Federation Star - November 2016

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Saturday, February 11, 2017 • Featuring Tovah Feldshuh

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:

4A 6A 8A 10A 13A 16A 22A 25A 26A 28A 30A 31A 1B 7B

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

7A An amazing Birthright experience

8A Museum co-founder Homer Helter passes away

10A Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance event

5B Haunting photos reveal almost-extinct communities

 November 2016 - Tishrei/Cheshvan 5777 

Vol. 26 #3

Foreign policy analyst Dr. Mitchell Bard to address Naples community First of many Israel Advocacy Committee events this season

By Jeff Margolis

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in Political Science from UCLA and a he Israel Advocacy Committee Master’s Degree in Public Policy from of Collier County sadly notes the Berkeley. passing of Israeli statesman and Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 Nobel Prize Laureate Shimon Peres. He at the door. Please make checks payable was one of the pillars of modern Israel to ZOA SWFL and remit to 4003 Upolo and will be greatly missed. May his Lane, Naples, FL 34119. memory truly be a blessing.

The first IAC The IAC in conjuncevent of 2017 will tion with ZOA of Southtake place on Sunday, west Florida is pleased to January 8 at 7:00 p.m. present Dr. Mitchell Bard The program will feaon Wednesday, Decemture the film Inside ber 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center of Israel: How a Small Nation Makes a Big Naples.

Difference, narrated Dr. Bard is a foreign

by Harvard Univerpolicy analyst and the sity lecturer Dr. Tal executive director of the Ben Shahar. The film non-profit AmericanDr. Mitchell Bard “examines the core Israeli Cooperative Entercharacter strength that has enabled Isprise. He had previously been the editor raelis to overcome challenges and turn a of the Near East Report, the weekly newspaper of the American Israel Public barren desert into a flourishing nation.”

This uplifting film will be shown at Beth Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Dr. Bard Tikvah. Tickets for this event are $10 is the editor/author of over 20 books in advance and $15 at the door. Please and publications. He received his PhD

send your check, payable to the Jewish Federation of Collier County (JFCC), to JFCC, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34109, Attn: Renee’.

Plans continue to develop for the IAC second annual Israel Day called “Israel Fest,” which will be held on Sunday, April 2 at Fleishmann Park.

Project chairman Jeffrey Randall is busily working to line up a great program of entertainment, food and activities for the entire family. This event is shaping up to be bigger and more extensive than last year. More information will be forthcoming as plans fall into place.

Help the IAC to grow and continue to energize. The committee welcomes suggestions for future speakers, films and programs with a broad interest.

New members of the committee are also welcome. For more information, please contact Committee Chair Dr. Ed. Ezrine at docfinance2004@yahoo.com.

The Lions roared at the International Lion of Judah Conference

By Phyllis Seaman, Federation Vice Chair

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n September 11-13, over 1,200 women who are committed to our mission of strengthening and improving our communities here, in Israel and around the world, gathered in Washington D.C. Our Lions represented over 60 U.S. communities, Israel, Canada and England.

The Lion of Judah level of giving was started 44 years ago by Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Freidland in Miami as a fundraising idea. A $5,000 per year minimum gift for a woman was really a large gift.

Rosalee Bogo and I proudly represented Collier County and had a wonderful few days reconnecting with old acquaintances and meeting new likeminded women. We laughed, cried and learned. We had Collier County repre-

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

sentation from some of kins, the Commanding our dual Lions: Ruth Officer of the U.S.S. Barber, Greater Metro Tornado (PC-14). Lt. West, New Jersey, and Commander Jenkins Suzie Goldsmith, Kanwas not only young, sas City. Our Collier but also the first woman County Lions raise half commander of a miliof our Campaign doltary ship and Jewish. lars. Each and every The featured speakers Lion has the power to for the evening were change the world and Madeleine Albright, certainly make it better. former Secretary of The first evening Phyllis Seaman and Rosalee Bogo at the State, and Tom Ridge, started with a beauti- International Lion of Judah Conference First Secretary of the ful cocktail party buffet on the terrace U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. of the Hilton hotel. This was a great The next day we heard from young segue into a more somber evening. activists who shared their stories of Our first plenary was “15 Years After making a difference in the world. I was 9/11: The Global Landscape.” Our first so excited to hear from Michal Barkai speaker was Lt. Commander Alexa Jencontinued on page 2A

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Federation Star November 2016

JEWISH FEDERATION

Renee’s community program & events corner

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Renee’ Bialek Community Program Coordinator

lease visit the Federation’s website at www.jewishnaples.org.

You will find information on many upcoming events and programs.

But first, please make sure to enter the Latke Eating Contest. The contest is for ages 5 and up. Submissions are being accepted today! For more information, see the block at right.

The Community-Wide Chanukah Celebration is on Monday, December 26 at 5:45 p.m. at the Mercato. If you can volunteer at this event, please contact me at rbialek@jewishnaples.org or 239.263.4205.

The Yom HaShoah Committee is looking for Holocaust survivors and

Lions...continued from page 1A Brody. I met Michal on my trip to Israel in July. She is a young attorney who advocates for young, underprivileged teenage girls on the fringe before they enter the army. She inspired me again with her energy and commitment.

We were then entertained by our featured speakers: Political Analyst Paul Begala, CNN, and Nicolle Wallace, Political Analyst, MSNBC, being interviewed by Liz Shrayer. It was the most fun and off-the-record political interview I’ve heard in this crazy year of presidential politics.

That afternoon I attended an invitation-only “Reach Higher” Luncheon, having committed to raising my campaign gift to the next level on the Campaign Chairs/Directors Mission in July. The speakers were Norma KipnisWilson, former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, and U.S. Senator from New York, Kirsten Gillibrand.

Gabby was so inspiring, as we witnessed how difficult and how much effort it took for her to speak four sentences, thanking us for what we are doing.

Our last evening included the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland award cocktail reception and celebration. It was a night of music, dancing and laughter.

At the end of the evening we waited with bated breath for the total pledge for the 2017 Campaign...a record $31.5 million dollars!

I am so proud and honored to be a Lion and a Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland awardee. I believe in leading by example, so I have raised my gift to the Sapphire level.

No gift goes further.

students from our community in grades 6-12 to participate in the “Meet With a Holocaust Survivor” program. Please look for more information in this issue. We need your commitment by Friday, December 16 so we can pair the students and survivors for a chance to meet, interview and learn from one another.

For the first time, registration for the Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event will now be processed via email.

No mailing in the small slip! Registration starts Tuesday, November 8. See the display block in this issue.

Save the date of Monday, January 16 and join us in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration. Everyone is invited to attend. Please email me to let me know that you will join us at this community-wide event.

I look forward to seeing you at the Kristallnacht Commemoration Observance on Sunday, November 13 at 2:30 p.m. at Temple Shalom.

2016 Federation Annual Campaign As of October 7 we are at $942,773 and getting closer to our year-end goal of $1.1 million. To those who have made a pledge or given a gift, we say “THANK YOU!” If you have not made your pledge or gift yet, please consider doing it now at the start of 5777. With everyone’s help we hope to surpass our goal this year. This will enable us to give more support to our beneficiary agencies and for our ongoing programs.

GIVING IS NOT JUST ABOUT MAKING A DONATION, IT IS ABOUT MAKING A BETTER WORLD.

$1,100,000 $942,773* $800,000 $500,000 $300,000 $100,000 *as of 10/7

November is a special month Alvin Becker Federation Board Chair

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ovember, the 11th month of the year, brings us Thanksgiving, Veterans Day and, every four years, the U.S. presidential election.

The word “November” means “ninth month” in Latin. In the old Roman calendar, November was the ninth month of the year until the year 700, when King Numa Pompilius added January and February to line up the calendar with the seasons, which pushed the “ninth month” into the eleventh spot.

November is really a special month.

Because of its beautiful weather (mostly), football is the main sport of the month. In fact, the first intercollegiate football game was played in the U.S. between Princeton and Rutgers in November 1869.

In addition to turkey on Thanksgiving, November includes days set aside for National Donut Day (November 5), National Vanilla Cupcake Day (Novem-

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THEY HELP MAKE THE FEDERATION STAR POSSIBLE.

This month’s advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you saw their ad in the Federation Star.

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ber 10), National Peanut Butter Fudge Day (November 20) and, of course, National Throw Out Your Leftovers Day (November 29).

In Naples, November is the month when car carriers are seen making frequent deliveries, reservations at local restaurants are a little more difficult to make, and lines at the grocery stores are just a little longer.

November in Naples also marks the home stretch of the Jewish Federation of Collier County’s Annual Campaign.

As Harvey Brenner, Campaign Chairman, has often written in these pages, this year’s campaign has made very gratifying strides. Our campaign’s goal is within sight, but it needs your help.

If you haven’t yet made your pledge, please do so now. If you choose to pay your pledge toward the end of the year, please do it now.

Giving is not just about making donations. It is about making a better world. Don’t let November go by without making/paying your pledge to the Jewish Federation of Collier County’s Annual Campaign. When you do, you will make November a really special month!

JNF.....................................21A John R. Wood Properties......15A A. Stephen Kotler, Attorney.20A Dr. Gary Layton, DDS...........4A LTCi Marketplace...............20A Mattis Inc............................20A Miromar Outlets....................4B Naples Envelope & Printing.20A Naples Jewish Congregation.5B Naples Jewish Film Festival.16B Palm Royale Cemetery........13A Preferred Travel..................11A Senior Housing Solutions.2A,14A The Carlisle Naples.............12A TheatreZone........................32A Truly Nolen.........................10A ZOA............................16A,23A Debbie Zvibleman, Realtor®.13A

JEWISH FEDERATION

Campaign 2016 Jewish Federation of Collier County Donor Appreciation List Below is an alphabetical listing of the people who have made commitments to Campaign 2016 since the previous list was published in the October issue of the Federation Star. A new list with recent donors will be published each month. Thanks to each of you, we are able to enhance and enrich the quality of Jewish life by recognizing and supporting the charitable, educational, humanitarian and social service needs of the Jewish community locally, nationally, overseas and in the State of Israel.

Thank you for your generous commitment to our community!

Linda and Dan Abrams Sheila and Howard Agranat Belle and Ronald Agronin Jacqui and Kevin Aizenshtat Felicia and Kenneth Anchor Sigrid Axelrad Axelrod Family Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer Barbara and Ronald Balser Linda and Don Barger Sheila and Alvin Becker Ruth and Bruce Bier Jon and Marcy Bigel Eleanor Bittman Helen and Arthur Blatt Diane and Gilbert Block Rosalee and Jerry Bogo Nancy and Edward Boyer Jeanne and Neil Braverman Jean and Abe Brown Terri and Michael David Robert Davidson and Shellie Specter

Linda Denning Barbara Druckman Marian and Joel Engel Genine and Josh Fidler Nancy and Harold Fogelson Judith and Samuel Friedland Peg and Marvin Geller Dennis Gold Marilyn and Barry Goldenberg Hilliard Goldman Diana and Ken Goldstein Cary and David Goodman Leah Graham Nancy and Hank Greenberg Sheila Greenspan Marie Hersh Judith and Charles Huizenga Heidi and Donald Ivener Nancy Kalishman Jill Kamin Nancy and Burt Kaplan Susan and Elliott Katz Elsa and Fred Katz

Jewish Professionals Group’s November event

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By Andy Singer, Chair

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h he Jewish Federation of Collier County’s Jewish Professionals l Group is a great way to make an o important connection. Being involved in a Jewish professional organization ecan help you in many areas of your life. nNot only can there be excellent network.ing opportunities, you may find new -business associates, business mentors, friends, spiritual support or even dating opportunities.

Please join us for lunch on Sunday, l November 13 from noon to 2:00 p.m. .

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November 2016 Federation Star

at Senor Tequila’s (13040 Livingston Road, Suite 1). We have a private room which is limited to 28 people. After lunch, we will head over to Temple Shalom (4630 Pine Ridge Rd.) for the Kristallnacht Commemoration program that starts at 2:30 p.m.

RSVP by November 7 to andy. singer@singerexecutivedevelopment. com for the lunch, which is Dutch treat.

If you can’t attend lunch, we hope to see you at Temple Shalom.

The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Of Collier County

Maimonides Medical Society The Jewish Federation of Collier County is starting a Maimonides Medical Society. We are looking for Jewish healthcare professionals to build a community by networking and connecting with their peers.

To be added to the Maimonides membership list contact Renee’ at rbialek@ jewishnaples.org or 239.263.4205 and let her know if you are interested in attending future programs and events.

We are looking for volunteers to be on the Maimonides Committee. If you are a member of the Jewish Federation of Collier County and want to chair this group, please let Renee’ know.

“The Night of Broken Glass” Sunday, November 13 2:30 PM Temple Shalom 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples

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Rosaline and Ralph Segall June and Arthur Shafer Nancy and Sam Shafer Linda and David Shapiro Joel Shapiro Sorley Sheinberg Delores and Gene Siegel Sandy Sirkus Arleen and David Sivakoff Martin Sonkin Harriet Spirer Loretta and Robert Stein Elisabeth and William Teller Hedy and David Weinberger Helen Weinfeld Goldie and Kenneth Wetcher Shereen Willens Lion of Judah Endowment Fund Gary Wolfelt Louise and Arnold Yorra Sandra Yuil Ted Zelman

Lee Kaye Brian Kelly Dr. Herbert and Hanita Kern Family Philanthropic Fund Beverly and Steven Koren Barbara and Ira Kushnir Judy and Mayer Levitt Janette and Leonard Linkon Beverly Lipson Melanie and Anthony Listrom Gloria and Ed Meer Martin Millender Joel Miller Patricia and David Okeon Harvey Oriel Sara Pantel Stephanie and David Portman Joseph Pugach Gus Rubbo Holli Salls Vicki and Ed Schifman Robin and Stephen Schiller Kathy Schneiderman

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Everyone is invited. Free admission.

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Sponsored By: Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Collier County Diocese of Venice in Florida Holocaust Museum & Education of Center of Southwest Florida

Phone (305) 354-8233 | Fax (305) 354-8296 | e-mail Miami@FIdF.org Friends of the Israel defense Forces is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

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Federation Star November 2016

JEWISH FEDERATION

Jewish Community MCA season moves Festival of Learning (JCFL) into high gear

By Betty Schwartz, Co-chair

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n the previous issue of the Federation Star, we highlighted one of the presentations which will be given at the Jewish Community Festival of Learning on Sunday, March 19 at Temple Shalom. The presentation described was about the 1936 and 1972 Olympic Games given by Dr. Paul Bartrop.

This issue of the Federation Star has a special Arts & Culture section.

The JCFL has something for everyone, including arts and culture. Therefore, it is fitting to write about two of the musical-themed presentations which will be offered.

Inspired by her family’s ancestry, Cantor Donna Azu will be educating us on Persian history and Jewish music. Jews have lived in Persia, now Iran, since 600 BCE. Cantor Azu will explore their rich culture, traditions and music. Though recordings and film we will learn about secular Persian music, Jewish contributions to Persian music as well as different types of Persian music and its usage. Cantor Azu will enable us to experience this ancient art form that is part of our heritage.

Grammy nominated, BMI awardwinning composer/producer Lawrence

Dermer will present a fascinating program, “From Tenement to Tinsel Town,” tracing Jewish involvement in all genres of American music from the turn of the century to the current Broadway musicals. The list is very extensive and will include Yiddish Theater, Broadway and popular music. Dermer is credited with creating the globally recognized “Miami Sound” and has worked with Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Diana Ross, Cher, B.B. King, Tony Bennett and many others.

He is also involved with the current Broadway musical On Your Feet (the story of Gloria Estefan), which features many of his songs. He may even be persuaded to share some of his personal experiences with many of our generation’s most celebrated artists. Dermer is an accomplished Cantorial Soloist and spiritual leader of the Shalom Life Center in Fort Myers, and is currently studying for the Rabbinate.

If music is your “thing,” we have it. Mark your calendar! For more information, visit https://jewishnaples.org/ major-events/jcfl. You can also email event co-chairs Betty Schwartz (bettyof naples@gmail.com) and Ida Margolis (info4JCFL@gmail.com).

Registration for the Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event featuring Scott Turow on Wednesday, February 15, at 7:30 pm begins on Tuesday, November 8.

For complete information, please see section B of this issue.

By Jeff Margolis

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elcome back MCA members!

Season is here and we hope that you are eager to join your fellow MCAers in what is shaping up to be a banner season.

Please plan to join us for our annual Welcome Back Luncheon on Thursday, November 10 at 11:30 a.m. at the Olde Cypress Country Club. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Peter Bergersen, professor of political science at Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Bergerson received his MPA degree from Indiana State University and his PhD in Political Science from Saint Louis University.

He was selected as a James J. Malone Fellow, National Council on U.S.-Arab relations, for study and travel in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Dr. Bergersen will analyze and discuss the results of the November presidential election.

The cost of the luncheon is $28.

Menu choices are Key Lime Salmon or Garden Chicken. For reservations, please contact Meir Kehila at mkehila@ aol.com. Send checks, payable to JFCC/ MCA, to 4751 West Bay Blvd., #804, Estero, FL 33928. This will be a great way to conclude the 2016 election cycle.

With over 400 members strong, MCA has embarked on a new path of philanthropy and community service. In last month’s article we featured several of the local projects we are engaged in. Here are a few others. Roll up your sleeves and join these worthwhile efforts.

Habitat for Humanity: This program helps to build decent and affordable housing for families in need.

Volunteers with diverse skills are needed. For more information, please contact Lawrence Harris at larrhar840@ gmail.com.

Harry Chapin Food Bank: This organization partners with over 150 area agencies to provide food to local food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. For more information or to volunteer for this program, please contact Sandy Mintz at sandymintz1@gmail.com or Howard Greenfield at hbgreenfield@verizon.net.

November is also the beginning of the MCA lecture series. Two excellent programs are scheduled for November.

Steve Schreier will follow up on his presentation of last season with “Israel Between Wars.” This presentation will take place on Wednesday, November 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the David G. Willens Community Room at the Federation office.

On Wednesday, November 16 at 10:30 a.m., I will examine anti-Semitism at the Olympics with a presentation titled “Unsportsmanlike Conduct.”

For information and reservations for these events, please email mca lectures@aol.com.

If you are not yet a member of the Men’s Cultural Alliance, please join today by filling out the membership form below.

Gary A. Layton, D.D.S.

Gentle Endodontics and second opinions

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

(Root Canal Therapy)

Men's Cultural Alliance of Collier County 2M0e1n '6s -C2u 0 17 Membership Form ltural Alliance of Collier County

The membership year 2 0 1is 6 - 2from 0 1 7 MJuly e m b e1r suntil h i p F June o r m 30 of the next year.

The membership year is from July 1 until June 30 of the next year.

Dues received after April 1 will be applied to the next season.

Dues received after April 1 will be applied to the next season.

(PLEASE fill out the form completely and PRINT CLEARLY!) check one: New ☐ Renewal ☐ fill out the form completely and PR Please check one:Please New ☐ Renewal ☐ (PLEASE Is there a change in your information from last year? Yes ☐

No ☐

you checked no, just print your name, fill in payment info, Yes sign event waiverNo and mail to MCA/JFCC. Is there a change in Ifyour information from last year? ☐ below,☐

Print Name:

If you checked no, justEmail print name, fill in payment info, sign event waiver below, and mail to (veryyour important): Local Address:

City: State: Zip: Print Name: Florida phone: Cell or alternate phone: Email (very important): Northern Address: City: State: Zip: Local Address: In Southwest Florida: full-time ☐ part-time ☐ (from to ) City: State: the year; includes $36 donation to the JFCC.) Membership dues: $70 (US Funds only, Minimum for Cell Florida phone: or alternate phone: I am also including a voluntary donation to the Federation in the amount of Northern Address: Total enclosed or authorized Please make your check payableState: to JFCC/MCA I will be paying by check.

City: Zip: ☐ I will be paying by part-time credit card. Card Number ☐ full-time In Southwest Florida: (from to ☐ ☐

Expiration Date

$ $ $

Name on Card

70.00

)

For testimonials please visit: Membership dues: $70 I am also including a voluntary donation to the Federation in the amount of www.GaryLaytondds.com www.GaryALaytonDDS.com Total enclosed or authorized NAME BADGES

Zip

A name badge be issued to you at no charge for if youthe are ayear; NEW member.

(USwill Funds only, Minimum includes $36 donation to the I want a replacement name badge: Yes ☐ No ☐ Fee: $8. If you checked yes, submit a total fee is $78.

Print name as you want it to appear on the name badge

JFCC.)

Mail with this SIGNED form (with your check, or credit card number) to: MCA/ Jewish Federation of Collier County 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109

☐ I will be paying by check. Please make your check payable to JFCC/MCA by credit card.

Card Number would like to volunteer my services/expertise and would be willing to chair or co-chair a meeting/outing on the ☐ I will be paying Ifollowing topic or topics:

West Lake Professional Center 4959 Castello Drive, NaplesExpiration Date

239-262-2677

Name on Card

EVENT PARTICIPATION WAIVER. By signing below, I accept the terms of this waiver.

NAME BADGES

As a participant in an MCA event, I , acting for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin agree as follows: That I waive all rights, claims, cause of action, of any kind whatsoever that I or my heirs, legal 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, or damage sustained by me while participating in an MCA event. This waiver and release shall be construed broadly, under the Laws of the State of Florida.

A name badge will be issued to you at no charge if you are a NEW member.

I want a replacement name badge: Yes ☐ No ☐ Fee: $8. If you checked yes, submit a total f Signature Date Print name as you want it to appear on the name badge For more information: Contact Les Nizin, mcanaples@aol.com

November 2016 Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

Published by

Campaign Chairs and Directors Mission to Paris and Israel, July 2016 – Part 3 Phyllis Seaman

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: Jane Schiff 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 Dr. Ed Ezrine Michael Feldman Alan Gordon Neil Heuer James Knafo Joel Pittelman Marc Saperstein Betty Schwartz Arlene Sobol Michael Sobol Steve Strome Dr. Daniel Wasserman Beth Wolff Edward Wollman

Federation Vice Chair

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he fight against racism and anti-Semitism “Any Jew not finding their place in France is unacceptable.” These words were spoken by Gilles Clavreul, interministerial delegate, when he met with us in Paris on our Campaign Chair/ Directors Mission in July.

In 2014, there were over 800 antiSemitic incidents in all of France, twice the number as the previous year. 2014 was a very tough year, not only for the Jews but for all of France. Charlie Hebdo changed it all.

The government and all the ministers are working against anti-Semitism and terrorism. We were told it is against the law for a person to say “You’re a Jew, I hate you.” They advocate zero tolerance for anti-Semitic acts, including social media.

Ten thousand soldiers are protecting all Jewish day schools and synagogues.

All teachers have been trained to properly teach about the Shoah. France has programs for freedom of speech, religion and remembrance.

Their most central issue is that “What happens to the Jews, happens to

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 Rabbi Sylvin Wolf Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Debbie Zvibleman

Federation President/CEO Jeffrey Feld

Staff

Renee’ Bialek, Community Prog. Coord.

Julie Hartline, Donor Relations Coord.

Stacy Hersha, Business Oper. Mgr. 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 • Israel Scouts • Jewish Book Festival • Jewish Community Relations Council • Jewish Russian-American Cultural Alliance • Men’s Cultural Alliance • Publication of the Federation Star, Connections and Community Directory • Strategic Planning • Women’s Cultural Alliance • Women’s Division • Youth Activities Committee – sponsoring youth education and scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and the Israel Experience

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The Cohen family with their airline tickets and passports

not with a family. Then I came across an France.” When Mr. Clavreul made that elderly woman who was distressed havstatement l literally shuddered, thinking ing not found anyone with her envelope. how France had already experienced I took her hand circling the room until this in World War II. we found her contact person. Her relief They are reaching out and talking and smile made my day. to younger children and teenagers in The next day we would be leaving the Arab community and right wing for Israel with a family of six joining us groups. These programs seem to be on the plane. showing results. Last year there was a We do mitzvot like this and more 51% drop in incidents, and the first five every day all over the world. We truly months of this year saw a 71% drop. do save lives.

France believes it can achieve results if I hope you have gotten an underit continues on this path. standing of what is going on in the Arab immigration has been down French community and how they are in the last two decades. The problem coping with this new reality. stems from the generation that was born We have only two months left of in France – the second generation. The the 2016 Campaign and we need you! population of 50- to 60-year-old Arabs Thank you for your support! and Jews shared a commonality – coming from the same countries, and sharing We Are the Strength of a People similar languages and foods.

– The Power of Community The population of France is 66 million. Jews are estimated at 600,000.

The estimated Muslim population is 4-5 million, with 6,000 under scrutiny after traveling to Arab countries.

After an emotionally disturbing but educational and informative morning, we were so ready for a celebratory afternoon. We were off to a celebration for French families making Aliyah to Israel in the following weeks.

There were over 70 leaving. We were each given an envelope that had a name on it that contained airline tickets and passports. Matching up the name on the envelope and the name on the tagged person amid the music and dancing was Ms. Elmaleh with Phyllis Seaman a challenge. I had an envelope that had “Sada Family” on it. I found a lovely couple with the name Sada on their tags. They took their envelope with much excitement, hugging and kissing me. As Mr. Sada opened his passport his face fell. I too get upset looking at my passport photo.

But it wasn’t his.

There was another Sada, though he was The Sadas with Phyllis Seaman a single person and

CATHOLIC-JEWISH DIALOGUE OF COLLIER COUNTY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE 2016-2017 SEASON Theme: Building Bridges Sunday, November 13 (2:30 P.M.) 78th Anniversary of Kristallnacht Commemorative Service.

Kristallnacht is recognized by most historians as “The Night The Holocaust Began”.

Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL 34119 Sunday, December 4 (2:00 P.M.) Walking God’s Paths Part 3, “Common Texts, Different Scriptures” film and discussion.

Part three of a series of six short videos designed to discuss the differences and commonalities of Christian and Jewish religions. Commentary by a rabbi and priest following the film, dialogue discussion and refreshments.

Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL 34105 Sunday, December 4 (6:00 P.M.) Catholic and Jewish Teen Program.

Catholic and Jewish teens will meet and greet one another in an interfaith program.

St. Agnes Catholic Church, Ministry Hall, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34120 Friday, January 6 (8:00 pm) Interfaith Weekend, an opportunity to witness the worship services of both religions.

Rabbi Mark Gross invites Catholics to the Friday evening Shabbat service.

Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145 Friday, January 6 (7:30 pm) Rabbi Adam Miller invites Catholics to the Friday evening Shabbat service.

Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL 34119 Sunday, January 8 (5:00 pm) Fr. Tim Navin invites Jews to the Sunday evening Mass.

San Marco Catholic Church, 851 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL 34145

Sunday, January 8 (5:00 pm) Fr. Bob Kantor invites Jews to the Sunday evening Mass.

St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34120 Sunday, February 12 (4:00 P.M.) Joe’s Violin; film and discussion This short documentary tells the story of a blossoming friendship between a 93-year-old Holocaust survivor and a Bronx 14-year-old schoolgirl, brought together by a violin that he acquired at a displaced person’s camp in postwar Germany.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Ballroom, 625 111th Ave. N. Naples, FL 34108 Sunday, March 5 (1:30 P.M.) Dr. William Madges – Presentation and discussion.

Dr. Madges has been a co-director of a multimedia traveling exhibit, A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People.

St. Ann Jubilee Center, 525 9th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 Sunday, April 30 (2:00 P.M.) Walking God’s Paths Part 4, “Season of Freedom, Season of Rebirth” film and discussion.

Part four of a series of six short videos designed to discuss the differences and commonalities of Christian and Jewish religions. Commentary by a rabbi and priest following the film, dialogue discussion and refreshments.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Claussen Center, 625 111th Ave. N. Naples, FL, 34108 For all events, please RSVP to: cjdialogue@naples.net or call (239) 263-4205. • jewishnaples.org/get-involved/cjd Free admission to all events. Donations payable to JFCC are always welcomed.

The purpose of the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue is to engage Jews and Catholics in understanding their past history and advancing the cause of mutual understanding and appreciation of their differences, as well as their commonalities.

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Federation Star November 2016 WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

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

New to Southwest Florida and new to WCA!

By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Director

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n a previous article I shared that a real estate agent had told Jeffrey Feld, President/CEO of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, that because of the Women’s Cultural Alliance a couple had decided to move to Naples rather than to the east coast of Florida.

Below are stories from Ellen Weisberg, Emilia Libers and Susan Koeppel who are glad that they, too, made the decision to move to Southwest Florida. *** Ellen Weisberg and her husband Max moved to Bonita Springs from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, in December 2015.

They are now full-time residents of Florida.

Jewish life in Naples, Florida.

Is there one?

As I prepared for retirement in Southwest Florida, the next chapter of my life, I was determined to find the Jewish community. I began researching and was delighted to quickly discover the Women’s Cultural Alliance, which is affiliated with the Jewish Federation of Collier County, and I found several local synagogues as well. I immediately joined WCA, and as I received the weekly eblasts was amazed at all the wonderful programming!

Since moving here fulltime with my husband Max in December 2015, the WCA has enriched my life and provided me with a new family, new friends, intellectual stimulation and physical activities. The members are warm and welcoming.

The first event I attended was called “Reinventing Yourself.” Perfect for me, I thought. I will never forget the rainstorm I drove through to attend.

Amazingly, the room was full.

Since then, I have experienced lectures, book reviews, cooking dem-

onstrations, bird watching, biking, discovered new restaurants, attended the newcomers pot luck dinner and thoroughly enjoyed the new member coffee. I loved connecting with new and seasoned members, and hearing about volunteer opportunities. I recognize how the talented board members contribute their expertise and enhance the organization. The nametags are a bonus and everyone loves them.

At each event, I discover something new and meet new women. There are many diverse women who share their life stories. I am amazed, as some reveal the journey from their homeland to America. I feel a connection to these brave, bright women.

I look forward to continuing my involvement with WCA and am now a volunteer on the Membership and Publicity committees. I want to be able to help pave the way for other women who are new to Southwest Florida, just as so many have done for me.

I am very grateful to the WCA for enriching the new chapter in my life!

The connections I have made are incredible and I look forward to many more in the coming year.

Oh, and my calendar is full! *** Emilia Libers and her husband Alex moved to Naples from Atlanta, Georgia, in December 2014. They are now fulltime residents of Naples, Florida.

If Naples is a paradise, WCA is one of the major components that make it so!

I joined WCA last December and consider this one of the best decisions I ever made. In addition to meeting so many welcoming, interesting, diverse and smart women, being a member of WCA has made me feel as a part of the local

community. My social calendar is full of wonderful events WCA offers year round. I am learning something new and I have lots of fun doing so. Thank you, WCA, for making me a part of your wonderful family! *** Susan Koeppel and her life-partner Jack Maloney began to spend “the season” (five months a year) in Naples, Florida, in 2015. They spend much of the remaining time “back home” in New York, enjoying the city’s vibrant cultural life.

This past season was my first full season in Naples, and what a revelation it was – due in great part to WCA! We w e r e fortunate to purchase our condo from Lea and Mike Bendes, who told us about WCA. Lea proudly shared the booklet of WCA activities, and I was overwhelmed by the range and scope of what was available.

Enthusiastically, I subscribed to just about everything, with the expectation of cutting back on what I didn’t enjoy.

Guess what? I stayed with it all!

I continue to be amazed at the diversity of rewarding experiences, and the caliber of women I have met participating. A lifelong New Yorker, I arrived in Naples anticipating a cultural experience that would not compare to home. However, I am happy to report that the excellence of WCA’s book clubs, discussion groups and activities has exceeded all expectations. But best of all are the wonderful women I have met. Women of integrity and accomplishment. Women who are open to new people, experiences and ideas. Women who I am proud to call friends!

I look forward to reconnecting with everyone this season at the Welcome Back Luncheon!

Our Top Ten Hints for Newcomers: 1. Attend the first WCA New Member Coffee that you can.

2. Go through the WCA Program Booklet and sign up for the study/ interest groups and events that you would like to participate in. There is something for everyone!

