3 minute read
Commitment, continuity and legacy
Honoring Silver Circle members
By Paula Filler, 2025 Endowment Chair
More than 40 Silver Circle members were honored at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center last February for their support of Jewish Federations for 25 years or for their endowment at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Our Federation leadership recognized the individuals who have been the foundation of our community. Despite coming from so many different communities across the United States, we easily became friends and formed lasting bonds here in Greater Naples. It is through our shared values and deep commitment to Jewish Federations that our lives have intertwined.
This was an opportunity in which various members shared a bit of their journey of Jewish philanthropy. Joel and Susan Pittelman briefly described their experience as a young couple in Wisconsin and how Jewish Federation played such a vital role in their family’s life. Both have volunteered countless hours to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and are true community leaders.
Alan Gordon shared his experience as a young man on his first trip to Israel. Gordon was so impressed by the character of the Israeli people that he met, the sacred sites he visited and the history he observed that he wrote a journal about his experience. Through the years, despite several household moves he managed to save the original journal. Holding back tears, he read heartfelt passages describing the Israeli courage and strength he witnessed. Helene and Alan Gordon have supported Jewish Federations for much more than 25 years.
Jewish Federation of Greater Naples President and CEO Nammie Ichilov inspired us with the deeper meanings of the word silver for the Jewish people, sharing many ancient meanings of the word silver used in the bible. His closing reference was from Proverb 25:11, which left us all on a mission to inspire the next generation to continue the work ahead.
As Proverbs 25:11 tells us, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Your sustained commitment provides the setting and framework that holds our communities together. Like the artwork surrounding us today, your dedication creates something beautiful that inspires others to join in this sacred work.
