulates reflection, discussion and action. The stories pose challenges that highlight the lifeenhancing effect of mitzvah-centered living. Over 60 Jewish values are covered, with stimulating tales about Shabbat and Holy Days to core Jewish ethics like refraining from holding a grudge and taking revenge. New Mitzvah Stories celebrates contemporary Jewish values. Included are a study guide by co-editor Rabbi Dr. Goldie Milgram, accessibly translated sacred texts, discussion questions, learning activities, and tikkun olam possibilities for all ages and settings. Rabbi Goldie Milgram is Executive Director of Reclaiming Judaism and Dean of the Maggid-Educator Training Program, before which she served as 92nd Street Y Director of Innovative Jewish Programming. She is a widely published author, master teacher, public speaker, and professional Jewish storyteller.

Federation Star March 2016

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. Florida Ties By coincidence, there were two nice newspaper pieces about Jews in Florida that came to my attention recently. While working on an article on Jewish players in the Super Bowl over the last fifty years, I came across an October 2015 profile of ED NEWMAN, now 64, in the Miami Herald. Newman was a Miami Dolphins offensive guard who played in three Super Bowls: S.B. 8 (1974, his rookie year), S.B. 17 (1983), and S.B. 19 (1985). He was a Pro Bowl player four times. After he retired, he finished law school and was a practicing attorney for seven years before being elected (1994) a Miami-Dade County judge, a position he currently holds. He hears about 35 misdemeanor cases a day and tries to temper justice with mercy and respect. He got to pick his own bailiff and he selected Tony Nathan, now 58, a star Dolphins running back whom Newman used to punch holes in the line for. Nathan, an African American, is the subject of the critically-acclaimed movie Woodlawn. It is a dramatization of his high school days in Birmingham, Alabama, where his success on the field helped somewhat heal the racial divide in that city. (It came out on DVD in October.) By the way, Newman’s move from football to a “classy profession” is not that unusual among the ten Jews who have played in “the big game.” BOB STEIN, now 67, was a Kansas City Chiefs linebacker who played for seven years and was in the 1970 Super Bowl. He also became an attorney

after retiring and he also served a stint as the CEO of the Minneapolis NBA team. And then there’s Dr. JOHN FRANK, now 53, who had a great career as a tight end with the San Francisco 49ers and was a key player in the team’s 1989 Super Bowl win. He retired after that Super Bowl, at age 27, and finished medical school. He now practices in Ohio and New York. The Sun Sentinel newspaper (February 1) had a very nice profile of BARRY MANILOW, 72, and smooth jazz sax player DAVE KOZ, 52. They were set to play (February 5) at an arena in Sunrise, Florida. That arena replaced the Sunrise Musical Theater, which closed in 2002. Manilow, who played the old theater’s last concert quipped to the closing night audience, “It was an honor to be the last performer ever in the Sunrise Musical Theater. I am going to be forever known as the last Jew to leave the building.” Their joint concert was called, “One Last Time,” and the title may reference the fact that Manilow may be ending his 40-year touring career. Odd, But True Corner DANIEL “Harry Potter” RADCLIFFE, 26, has been dating actress Erin Darke, 29, since 2013. They met while filming a movie. A recent reference to their dating led me to learn that Darke is a Flint, Michigan, native and her parents still live in that “in the headlines” city. Michigan papers reported that Radcliffe visited Flint in December 2014. He toured the town, ate at local places, and – oy vey –

JEWISH INTEREST

Interested in Your Family’s History? Ten years of doing a Jewish celebrities column has turned Nate Bloom (see column at left) into something of an expert on finding basic family history records and articles mentioning a “searched-for” person. During these 10 years, he has put together a small team of “mavens” who aid his research. Most professional family history experts charge at least $1,000 for a full family tree. However, many people just want to get “started” by tracing one particular family branch.

So here’s the deal:

Send Nate an email at nteibloom@aol.com, tell him you saw this ad in the Federation Star, and include your phone number (area code, too). Nate will then contact you about doing a “limited” family history for you at a modest cost (no more than $100). No upfront payment. presumably drank the lead-filled water (no comment about the Flint crisis from him, yet). Radcliffe, whose mother is Jewish, is secular, but has said that he identifies as Jewish and is “proud” to be Jewish. Who didn’t love ABE VIGODA, who died on January 26 at age 94? I certainly did. In the last two decades, I wondered if Vigoda was “genetically lucky” to live so long. After all, while he looked healthy in The Godfather, he certainly was haggard looking playing Detective Fish in Barney Miller. Turns out his unhealthy “Fish persona” was an act. His co-star, HAL LINDEN (Barney), now 84, spoke to the New York Daily News shortly after Vigoda’s death. Linden said that Vigoda exercised regularly and short-

ly after the Miller series began, they played a game of handball and “Abe handed me my ass.” An AP obit said that Vigoda’s exercise regimen and quick acerbic wit helped him get the Detective Fish role. Here’s what the AP wrote: “An exercise enthusiast, Vigoda had just returned from a five-mile jog when his agent called and told him to report immediately to the office of DANNY ARNOLD, who was producing a pilot for a police station comedy. Arnold remarked that Vigoda looked tired, and the actor explained about his jog. ‘You know, you look like you might have hemorrhoids,’ Arnold said. ‘What are you, a doctor or a producer?’ Vigoda asked. He was cast on the spot.’”

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March 2016 Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

The JBI Library: Helping the visually impaired recapture the joys of reading

iana was a painter… she was a teacher… she was a seeker of knowledge. She was a woman with a zest for life. But when glaucoma took her eyesight, much of what defined Diana and gave her life meaning was lost –until she found JBI. Thanks to the JBI Library, 86-year-old Diana is still a seeker of knowledge. Over the last 11 years she has “read” over 300 books from our collection, along with our magazines! Like Diana, thousands of visually impaired people around the world – and right here in Florida – have recaptured the joys of reading and reconnecting to Jewish communal life with the help of the JBI Library. JBI, currently celebrating its 85th birthday, was established as the Jewish Braille Institute in 1931 in a small Bronx apartment. No one then involved could have imagined that it would grow to become JBI International, the world’s largest library of Jewish inter-

est for the blind and visually impaired, serving 35,000 individuals in thirty countries on six continents, and in nine languages – English, Russian, Spanish, Yiddish, French, Hebrew, Romanian, Hungarian and Polish. JBI empowers visually impaired, blind and readingdisabled people of all ages and backgrounds by giving them access to the written word through the special formats of Audio, Large Print and Braille. All of JBI’s services are free of charge. JBI’s original mission was to provide Braille versions of religious and Jewish educational materials not then available. In the course of time, its work has necessarily expanded to assist the rapidly increasing population of older men and women who, as an unfortunate consequence of increased longevity, unexpectedly find themselves forced to adjust to severe vision loss, often as a result of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, inoperable cataracts and glaucoma. There are also many older adults who can no longer physically hold a book. In the last decade, JBI’s client base has grown exponentially. By expanding its holdings, reaching out to the community so that more people are aware of JBI’s unique services, and by harnessing advances in technology, today’s JBI is meeting the needs of an amazingly diverse population. The JBI Talking Books library contains more than 13,000 titles: Nathan utilizes JBI’s Large Print Jewish Reference Calendar fiction, history, short

stories, humor, Jewish studies, biographies and memoirs, cookbooks, mysteries and more. We also offer many titles in Large Print. JBI also has its own magazine, The JBI Voice, which is recorded every month and contains a broad selection of articles on topics of current interest. JBI’s Periodicals Series includes selections from The Jerusalem Report, Commentary, Moment, Tikkun, Hadassah and other major journals. The popular monthly JBI Cultural Series offers lectures, concerts and dramatic readings. All of JBI’s library materials are delivered to clients’ homes. JBI’s Special Publications include Annette listens to a JBI Talking Book on a free playback machine Haggadot, the Bible, Psalms, the Yizkor service and prayerbooks for all questions for the first time… JBI’s misdenominations in Audio, Large Print sion is to make sure that every Jewish and Braille. These person can particimaterials are meant “I never thought that I would pate. to be kept by the read at a Seder again. I cannot If you or someclient for use again thank you enough.” – Romy one you know could and again. benefit from a Large Passover is quickly approaching. Print Haggadah or any of JBI’s free JBI offers Haggadot (in Large Print, services, JBI urges you to contact their Braille and Audio) free of charge. librarians at 800.433.1531 or library@ Whether it is a grandfather hoping to jbilibrary.org. For more information, lead a Seder as he has for decades… please visit the JBI website at www. or a child who hopes to read the four jbilibrary.org.

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Federation Star March 2016

Hans Calmeyer, the “Dutch Schindler” By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

rom the moment Hans Calmeyer started work for the Nazi administration in occupied Holland on March 3, 1941 – 75 years ago this month – he realized that doing so would afford him the opportunity to help persecuted Jews. Utilizing his position, he later became known in some circles as the “Dutch Schindler.” Dr. Paul Bartrop So far as can be ascertained, he had no ulterior motive for saving Jews, only his own moral code of what was the right thing to do. From this, and through working within the Nazi system, he was able to save thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Calmeyer was born on June 23, 1903, in the German city of Osnabrück, Saxony. His father was a judge. Relatively little is known of his childhood, though it is recorded that because of his father’s profession, the concepts of law and justice, as well as notions of morality, were instilled in him at an early age. Inevitably, Calmeyer studied law, and after qualifying as an attorney he opened his own practice in Osnabrück. After the Nazis came to power in 1933, Calmeyer’s straightforward and contented life began to change. His legal practice took on many cases concerning communists, resulting in the regime questioning and closely monitoring his work. Soon after the passage of the Nuremberg Laws in 1935, one of the many restrictions against Jews in public life saw a rule banning Aryans from employing Jewish assistants. Calmeyer’s small practice had only two employees, one of whom was Jewish. When he refused to dismiss her, he attracted the attention of the Nazi regime and his license was revoked for a year. Called up for the army in May 1940, Calmeyer took part in the invasion of the Netherlands, after which a friend offered him a job with the occupation authorities in the General Commissariat for Administration and Justice in The Hague. This would involve examining and adjudicating “doubtful” racial cases, ruling on the appropriate classification of each person in question, and declaring them either fully Jewish, partly Jewish, or Aryan. It was here that he saw his opportunity to aid Jews, though he knew he would have to avoid arousing any suspicion that he was acting outside of the rules. The team he built around him was comprised of several dependable local lawyers who helped draw up false credentials. Contrary to the Nuremberg Laws, Calmeyer argued that the legitimacy of Jewish heritage should not be based on a person’s membership in the Jewish community, but rather determined from other forms of evidence such as birth and baptismal certificates. The distinction made all the difference in the world for the Jews on whose cases he was to adjudicate. It created a legal loophole, leading to a deception allowing Calmeyer to save thousands from deportation. Of the 4,787 cases brought before him, he decided that 42% were to be considered half-Jews (mischlinge first degree), and another

18% one-quarter Jews (mischlinge second degree), creating a total of 60% who were thereby exempt from immediate deportation. He referred to his work as “building a lifeboat” not only to help Jewish families remain together, but also to provide them with a sense of hope. With the help of only his closest and most trusted friends, he turned a blind eye to fabricated baptismal certificates and falsified documents so he could save Jews, or at the very least stall their deportation to Auschwitz. Given that he had to be seen as incorruptible, Calmeyer was not personally involved in any of the forgeries. In fact, he sidestepped any personal contact with lawyers who approached his department on behalf of Jewish clients so that he would not be suspected of being overly sympathetic. Further, he did not attempt to intervene personally on behalf of Jews in any official capacity. The SS leadership was highly suspicious of Calmeyer’s work, and constantly urged the higher authorities to close down his operation. He knew this, and, playing for time whenever possible, continually added more names to his special list while trying always to find ways to extend his field of operations. In June 1943, Calmeyer’s team was put under close inspection after SS Police Chief Hanns Albin Rauter asked for a complete reexamination of the “Calmeyer Jews.” While Rauter had been suspicious of Calmeyer’s work for some time, there had been a series of internal power struggles in the Nazi establishment that had delayed Calmeyer’s evaluation. The committee appointed to investigate included a Dutch SS member, Ludo Ten Cate, who had been appointed, in early 1942, to the position of Official Representative for Genealogical Certificates. Eventually, however, Ten Cate became involved in a vehement quarrel with other Nazi experts, leading to his dismissal in August 1944 and his transfer to the Eastern Front. After Ten Cate’s removal, the SS continued to investigate Calmeyer’s practice and kept a close eye on every document that passed through his hands. The following year, Calmeyer was openly confronted about trying to save Jewish lives through swindling and deception. He persevered to the end, however, and through his efforts at least 3,000 Jewish lives were saved, the majority as a clear result of his judicious manipulation of the rules. Calmeyer died in 1972 at the age of 69. On March 4, 1992, Yad Vashem recognized him as one of the Righteous Among the Nations. Hans Georg Calmeyer had both the moral determination and a position in the Nazi apparatus that enabled him to bring about real change. His is an example of a humanitarian leader during a dangerous period. His leadership saved the lives of thousands of Jews, in an act of resistance all too rarely replicated during the period of the Third Reich. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History and the Director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. He can be reached at pbartrop@fgcu.edu.

To recognize 80 years since the notorious 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University will be hosting an international conference on Tuesday-Wednesday, March 29-30. See page 13 for more details.