3. Every Thursday morning, read the weekly WCA eblast and then RSVP for upcoming programs right away.

4. Keep a running list of all of the programs/events that you sign up for – including the date, time, place, and the name and email of the RSVP contact.

5. Try new activities, even if it is something that you have never done before. Take advantage of the wide variety of opportunities and activities WCA offers.

6. Participate in the monthly Member Coffees and Ladies Who Lunch, both of which are designed to help you make new friends.

7. Wear your WCA nametag.

8. Get involved. The more you give, the more you get!

9. Volunteer! Whether it’s to simply be a greeter at an event or to take reservations for a program, you will be glad that you offered. (Contact WCA Volunteer Coordinator Harriett Kleinman and let her know you are interested in volunteering.)

10. Spread the word about WCA and its wonderful programming.

Bonus tip! If you have a spouse or a significant other, encourage him to join MCA (Men’s Cultural Alliance). Then his calendar will be full too! (There is a membership form for MCA on page 4A.) If YOU are not yet a member of Women’s Cultural Alliance, let WCA work its magic for you, just as it did for Ellen, Emilia and Susan! Join today by filling out the membership form below or by going to womensculturalalliance. com for more information and to download a membership form. You will be glad you did!

Women’s Cultural Alliance: 1,300 members strong and growing!

Women’s Cultural Alliance Membership Form

See Section B of this issue for: 4-page pullout with information on the authors and their books and a ticket order form Five book reviews by committee members What’s new and exciting this Festival

Our Membership year runs from September 1 to August 31.

Dues for members who join after March 1st will cover the next season.

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

Name

Spouse/Partner Name

___________________________________________________________________

Email Address (very important)

___________________________________________________________________ FL Street Address, City, Zip

_________________________________ Community in which you live

Sell or Buy with Confidence F O R A L L Y O U R R E A L E S TAT E N E E D S C A L L

T H E

Barsky Team

_______________________________

FL Home Phone

______________________________ ____________________________________ Cell Phone

Northern Phone

___________________________________________________________________ Northern Street Address, City, State or Province, Zip In FL: Full Time______ OR Part Time______

From _________________________ to _______________________

Membership Dues are $90.00 (US Funds), which includes a $36.00 donation to Federation

$90.00

I am also including a voluntary donation to the Federation in the amount of $_________________ Total enclosed or authorized $__________________ ____I will be paying by check. (Please make your check payable to JFCC/WCA.)

CATHERINE & STEVE BARSKY, REALTORS

____I will be paying by credit card: Card Number_________________________________________________________

(239) 777-3834

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.

Exp. Date_______________ Name on Card________________________________________________________

Moving out of state?

Use our world-wide relocation services.

Proud members of the Jewish Federation of Collier County

H O N E S T Y,

I N T E G R I T Y,

C O M M U N ICATION

www.naplesrealtorgroup.com • 239-777-2823 Sbarsky@johnrwood.com • Cbarsky@johnrwood.com

____I would like to volunteer for WCA by Chairing or Co-Chairing a program. ____I would like to be a speaker or lead a workshop on these topics: If checked, list topic(s)_______________________ ____I would like to volunteer in some capacity, but I am not yet sure what.

Please sign Event Participation Waiver: As a participant in a WCA event, I, acting for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin agree as follows: I waive all rights, claims, courses of action, of any kind whatsoever that I or my heirs or my legal representatives may claim to have against The Jewish Federation of Collier County, The Women’s Cultural Alliance, or their agents, servants, and/or employees, for any loss, injury, or damage sustained by me while participating in a WCA event. This waiver and release shall be construed broadly, under the laws of the State of 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

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.

JEWISH FEDERATION

7A

November 2016 Federation Star

My Birthright experience Cardozo Legal Society

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By Jared Wolff

s I sit here on my bed in parents who are unsure about the trip’s Brooklyn with my computer safety – I have never felt more safe underneath the large, brand and protected. After attending Taglit, new Israeli flag hung above my head, I now firmly believe that every Jew I find it difficult to put words to paper should see Israel. Israel is a case study that describe just how special Taglit highlighting the ways that ingenuity can (Birthright Israel) is to me. Ten days, manifest itself in the form of a nation. twenty hours on a crowded plane, 35 It is a beautiful country made by and American young Jewish professionfor our people. It is sophisticated yet als, seven amazing Israeli students and spartan, European yet Middle Eastern, military officers, and countless loose oneshekel coins later, my Taglit experience was a huge success.

I learned so much about Israel, the surrounding region, and myself during my journey.

Seeing Jerusalem for the very first time, hiking the mountains of North Jared Wolff at the Western Wall Israel, seeing Roman ruins in Tiberias, and swimming in the waters of the Mediterranean in Tel Aviv are all highlights of the trip, but I feel as if those activities and others culminated in something much more important. The trip helped me address how I feel about myself and my place in the JewJeffrey Haut, Bennett Nast, Jared Wolff, Scott Thien ish community. After being in Israel and interacting with the and undeniably innovative in the way Israelis who joined our group, no longer that the country is maintained in terms will I just call myself “Jewish.” Jewof defense and natural resources. And ish is nothing more than an adjective best of all, it is ours. that implies something that relates to I’d like to thank URJ Kesher and Judaism. Taglit solidified my identity the Jewish Federation of Collier County as a Jew. I see even more clearly that I and its donors for making my experibelong to a very special and select group ence the very best it could be. Until I of people with a unique and interesting return to Israel, and I certainly will, Am identity, and that is something in which Yisrael Chai!

I take very much pride.

Birthright Israel is a program sponTo those students who are thinking sored, in part, by the Jewish Federation about going on Taglit – DO IT! To those of Collier County.

The Federation Star delivers!

Introduce your business to a POWERFUL demographic and reach over 5,000 Jewish residents in the Greater Naples area!

For ad rates and deadlines, contact Ted Epstein at 239.249.0699 or fedstar18@gmail.com.

Israel Advocacy Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County invites you to

Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 7:00 pm at Beth Tikvah Please join us in watching How A Small Nation Makes A Big Difference. This movie explores the triumph of the human spirit. Israelis, surrounded by enemies, have turned a desert with hardly any natural resources into a flourishing and productive society.

Cost: $10 pp. Please send payments to Jewish Federation of Collier County, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste., 2201, Naples, FL 34109, Attn: Renee’.

Payments must be received by January 3 or pay $15 at the door.

Please thank our co-sponsors:

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By Josh Bialek, Chair

Evy Lipp People of the Book he Cardozo Legal Society is off Cultural Event to a great start this season. At Author Scott Turow will be speaking at the organizational meeting in this event on the evening of Wednesday, September, many members stepped up February 15 at Temple Shalom. The to be on the Program Committee and Cardozo Legal Society will meet for Torah Study Committee, and to help dinner before going to hear him speak. organize and run the Cardozo Legal More details to follow. Please register Society. We are kicking off a series of for this event via the instructions in this interesting and fun events: issue.

Cardozo Torah Study Our first Cardozo Torah Study meeting will be Thursday, November 10 at noon at the Porter Wright offices in the Mercato. We ask that each participant bring $10 for lunch. A kosher dairy lunch will be brought by Rabbi Fishel Zaklos. RSVP by Thursday, November 3 to jbialek@ porterwright.com.

Josh Bialek, Cardozo Legal Society Chair; Dr. Brian Dorn, Vice Chair Meet and Greet The Cardozo Legal Society is an Our first Meet and Greet of the Cardozo affinity group composed of Jewish Legal Society will be on Thursday, members of the legal community. CarDecember 1 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at dozo Legal Society events are open to Paradise Wine. Let’s get together in the active and retired attorneys and judges. front lounge at 8965 Tamiami Trail N., For more information, please contact me Naples. RSVP by Monday, November at jbialek@porterwright.com.

28 to jbialek@porterwright.com.

Federation Star Readers Focus Group

We’re always looking to make the Federation Star an even better publication for our Jewish community. To help us do that, the Federation is planning a Federation Star Readers Focus Group.

If you’d like to attend this two-hour lunch meeting in the Federation boardroom (sometime in November), please send an email to editor Ted Epstein at fedstar18@gmail.com with “Fed Star Focus Group” in the subject line, and your name and phone number in the body of the email. Ted will contact you once we set the date and time.

Fed Cup VII Sunday, December 18 at The Club at TwinEagles 20

16

A golf event for all skills and ages to benefit young Jewish children and teens to experience Jewish Summer Camp and travel to Israel.

Shotgun Start 9:00 a.m.

For more information about the event and hole sponsorships contact Kevin Aizenshtat at kevin@gcipnaples.com.

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

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Federation Star November 2016 HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & ED CTR OF SWFL

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

Museum co-founder Homer Helter passes away Amy Snyder Executive Director

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t is with sadness that I share with you the passing of one of our Museum’s founders and board members, Homer Helter.

Homer had been involved with the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida even before its establishment as a museum. The Golden Gate Middle School students who created the original classroom exhibit that became the Museum were fortunate to meet Homer and be the recipients of artifacts from his personal collection.

Without his involvement, the Museum would not have become what it is today.

Additionally, Homer made his military antique store a “home away from home” for many of our local veterans from all conflicts. His commitment to “let us not forget” made him an important figure within our military community. He will

be missed.

Here are a few words about Homer from Godfrey Levy, Co-Founder and Past President of the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida: We are all saddened by the sudden loss of Homer Helter.

I want to outline his longtime involvement with the Holocaust Museum & Education Center.

I met Homer some 16 years ago at a meeting to discuss finding a permanent home for a Golden Gate school classroom project about the Holocaust.

Homer had already been involved having lent Holocaust and World War II

Homer Helter with Museum board members Lorie Mayer and Maureen Lerner

Participants sought for “Meet a Holocaust Survivor” program

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he Jewish Federation of Collier County invites all Holocaust survivors, and all students from our community in grades 6-12 to participate in this important program.

We will pair students up with a Holocaust survivor. Students will have the chance to meet, interview, get to know and learn from Holocaust survivors on Sundays, February 5, February 12 and March 26 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Temple Shalom.

On Sunday, April 23, during the community-wide Yom HaShoah Observance, the students and Holocaust survivors will come together, and the

artifacts to the teacher and students to enhance their classroom activity. I am proud to have, at that time, joined with Homer and others from across the community in founding the Museum and Education Center.

Homer generously made a permanent loan of artifacts to start the Museum’s collection, which now houses many unique photographs, documents and precious artifacts.

Homer served on the board of the Museum from day one and remained a Director to the present time. He was a strong supporter and promoter of the

students will give a summary on their “Meet a Holocaust Survivor” program.

If you are a survivor, or a student in grades 6-12, please respond by Friday, December 16 so we can match you up for this wonderful program. Please make sure you can attend all four of the dates listed above. Parental consent is necessary since we will be videotaping this experience.

For more information, please contact Ida at ida.margolis2@gmail.com or Renee’ at the Jewish Federation of Collier County at rbialek@jewishnaples.org or 239.263.4205.

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Museum.

It was always a deep-felt experience to drop into Homer’s store and to meet so many incredible veterans, sitting, talking and enjoying Homer’s hospitality of cakes, cookies, sodas and hot dogs. Homer just sat back and watched these heroes. He gave them a warm comfortable “home.” I hope we will see this continue as a legacy to Homer. I, like many others, will miss Homer, and his passing is a loss to the community.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Homer’s lovely wife Diane and family.

– Godfrey Levy

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Homer Helter and family in 2007

ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter update

By Gene Sipe, VP, ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter

T

he ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter is looking forward to opening our season with a film screening and presentation by Mr. Matt Weisbaum. Matt is a retuning presenter to our area and an informative and engaging speaker. He joined Jerusalem University in 2009 to pioneer new systems for Israel education and to show the world the true, vibrant and creative face of Israel through educational and feature film.

As a follow-up to the documentary Beneath the Helmet, Matt will share with us his latest production, Mekonen: The Journey of an African Jew. This film is an uplifting and inspiring work that shows viewers that anything is possible with the right attitude, tools and support. The film follows the backstory and personal journey of Mekonen Abebe, a young African-Israeli Jew, once a young shepherd in Africa and now a commander in the Israel Defense Forces. Mekonen is one of many brave young men and women drafted into compulsory service in the IDF to defend their homeland and the liberal values of democracy, freedom and

equality. He was born and raised in an Ethiopian village and was a 12-year-old shepherd when his father died suddenly, less than a day before his family was to move to Israel. The film accompanies Mekonen back to Africa on an emotional journey where he explores his roots, makes peace with his past, and embraces his future in Israel.

This program is scheduled for Thursday, November 10 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 for attendance is $20 prepaid and $22 at the door. RSVP by prepaying with your check payable to ZOA SWFL, and sent to 4003 Upolo Lane, Naples, FL 34119.

Also, be sure to note that Dr. Mitchell Bard is scheduled for Wednesday, December 7; Raheel Raza is on Wednesday, January 25; and Dr. Howard Shatz is on Wednesday, March 15. These presentations promise to be enlightening.

For additional information, please visit www.zoaswfl.org, email info@ zoaswfl.org or call 914.329.1024.

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Do you have a similar photo in your home? Who are these people? Are they related to you? Do you know where your forebears came from? How do you find out? Do your grandchildren know who these people are? Researching your family genealogy can help you find the answers to all these questions.

And the answers to questions you don’t even know to ask yet.

Want to find out how to get started? Come to 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) on Tuesday, November 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.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

November 2016 Federation Star

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For those who care about history: Films, books, presentations and personal stories Ida Margolis GenShoah President

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any people are familiar with the following quote usually attributed to Edmund Burke: “Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.” Currently many people are concerned with the younger generation’s lack of historical knowledge and want something done about it.

Included in the mission statement of Generations of the Shoah of SWFL (GenShoah) is the promotion of Holocaust education and human rights. Many people laud this mission and want GenShoah to provide programs for young people. Those on the GenShoah steering committee know that we certainly have tried, and are still trying.

For those of you who care about history, GenShoah is presenting programs for you. But we hope you will tell some young person about an interesting, inspirational or insightful historical program you have attended. Look at the programs that GenShoah is offering this season and consider attending one that will not only help you learn something that you did not already know, but will have you “pass it on.” Mark your calendar and

d

make reservations for these interesting and informative public programs.

Three upcoming films The film Defiant Requiem will be shown on Wednesday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida. This remarkable and little-known story of how the inmates of the Nazi concentration camp Terezin used music and art as their weapon against the Nazis has a very powerful message.

If you missed The People vs. Fritz Bauer when it was in theaters, come to Beth Tikvah on Sunday, November 20 at 5:00 p.m. to see this thriller about a good German prosecutor’s efforts to bring Nazis to justice, not for vengeance but for the future of Germany.

It has been said that the importance of stories of heroic deeds should not be underestimated. The film My Italian Secret tells the incredible story of forgotten heroes such as Gino Bartali, and will be shown on Thursday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Naples Italian American Foundation, 7035 Airport Road.

Two books and their authors A new book, The Nazi Titanic – The Incredible Untold Story of a Doomed Ship in WWII – tells about another tragedy of the Holocaust and one of history’s worst maritime disasters. Author Robert Watson is scheduled to speak at the Jewish Book Festival at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 23 along with author

Josh Aronson, who will talk about his book Orchestra of Exiles – The Story of Bronislaw Huberman, the Israel Philharmonic, and the One Thousand Jews He Saved from Nazi Horrors. Students are in school at the time these authors are speaking, but you can tell them about these stories that you heard directly from the authors.

Major GenShoah event Our major event this season relates to Anne Frank, a story that even many young people have read. However, the program that will be presented is about No Asylum: The Untold Chapter of Anne Frank’s Story. According to Gary Goldstein of the Los Angeles Times, “Just when you thought you’d heard every vital story about the Holocaust, along comes the stirring documentary No Asylum: The Untold Chapter of Anne Frank’s Story to shine further light on one of history’s darkest periods.”

This documentary will be screened at Temple Shalom on Tuesday, January 31 at 7:00 p.m.. Also at the event will be Jonathan Brent, executive director of New York’s YIVO Institute for Jew-

ish Research, where a cache of letters written in 1941 by Anne Frank’s father Otto was recently found. Brent will be making a presentation and will be available for a Q&A. Three personal stories Often, moving personal stories become seared in memory. On Sunday, February 19 at 5:00 p.m. at the Holocaust Museum, two extraordinary stories will be told. Holocaust survivor Steen Metz will relate his personal story of being transported to Theresienstadt concentration camp. Filmmaker and author Marina Berkovich will tell her story about interviewing a well-known Holocaust denier. On Sunday, March 19, as part of the Jewish Community Festival of Learning at Temple Shalom, Goldie Bertone will share the story of her mother, who escaped from Dachau.

You can’t tell someone about these stories if you don’t attend. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Donations for GenShoah programs are requested and appreciated. To RSVP, contact me at genshoahswfl@icloud. com or 239.963.9347.

18th Bi-Annual HotWorks.org

Estero Fine Art Show

™

November 19 & 20, 2016 At Miromar Design Center

GenShoah of SWFL Schedule of events for the 2016-17 Season

o Wednesday, November 16, 7:00 p.m. s Film - Defiant Requiem - co-sponsored by Holocaust Museum - Little-known story l of when Nazi Concentration camp Terezin inmates fought back with music and art Holocaust Museum, 4760 Tamiami Trail N, Naples

s Sunday, November 20, 5:00 p.m.

Film - People vs Fritz Bauer - Thriller that dramatizes a good German’s efforts to bring the architects of Auschwitz to justice.

Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples

, Thursday, December 8, 7:00 p.m. s Film - My Italian Secret- co-sponsored by Italian-American Club - Story of

courageous Italians who carried out ingenious schemes to rescue Jews and refugees 2 from Nazi-occupied Italy The Italian American Foundation, 7035 Airport Road, Naples

h

Sunday, December 18, 4:30 p.m.

, Pot luck dinner at member’s home with a discussion of the book The Nazi Titanic, led by Shelley Lieb

- Sunday, January 15

Trip to Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg followed by lunch with

- Generations After Tampa Bay z Tuesday, January 31, 7:00 p.m.

- Film - No Asylum: The Untold Chapter of Anne Frank’s Story - with speaker

Jonathan Brent, Executive director of YIVO, the archives where letters written by

e Otto Frank were recently uncovered

Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples Sunday, February 19, 5:00 p.m.

Speakers Steen Metz, presenting his survivor story, and Marina Berkovich discussing her interview with a Holocaust Denier Holocaust Museum, 4760 Tamiami Trail N, Naples Sunday, April 16 Program TBD Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples

RSVPs are required for all GenShoah events. For reservations, information and to receive the GenShoah enewsletter, contact Ida at genshoahswfl@icloud.com or 239.963.9347.

Additional Community Programs of Holocaust Relevance: Sunday, November 13, 2:30 p.m.

Kristallnacht Commemoration, at Temple Shalom Thursday, January 19, 7:00 p.m.

Jewish Book Festival, author Amy Kurzweil, Flying Couch, at Jewish Federation Monday, January 23, 1:00 p.m.

Jewish Book Festival, authors Robert Watson, The Nazi Titanic, and Josh Aronson, Orchestra of Exiles, at Beth Tikvah Friday, January 27, 7:30 p.m.

UN Holocaust Day, Speaker Dr. Stephen Berk, at Temple Shalom Sunday, March 5, 1:30 p.m.

“Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People” presented by Dr. William Madges, at St. Ann Jubilee Center, 479 9th Ave. S., Naples Sunday, March 19, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Jewish Community Festival of Learning, scheduled presentations include “Bearing Witness” by Goldie Bertone, and “Nazi Olympics” by Dr. Bartrop, at Temple Shalom Sunday, April 23, 10:00 a.m.

Yom HaShoah program, at Temple Shalom

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10A Federation Star November 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance events

Temple Shalom events open to the community

n Sunday, October 2, the Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance held its pre-Rosh Hashanah wine and cheese social.

Three remaining events are scheduled for this season in the David G. Willens Community Room at the Federation office: December 25, March 5, May 7.

All events are on Sundays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

If you speak Russian, want to meet a

ntroduction to Judaism course Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. beginning November 2. Are you interested in learning more about Judaism? Do you know someone who is?

This course is 12 sessions and led by Rabbi Adam Miller and Cantor Donna Azu. The course is offered free of charge but you must register by calling Temple Shalom.

Torah Talk Join the volunteer-led discussion of the week’s Torah portion on the first Saturday of each month. On November 5 the portion is Noach. 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.

Come to the Cabaret!

Sunday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. with live entertainment beginning at 7:30 p.m. Did you miss it last year? Then you missed a great time! This year’s event will include the fabulous band, Jebry, as well as all the delectable desserts and delicious wine that you’ve come to expect. The cost is $18. Please contact Temple Shalom by Wednesday, November 2 to RSVP. Veterans Shabbat service Friday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend our special Shabbat service honoring not only our Jewish veterans but also the men and women currently serving in our Armed Forces. Veterans, dig out the uniforms, the ribbons and the medals!

Sisterhood Book Bag Thursday, November 17 at 1:30 p.m.

The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks.

Facilitator: Judy Picus. The book is a gritty, emotionally devastating reconsid-

By Marina Berkovich

O

“Russian,” or are just curious in general, we welcome you to join in. Be prepared for noise, since speaking loud and at the same time is part of our cultural heritage!

To take advantage of everything this group has to offer, email JRCAGroup@ gmail.com and we will add you to our email list.

Please help us spread the word. Tell your Jewish neighbors from the former USSR that we are waiting for them to be “found.”

Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance Rosh Hashanah celebration

For more information on these events, call 239.455.3030.

I

eration of the life of King David. RSVP to HelenWeinfeld@aol.com.

Silver anniversary service Join us on Friday evening, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. as we come together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first Friday evening service in our current synagogue. There will be a lavish oneg following the service.

Shabbat at the Beach!

Friday, November 25 at 5:00 p.m. Join us for a beautiful sunset service on Lowdermilk Beach. Bring beach chairs and/ or a beach blanket and a picnic dinner if desired. In the event of rain, the service will be held under the pavilion.

For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jewishnaples.org.

Tributes

Tributes to the Federation Campaign To:

David Pettler In Memory of your son, Theodore Pettler From: Curtis Cassner To:

Elaine Landau In Memory of your mother, Marian Finer From: Nancy & Hank Greenberg To:

Adele Kendes In Honor of your Special Birthday From: Nancy & Hank Greenberg To:

Phyllis Seaman In Honor of your receiving the International Lion of Judah KipnisWilson/Friedland Award From: Nancy & Hank Greenberg Marcy & Jerry Sobelman Ellen & Gary Gersh To:

Leda and Jack Zbar In Memory of your mother, Sara Loshak From: Rosalee and Jerry Bogo To:

Susie Golubock In Memory of your mother, Sara Loshak From: Ida & Jeff Margolis To:

Harriett Israel In Memory of your partner, Gene White From: Judy & Bob Sommerfeld To:

Angela Flotken In Honor of your receiving the Fred A. Goldstein Award for Professional Leadership From: Monica & Allan Goodwin

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.

To:

Phyllis Seaman You really deserve many rewards.

Thank you for being a great leader.

From: Karen & Ed Ezrine

To:

To:

To:

Muriel Rosenfeld In Memory of your mother, Mary Jane Miller From: Susan & Ronald Goldsmith

Fred Rosenfeld In Memory of your mother, Millie Rosenfeld From: Susan & Ronald Goldsmith Roslyn and Ari Schneider In Memory of your husband and father, Bernard Schneider From: The Schneiders

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

David Pettler, on the passing of your son, Theodore Pettler Elaine Landau, on the passing of your mother, Marian Finer Muriel Rosenfeld, on the passing of your mother, Mary Jane Miller Fred Rosenfeld, on the passing of your mother, Millie Rosenfeld Harriet Israel, on the passing of your partner, Gene White Cele Casa, on the passing of your husband, Frank Casa Paul & Abbie Sladick, on passing of Paul’s father, Donald Sladick Shirli Kaskie, on the passing of your son, Stephen Kaskie Mary Sabel, on the passing of your son, Kyle Sabel Rennie Spanier, on the passing of your son-in-law, Norbert Lind Susie Golubock and Leda Zbar, on the passing of your mother, Sara Loshak Diana Helter, on the passing of your husband, Homer Helter Cecille Raichlen, on the passing of your husband, Sonny Raichlen

The Jewish Federation of Collier County extends congratulations to:

• Phyllis Seaman, on being awarded the International Lion of Judah Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award • Adele Kendes, in celebration of your Special Birthday

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.

November 2016 Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

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12A Federation Star November 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

JFCS programs for veterans

O

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer JFCS President/ CEO

n Friday, November 11, Veterans Day 2016, we will be joining with our friends and neighbors throughout the United States to honor those who served our country. And so, this November column is the perfect time to share with you the expanding programs and services that JFCS provides to veterans in Collier

and southern Lee counties.

Veterans in Paradise (VIP) became part of our Naples Senior Center programming in May. VIP is open to any veteran age 60 or over. Membership in the Senior Center is required. Membership is $15 per year and includes all programs offered at the Center. For a schedule of programs, visit our website, www.jfcsswfl.org. VIP meets monthly with special programs of interest to veterans, and of course VIP members can participate in all Naples Senior Center activities, and they do! Ages of VIP members range from 60 through 95.

On October 1, JFCS, in partnership with Jewish Family & Children’s

Service of the Suncoast, Inc., launched a program for homeless veterans in Collier and southern Lee counties. Angela Wood joined our case management team as the professional who will be doing outreach, case finding and re-housing for the veterans and their families. This program is open to all veterans of all ages in our catchment area. This program is made possible through a Federal grant, Operation Military Assistance Program (OMAP). Funding is provided through the Veterans Administration.

We will be working closely with the Sheriff and his team as we deliver this important service. If you are interested in more information or in becoming in-

volved with JFCS in assisting veterans, please call me at 239.325.4444.

Every year, our Jewish congregational partners do food drives for the JFCS Food Pantry during the High Holidays. We are very grateful for this partnership as usage of the Food Pantry increases every month. During the month of August there were 496 visits to the JFCS Food Pantry. Please remember the JFCS Food Pantry when you are doing your grocery shopping. A list of most needed items can be found on our website.

As we approach the holiday of Thanksgiving, we at JFCS thank you for all you do to help us help so many.

Mix & Mingle – Jewish senior singles update

H

appy 5777! Mix & Mingle has planned another year of diverse activities and events. If you are Jewish, single and at least 55 years old, this is the group for you. Plans have been made for weekdays, evenings and even weekends to accommodate the schedules of our members. Attend all our events, or pick and choose. We provide the menu and you make the selections.

Annual dues of $10 should be mailed to the Federation by Tuesday, November 15. Membership entitles you to updates and emails to keep you in the loop. In addition, a reduced price for some events may be available when we purchase advance/group tickets. Remember to always send your reservation check (payable to JFCC) to Jewish Federation of Collier County, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples, FL 34109, Attn: Renee’, for each event you will be attending.

For more information, email Judi Palay at judipalay@aol.com or call Renee’ at 239.263.4205.

Are we missing an event that you

would enjoy? Have we missed a prospective member whom we should be contacting? Include that information as well.

Recently, we enjoyed an evening of music and entertainment at Senor Tequila’s Mexican Grill and were awed by a visit to the Shy Wolf Sanctuary.

Upcoming events Sunday, November 6 (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.): Brunch at Chez Boet with speaker Helene Gaillet De Neergaard, author of I Was a War Child. Helene will introduce us to “The War Child Grows Up: Part One.” If you have heard Helene speak before, you will be excited to hear more. For those who have never met Helene, you are in for a surprise as you experience her poignant story. Reservations are a must, so please contact Renee’ at JFCC. Watch for an eblast regarding the menu, cost, etc.

Monday, December 5 (12:45 to 3:30 p.m.): A private visit to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida including

the Dalton Discovery Center, electric boat tour, and wildlife program. Sign up ASAP. There is a 22-person limit. ($10 for MM members; $15 for nonmembers; checks due Monday, November 28)

Monday, December 12 (6:00 p.m.): Dinner at Cibao in the Neapolitan Shopping Center. This is a wonderful restaurant. Nothing is prepared in advance so one dines leisurely. Dinner is Dutch treat, but it is imperative that we have an accurate head count. Space is limited, so please honor your reser-

vation. If you are unable to attend, let Renee know. A $5 check, payable to Federation and sent to Renee’ by Monday, December 5 will hold your spot.

Why $5 for a Dutch treat event? If the event has a limit, it is only fair that if you make a reservation, you honor it.

This holds your spot. At the end of the year, we will use the money to defray a higher cost for an event.

Thursday, January 26 (10:45 a.m.): Private tour of Palm Cottage and Norris Garden with a Dutch treat lunch to follow at Ridgway Bar & Grill.

Limited to 15 participants. ($12 check due by Monday, January 16) Watch for eblasts and flyers for future events, activities and updates.

Are you looking for delicious kosher food?

Chabad of Naples has partnered with the well-known Aroma Kosher Market and Catering of Cooper City, Florida, to bring kosher food to you. Please call the Chabad office at 239.262.4474 for an order form and instructions. Aroma Market delivers orders to the Chabad of Naples, 1789 Mandarin Road, once a week.

An experienced ally can truly make all the difference.

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Quite simply, people who choose our communities want more than just a place to live. Much more.

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November 2016 Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

A meeting of like minds

By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

S

eventy-five years ago this month, a meeting took place of two men who were like-minded with regard to the Jewish people. Their ambitions were far from altruistic. On November 28, 1941, German dictator Adolf Hitler entertained Haj Amin alHusseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, who pledged to cooperate with him in the extermination of the Jews. In doing so, he offered to enlist Arabs to fight Dr. Paul Bartrop for Germany.

Who was this man, so admired by Hitler?

Mohammed Amin al-Husseini was a Palestinian Arab nationalist and Muslim leader in Mandate Palestine. Born in Jerusalem in 1895, he was the scion of a family of wealthy landowners claiming direct descent from the grandson of the Prophet. He received an education in an Islamic school, an Ottoman school (where he learned Turkish), and a Catholic school (where he learned French). Sent to Cairo for his higher education, he studied Islamic jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University and then at the Cairo Institute for Propagation and Guidance. He went on to the College of Literature at Cairo University and then the Ottoman School for Administrators in Istanbul, which trained future leaders of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1913 he made pilgrimage to Mecca, earning his honorific “Haj.” On the death of the then Mufti of Jerusalem on March 21, 1921, elections were held to choose a new Grand Mufti. Although al-Husseini only came fourth in the votes, the British Governor, Sir Herbert Samuel, in an attempt to maintain the balance of power between the rival elite Husseini and Nashashibi clans, appointed al-Husseini as the new Grand Mufti.

On March 31, 1933, soon after Hitler’s ascent to office in Germany, al-Husseini met with the German Consul General in Jerusalem, who advised Berlin that the Mufti would make an excellent ally in Palestine. He identified that the Mufti aimed to terminate Jewish settlement in Palestine, and that, allied with Nazi Germany in a holy war, he would remove the Jewish problem everywhere.

By 1937 al-Husseini had organized a youth group, the Holy Jihad, inspired by the Hitler Youth. British police were

sent to arrest al-Husseini in July 1937 for his part in the Arab rebellion, but he managed to escape to the sanctuary in the Muslim area on top of the Western Wall.

In a letter of June 21, 1939, to Hitler, al-Husseini wrote of Arab readiness to rise against the Jewish enemy.

Once war broke out, he went to Iraq on October 13, 1939, and set up his base of operations there. On April 3, 1941, he attempted a takeover of the Iraqi government with Nazi support.

In the resultant pogrom, six hundred Baghdadi Jews were killed, 911 Jewish houses were destroyed, and 586 Jewish businesses ransacked. When Britain suppressed the takeover, al-Husseini blamed the failure of the Nazi takeover on the Jews.

On November 28, 1941, he met with Adolf Hitler, concluding afterwards that Nazis and Arabs were engaged in the same struggle to exterminate the Jews.

From the mid-1930s al-Husseini had been friends with Adolf Eichmann.

When he visited Eichmann in January 1942, he discussed the formation of a German-Arab military unit, and an Einzatsgruppen Egypt was created and readied for deployment to Palestine in the event of a German victory in North Africa. At the same time, he was briefed on the Nazis’ “final solution” of the Jews, visited Auschwitz and Majdanek, and was on close terms with Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Hoss.

