Federation Star - March 2025

Power of Community Celebration

*ANNUAL MEETING * AWARD CEREMONY* Together, As One 2025 Annual Community Campaign

Sunday, March 30, 1–3 p.m. • Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Silver Circle community leaders spotlight

By Paula Filler, 2025 Endowment Chair

Bruce and Carol Sherman’s philanthropic journey began in Youngstown, Ohio, where they grew up. As children and teens, they became active in Jewish Federation programs, Bruce joining AZA, Aleph Zadik Aleph, and Carol joining BBG, B’nai Brith Girls. These organizations provided opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in community service projects and form strong bonds within their Jewish community. Bruce credits his BBYO mentor, Aaron Grossman, who was like a second father to him, with developing his leadership skills and belief in giving Jewishly.

Once Carol and Bruce became a couple, another mentor, Esther Marks, continued to support their development as community leaders. Their involvement in Jewish Federation fostered friendships with Jews all over Ohio. Carol and Bruce cherished the sense of community and shared values that came from giving their time, energy and gifts to Jewish Federation. Even in their first year of marriage, 55 years ago, they decided to make a gift to their

local Youngstown Jewish Federation. Throughout their marriage, Carol and Bruce continued to support their local temple and Federation as active volunteers and donors while raising their two daughters.

As their retirement years drew near, the Jewish population in Youngstown dwindled to an estimated 1,000 Jews. Prioritizing a location with a Jewish community, they found Naples, which offered a rich Jewish

cultural life and various learning opportunities through Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Bruce’s strong leadership skills are utilized by Temple Shalom and the Men’s Cultural Alliance, an affinity group of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Carol is a Board member and leader in the Women’s Cultural Alliance, an affinity group of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, and a volunteer at Temple Shalom.

Carol and Bruce appreciate how their family gift to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples provides the professional expertise to spend the money wisely and address the most urgent Jewish needs both locally and globally.

They are extremely proud that both of their daughters have embraced their Jewish identity with a commitment to Jewish philanthropy.

Paula Filler

Carol and Bruce Sherman

Building tomorrow's community today

From Shushan to Naples

Ichilov, Federation President

As I look forward to the upcoming and joyous holiday of Purim this month, I find myself reflecting on the timeless lessons embedded within the Megillah. The story of Purim isn't just about Esther and Mordechai's courage; it's about the power of individual action to transform an entire community's destiny.

There's an old Hasidic tale about a wealthy man who visited his rabbi complaining of emptiness despite his riches. The rabbi led him to a window and asked,

“What do you see?” “People,” the man replied. The rabbi then led him to a mirror and asked the same question. “I see myself,” said the man. The rabbi nodded and said, “Behold, both the window and the mirror are made of glass, but the mirror is covered with a little silver, and no sooner is the silver added than you cease to see others and see only yourself.”

This parable resonates deeply with me as I witness the extraordinary work of our community volunteers. Like Esther, who could have remained silent in her comfortable position in the palace, our volunteers choose to step forward when needed. They are the ones who plan and lead our extensive array of social programs, who organize our cultural events, who volunteer endless hours to support our community agencies, and

who engage with our donors and help secure our campaign gifts. They do this not for recognition or praise, but because they understand, as our sages teach us, “If I am only for myself, what am I?”

The Megillah tells us, “Relief and salvation will come to the Jews from another place” (Esther 4:14). This verse reminds us that help can come from unexpected sources, just as our community is strengthened by members from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Whether you're a year-rounder or a snowbird, your presence enriches our collective story.

I see our individual roles as similar to Mordechai’s — to gather, unite and strengthen our community. Just as Esther’s actions ensured the continuity of Jewish life in Persia, our investments in Jewish education, culture and

social services ensure our community’s vibrant future.

This Purim, I invite you to consider your role in our community’s collective story. Each of us has the potential to be an Esther or a Mordechai — to step forward when needed, to support our collective welfare and to ensure that our Jewish community remains strong and vibrant for generations to come. Our strength lies not just in our ability to receive support when needed, but in our commitment to build something greater than ourselves.

Greater Naples Lion of Judah “sail” through successful season

By Gail Smith & Estelle Price, Lion of Judah Co-chairs

We are pleased to report that several new Lion of Judah members joined the Greater Naples Lion Pride at our delightful February luncheon. In the past two years, we have been honored to welcome more than 20 new Lions each year. It brings our Lion Pride tally to 130 women and counting!

Thank you to all our Lion of Judah for your tremendous support!

On March 26 at 11:30 a.m., our Lion of Judah women will enjoy our final luncheon at the lovely Naples Sailing and Yacht Club overlooking Naples Bay. Our speaker, author Robin Gerber, penned three books about strong women, their perseverance and their struggles to overcome roadblocks and glass ceilings, finally to achieve success. She will speak about the world’s most famous doll, Barbie, and her creator Ruth Handler, a Jewish entrepreneur.

Handler’s story goes way beyond Barbie. We hope that all our Greater Naples Lion of Judah will come to our March luncheon for a delightful few hours with friends. Please be sure to stay until the end for a fun surprise!

If you are interested in becoming a Lion of Judah, and we hope many of you are, please contact Development Director Alicia Feldman at 239-449-8266. Roar!

THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS

May this Purim inspire us all to unmask our potential for community leadership and service. After all, the true miracle of Purim wasn't just survival; it was the realization that when we work together, we can transform any challenge into triumph. This

Gail Smith and Estelle Price

Women make the difference

By Rosalee Bogo, 2025 Annual Community Campaign Chair

So many different groups and activities are now meeting at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center that when I drive up most days, there is not a place to park. We have 2,500 to 3,000 people using the building each week. This is the very reason the building was built! Hundreds attend the Jewish Book Festival, WCA and MCA programs, and the many programs Jewish Federation of Greater Naples offers, including fundraising and social events.

and college students on what they might experience as Jewish individuals in the world outside of their bubble. The leaders of TribeTalk came to our community to coach parents and grandparents on how to teach their children and grandchildren to identify and combat antisemitism.

As is typical of all campaign events, our local leaders explained what the funds we raise in the campaign are used for. Hopefully, the attendees will continue to get more involved with the important work we at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples support.

There are many events planned for the Annual Community Campaign. One such event we just held had great importance for two reasons. The Women in Philanthropy Luncheon had an attendance of 121 guests, half of which were Next Gen women who, up until this point, had only been to the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center for games or social events. These groups are the ones who will follow my generation in carrying on the work of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

The speaker for the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon was Robin Friedman, cofounder of TribeTalk. Friedman and Judith Sydney, her partner in the endeavor, established the Boston based organization to address tween, teens

TribeTalk also goes to Jewish sleep-away camps, college campuses and other places Jewish youth gather to teach these students how to defend themselves when confronted by those full of hate for Israel, Zionism and the Jewish people.

Luncheon attendees, including our Next Gen ladies who have kids that are in the target age group, were very grateful that this subject was brought to them. It was a very informative and engaging event. Many in the room were first time donors to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and wondered why they were called Women in Philanthropy. We at the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples believe that it is not the size of the gift, but the consistent commitment to improving the well-being of others that we value. A Woman in Philanthropy is also a leader. She stands strong in leading initiatives and inspiring others to give of themselves.

Special congratulations to Susan Pittelman, winner of a diamond Star of David necklace donated by Gabriel Alves, owner of Crown Jewelers of Naples. Pittelman’s entry in “What Woman Inspired Me to be a Philanthropist” was a beautiful tribute to her mother and the community in which she was raised.

The Annual Community Campaign is moving along with the Campaign Cabinet working to get the funds in for our allocations and beneficiaries. Allocation packets are going out to recipients of the funds to place their request and give information that will guide the allocations committee. If you have given to the 2025 Annual Community Campaign, thank you so much. If you have not been contacted, please let us know, so you can have the opportunity to keep us moving forward in our local endeavors and the care of Jews around the world.

Rosalee Bogo

Peggy Brown, Barbara Goldenziel, Anna Levin and Cristina Isaacs

Wynne Baruch, Mary Wajs, Elayna Latsky and Stacy Pinck

Susan Pittelman, drawing winner, and Annual Campaign Chair Rosalee Bogo

TribeTalk Co-Founders

Judith Sydey and Amy Pollokoff

Rosalee Bogo, Guest Speaker Robin Friedman and event Chair Judith Finer Freedman

Two generations of Women in Philanthropy - Leslie Wasserman and Shelly Bell

Donna Garfinkle and Ellen Englander

Joan Meltzer Blumkin and Estelle Price

4720 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34119

Phone: 239.263.4205 www.jewishnaples.org

Email: info@jewishnaples.org

Officers

Board Chair: Nathaniel Ritter

Vice Chairs: Robin Mintz, Marc Saperstein, Arlene Sobol

Secretary: Rosalee Bogo

Treasurer: Steve Strome

Immediate Past Chair: Jane Schiff

Board of Directors

Felicia Anchor, Frank Baum, Shelly Bell, Myra Benedikt, Mark Blaskey, Patti Boochever, Harvey Cohen, Marcia Cohodes, Max Deifik, Paula Filler, Cheryl Ginsburg, Mia Hyatt, Steve Iser, Larry Israelite, Tammy Katz, Elliot Lerner, Joel Pittelman, Michael Rubenstein, Anne Schuchman, Michael Sobol, Jay Weiss, Beth Wolff, Emerita, Phyllis Seaman

Past Board Chairs

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

2025 International Lion of Judah Conference is a wrap!

By Cheryl Ginsberg, ILOJC25 Chair

What an incredible experience we had together at the International Lion of Judah Conference in January! Fourteen remarkable women joined over 1,700 Jewish women from 20 countries around the world, sharing stories of resilience and strength. Among the attendees were women from Los Angeles who had lost everything to the fires, but their need to feel solidarity with the Jewish community brought them to attend the conference.

everyone in the room that one voice can spark a change. We also met Kateryna Vozyanova, who was rescued at age 10 by the JDC during the 2014 Crimea conflict. Relocated to Kyiv, she chose to stay in Ukraine and rebuild her Jewish community instead of moving to Israel. Her strength and commitment, supported by Federation, is truly inspiring.

you enough for all that you do; you are truly appreciated!

I hope this marks the beginning of a new tradition. In 2027, let’s invite more women to join us at the next Lion of Judah Conference. How many can we grow our 14 into? Let’s make it happen!

If you would like to see more information about the 2025 International Lion of Judah Conference. Please visit Lionconference.org/index.php.

Most of our meals were shared with fellow Lions from around the world, but Monday night’s intimate dinner with just our group was truly special. The speakers we heard were profoundly impactful.

Rachael Goldberg, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a murdered American Israeli hostage, moved us to tears with her story. Hearing Noah Fay — a Black, Native American, Jewish woman — speak about addressing Congress on antisemitism on college campuses and standing up at the march on the Capitol in support of Israeli hostages sent chills down my spine. Her courage reminded

We learned that $861,340,171 was raised for Israel, with a 200% increase in attendance at Israeli programs across the U.S. since Oct. 7, 2023. This surge in numbers reflect the resilience and solidarity of our global Jewish community.

Now that I’ve had time to reflect, I can’t overstate how meaningful and impactful this trip was for me. Beyond the incredible conference, the camaraderie, exchange of ideas and the friendships we formed made this experience unforgettable. The time spent organizing this trip was a worthy investment, I plan to commit to this labor of love again in 2027. I also feel compelled to mention Alicia Feldman — Alicia, I cannot thank

Editor’s Note

We mistakenly titled the Naples Jewish Congregation article in the February 2025 issue of Federation Star as “JCMI discusses prayer.” We apologize for any confusion resulting from our error.

The Greater Naples Delegation

Cheryl Ginsburg

Paula Filler, our 2025 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award Winner, being honored.

Alicia Feldman, Development Director, leading the way

Paula Filler, Felicia Anchor and Cheryl Ginsburg enjoying the swag.

