Federation Star - June 2025

WEDNESDAY,

A reflection on our accomplishments as we close the season

By Rosalee Bogo, 2025 Annual Community Campaign Chair

As we begin to wind down another vibrant season of activity, we take this opportunity to reflect on the many highlights that made this year truly remarkable.

We were honored to welcome our new president and CEO, Nammie Ichilov, who has already made a significant impact. Our programs and events continue to grow in both quality and reach, attracting record attendance to our beautiful and welcoming Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

Our Annual Community Campaign began with a powerful launch featuring Michael Masters, CEO and president of Secure Community Network. We were also privileged to host David Heller, national chair of The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), as the keynote speaker

for our Major Gifts and Lions of Judah event.

At the Women of Philanthropy luncheon, we welcomed Robin Friedman and Judith Sydney, co-founders of Tribe-Talk, a vital initiative dedicated to educating Jewish youth about combating antisemitism. We were further inspired by Iris Kraemer, JFNA’s national chair of women's philanthropy, who spoke at our spring Lions of Judah luncheon. These esteemed individuals represent the very best in Jewish philanthropy, and we were honored to have them join us.

A transformative gift

The most extraordinary highlight of the year was the transformational endowment gift of $11 million from Mr. Stephen Saks. This generous act ensures that our Federation will be able to fulfill its mission

for generations to come. Of our 134 Lions of Judah, 12 have now endowed their gifts and several more are working closely with Alicia Feldman and Endowment Chair Paula Filler to follow suit.

Campaign reflections

Serving as campaign chair has been a deeply rewarding experience. While the work is not without its demands, the dedication of our Campaign Cabinet — community members who generously volunteer their time to engage donors — deserves our deepest gratitude. This is what we mean when we say we work “Together as One.”

Last year, we surpassed our campaign goal of $1,750,000. This year, with a few weeks remaining in the 2025 Annual Campaign, we’ve already exceeded our increased goal of $1,850,000. But the need remains great, and every additional dollar helps.

Rosalee Bogo

Welcome guests with a brick paver

By Eduardo Avila, Campaign Associate

Add your name to a brick paver as a welcome to guests visiting our new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Contact me at eavila@jewish naples.org or 239-263-4205.

BRICK PAVER ORDER FORM

Donor Information

4720 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL

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, Beth Wolff, Emerita Phyllis Seaman

Past Board Chairs

Make your check payable to JFGN and send it, with this completed form, to: JFGN, 4720 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119.

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)

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Our community's generosity is inspiring. When funds were needed for the Israel Resilience Fund, we raised over $350,000. The Passover Appeal also generated vital support. We are committed to offering everyone the opportunity to contribute. If you haven’t yet been asked, please be a mensch — reach out and get involved.

With gratitude to our leaders

In the next issue of Federation Star, I will proudly announce the leaders who will carry us forward into the 2025-2026

season. For now, we extend heartfelt thanks to those who have worked so tirelessly this year:

• Gail Smith and Estelle Price for leading the Lions of Judah

• Debra Antzis for chairing the Pomegranate Society

• Judith Finer Freedman for leading the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon

• Paula Filler for spearheading the Lion Behind the Pin and Legacy efforts

• And to our Board of Directors, led by Nat Ritter, for their unwavering support

None of our successes would be possible without the entire team, from our dedicated office and front desk staff to our maintenance and security teams. Special appreciation goes to our incredible campaign support duo, Alicia Feldman and Eduardo Avila, for their tireless efforts behind the scenes.

Todah Rabah to all of you.

For a look at the year in photos, see pages 4 and 5.

THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS

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

Synagogue Representatives

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

Staff

Nammie Ichilov: President & CEO

Jeffrey Feld: President & CEO Emeritus

Eduardo Avila: Campaign Associate

Reneé Bialek: Program Director

LC Cardenales: Administrative Assistant

Michelle Cunningham: Receptionist

Alicia Feldman: Development Director

Pat Pastorius: Facility Manager

Linda Sherman: Receptionist

Susan Spoerlein: Accounting Manager

Alexandra Wein: PJ Library Coordinator

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 Federation Star and Connections magazine

• Singles Social Group

• Women’s Cultural Alliance

• Women in Philanthropy

• Youth Activities Committee –sponsoring youth education and scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and Israel Experiences

Cultivating community

The quiet work of summer’s sacred space

ANammie Ichilov, Federation President & CEO

s we embrace the warmth of June, we find ourselves in that precious moment between seasons, a time of transition that mirrors the spirit of Shavuot, which we celebrate in the early days of the month. Just as our ancestors stood at Mount Sinai, poised between their past as slaves and their future as a covenantal people, our community now stands in this transitional summer space between cycles of intense activity.

While our programming calendar may appear quieter, these summer months represent one of our most intellectually fertile periods. Our professional team is deeply engaged in reflection, planning and preparation: cultivating the seeds that will blossom into next year’s vibrant community life. We are finalizing budgets, developing innovative programming and creating meaningful engagement opportunities for the coming year.

The wisdom of Shavuot teaches us that receiving Torah is both a historical event and an ongoing process. There is a beautiful story of Honi the Circle Maker that speaks to this idea of generational wisdom and responsibility:

An elder was planting a carob tree when a young person passed by and asked, “How many years until this tree bears fruit?” The elder replied, “Seventy years.” The youth exclaimed, “Do you really expect to live long enough to eat its fruit?” The elder smiled and said, “I found carob trees in the world, because my ancestors planted them for me. Now, I plant for my grandchildren.”

This parable reminds us that our work always exists in relationship with both past and future. We build upon the foundation laid by those who came before us while creating new opportunities for those who will follow. Each generation receives wisdom from its elders while simultaneously adapting traditions to meet the needs of changing times.

I am pleased to share that this summer will be dedicated to strategic planning, listening deeply to diverse voices across our community as we chart our course forward. Our professional team will also be growing as we welcome new colleagues to lead our Marketing & Communications and our Jewish Community Relations Council departments. These partners will help strengthen our connections both within our Jewish family and with the broader community.

Summer offers us this gift of spaciousness, time to reflect on where we’ve been and envision where we’re going. I invite you to use these months, as we do, as a season of intentional growth and preparation for the vibrant year ahead.

Create a legacy

Sustain Jewish life for generations to come

By Paula Filler, Legacy Chair and Alicia Feldman, Development Director

What will our Jewish community look like in 10, 20 or even 50 years? The answer depends, in part, on the actions we take today.

Creating a legacy gift to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is a meaningful way to ensure that the values, traditions and institutions we cherish continue to thrive long into the future. It’s a powerful act of hope and responsibility — a statement that Jewish life matters, and that its continuity is worth protecting.

Paula Filler

Our community is strong because of those who came before us — those who built synagogues, supported Jewish education, cared for the vulnerable and created vibrant spaces for Jewish connection. Now, it’s our turn to ensure that future generations inherit the same richness of life and identity that we’ve been privileged to experience.

By making a legacy gift — whether through a will, trust or other planned giving arrangement — you can:

• Sustain vital programs and services that support Jewish families, seniors and those in need

• Strengthen Jewish education and leadership for the next generation

• Protect and enrich Jewish identity through cultural, spiritual and community engagement

• Honor your values and story while shaping the future of Jewish Naples

Legacy giving is not just for the wealthy. It’s for anyone who believes in the power of Jewish community and wants to make a lasting impact.

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is here to help you explore options that reflect your personal values, family priorities and charitable goals. Together, we can ensure that Jewish life not only survives but flourishes for generations to come.

To learn more about creating your Jewish legacy, please contact either of us: Development Director Alicia Feldman at afeldman@jewishnaples.org or Legacy Giving Chair Paula Filler at paulafiller@gmail.com. We are here to answer your questions.

Because what we do today shapes tomorrow, let’s build a future we can be proud of — together, as one.

CREATE YOUR JEWISH LEGACY

Contact Development Director Alicia Feldman at afeldman@jewishnaples.org or Legacy Giving Chair Paula Filler at paulafiller@gmail.com.

LIFE’S NEXT ADVENTURE

Embrace a life well-lived at The CarlisleNaples a vibrant senior living community designed for unique adventures, endless opportunities, and vivid experiences. Visit TheCarlisleNaples.com and call 239-388-3768 to book a tour.

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“Together as One”

Highlights of a truly remarkable Annual Community Campaign

When you participate in our Annual Community Campaign events, you help your Jewish Federation make a difference in many ways. Thank you!

Paula Mazel, Barb Carlstrom, Linda Lerner, Anna Levin (standing), Gayle Levy, Sandy Roth and Joyce Levy

JFGN President and CEO Nammie Ichilov with JFNA National Campaign Chair David Heller

Gail and Russell Smith chat with Rabbi Adam Miller

Development Director Alicia Feldman, Paula Filler, guest speaker Tanya Arbit, Rosalee Bogo and Susan Pittelman

Jan Goldman and Jane Schiff

Michael and Arlene Sobol Stuart and Estelle Price

Adam Dorio, Patricia J. Atkins Scholarship recipient, and proud family

Larry and Wendy Israelite

Marc Saperstein and Laurie Lieberman

Gail Smith, Estelle Price and Paula Filler, 2025 KWF Award winner

Stephen Iser and Michael Sobol

Cheryl Ginsberg and Ellen Frankel

Judy Levitt with Robin Friedman of TribeTalk

Stephen Light and Anne Schuchman

Ellaine and Richard Rosen

Beth Wolff steps down after serving 24 years on the JFGN Board of Directors

Ellen Weiss and Judy Adelman

Susan Pittleman and Susan Pittelman

Paula Blachman, Harriet Schweitzer and Barb Carlstrom

Rosalee and Jerry Bogo

JFGN President and CEO Nammie Ichilov with Heart of the Community Awardee Patti Boochever

JFNA National Women's Philanthropy Chair Iris Kraemer

David Goldsteen, Yale Levin and Frank Baum

Jennifer Siegal-Miller and Ellen Wollman

Thank you to our 2025 Annual community Campaign Sponsors

MENSCH

Stacey & Frank Baum

Goldie & Lou Bertone

Rosalee & Jerry Bogo

Paula & Ronald Filler

Ellen Frankel

Judith Finer Freedman & Jeremy Freedman

Carole Greene

Wendy & Larry Israelite

Estelle & Stuart Price

Susan & Nathaniel Ritter

Ellaine & Richard Rosen

Wendy & Rick Rubin

Laurie Lieberman & Marc Saperstein

Jane Schiff

Allison Tucker & Mark Shiffman

Arlene & Michael Sobol

Sharon & Paul Stein

MISHPUCHA

Penni & Mark Blaskey

Rhonda Brazina

Cheryl Ginsburg

Marcia Cohodes & David Goldsteen

Arline & Ronald Kaplan

Anne Schuchman & Stephen Light

Nancy & Steve Schachtman

Anita & Michael Siegal

Gail & Russell Smith

SIMCHA

Marcy Aizenshtat

Sandy & Brian Kamin

Elaine & Fredric Kamin

Linda Singer & Louis Klein Jr.

Judy & Mayer Levitt

Karen & Neil Moss

HEYMISH

Gertrude & Samuel Levine

Matzah Ball Committee - Alicia Feldman, Mia Hyatt, Julie Forsher, Marianna Clark, Daryl Berg, Fabiana Kivilevic, Susan Solomon, Max Deifik and Michael Rubenstein

Marcia Cohodes, Anne Klein, Judith Joy and Stacey Baum

Nancy Kahn, Jill Hagler, Felica Anchor, Fran Kroll, Linda Singer and Gracia Kuller

Neil Chessin and Rohnda Brazina

Paula Filler, Teri Polacheck, Aronson Kagiliery, Randee Jacobs, Joyce Steckman, Carolyn Lichter, Jennifer Schuchman and Anne Schuchman

Nancy and Steve Schachtman

Stephen Saks and

“Can you hear the ROAR?”

By Gail Smith, outgoing Lion of Judah Co-chair

As outgoing Lion of Judah (LOJ) co-chair, the past three years have brought me immense joy, satisfaction and great honor to lead this incredible group of ladies. We truly worked hard to elevate the Greater Naples Lion of Judah experience. Hopefully, you feel we accomplished this mission!