He also organized anti-Semitic Arab radio propaganda and espionage in the Middle East. He had at his disposal six freedom stations for his broadcasts (Berlin, Zeissen, Bari, Rome, Tokyo and Athens), from which he urged Muslims to kill Jews everywhere.

In the spring of 1943, al-Husseini learned of negotiations involving the International Red Cross to transport four thousand Jewish children to safety in Palestine. Seeking to prevent this rescue operation, he directed protests toward the Germans and Italians, as well as at the governments of Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. Demanding that the operation be scuttled, he suggested that the children be sent to Poland where they would be subject to “stricter control” (i.e., exterminated).

They were duly sent to a concentration camp, meeting al-Husseini’s demand that they be killed in Poland rather than transported to Palestine.

In September 1943, further nego-

Shalom Gardens

at Palm Royale Cemetery

13A

Rescue of Jewish children in the Holocaust

P

rofessor of History and Director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University, Dr. Paul Bartrop, is engaged in a major project on the rescue of Jewish children in Vichy, France, during World War II. In particular, he is looking at the escorting of Jewish children across the French Alps (the region known as Haute Savoie) to safety in Geneva, Switzerland.

An important part of this research involves giving a voice to those Jew-

ish children who experienced this crossing. Dr. Bartrop is undertaking a worldwide search. If you are, or are related to, or know of someone who was a child at the time, or are aware of anyone who might be in possession of life stories or papers or photographs regarding these children, their story deserves to be highlighted in this work.

If you, or someone you know, can help, please contact Dr. Bartrop at pbartrop@fgcu.edu, or Dr. Bartrop’s assistant, Ms. Taylor Neff, at twneff@ eagle.fgcu.edu.

tiations to rescue another 500 Jewish children from the Arbe concentration camp in Italy collapsed due to al-Husseini blocking their departure to Turkey because they would end up in Palestine.

In 1943, he organized a chemical attack on Tel Aviv, but the five parachutists sent to complete the mission were captured near Jericho before they could complete their task. Their equipment, found by the British, included enough toxin to kill 250,000 people through poisoning the water supply.

Al-Husseini also tried to convince the Nazis to bomb Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Concerned over the turning tide of the war, he wrote to Heinrich Himmler on June 5, 1944, and July 27, 1944, asking that he do all he could to complete the extermination of the Jews while there was yet time.

After the war, Britain, France and the United States refused to prosecute the Mufti as a war criminal. Taken into custody at Konstanz on May 5, 1945,

by French occupying troops, he was transferred to Paris on May 19 and placed under house arrest. He received sanctuary from Egypt’s King Farouk on June 20, 1946, and his last public appearance came in 1962 when he delivered a speech to the World Islamic Congress in which he called for the ethnic cleansing of the Jews.

Haj Amin al-Husseini, died in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1974 – a true bedfellow with Adolf Hitler.

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.

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CASBook Launch Resisting Resisting the the Holocaust: Holocaust: Upstanders, Upstanders, Partisans, Partisans, and and Survivors Survivors Paul R. Bartrop is the Director of the Center Paul R. Bartrop is the Director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies and Professor of History in the Department and Professor of History in the Department of Social Sciences at FGCU. of Social Sciences at FGCU. Wednesday, November 9, 2016 Wednesday, November 9, 2016 5:30 PM 5:30 PM SRHM 114 SRHM 114

You’ve spent the best years of your life in Naples, why Palm Royale Cemetery is committed to serving seal memories anywhere else? overlook this the your Jewish community.

Through theDon’t knowledge of your mostgem sacred beliefs, memorialization pristine so close toyour home.

Make Naples will yourbefinal truly representative of the life it represents. destination.

Make Palm Royale your final resting place.

Ask about our beautiful Shalom Gardens.

9

Open 7 days a week Sunday business hours

Teresa Shepp Family Service Counselor

Limited space, please rsvp to: Limited space, please rsvp to: Amy Vitiello avitiello@fgcu.edu Amy Vitiello avitiello@fgcu.edu Comprising 161 descriptions of remarkable upstanders and resisters during the Holocaust, this is a book about Comprising 161 descriptions of remarkable upstanders and resisters during the Holocaust, this is a book about people who said no to the attempt by National Socialist Germany, between 1933 and 1945, to disenfranchise, people who said no to the attempt by National Socialist Germany, between 1933 and 1945, to disenfranchise, dehumanize, and ultimately destroy the Jewish people of Europe. The selections are examples that represent dehumanize, and ultimately destroy the Jewish people of Europe. The selections are examples that represent the wide range of resistance activities that could have been, and were, undertaken. Yad Vashem in Israel has the wide range of resistance activities that could have been, and were, undertaken. Yad Vashem in Israel has recognized many of these people as Righteous among the Nations for their rescue of Jewish people, and recognized many of these people as Righteous among the Nations for their rescue of Jewish people, and several of these are included in this book. Along with these, however, often for the first time, focus lands on several of these are included in this book. Along with these, however, often for the first time, focus lands on the many heroic Jews who devoted themselves, often at the expense of their own lives, to saving of other Jews. the many heroic Jews who devoted themselves, often at the expense of their own lives, to saving of other Jews.

The stories here are uplifting and inspirational, shining lights amid the horrible darkness of the Holocaust.

The stories here are uplifting and inspirational, shining lights amid the horrible darkness of the Holocaust.

All book launches are free and open to the public. Please note that the book launch might be All book are freewebsite and open public. Please note that the launch might be posted onlaunches the University andtoisthe considered a public event.

Youbook are choosing to enter the University andmay is considered a public You are choosing to enter aposted space on where your imagewebsite and voice be captured as partevent. of a recording of the event that a space where your image and voice may be captured as part of a recording of the event that is made public as part of a broadcast, webcast, or publication (online and in print). is made public as part of a broadcast, webcast, or publication (online and in print).

6780 Vanderbilt Beach Road • Naples

239.354.5330

www.palmroyale.net

Parking available in Garage 1 Parking available in Garage 1

General Directions & Parking: Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd, South Fort Myers, FL 33965 © Palm Royale

From the north: Take I-75 South to Exit 128, Alico Rd. Go east on Alico Rd. for half a mile. Go south (right) on Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy. for two miles. Turn left at the stoplight at FGCU Lake Parkway West entrance. Follow to the traffic light, go left to Parking Garage 1 which is next to the Sugden Hospitality & Resort Management Building. The event will be held on the ground floor in Room 114.

14A Federation Star November 2016

JEWISH INTEREST

A trip to Europe to celebrate Rosh Hashanah 5777

By Maxine & Harvey Brenner

O

n Friday, September 23 we flew to Budapest, Hungary, to begin an epic trip on a river cruise up the Danube. We arrived a day early to adjust to the six-hour time change.

On Sunday morning we had arranged a walking tour of the Jewish quarter, which opened our eyes to the beautiful restored architecture. We experienced a very inspiring tour through the second largest synagogue in the world – Dohany Synagogue. It was destroyed during World War II but took many years (1991-1996) to restore. An interesting piece of information from the tour was that 750,000 Jews lived in Hungary before the start of World War II; 600,000 were sent to Auschwitz/ Birkenau. Today there are only 100,000 Jews left in Hungary with 80% living in Budapest.

In the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park there is a silver weeping willow tree monument, constructed with help from the Tony Curtis Family Foundation, with the names of Hungarian people who perished during the Holocaust

Harvey and Maxine Brenner in front of the silver weeping willow tree monument

on the leaves on the tree.

Upon completion of this tour we boarded our longboat to begin our cruise up the Danube River going to historic Vienna where we toured the city and

Dohany Synagogue

reconnected with our first foreign student who lived with us 28 years ago. It was great to see such an accomplished woman who became a doctor of internal medicine, did cancer research in the hospital, and after 12 years of practice gave it up for her first love – music. She founded and produced a festival entitled “Hollywood in Vienna.” She brings film music composers to Vienna to perform their works in a concert hall.

We then continued up the Danube with stops and tours in Krems, Austria; Passau, Germany; and Regensburg, Germany, where we saw the home where Oskar Schindler lived. We also saw tombstones with Hebrew inscriptions embedded in the stucco of buildings as trophies after the war.

Our cruise ended in Nuremberg on Sunday, October 2. We then took a high-speed train from

Senior Housing Solutions

The Israel Advocacy Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County presents:

SENIOR HOUSING BUS TOUR

The Israel Advocacy Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County presents:

M. Zuhdi Jasser, MD

February 8, 2017

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 M. pm Zuhdi Jasser,Shalom MD 7:00 at Temple

8:00am – 4:30pm

Featured communities will be: Inspired Living Sandalwood Village Arbor Trace

Pickup/dropoff at Riverchase Publix, 11200 Tamiami Trail N Advance registration is required Only $25.00 per person!

Call 239-595-0207 to reserve your seat

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 seating. $15 in advance. $20 at the door. $25 reserved $100 lunch reception with Jasser at 11:30 am at The Club 7:00 pm atDr. Temple Shalom at Olde Cypress (RSVP by February 15). Remit payment to $15 in advance. $20 at the door. $25 reserved seating.

JFCC, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. Ste 2201, Naples, FL 34109, $100 Lunch reception with Dr. Jasser at 11:30 am.

Attn: Renee’.

Fortoquestions, contact Ed Ezrine, IAC2201, Chair, Remit payment JFCC, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. Ste at docfinance2004@yahoo.com.

Naples, FL 34109, Attn.: Renee’. For questions, contact Ed Ezrine, Chair of IAC at: docfinance2004@yahoo.com

Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser is the President and Founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, an American Dr. think on the premise of and advocating theAmerican principles of theForum U.S. for Constitution, M. tank Zuhdibuilt Jasser is the President Founder for of the Islamic Democracy, liberty an and freedom through the separation mosque and state.

American Jasser is and a American think tank built on the of premise of advocating for A thedevout principles of the U.S.Muslim, Constitution, liberty freedom the separation ofappointed mosque andU.S. state.Commission A devout American Muslim, JasserReligious is a Commissioner Commissioner onthrough the congressionally on International Freedom theiscongressionally appointed U.S. Commission International Religious (USCIRF). He is (USCIRF).onHe an ardent activist for universal humanon rights and against the Freedom global movement of political an ardent activist for universal human rights and against the global movement of political Islam (Islamism) Islam (Islamism) that holds Muslims around the world under the thumb of theocratic regimes. that holds Muslims around the world under the thumb of theocratic regimes.

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participation of the services in manyE ways. Harvey was honored as a Cohainf i for a day with the first aliyah.

After the service on Sunday eve-w ning, they had a community dinner fora all attendees. Unfortunately, there were only about 30 people in attendance for the service. After the morning services we were driven to Prague where we spent the next day doing a walking tour of the Jewish section and the Castle district. Our tour guide was Jewish and very knowledgeable about Jewish life and synagogues in Prague. As it was the second day of Rosh Hashanah, we were not able to visit the Jewish museum or go into any of the synagogues.

One noticeable aspect of going through the Jewish quarter was the presence of police, with streets near synagogues blocked from automobile traffic. Our guide said that this was the first time that she has seen this.

However, with what has been going on in this chaotic world that we live in, she said that it was for precaution.

What an experience to see where our ancestors came from, grew up, and kept our heritage alive even while enduring the hardships from World War II and the Holocaust. This was truly a trip to Student Rabbi David Maxa conducting the Rosh Hashanah service remember.

Nuremberg to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), an old spa resort town in the Czech Republic. Before World War II there were 2,500 Jews living in the town. It was the home to the fifth largest synagogue in Europe that was completely destroyed during Kristallnacht. Today there are only 89 Jews left in the town with a very small synagogue in a portion of an apartment/office building.

We were the guests of a rabbinical student, David Maxa, from the Geiger College in Berlin, who was going to conduct his first Rosh Hashanah eve and day service. The service was put together by David in Hebrew, English and Czech. David not only led the services in the three languages but chanted portions with a spectacular cantor’s voice.

We were honored to be included in the

presents the

Join us for a fun-filled, educational, ‘no-obligation’ day of guided senior community visits, chef-prepared meals, and a senior-related showcase event hosted by senior housing expert Bruce Rosenblatt

S

PATRICIA ADKINS

November 2016 Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

Stars of David

Interested in Your Family’s History?

By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist

yEditor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish nfor 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 ralso identified as Jewish. eTwo Jewish Vets Running and More folded. Again, as I write this, the race rIf you’re like me, you like to know is virtually tied. sabout interesting Jewish candidates Kander has known his wife, DIebefore Election Day and check occaANA KAGAN, 34, since grade school.

sionally at how they are polling. Let’s ecall Missouri this year, “5 Stars of dDavid, super interesting.” (The online eNew York Times and RealClearPolitics have up-to-date charts of the polling on eSenate/Governor races.) r Running as the Republican nominee for Missouri Governor is ERIC GRIETANS, 42. Here’s but a few of ethe highlights of his incredible resume. rThis St. Louis native was a Rhodes mScholar, has a PhD in development estudies, became a Navy Seal after tgetting his doctorate, led raids on AlQaeda cells, got the Bronze Star and nPurple Heart, founded the veterans group “The Mission Continues,” and the’s written three books, one of which is a memoir about his Seal service.

While Missouri is trending GOP in erecent elections, Greitans’ Democratic ropponent is doing better than expected. eAs I write this, the race is neck-andmneck. Meanwhile, another tribe mem-ber, Democrat JASON KANDER, 35, is also doing much better than expected in his attempt to oust GOP Senator Roy Blunt. After graduating from Georgetown Law School, Kander did a tour of duty in Afghanistan as an Army lieutenant. Subsequently, he served in the Missouri legislature and as Missouri’s Secretary of State.

He believes in background gun checks and countered Blunt’s criticism of his position by posting a video in which he took apart and assembled a rifle, blind-

They reunited at Georgetown Law and married in 2003. A highly successful start-up expert, Kagan is the daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants. Jason’s great uncle is JOHN KANDER, 89, the music composer and co-lyricist of many hits, including Chicago, Cabaret and New York, New York.

All the incumbent Jewish senators running for re-election are Democrats and all are considered heavy favorites: RON WYDEN (OR), CHARLES SCHUMER (NY), RICHARD BLUMENTHAL (CT) and MICHAEL BENNETT (CO). Bennett, who is secular, is the son of a Jewish mother/nonJewish father. The only Jewish Senate challenger I know of is North Dakota Democratic state legislator ELLIOT GLASSHEIM, a “very” long shot.

Fun and a Nobel Connection CHRISTOPHER GUEST, 68, is the master of the “mockumentary.” He cowrote This is Spinal Tap. He co-wrote and directed Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. Mascots, his new film, follows several people who play sports team mascots as they compete for honors (The Gold Fluffy Award) at the (fictional) World Mascot Association. (Mascots began streaming on Netflix on October 13.)

BOB BALABAN, 71, who usually plays Jewish characters in Guest films, plays another Jew in Mascot – Sol Lumpkin. Another Guest-film regular, HARRY SHEARER, 72, plays the

15A

Nate Bloom (see column at left) has become a family history expert in 10 years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start with a limited search of one family line.

So here’s the deal:

Write Bloom at nteibloom@aol.com and enclose a phone number.

Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible.

The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out great for them. So contact him about this as well. competition announcer. Shearer’s first big role (he was a child actor) came in the 1953 film The Robe. I remembered Shearer’s early role when I learned, last month, that the co-winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics, MICHAEL KOSTERLITZ, 73, is the nephew of the late HENRY KOSTER, the Oscarnominated director of The Robe. Both Henry and his brilliant bio-chemist brother, HANS KOSTERLITZ (Michael’s father), fled Nazi Germany.

Hans is credited with being one of the key discoverers of endorphins (natural pain killers). Michael, whose work is harder to summarize, is a professor of physics at Brown University.

By the way, don’t be confused by Guest’s first name. He’s completely Jewish (albeit totally secular). His late father was a British Jew and his mother, an American Jew. Fun fact: Guest and his wife of 32 years, actress JAMIE LEE CURTIS, 57, hold respective noble titles: 5th Baron of Hadon-Guest and Lady Guest. Sounds grand, but the title only began in 1945 when Guest’s paternal grandfather, a doctor, got it for

being a Labour Party stalwart.

Another Jewish Role for Denial actress Last month, the film Denial opened to mixed reviews. RACHEL WEISZ, 46, stars as historian DEBORAH LIPSTADT, 69. Lipstadt, as depicted in the film, successfully defended herself in a British court from a civil suit claiming she defamed Hitler-apologist David Irving, Weisz has just signed to star in the upcoming film Disobedience, based on a novel by NAOMI ALDERMAN, 40, a British writer. Weisz plays an English Jewish woman, the daughter of an Orthodox rabbi, who has fled her religious background and moved to the States. She returns home for her estranged father’s funeral, meets up with two old friends, and disrupts their traditionally Jewish lives. Rachel McAdams co-stars.

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16A Federation Star November 2016

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

ORT offers opportunity and hope to the disadvantaged in South Africa

J

oseph Nyembi grew up in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg, where Nelson Mandela lived in the 1940s. The area of five square miles was originally designed for 70,000 people, but it now has a quarter of a million residents from South Africa and neighboring countries who seek employment in the big city. The poor environment includes over-crowded schools and poorly trained teachers.

Joseph is part of a family of 11 and to his dismay, his mother and grandmother would not let him work to help with expenses because of their belief in education as the key to the future.

They wanted Joseph to concentrate on his grades, as he was failing in metric mathematics and physical science, prerequisites for higher education.

In 2015, the Global Information Technology Report of the World Economic Forum ranked the mathematics and science education in South Africa

as last in the world, evidenced by its national mathematics and science results that year: 51% achieved below 30% in mathematics, and 42% achieved below 30% in physical science. In South Africa, for admission into study tracks such as commerce, engineering, science and medicine, the requirement is a 50% pass in mathematics.

With visions of a dark future and little potential for work, Joseph despaired. But everything changed when ORT representatives came to his campus last year.

Joseph listened to what they explained, and joined the ORT Second Chance program. Conceptualized in 2014, the program was designed to help individuals from disadvantaged communities who have failed to meet the entry requirements of tertiary institutions. Of the 53 candidates who began the program in 2015, 90% passed mathematics and physical science. The

program includes paid tuition, weekly tests and monitoring of student progress, and remediation is done where necessary. Career guidance, computer training and a job readiness course are also available.

As a result of the quality instruction and dedication of his teachers,

Joseph Nyembi

Joseph improved his marks to passing.

He began an internship in the logistics department of a local company, and is

applying for scholarships to study for aJ BS in engineering. Joseph wants to imM prove the environment, and he would also like to build a theater in his city forB cultural purposes and to provide jobs.

“ORT changed my life. They have given me so many opportunities. ORT gave us hope where there was none,”e Joseph relates. a ORT America supports World ORT, whose global innovative educa-w tional framework enables thousandst of youth and young adults to developo skills for careers in an increasinglyM higher-tech society. ORT spans the so-E cio-economic divide, and with optimalg teaching environments and targetedU instruction, ORT graduates embark on paths to success. Thanks to the gener-e osity of donors, ORT shapes the worldc for a better future, facilitated by ORT America fundraising efforts.

The Jewish Federation of Collier County supports World ORT.

A

Israel earns first-ever trip to World Baseball Classic tournament

By Scott Barancik, Editor, www.jewishbaseballnews.com

I

srael’s first two wins in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers were fairly close affairs, but the team crushed Great Britain 9-1 in the finals Sunday night, September 25, to sweep the tournament and earn its first-ever trip to the main WBC event, which will take place in March 2017.

Israel dominated equally from the mound and the plate. Starter Jason Marquis and reliever Josh Zeid maintained a perfect game until one out in the 7th inning, and a no-hitter until two outs in the 8th. Zeid, who notched the win, led all qualifier pitchers with 9

strikeouts in the series. Dean Kremer, a 20-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers prospect, who this summer became the first Israeli to be drafted by a Major League team, held Great Britain scoreless in the 9th despite yielding 2 hits.

Israel’s bats thundered, beginning with two 2-run home runs in the 5th inning. Blake Gailen, a 5’9” outfielder making his first appearance in the tournament and batting last in the order, crushed the first round-tripper. Next was C Ryan Lavarnway, who later in the game stroked an RBI single.

3B Cody Decker, the San Diego Padres’ all-time minor-league home run leader, added a solo shot in the 7th inning. RF Zach Borenstein – who made a diving catch in the 5th to preserve Israel’s perfect game – contributed an RBI triple, and DH Charlie Cutler delivered a 2-run double. SS Scotty Burcham led Israel with 3 hits.

“This is very emotional. Highly emotional,” Decker told MLB.com.

“More emotional than I’m letting on.”

In 2012, Israel lost a heartbreaker to Spain in the 10th inning of the qualifying final. That team was managed by

Brad Ausmus, who went on to become manager of the Detroit Tigers. p Israel’s win Sunday earned it the d 16th and final berth in the 2017 WBC I tournament, which will begin in Seoul, p South Korea. The team likely will add a few current Major Leaguers and hight level prospects to its roster, given that f MLB will still be in off-season mode o then. (

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

ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA

Southwest Florida Chapter

presents a screening of the film

The Journey of an African Jew

Mekonen: The Journey of an African Jew is the new mini-documentary from the creators of the Netflix-featured Beneath the Helmet and PBS-featured Israel Inside.

The film follows the backstory of Mekonen Abebe, a new commander in the Israeli Defense Forces, as he returns to Africa to explore his roots, make peace with his past, and embrace his future.

Introduction by Matt Weisbaum, Managing Director of Jerusalem U. – an organization dedicated to creating films which enlighten Jews of all ages to be proud of their heritage.

Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 7:30 P.M. • Chabad of Naples Jewish Center

Admission: $20.00 prepaid by mail $22.00 at the door $7.00 Students with valid ID

Location: 1789 Mandarin Road Naples, FL 34103

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

n r e

November 2016 Federation Star

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

17A

Israel’s first-responders form kaleidoscope of cultures

Jewish, Muslim, Christian volunteers work side by side for United Hatzalah, Magen David Adom and ZAKA to aid victims of accident and illness.

By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org, September 1, 2016

A

n unusual hug caused thunderous applause at a recent Knesset ceremony saluting Israel’s emergency medical first-responders and search-and-rescue personnel.

Parliamentarian Yehudah Glick, who survived an Arab shooting attack two years ago, spontaneously climbed onto the podium to embrace Kabahah Muawhiya, an Arab-Israeli volunteer EMT with national volunteer emergency medical services organization United Hatzalah of Israel.

“United Hatzalah is not just about emergency first response and medical rescuing, but it is literally uniting

Knesset member Yehudah Glick hugging Kabahah Muawhiya, an Arab-Israeli first-responder (photo by Aharon Crown/United Hatzalah)

people from different walks of life and different religions,” Muawhiya told Israeli lawmakers. “It is a uniting of peoples and a unity of hearts.”

Many people are surprised to learn that Arab citizens volunteer and work for the Israeli emergency response organizations Magen David Adom (MDA), ZAKA and United Hatzalah.

For the first-responders, it’s only natural that representatives of all Israel’s population groups would cooperate to save lives.

“I am there to treat people who are hurt, and it doesn’t matter if they are Jewish or Arab,” United Hatzalah volunteer medic Khaled Rishek tells ISRAEL21c. “It gives me a feeling of satisfaction.”

Rishek and Muawhiya are among about 300 Muslim, Druze and Christian United Hatzalah volunteer EMTs, paramedics and doctors out of a total of some 3,000 who race to calls in their own neighborhoods.

After 10 years in United Hatzalah, Rishek is friends with many of the Jewish volunteers in Jerusalem. He lives on a street with Arabs on one side and Jews on the other, along the former border between Jordan and Israel. He’s a longtime employee of the Jerusalem International YMCA, “a place that is also one of coexistence.”

“Khaled is one of our most active volunteers,” says United Hatzalah founder Eli Beer, who shared a $10,000 peace prize with his Arab coordinator, Murad Alyan, in 2013.

“Our [Arab] volunteers are dealing with saving lives of their neighbors who have heart attacks and car accidents,” Beer tells ISRAEL21c. “They feel comfortable with what they’re doing and they feel privileged to do it. When you’re wearing our jacket, you’re a hero and people look to you for help.”

Like brothers During a spate of terror attacks last fall, an MDA crew consisting of the ultra-Orthodox men Yisrael Arbus and Haggai Bar-Tov, and Fadi Dikdik from Shuafat, an Arab neighborhood of Je-

rusalem, told a Yedioth Ahronoth reporter, “We are like brothers.”

Dikdik is responsible for the whole East Jerusalem area for MDA and speaks Arabic, Hebrew, English, Yiddish and Russian. He has worked with MDA for 12 years and recruits teens from Shuafat to take MDA’s first-aid course.

In August 2015, MDA senior paramedic Ziad Dawiyat, an Arab-Israeli, went to assist a laboring mother in Jerusalem – the same woman whose fatally injured infant he had transported to the hospital the previous October following a terror attack.

ZAKA, which retrieves bodily remains following accidents and violent crimes, and mounts search-and-rescue missions in Israel and worldwide, trains Bedouin, Muslim and Druze vol-

Ultra-Orthodox, secular Jewish and Arab volunteers from United Hatzalah working together

unteers to serve their own communities.

“It gives me faith and pride that they depend on me,” Sheikh Jaffal Abu Sabet, leader of ZAKA’s Muslim unit in the Negev, told a Jewish Telegraphic Agency reporter. “In the end we are all people – Jews, Muslims, Christians –

Magen David Adom senior paramedic Ziad Dawiyat (photo courtesy of MDA)

and we all must be taken care of the same way.”

Yossi Fraenkel, ZAKA’s deputy commander for greater Jerusalem and operations officer for the ZAKA International Rescue Unit – as well as a volunteer MDA paramedic, volunteer Israel Police officer and former New York City Police chaplain – says it is “an amazing honor to be part of an organization that’s so diverse. We don’t see color or race; we see human beings.

We are there for everyone, no matter who and no matter where.”

Last April, ZAKA held a three-day disaster preparedness training course in the Dead Sea region for Israeli and Palestinian volunteers under the auspices of the Ministry for Regional Cooperation, in partnership with the Palestinian volunteer organization Green Land Society for Health Development (GLSHD).

“Natural disasters do not differentiate between peoples; they affect everyone,” said GLSHD Director Dr. Akram Amro. “Therefore, we too, as residents in this region, must unite in order to be able to help each other, regardless of religion or nationality.”

Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior to moving to Israel in 2007, she was a specialty writer and copy editor at a daily newspaper in New Jersey and has freelanced for a variety of newspapers and periodicals since 1984.

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18A Federation Star November 2016

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Miami FIDF supporters gather with 5,500 IDF Lone Soldiers for largest-ever ‘Fun Day’ in Israel 6,400 Lone Soldiers from 80 countries, including 880 Americans, serve in the IDF

O

n September 16, a record 5,500 “Lone Soldiers” – Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers with no immediate family in Israel – gathered at Israel’s largest waterpark, just outside of Tel Aviv, for a day of rest and recreation. The biggest-ever “Fun Day” was hosted by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) in partnership with the IDF and Yachad Le’maan Ha’chayal.

There are some 6,400 Lone Soldiers from 80 countries serving in the IDF today, and about 880 of them are American. FIDF cares for all Lone Soldiers serving in the IDF through the Lone Soldiers Program, which supports them financially, socially and emotionally during and after their challenging military service. FIDF also sponsors flights for Lone Soldiers to visit their families and friends in their countries of origin.

“The Lone Soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, who choose to leave their lives behind and come to serve in the IDF with a strong sense of mission and mutual responsibility act in the most noble way,” said FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-

Amir. “It is an expression of solidarity and Zionism – and represents one of the greatest contributions of world Jewry to the State of Israel, both from those who come to serve, and also from their parents who instilled these values in them.”

Klifi-Amir added, “Military service brings numerous challenges and struggles, and without the support system of those closest to the soldier, it’s almost impossible to succeed. As a parent, I personally experienced many days of fear and worry. I ask myself how American parents must feel when their children serve in one of the most sensitive regions in the world, thousands of miles away from home, when they get information from the media about the situation in Israel. That’s why we are also committed to providing these parents of Lone Soldiers the necessary support.”

The FIDF “Fun Day” at the Shefayim Water Park benefited Lone Soldiers from all IDF units. In addition to the park’s many attractions, the “Fun Day” featured a pool party with leading Israeli DJ Eran Barnea, gift care packages, an all-day smorgasbord of barbeque and

FIDF Florida Executive Director Dina Ben Ari and Miami FIDF supporter Albert Taran

BRIEFS EXECS FROM FACEBOOK, GOOGLE AND MICROSOFT EXPLAIN WHY THEY USE ISRAEL FOR R&D

Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Intel are among more than 300 multinationals that have opened up research and development facilities in Israel. At a recent innovation conference in Tel Aviv, Google developer partner advocate Don Dodge said: “There is no other country on Earth that thinks the same way that we [Google] do like Israel does.” Today Google employs over 600 engineers in Israel and they

work on several of Google’s core products, including Search, Maps, and Live Results. There are cheaper engineers in places like Russia, India and China, but they’re often not as good, according to Dodge. “It’s about innovation, creativity, taking tremendous risks.”

Roy Ramon, managing director of the Intel Ingenuity Partner Program, noted that Intel employs 11,000 workers in Israel. “The reason I started the startup program is because when you meet with a company in Israel, they come in and tell engineers that they’re doing it all wrong. They push everything off the table. These engineers

desserts, and special programming by Israeli radio personality Didi Harari and singers Static and Ben El Tavori. The Lone Soldiers also received essential information about life after their military service, including information about the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program, which grants college scholarships to Israeli combat veterans of modest means.

In addition to the 5,500 Lone Soldiers, IDF unit commanders, highranking officers, 1,000 IDF social welfare non-commissioned officers, and FIDF supporters, including Miami locals FIDF Florida Executive Director Dina Ben Ari, Albert Taran and Jamie Mittelman also attended the festivities to meet and personally thank these brave men and women in uniform for serving despite numerous challenges.

About Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF): FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of offering educational, cultural,

recreational and social programs and facilities that provide hope, purpose and life-changing support for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide.

Today, FIDF has more than 150,000 loyal supporters and 16 regional offices throughout the U.S. and Panama.

FIDF proudly supports IDF soldiers, families of fallen soldiers, and wounded veterans through a variety of innovative programs that reinforce the vital bond between the communities in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF, and the State of Israel. For more information, please visit www.fidf.org.

Some 5,500 Lone Soldiers gathered at Shefayim Water Park for “Fun Day” (photos by Scally Photography)

have been doing this for years. They’re world experts. And yet that startup is bold enough to come to a mammoth like Intel and say you’re doing it all wrong. This is one culture that you can’t get anywhere in the world.” (Sam Shead, Business Insider)

ISRAEL’S POPULATION: 8.585 MILLION

Israel’s population stands at 8.585 million, according to an annual pre-Jewish New Year report by the Central Bureau of Statistics. The breakdown shows 6.4 million Jews, 1.8 million Arabs and 380,000 others (Druze, Christians, others) living in the country.

The new statistics show a two percent increase in the overall population – 172,000 people – since the same time

last year.

The survey, released days before the Jewish New Year High Holidays, shows 186,923 babies were born in Israel since last Rosh Hashanah while 45,033 Israelis passed away.

Jewish women had an average of 3.13 children in 2015, while Muslim women had 3.32 children, down from 8.47 children during the first half of the 1970s.

The Population, Immigration and Border Authority found that 82,315 people said “I do” since last Rosh Hashanah while 23,855 people got divorced.

In the past 12 months, some 30,000 people came to live in Israel – 25,000 of them were new immigrants. (Viva Sarah Press, ISRAEL21c.org)

continued on page 20A

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

SAVE THE DATE 2ND ANNUAL ISRAEL FEST Sunday, April 2, 2017, noon to 3:00 p.m. at Fleischmann Park

Everyone is invited to attend this community-wide event, featuring entertainment, food trucks, a bounce house and exhibitors.The Israel Advocacy Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County is hosting the event.