JEWISH INTEREST

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle “Heroes & Villains” By Yoni Glatt

Difficulty Level: Manageable

Editor: YoniGlatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Across 1. Amt. of cinnamon in charoset, perhaps 4. Heavenly plane? 10. Moroccan appetizers 16. Evil 17. Having to pay an eye for an eye 18. Like a waxless Havdalah candle 19. Batgirl (1997) 22. Seder matzo on Pesach Sheni, probably 23. Tref sushi choice 24. Goldman who wrote “Being Jewish” and “The Search for God at Harvard” 25. Supergirl (1984) 30. Emergency button on a kfir plane 31. 1776 and 1948: Abbr. 32. 1976 Kiss hit 33. Call from a korban 34. Lex Luthor (2016) 41. Technically his presidency ended in 2009, but... 44. “I concur!” 45. IDF woe 46. Wonder Woman (2016) 50. Ant-Man (2015) 53. “Yalla!” 54. Cookie the OU says is dairy...but it really isn’t 56. Kfar Hanokdim and Ein Gedi 57. Spider-Man (2012) 63. Read V’Zot Habracha, say 64. Paul Newman’s “Nobody’s ___” 65. Conservative youth org. 68. Patriots owner 71. The Green Goblin (2002) 75. Joshua or Elisha, e.g. 76. David Bryan (Rashbaum) of ___ Jovi 77. Go through Golani training 78. Black Widow (2010) 84. “But ___ our little village of Anatevka...” 85. Security checkpoint request 86. Samuel priest 87. Israel bonds, e.g. 88. Gable in a Selznick classic, and others 89. Lists avoided by Braun and Davis: Abbr. Down 1. Schmutzy 2. One involved in making meat kosher 3. Small bottles (Rambam might have had) 4. Sci-fi classic with Yaphet Kotto 5. She sang “Titanium” for David Guetta 6. Pas, in Yiddish 7. Greenberg would often produce one 8. “___ My Sons” – Arthur Miller play 9. The Jordan River in Tasmania has

Solution on page 34

one, but Israel’s doesn’t 10. Lock from Rogen 11. Output of this paper: Abbr. 12. Objective for olim 13. Be meshuga for 14. Similar to ancient Hebrew 15. Matzo alternative ingredient 20. Dan Gilbert’s OH team, on the board 21. Always, to Lazarus 26. Stat. Ian Kinsler leads all Jews in 27. Moonves of CBS 28. Ended a fast 29. ___ List (Zuckerberg and Bloomberg might be on) 30. It’s more than 5776 years 33. Burger Ranch listing 34. Car featured on Weiner’s “Mad Men,” for short 35. Zeh, in Mexico 36. Child who provides tsuris 37. Black or Red 38. Tref birds in Oceania 39. Lift (for an on leave IDF soldier) 40. Roams, like the Jews for 40 years 41. Ottoman who ruled the Holy Land in the 19th century 42. Barbara of “Mission: Impossible” 43. What the Nile once did 47. (Jimmy) Stewart’s role in Henry Koster’s “Harvey” 48. The OU is one 49. Common offering at the end of a Shabbat meal 51. Response to a Billy Eichner tweet 52. “Sababa” 55. Was Howard Stern on AM ___? 58. Figure at a Hapoel Holon game 59. Creature on the side of Bloom’s Legolas 60. Syria, in 1948 61. Letters needed to use the Siddur app on an iPhone 62. PG James Caan movie 65. Like a new pair of tefillin 66. Torah, e.g. 67. Cespedis who powered Wilpon’s team into the playoffs 68. ___ varnishkes 69. Options for Sephardim on Passover 70. Some months 71. Make a note in a Talmud 72. Shtick 73. Etrog covers 74. 1 of 100 in this puzz. 76. Stiller and Savage 79. Started Shabbat 80. Their logo has a fist in it: Abbr. 81. Andean cholent ingredient, perhaps 82. Hamor or Nevo 83. It split the Jordan long ago

Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org.

March 2016 Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

Welcome to Pinnacle Class Cruising ms Koningsdam arriving April 2016

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Introducing Music Walk

Entertainment has always been the heart and soul of evenings aboard Holland America Line, and on ms Koningsdam that promise takes a new dimension with Music Walk, three stages presenting a variety of live music nightly.

Savor the Possibilities

The marquee dining venues are all here — many, reimagined with stylish new designs — along with the freedom as always to dine “As You Wish.” The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine ® Magazine

Holland America’s signature show kitchen for demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes during the day now transforms to a dinner venue at night.

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Federation Star March 2016

JEWISH INTEREST

Game-changing gift from Mort Zuckerman to advance U.S.-Israel science

Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program intends to provide over $100 million in scholarships and related educational activities to beneﬁt participating scholars and universities.

merican business leader and philanthropist Mortimer Zuckerman announced on January 25 the launch of the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program, a transformative initiative designed to support future generations of leaders in science, technology, engineering and math in the United States and Israel and, over time, foster greater collaboration between two of the world’s most advanced scientific research centers. The Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program will give the highest-achieving American post-doctoral researchers and graduate students the ability to collaborate with leading researchers at Israel’s top research institutions – Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, and the Weizmann Institute of Science – which are among the world’s most advanced. By providing American graduate students and post-doctoral researchers with exposure to Israel’s renowned cutting-edge research and startup culture, the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program will raise a generation of academic, scientific and industry lead-

ers in the United States infused with a unique spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. The program will simultaneously bolster Israeli research institutions as world-leading centers for cutting-edge research by providing Israeli institutions access to large-scale funding needed to develop top-tier research labs, projects and programs. The Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program will, over time, help strengthen the U.S.-Israel partnership as Zuckerman Scholars return to the United States after building long-lasting relationships based in mutual collaboration. Israeli academic leaders returning to research institutions in Israel will similarly advance the overarching collaborative effort in science between the two nations as they continue to build bridges with their American colleagues. “At a time when collaboration is essential to advanced scientific research, this program gives the next generations of leading American and Israeli academics the ability to work together on cutting-edge research in ways that stand to benefit their fields

for years to come,” said Mr. Zuckerman. “The result will help transform not just the work of the scholars involved, but the way the United States and Israel approach collaboration and cooperation across the sciences.” “Mort’s friendship is demonstrated yet again through this important initiative,” said Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu in a special video message. “Together with the Technion, the Weizmann Institute, Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University, this project will help bring back home some of Israel’s most brilliant sons and daughters, allow them to advance their own careers here, and in so doing contribute to Israel’s growing scientific excellence. It will also enable some of America’s brightest young scientists to conduct their research in Israel. “New York and Israel share a deep and unparalleled connection – and the Zuckerman Scholars Program is a prime example of how we can keep that relationship strong today and in the future,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo. “By helping some of America’s best and brightest students work and learn alongside leading researchers in Israel,

this program gives us a new model for cooperation and partnership that will ultimately better society as a whole. This is a great way to strengthen the bond between Israel and the Empire State, and I applaud Mort Zuckerman for launching this program today.” The Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program will be supported by funding from Mr. Zuckerman’s foundation to inaugurate the program and ensure that the first class of Zuckerman Scholars will begin with the 2016-2017 academic year. The foundation’s long-term intent is to ensure that the Zuckerman Scholars and the program’s related educational activities continue in perpetuity. In the next twenty years alone, the program intends to provide over $100 million in scholarships and related educational activities that will benefit not only the participating scholars and universities, but the general public as well. Additional information on the program, including how to apply, is available through the program’s website at http://zuckerman-scholars.org. Source: American Technion Society (www.ats.org)

Six Florida-Israel aerospace projects funded Status of Florida-Israel Aerospace Innovation R&D Partnershp with Israel 2016

he two winning joint respondents to the 2014 first Call for Projects were: Micro Aerospace Solution (MAS) (Florida) and NSL Satellites (Israel) – This team developed a prototype antenna for high-speed data transmission from small satellites. Satellites can now be built in a much smaller box

(in some cases, as small as a 10-centimeter cube) without losing capability. The prototype antenna developed by MAS and NSL will allow data transmission rates to be increased from kilobits per second to megabits per second – in other words, from dial-up modem to modern WiFi transmission speeds. S3 USA (Florida) and Space

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Pharma (Israel) – This team developed flight hardware for liquid biological and chemical experiments to be flown on parabolic flights. A parabolic flight provides several intervals of roughly 30 seconds of microgravity; fluids and biological organisms that live within them (e.g., cells, proteins, bacteria, viruses) assume different characteristics due to the lack of gravity, enabling researchers to see effects that they cannot see on Earth. Space Pharma’s hardware, which is mated with a power and communications interface unit developed by S3, provides researchers with nearly instantaneous data. This process allows almost-realtime remote adjustments to the fluid flow and other variables. The four winning joint respondents to the 2015 second Call for Projects were: Micro-gRx (Florida) and Space Pharma (Israel) – These partners built a “lab on a chip” to investigate specific changes in protein levels in human muscle and immune cell types to model disease in reduced gravity environments. Again, Space Pharma is expanding its expertise in flight hardware design to include the ability for researchers to make almost-real-time adjustments remotely. This effort has been combined with Micro-gRx’s expertise in drug discovery and identification of new and quicker ways to translate promising chemical compounds into actual human therapeutics. The flight hardware and ground testing were completed in late 2015, with a flight to the International Space Station expected in spring 2016. This project is also noteworthy because Micro-gRx is the first for-profit company to spin out from the Sanford Burnham Prebys Research Institute at Lake Nona. Cella Energy (Florida) and Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel) – These partners worked on a new propulsion system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Cella has developed proprietary technology that stores hydrogen in plastic pellets at ambient temperatures; the hydrogen is released to small fuel cells, which generate electricity to power the IAI UAV. If successful, this project will be a breakthrough for the UAV industry. Even with the best current battery technology, UAVs can typically fly for no more than 24 hours

continuously; this new power system should allow continuous flight for up to 7 to 10 days. Lockheed Martin Space Systems (Florida) and STEMRAD (Israel) – This team is developing a new radiation shielding device for earth and human space flight application. The device, which will be worn as a flexible vest, will shield vital body organs and bones (50 percent of the human body’s red and white blood cells are produced in the pelvic bone!). The vest will utilize technology developed in STEMRAD’s award-winning 360 Gamma vest, which was worn by responders to the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. General Capacitor (Florida) and Elbit Systems Land and C4I (Israel) – These partners are developing a new system to power electric thrusters for satellite propulsion. Since the very first deployment of satellites in the late 1950s, thrusters (basically very small rocket engines used to maneuver the satellites and keep them in proper orbit around the earth) have been fueled by extremely toxic chemicals known as hypergols. Elbit has developed expertise in electrically-powered thrusters; General Capacitor, a company spunout from Florida State University, brings expertise in developing supercapacitors, which can store electrical energy like a battery but discharge it very rapidly for a quick surge of power to fire the thruster. If successful, a large market awaits; according to the Satellite Industry Association, 208 satellites were launched in 2014, almost doubling the 107 launched in 2013. The third round Call for Projects was issued on September 8, 2015, with responses due on February 1, 2016. Space Florida attended the 2015 annual International Astronautical Congress, which was held in Jerusalem in October 2015. With the assistance of Enterprise Florida’s Israel Office and Israeli partner agency, MATIMOP, Space Florida met with 18 Israeli companies who were interested in finding a Florida partner for the third round. As a result of this effort, Space Florida expects to receive 10-12 qualified proposals.

Save the Date: CELEBRATE ISRAEL Sunday, May 15, 2016 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Mercato

March 2016 Federation Star

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Top trends to watch in Israel in 2016 As the New Year approached, ISRAEL21c asked experts in six different ﬁelds what the hottest new trends will be in the year ahead. By Abigail Klein Leichman and Viva Sarah Press, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org

s the New Year approached, we r asked experts in every area of l innovation we cover – technol.ogy, health, culture, environment, travel eand social action – to look into their ecrystal balls and predict the three biggest ntrends in Israel for 2016. From “mega exits” to digital healthpcare, sustainable agriculture and shared geconomy companies, our experts gave ous a great deal of exciting things to tthink about. s Follow ISRAEL21c’s coverage of -innovation news in these areas over the -coming year and see if their predictions nwere right. dTECHNOLOGY -Jonathan Medved, CEO of OurCrowd, ,venture capital-crowdfunding hybrid rplatform for investing in Israeli startups: -Trend 1: More investment in Israeli stechnology companies, especially cAsian and private-equity investments Medved predicts “mega exits” for Israeli high-tech in 2016 as Israel’s exciting -“romance with Asia” heats up even tfurther and as more private equity drives Israeli tech forward. Serial entrepreneurs are coming back for more startup success – always a positive sign, says Medved. “2016 will be the year that when you thought it couldn’t get better it got a lot better.” Trend 2: Israeli strengths will match the world’s technology demands “Things that we do well in Israel are going to be more important for the world in 2016 – even more than they were in 2015 – like drones, robotics, optics and machine vision, big data and analytics, and cybersecurity,” Medved says, noting that Israel excels at building very hardcore technology. “We’re going to take

a more important role in the world. The demands of the tech market are coming to our home-court advantage.”