Jane Schiff and Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of JFNA

Moorings Park Communities is the premier provider of luxury retirement living. Our three gorgeous campuses offer stunning homes, beautiful vistas, amazing amenities, and a lifestyle beyond compare. This unprecedented style of living includes concierge physicians, personalized healthcare, and a wellness team dedicated to providing you an integrated, holistic plan designed to help you age successfully. Attainable Luxury Begins at $562,000

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

Greater Naples Women in Philanthropy luncheon

By Judith Finer Freedman, Women in Philanthropy Chair

n Thursday, Jan. 23, 120 women gathered for two reasons: 1) to experience the spirit and excitement as Women in Philanthropy in the Greater Naples Jewish community gathered and 2) to learn how each person can

selves navigate the changing and challenging landscape of

After a delicious lunch, we welcomed our speaker, Robin Friedman, cofounder of TribeTalk and vice president of content and education. As a lawyer, her legal practice is concentrated in dealing with civil rights issues such as age, gender, race, religious and national origin discrimination. Within her work, she saw the dangers of violations of civil rights going unchecked, and she was inspired to do more. She knew, as a lawyer and as a Jew, the need to expand her skills into the antisemitism and anti-Israel arena was essential.

Friedman told us the goal of her presentation was to leave our audience with hope. And she did just that! She provided many specific examples,

straightforward language and clearcut actions that Jewish students can incorporate into their lives. She went on to provide us with takeaways that can help both ourselves and the next generation deal with antisemitism when out in our communities.

In the spirit of making our voices heard, each attendee received the Blue Square pin to proudly demonstrate that our community is standing up against hate in any form. For more information, explore #StandUpAgainstAnyHate on the internet.

The work of TribeTalk is making significant inroads to put out the fire of the uptick in antisemitism over the past few years. The Women in Philanthropy in Greater Naples refuse to sit idly by while our academic institutions become places where young Jews too often feel on guard for their Jewish heritage and beliefs. Our work is not done, but the tools from TribeTalk will help us all make a difference and keep the work of Tikun Olam alive. For more information on TribeTalk, please go to https://tribetalk.org/.

Security tips for staying safe at the gas pump

By John Murtagh, SCN Regional Security Advisor – Florida West Coast

Always be alert when you pull into a gas station, especially at night or in less populated areas. Park in well-lit areas and lock your car while fueling to prevent unauthorized entry. Avoid distractions like checking your phone, as criminals often look for inattentive targets.

payment information

Card skimmers are a common risk at gas stations. Before inserting your card, check for loose or suspicious card readers. Use credit cards instead of debit cards to limit fraud exposure, or opt for mobile

Never leave your purse, wallet or valuables visible inside your car. Opportunistic thieves can act in seconds, even while

Be prepared for emergencies

If someone approaches you in a suspicious manner, stay inside your vehicle and lock the doors. If you feel unsafe, drive away or alert gas station personnel.

Situational awareness and SCN training

Situational awareness is a key component of personal security, and training from Secure Community Network (SCN) can help individuals recognize and respond to potential threats. Secure Community Network provides valuable resources for how to stay alert, identify suspicious behavior and take proactive measures to protect yourself in everyday situations. Whether at a gas station, grocery store or place of worship, developing situational awareness can help you quickly assess risks and make safe decisions.

By integrating SCN’s situational awareness training into your daily routine and staying vigilant, you can reduce your risk and ensure a safer experience at the pump. I highly encourage you all to attend a community wide training session entitled “Be Aware – An Introduction to Situational Awareness,” at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples on March 19 at 1 p.m. Register for the free program at https://jfgn.regfox.com/beaware.

John Murtagh

Judith Finer Freedman

No need to miss a thing

WReneé Bialek Program Director

e have many events to offer this month. Check them out below and make sure you don’t miss something you’re interested in seeing. Dates and times of upcoming events are announced on our website homepage.

Naples Jewish Film Festival

The Naples Jewish Film Festival begins! There are five films you don’t want to miss:

• “Running on Sand”

• “The Glory of Life”

• “Bad Shabbos”

• “Pink Lady”

• “Soda”

Book discussion

Catholic-Jewish Dialogue invites everyone on Sunday, March 2 at 2:30 p.m. for Readers & Thinkers discussion of the book, “The Sunflower.” Read it in advance and come discuss.

U.S.-Israel relations

The Israel and Overseas Speaker Series continues with Akiba Covitz who will speak on Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. The topic will be “Ultimate Allies: Current Tensions and Future Prospects in U.S.-Israel Relations.”

Winter series continues

The Elliott Katz lecture winter series hosts events on March 7, 17 and 28. You can now purchase tickets to watch via Zoom or attend in person.

Jewish Book Festival

The Jewish Book Festival continues with Talia Carner author of “The Boy with the Star Tattoo” on Monday, March 10.

This event is sponsored by Bua-Bell Group. Daniel Schulman, author of “The Money Kings,” will present on Friday, March 21, and author Lauren Grodstein will present on her book, “We Must Not Think of Ourselves” on Thursday, March 27.

Donate blood

It’s a Mitzvah to give blood. The NCH Bloodmobile will be parked in front of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples on Wednesday, March 19, 2-4 pm. Please register for your specific time slot.

Beginner Pilates

Everyone is welcome to join Pilates on Tuesday, March 25 at 10 a.m.

Celebrate our community

The Power of Community Celebration is the Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration. Stand Up For Justice Awards,

Human Needs Awards and Patricia J. Adkins Leadership Awards will be given out on Sunday, March 30 at 1 p.m. Come learn who all the recipient winners are!

Register to attend

Please register for ALL events at www.jewishnaples.org, via our e-blast or website calendar. There will be a QR code that will take you directly to the Programs & Events Webpage. All you need to do is open your camera app, point directly at the QR code, then click on ‘qrco.de’ button. Once you are on the landing page, you will see three featured events, then Series of Events (Elliott Katz Lectures, Jewish Book Festival, and more), followed by a few more upcoming events listed by dates.

Save the dates

Please save these dates for these upcoming programs:

Sunday, April 27: Community Yom HaShoah Program at 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 4: Community Yom Ha’Atzmaut Musical Celebration at 3 p.m.

Make sure to read our weekly Monday e-blast to view new programs and click on the registration links for all the above programs as well as the new programs being added. If you aren’t receiving our weekly Monday e-blast, please email me at rbialek@jewishnaples.org.

An Indigenous People’s Struggle for its Ancient Homeland

The talk traces the history of the Jewish people on the land of Israel back to 1205 BC, explains the legitimacy of the State of Israel’s existence under international law, debunks the myths that Israel is an apartheid state, that Jews are colonists or occupying settlers in the Land of Israel, that Gaza was in any way occupied since 2005, and that Israel has been an impediment to a two-state solution, and conclusively refutes the blood libel that Jews are committing genocide in Gaza. In fact, as the lecture makes clear, Israel has been in full compliance with the Laws of War since October 7. Finally, the lecture explains how and why anti-Zionism has become the new antisemitism.

Free program. Please register so we can plan accordingly at www.jewishnaples.org

On April 4, 2019, Judge Altman was confirmed to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. At 36, he became the youngest federal district court judge in the country—and the youngest federal judge ever appointed in the Southern District of Florida.

Judge Altman received a BA from Columbia University, where he played quarterback on the football team and pitched for the baseball team—earning All-Ivy honors.Judge Altman received his JD from the Yale Law School, where he was projects editor of the Yale Law Journal. After law school, the Judge clerkedonthe11thCircuitCourtof AppealsfortheHonorableStanleyMarcus.

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

In2014,JudgeAltmanbecameapartnerattheMiamilawfirmofPodhurstOrseck, whereherepresentedthevictimsof airplanecrashesandbankfraudconspiracies.

Discover your Jewish heritage

A beginner's guide with Arthur Sissman

By Reneé Bialek, Program Director

urious about your family’s story? This engaging free session will guide you through the essential first steps of Jewish genealogy. Learn how to gather family details, interview relatives, organize records and navigate online tools.

We’ll answer questions like: Where do I start? How much does it

cost? What value does this research bring? You’ll gain practical tips and strategies to uncover your roots and preserve your legacy. With insights from a 25-year expert in family history and genetic genealogy, you’ll leave inspired and equipped to begin your journey after the meeting!

Free program

Monday, March 3 at 1 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Please email Arthur, genresearch13@yahoo.com, to let him know you will attend. Limited to 20 spaces.

Updates from Hadassah Medical Organization

Featuring guest speaker Dr. Karen Ezrine

By Reneé Bialek, Program Director

Everyone is invited to join us for the Mel Toub Lecture & Discussion Series Tuesday, March 18 from 1-3 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center where guest speaker Dr. Karen Ezrine will update us on Hadassah Medical Organization.

Ezrine is the Hadassah international co-chair liaison of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. She is the co-chair who brings Israel to the U.S. Philanthropy Division. She was most recently co-chair of Hadassah Medical Organization. In Baltimore, Ezrine worked closely with the health coordinator to develop a number of medical education programs (cardiovascular disease, mental health and genetic diseases) and also co-chaired Major Gifts events. She was a member of the National Board of Hadassah.

Dr. Karen Ezrine

A retired medical oncologist, Ezrine previously held the position of co-chair of the Hadassah National Physicians

Council, which included planning and leading three continuing medical education programs in Israel and serving as the Hadassah representative for the Victor Center for Prevention of Genetic Diseases. She has worked with Women’s Health to develop educational programs. In Collier County, she has co-chaired or served on various programs, several Major Gifts and Keepers events and chaired a program on Jewish genetic diseases. Register at https:// jfgn.regfox.com/ hadassah-updates. The cost of $18 per person includes dessert, which will be served after the discussion. All monies paid to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples for this event will be allocated for Hadassah Hospital in Israel. Associates' Recognition Event is jointly sponsored by Collier/Lee Hadassah, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and the Israel and Overseas Committee of JFGN.

MEL TOUB LECTURE & DISCUSSION SERIES

An update on Hadassah Medical Organization by Dr. Karen Ezrine

Tuesday, March 18 at 1 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Register at https://jfgn.regfox.com/hadassah-updates

How to Thrive in Your Golden Years

Aging doesn’t mean stopping. Oftentimes one’s “Golden Years” presents the most amount of free time that individuals has experienced in decades. Yet, the opportunity is met with many obstacles. These tips will help you take advantage of that valuable time you have so you can keep getting the most out of the life you have planned for.

Living out a healthy lifestyle does

Mindful Eating: not mean losing out. Incorporating a balance of fruits, vegetables, and protein into your everyday favorite meals makes an incredible difference in the way your body allows you to continue enjoying the things you like to do. At Seascape at Naples senior living community, the in-house chef prepares balanced meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that integrate a delicious taste with mindful ingredients.

Active Lifestyle: Continuing to move is also a key part of keeping yourself equipped to travel, play with grandchildren, and stay independent in everyday life. Movement doesn’t have to be boring either! At Seascape at Naples senior living community, fitness programs focus on engaging movement that is fun to do so that it becomes a habit rather than a chore. Finding a movement that you love is critical to a long-term commitment to staying active.

Socializing:

The #1 aspect of a senior’s lifestyle

that is often overlooked is the value of staying social. Having someone to talk to and engage with is crucial to maintaining your health and wellbeing. This could mean joining a walking club, attending art classes, or taking part in community service projects. At Seascape at Naples senior living community, residents enjoy frequent outings and in-house social events that turn neighbors into friends.

Wherever you are in your journey, there’s always opportunities to thrive by being the best version of you!

Seascape at Naples, a luxury senior living community, is located at 3490 Thrive Drive in Naples offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. They can be contacted at 239.354.7018 or viewed online at www.seascapeatnaples.com.

“No Good Deed Goes Unpunished”

Lecture by Elliott Katz

By Reneé Bialek, Program Director

Everyone is invited to join us in person or via Zoom to hear Elliott Katz’ lecture, “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished,” on Monday, March 17 at 10 a.m.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was an awakening for many Americans. None more so, than for young American Jews. Joining to help fight segregation, many were beaten and imprisoned

in southern jails. Two gave their lives for the cause. Their reward was not what you would have expected. You will learn that no good deed goes unpunished.

For those who want to attend for the first time, please register at https://JFGN.regfox. com/march-ek-lecture. The cost is $30. The Zoom link will be emailed a few days prior to the start of this program.

Beginner Pilates classes

By Reneé Bialek, Program Director

Come join us for Pilates with instructor Victoria from AB Sea Pilates. Each class is $10,* begins at 10 a.m. and lasts 50 minutes. Sign up at https://jfgn.regfox.com/pilates for one or all classes being held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center on March 25 and April 15.