The Lion of Judah Pride features an outstanding group of women committed to ensuring the continuity and enrichment of Jewish life in our community, around the world and in Israel. As of this writing, we have grown to 134 lovely ladies, having added 49 members in the last two years. Your monies contributed 46% of the donation to our Annual Community Campaign.

A listing of all the funds to which we contribute annually can be found in the Federation Impact Report. Please remember that a minimum commitment

Theatre & Costume Museum. Thankfully, all our events have been well attended.

I personally thank each and every Lion of Judah for your ongoing support. If you haven’t given it a try, don’t hesitate! I know you will find a welcoming and warm group of Jewish ladies.

I would be very remiss if I didn’t mention the joy I shared working with my Co-chair Estelle Price. She is priceless!

Finally, at the last luncheon, the powers that be at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples honored my dear co-chair and me with a lovely Tzedakah box. For me, it has a double meaning. Giving through the Lion of Judah initiative, plus my decision this year to endow my pin, is important and personal to me. I have two grown daughters and one 10-year-old granddaughter. I want them to understand, through my giving, the empowerment

of $5,000 a year is needed to become a LOJ. We’re truly grateful to each of you for your continued support. Please see Development Director Alicia Feldman if you have any questions about joining our philanthropic society.

Besides our charitable activities, we held several social events during the season, trying to make them both informative and entertaining. We started out with one luncheon and a community project which changes yearly. We now hold two well attended luncheons, one at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center and one offsite in the community. Then, we were privileged to have Ellaine Rosen, one of our own Lions, add an annual tour of an exhibit at the Naples Art Institute. This past year, we added a bus trip to The Wick

of their mother/grandmother in her Jewishness and her commitment to the Jewish people around the world. It also shows my three grandsons that I put my money where my “big” mouth is and that they have an obligation.

My parents, Ida Mae and Isadore Heller, of blessed memory, showed my brother and myself how important the acts of giving and sharing are. I hope they would be proud to know both my brother and I, along with my beloved husband, Russ, carry on their legacy of tzedakah and that we have taught the next two generations of its importance.

Thank you for such an honor.

Stay healthy. Enjoy your summer. See you next season.

Gail Smith

Gail Smith and Estelle Price at the Lion Behind the Pin Launch 2024

Estell Price and Gail Smith at Lions End of Season Luncheon 2025

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Presents THE ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP PERFORMANCE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

1:00 PM at Saint William Catholic Church, Church Hall, 601 Seagate Dr.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

7:00 PM at New Hope Ministries, Sanctuary, 7675 Davis Blvd.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

5:30 PM at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, 4720 Pine Ridge Rd.

Register for one or all performances here: https://jfgn.regfox.com/ israeli-performers

THE ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP group is made up of five girls, five boys and two leaders from all over Israel. In order to be in the group, these teenagers (16 and 17 years old) went through a highly competitive selection process and were chosen based on their maturity, fluency in English and performance skills.

Israel Friendship is big in Israel, with over 60,000 members. Those chosen to participate here are selected for their ability to best represent the State of Israel. As Israeli delegates, these bright, dynamic and high energy teens have a love for Israel and a desire to share that with North Americans. They spend the 10 weeks of summer performing in synagogues and churches, schools and summer camps, even nursing homes – wherever people want to share their love for Israel. They will have you singing and dancing!

OF GREATER NAPLES

A heartfelt farewell

By Estelle Price, 2025 Lion of Judah Co-chair

As I step down from my role as Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Lion of Judah co-chair, I do so with immense gratitude, pride and reflection. It has been an incredible honor to serve in this position and to be part of a community of women who lead with strength, generosity and deep Jewish values. Throughout my three years as co-chair, I’ve been continually inspired by the passion and dedication of our Lion of Judah members. Each of you brings something unique and powerful to this sisterhood, and together, we have made a real and lasting impact — locally, nationally and in Israel.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my fellow co-chair, Gail Smith, whose partnership has been both a joy and a true gift. Your friendship, warmth and unwavering support made this experience even

more meaningful, and I’m so grateful to have walked this journey with you.

While I’m stepping back from this leadership role, my commitment to the mission of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and Lion of Judah remains as strong as ever. I look forward to

continuing to support this remarkable community and the women who will carry this important work forward.

Thank you all for the trust, encouragement and friendship you’ve shared with me. It has been a privilege to serve.

Join us for these wonderful June programs

It’s hot outside!

BReneé Bialek Program Director

eat the heat by joining us for these planned programs and events in June.

On Wednesday, June 11 at 2 p.m., Dr. Chander will talk about memory loss. Attend this free program and hear what he has to say about our memory.

On Monday, June 16 at 2 p.m., Dale Artis Hackerman will present “A Look at Famous Logos and the Art of Visual Identity,” where we will explore the evolution of some of the world’s most recognized logos and discuss how important logos are in our brand-driven society. This is a free program.

On Monday, June 23 at 1 p.m., come play a variety of games. We have chess, scrabble, a variety of puzzles and bingo. Bring your favorite game to play with others. This event is free and open to everyone.

On Thursday, June 26 at 4 p.m., join us via Zoom for the Unsolved Jewish Mysteries program “Where is King David’s Tomb?” with Jewish educator Jason Harris. ($10 per household)

The Singles Social Group, singles who are 55 and up, will have a Potluck Lunch on Monday, June 30 at noon. Please bring a dairy/parve dish to share. Come meet new friends!

On Thursday, July 10 at 4 p.m., tune in via Zoom for the Unsolved Jewish Mysteries program “Who Killed Chaim Arlosoroff?” ($10 per household)

The RSVP Bone Builders program is being offered for free at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples in June and July.

Save these dates

Israel Friendship Performers are coming to Naples! The Israeli teen singers and dancers will entertain us:

• Wednesday, July 23, 1 p.m. at Saint William Catholic Church

• Wednesday, July 23, 7 p.m. at New Hope Ministries

• Thursday, July 24, 5:30 p.m. at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

These are all free and open to the community. Come sing and dance with us at one or all three performances.

Please make sure to register for all programs via our e-blast or website calendar at www.jewishnaples.org.

Please make sure to read our weekly Monday e-blast to view new programs, and click on the registration links for all the above programs and for all the new programs that are being added. 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.

Bone Builder osteo exercise program

By Reneé Bialek, Program Director

You are invited to this free program, which protects against fractures by increasing muscular strength and bone density.

The RSVP Bone Builder class is special because not only are the participants improving their strength through controlled exercises, but their progress is tracked by the instructor. Certified Bone Builder Isabel Curran has been a trainer for more than eight years in Collier County.

The program will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in June and July (no class on June 3), 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center (4720 Pine Ridge Rd.). Sign up at https:// JFGN.regfox.com/bone-builders-2025.

Please print and fill out

A doctor’s note is required to participate. Print out and complete the physicians form: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ uploads.webconnex.com/26851% 2F1708098710678-Physicians+ Form.pdf. Remember to bring it to the first class.

Additionally, a consent form is required to participate. Find it at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/uploads. webconnex.com/26851%2F17080 98766447-Consent+form.pdf. Bring completed form to the first class as well.

You must bring

• Weights (1 lb. or 2 lb.; unless you are experienced, then bring heavier weights)

• Water

• Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes

• Doctor’s note and consent form (see forms above). If you do not have a printer, please come to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples’ office to pick them up. Please arrive at 9:15 a.m. to check in with the instructor. If you can't attend certain dates in June and July, please email me.

JOIN US! RSVP BONE BUILDER CLASS

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays in June and July, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (no class June 3)

Where: Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Cost: Free

Register: https://JFGN.regfox. com/bone-builders-2025

Estelle Price

Estelle Price and Gail Smith at Lions Tea 2023

Estelle Price and Gail Smith at Lions Brunch 2024

OF GREATER NAPLES

Unsolved Jewish mysteries Zoom programs

By Jason Harris

Everyone is invited to attend these Jewish Federation of Greater Naples programs that address two unsolved Jewish mysteries:

Unsolved Jewish mysteries –“Where is King David’s Tomb?”

Thursday, June 26 at 4 p.m.

King David’s tomb is the only place in Jerusalem holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims. But King David isn’t actually buried there! So where is he? And why do we believe he’s there? Take a fascinating dive into ancient archeology, religious history and current conflict that will

illuminate questions about how sacred space is shared in modern Israel.

Unsolved Jewish mysteries –

“Who Killed Chaim Arlosoroff?”

Thursday, July 10 at 4 p.m.

Zionist political leader Chaim Arlosoroff was shot dead on a Tel Aviv beach on June 16, 1993. Who killed him? The answer (or lack thereof) includes a rich cast of characters, from Nazis to Yitzhak Rabin and Benjamin Netanyahu. This Jewish “true crime” mystery reveals the origins of Israel’s left-right divide and is essential

for understanding political tensions in Israel today.

The cost per program is $10 per household. Register at https://JFGN.regfox. com/unsolved, and the Zoom link will be emailed to you the day prior to the program.

About me

I am a Jewish educator and former politico with a passion for teaching Jewish history. I’m creator and host of “Jew Oughta Know,” a podcast on Jewish and Israeli history with nearly one million streams and listeners on all seven continents.

A graduate of UC Davis, Brandeis University, and San Francisco State University, I spent seven years in Washington, D.C. as a senior staffer to a U.S. member of Congress. I then served in a variety of professional and educational roles in the Jewish community, including running Birthright Israel trips in the San Francisco Bay area. You can find out more

about me and “Jew Oughta Know” at jewoughtaknow.com. These programs are brought to you by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

PLAN TO ATTEND THESE ZOOM PROGRAMS:

• Unsolved Jewish mysteries – “Where is King David’s Tomb?” • Unsolved Jewish mysteries – “Who Killed Chaim Arlosoroff?”

$10 per household per program. Register at https://JFGN.regfox.com/unsolved.

Jason Harris

Chaim Arlosoroff

The season 2024-2025 was our most successful year so far. . We had the fast growing “NextGen” really got rolling with all sorts of well attended events.

As members move around for the summer event creation continues. For those remaining in Naples and the surrounding area there are 11 events ready to go. Thanks to Neil Chessin Jeff Morgenstern and the programming committee, more and more events will be coming available for the 2025 summer season.

Summer for Year Rounders May through October

Memory loss presentation

With Dr. Ankit Chander

By Reneé Bialek, Program Director

Join Dr. Ankit Chander for a free program addressing memory loss on Wednesday, June 11, 2 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

In this talk, Dr. Chander will discuss dementia from several angles. First, he’ll discuss the current epidemiology and trends. Next, he will point out common misconceptions

that need to be shifted to create a dementia-less city in the future. Finally, he will discuss integrative medicine strategies to prevent and treat memory loss.

Ankit Chander, MD is a Johns Hopkins trained physician who practices integrative medicine, combining conventional allopathic approaches with cuttingedge natural therapies.

MEMORY LOSS PRESENTATION

With Dr. Ankit Chander

Wednesday, June 11 at 2 p.m.

At the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center • Free program for all Please register at https://JFGN.regfox.com/memory.

A

look at famous logos and the art of visual identity

By Dale Artis Hackerman

Join me Monday, June 16, 2 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center for a free program addressing logos and their impact upon society.

Federation Launches Silver Circle to Honor Long-Time Donors

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 find out more.

The concept of logos goes back to antiquity. Ancient Egyptians utilized hieroglyphs to brand and identify their possessions. Over time, these symbols developed into more structured forms of identification. For example, during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, coats of arms or heraldic designs distinguished different nobilities. Jumping ahead to the Industrial Revolution, logos became vastly important as businesses grew and competed with one another.

In our fast-paced society and visually driven world today, logos have become a universal language of recognition and trust. Be it the golden arches of McDonald's, the swoosh of Nike or the apple of Apple, logos go far beyond words and speak directly to our emotions, intellect and perceptions.

But how often do we pause to consider the thought, creativity and strategy behind these symbols that we take for granted, and that have become so much a part of our existence?

In my presentation, we will explore the evolution of some of the world’s most recognized logos and discuss how important logos are in our brand-driven society.

About me

In addition to a career in commercial art

and trade show exhibit design, I chaired the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in Pennsauken, New Jersey, where I also taught advanced placement art history exclusively to college-bound seniors. Throughout my teaching career, I served on several middle states accreditation committees where I was responsible for evaluating information provided by students, employees and others in determining whether an institution’s performance was consistent with the middle states standards of excellence for accreditation. While teaching, I freelanced as an artist, providing clients with sophisticated graphic design and illustration solutions ranging from logo design, print and online advertising to packaging concepts.