We have room for additional exhibitors. Your help is needed to identify exhibitors who are involved in Jewish organizations, are vendors or otherwise support Israel.

More sponsors are needed. If you, your company or someone you know wants to be a sponsor for Israel Fest, please contact event coordinator Jeffrey Randall at jeffreymrandall@gmail.com or 239.537.2230.

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

November 2016 Federation Star

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19A

20A Federation Star November 2016

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

southern Jordan. (Simon Henderson, Washington Institute for Near East Policy)

BRIEFS continued from page 18A

JORDAN’S STRATEGIC DECISION TO BUY ISRAELI GAS

The notion of Jordan buying large quantities of gas from Israel (worth an estimated $10 billion over 15 years) to generate the bulk of its electricity is commercially logical but politically fraught, since most Jordanians do not want their country to buy Israeli gas.

But the deal has become economically necessary since Egyptian gas is no longer available.

When gas starts flowing in late 2019, Leviathan production will double the amount of gas being produced off Israel’s coast. The Tamar field is already responsible for more than half of Israel’s electricity generation, and later this year a small portion of its supplies will flow to two industrial plants in

PALESTINIAN OFFICIALS TURN MEDICAL TREATMENT IN ISRAEL INTO A PROFITABLE BUSINESS

How do Palestinian patients obtain permits to receive medical treatment in Israel? By paying bribes to senior Palestinian officials in the West Bank and Gaza.

At the same time, Palestinians whose lives are not in danger but who pretend they are – including relatives of senior PA and Hamas officials – receive permits to travel to Israel and other countries under the pretext of medical emergency, while those who cannot afford to pay the bribes can wait years before obtaining such permits.

Hamas and PA officials have turned medical care into a business that earns them hundreds of thousands of dollars

per year. (Khaled Abu Toameh, Gatestone Institute)

ics and some other tricks that we’ve added, we can create targets that are almost impossible to distinguish from the real thing.”

Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Halutzi Rodoi, former chief armored officer of the IDF, said, “Our biggest problem today is detecting...snipers or anti-tank missile squads...These decoys can help flush him out.” (Barbara Opall-Rome, Defense News)

ISRAEL OFFERS GRANTS TO MANDARIN-SPEAKING GUIDES

Israel’s Tourism Ministry is paying local Mandarin-speakers to get their tour-guide licenses as the number of Chinese visitors to Israel jumped by 50% this year.

By 2020, the ministry predicts China natives will be among the top five nationalities visiting Israel.

A new, 10-year-multiple entry visa policy for Chinese citizens has been implemented and airlines operate six direct Beijing-Tel Aviv flights per week. (Stephanie Freid, China Central Television)

THE ISRAELI VOLUNTEER DRIVERS WHO HELP SICK PALESTINIANS

A Palestinian policeman and Leila, his three-year-old daughter who suffers from high blood pressure, are on their way to Tel Hashomer Hospital, near Tel Aviv, for treatment for the little girl.

They were picked up at the border crossing by my brother, Amir Adar, 60, an Israeli software engineer and a volunteer for Road to Recovery, a group of Israelis who drive sick Palestinians to Israeli hospitals from the West Bank and Gaza.

Many people with cancer, people who need a transplant or children who need dialysis go to Israel for life-saving treatment.

Road to Recovery’s 500 volunteers provide the Palestinians with a free ride and the company of an Israeli to ease their fears. (Shaul Adar, New Republic)

ISRAEL ELECTS TWO FEMALE JUDGES FROM ETHIOPIAN COMMUNITY

The Israel Bar Association announced on Thursday, October 6 that, for the first time, two women from the Ethiopian community have been selected by the Israeli Judicial Committee to serve as judges.

Adenko Sabhat Haimovich will be a magistrate court judge, while Esther Tapeta Gradi will be a traffic court judge. (Tova Tzimuki, Ynet News)

ISRAELI DECOYS HELP FLUSH OUT ENEMY MISSILE SQUADS

U.S. VETERANS WITH PTSD FIND “COMMON BOND” AND HEALING IN ISRAEL

Developed by General Robotics with support from Israel’s Ministry of Defense, Project Hyena infuses foldable, lightweight platforms with the sounds and signatures of actual tanks and other armored vehicles in order to provoke and deceive the enemy.

The project was recently declassified and will soon be available to select export customers, said company founder Col. (ret.) Udi Gal, former scientific deputy for defense research and development.

“In the past, advanced decoys were very expensive,” Gal said. “But now, with new technology, advanced robot-

Scan to learn more

Female U.S. war vets are finding help for their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Israel, and speak of a “common bond” shared with their Israeli counterparts.

Heroes to Heroes, a New Jersey-based nonprofit, organizes trips designed to provide emotional and spiritual healing for groups of 10 vets to meet Israeli counterparts suffering from similar problems.

Veteran Kamilla Miguel, 27, who served in Afghanistan, said she was impressed by the supportive bond shared

continued on next page

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

November 2016 Federation Star

21A

continued from previous page by the former IDF women she met.

“All the women in the U.S. should feel how they feel with each other, with this common bond and connection. It’s amazing.” (Dave Copeland and Peter Jeary, NBC News)

POLL: 81 PERCENT ARE PROUD TO BE ISRAELI

Ahead of the Jewish year 5777, an Israel Hayom poll shows that 81% of Israel’s Jewish, Hebrew-speaking population is proud to be Israeli.

59% of Jewish Israelis describe themselves as “happy,” with only 8% saying they are “unhappy.”

69% agreed that Israel is a good country in which to live, and 75% said they feel safer in Israel than abroad.

(Aharon Lapidot, Israel Hayom)

GULF STATES GAIN FROM NEW U.S.-ISRAEL AID PACKAGE

The agreement on the new U.S. military aid package for Israel is definitely a cause for celebration in some Persian Gulf states. By assuring Israel of finance for the procurement of dozens of F-35I (“Adir”) aircraft – thereby assuring the IDF’s qualitative advantage – this paves the way for the sale of some of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft (F-15s, F-16s and F-18s) to Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

The initial cost of the F-35s in 2006 was about $50 million each.

Since then, the price has shot up to $200 million each, according to an estimate in Defense Industry Daily, limiting the number of planes that Israel can purchase with U.S. aid. (Ran Dagoni, Globes)

ISRAEL, PA REACH DEAL ON MASSIVE PALESTINIAN ELECTRICITY DEBT

Israel and the Palestinian Authority have reached a deal to settle the Palestinians’ outstanding debt of $530 million to the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC), Israel’s Channel 2 reported

Monday, September 12. One-quarter of the debt is to be paid immediately, onequarter is to be erased, and half is to be repaid in installments.

The agreement requires the PA to collect unpaid electricity bills from Palestinian customers in the West Bank. Moreover, the PA will assume full responsibility for paying the IEC, which formerly had to collect from several different local electricity companies in the West Bank. Norway, which heads the forum of donor states to the PA, oversaw the negotiations.

(Barak Ravid, Ha’aretz)

U.S. AND ISRAEL REACH AGREEMENT ON 10-YEAR MILITARY AID PACKAGE

The U.S. and Israel signed a 10-year military aid agreement on Wednesday, September 14, expected to give Israel as much as $3.8 billion a year over 10 years. Israel agreed to phase out a special arrangement in place since the 1980s that has allowed Israel to spend 26% of U.S. aid on defense research, development and procurement in Israel. The new agreement will run from 2019 through 2028 and replaces a memo of understanding that will end in 2018. (Carol Morello and Ruth Eglash, Washington Post)

U.S. MILITARY AID AGREEMENT SENDS A POWERFUL MESSAGE TO ISRAEL’S ENEMIES

The new 10-year military aid agreement between the U.S. and Israel will go a long way toward ensuring Israel’s military superiority in the region. It sends a powerful message to Israel’s enemies, who might have thought that U.S. support for Israel is waning, that when it comes to providing Israel with the wherewithal to defend itself, by itself, America still very much has Israel’s back. They see that Israel’s military power will remain formidable for the foreseeable future.

That it is Obama offering this

package – a progressive Democrat who has had his disagreements with Israel and not been shy about making them public – means that wider swaths of the American public may be more likely to understand that this is something truly in America’s interests. (Herb Keinon, Jerusalem Post)

His paternal grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, is buried at the Mount of Olives’ Church of Mary Magdalene.

Alice was recognized by Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial as a “Righteous Among the Nations” and by the British government as a “Hero of the Holocaust.”

In September 1943, members of the Cohen family, a Jewish woman and two of her children from the Greek town of Trikala, had appealed to Princess Alice for refuge.

An acquaintance of theirs, she took them in and hid them in her Athens palace for 13 months until the Nazis withdrew in October 1944. (Times of Israel)

PRINCE CHARLES SECRETLY VISITED GRANDMOTHER’S GRAVE WHILE IN JERUSALEM

e n y a el

Britain’s heir to the throne, Prince Charles of Wales, quietly visited his grandmother’s grave at a Jerusalem convent following his attendance at the funeral of former president Shimon Peres.

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22A Federation Star November 2016

Shimon Peres

By Jerry Silverman, September 28, 2016

I

t is with very heavy hearts that we say goodbye to such an iconic visionary. His life and all he accomplished should be celebrated. Federations have been privileged to have had a longstanding relationship with Shimon Peres, z”l. At the 2013 General Assembly in Jerusalem, he reminded us that as a people, we have always had a vision – one that derives from the way we value life. And for decades, regardless of the political climate, his message remained the same: Peace is our goal.

After the presidency, he began to think about his retirement and he asked me what he could do to help Federations. Months later he visited Federations in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Miami. His one regret, he repeated again and again, was that he did not dream big enough.

This afternoon I leave for Israel and bring with me the heartfelt condolences of our community and our Federation movement. May his memory be a blessing.

The Jewish Federations of North America statement The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) deeply mourns the passing of Shimon Peres, z”l, universally recognized as one of Israel’s greatest leaders and one of North American Jewry’s closest Israeli friends.

A member of Israel’s founding generation, an eloquent spokesperson for his country and a strong advocate for Jewish peoplehood, Peres was both a pragmatist and unwaveringly optimistic that Israel would reach peace with its neighbors. He dedicated his life to that pursuit, having held nearly every cabinet position during his storied career, serving twice as prime minister and once as president.

He had an air of grace about him,

never forgot his humble beginnings in Poland and believed in dreaming big.

“Few men lived a life as Shimon Peres did and, as a generation, we’re privileged to have benefited from his inspiring dedication to the Jewish people,” said Richard Sandler, chair of JFNA’s Board of Trustees. “Peres built and nurtured a deep and unique relationship with Jews everywhere; he was a man who truly recognized and appreciated the deep bonds that bind the Jewish people across the world. We were always welcome in his home, as he was in ours. Words cannot describe our feeling of loss. It is sad and the end of an era.”

Peres was a frequent, honored guest at many of JFNA’s General Assemblies, and met regularly with dozens – if not hundreds – of Federation missions across the decades, often warmly welcoming them to his home.

“Shimon Peres was North American Jewry’s greatest ally, advocate and friend in Israel,” said Jerry Silverman, JFNA president and CEO. “It has been said that Shimon Peres will be remembered along with the great leaders of Israel who fought in the War of Independence: David Ben-Gurion, Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Rabin.”

May the memory of Shimon Peres be a blessing, and may his children – Dr. Tsvia Walden, Yoni Peres and Nechemia Peres – eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Jerry Silverman is president and CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America.

To reach the editor of the Federation Star, send an email to fedstar18@gmail.com.

COMMENTARY

Double standards for Aleppo and Gaza

By Simon Plosker, September 29, 2016

M

ake no mistake, the carnage taking place in Aleppo right now is a disgrace to the international community.

The Syrian government and Russian-backed forces are reportedly using chemical weapons, barrel bombs and increasingly powerful explosives to target innocent men, women and children. While rebel fighters have undoubtedly embedded themselves in the city in fortified positions, it appears that the civilian population is bearing the brunt of the conflict.

While there has been some condemnation from the UN, where are the protests on the streets of European capitals and where is the media frenzy about this disgrace?

Had Israel been involved, or had the IDF aimed one solitary munition at Aleppo, I think the response would be much different.

The international community’s condemnation of the Assad regime and Putin’s Russia is nothing compared to the vitriol leveled against Israel for its far more restrained (and completely justified) 2014 operation against Hamas in Gaza.

Unfortunately for the 250,000 residents of Aleppo, the city is not being attacked by the IDF. There are no leaflets being dropped warning civilians to evacuate areas in the line of fire.

There is no “roof knocking” – where non-explosive devices are dropped on the roofs of targeted buildings to give civilians time to flee. And judging by the number of civilian casualties and the extent of the destruction in Syria, there is very little to no concern for the well-being of innocent civilians.

Aleppo is a testament to the double standards at play when it comes to the treatment of Israel’s military operations. There is, however, a caveat. The IDF should be held to higher standards than the militaries of both Syria and Russia.

And that is why The Sunday Times of London caught my eye recently. One story was headlined “Putin’s gigantic firebombs torch Aleppo.” Next to it was an article entitled, “RAF drone crew divert missile to save ‘civilian’ seconds from death.”

The dissonance between the two stories is striking. On one side, we have the alleged deployment by Russia of a weapon “capable of blasting a massive ball of flame across wide areas of Aleppo.” On the other, the release of a video by Britain’s Royal Air Force showing a drone missile aimed at ISIS terrorists being diverted at the last

minute to avoid killing a civilian.

One side was indiscriminately firebombing, while the other was deliberately acting to prevent civilian casualties.

The RAF evidently felt that its tale was a positive story, which showed that its drone squadrons act both ethically and in accordance with international law. Why is this news? Israel released many videos from incidents where missiles targeting Hamas terrorists were diverted due to the presence of Palestinian civilians. So why then were Israel’s identical efforts not deemed newsworthy?

Granted, the Sunday Times is a British newspaper covering the British military, but the UK press has never been shy about devoting many column inches to Israel and the Palestinians.

Israeli efforts to minimize civilian casualties go unreported or even ignored by the press, and Israel instead finds itself regularly judged in the court of public opinion, which is led by a lazy or hostile media.

So Israel is subjected not only to a different standard than the deplorable militaries of Syria and Russia, but even to a different standard than other Western militaries.

If and when the Syrian conflict comes to an end, will anyone be held to account for what certainly appear, at face value, to be genuine war crimes?

Will there be a UN investigation and a Goldstone-style report? Will the International Criminal Court issue indictments? Given Russian involvement and the lack of American global power projection, it is unlikely that anyone will be held to account.

The next time open conflict between Israel and Hamas breaks out, will the parameters of judgment have changed as a result of the carnage in Aleppo and other parts of Syria? Or will Israel continue to be held to a standard of behavior unlike any other military in the world?

The likelihood is that nothing will have changed when it comes to how Israel is treated, and we will be left to conclude that, ultimately, the world will be outraged by Israel defending itself and its citizens irrespective of how ethically it behaves.

Simon Plosker is Managing Editor of HonestReporting (www.honestreport ing.com).

Reprinted with permission from The Algemeiner (https://www.algemeiner. com/2016/09/29/double-standardsfor-aleppo-and-gaza/).

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.

COMMENTARY

November 2016 Federation Star

Sponsored by

23A

Jewish Federation OF COLLIER COUNTY

ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

Southwest Florida Chapter

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

Dr. Mitchell Bard The American Election: Its Consequences for Israel

Dr. Bard is a foreign policy analyst who lectures frequently on U.S.-Middle East policy. In addition to his work as Director of the American-Israeli Cooperative, he heads the Jewish Virtual Library, the world’s most comprehensive online encyclopedia of Jewish history and culture. He also co-chairs the task force on BDS & delegitimization for the Global Forum on Combating Anti-Semitism.

For three years, Dr. Bard was the editor of the Near East Report, the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) weekly newsletter on U.S. Middle East policy. He also served as a polling analyst in the 1988 Bush presidential campaign.

Along with hundreds of articles published in academic journals, Dr. Bard has edited and authored 23 critically acclaimed books.

Bring friends and family and don’t miss this opportunity to hear one the giants of Israel advocacy speak before our community.

Admission: $20.00 prepaid $22.00 at the door $7.00 Students with valid ID

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24A Federation Star November 2016

Leave your mark Rabbi Adam F. Miller

W

ith the shofar blasts from the New Year of 5777 still echoing in our ears, we stand before a blank canvas. What will we do this year? How will we make our mark? Reflecting on those questions, I share with you this story from my Rosh Hashanah sermon.

The story is told of a wise pencil maker with an amazing ability to actually speak with his pencils. One day, just before putting one into the box for delivery, he took the pencil aside.

“There are five things you need to know before I send you out into the world, so that you will become the best pencil you can be.

“First, you will be able to do many great things but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone else’s hand.

“Second, you will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you will need it to become a better pencil.

“Third, you will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

“Fourth, the most important part of you will always be what’s inside.

“And finally, little pencil, you must leave your mark on every surface on which you are used. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.”

The pencil understood and prom-

ised to remember, and it went into the box with purpose in its heart.

After thousands of years it is our turn to leave our mark on the history of the Jewish people. Knowing that the actions we take, and choices we make will guide those who follow after us. In 5777, may we, like the pencil remember that we have the capacity to do many great things. There will be painful moments that sharpen our focus. None of us are expected to be perfect – mistakes will be made. We can always correct our path and return to the intended track.

We can make the choices that sustain us today – through learning, social action and spiritual experiences. Try one of the world-renowned Melton Adult Learning courses; learn from Dr. Stephen Berk at the Temple Shalom Scholar-in-Residence Weekend; participate in Mitzvah Day or perform acts of tikkun olam at a local organization like Jewish Family & Community Services; make worship and Jewish rituals part of your routine.

At the same time, invest in developing the future, that today’s youth will become tomorrow’s mensches. Give your time, energy and resources for the sustainability of our community, and scholarships so that children can establish strong Jewish identities by experiencing Jewish overnight camping, religious school and Israel.

The choice is yours – leave your mark by living Jewishly. Keep writing like the pencil – with the purpose that the people of Israel will live on.

Rabbi Adam Miller serves at Temple Shalom in Naples.

Look for commentary from Rabbi Ammos Chorny and Rabbi Fishel Zaklos in the December issue.

COMMENTARY BRIEFS END U.S. AID TO PALESTINIAN TERRORISTS

 For the past 18 years, the Palestinian Authority has honored Palestinian terrorists serving criminal sentences in Israeli prisons and rewarded the families of those “martyred” by their own violent acts.  These “social welfare” payments received by terrorists and their families increase dramatically with the severity of the crime for which the terrorist is convicted. Where else in the world does a prisoner receive benefits that increase with the level of violence committed?  American taxpayer dollars have been used to make these payments to terrorists. Since 1998 when this terrorist payments program first began, the U.S. has contributed more than $4.6 billion to the PA budget, which includes payments to terrorists and the families of “martyrs.”  The PA budget for rewarding terrorists is about $128 million annually, with a separate line item for the “Institution for the Care of Martyrs’ Families” that totaled $155 million.  For the past two years, I have been working with my Senate colleagues to reduce the amount of aid to the PA by the amount that is paid out to terrorists and their families. These payments provide

rewards and motivations for brutal terrorists, plain and simple.  To provide U.S. taxpayer money to Abbas and his government so that they can treat terrorists as heroes or glorious martyrs is morally unacceptable. (Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Jerusalem Post)

PALESTINIAN HOSTILITY TO THE PRESENCE OF JEWS MUST BE ADDRESSED

 In the State Department’s view, a two-state solution means a Palestinian state that would be only for Arabs alongside an Israel in which an Arab minority enjoys full legal rights. PA leader Mahmoud Abbas said in 2013, “In a final resolution, we would not see the presence of a single Israeli – civilian or soldier – on our lands.”  Given the drumbeat of incitement to hatred of Jews and Israelis in Palestinian media and in their schools, it is hard to argue that Jews wouldn’t be at risk in a Palestinian state. The primary reason Israel withdrew every settler when it evacuated Gaza in 2005 is the certainty that Jews whose lives would depend on the mercy of the Palestinians would be as good as dead.  Indeed, deprived of the opportunity to attack individual Jews after the Israelis withdrew from Gaza, Pal-

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COMMENTARY

Is voting a mitzvah?

Rabbi Sylvin L. Wolf

C

onsider the following: When America was still a collection of British colonies, voting was extremely restricted. Only propertyowning white men could vote, which left out women, poor white men, slaves and free blacks, Native Americans and, in some cities, Jews and even Catholics.

So it boiled down to wealthy white Protestant men electing other wealthy white Protestant men to office.

Each of the thirteen colonies required voters either to own a certain amount of land or personal property, or to pay a specified amount in taxes.

Many colonies imposed other restrictions on voting, including religious tests. Catholics were barred from voting in five colonies and Jews in four. Maryland and New York were two of the four.

In Maryland, voting rights and eligibility were extended to Jews in 1828.

In several states after the Declaration of Independence, Jews, Quakers or Catholics were denied voting rights and/or forbidden to run for office. The Delaware Constitution of 1776 stated that “Every person who shall be chosen a member of either house, or appointed to any office or place of trust, before taking his seat, or entering upon the execution of his office, shall also make and subscribe the following declaration, to wit: I, A B. do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God, blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the estinian mobs vented their rage on the abandoned buildings the Jews left behind, including the greenhouses that had been purchased by well-meaning philanthropists for use by the Arab population.  In any other conflict, we would label the Palestinian demand for the removal of Jewish communities (or those of any other group) with the same words used by Netanyahu: ethnic cleansing. But when it comes to Jews living in their ancient homeland, the rules are different, and bigotry is not only accepted but also supported.  Until Palestinian hostility to the presence of Jews is addressed by both the U.S. and the international community rather than ignored, the peace everyone claims to be seeking will never happen. (Jonathan S. Tobin, Commentary)

ISRAEL’S DIPLOMACY IS MOVING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

 In Asia, Africa and Latin America, Israel’s diplomacy is moving from strength to strength. Even among people who hate it, Israel’s prestige has grown.  Netanyahu has a practical relationship with Putin; they work together where their interests permit, and where their interests clash, Putin respects Israel’s red lines.  Netanyahu understands how the world works. He believes that in the harsh world of international politics, power wisely used matters more than good intentions eloquently phrased.  The value of Israeli power to a Sunni world worried about Iran has led to something close to a revolution in Israel’s regional position. Israel’s neighbors may not like Netanyahu, but they believe they can count on him.  In Asia, Israel has stronger, deeper

F i

Old and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration.” This was repealed by article I, section 2 of the 1792 Constitution: “No religious test shall be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, under this State.” The 1778 Constitution of the State of South Carolina stated that “No person shall be eligible to sit in the house of representatives unless he be of the Protestant religion;” the 1777 Constitution of the State of Georgia (art. VI) stated that “The representatives shall be chosen out of the residents in each county and they shall be of the Protestent (sic) religion.”

Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, a renowned Orthodox rabbi and scholar, concluded that Jews are required to vote since political involvement helps the community and is also a nice way of showing gratitude to the United States.

Conservative Rabbi Wayne Allen quotes the prophet Jeremiah who speaks of the need to participate in the welfare of the countries in which we live. “And, if not an actual Jewish legal obligation, voting is certainly interpretable as a prophetic instruction,” Rabbi Allen writes.

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: The Sage Hillel taught “Al tifros min hatzibur; Do not separate yourself from the community.” Moreover, it is our responsibility to play an active role in our community and in choosing its leaders. Rabbi Yitzhak taught that “a ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted.”

This deeply embedded ethic of political participation has guided Jews to enthusiastically participate in the American electoral process.

Is voting a mitzvah? What do you think? What will you do?

Rabbi Sylvin Wolf serves at Naples Jewish Congregation.

relationships with India, China and Japan than at any time in the past, and Asia may well replace Europe as Israel’s primary trade and investment partner as these relationships develop.  The marginalization of Abbas at the UN reflects a global perception that the Sunni Arab states overall are less powerful than they used to be and that they care less about the Palestinian issue than they used to.  This is why African countries that used to shun Israel as a result of Arab pressure are now happy to engage with Israel on a variety of economic and defense issues.

(Walter Russell Mead, American Interest)

AT THE UN, ONLY ISRAEL IS AN “OCCUPYING POWER”

The UN uses an entirely different rhetoric and set of legal concepts when dealing with Israel compared with situations of occupation or settlements world-wide. Israel is referred to as the “Occupying Power” 530 times in General Assembly resolutions.

Yet in seven major instances of past or present prolonged military occupation – Indonesia in East Timor, Turkey in northern Cyprus, Russia in areas of Georgia, Morocco in Western Sahara, Vietnam in Cambodia, Armenia in areas of Azerbaijan, and Russia in Ukraine’s Crimea – the UN has not called any of these countries an “Occupying Power.” Not even once.

General Assembly resolutions employ the term “grave” to describe Israel’s actions 513 times, as opposed to 14 total for all the other conflicts. Verbs such as “condemn” and “deplore” are sprinkled into Israel-related resolutions tens more times than they are in resolutions about other conflicts. (Eugene Kontorovich and Penny Grunseid, Wall Street Journal)

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Federation invests in the future

y d Youth Leadership Awards to be given to two high school seniors he Jewish Federation of Collier  Actively involved in respective e County announces its new Youth congregation and/or BBYO youth , Leadership Awards.

The awards group e  Strong academic record hwill be given to honor the achievements of Greater Collier County high school  Leadership activities in both high l seniors demonstrating leadership in their school and Jewish service Application process includes: tactivities at their respective congregation and/or BBYO youth group.

It will  Cumulative high school transcript e recognize their successful balancing of  Activity resume listing awards, Jewish leadership, high school academoutside activities and Jewish part ticipation yics, athletics and clubs, and community service.

Monies will be awarded each  Two references (high school teacher ” year to a deserving male and female or counselor, rabbi, BBYO director or Jewish mentor) ,senior. This scholarship will be used to further their education at an accredited  A 500-word essay on one of the following topics. The selection ecollege or university.

Applications will be available at committee will weigh this heavily. f the Jewish Federation offi ce beginning  What drives you to succeed .

Tuesday, November 15.

Completed apin your academics and Jewish n plications are due by Friday, December service? s  How has being Jewish shaped e30. The award recipients will be notified

by Wednesday, February 1. the person you are today?

Both award recipients will be re What future project would you , engage in to embody the value -quired to make a presentation at the Power of Community Celebration dinof tikkun olam (repair of the . ner on Saturday, February 11. world)? m All application data is strictly con-Jewish Federation of Collier County Youth Leadership Awards Criteria fi dential and will be reviewed without Qualifi cations include: any identifying information (anony,  Jewish youth in their senior year of mously) by established selection crie high school teria. g  Resident of the Greater Collier Award checks will be made out to a County area (includes Naples, the institution and will be mailed to the Marco Island, Bonita Springs and students to forward to their college or Estero) university. f

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November 2016 Federation Star

25A

Naples BBYO update

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

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BYO in Naples is becoming the place to be for all Jewish teens in high school – from Kugel Cook-offs during the High Holidays, and pumpkin carving contests and dancing for “Havdalaween,” to choosing a StandUp cause, and figuring out fun and unique ways to give back to our community. Teens volunteered their time helping the Naples Jewish Congregation transport canned goods that were collected over the holidays to the JFCS Food Pantry, as well as taking part in Temple Shalom’s Food Truck Sukkot Festival!

It doesn’t stop there. Coming up on Tuesday, November 8 at 6:00 p.m., Naples BBYO is going to be hosting a Voice Your Vote Bowling Night. This event will bring teens together on the night of the elections to just be together and talk about important issues in our community. The event is open to teens

in grades 8-12 community wide. Each individual who attends is asked to bring $15 to cover the cost of bowling and food.

Save the date for Naples BBYO’s five-year celebration on Sunday, December 11 from 1:30 ot 3:30 p.m. at Temple Shalom. We will be honoring past alumni as well as celebrating the current success of BBYO in our community.

For more information about service, advocacy and philanthropic opportunities for Naples teens, email me at shaas@bbyo.org.

Follow us on Instagram @Naples BBYO and Like us on Facebook @ Naples BBYO.

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BBYO members at the Rosh Hashanah Social

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 Jewish Family & Community Services of Southwest Florida.

For more information, call 239.325.4444.

HEY KIDS!

What are your plans for the summer of 2017?

Would you like to go to a Jewish Summer Camp or visit Israel?

The Jewish Federation of Collier County, Temple Shalom and Temple Shalom Men’s Club, together offer PARTIAL scholarships for Jewish Summer Camps and the Israel Experience for teens.

There are scholarship opportunities for all Jewish children in the community regardless of congregation affiliation.

For information and a scholarship application, contact your local synagogue or call the Jewish Federation at 239.263.4205.

Scholarship request deadlines: Summer Camps: December 15, 2016 Israel Programs: February 1, 2017

BBYO NAPLES 5TH ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION

Inviting all teens, parents, alumni, and friends of BBYO to join us for food and fun as we celebrate five years of BBYO Naples

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2016 1:30–3:30 PM

TEMPLE SHALOM SOCIAL HALL 4630 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34119

For questions, please contact Skylar Haas at 239-263-4205 or shaas@bbyo.org

RSVP at bbyo.org/naplescelebration

26A Federation Star November 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH / SYNAGOGUES

Preschool of the Arts update

By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool Director

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t Preschool of the Arts, our curriculum focuses on the quality of day-to-day interactions of children and their teachers in their moments together so that they become rich, interesting, engaging, satisfying and meaningful. To that end, we were so excited to debut the Grand Opening of the new POTA Children’s Marketplace!

The first of its kind in a local preschool setting, the cutting-edge educational learning center will allow the children to explore and practice a multitude of concepts and skills in a safe, real life setting. The fully conceptualized play market is a shared space on campus where the children enjoy the shopping experience while building important school readiness skills.

The dramatic play center will change every season from a Farm Market to Grocery Store to a Pet Store and finally a Shoe Store. Throughout the year, children will engage in these make-shift markets and build important school readiness skills that will set them up for future academic success!

Giving our children responsibility in this endeavor is crucial and our 3and 4-year-old classes alternate taking charge of setting up the market. The children also rotate jobs at the market during their play times, practicing being a cashier, shelf stocker, bagger, basket retriever, manager and more. Our carefully chosen real-life and play materials give students the perfect opportunity to learn the art of counting, sorting, weigh-

ing, matching and other pre-math skills.

Other skills include expanding their vocabulary by developing speaking and listening skills, building attention span, cooperating and problem solving with peers, and sparking innovation. All of these skills are setting up our students for success in future years as eager and confident learners!

We are thrilled to see how our community, students and parents alike,

to explore the Market on their own during a well-attended Parent Curriculum Night, that gave parents an inside look at the POTA curriculum and educational philosophy. The wonderful evening of community and learning gave parents new strategies and perspectives on early childhood education, as the staff and special guest speaker took a deep dive into our award-winning school’s educational philosophy and how it impacts

have fallen in love with the Marketplace and have embraced this exciting new feature as just one of the many fun and supporting learning environments for our children.

Our parent body had the opportunity

children every day both in and out of the classroom. It was exciting to see the high level of participation at this important school event, as parental involvement is essential to promoting the home-school connection that is a pillar

of our educational philosophy. Even more importantly, parent participation throughout the evening helped foster the exchange of ideas between parents and teachers, promoting community-wide learning.

Professor Rick Ellis, of Bankstreet College, was flown in for Parent Curriculum Night to address the parents and staff. An expert in preschool educational theory, Mr. Ellis lectures extensively on the Reggio-Emilia approach and consults with a variety of educational institutions. For a few years now, Mr. Ellis has brought his expertise to POTA through professional development opportunities, where he trained POTA educators in cutting-edge methodologies and guided them in implementing Reggio philosophy in our classrooms.

As our school places such a strong emphasis on the unique home-school partnership, we are committed to enriching the lives of not only our children, but our families as well. We were honored to fly Mr. Ellis down to educate the parent body in our school’s philosophy and techniques. Parents enjoyed discovering how the methods and concepts of Reggio are not limited to a classroom setting, but can be implemented at home as well to create a deeper connection as young preschoolers continue to explore and learn from everything around them.

To learn more about Preschool of the Arts or to schedule a tour, please call 239.263.2620.