Join our Beginner Pilates class and discover the benefits of mindful movement! Focus on building strength, flexibility and body awareness with low-impact exercises that engage your core, improve posture and enhance overall mobility.

Leschen, you'll learn the fundamentals of Pilates in a supportive and welcoming environment. Whether you're aiming for better balance, less stress or a stronger body, this class is your first step toward a healthier you!

Led by WCA member Victoria

Bring the following items to the class: yoga or Pilates mat, water, towel, grip socks or come barefoot. (Please wear shoes to the center!)

*A portion of the proceeds will benefit Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Making a difference while having fun with Beading Buddies

By Carol Hirsch

The Beading Buddies make beaded jewelry for local projects sponsored by Temple Shalom and Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. We donate handmade jewelry to the children of Guadalupe Center in Immokalee for Mother’s Day gifts and to the Shop with a Sheriff event for Christmas.

All are welcome to attend our sessions held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. There is no charge if you bring your own supplies, however, supplies are provided

for a donation that is used to buy more supplies. Sessions are from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Wednesday, March 12

• Tuesday, March 25

• Thursday, April 17

Diamond/Yahalom

Jack Abel • Albert Benchimol • Elissa Benchimol

Bill Benedikt • Myra Benedikt • Stuart Brown

Debbie Laites • Ben Z. Post

Nathaniel Ritter • Susan Ritter • Sarah Rockler

Gold/Zahav

Rosalee Bogo • Paula Brody • Harvey Cohen

Barbara Goldenziel • Gene Goldenziel

Merrill Hassenfeld • Ronald Kaplan • Jerry Kumin

Jane Schi • Paul Stein • Sharon Stein

Silver/Kesef

Martin Barber • Susan Bookbinder • Fran Goldman

Gayle Levy • Je Margolis • Alys Morande • Steven Podolsky

Judit Price • Anita Shapiro • Richard Shapiro • Carol Simon

Gene Simon • Judy Zahn • Melvyn Zahn

Please

I would like to thank the “beaders” who have helped make this project successful: Maxine Brenner, Becky Cornacchia, Janett Edelberg, Ellie Wasserman, Susan Feld, Deborah Fidel, Linda Simon and others who have contributed time and supplies.

Elliott Katz

Israel and Overseas 2024-2025 SPEAKER SERIES

Topic: Israel at Crossroads Post October 7

Sunday, November 3 at 3:00 pm NOV 2024

FEB 2025

Ofer Bavly

Topic: Uplifting the Marginalized Israeli Druze Minority

Sunday, February 23 at 11:00 am

DEC 2024

Topic: How ALLMEP’s network is advancing civil society peacebuilding between Israelis and Palestinians

Wednesday, December 18 at 2 pm

JAN 2025

Topic: The Magical Story of Moroccan MuslimJewish coexistence

Tuesday, Jan 21 at 4 pm

Become an IOC Patron for 2024-2025

MARCH 2025 Akiba Covitz

Topic: Ultimate Allies: Current Tensions and Future Prospects in US-Israel Relations

Wednesday, March 12 at 4:00 pm

APRIL 2025 Dina Kraft

Topic: Post-October 7th: Stories of Healing, Resilience, and Resistance

Wednesday, April 9 at 1:00 pm

ISRAEL SCOUTS IN THE SUMMER

All events will take place at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Buy individual tickets at $18 or become a Patron. Patron Levels: Diamond, Gold and Silver.

TICKETS: WWW.JEWISHNAPLES.ORG

DIAMOND (Yahalom) PATRON

benefits ($500 per person):

• Guaranteed admission to all IOC events.

• Preferred seating at all events.

• Invitation to attend receptions with the speakers.

• Acknowledgement at the event

• The heartwarming feeling that you are supporting the Israel and Overseas Committee above and beyond the cost of event admission.

GOLD

(Zahav)

PATRON

benefits ($250 per person):

• Guaranteed admission to all IOC events.

• Reserved seating at all events.

• Invitation to attend 2 receptions with the speakers.

• Acknowledgement at the event

• The heartwarming feeling that you are supporting the Israel and Overseas Committee above and beyond the cost of event admission.

SILVER (Kesef)

PATRON benefits ($136 per person):

• Guaranteed admission to all IOC events.

• Acknowledgement at the event

• The heartwarming feeling that you are supporting the Israel and Overseas Committee above and beyond the cost of event admission.

Ido Aharoni Aronoff

Kari Reid

Peter Geffen

The Boy with the Star Tattoo

by Talia Carner

Monday, March 10, 2025

3:30 PM • $25

An epic historical novel of ingenuity and courage, of love and loss, by master storyteller Talia Carner. This rich tale spans post-war France when Israeli agents roamed the countryside to rescue hidden Jewish orphans – to the 1969 daring escape of the Israeli boats of Cherbourg in Normandy.

The Money Kings

by Daniel Schulman

Friday, March 21, 2025

1:00 PM • $25

The incredible saga of America’s great Jewish banking families—among them, the Lehmans, the Sachs, and the Goldmans. Rich in both historical detail and as a character study, Schulman chronicles the fascinating details of how these determined men balanced their identities as Jews, bankers, Germans and Americans to make their marks and their fortunes on Wall Street.

We Must Not Think of Ourselves

by

Lauren Grodstein

Thursday, March 27, 2025

10:30 AM • $25

In this heart-wrenching story of prisoner Adam Paskow, a middle-aged observant professor, takes testimonies the stories of the Warsaw Ghetto's alive. Grodstein reveals that love may even in the starkest of situations. [Inspired testimony-gathering project with the Oneg Shabbat.]

Jewish Book Festival Sponsors

Jewish Book Festival Sponsors

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Tickets to all 12 events (a $320 value)

Copy of Lori Gottlieb’s book

FastPass & separate check-in

Recognition in Federation

seating

Reserved seating area

Free book voucher(s)

Patron event with an author TBA

Extra luncheon event ticket for guest

Venues

PLATINUM

Susan Ain

Patti Bloom

Rosalee Bogo

Susan Bookbinder

Linda Dovman

Shelley Einhorn

Judith Finer Freedman

Ellen Frankel

Jeremy Freedman

Myra Friedman

Lisa Gorman

Nancy Kahn

Lin Klein

Sarann Kraushaar

Stuart Price

Nathaniel Ritter

Susan Ritter

Elaine Rosen

Ellaine Rosen

Judy Roth

Marc Saperstein

Jane Schiff

Arlene Shapiro

Donald Shapiro

Phyllis Strome

Debby Waranch

Deborah Wyman

Robert Gage

Susan Garelick

Nancy Garfinkel

Barbara Girard

Jan Goldman

Diane Goldstein

Carole Greene

Natalie Greene

Sherry Greenfield

Ronna Hain

Robin Hendricksen

Hilton Naples: 5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples

Jewish Congregation of Marco Island: 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island

Naples Conference Center: 1455 Pine Ridge Road, Naples

Naples Jewish Congregation: 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples

Temple Shalom: 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples

Fran Kroll

Anna Levin

Laurie Lieberman

Leda Lubin

Robin Mintz

Lew Paper

SILVER Anonymous

Howard Agranat

Sheila Agranat

Phyllis Barolsky

Stacey Baum

Emily Berkowitz

Carol Hirsch

Susan Horowitz

Wendy Israelite

Judy Isserlis

Marsha Karp

Festival Website & Email

Visit the official Festival website at www.jewishbookfestival.org information on the authors and their books, event updates and a printable order form. Have questions that have not been answered in this insert? Send an email to fedstar18@gmail.com or call the Federation office at 239.263.4205.

Jackie Paulson

Jeanne Pelletz

Susan Pittelman

Estelle Price

Harriet Berneman

Mark Blaskey

Penni Blaskey

Cipora Brown

Norma Carl

Tickets ARE Transferable

Consider purchasing a Patron Festival Package. Even if you can’t make it to all 12 events, you can gift your tickets to friends, colleagues and family members.

Multi-Author Events

For the events with more than

Ann Cowen

Terri David

Barbara Druckman

David Feinstein

Maureen Feinstein

Finkelstein

Bobbie Katz

Helene Koenig

Deborah Kohler

Toby Kosloff

Debbie Laites

Elaine Landau

Judi Lazan

Dale Lazar

Lynn Lazar

Dana Lefkowitz

Linda Lerner

Arlene Litow

Jewish Book Festival

enjoyment at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. becoming a patron or to purchase individual tickets.

The Joy of Costco

by David & Susan Schwartz

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 1:00 PM • $25

David & Susan Schwartz are two of Costco's biggest fans. Since 2016, they have visited more than 225 of Costco's 850+ warehouses in the US and in 13 countries. Topics from Cashews and Chicken to Hot Dogs and Hawaii are covered in a whimsical A to Z format. Fun Fact: Costco sells more than half of the world's cashews.

JBF Patrons

Marci Margolis

Susan McDonough

Marla Osgood

Rick Osgood

Jeani Park

Steven Podolsky

Ben Post

Gerald Post

Susan Post

John Reiches

Mae Riefberg

Barbara Ross

Arnold Sameroff

Susan Schaffer

Anne Schnesel

Harriet Schweitzer

Mark Shiffman

Anita Siegal

Charles Siegel

Lori Siegel

Cathy Silver

Gail Smith

Carol Smoler

Arlene Sobol

Elaine Soffer

Susan Sokolov

Janet Solot

Barbara Steckler

Joyce Steckman

Sharon Stein

June Streisand

Dana Strull

Estelle Tauch

Fritzi Thorner

Heidi Thorner

Joyce Toub

Allison Tucker

Linda Wainick

Ferne Walpert

Jay Weintraub

Laurie Weiss

Leona Wreschner

BRONZE

Anonymous

Leslie Aderson

Doris Adlestein

Sheryl Affrime

Nancy Armocida

Diane Aronson

Wendy Avner

Patti Badiner

Lea Bendes

Natalie Berman

Minda Bernberg

Rose Bernstein

Jill Binder

Paula Blachman

Nancy Blankstein

Jamie Blatter

Beverly Blazar

Ellen Bohn Gitlitz

Patti Boochever

Stacy Braverman

Rhonda Brazina

Tim Broms

Nancy Brother

Peggy Brown

Deena Caplan

Barb Carlstrom

Tom Carlstrom

Ellen Chaney

Jeanie Charness

Jacqueline Chizever

Nan Ciralsky

Diane Clarke

Geri Cohen

Marcia Cohodes

Dorothy Collens

Marilyn Davidson

Sherry Delinko

Sandra Diamond

Gayle Dorio

Marty Dorio

Benjamin Dubin

Larry DuKatz

Linda DuKatz

Janett Edelberg

Ellen Edelstein

Susan Elfman

Sally Ann Endleman

Geraldine Feldman

Leslie Feldman

Rosetta Felzer

Susan Feuerman

James Fine

Marcia Fine

Phyllis Fine

Susan Gallagher

Thank You!

Jewish Book Festival Committee and Volunteers. We greatly appreciate your support!