Israeli cybersecurity technologies are going to become ever more vital for the world (graphic courtesy of BVP Israel)

Trend 3: More crowdfunding platforms and related regulations will let the public get involved in investing “Until now, [Israel’s] great technologies and investments were pretty much off limits for your average reader or investor in the world,” says Medved. “People now have the option of not just reading about it and saying ‘Oh that’s cool, I like that,’ but, ‘I want to invest in it.’ Until now these kinds of private investments were impossible.” Industry reports indicate that crowdfunding will account for more investment in 2016 than will venture capital. New crowdfunding rules mean startups can solicit capital from any interested investor. HEALTH Dr. Shai Melcer, executive director of BioJerusalem: Trend 1: Israel will provide digitalhealth salvation Melcer says that in 2015, the “world talked about what is needed in the digital-health sector and 2016 is going to be a year characterized with much more actual activity” in mHealth, health IT, telemedicine, wearables, eHealth and other areas of the digital healthcare

DISCOVERY AND RECOVERY: PRESERVING IRAQI JEWISH HERITAGE On View Through March 6, 2016

Exhibition details the dramatic recovery of historic materials relating to the Jewish community in Iraq from a flooded basement in Saddam Hussein's intelligence headquarters, and the National Archives' recovery work in support of U.S. Government efforts to preserve and make these materials available.

This exhibition was created by the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC, with generous support from the U.S. Department of State. Local support received from Congregation Beth Jacob, Nancy G. Pastroff, Kenneth and Barbara Bloom, Elliot Stone and Bonnie Sockel-Stone, and Isabel Bernfeld Anderson. More information is available at www.ija.archives.gov.

MARK PODWAL: ALL THIS HAS COME UPON US… On View Through March 17, 2016

Mark Podwal is best known for his drawings on The New York Times OP-ED pages. This exhibition features his depictions of historical threats of antisemitism, from slavery in Egypt through the Holocaust, combined with verses from the Book of Psalms. Exhibition Sponsors: Funding Arts Network, Robert Arthur Segall Foundation, Dr. Paul Drucker, Burton Young, Kenneth and Barbara Bloom, Elliot Stone and Bonnie Sockel-Stone, Isabel Bernfeld Anderson, and Anonymous Donor.

revolution. Israeli companies will provide “a large portion of this solution. The U.S. is looking to Israel for salvation in digital health. There’s no doubt that we have what it takes to mark the main targets.” Trend 2: Partnerships will advance personalized medicine “It’s going to be a year where big pharma and healthcare systems will be combining different types of solutions to give better healthcare,” says Melcer. New or improved drugs will be combined with new or improved diagnostics to personalize medicine. More pharma companies will sign contracts with

Israeli med-tech and biotech technologies will keep the world healthier in 2016 (photo illustration by Shutterstock.com)

Israeli diagnostic startups to provide personalized healthcare kits to make therapy cheaper, easier on the patient and more successful. Trend 3: Medical devices and biotechnology for cancer, brain conditions, diabetes, cardio, vision and asthma Melcer says Israeli med-tech and biotech will focus on cancer and brain solutions in 2016, as well as diabetes, cardio, vision and asthma. Expect to

see improved drugs and drug-delivery platforms, cancer immunotherapy, vaporizers to help drugs to pass the blood-brain barrier, virtual reality and robotics to aid surgeons, and advanced stents and implants. ENVIRONMENT Jack Levy, Israel Cleantech Ventures founding partner: Trend 1: More investment in “sharing economy” companies to reduce the environmental footprint of various industries As an example, Levy points to Via, an Israeli ride-sharing app launched in 2012 and so far available in parts of Chicago and New York City. Book a ride and in under a second the algorithms match you with a vehicle going your way, driven by a licensed taxi driver. Rides are $5 plus tax prepaid or $7 plus tax per ride. Last April, Via raised $27 million in a financing round led by Pitango. Trend 2: More investment in sustainable agriculture, including bio-ag and precision-ag technologies Levy’s examples include Groundwork BioAg, which is developing and commercializing natural mycorrhizal fungi to help crops better absorb nutrients; CropX hardware and software systems that help farmers improve yield by understanding the status of their soil in real time; and Rootility, whose rootfocused, GMO-free breeding methods

continued on next page

For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit www.jewishnaples.org.

Asthma, Children and the Environment Learn how National Jewish Health is improving care for children with asthma worldwide.

Guest Speaker Nathan Rabinovitch, MD, MPH Professor, Department of Pediatrics National Jewish Health

Thursday, March 10, 2016 Complimentary Luncheon Naples, Florida For further information, please contact Victor Levitt at 561.477.5400 or LevittV@njhealth.org. To learn more, visit njhealth.org.

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Federation Star March 2016

Top trends...continued from previous page dramatically increase crop yields and overall agronomic performance. Trend 3: Continued growth of established water-treatment companies Advanced, energy-efficient water and wastewater treatment technologies for municipal and industrial plants from Israeli companies such as AqWise and Emefcy are becoming ever more in demand as places such as California look to Israel for solutions for smart water management. TRAVEL Pini Shani, head of the Overseas Desk in the Tourism Ministry’s marketing department: Trend 1: More individual travelers – FITs (fully independent travelers) – rather than organized groups “We see this trend in the world, not only in Israel,” says Shani. “The Internet and various Open Skies agreements between countries created this possibility by allowing people to travel for more reasonable prices. All of this makes Israel more accessible to FITs and we believe the trend will grow.” Trend 2: More tourists from the Far East “We anticipate a growing number,

especially from China and India. This will create an interesting dimension because Far East tourists will require the Israeli industry to adapt local habits

The Israel Tourism Ministry is expecting more tourists from the Far East (photo by Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

a little to make them feel comfortable,” says Shani. For instance, Israel will need more guides who speak Mandarin, easier visa processes and more Asian foods on the breakfast menu at hotels. Trend 3: Tourists considering Israel as a safer destination “We are entering an era of terror threats becoming more common around the world,” says Shani, “and we think that this will bring the public to look at Israel in a different way.” Israel is, after all, well-known for its excellent airport security and savvy security measures

CELEBRATE ISRAEL ITS CULTURE, PEOPLE & INNOVATION

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everywhere tourists travel. “The game has changed,” says Shani. “Two years ago, if I said Paris was not safe you would have laughed at me.” CULTURE Ayelet Dekel, founder/blogger, Midnight East: Trend 1: Then and now: Revivals of previous hits Dekel predicts that the “incredible revivals and reunions, covers and tributes” in the culture arena throughout 2015 will grow in 2016 as Israel’s culture scene has matured over the past 67 years. In music, examples are ’90s punk-metal Israeli band Infectzia, ’80s psychedelic pop band Rockfour, and the Meir Ariel tribute band Dlatot Niftachot Me’atzman. In dance, prominent examples include Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company’s revival of their 1997 Wrapped; and Ohad Naharin’s much anticipated re-envisioning of Yag from 1996. Trend 2: Breaking boundaries and doing your own thing The global cultural trend of breaking down boundaries between genres is prominent in Israel, too. Dekel gives examples of musicians Shai Tsabari, Liron Amram and The Panthers, A-WA, Shefita and Gitla. “Gitla is a good example of this individual path. She has this hauntingly beautiful clear voice and these stirring ballads… coming from deep

there’s a place to access culture,” Dekel says, noting that sometimes “you could see something first” at a smaller venue. SOCIAL ACTION Allan (Chanoch) Barkat, founder and chairman of Dualis Social Investment Fund, which runs 11 social businesses in Israel including the popular Liliyot restaurant in Tel Aviv: Trend 1: Israeli philanthropy is growing and turning much more professional “A lot more Israelis from the high-tech sector are now giving back to society and that has a lot of influence on how nonprofit organizations are managed,” says Barkat. “Jewish Federations outside Israel are much more interested in results-driven philanthropy and that is a trend continuing to get stronger as the younger generation evolves.” Trend 2: Government investment in social businesses In 2015, Dualis and the Israel Venture Network were awarded the Israeli government’s first-ever tender to operate and co-fund a social-business investment fund, the Yozma Fund. This is

At the opening of Dualis Social Investment Fund’s Klafte clothing store for the beneﬁt of young women at risk, in downtown Jerusalem: Itzik Sabato of the National Insurance Institute, Klafte manager Smadar Portnoy, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, Dualis board member Zvi Ziv, and Dualis chairman Allan Barkat

Sunday, May 15 ~ 1-4 pm on the lawn at the Mercato FREE admission

Gitla transcends boundaries with her “hauntingly beautiful clear voice and stirring ballads” (photo by Tal Bruchiel)

George Rubin, Photographer

For more information, email jeffreymrandall@gmail.com

considered a significant milestone in the evolution of Israel’s social-business sector. “I believe 2016 will be a turning point in the next step of growth in social investing and social businesses,” says Barkat. “It’s gone from being a fad to being a trend. More and more nonprofits and municipalities are looking at that model as a source of income. I believe there is an opportunity for philanthropic groups outside Israel to join that trend as part of their activities because the return on investment socially is significantly higher than just giving money.” Trend 3: Outsourcing of social services Barkat believes 2016 will see a growing number of organizations gearing up in terms of size, service and professionalism to take over social services from overburdened and under-funded government agencies.

within her inner landscape. Shefita, is another example. She has this freedom to take from Nirvana and do an Arabicinfused cover.” Dekel predicts choreographer Danielle Agami and Israel’s “vital, fringe theater community” will break additional genre boundaries in 2016. Trend 3: Proliferation of smaller arts venues Big-city theater halls, music auditoriums and dance spaces are packed, but because “there’s such a surge of creativity here,” Dekel says, we’ll see a growing proliferation of smaller performances and venues. “Israelis are early adopters of the arts and are very eager for new things. Wherever you are,

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

BRIEFS

SENATE MOVES TO CUT dTIES WITH BUSINESSES tBOYCOTTING ISRAEL

The Florida Senate on Thursday, January 21, unanimously passed a bill taking aim at businesses that boycott -Israel. The bill (SB 86), sponsored by -incoming Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, would require the State Board hof Administration to compile a list of ycompanies that boycott Israel. The State Board of Administration, which ”runs Florida’s pension fund, would not be able to invest in those companies. nAlso, the bill would prevent state and slocal governments from entering into econtracts worth $1 million or more with the companies. “This bill says nthat if you discriminate against Israel, the State of Florida does not want to invest in your company or enter into -contracts with your company,” said eNegron, who is slated to become Senate president after the November elections. A similar House bill (HB 527), sponsored by Rep. Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs, and Rep. Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach, was approved unanimously Wednesday, January 20 by the House Government Operations Subcommittee. (State Capital Briefs, The News Service of Florida)

TWO ISRAELI INVENTIONS VOTED CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW FAVORITES

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, both the Last Gadget Standing Live Audience winner and the Last nGadget Standing Online winner were sIsraeli. The VUZE camera from HumanEyes Technologies is the world’s first sub-$1,000, 360-degree 3D caml s o s t

n y

era for virtual reality applications. The camera turns ordinary footage into a canvas where users can add elements and effects inside the camera, obviating the need for expensive and technically sophisticated hardware and software. The Ripple Maker from Steam CC can reproduce any image or message from a smartphone onto the foam of lattes, cappuccinos or other foamy beverages. The system combines patented 3D printer mechanics with ink-jet printing technologies using a natural coffee extract to create the “printed” foam content. (David Shamah, Times of Israel)

PLUNGING OIL PRICES RAISE ISRAELI GDP

Plunging oil prices have had a positive effect on the both the global and Israeli economies. According to Bank Hapoalim chief economic advisor Prof. Leo Leiderman, lower oil prices reduce inflation, have a positive impact on economic activity, and improve the balance of payments. While Israel spent $12.7 billion on imported energy in 2014, these expenses totaled $7.5 billion in 2015. “The fall in prices, combined with the transition to natural gas, translates to 2% of GDP.” (Hedy Cohen, Globes)

ISRAEL: A SUPERPOWER FOR THE STATUS OF WOMEN

Today Israel is a superpower for the status of women, creating and exporting some of the most advanced ideas which define the basic parameters of a healthy society. Israeli society has adopted the norm that sexual harassment is a disgrace that prevents a person from holding public office, and makes him liable to face criminal charges. The number of female Knesset members is at an all-time high. Women

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March 2016 Federation Star

Wednesday, March 2, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Beth Tikvah ~ Topic: Israel Mike Kelly ~ The Bus on Jaffa Road Jessamyn T. Hope ~ Safekeeping www.JewishBookFestival.org ~ 239.263.4205 head the Bank of Israel and the Supreme Court. They hold positions of power in banks, are directors of huge firms, and their centrality is growing in the business world as well as in the public arena. In the IDF, a woman has reached the rank of general. Women are presenting and directing the main news broadcasts and determining the public agenda no less than men. (Rivka Lazovsky, Jerusalem Post)

U.S. TO INVEST $120 MILLION IN ISRAELI TUNNEL DETECTION SYSTEM

The U.S. government is set to invest $120 million in developing and manufacturing an “Israeli invention” for detecting and identifying tunnels, in collaboration with the Israel Ministry of Defense, which will invest a similar amount. A U.S. deputy defense secretary visited Israel a few weeks ago and saw the anti-tunnel project in its early stages around Gaza. Impressed, he approved $40 million for the first year. The system is supposed to detect digging, or any other activity, up to a depth of dozens of meters underground. The U.S. is in need of such a system on its Mexico border. The injection of American money and technology will shorten the deployment time of the system in Israel. Hamas can see the digging work on Israel’s side, planting something in the earth. They understand that when the project is completed, it will neutralize their ultimate attack weapon: tunnels. (Alex Fishman, Ynet News)