As a fine artist, I exhibited and sold my paintings. One of my paintings is in the permanent collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston. It depicts one of the oldest weathervanes in America, the 1716 weathervane, “Indian Archer.” The Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, has my interpretation of George Washington’s Mount Vernon weathervane, “Dove of Peace,” 1787. Princeton University owns my painting of their famous “Elongated Tiger” weathervane.

An article I wrote on the importance of art history being integral to both Catholic and public high school curriculums was published in the progressive national newspaper, The National Catholic Reporter

IF YOU GO

Famous logos and the art of visual identity

With Dale Artis Hackerman

Monday, June 16, 2 p.m.

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center • Free program for all. Please register so we can plan accordingly: https://JFGN.regfox.com/art-with-dale.

Ankit Chander, MD

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SOULFUL SHABBAT

My experience at the PJ Library convention

By Alexandra Wein, PJ Library and PJ Our Way Coordinator

I’ve never been to something so incredibly inspiring before! From the moment I got to the conference in Massachusetts, I knew something magical was going to take place. Not only was I given the opportunity to really dive into the world of PJ Library and how it’s more than just books, but I got to meet Harold and Winnie Grinspoon and learn the answer to “Why PJ Library?” The only answer I can give now is “Why not!?”

Temple Shalom 4630 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples FL 34119

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Alexandra Wein programs@jewishnaples.org (239)263-4205 OR SCAN QR CODE

was truly special to hear them show their appreciation to everyone who is helping their dream of global PJ outreach become a reality.

After speaking with other PJ Library and Harold Grinspoon Foundation professionals, I have seen the true impact that PJ Library has on the Jewish community across the world! Some PJ communities provide necessities for neighboring areas after disasters. Some PJ communities create a safe space of inclusion to make all feel welcome and a part of something. Some PJ communities provide new parents with resources for those early newborn days. And since the conference, I have a mentor to work with, a wonderful PJ professional from Jacksonville.

The Grinspoons greeted everyone with familiar warmth that made you think they knew you for many years. It

This conference, in its entirety, sparked a new energy in my Jewish identity. I, too, have been very proud and vocal about being Jewish, but I have not always been the most consistent practitioner. Having a young family and working opposite schedules from my husband makes attending Shabbat services difficult, and sometimes finding time to properly celebrate the holidays is impossible. Did anyone else not get to have a Passover Seder?

Rick Recht hosted T’filah in the mornings, and it moved me in a way I never felt before. On top of dedicating myself to growing PJ Library, I am also dedicating myself to growing how I embrace my Jewish identity and culture. It’s not just for me, but also for my children.

Thank you to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples for allowing me to have this experience! I look forward to bringing what I learned at this conference to the Greater Naples community.

New and exciting at JYP Naples

By Cayla Schreier, JYP Coordinator

April was a month of celebrating Jewish resilience!

With numerous JYP Naples members out of town for Passover, we hosted two Shabbat dinners: one before the holiday began and one to celebrate the first Shabbat dinner after the holiday ended. We had 10 JYP Naples members join us for a Shabbat dinner at my house on Friday, April 4. It was nice to see each other before everyone set off to celebrate the holiday the following week.

Matthew hosted a Shabbat dinner for 16 JYP Naples members to celebrate the first Shabbat after the holiday ended. My predecessor, Maya, was in town for Shabbat and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to catch up. We shared our holiday experiences while participating in Shabbat traditions such as candle lighting, reciting the Kiddush and Hamotzi. I made my first water-based challah in the

shape of a key, called a Shissel Challah, which is a tradition meant to bring good luck and blessings to the coming year. Fortunately, my Shissel Challah turned out well, but I was unable to get a full picture before it was completely consumed by the guests!

We are excited to celebrate more holidays, create more social events and host more Shabbat dinners this summer!

Details about upcoming events will be distributed via email and Facebook group chat. Please reach out to Reneé (rbialek@jewishnaples.org) if you would like to be added to those group communications. We also have a Google form for members to provide feedback and ideas on the type of JYP events they would like to see in the future.

I look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Yom HaShoah 2025 remembered

“For a better future"

By Shelley Lieb, GenShoah SWFL Co-chair

The commemoration of Yom HaShoah 2025 took place at Temple Shalom on Sunday, April 27. This special day of Holocaust remembrance was established by Israel for a number of reasons. One was to mark the anniversary of the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942. That uprising was 83 years ago and three years before the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on Jan. 27, 1945.

How many generations of Jewish post-war history does that represent? Survivors were the first. Their children are the second. Their grandchildren are the third, and their great-grandchildren are the fourth. So, at least four generations. Individuals from each of those generations were present at the full sanctuary, either as direct participants or indirectly as community members.

The Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights (TOLI) reminds us, "We are now at a critical juncture in history when the number of survivors and knowledge of the Holocaust are decreasing while antisemitism, extremism and Holocaust distortion and denial are increasing."

Everyone there was commended for creating space in their life to pay respect and remember all those who perished, suffered or restored their identity after the Holocaust. The purpose

of the program was to provide a framework for that commemoration within our community.

The program included local clergy — Rabbi Adam Miller, Rabbi Ammos Chorny and Rabbi Ariel Boxman — who provided context, prayers and spirituality. Cantorial soloist Hari Jacobsen led the singing of "HaTikvah" (the Israeli national anthem) and "God Bless

America." Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Board Chair Nat Ritter and Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center of Naples CEO and Executive Director Erin Blankenship demonstrated the involvement of the broader Southwest Florida community. Temple Shalom's Holocaust Torah shared the bima with program participants.

This year's candle lighting continued a Jewish tradition of lighting candles as part of rituals for festive, traditional, remembrance and historical events. This year's theme, designated by Yad Vashem, was "For a Better Future." Established in 1953, Yad Vashem is Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

shared information about children who survived the Holocaust.

Temple Shalom Executive Director Deborah Fidel presented a short video about the connections between the Holocaust and the events of Oct. 7, 2023, that led to the current war between Israel and Hamas.

A legacy reading and pledge of future Holocaust remembrance was led by survivor Rob Nossen and second-generation Ida Margolis, Stuart Mest, Ilicia Alifeld and Randy Alifeld.

This year's program was well received, as evidenced by many positive comments, including:

• It was well done. Especially the kids. All the gray hairs know the history, but the young ones need the exposure!

Eight candles were lit as part of the program — six candles to recall the 6 million Jews who were murdered; one candle to symbolize our connection to the State of Israel; and the last candle to bring specific memory to the 1.5 million Jewish children who were murdered and to celebrate the children who survived.

Each candle told a part of the story, “Our Jewish Journey from Pre-war to Renewal.” The candles were lit by members of our community who are survivors (Sam Harris and Eva Sands), second generation (Sol Awend, Rolly Jacob, Vivian Mackey, Alan Zagier and Yvonne Holtzman), and third generation (Luba Rotzstain).

The final candle, in memory of children lost and saved, was connected to the audience through the distribution of "lost children cards." Each card identified a child who perished in the Holocaust. That child's name and a specially written prayer was recited. As part of the last candle, sixth-grade students from Temple Shalom (Gabriela Benitez, Teddy Goldberg, Emily Linz, Eliza Schwartz, Hannah Yue, Eli Miller, Preston Resnick, Jay Schaab, Ben Carcamo, Elise Lairet, Cameron Fuchs, Shane Oslick and teacher Kenarette Corl)

• The survivors and second-, third- and fourth-generation [participants] were very pleased to be part of this remembrance.

• I don’t have adequate words to express how deeply moved I was yesterday by the program ...

• As I looked over the room when I was on the bima, I could see the emotions on the audience’s faces ...

There are many people who helped make this program work, including Jim Cochran (musical accompaniment), Dustin Herl (AV Tech), Victor Lucas (Temple Shalom facilities manager), assisted by Ada Rossell, and Reneé Bialik (JFGN program coordinator) who always does whatever is needed. Thank you! This community program was brought to you by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, Temple Shalom, Beth Tikvah, GenShoah SWFL, Naples Jewish Congregation, Chabad of Naples and Jewish Congregation of Marco Island.

Holocaust survivor Warren Alifeld with family and friend

2G candle lighters Vivian Mackey, Alan Zagier and Luba Rotzstain

Holocaust Survivors Sarah Rockler and Rob Nossen

Roaches Wreaking Havoc Looking for Indoor Water Due to Drought Conditions

by Anna Wallace, Truly Nolen

As Southwest Florida’s drought-like conditions have continued into Spring, families it Naples are getting ready for Summer’s arrival. However, with such unusual conditions, one pest that stands out this month looking for food, harborage, and especially water is the cockroach.

Cockroaches typically have six spiny legs and two long antennae. American cockroaches, which like hot, humid conditions and have fully developed wings, and German cockroaches, implicated in outbreaks of illness and allergic reactions in many people, are the two most common species that are found in the southwestern United States.

Even with hot conditions, cockroaches still need water to survive, and with a lack of rain recently, these pests may be looking to get inside your home even more frequently than normal.

A very common pest, cockroaches are nocturnal and remain in the dark whenever possible, only emerging to search for water and food. Large infestations should be suspected when cockroaches are seen in the open or in the light during the day.

Cockroaches have lived off the bare essentials with few changes since their creation millions

of years ago. They have become such widespread pests because they thrive on very little. Contrary to popular belief, they aren't simply attracted to messy households, although that will extend their stay. They simply require three things: water, food, and warm shelter.

In addition, cockroaches typically prefer damp, warm places and usually reproduce quickly in garages, sewers, attics, storerooms and similar locations, and then enter the home from outside breeding sites. For every one you see there can be many, many more hiding and multiplying behind your walls.

Cockroaches can get into the cleanest of living spaces because in most situations, we unknowingly bring them home. They can be found behind refrigerators, sinks and stoves, as well as under floor drains and inside of motors and major appliances. If you can't find any of them during the day, check cupboards and pantries for their droppings.

Cockroaches affect more people than any other insect. They vomit partly-digested food materials and continually defecate while eating and pose significant health hazards by transmitting diseases (bacillary dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, polio, amoebic dysentery, urinary-tract infections, diarrhea,

and infectious hepatitis). The debris created by cast-off cockroach skins, dead bodies and droppings can aggravate allergies, especially in children and sensitive individuals. Furthermore, contact with cockroach allergens can cause mild to severe rashes, other allergic reactions and in extreme cases death from asthma attacks.

Some ways to prevent an outbreak before you may need a pest control professional include eliminating water (do not let water stand in sinks and eliminate outside collection areas), eliminating food sources (dispose garbage properly and wipe off counter tops often), and eliminate harborages (discard unnecessary cardboard boxes and pull mulch away from your home).

(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 roach services we provide, please visit https://trulynolen.com/pest-control/roaches/.)

Volunteering — a true definition of a mitzvah

By Irwin Weinberg, MCA Member

In Judaism, a mitzvah refers to a commandment or religious duty that is required of Jewish people. It’s often translated as “commandment” but can also be understood as a “good deed” or “act of kindness.” The concept of mitzvah is central to Jewish law and practice, with 613 mitzvot (plural) detailed in the Torah. AI (artificial intelligence) provided me with the above definition. What the definition doesn’t address is how good doing a mitzvah makes one feel. Oddly enough, in a way, a selfless act makes one feel just a little bit selfish. At least it does for me.

A number of years ago, I retired and lived in Boca Raton. I’m not a golfer, pickleball didn’t exist and there were only so many hours of TV I could even absorb. I needed something to distract and interest me to fill the sudden available time. Volunteering somewhere was the answer, but I also wanted to be in charge of my time and not be permanently scheduled for a specific day or days of the week. I certainly had enough of that throughout my career.

I began to miss driving those in need and realized that it wasn’t the time filler that I missed so much as it was the selfish feeling — that I needed the compliments, the pats on the back and the warm and fuzzy feeling that I was performing a mitzvah.

I was then extremely fortunate to discover Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) and, through them, joining

something for everyone through MCA. All members are encouraged to share their ideas and expertise and volunteer their time to make those programs and activities successful. Below are just a couple of volunteer activities that have become integrated within the framework of the MCA organization.