Lea Bendes, Emily Berkowitz, Jill Binder, Patti Boochever, Ann Cowen, Linda Denning, Gayle Dorio, Larry DuKatz, Linda DuKatz, Judith Finer Freedman, Louise Forman, Spencer Forman, Ken Getnick, Molly Getnick, Jan Goldman, Carole Greene, Sherry Greenfield, Lenore Greenstein, Lee Henson, Burton Hirsch, Carol Hirsch, Bobbie Katz, Carolyn Kimmel, Deborah Kohler, Karen Kolodny, Lisa Lauber, Judi Lazan, Barb Lefkowitz, Cipora Levine, Arlene Litow, Debbie Lurie, Ida Margolis, Jeff Margolis, Marci Margolis, Lynn Miller, Rochelle Miller, Darlene Muller, Mindy Nadell, Susan Pittelman, Gale Schulman, Dorothy Schwebel, Dina Shein, Iris Shur, Linda Simon, Marc Simon, Rosalie Slansky, Elaine Soffer, Phyllis Strome, Dana Strull, Monika Vigran, Leslie Wasserman, Nancy Wiadro, Phyllis Winski, Deb Wyman, Steve Yussen, Suzann Yussen, Joni Zalasky

2024-2025 Book Festival Chair: Robin Mintz

Program Director: Reneé Bialek

(as of 1-31-25)

Nancy Garfien

Phyllis Garon

Ken Getnick

Molly Getnick

Heidi Gilbert

Howard Gilbert

Elizabeth Girardat

Renee Glickman

Mark Goetz

Cindi Goldfine

Melvin Goldfine

Donna Goldstein

Hannah Goodman

Rochelle Goodman

Ellen Gordon

Barrie Graham

Lenore Greenstein

Arlene Griff

Elaine Griver

Andree Haas

Susan Hager

Jean Haven

Byrl Hendler

Sarah Hendler

Lee Henson

Deborah Hermalyn

Sharyl Hertz

Carol Himmelstein

Linda Hirsch

Shielagh Hochberg

Ronna Hochman

Jan Hoffman

Mitchell Hoffman

Rochelle Jacob

Diane Kaplan

Judy Kaplan

Judy Kargher

Jackie Kerlek

Charlene Kerner

Carolyn Kimmel

Linda King

Lori Kleiman

Marsha Klein

Harriett Kleinman

Susan Koeppel

Karen Kolodny

Susie Kravetz

Barbara Kushnir

Sayde Ladov

Harold Lauber

Lisa Lauber

Barb Lefkowitz

Bettye Leibowitz

Judy Leventhal

Arlene Levin

Hilda Levine

Marilyn Levitt

Hilda Levine

Rosie Liebovich-Hyman

Jacqueline Lipton

Debbie Lurie

Phyllis Luts

Paula Maisel

Robert Maisel

Elaine Marcus

Ida Margolis

Paulette Margulies

Harriet Matz

Sherri Melamut

Sheila Mesulam

Linda Miller

Lynn Miller

Roberta Miller

Rochelle Miller

Alys(Elyse) Morande

Marsha Moranz

Erica Morse

Darlene Muller

Mindy Nadell

Helene Naimon

Mary O’Haver

Carol Orloff

Barbara Ostrolenk

Ann Packman

David Packman

Barbara Paganelli

Stacy Pinck

Joel Pittelman

Terri Polacheck

Karen Posner

Barry Rabin

Nancy Rabin

Susan Rabin

Estelle Rauch

Sue Reiver

Ellen Rodwick

William Rodwick

Andrea Roisman

Lila Rosenweig

Midge Rozen

Arnie Rubin

Linda Russell

Lanie Samuels

Laurie Sandler

Sandra Sanfilippo

Maureen Schaab

Karen Scheck

Deborah Schreier

Stephen Schreier

Gale Schulman

Carole Schwartz

Dorothy Schwebel

Millie Sernovitz

Jane Shaw

Dina Shein

Ricki Shine

Julie Shlensky

Michael Shlensky

Iris Shur

Jamie Silverstein

Martin Silverstein

Linda Simon

Ruth Simon

Rosalie Slansky

Gail Solomon

Harold Stein

Jennie Stein

Ilene Steiner

Barbara Suden

Denise Sultan

Ann Swartz

Shira Swartz

Marla Taub

Suzanne Tolpin

Margot Tutun

Susan Ugell

Beth Ungerman

Jacqueline Urso

Joan Van Berg

Ann Varsano

Joan Vazakas

Monika Vigran

Lisa Vogel

Gail Volk

Sara Waldstein

Ellie Wasserman

Leslie Wasserman

Marianne Wassmer

Sydelle Weinberger

Suellen Weiner

Ellen Weisberg

Barbara Wenk

Joan Werhane

Jack Wiadro

Nancy Wiadro

Phyllis Winski

Susan Yale

Steven Yussen

Suzann Yussen

Cathy Zacks

Joni Zalasky

Cindy Zelby

Deborah Zvibleman

Catholic-Jewish Dialogue to discuss “The Sunflower”

ARBOR TRACE

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By Renee Bialek, Program Director

Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday, March 2, 2:30 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center for a Readers & Thinkers book review of “The Sunflower: On the Possibility and Limits of Forgiveness” by Simon Wiesenthal.

In this book, a Nazi soldier on his deathbed asks forgive ness from a Jew, in this case Wiesenthal, for horrendous atrocities he committed against Jews during the Holocaust. This presents a moral and ethical dilemma for Wiesenthal. After walking away from the soldier, he asks “What would you have done?”

“The Sunflower” presents responses to that question from clergy and spiritual leaders, Holocaust survivors, professors and historians. During the program we will discuss exactly that. Read “The Sunflower” in advance and come discuss with us over refreshments. RSVP at https:// JFGN.regfox.com/the-sunflower. The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County is a subcommittee of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

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1000 Arbor Lake Drive | Naples, FL 34110 | Assisted Living Facility #7793

Cardozo Legal Society

By Joshua Bialek, Chair of CLS & Attorney

The Cardozo Society was formed as a way to network among Jewish attorneys in the Greater Naples legal community. The Cardozo Society inspires the building of strong relationships among legal professionals through educational opportunities and social events.

The Cardozo Society is named after Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo, an American lawyer and jurist who served on the New York Court of Appeals from 1914 to 1932 and as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1932 until his death in 1938. Considered one of the most distinguished judges in American

legal history, Justice Cardozo was known for his profound legal thinking and impactful judicial opinions. Whether you’re looking to network, learn from experts on issues affecting Jewish communities, or take on leadership roles, you will find plenty of opportunities within our Cardozo Society, a group of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Our next Meet & Greet will be on Monday, April 7 at 6 p.m. After this meeting, we will sit together at Honorable Altman’s talk on “Zionism: An Indigenous People’s Struggle for its Ancient Homeland” at 7 p.m. RSVP to Renee at rbialek@jewishnaples.org.

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PRIVATE OFFICE IN NORTH NAPLES

The first step is the hardest. Reach out, contact me and we will work together to improve your life. I believe in the power of connection and the power of words, and you are welcome whether your issues are large or small.

“Eva’s Promise” A Brazina Documentary Film Series presentation

By Marc Rosenweig, MCA Member

Eva Geiringer Schloss made a promise to her brother, Heinz — and kept it.

It happened during a three-day train trip in 1944, as they were being deported from the Netherlands to AuschwitzBirkenau concentration camp. She promised to retrieve his hidden artwork and poetry if he didn’t survive. His work was hidden under the floorboards of an Amsterdam apartment.

In the documentary “Eva’s Promise,” she tells her story of survival and returning to reclaim her brother’s work. It will be screened April 1, 1:30 p.m., as part of the Brazina Documentary Film Series at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center in Naples.

Eva Schloss was born in Vienna in 1929. Her family fled the Nazis in 1938 and settled in Amsterdam in 1940. In 1942, they had to go into hiding, moving between several locations, until they were captured in 1944. She and her mother survived the concentration camp; her brother, Heinz, and their father, Erich, did not.

In 1945, Eva returned to Amsterdam and retrieved the hidden art and 200 of Heinz’ poems. They now reside in the Amsterdam Museum of the Resistance. Her mother also survived and eventually married Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s widowed father.

Eva turned 95 in May. At one point, she sold her London antique store and

dedicated her life to Holocaust education. She’s written three books on the subject. She appeared in Ken Burns’ film on the Holocaust. Eva gained additional notoriety when she danced the Hora with King Charles III during a Hanukkah celebration.

Film producers Susan Kerner and Steve McCarthy primarily use Eva’s words to tell the story.

We interviewed her for 12 hours during the pandemic,” said McCarthy, during a panel after a screening at The Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City. A 25-minute film suddenly became 60 minutes.

For the record, McCarthy teaches in the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University, where I taught for more than a decade.

Kerner first met Eva in 1996 when Kerner was directing the play “Remembering the World of Anne Frank” in New Jersey.

“I’m so honored to have her in my life,” said Kerner during the panel. “It’s life-changing for me.”

An extra special touch in the film is when Eva’s grandson, Eric Schloss, reads selections from Heinz’ poems. “I’ve completely grown up with this story,” said Eric Schloss. “It’s part of me.”

McCarthy was stunned as Eric read Heinz’ poems for the film. “Wow, this is Heinz talking. He read it with such compassion and conviction.”

Eva only started talking about her experiences after Otto Frank died in 1980. McCarthy said she had night terrors about Auschwitz, which subsided after she started talking about it.

“Eva’s Promise” has been screened at film series around the country and at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. It played to three sold out audiences at the Montclair Film Festival in New Jersey. It’s been adopted into the curriculum at

Tufts University and the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota.

As part of the screening at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, I will be interviewing Steve McCarthy via Zoom. When Eva was interviewed for this documentary at age 92, she told McCarthy to “get it done in a hurry.” They did, and it’s an important story to experience. As McCarthy said, “You might say it’s a mitzvah.”

Eva Geiringer Schloss, Steve McCarthy and Susan Kerner

Eva being interviewed

WCA Interest Group Fair was a huge success!

By Ann Cowen, WCA Director of Event Management

What do biking, mahjong, contemporary fiction and foodies all have in common? Each one was represented at the first-ever WCA Interest Group Fair at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center on Monday, Jan. 6. More than 150 WCA members visited the fair and nibbled on freshly made popcorn while learning about the special interest groups that WCA offers.

As they left the fair, several new WCA members were overheard saying, “This was fabulous! I never knew about all these groups!”

including groups to play cards and games; groups for films, food and sports; groups for literature, books, learning and crafts; groups for members who live north and south of Naples (WCA North and WCA South); groups for socializing; groups for summer gatherings; and a group just for members 65 and younger. To get information about interest group events, however, WCA members need to join the interest group, as these programs are not advertised in WCA’s weekly newsletter.

Twenty-four groups were represented at the Interest Group Fair. Each table had

When I joined WCA, it took me four years to learn about WCA’s interest groups. Several of my friends were going to a Foodies event, and I did not know anything about it. Why? Because I wasn’t a member of the Foodies Interest Group, I didn’t receive notices of their events. I knew that other WCA members had similar experiences, so I suggested to the WCA Board that we have an “Interest Group Fair” to help new (as well as long-time members) find out about all of WCA’s special interest groups.

Interest groups are an integral and significant part of WCA programming. Not only does WCA offer speaker presentations, special events and trips, which are advertised to all members, but WCA also has more than 50 special interest groups,

a display showing off the group’s activities.

The Knit and Stitch Group, for example, displayed beautiful hand-knit clothing; the 9-Hole Golf Group gave out monogrammed tees; and book groups displayed several of the books they were discussing this year. The liaisons (the leaders of the

groups) were positioned at tables around Schiff Hall, providing details about their groups and signing up members who were interested in joining.

The Interest Group Fair was an enormous success. Foodies Group Liaison Lea Bendes commented, “It was exciting to see interest expressed by WCA members of all ages, including younger women. Twenty-five women signed up to be part of the Foodies Group during the afternoon. Now they will receive notices of our events.”

“We registered several wonderful new members who never knew about our group!” said Single Girlfriends Liaison Gusti Rosenauer. “There are many single women who are looking for single friends to have fun with. Many are recent widows who need to see there is life after widowhood.”

WCA Membership Director Harriett Kleinman, who represented the YearRounders Group, summed up the purpose of the afternoon by saying, “The Fair was a great way to introduce all our members to what WCA has to offer them.”

the luncheon they planned as part of last summer’s WCA’s “Year Rounder” activities.

Thank you to the members of my committee for bringing this idea to fruition — Louise Forman, the WCA Board member responsible for interest groups; Linda Hyde, Hannah Goodman and Harriett Kleinman, who handled food and set-up; and Cindy Zive, the graphic artist who created the beautiful artwork featured on the invitation as well as on the cards on each tabletop.

WCA is always looking for new interest groups to meet the current interests of our members and to spark new interests! If you have an idea for a new group and are interested in being the group’s liaison, contact Louise Forman. Your enthusiasm and willingness to lead a new group will further strengthen WCA in providing an even wider array of interest groups to engage our members.

Both new and long-time WCA members came to the Interest Group Fair: Grace Oliver, Rhonda Marko, Darlene Muller, Linda Simon, Nancy Garfinkel and Sue Bookbinder.

Lourene Rapport and Emily Berkowitz (seated) represented WCA North.