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Temple Shalom Preschool update

By Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director

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ne of our favorite holidays at the preschool is Sukkot. Every year, the children make beautiful decorations to adorn the Temple’s sukkah. This year, the children placed their creations in the sukkah and were joined by Rabbi Miller and Miss Jane, and sang songs, danced and had their snacks.

Temple Shalom Preschool Back to School Nights are never typical of what our parents expect. The TSP families were able to mix and mingle, meet all of our incredible teachers, and watch the most amazing Back to School Video featuring our precious children and TSP staff. Jeremy Satterfield, who produces the video every year, certainly outdid himself with the most entertaining video yet. This was followed by the parents meeting with the teachers in the individual classrooms and getting an update on all the new and exciting ways we are working with the children.

Despite the summer-like weather, the fall season is here bringing us into a time of giving thanks and performing mitzvot to those in need. One of

the ways in which TSP will fulfill this effort is through participating in our annual Trike-A-Thon, which benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This week-long program teaches children about bicycle safety. Each day a different lesson is taught, culminating at the end of the week when preschoolers participate in the Trike-A-Thon with bicycles and helmets and rules of the road in place. Last year, through the generosity of our TSP families, we raised over $12,000 for this incredibly worthy cause. It is our hope that we are able to exceed last year’s donation to St. Jude.

On Friday, November 18, our TSP families will join together and celebrate Thanksgiving at our annual Thanksgiving Feast. This event brings our families together with our children performing songs that they have learned with Miss Jane, showing off their fall crafts and enjoying a delicious lunch featuring many family favorites.

As the director of the preschool, I am thankful for our amazing parents that go above and beyond to make

this preschool the best that it is. I am thankful for the amazing and highly qualified staff that works every day with boundless energy and enthusiasm for the important job that they do. Most important of all, I am thankful for our outstanding TSP children who brighten our world every day.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

There is a Princess in Storyland!

One of our newest family members, Miss Megan, graduated from FGCU in 2007 with a BA in Communication.

After working for years in various positions at Fox News and The Walt Disney Company, she has settled back down in Naples and is excited to be part of the TSP family! We love our Disney Princess!

SYNAGOGUES TEMPLE SHALOM

www.naplestemple.org / 239-455-3030

Temple Shalom update

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Debbie Zvibleman President ovember is a very busy month at Temple Shalom. Whether you are looking to attend services, take classes or fill your social calendar, you will have a lot to choose from.

Rabbi Adam Miller and Cantor Donna Azu will be teaching 12 classes of “Intro to Judaism” starting on Wednesday November 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy our Cabaret night on Sunday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. with music, desserts and wine. What a great way to spend a Sunday evening. On Thursday, November 10, invite your friends to go to Off the Hook Comedy Club at 7:00 p.m. On Sunday, November 13, the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County will be holding the Kristallnacht Commemoration from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom.

We have two special Friday night services this month. November 11 is Veterans Shabbat when we will honor our veterans. On November 18 we will be celebrating 25 years of the first Friday night service in our current building.

We will be honoring the many people who contributed to the financing and the construction of Temple Shalom, including the land donors, as well as the many committees involved.

Thanksgiving week is traditionally when families travel to be together.

While Thanksgiving in itself is not a Jewish holiday, we celebrate it as Americans. We all have our own traditions for Thanksgiving, including the foods we prepare, blessings we might say, and sharing with other families.

In 1621 when the colonists in Plymouth, Massachusetts, survived the harsh winter and were blessed with a bountiful harvest, they recalled the holi-

day of Sukkot and thus celebrated their first Thanksgiving. The idea of thanks is a very familiar theme in our tradition through our prayers. Every day is a chance to say thank you to God. After Thanksgiving is when many of our snowbirds start to come down to enjoy our weather and all that our Jewish community has to offer. I would like to personally welcome all of our snowbirds back, and I look forward to seeing you this season at our various events.

Please visit www.naplestemple.org for up-to-date information on what is happening at Temple Shalom.

November 2016 Federation Star

SYNAGOGUES

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www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818

BETH TIKVAH

Beth Tikvah update

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Phil Jason

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President

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uch applause to Rabbi Chorny and Cantor Wine for a splendid High Holy Days experiA ence. Now we have one of those rare Amonths in the calendar, a month without -a Jewish holiday except on the rarest gof occasions when Chanukah falls in late November. November is already Naples crunch time: the restaurants give lout fewer coupons, the traffic increases, the days grow shorter, and our sanctuary gets fuller. Welcome snowbirds and dvisitors.

In the U.S., November brings two important holidays. November 11 is d Veterans Day, which originated as Arfmistice Day. It honors all American vetmerans, living and dead. In fact, Veterans eDay is largely intended to thank living sveterans for dedicated, loyal service to etheir country. At Beth Tikvah, we will

have a special service to honor our veterans that begins at 6:15 p.m. and will be followed by an Oneg Shabbat.

Then, of course, there is Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday of the month. The power of Thanksgiving in American Jewish life has grown to the point that it is widely celebrated even by observant Jews who in past decades might have feared such celebration could suggest that it has scriptural or rabbinic sanction and status. What it does have is an opportunity to give thanks for our abundant blessings. That makes it JE – Jewish Enough.

For this Thanksgiving prayer, the author’s name and religion are unknown: “We gather today, Lord of abundant life, as grateful children. Delighted and humbled by our bounty, we celebrate gifts of food and shelter, of colors that dance at dawn and dusk; we relish the scent of cooking foods, of burning leaves and summer’s wet grass, of snowflake, of animal fur. We marvel at the intricacy of spiders’ webs and fish bones, newborn babies and lines etched on faces of grandparents who come for

a visit today. All gifts from Your hand.

When our meal is completed, leftovers stashed, and naps taken, we will leave replete, energized, and eager to go generously into the world and share our good fortune.”

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Looking ahead On Monday, October 31, our Book Group discusses Elizabeth Poliner’s As Close to Us As Breathing. “An instant classic... Poliner handles the texture of Jewish family life with brilliance, authenticity, and a touch of wistfulness.”

– Jewish Book Council.

Future book group selections will be drawn from books to be represented at the Collier County Jewish Book Festival. The Monday, November 28 selection is Karolina’s Twins by Ronald H. Balson, and the Monday, December 19 selection is A Land Twice Promised by Noa Baum. All meetings are at 7:30 p.m.

On Thursday, November 3 at 7:30 p.m., Jeff Margolis speaks on “Unsportsmanlike Conduct.” The 1936 Berlin Olympics was the opportunity to highlight Hitler’s Aryan race

supremacy. But the “Nazi Olympics” showcased the athletic prowess of Jesse Owens instead and was supposed to include Marty Glickman and Sam Stollar.

However, the politics of racism and antiSemitism got in the way. Fast forward to 1972, this time in Munich, and the world observes terrorism and tragedy up close.

This presentation explores the dynamics at the Olympics from athleticism to politics. A $5 nonmember donation of requested.

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 9:00 a.m. minyan resumes in late fall. We regularly convene 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.

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NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-234-6366

Naples Jewish Congregation update

By Suzanne L. Paley, President

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ith the High Holy Days upon us, we often think about , change, and how change can affect our lives. This past year Naples .

Jewish Congregation has made a number of changes that have had a positive impact on our members and guests.

Communication with our members and the Jewish community-at-large has y been greatly improved thanks to the efforts of Marty Dorio, our new webmaster and new editor of our newsletter.

In addition, our members have begun receiving frequent updates via Constant Contact. Most recently, the decision was made to offer the use of PayPal beginning with the purchase of tickets to events, such as our Artist/Scholar-inResidence program in February.

While these changes all rely on technology, we have made other changes in regards to our Shabbat services.

This past year we offered several Saturday morning Shabbat services, followed by a Kiddush lunch. These were so well received – especially by our members who no longer drive at night – that we have scheduled one every other month

during season beginning on November 12. This year, we are going to offer an early Friday night service, preceded by a wine and cheese gathering – in lieu of an Oneg Shabbat – so that folks can make arrangements to go out for dinner after the service. Many congregations throughout the country do this on a regular or even weekly basis. If the response to this change is good, we can schedule more such services. Breaking with tradition enables us to try something new – a change that can bring excitement and maybe make us feel younger.

On the other hand, I have often spoken about the importance of maintaining our traditions as this keeps us connected religiously, spiritually and socially. Tradition brings us joy and makes us comfortable. It’s what we are used to. Traditions still have a place in the hearts and souls of NJC members and nowhere are they more noticeable than during this holiday season. On Erev Rosh Hashanah, Carolyn and Bill Greenberg provided us with our traditional apples and honey to start us on the way to a sweet New Year. Members

of our Membership Committee sat in the lobby and greeted our members and guests. Jill Kamin and Nancy and Hank Greenberg graciously provided the beautiful flowers that graced our bimah. And Nancy once again organized our annual food drive for JFCS. For many years, it was tradition that Art Blatt sounded the shofar. Last year, and again this year, Barry Weissman stepped up to the plate and – without bursting his veins – has learned to sound the shofar so we have a new tradition of “echoing shofars.” For several years, Judy Lansat has sponsored a musician to play at Kol Nidre. Saundra Neiman, Chair of our Social Committee, and her team organized our Break the Fast Meal.

More traditions continue, celebrating Sukkot and Simchat Torah – complete with marching with the Torahs and the waving of flags. Our annual Chanukah party brings us together as a temple family to celebrate this joyous holiday, and what would Purim be like without Jane and Alla’s special Purim productions. So it is not out with the old and in with the new. We want everyone

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

www.marcojcmi.com / 239-642-0800

This summer, two family events

By Sue R. Baum, President

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n June and September, Harold and I attended the Bat Mitzvahs of two granddaughters. We were thrilled with the occasions. Abigail Baum had her Bat Mitzvah in June at Beth Kodesh Synagogue in Rochester, New York.

The synagogue is very impressive with its large cupola and bimah accented with metal beams which hold threedimensional metal sculptures of our Patriarchs. Abigail’s Hebrew chanting was perfect. She invited 73 friends.

She stated that she could not omit one – from her school, her Hebrew class

and her summer camp sponsored by the Jewish community; attracting children from Canada, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, New York and more.

Molly Langer was a Bat Mitzvah in New York on September 17. The date was selected to celebrate the Bat Mitzvah and Harold’s birthday. Likewise, large numbers of children were invited from school and summer camp.

Her path was different. She was educated privately by an organization that prepares children whose parents are not members of a synagogue. The ceremony

to feel at home with their temple family.

But we need to embrace the changes as they come along and look at them as a way to keep all of us young at heart and in spirit, and to help promote the growth of NJC. Shabbat services We hope you will accept our invitation to join us for our “first of the season” Saturday Morning Shabbat Service and Kiddush Luncheon on November 12. We will also be hosting an Open House Shabbat on Friday, December 9. For further information, please call 239.431.3858 or visit www.naplesjewishcongregation.org.

Our regular Friday night Shabbat services begin at 7:30 p.m. For all of our services, we gather at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples, located at 6340 Napa Woods Way. Please join us for a Shabbat service and find out why “NJC is a place for you to belong!” An Oneg follows our evening services, which gives everyone a chance to greet, meet and chat. NJC is a warm, Reform, affordable and adult congregation.

took place in Soho. A bimah was created. Her Hebrew chanting was perfect.

I was pleased to learn that Abigail was called to the bimah for an honor on Rosh Hashanah. I also learned that Nick, who had his Bar Mitzvah last year, in Rochester, is now tutoring students to prepare for their Bar Mitzvah. It is good to watch the young continue their involvement with the religion.

My intuition is that these children will consider these events as important moments in their lives and will live in the tradition of our Jewish faith.

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

BROWNSTEIN JUDAICA GIFT SHOP AT JCMI Looking for the perfect gift?

Choose from our many items: Mezuzahs Menorahs Travel bags Jewelry Gifts for pets Novelty aprons Designer Hand Bags Silk and Handmade Kippot Mah Jongg Jewelry, Cards & Supplies

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

28A Federation Star November 2016

ORGANIZATIONS www.hjhswfl.org / 248-417-2514

HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH

Expressing Jewish identity in a secular age Paula Creed HJH President

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he truth of the matter is that no common set of theological beliefs unites all Jews. Many have no theological beliefs. Many openly denounce religion. Many espouse atheism. But their Jewish identity remains intact. Jews are proud to claim Sigmund Freud, Albert Einstein and Carl Sagan as members of the tribe.

Many secular Jews like to refer to themselves as cultural Jews. By that description, they mean to suggest that while they no longer have any attachment to rabbinic theology, they do have a sentimental connection with Jewish holidays, Jewish music, Jewish food and Jewish symbols.

In reality, most Jews have become part of a culture that is not uniquely Jewish. Western culture, as a consumer culture with many options, allows for

cultural attachments. American Jews can choose Passover and Hebrew classes, but they can also choose Chinese food, yoga and French lessons.

For those Jews who see their Jewishness as something positive but who do not see any real connection between Jewish identity and their own personal philosophy of life, maintaining two separate compartments will be quite enough. They will do their Jewishness in conventional institutions and their personal commitments elsewhere.

One might question the value of this compartmentalized identity. Does it represent integrity? The old Judaism finds theological value in Jewish identity. The new Judaism finds humanistic value in Jewish identity. For those Jews who are not traditional, who want to integrate their Jewish identity with their personal convictions, the challenge is important.

If you are one of these Jews, perhaps Humanistic Judaism is for you.

A Humanistic Jew demands a new view of Jewish history. Humanistic Judaism is a departure from the traditional way of describing what Jews feel and believe. It requires the ability to make

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SWFL

a distinction between experience and indoctrination, between reality and official ideology. It focuses less on theological ideas and worship practices, and more on the actual skills that Jews develop for their own survival.

Jewish identity is also attached to Jewish memory. Jewish memory contains an encyclopedia of reasons for agnosticism, skepticism and human striving. The theistic tradition of the Jewish establishment, so in conflict with the Jewish experience, makes the humanistic message all the more vivid.

Being Jewish with an authentic and realistic attachment to Jewish history is a way of reinforcing a humanistic approach to life, a way of strengthening our awareness of the importance of reason and dignity.

The Humanistic Jewish Havurah of SW Florida offers adult education, a setting for the shared celebration of holidays, a voice for the philosophy of Humanistic Judaism, and the fellowship of other humanistic Jews. Involvement in our community makes a significant difference in the lives of our members.

We strive to sustain our members in

a supportive, caring environment that enables all to affirm and celebrate their Jewish identity – our connection to the Jewish people, past, present and future. In addition to providing group identification, membership in this Humanistic Jewish community affords the opportunity to cultivate warm personal relationships with like-minded folks.

Our activities include observing Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Chanukah, Yom HaShoah and Passover.m The Chanukah party will be celebratedT Wednesday, December 28 with a candleg lighting ceremony and latke dinner.o During season we host a public meet-t ing of interest to Humanistic Jews oneh p Sunday each month.

At this the time of year members are asked to renew their memberships and new members are encouraged to join.

Dues are $85 per person and includes membership in our national organization, The Society for Humanistic Judaism (www.shj.org). For membership information, call Dena Sklaroff at 239.591.0101.

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C v s www.jhsswf.org / 239-566-1771 v o “ w t a s

by Sheila.

Florida Jewish Pioneers Series will prei miere in Collier County. It will feature We are blessed to live in an area e Stuart Kaye, notable Collier County where we are able to introduce the developer and one of the contemporary Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers to p leaders of the Collier County Jewish you, to relive their experiences with community. The premier will take place them, to honor them, and express our during Florida Jewish History Month gratitude for paving the path for us! on Wednesday, January 11 at 5:00 p.m.

Our Mission Please reserve the date and time. InvitaCollecting, protecting and preserving tions will be mailed in mid-November.

Jewish histories to celebrate the conIf you have not joined our mailing list tribution by Jews in Southwest Florida yet, please contact us at office@jhsswf. every day of every year is part of our org. mission.

Another film, about Fort Myers Become a member of JHSSWF, a residents Gerald and Sheila Laboda, will sponsor, business associate, volunteer premiere later in January in Lee County. and/or donor. Contact us at: There are very few things in the Jewish The Jewish Historical Society life of Lee County that the Labodas have of Southwest Florida not been instrumental in. They always 899 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 116, found time to serve the communityNaples FL 34108 at-large as well. Here is a short list: 239-566-1771 Jerry was the first oral surgeon between www.jhsswf.org Tampa and Miami, and has been on the The Jewish Historical Society of Fort Myers Downtown Redevelopment Southwest Florida is a section 501(c)(3) board for three decades. His mother, charitable organization. Contributions Rose, was one of the two women who are deductible to the extent allowed started the Hadassah Chapter of Lee by law.

County, and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte counties was started

Why you should care about local Jewish history and its preservation Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

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ith so many worthy Jewish causes and pursuits, one might ask, why anyone should be interested in the Jewish history of Southwest Florida and its preservation. When approaching Jewish residents and visitors with information about the Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida and its activities todate, we hear, “There is not too much history here,” “Jewish life is too new,” and “We are so busy with other things.”

True, we cannot possibly compare with 5,777 years of Jewish history, but in Sarasota and Fort Myers, Jews have planted roots from the second decade of 20th century. So we are now past the first 100 years, and there are plenty of records and stories to collect and put on display.

Some of the early stories will move

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you to tears if you are an emotional historian and are seeking to relate to history through the personal accounts by the eyewitnesses.

If you are an academician, and pedantic historical accuracy is your pursuit, you may find some fault with personal recollections. They do have a grey cloud of human memory and perception overlaying the facts, but that is precisely why we’d like you to reach out and get involved. Especially, if you can spare some time for archival exploration, know how to research, and are not afraid of wild goose chases.

The Virtual Museum of Southwest Jewish History is now active 24/7/365 and you may explore our discoveries and collections at any time convenient to you. You can access it at www.jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org. While there, you may want to watch some of the documentary films.

We are pleased to announce that documentary short Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers: Richard Segalman, the Man and His Art is the winner of a prestigious Telly Awards 2016.

The next film in the Southwest

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

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.

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November 2016 Federation Star

ORGANIZATIONS COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

www.hadassah.org / 239-370-6220

Hadassah update Karen Cohn

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Collier/Lee Hadassah Co-President

adassah is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the g United States with 330,000 , members, Associates and supporters. dThis organization brings women toegether to effect change and advocacy on critical issues. For example, on September 12, the Israeli Supreme Court ehad a hearing to assess progress on the plan to expand the Kotel/Western Wall e d . s

plaza. This past January, Hadassah applauded this historic decision which was approved by the Israeli Government.

The plaza was to accommodate a space for egalitarian prayer not under the supervision of the Orthodox Western Wall Administrator. This means that the government was able to allow diverse prayer at the Kotel and include the Diaspora Jewry in this discussion.

This approval of the plaza is a major step forward in religious pluralism. Hopefully, this will ensure that Judaism’s holiest site is accessible to all Jews.

Hadassah has long advocated that the Kotel remain a source of cohesion for world Jewry, rather than one of di-

JEWISH WAR VETERANS

vision. Hadassah leaders and members have been advocates both in the United States and Jerusalem for everyone’s right to pray individually, collectively and freely, in accordance with their own religious practices.

Annual giving is the life blood that keeps Hadassah going. It makes this organization what it is today. There are different levels of giving. Our Chapter has been given a challenge from the Chai Society Chairperson, Luba Rotsztain. She would like everyone in our Collier/Lee Chapter to become a Chai Society member. Just $15 a month can transform a life by helping a broken body mend, advance medical research, provide a productive future for at-risk

children in Israel, besides empowering women in the United States. There are other levels that one can give but this is a way for members to get started.

So let’s all get behind Luba and become a Chai Society giver. This, too, can lead to being a Major Donor/Keepers of the Gate.

Hadassah has joined other nonprofit organizations that save money by sending newsletters via email. If you would like to receive our electronic newsletter, please send us your email address.

Remember, our E-bulletin is the most efficient way to get the news to our membership. We have discontinued sending the printed version.

239-261-3270

Jewish War Veterans update

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tBy Harve Sturm, Commander Post #202

O

n September 9, JWV Post 202 current and former mayors, gave elomembers attended the 9/11 quent speeches. This was a wonderful Freedom Memorial Dedication patriotic day for Naples and Collier Ceremony in Naples. The event was County. very well attended with seating under a canvas tent. A contingent of bagpipers played “Amazing Grace,” while uniformed military units, fire, police and first-responders stood at attention during the Dedication Ceremony.

Collier County public officials, both Harve Sturm at the 9/11 Freedom Memorial in Naples

JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

Our post was delighted and proud to attend the event. JWV has donated a plaque in honor of the fallen heroes of 9/11.

“We Shall Never Forget” – “This memorial pays tribute to members of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives along with law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and civilians who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.”

Upcoming event Our meeting on Sunday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m. at Vineyards Country Club features guest speaker Max Rabinovitsj,

a distinguished and accomplished speaker and Holocaust survivor. Max is the Artistic Director of the Naples Orchestra.

We will be proud to hear him speak and perform at our annual fundraiser event. We look forward to a great turnout. I am counting on your support.

The cost of $30 includes a full buffet breakfast. Make your check payable to JWV Post 202, and send it to William Orlove, 574 Laguna Royale Blvd., #703, Naples, FL 34119.

For more information, please call me at 239.261.3270.

www.jwi.org / 239-498-2778

JWI launches public awareness campaign for DVAM Millie Sernovitz

J

JWI Past International President

ewish Women International (JWI) hosted two major events around Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The first, on October 6, was a breakfast briefing held at the JWI national office on DV-related legislation and policy for the next Congress. Five panelists representing JWI issue areas spoke on guns, domestic violence, economic security, trafficking, and sexual assault on college campuses. Guests included members of JWI’s Interfaith Coalition, past and present Women to Watch honorees, members of JWI’s Young Women’s Leadership Network, members of JWI’s Board of Trustees, and coalition friends (including listeners on call).

Following the briefing, JWI staff compiled an overview to be emailed to their advocacy network and organization leadership. (This email was shared

with organizations on the call to send to their constituents.)

The second event occurred mid-October as part of JWI’s National Alliance to End Domestic Abuse. The National Alliance provides 10 monthly 90-minute webinars each year, on a variety of relevant topics, led by the country’s top experts on domestic violence and attended by attorneys, social workers, counselors, educators, advocates, DV organizations, task forces and clergy of all faiths, from every state and seven foreign countries. October’s webinar featured Valerie Jarrett, a senior staff member of the White House’s Office of Violence Against Women. Other speakers included Tina Tchen and Bea Hanson. Discussion focused on the Obama Administration’s innovation and success around ending violence against women and girls, and lifting girls and women.

As with the first event, there was a follow-up to a larger audience, including links to a taped version of the teleconference and a campaign to send electronic thank yous to the President for his leadership in ending violence against women and girls.

JWI’s DVAM 2016 public aware-

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Send an email to info@jewishnaples.org.

ness campaign theme was “Look Around.” Not to be confused with the Hamilton song, “Look Around” raised awareness of how violence spreads its tentacles throughout our communities – throughout all communities. “Look Around” and you see the child in the classroom who returns to a violent home each afternoon. “Look Around” and you see a co-worker who is at risk of losing her job because she has missed so many days because she is in an abusive relationship. “Look Around” at the woman shopping in the supermarket, whose husband doles out a weekly allowance that barely covers food for her family and nothing more. “Look Around” and you see a university student leaving college without graduating because she is forced to go to class with her rapist.

A series of emails told stories of

everyday people living with violence and connected with JWI’s work – building children’s libraries in domestic violence shelters, advocating for policies that will make a difference, empowering women of all ages with financial literacy, and changing the culture on our nation’s campuses. Each story ended with an image to share on social media that linked back to the stories on JWI’s website. It was hoped that listeners on this call would help JWI in our efforts and share these messages For more information about JWI’s DVAM Public Awareness Campaigns or other JWI endeavors nationally, please contact me at 239.498.2778 or millie@sernovitz.com. Also, please visit the JWI website at www.jwi.org or its companion website for Jewish Woman magazine at www.jwmag.org.

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

Y

February 2016 - Shevat/Adar 5776

Y

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

A

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

T

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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You can also read Connections on your tablet. Search for “Collier Connections”.

30A Federation Star November 2016

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Get the Service you Deserve November 2016 – 5777 SUNDAY

MONDAY 1

10:00am TS-S Board Meeting 11:30am HDH Luncheon 12:15pm BT Adult Ed 1:30pm CJD Meeting 4:00pm BBYO Board Meeting 4:00pm JFCC Exec Board Mtg 6:00pm TS Confirmation Class 7:00pm BT Adult Ed

6

7

13

14

4:00pm HM Exec Comm Mtg 9:00am BT Religious School 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 9:00am TS Sunday School & Hebrew School 10:00am JFCC Board Workshop 10:00am Mix & Mingle Event 7:00pm TS Cabaret Night

11:00am HDH Board Meeting 9:00am BT Religious School 1:00pm HDH Study Group 9:00am TS Sunday Schools 9:30am JCMI Rabbi’s Program 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 9:30am JWV Breakfast 10:30am NJC Rabbi’s Class 12:00pm Jewish Prof Group 2:30pm CJD Kristallnacht Com

20

9:00am BT Religious School 9:00am JWV Meeting 5:00pm GS Film

27

9:00am BT Religious School 10:30am NJC Rabbi’s Class

21

12:00pm NJC-S Book Club 1:00pm HDH Study Group 5:30pm JCMI Bingo

28

11:30am JCRC Meeting 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 7:30pm BT Book Group

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY 2

1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Hebrew School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:45pm TS Hebrew School 7:30pm BT Adult Ed

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

3

4

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

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

11:00am TS Senior For’em 7:00pm BBYO Youth Program 7:30pm BT Lecture

5

10:00am Jewish Genealogy 12:15pm BT Adult Ed 7:00pm BT Adult Ed 7:00pm JFCC Board Meeting

1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Hebrew School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:45pm TS Hebrew School

6:15pm BT Services 9:00am IAC Meeting 7:30pm TS Services 11:00am MCA Luncheon 8:00pm JCMI Services 11:00am WCA Luncheon 2:00pm NJC Board Meeting 6:30pm HDH Evening Activity 7:00pm TS Comedy Club 7:30pm ZOA Film

10

11 Veterans Day

12

15

16

17

18

19

8

12:15pm BT Adult Ed 7:00pm BT Adult Ed 7:00pm TS Exec Comm Mtg 7:30pm BT Lecture

22

12:15pm BT Adult Ed 7:00pm BT Adult Ed 7:00pm TS Board Meeting

29

9

9:30am HJH Board Meeting 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Hebrew School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:45pm TS Hebrew School 7:00pm GS Film 7:30pm BT Adult Ed

23

1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Hebrew School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School

4:00pm BT Board Meeting 7:00pm BBYO Youth Program 7:00pm JCMI Board Meeting

9:00am WCA Board Meeting 9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 11:00am CHA Thanksgiving Performance & Feast 10:00am TS Services 6:15pm BT Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

25 24 THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING

30

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

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

26

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

Candle lighting times:

12:15pm BT Adult Ed 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:00pm JCMI Duplicate Bridge 4:30pm BT Hebrew School 7:00pm BT Adult Ed 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:45pm TS Hebrew School

November 4: 6:25 November 11: 5:21 November 18: 5:18 November 25: 5:17

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 goal 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.

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

• IAC: Israel Advocacy Committee • 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 (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

• JWV: Jewish War Veterans • MCA: Men’s Cultural Alliance • NJC: Naples Jewish Congregation • NJC-M: Naples Jewish Congregation Men’s Club • NJC-S: Naples Jewish Congregation Sisterhood • 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.

November 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 Debbie Zvibleman, President Eli Montague, Executive Director Dr. Anna Salomon, 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 26, No. 3 November 2016 48 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: Ted Epstein 239-249-0699 December Issue Deadlines: Editorial: November 1 Advertising: November 7 Send news stories to: fedstar18@gmail.com

31A

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

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.

Sisterhood • Men’s Club Brownstein Judaica Gift Shop

(Reform)

(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

Let’s Talk Turkey With a planned gift to the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, your estate plan Mayflower into a horn of plenty for you, and the Jewish community gets the gravy.

Don’t get stuck at the kids’ table.

Carve out a piece of the pie for the Jewish community.

This is no small potatoes when it comes to letting a flock of taxes gobble up your estate.

We’ll be happy to guide you through the maize of charitable gift planning.

You’ll get the bountiful end of the wishbone.

Let a charitable gift to the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation be the centerpiece of your estate plan.

Give. Thanks.

For more information on gift planning, call Jeffrey Feld at the Federation 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

GenShoah SWFL • President: Ida Margolis, 963-9347

Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida • President: Herb Berkeley, 263-9200

Humanistic Jewish Havurah • Paula Creed, 495-8484

Israel Bonds

• Reva Pearlstein, 800-622-8017

JFCS of Southwest Florida

Please note our email addresses: Jeffrey Feld, Federation President/CEO – jfeld@jewishnaples.org Renee’ Bialek, Community Program Coordinator – rbialek@jewishnaples.org Julie Hartline, Donor Relations Coordinator – jhartline@jewishnaples.org Stacy Hersha, Business Operations Manager – shersha@jewishnaples.org General information requests – info@jewishnaples.org Ted Epstein, Editor, Federation Star – fedstar18@gmail.com Advertising in the Federation Star – tedepstein18@gmail.com

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www.facebook.com/ facebook.com/jfedsrq JewishFederationofCollierCounty

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

Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida • President: Marina Berkovich, 566-1771

Jewish National Fund

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

Jewish War Veterans Post 202

• Commander, Harvey Sturm, 261-3270 • Senior Vice Commander, M/Gen. Bernard L. Weiss, USAF Ret. 594-7772

Men’s Cultural Alliance

• President: Les Nizin, 653-9259

Naples BBYO

• Skylar Haas, 263-4205

Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA)

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

Women’s Cultural Alliance

• President: Elaine Soffer, 431-7905

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

Federation membership

According to the bylaws 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.

32A Federation Star November 2016

NC THE CO

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Valerie Lemon Sings the Music of Marvin Hamlisch

JANUARY 27, 2017

LARRY ALEXANDER MY BROADWAY FEBRUARY 21, 2017

MAUREEN McGOVERN

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SEBASTIAN

FEBRUARY 23 & 24, 2017

MARCH 14 & 15, 2017

l a n io s s e f o r p y it u q Naples’ premieryEbrings its theatre compan ve entertainment 12th season of li

– W O N E L A S TICKETS ONCall Box Office foroVnIPs seating artist recepti d n a 5 5 $ & $50

G&L THEATRE d 13275 Livingston Roa Naples, FL 34109

-ZONE-FLA 8 8 8 e c ffi O x o B e n o Z Theatre (888) 966-3352 orida.com fl e n zo e tr a e h .t w w w Buy online

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

 November 2016 - Tishrei/Cheshvan 5777 

Vol. 26 #3

Arts & Culture

Beth Tikvah announces 2017 Jewish Film Festival

By Carole J Greene

A

t 7:30 p.m. on four Sunday evenings between February 26 and April 2, you will want to be at the Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples. Because tickets to events in the first three Jewish Film Festivals sold out, you may want to buy tickets for the fourth annual Jewish Film Festival immediately. In fact, an advertisement with the instructions for ordering appear elsewhere in this issue.

Hunt for the ad after you read this article.

Beth Tikvah’s festival organizers, at deadline for this article, had not yet released the full roster of 2017 films, but they did announce the February 26 opening night movie. It is On the Map, by award-winning Israeli director Dani Menkin.

This emotional, inspiring documentary reveals the story of the 1977 Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team, which earned the title “The Team of the Nation” when, in early 1977, it brought the first European Cup Basketball Championship to Israel. Few people in Israel, or anywhere else, believed this team could topple the four-time defending European champions, but the unbelievable happened.

A press release on the film reports: “Featuring interviews with the JewishAmerican athletes who made history, On The Map combines the pulse-

pounding action of a high-stakes game with an incendiary political situation at the height of the Cold War. The film not only honors Israeli heroes, it thrills fans of the game and captures the spirit of a nation triumphant and victorious against all odds.”

