Federation Star - February 2026

www.JewishNaples.org Y February 2026 – Shevat/Adar 5786 Y Vol. 35 #6

Star

Greater Naples

OUR IMPACT We support Jews here, Israel, and overseas, as well as provide local programming that builds Jewish knowledge, identity, and community.

1.7

3,000

A SEASON OF STORIES ON THE BIG SCREEN The Naples Jewish Film Festival returns with powerful new films See Page 18 Pickleball Fun for a Great Cause! p. 20

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February 2026

Fed Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

Generation to Generation: Our Sacred Link in the Chain

By Nammie Ichilov, President & CEO

Nammie Ichilov Federation President & CEO

T

here's a beautiful teaching that opens the Talmudic section of Pirkei Avot that best summarizes my role over the last year in Naples: "Moses received the Torah at Sinai and transmitted it to Joshua, Joshua to the elders, the elders to the prophets, and the prophets transmitted it to the members of the Great Assembly." This opening line of the Ethics of our Fathers isn't just a historical record, it's a challenge.

It asks each of us: What kind of link are we in this unbroken chain of Jewish history?

In the Talmud, our sages debate vigorously, disagree passionately, and challenge each other relentlessly.

Yet they never considered breaking the chain. The school of Hillel and the school of Shammai argued about nearly everything, but they remained committed to the conversation itself.

As it says, "These and these are both

the words of Gd." Our community’s strength has never come from unanimous agreement; it comes from our willingness to stay connected even when we see things differently.

This past year, I have received feedback on my writings that would make any experienced Talmudic scholar smile. Too long. Too short. Too much Jewish content. Not enough Jewish content. Too much Federation focus.

Not enough about our programs. Like Goldilocks searching for the perfect porridge, we're a community who knows what we want, even if we don't always agree on what that is.

The Jewish people have survived for over 5,000 years not because we always agreed, but because we stayed in conversation. We argued, debated, questioned, and challenged, but we never walked away from each other. The chain held because each generation understood their sacred responsibility: to receive what was given to them and transmit it forward, adding their own wisdom along the way.

Our role at the Jewish Federation is to be that gathering place where

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the chain continues. Through the programs and events you'll find throughout this Fed Star, our educational offerings, cultural experiences, social connections, and community celebrations, we create spaces where the past meets the present. Where a 5,000-year-old conversation continues in a 21st-century community.

The medieval commentator Rashi teaches that every generation stands on the shoulders of those who came before. But I'd add this: every generation also extends their hands to those who come after. We are simultaneously receivers and transmitters, students and teachers, links in an eternal chain.

But here's the profound truth that Pirkei Avot teaches us: we cannot do this alone. Moses needed Joshua. Joshua needed the elders.

The prophets needed the Great Assembly. And we need each other.

The chain only works when each link holds firm and connects to the next.

So yes, some columns might feel too deep, others too shallow. Some programs might not be exactly what was hoped for. To paraphrase the great prophet, Goldilocks, we won't always get it "just right." But as long as we stay engaged, stay connected, and stay committed to the conversation, the chain remains unbroken.

When each of us engages in community programs, we are not just participating in an event, we are adding a unique link to the generational chain. When we engage in conversation about our community's direction, even when we disagree, we strengthen the connection. When we invest our time, energy, and resources in building Jewish life in Southwest Florida, we are ensuring that what was transmitted to us will be transmitted forward.

Because ultimately, we are Stronger Together. Not in spite of our differences, but because of them. Not when we always agree, but when we commit to the relationship even when we don't.

That's what it means to be a link in the chain, and what an honor it is to hold this link together.

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JEWISH FEDERATION

February 2026

Fed Star

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Shop with a Sheriff

By Alan Scher Zagier, Jewish Community Relations Council Director

Alan Scher Zagier JCRC Director

F

or more than a decade, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples has partnered with the Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) to help spread holiday cheer across our community through the annual Shop with a Sheriff program.

This donor-supported shopping event pairs CCSO deputies working as youth resource officers in local schools with children from those same schools, primarily in Golden Gate, enabling families in need to purchase Christmas presents, school supplies and even basic household supplies.

The 80 children created their own Walmart shopping lists and were each allotted $100 for themselves or their family members to use at the early

December event. Participants were then treated to frozen ice, pizza and of course, visits with Santa.

"When we invest in the whole community at large (not just the Jewish community), we become part of the fabric of the community," said Nammie Ichilov, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples President and CEO. As the program enters its second decade, we send our thanks to

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk and the Collier County Sheriff's Office for their continued partnership with Shop with a Sheriff.

OUR 33rd SEASON!

NAPLES COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA SEASON 2026

January 24 Mediterranean Mezza Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4, Op. 90 Castelnuovo-Tedesco Concerto for Two Guitars Rimsky-Korsakov Cappricio Espagnol, Op. 34

Artistic Director Dr. Alvin Ho

Upcoming Events: February 21, March 21, April 11 All concerts held at Moorings Presbyterian Church 791 Harbour Drive, Naples at 3:00pm Reception follows each concert

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February 2026

Fed Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

The Responsibility of Community

Greater Naples

By Debbie Laites & Phyllis Strome, 2026 Annual Community Campaign Co-chairs

C

ommunity. It’s a word we hear everywhere today. We all belong to one, whether we live in a high-rise by the beach, a gated golf community, a senior residence, or a quiet street lined with single-family homes. Our children and grandchildren grow up within school communities, from elementary classrooms to college campuses. Our rabbis speak often about the strength, responsibility, and meaning that community brings to our lives.

Community is far more than geography. It is the bond we share through common values, history, identity, and a commitment to caring for one another.

Published by

the support of many devoted community members — most notably Stephen Saks, for whom the entire campus is named.

Phyllis Strome

Debbie Laites

extraordinary space was made possible through the generosity of Stephen Iser, whose lead gift honors the memory of Nina Iser, along with

Now, it is our turn to ensure that the Center — and the community it represents — continues to flourish.

By investing in the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Annual Community Campaign, you help sustain and strengthen the programs, services, and connections that make our community thrive today and for generations to come.

Your Generosity at Work Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Overview

Strong balance sheet supporting today's needs and tomorrow's dreams

$29.2M Total Net Assets

The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples serves as a vital thread woven through the fabric of our broader community, connecting individuals, families, organizations, and essential services. Guided by a vision for the future, Federation helped bring to life the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center — a welcoming home for more than 12,000 Jewish residents throughout the greater Naples area.

The Center offers meeting rooms, classrooms, and event spaces where people can walk in, feel a sense of belonging, and celebrate Jewish life together.

From book festivals and film screenings to educational classes, family programs, and social gatherings, the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center has become a vibrant hub of Jewish connection and culture. This

67%

growth from FY24: Building a stronger foundation for our community's future

Programs & Services 73% $3.1M Directly Serving our Community

Development 16% 696K Building Sustainable Resources

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of Greater Naples

4720 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 239.263.4205 www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org Officers Chair: Nathaniel Ritter Immediate Past Chair: Jane Schiff Vice Chairs: Frank Baum, Rosalee Bogo, Robin Mintz Secretary: Marc Saperstein Treasurer: Steve Strome

Board of Directors Felicia Anchor, Myra Benedikt, Mark Blaskey, Joan Meltzer Blumkin, Marcia Cohodes, Max Deifik, Paula Filler, Judith Finer Freedman, Cheryl Ginsburg, Mia Hyatt, Larry Israelite, Steve Iser, Tammy Katz, James Knafo, Lisa Koppel, Elliot Lerner, Debbie Lurie, Darlene Muller, Joel Pittelman, Michael Rubenstein, Anne Schuchman, Arlene Sobol, Michael Sobol

Past Board Chairs Gerald Flagel, Dr. William Ettinger, Ann Jacobson (z’’l), Sheldon Starman, Bobbie Katz, Rosalee Bogo, Judge Norman Krivosha (z’’l), Alvin Becker (z’’l), Jane Schiff

Synagogue Representatives Stan Alliker, Cantor Donna Azu, Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Rabbi Ammos Chorny, Joshua Garfield, Rabbi Mendel Gordon, Rabbi Mendy Greenberg, Rabbi Mark Gross, Joseph Henson, Rabbi Howard Herman, Rabbi Adam Miller, Steve McCloskey, Rabbi James Perman, Dr. Arthur Seigel, Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

Staff

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$16.3M

Cash & Investments 330% increase from FY24, ensuring stability and responsiveness

How Every Dollar Works

Operations 11% $472K Maintaining Excellence

Star

If you have not yet made your pledge to the 2026 Annual Campaign, please consider doing so. To learn more or to get started, reach out to Alicia Feldman, Director of Development, at afeldman@jewishnaples.org. She will be happy to assist you.

The Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center has already enriched Jewish life in Naples in remarkable ways. Together, let us preserve, support, and grow this meaningful gift, ensuring a strong, vibrant community for the future.

Nammie Ichilov: President & CEO Jeffrey Feld: President & CEO Emeritus Eduardo Avila: Campaign Associate Melissa Barr: Business Development and Events Manager Reneé Bialek: Director of Programs Michelle Cunningham: Administrative Assistant Hailey Dalby: Jewish Youth & Family Programs Manager Alicia Feldman: Director of Development Kayde Jones: Director of Marketing & Communications Pat Pastorius: Facility Manager Anthony Clark: Facility Assistant Susan Spoerlein: Accounting Manager Alan Scher Zagier: JCRC Director Federation's mission is 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.

Programs include: • Annual Community Campaign • Celebrate Israel • Community-wide Hanukkah Celebration • Educational & Cultural Programs • Israel and Overseas Committee • Israel Scouts • Jewish Book Festival • Jewish Community Relations Council • Jewish Young Professionals/The Tribe • Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance • Men’s Cultural Alliance • Naples Jewish Film Festival • PJ Library & PJ Our Way • Publication of Fed Star and Connections magazine • Women’s Cultural Alliance • Women in Philanthropy • Youth Activities Committee – sponsoring youth education and scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and Israel Experiences

JEWISH FEDERATION

February 2026

Fed Star

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An Evening of Legacy, Leadership, and Gratitude Celebrating Our Major Gifts and Lion of Judah Community

By Rosalee Bogo, Vice Chair of Philanthropy

O

ne of the highlights of our season of activities is the Major Gifts and Lion of Judah event — an evening dedicated to honoring leadership, celebrating generosity, and expressing deep gratitude for the strength of our community. Held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, the event brings together committed donors whose philanthropy makes a lasting difference locally and throughout the Jewish world.

It is a meaningful celebration of appreciation for those who lead with heart, vision, and Rosalee Bogo responsibility.

The evening was enriched by our motivational speaker, Rabbi Daniel Cohn, an inspirational voice known for his humor, authenticity, and wisdom. Drawing from his newest books, What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy and The Secret of the Light, Rabbi Cohn spoke powerfully about leading a life of legacy. His message resonated deeply with our

Federation members, many of whom have established endowments that ensure a strong and sustainable future for our community. We are especially proud of this enduring commitment, led with care and purpose

by Paula Filler, Life & Legacy Endowment Chair, who guides this vital effort.

We also p ro ud ly acknowledged our 2026 Annual Community Campaign Patrons and highlighted the meaningful impact of campaign dollars.

Through this collective generosity, Jewish life in Naples remains vibrant and inclusive. Seniors are supported with dignity and connection, our youth are provided with enriching and meaningful experiences, and our community benefits from enhanced security efforts — ensuring that our buildings and communal spaces remain safe and welcoming for all.

Stuart and Jay Kaye & Stacey and Frank Baum The evening honored Stuart and Estelle Price as Honorary Chairs, recognizing their significant and farreaching commitment to our community. Their leadership and generosity have touched countless lives.

We are also grateful to our Event Chairs, Rosalee Bogo and Nat Ritter, along with the dedicated committee leadership of Debbie Laites and Phyllis Strome of the Annual

Ca m p a i g n Co m m i tte e , A n n e Schuchman of Lion of Judah, and Stephen Light of the King David Society. Finally, heartfelt appreciation was extended to our outstanding staff, whose dedication and professionalism make all our events possible. We look forward to welcoming you to future gatherings as we continue to build, celebrate, and sustain our remarkable community together.

POWER OF COMMUNITY CELEBRATION & ANNUAL MEETING Join us for a celebratory brunch in your honor, as we thank you for your support of the Annual Campaign Sunday, March 22, 2026, 1 - 3 p.m.

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Award Presentations:

Human Needs Award Patricia J Adkins Youth Leadership Award Power of Community Award Stand Up for Justice Award Heart of Community Award

Honorary Chairs Estelle and Stuart Price

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

Scan to Register or visit https://JFGN.regfox.com/pocc2026 Sponsorship opportunities available For more info, contact Melissa Barr, Business Development and Events Manager, mbarr@jewishnaples.org

In this moment, your support touches more lives than ever.

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Fed Star

February 2026

JEWISH FEDERATION

Power of the Pride A Month of Connection, Purpose, and Impact

By Anne Schuchman, 2026 Lion of Judah Chair

2026 Lion of Judah Service Project Benefiting Neve Michael & Youth Haven Wednesday, February 18 11:00AM Youth Haven 5867 Whitaker Road Naples, Florida 34112 Guest Speakers: Hava Levene, Director of Neve Michael, Israel Linda Goldfield, CEO Youth Haven, Naples Join us for a tour of Youth Haven, lunch on site, and a meaningful hands-on service project. Please wear comfortable shoes, as light walking is involved.

Donations will support birthday celebrations for the children of Neve Michael, where no dedicated funds currently exist to make these special days happen.

Would you like to purchase from the Amazon Birthday Box Wish List or make a monetary donation? Scan the QR code or visit JFGN.regfox.com/lionservice2026

Scan to Register and for more information

Lions on the Loose

Pin Polishing Event Wednesday, February 4, 2026 3 pm

Crown Jewelers 4412 Tamiami Trl N, Naples Lions from all communities are welcome Optional dinner to follow at Cibao Grill (at your own expense) 5:30 pm 814 Neapolitan Way, Naples Scan to register or visit jfgn.regfox.com/2026-lions-on-the-loose

M

y fellow Lions, as I Loose, chaired by Cheryl reflect on a month Ginsburg. This event is open filled with engagto all Lions — whether you ing and meaningful activiare a local donor or not ties, I am truly overwhelmed — and promises a relaxed with gratitude for your and social evening. We will continued participation gather at Crown Jewelers and support. It is because to polish our pins and enjoy of your involvement that time together, with an our collective efforts have optional dinner to follow at Anne Schuchman such depth and purpose.

Cibao Grill.

Together, you bring our mission to life in ways that inspire and uplift our Then, on February 18, we are proud entire community. to launch our first hands-on Service Project, thoughtfully chaired by Joan The Major Gifts and Lion of Judah Meltzer Blumkin. This meaningful Appreciation Reception was, as project will benefit Neve Michael in always, an exceptional event. It Israel as well as Youth Haven here in was wonderful to see so many of Naples, offering us a tangible way you celebrating philanthropy and to extend our care and compassion the powerful impact of our shared both locally and abroad. commitment. In addition, Women in Philanthropy Chair Felicia Anchor As a reminder of the strength of this curated a beautiful and engagremarkable group, Lions represent ing luncheon featuring speaker the largest donor base of Jewish Samantha Ettus, who inspired us all Federation of Greater Naples. With with her message to Bloom Where several new members joining us — You’re Planted. The warmth, insight, each warmly welcomed — we now and connection felt throughout the proudly number 148 local Lions. My room were truly special. heartfelt thanks go to our new Lion Cabinet and to every Lion for creatLooking ahead, February brings ing such an extraordinary support exciting new opportunities for consystem within our community. Your nection, creativity, and impact. On dedication, generosity, and spirit conFebruary 4, we are thrilled to introtinue to make a lasting difference. duce a new initiative, Lions on the

Arline R. Kaplan, PhD PSYCHOLOGIST, PRACTICING FOR 46 YEARS SPECIALIZING IN Recovery from grief and loss Relationship issues Anxiety and Depression OVER 40 YEARS OF PRIVATE PRACTICE PhD, Temple University, School of Psychoeducational Processes Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis Hahnemann University Hospital, Neuropsychology internship and fellowship Co-facilitator: Bereavement Group, Temple Shalom Synagogue, Naples PRIVATE OFFICE IN NORTH NAPLES The first step is the hardest. Reach out, contact me and we will work together to improve your life. I believe in the power of connection and the power of words, and you are welcome whether your issues are large or small.

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PLEASE HELP US BUILD COMMUNITY! Publishing the Fed Star would not be possible without our advertisers.

Please patronize our advertisers and tell them you saw their ad in the Fed Star.

February 2026

Fed Star

7

ADVERTORIAL

Lawn Care a Necessity Even During Dry Season in Southwest Florida

by Oscar Avila-Jimenez, Truly Nolen

I am excited to be debuting this month and look forward to sharing some helpful pest control tips in the future just like our awesome Business Manager Anna Wallace before me. Anna was promoted after several years as Operations Manager of our Naples service office, and I am delighted to follow in her footsteps for the second time!

I also wanted to share a little background information about me. I joined Truly Nolen as a Manager-inTraining in 2022. Prior to joining the company, I worked for another pest control company for three years as a branch manager.

In addition, I double majored and graduated with a degree in Finance and Business Management from the University of Tennessee. Prior to taking over as Naples Manager, I followed Anna as the manager of our Cape Coral service office in June 2022.

Moving on to this month’s topic: With nearly six more weeks of winter, our dry season continues, and many homeowners may be concerned for the yellowing of their lawns. Some of the issues we see this time of year include: • Brown Patch Fungus (cooler weather brings this fungus to light) • Winter burn causing your leaf tips to change color • Dormant Crabgrass • Winter Weeds Between these issues and knowing your lawn will begin to grow again once rainy season begins, you may want to start considering how to maintain a beautiful lawn. The key to any healthy lawn is healthy soil. The key to healthy soil is a healthy lawn.

It is a harsh reality that a beautiful lawn is like a chicken-and-the-egg riddle. As tricky as it sounds, there is a solution: getting your soil and grass to a place where they both help each other.

Rich and fertile soil has lots of microorganisms living in it like: • Bacteria: lawns can have both healthy and unhealthy bacteria for them, just like humans. While many bacteria need to be present for lawn soil to be healthy, there can be some harmful bacteria that will need to be identified and eradicated.

• Fungi: typically take up the most space underground of the lawn microorganisms. Like bacteria, there can be beneficial and harmful lawn fungi. Beneficial fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots.

Harmful fungi can cause diseases and devastate certain plants and grasses.

• Actinomycetes: assist with the breakdown of organic matter.

• Algae: tends to be beneficial for lawns because they generate their own energy through photosynthesis.

• Protozoa: single-celled organisms that decompose organic materials and consume many bacteria.

Just like humans need to have certain good bacteria to maintain their health, so does soil. Soil microorganisms are important because they cycle nutrients into the soil. Without them, any nutrients you put on your lawn wouldn’t be digested. It would be like taking a vitamin that your body couldn’t break down.

Lawns require certain essential nutrients to help the grass grow. The following nutrients contribute to the mineral composition of your soil and are beneficial to your grass.

• Nitrogen: is responsible for the green coloration of plants, which is necessary for photosynthesis to occur. It also helps plants produce chlorophyll, a basic catalyst for photosynthesis.

• Phosphorous: aids plants in growth and development. It is one of the essential macro elements necessary for plant growth.

• Potassium: helps your grass develop improved resistance to stress and harsh environmental condi tions. To improve the potassium concentration organically in your soil, you will need to implement mulching of grass clippings.

• Sulfur: improves the disease-resistance ability of your lawn grass by boosting its immune system against disease infestation. Production of amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, and other proteins are made possible by sulfur nutrients.

• Calcium: contributes to the structural development of your plant’s cell wall. It helps in developing the grasses’ support system for its vascular activities. A calcium-deficiency in the grass is characterized by weak lawn grasses looking bent or run over.

I am happy to tell you that your local Truly Nolen representative can provide you with a Grass Facts Sheet for your particular type of turf grass with tips on maintenance and proper care. In addition, we can do a comprehensive Lawn Analysis that allows us to identify current problems affecting the overall health and appearance of your lawn. We identify the zones of your lawn most susceptible to insect activity, weed intrusion and additional areas of concern. Special care is taken to audit your current maintenance approach and provide tips for maintenance based on the type of grass you have.