THE 2016 ELECTION: JEWS AND THEIR POLITICS

Jews provide significant financial support to both political parties and to many candidates. Some analysts project that as much as 50% of all monies raised by Democratic presidential candidates are from Jewish funders, as are 25% of the Republican donor base. Jewish voters enter the political fray with a broad range of interests. An AJC study of the major concerns of American Jews conducted in August 2015 found the “U.S.-Israel relationship” scored fifth among the primary contending political and economic issues, noted by 7% of respondents. Every candidate seeking the presidential nomination has seen the need to reference his or her special connection to Israel, often invoking a reference to their personal relationships and/or political ties to the Jewish state. In each of the primary debates, candidates have taken the opportunity to refer to Israel as “America’s ally” or to acknowledge some other particular identification. In the 2012 election, overall voter turnout was only 54%, yet it is estimated that 85% of America’s Jews vote. (Steven Windmueller, Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs)

ISRAEL’S MOST ADVANCED SUBMARINE

Israel’s new submarine, the INS Rehav, is crewed by 35 sailors, but can hold an additional 10 people for special operations. It can reach a top speed of 25 knots underwater and can operate

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Federation Star March 2016

COMMENTARY

Crossing the line: When criticism of Israel becomes anti-Semitic By Jonathan Greenblatt, National Director and CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, January 28, 2016

n the wake of a protest against a reception featuring an Israeli community group at a recent LGBTQ conference, there has been widespread controversy. We have read blog posts and articles, watched videos of the protest, and heard from friends and allies who were present at the demonstration. Yet, what was perhaps most painful for many of us is that we value and embrace much of the good work of these activists and organizers. They are some of our nation’s leading advocates, working to secure justice and fair treatment to all. Often they stand as allies in our work for justice and equality. Unfortunately, though, this fissure is not a new experience. Since starting as the CEO of ADL last summer, I personally have heard from many college students that their Jewish faith renders them pariahs on their campuses – un-

less and until they affirmatively denounce Israel. Campus Hillels and other Jewish organizations that have long worked with LGBTQ campus groups, student of color organizations, and other progressive clubs on campus to host film festivals, panels and other events increasingly are being shut out, rejected from participating, even when Israel is not on the agenda. Where other students are not being subjected to a litmus test on their views on Israel, Jewish students have been singled out and questioned about their objectivity and position on the issue. As racial tensions flared across the country the past few years, we heard anecdotes from Jewish racial justice advocates that they were called “kikes” or targeted with other anti-Jewish slurs. When they tried to address the epithets, they were told they need to understand

that “it’s because of Israel.” Here’s the thing, though. It’s not. It’s anti-Semitism. Let’s be clear. No government is immune from criticism. Surely neither the U.S. government nor the government of Israel nor any other. Indeed, we have criticized policies and practices of Israeli leadership when we felt appropriate to do so. We recognize that anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian activists will condemn Israel. That is a reality. That is their right. We disagree – vigorously – with their accusations of pinkwashing, with claims that Israel is an apartheid state, and with other efforts to demonize Israel. And we will speak out, challenge their mischaracterizations, and dismantle their indictments with facts and truths, as is our right. But when that criticism of Israel crosses the line into anti-Semitism, we will condemn it. It is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated anywhere, especially not in social justice circles. To be specific, when a person conflates Jews, Israelis and the Israeli government, it is anti-Semitic. When all Jews and all Israelis are held responsible for the actions of the Israeli government, it is anti-Semitic. When Jews would be denied the right to self-determination accorded to all other peoples, it is anti-Semitic. And when protesters chant “Palestine will be free from the river to the sea,” it is appropriately interpreted by most people as a call for the erasure of Israel – and it is anti-Semitic. Giving protestors the benefit of the doubt, it is unlikely that most intend their message to be anti-Semitic. However, regardless of the intent of the protest,

the impact matters. Yet, too often, when students, individuals or organizations raise the specter of anti-Semitism it is quickly rejected, disregarded or written off. Israel’s critics literally have written bestselling books decrying their so-called inability to criticize Israel. But President Obama himself notedd that anti-Semitism is on the rise. And,K as he eloquently reminded, “Whena any Jews anywhere is targeted just fort being Jewish, we all have to respond.t ‘We are all Jews.’” c Indeed, we know that women aret best positioned to define sexism, peoplet of color to define racism, and LGBTQa people to define homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism. But, doesn this mean that all women must reacho consensus on what offends them? Allf people of color? Everyone in LGBTQa communities? Hardly. o So too, we Jews are best situatedw to define anti-Semitism, even if all ofM us may not likely reach consensus on the definition. Our millennial experi-e ence with intolerance demands thet same acknowledgement as other formse of bigotry. Indeed, it is the collectiveM responsibility of activists and organiz-a ers across the ideological spectrum toa stop and listen when someone says,v “You’ve crossed the line.” t Standing up for rights of disempowered people is a job for us all. ADL has been doing it for more than 100 years. But marginalizing and wounding others in the process helps no one. Rather, it divides us and impedes our ability to find common ground in places where our collective strength could do so much good.

ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA

Southwest Florida Chapter

Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 7:30 P.M. The Chabad Jewish Center of Naples 1789 Mandarin Road Naples, FL 34103

Raymond Ibrahim Islam: A Continuity of Thought, Goals, and Deeds From the 7th to the 21st Century Raymond Ibrahim is a Coptic Christian and currently the Associate Director of the Middle East Forum. His resume includes a Ph.D. in medieval Islamic history from Catholic University, and he previously served as an Arab language specialist in the Near East section of the Library of Congress. Currently, he is a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center. His topic of discussion will center upon the evident continuity between the words, deeds and goals of the 7th-century muhaidin (“jihadists”) whom he studied and that of 21st-century Islamic radicals. Admission: $20.00 prepaid $22.00 at the door Students with valid ID $7.00

Refreshments Served To ensure prime seating we suggest prepayment

Make checks payable to: ZOA/SWFL 4003 Upolo Lane Naples, FL 34119 914-329-1024

March 2016 Federation Star

COMMENTARY

Jewish trick or treat Rabbi Ammos Chorny

he Book of Esther (Megillat Esther) relates the story of the near-extermination of the Jews during the Persian Empire in 354 B.C.E. King Achashverosh, influenced by his advisor Haman, issued an edict to kill all the Jews in the empire. Halfway through the Megillah, we read of the sudden change of heart by the King, which led to the promotion of the Jew, Mordechai, to King’s advisor, Haman’s downfall, and the reversal of the decree. The day chosen for the extermination was the 13th of Adar, which is observed as a fast, reminiscent of the fast the Jews undertook as they fought against Haman’s adherents. The festival of Purim follows, on the 14th of Adar, which falls this year on Thursday, March 24. The end of the Book of Esther presents four major commandments enacted to commemorate the happy turn of events. The text reads as follows: “And Mordechai wrote down these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of the King Achashverosh…to take it upon themselves that they celebrate the 14th day to the month of Adar, and the fifteenth day…as days of feasting and joy, of sending portions one to the other, and gifts to the needy.” (9:20-22) In accordance with these precepts, we are enjoined to read publicly the Book of Esther, to disburse “Gifts to the needy” – generally in the form of money – and to send “[food] portions one to the other. ” In addition to these, and in order to “…make them days of feasting and joy,” we partake of a Purim banquet prescribed to include plenty of wine.

BRIEFS

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without resupply for up to 30 days. It uses Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) to stay submerged for weeks at a time, and its fuel cell technology is extremely quiet. It is capable of operations that were long only possible with much more expensive nuclear-powered submarines. Its six standard torpedo tubes can fire torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, while its four jumbo tubes can deploy frogmen, remotely operated vehicles and large cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear payloads. Originally, Israel wanted to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles from the U.S. to outfit its submarine fleet, but the request was denied by the Clinton Administration. Instead, the Israelis developed their own long-range submarine-launched cruise missile particularly suited to their submarines. (Tyler Rogoway, Foxtrot Alpha)

OMRI CASSPI REPRESENTS ISRAEL IN NBA

Omri Casspi of the Sacramento Kings gets news of every stabbing in Israel and has the Red Alert application on his cell phone, which shrieks with every fired rocket, mortar or missile. Such is life for the first Israeli-born player in NBA (National Basketball Association) history. When he was 3, Casspi’s parents moved to Yavne, only 25 miles north of Gaza. “Every time there’s stuff going on in Gaza, my family feels it because it’s right around the corner,” Casspi said. Life in the NBA opened a door he never imagined. “I feel like people want to know more,” Casspi said. “A lot of players in the Association are

In order that no one should be excluded from the festive atmosphere, we are obligated to make sure that the needy have the means of making an appropriate feast – hence the gifts to the needy. Even among those who have means, a feeling of companionship is promoted by sharing food gifts with friends. Let us examine some of the precepts governing the sending of food gifts: The two food gifts should be food that could be eaten without preparation during the Purim feast. Traditionally, we send baked goods, fruit or beverages, to at least one person, but it is praiseworthy to give to many more, thus increasing the feeling of good will. Because the Book of Esther uses the term “mishloach manot,” “sending [food] portions,” it is interpreted that ideally the food be ‘sent,’ not delivered in person. Custom maintains that children dress up in costumes and deliver the food gifts, adding to the festive atmosphere, and ingraining within them the beauty of the act of giving. Noted rabbi and educator Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht once pointed out the external similarity between Purim and Halloween. In both cases, children get dressed up and go door to door receiving food gifts. However, the distinction between the two is that on Halloween, the children only receive, whereas on Purim, the emphasis is on giving. The great codifier and philosopher, Maimonides, puts it all in proper perspective: “It is preferable to increase in gifts to the poor, than in one’s Purim feast or food gifts to friends; as there is no greater or more glorious joy than gladdening the hearts of the poor, orphans, widows and strangers. One who helps these unfortunate people rejoice is considered a partner of the Divine Presence.” Let it be God’s will, that in the coming weeks we all share the fortune of becoming His partners. Rabbi Ammos Chorny serves at Beth Tikvah in Naples. always asking, ‘What’s going on?’ ‘What do you think?’ ‘When’s it going to end?’ ‘What’s the solution?’ ‘How can you live like this?’” This summer he escorted seven teammates and former teammates to Israel for one week. “He’s very proud of where he comes from,” said former teammate Chandler Parsons. “He served over there (in the Israel Defense Forces), his sister served, his dad served, his brother is still in [the reserves].” (Jake Fischer, Sports Illustrated)

353 ITALIAN JEWS EMIGRATED TO ISRAEL IN 2015

More Italians emigrated to Israel in 2015 than any other year since 1948-49, Italian-Israeli demographer Sergio Della Pergola said recently. “The figure was 353 – which could seem small but it really isn’t, compared with the only roughly 30,000 Italian Jews.’’ Della Pergola stressed that ‘’steadily rising levels of anti-Semitism was a matter of large concern’’ for Italian Jews who moved to Israel, as was the case with other European Jews. (ANSAmed-Italy)

OFFICIAL PA DAILY LAUDS ISRAEL’S TREATMENT OF PALESTINIAN WORKERS

The Palestinian Authority’s official daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida lauded Israeli employers of Palestinians for their positive employment ethics toward their workers. “Whenever Palestinian workers have the opportunity to work for Israeli employers, they are quick to quit their jobs with their Palestinian employers – for reasons having to do with salaries and other rights... The [Israeli] work conditions are very good, and include transportation, medical insurance and pensions. These things do not exist

We are what we eat Rabbi Adam F. Miller

nspired by Freddie Roman at the Power of Community Celebration, I want to share this classic joke: Moses is going through the Torah with God and comes to the commandment, “Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” Asks Moses, “What does that mean?” God says, “Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” “Ah,” says Moses, “You mean we should not eat meat and dairy at the same meal.” And God says, “Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” “Hmm,” says Moses, “You mean we should wait six hours after meat before we can eat milk?” And God says, “Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” “So,” says Moses, “You mean we should have separate dishes for meat and milk.” And God says, “Fine, Moses, have it your way.” Recent science increased awareness and concern for what we put into our body. In particular, the last half century dramatically changed the way that we experience food. Awareness of cholesterol, high blood pressure, sugars and allergies, not to mention the methods used to grow and deliver our food have altered eating patterns. Ahead of its time, Judaism displayed immense concern regarding food choices and eating habits. Torah lists the foods and animals that may be consumed: animals that have a cloven hoof and chew their cud; fish with scales and fins; while forbidding shellfish, pork, or goat cooked in its mother’s milk. As the joke notes, that last prohibition has grown to spawn quite a list of further forbidden foods: any meat made with any milk; meat with any milk by-product such as yogurt or cheese; as well as the creation of a system in which milk and meat utensils and plates were separately identified, used and stored. As kashrut developed, sages sought to explain the dietary laws. The renowned scholar and physician, Maimonides, argued that kashrut provided for better health – avoiding the potential for illness or impurity. Other scholars with Palestinian employers.” (Palestinian Media Watch)