The team’s captain, University of Illinois All-American Tal Brody, led his teammates to victory against the USSR, considered unbeatable by this underdog team from a nation not even recognized by its adversary. The team went on to defeat Italy in the finals to earn the championship title. Brody birthed what became the film’s title when he said,

Reserve your seats now for many of the major Jewish cultural events of the season

I

n this Arts & Culture section, you will find information on the second annual Collier County Jewish Book Festival, the Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event, JCMI’s Jewish Film Festival and Saul Stern Cultural Series, and the Naples Jewish Film Festival.

You’ll also read about the exciting season of shows at Gulfshore Playhouse, TheatreZone, the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, exhibits and events at

the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, exhibits at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, and much more.

We couldn’t bring you this special Arts & Culture section, as well as the wealth of Jewish-related content in each monthly issue of the Federation Star, without the support of our advertisers.

Please patronize them, and remember to tell them you saw their ads in this newspaper.

SAVE THE DATE!

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

“We are on the map, and we’re staying on the map, not only in sports but in everything!”

Director Menkin recalls vivid memories from childhood that spurred him to make this documentary. “I was seven years old when Maccabi Tel Aviv won the European Championship.

That night, my father lifted me up on his shoulders, took me to Tel Aviv, and we danced in the streets with 200,000 people like it was Israel’s first Independence Day.” This victory and the celebration that followed helped to pull Israel out of the doldrums created by the murders of their athletes at the Munich Olympics and the demoralizing

Yom Kippur War. Patrons and subscribers for the entire festival will celebrate at an opening night “Pastrami to Pickles” party just for them.

Patrons will receive invitations to their own January soiree hosted

by Mondo Uomo Fine Menswear, and will be granted early admission to each film presentation to secure preferred seating. Single-tickets will go on sale January 15 – if any seats remain.

OK, now you can hunt for the ad.

For more information or to order tickets, visit naplesjewishfilmfestival.org or call 239.434.1818.

Order your tickets today!

See the 4-page pullout on pages 7B-10B.

Loverly like you’ve never seen before.

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BENEFITING THE

COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

KOSHER COMEDY TOUR

Alan Jay Lerner MUSIC BY Frederick Loewe

BOOK & LYRICS BY

In the tradition of “Catskills on Broadway,” this exciting multimedia comedy show stars three top-notch Jewish comedians PETER FOGEL • STU MOSS • MARLYN SANCHEZ “Right from the start, they were hysterical. The energy from the crowd was overwhelming.”

– Atlantic City Monthly

“They combine humor with the truth. The results are both refreshing and uniquely creative.”

– New York Post

Event at Temple Shalom, Naples • For information contact Elissa Goldstein at 239-455-2004 or feb22017@gmail.com

NOV 12-DEC 11 FOR TICKETS 866-811-4111 • www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org

2B

Federation Star November 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

Concert Series at TheatreZone expands

Growing popularity of theatre’s cabaret concerts leads Board of Directors to double the number of Season 12 performances featuring Broadway-caliber talents and musical legends.

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heatreZone is expanding its Concert Series at TheatreZone (previously known as the Cabaret Series) to offer four new concerts in 2017 in addition to its Season 12 theatre selections and Home for the Holidays shows. Concert Series at TheatreZone is a series of music concerts of all genres performing in the 250-seat G&L Theatre on the campus of The Community School of Naples.

“The overwhelming popularity of the past two years’ cabaret concerts, with sold-out shows with TV and Broadway star Megan Hilty, Grammy Awardwinning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester, and vocalist Joan Ellison in a Judy Garland tribute, reinforced the belief that Southwest Florida consumers are interested in live musical entertainment featuring supremely talented singers, songwriters and musicians,” reports TheatreZone Artistic Director Mark Danni.

“As TheatreZone continues to grow, we are offering our patrons an extraordinary opportunity to experience legendary performers in an intimate atmosphere,” he explains. These performers are musical legends and Broadway-caliber talents who are sure to please old fans and win news ones, believes Danni.

Concert Series at TheatreZone kicks off Friday, January 27 at 8:00 p.m. for a one-night-only, world premiere of Marvin & Me featuring former Marvin Hamlisch singer Valerie Lemon in an amazing tribute to the Academy Awardwinning composer, and dedicated to his past and present triumphs.

The seeds to bring this concert to Naples were sown when Terre Hamlisch, Marvin’s widow, took a keen interest in TheatreZone following the

rave reviews of the film noir musical Sweet Smell of Success in January 2014.

The musical features one of Hamlisch’s most poignant scores and Ms. Hamlisch wrote about TheatreZone in her blog.

Soon after, a friendship began with director Danni, an admitted Hamlisch devotee who twice directed Hamlisch’s musical They’re Playing Our Song at TheatreZone.

Marvin & Me is filled with stories of 12 years of Valerie Lemon’s travels with Hamlisch on the road as a symphony vocalist, as well as tales of the huge influence he has had on her singing career. She shines the spotlight on the man responsible for some of the best-loved songs of his generation from “The Way We Were” to the Pulitzer Prize-winning score for A Chorus Line.

“From the early pop songs through his amazing successes on stage and screen, Valerie brings all of her for-

midable talents to bear in this loving evening dedicated to the man who gave her one of her earliest breaks in show business,” promises Danni.

Tickets to Marvin & Me cost $55 for premium seats and $50 for orchestra and box seats. A limited number of $125 f VIP tickets include preferred aisle seating, a pre-show reception with wine and cheese, and a post-show reception meet-and-greet with Ms. Lemon.

Jewish Treasures of the Caribbean: Documenting the Oldest Jewish Sites of the Western Hemisphere by Wyatt Gallery On View Through December 11, 2016

Wyatt Gallery, TEBÁH AND SAND COVERED FLOOR, Willemstad, Curaçao - 1732, 33 x 40", Pigment Ink Print, Edition of 5 + 1AP

A documentation by photographer Wyatt Gallery of the oldest Jewish synagogues and cemeteries in the Western Hemisphere. Images from the remaining historic Jewish sites in Aruba, Barbados, Curacao, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Eustatius and Suriname reveal the significant yet little-known legacy of Judaism in the New World.

Once home to thousands of Sephardic Jews from a melting pot of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and other cultures, these dwindling communities now contain only five historic synagogues.

Sponsored by Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami.

Also On View Through December 11, 2016: Calen Bennett: Synagogues in Cuba, 2015

TheatreZone fan favorite actor/ singer Larry Alexander brings his My Broadway cabaret show for one-night-

only on Tuesday, February 21 at 8:00 p.m., presenting an evening of some of Broadway’s best and most beloved songs from Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cy Colman, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, along with a few surprises. Premium seats cost $55 and orchestra and box seats cost $50.

A limited number of $100 VIP tickets include aisle seating and a VIP pre-show reception with wine and cheese.

An Evening with Maureen McGovern starring multi-Grammy nominee and Broadway songstress Maureen McGovern takes place on Thursday, February 23 and Friday, February 24 at 8:00 p.m. Well known for her renditions of the songs “The Morning After” from the 1972 film The Poseidon Adventure, and “We May Never Love Like This Again” from The Towering Inferno in 1974, Ms. McGovern’s career spans 40 years, including recordings, concerts, theater, film, television, radio and songwriting, all with a voice that defies categorization.

Premium seats cost $55 and orchestra and box seats cost $50. A limited number of $175 VIP tickets include aisle seating, a pre-show reception with wine and cheese, and a post-show reception meet-and-greet with Ms. McGovern.

The concert series concludes Tuesday, March 14 and Wednesday, March 15 with two performances by Rock & Rock Hall of Famer and American Roots folk legend John Sebastian, the well-known founder of ’60s supergroup The Lovin’ Spoonful and Woodstock performer with songs like “Darling Be Home Soon,” “Do You Believe in Magic,” “Nashville Cats,” “Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind” and “You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice,” to solo hits like the theme song “Welcome Back” from the television series

Welcome Back Kotter. Tickets to John Sebastian in Concert cost $55 for premium seats and $50 for orchestra and box seats. A limited number of $175 VIP tickets include aisle seating, a pre-show reception with wine and cheese, and a post-show reception meet-and-greet with Mr. Sebastian.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call TheatreZone at 888.966.3352, or purchase online at www.theatrezone-florida.com.

Broadway – here we come!

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ho doesn’t love a good Tickets are $50 for general seatBroadway musical? Many ing and $75 for Benefactor Preferred of you love to hum or sing seating. Buy tickets online at www. along with the memorable tunes – esnaplesjewishcongregation.org. Or mail pecially in the shower! On Thursday, a check with your name, address and February 9, you won’t have to depend phone to NJC, P.O. Box 111994, Naples, on a shower to embrace some of the FL 34108. most iconic musical On Friday night, tunes from your favorFebruary 10, during our ite Broadway shows Shabbat service, Rabbi as Naples Jewish ConKanter will give a more gregation will present scholarly presentation this season’s Artist and on the social mores of Scholar-in-Residence, the times and the effect Rabbi Kenneth Kanter, of Jewish composers’ a nationally known aubackgrounds and values thor, entertainer and on the music they proexpert on the Jewish duced for Broadway and contribution to AmeriTin Pan Alley. can music.

Our Friday night Rabbi Kenneth Kanter Plan to join us at Shabbat services begin at 7:30 p.m. at the fabulous new Wang 7:30 p.m. when we meet at the Unitarian Auditorium of Opera Naples for an Universalist Congregation of Greater evening of wonderful music – to sing Naples, 6340 Napa Woods Way. Please along if you choose – and learn about join us for a Shabbat service and find out the many Jewish composers and lyricists why “NJC is a place for you to belong!” who produced those lasting memories.

An Oneg always follows our services, This evening is sure to entertain you which gives everyone a chance to greet, and we guarantee that you will go home meet and chat. For further information about Naples Jewish Congregation, happy, exhilarated and singing your favorite songs! The event concludes with please call 239.431.3858 or visit our website. an elegant dessert reception.

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November 2016 Federation Star

ARTS & CULTURE

Laugh with Hadassah at two major events

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hat could be more cultural than exploring the language that many of our ancestors spoke? Remember listening to your grandmother and mother speaking Yiddish? This is the language of our people.

The Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah is having an amazing evening with

Riva Ginsburg

Riva Ginsburg entitled, “The Joys and Oys of Yiddish.” You don’t have to speak Yiddish or even understand it. You will be enlightened and entertained. Join

us at Beth Tikvah on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m., and enjoy a bissel of a sweet nosh, kibitzing and a great program. Oy, we are kvelling about all this! Send $18 to Sandy Levine, 14623 Speranza Way, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. That’s such a bargain, you should only know from that! Come!

You’ll love it!

As if that wasn’t enough, Hadassah is also paying tribute to the Jewish arts.

What could be more artsy than revisiting the Catskills and going back to the Borscht Belt for some entertainment?

On Thursday, February 2 at Temple Shalom, we will be laughing and enjoying “The Kosher Comedy Tour” headlined

by Peter Fogel, Stu Moss and Marlyn Sanchez, who will sing, dance, tell jokes and do major shtick for us! Come to that, too. Invitations will be sent shortly, but if you can’t wait, email Elissa Goldstein at feb22017@gmail.com for more information.

Please come to one or both of these delightful events and support the incredible organization that does so much for Israel, the Jewish people, and people all over the United States and the world – Hadassah!

A selection of upcoming events at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs “Meet the Composers” Classical Music Series: “Back to Bach – the Father of Western Music” Join international artist and lecturer, Dr. Anne McLean the first Sunday of each month as she performs in a multimedia presentation highlighting a great composer’s music, fascinating historical insights and visual images of that

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r i Anne McLean e unique era. Did you know that the great composers of the 18th and 19th centuries owe a debt of gratitude to Johann Sebastian Bach’s music? Did you know ’ that Bach’s father died under suspicious s circumstances? Did you know that Bach enjoyed ‘Rock Star’ status in his prime? d Anne McLean will shed light on the man behind the music, with live excerpts of t his great music, on Sunday, November t 6 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Cost: $22. n Improv Tonight! r Every show is different with special e guests always popping in from nationt ally touring improv groups. Join us the first Saturday of every month at 8:00 , p.m. for some of Southwest Florida’s , best improvisational comedy. Bonita n City Improv performs musical improv, ,

games and scenes that include suggestions provided by you, the audience! Be as involved in the show as you’d like, whether you’re just setting a scene with

your suggestions, or whether you’re on stage as a volunteer! Mixed drinks, beer wine and snacks available. Cost: $15.

An Evening with Groucho On Friday, December 9 at 8:00 p.m., award-winning actor and director Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast-paced 90 minutes of hilarity.

The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Accompanied

NATIONAL REGIONAL & LOCAL ART EXHIBITIONS

PAINTING WORKSHOPS FUSED GLASS STAINED GLASS PRINTMAKING ONE NIGHT EVENTS DANCE THEATER

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DRAWING MOSAICS JEWELRY CLAY LECTURES SCULPTURE MUSIC FILM

LIVE PERFORMANCES THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS NOV.10 LIVE AT THE MOE – NEW AGE MUSIC NOV.17 BUTCH TRUCKS & FREIGHT TRAIN BAND DEC.30 BONITA SPRINGS

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

RICHARD DOWLING PIANIST JAN.3

FOREIGN FILMS

DAN MILLER AND LEW DEL GATTO QUINTET JAN.14

JANUARY 26-29, 2017

MONDAY NIGHTS 7PM

Live DANCE, THEATER & COMEDY

ART THEATER DANCE MUSIC FILM CLASSES

IMPROV TONIGHT! & IMPROV CAFÉ!

NOV. 5 featuring Stacey Smith DEC. 3 / JAN. 7 / FEB. 4 / MAR.11 / APR.1 FRANKLY FUNNY FRIDAYS NOV.18 / DEC. 16 / MAR. 17 / APR.14 / MAY 19 THE SECRET GARDEN NOV. 11 - 13 AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO DEC . 9 THIS WONDERFUL LIFE DEC. 17 ARGENTINE TANGO SHOW JAN. 13 STABILIZED NOT CONTROLLED JAN. 21

MEET THE COMPOSERS MUSIC LECTURE SERIES WITH DR. ANNE MCLEAN FIRST SUNDAY EACH MONTH 3PM TO 5 PM

Frank Ferrante as Groucho Marx

by his onstage pianist, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, as well as Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Marx foil Margaret Dumont, and MGM’s Louis B. Mayer. A show perfect for all ages! Cost: $35-$40 (10% off for current CFABS members).

The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs is committed to enrich the culture of our diverse community by providing opportunities for artistic expression, education and appreciation in a supportive and nurturing environment.

The events above take place at the theaters located at 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. For further information or tickets, call 239.495.8989 or visit www.artcenterbonita.org.

BONITA SPRINGS

NATIONAL ART FESTIVALS

RIVERSIDE PARK - 2017

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

14 -15 11 - 12 4-5

SATURDAY & SUNDAY CENTER FOR VISUAL ARTS

26100 OLD 41 ROAD BONITA SPRINGS, FL 34135

CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 10150 BONITA BEACH ROAD BONITA SPRINGS, FL 34135

TICKETS 239-495-8989

www.artcenterbonita.org

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Federation Star November 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

This season’s exhibits, events and programs at the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL

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he Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida marked its 15th anniversary in 2016. This milestone was reached with the help of generous members, donors and community partners.

We note special thanks for the support since our beginning by the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

Education programs The Museum’s mission is to “teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against bigotry, hatred and violence.” Through the use of personal stories of character and courage, we demonstrate to students and visitors how one person’s actions can make an important positive difference in someone else’s life.

Since 2001, our age-appropriate Education programs have impacted over 150,000 students in a six county area of SWFL, in grades K-12 through college/university level. Our “5-8-10” Project continues to grow. It seeks to reach students with Museum programming three times during their education – in grades 5, 8 and 10. The Museum’s unique traveling Boxcar Exhibit, on loan to the Museum from Jack and F.E. Nortman and The Boxcar Foundation, plays an important part in programming. Over 90,000 people have seen the Boxcar since its introduction in 2008.

Museum exhibits, programs and events Among the offerings this season are: “The World Knew: Jan Karski’s Mission for Humanity” Exhibit: This exhibit profiles Jan Karski, a Polish WWII Resistance fighter who was one of the first people to deliver eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust to Allied leaders. The exhibit opens January 3, 2017.

Genealogy Workshop Series: This

new series of four workshops (9/12/16; 11/7/16; 1/16/17; 3/13/17) is being offered by Museum Education staff member David Nelson, who is also a professional genealogist. Among other topics, attendees will learn how to get started on their research, how to use primary sources and investigate Jewish Genealogy resources. The workshops are free of charge, but reservations are required due to space limitation. For more information, email David@HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org.

2017 Elliott Katz Lecture Series: Museum Docent Elliott Katz returns with his popular Holocaust History

Students use tablets to study QR Codes in a display case at the Museum

series. This year all six lectures will be held at Hodges University Naples campus. The dates/topics are January 26, “1936 Olympics;” February 9, “Injustice at Nuremberg;” February 23, “Standard Oil and General Motors;”

The Museum is located at 4760 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 7, Sandalwood Square, Naples

Holiday S avings

March 13, “The International Red Cross and Theresienstadt;” and March 30, “The Saint Louis, Sturm and the Exodus.” Reservations are required for each lecture, and the cost is $10 per lecture, and $50 if you sign up for all six. Hodges is handling all reservations and ticket purchases. To RSVP, visit https://www. hodges.edu/cll/lecture_ series.aspx.

Annual Luncheon and Triumph 2017: Two fundraisers will benefit the Museum’s Education programs this season. Our Annual Luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 15 at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples. Louise Borden, author of The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of H.A. and Margret Rey, will

discuss the “curious” start to our favorite monkey’s life. Our annual Triumph event, Triumph 2017, will take place on Wednesday evening, March 22. For ticket and sponsorship information on both events, contact Development Specialist Tim Morrison at Tim@HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org or call 239.263.9200.

For more complete information on Museum programs and events, please visit www.HolocaustMuseum SWFL.org or call 239.263.9200. We hope to see you, your family and friends at the Museum this coming year!

Photo Credit for Curious George image above: The requested images from the cover are used in the book by permission of the de Grummond children’s Literature Collection, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS.

The Sidney R. Hoffman Memorial Jewish Film Festival Celebrating our 16th year of great films

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he Jewish Congregation of Marco Island’s Jewish Film Festival was founded in 2001 in memory of Sidney R. Hoffman, a devoted JCMI member who avidly supported showing the best of the old Yiddish films of the golden era of Jewish films made in the 1930s. We are deeply grateful for the financial support of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, which enables us to bring the finest Jewish films to our community.

The festival presents award-winning and entertaining films that reflect current events in Israel and around the world, films that touch on our Jewish past and present, on our culture, our identity, our children and our lives. Films reach out to our entire Jewish community, as well

as to visitors and our non-Jewish friends and neighbors.

This season’s films (all films begin at 2:00 p.m.):  Beneath the Helmet Sunday, December 18  To Life - Sunday, January 15  Dough - Sunday, February 19  About Executing Eichmann Sunday, March 26 Everyone is welcome. A discussion and refreshments follow each film. For more information, see our flyer on page 14B, visit the JCMI website at marcojcmi.com, or call the JCMI office at 239.642.0800. All films are shown at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive.

For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jewishnaples.org.

for Everyone on Your List

THE JOYS AND OYS Of YIDDISH A Journey into the Yiddish Language and Culture (No Knowledge of Yiddish is necessary) You are Cordially Invited To Join

RIVA GINSBURG as she presents a humorous, educational & interactive program on The Joys of the Yiddish Language and Culture

RIVA GINSBURG is a nationally recognized speaker and lecturer who will delight you with an evening of "kibitzing, kvelling" and much more.

DECEMBER 6TH, 2016 TIME: 7:00 PM

Shana Maidel

MIROMAR OUTLETS Over 140 Top Designer and Brand Name Outlet Stores and a wide array of restaurants Voted the Best Shopping Mall and Best Factory Outlet Mall in Southwest Florida

UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICES MiromarOutlets.com • I-75, Exit 123 • (239) 948-3766 • Copyright © 2016, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Outlets is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation. 1116-2453

BETH TIKVAH 1459 PINE RIDGE

SYNAGOGUE ROAD, NAPLES

The program, which includes a sweet nosh, is presented by the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah, with sincere gratitude to Debby and Jeff Waranch for their generosity in underwriting this event. ®

Tickets: $18.00 per person in advance* Profits will be donated to the Hadassah Medical Organization For Reservations: Mail your check, payable to Collier/Lee Hadassah, to: Sandy Levine, 14623 Speranza Way, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

*Checks must be received on or before November 30th.

Tickets available at the door: $22.00 ea.

Questions?

e-mail: sandylevine@aol.com or irisjimshur@aol.com

November 2016 Federation Star

ARTS & CULTURE

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Photographer Wyatt Gallery documents the oldest Jewish sites of the Western hemisphere Haunting photos in Jewish Musuem of Florida-FIU exhibit reveal almost-extinct communities

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he Jewish Museum of FloridaFIU presents an exhibition that captures the little-known history of the Sephardic Jews of the Caribbean, Jewish Treasures of the Caribbean: Documenting the Oldest Jewish Sites of the Western Hemisphere, on view through December 11.

Wyatt Gallery’s photographs explore the remaining historic sites in Barbados, Curaçao, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Eustatius and Suriname. These Jewish communities date back to the early 1600s and are home to the oldest synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in the Western hemisphere. While these historic communities now face extinction, these modern day treasures beautifully exemplify the strength of the Jewish people, as well as the surprisingly diverse cultural history of the Caribbean.

History In the 1600s, the West Indies became a place of salvation for Sephardic Jews who had fled to Amsterdam and Brazil after the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. La Nación, as these Jews were called, were fundamental in shaping the early Caribbean economy through their unique knowledge of sugar cane cultivation, agriculture and an expansive network of trade. Some Jews also joined the pirates controlling the Caribbean seas, and later became influential politicians, plantation owners and bankers to the American colonies.

While creating financial success for the European powers, the Sephardic Jews managed to prosper and keep their culture, religion and customs alive – which led to the continuation and support of Judaism throughout the Americas.

Once home to thousands of Sephardic Jews, only five synagogues remain and almost half of the original cemeteries are either falling apart or

Wyatt Gallery, Temple Emanu-El, Willemstad, Curaçao – 1867, 21.6 x 26” Pigment Ink Print, Edition of 10

have been lost to natural disasters, vandalism, pollution and the elements of time. The few historic landmarks still in use are little-known gems of the

Wyatt Gallery, Tebáh and Sand Covered Floor, Willemstad, Curaçao – 1732, 33 x 40” Pigment Ink Print, Edition of 5 + 1AP

Caribbean and invaluable in the Jewish history of survival. Through these photographs, we witness the legacy of Judaism and a rarely explored facet of Caribbean history.

About the artist Wyatt Gallery received his BFA in photography at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University in 1997.

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life in the Jewish community of Cuba today.

About JMOF-FIU The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of 250 years of Florida Jewish heritage, arts and culture. The museum is housed in two adjacent, lovingly restored historic buildings at 301 Washington Avenue on South Beach, that were once synagogues for Miami Beach’s first Jewish congregation. The museum’s permanent exhibition is MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763 to Present. The museum is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 305.672.5044 or visit www. jewishmuseum.com.

I M P R OV COM E DY FUN NEW 2-HOUR BEGINNER WORKSHOP $25

IMPROV WORKSHOPS & CLASSES New Classes Begin Soon Tuesdays 4-6pm or Saturdays 10am-Noon RIVER PARK COMMUNITY CENTER - 301 11TH STREET N, NAPLES

Margot Escott (239) 216-3931 www.margotescott.com info@margotescott.com

MARGOT ESCOTT

C O M PA S S I O N AT E C O U N S E L I N G

Release your fear and live your life to the fullest!

Wyatt Gallery, Gate & Oil Refinery, Beth Haim Blenheim Cemetery, Curaçao – 1659, 21.6 x 26” Pigment Ink Print, Edition of 10

In 1998, Wyatt received a Rosenberg grant and traveled the Caribbean, photographing spiritual sites for nine months. After spending a month in Trinidad, he knew he wanted to live there and he returned months later on a Fulbright Fellowship and spent two years photographing the diverse cultural history of Trinidad as seen through its religious sites, landscapes, people and their homes.

Gallery has received numerous awards and his work has been widely published in books and magazines such as Esquire, The New York Times and Mother Jones. His photographs have been exhibited throughout the world and are in major private and public collections such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, George Eastman House, New Orleans Museum of

Saul I. Stern Cultural Series opens its 23rd season

he Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Collier County, is proud to open the 23rd season of the Saul I. Stern Cultural Series.

The JCMI Board of Directors named the series for this devoted member of the synagogue, the Marco Island community and the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

Saul’s many contacts enabled him to bring outstanding events to the Cultural Series, including Senators, Governors and Ambassadors such as Dennis Ross.

On many occasions, he brought outstanding speakers to Federation events, including Ambassadors to and from Israel. In addition, Saul sponsored an annual tennis tournament in the name of his wife, Marcia, with the funds earmarked for local charities.

The series opens Saturday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m., with a presentation of Fiddler on the Roof by Ellen Katz.

The history and music of Fiddler as presented by Ellen Katz has brought audiences to their feet. She is a music educator and vocalist, and will make the background and music come alive.

On Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m., a chocolate fantasy comes to the series.

Art and American Express.

The exhibition sponsor is the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami.

Also on view Calen Bennett: Synagogues in Cuba, 2015 (Through December 11) Photographer Calen Bennett became familiar with Cuban culture early on through his synagogue community, Temple Judea in Miami, as well as the greater Jewish Cuban-American community of South Florida.

With relations between the United States and Cuba improving, Bennett saw an opportunity to travel to Cuba to document and expose its isolated and diminishing Jewish community. This pop-up photography exhibition depicts

Deborah Prinz, a retired rabbi, takes the audience through the religious history of chocolate. She has traveled the world on the trail of chocolate as she unravels religious connections in the early chocolate trade and shows how Jewish and other religious values influence chocolate today. Her book, On the Chocolate Trail, has mouth-watering recipes, tips for buying luscious chocolates and, believe it or not, a list of sweet chocolate museums around the world.

The book will be available for purchase.

On Saturday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m., the Naples Philharmonic Brass Quintet returns to the Cultural Series for its 11th year. The musicians are magical.

The music is both classic and modern.

Following the performance there will be a Viennese table, with an offering of home-baked traditional pastries, and a tasting served by Starbucks.

Patrons tickets are $75 for the series and include preferred seating. The series for JCMI members is $50, and $60 for nonmembers. Individual tickets are $20 for JCMI members and $25 for nonmembers. For more information and tickets, please call the JCMI office at 239.642.0800 or see the order form on page 15B.

Specializing in

• Mood Disorders • Addictions • Codependency • Anxiety Margot Escott has practiced psychotherapy in Naples for over 30 years and is known for her workshops on “The Healing Power of Humor & Play.”

Margot Escott, LCSW (Lic. # SW1708) Accepts BCBS & Medicare margotescott@mac.com • 239-434-6558 • www.margotescott.com

JEWS & BROADWAY Thursday, February 9 at 7:30pm Opera Naples 2408 Linwood Avenue, Naples

Rabbi Kanter presents We Jews On Broadway, a sing-along history of the American musical from the Gay ’90s operetta of Romberg & Friml… through Berlin, Kern, the Gershwins and Rodgers & Hart… to Sondheim, Mel Brooks and Kander & Ebb – the Broadway of today. $50.00 General seating • $75.00 Benefactor Preferred seating Event concludes with an elegant wine and dessert reception Tickets are available at naplesjewishcongregation.org or mail your check made out to Naples Jewish Congregation, along with your name, address and phone number, to: NJC, PO Box 111994, Naples FL 34108, Attn Tickets

BROADWAY & SOCIAL CHANGE Friday, February 10 at 7:30pm Unitarian Universalist Congregation 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples • Free admission!

Rabbi Kanter will be our guest at Shabbat services, and will trace the dominant role played by Jewish composers in Tin Pan Alley.

From Irving Berlin and George Gershwin to Jerome Kern and Billy Rose, these songs are musical companions to American history.

RABBI KENNETH K ANTER Rabbi Kenneth Kanter is a nationally known author and entertainer focusing on the Jewish influence on American popular music. Viewers have called his unique sing-along concert/ lecture events

“high-energy,” “inspiring,” “exhilirating,” ,” “an an absolutely superb night of entertainment and joy” and “the kind of event we will long remember.”

Events sponsored in part by

Jewish Federation

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION Shabbat services are held every Friday night at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples More information at 239-431-3858 or www.naplesjewishcongregation.org

W A R M • R E F O R M • A F F O R D A B L E • A D U LT

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Federation Star November 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

Evy Lipp PEOPLE OF THE BOOK Cultural Event Celebrating 13 years of bringing noted Jewish authors to our Federation members PROUDLY PRESENTS

SCOTT TUROW

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017 at 7:30PM Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples

NEW way to register for this event!

This event is open to all members of the Jewish Federation of Collier County. Become a member or renew your Federation membership today! A member is an “individual” who has made a contribution of $36 or more to the Federation’s Annual Campaign in his or her name.

Registration begins via EMAIL only on Tuesday, November 8.

XX If you are a member of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, please email Renee’ at rbialek@jewishnaples.org to reserve your ticket. Please include your full name in your email.

A confirmation email will be sent to you.

If you do not have access to email, please call Renee’ at 239.263.4205.

XX When we reach maximum capacity, a waiting list will begin. If you need to cancel your reservation, please email Renee’ so she can allow those on the waiting list to attend.

XXTickets will be mailed by February 1.

XX According to the By-Laws of the Federation, members are those individuals who make an annual gift of $36 or more to the 2016 and/or 2017 Annual Campaign.

XX If you have not made a donation to the Federation, please send your minimum donation of $36 – along with a written note that you would like to make a reservation – to JFCC, Attn: Renee’, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Ste. 2201, Naples, FL 34109.

Scott Turow is the author of ten bestselling works of fiction including Innocent, Presumed Innocent and The Burden of Proof, and two non-fiction books including One L, about his experience as a law student.

Turow’s books have been translated into more than 40 languages, and more than 30 million copies have been sold worldwide. He frequently contributes essays and op-ed pieces to publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker and The Atlantic.

Several films have been based on his books: Presumed Innocent, Reversible Errors, The Burden of Proof and Innocent.

Turow was born in Chicago to a family of Russian Jewish descent.

He attended New Trier High School, Amherst College and Harvard Law School. He was also a Creative Writing Fellow at Stanford.

Gulfshore Playhouse’s exciting 2016-17 Season For more information on these productions, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

T

he 2016-2017 season of Naples’ Premiere Professional Theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse, features six full-scale productions – including a delightful mix of comedies, dramas, and a world-premiere play produced exclusively for its ever-growing Naples audiences.

Starting off the season is Constellations by Nick Payne, running October 6 through October 30. Constellations, described by Variety as “short and sweet and strangely haunting,” follows Marianne and Roland’s relationship as it unfolds across time and space in a series

of breathtaking vignettes. This production stars Gulfshore Playhouse veterans Cody Nickell and Kate Eastwood Norris, and is directed by Barrymore Award-Winner Matt Pfeiffer.

Next up, My Fair Lady with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music

by Frederick Loewe will run from November 12 through December 11. This beloved Tony Award-winning musical is being presented in a high-energy, truly theatrical 10-person, two-piano staging. The show is being directed by Producing Artistic Director Kristen Coury.

In the winter of 2017, Gulf-

hopelessness, and faith where she least expects it.

Sure to be the biggest crowd pleaser of the season, Steven Canny and John Nicholson’s howling rendition of Arthur Conan Doyle’s seminal classic, The Hound of the Baskervilles, will take the stage from February 11 through March 12. As three incredible actors juggle all 14 roles, egos collide and hijinks ensue in this energetic and “barking spoof” of

shore Playhouse will be mounting its third world premiere production, Do This, written by Karen Siff Exkorn, directed by Tony Award-nominee Sheryl Kaller, and presented by special arrangement with Broadway Producer Ken Davenport of Davenport Theatrical Enterprises, Inc. Do This, a one-woman tour-de-force, is the universal story of a mother who finds hope in the face of

ever is The Christians by Lucas Hnath, which will run April 29 through May 21.