Habitat for Humanity (weekly) –MCA members can partner with Habitat

Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA). Both provide me with many opportunities to learn, socialize and feed my selfish desire to accumulate mitzvot.

I stumbled upon the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services organization, which offered numerous volunteer opportunities as a means of “giving back by lending a hand.” I started to drive folks to and from their medical appointments and quickly learned how important my “job” was to them. Not too soon after, I discovered how important and meaningful it was to me.

Frequently many of the individuals I drove would tell me I was performing a mitzvah. I would acknowledge their compliments but really didn’t give it much further thought — that is until I moved to Naples.

I then discovered another great organization that offers quite a number of volunteer opportunities, welcoming them with open arms and training them — Baker Senior Center of Naples (BSCN). What all three organizations have in common is their overwhelming desire to give back to the community. Whether your personal motivation is social, selfish (like mine), or both, you will find what you need when you volunteer.

The following are several examples of the many opportunities that exist within each organization.

Men’s

Cultural Alliance

With more than 900 members and a wide range of programs and activities, there is

Are you interested in volunteering for these or other programs? Please contact JFGN at info@jewishnaples.org.

Baker Senior Center of Naples

Do you have a talent you can share or something to teach? Do you want to contribute to your community in a safe and nurturing environment?

Join BSCN’s friendly, sociable team of dedicated volunteers to help provide confidence, connection and support to people ages 60 and older, regardless of background, religion, beliefs or financial status.

Interested? Schedule a tour by contacting BSCN at 239-325-4444 or info@bakerseniorcenternaples.org.

Volunteer positions at BSCN can be scheduled to meet both your personal calendar as well as the needs of the organization. They include:

for Humanity to build or improve a home for a family in need.

Meals of Hope food bagging – We need you to give two hours of your time to pack bags of food so Meals of Hope can restock their 13 food pantries in Southwest Florida. These bags provide much needed nutritious food to help those struggling with food insecurity. Let’s show Southwest Florida that MCA is doing its part to end this crisis. The mission of Meals of Hope is to inspire and empower communities to come together to end hunger.

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples – Reaching out beyond MCA volunteering, there are numerous options to invest your time and talent for the good of others within our larger Jewish community.

Special events – Volunteering for JFGN’s special events is a wonderful way to meet people! Volunteer to be a greeter or usher at an event. Requirements: a desire to help with JFGN’s goals, an interest in devoting a few hours a week and maintaining confidentiality in all positions. Training is provided.

Annual Community Campaign

– Volunteer to help JFGN’s Annual Community Campaign by soliciting five to 10 donors, or more if you'd like. Or help make some thank you calls. Requirements: 1-2 hours, at your convenience. Training materials are provided.

MLK Day Parade – March in the MLK Day Parade. Join us as we walk on behalf of JFGN in the MLK Day Parade.

Brookdale Cognitive Health Services – Dementia respite and brain joggers assist our professional staff working with older adults dealing with early to mid-stage dementia. Programs include computer games, memory activities, chair exercises, music and art therapies, serving lunch and more. Author’s note: (I am reminded of the centuries old quotation: “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” I have never received more personal satisfaction than my volunteering for this specific service provided to the community.)

• Art assistant

• Art instructor

• Café host

• Deliveries

• Entertainment

• Fitness class instructors

• Food pantry host

• Foreign language instructor

• Friendly driver

• Friendly visitor

• Melodious Echoes members (dementia friendly choir)

• Memory support

• Renewal calls

• Tour guide

To summarize, all three organizations have given my life in Naples great satisfaction in so many ways. Forget all the normal excuses for not volunteering. Find something that you think you might enjoy, and you’ll be surprised how much you will. Go ahead and be a little selfish. It’s truly not only a mitzvah, but also a winwin for everyone!

The fun never stops at WCA

By Susan Pittelman, Publicity Director

Southwest Florida’s busy winter season has come to an end. Loaded car carriers bound for northern destinations have pulled away, and restaurant reservations are now easier to make. Grocery store lines are shorter, and finding a parking spot at the beach is no longer a challenge. Many assume that life slows down, but for WCA members, the fun keeps right on going! From Greater Naples to areas across North America, WCA continues to bring women together through friendships, activities and community all year long.

WCA makes it easy for its members to stay connected through the summer months. The relatively new Year Rounders group and WCA’s 10 Summer Branches offer events and programs for women to gather, connect and enjoy each other’s company.

WCA Year Rounders

More than 40% of our membership are now “Year Rounders” — members who live in Southwest Florida full-time. In the past, WCA sometimes offered two or three special activities each summer (remember Summer Serendipity?), but overall, very few programs were scheduled after “season” ended. That changed last year, when full-time resident and Membership Director Harriett Kleinman agreed to take on the challenge of offering more programming for the growing number of members who stay in Florida year-round. Board member Hannah Goodman created a Year Rounders group from our database by searching for those who had identified themselves as full-timers. If you are a full-timer, make sure that your profile in the database correctly reflects it, so that you will be included in this group. Last summer, Kleinman, working with a very enthusiastic committee, offered 13 diverse programs. The response to these activities was outstanding and the events were extremely well attended. Encouraged by that success, Kleinman again formed a committee to plan activities for this summer. The committee held three planning meetings to brainstorm ideas and choose the events to be offered. “I was very happy that so many different women joined the committee,” said Kleinman. “They shared some wonderful new ideas for programs and women volunteered to take responsibility for organizing them. It should be a very exciting summer!” The committee hopes to schedule 20 events through October, with activities ranging from a lively Bunco Party and a luncheon at Pelican Isles to a hands-on cooking lesson and a mysterious, entertaining train ride.

Berkshires – Liaison: Anne Schnesel

Boston Metro North – Liaison: Rolly Jacob

Boston South Shore/Cape Cod, Rhode Island – Liaison: Ellen Garnick

Connecticut – Liaison: Sally Ann Edelman

DelVal (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware) – Liaison: Penni Blaskey and Harriet Berneman

Committee Chair Harriett Kleinman (on far left of standing row) and the Year Rounder Programming Planning Committee met for the third time on March 31. More women than are pictured in this photo serve on the committee and participated in earlier meetings.

WCA’s “Summer Season” officially kicked off on May 22, with an event billed as “Sun, Summer and Socializing.” A list of additional summer activities planned so far accompanies this article and will appear in the May 29 WCA newsletter. Women in the Year Rounders group will receive email notifications with details about each activity, including registration information.

Notices about these special summer programs will only appear in the WCA newsletter if space is still available after the Year Rounders have registered. So, if you are not here full-time but will be in Southwest Florida this summer, be sure to check the WCA newsletter to see if there is an event happening during your stay for which you can register.

In addition to the special Year Rounder events, some WCA interest groups continue to meet during into the summer: Mah Jongg, Canasta, New Yorker 1 and Contemporary Fiction, to mention a few.

WCA North will also continue several of its activities over the summer months, including Group Trivia, Classic Films, Read and Relax, Book Discussions, Mah Jongg and Ladies Who Brunch. (Remember, WCA North activities are open to all WCA members.) Dina Shein, liaison for WCA North, shared that WCA North will take a break in August to plan next year’s programs.

WCA Summer Branches

While many WCA members remain in Florida through the summer, others head north — but that doesn’t mean leaving WCA behind!

WCA Summer Branches were first created in 2012 to carry forward the idea that the fun never stops with WCA. The goal was to give women the opportunity to see their WCA friends during the summer months and continue the friendships they built in Florida. So many women made

Illinois – Liaison: Lori Kleiman

Michigan – Liaison: Dorothy Collens

New York City Metro/New Jersey – Needs a new liaison! Contact Shelly Bell if you are interested!

Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland – Liaison: Deedee Remenick

Oh Canada – Liaison: Joanna Paull

meaningful connections in Southwest Florida and greatly enjoyed the programming, that they wanted to, as they put it, “take WCA home with them.”

Today, there are 10 Summer Branches located in various areas across North America. Each branch has one or more liaisons who plan occasional gatherings for the WCA members in their area. If you would like to receive information about activities happening in a particular Summer Branch, you will need to register with the liaison for that branch. (Contact information for all Summer Branch liaisons is available on the WCA website, under “Groups.”) Becoming a member of a Summer Branch isn’t about a strict geographic boundary; it’s about having a past or current connection to the area and an interest in participating in, or even hosting, a gathering there.

Whether you spend your summer in Southwest Florida or head to a location up north that has a flourishing WCA branch, it is easy to continue enjoying the fun, friendships and sense of community that WCA offers. And if you are in a place without nearby WCA activities, no worries, planning is already underway for the 2025-2026 season. Many exciting events and programs will be waiting for you when you return to Florida!

Enjoy your summer!

SUMMER 2025 WCA YEARROUNDER EVENTS

(Subject to change)

May 22, 10 a.m.-noon –Sun, Summer and Socializing Kick Off (Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center)

June 6, noon-2 p.m. – Luncheon (Pelican Isle Yacht Club)

June 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. –Mushroom Farmers (Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center)

June 11, 8:30-11:30 a.m. –Harry Chapin Food Bank (Food Bank)

June 17, 10 a.m.-noon –Craft Class (Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center)

June 18, 11 a.m.-noon –Tour of Gulfshore Playhouse

June 23, noon – Lunch at Simit Fresh Mediterranean restaurant

June 27 – Shabbat Dinners (at private homes)

July 10, 1-3 p.m. – Bunco Party (Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center)

July 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. – Lunch with games (Vineyards)

July 30, 9-11 a.m. – Tour of Arthrex

Aug. 7, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. –Luncheon (Miromar Lakes)

Aug. 13, 5 p.m. – Cooking Class (Kitchen Social)

Sept. 17, 10-11:30 a.m. –Tour of Naples Airport

Oct. 15, 10-11:30 a.m. –Tour of Naples Airport

Oct. 30, 5 p.m. – Murder Mystery Dinner Train (Fort Myers)

At the Museum

AErin Blankenship President & CEO

ll of us here at The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center were proud to partner with Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Temple Shalom and GenShoah SWFL at this year’s meaningful Yom HaShoah Community Remembrance service. It started with a pre-service reception hosted by GenShoah of SWFL for survivors, GenShoah members and their families. Multiple generations then participated in the remembrance program. Candles were lit by survivors, 2Gs and 3Gs. Students from the Temple’s Sunday School also participated to remember notable Holocaust survivors.

A poignant feature of the program was honoring the memory of the 1.5 million children who were murdered during the Holocaust. As people entered the Temple, each received a slip of paper with the name and age of one of these children. The congregation was asked during the service to remember each of these young victims and continue to do so in the future, so they are never forgotten.

Honoring survivors

In Temple Shalom’s lobby, the Museum had an exhibit honoring survivors who have worked with our education programs. Over the years, these volunteers have shared their important stories with thousands of students and members of the public. Part of the exhibit featured QR codes that enabled a listener to hear clips of 11 survivor testimonies as well as Nuremberg Trial Chief Justice Robert Jackson. Several of the Museum’s collection of Eric Kellar black and white survivor portraits were also on display.

We invite you to visit our website, www.hmcec.org, for more survivor and liberator testimonies, as well as the Portraits of Remembrance series with essays by 2Gs about their families’ experiences during the Holocaust.

V-E Day anniversary

In honor of the 80th anniversary of V-E Day, the Museum offered complimentary

admission. We also screened short films about World War II and liberation as we remembered with gratitude the sacrifices made by the Allied Forces to defeat the Nazi Regime and secure freedom for the world.

School programs

The 2024-25 school year was a very busy one for the Museum. Our Holocaust education programs were offered in seven Southwest Florida counties and more than 2,000 students came to the Museum for field trips. The Boxcar Exhibit, on loan to the Museum from Jack and F.E. Nortman and The Boxcar Foundation, visited multiple school and public library locations, where thousands of additional people of all ages were able to view it. In addition, the Museum’s two Pop-Up Museum exhibits were in great demand and were shown at several Southwest Florida public schools.

We are already accepting bookings for the 2025-26 school year. If you are a teacher interested in our Holocaust education programs, or know of someone who is, please contact Katie@hmcec.org for more information.