AZERBAIJAN, ISRAEL’S TOP STRATEGIC PARTNER IN THE MUSLIM WORLD

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “The AzerbaijaniIsraeli strategic partnership...encompasses many different areas, like energy, security, defense, agriculture, trade, but it is also mostly characterized by the human factor, with a vibrant Jewish community in Azerbaijan,” said Hikmat Hajiyev, spokesperson of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Jewish community of Azerbaijan, with around 30,000 people, is an example of how in a secular country with a majority Muslim Shia population that borders Iran, all faith communities are able to live in harmony and mutual respect. Israel buys oil from Azerbaijan through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (Turkey) pipeline, while Azerbaijan is interested in Israel’s technology, science and medical know-how, and is importing defense-related equipment. When asked about his country’s position on labeling Israeli settlement products, Hajiyev replied, “This is not an issue for us. Our view is not different from

explain that kashrut kept the Israelites separated from their neighbors and prevented them from idol worshipping because eating pigs, as well as cooking baby animals in their mothers’ milk, were part of pagan worship practices. Modern arguments describe kosher food as “cleaner” or kosher slaughter methods as more ethical. Despite efforts to rationalize kashrut, many today struggle with these rituals, as evidenced by the questions I receive: Why not eat a cheeseburger – it isn’t forbidden in the Torah? How is an egg considered pareve, non-meat, when it could hatch into a chicken? If chickens don’t produce milk, what’s wrong with chicken parmesan? Why do some keep a “kosher home” while eating tref out? Lost in all of the rules is the fact that the Torah was far ahead of its time. More than 2,500 years ago, Jews were conscious of what they ate – something that Western society has only recently realized. The food we eat has meaning for how we treat our bodies. We read in Leviticus that we are to be holy, because God is holy. This is an extension of the message that we are created in the Divine image, and thus strive to be like the Holy One of Blessing. In its origins, kashrut was not about our utensils, dishes or homes – keeping kosher was about maintaining that sense of holiness within ourselves. Holiness stems from the food itself, as well as understanding the origins of our food. Rabbi Arthur Waskow explains that, “In our most mundane moments, we affirmed through the rules of kashrut that what and how we ate was holy… For [our agrarian predecessors], kashrut was the way of guiding their eating toward holiness. We should ask: Is it [kosher] to eat vegetables and fruit that have been grown by drenching the soil with insecticides? Is it [kosher] to drink Shabbat Kiddush wine from nonbiodegradable plastic cups?” Following this example some are beginning to ask whether kashrut needs to take into consideration fair trade practices such as safe working conditions, just compensation for workers, and food sustainability. Whether one chooses to observe strict kashrut or not, what is most important is to understand the meaning and power behind what we place into our bodies. Food is more than simply fuel. We strive to be holy and should make sacred choices with our food. After all, we are what we eat. Rabbi Adam Miller serves at Temple Shalom in Naples.

the mainstream view of Israel’s society and Israel’s government. We have no problem with importing such products in Azerbaijan.” (Giacomo Fracassi, EU Reporter)

WHY INDIA IS GETTING CLOSER TO ISRAEL

Israel has for a long time been an ally of India and a supplier of military hardware. As stated by the late Field Marshal Manekshaw, in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, India employed ammunition for its 130-mm guns that was manufactured in Israel but without Israeli markings. The USSR had been unable to supply India with the quantity of ammunition it had wanted. Thus, it was this ammunition which became the backbone of Indian artillery in the war, though India had yet to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. Presently, the entire UAV fleet employed by the military is Israeli-manufactured, with the latest procurement order being for 10 missile-armed drones. The air force also employs Israeli radars mounted on Russian IL76 aircraft as Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). At the intelligence level, the two nations have been coordinating on common issues concerning terrorism and counter-terrorism. (Harsha Kakar, The Statesman-India)

Federation Star March 2016

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Through Federation, you stand shoulder to shoulder with Jews everywhere. Europe,where whereJews Jewsare arefacing facingattacks attacks on on schools schools and and businesses. businesses. On North InInEurope, American college campuses, where Jewish students are all too often encountering On North American college campuses, where Jewish students are all a hostile environment. too often encountering a hostile environment. Donate. You are standing up for any Jewish community in need of support, protection and You are standing up for any Jewish community in need Volunteer. solidarity. Please give to <<NAME.>> today. of support, protection and solidarity. Please give to Get involved. the Jewish Federation of Collier County today. 239.263.4205 www.jewishnaples.org

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March 2016 Federation Star

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Naples BBYO update

By Skylar Haas, Assoc. Regional Dir. of BBYO’s North Florida Region

re you or do you know a Jewish teen in grades 8-12 who loves to give back to their community? BBYO chapters Negev AZA and Sababa BBG have been continuously coming up with new and exciting ways to positively impact their lives as well as the Naples community. In addition to all of the activities and programs in AZA and BBG, every teen across the world involved in BBYO takes part in the various teen-led and driven initiatives and campaigns. These initiatives and campaigns act as driving forces behind our movement that motivates each and every Aleph and BBG to make a positive impact both in their local community and around the world. Visit bbyo.org/azabbg/initiatives/ to find out more information.

In April 2016 more than 11,000 Jewish teens from around the world will come together to serve their communities and make a difference. J-Serve, The International Day of Jewish Youth Service, is April 17, 2016, but the spirit of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (just and charitable giving) is realized whenever people come together to better our world. One person in their hometown can make a difference, but when thousands of teens work together, they change the world. For more information about service, advocacy and philanthropic opportunities for Naples teens, contact me at shaas@bbyo.org. Follow us on Instagram @Naples BBYO & Like us on Facebook @ Naples BBYO.

Naples BBYO participates in Temple Shalom’s Mitzvah Day packing for Meals of Hope

Preschool of the Arts update By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool Director

t’s hard to read the news these days without seeing stories about the farm-to-table movement, the slow food movement, organic food, sustainable agriculture, and kitchen gardens. Here at Preschool of the Arts, we believe in teaching our children about the world around us, our responsibility to the environment, and our connection with nature. The environment, also known as the “third teacher” in Reggio philosophy, plays a crucial role in the learning experience of children. To bring that vision to life, our professionally landscaped Garden of the Arts on campus offers a comprehensive, natural outdoor space meant to engage the children in micro-environments. Students play an active role in creating the outdoor space by helping to plant our vegetable and sensory garden. In addition, our gardening specialist, Bridget Washburn, visits each week to lead planting and gardening projects, and to lovingly inspire our young students to discover the wonderful world of botany. In January, our children had the

opportunity for further in-depth exploration through a dedicated Gardening Day in honor of the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shvat. Tu B’Shvat, which is compared to the Jewish Arbor Day, is traditionally known as the “birthday of the trees.” In keeping with the theme of the day, the children planted an avocado tree in our Garden of the Arts and also planted their own potted plants that they got to take home. The children enjoyed hearing from Chad Washburn, a bona fide botany expert and the Director of Education at Naples Botanical Garden, who led the children in special activities. Mr. Washburn also currently consults with Preschool of the Arts, maintaining and overseeing the development of our beautiful outdoor garden and landscape. Under his skilled guidance, our garden now has a state-of-the-art irrigation system, new gardening beds, and a variety of seasonal and sustainable plants, vegetables and herbs. The revamped garden has enlivened our school environment for the pleasure of our children and school families, and

provides the optimal setting for engaging lessons pertaining to nature and the environment. In addition to beautifying our grounds, the garden allows our students to pick their own fresh snacks, and the children enjoy using the herbs and vegetables they grow to prepare healthy dishes in our Little Chefs program. It is so gratifying to see how the children have so much pride in their garden and to observe as they eagerly show off their hard work and beautiful plants to their parents on their way home. Our emphasis on the environment extends well past our school walls and in February our students enjoyed a meaningful field trip to the Naples Conservancy of Southwest Florida with their friends and teachers. During the trip, the children learned about protecting the environment and explored the beautiful land, water and wildlife up close. Our preschool is proud to provide these enriching field trips that contribute to the educational development of our students in a holistic way. As the winter months fly by, our preschool team is also busy developing and enhancing our outstanding summer camp, as well as next year’s preschool curriculum. The popularity of Preschool and Summer of the Arts speak for themselves and we are very humbled by the recognition our school has received throughout the community. Year after year, our

theme-based summer camp programs for children ages 18 months to 11 years have been a tremendous hit with both parents and kids. This year’s theme is “Road Trip Across America,” where for six weeks, campers will learn about different parts of the United States. Children will sample regional dishes, have locally-themed activities and crafts, and learn about the beauty and culture of the many unique areas of our nation. Families can sign up for all six weeks or any of our three, two-week sessions, which run from June 6 to July 15. Enrollment is also open for the 2016-2017 school year and classes are filling up fast! With high demand and limited availability, we encourage prospective families to enroll today. For more information, contact me at 239.263.2620 or naplespreschool ofthearts@gmail.com, or visit www. naplespreschoolofthearts.com.

stay connected at www.jewishnaples.org

Sign up for The PJ Library and you’ll receive a FREE, high-quality children’s book or CD each month. The PJ Library will enrich your family’s life with Jewish stories and songs – and it’s absolutely FREE for families with children from six months up to eight years of age in Collier County.

The PJ Library is brought to the Collier County community by JFCS of Southwest Florida. For more information, please call 239.325.4444.

Photo courtesy of The PJ Library

Federation Star March 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH / SYNAGOGUES

Temple Shalom Preschool update By Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director Good teaching is as much about passion as it is about reason... It’s about caring for your craft, having a passion for it, and conveying that passion to everyone, most importantly to your students. – Professor Richard Leblanc, award-winning teacher, York University, Ontario f I asked you to name your favorite preschool teachers it would be easy to answer, wouldn’t it? It would bring back so many fond memories of wonderful people who have touched both your personal life and your professional life. You would be thinking about people who not only taught you things of value, but inspired you as well. Temple Shalom Preschool teachers, along with working very hard, almost always have fun. Have you ever noticed how much they laugh while they’re teaching? We always say “we don’t know of any other job we could do and have this much fun. Just think, we get paid for coming here every day and having fun.” Like most teachers, we don’t get paid nearly enough for what we do, but the other rewards that come from good teaching make up for it. I am thankful for the amazing staff at our preschool. They are highly qualified, but more importantly they come every day with endless energy and enthusiasm for the important job that they do. Without question, Temple Shalom has the most outstanding, educated and dedicated staff of any preschool in Collier County. It is through their efforts that we are able to offer so many excel-

lent programs and the TSP Experience to the children. In addition to the exceptional experiences provided every day in each classroom, the children participate in special classes that include music, art, science, movement, technology, storytelling and, this year, STEM! It is that time of the year when we come together to celebrate all the wonderful teachers that may have touched us in some special way. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful and special staff that make such a difference in the lives of our preschoolers. Thanks to you all! Hooray to our teachers! STEM at Temple Shalom Preschool has been both fun and educational. Recently, students were asked the best way to protect an egg being dropped. All of their ideas were tested out, from bubble

TSP student testing her theory on protecting the egg

The imaginative ways the class came up with to protect the egg

The results of an egg placed in an inﬂated balloon

wrap and yarn, to plain paper; some results were very surprising. On another occasion, we learned about catapults and the difference between trebuchet, mangonel and ballista (types of catapults). Three different catapults were built and our teams launched various items to see which went the farthest. A pattern soon emerged and they talked about why the design produced such a great result. Registration is open to the public for the 2016-2017 school year and we areT almost full. Temple Shalom Preschool( has been distinguished for many years as1 a top preschool in Naples. Its programs2 for children from birth to age 5 are top quality, dedicated to preparing a firm3 foundation for students entering kindergarten and successive school years. Beginning with the “Baby and Me” and4 “Mommy, Me, and More” programs, children begin their formative years in a safe, wholesome, academicallychallenging environment, conducive to5 promoting self-esteem, confidence and 6 individuality. The preschool’s dedicated and well-trained staff provide a caring and7 loving atmosphere in which each child flourishes and grows to meet his or her8 full potential. Enrichment in STEM, Science, Art, Technology, Storytelling,9 Puppetry, Drama, Gardening/Nutrition,1 Music, Fitness and Foreign Language is offered. For a tour or information about TSP, please contact the preschool office at 239.455.3227 or preschool@naples temple.org.

SYNAGOGUES TEMPLE SHALOM

www.naplestemple.org / 239-455-3030

Season is surely here

Neil Shnider President he restaurants are jammed and the traffic is bumper to bumper. The full-timers complain about the difficulty of getting around in a timely fashion or not being able to get a reservation at their favorite restaurant, but at Temple Shalom we are always up for it. The season is packed with exciting activities and education to enhance the community’s enjoyment. We encourage everyone to engage and connect with others while attending the programs and events. This season Temple Shalom partnered with the Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning and offered two tenweek classes that have been sold out for weeks. Mitzvah Day is always a big hit at Temple Shalom. We partnered with the Community Blood Center, Gift of Life, Meals of Hope, Goodwill, St. Matthew’s House, The Humane Society, the Purple Bag Project and others. Activities included packing nearly 50,000 meals for Meals of Hope, writing thank you notes to first responders and IDF soldiers, baking dog biscuits for the Humane Society, and packing school supplies for homeless school children. Mitzvah Day brings temple generations together to do good for the world and those who are less fortunate. The Temple Shalom Scholar-inResidence weekend, made possible by a grant from the Shirley and Henry Kraus Scholar-in-Residence Endowment Fund, provided the community

with both entertainment and education. This year, Prof. Daniel C. Matt joined us and spoke on the theme “From Kabbalah to the Big Bang: Ancient Wisdom and Contemporary Spirituality.” Our Men’s Club and Sisterhood are busy hosting breakfasts and lunches and sponsoring events throughout the year. Our gala, “Dream On! A Night of Stars,” at Wyndemere Country Club on Saturday, March 26 will be a fun-filled evening providing the opportunity for the entire community to honor two families, the Solots and the Rubins, who have been friends and supporters of the Jewish community and Temple Shalom. The Brown Bag Lunch series provides the opportunity to nosh and learn. Techie Tutors is going strong as young adults help older adults learn how to use their technology. What a great intergenerational program! A Tikkun Olam Council has been developed to “help repair the world.” This council helps coordinate the many Temple Shalom social action/social justice activities and engages us in more (and new) activities to help make a difference.

