What will 2025 bring?

Stan Alliker, President

We have just finished a year of unimagined antisemitism and war. We celebrated Chanukah and, more than ever, took to heart Peter Yarrow’s message to “Light One Candle” and not let the “light go out.”

At Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, we keep the light burning by continuing to serve as the only visible Jewish presence on Marco Island. We are a small, yet mighty group of congregants who provide a house of worship for our members and any who enter our synagogue while visiting our slice of paradise. We strive to be good neighbors and enjoy mutual respect and friendship with those who surround us. We donate food and participate in community drives for the needy.

Our devoted religious leaders, Rabbi Mark Gross and Cantorial Soloist Hari Jacobson, are valued members of the Marco Island and Naples clergy. We will never forget the show of support and solidarity following the Oct. 7 massacre, when many non-Jewish residents and clergy attended our Friday night service that week.

Our programming is always well received by the community at large. You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy Monday Night Bingo, the Jewish Film Festival, JCMI’s Concert Series, the Book Club, and/or the Chess Club. Our members have baked up a storm for the past two years to make Bubbe’s Bakery an unqualified success.

In addition to our weekly Friday night in-person and streaming religious services at 7:30 p.m., we offer the following upcoming events for February and March. For additional details and to purchase tickets, please visit the JCMI website: marcojcmi.com/flyers.

Weekly events

• Monday Night Bingo: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; first game at 7 p.m.

• Tuesday Chess Club: 9:30 a.m. for adults and students.

• Thursday Mah Jongg: 11 a.m.

Jewish Film Festival

• Sunday, Feb. 16: Jewish Film Festival, “Paul Newman: Behind Blue Eyes” at 2 p.m.

• Sunday, March 16: Jewish Film Festival, “America” at 2 p.m.

Lifelong Learning

• Sunday, Feb. 9: Rabbi Mark Gross’ Second-Sunday Lifelong Learning presentation, “King David … and why he matters,” at 9:30 a.m.

• Sunday, March 9: Rabbi Mark Gross’ Second-Sunday Lifelong Learning presentation, “The real Purim … much more than ‘kid stuff’” at 9:30 a.m.

2025 Concert Series

• Thursday, Feb. 20: Concert Series 2025: Andrea Bocelli Tribute at 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, Feb. 23: Concert Series 2025: Jon Stetson-America’s Master Mentalist at 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, March 16: Concert Series 2025: Bee Gees Now! at 7:30 p.m.

As 2025 unfolds, our hope at JCMI is to continue as we always have, by providing a center for Jewish worship, being a source of learning and entertainment for those around us, being a good neighbor, and keeping our light shining on Marco Island.