The New York Times called Lucas Hnath “one of the freshest playwriting voices to emerge in the past five years or so.”

Audiences will find this to be true in The Christians, a play about the pastor of a church who announces a revelation to his congregation that shakes the very foundation the church is built upon. a famed tale. The Hound of the Baskervilles will be directed by acclaimed Pittsburgh Director Andrew Paul.

The penultimate production of the 2016-2017 season will be The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, which runs March 25 through April 15.

This divisive story of greed, humor, romance and mercy will be presented in a unique adaptation featuring nine extraordinary actors and a treasure trove of imagination. Gail Kern Paster, renowned Shakespeare scholar and Director emerita of the Folger Shakespeare Library, will act as consult on this production which is directed by Kristen Coury.

Completing what is sure to be Gulfshore Playhouse’s best season

2nd Annual

January 5 - March 13, 2017 • Preview Event December 13, 2016

12 Events • 20 Authors • 1 Mom

Presented by

Featured Event

Thursday, January 19, 2:00 - 3:30 pm at Hilton Naples • Topic: Inspiration $18 in advance / $25 at the door Rabbi Harold S. Kushner – Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life

As a congregational rabbi for half a century and the best-selling author of 12 books on faith, ethics and how to apply the timeless wisdom of religious thought to everyday challenges, Rabbi Harold S. Kushner has demonstrated time and again his understanding of the human spirit. In this compassionate new work, his most personal since When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Kushner relates how his time as a contemporary rabbi has shaped his senses of religion and morality. He elicits nine essential

lessons from the sum of his teaching, study and experience, offering a lifetime’s worth of spiritual food for thought, pragmatic advice, inspiration for a more fulfilling life, and strength for trying times.

Rabbi Harold S. Kushner is the rabbi laureate of Temple Israel in Natick, Massachusetts, having long served that congregation. He is best known as the author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People.

Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life is his 13th book.

Preview Event

Tuesday, December 13, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm at Hilton Naples • Topic: Relationships $36 / No tickets sold after December 9 – Lunch included Author Kate Siegel with her mom, Kim Friedman – Mother, Can You Not?

Kim Friedman and Kate Siegel

There is nothing more wonderful than a mother’s love.

There is also nothing more annoying. Who else can proudly insist that you’re perfect while simultaneously making you question every career, fashion and relationship decision you have ever made? No one understands the delicate mother-daughter dynamic better than Kate Siegel and her own mother, who drove her so crazy that she decided to broadcast their hilarious conversations on Instagram. Soon, hundreds of thousands of people were following their daily text exchanges, eager to see what outrageous thing Kate’s mom would say next. Now, in Mother, Can You Not?, Kate pays tribute to the woman who invented the concept of drone parenting. From embarrassing moments (like crashing Kate’s gynecological exams) to outrageous stories (like the time she made Kate steal a cat from the pound) to hilarious celebrations (including but not limited to parties for Kate’s menstrual cycles), Mother, Can you Not? lovingly lampoons the lengths to which our mothers will go to better our lives – even when it feels like they’re ruining them in the process.

Kate Siegel is a writer and a social media guru behind the Instagram account @CrazyJewishMom. She has been featured on BuzzFeed, Elite Daily, The Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, Today.com, Vogue.com, in People Magazine, and on Nightline and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She previously served as an associate producer for Condé Nast Entertainment, overseeing digital video for Teen Vogue, Bon Appétit, The New Yorker Festival, Condé Nast Traveler and Self.

Kim Friedman is an Emmy-nominated director of primetime television, including Beverly Hills 90210, Star Trek Voyager, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Square Pegs and Lizzie McGuire. Kim is also a distinguished theater director, having received two Obie nominations in New York and two Los Angeles Drama Critics Awards. More recently, Kim moved back to the East Coast in an effort to more effectively nag her daughter.

Kate and Kim’s presentation includes mature content and language.

This event includes a preview of all Jewish Book Festival events, with drawings for tickets, books and more!

Special Events

Thursday, January 5, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm at Hilton Naples • Topic: Memoir $36 / No tickets sold after January 2 – Lunch included Jesse Itzler – Living with a SEAL

In 2011, former rapper and millionaire businessman Jesse Itzler approached an accomplished Navy SEAL with this proposition: to move into Jesse’s family’s Manhattan apartment and train him for 31 days. The SEAL, widely considered “the toughest man on the planet,” agreed, but on one condition: Jesse would do everything he told him – and nothing was off the table. What ensued was a physical training regimen that included sleeping in a wooden chair, jumping into a frozen lake, and running miles wearing a 50-pound weighted vest, with training occurring at all hours of the day and night. At turns

hilarious (think The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air goes to boot camp) and insightful, Living with a SEAL tells the story of a fitness routine like no other – and the unlikely friendship it produced.

Jesse Itzler cofounded Marquis Jet, the world’s largest prepaid private jet flight card, before helping to pioneer the coconut water craze with Zico, acquired by The Coca-Cola Company. He is a former rapper and music producer. Jesse often can be found at the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks games, where he is an owner of the team. He is married to Spanx founder Sara Blakely; they have four children.

Monday, February 27, 9:00 - 11:30 am at Hilton Naples • Topic: Food $36 / No tickets sold after February 23 – Breakfast buffet included Ina Pinkney– Ina’s Kitchen

Ina Pinkney, the beloved Chicago restaurateur known affectionately as the Breakfast Queen, has been feeding people for over 30 years. When she closed her restaurant’s doors in 2013, it headlined news across the country. Now, the favorite dishes that thousands came to love at Ina’s are showcased in her new book. Ina’s Kitchen is part cookbook and part memoir, combining 39 of Ina’s favorite recipes with stories from her life, including her Jewish upbringing in Brooklyn, overcoming paralytic polio as a child, the intermarriage her parents disapproved of, and her mid-life choice to change careers and follow her dream.

From milestone moments and warm memories to the true trials of owning a restaurant, readers will gain a deeper understanding of Jewish cooking and hospitality. Ina’s Kitchen is a love letter to the

diners Ina has fed over the years. In it, she shares her wisdom with the same generosity – both of food and of spirit – that kept people coming back to her restaurant for decades.

Ina Pinkney was the chef and owner of INA’s and The Dessert Kitchen Ltd. catering. She has appeared on the Food Network’s Sweet Dreams and The Best Of, and on CNN’s The Turnaround. She has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Details, Chicago Tribune, Gourmet, Midwest Living, and trade and in-flight magazines.

Breakfast includes Ina’s Heavenly Hots – small, thin, sour cream pancakes that melt in your mouth. These were a mega hit for 22 years!

The following events with green banners are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. See the back of this 4-page pullout for the Order Form, Patron & Ticket Packages, venues and more.

Wednesday, January 11, 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Temple Shalom • Topic: Fiction Alyson Richman – The Velvet Hours

Ronald H. Balson – Karolina’s Twins

As Paris teeters on the edge of the German Occupation, a young French woman closes the door to her late grandmother’s treasure-filled apartment, unsure if she’ll ever return. Inspired by the true account of an abandoned Parisian apartment, Alyson Richman brings to life the stories of courtesan Marthe de Florian, her granddaughter Solange Beaugiron, and the unlikely relationship between two women who pursue freedom and independence during uncertain times. Solange and Marthe’s stories unfold like velvet itself, each stitched with their own shadow and light.

Alyson Richman is the international bestselling author of The Mask Carver’s Son, The Rhythm of Memory, The Last Van Gogh, The Lost Wife and The Garden of Letters. Her novels have been published in eighteen languages and have been bestsellers in several countries.

The Lost Wife is currently in development to become a major film.

From the author of Once We Were Brothers comes a saga inspired by the true events of a Holocaust survivor’s quest to fulfill a promise to return to Poland and find two sisters lost during the war. Karolina’s Twins is a tale of survival, love and resilience in more ways than one. As Lena recounts her story, Catherine herself also recognizes the unwavering importance of family as she prepares herself for the arrival of her unborn child. Through this association and many more, both Lena and Catherine begin to cherish the dogged ties that bind not only families and children, but the entirety of mankind.

Ronald H. Balson is a Chicago trial attorney, educator and writer.

His practice has taken him to several international venues. He is also the author of Saving Sophie and the international bestseller Once We Were Brothers.

Monday, January 23, 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Beth Tikvah • Topic: Holocaust Josh Aronson – Orchestra of Exiles

Robert P. Watson – The Nazi Titanic

As a teenager, violinist Bronislaw Huberman toured Europe and received invitations to play for royalty. But as an adult, witnessing the rising threat of Nazism, Huberman conceived of an ingenious crusade that would become his greatest legacy: forming the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, which would become the lauded Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Huberman arranged the safe passage of hundreds of Jewish musicians and their families out of Nazi-controlled territories.

His tireless campaigning for the project saved nearly one thousand Jews from the approaching Holocaust. Arranging for the great Arturo Toscanini to conduct the orchestra’s first concert, Huberman’s triumph of art over cruelty was heard around the world.

Josh Aronson is an Academy Award-nominated documentary and film writer, producer and director. He has worked with Showtime, PBS and others. His films have won awards at festivals all over the world. He is also a concert pianist and regularly plays chamber music in New York and at the Telluride Musicfest, the chamber music festival he founded in 2002 with his wife, violinist Maria Bachmann.

Built in 1927, the German ocean liner Cap Arcona was the greatest ship since the Titanic. When the Nazis seized control of the vessel, she was stripped down for use as a floating barracks and troop transport. Hitler’s minister, Joseph Goebbels, later cast her as a “star” in the epic propaganda film about the sinking of the legendary Titanic.

In the Third Reich’s final desperate days, the SS Cap Arcona was mistakenly bombed by the British Air Force, killing the concentration camp prisoners packed aboard. Although the British government sealed many documents pertaining to the ship’s sinking, Robert P. Watson has unearthed forgotten records and conducted many interviews. The Nazi Titanic is a riveting and astonishing story about an enigmatic ship that played a devastating role in World War II. Robert P. Watson is a historian and political commentator with 36 books to his name, including America’s First Crisis, which received a 2014 IPPY Gold Medal for history. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

Monday, January 30, 7:00 - 9:15 pm at Beth Tikvah • Topic: Sports/Sports Photography Gary Belsky – On the Origins of Sports

Gail Buckland – Who Shot Sports

Our passion for sports has started wars, emptied treasuries, ended marriages and set cities aflame. Sports fans regularly spend hundreds of dollars on tickets, devote entire weekends to watching games, and argue with colleagues over the greatest game and athlete of all time.

In On the Origins of Sports, award-winning editors Gary Belsky and Neil Fine set out to understand why and how sports have become so important to us. They gather the original rules, history and miscellany of the world’s 21 most popular sports. By taking readers back in history to learn the lore behind these sports, they give fans a new context for watching and competing in games.

Gary Belsky is a former editor-in-chief of ESPN The Magazine and current president of Elland Road Partners, a consulting firm specializing in editorial and content strategy. Belsky lectures and writes extensively on sports, decision-making and consumer behavior. A graduate of the University of Missouri in his native St. Louis, Belsky is an adjunct professor of journalism at New York University and a columnist for Money.com.

From the creator of Who Shot Rock & Roll, Who Shot Sports shows the range, cultural importance and aesthetics of sports photography through the work of 165 extraordinary photographers – some of them heralded, most of their names unknown.

Gail Buckland has written and collaborated on 12 books of photographic history. She is a former curator of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, a Benjamin Menschel Distinguished Professor at the Cooper Union, and a guest curator at many American museums. She lives in New York City and Warwick, New York.

Gail is the guest curator of Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History, 1843 to the Present at the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibit, which highlights sport photographers and their place in the history of photography, not merely sports history, runs through January 8, 2017. Gail was also the guest curator of the 2009 exhibition Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present.

Wednesday, February 8, 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Beth Tikvah • Topic: Memoir Judy Batalion– White Walls

Judy Batalion grew up in a house filled with piles of junk obsessively gathered by her hoarder mother. At the first chance, she escaped the clutter to create a new identity – made of order, regimen and clean white walls – until she found herself enmeshed in life’s biggest chaos: motherhood. Confronted with the daunting task of raising a daughter after her own dysfunctional childhood, Judy reflected on her upbringing and the lives of her mother and grandmother, both Holocaust survivors. What she discovered astonished her. The women in her family were more closely connected than she knew, and it was Judy’s bond with her mother that healed her old wounds. Judy explores navigating the messiness of motherhood and the indelible marks that mothers and daughters make on each other’s lives.

Judy Batalion was born in Montreal, studied at Harvard, and worked as a curator and comedian in London before settling in New York City. Her essays about parenting, relationships, religion and health have appeared in Vogue, The Washington Post, The Jerusalem Post, The Forward, Tablet, Cosmopolitan, Salon and other publications.

Noa Baum – A Land Twice Promised

Israeli storyteller Noa Baum grew up in Jerusalem in the shadow of ancestral traumas of the Holocaust and ongoing wars. Stories of the past and fear of annihilation in the wars of the 1960s through the ’80s shaped her perceptions and identity. In America, she met a Palestinian woman who had grown up under Israeli Occupation, and as they shared memories of war years in Jerusalem an unlikely friendship blossomed. A Land Twice Promised delves into the heart of one of the world’s most enduring and complex conflicts. Baum’s deeply personal memoir recounts her journey from girlhood in Israel to her adult encounter with “the other” with honesty, compassion and humor, capturing the drama of a nation at war and her discovery of humanity in the enemy.

Noa Baum is an award-winning storyteller who performs internationally. She acted with Jerusalem Khan Theater and studied theater at NYU and with Uta Hagen. Voted by the Washington Jewish Week as one of ten most interesting local Jews, she has lived in America since 1990.

Monday, February 20, 7:00 - 9:15 pm at Federation • Topic: Memoir - LGBTQ Julie Tarney – My Son Wears Heels

Steven Gaines – One of These Things First

When Julie Tarney’s only child Harry was two years old, he told her, “Inside my head I’m a girl.” It was 1992. The Internet was no help because there was no Internet, and bookstores had no literature for a mom scrambling to raise such an unconventional child. There were, however, mainstream experts whose theories mirrored a negative stereotype of Jewish mothers: a “sissy” boy would be gay because his mother was domineering. Lacking a positive role model of her own and fearful of being judged as a Jewish mother potentially messing up her kid, Julie embarked on an unexpected parenting journey that spanned 20 years before eventually drawing Julie to the realization that her son had known who he was all along. Her job was simply to get out of the way and let him be.

Julie Tarney is a former PR agency president from the Midwest who worked extensively with leading brands like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. She is now a writer, resource for parents raising gendercreative kids, and an advocate for LGBTQ youth. She is a blogger for The Huffington Post and board member for the It Gets Better Project.

One of These Things First is a wry and poignant reminiscence of a 15-year-old gay Jewish boy in Brooklyn in the early ’60s and his unexpected trajectory from a life behind a rack of dresses in his grandmother’s bra and girdle store to the halls of Payne Whitney among a captivating group of wealthy neurotics and Ivy League alcoholics who subtly begin to change him in unexpected ways. This rich cast of characters includes a famous Broadway producer who becomes his unlikely mentor, an elegant woman who claimed to be the ex-mistress of newly-elected president John F. Kennedy, a snooty, suicidal Harvard architect, and a seductive young Contessa. At the center of the story is a brilliant young psychiatrist who promises to cure a young boy of his homosexuality and give him the normalcy he so longs for.

Steven Gaines is the author of Philistines at the Hedgerow: Passion and Property in the Hamptons, The Sky’s the Limit: Passion and Property in Manhattan, and Simply Halston, a biography of the fashion designer, among other books. He is a former NPR radio host.

Thursday, March 2, 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Beth Tikvah • Debut Fiction Panel Victoria Kelly – Mrs. Houdini

Before escape artist Harry Houdini died, he vowed he would find a way to speak to his beloved wife, Bess, from beyond the grave, using a coded message known only to the two of them. When his widow begins seeing this code in seemingly impossible places, it becomes clear that Harry has an urgent message to convey. Unlocking the puzzle will set Bess on a course back through the pair’s extraordinary interfaith romance, which swept the illusionist and his bride from the beaches of Coney Island to the palaces of Budapest to the back lots of Hollywood. In surprising turns that weave through the dawn of the 20th century and into the dazzling 1920s, Mrs. Houdini is a thrilling tale that goes to the heart of one of history’s greatest love stories.

Jennifer Brown – Modern Girls

In 1935, Dottie Krasinsky is the epitome of the modern girl. A bookkeeper in Midtown Manhattan, Dottie has a steady beau, close girlfriends and an eye for fashion. Yet at heart, she is a dutiful Jewish daughter, living with her Yiddish-speaking parents on the Lower East Side. So when after a single careless night she is “in a family way” by a charismatic but unsuitable man, she is desperate – unwed, unsure and running out of options. After 20 years as a housewife and mother of five children, Dottie’s immigrant mother,

Rose, is itching to return to the social activism of her youth. With strikes and breadlines at home, National Socialism rising in Europe, and a brother unable to escape Poland, she knows there is more important work to be done than cooking and cleaning. Yet when she realizes that she, too, is pregnant, she struggles to reconcile her longings with her faith. Mother and daughter must confront their beliefs, the changing world, and the fact that their lives will never again be the same.

Martha Hall Kelly – Lilac Girls

New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate, but her world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939 with its sights set on France. An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. For the ambitious young German doctor Herta Oberheuser, an advertisement for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power. The lives of these women are set on a collision course when Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross continents as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten.

Monday, March 13, 1:00 - 3:30 pm at UUCGN • Topic: Humor Eric Golub – Jewish Lunacy

William Novak – Die Laughing

Jewish Lunacy is a lighthearted slice of Jewish life meant to bring all Jews together. It is a humorous spiritual journey that weaves love of Judaism with love of family in a story of trying to obey religious laws amid the secular temptations of the world around us. Whether liberal or conservative, secular or religious, Jewish Lunacy can unite all readers in laughter and purpose.

Eric Golub is a national author, speaker and comedian who has spoken in all 50 states. He speaks about politics, religion and everything else that should not be discussed. He is a former stockbrokerage and oil professional living in Los Angeles. He is single, to the chagrin of his loving parents, and proud of his Jewish heritage.

From the co-creator of The Big Book of Jewish Humor comes a laugh-out-loud collection of jokes and cartoons about growing older that deals with memory loss, long marriages, medicine, changes in sexuality, the afterlife and much more. Growing older can be unsettling and surprising, so what better way to deal with this new stage of life than to laugh about it? Die Laughing includes more than enough jokes (and a nice sprinkling of New Yorker cartoons) to let that laughter burst out.

William Novak is best known to Jewish audiences as the co-editor of The Big Book of Jewish Humor, a beloved collection of jokes, cartoons and stories that is still in print 35 years after its 1981 release.

Novak is also a successful ghostwriter who has served as the coauthor of the best-selling memoirs of Lee Iacocca, Tip O’Neill, Nancy Reagan, Oliver North, Magic Johnson, Tim Russert and Natan Sharansky.

Thursday, January 19, 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Federation • Topic: Holocaust Amy Kurzweil – Flying Couch: A Graphic Memoir Flying Couch tells the stories of three unforgettable women. Amy’s coming of age as a young Jewish artist weaves into the narrative of her mother, a therapist, and her Bubbe, a World War II survivor who escaped from the Warsaw Ghetto by disguising herself as a gentile.

Captivated by Bubbe’s story, Amy turns to her sketchbooks to preserve and record the past, teaching herself to draw as a way to cope with what she discovers. Entwining the voices and histories of these three women, Amy creates a portrait not only of what it means to be part of a

family, but also of how each generation bears the imprint of the past.

Flying Couch uses Bubbe’s real testimony to investigate the legacy of trauma, the magic of family stories, and the meaning of home.

Amy Kurzweil’s comics have appeared in The Huffington Post and The New Yorker. In 2013, she was the recipient of a Norman Mailer Fellowship. She teaches writing and comics at Parsons, The New School for Design and at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Free event with any ticket purchase (limited to the first 50 reservations).

For the events with more than one author, the order in which they present will be decided a few days prior to their event. If you’d like to know the order, please email fedstar18@gmail.com or call the Federation office at 239.263.4205.

Venues

Festival Sponsors

All locations are in Naples (area code 239): Special thanks to Beth Tikvah: 1459 Pine Ridge Road (434-1818) these organizations for Hilton Naples: 5111 Tamiami Trail N. (430-4900) providing space for the Jewish Federation: 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road (263-4205) Festival events.

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 Collier County Jewish Book Festival.

Book Sales

All of the Festival’s books will be on display on the second floor in the Barnes & Noble store at the Waterside Shops beginning in early October. 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 4-page pullout? Send an email to fedstar18@gmail.com.

Patron Receptions with Authors

Purchasers of the Patron Festival Package (see order form below) will be invited to at least two private author receptions. Currently, the following authors and dates are confirmed.

Additional dates and authors may be added. (Authors and dates are subject to change.) ¡ Alyson Richman and Ronald H. Balson: Wednesday, January 11, catered buffet lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (prior to their event) at Temple Shalom ¡ Rabbi Harold Kushner: Friday, January 20, afternoon tea/coffee and light snacks in a private home

Tickets are transferable

Consider purchasing a Patron Festival Package or Series Pass. Even if you can’t make it to all 12 events, you can gift your tickets to friends, colleagues and family members. Tickets make the perfect Chanukah gift.

Women’s Cultural Alliance

Authors appearing at the Collier County Jewish Book Festival are part of the Jewish Book Council Network.

Jewish Book Festival Committee

Coordinator: Ted Epstein Co-Chairs: Phil Jason, Robin Mintz, Susan Pittelman Carole Greene Ida Margolis Lee Henson Patti Boochever Dina Shein Irene Pomerantz Lenore Greenstein Steve Brazina Elaine Soffer Iris Shur Linda Smith Sue Bookbinder

Jewish Book Festival Ticket Order Form Patron Festival Package: Tickets to all 12 events $199 x ___ package(s) = total $_____ Bonuses: Includes reserved seat in front rows/tables at each event, invitations to two private author receptions (with food), and recognition in the Federation Star.

Series Pass: Tickets to all 12 events (a $182 value) $149 x ___ pass(es) Does NOT include Patron Festival Package bonuses.

Featured Event: Thursday, January 19 @ 2:00pm

Rabbi Harold S. Kushner

= total $_____

$18 x ___ = $_____ ($25 at the door)

Luncheons and Breakfast at the Hilton Naples: Tuesday, December 13 @ 11:30am Luncheon w/ Kate Siegel & Kim Friedman $36 x ___ = $_____ Please indicate choice of meal:  chicken  salmon  vegetarian

Thursday, January 5 @ 11:30am Monday, February 27 @ 9:00am

Luncheon with Jesse Itzler

$36 x ___ = $_____

Breakfast with Ina Pinkney

$36 x ___ = $_____

Please indicate choice of meal:  chicken  salmon  vegetarian

Events with more than one author (choose the Package or individual events):

7-Event Package: Tickets to all 7 events below (an $84 value) $56 x ___ = $_____ Wednesday, January 11 @ 1:00pm Monday, January 23 @ 1:00pm Monday, January 30 @ 7:00pm Wednesday, February 8 @ 1:00pm Monday, February 20 @ 7:00pm Thursday, March 2 @ 1:00pm Monday, March 13 @ 1:00pm

Alyson Richman & Ronald H. Balson Josh Aronson & Robert P. Watson Gary Belsky & Gail Buckland Judy Batalion & Noa Baum Julie Tarney & Steven Gaines J. Brown, V. Kelly, M. Hall Kelly Eric Golub & William Novak

$12 x ___ = $_____ ($15 at the door) $12 x ___ = $_____ “ $12 x ___ = $_____ “ $12 x ___ = $_____ “ $12 x ___ = $_____ “ $12 x ___ = $_____ “ $12 x ___ = $_____ “

Free event with any ticket purchase (limited to the first 50 reservations): Thursday, January 19 @ 7:00pm Amy Kurzweil # of tickets ___ (1 ticket per person) • Tickets will be mailed beginning in early December, or can be picked up at the events.

• Tickets ARE transferable and can be given to others.

• Open seating at all events. Front rows/tables 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 for multi-author events) is canceled and not rescheduled. For ticket packages, refund will be prorated.

• Tickets are NOT tax deductible.

• If a venue needs to be changed, ticket buyers will be notified.

• All events will take place in Naples.

YES! I’d love to attend the Jewish Book Festival!

I am purchasing tickets as indicated above for a total of $_______.  Please mail my tickets  I will pick up my tickets at the event(s)  Check enclosed (payable to Jewish Federation of Collier County)  Please charge my:  MasterCard  Visa  American Express Card #____________________________________ Exp. ____/____ ccv#_______ Name: _____________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________ ST: ______ Zip: ________________

2nd Annual

Mail in your order form today. Phone and walk-in orders (at the Federation office) will be taken beginning Wednesday, October 5.

Pick up your free Festival bookmark at the Federation office or the Naples Barnes & Noble.

Calendar of Events TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 • 11:30am - 2:00pm Relationships Kate Siegel, Mother, Can You Not? with Kate’s mom, Kim Friedman

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 • 11:30am - 2:00pm Memoir Jesse Itzler, Living with a SEAL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 • 1:00 - 3:30pm Fiction Alyson Richman, The Velvet Hours Ronald H. Balson, Karolina’s Twins

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 • 2:00 - 3:30pm Inspiration Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 • 7:00 - 8:30pm Jewish Identity Amy Kurzweil, Flying Couch - A Graphic Memoir

MONDAY, JANUARY 23 • 1:00 - 3:30pm Holocaust Josh Aronson, Orchestra of Exiles Robert P. Watson, The Nazi Titanic

MONDAY, JANUARY 30 • 7:00 - 9:15pm

presented by

Sports/Sports Photography Gary Belsky, On the Origins of Sports Gail Buckland, Who Shot Sports

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 • 1:00 - 3:30pm Memoir Judy Batalion, White Walls Noa Baum, A Land Twice Promised

4 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

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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.

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Fax this order form

Phone: ______________________ Email: ________________________________ with credit card info to 239.263.3813

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 • 7:00 - 9:15pm Memoir - LGBTQ Julie Tarney, My Son Wears Heels Steven Gaines, One of These Things First

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 • 9:00 - 11:30am Cooking/Food Ina Pinkney, Ina’s Kitchen

THURSDAY, MARCH 2 • 1:00 - 3:30pm Debut Fiction Panel Victoria Kelly, Mrs. Houdini Jennifer Brown, Modern Girls Martha Hall Kelly, Lilac Girls

MONDAY, MARCH 13 • 1:00 - 3:30pm Humor Eric Golub, Jewish Lunacy William Novak, Die Laughing

www.JewishBookFestival.org

November 2016 Federation Star

JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL

11B

Book reviews and author information 2nd in a series of 4 German luxury liner becomes the main character in a stunning Holocaust narrative Book review by Philip K. Jason, Jewish Book Festival Co-chair The Nazi Titanic by Robert P. Watson.

Da Capo Press. 292 pages.

Hardcover $25.99

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n award-winning historian and professor at Florida’s Lynn University, Boca Raton resident Robert P. Watson has sunk his scholarly teeth into a fascinating subject. His story involves the several careers of the German luxury passenger ship, the “Cap Arcona,” built in 1927 as a symbol of Germany’s return to prominence after its crushing defeat in World War I. Phil Jason The ocean liner ran routes to and from South America for many years, until the great Depression lessened demand.

Prof. Watson introduces the first career of the estimable floating grand hotel by backgrounding its design, presenting engaging information about the company that built it, and the premier cruise line that owned it. Whenever possible, the author gives us capsule biographies of those who had a hand in the planning, construction and operation of the ship. Indeed, his portraits of the major players in the ship’s checkered history bring life and personality to his otherwise inanimate subject.

Taken out of service and essentially mothballed through much of the 1930s, the later roles of the “Cap Arcona” are imbedded in Holocaust history.

To contextualize the ship’s wartime career, Prof. Watson offers a well-rounded treatment of the rise of Hitler’s Nazi regime, with its unparalleled publicity machine run by Joseph Goebbels that rationalized the persecution and destruction of Europe’s Jews.

Goebbels initiated a monumental pro-

paganda film that would symbolically attach the Third Reich’s destiny to the sinking of the “Titanic.” Indeed, Goebbels had by now become obsessed with filmmaking and had learned a lesson about subtle styles of propaganda by studying America’s wartime patriotic cinema.

With an enormous and ever-expanding budget, a prominent director and screenwriter, and strong support from Hitler, the project moved forward but finally collapsed under its own weight. The film debut of “Cap Arcona” as the title character “Titanic” revived the ship through restorative maintenance, a facelift and refurnishing. However, it was not officially released; few got to see the old girl’s performance. Prof. Watson provides a glimpse of maniacal Goebbels (Hitler’s propaganda minister), as well as of other players in the Nazi regime.

After its show business fiasco, “Cap Arcona” became a transport vessel – essentially a part of the German navy. It moved German soldiers and civilians from Baltic ports away from the onslaught of the Red Army. As Allied forces pressed upon the Nazis in 1945, Hitler’s stooges sought to hide evidence of the concentration and death camps, forcing tens of thousands

of half-dead prisoners, mostly Jews, onto floating concentrations camps – several ships in the Baltic Sea port at Lübeck Bay. Many of these prisoners came from the notorious Neuengamme concentration camp.

The plans may have been to sink the extremely overcrowded vessels, among them the “Cap Arcona.”

While the process of squeezing camp prisoners onto ships that were not provisioned to sustain them continued, another plan was developed by Swedish diplomat Count Folke Bernadotte.

Vice chairman of the Swedish Red Cross, this valiant humanitarian brought several of that organization’s hospital ships in and out of the southern Baltic to rescue concentration camp prisoners. In the confusion of conflicting Nazi orders, Bernadotte pressed Heinrich Himmler to allow access to concentrations camps, first to rescue Norwegians and Danes, but later other prisoners.

Bernadotte is a true hero, though not the only one treated by Prof. Watson.

April and May of 1945 were filled with good and bad news. Defeat of Nazi Germany did not diminish the horror of discovering the astounding number of dead and dying bodies in the various liberated camps. The Nazis failed, in the end, to hide their geno-

cidal atrocities.

British forces gained control over Germany’s Baltic coast. Typhoon fighter-bombers of the British Royal Air Force played an important role.

However, they also contributed to the swan song of the “Cap Arcona,” mistakenly bombing the ship shortly before Germany’s surrender.

Robert P. Watson’s study, revealing previously untold details of WWII and Holocaust history, is both enlightening and engaging. His portraits of survivors, Nazi officials, European politicians, ships’ captains, and other participants create a remarkable mosaic of the good and evil in human nature.

The book’s two appendices speculate on important questions: “Why Did the Nazis Load Prisoners on the Ship?” and “Did the RAF Know About the ‘Cap Arcona?’” Prof. Watson offers fine chapter notes and a large number of photographs.

This review first appeared in Florida Weekly and is reprinted by permission.

Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, Southern Literary Review, and other publications. Please visit Phil’s website at www.philjason.wordpress.com.

Monday, January 23, 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Beth Tikvah Robert P. Watson is a historian and political commentator with 36 books to his name, including America’s First Crisis, which received a 2014 IPPY Gold Medal for history. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

Appearing with Robert P. Watson will be Josh Aronson, author of Orchestra of Exiles.

This program is being generously sponsored by the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida.

Orchestra of Exiles by Josh Aronson Review by Steve Brazina, Jewish Book Festival committee member

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he acclaimed PBS documentary film Orchestra of Exiles is now a book.

This lively episodic re-creation of the life of the renowned Polish-born Jewish violinist, Bronislaw Huberman, who founded the Palestine Symphony Orchestra (later the Israel Philharmonic) and saved hundreds of lives from the Nazis, is a most inspiring book.

Written in a dialogue-rich format that reads like fiction, the book expands on the story of the film to chronicle the brilliant achievement of Bronislaw Huberman in bringing the best musi-

cians of Europe to Palestine in 1936.

The authors provide a rich historical context around Huberman’s extraordinary efforts to overcome huge obstacles while the dark clouds of Nazism were enfolding central Europe.

