Community Brunch & Recipe Swap
Show off your culinary skills and bring your favorite healthy dish to share. You might just find a new favorite recipe too! 2
Beading Workshop
Learn the basics for creating beautiful, hand-beaded necklaces, and design a necklace you’ll wear home. 8
High Holiday Greeting Orders
Now Being Accepted
Say “L’Shanah Tovah” to friends and family. Place your order before the summer gets away from you. 18
In preparation to write this article, I looked back and reread the articles I prepared for the Federation Star at the beginning of season. In September, I assumed the role of the 2024 Annual Campaign Chair. We were excitedly kicking off the campaign, had a newly assembled campaign cabinet and were busy planning exciting programs for the upcoming season. On the heels of our most successful accomplishment of raising $1,630,000 the previous year, a lofty goal of $1,750,000 was set.
As I write this article, we are just 5% shy of making our goal of $1,750,000. If we achieve this goal, it will be a historic campaign for our community. Our efforts will allow us to fulfill allocations goals and fully support partner organizations. There is still time to make your gift before the campaign ends on June 30. Feel free to call Development Director Alicia Feldman at 239-449-8266 if you would like to help push us over the finish line.
I don’t need to remind you, at the time we were kicking off the campaign, Israel suffered the Massacre of Oct. 7. Our generous community banded together and raised over a million dollars for The Emergency Relief Fund. Ultimately, this did affect our campaign as some donors cut their usual gift, but others, understanding the importance of what we do
for the needs of our core community, raised theirs. For the past nine months, I have explained in every article where the money we raise is applied, and how important it is for what we do in our community, in over 69 countries and in Israel. I continued to use the slogan, “Now more than ever, no gift touches more lives.”
I stand by that statement; every Jew, in some way, is touched by the gift you give to your Federation.
Members of our Lions of Judah and our Pomegranates have grown to amazing
numbers. Our Women of Philanthropy are being educated through the programs that have been planned for them as well as through the leadership of our Pomegranate Chair, Debra Antzis, and Lion of Judah Co-chairs, Gail Smith and Estelle Price. Both groups have done service projects for our Naples Community, and we have watched friendships develop as these women enjoy being brought together. From the Lion of Judah group of 105, 10 women have endowed their gifts,
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EReneé Bialek Program Director
vents such as Cookie Decorating, Bingo, Puzzle Time, Paint by Number, Singles Social Pizza Party and more are being offered at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.
Open Ping Pong play is available; just check out the dates listed in our eblast. In the month of June, join us for a Community Healthy Brunch, RSVP Bone Builder classes, art classes, Beading for Betterment workshops, an exercise and nutrition presentation, Trivia Night, and a “When Harry Met Sally” discussion!
I look forward to sharing the July and August summer programs with you in the next issue of the Federation Star. Please make sure to read our weekly Monday e-blast to view new programs and registration links.
There are free weekly games at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Come join us, but please make sure to register so we can plan accordingly.
Mondays: Scrabble at 1 p.m.
Tuesdays: Chess at 1 p.m.
Thursdays: Super Samba Card Game at 12:30 p.m.
Please register for all events at www.jewishnaples.org.
Dates and times of upcoming events are announced on our website homepage. If you aren’t receiving our weekly Monday e-blast, please email me at rbialek@ jewishnaples.org.
ups and downs...continued from previous page
ensuring that the good work they do will continue after they are gone.
Paula Filler, who received the Community Campaign Award, will be working to increase our endowment efforts next season throughout our entire community. We had an outstanding response to our Passover appeal. It was sent to anyone who did not have an opportunity to give to the campaign and to those who have given in hopes they might want to participate in this special effort. Many in our community did just
that. As we gathered for seders with family and friends, we were hopeful that the funds we raised helped those less fortunate celebrate this joyous holiday of freedom from oppression.
For the past month, and it will continue for the next few months, we are preparing and making plans for the upcoming 2025 season. Alicia Feldman, our development director, has booked top speakers from JFNA for many of our programs. Our community will come together in October to memorialize
Join us Tuesday, June 11, 11 a.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center for a community brunch and recipe swap. Bring your favorite healthy dish to share, along with the recipe. If you like a dish, use your phone to copy the recipe.
Gather with your Federation friends for lunch and show off your culinary skills. Each month we'll feature a different kind of food.
If you plan to attend, please email me at rbialek@jewishnaples.org with the name of your kosher-style dish.
the Oct. 7 Massacre as well. Throughout the summer, preparations will be ongoing for the 2025 Annual Community Campaign; keep an eye out for the kickoff in early December. Many events will start in January, and if you thought the past season was busy, you have quite a year ahead. You will hear more about our Silver Circle Society through which we will honor anyone who has given to a Federation for the past 25 years.
On a sad note, our President/CEO, who has brought us to the top of the mountain in the past 10 years, is retiring. Whoever follows Jeffrey Feld will find an amazing community in which to work, and we will support him or her as we have supported Jeffrey. The various Boards of
Directors and their Leadership Chairs have also helped to grow and lead our community. With Feld and a hardworking staff, they have all worked together and made a powerful team.
Thank you for your support of our Greater Naples Jewish Federation. Have a safe and enjoyable time away, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another outstanding season. And remember, it’s not too late to support the 2024 Annual Community Campaign. Scan the QR code adjacent to this article, mail a check to the building or log into our website at Jewishnaples. org, and click on the “donate” button.
Avariety of events are planned for June. Come to all that appeal to you. Register for all at www. jewishnaples.org.
Cookie decorating!
Monday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. The cost is $15. Just bring yourself as the cost covers supplies as well as the pre-made cookies to decorate!
Bingo
Wednesday, June 5, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Join us for an hour of Bingo. Fun prizes
will be given out to the winners. This free program is for all members. Come meet new friends and win fun prizes! If you have a prize, book, gift certificate, etc. that you want to donate, please bring it.
Puzzle time
Monday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Come relax and put puzzles together! All supplies are provided. This is a free program for all members. Come meet new friends.
Paint by number
Wednesday, June 19, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. The cost is $10 per person. Come meet new people while painting by number. All supplies will be provided.
Singles Social
Friday, June 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. The cost is $10 per person. Come meet new people and enjoy pizza! This group is for members who are Jewish, single, and 55 or older.
You’ll love “Buried at the Lake” by Dan Petrosini, the latest release in the Luca mystery collection, because the twist nobody sees coming changes all the math.
The presumption was murder
Everyone assumed they knew the killer … but what if they were wrong about the crime? It was the most beautiful house on the lake. When a girl’s remains are found on the property, Bill Miller seems to know something. For 10 years,
there had been whispers about what happened to the girl.
Her case wasn’t Luca’s priority. Between his sick wife and the Park Shore murder, his plate was full. The press was all over it, and he needed to find out who murdered the innocent woman relaxing in her backyard. Worth millions, but without any known enemies, what was the motive?
Was it mistaken identity? Or something sinister?
Those thoughts danced through his head as he tried to get a handle on what happened to the girl. With the other murder unsolved, he shouldn’t be focused on her but he couldn’t help it. Something was off. It didn’t add up. If he could just figure out what that something was, Luca’s gut said the rest would fall into place.
Will Luca see through the fog and lies?
Read the book in advance (you can purchase it on Amazon), then come hear a short presentation and ask the author questions on Friday, July 26 at 11 am. Attend in person or join via Zoom.
Bring your book, and he will sign it! Register for this free program at https://JFGN.regfox.com/dan-petrosinibook-club-discussion.
From crashing a funeral at the Country Music Hall of Fame days after moving to Music City to being in the studio with Grammy Award winners, Nashville songwriter Bryan Ruby has lived more in 28 years than many people do their entire lifetimes. Ruby’s soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics have made him one of Nashville’s fastest-rising new talents, with 30 of his 400+ songs having been recorded by prominent country and pop music singers.
Join us for an intimate program filled with captivating stories, raw emotion and unforgettable tunes that will leave you inspired and wanting more. And don’t miss your chance to witness the magic as Ruby pulls back the curtain and takes you behind-the-scenes of how popular songs are written and recorded, and what happens when Garth Brooks tells you that your left shoe lace is untied right before going on stage.
4720 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34119
Phone: 239.263.4205 www.jewishnaples.org
Email: info@jewishnaples.org
Officers
Board Chair: Nathaniel Ritter
Vice chairs: Robin Mintz, Marc Saperstein, Arlene Sobol
Secretary: Rosalee Bogo
Treasurer: Steve Strome
Immediate Past Chair: Jane Schiff Board of Directors
Felicia Anchor, Frank Baum, Shelly Bell, Myra Benedikt, Mark Blaskey, Patti Boochever, Harvey Cohen, Marcia Cohodes, Max Deifik, Paula Filler, Cheryl Ginsburg, Mia Hyatt, Steve Iser, Larry Israelite, Tammy Katz, Elliot Lerner, Joel Pittelman, Michael Rubenstein, Anne Schuchman, Michael Sobol, Jay Weiss, Board Member Emeritus: Alvin Becker, Emerita, Phyllis Seaman
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, 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, Charles Flum, Rabbi James Perman, Dr. Arthur Seigel, Rabbi Fishel Zaklos
Staff
Jeffrey Feld: Federation President & CEO
Eduardo Avila: Campaign Associate
Reneé Bialek: Program Director
Michelle Cunningham: Receptionist
Courtney DeVault: Accounting Manager
Alicia Feldman: Development Director
Amber Ferren: PJ Library Coordinator
Communications Manager
Pat Pastorius: Facility Assistant
Linda Sherman: Receptionist
Phil Zoltek: Facility Manager
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
• Educational & Cultural Programs
• Israel and Overseas Committee
• Israel Scouts
• Jewish Book Festival
• Jewish Community Relations Council
• Jewish Young Professionals
• Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance
• Men’s Cultural Alliance
• PJ Library
• Publication of the Federation Star and Connections magazine
• Singles Social Group
• Women’s Cultural Alliance
• Women’s Philanthropy
• Youth Activities Committee –sponsoring youth education and scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and Israel Experiences
Thank you all for joining us for our lovely Beach Shabbat with the kids! I hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed celebrating with friends. This month, get out of the heat and join us on Sunday, June 23 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tumbles Naples! Let the kids have some fun in the gym and enjoy
snacks and time with PJ friends! We hope to see you there!
new monthly events, PJ Library Mom’s Night Out!
Please be sure to follow PJ Library - Federation of Greater Naples on Facebook for upcoming events and up-todate information on all things local for PJ Library. UPCOMING EVENTS!
Get involved in our fun events with your family and find out about our
January 30 February 13
March 20 April 10
May 15 June 26
By Eduardo Avila, Campaign AssociateWould you like to add your name to a brick paver as a welcome to guests visiting our new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center? Contact me at eavila@jewishnaples.org or 239-263-4205.
All events will be at: “Can U Dig It” Playground at North Collier Regional Park 3pm - 4pm
To register visit: facebook.com/PJLibraryNaplesFL
Make your check payable to JFGN
Indicate how you want your engraved brick to read, using the grid below for the size brick you are purchasing. Each square is the space for one letter or number. Each row counts as one line of text, only use the amount of lines specified below for your brick.