Canasta Liaisons Iris Shur and Susie Golubock enjoyed talking with members about the Canasta Interest Group.

Arlene Sobol talks with Cheryl Ginsburg about WCA’s interest groups.

Judy Somerfeld and Harriett Kleinman reminisce about

Fran Gurtman and Melinda Steffey were ready to answer questions.

Jewish Young Professionals reconnect in Naples

By Cayla Schreier, JYP Coordinator

We have had a wonderful start to the 2025 year! Our JYP Naples Mentorship Program officially kicked off with 10 JYP mentees who have been well matched with their mentors. We look forward to more meetings in the coming months and creating greater mentor-mentee relationships.

Two JYP members hosted delicious Shabbat dinners during the month of January. One member, Ruth, hosted a Shabbat dinner on Friday, Jan. 10 to welcome a former JYP Naples member who was visiting. Everyone was happy to reconnect and get together after the new year.

Another member, Dani, hosted a Shabbat dinner on Friday, Jan. 24 as a surprise birthday party for another JYP Naples member, Spencer. JYP Naples members gathered at Dani’s apartment and helped Spencer celebrate his birthday. Everyone was happy to commemorate this joyous occasion.

In addition to our two Shabbat dinners, nine JYP Naples members painted pottery at Cone 06 Pottery in Naples on Sunday, Jan. 26. Each member chose a unique piece of pottery to paint their own designs. We also learned about the importance of earthenware in Jewish history and how archeologists discovered that the Jewish people kept kosher through examination of pottery.

Future events

Details about upcoming events will be

distributed via email and our 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 fill out to offer feedback and ideas on the type of JYP events they would like to see in the future.

I look forward to seeing everyone soon!

PJ Library March events

By Alexandra Wein, PJ Library and PJ Our Way Coordinator

Where has the year gone? I can’t believe we are already in March! I want to thank everyone who has come to my events so far this year. You’ve made my transition into this role easier, and for that I am appreciative! I have two big events planned for March for both our PJ Library and PJ Our Way families!

Purim Dance Party

Purim is one of my favorite holidays. Who doesn’t love a time to celebrate and dress in costume? Join me in the BBYO Lounge on Sunday, March 2 from 4 to 5 p.m. for a Purim Dance Party! All ages are welcome to attend this party. You bring your dance moves, and I’ll bring the snacks. Chag Purim Sameach!

March

soccer clinic

afterwards! Welcome spring and enjoy an afternoon outdoors.

JeWEL Society

Have you become a member of our JeWEL Society? We are the Jewish Women Emerging Leaders of Greater Naples. Be sure to keep an eye out for

A big thank you to Soccer Shots for sponsoring our March soccer clinic at Vineyards Park on Sunday, March 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. We will have coaches for both our PJ Library and PJ Our Way kids. Let’s learn some fun soccer drills, then put them into use by playing a game of soccer

our events, and please email programs@ jewishnaples.org for more information on how to join!

Be sure to follow PJ Library - Federation of Greater Naples on Facebook for upcoming events and up-to-date info on all things local for PJ Library.

A time to weep and a time to plant

By Susan Ain

Moran Freibach, a rugged man with a bronzed face stood in the morning sun. He is the foreman at Nahal Oz, an agricultural kibbutz and dairy farm located in the Gaza envelope. Nahal Oz is the closest kibbutz to Gaza, and it was attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Not only was Hamas’ purpose to take hostages and massacre Jews, but it was also to intentionally destroy a farm and a food source for Israel. What Hamas did is called “agricultural terrorism.”

My husband, Aron, and I recently returned from Israel where we led a solidarity mission sponsored by Combined Jewish Philanthropies, the Jewish Federation of Greater Boston. We bore witness to the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre by visiting the site of the Nova Music Festival, three kibbutzim in the south and a military base near Gaza. Additionally, we traveled north to the border with Lebanon.

Our visit to Nahal Oz and our meeting with Freibach was moving and remarkable. Freibach grew up in Nahal Oz, living there his entire life. He told us that at 6 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2023, a 14-year-old boy went for a run in the kibbutz when shooting from Hamas terrorists suddenly broke out. The boy was able to make it to a saferoom where he stayed for 11 hours, surviving because of the bravery of a security guard and 12 IDF soldiers who were staying at the kibbutz for shabbat. The

security guard was killed, but the IDF soldiers fought and killed about 80 terrorists. The attackers rampaged through Nahal Oz, banging on doors, shooting and taking hostages. At 5:30 p.m., IDF forces rescued them. They were evacuated up north. That day, 15 residents from Nahal Oz were massacred and eight were taken hostage. Six hostages were later returned.

The toll on this farming community was devastating. Not only was there loss of human life, but there was almost complete destruction of the farm as well.

Before Oct. 7, 2023, there were 570 residents of Nahal Oz, but now just 10% remain. They are workers; some are Thai. On Oct. 7, 2023, the 30 Palestinian farm workers who were there fled.

A computerized irrigation system and pipes in the field were destroyed, which had provided irrigation to the hay fields for the cows. One hundred cows were slaughtered, and the rest were not milked for 10 days. Hundreds of chickens were killed and many cows died from infection. A new John Deere tractor was incinerated, and all other farm equipment was destroyed. The farm was dismantled.

On the following Wednesday, Freibach returned to the kibbutz to see what was left. He is determined to rebuild. About 75% of Israel’s food source and production comes from the Gaza envelope. After Oct. 7, 2023, Türkiye shipped in 60,000 tons of food.

Freibach continues to stay at Nahal Oz and was separated from his family for a year. He walked with us to an open field where the irrigation pipes were being replaced. He told us that the only income for Nahal Oz is from agriculture, and they have been working hard to bring the farm back to life. By June 2024, normal milk production was back to 3 million liters, but they want to grow it to 5 million liters. They bought 10 new tractors and some of the kibbutz families have returned, as have more Thai workers.

A fence separates the newly plowed fields of Nahal Oz from Gaza. On one side of the fence is tyranny, oppression and the evil force of Hamas. The kibbutz of Nahal Oz stands in the breech.

On that beautiful sunny day, Freibach pointed to the fence and said, “On the other side of the fence is Gaza, and I want them to see that we are planting. We are here to preserve Western Civilization.”

Introducing the JeWEL Society Jewish Women Emerging Leaders

Jewish Mom’s MONTHLY NIGHT OUT

$118.00 DONATION annually to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Leave the kids at home and join us for a fun night of good food and lots of laughter

Members take the lead in ensuring a vibrant Jewish Community in Naples for generations to come

https://www.jewishnaples.org/families-with-children

Welcome guests with a brick paver

By Eduardo Avila, Campaign Associate

Would you like to add your name to a brick paver as a welcome to guests visiting our

new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center? Contact me at eavila@jewishnaples.org or 239-263-4205.

BRICK PAVER ORDER FORM

Donor Information

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.

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)

Men with a mission

How men support Hadassah

HDiane Schwartz, Presidents Council for Collier/Lee Chapter

adassah is a global organization with members, participants, donors, services, medical care and research shared around the world.

In the United States, 700 chapters and 300,000 members across the country make Hadassah the largest Jewish women’s organization. Hadassah Associates are part of this powerful group. Focused on making a vital impact on men’s health, Hadassah Associates’ center of attention is to support Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) and the groundbreaking medical advances that will affect men’s lives around the world.

Guest speaker Hadassah International Liaison, Division of Philanthropy Dr. Karen Ezrine will speak on “Updates from Hadassah Medical Organization: Serving Israel and the World.”

You can experience a Hadassah Associates’ program on March 18, 1-3 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center (6017 Pine Ridge Road, Naples). The Collier/Lee Chapter and Jewish Federation of Greater Naples jointly sponsor this Hadassah Associates’ Mel Toub Lecture Series. Registration is $18. With a $100, one-time, separate donation made directly to Hadassah.org, you will become a Lifetime Affiliate of Hadassah, and your name will appear on the Associates’ Honor Roll at www.hadassah.org/ menshealth.

The growing demand and need for a larger, more efficient surgical day care department calls for the renovation and expansion of the existing department in the round building at Hadassah Hospital. The National Associates are rising to the challenge and will raise funds for a men’s ambulatory recovery hall in the surgical

day care department. Upon completion of surgery, male patients will be transferred to the men’s ambulatory recovery for post-surgical observation ranging from one to three hours, where patients will continue to awaken fully from sedation. The recovery area will be furnished with recliners and equipped with patient monitors.

The Men’s Health Initiative has focused on three areas: prostate cancer, lung cancer and heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (U.S. statistics), prostate cancer is the No. 1 most common cancer in men; lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer death for men and women in the U.S.; and heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for men in the U.S.

Prostate cancer can only be cured if diagnosed early, while the tumor is confined to the prostate gland. It is second only to lung cancer as a leading cause of cancer death in American men. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer; one in 36 will die from the disease.

The survival rate for lung cancer is only 20% after five years. In Israel, HMO’s Sharett Institute of Oncology is a referral center for cancer patients from all over the world.

Heart disease kills one in four American men. Hadassah Medical Organization is committed to preventing, diagnosing, treating and continuing research that could one day eradicate heart disease. Choose action! Make your impact by fighting these deadly diseases through the Hadassah Associates Men’s Health Initiative and by supporting HMO’s outstanding patient care and cutting-edge research that benefits men worldwide. Choose the one that means the most to you, including the new surgical day care department needs.

Please join us

We are celebrating Hadassah’s founding 113 years ago with these events: March 7 – Hadassah Shabbat Zachor, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Shalom March 8 – Hadassah Shabbat Zachor, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Tikvah Synagogue March 24 – Spring Meeting Luncheon at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center with “That’s Entertainment” featuring Brett Foreman, noted leader of his band and popular performer throughout Southwest Florida. For information, contact collierlee hadassah@gmail.com.

Karen Ezrine

Connections, Conversation & Coffee

We warmly invite all grandparents of children with special needs to a unique networking event:

Monday, March 24 | 1-2:30 p.m.

At the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Register for this free program at www.jewishnaples.org with Sue Abrams, The Social Coach

This is a wonderful opportunity to:

• Connect with other grandparents who understand your journey.

• Share stories and advice

• Learn about local programs and support available

• Build a supportive community Why Attend?

• Support: Gain emotional and practical support.

• Community: Be part of a caring and understanding group.

• Resources: Access valuable information and resources.

Susan Abrams M.A. CCC-SLP

About Sue

SusanAbrams,M.A.CCC-SLP,isahighly respectedspeech-languagepathologist andthevisionaryfounderofTheSocial Coach,LLC.Withacareerdedicatedto supportingchildrenwithspecial needsSusanhasmadesignificant contributionstothefieldthroughher innovativeprogramsandinitiatives. ShedevelopedParentUniversity andBeSocialKids,whichempower parentsandchildrenwithpractical strategiesforsuccess.

Susan’scommitmenttoprofessional developmentandcollaborationisevident inhercreationoftheInnovatorsinEducationconference,aplatformforsharing bestpracticesandcutting-edgeresearch. Drivenbyherpassiontohelpchildren andtheirfamiliessheembarkedonher newestventure,TheSocialCoach,LLC. Throughthisendeavor,shecontinues toprovidespecializedsupportand guidancetoparentsandgrandparents, bothnationallyandinternationally.

Florida Jewish history markers and makers

TMarina Berkovich

JHSSWF

President

he Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2010 to celebrate and promote awareness of contributions Jewish residents made in Southwest Florida. The organization is recognized with a GuideStar Gold Seal rating.

As president of the Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, in a Southwest Florida historical first, I was invited to speak about Florida’s designation of Jewish History Month at the Jan. 28 Collier County Commissioners’ meeting. I also had the great honor and privilege of leading all who were present in the

precluded from attending the commemoration ceremony by the International Criminal Court.

On March 3, 1845, 180 years ago, Florida became the 27th state of the Union with a Jewish man, David Levy Yulee, becoming the first U.S. Senator representing Florida. He represented the Florida Territory’s at-large district as a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from March 4, 1841, to March 3, 1845.