Born in Silesia to a tyrannical father who pushed his son to become the musical prodigy that the father could never be, Huberman grew up constantly practicing his violin. He was forced to leave home at an early age to study in Warsaw and then Berlin, and to perform onstage to support his family. At fourteen, he played the “Brahms Violin Concerto”

in Vienna, winning high praise from the composer. Instantly famous, he began touring all over the world.

As the world edged closer to World War II, Huberman did not share the Zionist dream of a Jewish state, believing fervently in Jewish assimilation into European culture. He joined the ranks of Sigmund Freud and Albert Einstein in calling for peace through the PanEuropean movement. When the rise of Nazism destroyed these hopes, Huberman began the crusade that became his greatest legacy – the creation of the Palestine Symphony Orchestra in

Monday, January 23, 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Beth Tikvah Josh Aronson is an Academy Award-nominated documentary and film writer, producer and director. He has worked with Showtime, PBS and others. His films have won awards at festivals all over the world. He is also a concert pianist and regularly plays chamber music in New York and at the Telluride Musicfest, the chamber music festival he founded in 2002 with his wife, violinist Maria Bachmann.

Appearing with Josh Aronson will be Robert P. Watson, author of The Nazi Titanic.

This program is being generously sponsored by the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida.

1936. Among his greatest achievements were the securing of hard-to-get entry certificates from the British Mandatory Government of Palestine in the face of opposition from Jewish Agency chairman David Ben-Gurion, and the securing of conductor Arturo Toscanini for the premier concert in Tel Aviv.

In brief chapters, Aronson and his co-author explore how Huberman’s obsession to create an orchestra in Palestine took hold, prompting him to travel to the U.S. and engage his friend Albert Einstein in fundraising efforts while delegating the work of finding auditoriums in Palestine. Running parallel with Huberman’s journey is the rise of Hitler and the moral collapse of musicians who could not stand against Nazi racial pressure.

This polished, quick-moving, and richly researched work of historical biography shows how unwavering faith and determination in one of the darkest periods of human history brought the pinnacle of European culture to Palestine. This effort planted the seeds that would sprout into the culture of Israel.

In doing so, Huberman fought the Nazis with the only weapon at his disposal and struck a major blow against hatred and intolerance for the Jewish people.

12B Federation Star November 2016

JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL

Collier County Jewish Book Festival: What’s new and different this year?

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By Ted Epstein, Jewish Book Festival Coordinator

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uilding on the success and excitement of the first annual Collier County Jewish Book Festival, the committee believes that the upcoming Festival will offer attendees an even better experience! Here’s why.

Event schedule and venues The events are spread out over three months unlike the first Festival’s tightlypacked three-week schedule. There are only two weeks with more than one event. We’ve also limited the number of evening events to two.

There will be four events at the Hilton Naples, in its beautiful grand ballroom. And the Hilton offers complimentary valet parking.

Rabbi Harold Kushner!

Our featured event this Festival is a presentation by Rabbi Harold Kushner, who only chose a few sites for his new book tour. We are fortunate to be one of those sites! Many of you have heard and

met Rabbi Kushner when he was our guest speaker at the Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event. In fact, he’s the only author who has been that event’s speaker on two occasions.

Author Receptions for Patrons We’ve already confirmed receptions with three of this year’s Festival authors.

Patron Festival Package buyers can attend a luncheon on Wednesday, January 11 at Temple Shalom with authors Ronald Balson and Alyson Richman prior to their presentation. And Patrons will be invited to an afternoon reception at a private home with Rabbi Harold Kushner on Friday, January 20.

Series Pass In addition to a Patron Festival Package, we’ve added a Series Pass. With this option, you get tickets to all 12 events (without the Patron benefits), for just $149. This is a $182 value!

Even if you can’t make it to all 12

events, the tickets are transferable and make great gifts for your friends, colleagues and family members. So if you can come to only eight programs, you can have your friends thank you for giving them tickets to hear the outstanding authors at the other four events!

7-Event Package for events that have two or three authors This option entitles you to hear 15 authors for the low price of $59. That’s less than $4 per author! And you can still buy additional tickets for Rabbi Kushner and the three meal events.

Free event With any ticket purchase you can also choose to attend the Thursday evening, January19 event with author Amy Kurzweil for free. This offer is limited to the first 50 reservations, so hurry and order your tickets today!

Three meal events We know how much our attendees love

to eat, so this year’s Festival has two luncheons and one breakfast event. In addition to hearing some fabulous authors and enjoying a meal beforehand, you’ll have plenty of time to socialize with your fellow book lovers.

Festival preview I know that 20 authors and 12 events are a lot to digest and choose from. So come to our preview event on Tuesday, December 13 at the Hilton Naples, and before you enjoy lunch and the presentation by author Kate Siegel and her mom, Kim Friedman, I’ll review all of this year’s Festival events in a fun and quick 20-minute preview. You’ll be able to follow along with a 12-page brochure that will be given to all attendees.

And I will also be giving away tickets and books. I hope to see you there!

For more information, please email me at fedstar18@gmail.com or call the Federation office at 239.263.4205.

On the Origins of Sports by Gary Belsky Review by Carole J Greene, Jewish Book Festival committee member

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f you are a true sports aficionado, the name John Sholto Douglas may be familiar to you. No? How about if I use his title: Marquess of Queensberry?

Aha! Now you recognize him as the man who published rules to govern boxing, guidelines generally in use today, some 150 years later.

Would you know the answer to this: What is the world’s most popular spectator sport? Even if you didn’t actually know, you might guess soccer – more often called football everywhere but in the U.S.A. I’ll give you that one. Now, what is the world’s second most popular spectator sport?

If you love sports and have often wondered about such arcane matters, On the Origins of Sports by Gary Belsky and Neil Fine should find its way to your coffee table. Their cleverness in selecting a title similar to that of Darwin’s book revealing his theories on survival of the fittest (somehow appropriate when talking about sports) hints at what you may find between the book’s covers.

You will discover original rules of your favorite games embellished by explanations of how those rules have changed – dare I say evolved? – over the years. A back-cover blurb tells us,

“It’s history, trivia, reference, and the fun of sports all in one.”

You can expect to read interesting stuff about baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and on and on. What may surprise you are chapters on Poker (a card game more frequently associated with gambling than with sports) and on Rock, Paper, Scissors. Did you know that The World Rock Paper Scissors Society was founded in the early 21st century “with the primary tongue-in-cheek goal of bringing order and rigor to RPS?” Somehow, Belsky and Fine discovered this organization and included its “Responsibility

Monday, January 30, 7:00 - 9:15 pm at Beth Tikvah Gary Belsky is a former editor-in-chief of ESPN The Magazine and current president of Elland Road Partners, a consulting firm specializing in editorial and content strategy. Belsky lectures and writes extensively on sports, decision-making and consumer behavior. A graduate of the University of Missouri in his native St. Louis, Belsky is an adjunct professor of journalism at New York University and a columnist for Money.com.

Appearing with Gary Belsky will be Gail Buckland, author of Who Shot Sports.

Code” (seriously) in the book. Find it on page 125.

Back to Poker for a moment. You may find it interesting that “Bohn’s Rules of 52-Card Poker” dates from 1856. They cover how to deal the cards, how the betting ensues, and the relative hand-value of the cards (one pair, two pairs, three of a kind, etc.). The spread on Poker includes “Handy Guide – Texas Hold ’Em Hole Card Nicknames.”

That should equip you to get more out of your binge-watching of The World Series of Poker. Hey – World Series? I guess Poker is a sport.

If you have ever wondered about sports objects other than balls, you will find a chapter devoted to the arrow, badminton shuttlecock, caber, curling stone, dart, discus and more. Not to be ignored are the rules for “Ultimate Frisbee.”

On the Origins of Sports is a quick, fun read that will provide you plenty of cocktail party conversation starters. Or stoppers. Keep in mind that many people revere their sports teams and pride themselves on knowing some obscure rules, so be careful how you share this book’s information.

OK, I won’t make you wait another second. The answer to my question?

Cricket.

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Who Shot Sports; A Photographic History, 1843 to the Present by Gail Buckland Review by Dina Shein, Jewish Book Festival committee member

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reat photos capture a moment and a feeling in us – exhilaration, frustration or triumph. A great sports photograph will let us see the athlete’s mastery of mind, body and soul against the odds, at times even defying the laws of gravity to do the impossible.

In Who Shot Sports, not only do we see famous photos, but we also learn about their photographers’ stories, from the professional to the amateur. The book is divided into eight themed chapters arranged by the craft of the photo.

“The Decisive Moment,” for example, explores the ways in which a photo is organized in order to give its subject power, grace and form. Other chapters include portraiture and vantage point, fans, off the field, and the Olympics.

After a brief introduction, each chapter presents vintage photographs along with bios of the photographers themselves. Gail Buckland writes with expertise on photography as an art form. Her analysis of individual photos is fascinating, giving the cultural, historical, and the aesthetics

of the photograph.

Photographer Roger Rige said that sports photography “defined the true character of the action and the sensitivity of the athlete.” We see that looking at a photo of diver Gregg Louganis hitting his head at the edge of the diving board at the Olympic Games, or Stanley Kubrick’s shot of Rocky Graziano looking over his shoulder in the gym shower.

Buckland compiled photos, both professional and amateur, that captured the iconic time and place. Buckland

Monday, January 30, 7:00 - 9:15 pm at Beth Tikvah Gail Buckland has written and collaborated on 12 books of photographic history. She is a former curator of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, a Benjamin Menschel Distinguished Professor at the Cooper Union, and a guest curator at many American museums. She lives in New York City and Warwick, New York.

Appearing with Gail Buckland will be Gary Belsky, author of On the Origins of Sports.

gives us an overview of the history of sports photographers. She also takes us around the world – from the pick-up street games, to Lothar Rübelt’s image of Jewish runners crossing a finish line in a 1921 contest, to shots of women in Mogadishu literally risking their lives to play basketball, banned in their country.

Charles Hoff’s images of the 1936 Berlin Olympics still arouse shock and awe, and Ernst Haas’ color images of bullfighting in the 1950s confirms it a bloody sport. Famous photographers abound: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, Danny Lyon, Walker Evans, Annie Leibovitz, Lewis Carroll and even Andy Warhol. Sports superstars Serena Williams, Magic Johnson, Derek Jeter, Roger Federer, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays, among many others jump off the pages. Buckland does not discriminate by sport, touching upon them all.

Who Shot Sports is an elegant survey of sports photography, its cultural importance, and the aesthetics of achieving body perfection. If you are a photography buff or sports fan, this sophisticated book is for you.

November 2016 Federation Star

ARTS & CULTURE

13B

Flying Couch by Amy Kurzweil Review by Carole J Greene, Jewish Book Festival committee member

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have never written a review of “a graphic memoir,” as this book’s sub-title describes it. To be perfectly candid, I had never read one before I came across Amy Kurzweil’s Flying Couch. It may be the first, but I doubt it will be the last I peruse of that genre, because I found it dually delightful. I had two chances to get Kurzweil’s points; if I missed something in the words, the illustrations often brought me clarity.

If the word “couch” conjures up visions of Freudian analysis, you’d be

right on target. The author’s book may be her attempt to analyze herself by weaving together the stories of three generations of women. As Amy comes into her own as a Jewish artist, she has to find a way to integrate her selfdiscoveries with the life of her therapist mother and the trauma of her Holocaustsurvivor grandmother. To quote from the back cover, “Captivated by Bubbe’s story, Amy turns to her sketchbooks, teaching herself to draw as a way to cope with what she discovers.”

The narrative intertwines several themes. One is Amy’s sojourn in Israel as a way to define herself within a Jewish context. A second finds her traveling to Germany with her mother, where they try to locate the mansion containing the small attic room where her mother lived as a child after being released from a displaced persons camp. A third motif explores the traumatic legacy of Bubbe’s World War II experiences in the Warsaw Ghetto, her escape, and her new life.

Thursday, January 19, 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Federation Amy Kurzweil’s comics have appeared in The Huffington Post and The New Yorker. In 2013, she was the recipient of a Norman Mailer Fellowship. She teaches writing and comics at Parsons, The New School for Design and at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Free event with any ticket purchase (limited to the first 50 reservations)

I found it endearing to look at the illustrations of Amy and her mother seat-belted into a taxi, having the kind of mother-daughter conversation women dread. Why is it that even the most “together” woman slips into her childhood persona when confronted with her “judgmental mother?” Is it because both are dealing with issues of leaving each other? The positioning of the two women in the illustration enhances the dialog between them. The combination of words and pictures is compelling.

Another favorite illustration is headed by the line: “My life doesn’t feel like a hero’s journey.” It depicts the child’s game “Chutes and Ladders,” this time showing such things as “find cheap furniture,” “bed bugs,” “adopt cat,” “get mugged,” “breakup,” “rejection, selfdoubt,” “get into grad school,” “death of cat,” “general disillusionment.” That page tells a whale of a story, the ups and downs of the author’s life.

If you come to this book, do so with a wide-open mind, receptive to the lessons inherent in how our memories and our families shape who we become, told in words and augmented with pictures.

The gem of Southwest Florida’s art events

By Les Slesnick

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oted as one of the top 100 art shows in America, Hot Works 18th bi-annual Estero Fine Art Show of Saturday-Sunday, November 19-20, will showcase up to 160 professional artists at Miromar Design Center.

Artists will be exhibiting and selling their artwork in all disciplines – painting, sculpture, clay, glass, digital, jewelry, wood, fiber, photography, mixed media and more. All work is original and personally handmade by the artists, who you can meet in their booths. The Estero Fine Art Show is juried by art professionals with 120+ combined years’ of art show and/or art education experience.

Criteria for selecting the artists are based on originality, technique/execution and booth appearance. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges.

For the very first time, Gail Markiewicz is one of the juried professional artists who will be at the show at Miromar Design Center. Markiewicz stated, “My work is a labor of my love to design and execute beautiful detailed art in the medium of clay. The extreme time devoted to each piece is not of any concern. My only focus is to produce the best art sculptural pieces I can.”

Markiewicz is a resident of Woodbridge, Connecticut, where she creates her art in a beautiful and spacious sunfilled studio bordering a wooded background. In the winter months, she lives in Boynton Beach, Florida, where she continues making her beautiful ceramic sculptures in the warm sunny weather of the south.

Additionally, Markiewicz said, “My inclination to be an artist began at a very early age. When my fourthgrade teacher asked each of us what we wanted to be when we grew up, I

Award-winner Gail Markiewicz at the 2015 Boca Raton Fine Art Show

answered without hesitation ‘an artist.’

As the years passed, my conviction only grew stronger, and it seemed that what had become a vocation was also an inner calling that I could not deviate from.

After having tried many sculptural

and carved pieces of clay and juxtaposed them into interesting positions, similar to that of a patchwork quilt. The shape of the vessel/sculpture must be strong.

Embellishing the surface is an invitation to your tactile sense – an invitation to caress. The coloring compliments the surface – both create the look of antiquity and futuristic dimension embodied in each vessel.”

Markiewicz further stated, “Patty Narozny, who produces the Hot Works shows, juries in the best artists from around the country. She runs art shows of pure talent. Her dedication to the arts is evident when you come to her shows.”

While at the art show, be sure to enjoy quality food from local area restaurants and great entertainment.

The Estero Fine Art Show is sponsored by Hot Works, a professionally produced fine art fair with a national reputation that focuses on quality and integrity. The Institute for the Arts & Education is Hot Works’ 501(c)(3) non-profit arm that focuses on visual arts, diversity, fostering art education among young students, and community enrichment.

Youth Art Competition As part of its commitment to bring art education into the community, the Youth Art Competition for students in grades

K-8 or ages 5-13 is integrated into the art fair. Sponsored by the Institute for the Arts & Education, students are invited to enter his/her original art that is publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend. The deadline to apply is Thursday, November 10. Applications for all Hot Works shows can be found at www.hotworks.org.

There is $250 in Budding Artist awards. Four winners will also receive a beautiful two-foot long gorgeous ribbon – the same size ribbon received by the professional artist award winners.

Youth Artist awards are announced on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. under the Youth Art tent. Everyone is welcome to join us!

Whether you’re a beginning collector or are adding to your existing collection, there will be something at the Estero Fine Art Show for you, and plenty of fine artists and crafters to help you along the way, always willing to discuss their art and their methods.

The Estero Fine Art Show is located at Miromar Design Center, off I-75 and exit #123/Corkscrew Road. Event hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. There is a $5 admission charge and plenty of free parking. More information can be found at www.hotworks.org. See Art, Love Art, Buy Art! See you there!

Stay connected at www.jewishnaples.org forms of art, I settled on making nonfunctional beautiful vessels.

“Probably the biggest link from the beginning of my work until now has been my love affair with textures and carvings. I have combined the textured

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

14B Federation Star November 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

Screening of No Asylum: The Untold Chapter of Anne Frank’s Story With special appearance by Dr. Jonathan Brent, Director of YIVO Institute of Jewish Research

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new award-winning documentary is bringing to light a vital story about one of history’s darkest times.

No Asylum: The Untold Chapter of Anne Frank’s Story explains how, in 2005, an archivist at New York’s YIVO Institute for Jewish Research discovered a number of letters written in 1941 by diarist Anne Frank’s father, Otto. Sent to relatives, friends and various government officials, these urgent communiqués describe Otto Frank’s desperate efforts to save his wife and daughters and escape Nazi-occupied Holland. They also show the failure of the world to respond to the plight of Jewish refugees.

Dr. Jonathan Brent, Executive Director of YIVO, will be coming from

Dr. Jonathan Brent

New York to Naples to give additional information regarding the letters and YIVO. In addition to his role at YIVO, Brent is an author, editor, media commentator and internationally-known lecturer. YIVO is dedicated to fostering knowledge of the ongoing story of Jewish life, with a focus on the history and culture of East European Jewry.

This event, which is sponsored by the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida and GenShoah SWFL, will take place on Tuesday, January 31 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples.

For reservations and information, email genshoahswfl@icloud.com. Donations are requested and appreciated.

See You At The Movies JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND IN COOPERATION WITH THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF COLLIER COUNTY PRESENTS THE SIDNEY R. HOFFMAN MEMORIAL

JJEWISH S FILM M FESTIVAL S 2016-2017 SHOWCASING THE NEWEST AND BEST AWARD-WINNING FILMS ON THE JEWISH CIRCUIT

Opening Day BENEATH THE HELMET Sunday afternoon, December 18, 2016

Film 2:00 PM

TO LIFE Sunday afternoon, January 15, 2017

Film 2:00 PM

DOUGH Sunday afternoon, February 19, 2017

Film 2:00 PM

Beneath the Helmet: From High School to the Home Front is a coming-of-age story which follows the journey of five Israeli high school graduates who are drafted into the army to defend their country. At the age of 18, away from their homes, families and friends they undergo a demanding, inspiring journey, revealing the core of who they are and who they want to be. Beneath the Helmet illustrates how these young men and women are defending not only their homes, but also the values of peace, equality, opportunity, democracy, religious tolerance and women women’s rights.

80 Minutes English English/Hebrew with subtitles Reception following the Film

Jonas, a young man on the run, arrives in Berlin just in time to save Ruth’s life. Evicted from her apartment, the sarcastic but warm-hearted aging Jewish cabaret singer saw no other way out than suicide. Meanwhile, Jonas, driven by a secret, is also fleeing from his love and his future. As Ruth recovers, she and Jonas form a deep bond informed by her own tragic love for a non-Jewish man in post-WWII Germany – a love burdened by the legacy of the horrors perpetrated by Nazi Germany. Jonas discovers Ruth’s past and the passionate, lusty Yiddish songs of her youth that help her find the way back to life. In turn, Ruth helps him find the strength to tackle his fears, and to propose “L’Chaim – To Life!”

86 Minutes German with Subtitles Reception following the Film

Curmudgeonly widower Nat Dayan clings to his way of life as a Kosher bakery shop owner in London’s East End. Understaffed, Nat reluctantly enlists the help of teenager Ayyash, who has a secret side gig selling marijuana to help his immigrant mother make ends meet. When Ayyash accidentally drops his stash into the dough, the challah starts flying off the shelves and an unlikely friendship forms between the old Jewish baker and his young Muslim apprentice. Dough is a warm hearted and humorous story about overcoming prejudice and finding redemption in unexpected place warm-hearted places.

94 Minutes English Reception following the Film

ABOUT EXECUTING EICHMANN Sunday afternoon, March 26, 2017 Film 2:00 PM

On December 15, 1961, Adolf Eichmann was sentenced to death for crimes against the Jewish people and against humanity. Eichmann played a central role in the mass deportation of Jews to Nazi extermination camps, and the judgement of the court was largely met favorably. But a group of Holocaust survivors and intellectuals, including Hannah Arendt, Hugo Bergmann, Martin Buber and Gershom Scholem called for Eichmann’s sentence to be commuted. By opposing Eichmann’s execution, they were defending the values of Judaism, and raised questions about Jewish morality, and the very nature of a Jewish State. About Executing Eichmann returns to the debate that was central to its era, and makes clear how relevant the issues continue to be today, and why we should revisit them.

60 Minutes English/Hebrew with subtitles Reception following the Film

All films will be shown at the Jewish Congregation, 991 Winterberry Drive ~ Marco Island

Clip and Mail ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Make checks payable to JCMI Jewish Film Festival, 991 Winterberry Drive ~ Marco Island, FL 34145-5426 Name___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________________________________________________________ Phone

SERIES TICKETS:

_____________ Patron @ $85

_____________ Regular @ $70

Individual Films: _____________ @ $25 each ___________________________________________________ (please specify film) AL L PRO G RAM S SUB J EC T TO CH AN G E W I TH O U T NO T I CE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE JCMI OFFICE AT (239) 642-0800

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November 2016 Federation Star

ARTS & CULTURE

Film, concert, lectures and more at Beth Tikvah

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or all events below, RSVP to bethtikvahnaples@icloud.com or call 239.434.1818. Events takes place at Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples.

Film: Wrestling Alligators: The New Seminole Wars, Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m.

James Billie is the charismatic, controversial leader of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, an alligator wrestler, a Grammy-nominated record artist, and the father of Indian gaming. He also sits at the head of one of the biggest gaming operations in the world. And you’ve never heard of him, until now.

The greatest change to happen to Native Americans in the last century is the creation of legalized gaming on Indian reservations, a revolution that has made self-reliance a reality for many tribes. James E. Billie, the man responsible for this revolution, took his people from welfare subsistence at the mercy of the federal government to being wealthy beyond their wildest imaginings. Now, faced with new battles, James and his tribe once again find their way of life challenged. (90 minutes. $5 donation suggested.)

Popular Music Concert with Night Train, Sunday, February 19, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

This dynamic 5-piece band will entertain with a program of ever-young ’50s and ’60s music. $25 per person brings the concert as well as scrumptious desserts and assorted beverages. RSVP to shelleygoodman@rogers.com and get your payment in as soon as possible.

Write “Night Train” on the line at the bottom of your check.

Beth Tikvah Winter Lecture Series (All at 7:30 p.m., light refreshments, $10 donation requested from nonmembers) Gerald Ziedenberg Lectures:  February 9: “The Jewish Banana King” is the story of a penniless immigrant who rose to become a billionaire, and in the process overthrew many Central American

governments, worked with the CIA, and helped found the State of Israel.  March 16: “The Right Wrong Man” explores the two trials of John (“Ivan”) Demjanjuk. In one he was convicted, but the conviction was turned aside and ruled a case of mistaken identity. In another, he was convicted of helping kill Jews at Sobibor.

Neil Adelman Lectures:  January 12: “Three Musical Subjects: Hatikvah, Jewish Themes in Opera, and Wagner in Israel”  March 23: “Song of Songs” Dr. June Sochen and Joyce Schrager Lectures:  January 17: “Where Are We Now? – Reviewing the Election and the Results”  February 14: “Jewish Women Entertainers” Scholar-in-Residence, March 10-12 Dr. Joel M. Hoffman focuses on bringing the Bible to life and is known for his “fresh insights and interpretations about religious life in the 21st century.” A popular speaker, he presents to churches, synagogues, community groups and university audiences across the world.

He holds a PhD in linguistics and has served on the faculties of Brandeis University and Hebrew Union College.

Dr. Hoffman is the chief translator for the popular 10-volume series My People’s Prayer Book (winner of the National Jewish Book Award) and My People’s Passover Haggadah. He is the author of the critically acclaimed In the Beginning: A Short History of the Hebrew Language (NYU Press). Writing under the pen-name “J.M. Hoffman,” he is the author of the thriller series The Warwick Files.

His latest book, The Bible Doesn’t Say That: 40 Biblical Mistranslations, Misconceptions, and Other Misunderstandings, will be available for sale at the synagogue.

The weekend schedule and titles of talks will be announced at a later date.

15B

WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT WORLD CLASS WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT ~ SOUND LIGHTING WORLD CLASS WORLD CLASS & ENTERTAINMENT ~ SOUND & LIGHTING SOUND & LIGHTING SHOW & DANCE PARTY BANDS ENTERTAINMENT ~ SOUND & LIGHTING ENTERTAINMENT ~ SOUND & LIGHTING SHOW & DANCE PARTY BANDS

& PARTY SHOW & DANCE DANCEPARTY PARTY BANDS BANDS SHOW SHOW & DANCE BANDS

N R G (dance band) N R G (dance band) NR band) RG G (dance (dance band) Hitsville USAN(Motown review) ~ Disco Divas Hitsville USA (Motown review) ~ Disco Divas Classic Rock ~ DJsreview) ~ Tribute Shows Hitsville USA (Motown ~ Divas Hitsville USA (Motown review) ~ Disco Disco Divas Classic Rock ~ DJs ~ Tribute Shows (big band) Peter Duchin Orchestra Classic Rock ~ DJs ~ Tribute Shows Classic Rock ~Orchestra DJs ~ Tribute (big Shows band) Peter Duchin (big band) Peter Duchin Orchestra (big band) (Israeli) Peter Duchin Orchestra Island Breeze (reggae) Simcha Island Breeze (reggae) Simcha (Israeli) Island Simcha Island Breeze Breeze (reggae) (reggae) Simcha (Israeli) (Israeli)

“They did a marvelous job… consummate professionals – “They did a marvelous job… consummate professionals – highly recommended.”

“They did a marvelous job… consummate professionals professionals – “They a marvelous consummate highly job… recommended.”

Elainedid L. Reed, Executive Director, Naples Historical Society – highly recommended.”

Elaine L. Reed, Executive Director, Naples Historical Society highly recommended.”

Elaine L. Reed, Executive Director, Naples Historical Society

Elaine L. Reed, Executive Director, Naples Historical Society “Your music added a professional touch. Our fundraising “Your music added professional touch.

Our fundraising revenue doubled this a year… you helped make it happen.”

“Your music added a professional touch.

Our fundraising “Your music added a professional touch.

Our fundraising revenue doubled this year… you helped make it happen.”

Marci Sanders, Shelter for you Abused Women & Children revenue doubled this year… helped make it Marci Sanders, Shelter foryou Abused Women & Children revenue doubled this year… helped make it happen.” happen.”

Marci Sanders, Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Marci Sanders, Shelter for Abused Women & Children ENTERTAINMENT DIRECT GLOBAL

ENTERTAINMENT DIRECT GLOBAL 239.514.7628 • info@edirectglobal.com ENTERTAINMENT DIRECT GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT DIRECT 239.514.7628 ~ info@edirectglobal.com ENTERTAINMENT DIRECT GLOBAL GLOBAL www.edirectglobal.com 239.514.7628 ~ info@edirectglobal.com 239.514.7628 ~ www.edirectglobal.com 239.514.7628 ~ info@edirectglobal.com info@edirectglobal.com www.edirectglobal.com www.edirectglobal.com www.edirectglobal.com

For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jewishnaples.org.

The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Collier County presents The 2017 Saul I. Stern Cultural Series – now in its 23nd year!



Saturday, January 21, 2017, 7:30 p.m.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – ITS HISTORY AND MUSIC: Ellen Katz of Baltimore, Maryland, is a presenter of super musicals-Broadway shows you love. A graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in music, one of her presentations is Fiddler on the Roof. With videos, live performance and colorful costumes, she tells the story of Fiddler’s creation, the fascinating history of the unforgettable music, with a performance

by Ellen Katz. She has received rave reviews at Chautauqua, Peabody Institute, FGCU and more.

Saturday, March 4, 2017, 7:30 p.m.

THE CHOCOLATE TRAIL: Retired Rabbi Deborah R. Prinz has spent the last decade studying the link between Jewish history and the history of chocolate. Her book, On The Chocolate Trail is in its third printing and will be available for purchase. She will weave the story of Jews and chocolate. The recipes in the book will be offered following the presentation. The evening will be a fantasy of chocolate.

Sunday, March 18, 2017, 7:30 p.m.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC BRASS QUINTET: For the 11th season performing at the Cultural Series, the Phil returns its outstanding musicians with a delightful variety of music and accompanying commentary.

A Viennese table and Starbucks tasting follow the program.

THE 2017 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: ____ $75 Patron, series ____ $50 Series for members ____ $60 Series for non-members ____ $20 Single tickets for members ____ $25 Single tickets for non-members ____ Enclosed is my check payable to JCMI

For those wishing single event tickets: # of tickets:____ Fiddler on the Roof # of tickets:____ The Chocolate Trail # of tickets:____ The Naples Philharmonic

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: ___________________________________________

16B Federation Star November 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

TICKETS ARE GOING FAST!

FEB-APRIL 2017 | SUNDAYS AT 7:30PM SUGDEN THEATRE | 701 5th AVE SOUTH FEBRUARY 26

ON THE MAP

This fast-moving and emotional documentary recounts the story of how the 1977 Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team toppled the four-time defending champions to bring the first European Cup to Israel at the height of the Cold War. Interviews and action combine to capture the spirit of a nation victorious against all odds.

Sponsored by Kaye Lifestyle Homes PASTRAMI TO PICKLES PARTY (for Patrons and Subcribers only) Sponsored by Abbie Joan Fine Living

MARCH 12

THE W O M E N ’ S B A L C O N Y

An accident during a bar mitzvah celebration leads to a gendered rift in a devout Orthodox community in Jerusalem. This rousing, good-hearted tale about women speaking truth to patriarchal power explores the power of religion to unite us as well as divide us.

Sponsored by Mondo Uomo Fine Menswear

MARCH 19

ON THE MAP

THE WOMEN’S BALCONY

T I M E T O S AY G O O D B Y E

Twelve-year-old Simon is dealing with a lot. Since his parents’ recent divorce, he shuttles between their two homes in Hamburg. The pull between his newly observant father and his liberal-minded mother is compounded when Simon falls in love with the new, female rabbi, and enlists his friends to help win her heart.

Sponsored by Wollman, Gehrke & Solomon, PA

APRIL 02

LAUGH LINES

A once in a lifetime gift leads to a crucial result. A young, contemplative woman carries the load of her family on her shoulders, while her grandmother senses her life coming to an end. Fate intervenes amongst lies and deception to grant one last chance of reprieve with an unexpected twist.

Sponsored by Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

JOIN THE 2017 FESTIVAL NOW! Secure your festival tickets by visiting our website or mailing this form with a check made payable to: Naples Jewish Film Festival 1459 Pine Ridge Road • Naples, FL 34109 Subscriber(s) / Patron(s) ___________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________________________________

LAUGH LINES

Address _________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________________________________

PATRON LEVELS Patrons are offered early entrace for priority seat selection o EXECUTIVE PRODUCER $1,500 • Six tickets to each of the four films o DIRECTOR $1,000 • Four tickets to each of the four films o FESTIVAL FRIEND $500 • Two tickets to each of the four films Plus PATRONS’ PARTY for Patrons only

sponsored by Mondo Uomo Fine Menswear

SUBSCRIBER LEVEL

o SUBSCRIBER $100 X ____

• One ticket to each of the four films

Single film tickets released January 15 if available Tickets mail February 5

PRESENTED BY

Jewish Federation OF COLLIER COUNTY

SPONSORED BY

NAPLESJEWISHFILMFESTIVAL.ORG

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239-434-1818