This month, the Museum is leading a Southwest Florida educator trip to Washington, D.C. Education Manager Katie Butte and I will lead the group and join educators from across the state on this trip. Participants include school administrators and principals from Collier, Lee, Leon, Palm Beach and Sarasota Counties. The purpose of the trip is to

expand educators’ knowledge of Holocaust education and encourage them to advocate for the inclusion of quality Holocaust education programs in their schools and districts.

The trip also represents a unique opportunity for us to strengthen our existing relationships with Southwest Florida Holocaust educators as well as to new opportunities for cross-state dialogue on our programs. The group will visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and learn more about USHMM’s Community of Holocaust Education Centers (CHEC) program, which we have participated in. Additional visits will be made to the Museum of African American History and other sites in the D.C. area.

On display now

We are working on the fall 2025 exhibit, “Painting Irena Sendler’s Story,” which will feature the original artwork a Southwest Florida artist created for the children’s book on the Holocaust, “Irena Sendler and The Children of the Warsaw Ghetto.” The book was written by Susan Goldman Rubin, and following its publication, Bill Farnsworth donated his artwork to our Museum. More details about the exhibition will be available soon.

GenShoah SWFL

Do you have a family member who was impacted by the Holocaust? If so, we encourage you to learn more about GenShoah SWFL — an affinity group of the Museum for children and descendants of Holocaust survivors and anyone interested in their mission: promotion of Holocaust education and human rights, preservation of history and memories of the Holocaust, connecting the secondgeneration with one another, and support of the Museum. Contact genshoahswfl@ hmcec.org for more information.

Thank you, Board members

Our original exhibition, “Convincing the Masses: Propaganda at Home and Abroad,” is on display in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery through mid-August.

Finally, this month we honor retiring Board members Maureen Lerner and Rob Nossen for their many years of dedicated service to the Museum and its mission. They have been instrumental in the development of the Museum and growth of Holocaust Education in Southwest Florida. Each has impacted the thousands of students, teachers and members of the public who have been to the Museum or attended our education programs and events. We are tremendously grateful to them for their leadership. Hope to see you at the Museum this summer!

Art after the Holocaust, Irena Sendler painting by Bill Farnsworth

Rabbi Miller speaks at Yom HaShoah event

Thank you and an invitation from GenShoah

By Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb

In one of the most popular musicals, “Fiddler on the Roof,” you may remember hearing the lyric “One season following another ...” That is true everywhere, but so visible here in Southwest Florida. While concluding one season of programing, GenShoah SWFL is planning for the next. We are reminded that no programs are done in isolation and certainly not worth doing without individuals supporting the programs. We want to thank all who have helped in planning, promoting, executing, working on, presenting and attending our programs this season. As we say each year, “We can’t do it without you.” Thank you so much for all you have done this season. We are looking forward to your help and to seeing you next season!

Already planned for next season is an expanded program open to all members. If you like to read or like to learn, you are invited to the GenShoah Readers and Learners programs. In past seasons, GenShoah has had one scheduled book review but has added discussions of books, films and articles in response to requests. Last season, due to the efforts of Estelle Kafer, two book discussions were held in addition to the book review at the annual potluck. The books were so insightful and

informative, and those who attended said they learned a great deal new by reading the book. Others said they learned just by listening to the discussion. The comments encouraged us to continue, and we will start by scheduling two book discussions, each with something special added, and more to come. Kafer has once again agreed to facilitate the reading and discussion group, which we are calling Readers and Learners.

For those who want the opportunity to get a head start on reading, we are announcing two of the books that will be discussed this season. The first book is “Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project” by Jack Mayer. This is not a new book and those who have read it told us it is a great read — a

true story that reads like a novel. It is a story about a very interesting project and an amazingly heroic person, Irena Sendler, who deserves to be remembered. The discussion will take place Nov. 19, 11 a.m. at the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. Prior to the discussion, those attending will have the opportunity to see a special exhibit of original paintings by Bill Farnsworth from the picture book “Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto” by Susan Goldman Rubin.

At the potluck in December, there will be a review of the award-winning true story “Hana’s Suitcase: The Quest to Solve a Holocaust Mystery” by Karen Levine. More information to come on Readers and Learners, the book discussions, and many other GenShoah programs for the 2025-26 season. Again, thank you to all who helped and attended our programs.

The second book in the Readers and Learners series is “Sabine’s Odyssey: A Hidden Child and Her Dutch Rescuers” by Agnes Schipper. The discussion of this fascinating story will take place in March. The author of the beautifully written memoir will give great insights into the story of her mother’s life during WWII, and her father, a member of the Dutch resistance.

We invite anyone who has a relationship to someone who is a descendant of a Holocaust survivor or who is interested in our mission of “promotion of Holocaust education and human rights, preservation of the history and memories of the Holocaust, connection of the Second Generation with one another and support of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center," to join us next season. Simply email genshoahswfl@gmail.com for information and to receive our free newsletter.

GenShoah SWFL GenShoahSWFL@HMCEC.org

Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb

A.I.? Oy vei! Zoog mir in Yiddish

By Sol Awend, GenShoah SWFL

Itried it. I really thought I could pull it off and, in turn, pull one over on you.

But alas, siz nisht geh gaangen (it didn’t go).

With all the computerization going on, I thought I could go to Gemini and write a story on A.I. Come to find out, the Yiddish version of A.I. is really Oy vei! Think about it. How are you going to take a 1,000-year-old language and adapt it to a myriad of locations that Jews have inhabited around the world, then add different dialects and subtle variations of words and feelings that experienced Yiddish speakers grapple with and transliterate it?

I was going to write about my mother’s experience working in the ammunition factory during the war making po t’shiskes (bullets). Do you think someone from France or Holland could relate? Neither could the computer. After the first sentence, the computer stopped and yelled, “Vart ah minute!” (Wait a minute!). Ich fah shtei dec’h nisht! (I don’t understand you!) Dee retz’t nisht mit ah Litvishen ahksent! (You’re not speaking with a Litvak accent!)

Then, I switched to the culinary arts and wrote about Shabbos dinner and

my mother serving lokshen mit yowech (noodles and chicken soup). The computer responded, dee meinst lox un bygels? (You mean lox and bagels?) I thought to myself, Guy, red t’zi dee vaant (Go talk to the wall).

Looking further, I found a song-writing program that could produce lyrics and music! Absolutely fantastic. I had it write a love song, in a country and western melody, sung by a young fellow with a drawl. The name of the song?

“I Tried to Break Her Heart But I Broke Her Arm.” Go have A.I. translate that into Mameh Looshen! You should hear the lyrics — they would bring treren t’zeh dee oygen (tears to one’s eyes).

In this world of computers, I’m sure there are plenty of Yiddlec’h running around and creating the future of what’s what. But as much as I understand about Yiddish is about how little I know about technology. In the same meining (meaning) of how much is understood about technology, think about how little is known about Yiddish.

I can’t wait for them to intersect. Then A.I. will go from Oy vei! to Oy vei! Ah broch! (Oh no! A calamity!)

Temple Shalom events

By Jeanette Fischer, Temple Shalom Director of Communications

We invite you to join us for the following:

Summer Shabbat evening services hours

From June 6 through Aug. 22, Temple Shalom’s Friday evening services will begin at 6 p.m. We invite you to join us at the “pre-neg” prior to services at 5:30 p.m. for some light refreshments and schmoozing.

Soulful Shabbat

Join us Friday, June 6 for this service conducted entirely in song and accompanied by the Temple Shalom Band! If you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary in June, you will be invited up to the Locketz bima to receive a special blessing (and a chocolate bar)!

Beach Shabbat

Celebrate Shabbat by the Gulf! We will

conduct Shabbat evening services at Lowdermilk Park Beach on Friday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. We meet at the north end of Lowdermilk Park Beach. Bring a beach chair and join us for a breathtaking sunset service on the sand.

The Sisterhood Judaica Shop

Shop at the only Judaica Shop in the Greater Naples area! The Sisterhood Judaica Shop has a wide selection. Shop for a mezuzah, Shabbat candle sticks, tallit, Kiddush cups, hostess gifts and much more. To schedule an appointment, contact Karen Cohn at 239-370-6220.

Temple Shalom Naplestemple.org 239-455-3030

Sol Awend

Tributes

To: Lenore Greenstein In honor of Lenore Greenstein. On the occasion of her 90th birthday.

From: Diane Goldstein

To: Irene Pomerantz In memory of Don Pomerantz. So sorry to hear of Don’s passing.

From: Debbie Laites and Ben Post

To: Nammie and Lisa Ichilov In memory of Hanna Ichilov. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

From: Susan and Michael Horowitz

To: Nammie Ichilov In memory of Hanna Ichilov.

From: Gayle and Marty Dorio

To: Nammie and Lisa Ichilov In memory of Hanna Ichilov Nammie and Lisa, Thinking of you during this very difficult time.

From: Debbie and Peter Smith

To: Nammie Ichilov In loving memory of Hanna Ichilov.

From: Jane Schiff

To: Nammie Ichilov In loving memory of your mother.

From: Carol & Bruce Sherman

To: Margo and Fred Rosenfeld In honor of Margo and Fred Rosenfeld’s 50th anniversary!

From: Janet Singer

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.

To place a Tribute in 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

To: Nammie and Lisa Ichilov

In memory of Hanna Ichilov I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. May your mother’s memory be a blessing.

From: Terri Polacheck

To: Nammie Ichilov In memory of Hanna Ichilov Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved mother Hanna. May her memory be a blessing.

From: Sarae and Zuli Steremberg

To: Nammie Ichilov

In memory of Hanna Ichilov

May her memory be a blessing, and it already is, because she obviously lives on in "you."

From: Barbara and Gene Goldenziel

To: Nammie Ichilov

In memory of Hanna Ichilov

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and

Your to-do list? Consider it done. With maintenancefree apartment homes, chef-inspired dining, weekly housekeeping, and everyday conveniences all thoughtfully handled, you’re free to seize the day! From energizing fitness classes and hands-on workshops to lively happy hours and game nights with new friends—the possibilities are endless, and every moment is yours to enjoy.

Let us handle the everyday so you can enjoy every day! Wednesday, June 11 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a lemonade social and discover how sweet resort-style retirement can be! Meet our residents and team in a fun, friendly, and flavorful event. RSVP by June 4

The role of the scribe in ancient times

By Arlene Stolnitz

Life can have strange twists! One of the weirdest twists I have ever heard is a story from my own family which relates to my interest in all things Judaically ancient! The result has been my series of columns this year on Judaic folk art. (I will jog readers’ memory to help remember this year’s articles on “paper cuts,” “Illuminated Hebrew Texts” and “The Szyk Haggadah.”)

Now, for the story: Back in the ’50s, I met a young man who later became my husband. My prospective husband to be (Avrum Stolnitz) came to dinner to meet my parents. After the typical introductory family-type conversations, my father asked my beau, “Did you say your mother’s maiden name was Ring?” My father recalled that as a young boy his Hebrew teacher was Baruch Zvi Ring. Any relation?

The story unfolded, revealing my dad, David, and his brother, Sam, had seen a young girl caring for younger children in the family, while her father was preparing the young students for their bar mitzvahs! What a coincidence! That young girl, Ida Ring Stolnitz (z’l) was to become the mother of my beau/prospective husband and later, my mother-in-law.

But that is not all. Much later, I discovered that Baruch Zvi Ring was a

scribe and master paper cutter. That was enough for me to embark on my inquiry into all things Judaic.

So, what did it take to be a scribe in the days long ago, way before the time of Baruch Zvi? Before printing presses and copy machines, every document and every book had to be copied by hand. A scribe, or sofer, was a person who was trained to produce such documents.

More than just copying a page, the sofer was involved in counting out the syllables and letters, laying out the wording in advance, spacing, knowing how many lines to be copied, being sure a line was not duplicated, and the intricacy of writing on a piece of parchment that could be animal skin.

Nor could you make a mistake if it were a Torah scroll, or it would not be kosher.

Scribes had nothing to do with authoring the Bible. They were important because of their role in making and distributing copies of the Bible.

During biblical times, scribes were in demand to prepare copies of scripture on parchment scrolls. They were often experts in the law and often took on the role of teaching since most people were illiterate.

Especially during the time of the Babylonian exile, scribes helped keep people’s

faith alive. They often organized small groups to study the law of Moses and the history of their people.