Women’s Day was first celebrated on a suggestion of a Russian Jew, Theresa Serber Malkiel on Feb. 28, 1909. The Socialist Party of America organized a party in New York City. In 1922, Vladimir Illich Lenin declared March 8 as International Women’s Day to honor his female co-revolutionaries, many of whom were Jewish. The U.N. first marked the day in 1977, and the U.S. designated the month of March as Women’s History Month in 1987, with Florida following in 2021.

Pledge of Allegiance, marking a significant moment of recognition for the Jewish community's role in local governance.

When I spoke about Jewish History Month and the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz that was celebrated the day before, my remarks included regrets that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida conducts its educational and historical preservation efforts through various programs. The organization relies on community support and involvement, donations and volunteerism. For more information on supporting this important work call 833-547-7935 or go to www.jhsswf.org.

Jewish pioneers honored at fundraising event

By Marina Berkovich, JHSSWF President

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida’s annual fundraiser on Jan. 14 in celebration of Florida Jewish History Month was a smashing success. The event, co-chaired by Monica Goodwin, Ellen Frankel and Elena Novik, featured an elegant room setting, delicious afternoon tea delights, gorgeous hats on the heads of stunning ladies and beautiful music by Mike Mendelsohn and Richard Steinberg.

The educational entertainment program was presented by Karen Ezrine, Geri Parsley, Nancy Wiadro and local history expert Lois Bolin, who acted out some unpleasant episodes from the not-toodistant past.

Jacqui and Mike Mendelson and Richard Steinberg

Celebrate Your Golden Years at Bradford Square!

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Now is the time to honor the pioneering efforts of those who settled in Southwest Florida early enough to endure and overcome the antisemitism and ignorance of the second half of the 20th Century. It’s time to acknowledge the enduring legacy of perseverance they left behind and to form bonds with the community at large to enjoy a synergistic and harmonious future.

Karen Ezrine, Geri Parsley, Donna Lee Booker, Marina Berkovich, Nancy Wiadro, Lois Bolin, Wayne Smith, Alexander Goldstein and Monica Goodwin

Event co-chairs Monica Goodwin (L), Elena Novik (R) and Marina Berkovich

YOUR HOME FOR COMPLETE BREAST CARE

Magnolia Breast Center delivers the area’s only comprehensive breast health program. Our uniquely qualified team of Top Docs is board-certified in breast surgical oncology.

Become a Festival Patron by purchasing tickets at: www.NaplesJewishFilmFestival.org or www.Jewishnaples.org

Jewish Book Festival: It’s time to celebrate!

By Robin Mintz, Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival Chairperson

Iam thrilled with the block-buster attendance at the first four events of the 2024-2025 Jewish Book Festival. We moved our refreshments to the lobby and borrowed almost every chair in the building to accommodate our crowd. Our authors are in awe, not only of our beautiful building, but also by the very large attendance at the events. (They are probably thinking to themselves, “Who knew there were this many Jewish people in Naples!”)

Now, it is time to celebrate! The theme of this year’s festival is “Ten for 10,” as this is the 10th year of our Book Festival, and we are featuring 10 authors. In recognition of our 10th year, we have invited Talia Carner, author of “The Boy with the Star Tattoo,” to present on March 10th (!) at 3:30 p.m. Carner was a featured author at our very first book festival event, when she spoke about her book “Hotel Moscow.” Join us on March 10 for a special program as we celebrate the evolution of the Jewish Book Festival and have the pleasure of hearing author Talia Carner.

There will be two additional Book Festival events in March. Daniel Schulman, author of “The Money Kings: The Epic Story of the Jewish Immigrants Who

On Jan 21, 2025, Lisa Barr talked about “The Goddess of Warsaw” before an audience of more than 400.

Marc Saperstein, moderator for Jan 10, 2025 video presentation with Stuart Eizenstat’s “The Art of Diplomacy.”

Transformed Wall Street and Shaped Modern America,” will speak on March 21 at 1 p.m. And on March 27 at 10:30 a.m., we will hear Lauren Grodstein discuss her book “We Must Not Think of Ourselves” (a Read with Jenna Pick from 2024).

The success of our Book Festival is due to you, our generous patrons and sponsors, and our dedicated, hardworking volunteers. Behind the scenes at each

Carole Greene moderated the Q&A with Julie Satow, author of “When Women Ran Fifth Avenue,” on Jan 29, 2025.

event there are about 20 volunteers who help with every aspect of putting together a seamless production. I can’t thank all of you enough.

All Book Festival events are held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. One week prior to each event, a reminder email is sent to all ticket holders. Please reply to Reneé Bialek if you will not be able to attend. This allows us to accommodate people on the waitlist. Seats are still available for the remaining events and can be purchased for $25 each — but don’t wait too long! To buy tickets, visit jewishbookfestival.org or call Reneé Bialek at 239-263-4205.

Review of “We Must Not Think of Ourselves” by Lauren Grodstein

By Carole J Greene, Jewish Book Festival Committee Member

On March 27, when we fill the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center for the ninth program of this year’s 10-book Jewish Book Festival, we may wonder why we came to hear about yet another book depicting life in the Warsaw ghetto after the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939. We’re Jews. We read. We already know all about this hellish episode of the Holocaust — all the deprivations, disease, killings for no reason, forced transport to death camps. What makes this book so special that we should not miss this presentation?

Let me tell you.

We celebrate author Lauren Grodstein for the way she reveals all the facts we already know. Her novel, “We Must Not Think of Ourselves,” utilizes fictional

narratives of historical events in a rather unusual way. Grodstein tells us in her acknowledgments that she was inspired by the Oneg Shabbat project, the actual — and courageous — attempt to chronicle events in the Warsaw ghetto, to generate significant documentation that historians would be grateful to have.

The tale begins in late 1940, when Adam Paskow, the novel’s narrator, takes on an assignment by a secret group of archivists to preserve the truth of what happens inside the ghetto’s walls. Somewhat surprised to be asked — he had been an unheralded language professor prior to being cut off from that life — he agrees.

As families try hard to lead normal lives in this grotesquely abnormal captivity, Paskow conducts language classes for

children, in the basement of one of the ghetto buildings. These young students become the first to be interviewed. Above each entry in his clandestine notebook, he indicates the person’s name, age, height and weight, plus the date of the interview. Often, he includes his own reactions to what the child divulges. Thus, readers learn how so many of the children sneak outside the ghetto almost daily to barter for or just plain steal items — especially food — to extend their lives, if just for one more day.

Paskow’s interviews also share the dread of the parents — the danger to their children at the hands of Nazi guards who shoot at will, their hope for the return of their offspring before nightfall adds more to fear, and the inescapable fact that the food these kids bring is keeping them alive. Just barely.

Grodstein peeks inside the hope harbored in the adults’ hearts that, somehow, they will come through all this. Maybe they can use whatever of value they still

own to buy their way out. Maybe they can avoid the transports. Maybe they won’t get sick — a death sentence in itself, because they lack doctors and medicines. Maybe they will be rescued. Maybe they will have enough hope left to fall in love, fulfilling that most natural need.

And that is what Paskow does. Of the three families crammed into one small apartment, one person stands out: Sala Wiskoff. Married and with two children, Wiskoff is stoic yet determined. Over the many months of their forced proximity, empathy turns to friendship, which turns to love. It’s an untenable relationship, and both Paskow and Wiskoff know that. Yet, at the same time, their love produces a vital connection with their only salvation: hope.

Here is where readers start to understand the meaning of the book’s title. When observant Jews sit shiva, tradition prescribes that any mirrors in the house must be turned to the wall, sofa cushions put away. Mourners must not feel too comfortable in this world bereft of the loved one who has died. More important to realize during this time is the teaching that “we must not think of ourselves.”

What an apt metaphor for the semblance of life in the Warsaw ghetto — where every resident takes on the role of mourner for all that has been lost. When mourning ends, only hope for the future moves them onward.

The tribe goes to the Oscars, 2025

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.

The 97th Oscars ceremony takes place on Sunday, March 2. It begins at 7 p.m. on ABC and will be hosted by Conan O’Brien. The following is a list of “confirmed” Jewish Oscar nominees. My practice is not to include the technical categories (like costumes and makeup).

All the categories have five nominees, except for the Best Picture Oscar. There are 10 nominated films. Below are the “confirmed” Jewish nominees.

Best original score

“The Brutalist,” composed by Daniel Blumberg, 34, and “Wicked,” composed by John Powell and Stephen Schwartz, 76. Blumberg is a Brit with a long, popular music career; he began writing film scores in 2018. Schwartz wrote the score for the original “Wicked” Broadway musical (2003). He is the composer of many famous stage and film musicals, and he’s won three Oscars (to date).

Best original song

"The Journey" from “The Six Triple Eight” (film). The music and lyrics were

written by Diane Warren, 68. She has been Oscar-nominated 16 times for best song and has never won! However, she was given an honorary Oscar in 2022. Warren has written nine No. 1 songs (Billboard), and she’s penned 33 top 10 songs. Look her up!

Best cinematography

“Maria,” filmed by Ed Lachman , 76. For decades, he has been a top director of photography (feature films and documentaries). He has been Oscar-nominated five times (to date).

Best original screenplay

“A Real Pain,” written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, 41. You probably already know that this film follows two Jewish cousins (played by Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin) who travel to Poland to join a group “touring” Holocaust-related sites.

“A Real Pain” is a big step in Eisenberg’s multi-faceted career. (Eisenberg didn’t get an acting or directing Oscar nomination this year. Kieran Culkin got a supporting actor nomination for his performance as Eisenberg’s cousin).

Best adapted screenplay

“A Complete Unknown,” co-written by James Mangold, 63, and Jay Cocks (nominees). It covers Bob Dylan from 1961-65. The film is based on the book “Dylan Goes Electric!” by Elijah Wald, 65.

Best director

Mangold also directed “A Complete Unknown.” He’s the secular son of two artists: his mother is Jewish, and his father isn’t Jewish (they are still alive). Almost every film he’s directed has received good reviews and almost all have made a lot of money. Here are a few: “Walk the Line” (2005), about singer Johnny Cash (a close friend of Dylan’s); “3:10 to Yuma” (2007); and “Logan” (2017).

Best supporting actor

Jeremy Strong, 46, is nominated for playing Roy Cohn, a notorious attorney in “The Apprentice” (a film about Donald Trump). Strong’s father was Jewish; his mother was not Jewish. My sense, from brief interview responses, is that Strong was raised secular. Strong acted steadily but didn’t really “break-out” as an “actor to watch” until he got a juicy role as Kendall Roy, one of the sons of a billionaire in “Succession,” a hit HBO series.

Best actress

“Anora,” Mikey Madison, 25, is nominated for playing Anora (the title role). Madison (who was born Mikaela Madison Rosberg) wasn’t a major name before “Anora.” She played a crazy member of the Manson gang in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019) and she played a teen daughter in “Better Things,” an FX/Hulu series.

“Anora” was a surprise hit: winning a major Cannes Film Festival award and now, receiving a best picture Oscar nomination. Madison plays a (not Jewish) woman from the former Soviet Union whose family settled in America. Anora makes a living stripping in a New York club. Her boss sometimes pimps her out to customers. He sends Anora on a “date” with Vanya, the spoiled son of a rich Russian oligarch. Anora and Vanya fall in love, and they elope. His father is not happy and does “things.” (Russian Jewish actor Mark Eydelstein, 23, plays Vanya.)

Best actor

Timothy Chalamet, 29, for his performance as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.” In my December 2024 column, I dove pretty deeply into this film and the background of Chalamet. I can add that he recently completed filming “Marty Supreme.” Chalamet plays (the late) Marty Reiser, a top table tennis player. More on this film next month. Also, Adrien Brody, 53, for his performance in “The Brutalist.” He played Laszlo Toth, a (fictional) Hungarian architect who survived the Holocaust and settled in America. Sadly, Toth has struggles in America almost equal to concentration camps. Brody previously won the best actor Oscar for his performance (2003) as Wladyslaw Szpilman,

continued on page 4A

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Naples Jewish Film Festival heads back to the theater

By NJFF Committee Members

Exciting news for film lovers! The Naples Jewish Film Festival is heading back to the theater for just one night!

Audience favorite, “Bad Shabbos” is having its Southwest Florida premier at The Naples Players (formally known as Sugden Community Theatre) on Sunday, March 16 at 7 p.m.