As a reminder, you can always request a FREE inspection by calling us or by visiting www.trulynolen.com and clicking “Schedule Free Inspection.”

(Oscar Avila-Jimenez is the Manager for Truly Nolen in Naples. His service office can be reached at (239) 643-2555. Founded in 1938, Tucson-based Truly Nolen of America (www.trulynolen.com) is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States. To learn more about our Lawn Care options, please visit https://www.trulynolen.com/lawn-care/ )

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8

Fed Star

February 2026

JEWISH FEDERATION

Money Matters & Legal Smarts Building Financial Confidence

By Paula Filler, Life & Legacy Endowment Chair

J

ewish Federation TOP with twenty-five years delegate this authority. Having legal of Greater Naples of experience.

Florida-specific documents readily together with our available for health care decisionendowment partner, TOP In plain language, the panel making, even if you are just visiting Jewish Foundation, conprovided examples of how Florida a few months a year, speeds ducted an exceptional consumers can better orgaup necessary care. The panel also program to provide pracnize all financial accounts addressed pre-retirement questions tical tips needed by all and assets to make the such as accessing social security benconsumers for managing best financial decisions; efits. What are the half dozen criteria their finances and legal described the tools that exist a consumer should use in modeling Paula Filler documents. Our audience to model the cost of livlearned the importance of being able ing to guide annual spending; and to easily access information whether how to make tax- smart decisions they are in Naples, a northern home in legacy planning. Our insurance or simply vacationing. expert provided insightful recommendations regarding an annual The esteemed panel of speakers review of all life insurance and included credentialed and highly long-term care policies. respected financial, legal and insurance experts: Michael Rubenstein, Everyone in the audience appreJD, MBA, LL.M, CTFA; Andrew Wolf, ciated the tips about the health Independent Insurance Advisor with care documents required when forty years of experience; and Jill a patient unexpectedly needs Michael Rubenstein Jill Hagler Hagler, Director of Philanthropy at care away from home and must

the various options for using social security benefits?

In addition, the panel answered questions regarding helpful ways to minimize taxes and maximize impact in creating a lasting legacy for children, heirs and the nonprofit organizations close to their hearts.

Please contact Alicia Feldman, Director of Development, at afeldman@JewishNaples.org, or Paula Filler, Life and Legacy Endowment Chair, at PaulaPFiller@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Rhonda Brazina Believes in “Paying It Forward”

By Sharon Stein, Life & Legacy Endowment Committee Member

I

t would be hard to attend moving to Columbus, Ohio. a Jewish event in Naples Together, they raised two without recognizing the daughters and shared a Brazina name. Rhonda and deep and enduring conSteve (z’l) Brazina were nection to Israel and their known for their generosity Jewish community. Steve of time, leadership, and first visited Israel as a teenresources in support of the ager in the 1950s, sparkJewish community. Today, ing a lifelong love for the Rhonda is ensuring that legcountry. Rhonda traveled Sharon Stein acy continues through the to Israel at age 20, and creation of a Lion of Judah Endowtogether they returned at least eight ment, which she describes simply and more times, reinforcing their strong powerfully as “Paying it forward.” This bond to Israel and its people. endowment will provide support to the Greater Naples community for While living in Columbus, Rhonda generations to come. and Steve were actively involved in organizations that included B’nai Rhonda’s commitment to Jewish life B’rith, Hadassah, Temple Israel, and began in her teenage years in BexJewish National Fund, serving on ley, Ohio, where she was active in boards and participating in leaderBBYO and her temple youth group. ship roles. After becoming snowbirds Steve, originally from Philadelphia, in Naples in 2002 and relocating met Rhonda on a blind date after full-time in 2009, their involvement

Fed Star Publication Policy Fed Star is a subsidized arm of JFGN. Its purpose and function is to publicize the activities and programs of Federation as well as ongoing activities of recognized Jewish organizations in Greater Naples.

The goal of JFGN is to reach out and unite all Jews of the Greater Naples area. While differing opinions and points of view exist on many issues of importance to Jews, Fed Star will confine itself to publishing only items that report the facts of actual events of concern to Jews and offer commentary that clearly intends to unite all Jews in a common purpose.

Critical or derogatory comments directed at individuals or

organizations will not be published.

To avoid misunderstandings, controversies and destructive divisions among our people, the Officers and Board of Trustees of 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.

only deepened. Steve was a founding member and first president of MCA, serving for four years, while Rhonda continued her leadership with Hadassah as a life member and Vice President of Education. They quickly formed close friendships and became integral to Naples’ Jewish life.

holidays and attending services with friends has made living in Naples feel like being with family.

Regular Columns: Regular columns shall be accepted only from leaders (Rabbis, Presidents, Chairs) of established and recognized Jewish organizations in Greater Naples and the designated chairs of the regular committees of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Special Announcements: Special announcements shall be accepted from established Jewish organizations in Greater Naples 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 shall have the right to appeal those rulings to the Officers and Board of Trustees of JFGN.

Rhonda traces her philanthropic values to her parents, who gave what they could to Jewish causes and encouraged others to do the same.

From her first gift to B’nai Steve passed away in B’rith to establishing her March 2022, but his legLion of Judah Endowacy lives on through iniment, Rhonda continues tiatives such as the MCA to model generosity and Brazina Film Series and leadership. She hopes to the Steve Brazina “Movies inspire future generaThat Matter” Film Series tions – especially women at the Holocaust Museum — to support Jewish life, and Education Center.

Israel, and philanthropy.

Rhonda Brazina Rhonda remains actively Through her commitengaged, finding meaning and conment, Rhonda honors her parents, nection through the community she remembers Steve, and continues to and Steve helped build. Although her make a lasting impact on the Naples children live elsewhere, celebrating Jewish community.

JEWISH FEDERATION

February 2026

Fed Star

Why Begin a King David Society at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples?

By Stephen Light, King David Society Chair

I live with a “Lion.”

My fiancée and best friend has been a devoted member of the Lion of Judah Society for nearly forty years.

Her commitment to this international community of philanthropic women is inspiring, and this year she has been asked to chair the Greater Naples Lions. When she first mentioned the “Lions” years ago, I’ll admit I had no idea what she was talking about. Once she explained, my curiosity quickly followed: What organization exists for the men who support their Lions — or who independently invest in their local Jewish Federations?

Stephen Light, King David Society Chair with fiancée Anne Schuchman, Lion of Judah Chair The answer, I learned, is the King David Society (KDS) — a donor recognition program established by the Jewish Federations of North America to honor men who demonstrate a sustained and meaningful commitment to their local Federation through major annual giving.

When we reviewed recent Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) campaigns, we identified a small but notable group of men who, either individually or together with their spouses, had already made qualifying gifts.

That discovery revealed fertile ground for launching a King David Society here in Greater Naples.

What makes these men remarkable is not only their capacity to give, but their motivation. They are driven by a deep commitment to philanthropy — supporting the Jewish community, Israel, and the many agencies and organizations that serve the broader Naples community and receive Federation allocations. Their generosity reflects values, responsibility, and vision.

Our inaugural King David Society gathering was a working lunch with our President and CEO, Nammie Ichilov.

During that meeting, Nammie shared his long-term vision for the Federation and invited candid discussion and feedback. As you might imagine, the conversation was spirited, thoughtful, and wide-ranging — so much so

that we exceeded our allotted time.

It was an energizing and meaningful first meeting.

The group included physicians, attorneys, financial professionals, and business leaders, each bringing distinct perspectives to the table. That diversity enriched the dialogue and, I believe, helped Nammie think even more deeply about strategic planning as he continues working with the Board of Directors to refine and advance future initiatives.

Membership in the King David Society offers both purpose and connection.

We are already planning our next small-group event and have scheduled another sit-down with our CEO. As we get to know one another better, programming will naturally evolve to reflect the varied interests of our members — strengthening engagement and impact.

There is also an immediate and meaningful benefit for families. Qualification for the King David Society potentially elevates a member’s spouse or significant other to the third tier of Lion of Judah membership, including the honor of placing a sapphire (or ruby for the second tier) in their Lion’s eye.

I hope to see several new “sapphire Lion’s eyes” in the months ahead.

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As we began the process of establishing KDS in Naples, we identified our Founding Members. Out of more than 700 contributors, just over ten families initially met the annual threshold of $20,000 through the annual campaign and/or Israel relief efforts.

Since then, that number has doubled, with many donors increasing or pledging to increase their support to qualify for membership.

I am deeply appreciative of these men and their commitment to the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. I am equally certain that the individuals and organizations who benefit from their generosity share that gratitude.

I recognize that there are countless worthy philanthropic causes and that requests for support are constant. Still, if you are able, I encourage you to consider membership in the King David Society and the lasting impact it represents.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about the King David Society, please contact Alicia Feldman, Director of Development, at afeldman@jewishnaples.org or 239-449-8266.

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Fed Star

February 2026

JEWISH FEDERATION

Stephen Saks Honored at TOP’s Community Appreciation Event

By Jill Hagler, Director of Philanthropy, TOP Jewish Foundation

2025-2026

Greater Naples

Jewish BOOK Festival Join us for the 11th Annual Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival

UPCOMING EVENTS: Tuesday, February 10 1 PM • $30

Family of Spies

by Christine Kuehn

Wednesday, February 25 1 PM • $30

Six Days in Bombay

T

OP Jewish Foundation (“TOP”) celebrated 45 years at its annual Community Appreciation Event in Naples on Wednesday, November 12 at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

partner with Mr. Saks in collaboration with Edward Wollman, Saks’ estate planning attorney, and Jeffrey Feld, President and CEO Emeritus of the JFGN,” said Ellen Weiss, TOP’s Executive Director.

In honor of its special anniThrough his gift, Saks Jill Hagler versary, the TOP Board ensures a very bright future established the Ner Tamid Award for JFGN. The PJ Library Program to recognize individuals who have at JFGN received $1 million of Saks’ demonstrated an exceptional comendowment gift to perpetuate this mitment to its mission of securing program, which brings valuable the future of our Jewish community Jewish books to young children in by using Jewish-inspired values, the Naples community, just as his innovative philanthropy, and extraown granddaughter had received in ordinary service. Philanthropist her childhood.

Stephen Saks was selected as the inaugural Ner Tamid Award honoree “TOP’s inaugural Ner Tamid Award in Naples. was an extremely well-deserved honor for Stephen Saks,” said Joel PitIn late 2024, Stephen Saks contribtelman, TOP’s Board of Trustee reputed an $11 million endowment to resenting Naples. “Ner Tamid means Jewish Federation of Greater Naples ‘Eternal Light,’ and the impact Steve (JFGN), the largest gift in its history. has had on our Naples Jewish comWith this gift, Saks’ legacy of “people munity will continue to shine brightly helping people” impacts countless for generations to come,” he added.

Jewish people in Naples and in the greater community.

To learn more about TOP Jewish Foundation, please contact Ellen “It was a distinct privilege for TOP Weiss, Executive Director, at to play a key role in securing the gift ellen@topjewishfoundation.org or and to serve as a trusted charitable 813-769-4785.

by Alka Joshi

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE EVENTS: 3..2..1…We’re on the Air

by Robert Steinfeld Friday, March 6 • 1 PM • $30

We Would Never

by Tova Mirvis Tuesday, March 17 • 1 PM • $30

Louis Graveraet Kaufman

by Ann Berman Monday, March 30 • 1 PM • $30

To become a Patron or to purchase individual tickets: jewishbookfestival.org

of Greater Naples

Joel Pittelman, Stephen Saks and Ellen Weiss

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Fed Star

February 2026

JEWISH FEDERATION

Reflections on Jewish-Russian Cultural Alliance Celebrations

By Marina Berkovich, Chair

O

h, what fun we have with our ex-compatriots!

On Sunday, December 28, nearly 60 people attended the JRCA “Late Hanukkah 2025-Early New Year 2026” celebration. From places as obscure as Ivanovo and Saratov in Russia to the famous ex-Soviet Jewish “shtetls” of Moscow, Kiev, Minsk, Tbilisi, and Riga, each attendee, including non-Jewish spouses and friends, carries a character stamp that is set to disappear forever in our ever-changing world: born in the USSR. With all due respect to anyone descended from the Jewish diaspora of the pre-Soviet era, and regardless of the expertise one may possess on the topic of Soviet Jewry, it is a uniquely cultural thing one can only understand by experiencing it firsthand.

As with the rest of the baby boomers, we are not getting younger.

After we are gone, no one will be there to impart our outlook on the system that bred us or the inexplicable nostalgia we experience for the very things that led to our decisions to immigrate in the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and as late as 2025. For most of us, vehement institutionalized antisemitism became an inextricable part of the experience.

Incurable and un-exterminable, the antisemitic disease that prevented our families from being Jews in the best sense of that word has now once more contaminated the world.

It spreads seemingly unchecked and uncontrollable, and we are fearful that it may be too late even now to stop it from destroying our future generations.

One attendee privately remarked, “So glad we got to live without it for at least 20 years. Never would have thought it possible in the 1960s.”

JRCA Hanukkah 2025

Marina and Alexander Papirov In the Bondi Beach massacre victims list, may all their memories be a blessing to everyone who knew them. We could not help but notice how many of the deceased were from the same group of former-USSRians, including a Holocaust survivor, a ten-year-old child of first-generation ex-Soviet parents, and a brave couple who attempted to do the impossible: stop the terrorists from more killing with their own bare hands.

Nearly half of the deceased were from the former Soviet Union, and while we mourn all the victims, our minds keep reflecting on the fate of escaping to a better life in the free world and dying by the Chanukiah at the Chabad celebration. The Australian tragedy hit all of us especially

Hanukkah latkes all gone hard because we are all either first, second, or third generation Holocaust survivors, as well as survivors of USSR antisemitism.

At times like these, as Jewish American minds wander back to the depictions of the Anatevka pogrom, as seen by Sholom Aleichem’s Tevye the Milkman, our ex-Soviet minds turn to our own tormentors inside Soviet schools, colleges, universities, workplaces, stores, and other places with their endless deficits, lines, accusations of Jews controlling or destroying this or that, the denial of our essence, and the cancellation of our ethnic and religious identity in an act of ultimate subjugation to the very system that sought to erase us.

Despite all we experienced and know, certain cultural quirks and that awful Russian accent that many people still refuse to comprehend (and some make bitter fun of,) unite us and draw us to one another like no other group in this Jewish Federation. We have built a wonderful community and support system. Our get-together meals are famous for homemade foods, like the abundance of latkes made with original family recipes, just as when food was scarce. They disappeared instantly, as if our hunger was never sated.

The next JRCA event is our Purim celebration on Sunday, March 8. Please register at JRCA@jewishnaples.org.

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Interfaith Marriage: Challenges Faced, Lessons Learned A Program offered by the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County

By Dean Garfinkel and Donna Poach

F

or individuals deeply committed to their faith, the very idea of interfaith marriage can often appear to conflict with their core beliefs.

In Judaism, interfaith marriage is no mere hypothetical concern. Recent research by the Pew Research Center highlights this trend: in 2020, 42% of all currently married Jewish respondents reported having a non-Jewish spouse — a rate higher by comparison to Catholics, Mormons, Protestants and the religiously unaffiliated.

When Orthodox Jews are excluded from these statistics, the interfaith marriage rate soars: per that 2020 study, 72% of Jews who married in the past decade entered into interfaith marriages.

On Sunday, February 22, at 2:30 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, we will renew our candid conversation on the topic of interfaith marriage, with a particular emphasis on Generations X, Y and Z — primarily those born between 1980 and 2000.

The discussion aims to explore how individuals from these generations maintain their religious adherence within the context of an interfaith marriage.

Among the questions we hope to explore in this guided conversation: • Can two distinct belief systems coexist harmoniously within a single household?

• Is it necessary for one partner's beliefs to take precedence over the others?

• Is it possible to raise children to believe in and practice two religions?

• Has the rising rate of interfaith marriages had a negative or positive effect on the practice of either faith?

• How has interfaith marriage influenced individual beliefs and religious practices?

• Does interfaith marriage represent an evolution in faith traditions, or is it a significant transformation?

• What impact has interfaith marriage had on relationships with family members, including parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family?

The conversation will be moderated by the two of us — Dean, a Jewish guy from Wanamassa, New Jersey, and Donna, a Catholic girl from Havertown, Pennsylvania (both born in the 1950s) as we share the ups and downs of our 14-year marriage and 30-year partnership.

Our panel will feature interfaith couples from subsequent generations, offering a range of perspectives on the subject. We invite you to join us for an engaging discussion on the diverse paths being forged by younger generations as they navigate the complexities of interfaith marriage. This important conversation will shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by couples and families in the context of differing faith traditions.

To register, visit https://jfgn.regfox. com/interfaith-marriage-a-candidconversation-feb-2026. Admission is free, but advance registration is requested. This program is offered as part of the work of the CatholicJewish Dialogue of Collier County.

“Nostra Aetate @ 60” Symposium Draws Hundreds

By Ginny Segaloff

O

n December 6, 2025, a panel of eight distinguished interfaith theologians, professors and clerics from across North America drew hundreds of Catholic College students at Ave Maria University to a groundbreaking symposium on Catholic-Jewish relations.

The following day, this esteemed panel drew another 100 Naples residents to the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center for the same program.

Hosted by the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County, the symposium explored the impact and legacy of Nostra Aetate (Latin for “In Our Time”).

The 1965 declaration by the Second Vatican Council transformed centuries of Catholic-Jewish relations with its calls for interfaith dialogue to promote a better understanding of each other’s faith — and firm repudiation of anti-Semitism and the charge that Jews were collectively guilty for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The mission of the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue, which was founded locally nearly 25 years ago, is to promote an understanding of their mutual and shared history and to advance acceptance of those differences and commonalities in a setting of respect, trust, faith, friendship and hope.

“Nostra Aetate stands as a profound revelation within the Catholic

Church,” said Bishop Frank Dewane of the Diocese of Venice, a panelist at the “Nostra Aetate @ 60” event.

“It reaffirmed a truth rooted deeply in Sacred Scripture — that the spiritual bond between Christians and the Jewish people is a shared heritage given by the God of Abraham, the God of Issac, the God of Jacob.”

Rabbi James Rudin, senior interreligious adviser for the American Jewish Committee, hailed the collaboration, calling the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County “a template of what an (interfaith) dialogue should be.”

needs to be done to teach the lessons of history.

Other panelists for the symposium were Matthew Tapie, director of the St. Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies; Rabbi Mark Gross, Jewish Congregation of Marco Island; attorney Martin Kaplan; theology professor T. Adam Van Wart, Ave Maria University; Rabbi Stephen Fuchs, Temple Beth Shalom

The following Diocese of Venice parishes provided financial support for the symposium: St. Agnes, St. John the Evangelist, St. Ann, San Marco, St. William and St. Peter the Apostle, with Jewish Federation of Greater Naples matching those funds.

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Rudin, a Fort Myers resident, is one of just a handful of rabbis to be awarded the Papal Knighthood of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, one of the highest honors to be conferred by the Catholic Church.

Listening to these distinguished experts and the reactions from the hundreds of audience members at both sites highlighted how far we have come in building a relationship of trust, respect, acceptance and friendship between our two faiths.

It also highlighted how much more work needs to be done. Just one week later, the terror attack in Australia as families gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, struck us in our hearts and souls and shook us to the realization that much more work

in Vero Beach; and Robert Ventresca, president, King’s University College, London, Ontario, Canada.

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13TH ANNUAL NAPLES JEW Presenting the best and brightest cinematic mome

ALL FILMS SHOWN AT THE NAPLES PLAYERS Sugden Community Theatre 701 5th Avenue South, Naples, Florida Complimentary Valet Parking on 4h Avenue South (behind the theater)

TAKE A LOOK AT TH

ONCE UPON MY MOTHER

THE RING

French Drama with English Subtitles, 102 mins

Israeli Drama, Hebrew/Hungarian with English Subtitles, 110 mins

MONDAY, January 26, 2026 • 7 PM

THE STAM

American Document

SUNDAY, Marc

MONDAY, February 2, 2026 • 7 PM Based on the bestselling autobiography, this exuberant and heart-rending film pays tribute to the love like no other - a mother's love for her child.

This film absolutely smashed the French box office, counting over 1.5 million admissions!

An impressive film that manages to surprise in the best way. Based on a true and deeply human story, this film touches on an important historical subject while intertwining a heartfelt family drama spanning three generations.

Become a Film Festival Patron!

