Federation Star - June 2022

Steven Chizzik, President

It is amazing, I feel like we just finished celebrating Passover and we are already deep into planning for the High Holidays. As I get older, the seasons and the Holidays seem to be getting closer.

Many of our friends have left for the summer and many of us who remain will be heading out for vacation breaks. It is these summer months when it seems the bonds of those remaining become even stronger. We become more dependent on one another for minyanim, and we get to fraternize at our kiddushim after Shabbat services at smaller table groups. Everything just gets a little more intimate.

I am excited to announce that, after rave reviews, Beth Tikvah has rehired renowned Cantor Noman Brody to lead our congregation with his beautiful voice in prayer for the High Holidays. Together with Rabbi Chorny, this dynamic duo will bring us another season of meaningful prayer, spirit and thought-provoking discussion. I am hoping that, after two difficult COVID years, this Holiday season brings us all together as one family.

The one thing that COVID taught us, and we are so thankful, is the ability, from wherever we are in the world, to participate in Beth Tikvah’s activities via Zoom. I was amazed at a recent Rosh Chodesh Women’s study group that almost half of the participants were in out-of-state locations. We were so worried that COVID would keep us apart, but the opposite has occurred. We have all learned how to take advantage of using technology to bring us all closer together wherever we might be.

This year’s Naples Jewish Film Festival was a perfect example. Beth Tikvah used technology to deliver an extensive film festival virtually. I expect that, with the knowledge learned from this year’s virtual film festival, we will be able to present another fabulous event to a much greater national audience next year. The possibilities become endless. It is with great pride that I thank our Film Festival Committee for everything they accomplished.

I want to wish everyone a very safe and healthy summer, wherever you might go. I am looking forward to everyone’s reunion in the fall.

I, again, would like to remind everyone that Beth Tikvah is now offering new members their fi rst year’s dues free of charge. If you or a friend wish to experience the warmth and community found at Beth Tikvah, please join us.

Beth Tikvah is the affiliated congregation in Greater Naples of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). We are grateful to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) for support of our Scholar in Residence, Naples Jewish Film Festival and All Things Jewish programs.

June happenings

• Saturday, June 4 at 6:15 p.m. – Erev Shavuot Service

• Sunday, June 5 at 9 a.m. – Shavuot Service … YIZKOR

• Sunday morning services begin at 9 a.m. via Zoom

• Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m. in person and via Zoom

• Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom

• We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request.

Please check the Beth Tikvah website, www.bethtikvahnaples.org, for details of all our events.