The Officers, Board of Trustees and Staff wish you
L’Shanah Tovah! 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 Women’s Cultural Alliance 5A Men’s Cultural Alliance 7A Community Focus 13A Jewish Interest 18A Tributes 19A Israel & the Jewish World 21A Business Directory 22A Rabbinical Reflections 24A Focus on Youth 26A Synagogues 28A Organizations 30A Community Calendar 31A Community Directory 3B Commentary
10A Inaugural “One Book, Southwest Florida”
Y September 2014 - Elul 5774 / Tishrei 5775 Y
Vol. 24 #1
Federation concludes search for new executive; Jeffrey Feld assumes duties on August 29 By Alvin Becker, Federation President
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fter a six-month national search, the Jewish Federation of Collier County has approved the selection of Jeffrey Feld as its new Executive Officer. Formerly of Memphis, Tennessee, where he served as Executive Director of that community’s Jewish Federation for 15 years, Jeffrey begins his duties in Naples on August 29. The following is an excerpt of the report of the Federation’s Search Committee in which it recommended Jeffrey’s selection: “The Search Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County has completed its search and is very pleased to unanimously recommend Mr. Jeffrey Feld to the Executive Committee of the Board. After a thorough and careful search, it was clear to the Committee that Jeffrey was an excellent match for the needs of our community, and that he has the skills and personal attributes which will bring our Federation to the next level. Jeffrey grew up in Pittsburgh,
tion received the national Sapir Award graduated from the University of twice for annual campaign accomplishPittsburgh, and received his Masters ments under Jeffrey’s leadership. from the University of Maryland. He Jeffrey developed a chose a career in Jewcommunity-wide strategic ish communal service plan and was a featured and worked in a numspeaker at numerous comber of venues: JCCs, munity events as well as summer camps, and serving as a key member of as Executive Director collaborative community of two Federations – efforts and committees. Savannah and MemHis community leadership phis. His numerous capability was a major achievements earned strength noted by his refhim many awards and erences. honors as well as leadIt is with great conership roles among Jeffrey Feld fidence and pleasure that his peers and in the the Committee introduces Jeffrey to forums of The Jewish Federations of the Collier County community.” North America. “We are absolutely delighted with Most notably, Jeffrey conducted Jeffrey’s selection,” said Alvin Becker, nine consecutive record-breaking anPresident of the Jewish Federation of nual campaigns for the Memphis Jewish Collier County, “and we look forward Federation where he served for 15 years. to Jeffrey and his wife, Susan, a college He also played an extensive role in obeducator, becoming part of our Naples taining significant endowment gifts for community.” the Foundation. The Memphis Federa-
“Am Echad” – One People 11A Israel solidarity rally at Naplies Pier
24A March of the Living experience
1B 15 things you didn’t know about the Iron Dome
A special message from Alvin Becker, Federation President
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ou’ve heard the joke a thousand times: “What do you get when you put three Jews together? ...four opinions.” Jewish people often hold different opinions on a whole range of social, political, economic and religious issues. But on one subject – the safety and welfare of fellow Jews – there are no differences of opinion but invariably a coming together. This unity was amply demonstrated in the response to the crisis precipitated by the launch of rockets against Israel in early July. Along with hundreds of other similarly-situated Federations, the Jewish Federation of Collier County was asked to support The Jewish Federations of North America’s STOP THE SIRENS initiatives on the ground in Israel. Working with our overseas partners the Jewish Agency, the JDC, and World ORT, Israeli children were moved out of harm’s way for respite in camps;
Jewish Federation of Collier County Inc. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109
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trauma counseling for the elderly and the disabled was offered; and meals for housebound seniors were delivered. In addition to counseling, other activities for children in the range of rockets were provided. Educational camps were offered and schools stayed open. In addition to notifying potential donors of the special campaign, this
Federation approved an Emergency Grant from its budget to the STOP THE SIRENS efforts. We are proud of our collaborative efforts which remind us that regardless of other sincerely-held differences of opinion, we are, after all…“Am Echad” – One People.