“Seinfeld” producer Gary Gil stolen from victims of the Holo This real-life mission is part d and a small but powerful a

Following the film, NJF the film’s Producer an Crime- Dan Stu

Than

www.naplesjewishfilmfestival.com Patron Tickets and Season Passes are now for sale.

Individual Tickets for specific films will be available January 5, 2026.

Presented by: of Greater Naples

WISH FILM FESTIVAL 2026 nts from newly released Israeli and Jewish cinema.

BECOME A FILM FESTIVAL PATRON! www.naplesjewishfilmfestival.com PATRON TICKETS go on Sale NOVEMBER 24, 2025

HIS YEAR’S LINEUP:

MP THIEF

MIDAS MAN

THE SEA

tary, English, 103 mins

British Docudrama, English, 112 mins

ch 8, 2026 • 7 PM

MONDAY, March 16, 2026 • 7 PM

Israeli Drama, Arabic/Hebrew with English Subtitles, 93 mins

SUNDAY, March 22, 2026 • 7 PM

lbert seeks to recover stamps ocaust by a rogue Nazi officer. detective story, part heist film, act of historical reckoning.

FF is excited to present nd the film’s Partner in urman, for Q&A.

To kick off the night in style, the NJFF is thrilled to welcome a fantastic Beatles tribute band who will perform before the film begins!

The story of Epstein and The Beatles is brought to life with humor, drama, and passion throughout.

The film captures society as it was in the 1960s and the real sense of Epstein having found something truly special in the four Beatles.

ON STAGE AT

nks to our SPONSORS:

What makes this a special film is its courage to tell a deeply human story set against one of the most complex backdrops in the world. The story of an Palestinian 12-year-old boy from the West Bank who just wants to visit the Mediterranean sea with his classmates is complex and resonating.

This film gives space for both pain and resilience for differences and connections, which is why Israel chose it as its entry for the 2026 Oscars.

SENSORY BOOTH AVAILABLE

The film will open with short documentary A T N P A C A D Ethe MY PERFORMANCE T UE SDAY “Making Awareness.”

DEC. 9 The story of two Israeli We are grateful to these businesses and organizations s ur Yo ly al rtu street artists who spread Vi for their support of the 2019-20 Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival: Greater Naples THE KIZZIE THEATER THE KIZZIE THEATER awareness through their Jewish Book eFestival 2020-21 “Kidnapped from Israel” Celebrate the holidays with Little Women: The Musical.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s worldwide musical phenomenon poster campaign on the A timeless tale of love, family, and resilience following comes to life as the Jellicle cats sing, dance, and *As of October 13th NYC streets to aid in the March sisters’ inspiring journey. This cherished dream under the moonlight. Performed by the young classic reimagined as a musical is the perfect way artists of TNP Academy, this magical show is perfect omen’s the release of the to embrace the season! for the whole family. ultural October 7th hostages.

SHOW SPONSORED BY: 72 SEASON PRESENTED BY: lliance TIC

Jewish Book Festival Sponsors RELAXED PERFORMANCE

NOV 19-DEC 21

W C A

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DEC 06-DEC 15 Thank You to Our Sponsors* SPONSORED BY:

Business Supporters: SHOWTIMES: WED.-SAT. - 7:30 P.M. • SUNDAYS - 2 P.M. | TICKETS: $46-$57

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Following "The Sea," NJFF is excited to present the Director of "Making Awareness," Susan Wasserman, to talk about the story behind and making of her short film.

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Fed Star

February 2026

New York–style kosher deli favorites are back in Naples! Enjoy a classic deli box meal from Ben’s Kosher Deli while supporting the Temple Shalom Men’s Club.

Help us provide financial support for the community while enjoying excellent real delicatessen delights.

Pick-up will be in the parking lot of Temple Shalom on Sunday, February 22 between 11:30am - 1:00pm $35 PER BOX EACH BOX INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: Choice of one sandwich: Pastrami, Corned Beef, Turkey, or Roast Beef Choice of side: Round Potato Knish, Kasha Knish or Latke Potato salad, coleslaw, pickles and condiments For order forms, visit: TINYURL.COM/TSMC-DELI

JEWISH FEDERATION

Remembering Dr. Jaclynn Faffer z”l A Visionary Who Transformed Our Community

J

ewish Federation of Greater Naples mourns the loss of Dr. Jaclynn Faffer z”l , who passed away on December 14, 2025 at age 75. Dr. Faffer's remarkable journey with our community began in 2010 when she arrived in Naples to lead the Jewish Family and Children's Services department of the Jewish Federation.

What started as leadership of a small Jewish family services agency would become a transformative chapter in Southwest Florida's social services landscape. Under Dr. Faffer's visionary guidance, the department evolved to address a critical need she identified in our community: the growing population of isolated and underserved older adults. This strategic shift led to the department's renaming to Jewish Family and Community Services, marking a pivotal turning point that would ultimately define her legacy.

The department name change represented more than semantics — it signaled an intentional expansion of outreach into the broader Greater Naples community. While the department had always served beyond the Jewish community, Dr. Faffer's leadership catalyzed active engagement that eventually led to becoming independent from the Federation. This newly independent nonprofit would continue to grow and evolve, ultimately becoming the nationally recognized Baker Senior Center Naples that today serves over 1,400 members.

6? graduating in 202

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer Dr. Faffer brought more than 35 years of social work expertise to Naples, holding degrees from Tulane University and Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Her philosophy was simple yet profound: every person deserves dignity, connection, and the opportunity to thrive. A defining moment early in her career, witnessing a supervisor ensure a child could attend ballet with proper attire, not just tuition, shaped her lifelong commitment to comprehensive, compassionate care.

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples takes pride in having been the launching point for Dr. Faffer's transformative work in Collier County. Her vision, born within our Federation family, grew to touch thousands of lives across our entire community.

May her memory be a blessing.

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THE MISSI N APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 9, 2026

...of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is 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.

JEWISH FEDERATION

February 2026

Fed Star

17

Upcoming Events Reneé Bialek Director of Programs

A

nd the programming continues . . . February promises to be another activity-filled month for our Jewish community!

In the February Fed Star, you will read about the Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival, Naples Jewish

Film Festival, the Elliott Katz Winter Lecture Series, Israel and Overseas Paul & Sharon Stein Speaker Series, the Honorable Roy Altman’s presentation on Israel on Trial, The Day of Learning, and much more!

Look for the announcement of the

new Community-wide Women’s Health Symposium that will be held in April.

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is delighted to bring the community together for these wonderful events.

We are Stronger Together!

Bestselling Author Carol Kranowitz to Speak in Naples

By Susan M. Abrams M.A. CCC-SLP, Chair of Connections, Conversation & Coffee

C

arol Kranowitz — grandmother of five, former educator, and celebrated author whose books have sold more than one million copies worldwide — will share her expertise on engaging children in playful, movementbased sensory-motor activities.

Kranowitz is best known for her landmark Out-of-Sync series, including The Out-of-Sync Child and Good Times with Out-of-Sync Grandkids , which

have helped families and professionals better understand and support children with sensory processing differences.

Carol Kranowitz

Her groundbreaking book was A Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner in 2022, has sold more than 1 million copies since publication and has been translated into 15 languages.

She is also co-author, with Joye Newman, of the widely used In-Sync publications, such as Growing an In-Sync Child and the In-Sync Activity Cards.

On Friday, February 6, at 10:00 a.m., she will speak at the “Connections, Conversation & Coffee” event via Zoom, offering an accessible introduction to Sensory Processing Differences (SPD) and demonstrating fun, functional activities that families can easily incorporate into everyday routines.

From 10:45 to 11:30, there will be a small-group conversation for those attending in person.

You are invited to attend this special event, meet Carol, deepen your understanding of children’s sensory needs, and enjoy an engaging, interactive session designed for grandparents, parents, and caregivers alike.

Join us for this free program in person at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center or via Zoom: https://JFGN.regfox.com/ carol-kranowitz.

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Fed Star

February 2026

JEWISH FEDERATION

Lights Down. Films Up. The Naples Jewish Film Festival Rolls into February!

By Stacey Baum and Andy Mintz, Co-Chairs, Naples Jewish Film Festival Committee

T

he 13th Annual Naples Jewish Film Festival is in full swing at The Naples Players at the Sugden Community Theatre on 5th Avenue, and February’s featured film is nothing short of spectacular.

Determined to discover the truth behind his family’s past, he travels to Budapest with his estranged daughter in search of the ring, hoping it may once again bring the salvation it once did.

Up next is The Ring, on February 2 at 7 p.m. This blockbuster Israeli drama is already generating buzz well beyond Naples and appearing at top Jewish Film Festivals worldwide. The gripping true story stars Israeli favorite Adir Miller (The Matchmaker, Monkey House) under the direction of Doron and Yoav Paz (Plan A, The Golem).

A riveting, heartfelt drama based on a true story, The Ring keeps audiences leaning in from start to finish, with moments of warmth and unexpected humor along the way.

The Ring tells the remarkable journey of Arnon Noble, who was saved as an infant when his mother bribed a Hungarian Arrow Cross soldier with a cherished family ring. Now, decades later in Israel, Arnon’s world is shaken when his mother is hospitalized.

The Lineup Shines Bright

The Stamp Thief – A powerful American documentary featuring a special appearance by producer Dan Sturman, who will offer behind-thescenes insights. (Sunday, March 8) Midas Man – A British docudrama that brings the 1960s Beatles era vividly back to life. Expect nostalgia and rhythm in equal measure. (Monday, March 16)

ISRAEL ON TRIAL Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026 5:00 P.M. • Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center This free and highly relevant conversation is presented by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, MCA and WCA. Please register for this free program: jfgn.regfox.com/ roy-altman-2026

of Greater Naples

Honorable Roy K. Altman

The Sea – Our closing-night selection, an Oscar-nominated Israeli drama paired with Making Awareness, a moving short documentary about the October 7th hostage poster campaign.

Director Susan Wa s s m a n will join us to share her perspective. (Sunday, March 22)

Thank You!

The Naples Jewish Film Festival would not be possible without the generosity of our dedicated sponsors, partners, and supporters.

Their commitment allows us to bring world-class Jewish and international storytelling to Naples each year and to nurture a vibrant cultural community. We extend our heartfelt

thanks to all those who continue to make this festival thrive.

Don’t Miss Out

Whether you love films that make you laugh, cry, think — or all three at once — this season promises stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.

Tickets can be purchased and reserved online at NaplesJewishFilm Festival.com. We anticipate sellouts, and seating is limited, so purchase your tickets today!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook See you at The Movies!

Jews, Hollywood, and The American Dream A presentation by Andrew Douglas, Ph.D.

By Renee Bialek, Director of Programs

T

he Jewish identity of (BMFI), a nonprofit film the industry’s promicenter outside Philanent moguls was a delphia. Previously, he key ingredient in the way in was BMFI’s founding which Hollywood formed, director of educadeveloped, and flourished tion, having joined the in the first half of the 20th organization in July century. It is no coinci2005, four months dence that it was a small after its opening. The group of Eastern European programs he initiated immigrants (with names e d u c a te a p p rox i like Zukor and Mayer) and mately 5,000 students first-generation Americans of all ages about film Andrew Douglas (with names like Warner each year. and Cohn) who took the movies from being dismissed as a fad and a petty Dr. Douglas has given talks at Yale amusement to being hailed as a University and Johns Hopkins Univermajor art form and a mighty industry. sity and has written for Film International and the Historical Journal of Interested in learning how this came Film, Radio and Television, among to be? Join us Sunday, February 15 other publications. He has been used at 11:30 a.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish as an excuse for his grandmother Cultural Center. Dr. Douglas’ preto meet Robert Redford and was sentation is sponsored by Jewish dressed down by Harrison Ford, Federation of Greater Naples, Men’s whom Dr. Douglas still thinks is AmerCultural Alliance, and Women’s Culica’s greatest living leading man. tural Alliance.

You must register for this free proAndrew J. Douglas, Ph.D., is the depgram. Go to https://jfgn.regfox.com/ uty director at Bryn Mawr Film Institute jews-and-history-of-hollywood.

February 2026

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Israel on Trial featuring the Honorable Roy Altman

By Renee Bialek, Director of Programs

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he Honorable Roy K. Altman, United States District Court Judge, will be at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center on Wednesday, February 18, at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the topic of his soon-to-be published book, Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law. In an era shaped by viral slogans and curated outrage, Judge Altman will explain how to discern truth from propaganda as he addresses specific claims being made against Israel, including colonialism, apartheid, and genocide. In evaluating these claims, he will apply the courtroom-tested standards of burden of proof, corroboration, and chain of custody.

Through historical records, archaeological evidence, genetic data, and international law, Judge Altman will demonstrate what it means to demand proof —­and what’s at stake when we stop asking for it.

Judge Altman said, “My hope is that going forward my book will become a central part of the conversation, especially among young people, because it thoroughly explains why each of the primary claims against Israel is false as a matter of fact and law.”

Judge Altman’s book is not just a book about Israel. It’s a guide for anyone who believes facts still matter.

Honorable Roy K. Altman Judge Altman will also discuss the judges’ trips he has been leading to Israel and the importance of becoming an ally with our Christian fellow citizens in defense of the only Democracy in the Middle East.

Key takeaways from his talk will include: • How to evaluate modern political claims using legal reasoning • Why historical evidence still matters in present-day discourse • What international law actually says about occupation, apartheid, and genocide • How antisemitic tropes have evolved into mainstream talking points • A framework for intellectual integrity in an age of ideological warfare

Everyone is invited to attend. This free program is being brought to you by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Men’s Cultural Alliance, and Women’s Cultural Alliance. To register, go to https://JFGN.regfox.com/ roy-altman-2026. You may preorder Judge Altman’s book, Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law from Amazon. com. (It will be available April 14.)

Judge Altman received a BA from Columbia University, where he played quarterback on the football team and pitched for the baseball team — earning All-Ivy honors. Judge Altman received his JD from Yale Law School.

After law school, he clerked on the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals for the Honorable Stanley Marcus.

As a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami, Judge Altman twice received the Director of the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys’ Award for Superior Performance by a Federal Prosecutor. In 2013, he was named “Federal Prosecutor of the Year” by the Miami-Dade Chiefs of Police and the Law Enforcement

Officers’ Charitable Foundation.

In 2014, Judge Altman became a partner at the Miami law firm of Podhurst Orseck, where he represented victims of airplane crashes and bank fraud conspiracies.

IF YOU GO

Israel on Trial featuring the Honorable Roy Altman Wednesday, February 18, 5:00 p.m.

At the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Register: https://JFGN.regfox.com/ roy-altman-2026 This free program is brought to you by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Men’s Cultural Alliance, and Women’s Cultural Alliance.

Pre-order Judge Altman’s book, Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law from Amazon.com.

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February 2026

THE COMMUNITY-WIDE WOMEN’S HEALTH SYMPOSIUM

For Women...By Women

SPOTLIGHTING FEMALE PHYSICIANS SHARING THEIR EXPERTISE

Presented By

In collaboration with:

Sisterhood of Temple Shalom • Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties Women’s Cultural Alliance

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2026 1 PM - 4 PM

THE LOCATION WILL BE SENT TO REGISTRANTS ONE WEEK BEFORE THE EVENT YOU MAY ALSO ATTEND BY ZOOM.

THERE IS NO CHARGE TO ATTEND WATCH FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION QUESTIONS? EMAIL CLHCHAPTER@GMAIL.COM (ADDING ‘SYMPOSIUM’ IN THE SUBJECT LINE}

COLLABORATING • INFORMING • EMPOWERING

JEWISH FEDERATION

Inaugural Kosher Dill Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser set for March 10

By Bob Koppel, Kosher Dill Pickleball Tournament Chair

G

et ready to serve up some fun for a great cause! Spaces are filling quickly for the Inaugural Kosher Dill Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser on Tuesday, March 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Sports Challenge America, 28120 Race Track Road in Bonita Springs.

This exciting, co-ed event is open to players of all skill levels, from first timers to seasoned competitors.

Whether you’re coming to play, cheer, or to simply connect with the community, everyone is welcome.

Registration is just $54, making it an affordable and enjoyable way to support the cause while staying active.

Register Today

Secure your spot at https://jfgn. regfox.com/2026-kosher-dill-pickleball-tournament.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

We are also seeking sponsors to help make this event a success.

Sponsors will be recognized at the tournament. Support at every level is appreciated:

This is a great opportunity for individuals or businesses to show their support and gain visibility within the community.

Questions or More Information

For questions about registration or sponsorships, please contact Bob Koppel at potomacdad@gmail. com or Melissa Barr at mbarr@ jewishnaples.org.

Join us for a morning of friendly competition, community spirit, and pickleball fun. We look forward to seeing you on the court!

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

Jewish Federation OF GREATER NAPLES

PAID

l a r u g a n in the I

Naples, FL Permit No. 127

Temple Shalom 4630 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34119

Jo

The program is presented “In Conversation”

9701 Commerce Center Court * Fort Myers, Florida 33908 * Office: 239.481.4449

Women’s Life Cycle-

The second session will be a panel discussion about a Women’s Life Cycle” focusing on various aspects not all but such as: postpartum depression, IVF, perimenopause, menopause, anxiety and depression. This session has a different moderator and is a two (2) person panel - one doctor from NCH and Lee Health. The timing is 30 minutes for the panel and a Q & A to follow the same as above.

The third session will also be a panel discussion about the# 1 cause of Women’s Death and therefore also a health issue in women’s lives: the Heart. This session has a different moderator and is a two (2) person panel - one doctor from NCH and Lee Health. The structure and timing are the same as above.

e

kl

The first session will present a Keynote Speaker delivering Count Your Blessings... remarks about "Why Women are Special" for 20 +/- minutes with a Q & A to follow. She will explain why women's care has been different from men's care over time and it does lead to differences in treatment, although it is starting to change in recent years. Following the Q & A, a Break is set for standing up, stretching, taking a healthy snack which will be provided or using facilities.

Pic

Why Women are Special -

t

Kosher Dill

Program of the Day

Know Your Body-

• Platinum Sponsor: $500 • Gold Sponsor: $250 • Silver Sponsor: $100

JewishFederationLCC.org

Ba

en

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ll T o u r n

March 10, 2026

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sports Challenge America 28120 Race Track Rd, Bonita Springs, FL

Reserve your spot by March 4. Co-ed Event!

Medals & Prizes to be Awarded Registration Fee

$54/player

Sponsorship opportunities available.

Contact Melissa Barr at www.reallygreatsite.com mbarr@jewishnaples.org for details Scan to Register or visit jfgn.regfox.com/2026-kosher-dillpickle-ball-tournament-

JEWISH FEDERATION

February 2026

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The Queen of Cuisine Hosted by the Israel and Overseas Committee

By Myra Benedikt

O

n Monday, February 9 at 3 p.m., the Israel and Overseas Committee is pleased to welcome “Queen of Cuisine” Adeena Sussman for our next installment of the Sharon & Paul Stein IOC Speaker Series.

founder Candace Nelson, and ultimately, authoring her own cookbooks.

she lives in the shadow of that city’s Carmel Market (Shuk) with her husband, Jay Shofet.

Sussman's solo debut, Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors from My Israeli Kitchen, was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its accessible Myra Benedikt Adeena Sussman is a recipes. It was named a cookbook author, food writer and Best Fall 2019 cookbook by The New culinary expert celebrated for her York Times, Bon Appetit, and Food flavorful recipes inspired by Israeli & Wine. Her subsequent cookbook, cuisine. Born and raised in the San Shabbat: Recipes and Rituals from Francisco Bay Area, Sussman credMy Table to Yours went deeper into its her love of food and cooking to a the traditions and flavors of Shabchildhood spent in the kitchen with bat and was an immediate New York her mother.

Times bestseller. And her latest cookbook is called Zariz: 100 Easy, Breezy, After college, Sussman experienced Tel Aviv-y Recipes. firsthand the vibrancy of Israeli cuisine when she moved to Jerusalem, Adeena Sussman's contributions to taking a job in television production. the culinary world have made Israeli When she returned to New York, cuisine more visible and prolific. Her Sussman focused on food writing and landed a job at Gourmet. She then enrolled in The Institute of Culinary Education to further her expertise. This path led Sussman to co-authoring cookbooks with Chrissy Teigen and Sprinkles Cupcakes

In an interview for the Tel Aviv Review of Books, she was quoted as saying, “…because I view so many things through a culinary lens, the Shuk is a way for me to get an understanding of what daily life in Israel is like for people of different religions, colors and points of view. Recipes connect generations in Israel.”