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle Solution to puzzle on page 24

Rabbi Perman offered his very popular Sunday School for Adults program again this season. As always, it was a hit! We continue to fill the blue BOGO bags that go to the pantry at JFCS. There is a great need in Collier County. If you think that’s all, think again! There is a great deal more going on at Temple Shalom. Visit our website at www.naplestemple.org for more details. As you can see, we are busy, but we also remember that we are here to “touch hearts, transform lives and make our world better.” We serve our congregation and greater Southwest Florida via our commitment to education, traditions and identity, while providing a cohesive

community that enhances Jewish life in Naples. Be part of the excitement of the season. All are welcome at Temple Shalom. Friday night services are jammed and Sisterhood delights us with their Oneg Shabbat. Our sanctuary has streaming video of all activities so, if you cannot make it to services, join us through your computer. By the time you read this article we hope to have our new hearing loop installed in the sanctuary to enhance the experience for those with hearing aids. I want to thank all those who are making Temple Shalom what it is – a great place to be. Try it, you’ll like it!

Opinions and letters printed in the Federation Star do not necessarily reflect those of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers. Temple Shalom Sisterhood Judaica Shop

BROWNSTEIN JUDAICA GIFT SHOP AT JCMI

Purim is coming and Passover is right around the corner!

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We are the ONLY Judaica Shop in Naples & we have all your holiday needs! groggers, seder plates, 30 minute haggadahs, matzah trays, boxes & covers, toys, games & books for the kids Credit cards accepted! Store hours: Sunday 9:30AM to 12:15PM Tuesday - Friday 10:00AM to 12:30PM Wednesday afternoons during Religious School 4:00PM to 6:15PM Temple Shalom 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL 34119 239-455-3030

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991 Winterberry Drive Marco Island (239) 642-0800 Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30 - 1:30 Friday Evening: Before & After Shabbat Service

March 2016 Federation Star

SYNAGOGUES

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818

BETH TIKVAH

Beth Tikvah update

a d y d

Phil Jason President

r eTop Ten Reasons to Celebrate Purim l(from the USCJ website): s1. Making noise in shul is a mitzvah. s2. Levity is not reserved for the Levites. 3. If you’re having a bad hair day, you can always wear a mask and no one will know who you are. . 4. Purim is easier to spell than Khanuka, Chanukah, Chanuka, Hanuka, the Hebrew name for the Festival s of Lights. 5. You don’t have to kasher your home o and change all the pots and dishes. d 6. You don’t have to build a sukkah and eat outside. d d7. You get to drink wine and you don’t have to stand for Kiddush. d 8. You won’t get hit in the eye by a r lulav. 9. Mordechai - 1; Haman - 0. , 10. You can’t eat hamentashen on Yom , Kippur. e

, t s

March Madness The Naples Jewish Film Festival is sold out. Send your waiting list request to info@naplesjewishfilmfestival.org. Mar 2 – Jewish Book Festival at 1:00 p.m. with authors Jessamyn Hope and Mike Kelly Mar 4-6 – Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Dr. Sandra Lilienthal Mar 4 – SIR “Eat & Learn” follows 6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service; $25 for the meal Mar 5 – SIR teaching during morning service and after Havdalah Mar 6 – SIR teaching at 10:00 a.m. – details elsewhere in this issue Mar 8 – Sam Geist lecture at 7:30 p.m. – “Change Changes Everything.” A conversation about today’s huge changes and the impact they have on you and everyone around you: technological change, lifestyle change and communication change. Sam’s early business roots in sporting goods retail (he ran a 15-store chain) taught him well about our volatile, ever-changing marketplace. His experiences provide him with an invaluable dual perspective – both as client and marketer – a perspective he has been sharing with audiences across North

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

and South America and Europe for the last 15 years. His business programs are not just theoretical speeches, they offer tangible ideas and solutions. They provide a wealth of actionable information as well as the impetus to act on it. Sam questions. He challenges. He informs. He refocuses participants. He provides actionable strategies to address the obstacles faced by so many of today’s organizations. Cost: $5 for nonmembers. RSVP to 239.434.1818 or bethtikvahnaples@aol.com. Mar 9 – Jewish Book Festival at 6:30 p.m. with Sally Fingerett and Dafna Michaelson Jenet Mar 13 – Rosh Chodesh Group at 10:00 a.m. Guest presenter, Rabbi Danielle Upbin. Contact elaine_kamin@ hotmail.com. Mar 17 – Gerald Ziedenberg lecture at 7:30 p.m. – “Aaron Aaronsohn: The Unknown Hero of Israel.” Cost: $5 for nonmembers. RSVP requested to 239.434.1818 or bethtikvahnaples@ aol.com. Mar 22 – Neil Adelman Lecture at 7:30 p.m. – “Jews and Booze.” Neil is a retired attorney and experienced lecturer in the Chicago area. He has

been a volunteer community lecturer for Lyric Opera of Chicago for 11 years. In Naples, he has lectured at the Renaissance Academy of FGCU on opera and on voting rights the last two winters and plans to be lecturing at RA again this winter on opera and other subjects. Cost: $5 for nonmembers. RSVP requested to 239.434.1818 or bethtikvahnaples@ aol.com. Mar 23 – Erev Purim at 6:15 p.m. Mar 24 – Purim at 9:00 a.m. Mar 25 – Shabbat Service at 6:15 p.m. followed by Purim Eat & Learn. $25 for the meal. Contact Shelley at shelleygoodman@rogers.com. Religious services schedule Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m.; Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with a Kiddush luncheon. Sunday morning minyan is at 9:00 a.m. Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. Please join us at any service. Our participatory worship services and most other events are held at 1459 Pine Ridge Road, just west of Mission Square Plaza. For more information, call 239.434.1818, email bethtikvahnaples@aol.com or visit www.bethtikvahnaples.org. You can reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239.537.5257.

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-234-6366

Naples Jewish Congregation update By Suzanne L. Paley, President

o much for so many Naples Jewish Congregation has had our share of events that are and will be open to the entire Naples community – and so far they’ve all been SOLD OUT! The Roaring 20s in January sold out at 155 tickets, with many on a waiting list. Our Artist/ Scholar-In-Residence program with Rabbi Bob Alper also SOLD OUT – and also had a waiting list. Now we have a third function, our Sisterhood’s Annual Game Day that has SOLD OUT and has a waiting list! I realize that all of these had limited seating available, but this has been a huge accomplishment for us, and we are all so pleased. Of course, none of these events would have been possible if not for the hard work and long hours put forth by our member volunteers. The Artist/Scholar-In-Residence also benefitted from the grant we received from the Jewish Federation of Collier County, for which we are very grateful. Our primary aim was to bring together people from diverse backgrounds at events that would promote education and humor in an often troubled world.

What better way to do that than with the universality of music, fun and laughter. We feel that this goal has been accomplished and we are proud. We are especially proud that a congregation as small as ours, with a limited demographic membership, has successfully provided so much for so many. Jewish Book Festival Naples Jewish Congregation is pleased to note that we are the sponsor of the closing program for this event. On Monday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m., two authors will present their books with the theme of “Inspiration.” Rabbi Goldie Milgram will present her book, New Mitzvah Stories, a collection of stories both true and fictional that highlight the enhancing effect of mitzvah-centered living. Megan Feldman Bettencourt, will present her book, Triumph of the Heart, which is about the benefits of “forgiveness,” how to learn to do it and how it determines our quality of your life. We are also pleased to tell you that the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples (where we gather for services) has donated its facility as the venue for this evening. As a special

way to close out the festival, since this is the last of 11 festival events, our two congregations together will be hosting a dessert reception at the end of the evening. We hope to see you all there. For more information about the authors and their books, and to order tickets, visit www.jewishbookfestival.org or call the Federation office at 239.263.4205. P&P We will be celebrating Purim on Friday night, March 25 as part of our Shabbat service. It has been our annual custom to have a deli supper prior to services. We promise a very special and very humorous Purim Schpiel starring members of our congregation and written and choreographed by our Cantorial Soloist, Jane Galler and our Music Director, Alla Gorelik Stadnick.

If you are interested in joining us for a yummy and funny evening, please leave a message at 239.431.3858. Passover is just around the corner – yes, it’s that time of year already! As usual, we will be having our community Seder. Please watch for detailed information of time, place and price. Please join us for a Shabbat service and find out why “NJC is where you should belong!” We gather at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Napa Woods Way in Naples. An Oneg always follows our services, which gives everyone a chance to greet, meet and chat. For further information about Naples Jewish Congregation, please call 239.431.3858 or visit www.naples jewishcongregation.org.

Naples Jewish Congregation-sponsored event: Monday, March 14, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at UUCGN ~ Topic: Inspiration Megan Feldman Bettencourt ~ Triumph of the Heart Goldie Milgram ~ New Mitzvah Stories

www.JewishBookFestival.org ~ 239.263.4205

www.marcojcmi.com / 239-642-0800

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

Looking back, looking ahead By Sue R. Baum, President

ooking back, the arrival of Rabbi Mark Gross on January 1 presented a highlight for the congregation. Friday evening and Saturday morning services and Saturday morning Torah studies are uplifting. In addition, Sunday Adult Lectures, conducted the last Sunday of the month, have added still another dimension to the congregation’s religious learning.

Looking back, January and February were stellar months for JCMI. The synagogue opened its15th year of the Jewish Film Festival in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Collier County and chaired by Dr. Isabel Price; the 17th season of Monday Night Bingo conducted by the Bingo Committee; the 22nd year of the Saul I. Stern Cultural Series chaired by Dr. Harold Baum and myself;

and highlighted by the brilliance of the 3rd Annual Jewish Deli Fest, also known as Bernie’s Deli and Bubbie’s Bakery, chaired by Estie and George Karpman. The icing on the cake has been provided by the JCMI 4 Chefs: George Karpman, Don Schwartz, Bernie Seidman and Bert Thompson, who have presented delicious holiday and Shabbat Dinners.

Looking ahead, on Sunday, March 6, THE SEAL, an American Hero, the 3rd presentation of the Stern Cultural series; on Sunday, March 13, Deli Man, the last film of the Jewish Film Festival; and the fun and joy of observing Purim. We look forward to these events and invite the community to join us.

For a continuously updated community calendar, visit the Federation’s website at www.jewishnaples.org.

Federation Star March 2016 COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

ORGANIZATIONS www.hadassah.org / 239-370-6220

Why get involved with Hadassah? Gayle Dorio

Collier/Lee Hadassah Co-President

e are all busy people. We are busy with families, work and leisure activities. We want to be good people and leave the world a better place. “Tikkun olam” (repairing the world) has come to connote social action and social justice work. Why did I decide to do more? Time is precious. I have three jobs – I teach classes at Renaissance Academy for FGCU; I work part-time for a cardiologist; and I am a Florida registered interior designer with my own design business. I am on the board of Naples Jewish Congregation and am active in the WCA, Naples Orchid Society and Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance. With five amazing grandchildren (and yes, their parents) and a marvelous husband, I feel very blessed. I want to do more and show how grateful I am for these blessings. I want to help others. Hadassah was founded over a century ago, before Israel was a state, and before women could vote. Originally

intended to provide emergency care to infants and mothers in pre-state Israel, it has flourished into two world-class medical and research centers in Jerusalem. Bringing advanced medical care to all, regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality, earned Hadassah a nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. Hadassah also contributes its medical and social expertise as a member of the U.N. Economic and Social Council, as a non-governmental organization. How many charities do you support that have been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize!? Here are some accomplishments that Hadassah achieved in 2015:  Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), which has the first and only LEVEL 1A TRAUMA CENTER in Jerusalem, treated over 130 recent terror victims in Israel.  Through Hadassah’s co-sponsorship and the resulting national press coverage of Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Women’s Health Summit in LA, awareness was raised of HMO’s lifesaving work.  1,000 walkers learned about hearthealthy living by participating in the first Every Step Counts: Hadassah’s Walking Program. They traveled

Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah-sponsored event: Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Beth Tikvah ~ Topic: Memoir Dafna Michaelson Jenet ~ It Takes a Little Crazy To Make a Difference Sally Fingerett ~ The Mental Yentl www.JewishBookFestival.org ~ 239.263.4205

ORT AMERICA – GULF BEACHES CHAPTER

720MM steps – equivalent to 14 times around the earth.  The online speaker series had over 18,000 video views of fascinating guest speakers.  More than 7,000 new annual and life members joined. There is more! Hadassah is involved with:  Ending Human Trafficking  New Lymphoma Drug  Life After Childhood Cancer  Reaching out to Traumatized Children – All Victims of Terror Hadassah achieved a top rating in

Charity Navigator with four stars in Accountability and Transparency. But, why get involved with Hadassah? All of the above means that great work is being done. Hadassah is all of the above and more. It is a place to belong – a family – with people who care and want to do more. We welcome you with open arms and hope you will come join us in this important and satisfying work. Karen Cohn, my co-president, and I look forward to talking with you and sharing this exciting journey of all things Hadassah!