12” x 12” Engraved Brick - room for 8 lines of text with 20 characters per line ($1,800)
8” x 8” Engraved Brick - room for 6 lines of text with 20 characters per line ($720)
4” x 8” Engraved Brick - room for 3 lines of text with 20 characters per line ($360)
Our Executive Chef’s Top Culinary Delights
Here’s your chance to get a taste of what life is like at Moorings Park’s three stunning Naples communities.
Attainable Luxury Begins at $552,000
Successful aging expert and Vice President Tom Mann will introduce you to our three premier Moorings Park communities. Discover an innovative approach to successful aging as you learn valuable details on costs, oor plans, healthcare, dining, and waiting lists.
During this presentation, you’ll enjoy a video tour of each community’s clubhouse and model residences, all while savoring top culinary delights from our executive chef.
RSVP today by scanning the QR code, visiting MooringsPark.org/Events, or calling 239-356-0540.
Discover Our Secrets to Successful Aging
Thursday, July 11th | 2:30 p.m. Moorings Park Clubhouse 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples, FL 34105
RSVP by July 9th by calling 239-356-0540, visiting MooringsPark.org/Events, or scanning the QR code.
Unable to attend? Join our webinar on Friday, July 12th at 10:30 a.m. To register, visit MooringsPark.org/Webinar.
Prices from $ 552 ,00 0 to $9M+ 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples, FL 34105 | 239-356-0540 | MooringsPark.org
May 5, 2024 (Hebrew Calendar 27 Nisan 5784)
By Shelley LiebWWII ended 79 years ago. The United Nations recognized the State of Israel 76 years ago. The Israeli Knesset established 27 Nisan as Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah/Yom HaZikaron la Shoah ve-la G'rurah/Holocaust Remembrance Day) 73 years ago.
Yom HaShoah, a national day of remembrance in Israel, commemorates the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and the heroism of survivors and rescuers. For many years in our Naples Jewish community, we have held a community-wide program with traditional songs, poems, prayers, a candle lighting ceremony and speakers appropriate to the occasion.
Each year, Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance Center) designates a focus for Yom HaShoah. Their focus this year was “A Lost World: The Destruction of the Jewish Communities.” The title for our program in Naples this year was “Unto Every Person There is a Name.”
Various organizations and individuals took part in the planning, presentations and success of this year's program, which was held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. We would like to express appreciation to all of them as well as the many community members who attended. We are especially grateful to the local survivors who could join us this year.
For several years, the Beading for Betterment project has provided special, custom-made necklaces to children at the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee. They are distributed to these children so that they have a Mother’s Day gift to give to their mother, grandmother or other special woman in their life. In addition to the children at the Guadalupe Center, necklaces have also been distributed to children who participate in Jewish Federation of Greater Naples’ event, Shop with a Sheriff, for Christmas.
Whether you are an experienced “beader” or have never made a beaded necklace, please join the group for a fun beading session. All are welcome.
There will be free sessions at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, 4720 Pine Ridge Road. Sessions will be held on:
• June 11
• August 15
Each session is from noon to 3 p.m. Come to one or come to all!
If you have your own supplies, please bring them. If not, supplies will be provided; only a donation will be requested so that more supplies can be purchased.
For more information, contact Carol Hirsch at chirsch1951@gmail.com. This program is sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and Temple Shalom.
Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Thursday, June 27 7-9 pm $18 pp
Desserts will be served
Join us June 20 from noon to 3 p.m. for a make-it-take-it jewelry workshop. Various beading patterns and combinations of bead colors, sizes and shapes will be demonstrated.
Learn the basics for creating beautiful, hand-beaded necklaces, and design a necklace you’ll wear home.
June 7: 8:00 p.m. June 14: 8:03 p.m. June 21: 8:04 p.m. June 28: 8:05 p.m.
All supplies, including a wide variety of beads, are provided. Contact Carol Hirsch at chirsch1951@gmail.com to register. Bring cash or a check in the amount of $25 to pay for supplies.
Jewish Young Professionals recently visited the Holocaust Museum. Thank you to Stuart Mest for giving them a very meaningful tour.
Join Sharsheret featuring Tracey Hecht, Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist and Greer Burcky, Registered Dietician to help you explore exercise and nutrition tips for cancer survivors.
Open to all ages, men and women, with or without a cancer experience.
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1-2 P.M. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center r
Please register for this free program at https://JFGN.regfox.com/ exercise-and-nutrition
This program is brought to you by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and Sharsheret.
MCA had a record-breaking season with many new programs and a remarkable increase in membership. In review, here are some of the major events of the past season.
The year kicked off with a throwback to the 1960s Sock Hop. A DJ played records from that era while members, dressed in period costumes, danced the night away.
After a three-year hiatus, Sarge was back with his hilarious form of humor. He had the audience in stiches the entire night.
Lew Merletti drew in a sold-out audience at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center to talk about his experience from being a Green Beret to becoming head of the Secret Service. He described the challenges of protecting presidents as they traveled around the world.
Peter Simon graced our stage in February as he played selections from great Jewish composers. Songs from Rogers & Hammerstein, Irving Berlin and George Gershwin were among the selections.
Thirty couples took a weeklong trip to Cuba in March.
Also in March, the 8th Annual Sweetheart Dance featured the Dazzling Delrays and was held at the Vineyards Country Club. The dance floor was packed from start to finish.
In April, Dr. Marc Dichter presented a COVID update and spoke about unravelling long COVID. He examined the symptoms of long COVID and shared statistics as to the number of people inflicted by this aliment.
In addition to those special programs, MCA hosted a luncheon with a different speaker each month:
November - Future of Healthcare , presented by Paul Hiltz, CEO of Naples Community Hospital Healthcare.
Hiltz talked about the expansion plans in the works for NCH, including the forthcoming partnership with the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and the effort NCH is making to recruit doctors for that alliance.
December - Heat and Human Health: Solutions to Save Lives from These
Deadly Events, presented by Laurence S. Kalkstein, Ph.D
Dr. Kalkstein talked about the excess heat that is collected on roadways, roofs and other structures, how that heat raises the average temperature of the air, and its impact on the population.
January - The Federal Court System: My Life as a Federal Judge, presented by Judge Richard Linn. Judge Linn described his career path to becoming a federal judge and explained how the judicial system of the United States works.
February - Hello Darkness, My Old Friend, presented by Sandy Greenberg Greenberg was a healthy, young adult attending Columbia University when tragedy struck. Due to a misdiagnosed eye exam and improper treatment, he became blind overnight. His story is one of guts and determination to overcome his blindness. He talked about how he went on to become a successful
businessman, diplomat and founder of the Sandford and Susan Greenberg Center to End Blindness. The center is located at Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, where Greenberg serves as board chairman.
March - Overview and Update of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), presented by Steve Hennigan Mr. Hennigan, Executive Director of the Lee County Port Authority, described the growth plans for the Regional Southwest Airport (RSW). A new terminal, runway and more access roads are all on the drawing board for this $200 million expansion.
April - My Journey Through American and International Jewish Organizations, presented by Michael Siegal. Siegal was awarded the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor in December 2022 for his extraordinary commitment to the Jewish State. In addition to this honor, he has held many other executive positions in Jewish agencies.
The Program Committee is hard at work to deliver equally talented speakers for the coming season.
Here are just a few of the speakers lined up for 2024–2025: an astronaut who has traveled to the International Space Station, the Former Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a Sheriff of Collier County, the Former Press Secretary for President Trump, and a presentation on war crimes, genocide, and international law.
MCA welcomes your ideas for programs and speakers. Please contact Program Committee Chair Neil Chessin with your suggestions.
When I try to describe WCA to friends in other cities, they look at me in disbelief as I mention the numerous and wide variety of activities, interest groups and special events that WCA offers! I wouldn’t be surprised if you have had a similar experience whenever you tell others about how you spend your time in Naples and why you feel so “at home.” Other Federations have asked (somewhat enviously!) about the Woman’s Cultural Alliance and how we are able to offer all that we do. WCA is the only program of its kind among all the Federations in North America!
The key to our success is . . . many of you — our dedicated, creative and energetic volunteers. Your support of WCA enables us to continue fulfilling our mission of offering programming to serve the more than 1,600 women who are members.
Under the leadership of WCA President Patti Boochever and the WCA Board of Directors, volunteers plan, organize and run all our program offerings. From leading one of our 50+ Interest Groups, to identifying speakers, to envisioning and carrying out our exciting programs and special events, volunteers make WCA
Event co-chair
Linda Simon expresses our appreciation to WCA President Patti Boochever.
the successful organization that it is. Whether it is making the initial arrangements, flushing out the details, greeting and checking in members at programs and special events, or offering her home, each volunteer plays an important role in contributing to the impact that WCA has on the women in our community. We greatly appreciate each volunteer’s willingness to share her time, energy and talents with WCA.
Although we know we could never adequately thank our volunteers, each year the WCA Board of Directors invites women who have actively volunteered
Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.
~ Sherry Anderson, Director, Division of Volunteers, Arkansas Department of Health
and Human Services
during the program year to a Volunteer Appreciation Event. This year, more than 300 volunteers were invited to attend a brunch on April 8, which is during National Volunteer Month. This very special event, held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, was chaired by Lea Bendes and Linda Simon, with the invaluable assistance of Debbie Lurie and Darlene Muller.
The room was festively decorated with an array of rainbow-colored napkins on each table along with colorful “hand clappers” so that we could all give each other a resounding round of applause.
The food was delicious, plentiful, and beautifully presented, thanks to Jay of Prestige Catering. Leftover food was delivered to the Café of Life, a non-profit in Bonita Springs where members of the Foodies Group bring and serve food once a month. Attendees were treated to a fabulous slideshow of photos from this year’s events, created by Dina Shein. Jewish Federation of Greater Naples President/CEO Jeffrey Feld came to the event to personally thank the women for all that they do to further strengthen our Jewish community. President Patti
Boochever also thanked the volunteers, specifically recognizing board member Ann Cowen (who was unable to attend) for posting and overseeing 376 events on Wild Apricot between September 1 and April 8. Patti noted that these events were in addition to all the activities offered by our 50+ Interest Groups. Patti said, “Without our volunteers to help facilitate all these events and activities, WCA would not be the success it is.”
All that was missing at the event was some of you! If you were not on the “guest list,” we hope that this coming
year you will volunteer with WCA so that you can be at next season’s Volunteer Appreciation Event.
How do you become a volunteer? “It’s easy,” said WCA’s Volunteer Coordinator Linda Simon. “My job is to help you find a volunteer opportunity that you are comfortable with and will enjoy doing. Simply send me an email at lgsimon2947@yahoo. com and tell me that you are interested in volunteering, and I will contact you.”
Although “season” has wound down, there are still many WCA activities in which to participate and to volunteer.