IOC Presents: Technion History and Impact

Adeena Sussman passion for food, combined with her talent for storytelling and recipe development, continues to inspire home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

A lifelong visitor to Israel who has been writing about that country’s food culture for almost 20 years, Adeena moved to Tel Aviv in 2015, where

Please join us on February 9 at 3:00 p.m. for the fourth lecture in our Israel and Overseas Committee’s Paul and Sharon Stein Speaker Series. Adeena’s topic will be “Immigration Nation: Israeli’s diverse culinary life.”

The Queen of Cuisine/The Cook from the Shuk will delight you with her presentation!

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. To register for this event and the rest of the IOC Speaker Series, please visit https:// www.jewishnaples.org/israel-andoverseas-committee.

THE SUPERIOR CHOICE FOR COMMERCIAL CLEANING

By Alan Scher Zagier, Director, JCRC

O

n Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m., the Sharon and Paul Stein Israel and Overseas Speaker Series will host a special screening of the documentary film Technion 102 at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. The film explores the first 100 years of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.

Through the riveting story of this remarkable institution, the film offers a compelling lens on the history and development of the State of Israel.

It’s difficult to imagine today’s Israel, with its strong economy and scientific and technological achievements, without the Technion at its core.

How did the Technion develop from an inspired idea into a global powerhouse? From the pre-State era through war and nation-building to the modern day, the film highlights the triumphs and challenges faced by the students, faculty and supporters who built a university to power Israel.

engineering school into a scientific powerhouse that transformed Israel from an exporter of Jaffa oranges into the “Startup Nation,” and how it developed groundbreaking technologies critical to the country’s security.

Following the screening, you are invited to stay for a conversation with a pair of special guests: Uri Sivan, president of Technion – Israel Institute of Technology; and Lehi Zelnik-Manor, a Technion vice president and distinguished researcher and professor. The conversation will be moderated by Naples resident Steve Wishner, a member of the American Technion Society national board and of the Technion’s Board of Governors.

The conversation will be moderated

by Naples resident Steve Wishner, a member of the American Technion Society national board and of the Technion’s Board of Governors.

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This film showcases the Technion’s storied history as well as the unique and unparalleled impact the institution has had, and continues to have, on Israel.

Technion 102 reveals how the institution evolved from a vocational

This special screening offers a moment to come together around a story of resilience, innovation and hope. We look forward to seeing you there. To register, visit https:// www.jewishnaples.org/israel-andoverseas-committee.

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JEWISH FEDERATION jewishbookfestival.org

GREATER NAPLES JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL

Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival Thrives

By Robin Mintz, Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival Volunteer Chair

T

he pages are turning fast at the Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival, and what a story this season is becoming! Kicking off in December with an unforgettable evening featuring beloved author Mitch Albom, the festival continues to build momentum as we look ahead to an extraordinary lineup of February Robin Mintz a n d M a rc h events. The final chapter of this year’s Festival will be in April, with the much-anticipated book, Carole King, She Made the Earth Move, by Jane Eisner. This concluding event is

being exclusively sponsored by Gulfshore Playhouse.

2025-2026

Greater Naples

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, the festival has truly come alive. Every Jewish Book Festival event has been met with a full house and an unmistakable sense of connection. We are thrilled to share that our Patron sales have reached a celebration of both literature and capacity — a milestone that reflects community spirit. how deeply our community values stoIf you have reserved rytelling as well as Books do more than a spot but canbeing together. fill shelves; they fill not attend a specific event, please hearts and bring To everyone who contact Renee by has attended, volunpeople together. phone (239-263teered, sponsored 42 0 5 ) o r e m a i l — thank you! Your energy and enthu(rbialek@jewishnaples.org) so we siasm power the festival’s success can accommodate others who want and make every gathering feel like to attend. We would like to give

Jewish BOOK Festival

of Greater Naples

every reader an opportunity to attend our author presentations.

With a season that stretches through spring, the story of the Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival is far from over.

So, stay tuned, stay inspired and keep reading — there’s plenty more to celebrate in the chapters ahead!

I am looking forward to seeing you in February.

Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn Book Review

By Carole J. Greene

A

t 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 10, the Jewish Book Festival will welcome Christine Kuehn, author of the nonfiction book Family of Spies. Her presentation is sure to turn secrets into public knowledge and drama, suspicion into shock and consternation. In addition to being a fascinating revelation of family secrets, this book is also an excellent history of the lead-up to World War II. In 1994, Christine received a mysterious letter from an unknown person, return address, California. A screenwriter working on a script for a World War II movie requested information about her family and their involvement in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

What? He must have the wrong

Christine Kuehn. It was, after all, her maiden name. There. Mystery solved.

Then she started to recall things — snippets of conversations over the years about her father’s childhood in Hawaii, terse responses to any of her questions about his past, almost no information about her grandparents — her father’s parents — every time she asked. She then remembered a strange thing her Aunt Ruth told her, an admonition to live her nice life and not to delve into the past and certainly not about Pearl Harbor.

Ruth was her father’s sister, who had lived with him in Hawaii. Why this cryptic warning?

Were these clues to a secret? Was her paternal family somehow involved in

Moving You Forward Put your goals in motion with our team of trusted experts.

index of every book on WWII, looking for any reference to a Kuehn.

They found more than they expected. Christine then visited a Mormon repository of ancestry. There she found corroboration: her father was, indeed, the son of a man who betrayed his own country.

Christine Kuehn the war? Why was her aunt so adamant that she never dig into the past?

Christine was a journalist. Discovering stories, ferreting out hidden data — this was her job. Thus began a quest for the truth that would take her on a shocking and depressing journey lasting more than thirty years. This book, Family of Spies, is the result of that journey.

Her journalism background had taught her the importance of good research. In 1994, when the World Wide Web was barely alive, this meant books. Christine and her husband haunted bookstores, perusing the

Brandon Box

EVP, Southwest Florida Market President 239.766.8938 bbox@cogentbank.net

Over the years, her explorations unearthed more and more details.

Often, though, she wondered if Aunt Ruth was right: she should abandon this project and just live her nice life.

She’d stop working on it for a time, but it nagged her until she came back to it. She could not ignore the truth: her grandparents had been sent to Hawaii by Nazi Germany so they could spy for Japan. Intel they passed to the Japanese provided just what they needed for their clandestine attack on America’s Pacific fleet.

These spies were her grandparents!

She carried their genes! What kind of people could do such a thing? What kind of people did she come from?

Family of Spies answers those questions.

Kris Scoone

SVP, Treasury Sales Officer & Deposit Relationship Manager 239.766.8937 kscoone@cogentbank.net

cogentbank.com

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

JEWISH FEDERATION

February 2026

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Preserving Nature’s Bounty — From Israel to Naples JCRC/IOC Day of Learning Highlights Links Between Israel and Southwest Florida

By Lisa Koppel, Jewish Community Relations Council Chair, and Myra Benedikt, Israel and Overseas Committee Chair

S

unday, February 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the 11th annual JCRC Day of Learning returns with a twist in topic and with the Israel and Overseas Committee as our new programming partner.

The topic, “Preserving Nature’s Bounty — From Israel to Naples,” is an exploration of the unique natural worlds of our two beloved communities from conservation and preservation to growth and development pressures.

Join us on February 8 and learn that Israel is a major migratory bird route, with more than 500 million birds passing through yearly. We will also learn about the Jewish imperative to “Repair the Sea” and how the protection of aquatic environments follows Judaism’s teachings about our responsibilities to preserve this natural beauty.

Beyond birds and the deep blue sea, we will hear about the endangered Florida panther and the work being done in our community to protect its habitat.

Day of Learning speakers and topics

Jay Shofet, director of partnerships and development, Society for Protection of Nature in Israel, is a seasoned environmental activist with

a rich background in social change and global environmental resource development. He brings a unique perspective on environmental conservation, urban development, and Israel’s ecological landscape.

Shofet will discuss how Israel, a unique global biodiversity hotspot, has transformed into a global environmental trailblazer, rewilding the country’s iconic lost wetlands against all odds.

Discover how Israel’s magnificent natural environment is rebounding after war and wildfires, and how Israeli nature – itself in need of healing – is helping a traumatized nation heal.

Rabbi Ed Rosenthal is the founder and CEO of Repair the Sea (Tikkun HaYam), which raises awareness and encourages action to address the many threats facing the aquatic environment. This group uses a Jewish

e n o Z e r t a e h T PRESENTS

Jan. 8-18

perspective in addressing this important challenge. Rabbi Rosenthal previously served as executive director of the Hillels of the Florida Suncoast, working with students on three campuses: the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, and Eckerd College.

and the impact of developments on the endangered Florida panther.

Jewish tradition is filled with deep, spiritual teachings about water and the sea, yet most Jews have not been exposed to this part of our heritage.

Rabbi Rosenthal wants to show the wonders of the underwater world through Jewish eyes, while raising awareness about the myriad threats it faces.

The sanctuary was created more than 60 years ago after community opposition to a planned 10-mile loop road through Rookery Bay — the so-called “Road to Nowhere” — led to the creation of what is now the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

Julianne Thomas, a senior environmental planning specialist with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and a Conservancy advocate since 2009, is an expert in growth management and geographic information systems.

Her presentation will address current development pressures in Southwest Florida, with a focus on wetland loss in Collier and Lee counties since 1999

Salge will explore Rookery Bay's roots in avian conservation and discuss how it works to monitor and protect the diversity of bird species that call the Reserve home, both seasonally and year-round.

To register for the Day of Learning, visit https://jfgn.regfox.com/day-oflearning-2026. Admission is $25 and includes morning refreshments and a light lunch.

conflicts e s o h w s r o b g neigh in d u e f e r a mantic n o r h o e J m d o n c a e b x a y M hen the w n r u ighbor. t e n ic d w e e m n o ic c t a a take charism d n a g in n n u t rivals for a s lineupn o s a e s r u o e rest of h t s is m ’t n o Then d

Feb. 5-15

March 5-15

June 4-14

This Tony-nominated Best Musical follows two theatre writers and composers who try to sell a hilariously inaccurate musical about Johannes Gutenberg.

Buddy celebrates the youthful energy, creativity, and legacy of a rock-n-roll icon who changed popular music with his greatest hits and compelling life story.

This beloved musical transforms the original novel into a tune-filled show of unforgettable songs, while retaining its exploration of poverty and loss.

888-966-3352 x1 www.Theatre.Zone

TZ21_JewishFed_Jan26.indd 1

Derek Salge, avian specialist, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, is a migratory bird expert at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which stretches across 110,000 acres from Gordon Pass in Naples to the western Everglades, and consists of pristine mangrove forest, uplands, and protected waters.

BOOK T IC K E T S O N L IN E

e n o Z e r t a e h T ier Mu Naples’ Prem

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JEWISH FEDERATION

Grateful for Trees and Grateful for You PJ Library

By Hailey Dalby, Jewish Youth & Family Program Manager

I

n Southwest Florida, we are grateful to be able to appreciate natural beauty all year round. This February, PJ Library of Greater Naples would like to take a moment in acknowledgement of Tu B’Shevat to appreciate our trees!

This month, we have three great ways to say “happy birthday” to the trees. First, we read PJ Library books!

Some of our Tu B’Shevat favorites are Happy Birthday, Trees! by Karen Rostoker-Gruber, Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree by Mary Murphy, and One, Two, Three, Tu B’Shevat!

by Naomi Shulman.

PJ Facebook page: Facebook.com/ PJLibraryNaplesFL. PJ Library provides the opportunity for Jewish children to receive free books from birth through 12 years old. Expertly curated Jewish stories are delivered monthly to each

enrollee. Books are chosen based on each child’s age, as well as the current holiday and season. But PJ Library is more than just books. Our local PJ Family is a vibrant community that gathers regularly for events and get-togethers. It is never too late to attend your first PJ Library event!

Our second birthday celebration for the trees is a PJ Trip to the Recycling Center. All our PJ families are welcome to join us at the Collier County Northeast Recycle Center on February 11 at 1:00 p.m. Let us know if you would like to join us!

(You can being out-of-town guests.)

Simply email Hailey at hdalby@ jewishnaples.org or call her at 239-799-1113.

In addition to your monthly Fed Star, and our Facebook page (mentioned above), you can also stay up to date by scanning the QR code to receive monthly PJ e-blasts, which provide a snapshot of current PJ activities and other fun information.

Our last birthday gift to the trees is creating arts and crafts projects with reused items. Why not plan to create a reuse, recycle art project for Tu B’Shevat? Share it on our local

We are grateful for every member of our PJ Library community. Everyone within our community strengthens the community as a whole. Passing down Jewish stories is a multi-generational experience. From traditions to family history with future generations, the role of a grandparent is irreplaceable. That is why grandparents can enroll to receive a free PJ Library book to read with their grandchildren. If this is something you and your family are interested in, contact Hailey Dalby, Jewish Youth & Family Programs Manager, to enroll at 239-799-1113 or hdalby@jewishnaples.org.

The Tribe

(Jewish Young Professionals)

By Hailey Dalby, Jewish Youth & Family Program Manager

SUMMER SCHOLARSHIPS Jewish Federation and Temple Shalom Jewish offeFederation r PARTIAL sand choTemple larshipsShalom for offer PARTIAL scholarships for Jewish Summer Jewish Summer Sleep-Away Camp Sleep-Away Camp & Israel Experience programs! & Israel Experience programs!

C

alling all 30 (somethings), and 40 (somethings)! Are you looking for a Jewish home in Southwest Florida?

Missing your Jewish bestie, and want to get together for a Nosh? The Tribe, formerly Jewish Young Professionals of Southwest Florida, is a group for all.

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is excited to grow a thriving home for all young Jewish individuals in Southwest Florida. Historically, this group gathers for Shabbat as well as various outings and events throughout Southwest Florida.

If this sounds like a group for you, please reach out to Hailey Dalby at hdalby@jewishnaples.org

Scholarship opportunities are available to all Jewish youth Scin hothe larsh ip opportunregardless ities are avaof ilasynagogue ble to all Jew ishliation. youth in community, affi tFor he cmore ommuinformation nity, regardleand ss othe f synapplication agogue affilform, iation.

For mplease ore infovisit: rmatwww.jewishnaples.org ion and the application form, please visit: jew hna(239) ples.o263-4205 rg/scholarships-grants oriscall or call (239) 263-4205

APPLICATION DEADLINE APPISLFEBRUARY ICATION D9,EA DLINE 2026

IS FEBRUARY 2, 2024 OF GREATER NAPLES of Greater Naples

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

Members of The Tribe enjoy an evening of fun and games!

JEWISH FEDERATION

February 2026

Fed Star

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Find Yourself Here BBYO

By Hailey Dalby, Jewish Youth & Family Program Manager

B

BYO is the prehave served in multiple posieminent pluraltions on the board before I istic Jewish teen became N’Siah. My involveorganization for grades ment in BBYO has been very eight through 12. With fulfilling because I feel it is chapters across North very important to give back America, BBYO brings to the Jewish community together young people in Naples, even though it is from around the world small. Bringing Jewish teens to connect with their together in this way has also Hailey Dalby heritage, develop leadbrought me many friendership skills, and build lifelong friendships. I am very grateful to have had ships. Each of the past three months this experience, and I know the leadwe have introduced a Naples BBYO ership skills I learned through BBYO teen board member, this month, we will serve me will throughout college make our final introduction. Brooke and later in life.”

Glick is currently the N’Siah, or This spring, BBYO president, of our teens have an chapter. exciting slate of activities lined up!

“My name is From home-hosted Brooke, and I am a senior in high events to exclusive members only school and the N’Siah, or president, programming, as well as teen-parent of the BBYO chapter here in Naples. gatherings for the family to enjoy I have been involved with BBYO together. We now have a new way through most of high school, and I to keep up to date on all these great

offerings. Scan the QR code to receive monthly BBYO e-Blasts which provide a snapshot of current activities, and other fun information.

With 725 chapters in 60 countries, there’s a home for you in BBYO. Naples BBYO warmly invites teens currently in grades eight through 12 to find yourself here. From community service to holiday celebrations, and social events, BBYO offers opportunities for everyone. If this sounds like the place for you, please reach out to Hailey Dalby at hdalby@ jewishnaples.org to begin your BBYO Journey. Scholarships to attend BBYO conventions and summer programs are also available through both the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, and the Temple Shalom Men’s Club.

Brooke Glick

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Stay connected. Visit jewishnaples.org

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26

Fed Star

February 2026

JEWISH FEDERATION www.wcanaples.org | 518-852-3440

WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

Two Exciting Adventures for You!

By Jamie Blatter, WCA Trips Committee

W

WCA Trips are a Highlight of Every Season

CA’s trips are a muchanticipated event each season. Not only are you able to visit remarkable places, but the trips also provide an opportunity to spend time with long-time friends as well as to make new ones. As is often said when describing WCA trips, “You may get on the bus as strangers, but you get off the bus as friends.”

Cathy Sommer and Jamie Blatter, along with Dorothy Schwebel and Heidi Thorner, have planned two exciting day trips for this season. On the first trip (Wednesday, Feb. 18) you will discover the culture, art, and culinary delights of Miami’s Wynwood District, Miami’s trendiest and fastest growing neighborhood.

During a walking tour we will explore an array of dazzling street art, where walls are transformed into canvases adorned with breathtaking murals.

Enjoy the surprising and unexpected art hidden throughout the Wynwood District and hear the fascinating stories of how Wynwood was born and how it evolved through the years.

Hungry? Feast on a delicious variety of food samplings at some of

WCA members toured the Norton Museum in West Palm Beach before strolling down the iconic Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.

Exploring Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park in Copeland, Florida the best restaurants in this openair museum. It’s always a “WIN” to spend a day with WCA in the Wynwood District!

Remember going to the circus when you were a kid and eating a sugary confection of pink cotton candy?

Rekindle your childhood circus

memories by joining us on a trip to the world-famous John Ringling Estate in Sarasota (Friday, March 26).

Discover and enjoy Ringling’s 66-acre estate where art, history, and nature unfold around every corner.

Explore the Museum of Art, home to an impressive permanent collection of masterpieces by Rubens, Velazquez, Titian, Gainsborough, and other world-renown painters. Visit the historic Circus Galleries replete with circus history and displays. Enjoy a causal lunch at the Ringing Grill or at one of the concession stands.

Finally, tour the first floor of John and Mable Ringling’s Venetian Mansion, Ca’D’zan, an ornate showcase of glamour and architectural artistry.

What trip to the circus would be complete without a souvenir? End the day browsing through the Museum Store.

More information about each of these trips will be in WCA’s Thursday newsletters.

Over the years, WCA has run several trips to Immokalee that included a tour of the Guadalupe Center.

We hope you will join us on both exciting adventures!

WCA is a Community of Friendship The 2025-26 WCA Season is filled with exciting programs and special events.

Don’t Miss Out! Join WCA or Renew your membership TODAY!

Go to the WCA website wcanaples.org and click on MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS?? Contact help@wcanaples.org

Women are still talking about the trip to the Wick Costume Museum in Boca Raton in 2023. (The trip was organized by Felicia Anchor, who is always working. Hence, the phone!)

JEWISH FEDERATION

February 2026

MEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE VOICES

Fed Star

27

www.MCANaples.org | 508-733-9427

An Attitude of Gratitude MCA Voices

By Marc Rosenweig, MCA Member

W

hen you receive a gift or another act of kindness, do you send a thankyou note, email or text in appreciation? Do your children? What about your grandchildren?

Not surprisingly, Norville is the author of two books on gratitude, Thank You Power and The Power of Gratitude.

to submit a short thank-you video to send to the donor. Three students didn’t respond. The college revoked the scholarships for those students.

arrived three days later. So, there is some hope.

Does gratitude extend to younger generations?

Sometimes it does.

One of my former students is now a hiring manager. She interviewed six job candidates. Only two sent thank-you emails.

Marc Rosenweig is one of the founders of CNBC, the YES Network for the New York Yankees, and Montclair State University’s School of Communication and Media. He spent more than three decades in the television industry as a programming executive, producer and reporter. He was Senior VP of Programming at YES and Senior VP of Programming and Production in broadcast syndication at King World Productions. He’s Professor Emeritus at Montclair State.

Marc spent over a decade teaching at Montclair State where he runs the student mentoring program he established eight years ago.