Installation of Hadassah’s board for 2016-2017

March 2016 events:

 Tuesday, March 1: Hadassah Benefit “Sail Away With Hadassah,” 6:00 p.m., Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club, honoring Ida and Jeff Margolis  Monday, March 7: Hadassah Board Meeting, 1:00 p.m., Temple Shalom  Wednesday, March 9: Hadassah-sponsored Jewish Book Festival event, 6:30 p.m., Beth Tikvah, www.JewishBookFestival.org  Thursday, March 10: Evening Activity Group, Speaker Hollis Chalem, 7:00 p.m., Home of Geri Feldman  Friday, March 18: Hadassah Shabbat, 7:30 p.m., Temple Shalom  Monday, March 21: Daytime Study Group, l:00 p.m., Jewish Federation of Collier County  Wednesday, March 23: Knowledge & Nosh @ Noon, Speaker Shelley Goodman, 11:30 a.m., McCormick and Schmick’s

www.ort.org / 239-649-4000

ORT to eternity Marina Berkovich

ORT Gulf Beaches President

ven those who have followed ORT’s progress for years may be interested in knowing more about its founders and how ORT has influenced Jews and the world since 1880. Part IV. ORT Work During World War II (continued from the February 2016 issue) Within three months of the initial deportations from the Warsaw ghetto, 300,000 of its inhabitants were murdered in Treblinka. Securing a place in the workshop was a way to survive. ORT workshop members had special identification cards issued by the Jewish Council to people with essential jobs. ORT workshops continued operating until 4:00 p.m. on April 18, 1943, before the Warsaw ghetto uprising. Kaunas (Kovno), the capital city of Lithuania, had about 40,000 Jews before WWII. On June 14, 1941, many were deported to Siberia by the Soviets, a dreaded fate. Still, the worst came with German occupation on June 24, 1941. Immediately upon entering the city, the Nazis executed 10,000 of its Jews, and sealed the remaining population into two ghettos.

On October 28, 1941, a month after the Babiy Yar massacre in Kiev, the smaller Kovno ghetto was liquidated. 9,000 were killed in one day, half of them children. In the larger ghetto some of the young inhabitants were kept from slave work when the Kovno Jewish Council established a number of vocational workshops inside the ghetto. Jacob Oleisky, who headed ORT Lithuania prior to World War II, started an ORT trade school for forty children in the ghetto. It was officially opened in March 1942 with little space or equipment. Despite that, courses in locksmith training and carpentry for boys, and dressmaking for girls, began. Pre-war ORT Kovno teachers, ghetto prisoners, provided instruction, and tools were smuggled in. This school accepted children as young as eight. By the end of 1942, there were 350 students, a library and a choir. The ORT school had become the cultural center of the ghetto. In the words of a former student, Elly Gotz, “We put on a play by Peretz, we discussed history and we played chess. As I look back now, I must give credit to those dedicated and inspired teachers. Life in the ghetto was miserable and the school was a place of respite.” On July 8, 1944, with the Red Army approaching, the Germans transferred the majority of the ghetto residents to death camps. Only 2,000 Jews survived in Kovno and its surrounding areas,

eight percent of the ghetto’s initial population. Part V. Dr. Aron Syngalowski, before and during WWII Aron Syngalowski was born in 1890 in a village near Baranovichi, Belorussia. He joined the Jewish Socialist territorialist movement at 16, and became known as the brilliant orator Aron Czenstochover. Shortly before WWI he moved to Germany, as did many of the Jewish Socialists, to escape the persecution from the Tsarist government for their anti-government activities. When in 1920, his childhood friend, David Lvovich, arrived to Berlin with Leon Bramson, Syngalowski caught the ORT bug and devoted himself to the development of the organization. In 1921, when the World ORT Union was organized in Berlin, Aron

became vice chairman of its executive committee with Dr. Lvovich, and after Bramson’s death in 1941, its chairman. Dr. Syngalowski helped the organization survive through the war years, directing whatever resources could be found to train and support refugees as they fled persecution. (to be continued in the April 2016 issue) *** ORT provides scholarships to 300,000 students annually in over 60 countries. GulfBeaches ORT Chapter 2015 fundraising efforts benefit ORT in Israel. Please help us with our financial challenge by mailing your renewal or donation check, payable to ORT America, to Hella Amelkin, 3200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., #307, Naples, FL 34103.

ORT America (Organization for Rehabilitation through Training) Did you know that:  ORT supports 300,000 students annually in 59 countries by providing technical education that emphasizes employable skills?  ORT’s most famous (and least publicized) mission was to educate Holocaust victims in DP camps so they were able to move on with their lives?  ORT America has four college campuses in the U.S., including two in New York, one in Chicago and one in Los Angeles, that serve the most vulnerable communities?  ORT America is active in Southwest Florida? Please attend Gulf Beaches Chapter events and support ORT’s educational mission. Help ORT raise funds to save lives through education. To join/renew/transfer, please contact ORT America Gulf Beaches Chapter President Marina Berkovich at 239.566.1771, or Membership Chair Marebe Crouse at 239.263.4959. Please visit www.ortamerica.org for a virtual ORT experience.

Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org.

March 2016 Federation Star

ORGANIZATIONS

www.hjhswfl.org / 239-398-3935

HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH

“Immigration: Important Issues to Consider” Paula Creed HJH President

n Sunday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the David G. Willens Community Room of the Jewish Federation of Collier County (2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201, Naples), the Humanistic Jewish Havurah is pleased to present an informative forum on a major issue facing our economy, our public policy and our conscience, “Immigration: Important Issues to Consider.” Our guest speakers will be Kristina O’Hern, Immigration Assistance Program Specialist for Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) in Immokalee, and her colleague, Grey Torrico, a community organizer and law student who is dedicated to addressing the issues of immigration and detention in Florida and nationally. This program will reveal information about a topic that is often

mentioned in political discourse locally, nationally and internationally, but rarely reported on accurately and in depth by the news media. They will discuss the current climate around immigration and what you can do to support and defend immigrants living in Florida. Immigrants are helping to grow the U.S. economy everywhere, but our inefficient visa system denies Florida the agricultural labor necessary to keep up with growing demand for produce, forcing a shift to imported fruits and vegetables. In order to build and expand our own economy, we need immigrants who fill labor shortages on America’s farms, who start businesses that employ U.S. workers, and who develop the cutting-edge products that make America the world’s preeminent innovation hub. The share of foreign-born students in universities’ STEM graduate programs is much higher than the share of foreign-born people that make up our population and higher than the number of graduate STEM students who are citizens. Yet because of our immigration policies many of these foreign graduates face significant obstacles to settling in

the US., even when they prove they can add real economic value. While there is the issue of immigrants within our borders, there is also the refugee situation to consider. Recently, the Society for Humanistic Judaism issued a resolution joining the majority of our Jewish community (as represented by organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, National Council of Jewish Women, Union for Reformed Judaism, and Jewish Council for Public Affairs) in supporting the call for Congress to support the U.S. refugee resettlement program for the millions of Syrian refugees who have been forced to flee conflict in the Middle East. “Recognizing the enormous humanitarian crisis unfolding, and our particular responsibility as Jews whose entire historical perspective includes our people wandering from shore to shore in search of refuge, we condemn efforts to suspend the program or explicitly exclude Muslims because of fears of terrorism. We believe the legitimate security concerns can be mitigated by

the extensive vetting process refugees undergo before being admitted to the United States. We cannot let fear, however palpable, overcome our humanistic obligations to provide security to millions of innocent people who have been forced to start their lives again and who only wish to provide a future for themselves and their children.” (www.shj. org/resolutions) Humanistic Judaism embraces a human-centered philosophy that combines rational thinking with a deep connection to the Jewish people and Jewish culture. Humanistic Judaism integrates the celebration of Jewish identity with the belief that using human reason and human power is the best vehicle for improving the world. In order to make intelligent decisions and form knowledgeable opinions, Humanists obtain their knowledge by seeking to understand the facts and accepting the reality of a situation. In our search for truth about immigrants and refugees, we must open our minds to understanding the myriad facets of each situation.

www.jhsswf.org / 239-566-1771

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SWFL

Learning the history and heritage of where you live Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

he success of the historic presentation by the Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida at the Collier County Museum in January is making it possible for the Society to move forward with the Virtual Museum eof Jewish History of Southwest Florida. r Yet despite the popularity of the .cause, its local ties and importance of -our goals and purpose, I recently heard a ,comment from one longtime local Jeweish leader that “everyone shows films, swe have too many films here now.” I dagree. Too many groups have too many similar topics and cross purposes in their fundraising quest. Not us. o When we show a film – it is a film made from interviews with local resirdents, their descendants and affiliates, Twith only one objective in mind – to provide a compelling testimony for learning about the history and heritage rof the place you chose as your home-town, even if only seasonally. e



Golda Meir said, and I will never be tired or re-quoting her: “One cannot and must not try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present.” “Well, no one is erasing it, really,” you’d say. Or, “I came here for the weather.” True. True. We all came here for the weather. And then we learned that the Jews are a relatively recent group in the Southwest Florida ethnic canvas, and in Collier County, specifically. We are making history together. Our separation in historical time from the very Southwest Florida Pioneers of the JHSSWF film series is truly very brief. Had it not been for Joseph Weinfeld’s effort in the early 1970s, the by-laws of Port Royal would not have dropped the clause which precluded Jews from owning property there. Had it not been for Helen Weinfeld, his wife, and the first Collier County Jewish historian, there would be no archives. The Lipman family was the first to provide employment to migrant workers and deliver tomatoes to our tables. They still do. Richard Segalman’s family owned the very first Jewish business in Naples, where the entire community came to have fun. And Mr. Segalman, who received his inspiration from the beaches

Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida Membership Form

Please send your check (payable to JHSSWF) and this form to: Jewish Historical Society of SWFL 899 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 116 Naples, FL 34108 Phone: 239.566.1771 Email: jhsswf@gmail.com Online: www.JHSSWF.org

of Naples, became a very successful artist, with works in the Metropolitan

their stories at the Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers – Learn Your Heritage event. This free event is open to the community and will take place in the David G. Willens Community Room at the Jewish Federation of Collier County on Wednesday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m. Reservations are a must. Please email jhsswf@gmail.com or call 239.566.1771. To become a member of JHSSWF, a sponsor, business associate or donor, please mail the application below or visit www.jhsswf.org. Today is the right day to opt-in for the Jewish Historical Marina Berkovich and Richard Segalman at the JHSSWF event at the Collier County Museum in January Society’s mailing list. Email us Museum of Art, Fogg Museum in Camat jhsswf@gmail.com. bridge, and the Hirshhorn Museum and The Jewish Historical Society of Sculpture Garden in Washington, D. C., Southwest Florida is a Section 501(c)(3) among others. charitable organization. Contributions How difficult was it to live here as are deductible to the extent allowed by the very first Jews? Very. But they all law. paved the path for us, so that we were eventually welcomed, embraced and are now in the midst of a mass Jewish relocation process. We have a vibrant Jewish community and, hence, you are able to read this. Come to hear these pioneers tell

What do you think? Send your letters and comments to

fedstar18@gmail.com.

Membership Application 2016 Membership Level:

 Student - $18  Individual - $36

 Family - $54  Sponsor - $180

Name(s): _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Company (if applicable): _________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: _____ Zip Code ____________ Florida home phone:____________________________________________ Cell phone: ___________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a Section 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Federation Star March 2016

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Get the Service you Deserve March 2016 – 5776 SUNDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

9:00am CHA Grandparents Day 1:00pm Jewish Book Fest Beth Tikvah 4:30pm BT-CHA-TS Hebrew Sch 6:30pm TS Adult B’nai Mitzvah 7:30pm BT Torah Study

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 11:30am CHA Men’s Club 1:00pm Jewish Book Fest Temple Shalom 1:00pm JFCC Backgammon 5:00pm JCMI Wine & Food 6:30pm BBYO Youth Activity

TUESDAY

Due to space considerations, not all events have been included in this printed calendar. Please check the calendar on www.jewishnaples.org for an updated and complete list of events.

10:00am BBYO Board Mtg 10:00am TS-S Board Mtg 10:00am TS Yiddish Club 1:00pm Jewish Book Fest Temple Shalom 4:00pm BT Torah Study 4:00pm JFCC Exec Board Mtg 6:00pm Hadassah Fundraiser

5:30pm TS Table Shabbat 6:15pm BT Services 6:30pm TS Shir Joy Shabbat 7:30pm NJC Men’s Club Shabbat 7:30pm TS Teacher Appreciation Shabbat 8:00pm JCMI Services

8:30am TS Torah Talk 9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services 10:30am JCMI Services

10:00am TS Yiddish Club 11:00am JCMI Book Club 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Duplicate Bridge 3:00pm JFCC Board Games 4:00pm BT Torah Study 7:00pm TS Exec Comm Mtg

12:00pm NJC-M Meeting 12:30pm JFCC Nitsana Lunch 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 2:00pm JFCC Chess 4:30pm BT-CHA-TS Hebrew Sch 6:30pm TS Adult B’nai Mitzvah 7:30pm BT Torah Study

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 11:30am CHA Men’s Club 1:30pm TS-S Book Bag 4:00pm BT Board Meeting 3:30pm JFCC Purim Grogger 6:30pm BBYO Youth Activity 7:30pm BT Lecture

9:00am WCA Board Meeting 6:15pm BT Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Hadassah Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services 10:30am JCMI Services

23 Erev Purim

9:00am BT Sunday Minyan 9:00am BT Sunday School 10:00am BT Rosh Chodesh 10:30am NJC Adult Enrichment 2:00pm CJD Film 2:00pm JCMI Film Festival 7:00pm Naples Jewish Film Fst

10:30am JFCS Naples Jewish Caring Support Group 11:00am NJC-S Game Day 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 6:30pm Jewish Book Fest Unitarian Univ. Cong.