Just as in this country today, where most people speak English and have limited knowledge of Hebrew, during the Babylonian exile, most Jews spoke only Aramaic or Chaldean. They were no longer able to speak or even read Hebrew. When they returned to Jerusalem after the exile, the role of the scribe expanded. Scribes supplied copies of the scriptures to synagogues and became teachers of the law. People were dependent on scribes to interpret the writings.

During the time between the Old and New Testament, scribes were often referred to as “lawyers,” experts in Mosaic law, the sole legislation that governed the Jewish people in civic as well as

religious matters. Some other duties were writings for mezuzot, tefillin, Megillot, gittin (divorce papers), and ketubot (marriage contracts).

Scribes’ services were given without payment. Often, they were quite poor and had to supplement their living by other means. There is speculation by some scholars that the scribes' unpaid status is reflective of the order that judges not receive gifts, as decreed in Deuteronomy 16:19: "Thou shalt not wrest judgment; though shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.”

Learning to be a sofer was (and still is) a difficult task. It was an apprenticeshiplike situation, learning by the side of an expert scribe. It required someone who was religiously observant, of good character and knowledgeable about the laws of sofrut (the practice of scribal arts).

Becoming a sofer required someone who had a love of the word

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.

Arlene Stolnitz

parchment binding

Hebrew writing on scrolls by Baruch Zvi Ring, from the collection of A. Stolnitz

Interfaith grandkids and Crayola crayons

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

By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

"Rabbi,I have to ask you something and it’s very personal,” said Ann as she wagged her finger in the typical “don’t tell” motion. Back then, Ann was a relative newcomer to her retirement community. She was still learning the intricacies of her new home, and I was happy to help. Later, as I stirred my cup of tea in Ann’s apartment, I noticed Ann twisting a napkin in her hand. So, I asked, “What is it that seems to be troubling you so?”

“There they are,” Ann said proudly, as she brought the photos to the table so I could see them up close. “Here are all of my crayons! My daughter there is married to a Korean man. So, look, I have Asian grandchildren — four of them! My son is married to a doctor from Kenya, so those grandkids are part African. My other son and his wife adopted two girls, one from Peru and the other from Ethiopia. My family has more colors than Crayola!”

might even remember that very few rabbis would officiate at interfaith weddings, many synagogues were unwelcoming, and some families refused to accept their son or daughter’s non-Jewish spouse.

Over the years, as acceptance and appreciation of diversity has become the norm in American culture, interfaith families benefited from this sociological shift. In the 1990s interfaith marriages rose to 43% of all Jewish marriages, a figure that more than doubles the numbers from the 1960s. Today, according to the most recent Pew Research Report, the overall intermarriage rate among non-orthodox Jews is 72%.

her “crayon” kids, I had the opportunity to experience Ann’s diverse family and how they were treated by her new friends firsthand. It was Passover week and visiting families lounged in a beautifully appointed space that served as a large living room. Ann’s children and grandchildren were visiting, and Ann was kvelling at the warm welcome and loving attention residents gave to each one of Ann’s clan. Grandchildren with roots from cultures all over the world put down new roots as they climbed on the laps of the bubbys and zaydes they had just met.

Ann paused, then asked, “Do you remember Crayola crayons? When we were kids, everyone had them.” In a flash Ann had brought me back to second grade. “I sure do,” I said. “I was fascinated with ‘burnt sienna!’”

“All those colors,” Ann mused. “That’s what I have to talk to you about.”

The quizzical look on my face must have had an effect, as it prompted Ann to quickly explain. “Crayola crayons, that’s what I call my family. My children, their spouses, my grandchildren, my whole meshpucha are the crayons in one big crayon box!”

As I looked around Ann’s apartment, I began to understand. Beautifully framed photos were displayed on shelves and tabletops, each one featuring individual close ups or large and small family groups.

As Ann carefully replaced the family photos, I couldn’t help but comment, “Ann, you have a beautiful family. What’s the problem?” That’s when Ann opened the door to her fears. As a retirement home resident for just under two months she was concerned about family visits. “I know that I’m living in a Jewish community, but it’s obvious that my family is mixed. How will it be when they come? Will my new friends accept my ‘crayons?’”

For a person from Ann’s generation, the question is a legitimate one, especially when we look at the statistics on interfaith families. When Ann was newly married nearly 50 years ago, the rate of intermarriage between Jews and gentiles was 17%. Quite possibly, Ann’s concerns stem from her memories of how unusual interfaith marriages were back then. Ann

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Today,accordingtothe most recent Pew Research Report,theoverallintermarriagerateamongnonorthodox Jews is 72%.

What this means for Ann, and others with “Crayola crayon” families, is that the stigma of the interfaith couple is nearly gone. Rather than “marrying out,” the idea of “marrying in” has become the term of choice when discussing pairings, especially since 62% of Pew’s young Jewish adult respondents said that “being Jewish is primarily a matter of ancestry and culture.”

In only six weeks after our meeting at which Ann discussed her fears regarding

“Do you know my bubby,” Edye from Ethiopia asked the smiling gentleman sitting beside her on the sofa. In a flash, little Edye was pulling her grandmother toward her new friend. “Let’s get my cousin. She can sing a song in Korean. Want to hear it?” she said.

Ann was beaming, secure in the knowledge that her new Jewish retirement community was open and welcoming to all, including her own “Crayola crayon” family. “We’re a lot of crayon colors” Ann said, “and we’ve found our new crayon box. It’s so good to know that we fit right in!”

Rabbi Barbara Aiello is Italy’s first woman rabbi. For 10 years she served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life in Sarasota, Florida as resident rabbi. Currently as Aviva’s Rabbi Emerita she shares her experiences on Aging Jewishly. Contact her at Rabbi@ RabbiBarbara.com.

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Rabbi Barbara Aiello

Portman as Indy Jones?, a detective and comedy series, and much more Stars

of David

By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

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.

“Fountain of Youth”

On May 23, AppleTV+ began streaming “Fountain of Youth” (free for Apple subscribers). Here’s the official premise: A pair of estranged siblings team up and embark on a journey to find the famed Fountain of Youth. Natalie Portman, 43, and John Krasinski play the “estranged” siblings.

Guy Ritchie directed the film that he describes as a family-friendly, actionadventure film. He told Entertainment Weekly, [the film] “is in the vein of ‘Indiana Jones’ but contemporary." He added that the sibling characters both have an archeological background.

By the way, last April, Portman gave a long, very personal interview to Interview magazine. She said that as a child actor, she was “really sexualized,” which she felt “very scared by.”

It caused her to develop an outward persona as a strategy to shield herself. She said, “My way of protecting myself was to be like, ‘I’m so serious. I’m so studious. I’m smart, and that’s not the kind of girl you attack.’ I was like, if I create this image of myself, I’ll be left alone.” Portman added, “Early on, if you tell people how private you are, your privacy gets respected a lot more.”

“Department Q”

A Netflix original series, “Department Q” began streaming on May 29. The central character is Carl Morck (Matthew Goode), a very sharp Scottish police detective who “screws up” and is sent to the department’s cold case unit. This is the unit that most police officers are assigned to after they “screw up.” They call it “purgatory.”

But there’s a way out of purgatory — a cold case Morck is assigned to “heats up,” and he runs with it.

“Department Q” was written and directed by Scott Frank, 65, an American Jew. He also wrote and directed two of the best Nexflix original series: “Godless” (2018), a Western that got five Emmy nominations, and “The Queen’s Gambit” (2021), about a top female chess player in the ’60s. “The Queen’s Gambit” won the Emmy for Frank’s directing as well as the Emmy of the best limited series. Bottom line: If it’s Frank, it has to be good.

“Stick”

A “feel-good” sports comedy series (10 episodes), “Stick” begins streaming on AppleTV+ on June 4. Premise: Price Cahill (Owen Wilson) is a

washed-up pro golfer. But, maybe, he will revive his golf-related career by coaching Santi, a troubled 17-year-old golf phenom. Marc Maron, 61, has a big supporting role.

“The Ritual”

This horror film opens in theaters on June 6. Here’s the premise of “The Ritual,” which was based on a real Catholic exorcism in Iowa in 1928: Father Riesinger (Al Pacino) and Father Steiger (Dan Stevens) work together to complete a series of exorcisms on Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowan), a young woman who's allegedly experiencing demonic possession.

The film was co-written by David Midell , 35-ish, who also directed the film. Midell is on the autistic spectrum and before he worked in films, he was a teacher of autistic children. He talked to a Catholic church online newspaper recently where he said he is Jewish, and he got a lot of help from Catholics in making this film. I got the sense that the church appreciates his sensitive take on the 1928 exorcism.

“I Don’t Understand You”

If you prefer something lighter, “I Don’t Understand You” is a comedy that also opens on June 6. Here’s the premise: A wealthy Los Angeles gay couple, Dom ( Nick Kroll , 46) and Cole (Andrew Rannels), are planning to adopt a baby while vacationing in Italy. A pregnant Italian woman (Amanda Seyfried) told the couple over the phone that they can come to Italy and adopt her baby. However, things go haywire shortly after the couple arrive in Italy.

Morgan Spector, 44, has a biggish role as Massimo, the son of a restaurant owner in Italy. Spector, whose father is Jewish, has a starring role (George Russell) in “The Gilded Age,” a hit HBO series. The third season (8 episodes) of “The Gilded Age” begins “some-not-yet released” date in June 2025.

“Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore”

On June 20, a documentary, “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” opens in theaters. It explores the life of (deaf) actress Marlee Matlin, 59. It played at the prestigious Sundance Festival and received good reviews, which say that the film covers much more than her deafness and her movie career (which includes the best actress Oscar in 1987 for “Children of a Lesser God”).

The film was directed by first-time director Shoshannah Stern, 44, whose parents were observant Jews. They were deaf, as is Stern and her two siblings. Stern has acted in many TV shows and in a few movies. Additionally, PBS’ “American Masters” bought the film for TV broadcast.

Young Jewish business leaders gathered at Excel Fellowship Summit in New York

New York, NY (March 31, 2025)

More than 400 Excel Fellows from North America and around the world gathered in Battery Park City, New York, this weekend for the Birthright Israel Excelerate25 Summit. Participants came from 10 countries: the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, the UK, Spain, France, Italy, South Africa, as well as 30 delegates from Israel. The theme of the Summit was Building Bridges. Building Business. Building the Jewish Future. Excel is a lifelong, global business fellowship, part of Birthright Israel, that identifies and brings together the next generation of Jewish business leaders. After completing a summer business or tech internship in Israel, the Excel community provides immersive opportunities in professional development, networking, personal growth, Israel engagement and Jewish identity.

After their internships, Excel Fellows maximize their experiences by taking on positions at top-tier companies such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Bain & Company, Palantir and Google, developing strategic

venture capital. These panels were led by Excel Fellows themselves, who are rising stars across a wide range of business and tech fields. Additional panels focused on business development, Jewish identity and Israel engagement.

Among the distinguished speakers at the summit on Sunday was Tom Nides, vice chairman, strategy and client relations at Blackstone, U.S. Ambassador to Israel from 2021-2023. He spoke on Intersection of Diplomacy and Business.

Tom Nides speaking

Credit: Ohad Kab, Courtesy of Birthright Israel Excel

“The fact that you showed up here means something. Excel is part of your Jewish journey — it’s in your soul. It’s about being kind and decent. You can balance that between making money. Giving back is a huge element of being Jewish,” he told the participants.

Sunday also featured a talk by Shaun Maguire, partner at Sequoia Capital, a

companies, discussed their recent success in raising $7 million in seed funding, coled by Flint Capital. This success story, driven by the two Excel Fellows, is largely attributed to the connection they forged through the Excel Fellowship network, along with Excel Chair Yoram Tietz (current senior advisor at General Atlantic), who is a Vayu board member.

Other distinguished speakers at the summit included Gal Bukshpan, an Excel

on business ventures and initiatives to support Israel and our collective Jewish future. These are the changemakers of this generation, and we’re thrilled to support their energy and intellect as they make their mark,” said Birthright Israel Excel Executive Director Idit Rubin.

