THE LAND OF MILK & HONEY
Presents
Savee thDate 05.19.24
“A TASTE OF ISRAEL” featuring the Spice Detective
JewishFederationLCC.org
ISRAELFEST 2024
Published by the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties
February 2024 / 5783 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 7 Community Focus 10 Jewish Interest 16 Commentary 20 From the Bimah 25 Focus on Youth 27 Temple News 31 Organizations 35 Community Directory
Community Campus Investigative Committee Forming Sign up to be involved in this committee that will investigate a potential joint community campus project. Page 9
11 Jewish Films; 29 Days Join us this month for the 28th Annual Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida. There’s something for everyone! Page 18
9701 Commerce Center Court Fort Myers, Florida 33908
JewishFederationLCC.org
Volume 46, Number 6
Security, Women’s Giving Circle and Film Festival month FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Debbie Sanford
W
hen I look back at the last two years and ahead to 2024, it is with great pride in the community we’re building together. Despite significant challenges, we have come together as a Jewish community to meet the needs of Jews locally, and globally. Through this, we have deepened our connections with each other. I want to thank each of you — our community’s leaders, supporters and champions — for your commitment, generosity, passion and energy.
Security
I’d like to give you a rundown on a few significant things that have taken place here recently. As discussed previously, we are strengthening our commitment to security after local bomb threats have breached our small and safe community of Southwest Florida. As I write this, the search is on for a new security advisor from SCN (Secure Community Network) who will work in our community for the next three years. We have the associated costs covered for the first year, that’s the POSTMASTER: DATED RELIGIOUS NEWS ITEMS. TIME SENSITIVE PLEASE EXPEDITE!
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID FT MYERS FL PERMIT 521
good news. The bad news is, we need these extra security precautions now more than ever. At the end of January, I am off to Tallahassee to meet with our Florida senators and representatives. I have been offered the opportunity to meet one on one and speak on our agenda, security and antisemitism. I will report back on this in the next month or so.
Each woman gets to vote and your vote helps to assist a Jewish organization that supports women and children. Our grant cycle will open in March, and funding will take place in September. Your funds are distributed to the organization the circle votes on. To be a part of our Women’s Giving Circle, please email me at debbiesanford@ jfedlcc.org
Women’s Giving Circle
If you can believe it, it is just about February when you receive this issue, which means film festival month. This may be the best lineup of films in many years. You don’t want to miss it! I want to personally thank the sponsors who support this festival year after year, and the many new sponsors this year. They afford us the ability to bring the best films to Southwest Florida. Thank you for your support! See you at the movies.
The Women’s Giving Circle Open House was productive, and we are off to a great start. To be a part of this circle, each woman contributes $360. The circle allows like-minded Jewish women of all ages an experience of collected giving and granting. Each member reviews grant requests from Jewish organizations around the world. As a group, each application is reviewed and discussed for funding.
It’s Film Festival month
VISIT THE FEDERATION ONLINE AT:
www.JewishFederationLCC.org Culture
Philanthropy
Social Services