Several Interest Groups continue yearround. In addition, 13 events are being offered June through October for our “Year Rounders.” And don’t forget about our nine Summer Branches spread across North America. (You can get on a branch’s email list by contacting the branch liaison, whose contact information is on the website, wcanaples.org, under "Groups.")
Please start to think about how you might offer your time and talents to WCA. You — and we — will be glad that you did!
egistration is required for all events and programs.
Every life is unique and deserves to be remembered in a special way. The professionals at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens are dedicated to helping
you and your loved ones honor the heritage of the Jewish faith with a meaningful memorial that truly captures the essence of the life it represents. deserves
We offer our deepest gratitude for giving us the opportunity to assist you through one of the most challenging times in life, and for allowing us to earn and keep your trust.
Beginning Friday, June 7 through Friday, Aug. 30, Temple Shalom will have summer service hours beginning at 6 p.m. Join us prior to services at 5:30 p.m. for a “pre-neg” with schmoozing and light refreshments.
Join our virtual Torah Study every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom. Led by a member of our clergy or a lay leader, this interactive session welcomes all to explore and connect with Jewish teachings. Please call the Temple Shalom office for the Zoom link.
Join Rabbi Boxman at Temple Shalom on Tuesday, June 18 at 7 p.m. for a screening of the film “The Angel” directed by Ariel Vromen. Register at tinyurl.com/ TSIsraeliMovieNight.
Come to Scoops in Green Tree Shopping Center on Wednesday, June 12, 6-8 p.m. to enjoy a delicious dairy treat for Shavuot. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Temple Shalom.
Temple Shalom naplestemple.org 239-455-3030
To: Alvin Becker
Dear Alvin, Sending our condolences. Sheila was a wonderful woman.
From: Deborah & Gary Kohler
To: Alvin Becker
Our deepest sympathy to Alving & the Becker Family.
From: The Subin Family
To: Stacey Kaniewski
Sheila was a wonderful bridge player and fount of energy for her family. Our deep sympathies to the Kaniewski family for her loss.
From: Elizabeth Mihas
To: Becker Family
In loving memory of a dear family friend who deeply loved and cared for others. She will be missed.
From: Daniel Maslauski
To: Becker Family
In loving memory of Sheila Becker & Pauline Hendel.
From: Corky Kaplan
To: Alvin Becker In loving memory of Sheila Becker.
From: Rita Bernstein
Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.
To: Rita Bernstein
In memory of Mel Kruger. My condolences to you and your family.
From: Sandra Dorfman
To: Karen Deutsch
In honor of your recognition of service to JFGN.
From: Howard & Janet Solot
To: Joan Meltzer Blumkin
Congratulations on your Bat Mitzvah. It was a joy to share the day with you.
From: Dr. & Mrs. Larry Goodman
To: Gail & Russell Smith
We appreciate your friendship and hospitality.
From: Rosalee & Jerry Bogo
To: Sonya & Harry Bloom
In Loving Memory of your son, David Bloom
From: Robin & Andy Mintz
To place a Tribute in the FederationStar in honor or memory of someone, please contact Linda Sherman at the Federation office at 239-263-4205 or lsherman@ jewishnaples.org. Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. A note will be sent to the person/family you are honoring. Tributes help further the work of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.
TDr. Jaclynn Faffer President/ CEO
he calendar reads “June 1.” As I am writing this, I am reminded of the many things June 1st meant to me when I lived “up north.” Among them, school would soon be ending, pools and beaches would soon open, and for those of us who are fashionistas, we could wear white! In Florida, however, June 1st means something quite different … the start of hurricane season. As usual, weather forecasters are having a wonderful
time predicting whether or not the season will be better, the same, or worse, than last year. I know we are all on the same page in hoping that it will be better.
Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN) has always taken the lead in disaster relief, and we are grateful to the Federation for supporting us in our efforts. I am reminded of our role with the pandemic and Hurricanes Irma and Ian. While we hope this will be a quiet hurricane season, we want to remind everyone that should disaster strike, we are here to help.
If you know of vulnerable seniors who are living alone, or living with partners who are vulnerable as well, please let us know (with their permission). We will add them to the list we put together of seniors who will need hurricane supplies,
assistance with evacuation and on-theground help after the event. Our Geriatric Case Management staff members are often the first to respond after the storm, delivering food, water and other supplies.
BSCN had its quarterly “Boot Camp” for Caregivers. Thirty caregivers of loved ones with cognitive issues attended our fourhour educational program where experts presented on Medicaid planning, financial planning and the benefits of music therapy for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Please circle Jan. 11, 2025 on your calendars for our 13th annual Evening for
GenShoah SWFL other notes and events
By Ida Margolis and Shelley LiebDr. Irit Felsen and her colleague, Prof. Shrira from Bar-Ilan University in Israel, are currently conducting research on examining the effects of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and the subsequent Israel-Hamas War on descendants of Holocaust survivors and Jews without Holocaust familial background. This study focuses on adult Jewish persons born after 1945 whose parents, both mother and father, were alive before
1945. Both parents should have been born in North or South America, Europe including the former Soviet Union, Oceania, South Africa or Israel.
The catastrophic attack on Oct. 7 and the events that followed have profoundly impacted Jewish people and children of Holocaust survivors (2Gs). It is important to have empirical data, which we ask you to help us obtain. Please help us by providing your responses to this
questionnaire; It is completely anonymous and takes between 20-30 minutes. Also, feel free to disseminate this study to other Jewish people, both children of survivors and their peers who are not children of survivors (but, they must be of European descent).
Here is the link to the study: https://biusocialsciences.eu. qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6SApGd PTbsIDofc
Better Tomorrows, BSCN’s signature fundraising event. More information will follow!
For our friends heading to cooler places, as you clean out your pantries please remember our food pantry. And for those of you staying “in town,” think of us when Publix has its “buy one get one” sales. We need your pantry donations year-round. Thank you for your support, and best wishes for a healthy, safe and calm summer.
The World Federation of Jewish Holocaust Survivors & Descendants (WFJHS&D) will hold its 2024 Annual Conference Sept. 20-23 in Toronto, Canada at the Hilton Toronto/ Markham Suites Conference Center and Spa. The Kindertransport Association (KTA) will join the conference once again as will members of Generations of the Shoah International (GSI). Registration is open, available both online and by mail, April 3-Sept. 11.
Find out at our June Open House where you’ll be whisked away to the sun-kissed islands of the Caribbean! Get a taste of our celebrated hospitality with steel drum music along with divine appetizers and refreshments inspired by the bold flavors and vibrant colors of tropical cuisine. Tour our community grounds and residences, meet our chef, and learn about our impressive menus and culinary events.
Aristotle wisely wrote, "The more you know, the more you realize you don't know.” This certainly is true about historical events which have so many different perspectives and participants to consider. How much has been written, discussed and analyzed about the Holocaust?
Each Holocaust book read, whether fiction or nonfiction, teaches the reader something they didn’t know, didn’t realize or didn’t consider before.
Rosie Whitehouse is a journalist who writes about Holocaust survivors. Her book, “The People on the Beach: Journeys to Freedom After the Holocaust” (2020), explores the world as it appeared to the newly liberated Jews (mostly young men and women) who had few options. Many were being held in Displaced Persons camps while others were remaining with, or connecting to, partisan groups. Those hidden by righteous families came out of darkness. All of them were searching
for their pre-war family in one way or another. When no family was found, they began searching for reasons to live. Whitehouse begins her account with the manifest from one of the ships that ran the blockade to Israel in 1946 from Italy - the Wedgewood. Even the history of this particular ship is a saga of its own. Whitehouse goes to great lengths to interview those survivors who are still alive, no matter where they live. If that’s
not possible, she locates family members, letters and articles in various languages, and retraces their lives to pre-war days and places. The result of all this attention to details is eye-opening, even for those of us who have been exposed to a large amount of Holocaust literature and research.
the Displaced Persons. He referred to the Jewish DP’s as "lower than animals" and determined that they should remain under lock and key, because he was afraid that Germans would be murdered.
Then there is the reality in Palestine (not yet Israel) at the end of WWII. The refugees were expecting the “land of milk and honey,” and they had been prepared to be welcomed as contributing members of a vibrant community. The Jews were fighting the British colonialists and the Arab residents. Everything was scarce, and there was little attention paid to the physical and mental status of the refugees from Europe. Each detail that she uncovers leaves a trail of more questions and possible lines of inquiry. What was/is the suicide rate for survivors? In Israel? In America? In Europe? What about the Jews who fled Europe to Palestine in the ‘30s as Germany began to enforce antisemitic laws and prohibitions?
Keeping up the spirits and the determination of the survivors to get to Palestine was a difficult task that fell into the hands of the natural leaders that arose to meet the challenge - many of whom were the Partisans who fought their way through the war outside the camps. The first Passover Seder for these survivors waiting for the journey to Palestine became a uniting event; an act to address their loneliness and give them the emotional strength to reclaim their Jewish history. A “Survivor’s Haggadah” was written especially for this occasion. If the traditional Passover Haggadah tells the story of how the Jews escaped their life of slavery under an Egyptian Pharaoh, imagine a contemporary retelling of that story of escape involving a German Chancellor. The traditional Passover Haggadah was written centuries ago. Was it written to re-ignite a connection to Judaism that was crucial at that time?
Whitehouse is blunt in her references to antisemitism in many of the allies’ military and political leaders before, during and after the war, including General Patton who openly shared his dislike of
As the survivors began to awaken from their stupor of despair, many came to the stark realization that nobody wanted them. Those who were already in Palestine (the Yeshuv), and the Jews who made the trek to illegally enter Palestine (the Bricha), became uneasy comrades as Palestine fought its way to become Israel. For many of the Bricha, this unease was to last a lifetime.
GenShoah SWFL is a group for children and descendants of Holocaust survivors and anyone interested in the mission of GenShoah of SWFL:
• Promotion of Holocaust education and human rights
• Preservation of history and memories of the Holocaust
• Connecting the second generation with one another
• Support of the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center
There aren’t any dues or forms to fill out. If you would like to receive our newsletter and program announcements, just send us an email genshoahswfl@hmcec. org or liebro@gmail.com. If you would like to volunteer to help with future programs, please let us know that too! Thank you to those who support our mission, read the newsletter, attend GenShoah programs and are members of the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey G. Cohen Education Center in Naples. We do encourage membership at the museum, as we are an affinity organization with them. If you are not already a member of the museum, please consider joining or making a donation.
SSusan Suarez President & CEO
oon after opening at our new location, the arrival of the pandemic put a hold on plans for new programs and expanding our education programs. As of the end of this school year, I am happy to say we have finally recovered from the effects of the pandemic and experienced our busiest year ever! We have seen increases in the total number of general public visitors, private group tours, special program attendance, and most importantly, the number of students and teachers reached by our education programming. It is more important than ever that we reach and teach the next generation the importance of standing up to hate and bigotry. As adults, we must prioritize behaving as upstanders not only so young people can see what that looks like, but so they realize the difference it makes in our society.