Since 2011, Birthright Israel Excel has been dedicated to developing the next generation of Jewish business leaders. The Excel Fellowship selects extraordinary college students worldwide for a summer business or tech internship in Tel Aviv at leading companies. Upon their return, Excel Fellows join a global community that provides resources for professional and personal development, Israel engagement, and philanthropy.

“At a time when the global Jewish community is navigating unprecedented challenges, Birthright Israel Excel continues to stand out as a beacon of unity, innovation, and leadership,” said Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel. “This Summit showed the power of our Fellows — rising business leaders from across the world — who are not only shaping the future of global industries but also stepping up to strengthen Jewish life post-Oct. 7. We are deeply proud of this extraordinary network and remain committed to empowering them as they build bridges between Israel and the world, and between Jewish identity and

As the snowbirds fly Summer’s quiet invitation

TRabbi Ammos Chorny

here’s a particular moment each year that arrives with both gratitude and a twinge of loss. The sanctuary feels a bit more spacious, the kiddush line a little shorter, and the committee calendars a bit less crowded. Slowly but surely, our beloved “snowbirds” have begun their seasonal migration north, leaving behind warm memories and a quieter rhythm in our warm-hearted Florida congregation.

For those of us who remain, the summer months are a kind of spiritual selah — a pause in the music. The high energy of winter holidays, lectures, events and packed Shabbat mornings gives way to something slower, more reflective. Fewer voices in the room, yes, but more room to listen. It’s easy to view this season as a time of waiting. Waiting for the crowds to return. Waiting for the programming to ramp up. Waiting for the buzz of familiar energy to resume. But I believe summer offers something else: an invitation to deepen.

With fewer external demands, we’re given space to look inward — to take stock of our own Jewish journeys. Torah study groups might be smaller, but the conversations become more personal. Shabbat services may be quieter, but the stillness invites presence. Summer, in all its stillness, challenges us to reconnect not through noise, but through nuance.

It’s also an opportunity to tend to the quieter corners of our community life. To check in on those who don’t travel — who may feel even more isolated during these months. To build deeper relationships among year-round members. To experiment with new ideas in a low pressure season, nurturing the seeds of programs that might blossom in the fall.

Just as the Israelites wandered in the desertbeforereaching thePromisedLand, we are invited to find meaninginthe in-betweenspaces.

And let’s not forget our snowbirds. Just because they are physically elsewhere doesn’t mean their connection to our community should hibernate. A handwritten note, a friendly email or a livestream link to services can sustain the spiritual bridge across the miles. There’s a beautiful teaching from Pirkei Avot: “Who is wise? One who learns from every person.” Summer reminds us that sometimes our teachers are not in the room. Sometimes they are in the silences, in the long walks, in the empty chairs that call us to remember and to create.

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.

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.

We can choose to treat this season as an intermission, or we can embrace it as an essential chapter in the spiritual cycle of the year. Just as the land needs fallow time to renew its strength, so too do our souls. Just as the Israelites wandered in the desert before reaching the Promised Land, we are invited to find meaning in the in-between spaces.

To our snowbirds: we miss you already! Your presence brings joy, wisdom and

vitality to our congregation. We await your return with open arms.

To those staying behind: may this summer be a time of quiet growth, sacred exploration and unexpected connection. Let’s lean into the stillness and see what speaks.

May the months ahead refresh us, renew us and ready us for all that lies ahead.

Rabbi Ammos Chorny serves at Beth Tikvah.

Maintaining one’s core Jewish values in a sea of despair

IHoward S. Herman DD

n times of global turmoil and uncertainty, it can be challenging to hold onto one's values and beliefs. For those who practice the Jewish faith, maintaining a strong value system is essential. Even when the world seems so hopeless, our Jewish values, rooted in centuries of tradition and wisdom, offer guidance and strength to help navigate these difficult straits.

One of the core principles of Judaism is the concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world.) This value encourages us to take action to improve society and make the world a better place. Even when faced with adversity, the commitment to Tikkun Olam can inspire hope and motivate positive change. By engaging in acts of kindness, charity, social justice and advocacy, we can contribute to the healing of the world and find purpose amidst chaos.

For example, volunteering at a local food bank or homeless shelter is a powerful way to practice Tikkun Olam. By providing meals and support to those in need, we can make a tangible difference in our communities. Additionally, participating in environmental conservation efforts helps protect the planet and ensures a healthier future for all.

Another example of Tikkun Olam is advocating for social justice and equality. This can involve supporting organizations that fight against discrimination and injustice or participating in peaceful protests to raise awareness about important issues. By standing up for the rights of marginalized groups, we can contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Another important Jewish value is Emunah (faith). Emunah is the belief in a God and the trust that everything happens for a reason. In times of despair, holding onto faith can provide comfort and reassurance. It reminds us that we are not alone and that there is a greater plan at work. Emunah encourages resilience and the ability to persevere through challenging circumstances.

For example, during difficult times, we might find solace in prayer and meditation. These practices can help us connect with

our faith and find inner peace. Additionally, studying religious texts and teachings can provide wisdom and guidance, reinforcing the belief that there is a higher purpose behind life's challenges.

Another example of Emunah is seeking support from spiritual leaders or mentors. These individuals can offer valuable insights and encouragement, helping us to maintain our faith and navigate through tough times. Engaging in community worship and rituals can also strengthen our Emunah, as it fosters a sense of belonging and shared belief.

Community is also a fundamental aspect of Jewish life. Our Jewish tradition emphasizes the importance of coming

TheJewishpeoplehavea longhistoryofovercoming adversityandmaintaining hopeinthefaceofseemingly insurmountablechallenges.

together, supporting one another and finding strength in unity. In difficult times, the sense of belonging to a community can be a source of solace and encouragement. Connecting with others who share similar values can reinforce our commitment to our faith and provide a network of support. Lastly, the value of hope is deeply ingrained in our Jewish teachings. The Jewish people have a long history of overcoming adversity and maintaining hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. This enduring optimism is reflected in the celebration of holidays like Passover, which commemorates liberation from slavery, and Hanukkah, which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. By embracing hope, we can find the strength to continue striving for a better future.

In conclusion, maintaining our Jewish value system in times of hopelessness involves embracing principles like Tikkun Olam, Emunah, community and hope. These values provide a framework for navigating difficult times and inspire us to contribute positively to the world around us. By holding onto these beliefs, we can find resilience, purpose and the strength to persevere.

Shalom Uvracha.

Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD serves at Naples Jewish Congregation.

Rabbi

Welcome to summer’s embrace

AShelley Goodman

s the seasons shift and the gentle warmth of summer fully settles over Naples, we bid a fond farewell to the snowbirds who have graced our community with their presence over the past months. The rhythm of life here in Naples takes on a different cadence as many travel northward, returning to their other homes. While we part ways for now, it is not a forever goodbye — only a brief pause in the wonderful cycle of reunion and return.

To our cherished seasonal residents, we extend heartfelt gratitude for the joy, energy and companionship you bring each year. Your presence enriches our community, and we wish you safe travels, good health and a summer filled with

happiness and warmth. May your months ahead be filled with adventures, peaceful moments and gatherings with loved ones.

As departures mark the close of one season, they also usher in the continuity of life and work here at home. Within the walls of our synagogue, the heartbeat of faith and tradition carries on, unbroken. Our prayers, study and community activities remain steadfast, ensuring that those who stay are welcomed with the same spirit of warmth and connection.

The synagogue’s doors remain open throughout the summer, offering services, study groups and gatherings that nurture both the soul and the bonds between us. Whether participating in Shabbat services, engaging in learning opportunities, or lending a hand in community outreach, there is always a place for those who wish to stay involved. Our collective commitment to faith, family and support knows no season — it is ever-present, ever-growing.

Beth Tikvah will continue to provide services throughout the summer for all

who wish to attend. Programing, though reduced, will still occur at Beth Tikvah. Further additions to our programing will be announced as they are scheduled. We suggest you refer to our website, www.bethtikvahnaples.org, for the most recent information throughout the summer months.

Beth Tikvah is grateful to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) for support of our Scholar in Residence, Naples Jewish Film Festival and All Things Jewish programs. All Beth Tikvah events are open to the Greater Naples community; go to our website for all reservations.

As we transition into the golden embrace of summer, we look forward to days filled with sunshine, relaxation and the simple joys that this vibrant season brings. Whether it is a quiet afternoon by the shore, a family barbecue filled with laughter, or a moment of reflection in the comfort of home, summer arrives with promises of renewal and replenishment.

To our snowbirds, we send you off with good wishes for a season of health

and happiness. May you enjoy long walks in sunlit gardens, tranquil evenings with cherished friends, and moments of peace that refresh the heart and mind. We look forward to your return, knowing that the bonds we share will remain strong, no matter the distance.

Until we meet again, may your summer be bright, your journeys safe and your hearts full. To those who stay, let us embrace the warmth and vibrancy of the season, continuing to build, learn and celebrate together.

We wish everyone a healthy safe summer and look forward to seeing everyone again in September.

Religious services

Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m.

Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with a Kiddush luncheon.

We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request.

We are located at 1459 Pine Ridge Road, and you may reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239-537-5257.

Why NJC is the small congregation with the big heart

DSteve McCloskey President

uring my first tenure as president of Naples Jewish Congregation (NJC) from 2017 to 2021, I came to the realization, through my wonderful experience as NJC’s lay leader, that what makes NJC so special is its members. Our congregation truly is a family for all things spiritual, educational and social. Our source of strength is our wellspring of caring, our warm and welcoming embrace of our members and guests, and our deep and abiding commitment to each member of our NJC community.

We are so proud of our outstanding spiritual leader, Rabbi Howard Herman. He engages our congregation with intriguing, informative and lifelong learning, as well as thought provoking and quite topical sermons that cause us to ponder life and its many challenges. Rabbi Herman is not only our exceedingly learned leader but our friend. He is so approachable and so hamish that he epitomizes our “big heart.” He is a terrific listener and is a fount of sage advice. We are so fortunate to have Rabbi Herman leading our congregation. He was recently described by a couple in our congregation,

as “… brilliant and gregarious …” I concur!

Music has always been at the core of NJC’s spirituality. Our anchor is our most accomplished Music and Choir Director and accompanist Alla Gorelik. We recently suffered the devastating loss of our beloved Jane Galler, our joyful and soulful cantorial soloist of over 25 years. Although we can never fill that void, our hardworking Music Committee and Board of Directors conducted an extensive search. We have arranged for Rabbi Cantor Mark Lipson, a commanding presence in song, guitar and on the bima, and Cantor Beth Schlossberg, a wonderful cantor who uplifts us in song, to be with us for many of our upcoming Shabbat services. Cheryl Eitman, an exceptional cantorial soloist, will join us for our High Holy Days services.

In addition to NJC serving as a spiritual sanctuary for our members, we provide social sustenance for our congregants. We gather for congregational meals throughout the year, including light dinners after lifelong learning sessions before our Shabbat services, Kiddush luncheons following our Saturday Shabbat services, light dinners before our Summer Shabbat services, Break the Fast and our always well-attended Chanukah dinner and Passover Seder.

Several years ago, one of our members, Bonnie Lechtner, came up with the idea of Flamingle. It is a concept

rooted in congregational togetherness. We participate in Flamingle events every six weeks or so, such as miniature golf, a boat excursion, sharing stories over a pot luck lunch at Sugden Park and a tour of The Baker Museum.

Susan Falkenstein, who is quite creative, leads our Sisterhood, which holds engaging events on an almost monthly basis. One of these is our Sisterhood Book Club, led by one of our voracious readers, Ruth Simon. The eclectic list of books read and discussed are either written by a Jewish author or have a Jewish theme. That way, our readers stay close to their Jewish roots.

We are quite an active congregation with a high percentage of members participating in many events.

If you join us for one of our Shabbat services, you will be warmly embraced by our members and will never feel neglected. In fact, coming to NJC for one of our Shabbat services will conjure up memories of the theme song of that exceedingly popular sitcom, “Cheers.” At NJC, “… everyone knows your name and … everyone is glad you came.”

Please join us soon to experience the welcome you will get at “the small congregation with the big heart.”