This hilarious and heartfelt story takes place on a Friday evening on Manhattan’s Upper West Side during a Shabbat dinner gone awry. This film is winner of the Tribeca Film Festival and scored an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Daniel Robbins

The incomparable cast includes Kyra Sedwick, Method Man, David Paymer,

stars of david...continued from page 3A

a (real) Polish Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust.

Best picture

The best picture Oscar goes to the film’s principal producers. No more than three are nominated. As I write this, the “Oscar folk” haven’t named all the producer-nominees.

Here are the best picture nominees with a Jewish producer(s) and/or a Jewish leading actor/actress and/or a Jewish theme:

Earl Prolman

Richard Rubin

Wendy Rubin

Nancy Schachtman

Steven Schachtman

Jane Schiff

Dorothy Schwebel

Cindy Shapiro

Joel Shapiro

Dawn Sherman

Jamie Silverstein

Phyllis Strome

Steve Strome

Jay Weiss

Susan Weiss

Jon Bass, Megan Leathers, Milana Vayntrub, Theo Taplitz and Ashley Zuckerman.

As a bonus, cowriter and producer Daniel Robbins will join the screening to introduce the film and conduct a post screening Q&A.

Let’s pack the theater to laugh and cheer together — because your support makes all the difference! Don’t miss this unforgettable film.

Buy your patron tickets for the entire film festival or individual tickets now at https://www.jewishnaples.org/ naples-jewish-film-festival.

• “Anora” – two Jewish costars.

• “The Brutalist” – Jewish themes, Jewish star.

• “A Complete Unknown” – Mangold coproduced this film about Bob Dylan in which Chalamet stars.

• “Dune: Part Two” – Jewish actor (Chalamet) stars.

• “Nickel Boys" – Jeremy Kleiner, 47, co-producer.

• “Wicked” – produced “solo” by Marc Platt, 67.

Presented by

The 12TH ANNUAL NAPLES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL promises to celebrate diverse stories and perspectives that inspire, entertain and foster cultural understanding.

By purchasing tickets to the festival, you promote cultural diversity and dialogue within our community while treating yourself to an awesome experience!

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS YEAR’S LINEUP:

March 2 at 7:00 PM

RUNNING ON SAND

(Drama, 1 h 44 m, Hebrew with English Subtitles)

2024 Winner of San Francisco

Jewish Film Festival

When a young Eritrean refugee deported from Israel is mistaken for the new foreign player of a struggling soccer team, his survival depends on the team’s success. This Israeli drama-comedy revolves around the very real timely dangers of living in Israel as an illegal immigrant. The script swings elegantly between farce with a Ted Lasso vibe and dead-serious social commentary.

March 9 at 3:00 PM

THE GLORY OF LIFE

(Drama/Romance, 1 h 38 min, German with English Subtitles)

2024 Winner Austin Jewish Film Festival

Because of the power of love, the last year of Franz Kafka’s life becomes his happiest. The film, based on the novel by Michael Kumpfmüller, tells of the young love of two extraordinary people in a hopeless situation. It is a story about longing and about being happily unhappily in love. The well-known writer has never before been able to allow himself to experience intimacy, he suffers from tuberculosis and is dependent on his overbearing family. They are granted a single year together until Franz Kafka’s health incurably deteriorates. However, their year together allows them to feel the glory of life.

March 16 at 7:00 PM

BAD SHABBOS

(Comedy, 1 h 24 min, English)

2024 Winner of Tribeca Film Festival

An engaged interfaith couple are about to have their parents meet for the first time over a Shabbat dinner gone awry. Modern Jews trying to balance the polarities of secular and religious lives along with the dilemma of a dead body in the bathroom. The humor in this movie can be appreciated by everyone. It transverses all religions and ethnicities. The ensemble cast starring Kyra Sedgwick, Milana Vayntrub, and Jon Bass is extremely talented. This film is already a festival favorite.

March 23 at 7:00 PM

PINK LADY

(Drama, 1 h 46 min, Hebrew with English Subtitles)

2024 nomination to Israeli Film Academy Battie and Lazer, a young Jewish ultraOrthodox couple receive an unmarked envelope with pictures of Lazer kissing another man. He tells her that the pictures are fabricated and that he is being blackmailed by an ultra-Orthodox gang who is terrorizing their community. Battle and Laser stand up against the gang in a journey that will test their love and faith, and change their lives forever. This story is fundamentally a story about female empowerment and fortitude.

Sunday, March 30 at 7:00 PM

SODA

Israel Feature, 99 minutes

Eva, a beautiful seamstress, arrives with her daughter in a Israeli working-class neighborhood in 1954. Shalom Gottlieb, a former partisan leader and current factory foreman, falls for Eva, who offers him a chance at happiness and a life filled with beauty and laughter. But rumors of Eva’s past as a Kapo during the Holocaust shake the community. Shalom’s choice to be with Eva now means not only betraying his family, but also his fellow partisans and his duty to uncover her secret.

Israeli stars Lior Raz (“Fauda”, “Gladiator 2”) and Rotem Sela (“Beauty and the Baker”) lead this captivating drama from acclaimed Israeli filmmaker Erez Tadmor (“Matchmaking”, “Children of Nobody”).

OF GREATER NAPLES

At the Museum

ISusan Suarez President & CEO

t is hard to believe that this will be my last column as president & CEO of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. Serving in this role for the past seven-plus years has been an honor. Together, our team of staff, volunteers and donors have created a worldclass Holocaust Museum with a nearly 10,000-square-foot facility. We developed all new exhibits, served more than 30,000 people annually, presented programs such as the Violins of Hope, hosted speakers ranging from Dr. Ruth to historian Timothy Snyder as well as this year’s honoree, Holocaust survivor Sam Harris. We also survived multiple hurricanes and COVID.

Survival stories

The greatest privilege of working at the Museum has been meeting Holocaust survivors. Hearing personal stories makes this history come to life. Many of them are no longer with us, yet their stories live on in the memories of the thousands of students who met them and heard their stories. The stories of Abe Price, Renee Beddouk, Lorie Mayer, Sabine and Jaques van Dam, and many others are the foundation of memory and lessons which will not be forgotten.

On Jan. 27, Heinz Wartski shared his story at the Museum. He was born in 1929 in the free state of Danzig. His father was arrested, but eventually the family escaped to Italy where they lived with the partisans. Wartski knows firsthand where hatred can lead and the importance of mutual respect.

Holocaust survivor Rob Nossen also continues to share his story at schools and communities. He explains how

Thank you, Susan!

On behalf of the Museum Board, Donors, Staff and Volunteers, we appreciate all you've done for the Museum!

Your leadership since 2017 has had a great impact. Among your many accomplishments was initiating the Museum's first Capital Campaign, the success of which enabled us to find and purchase a permanent location. Thanks to your dedicated involvement, from initial design discussions through to the Grand Opening and recent expansion, you helped turn a long-held dream into an award-winning Museum.

You have positioned the Museum as an important community partner, ensuring that our Holocaust Education programming will continue to impact thousands of SWFL students, teachers, and Museum visitors in the future.

We wish you a very happy retirement. You will be missed!

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

his family was saved by the brave actions of the El Salvadoran Consul, Col. Castellanos, who gave the Nossen family El Salvadoran citizenship papers. Both Wartski and Nossen recognize the importance of upstanders in their family’s survival. Upstanders, as opposed to bystanders, are those who do the right thing when they see bullying or hatred. These are the important lessons the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center shares with students.

Museum mission and vision

Our new mission statement, “teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against hatred and to promote mutual respect,” and our vision to “live in a world that values mutual respect, free of antisemitism and hatred” guide our work.

The readers of this publication understand the terrible problem of antisemitism and the importance of Holocaust education. With your support and involvement, the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center reaches 20,000 students and teachers each year throughout all of Southwest Florida. This year, our field trip schedule is completely booked with students from fifth, eighth and tenth grades coming to the Museum for a tour and age-appropriate reflective lessons. Teachers are also grateful for the resources we bring to schools, including the Boxcar Exhibit, mobile displays, books and lesson plans.

Our current special exhibit

“Convincing the Masses: Propaganda at Home and Abroad” runs through mid-June. Our curator, Cody Rademacher, included items from the Museum archives, some of which have never been displayed, to create a narrative about the various ways propaganda was used by the Nazis to foment hatred against Jews and build support for their Aryan ideals. The exhibit also includes examples of how the U.S. used propaganda against Japanese Americans.

We are counting on your continued support to keep our education programs strong and to join us in the fight against hatred. In the words of Holocaust survivor and Museum volunteer Heinz Wartski, who is now 95 years old, the most important thing is to love one another.

I look forward to seeing the Museum continue to grow and thrive with our new CEO, Erin Blankenship. I know you will all give her a warm welcome!

Upcoming programs

Thank you to all who have supported our sold-out March 4th Triumph of Resilience event honoring Sam Harris. Please join us for these upcoming events in March at the Museum:

• Wednesday, March 12 – “Ravensbruck and The White Buses Rescue” presented by Richard Ohlsson, 2 p.m. at the Museum. RSVP at hmcec.org.

• Wednesday, March 19 – "The Holocaust in Salonika, the Jerusalem of the Balkans" presented by GenShoah SWFL Member Sam Varsano, 2:30 p.m. at the Museum. RSVP at hmcec.org. Private group tours are available to book in advance. They can be scheduled in the mornings or late afternoon. Clubs, neighborhoods, retirement communities and more enjoy private group tours as an interesting educational and social activity that can easily be paired with breakfast, lunch or wine and cheese. If you already love the Holocaust Museum, you can help spread awareness by inviting a group for a tour or scheduling a speaker to come to your community. For more information, contact Julie@hmcec.org.

Lerner Classroom Survivor Wall

Susan and Heinz Wartski

2018 Violins of Hope Luncheon (credit: Dell River Photography)

Community Yom Ha’Atzmaut MUSICAL CELEBRATION

Hashayara , a vibrant ensemble of Israeli musicians from the Galilee, is proud to bring the spirit of Israel's Independence Day to Naples.

Through music and storytelling, we celebrate Israel's diverse culture, innovative spirit, and the incredible resilience that has defined our nation since its founding. Our performances blend traditional favorites with contemporary Israeli hits, creating a powerful connection between Israel's past and present.

program is brought to you by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

The responsibility of your legacy

By Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb

As we age, we have all had moments when we consider what will be gone when we die. Who will remember us? Who will maintain our memories and what we have learned from our life? What is the legacy that remains after we are gone?

Here is a dictionary definition of legacy: The long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life. If there has been a life-changing event in a previous generation, it will affect whatever comes afterwards. These effects may be conscious or just the way it is. Children of Holocaust survivors may realize that their very existence is the effect of such a life-changing event.

So, what is your responsibility to keep that legacy alive? Survivors had to cope with constant decisions about that responsibility. For many of them, it was enough that they experienced the horrors of that time, and they kept it to themselves. For others, it was necessary to talk and write about their experiences. To make sure that the horror was not forgotten and to be a deterrent to the rise of such hate and destruction.

It is now 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. Very few of the remaining survivors can actively engage in responsibility for their legacy. And we are grateful to those who chose to speak openly to their family and to the world about their experiences. Now is the

time for us, their children, to step into their shoes.

Regardless of whether or not your survivor parents engaged with your family or with the greater public about what they experienced, we can choose to take on that responsibility.

GenShoah SWFL provided an opportunity for a group of 2Gs to become a link to the Holocaust for the sixth-grade students at Temple Shalom who are preparing for their upcoming bar/bat mitzvahs. In January of this year, the b'nei mitzvah class came to the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center for a tour and brunch. They have done this in the past, but this year, they were also introduced to four 2Gs. This informal meet-up was very successful.

Early in March, the students will again interact with these same 2Gs for a panel discussion. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions that they have prepared in advance.

So, what kinds of questions would a 12-year-old ask of someone who has a personal relationship with the Holocaust? Here are some examples that were shared by another student of similar age.

Questions from a 4G, age 13

This example is personal for the author, Shelley Lieb, 2G.

If your Bubbie was still alive, what would you ask her? (My mother was a

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.

HONORING TRADITIONS, strengthening faith

Holocaust survivor. My grandson does remember her. He was 9 years old when she passed away in 2020.)