The museum received a generous $10,000 grant from the West Bay Foundation in support of our education programs. We are grateful and honored by the continued support from this organization, which doubled its contribution to the Museum this year.
held its Annual Board Meeting and celebrated a successful season with a dinner at the Quail West Country Club. At the meeting, the following directors were appointed as officers for the 20242025 term: Stuart Mest, M.D. – Board Chair; Stuart Price – Immediate Past Chair; Alan Englander – Secretary; Jo Ann Golden – Treasurer; and Maureen Lerner – Development Chair. Directors Jo Ann Golden and Stanley Ruskin, having completed their initial one-year terms, will now begin their first threeyear term on the board. Five new directors will be joining the board for their initial one-year terms beginning July 1, 2024: Felicia Anchor, Nina Diamond, Paula Filler, Stephen Light and Marjie Zucker.
Our thanks to board members with terms expiring June 30, 2024: Officer and long-time Director Richard Yovanovich and Vice Chair Fred Roth, who will become Vice Chair Emeritus.
This year marks the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II. We gratefully remember those who secured our freedom today. We are honored to share the personal stories of Southwest Florida survivors, liberators and veterans who experienced the Holocaust or served in the European Theater. Throughout the museum, you will see many unique artifacts, documents and photographs that they donated to us. It was important to them that these items had a safe place to be publicly displayed so that future generations would see tangible proof of history from those who experienced it.
The Challenge Grant, which was recently increased to $125,000, will help ensure that The Boxcar Exhibit continues its travels across Southwest Florida. To date, more than 300,000 students and members of the public have been impacted by seeing the exhibit. It is on loan to the museum from Jack and F.E. Nortman and The Boxcar Foundation, who are sponsoring this challenge, along with friends of The Boxcar Foundation. In addition to being able to host the exhibit, the project also provides schools with associated programming and educational materials. Please contact me at Susan@hmcec.org for more information on participating in the challenge.
The museum Board of Directors recently
“Lawyers without Rights – Jewish Lawyers in Germany Under the Third Reich” is on display in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery through June 23. This traveling exhibit was created by a joint partnership between the American Bar Association and the German Federal Bar. It highlights the dire consequences faced by German lawyers who were targeted because of their Jewish ancestry, and why the “just” rule of law is so important to any society.
Our next exhibit, “Oradour – Photos by Martin Graf,” opens on July 8 and will be on display through Dec. 2. Oradour, in the German-occupied zone of France, was the site of an infamous massacre by German troops in which almost the entire population was killed and the village destroyed.
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16. We wish a Happy Father’s Day to all who celebrate! We look forward to seeing you at the museum soon!
In the Rissa and Richard Grossman Reflection Room, you will find the Liberation Wall with the list of the liberation dates of the major camps which occurred in Europe throughout the first half of 1945. The museum’s new North Wing provides visitors with an expanded view of the history of the Holocaust, including the Listening Stations in our new Auschwitz Gallery where you can listen to the moving Survivor and Liberator testimonies recorded for our Oral Visual History Project. You can also learn more about what survivors faced in the aftermath of the war in the Displaced Persons Camps section. Also profiled in updated exhibits and new interactive displays are the post-war rise of human rights activism and descriptions of other genocides in history.
The ongoing conflicts around us reinforce the importance of educating ourselves and our children about history and its lessons. It may seem like an uphill battle, but like any battle, it is important to carry on fighting.
Sign up now for as little as $18 per High Holiday greeting, which It’seasy!Justselectyourad(s),then
Next to dining and bragging about our grandkids, dealing with health issues and doctors is a Jewish indoor sport, especially if you’re a senior. No matter how small, every ailment is a reason to worry and is to be discussed with friends and family. If the problem persists, it’s off to the doctor we go.
Sol Awend
I agree with the notion of paying attention to what your body is telling you, but if it doesn’t keep you up at night, how serious can it be? If it goes away in a day or two, even better. Here in Florida, aches and pains have sprouted into a billion plus dollar industry. It’s devoted to every single bodily part you can name, both inside and outside.
Not making light of one’s medical issues; it’s good to be aware of what’s going on. I don’t want to brag, but I‘ve had my share of mac’hles; from one end to the other and points in between. (I’m fah klemp’t, Can we talk?)
How about the veitook you don’t feel, the krenk hiding behind your liver or
that pipkeh on your forehead? I could go on for days, but the fact is, medical issues fall into two categories: major and minor. What’s vic’htik to you, is nisht ahzoy geh ferlick to me. It seems every problem has a life of its own; a beginning, middle and an end. First, you hear about the ailment. Then, you hear about the treatment, and lastly, the recovery. At that point, the news travels, and statements turn into frahges that can only be answered by more frahges
“Did you hear?” (Dos’t geh hayet?)
“No, what?” (Nein, Voos?)
“When?!” (Venn?!)
“Yesterday? And she didn’t tell me?!” (Nahnaac’hten? Un zee ot mir nisht geh zoogt?!)
"What’s wrong?" (Voos see?)
Then comes the $64 question ...
“Who’s her doctor?” (Vayeh iz ihreh dawkteh?)
After that comes the opinions about who the doctor is and why they’re good/no good.
“He’s no good.” (Eh toyg off geh poores.) (lit. He’s good for nothing).
In defense to doctors and the medical community, if all is well, they’re heroes. And if not, see the quote above.
Mac’hles (MAC’H-less), PIP kes -- Ailments, pimple, skin eruption
Ich hob fah sheedeeneh mac’les, a filet pipkes off’n poon. -- I have a variety of ailments, even pimples on my face.
Vic’htik (VIC’H tik) -- Important Nisht ahzoy geh ferlick (NISHT AHzoy GEH FER lik) -- Not so terrible (dangerous)
Ich mein ahz doos fleck of’n poonem iz vic’htik, dehvall deh dawkteh zoog’t ahz siz nisht ahzoy geh ferlec’h. -- I think that mark on my face is noteworthy, but the doctor says it’s not very serious.
Geh Frayg/Frahgeh/ Frahgess (FRAYG/ FRAH geh/ FRAH gess) -- Ask question/ Questions
Ich hob geh frag’t ah saac’h frahges. -I asked a lot of questions.
Kishkes (KISH kes) -- Intestines, guts
Deh kishkess teeyen mir vei. My innards are causing me pain.
Moogen (MOO ghen) -- Esophagus
Last Oct. 7, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Hamas franchise invaded Israel and committed unspeakable atrocities. On April 14, a coalition of the unlikely prevented an even greater massacre by the genocidal Islamists in Teheran. It was a bloody nose for the IRGC and a shock to its hired guns across the region, but it certainly was not the “great victory” touted by our president, and defense alone does not win ball games or wars. Israel must defeat her enemies, or they will eventually destroy her.
That puts the Obama/Biden Administration in a political bind. The lynchpin of its foreign policy, that Teheran could be appeased and bribed to “achieve peace in our time,” has been exposed as a fantasy, a fraud and a failure. Its companion delusion, that the 100-year-old Palestinian war of extinction against the Jews is about settlements or borders and can be resolved by an unworkable, serially rejected “two-state solution,” is risible. If President Biden lets Israel prevail, he may lose
Bowec’h (BOW ec’h) -- Stomach
Deh moogen lot zec’h aroop t’zin deh bowec’h. -- The esophagus drops down into the stomach.
Haltz (HALTZ) -- Throat
Deh haltz iz meh geh shvol’n, ich ken nisht shlingen. -- My throat is swollen, I can’t swallow.
K’nee (K’NEE) -- Knee
Fees (FEES) – Feet
Hant (HANT) – Hand
Hent (HENT) -- Hands
Deh knee is t’zeh broc’hen, deh sheeyec’h k’vetchen deh fees un dee hent teeyen vei. -The knee is broken; my shoes are pinching my feet and my hands hurt.
Plyt’zeh -- Shoulder
Plyt’zess -- Shoulders
Dee plyt’zess zenen royt fin t’zee fil zin. My shoulders are red from too much sun.
Deh Laybeh (Deh LAY beh) – The liver.
Dee Neeren (Dee NEE ren) – The kidneys.
Deh laybeh mit dee neeren zenen fah saamp’t. -- The liver and the kidneys are toxic.
Michigan and the election. If he lets Israel fail, his presidency will forever live in infamy. So, American warships and fighter jets help protect the Jewish State while his proxies, the Jewish Secretary of State and the Jewish, Democratic Senate Majority Leader, publicly label her a human rights violator on par with Hamas, Russia and the Islamic Republic, and demand regime change in Jerusalem.
For its part, the Republican controlled House of Representatives is a partisan shambles that irresponsibly slow walked Israel to the edge of the precipice before finally passing a military appropriations bill.
Let us be clear. Israel is America’s ally, not its satrapy; and it is on the front lines, fighting our battles in the Middle East. No American administration should ever betray her or force her to fight with one hand tied behind her back. Full stop.
Lost in election year posturing, this administration has willfully ignored signs that the long-promised attack on the American homeland has begun, and that “students” spewing hatred and stoking the fires of antisemitism are its shock troops. They shut down our roads, bridges and airports at will. They burn our flag and shout, “down with the USA,” “the Al-Qassam are coming” and “death to America” with impunity. They occupy campuses and public spaces, chanting, “Go Hamas; We love you; We support your rockets too,” and “Say it loud; Say it clear; We don’t want no Zionists here.” They brazenly assault and terrorize our children and grandchildren without fear of consequences. They are Jew Haters and domestic terrorists.
In an earlier era, they would have been labelled “a fifth column.” They would have been arrested and prosecuted to the limits of the law. Now, college presidents cower and grovel before them, the ACLU sues to protect their First Amendment rights and the president sees justice in their cause.
We have not yet experienced the worst of this. Like their foreign and domestic masters, the campus radicals mean every word they say. Today, they post reels on TikTok; in five years they will be Congressional staffers, “trending celebrities” and “investigative reporters” for the NYT and WAPO. Lesser forces toppled the Johnson presidency, turned Chicago’s ‘68 Democratic National Convention into a combat zone, and torched Portland and Seattle in the name of racial justice and equity. We must support Israel, but we also need to realize that the war has reached our shores and be prepared “in our town and in our time” for what we hope will never happen; we cannot do that if we are divided, and we cannot do it without allies. Our Christian partners understand that. They are Zionists and patriots, and they are here to help.
There is a role for charismatic speakers and public rallies. They gain attention and raise both morale and funds. Creating a partnership is more tedious and less glamorous. You must build it block by block, and it will only be as strong as the relationships within it. We are holding a series of small, informal get togethers over the summer to do just that. Please join us! Contact Tricia Miller at tricia@camera.org to sign up.
Editor’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. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish.
“Treasure,” which opens in theaters on June 14, is described as a comedy. Here’s the capsule premise: Lena Dunham, 37, plays Ruth, an American journalist who travels to Poland with her father, Edek, to visit his childhood places. But Edek, a Holocaust survivor, resists reliving his trauma and sabotages the trip creating unintentionally funny situations.
British actor (and writer) Stephen Fry, 66, plays Edek. Fry’s father wasn’t Jewish, and he didn’t learn that his mother was Jewish until he was an adult. He isn’t religious but does identify as Jewish.