Namesakes

PMarina Berkovich JHSSWF President

ersonalities behind the origins of Southwest Florida Jewish history are vague, and the legacy they left behind is mangled by time passage and, in certain cases, through the interpretation of their role. Because I constantly search for details that may spark particular interest in our work, i.e. the work that we do at The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL, I ponder various historical connections between seemingly disconnected people. Case in point, on our recent travels to Australia, our Sunday afternoon city guide, avoiding yet another paid pro-Palestinian protest, brought us to

Sivan 5785

BNancy Wiadro, Presidents Council for Collier/Lee Chapter

elow is a message from Chair of Hadassah Medical Organization

Dalia Itzik and HMO Director General Professor Yoram Weiss. Just as we must fundraise to keep our hospitals in top shape, our colleagues in Israel face daunting challenges.

Dear friends and supporters, Passover, the Festival of Freedom, carried special meaning as Israel continued to face immense challenges. While most hostages have returned home, we continue

a shell theater in the “Central Park of Melbourne.” The letters MYER immediately stood out. Apparently, it is a very well-known concert venue, of which I was unaware until that moment. In fact, The Sidney Myer Music Bowl has been there since Feb. 12, 1959.

The entire present day Jewish population of Australia is approximating 118,000, with most residing in Melbourne and Sydney. As a longtime social media follower of the Australian Jewish Association, I am consistently impressed by their courage to speak the truth and stand up to antisemitism, which has taken a deeper hold since the groups supporting Islamism and pro-Hamas activities have become more prominent in their country and worldwide, particularly post Oct. 7, 2023.

Sadly, in our 10 days in Australia we only spotted one kippah-wearing male. Any visible signs of Judaism are

disparaged by the government, even deemed provocations to terror-seeking groups. This point was communicated to the kippah-wearing male after a recent antisemitic outburst in a café — as if he was the cause of the attack, not the victim!

When Sidney Myer Baevski came to Australia from Belarus in 1899, things were hardly friendlier. Despite numerous challenges, he rose to prominence through the ancient Jewish talents of perseverance in trade, starting small and building an empire. He likely chose his second name Myer as his last name, because it was less ethnic, or more German. The Myer store chain is the largest in Australia. Myer Baevski and his charitable trust support many causes. He converted to Christianity in 1920 to marry a socialite.

That brings me back to Abraham C. Myers, a man we all cherish as the founding father of Southwest Florida Jewish history. He too applied the ancient

know-hows of his Jewish ancestry to rise to the post of provisions general. He, too, married a socialite. Was the name Myers also adapted by his grandparents? Did he convert? I have not come across any information. Yet.

His family, too, carry Jewishness in name only. Mrs. Myers, formerly Ms. Twiggs, was not a Jew, so her children are, technically, not considered Jewish.

Mine is not a genealogical analysis. I am merely observing what is on the surface. I am increasingly pleased to witness how countless young Jews are resisting the pressure to assimilate and become more religious even than immediately preceding generations. Because of them, Jewish people and Jewish history will continue.

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a section 501(c) 3 charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

to pray for those 59 who are still held captive.

Even in times of hardship, we persevere. In December 2024, Hadassah Medical Organization made history by earning the highest honors in international accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI) across all its facilities. This recognition reaffirms our excellence in medical care, research and physician training.

We are growing and strengthening Israel’s future. This year, we will open the Hadassah-Helmsley Medical Center in the city of Netivot, bringing essential medical services to the country's south. Additionally, the recent extension of Jerusalem’s light rail to the main entrance of Hadassah Ein Kerem enhances accessibility for all.

Despite ongoing challenges, at Hadassah we stand united in our commitment to healing, dignity and peace. Thank you for your unwavering support.

Local news

Here in Collier and Lee Counties, we bid farewell to seasonal members. As you enjoy the summer months ahead, please know that the Hadassah Collier/Lee chapter continues to function with Raquela book groups, Hadassah greeting cards (contact collierleehadassah@gmail.com), and we have a delegate, Denise Sultan, who will attend the August National Conference in Aventura, Florida. Our June Board Meeting will be held Monday, June 9 via Zoom at 10:30 a.m. Watch for our July Book Swap at Janett Edelberg's.

We wish all a healthy summer, Happy New Year (Sept. 23 and Oct. 2) and look forward to greeting you at our fall meeting, Monday, Nov. 17 at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center (4720 Pine Ridge Road, Naples).

Save the date

Please plan to join us Sunday, Dec. 14, when we welcome Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz for brunch. Invitations to follow.

Hadassah gratefully accepts donations year-round, as our hospitals continue their lifechanging work 24/7. Donate at hadassah.org or send your check to Hadassah, 6017 Pine Ridge Rd., Suite 319, Naples, FL 34119. For information about membership or other questions, kindly email collierleehadassah@gmail.com.

Patients and staff blazed the trail in Jerusalem’s marathon

By Nancy G. Wiadro, Co-President, Collier/Lee Chapter

The running team from the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus filled the streets for the Jerusalem marathon with inspiring runners — war heroes. The group, made up of patients who had been severely wounded in the “Iron Swords” battles and who have been undergoing intensive and prolonged treatments, also included rehabilitation staff who have been supporting the heroes along their road to recovery. Clad in turquoise team T-shirts, they conquered the Winner Jerusalem Marathon, which took place April 4, showing their true fighting spirit. The marathon marks the pinnacle of a long training period in which the staff trained alongside the patients, encouraged them, pushed them toward possible achievements, and helped them discover

their hidden physical and mental strengths.

Among the runners were Lt. Col. Asaf Ilan, a tank battalion commander who was severely injured and rehabilitated at Hadassah; Y, a soldier from a multidimensional unit wounded while trying to rescue his company commander, who was shot by terrorists in Gaza; and On, a reservist who was critically wounded in combat in Lebanon but continued working to save his team despite his injuries.

Many others who were injured in different circumstances joined them, spurred by the announcement of the Hadassah

running group — an initiative that motivated them to achieve significant physical capabilities and prepare for the marathon. The initiative to establish the team, composed of both caregivers and patients,

was envisioned and realized by physiotherapist Ayala Hirst, who decided to set an ambitious goal for rehabilitation patients, training together with caregivers to prepare mentally and physically.

Hadassah gratefully accepts donations year-round, as our hospitals continue their lifechanging work 24/7. Donate at hadassah.org or send your check to Hadassah, 6017 Pine Ridge Rd., Suite 319, Naples, FL 34119. For information about membership or other questions, kindly email collierleehadassah@gmail.com.

As the High Holidays approach,we invite you to celebrate by placing a greeting in the September issue of the Federation Star. Your greeting is a meaningful way to connect with your friends and family throughout Greater Naples. Your participation also helps support the vital work of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, which fosters Jewish life,learning and connection all year long.

Let your voice be part of this community celebration—reserve your High Holiday greeting today! Order online, call the office at 239-263-4205 with a credit card, or fill out and mail in the form below.

ORDER FORM

azabbg.bbyo.org/on-demand/home

Updates from Naples and Fort Myers BBYO

By Cayla Schreier, BBYO Southwest Coordinator

In April, our teens and their families had the opportunity to enjoy a meaningful Passover with friends and family. Some stayed in the local area, and some traveled out of state to observe the holiday. The teens and their families held and attended seders and heard the story of Passover in the Haggadah once more. A few of our teens had to attend school and navigate the week with their Jewish friends, eating kosher for Passover foods while their non-Jewish peers ate chametz. This reminded everyone to be proud Jewish leaders and celebrating Passover meant celebrating the continuous resilience of the Jewish people.

Pool party

Once the holiday of Passover ended, the teens returned to school and advertised the Naples BBYO Pool Party taking place Sunday, April 27 at Noah’s house to their Jewish peers. The teens indulged in a relaxing afternoon with their friends, hanging by the pool, eating delicious snacks and pizza, and playing games such

as Monopoly along with an icebreaker to ensure everyone knew one another’s names and could find something in common. It was a nice time for the teens to gather and socialize before advanced placement final exams began the first week of May.

Graduates

Arline R. Kaplan, PhD

PSYCHOLOGIST, PRACTICING FOR 46 YEARS

SPECIALIZING IN Recovery from grief and loss Relationship issues Anxiety and Depression

OVER 40 YEARS OF PRIVATE PRACTICE PhD, Temple University, School of Psychoeducational Processes Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis Hahnemann University Hospital, Neuropsychology internship and fellowship Co-facilitator: Bereavement Group, Temple Shalom Synagogue, Naples

PRIVATE OFFICE IN NORTH NAPLES

Mazal Tov to all our Naples BBYO teens in the graduating class of 2025! We are so proud of you and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Graduating seniors can join the BBYO Alumni Association to stay involved in BBYO, get alumni-exclusive opportunities, network with others in the alumni community, and continue to be involved in BBYO beyond high school. You can join the BBYO alumni association with this link: https://alumni.bbyo.org/

The first step is the hardest. Reach out, contact me and we will work together to improve your

believe in the power of connection and the power of words, and you are welcome whether your issues are large or small.

countries and hundreds of chapters across the United States.

Supporting our teenage Jewish community

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.

We hope you all have a wonderful summer. Stay safe and see you in the fall!

Upcoming events

Details on all upcoming events will follow. Please keep an eye out for emails regarding all upcoming Naples and Fort Myers BBYO events.

What is BBYO?

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 attending eighth through twelfth grades of all backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender, race, denominational affiliation or socioeconomic status. BBYO currently reaches more than 70,000 teens worldwide, with participants in over 60

The BBYO chapter of Naples has entered its 11th year of partnership with 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 know of someone who may want to be an advisor to our chapters, please email me 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 Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and the Temple Shalom Men’s Club. Please contact me 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.

TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform)

4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119

Phone: 455.3030  Fax: 455.4361 www.naplestemple.org

Rabbi Adam Miller, MAHL

Cantor Donna Azu, MSM

Rabbi Ariel Boxman, MAHL, MARE, Director of Lifelong Learning

Rabbi James H. Perman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus

Deborah Rosen Fidel, J.D., MAJPS, Executive Director

Rabbi Frank Muller, D.D.

Temple Shalom Rabbinic Scholar

Joshua Garfield, President

Dr. James Cochran, Music Director

Shabbat Services:

Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m.

Sisterhood Men’s Club

Adult Education

Havurot

Youth Groups

Religious School

Judaic Library

Hebrew School

Preschool Adult Choir

Social Action

Naples’ only Judaica Shop

CHABAD NAPLES JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

serving Naples and Marco Island 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples, FL 34102

Phone: 262.4474

Email: info@chabadnaples.com

Website: www.chabadnaples.com

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos Co-directors

Dr. Arthur Seigel, President

Shabbat Services

Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m.

Camp Gan Israel

Hebrew School

Preschool of the Arts

Jewish Women’s Circle

Adult Education

Bat Mitzvah Club

Friendship Circle

Smile on Seniors

Flying Challah

Kosher food delivery

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

Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Monday through Friday 8 a.m.

Shabbat 10 a.m.

Challah of Love

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

Steve McCloskey, President

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

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

Shelley Goodman, President Roberta Miller, Secretary

Shabbat Services

Friday evenings 6:15 p.m.

Saturday mornings 9:30 a.m. Youth

Kosher catering by Chef Herb

CHABAD OF NAPLES

CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO

FINDING G-D IN GAZA’S TERROR TUNNELS

AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING WITH FORMER HOSTAGES

SAPIR COHEN & SASHA TROUFANOV

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT. FROM CAPTIVITY TO COURAGE.

Join us for a powerful evening as we hear the personal testimonies of Sapir Cohen, held hostage in Gaza for 55 days, and Sasha Troufanov, who survived 498 harrowing days underground in Hamas’ terror tunnels.

In this rare and intimate conversation, Sapir and Sasha will recount how they clung to hope and discovered deep reservoirs of faith, even in the depths of unspeakable darkness. Through their unwavering belief in G‑d and deep inner fortitude, Sapir and Sasha emerged not only alive ‑ but with stories of unimaginable hope, strength, and purpose.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4TH, 2025

Sivan 8, 5785

Doors open: 7:00 PM

Program begins: 7:30 PM

VIP Reception: 6:30- 7:30 PM

NAPLES GRANDE

475 SEAGATE DR.

General Admission: $54 | VIP Reception with Sapir and Sasha: $250

Sponsorship Opportunities Available Help us bring this meaningful event to Naples and support continued awareness and unity.

REGISTER TODAY AT CHABADNAPLES.COM/HOSTAGES