Being grateful is a blessing.

Marc Rosenweig But expressing gratitude to Recently, a young news others who have helped us along the producer wanted to move up the way takes it to a higher level. I was ladder. His mother introduced him delighted to experience that recently. to a former producer at a New York television station. His maturity and skill I had the pleasure of working with stood out, and the former producer Deborah Norville when she was recommended him to station mananchoring the newsmagazine Inside agement. He got the job and shortly Edition. I hadn’t been in touch with after, he sent a goody basket to the her when I received this email as she former producer with a thank you. was about to retire after 30 years on the program.

And there’s more: since they’d only met on FaceTime, he visited the former producer when he was in town, bringing a bottle of wine. A planned one-hour chat lasted two hours. His mother heard she’d done a good job parenting.

Expressing gratitude may improve your mental and physical health, according to a New York Times article that reported findings by psychologist Dr. Robert Emmons.

Deborah Norville

“Gratitude heals, energizes and changes lives,” Dr. Emmons told The Times. “It is the prism through which we view life in terms of gifts, givers, goodness and grace.”

Unfortunately, there are too many stories of the lack of gratitude.

NFL Hall of Famer and broadcaster Troy Aikman says he was generous to an athlete at his alma mater UCLA. “I gave money to a kid…” Aikman said on a recent podcast with reporter Richard Deitsch. “I’ve done it one time at UCLA, never met the young man.

He was there for a year. I wrote a sizeable check, and he went to another school. I didn’t even get as much as a thank-you note.”

Troy Aikman “I…leave filled with gratitude for all that’s transpired over those three decades. And that gratitude extends to you!” wrote Norville. “As one of my bosses during my very long run, you are part of my story, and I want to thank you.”

“I’m done with NIL,” said Aikman of the legal practice of giving college players money. “I want to see UCLA be successful, but I’m done with it.”

There’s a college that’s taken it a step further. Students who received scholarships were told they needed

Changing your address?

Email info@jewishnaples.org

Last summer I attended two weddings. My wife and I still haven’t received thank-you notes from either couple.

As AARP.com noted, sometimes people just need a gentle nudge without judgment. An uncle was about to go to his 12-year-old nephew’s birthday party but realized he hadn’t received a thank you for a holiday gift. His nephew apologized and said he’d been busy.

Dear Reader – I’m grateful you read this!

“I really do understand,” said the uncle, “and I hope you'll appreciate that, unfortunately, I've been very busy and it doesn't look like I have time to shop for a birthday gift for you this year.” His thank-you note

February 11 at 7:00 PM Safeguarding our Nation’s Future presented by retired four-star general

Keith Brian Alexander

This discussion will cover the significant threats facing our nation and highlight why it is crucial to understand the nature of these threats and their potential impact on our security and stability. External threats from countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea pose a serious challenge to our national security, with aggressive behavior in military, cyber, and economic realms necessitating a comprehensive strategy including diplomatic efforts, economic sanctions, and military deterrence.

Keith Brian Alexander is a retired four-star general of the United State Army, who served as Director of the National Security Agency, Chief of the Central Security Service, and Commander of the United States Cyber Command.

To register, go to: www.mcanaples.org or scan the QR code.

Welcome to the 11th Annual Naples Jewish Book Festival Jewish Greater are excited to present the following authors for your in-person enjoyment. Please visit BOOK Festival We JEWISHBOOKFESTIVAL.ORG to learn about becoming a Patron or to purchase individual tickets.

2025-2026

Greater Naples

All events take place at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Family of Spies

Six Days in Bombay

3..2..1…We’re on the Air

by Robert Steinfeld

by Tova Mirvis

Tuesday, Feb. 10 1 PM • $30

Wednesday, Feb. 25 1 PM • $30

Friday, March 6 1 PM • $30

Tuesday, March 17 1 PM • $30

Exclusively Sponsored by WCA

Sponsored by MCA

by Christine Kuehn

by Alka Joshi

We Would Never

Louis Graveraet Kaufman

Carole King

Monday, March 30 1 PM • $30

Exclusively Sponsored by Gulfshore Playhouse

by Ann Berman

by Jane Eisner Monday, April 13 1 PM • $30

JBF Patrons (as of December 29, 2025)

PLATINUM Susan Ain Patti Bloom Rosalee Bogo Karen Budnick

Paul Budnick Norma Carl Shelley Einhorn Judith FinerFreedman

Ellen Frankel Peter Gignac Jeremy Freedman Lisa Gorman Myra Friedman Larry Israelite Nancy Garfien Nancy Kahn Brenda Gignac Marsha Karp

SILVER 2 Anonymous Howard Agranat Sheila Agranat Diane Aronson Phyllis Barolsky Stacey Baum Emily Berkowitz Harriet Berneman Louis Berneman

Mark Blaskey Penni Blaskey Cipora Brown Peggy Brown Barbara Bullock Deena Caplan Ellen Chaney Marcia Cohodes Debbie Cooper Ann Cowen

Terri David Patricia Gage Carole Greene Arline Kaplan Barbara Druckman Susan Garelick Sherry Greenfield Bobbie Katz David Feinstein Nancy Garfinkel Andree Haas Helene Koenig Maureen Feinstein Priscilla Gerber Ronna Hain Deborah Kohler Arnan Finkelstein Cheryl Ginsberg Fred Heldman Toby Kosloff Marlene Finkelstein Cindi Goldfine Patti Heldman Gracia Kuller Eloyse Fisher Melvin Goldfine Carol Hirsch Debbie Laites Louise Forman Jan Goldman Susan Horowitz Gail Lanznar Spencer Forman Donna Goldstein Wendy Israelite Judi Lazan Madeline Foster Diane Goldstein Judy Isserlis Dale Lazar

Lin Klein Arlene Litow Fran Kroll Andy Mintz Anna Levin Robin Mintz Laurie Lieberman Lew Paper Stephen Light Jackie Paulson

Susan Pittelman Estelle Price Stuart Price Nathaniel Ritter Susan Ritter

Elaine Rosen Ellaine Rosen Judy Roth Marc Saperstein Jane Schiff

Anne Schuchman Susan Sokolov Jeffrey Waranch Ilana Seligman Janet Solot Arlene Shapiro Joyce Steckman Donald Shapiro Phyllis Strome Arlene Sobol Deborah Waranch

Lynn Lazar Dana Lefkowitz Bettye Leibowitz Linda Lerner Hilda Levine Leda Lubin Linda Lupin Marci Margolis Anne Melko Karen Moss

Marla Osgood Karen Scheck Carol Smoler Rick Osgood Anne Schnesel Barbara Steckler Jeani Park Deborah Schreier Sharon Stein Steve Podolsky Gale Schulman Dana Strull Ben Post Harriet Schweitzer Fritzi Thorner Susan Rabin Mark Shiffman Heidi Thorner Alice Richter Charles Siegel Allison Tucker Mae Riefberg Lori Siegel Jacqueline Urso Sarah Rockler Martin Silverstein Jay Weintraub Nancy Schachtman Gail Smith Laurie Weiss

Joan Werhane Barbara Winthrop Leona Wreschner Russell Yale Susan Yale Judy Zahn Cindy Zelby

Tim Broms Linda Dukatz Molly Getnick Merrill Hassenfeld June Kruger Roberta Miller Barry Rabin Gary Sanders Rosalie Slansky Marianne Wassmer BRONZE Nancy Brother Janett Edelberg Susan Getnick Jean Haven Barbara Kushnir Rochelle Miller Nancy Rabin Karen Sanders Elaine Soffer Jill Weil Anonymous Ann Brown Ellen Edelstein Heidi Gilbert Lee Henson Elayna Latsky Michelle Mills Jeff Rader Laurie Sandler Gail Solomon Sydelle Weinberger Andrea Abel Stewart Brownstein Susan Elfman Howard Gilbert Karen Herbst Lisa Lauber Marsha Moranz Wendy Rader Melanie Sandler Hal Stein Suellen Weiner Leslie Aderson Sandy Burton Sallyann Endleman Marlene Ginsberg Deborah Hermalyn Barbara Lefkowitz Gail Morris Sandy Randall Peter Sandler Jennie Stein Ellen Weisberg Lynda Adler Elizabeth Girardat Burton Hirsch Helene Lerner Erica Morse Elaine Rapoport Sandra Sanfilippo Ilene Steiner Jack Wiadro Doris Adlestein Barbara Carlstrom David Epstein Tom Carlstrom Pam Epstein Hilda Glazer Linda Hirsch Arlene Levin Darlene Muller Estelle Rauch Sheila Schneider Barbara Stivers Nancy Wiadro Sheryl Affrime Jeanie Charness Karen Ezrine Renee Glickman Sunny Hochberg Howard Levin Arthur Murphy John Reiches Carole Schwartz Jim Storch Phyllis Winski Thais Alcalay Jacqueline Chizever Leslie Feldman Mark Goetz Ronna Hochman Stacy Levin Laura Murphy Alan Reinberg Dorothy Schwebel Marilyn Storch Lauri B Wishner Sudy Altholz Geraldine Feldman Tricia Gold Jan Hoffman Martin Levine Saranne Murray Nancy Reinberg Stuart Schweitzer June Streisand Deborah Wyman Nancy Armocida Nan Ciralsky Diane Clarke Richard Felzer Diane Goldberg Mitchell Hoffman Evelyn Lipschutz Mindy Nadell Sue Reiver Millie Sernovitz Denise Sultan Cathy Zacks Angie Aronoff Geri Cohen Rosetta Felzer Marsha Goldstein Andrew Ichel Jay Lipschutz Helene Naimon Deedee Remenick Jane Shaw Ann Swartz Joni Zalasky Patti Badiner Rochelle Jacob Jacqueline Lipton Ian Noy Barbara Ritter Dina Shein Shira Swartz Cindy Zive Wynne Baruch Rochelle Cohen Susan Feuerman Carol Goode Lynn Katz Danzig Paula Filler Hannah Goodman Jeanne Kagin Debbie Lurie Carol Orloff Ellen Rodwick Marilyn Shesko Marla Taub Shelley Zucker Lea Bendes Larry Goodman Doree Kalfen Phyllis Luts Barbara Ostrolenk William Rodwick Ricki Shine Suzanne Tolpin Natalie Berman Marilyn Davidson Ronald Filler James Fine Rochelle Goodman Judith Kargher Shirley Lutz Ann Packman Lila Rosenweig Julie Shlensky Lynn Valinetz Minda Bernberg Judy Dawson Sherry Delinko Marcia Fine Monica Goodwin Charlene Kerner Paula Maisel David Packman Marilyn Ross Michael Shlensky Joan Van Berg Rose Bernstein Sandy Diamond Phyllis Fine Ellen Gordon Judith Kessel Robert Maisel Barbara Paganelli Midge Rozen Iris Shur Ann Varsano Jill Binder Elyse Dickman Lisa Freund Helene Gordon Carolyn Kimmel Marcy Malc Karen Pam Arnie Rubin Gay Silberg Joan Vazakas Ellen Blank Gloria Dion Susan Gallagher Barrie Graham Lori Kleiman Jeffrey Margolis Joel Pittelman Lynn Rubin Cathy Silver Lisa Vogel Jamie Blatter Phyllis Garon Arlene Griff Susan Koeppel Sherri Melamut Iris Podolsky Marguerite Rubin Barbara Simon Gail Volk Ellen Bohn Gitlitz Gayle Dorio Benjamin Dubin Ken Getnick Wendy Grindstaff Ruth-Lynn Kosiner Sheila Mesulam Steve Podolsky Linda Russell Linda Simon Sara Waldstein Paula Brody Larry Dukatz Michael Getnick Elaine Griver Susie Kravetz Lynn Miller Terri Polacheck Elaine Samuels Ruth Simon Leslie Wasserman

Order Form

tron Levels and Benefits

Become a Book Festival Patron and receive numerous benefits!

Jewish Book Festival Sponsors

Thank You To Our Sponsors

We are grateful to these businesses and organizations for their support of the 2019-20 Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival:

Book Festival Patron Levels and Benefits Become a Book Festival Patron Jewish Book Festival Sponsors rs al Ticket OrderFestival Form Jewish ome a Book Patron Jewish Book Festival Sponsors ually You Virtorganizations We are grateful to these businesses and and receive numerous benefits!

Platinum Gold Silver Platinum $500

Gold $360

Silver $225

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for theirbusinesses support of theand 2019-20 Greater Naples Jewish BookGreater Festival:Naples Benefits: $500 Levels $225 to these We $360 are organizations receive numerousPatron benefits!

Jewish Book Festival Patron andgrateful Benefits Jewish Book

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Mon, December 2 @ 11:30am - HN Alana Newhouse Daymaker Hair S eceive numerous benefits! heon event ticket for guest DEBORAH rael $18 x ___ =ü$_____ ($25 at the door) on the and2019-20 their event updates and aBook printable order fedstar18@gmail.com or call books, theGreater Federation office atJewish 239.263.4205.

FastPassTamiami & separateTrail check-inN., Naples ü information : 5111 Andrew Gross & Steve Israel ZVIBLEMAN Mon, December 9 @ 7:00pm - HN Barry, Mansbach & Zweibel ü üauthors Mon, November 11 @ 1:00pm - NCC for to their support of the Naples Festival: Daymaker Hair Salon Venues Schedule of Events: ok Festival Patron Levels and Benefits m Jenoff $18 x ___ = $_____ “ form. Have questions that have not been answered in this insert? Send an email Thu, December 19 @ 7:00pm - HN Adam Chandler & Stephen Silverman Mon, December 2 @ 11:30am - HN Alana Newhouse egation Marco Island: Winterberry Drive, Marco Recognition in Federation Star $18 x ___of = $_____ ($25 atNaples the991 door) ü to fedstar18@gmail.com ü ü Island ton Naples: 5111 Tamiami Trail N., Check thereference: events you will be attending for easy reference: Check the events you will be attending for easy Venues Wed, January 8 @ 1:00pm - TS Melanie Benjamin & Pam Jenoff or call the Federation office at 239.263.4205.

Platinum Gold Silver

Mon, December 9 @ 7:00pm HN Barry, Mansbach & Zweibel Himsel $18 x ___ = $_____ “ Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival is presented by: Tickets ARE Transferable wish Congregation of 1455 Marco Island: 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island rence Pine Ridge Road, Naples Tue, November 5 @ 7:00pm - HN Elyssa Friedland Mon, January 13 @ 1:00pm - NJC Marra B. Gad & Angela Himsel Reserved VIP seating ples: 5111Center: Tamiami Trail N., Naples ü fits: $18 x ___ = $_____ “$360Road,Drive, $500 $225 Thu, 19 @ 7:00pm Weitzman - HN Adam Chandler & Stephen Silverman ples Conference Center: 1455 Pine Ridge Naples make it to all Mon, November 11 @ 1:00pm - NCC Andrew Gross & Steve Israel Tue, January 28 @ 7:00pm - HNDecember Ken Sutak & Elizabeth ngregation of Marco $18 Island: 991= Winterberry Island Consider purchasing a Patron Festival Package. Even if you can’tSisterhood Oppenheimer x ___ $_____ “Marco Naples hples Congregation: 6340 Napa Woods Way, Check the events you will be attending for easy reference: Temple Shalom Reserved seating area Jewish Congregation: 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples Check the events you will be attending for easy reference: Wed, 8@ 1:00pm - TS Melanie Benjamin & Pam Jenoff Greater Naples Mon, December 2 @ 11:30am - HN Book Alana NewhouseFestival is 12 events, you can gift your tickets to friends, colleagues and family members. events (a $320 value) Wed, February 5 @ 7:30pm - TS January Lori of Gottlieb ü ü ü ü Jewish presented by: nference Center: 1455 Pine Ridge Road, Naples Strengthening our temple,Greater our community and each Naples other $18 x ___ = $_____ “Naples mple Shalom: 4630 Pine Road, Hersch $18Ridge x ___ = $_____ Mon, December 9 @ 7:00pm5-@ HN7:00pm Barry,- Mansbach & Zweibel m: 4630 Ridge Road, Naples Wed, February 26 @ 1:00pm - TSJanuary Bob Mankoff & Butnick/Oppenheimer Tue, November HN Elyssa Friedland Mon, 13 @ 1:00pm - NJC Marra B. Gad & Angela Himsel wish Congregation: 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples Free book Pine voucher(s) lieb’s book 2 ü“ 1 ü ü 19 @ 7:00pm - HN Adam Chandler & Stephen Silverman Wed, March 4 @ 1:00pm - JCMI Jack Fairweather & Jack Hersch Consider purchasing a Patron Festival Package. Even if you can’t make it to all Thu, December alom:x 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples“ Mon, November 11 @ 1:00pm - NCC Andrew Gross & Steve Israel Tue, January 28 @ 7:00pm - HN Ken Sutak & Elizabeth Weitzman $18 ___ = $_____ ate check-in Multi-Author Events Wed, January 8 @ 1:00pm - TS Melanie Benjamin & Pam Jenoff Wed, March 11 @ 7:30pm - TS Josh Frank Patron event with an author ü TBA ü ü

Book Festival Patron Levels Benefits Patron Benefits: Copyand of Lori Gottlieb’s book

Thank You to Our Sponsors*

W omen’s C ultural A lliance

W C A

Thank You to Our Sponsors*

Strengthening our temple, our community and each other

Venues

Sisterhood

Strengthening our temple, our community and each other

Strengthening our temple, our community and each other

Venues

Festival Website & Email

Tickets ARE Transferable

Festival Website & Email

Schedule of Events:

ü 12 events, ü you can gift your tickets to friends, colleagues and family members.

Mon, December 2 @ 11:30am - HN Alana Newhouse Wed, February 5 @ 7:30pm - TS wish Book Festival!

3 ways to order your tickets: Mon, January 13 @ 1:00pm - NJC Marra B. Gad & Angela Himsel For the events with more than one author, due to travel Check arrangements, order the events you will bethe attending for easy reference: ederation Star=Festival ü atforwww.jewishbookfestival.org ü $18 xofficial ___ $_____ “ü Extra luncheon event ticket guest Mon, December 9 @ 7:00pm - HN Barry, Mansbach & Zweibel Wed, February 26 @ 1:00pm - TS it the website for inmore ü Tue, January 28 @ 7:00pm - HN Ken Sutak & Elizabeth Weitzman November 5 @ 7:00pm Elyssa Friedland which they present will be decided a few days prior toTue,their event.

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1 Mail this order form to: Check the events you will be attending for easy reference: ating ormation on the authors and order Thu, December 19 7:00pm - HNyouAdam Chandler & Stephen Silverman Wed, March 4 @ 1:00pm - JCMI ütheir books, event updates and a printablelike Wed, February 5 @ 7:30pm - TS@ Lori Gottlieb Andrew Gross & Steve Check the events will be attending for easy reference: Mon, 11 @ 1:00pm - NCC Israel to know the order, please email fedstar18@gmail.com orNovember call 239.263.4205.

Festival Website & Email Festival Website & Email

Thank you for your support of the

Lori Gottlieb

Bob Mankoff & Butnick/Oppenheimer Jack Fairweather & Jack Hersch

One table. One evening. A powerful message.

Shine a Light

Join Shine a Light Shabbat by hosting non-Jewish friends or neighbors for Shabbat dinner in your home on Friday, April 17. Candle lighting begins at 7:34 p.m.

S H ABBAT

Sharing Shabbat is a simple yet meaningful way to promote understanding and help combat antisemitism.

We provide the essentials of challah, grape juice, and Shabbat materials.

You provide the warmth, the meal, and the welcome.

https://jfgn.regfox.com/shine2026

COMMUNITY FOCUS

February 2026

Fed Star

1A

25 Years of Education, Memory, and Community Erin Blankenship President & CEO

A

ll this year we are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center and want to thank you, our supporters, docents, volunteers, members, and of course our Holocaust survivor community.

Because of you and the many ways you show your generosity, we teach the history of the Holocaust to inspire students and individuals of all ages to take an active role in improving their communities. One of those individuals was the Museum’s founding Board Chairperson, Ann Jacobson (of blessed memory).

Ann was just seven when her father was forced from his job because he was Jewish and her family moved to Vienna from Berlin. Then in 1938 when Germany annexed Austria, her family suffered the same discrimination.

Ann and her parents escaped to the United States in 1939. Throughout her life, Ann was a humanitarian and community activist who took part in the Civil Rights movement and was a volunteer for non-profit organizations in Kansas City and here in Naples, Florida.