As I noted in my March column, “Treasure” played in a Berlin film festival, and reviews were not kind. So, I suggest you just wait for it to start streaming.
“Finding Your Roots” follow up
Also in my March column, I noted that Dunham, who created and starred in the HBO program “Girls,” would appear on “Finding Your Roots.” Well, the program
covered her mother’s Jewish ancestry and her father’s “WASP” ancestors. Dunham also learned that her DNA showed that she was a distant cousin of Larry David, a prior “Roots” guest.
“Too Much”
In early April, it was announced that “Too Much,” a Netflix “rom-com” series, had begun filming. Dunham and her husband, musician Luis Felberg , 37, wrote the series. The Jewish cast members include Rhea Perlman, Michael Zegen ("Mrs Maisel") and Emily Ratajkowski (her mother is Jewish).
“Thelma”
“Thelma” opens in theaters on June 21. Here’s the plot: Thelma Post (June Squibb, 94!) gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson. She sets out on a dangerous quest to reclaim what was taken from her.
Advance reviews are quite good.
“Thelma” is the first feature film directed and written by Josh Margolis, 35. His film is based on a real scam played on Josh’s elderly, Jewish grandma.
Fred Hechinger , 25, co-stars as Thelma’s grandson, Danny. Hechinger gained attention in 2020-2021 when he had a big supporting role in “News of the World,” a hit Tom Hanks movie, and he had a big “main cast” role in the first season of “White Lotus,” a hit HBO
series. He co-stars in the latest Spiderman movie, “Kraven the Hunter,” which opens in August. British Jewish actor Aaron Taylor Johnson, 33, plays the title role.
“Janet Planet”
“Janet Planet” is a drama that opens in theaters on June 21. Annie Baker, 43, an acclaimed playwright, is the director and writer of “Janet.” It is the first film that she wrote and directed.
In 2014, Baker won the Pulitzer Prize for her play, “Flick,” and in 2017 she was honored with a MacArthur Genius Award ($625,000 paid out over five years).
Baker’s mother is Jewish, and she identifies as Jewish. Her husband, Nico Baumbach , a Columbia University professor, is the brother of well-known director and writer Noah Baumbach,54.
“Janet” is set in 1991. Janet (Julianne Nicholson) is described as an “acupuncturist hippie.” Janet and her “clingy” 11-year-old daughter, Lucy, spend a summer at a house in rural New England. Janet invites three people that Lucy doesn’t like to visit: her boyfriend (Will Patton) and her friends Avi (Elias Koteas) and Regina (Sophie Okonedo, 55).
Okenedo, an Oscar-nominated British actress, is the daughter of a Nigerian (Black) father and a British Jewish mother. She was raised by her mother and strongly identifies as Jewish.
“Lagerfeld,” an original, 6-episode Hulu series, begins streaming on June 7. The title refers to the series’ central character, Karl Lagerfeld (1935-2015), the famous fashion designer best known as the chief designer for Chanel from 1983 until his death.
Lagerfeld’s first big break came when he was hired (1966) to design for Chloe, a top French luxury fashion house that was founded (1952) by Gaby Aghion, a Sephardi Jew (1921-2014). She also co-owned Chloe. (Aghion is played by Agnes Jaoui, 59, a French Jewish actress).
Aghion was Chloe’s chief designer until she gave Lagerfeld his next big break. She made him Chloe’s top designer in 1974.
The early part of the series covers Karl's years at Chloe. Most of the series covers Lagerfeld being named the head designer of Chanel in 1983 (then not doing well) and turning Chanel into a “top house” again.
It's worth noting that Lagerfeld’s German father was a rich Nazi party member — and Karl made his stellar career working for Jews — Aghion and the Westheimer family, who have long owned both the fashion and perfume parts of the privately-owned Chanel company. Lagerfeld long put out fictional tales about his father’s “Swedish” background, but eventually the truth came out.
My grandmother, Manya Warchovsky, emigrated from Odessa, Russia close to the turn of the 20th century. By the time she arrived in America, presumably single and traveling with her sister Raya, Manya was renamed “Minnie White” by immigration officers. Obviously, the officials couldn’t understand her broken attempts to pronounce her name in English!
Manya, aka Minnie, proficient in needlework like so many others of her time, was able to find work in the sweatshops of the garment industry in Philadelphia where she lived. I clearly remember her dining room table. It was piled high with articles of clothing she brought from the factory to work on at home. It was called “piecework” or “homework,” and the industry was largely dominated by female workers who were “paid by the piece.” Much has been written about this period of time, and I would recommend the writings of Anzia Yezierska and Lore Segal to learn more. (Perhaps a theme for another series?)
In my readings in The Women’s Commentary , I learned that archeological and biblical evidence shows that in the ancient Near East women excelled in all aspects of weaving, spinning and sewing.
Excavated graves of women and girls of the time period contain equipment such as bobbins and loom weights indicating that, typically, they performed tasks in the production of textiles. A relief dated back to 1000 B.C.E. shows a woman sitting on a stool as she spins. Biblical passages tell us that women were responsible for producing materials for the Tent of Meeting. This included activities such as dyeing, weaving and embroidering. Women were also involved in preparing priest’s clothing as well as the more traditional tasks of taking care of household needs like “clothing, cloaks that served as blankets, bags to transport grains and waterproof coverings of goats’ hair.”
But now we fast forward to modern times — the 21stcentury. During the time period between the late 1800s and through the early 20th century, nearly two million Jews from eastern Europe immigrated to the U.S. By 1915, five hundred congregations had sprouted up on the Lower East Side of New York City. Jewish women (and men), many of whom who were skilled in sewing and tailoring, tasks they had learned in “The Old Country,” found work in the decoration of these synagogues. They worked on Torah curtains and valances,
binders and prayer shawl bags. These synagogue decorations were usually elaborately embellished with appliques of metallic thread and embroidered with beading, satin and fringe. Women typically did the embroidery while men operated the sewing machines for the finishing. In the ’20s, the cost for one of these curtains was about $75 to $100.
Items such as challah and matzah covers, seder and hand washing towels, and a host of other items were popular crafts among Jewish women who enjoyed creating decorative household items. Many of these creations were included in the exhibit “The Jewish Heritage in American Folk Art” of the 1980s.
Looking through the catalogue that was published for the exhibit, I came across many photos I found to be quite beautiful. One in particular shows a gorgeous quilt made of satin with velvet appliques. It shows an American flag combined with the Star of David, symbolic of the patriotism and religious feeling of the artist. It is part of the collection of the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, New York.
Of special interest to me are a set of hand-embroidered Passover artifacts: a seder towel and matzah cover. They were designed by Baruch Zvi Ring, of paper-cut fame, whom I have written about in earlier articles. Traditionally designed and embroidered by women, these two items were sketched by Rabbi Ring in 1904 and later embroidered by his daughter, Ida (who in later years became my mother-in-law!). Both
are embroidered in brilliant crimson thread with motifs of flowers, birds and other symbols of nature. Along the bottom of the matzah cover, embroidered by Ida Ring Stolnitz, is the designer’s original name: “Rabbi Baruch Tzvi Ringyanski.” It’s quite a story, and as I reflect on it, I marvel at how far we have come from these simple beginnings. The needle trades of newly arrived immigrants became the source for the development of “New York City’s Garment District” which eventually led to the growth of New York City’s economy and business history. Arlene Stolnitz, the “Jewish Music” contributor to Federation papers for the past eight years, has started a new series focusing on Judaic Folk Art. It will appear in Federation newspapers on an irregular basis. Stolnitz, a native of Rochester, New York, is a retired educator and lives in Venice, Florida.
The wine stained Haggadot are tucked away in the closet, while only the empty matzah box remains – a reminder of a seder filled with family and tradition, not to mention a “bissel” stress. But now that Pesach 5784 is a pleasant memory, that memory can now include a reflective look at the life lessons found on our seder plate.
If your seder was Ashkenazi, you dipped parsley into salt water. If your seder was Sefardi, like mine, you dipped celery into vinegar – both for the same effect. Yuk! As slavery diminished not only our physical strength but our spiritual strength as well, we cried bitter tears as there seemed no way out; no escape from the backbreaking, soul crushing work forced upon us.
As we recall the taste of our tears, we consider modern day victimhood. Has it been a bad year? Have I had a hard life? Like our ancestors, have I been a slave to circumstances beyond my control?
So, as I dipped my celery or my parsley, do I feel really sorry for myself? Am I an Olympic complainer? Have I taken the swan dive into the cesspool of self-pity while all my friends and family held up a perfect score?
Like my ancestors before me, I may have also had a backbreaking life, but how was my attitude? The memory of the parsley or celery compels me to take a look inside.
In our mind’s eye we see the Romaine lettuce that was added to our seder plate – a bitter herb, because life was bitter for our ancestors.
We had very little of anything, especially time. No time for family; no time for friends. No special days; no celebrations. Nothing to break the monotony of a bitter, nasty existence. In our Haggadah, we read that Jewish families were separated from one another. Men lived and worked with men; women lived and worked with women. Children were pressed into slavery as well.
As we recall the of taste the bitter herb we ask ourselves about the bitter pills we’ve had to swallow. Did we lose someone or something precious? Did a criminal take away our treasure? Did we cry out to God, “Why me? Why now?” Did we shake our fists at the heavens and shout that “Life just isn’t fair!”
The Haggadah says that Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. Not only are the Jews building temples, granaries, silos and palaces, but now we have to make the bricks and the mortar, too. How was this year’s charoset? Did the mixture remind us of the mortar we were forced to make?
We consider a modern take on the old story as we ask ourselves, “Where am I stuck?” or “What am I doing day after day, year after year, that’s got me stuck like mortar between bricks?
“Where am I trapped, and how have I trapped myself? Am I stuck in a dysfunctional relationship? Am I mired in credit card debt?
“Do I need to make a change in my life, my work or my behavior, but I’m too paralyzed by how I’ll look or what people will think of me? Am I too paralyzed to take a meaningful action?”
Finally, after 10 brutalizing plagues, Pharaoh relented to Moses’ plea to “Let my people go.” Moses and Aaron ran to share the news only to be stopped in their tracks. “We can’t go now,” said the women. “We must wait for the bread to rise!”
The Jewish women had a plan, and they were unrelenting. Moses finally convinced them that they had to act and act now. He shouts, “Put the bread on your backs and run away as fast as possible.” Matzah, the bread of our affliction, becomes the bread of our salvation.
As we reflect on the seder now passed, we consider that the matzah could be a symbol of hanging on to old ideas. No matter what happens we say, “We’ve
always done it this way or that way. It’s my way or the highway!” The intransigence of some almost doomed us. What if we Jews had waited for the bread to rise?
I ask myself, “Does that sound like me? Do I pressure my family or friends to stick with tradition, long after the tradition has lost its meaning? Do I intimidate those around me? Am I a roadblock to taking a chance, to making a change?”
Did you have a bone on your seder plate? Or maybe a zucchini or cucumber
techno-hoarder immersed in thousands of emails, photos or Facebook posts? Does my obsession with technology isolate me from family and friends? Do I have the courage to leave it all behind?"