10:30am JFCS Naples Jewish Caring Support Group 12:00pm NJC-S Book Club 1:00pm HDH Daytime Study 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 6:30pm JFCC Jewish Prof. Israeli Wine Tasting

10:30am JFCC Coloring for Adults 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Duplicate Bridge 4:00pm BT Torah Study 7:00pm TS Board Meeting

9:30am TS PS Purim Parade 11:30am HDH Knowldg & Nosh 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT-CHA-TS Hebrew Sch 6:00pm TS Megillah Reading 6:30pm BT Erev Purim Svc 7:23pm CHA Purim Service

9:00am BT Sunday Minyan 10:30am JFCS Naples Jewish 9:00am BT Sunday School Caring Support Group 10:30am NJC Adult Enrichment 11:30am JCRC Comm Mtg 3:00pm NJC Sunday Movie 2:00pm JFCC Puzzles - Adults 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 7:30pm BT Book Group

9:00am BT Sunday Minyan 9:00am BT Sunday School 9:30am JWV Meeting 9:30am TS Sunday School 11:00am TS Purim Shpiel 1:30pm HJH Meeting 2:00pm JFCC Hamentashen 4:30pm GS Meeting & Film 7:00pm Naples Jewish Film Fst

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 11:30am CHA Men’s Club 12:00pm NJC Board Meeting 3:00pm HM Exec Comm Mtg 6:00pm CHA Partner Event 6:00pm Jewish Book Fest Hilton Naples 6:30pm BBYO Youth Activity

10:00am NCJW Monthly Mtg 1:00pm HDH Board Mtg 4:30pm JFCC M&M Wine... 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 6:30pm JFCC Dance at Fred Astaire

SATURDAY

1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:30pm IAC Committee Mtg 4:30pm BT-CHA-TS Hebrew Sch 6:30pm Jewish Book Fest Beth Tikvah 6:30pm TS Adult B’nai Mitzvah 7:30pm ZOA-CHA Speaker

8:30am BT S-i-R Weekend 9:00am BT Sunday Minyan 9:00am BT Sunday School 9:30am TS Sunday School 7:30pm BT Fundraiser 7:30pm JCMI Cultural Series

FRIDAY

10:00am Jewish Genealogy 11:30am TS-S Luncheon 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Duplicate Bridge 1:30pm CJD Committee Mtg 4:00pm BT Torah Study 7:30pm BT Presentation 7:30pm JFCC Board Mtg

12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Duplicate Bridge 4:00pm BT Torah Study 4:00pm JFCC Youth Group

1:00pm JCMI Bridge 2:00pm JFCC Chess 4:30pm BT-CHA-TS Hebrew Sch 7:30pm BT Torah Study

Purim

9:30am BT Purim Service 11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 11:30am CHA Men’s Club 1:00pm JFCC Backgammon 5:30pm CHA Purim Party 6:30pm BBYO Youth Activity 7:00pm JCMI Board Mtg

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 11:30am CHA Men’s Club 1:00pm JFCC Backgammon 1:00pm JFCC Theatre Show 3:00pm HM Board Mtg 6:30pm BBYO Youth Activity

9:30am HJH Board Meeting 6:15pm BT Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Men’s Club Shabbat 8:00pm JCMI Services

6:15pm BT Services 6:30pm JCMI Purim Dinner 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services 10:30am JCMI Services

9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services 10:30am JCMI Services 6:00pm TS Fundraising Event

Candle lighting times: March March March March

4: 11: 18: 25:

6:12 6:16 7:20 7:23

Throughout the year, some holidays fall within the normal work week. The Federation office will be closed in observance of those holidays which are listed in all CAPITAL LETTERS.

Key: • AJC: American Jewish Committee • ATS: American Technion Society • BT: Beth Tikvah • CHA: Chabad Jewish Center of Naples • CHA-M: Chabad Men’s Club • CJD: Catholic-Jewish Dialogue • GS: GenShoah of SWFL • HDH: Hadassah • HJH: Humanistic Jewish Havurah • HM: Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida

Federation Star Publication Policy The Federation Star is a subsidized arm of the Jewish Federation of Collier County (JFCC). Its purpose and function is to publicize the activities and programs of the Federation, and to publicize the ongoing activities of the established and recognized Jewish organizations within Collier County. The mission of the JFCC is to reach out and unite all Jews of the greater Collier County area. While offering opinions and points of view do, and will continue to, exist about many issues of importance to Jews, the Federation Star will confine itself to publishing ONLY items that report the facts of actual events of concern to Jews and will only offer commentary that clearly intends to unite all Jews in a common purpose or purposes. Critical or derogatory comments directed at individuals or organizations will NOT be published in the Federation Star.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO HELP MAKE THE FEDERATION STAR POSSIBLE. Be sure to mention you saw their ad in the Federation Star.

• JCMI: Jewish Congregation of Marco Island • JCMI-M: JCMI Men’s Club • JCMI-S: JCMI Sisterhood • JCRC: Jewish Community Relations Council • JFCC: Jewish Federation of Collier County • JFCS: Jewish Family & Community Services • JHSSWF: Jewish Historical Society of SWFL • JNF: Jewish National Fund • JRCA: Jewish Russian-American Cultural Alliance • JWV: Jewish War Veterans (Adopted by the Ofﬁcers and Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federation of Collier County 1/98) To avoid misunderstandings, controversies and destructive divisions among our people, the Officers and Board of Trustees of the “Federation” have adopted the following publication policy: Advertisements: All advertisements, regardless of their sponsor, shall be paid for in full, at the established rates, prior to publication. The contents of all advertisements shall be subject to review and approval of the Federation Board or its designee. Commercial advertisers may make credit arrangements with the advertising manager, subject to the approval of the Federation Board. Regular Columns: Regular columns shall be accepted only from leaders (Rabbis, Presidents, Chairpersons) of established and recognized Jewish organizations within Collier County and the designated Chairpersons of the regular committees of the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

Create a Jewish Legacy I give, devise and bequeath… Create a legacy to benefit the Jewish Federation of Collier County and our overall Jewish community in your will or trust. Call 239.263.4205. "I did not find the world desolate when I entered it. And as my parents planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me." -The Talmud

• MCA: Men’s Cultural Alliance • NJC: Naples Jewish Congregation • NJC-M: Naples Jewish Congregation Men’s Club • NJC-S: Naples Jewish Congregation Sisterhood • ORT: Organization for Rehabilitation/Training • TS: Temple Shalom • TS-M: Temple Shalom Men’s Club • TS-S: Temple Shalom Sisterhood • WCA: Women’s Cultural Alliance • ZOA: Zionist Organization of America

Special Announcements: Special announcements shall be accepted from established Jewish organizations within Collier County and may, at the discretion of the Federation Board, be subject to the conditions applicable to paid advertisements, as set forth above. News Items: Only those news items pertaining to matters of general interest to the broadest cross-section of the Jewish Community will be accepted for publication. Note: Items of controversial opinions and points of view, about political issues, will not be accepted for publication without prior approval of a majority of the Federation Officers and Trustees. All persons and organizations objecting to the actions and rulings of the Editor or Publications Committee Chairman shall have the right to appeal those rulings to the Officers and Board of Trustees of the JFCC.

March 2016 Federation Star

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform) 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 455-3030  Fax: 455-4361 Email: info@naplestemple.org www.naplestemple.org Rabbi Adam Miller Cantor Donna Azu James H. Perman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus Neil Shnider, President Eli Montague, Executive Director Dr. Anna Solomon, Dir. of Cong. Ed. Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director Peter Lewis, Organist/Choir Director Shabbat Services: Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m. Shabbat - Saturday 10:00 a.m. Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Adult Education Havurot • Youth Groups • Religious School Judaic Library • Hebrew School • Pre-School Adult Choir • Social Action • Outreach Naples’ only Judaica Shop

CHABAD NAPLES JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER serving Naples and Marco Island 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 262-4474 Email: info@chabadnaples.com Website: www.chabadnaples.com Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Dr. Arthur Seigel, President Ettie Zaklos, Education Director Shabbat Services Shabbat - Saturday 10am • Camp Gan Israel • Hebrew School • Preschool of the Arts • Jewish Women’s Circle • Adult Education • Bat Mitzvah Club • Friendship Circle • Smile on Seniors • Flying Challah • Kosher food delivery The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by the Jewish Federation of Collier County. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34109-0613 Phone: 239-263-4205 Fax: 239-263-3813 E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org Website: www.jewishnaples.org Volume 25, No. 7 March 2016 40 pages USPS Permit No. 419 Publisher: Jewish Federation of Collier County Editor: Ted Epstein, 239-249-0699 fedstar18@gmail.com Design: Federation Media Group, Inc. Advertising: Melody Klein 239-633-2895 April Issue Deadlines: Editorial: March 1 Advertising: March 7 Send news stories to: fedstar18@gmail.com

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

BETH TIKVAH

991 Winterberry Drive Marco Island, FL 34145 Phone: 642-0800  Fax: 642-1031 Email: mgr.jcmioffice@embarqmail.com Website: www.marcojcmi.com

Services are held at: The Unitarian Congregation 6340 Napa Woods Way Rabbi Sylvin Wolf Ph.D, DD 431-3858 Email: rabbi@naplesjewishcongregation.org www.naplesjewishcongregation.org

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

(Reform)

Rabbi Mark Gross Hari Jacobsen, Cantorial Soloist Sue Baum, President Shabbat Services Friday 8:00 p.m. Saturday Talmud-Torah at 9:30 a.m. and Shachrit at 10:30 a.m.

(Conservative)

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: 434-1818 Email: bethtikvahnaples@aol.com Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org

Suzanne Paley, President Jane Galler, Cantorial Soloist

Rabbi Ammos Chorny Phil Jason, President Sue Hammerman, Secretary

Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. May - August: services once a month

Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 6:15 p.m. Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

Sisterhood • Men’s Club Adult Education • Adult Choir Social Action • Community Events

Youth Education Adult Education Community Events

Sisterhood • Men’s Club Brownstein Judaica Gift Shop

Art Form If we canvassed our audience, we’d probably discover that quite a few of you have colored the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Collier County and the Jewish community into your wills and trusts. It’s certainly easel enough to do. And if you haven’t, our curator, David Willens, can show you the landscape of charitable giving vehicles. There’s a broad palette available for you to paint the picture of your choice. Why not exhibit your talent at maintaining our Jewish heritage? Sculpt an estate plan with a lifetime gift or bequest to the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation. And why not do it today while there’s…. Still life?

For more information on gift planning, call Jeffrey Feld, Federation President/CEO, at 239.263.4205.

Jewish Organizations to Serve You in Collier County

(All area codes are 239 unless otherwise noted.)

Jewish Federation of Collier County Phone: 263-4205  Fax: 263-3813 Website: www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org • Federation Board Chair: Alvin Becker • Federation President/CEO: Jeffrey Feld

American Jewish Committee

• Regional Dir: Brian Lipton, 941-365-4955

American Technion Society

• Chapter Dir: Kelley Whiter, 561-395-7206

Collier-Lee Chapter of Hadassah • Co-President: Karen Cohn, 370-6220 • Co-President: Gayle Dorio, 530-8992

Friends of the IDF • Exec. Dir.: Dina Ben Ari, 305-354-8233

Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida • President: Joshua Bialek, 263-9200

Humanistic Jewish Havurah of Southwest Florida • Paula Creed, 495-8484

Israel Bonds

• Reva Pearlstein, 800-622-8017

Please note our email addresses: Jeffrey Feld, Federation President/CEO – jfeld@jewishnaples.org Renee’ Bialek, Community Program Coordinator – rbialek@jewishnaples.org Stacy Hersha, Business Operations Manager – shersha@jewishnaples.org Julie Hartline, Donor Relations Coordinator – jhartline@jewishnaples.org General information requests – info@jewishnaples.org Melody Klein, Advertising Account Rep – mklein@jewishnaples.org Ted Epstein, Editor, Federation Star – fedstar18@gmail.com

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JFCS of Southwest Florida Phone: 325-4444 • Chairperson: David Rutstein • President/CEO: Dr. Jaclynn Faffer

Jewish National Fund

• West/Central FL Office, 800-211-1502 Uri ext 8910, Beth ext 8911

Jewish War Veterans Post 202,Collier Co. Chapter

• Commander, Gil Block, 304-5953 • Senior Vice Commander, M/Gen. Bernard L. Weiss, USAF Ret. 594-7772

Men’s Cultural Alliance

• President: Steve Brazina, 325-8694

Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA)

• SE Reg Dir: Joel Silberman, 954-457-9766

ORT - Gulf Beaches Chapter

• President: Marina Berkovich, 566-1771

Women’s Cultural Alliance

• President: Elaine Soffer, 431-7905

Zionist Organization of America • President: Jerry Sobel, 914-329-1024

Federation membership

According to the By-Laws of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, members are those individuals who make an annual gift of $36 or more to the Annual Federation Campaign in our community. For more information, call the Federation office at 239.263.4205.

Federation Star March 2016

Contact your Meeting Success Team Today

Niccole Neebling

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Corporate Sales & Catering Manager

Special Events Manager

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239-659-3132

239-659-3122

239-659-3108

239-659-3124

5111 Tamiami Trail North I Naples, Florida 34103 I 239-430-4900 I naples.hilton.com