Ann assisted Golden Gate Middle School Teacher David Bell in the creation of their “Out of the Ashes” exhibit. She mobilized the community to take the student exhibition and use it to start a Holocaust Museum here in Naples, Florida. She understood the importance of Holocaust education

Specializing in PAINTING TILE WORK SCREENING and much more

and the impact that our Museum would make in Southwest Florida.

Make plans to join us this month at the Paragon Pavilion Theater for a three-day documentary film series.

Screening time each day is 2:00 p.m. and tickets must be purchased on the Paragon website. Check out our w

Current Exhibition

Sponsored locally by Patti Bloom, our latest exhibition, “Holocaust by Bullets: 15 Years of Investigation,” is presented in cooperation with YahadIn Unum. Yahad-In Unum is a French organization founded in 2004 dedicated to locating the sites of mass graves of Jewish victims of the Nazi mobile killing units in Eastern Europe.

It is led by Father Patrick Desbois, a Catholic priest whose grandfather was a French soldier deported to a Nazi prison camp.

The exhibition details the “Holocaust

by Bullets” as a precursor and model for mass murder crimes that still occur today. It uses eyewitness testimonies and archival photographs to detail the murder of thousands of Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. If you haven’t toured the Museum recently, it is a good time to visit as this exhibition will only be available until April 13, 2026.

March 4, Triumph 2026 Annual Fundraiser. There’s still time to purchase your sponsorship or tickets for this year’s Triumph Dinner on Wednesday, March 4, at the Arthrex One Conference Center in Naples.

The dinner’s theme is “Remembering the Past to Inspire the Future.”

For tickets, Sponsorships, and more information, please visit hmcec.org.

Ann Jacobson

I look forward to seeing you soon at the Museum!

Credit: Erik Kellar

Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center HMCEC.org • 239-263-9200

Upcoming Events

February 3, GenShoah event, 7:00 p.m. at Beth Tikvah of Naples with guest speaker Erin Blankenship. This free program is open to the public. RSVP required at office@beth tikvah.us.I am honored to share my experience working with the USC Shoah Foundation’s “Dimensions in Testimony ℠” initiative (DIT.) DIT enables people to ask questions that prompt real-time responses from pre-recorded interviews with Holocaust Survivors.

February 15-17, Holocaust Film Series at Paragon Pavilion Theaters, Naples.

Trusted service to METROPOLITAN NAPLES’ JEWISH COMMUNITY for 15 years

You’re invited to a special evening to celebrate the Museum’s

Triumph Dinner

Remembering the Past to Inspire the Future

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Visit HMCEC.org or call 239-263-9200

to purchase sponsorships or for more information

Honoring

2026 Triumph Award

Rob Nossen Holocaust Survivor and Founding Museum Patron

2026 Humanitarian Award

Call today!

239.692.7408

BUS. TAX RECEIPT 250642 • INSURED

Paula S. Apsell Emmy Award-Winning Producer of PBS NOVA and filmmaker of “Resistance: They Fought Back”

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

Baker Senior Center Naples Reimagines Aging

By Marisa Luizzi, CDP., Chief Program Officer, Baker Senior Center Naples

T

he late Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, former President and CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples, dedicated her work to "Flipping the Script on Aging," demonstrating that with proper support, seniors don't just survive; they thrive. She understood that aging is a mindset, not a limitation, and it's time society embraced that truth.

COMMUNITY WIDE ANNUAL YOM HASHOAH HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE Sunday, April 12, 2026 11:00 AM at Temple Shalom Please join us for a special commemoration.

Everyone is invited to attend.

Open to all affiliations.

Register for this free commemoration at https://JFGN.regfox.com/yomhashoah26 Holocaust survivors - please contact genshoahswfl@hmcec.org to participate in the event.

of Greater Naples

This program is brought to you by: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, Temple Shalom, Beth Tikvah, GenShoah SWFL, Naples Jewish Congregation, Chabad of Naples, and Jewish Congregation of Marco Island.

Society empowers children and teens to believe in themselves, to reach for the stars and dream big. Rightfully so, we need those encouragements to help motivate us in achieving our goals. We understand that developing minds and bodies should not be set to limitations, yet somewhere along the way, this empowering mindset vanishes. Why does that change when we reach the "senior citizen" stage? Why do we and society stop believing in ourselves because we are older?

Redefining What It Means to Thrive

Thriving in later years means different things to different people, but certain foundations are universal: physical and cognitive health, financial and food security, and meaningful social connections. The challenge most seniors face is resource provider overload – being directed to multiple agencies can discourage seniors making access to services overwhelming.

Dr. Faffer called Baker Senior Center a "one-stop-shop," and for good reason. Within a single building, members, clients and those in the community have access to comprehensive support across every dimension of wellness. Baker Senior Center membership provides social, physical, and mental engagement through enriching programming, not just activities. Families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia receive caregiver support and respite services. Adults navigating grief, strained relationships, or other life transitions have access to counseling.

Those facing the complex challenges of aging in place work with case managers who provide personalized guidance. This integrated approach means seniors can access what they need quickly, without navigating multiple systems and locations.

These services are not activities or one-off programs; they are

investments in helping society understand that with proper support, any age can thrive. Believing first in seniors allows them to regain belief in themselves.

The Moment of Change

People often have preconceived ideas of what a senior center looks like; people sitting around disengaged, uninviting, dark and dreary.

Walking into the Baker Senior Center they are met with light, warmth, and most importantly, seniors who are genuinely thriving.

The most common reactions are that of amazement in how the Center is not what people initially had in mind.

Why is that? All senior centers should be built with thriving seniors in mind.

This should be more than a shift in expectation, but a steppingstone that adults over sixty deserve to live fully, not in comparison to what they once could do, but in celebration of what they can continue to do now.

“Flipping the Script on Aging” can be done with two changes: transforming how society views seniors, and how seniors view themselves. Every program, every service, every warm greeting at the Center advances that dual mission.

The Invitation

Adults over sixty have earned the right to believe in themselves just as fiercely as the children we encourage.

The difference? Seniors have years of proof of what they are capable of. It is still their time to show us what more they can do.

At Baker Senior Center Naples, that belief is nurtured daily. Aging is not about what we are limited to doing, it is about a continuation of growth, flourishing, and the understanding that potential does not run out.

The question is not whether older adults can still contribute, learn, and thrive. The question is: will we create the environments and opportunities that empower them to believe they can?

Baker Senior Center Naples, Inc. naplesseniorcenter.org 239-325-4444

Stay connected.

Visit www.jewishnaples.org

COMMUNITY FOCUS

February 2026

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If It’s Broke in English, Fit It! Zoog mir in Yiddish

By Sol Awend, GenShoah SWFL

I

t’s been said that one should not make fun of someone who speaks with an accent. It’s because the person knows another language and could even be smarter than you. When it comes to converting Yiddish thought into English speech, that could certainly hold true.

English; otherwise known as “broken English.”

English is not without its pitfalls either. When it came to commenting on how wonderful a Hershey bar tasted, my dad just couldn’t form his lips into the “O” sound. Try Sol Awend as he did, the best he could do is say” vondehfool!” Perhaps Until now, I have tried to establish he could have learned from Lauren a connection of translating English Bacall when she taught Humphrey words and expressions into spoken Bogart how to use his lips to form the Yiddish. As you know, there are two letter “O" in their first film together, Yiddish guttural sounds that are difTo Have and Have Not (1944), with ficult to pronounce. They both are the famous line, "You just put your lips formed in the back of the throat. One together and blow." is the “C’H” sound. It happens when you’re speaking and then clearing Do you think forming the word your throat to pronounce the word “wonderful” was tough? Imagine “c’haap” (to catch). The other is proyou’re a “Greener,” another named nouncing “RR”, as in rrissen, to sound for newly minted Americans, and like “listen.” Both sounds are vital in asking “What’s that?” Forming the speaking like a "hineh dikeh" (one “th” sound was out of the queswho belongs). tion. I know, I practiced with my mom, and she just couldn’t do it. The Today we are reversing the situabest she could say was “Votz det?!” tion: converting Yiddish thoughts into (What's that?).

Remember that, on top of all they went through in starting out their lives here, communication was imperative. What was most interesting is how they converted Yiddish thought into English speech. How did they conjure up the phrase of “no vey!” when negotiating? Or, “Cannot be less?” when negotiating a price. Then the reverse being true in getting the best bang for the buck when they would ask “Cannot not be moh?”

As hard as it was in pronouncing “RR” to form Yiddish words, it was just as hard for new Americans to ask “RReally ?” and have it come out as “ Villy?!”

Growing up, you had to think quickly. There were no courses offered in “English as a Second Language.” How on earth did they develop the skill in understanding what was said to them, and then formulating an answer? I’m sure many were the times that they just stood there ... at a total loss ... on what to say.

More than a place to live.

The younger you were, the easier it was. Even so, I was in my share of fights at school, when kids laughed at my accent. I learned English quickly.

I’d take that knowledge home and help my parents translate thoughts into speech.

There was another important reason for the Greeners to understand English. One requirement for citizenship was to understand American laws and customs; about how our government worked. Ignorance was no defense.

On occasion, I would go shopping with my mom and explain what it said on the packages or help ask and answer her questions about where "deh feesehlec’h" (the chicken feet) were.

Yep! To paraphrase, “You can take the girl out of ‘deh alteh heim’ (the old country), but you can’t take ‘deh alteh heim’ out of the girl.”

Until next time, and best wishes in Yiddish and broken English ... Heppy Velentine’s Day!

Welcome to the fountain of you.

It’s a place to come alive.

Call for a personal tour, or visit the events page on our website.

theCarlisle NAPLE S .COM 239.388.3768

The only CARF-accredited rental community in Naples AN SRG SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

ECC Licensed • Assisted Living Facility 9408

Changing your address? Email info@jewishnaples.org

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

Charles Grodin: Rebel With a Cause February Steve Brazina Documentary and Q&A with filmmaker

By Richard Prosten

C

harles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause is warm, funny, and unexpectedly moving. It portrays an artist whose greatest talent may have been his refusal to behave the way anyone in Hollywood expected him to. The film reveals a man who used deadpan comedy, stubborn conscience, and bold chutzpah to needle those in power, whether studio executives, politicians, or late-night hosts. What emerges is a portrait of Grodin as both a beloved comic performer and a mensch whose values shaped the way he worked, argued, and quietly tried to repair a world he saw as inequitable.

Friends and relatives describe Grodin’s Pittsburgh childhood as endlessly curious, often to the irritation of authority figures. He liked to recall being kicked out of Hebrew school for asking too many questions, a story that becomes an origin point in the film. That instinct to probe and examine would later define his comedic style.

His early film work, including small roles in Rosemary’s Baby and Catch22, shows a young actor still discovering his voice. With The Heartbreak Kid, his breakout role, the Grodin persona clicked into place: self-assured yet self-sabotaging, slyly aware of his failings, and perpetually caught between desire and conscience. The documentary suggests this tension was rooted in Grodin’s Jewish sensibility, where ambition and moral unease coexist in ways audiences found deeply relatable.

Colleagues such as Steve Martin and Martin Short reflect on Grodin’s signature “slow burn,” those long pauses in which he seemed to be silently assessing both the scene and

Charles Grodin CNBC The film is 92 minutes and features the cast: Robert De Niro, Carol Burnett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Steve Martin, Alan Arkin, Elaine May.

Zoom with the Filmmaker

Charles Grodin Rebel With a Cause the absurdity of human behavior.

The film draws on late-night television clips to show how he crafted a needling contrarian persona that flirted with irritation while remaining endearing. What appeared to be a comedic “jerk act” was, in truth, a satire of ego and pretension.

The filmmakers place Grodin’s work within a broader cultural context, framing his performances as commentary on postwar American life. Films like The Heartbreak Kid and Midnight Run become reflections on identity, insecurity, and the compromises people make in pursuit of success or belonging. His characters often served as reluctant moral compasses, extensions of his lifelong questions: What do we owe each other? What does it mean to act decently? How do ordinary people resist systems that reward the loudest and least reflective?

One of the film’s most compelling revelations is Grodin’s social activism. At the height of a comfortable Hollywood career in the 1990s and early 2000s, he stepped away from acting and used his media platforms to advocate for criminal justice reform, including harsh sentencing laws, wrongful convictions, and the challenges faced by incarcerated mothers. The documentary includes testimony from women whose lives changed because Grodin took up their cases.

Jewish voices in the film frame this work as tikkun olam. Grodin did not seek the spotlight; he visited prisons, contacted legislators, supported families, and used what influence he had to move individual cases forward.

He often said this work brought him more fulfillment than any film role.

Please stay after the screening for a 15–20-minute live Q&A with filmmaker Jim Freedman. Freedman wrote, produced, and directed the HBO documentary Glickman (executive producer Martin Scorsese) and has worked as a Hollywood writer and producer for more than 25 years.

Screenings & Registration

The film will be shown at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center on Feb. 3 at 1:30 p.m. (Doors open at 1:00.)

Admission is free, but reservations are required for security and capacity reasons. Registration will be available via WCA and MCA communications the month before the film. Questions: contact Richard Prosten at Docfilmsnaples@gmail.com

The documentary closes with a line Grodin repeated throughout his life: he tried to live in a way that would make his childhood rabbi proud, a poignant reflection from a man best known for impeccable comic timing.

Filmmaker Jim Freedman

The Dolcie Poznansky Wellness Lecture:

February 24th – 7:00 p.m.

SERVING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY SINCE 1996 Fuller Cremation Center 5325 Jaeger Road Naples, Florida 34109

Fuller Funeral Home 1625 Pine Ridge Road Naples, Florida 34109

239.592.1611 wecare@fullernaples.com

www.FullerNaples.com

Alzheimer’s Stages, Diagnosis & Research

Dr. William Justiz of Aqualane Clinical Research will share an accessible overview of Alzheimer’s disease, including early signs, diagnosis, and promising research

shaping future care.

Event open to the entire community 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL

COMMUNITY FOCUS

February 2026

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Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof Robert H. Jackson, and More

By Ida Margolis and Shelley Leib, GenShoah Co-Chairs

T

h e a b ove Supreme Court (title of this Justice Robert H. article) from Jackson whose Deuteronomy vision shaped 16:20 is translated both the trials and as “Justice, justice, the moral framethou shalt pursue.” work that endures The word justice is today. repeated, perhaps Ida Margolis and Shelley Leib as a reminder that “We must never society must continually strive toward forget,” Jackson declared, “that justice, and that justice must be the record on which we judge these pursued constantly and actively. defendants is the record on which history will judge us tomorrow.” Jackson’s Recently there was a new film legacy challenges us to uphold justice Nuremberg dealing with one of the not only in moments of global crisis Nuremberg Trials and, of course, but in our daily defense of human with justice. On the 80th anniversary dignity and the rule of law. of the Nuremberg Trials, it is important to remember that the trials are Some readers may be familiar with enormously important to history Jackson’s legacy, the Jackson Center because they changed how justice in Jamestown, N.Y. and this quote and accountability were viewed.

by Jackson: “The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have The chief U.S. prosecutor at the been so calculated, so malignant, trials, Robert H. Jackson, has been and so devastating that civilization described as one of the “most accomcannot tolerate their being ignored plished forgotten men of the 20th because it cannot survive their century” ( Smithsonian Magazine , being repeated.”

2025). Legal scholar John Q. Barret described Jackson as a patron saint, That is why the Holocaust Museum who should be known for much more teaches the lessons of the Holocaust than bringing the Nazis to justice. and GenShoah promotes Holocaust Even ChatGPT notes that it was U.S. Education as well as Human rights.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 • 9:15 am Naples, FL Address Provided One Week Prior to Event

RSVP Required at

jnf.org/bfinaples NO COUVERT | DIETARY LAWS OBSERVED SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE MORE INFORMATION

Josh Mellits Director, Western Florida and Orlando jmellits@jnf.org • 941.462.1330 x865

On Tuesday, February 3 at 7 p.m. at Beth Tikvah, a program honoring GenShoah will feature the President and CEO of the Holocaust Museum, Erin Blankenship, speaking about “Dimensions in Testimony,” an initiative from the USC Shoah Foundation that Erin Blankenship, President enables people to ask & CEO Holocaust Museum questions of Holocaust & Cohen Education Center survivors based on prerecorded interviews.

a Holocaust Mystery by Karen Levine. Thanks to all who worked on making this a successful event, to those who attended, and to those who provided delicious dishes and shared stories.

Two other opportunities to share stories will be on Sunday, March 1 at 1 p.m. at a get-together with 2G GenShoah members and on Sunday, The mission of GenMarch 8 at 1 p.m. in Shoah also includes Sarasota, as our local connecting descengroup has been invited dants of Holocaust surto a “Generations After vivors to one another, Summit” sponsored by and thus, presents many the Jewish Federation activities throughout of Sarasota-Manatee the year. Recently GenGenerations After Rhonda Brazina and Dorothy Schwebel Shoah has its annual group. For more inforat the Potluck Potluck brunch that mation about these brought many members together. programs, other GenShoah proIn addition to the opportunity to grams, or about GenShoah SWFL, schmooze and learn about the backemail genshoahswfl@hmcec.org. ground of those attending, member Linda Denning spoke about the GenShoah SWFL fascinating book and beloved story GenShoahSWFL@HMCEC.org Hana’s Suitcase: The Quest to Solve

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WINTER 2026

Elliott Katz Lecture Series Lectures are from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Attend in person or on Zoom Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center $25 per lecture or attend all 7 for $140 Fri., Jan. 9 - When America Banned The Jews Fri., Jan. 23 - We Hung Her, Oops Mon., Feb. 2 - American Academia Gets an F Mon., Feb. 9 - Ireland's Dirty Little Secrets Wed., Mar 4 - The Black Legend Lives Fri., Mar. 20 - The Jolly Roger and The Star of David

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Upcoming GenShoah SWFL Programs

By Shelley Lieb and Ida Margolis, GenShoah Co-Chairs

W

e invite all members of GenShoah SWFL to the following planned events.

Special event

This special event — Dimensions in Testimony with Erin Blankenship, President and CEO of Holocaust Museum — is being held to recognize GenShoah on Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00 p.m. Beth Tikvah invites everyone to hear Erin Blankenship talk about her experience with "Dimensions in Testimony," a project of the USC Shoah Foundation. RSVP required to office@bethtikvah.us.

Genealogy Workshop

This workshop will take place Sunday,

Book Discussion

GenShoah Readers & Learners Book Discussion on Sabine's Odyssey

by Agnes Schipper, Facilitated by 2G Estelle Kafer, will take place Thursday, March 12, 11:00 a.m. at Beth Tikvah.

Sabine's Odyssey is a memoir written by Agnes Schipper in honor of her mother's life during World War II and of her father, a member of the Dutch Resistance. RSVP required to office@bethtikvah.us.

2G Guest Speaker Agnes Schipper

On Wednesday, March 18, 2:00 p.m. at the Holocaust Museum,

Wed., Mar. 25 - Purple Robes, Rogue Court Scan to Register

Or visit jewishnaples.org/EKWinter26 Presented by

2024 Genealogy Workshop

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Silver Circle: Celebrating Our Long-Time Donors Save the Date

February 26, 2026 Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Evan Bernstein, VP Community Relations, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) joins us to speak about the impactful ways JFNA is using donor support.

Have you—or someone you know—supported Federation for 25+ years? Let us know so we can celebrate your commitment to Jewish philanthropy.

Contact Alicia Feldman, Director of Development, (239) 449-8266 or afeldman@jewishnaples.org to for more information

February 15, 1:00 p.m. at the Holocaust Museum. Bring your electronic device and follow the lead of Hank Bitterman (2G) who takes you to various online resources to find out about you and your family’s past. This session will provide a good starting point for further inquiries. RSVP required to liebro@gmail.com.

"Our Stories" Get-Together

The tentative date for this GenShoah Member get-together is March 1, 1:00 p.m. at a private residence. This will be an opportunity to talk with other Holocaust Survivors and descendants about themselves and their family experiences on a specific topic. RSVP required to liebro@gmail.com.

Agnes Schipper Agnes Schipper will speak in this 2G program. Agnes Schipper is the daughter of a hidden child; her father was a member of the Dutch Resistance. Agnes was raised as a Catholic, the faith of her parents, and first learned about her mother's hidden Jewish ancestry when she was 20. RSVP required at hmcec.org.