Finally, we recall the roasted egg as it sat on our seder plate — a symbol of life renewed. The egg reminds us to have hope; that no matter what my burdens, no matter what my sorrow, if I am willing, I can move forward from tsuris to simcha, from sadness to joy, from slavery
spear? These signify the “zeroah,” which also symbolize an outstretched arm. They are placed on the seder plate to remind us of how God wants us to take an action –to move forward.
Our ancestors had tremendous courage to do what they did. So, today we ask ourselves, "Where is my courage? What am I a slave to? Am I a slave to food or shopping, or to my computer, to texting, to video games or pornography?"
"Am I a hoarder of stuff, useless items I can’t or won’t donate or discard? Am I a
to freedom. I can make the connection between ancient tradition and modernday relevancy, thanks to a backward glance at my seder plate.
For 10 years Rabbi Barbara Aiello served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life as resident rabbi. Her most popular columns are now published in her new book, “Aging Jewishly,” available on Amazon books. Rabbi Barbara now lives and works in Italy where she is rabbi of Italy’s first Reconstructionist synagogue. Contact her at Rabbi@ RabbiBarbara.com
Courtesy of Friends of the IDF
Southern Israel (April 30, 2024) – An enormous gathering of IDF forces, fresh from their operations in the Gaza Strip, convened Thursday for a barbecue dinner, hosted by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) in collaboration with the Association for the Welfare of Israeli Soldiers (AWIS).
The special dinner for 3,000 soldiers from the Nahal Brigade and other combat units took place at a designated area in southern Israel. The event featured a ceremony honoring and commending the soldiers for their achievements in their missions, extending well wishes to those injured in battle and commemorating the fallen soldiers who did not return.
Nahal had been active in the Netzarim corridor, a strategic route linking southern Israel to Gaza’s coast, including conducting raids and bringing humanitarian aid to Gazans. The Nahal soldiers had just withdrawn from Gaza to join the 162nd Division in preparation for the IDF’s expected offensive in the Gaza city of Rafah. The event occurred during the soldiers’ brief respite from the war.
The brigade’s commander, Colonel Yair Tzukerman, said at the dinner, "I am proud of you, fighters and commanders, for your spirit, professionalism and dedication. Your bravery will be recorded in the pages of history. I am proud to see the brigade, with all its operational capabilities, standing at the forefront of the fighting in the Gaza Strip and leading to achievements.”
Following Nahal’s redeployment, the 679th Yiftah Armored Brigade and the 2nd Carmeli Infantry Brigade, will take over operations in central Gaza. The Nahal Brigade will begin training for the attack on Rafah — where Hamas’s remaining battalions are presumed to be — or for other operations.
“The welfare of soldiers and their value beyond combat requires receiving
the best support possible. Soldiers must be strong, healthy and get the support they need. FIDF provides this support to soldiers on the front lines,” said Lieutenant Colonel Oz, Commander of Battalion 931. “As a battalion commander, I lead the fight, and with your support, we can become better soldiers. Everyone has an important mission to win the war, and we know that only unity will lead us to victory. Our strength lies in our unity.”
FIDF is the single organization in the United States, designated by the IDF, that is authorized to raise funds for its soldiers, and FIDF acts according to the requirements of the IDF's Manpower Directorate to respond to the most urgent requests. Funds raised at the event will go towards lifesaving medical supplies such as ambulances, plasma, medical devices, and field hospitals, as well as hygiene kits and aid for the thousands of bereaved families who are suffering the loss of a loved one. As the IDF’s official partner, FIDF is the fastest and most direct way to support IDF soldiers. So far, more than $73 million has been transferred to the IDF to meet their most urgent requests for its soldiers.
Courtesy of Friends of the IDF
Sderot, Israel (April 30, 2024)Drawing upon its experience supporting people through trauma, Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services is providing vital guidance to 4,000 displaced families with preschool children returning to their homes in the Gaza-area communities invaded last Oct. 7.
The guidance consists of written materials to help parents identify some of their young children’s responses to the trauma of the Hamas terrorist attack and to ease their adjustment back home. It also contains resources developed by Ohel Kestenbaum International Children’s Services to help children express their emotions and feelings and to help parents in supporting them.
In this initiative, Ohel, a New Yorkbased Jewish organization, is partnering with the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC) and Mahut Israel. Since 1969, Ohel has provided the Jewish and wider communities with mental-health support.
Largely unknown in the wider world during the ongoing war, is the plight of displaced Israelis who were relocated and scattered across the country. Thousands of them have been returning home after staying in hotels, sometimes up to six months and far from their homes. Some of the kibbutzim were decimated in the attacks.
A recent study conducted by the Israeli Pediatric Association found that 84% of Israeli children who were evacuated suffer from emotional distress since Oct. 7; Ninety three percent of the children who survived the attacks are having emotional difficulties, and 69% of them suffer from anxiety. Of the children living in areas were many incoming-missile sirens sounded, 90% of them are having emotional difficulties.
According to top Ohel officials, addressing children’s emotional needs tied to Oct. 7 is especially important for these
families now. Knowing what to expect, and where to turn for help, is critical in helping them to adjust to distressing feelings that may emerge.
“When people are under attack, are evacuated, and then are placed in temporary and unfamiliar surroundings, it is normal to have delayed reactions to trauma. Their immediate and basic needs for shelter and safety are so acute, they don’t have the luxury of thinking about their feelings. But that is not good for children, especially,” said David Mandel, Ohel’s chief executive officer. “Responses to trauma can be deferred until weeks and months later. Upon returning home, some people may experience intense feelings they may not be prepared for, and they may be especially vulnerable to mental-health challenges.”
The kit comes in a canvas bag that includes:
1. a tip sheet on helping adults after a return from relocation
2. a tip sheet on helping children after a return from relocation
3. Ohel’s preschool book, “I Feel That Way and That’s Okay,” to help children express their emotions after a traumatic experience
4. two companion coloring books
5. markers
The authors of Ohel’s preschool book are Tzivy Reiter, L.C.S.W., the organization’s director of children’s and national trauma services, and Dr. Naomi Baum, Ph.D. from Israel.
The kits are being distributed to families in ITC trauma centers in Sha'ar Hanegev, Sderot, the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, the Eshkol Regional Council and the Sdot Negev Regional Council. Ohel will distribute more kits in the coming weeks and months as needed. In the photo, Hadassa Baum holding a kit along with her two-year-old daughter, Tal Ahava.
“Returning home is bittersweet for so many of these families, especially children,” said Jay Kestenbaum, co-president of Ohel’s Board of Directors. “The longing for home is finally realized, yet many of these families will be returning to a home and community that looks and feels very different than the one they left behind in October. This can trigger many feelings that may have been suppressed until now. We at Ohel acknowledge the difficulty, and are providing them with tips and tools, drawn from our expertise, to help them cope with the adjustment to returning home.”
The Silver Circle Society honors and recognizes a very special group of loyal, long-time supporters who have given to the Jewish Federation, here or in any other community, for twenty-five years or more. Members of this esteemed group have consistently supported the Jewish community, locally and around the world. Your gift reflects a shining example of tzedakah in action
Have you, or someone you know, been giving to Federation for 25 years or more?
Please proudly let us know so we can celebrate you and your commitment to Jewish philanthropy. Contact Alicia Feldman, Development Director, at (239) 449-8266 or email at afeldman@jewishnaples.org to fi nd out more.
WJanett Edelberg, Presidents Council for Collier/Lee Chapter
hen I tell people I am a president of the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah, the discussion usually turns to Hadassah’s programs in Israel. They are often surprised when I share the important work Hadassah does here in the U.S. advocating for critically important Jewish and women’s issues.
Background
Every day, Hadassah members are speaking out in multiple ways — from sending messages to meeting face to face with elected officials — locally and on the hill. Our founder, Henrietta Szold, saw suffering and took action, bringing emergency health care to mothers and their infants in pre-state Israel. Henrietta’s passion is in Hadassah’s DNA and continues to drive us — this is our practical Zionism.
Hadassah influences policy at the local, state and national levels with our nearly 300,000 members, associates and supporters — found in every Congressional district around the country. Here are highlights of selected Hadassah Advocacy Programs.
The United States has experienced a 388% increase in antisemitism in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Jewish communities across college campuses are witnessing the brunt of this increase as institutions of higher education fail to protect their Jewish students and address antisemitic harassment. Hadassah has prepared a letter (https://p2a.co/74WGAEP) for members to send to their alma mater and schools where they have relatives currently on campus.
One of the most important ways to fight antisemitism, hatred and bigotry is to ensure that future generations never forget the horror of the Holocaust. Hadassah led
AMarina Berkovich JHSSWF President
merican students have wrapped up their school year. Summer vacations, trips across country or abroad, have long become a well-deserved and much expected reward after a hard year of academic studies. Yet this year, understandably, Jewish American parents are extremely concerned with the safety of their youngsters. From social media suggestions like “remove your yarmulkas and Stars of David,” to Columbia University rabbi’s letter advising Jewish students to go home, I see the repetition of the same historical pattern that preceded every pogrom.
As a former dean of administration of Bramson Ort Colleges of ORT America, I’ve been asking the hypothetical question, “What if I were still in charge?” During my tenure at Bramson, some of the future on-campus tensions already seeped
through in NYC, where many Moslem students were educated in the formerly predominantly Jewish schools claiming entitlements to Jewish allocations.
It is now an outright hatred that has festered to unmanageable proportion.
Since my 1980 admission to The City University of New York, when I chose Queens College over Columbia and then got a supplemental degree from New York University, Hillel was a vibrant part of campus life. The former USSR-ians laughed at some of its outright socialist activism. We thought it was the Jewish naivete, because when large numbers of Jews attain financial and societal acceptance into the upper echelons of any host country, Jewish people assume everything’s gonna be different this time. Wrong! Jewish history teaches us that no society and no country, except our own, wants and welcomes us unconditionally.
Our only course is uniting as one and openly fighting the battle against modern antisemitism that includes anti-Israelism and anti-Zionism. American antisemitism was fueled through rapid replacement of academic education standards with previously unacceptable lows. Twenty
passage of the Never Again Education Act in 2020 to develop best-practice resources and support for teachers. Hadassah is now supporting the reauthorization of this act to ensure it continues into the future.
Gender disparities throughout the health care system too often lead to misdiagnosis and compromised care. Women in the U.S. are experiencing worsening health outcomes, further compounded by disproportionate financial burdens and caregiver responsibilities. Hadassah's vision for the future of medicine is that it must consider women’s distinctive health needs.
Hadassah deplores the ongoing scourge of shootings plaguing our schools, workplaces, houses of worship and communities nationwide. We believe that the widespread availability of, and easy access to, firearms significantly escalate this violence. Hadassah supports stronger gun safety legislation.
A constitutional amendment, Florida Amendment 4, the Right to Abortion Initiative, will be added to the 2024 ballot! This critical measure would provide a constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability or when necessary to protect a patient’s health. Hadassah supports reproductive choice and democracy, and knows that every vote counts.