MATTIS Inc. of Parkshore Center

Special orders, Custom Designs, Estate Jewelry, Restoration & Laser Repairs 4th Generation Fine Jeweler

MATTHEW SKIS

Tel: 239-793-4400 | mattisinc@hotmail.com 3635 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida 34103

COMMUNITY FOCUS

February 2026

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Naples Jewish Congregation Events

By Len Egdish, Publicity Chair, Naples Jewish Congregation

W

e invite you to join us at the following events this month.

Lifelong Learning

As a congregation, NJC is committed to promoting education and reflective discussion of the compelling issues that we all face as Americans and as Jews.

Rabbi Herman is a poignant, insightful, and entertaining educator who generously shares his knowledge and brings about a vibrant and respectful exchange of ideas and beliefs. All events are open to the community.

Meaning and Mussar

of cultivating inner character traits known as “middot” and aims to help individuals become more aware of their soul traits and bring them into better balance.

Shabbat Services

Everyone is welcome to attend our Shabbat Services, which in February will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday nights: February 6, 20, and 27, and on Saturday morning, February 14 at 10:00 a.m. Join Rabbi Herman, Music Director Alla Gorelick, and the NJC choir for song and inspiration in our home at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6340 Napa Woods Way Naples. Worship together with the members of The Small Congregation with a Big Heart.

Friday, February 27 Rabbi Herman leads a discussion about the weekly Torah portion and “Mussar” — the Jewish study of applying personal ethics to our daily lives.

Visit our website at naplesjewish Mussar is a Jewish spiritual practice congregation.org for specific dates focused on self-improvement and and times. While there, you can see developing virtues to live a more our various planned activities. meaningful and ethical life.

Naples Jewish Congregation It emphasizes the importance www.naplesjewishcongregation.org • 239-431-3858

Temple Shalom Upcoming Events

R E F R AC T I V E L A S E R C ATA R AC T S U R G E RY R E F R AC T I V E L E N S E X C H A N G E S U R G E RY ALL L ASER L ASIK 239.325.2015 | GINSBERGEYE.COM | OLDE NAPLES | ESTERO

By Jeanette Fischer, Temple Shalom Director of Communications

O

ur Temple Shalom One Family looks forward to welcoming you to the following events.

Visit our website at naplestemple.org or call the Temple Shalom office at 239-455-3030 for more information.

Tu B’Shevat Terrariums

Celebrate Tu B’Shevat at Temple Shalom on Monday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. by building your own terrarium, each including a bit of Israeli earth. All supplies and plants are provided. Each ticket includes snacks, a terrarium vessel, two terrarium plants and other necessary materials and instructions. Order your ticket at tinyurl.com/TS-Terra

Jewish Book Club

Join Rabbi Boxman, February 4 at 11:00 a.m. for a thought-provoking exploration of Jewish identity, history, and imagination through powerful works of fiction. Together we’ll discuss The Book of V by Anna Solomon: A contemporary, layered retelling of the Book of Esther, weaving together past and present. RSVP: tinyurl.com/TS-FebBookClub

Soulful Shabbat

We invite you to join us for our very popular musical Shabbat on Friday evening, February 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Soulful Shabbat is a service conducted entirely in song and led by

Cantor Donna Azu with accompaniment by the Temple Shalom Band.

Beach Shabbat

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE WEEKEND JANUARY 30-31

Join us at Lowdermilk Park Beach on Friday, February 13 at 5:00 p.m. for a beautiful sunset Shabbat service.

We meet on the sand at the north end of the beach. Please bring a beach chair.

NATALIE

Torah Study

YOUNG

Join our vibrant, virtual Torah Study every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom. Explore the wisdom of the weekly Torah portion with thoughtful discussions and meaningful reflections. Led by a member of our clergy or a lay person, this interactive session welcomes all to explore and connect with Jewish teachings.

Please contact the Temple Shalom office for the zoom link.

Shop at the only Judaica Shop Around!

The Sisterhood Judaica Shop has a wide selection of Judaica. Shop for a mezuzah, Shabbat candle sticks, tallit, Kiddush cups, hostess gifts, and much more. To schedule an appointment, contact the Temple Shalom office.

Temple Shalom Naplestemple.org 239-455-3030

CANTOR

4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119

January 30 at 7:30pm During Shabbat evening service “When the World Sings Through Us”

January 31 - Kiddush lunch after services Program starts at 12:00pm (registration required)

“The Evolution of Jewish Music”

January 31 at 7:30pm Evening concert (registration required)

“An Evening of Storytelling and Song”

To register: tinyurl.com/TS-2026Artist Artist-In-Residence is generously underwritten by the DR. PAULA BRODY AND MERRILL HASSENFELD ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE FUND.

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JEWISH INTEREST

What Do Older People Prefer to Be Called?

Aging Jewishly — What our traditions teach us about growing old.

By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

T

he supermarket checkout line was a long one. As Dorothea and her granddaughter, Lisa, moved forward, the young man ahead of them turned abruptly and left the line.

explained that “Years ago persons with disabilities were called ‘crippled’ or ‘handicapped.’ The image those words portrayed was a negative one.

Persons with differWhen Lisa called, “Sir, you’re ences lobbied hard for next,” the man sneered and terms that focused on Rabbi Barbara responded, “You can stand the positive – on the Aiello there and wait for ‘Gramps’ individual – terms that to count out his pennies. I’m finding didn’t lump them together in a group. another line.”

That’s how we got away from ‘handicapped’ and began to use ‘person As Lisa watched her grandmother’s with a disability or difference.’ I wish smile become a frown, Lisa underwe’d do the same for older people.” stood and said, “How disrespectful, calling that old guy, ‘Gramps.’” DoroDorothea isn’t alone. In a classic AARP thea nodded. “‘Old Guy’ isn’t such a publication, titled “Who You Calling good choice either.” Lisa acquiesced.

‘Young Lady’?a” (February 2, 2018) “Well, Grandma, if ‘Gramps’ and authors Amanda Duarte and Mike ‘Old Guy’ are wrong, what’s the right Albo tackle what they term “ageway to talk about older people. ist language,” and emphasize that What’s the right thing to say?” pejorative and patronizing terms that describe older adults are harmful, Lisa’s question is a timely one, espehurtful and should not be used. cially in our politically correct world where the way someone is described Like what? Gerontology specialists can lead to upset, hurt feelings or and professionals who work with misunderstanding. older adults explain that terms like “over the hill,” “feisty,” “Blue-Hairs,” Having been a special education “Gramps,” and even “the elderly” are teacher, Dorothea had direct experidemeaning, And older adults report ence with negative stereotypes. She that when they are addressed as

February 26 at 10:00 AM Presidential Power: More or Less? presented by

MCA Member Bob Levy

Can the president lower drug prices, suspend habeas corpus, punish sanctuary cities, cancel our refugee and asylum programs, ban immigrants from selected countries, require illegal aliens to register, demand proof of citizenship, and rescind the rights of public sector workers? Are Trump's crypto connections and his receipt of an airplane from Qatar conflicts of interest? Do Trump's UK and China deals vindicate his tariff strategy? Can he serve more than two terms as president?

Bob Levy, chairman emeritus of the Cato Institute, will discuss the limits of presidential power.

To register, go to: www.mcanaples.org or scan the QR code. You must log in to register.

“Sweetie” or “Honey,” and told that they are “adorable” or “cute,” they feel as though they are being treated like children.

Carol K., in her nineties, gets straight to the point. “I have no problem with being referred to as part of ‘the elderly,’ I mean, that’s what we are.”

AJAS, the Association for Jewish Frank J. observes that “When we ‘oldAging Services, uses the term “aging sters’ get together we call each other population,” while most academic ‘geezer,’ ‘codger,’ and ‘old coot.’ But journals and the New York Times’ we don’t want younger people callstylebook caution against using “the ing us those names. I guess we’re like elderly” and instead advise that “older all the other groups. We say stuff to adults,” and “seniors” each other that we are the preferred wouldn’t want others “The word ‘senior’ to say to us.” descriptors.

is one of the most

Interestingly even Larry K., who will be the term “senior citi- common euphemisms 99 in July, takes a zen” has fallen out for old people and practical approach. of favor with some.

“Doctors, nurses, happens to be the caregivers like that, Susan Jacoby, the author of Never one I hate the most.” they should ask us Say Die: The Myth how we like to be ~ Susan Jacoby and Marketing of called and then prothe New Old Age, ceed with caution,” takes issue, surprisingly, with the term Larry says. “Don’t go using words you “senior,” to describe older adults. don’t understand. There’s a Yiddish word, ‘altakaker,’ that is offensive. I Quoted in a recent article in The won’t define it. Just take my advice Atlantic, Jacoby says, “The word and don’t say it.” ‘senior’ is one of the most common euphemisms for old people and hapAuthors Durate and Albo seem to pens to be the one I hate the most.” agree with Larry when they emphaJacoby goes on to say, “Imagine if size that “Except for a few increda newspaper called young voters ibly insensitive jerks, most of us are ‘juniors’ instead of young voters,” and increasingly careful to avoid using she reminds us that the term “senior hurtful language toward people difcitizen” can be inaccurate in that “not ferent from us.” every older resident of the U.S. is an American citizen.”

Or as Lisa remarked to her grandmother after the incident in the In that same Atlantic article, (Janucheckout line, “Sticks and stones can ary 2020) author Joe Pinsker poses break my bones, but names can really the question in the title, “When Does hurt me,” — an admonishment that Someone Become ‘Old’?” Pinsker holds true not only in the school yard found that “It’s surprisingly hard to find but also at the “senior” center, too. a good term for people in late life.”

Authors Durate and Albo also key on an important issue when they ask, So, let’s ask the experts — seniors “Why eliminate hurtful language? The themselves. What do older adults in answer is simple — because it hurts.” our own community think and feel about how they are described and For ten years Rabbi Barbara Aiello addressed? served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life as resident rabbi. Her most popuMichael R., a man in his seventies lar columns are now published in her says, “I prefer ‘old person.’ It’s short, new book, Aging Jewishly, available sweet and that’s what we are,” while from Amazon books. Rabbi Barbara Josie C. who just turned seventy, votes now lives and works in Italy where for “mature person,” and advises that she is rabbi of Italy’s first Reconstruchow one prefers to be addressed is tionist synagogue. Contact her at related to “a person’s own view of Rabbi@RabbiBarbara.com their place in life.”

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JEWISH INTEREST

February 2026

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Interesting Films; Grammys, PBS Series & More Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

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ditor’s Note: Persons in bold are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of this column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in, or identify with, a faith other than Judaism.

Dracula in Theaters February 6

Dracula, an English-language film made in France, is directed and written by Luc Besson, a Frenchman.

Here’s much of the plot, but not the ending: In the 1400s, Prince Vladimir of Rumania (Caleb Landry Jones) is battling the Muslim Turks. His beloved wife, Elizabeth, is killed during the battle, and Vlad renounces God and becomes Dracula.

For four centuries, Dracula seeks the reincarnation of Elizabeth. This changes when he meets Hacker, a Parisian attorney. During a routine business meeting, Dracula realizes that Mina, Hacker’s wife, is Elizabeth reincarnated. Vlad wants Mina, and Hacker wants her too.

Zoe Bleu (Sidel), 31, plays Mina.

Dracula is her first major film role.

She has also worked as a part-time

fashion model and ballet dancer.

Recently, she has been dating Hopper Penn, Sean Penn’s actor son.

Zoe’s mother is actress Rosanna Arquette, now 63. Rosanna’s siblings are actors Patricia Arquette and David Arquette. The three siblings had a Jewish mother and a nonJewish father. Zoe’s Jewish father is John Sidel, now 59, a political scientist and faculty member at the London School of Economics. He was married to Rosanna from 1994–1999.

Zoe is Rosanna’s only child.

Dreams in Theaters February 27

Dreams, a drama, follows the secret affair of wealthy socialite Jennifer (Jessica Chastain) and a Mexican ballet dancer and undocumented immigrant (Isaac Hernandez).

Reviews so far have been very good.

The film was written and directed by Michel Franco, 46, and is the tenth film he has written and directed.

His work has received much more attention in recent years. Franco’s Jewish father was born and raised in Mexico, and his Jewish mother grew up in Haifa, Israel, and later moved to Mexico.

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards will air on CBS at 8 p.m. on Sunday, February 1. The Grammys recognize excellence in many categories, mostly in music, although only the most popular categories are televised. For complex reasons, the number of Jewish Grammy nominees appearing on the broadcast has shrunk about 90 percent over the last 20 years. Two Jewish nominees in major categories this year are Jack Antonoff, 41, who received seven nominations for songwriting and producing, and Linkin Park, nominated for Best Rock Album and Best Rock Performance. Their Jewish lead guitarist is Brad Delson, 48.

Two PBS Series

Henry Louis Gates will soon receive a great deal of Jewish viewership.

He is best known as host of Finding Your Roots, the PBS celebrity ancestry series. Season 12 began on January 6, with ten episodes total: four in January, four in February, a March hiatus, and two final April episodes. Two Jewish guests this season are actress Lizzy Caplan, 43, whose episode premiered January 27 and is available on

the PBS app, and billionaire Barry Diller, 83, whose episode airs April 14, 2026.

Here’s the big news: Gates also hosts a new PBS series titled Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History, a four-part docuseries exploring the complex relationship between Black Americans and Jewish Americans, “forged in shared struggle, tested by division.” The first episode premieres at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with the remaining episodes airing on February 10, 17, and 24.

Shrinking Series (on Apple+)

Here’s a heads-up: Shrinking, a drama-comedy series on Apple+, returned with new episodes on January 27. It is a prestige streaming series, with no more than twelve episodes per season and a long wait between seasons. Harrison Ford, 83, and Jason Segel, 45, have major roles. Segel and Brett Goldstein cocreated the show. Goldstein, a British landsman, also writes Ted Lasso, Apple’s biggest hit, and appears in the series.

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February 2026

RABBINICAL REFLECTIONS

From Generation to Generation

Honoring What Came Before, Investing in What Comes Next Rabbi Ammos Chorny, Beth Tikvah

A

s we enter the month of Adar, our tradition offers a deceptively simple instruction: "When Adar arrives, we increase joy."

It sounds almost naïve, especially after the last few years many in our community have endured. Joy can feel distant, even indulgent, when grief, anxiety, and uncertainty still sit close to the surface.

Welcoming Adar in Song… with Cantor David Edwards As the month of Adar approaches, our tradition invites us to increase joy.

What better way to do so than through music?

Join Beth Tikvah for a special

This month leads us toward Purim, a story that itself lives between fear and celebration. The joy of Purim is loud and playful on the surface, but underneath it is serious business. It is the joy of survival. The joy of choosing life again after danger. The joy of a people who refuse to disappear. That kind of joy is deeply generational. It is not only for us. It is for those who came before, who dreamed that Jewish life would continue. And it is for those who come after, who will inherit the tone we set now.

After the last few years, many of us feel depleted. We have worried about safety, about belonging, about the future of Jewish life in ways that feel And yet, Judaism has never treated newly exposed. It would be underjoy as a luxury reserved for easy standable to retreat, to tighten our times. Joy, in our tradition, is an act grip, to focus only on preservation. of resilience. It is a decision to affirm But Adar asks something more coulife, continuity, and meaning precisely rageous. It asks us to invest in joy as when those things feel most fragile. a communal value. To sing when we are tired. To gather when it would Adar arrives to remind us that joy be easier to stay home. To support is not about denial. It is Jewish education, culture, about direction. Jewish and connection not only They did life has always unfolded because they remember not preserve along a delicate balance the past, but because they between honoring what build a future.

Judaism came before and investbecause ing in what comes next.

“From generation to genit was We are heirs to a tradition eration” does not mean shaped by memory. We convenient. everything stays the same. carry stories, melodies, It means we take responsiThey rituals, and values passed bility for what we pass on. down through generations preserved it Not just the texts and trawho often had far less ditions, but the emotional because it security than we do. They posture of Jewish life. Are did not preserve Judaism mattered. we handing forward fear, because it was conveor confidence. Anxiety, nient. They preserved it because it or belonging. Exhaustion, or hope. mattered.

Increasing joy does not mean ignoring pain. It means refusing to let pain At the same time, Judaism does not have the final word. ask us to live only backward. We are responsible not just to our ancestors, As Adar arrives, may we honor but to our descendants. The Judathose who carried Judaism to us by ism we inherit is not meant to be living it fully. And may we invest in placed behind glass. It is meant to be those who will carry it forward by strengthened, renewed, and handed choosing joy, connection, and genforward with intention. erosity of spirit. Not because the moment is easy, but because the Adar sits right at that intersection. future is worth it.

Cantorial Concert

Celebrating the arrival of Adar.

Through song, prayer, and melody, we will welcome a month associated with laughter, resilience, and the quiet power of communal joy.

This evening is open to the entire community.

Come as you are, bring a friend, and let music carry us into Adar together.

Sunday, February 22nd at 3:00 p.m.

Cost per person: Members $36 - Guests $45 R.S.V.P. by calling the Office at 239-434-1818 A special dessert reception will follow the Concert!

1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples FL 34109

Candle lighting times Feb 6: 5:56 p.m.

Feb 13: 6:01 p.m.

Feb 20: 6:05 p.m.

Feb 27: 6:09 p.m.

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

February 2026

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www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818

BETH TIKVAH

From Generation to Generation Rochelle Goodman Beth Tikvah President

I

n Jewish life, the phrase dor l’dor — from generation to generation — resonates deeply. More than a poetic expression, it is a guiding principle that shapes how we live, learn, and build community. At Beth Tikvah, this timeless value is at the heart of our mission: honoring the traditions that have sustained us while investing in the programs and people who will carry our congregation forward.

Our synagogue stands on the shoulders of those who dreamed of a vibrant Conservative Jewish community in Naples and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. Their devotion to prayer, study, and tzedakah created the foundation we cherish today. Each High Holiday service, each Shabbat gathering, and each heartfelt melody reminds us that we are part of a chain

stretching back through centuries of Jewish life.

Beth Tikvah’s commitment to tradition is evident in the care we bring to our liturgy and the reverence we show for sacred moments. This past year, our congregation celebrated Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with services that blended solemnity and joy, reminding us that renewal is possible when we root ourselves in the wisdom of our ancestors. We honor those who came before us by preserving the melodies, teachings, and rituals that have carried the Jewish people through history.

Yet tradition alone is not enough.

Judaism calls us to look forward, ensuring that future generations inherit not only our rituals but also the vitality of a living, growing community. Beth Tikvah’s upcoming 2025–26 season reflects this dual commitment, with programs that honor our heritage while embracing innovation and growth.

Our lecture series will bring distinguished scholars to Naples, offering

insights into Jewish history, philosophy, and contemporary issues.

These events connect us to the intellectual traditions of our people while sparking new conversations that shape our future. Hosting scholars for immersive weekends deepens our learning and strengthens engagement across generations, embodying the spirit of dor l’dor in real time.

Music has always been a bridge between past and present. This year’s cantorial concert will celebrate the beauty of Jewish song, honoring the voices that have sustained our prayers while introducing new compositions that speak to today’s Jewish experience.

All lectures begin at 7:00 p.m.; please check our website for topics and reservations.

The beauty of Jewish life lies in its ability to hold tradition and innovation together. At Beth Tikvah, we see them as complementary.

Tradition grounds us; growth propels us. When we welcome guest speakers, we honor the rabbinic tradition of study. When we host

concerts, we celebrate the enduring role of music in Jewish worship.

When we plan for financial sustainability, we follow the wisdom of our ancestors who built strong, resilient communities.

Our programs for the coming year are not just events on a calendar — they are opportunities to live out the values of dor l’dor. They remind us that honoring what came before is inseparable from investing in what comes next.

As we look ahead, Beth Tikvah invites every member of our community to take part in this sacred work. Attend a lecture, join a Scholar-in-Residence weekend, support our fundraising efforts, and lift your voice in song. In doing so, you honor the generations who came before and ensure that those yet to come will inherit a synagogue that is vibrant, inclusive, and enduring.

From generation to generation, we are called to remember, celebrate, and build — always mindful of the generations who walk beside us.

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February 2026

SYNAGOGUE NEWS www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-431-3858

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

L’dor V’dor — An Unbroken Chain Linking Generations Steve McCloskey NJC President

L

’dor v’dor, literally, from generation to generation, has been a foundational premise of the Jewish people for millennia.