Collier/Lee Hadassah is a vibrant chapter with programming to educate you about Hadassah’s mission, vision and values, entertain you with delightful performances, feed you with delicious food and introduce to you a group of women with a wide variety of interests.
Look for information about our fall programs when the weather turns cooler. For general information about our chapter, please contact CollierLeeHadassah@ gmail.com with “Information” in the subject line.
years ago, the U.S. was ranked No. 1 in high school and college education. According to Business Insider reports in 2018, the U.S. ranked only 38th in math and 24th in science, and that is largely because Asian Americans insist on prioritizing quality academic development of their children. Ironically, that led to discrimination of Asians by institutions of learning that are too heavily vested in the neo-Marxist ideology, pushing equity over equality or diversity over meritocracy. Replacement of societal moral values with mediocrity that rules over intellect in academia has destroyed the American education; it has filled the minds of graduates with nonsensical, experimental-agenda drop-down menus that most often opt them for “none-of-the-above” life choices.
A huge individual disillusionment is now a norm. Mass ignorance and hysteria exploded in late April 2024 in American campus war against Jewish students and professors. University of Florida, however, took a firm stand against pro-Palestinian on-campus demonstrators, declaring that consequences of breaking university rules would be imminently harsh.
There were 463 antisemitic hate crimes
in FL in 2023, a 140% increase over last year, according to Anti-Defamation League, which has been monitoring these crimes since 1979. That is the fourth largest in the nation, an increase from 269 the previous year (Ryan Kruger, Fox 4). Palm Beach County had 84; the highest number in the state. Reported incidents in Collier County increased from one in 2022 to 10 in 2023. We live in scary times. Unite for the fight, or we will have nothing left to fight for.
Your generosity and membership helps The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL in our research, future films, events and presentations. Donate online, by mail or contact us at office@jhsswf.org. We can be reached at The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite #255, Naples FL 34108, 833547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL), www.jhsswf. org, office@jhsswf.org.
The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
FRabbi Mark Wm. Gross
or Rodgers and Hammerstein, June may be “bustin’ out all over.”
For me, it has always represented a memory of the long-ago trauma of Israel under existential threat in June of 1967 and watching it from afar.
In May of that year, as the United Arab Republic — a synthetic union of Egypt and Syria — configured its fighting forces, posed like two jaws waiting to crush the Jewish State, Israel appealed in vain for diplomatic intervention from the United Nations. With the United States embroiled in Vietnam and Charles deGaulle, an unreliable source of defensive weaponry, in France, Israel stood very much alone.
When the smoke cleared from the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel stood secure and safe through what felt like a miraculous victory at the time. A year later, the 20th anniversary of Statehood was a jubilant and triumphant occasion for Jews everywhere — not just within the newly expanded borders of Israel.
anniversary of the Six-Day War. I came into Jewish communal involvement during an Israeli war in June of 1967; I came into Jewish communal leadership during Israel’s war on Yom Kippur in 1973; and I present to the Jewish community these words of Torah during another ongoing conflict — an existential challenge to the Jewish State eight months after the unspeakable Hamas attack on Israel’s frontier last fall.
At our Eighth Festival Day concluding Passover a few weeks back, the rabbi of my neighborhood schule on the Atlantic coast where I davven when I’m off-duty, made a poignant observation. He pointed out to the worship assemblage preparing to honor loved ones no longer with us that “the last time we were reciting ‘Yizkor’ together, it was Oct. 7.”
…our recitation of thememorialprayer …at the conclusion ofourmajor holidayoccasions isnotaripping openofwounds and a renewal of grieving;itis,rather, a stubborn act of affirmation.
That brings us home in a powerful way. Because we need to recognize that our recitation of the memorial prayer four times a year, at the conclusion of our major holiday occasions, is not a ripping open of wounds and a renewal of grieving; it is, rather, a stubborn act of affirmation. This powerful prayer-meditation acknowledges our humble thanks to generations gone by, for having made the sacred feast now ending a part of our precious legacy.
The triumph and the jubilation were not illusory, but they were purchased at great price. Almost 800 Israeli soldiers were killed in the course of the Six-Day War, and more than 5,000 were wounded. As a graduate, I worked in Jerusalem at a youth center where one staffer had been burned over half of his body while fighting in Syria in 1967.
Most important, the seemingly “easy” victory in June of ’67 aroused a certain cockiness and spirit of invincibility that left the Israelis exposed for horrific losses in October of ’73. The casualty list in the Yom Kippur War was twice that of the Six-Day War; the death toll in the IDF was almost four times greater.
I think about that a lot this month as June once again brings around the
Our Jewish community will be reciting “Yizkor” again on June 13, the second day of Shavuot, commemorating the 50-day journey from Egypt to Sinai. The occasion celebrates the giving of the Torah and the making of the covenant that gave the people of Israel our sacred mission of service to our Creator. Even more than Passover, which was merely the first step towards freedom, this is a time to ponder the true meaning of our Jewish lives, our Jewish soul, and our shared peoplehood that ties us together beyond time and space. Because the history of Israel has all too often been tragedy and trauma, the destiny of Israel is unbounded triumph in service to our Maker.
Rabbi Mark Wm. Gross serves at Jewish Congregation of Marco Island.
The Cardozo Society is formed as a way to network the many existing and new Jewish attorneys in our legal community. The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples continues to reach out to raise awareness through this association of Jewish attorneys promoting professionalism, cooperation, and identification with our Jewish community.
For more information
Joshua Bialek at jbialek@porterwright.com
Monday, July 1, 11a.m.
Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center
Everyoneisinvitedtoattend
• What is long-term care (LTC)?
• Popular types, costs and ways to pay for care
• Hybrid life insurance, plus LTC vs. traditional LTC
• Claims payments: Cash indemnity vs. reimbursement
• Managing long-term care needs
Stephanie A Petrosini, Vice President, Financial Advisor, began her career with Morgan Stanley immediately after graduating Summa Cum Laude from LIM College, where she received a Bachelor’s of Marketing. Her passion and success resulted in being awarded the Five Star Wealth Manager Award for 11 consecutive years 2013-2024, highlighting her dedicated work as a goal-based advisor. Petrosini believes in working closely with clients to structure a personal, tailored strategy to manage not only their assets but also their liabilities. She continually monitors and adjusts the plan as client goals evolve. This is a dynamic process that is structured to help maximize return and minimize risk. Priding herself on explaining the advantages and disadvantages of investments she recommends, Petrosini is equally as candid in regard to associated risks and fees. She views clients as family and is rewarded by the friendships that develop.
MCharles Flum President
ishpacha. Family. That is a large part of who we are at Naples Jewish Congregation (NJC). One of the definitions of family given by the Mirriam-Webster dictionary is “a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation .” That certainly defines us. We look out for each other. We laugh together and sorrow together. There is a hamish feeling when we get together, whether it is at services or one of our many activities. The only way to experience this warm feeling at NJC is to come to a service or an event. Our happenings can be found at naplesjewishcongregation.org.
What kind of happenings? We had an absolutely wonderful seder on the first day of Pesach. It was held at Cypress Woods Country Club with over 60 people in attendance. Rabbi Herman led us in a wonderful service. The food was delicious. The company, which consisted of members and quite a few guests, was as warm and friendly as it always is.
"Getting to know you;" one of our activities this year was built on that theme. Flamingle had us getting together and telling funny stories or anecdotes about our lives. We also shared experiences like going to the Holocaust museum. Another time, we went miniature golfing. We actively foster a feeling of family.
A family who does activities together is bound to be closer knit. Another activity we share is our lifelong learning program. Rabbi Herman gives various talks throughout the year. Past topics have included exploring Jewish music, politics in Israel and the prophets’ message. The coming year is sure to bring many new fascinating topics.
In our hustle and bustle world, families have a hard time trying to eat together. Not the NJC family! We eat together all the time. Onegs after services. Light dinners when rabbi gives a lifelong learning talk. Break the fast, Chanukah dinner, a seder; one could go on and on. We love to eat together and do so on every available occasion.
It happens nearly without fail. When guests talk about their experience at NJC, they talk about how friendly everyone is. Why don’t you come and experience our mishpacha? Check out naplesjewish congregation.org for our activities.
The Federation 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, the Federation 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.
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 or Publications Committee Chair shall have the right to appeal those rulings to the Officers and Board of Trustees of JFGN.
SDeborah Rosen Fidel, JD, MAJPS Executive Director
eason has come to an end, but we are already busy planning a fabulous 2024-2025 season at Temple Shalom. This year, Temple Shalom members can look forward to a culinary and musical exploration of Sephardic history, heritage and traditions, with cooking classes, concerts and more. Ladino Singer/ Songwriter Sarah Aroeste and Sephardic Chef/Writer Susan Barocas will join Cantor Azu for a series of programs. Together
we will experience the beauty, many flavors and vibrant music of Sephardic culture, both past and present.
This exciting lineup will culminate in a 10-day cruise to Spain, Portugal and Morocco! We will dive deep into the world of Spanish, Moroccan and Portuguese Jewish culture as we visit the Canary Islands, Madeira, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Almeria, Malaga, Seville and Lisbon. While aboard the Oceania Marina with Aroeste, Barocas and Cantor Azu, we will enjoy exclusive Sephardic music, food experiences, walking tours and more.
Some of the highlights include learning about the fascinating Sephardic history of Santa Cruz de Tenerife; a talk by Barocas on the surprising and enduring influence of foods from Spain’s Jews; a
rousing Ladino sing-along with Aroeste; and a delicious hands-on Sephardic cooking class — and tasting — with Barocas in the Marina’s world-class Culinary Center. In Casablanca, Morocco, we will explore centuries of Jewish history and connect with members of the Jewish community with a demonstration of Moroccan Jewish music.
We will celebrate Shabbat together at sea, and learn the fascinating Sephardic history of Gibraltar, a territory at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, where we will visit active synagogues and meet members of the Jewish community. We will tour the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz in Seville, Spain and spend a day in Lisbon, exploring centuries of Jewish life and culture in Portugal, before meeting
with descendants of the Crypto-Jewish population. Chef Barocas will teach us how to make the iconic Pastis de Nata Sephardic treat.
There are many ways to learn about Jewish history, but if you are interested in Sephardic Jewish history, you would be hard-pressed to find something better than this once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience with Temple Shalom’s beloved cantor, Cantor Donna Azu, alongside the critically acclaimed and accomplished team, Ladino Singer/Songwriter Aroesteand Sephardic Chef/Writer Barocas. We hope that you will join us on this fantastic expedition. For more information, please contact Temple Shalom at 239-455-3030 or email us at info@naplestemple.org.
Entertainment Attorney, Artist/Personal Manager, Songwriter’s Son, and Author of the award-winning book, “gOLD”, will present: “Getting to Know The American Songwriter.” You will learn everything you always wanted to know about the creators of our favorite music.