It implores us to bequeath or pass down our customs, values, spiritual knowledge and heritage to the generation following, ensuring the continuity of our people, while bolstering our vibrant collective memory. By honoring the best of our past, we commit to a flourishing Jewish community as we contemplate and confront our future.

We have a communal responsibility, both an individual and a shared duty, to educate our children and grandchildren about their legacy. This is critical to inculcating the Judaic imperative of perpetuation of the Jewish people.

One aspect of implementing this

obligation is storytelling, a timehonored tradition throughout the ages. Storytelling is often the glue that cements one generation to the next.

Each generation is self-contained and short-lived. Therefore, we must rely on institutional knowledge to cull from the vast storehouse of Jewish history that will enhance the lives of future generations.

At NJC, we have a tradition of story telling by our members at various Sisterhood gatherings, which are open to all members. Just this past month, Amy Zusmanovich related a compelling tale of adventure about her and her family’s story of leaving Ukraine in the late 1970s and traveling on the road through several European countries, on their way to starting a new life in the United States. They eventually ended up in Des Moines, Iowa, where members of the Jewish community helped them and other immigrants from Ukraine settle in America.

Amy’s story was augmented by that of Sarilye Atlas, who told of

her rewarding experiences helping Ukrainian immigrants to adjust to life in Sioux City, Iowa. Like all immigrant stories, they were marked by courage, determination and hope.

L’dor v’dor also embodies the notion that all endings engender new beginnings. This concept really hit home for NJC in January of last year, when Jane Galler, our long-time, beloved Cantorial Soloist, passed away. We looked far and wide for a cantor/cantorial soloist for almost a year, to no avail. Then, in November, serendipity struck like a lightning bolt. Several members of our choir participated in a volunteer choir at an interfaith Thanksgiving service at a Lutheran church. There, we unexpectedly met Opal Hearst, a third-year voice major from FGCU, who knows Hebrew, much of our musical repertoire and has a beautiful voice and an amazing range.

Opal is now our Cantorial Soloist in training. NJC’s musical heritage and Jane’s legacy now will live on and be channeled by Opal Hearst.

Lastly, l’dor v’dor on a more personal note. I became a Jew by choice in the early 1980s, after our son, Michael, was born. Michael embraced Judaism early on. At his bar mitzvah, he proclaimed that he wanted to be a rabbi. Although I served as President of a congregation in Washington, Pennsylvania, as well as at NJC, my two proudest moments as a Jew have been at Michael’s ordinations as a cantor and as a rabbi. My wife, Shelley, and I have been fortunate to attend many of Michael’s adult education classes on Zoom. We marvel at the depth and breadth of his knowledge of Judaism, which he lovingly shares with others. Michael views the Torah as a roadmap for life throughout the tumultuous history of the Jewish people. We believe that it is not enough to merely espouse our Jewish values; we must live them, not only to honor those who came before, but to model for our children and grandchildren the behavior we expect from them.

13TH ANNUAL NAPLES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL 2026 Presenting the best and brightest cinematic moments from newly released Israeli and Jewish cinema.

ALL FILMS SHOWN AT THE NAPLES PLAYERS • BECOME A FILM FESTIVAL PATRON! www.naplesjewishfilmfestival.com

ONCE UPON MY MOTHER January 26, 2026

THE RING February 2, 2026

THE STAMP THIEF March 8, 2026

MIDAS MAN March 16, 2026

THE SEA March 22, 2026

MAKING AWARENESS March 22, 2026

Film Festival Patrons (as of January 8, 2026)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Frank Baum Stacey Baum Rita Bernstein

Marcia Cohodes Shelley Einhorn Steve Einhorn

DIRECTOR Aron Ain Susan Ain Martin Barber Albert Benchimol Elissa Benchimol

Jerry Bogo Rosalee Bogo Matt Ferko Harry Fischman Liz Fischman Madeline Foster

Cindi Goldfine Jeremy Freedman Judith Finer Freedman Harold Goldfine Bill Goldman Marsha Karp Carol Goldman Robert Karp Nancy Han Cheryl Tashof Myron Jacobs Ginsburg

FESTIVAL FRIEND Hedy Abel Jack Abel Judy Adelman Neil Adelman Leslie Aderson Doris Baum Lewis Baum

Myra Benedikt Alan Bernick Lisa Bernick Irina Birman Vadim Birman Andrew Blazer Beverly Blazer Libbie Bramson Carol Clarke

Ronni Feibel Eloyse Fisher Lisa Freund Sid Freund Nancy Garfien Darryl Garfinkel Nancy Garfinkel Phil Garon Phyllis Garon

Mel Goldfine Elaine Griver Michael Griver Andree Haas Diane Mertz-Hart Richard Hart Bob Holland Pam Hutul Tom Huling

David Goldsteen Steve Iser Barry Greene Laurie Lieberman Natalie Tull Greene Paulette Margulies

Andy Mintz Robin Mintz Marc Saperstein

Elizabeth A. Star Stanley A. Star

Randee Jacobs Anna Levin Yale Levin Gayle Levy Howard Margolis Marci Margolis

Karen Moss Neil Moss Jeani Park Traci Portnoff Ilya Prizel Kate Prizel

Jack Remondi Judi Remondi Nathaniel Ritter Susan Ritter Scott Rosenberg Nancy Schachtman

Steven Schachtman Jane Schiff Dawn Sherman Jamie Silverstein Jay Sterns Mindy Sterns

Phyllis Strome Steve Strome Jay Weiss Susan Weiss

Larry Israelite Wendy Israelite Nancy Kahn Elaine Kamin Fred Kamin Arline Kaplan Ron Kaplan Michael Kirschner Patty Kirschner

Abe Koss Phyllis Koss Gracia Kuller Helaine Lender Marvin Lender Jeff Leventhal Judy Leventhal Judy Levitt Mayer Levitt

Debbie Lurie Mark Mallon Joe Martella Barbara Merar David Merar Linda Miller Stuart Miller Michelle Mills Terri Polacheck

Kay Resnick Marci Rose Mitchell Rose Ellaine Rosen Richard Rosen Rick Rubin Wendy Rubin Gary Sanders Karen Sanders

Dorothy Schwebel Elliott Silbar Lauren Silbar Debra Silow Michael Silow Martin Silverstein Arlene Sobol Michael Sobol Paul Stein

Sharon Stein Carol Stern Jerry Stern Barbara Winthrop Audrey Yett Harris Yett Marjie Zucker Scott Zucker Deborah Zvibleman

ORGANIZATIONS

February 2026

Sic Transit Gloria Mundi

AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY RUBRIC

Thus Passes the Glory of the World Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

W

e often fail, individually and as a society, to view historical events and achievements through the appropriate lens of the times.

What is appropriate now would undoubtedly be scorned then, and frequently, vice versa.

To everyone’s surprise, the new fort was named after the soon-to-be General Twiggs’s son-in-law, and on

Meet Abraham C. Myers

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www.jhsswf.org | 833-547-7935

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SWFL

Dulaney, in Punta Rassa, by a hurricane in 1841; and then Fort Harvie, built in 1841 and abandoned in 1842 at the end of the Second Seminole War. Fort Harvie was subsequently burned, presumably by the local tribes, as we’d say in today’s lingo, in an act of resistance to the occupiers.

Fed Star

Myers’s professional responsibilities led to a “blame the Jew” the moment after he was put in charge of the Confederacy’s provisions, then ousted following a lengthy and loud trial in the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. He was then reinstated, only to be blamed again for the ultimate loss. His life eventually led him away from both his Judaism and the United States.

Myers’ famous son, Lieutenant General John Twiggs Myers, was born in Germany, where the Myers’ family was exiled until 1876.

Want to know more?

Sign up for our newsletter at jhsswf.org. Direct On March 2, 1849, the U.S. all correspondence to Congress awarded BrigaThe Jewish Historical dier General Twiggs a Society of Southwest ceremonial sword. Twiggs Florida, PO Box 10075, was an original member N a p l e s , F L 3 41 0 1 ; of the Aztec Club of 1847, a 83 3 -3 47-793 5 military society of officers (833-JHS-SWFL); www. who had served in the jhsswf.org. Section 501 Mexican War. By 1850, Abraham Myers gravestone in Alexandria,Virginia (c) 3 charitable orgaTwiggs was about to cereCredit: Fourthords nization, contributions monially “lose a daughter” are deductible to the full extent February 14, 1850, the City of Fort to Abraham C. Myers, a Brevet Lieuallowed by law.

Myers was officially begat. Newly tenant Colonel serving in the United relocating Southwest Florida resiStates Army as Chief Quartermaster dents love this historical fact. Named of the Department of Florida under after a Jewish man? Not a uniquely General Twiggs’s command. Myers, unfathomable historical fact that is a West Point graduate and Seminole precious to the Jews but may not be Wars veteran, was the son of Jewishso to the non-Jews.

Americans of South Carolina religious and political prominence.

The mysterious C in Abraham C. Myers is often decoded as Charles, In February of 1850, as preparations but this historian guesses it origiwere made for the wedding of the nated from a somewhat more then almost 39-year-old Myers to Jewish name, like Chaim. Myers’ a southern belle at the tender age life, like most lives of the time, was of 17, Marion, the newly rebuilt fort subjected to twists and turns of the on the Caloosahatchee River was still new United States, complicated completed. The previous two forts by the Civil War, his Southern honor, that the U.S. Army built and operand his young bride’s sharp tongue. ated there were destroyed: Fort

February Facts for Every Jewish Floridian

February 1, 1860 – Rabbi Morris Jacob Raphael of NYC gave the first invocation by a rabbi at a U.S. Congress session.

February 1, 2003 – The first Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon perished in Space Shuttle Columbia’s mission STS-113 reentry into the earth’s atmosphere February 14, 1850 – Fort Myers was established and named after Colonel Abraham C. Myers, the great-grandson of Charleston’s first rabbi.

February 14, 1949 – The Israeli Knesset convened for its inaugural session.

February 20, 1939 – Isadore Greenbaum courageously rushed the stage during the largest Nazi rally in U.S. History (approx. 20,000) in Madison Square Garden (NYC) and was beaten by Bund security and arrested by the NYC police.

CORRECTION

In the January issue, I mistakenly included an incorrect photo.

I sincerely apologize to Jane and her family.

The correct photo is below.

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February 2026

ORGANIZATIONS COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH www.hadassah.org | CollierLeeHadassah@gmail.com

Hadassah Upcoming Events Shelley Einhorn

THANK YOU to Guest Speaker Gillian Laub, our Sponsors, Attendees and the Event Committee for Making The Luncheon a Successful and Memorable Event!

President Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah

Remembrance Sponsors: Shelley and Steven Einhorn Testimony Sponsors: Ellen and Alan Englander, Maureen and Arnold Lerner, Carol and Stuart Mest, Estelle and Stuart Price, The Ronto Group Hope Sponsors: Patti Bloom, Rissa Grossman, Judy and Jeff Leventhal, Fran and Rob Nossen, Mindy and Jay Sterns, Marjie and Scott Zucker Inspire Sponsors: Harriet and Louis Berneman, Michele and Jeff Brotman, Nina and Michael Diamond, Paula and Ronald Filler, First Foundation Bank, Nancy Garfien, Jo Ann and Larry Golden, Shelli A. Halper and Naples Transportation & Tours, Steven Iser, Roz and Al Katz, Dottie Mc Govern, Sandy and Fred Roth, Emily and Andrew Roz, Nancy and Steve Schachtman, Anne Schuchman and Stephen Light, Dorothy Schwebel, Susan and Jay Weiss Patron Sponsors: Hedy and Jack Abel, Cheryl and Warren Alifeld, Nancy Benjamin, Silvie and Herb Berkeley, Shirley and Marshall Besikof, Ellen and Robert Blank, Penni and Mark Blaskey, Rosalee and Jerry Bogo, DG Perry CPAs + Advisors, Irwin Edelstein, Alicia and Michael Feldman, Marsha and Robert Karp, Gracia Kuller, Karen Orman and David Lewis, Marla and Rick Osgood, Ruth and Peter Pogany, Patti and Sid Price, Susan Regenstein, Judy and Stanley Ruskin, Michael Shechtman, Lois Schiller, Carol and Jerry Stern, Phyllis and Steve Strome, Nancy White Valet Sponsor: Diamond Custom Homes Event Committee: Co-Chairs Nina Diamond and Marjie Zucker, and Committee Members Debbie Annes, Michele Brotman, Margo Ceresney, Ellen Englander, Maureen Lerner, Judy Leventhal, Estelle Price, Sandy Roth, and Mindy Sterns.

Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Naples, FL 34110 239-263-9200 hmcec.org info@hmcec.org

The Sharon and Paul Stein Israel and Overseas

2025-2026 SPEAKER SERIES

Adeena Sussman Cookbook author, food writer

H

enrietta Szold’s greatest accomplishment was the creation of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of the United States. Under her direction, Hadassah became the largest and most powerful Zionist group in the United States, focusing on fundraising establishing hospitals, food banks, nursing schools, and social work programs. Szold’s work helped create the medical, educational, and social service infrastructure that helped turn the dream of a Jewish state into a workable reality.

Hadassah is still carrying on the work that was started by Henrietta Szold.

The results of her “Practical Zionism” can be seen today in Hadassah's two world-class hospital campuses in Jerusalem and the youth villages she founded to save the children who left their homelands as Nazis invaded Eastern Europe.

More than 100 years later, Hadassah is still advancing Henrietta's legacy by empowering women to put their values into action. Hadassah continues

to build a strong community in the US and Israel. In 2005, the Hadassah Medical Organization earned a Nobel peace prize nomination for bringing advanced medical care to all – regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality.

I hope to see you at one or all our upcoming events: February 23 – Spring Luncheon Meeting: lunch and learn. A potluck lunch with a program about how Hadassah advocates for its mission and values.

February 27 and 28 – Hadassah, Shabbat Zachor, Friday, February 27 at Temple Shalom; Saturday, February 28 at Beth Tikvah Synagogue.

March 15 – Collier/ Lee’s fifth annual Inspiring Women Luncheon, honoring local women whose work and efforts make a difference in our communities.

April 26 – Community-wide Women's Health Symposium: collaborating, informing, empowering all attendees. Founding members are Collier/Lee Hadassah, Sisterhood of Temple Shalom, Women's Cultural Alliance, Jewish Federation of greater Naples and Federation of Lee and Charlotte counties.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Monday, February 9, 3 pm Topic: Immigration nation: Israeli's diverse culinary life

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH POTENTIAL. GIVE YOUR ADVERTISE BUSINESS WITH American Technion Society President Uri Sivan & Professor Lehi Zelnik-Manor

GROWTH POTENTIAL. ADVERTISE WITH Monday, March 2, 4:00 pm Topic: Technion10² documentary film screening, discussion

Alex Lederman Israel Policy Forum Tuesday, March 24, 5:30 pm Topic: Israel 2026 – the path forward

All events will take place at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Scan to Register

Contact Melissa Barr at Robin Leonardi • 941.552.6307 •239-799-1840 rleonardi@jfedsrq.org or mbarr@jewishnaples.org www.TheJewishNews.org

Thanks to a generous commitment from Dr. Paul Stein and Sharon Stein, this annual speaker series will now feature free admission for participants.

Or Visit www.jewishnaples.org /IOC25-26

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform) 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 455.3030  Fax: 455.4361 www.naplestemple.org Rabbi Adam Miller, MAHL Cantor Donna Azu, MSM Rabbi Ariel Boxman, MAHL, MARE, Director of Lifelong Learning Rabbi James H. Perman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus Deborah Rosen Fidel, J.D., MAJPS, Executive Director Rabbi Frank Muller, D.D. Temple Shalom Rabbinic Scholar Joshua Garfield, President Dr. James Cochran, Music Director Shabbat Services: Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m.

February 2026 JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND (Reform) 991 Winterberry Drive Marco Island, FL 34145 Phone: 642.0800  Fax: 642.1031 Email: manager@marcojcmi.com Website: www.marcojcmi.com Rabbi Mark Gross Hari Jacobsen, Cantorial Soloist Stan Alliker, President

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION (Reform)

Services are held at: The Unitarian Congregation 6340 Napa Woods Way Rabbi Howard Herman 431.3858 Email: rabbi@naplesjewishcongregation.org www.naplesjewishcongregation.org

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos Co-directors Dr. Arthur Seigel, President Shabbat Services Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m.

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

Rabbi Mendy & Luba Greenberg Co-directors Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Monday through Friday 8 a.m.

Shabbat 10 a.m.

Adult Education Challah of Love Community Events Daily Minyan Services Hebrew School Kosher Grocery Kosher Meals on Wheels Smile on Seniors

BETH TIKVAH (Conservative)

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: 434.1818 Email: office@bethtikvah.us Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org

Steve McCloskey, President

Shabbat Services Friday 7:30 p.m.

Seasonal: Saturday Talmud-Torah at 9:30 a.m.

Shabbat Services Friday evenings 7 p.m.

May - August: services once a month

Shabbat Services Friday evenings 6:15 p.m.

Saturday mornings 9:30 a.m.

Rabbi’s Lifelong Learning Series Sidney R. Hoffman Jewish Film Festival Saul I. Stern Cultural Series JCMI Book Club

Sisterhood • Men’s Club Adult Education • Adult Choir Social Action • Community Events

Youth Education Adult Education Community Events Kosher catering by Chef Herb

Jewish Organizations to Serve You in Greater Naples (All area codes are 239 unless otherwise noted.)

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

GIVE. SHARE. CARE

Phone: 263.4205 Website: www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org Federation Board Chair: Nathaniel Ritter Federation President/CEO: Nammie Ichilov

American Jewish Committee

Regional Dir: Brian Lipton, 941.365.4955

Want to leave a lasting legacy or the uture o Jewish aples?

Ask us how you a maximize your haritable givi g a perpetuate your values!

TOP helps organizations an onors to make the most o their charita le ollars ensuring a strong an secure Jewish uture.

American Technion Society

Chapter Dir: Kelley Whiter, 561.395.7206

Baker Senior Center Naples Phone: 325.4444 Chairperson: Prentiss Higgins President/CEO: Dr. Jaclynn Faffer

Friends of the IDF

Exec. Dir.: Dina Ben Ari, 305.354.8233

GenShoah SWFL 263.9200

Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah Co-President: Nancy Wiadro collierleehadassah@gmail.com

Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center

Ellen Weiss, Executive Director phone: 813.769.4785 ellen@topjewishfoundation.org

www.topjewishfoundation.org CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS & ESTERO 24611 Production Circle Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Phone: 239-949-6900 Email: chabad@jewishbonita.com Website: www.JewishBonita.com

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Rabbi Ammos Chorny Shelley Goodman, President Roberta Miller, Secretary

Sisterhood Men’s Club Adult Education Havurot Youth Groups Religious School Judaic Library Hebrew School Preschool Adult Choir Social Action 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

Fed Star

Together, we are ensuring a Jewish future.

Chairperson: Stuart Mest, MD President/CEO: Erin Blankenship, 263.9200

Israel Bonds

Monica DiGiovanni, 727.282.1124

Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida

President: Marina Berkovich, 833-547-7935

Jewish National Fund

Joshua Mellits, 941.462.1330 x865

Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance

Marina Berkovich, JRCA@jewishnaples.org

Fed Star is published monthly, September through July,

by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Jewish War Veterans Post 202

4720 Pine Ridge Road • Naples, FL 34119

President: Michael Sobol, 508.733.9427

Phone: 239.263.4205 E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org • Website: www.jewishnaples.org

Hailey Dalby, 845.405.1991

Volume 35, No. 5 • January 2026 • 44 pages USPS Permit No. 521 Publisher and Editor: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Design and Production: MarketCrank, Inc. 239-591-2709 Advertising: Melissa Barr, 239-799-1840 March 2026 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: February 2 • Advertising: February 6 Send news stories to: fedstar@jewishnaples.org

Commander, Harvey Sturm, 261.3270

Men’s Cultural Alliance Naples BBYO

Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA) SE Reg Dir: Joel Silberman, 954.457.9766

PJ Library

Coordinator: Hailey Dalby 239.263.4205

Women’s Cultural Alliance

Co-Presidents: Debbie Lurie, 414-405-9000 and Darlene Muller, 330-540-8730

Zionist Organization of America President: Jerry Sobel, 914.329.1024

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Fed Star

February 2026

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