DATE: Tuesday, August 6th | TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center
COST: $10 per person Register at www.jewishnaples.org
Spring semester has flown by, full of Jewish pride and involvement at Florida Gulf Coast University. I can’t believe it’s over, and we are already wishing our graduates farewell and success as they move on. I would love to share just a few of the highlights.
Despite Passover occurring during the heat of finals this year, over 50 students joined together for the Passover Seders. We had amazing, fun and enriching seders together, discussing how we can make the exodus messages practical in our own lives, freeing ourselves from our own unhealthy mindsets and personal limits.
Over 60 students joined us for a massive Shabbat dinner on campus, uniting together as proud Jews. Temmy, a freshman, experienced her first Shabbat and can’t wait to bring its beauty to her family back home over summer.
Five students joined us for an eight-session crash course on Judaism, challenging them to bring their Jewish knowledge up to college-age level. We discussed how being Jewish is defined; how only through Torah and Mitzvos can we keep Judaism into the future; and we had some amazing fields trips — a kosher hunt at the local
grocery, a visit to the river to learn about purifying utensils and learning about the key foundation of a Jewish marriage and Jewish family life while touring the local Mikah.
I am sure many out there are nervous about what is going on at campus. Thankfully, FGCU has been largely spared the antisemitism and anti-Israel hate that has hit so many campuses.
We work closely with the University administration, which has told us multiple times that they will have no tolerance for antisemitism. We are very thankful to our administration here. With Hashem’s
help, FGCU will continue to be a very safe place for Jewish students. Chabad services Jewish students of all levels of observance at FGCU and surrounding Southwest Florida colleges. We are gearing up for another incredible year for Jewish life on campus. If you know any Jewish students at FGCU or other local colleges, please reach out to connect them with the local Jewish student community. For more information or to help make that connection, please reach out to me at Rabbi@chabadfgcu.com or call 239355-8481.
By Neal Slotkin
While Maccabi USA athletes compete for gold and personal achievement in Israel during the summer of 2025, a unique team within the U.S. delegation also expects to shine – although this group will be the one providing the spotlight.
The Maccabi Media Program (MMP) plans to bring 18 highly-skilled Jewish media students to the 2025 Maccabiah to perform various broadcasting, journalism and communication roles; it plans to play a pivotal role in enhancing coverage of the games for family, friends and fans back home. This will be the fourth edition of the Maccabi Media Program after previous cohorts were assembled for Israel, Argentina and London.
As part of an intense career-development program, Maccabi Media students will gain unparalleled international experience and sharpen their skills in playby-play, color analysis, sideline reporting, videography, live streaming production, video editing, interviewing, sports reporting and social media. Under the leadership of former Philadelphia 76ers broadcaster and MMP Chairman Marc Zumoff as well as Digital Media Director Neal Slotkin, the team will receive hands-on guidance and instruction from veteran media professionals and volunteer mentors who will accompany the group to Israel. Simon Rosenwasser, president of Play by Play Productions, will again
the streaming and technical operations on location.
In addition to documenting the accomplishments of Maccabi USA teams and generating in-depth profiles of athletes, coaches and staff, both before and during its three-week journey, the media team will also cover and personally participate in a week-long cultural program. The program is called Israel Connect and is crucial to absorbing the entire Maccabiah experience.
The Maccabi Media team is seeking current college students and recent graduates ages 18-25 who plan to pursue
The recruitment phase runs through Oct. 1, 2024; the final team will be announced after a comprehensive evaluation process later this year. Then, virtual monthly training sessions featuring notable guest speakers will begin in early 2025 to prepare the students for both their Israel responsibilities and future careers in this challenging industry. Interested students can apply or learn more about MMP at www.maccabiusa.com/maccabi-media or contact me at nslotkin@maccabiusa.com.
This month has been filled with fun activities along with celebrating Passover with family and friends across the state. The teens held two events and attended a regional convention during the month of April. On Sunday, April 7, our teens enjoyed delicious frozen yogurt at Menchies in Fort Myers. Several teens attended from both our Naples and Fort Myers chapters. On Sunday, April 14, our teens had an opportunity to earn volunteer hours conducting a beach cleanup at Lowdermilk Beach. The teens helped beautify the local beach by picking up trash such as empty bottles and caps, plastic wrappers and other unnatural debris. We are proud of our teens for stepping up and helping clean up our local community.
Four of our Naples BBYO teens attended North Florida Region’s Spring Regional Convention in Orlando, Florida between April 19-21. While it was a long journey that required a detour before arriving at the convention, the teens had a blast celebrating Shabbat together with their NFR BBYO friends, learning more about BBYO and participating in electing a 2024-2025 NFR Regional Board. The teens' favorite parts of the convention were the talent show, Havdalah, painting shoes to donate to underprivileged children and the Israel program. One of the chapter board members, Adam Berman, represented the Naples chapter at the talent show by sharing some funny jokes. It was nice to have a group of Jewish teens proudly celebrating their heritage and religion.
BBYO is a diverse and inclusive Jewish youth group to encourage Jewish teens to become more immersed and interested in meaningful Jewish activities and programs. This organization accepts Jewish teens of all backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender, race, denominational affiliation or socioeconomic status who are attending 8th through 12th grades. BBYO currently reaches over 70,000
teens worldwide, with participants in over 60 countries and hundreds of chapters across the United States.
May was a busy month for our teens. The chapter hosted a final exam study session at Panera Bread on Naples Boulevard on Sunday, May 5. Teens were able to sit together and study for their finals while enjoying some snacks. Naples BBYO also held its chapter board elections on Sunday, May 19 in the BBYO Lounge.
We hope everyone has a wonderful summer vacation. Mazel Tov to all graduating seniors! We wish you luck on your future endeavors.
It is crucial to engage teens post-B’nai Mitzvah age in Jewish activities. Having teens get involved in BBYO and be eager to create and confidently continue their own Jewish community within their greater Jewish communities is critical to our future.
The BBYO chapter of Naples has entered its 11th year of partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Temple Shalom, Chabad of Naples and Beth Tikvah. Each organization provides financial support, volunteers and
community involvement opportunities for the BBYO teens. We thank each and every one of our BBYO alum, friends and other supporters for making this a safe and positive environment for the teens of BBYO Naples and Fort Myers.
If you know of someone who has a teen who might like to join BBYO Naples or Fort Myers, or if know of someone who may want to be an advisor to our chapters, please email the Southwest Coordinator, Cayla Schreier, at cschreier@bbyo.org. You can also follow us on Instagram
@Mishpacha_BBG and @Negevaza. Scholarships to attend BBYO conventions and summer programs are available through both the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and the Temple Shalom Men’s Club. Please contact Cayla for more information on scholarships. If you are a BBYO alum and would like to be included in our Friends and Alumni of BBYO mailing list, please email us at mjs0821@aol.com.
TEttie Zaklos Founder & Director
he month of June transitions us from the completion of a successful academic preschool year to new and exciting summer adventures. At the end of May, we celebrated the hard-won accomplishments of our pre-K graduates as we celebrated their growth throughout the years at the Jay and Patty Baker Preschool of the Arts. It is always a complete joy to watch how the once tiny toddlers have become capable and school-ready children! Throughout this past year, our dear children have discovered so many new aspects of the world around them and gained a multitude of skills and knowledge through exploration and play that will serve them well on their lifelong journey of learning.
It is hard to believe that our incredible preschool has just completed its 13th school year. As I walk through the halls of our beautiful and expansive campus and hear the sounds of children learning and laughing, I think back to when this entire endeavor was just a dream.
Since I started my career as an educator, I had a dream to be part of a school in which children come first and where there is recognition of the power of the early childhood years. I envisioned a collaborative learning environment where
progressive teaching techniques and traditional Jewish values could meld together in a perfect symbiosis. Still, I never dared imagine the overwhelming success that is the reality of the Jay and Patty Baker Preschool of the Arts today.
From our humble beginnings when just our own two daughters were enrolled in the preschool, to its steady growth, I have watched our beloved preschool blossom before my eyes. Hundreds of students have now come through our doors where they benefitted from a strong start to their educational journeys. We are so proud of our tremendous growth over the years and how our program has raised the bar for early childhood education here in Naples. It is humbling to think that our earliest students are almost completing high school, and that they began their educational journey at POTA, gaining the necessary foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
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June 23rd
This year, we dreamed bigger than ever and broke ground on the “Big Build,” a 17,000 square foot building expansion. We plan to officially inaugurate the new building in our 14th school year, and we’re so excited for all the growth to come!
In early June, we kicked off our milestone 20th year of summer camp fun with Summer of the Arts 2024: Storybook Summer. When we opened enrollment for camp this past January, we were humbled by the tremendous interest in our camp, which filled to capacity within days. As I write this, our team is gearing up for the most amazing summer, with two three-week sessions that explore the
Add Jewish connections to reading time with curated
world of reading in ways that ignite your child’s imagination! Each week of camp will focus on a different literary genre with immersive and sensory experiences. Our weekly themes include Enchanted Adventures, Time-Traveling Tales, Whodunit Wonders, Galactic Explorers, Epic Expeditions and Comic Craze.
The exciting activities, art, cooking and games each week will tie-in to the theme of the week, igniting our campers’ imaginations through exciting
storybook-themed adventures that inspire curiosity, learning and play. The fun never stops, as our campers delve into creative arts, science, soccer, tennis, golf, Little Chefs, water play and weekly entertainers, with new and exciting discoveries awaiting them at every turn. It is sure to be a summer to remember!
To find out more about our program or to schedule a school tour, call 239263-2620 or email naplespreschoolofthe arts@gmail.com.
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
Joshua Garfield, President
Dr. James Cochran, Music Director
Shabbat Services:
Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m.
Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m.
Sisterhood Men’s Club
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
Shabbat Services
Friday 7:30 p.m.
Seasonal: Saturday Talmud-Torah at 9:30 a.m.
Rabbi’s Lifelong Learning Series
Sidney R. Hoffman Jewish Film Festival
Saul I. Stern Cultural Series JCMI Book Club
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
Charles Flum, President Jane Galler, Cantorial Soloist
Shabbat Services
Friday evenings 7 p.m.
May - August: services once a month
Sisterhood • Men’s Club
Adult Education • Adult Choir Social Action • Community Events
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
CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS & ESTERO
24611 Production Circle
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 239-949-6900
Email: chabad@jewishbonita.com
Website: www.JewishBonita.com
Rabbi Mendy & Luba Greenberg Co-directors
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
Rabbi Ammos Chorny Joseph Henson, President
Roberta Miller, Secretary
Shabbat Services
Friday evenings 6:15 p.m. Saturday mornings 9:30 a.m. Youth Education
As late-spring brings about family barbecues and spending time enjoying your home, did you know the key to a 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.
In fact, 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 would not be digested. It would be like taking a vitamin that your body could not 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: 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 conditions. 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.
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. Then, 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.
Whether you take care of your lawn yourself, use our service or another company, we TRULY hope you are enjoying everything about your lawn!
(Anna Wallace is the Manager for Truly Nolen in Naples. Her 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 the Lawn Care services we provide, please visit https://trulynolen.com/lawn-care/ .)