• How scary was it?

• How could you be Jewish in your everyday life?

• Were your parents ever interrogated?

• Were you bat-mitzvahed?

• Were you in jail?

• Were you captured?

• Were you in a concentration camp?

• How was life in a concentration camp?

• Did you try to escape?

• Did you celebrate after the war?

• How did you know the war had started?

• How did you know the war was about being Jewish?

Of course, this should encourage all survivors and 2Gs to think through the answers to these questions. They are pointed and poignant and clearly inform the survivor or 2G of what the student wants to know. What the student has never experienced in their own life. The questions show that the student has an awareness of some of the horrors that were experienced but struggles to explain why it happened and how to respond to it. This is just a sample from one student around bar/bat mitzvah age.

the Holocaust. Submit your RSVP to hmcec.org; RSVP is required to attend.

Genealogy Workshop by Hank Bitterman – Sunday, April 6 at 1 p.m.; Location TBD. Bring your device and follow the lead of Hank Bitterman (2G) who takes you to various online resources to find out about you and your family’s past. Bitterman shares his knowledge from his own family findings both in the USA and abroad. This session will provide a good starting point for further inquiries. Submit your RSVP to liebro@gmail.com; RSVP is required to attend.

Yom HaShoah Commemoration – Sunday, April 27, 4 p.m. at Temple Shalom, Naples. A program of Holocaust remembrance for the entire Jewish community. Local clergy, cantors and others offer prayers, musical selections, candlelighting, recollection of individual names and additional presentations of relevance to the solemnity of this occasion. Submit your RSVP to jewishnaples.org. There is a pre-event reception for GenShoah and survivors at 3 p.m. Please send your memorial message for this program to genshoahswfl@hmcec.org by March 31.

About GenShoah SWFL

GenShoah SWFL is a group for children

Rolly Jacob, Rene Geist, Sam Geist and Sol Awend at the initial meeting with b'nei mitzvah students.

and descendants of Holocaust survivors, and anyone interested in the mission of GenShoah of SWFL which is:

Putting yourself in a position to have to respond to such questions is only one way to be responsible for your legacy.

Upcoming programs

"Our Stories" GenShoah member gettogether – Sunday, March 2, 1 p.m.; Location TBD. This is an opportunity to talk with other Holocaust survivors and descendants about themselves and their family experiences on a specific topic. Submit your RSVP to liebro@gmail.com; RSVP is required to attend.

"The Holocaust in Salonika, the Jerusalem of the Balkans" by Sam Varsano – Wednesday, March 19, 2:30 p.m. at the Holocaust Museum. Sam Varsano (2G) will share the dilemma of the Jewish community in Salonika and how they were selected for deportation during

• Promotion of Holocaust education and human rights

• Preservation of history and memories of the Holocaust

• Connecting the Second Generation with one another

• And support of the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center

An affinity group of the Holocaust Museum, GenShoah, is always open to those interested in our mission. If you would like to receive our newsletter and program announcements, just send an e-mail to liebro@gmail.com.

As in our mission, we encourage all GenShoah members to join the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. For information about membership, please email hmcec.org.

Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb

GenShoah events

By Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb

Lately, people have asked each other questions that may not have been a topic of discussion before — are you thinking of leaving the U.S.? Where would you go? Do you think we should move to Israel? Where is the safest place to go? Can you believe the increase in antisemitism in the U.S.? Can you believe how much antisemitism is growing in Canada, in Europe, on college campuses? Can you believe how many groups are anti-Israel, pro-BDS? Why can’t Israel have better public relations? Why is the media so biased against Israel?

Meanwhile, the 2Gs, children of Holocaust survivors, frequently say that they asked their parents, the ones who were in ghettos, the ones who were in work camps or concentration camps, and the ones who were in the most horrible death camps — why didn’t you leave?

The most frequent response that their survivor parents gave depended a little on where they lived — in Germany, they felt like citizens, assimilated. Jews in other Western European countries like Austria, felt very secure that nothing would happen to them.

Now there is often this question from 2Gs — how will we know when we need to leave? A very real and very serious question. What is the answer? We don’t know. In the meantime, life goes on and so do our activities.

We have some thought-provoking programs, some memorial programs and

even social programs coming up and we hope you will join us for those that interest you:

• Sunday, March 2 at 1 p.m.: The Annual “Our Stories” Get Together where 2Gs will share stories about their parents. Send your RSVP to liebro@gmail.com.

• Wednesday, March 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the Museum: Popular speaker Sam Varsano will present “The Holocaust in Salonika.” RSVP required at hmcec.org.

• Sunday, April 6 at 1 p.m.: Our genealogy maven, Hank Bitterman, will help people find family once again. Send your RSVP to liebro@gmail.com.

• Sunday, April 27 at 4 p.m. at Temple Shalom: Attend the annual Yom HaShoah service. Send your RSVP to jewishnaples.org. If you are a survivor or 2G, please consider attending a member reception at 3 p.m. Contact liebro@gmail. com for more information and to RSVP for the reception.

GenShoah, an affinity group of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, is always open to those interested in our mission. If you would like to receive our newsletter and program announcements, just send an e-mail to liebro@gmail.com.

As in our mission, we encourage all GenShoah members to join the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. For information about membership please e-mail hmcec.org.

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Beth Tikvah exciting programs in March

By Lee Henson, Program Director

And the beat goes on! Come join us on March 6 at 7 p.m. to hear our respected and knowledgeable speakers, Joyce Schrager and June Sochen, who will inform us about the current state of the world.

We will all want to dance in our seats when Daniel Weiser plays “Jewish Jazz” on March 11 at 7 p.m.

We will celebrate Purim on March 13.

On March 15, we honor Hadassah and all the work they do in Israel and around the world during our Shabbat service. The organization’s work aiding those who need help during and after the horrific war is essential. Come and support them at our special Shabbat service. Don’t forget to bring menstrual products to aid their “Women to Women” project.

On March 16, we will hold our Annual

Meeting. If you are a member, come vote! If you can’t join us, be sure to send in your proxy! Representation is essential.

Dr. Stuart Mest will share “The Holocaust: A Medically Driven Genocide” on March 18 at 7 p.m.

On March 22, we will officially welcome our new members. If you are considering joining us, this would be the perfect Shabbat! March ends with a Rosh Chodesh morning discussion on March 30.

Please RSVP to our office, 239-4341818, for any of our events. For more information, check out our website, www.bethtikvahnaples.org.

JOIN US IN MARCH FOR THE NAPLES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

March 9 at 3:00 PM THE GLORY OF LIFE

Become a Festival Patron by purchasing tickets at: www.NaplesJewishFilmFestival.org or www.Jewishnaples.org

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Temple Shalom events open to the community

By Jeanette Fischer, Temple Shalom Director of Communications

Registration is required for all of the events and programs below.

Celebrate Purim at Temple Shalom

Kick off the celebration with our Wicked, Wicked Purim Shpiel on Sunday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m.! Bring a box of mac and cheese to use as a grogger — after the shpiel, we'll donate them to the food pantry.

Then, keep the fun going at Purim Palooza, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

• Food trucks

• Beer garden

• Kid zone

• Music and entertainment

• Purim carnival games

Please call the Temple Shalom YESh (Religious School) office at 239-455-2233 for more information.

Megillah Reading & Purim Food Drive

Let’s read the book of Esther and celebrate Purim together on Friday, March 14 at 10 a.m. We will be collecting nonperishable food items for the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Artist-in-Residence

Join us March 21-22 for this special program with Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller:

• Friday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. Shabbat evening services

• Saturday, March 22, noon Kiddush lunch (Registration required)

• Saturday, March 22, 7:30 p.m. concert (Registration required)

Cantor Schiller serves as the Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman Professor of Liturgy, Worship and Ritual and Professor of Cantorial Arts at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music.

Artist-in-Residence weekend is generously

NJC events open to the community

By Chuck Naumoff, Publicity Chair

Everyone is invited to the following events at Naples Jewish Congregation in March.

Lifelong Learning series

Join us Friday, March 14 at 5 p.m. when Rabbi Herman will speak on the topic of “Jewish Food and Eating: Laws, Ethics and Customs.” Learn what Judaism has to say about food and eating. What does “kosher” mean and many more fascinating Jewish food topics. Light dinner

($10) and services to follow. Please go to NaplesJewishCongregation.org to register for the dinner.

As a congregation, NJC is committed to promote education and reflective discussion of the compelling issues that we all face as Americans and Jews. Rabbi Herman is a poignant, insightful and entertaining educator.

Shabbat services

Everyone is welcome to attend our weekly

underwritten by the Dr. Paula Brody and Merrill Hassenfeld Artist-inResidence Fund.

Please call the Temple Shalom office at 239-455-3030 or to go tinyurl.com/ TS-Cantorschiller for more information or to register for the Kiddush lunch and/ or concert.

Temple Shalom Naplestemple.org 239-455-3030

Shabbat services, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. on Saturdays through May. See our website, naplesjewishcongregation.org, for specific dates and times. While there, you can see other various planned activities.

Naples Jewish Congregation Naplesjewishcongregation.org • 239-431-3858

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 7:30PM During Shabbat evening services

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 12:00PM During Kiddush Luncheon

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 7:30PM

Evening Concert

Artist-In-Residence weekend is generously underwritten by Dr. Paula Brody and Merrill Hassenfeld Artist-in-Residence Fund

Join us for song and inspiration in our home at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples. Worship together with the members of the small congregation with a big heart.

Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller serves as the Rabbi Lawrence A Hoffman Professor of Liturgy, Worship, and Ritual and Professor of Cantorial Arts at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music She formally served as Cantor of Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in White Plains, New York She is certified by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality as a Jewish mindfulness meditation teacher

Mit ahn aahsent! (With an accent)

Zoog mir in Yiddish

By Sol Awend, GenShoah SWFL

It’s been said that you should never mock someone who has an accent.

Chances are they know at least one other language.

Coming to this country with my parents and becoming newly minted Americans was a real adventure. They came here mit gooshnist (with nothing) because they lost alles (everything). They were Holocaust survivors who experienced one terrible side of life. By the Grace of God, they survived, made it here and embraced the American way of life.

Sol Awend

That embrace was a real test of who they were, because the road was rocky at times: learning new customs, changes of dress, finding work and establishing a life. And one defining factor was the language. Without being able to speak and understand those around you, you were lost. Try getting on a bus, now that you finally have a job, and the bus driver tells you the fare — and you stand there, paralyzed. It happened to my Dad. Or my Mom bringing lunch to school, because I forgot it. Addressing the secretary with “Dis is ah sonoffahbitch for my son Salehmon.” You can’t make this stuff up!

Anyone have that picture of themselves on a horse, oss geh stroyet, all dressed in cowboy gear? Imagine running into the house in a huff, “Mameh! Siz doo a fayet!” (Mom! There’s a horse!) I’m sure my Mom was not familiar with the wild, wild West and thought her son lost his marbles.

Ever hear the term “Greener?” If you came to America as a refugee, you were given that name by fellow Yiddlec’h who were here long before you were. It was shorthand, describing those unfamiliar with American ways and customs. Even though it was a slang to describe our shortcomings, I’m proud to say my family were, in fact, “Greeners.” They battled the outside world every day, trying to make their way here, but coming home? Ah mah c’haya!” (a pleasure). Ah yooh cheh (a soup familiar to us) was probably cooking on the stove. Tahteh would come home from a 14-hour day and give Deh Mameh ah kish in kep’l a kiss on her forehead.

Imagine Shabbos, back then, after a harrowing week. “Deh Mameh“ot geh t’zinden laac’ht,” Mom lit the candles, Dad wished the family Ah Gitt’n Shabbos after reciting Kiddish. Both of them giving us ah kish t’zin geh zint (a kiss for health).

I salute those who had accents and kept Yiddish alive ín deh Heim (at home). Or spoke in public and absolutely blew away salespeople. It was nothing to switch from English to Yiddish in mid-sentence explaining to my Mom, let’s say, what was said. And then back to English, getting the point across.

I trust you get to shmooze ah bissel with someone who spiks mit an ahksent and reminisce about good times past. Until next time, got something to say? Zoog Mir in Yiddish!

Bridging divides

Why Jewish communities must embrace Christian Zionist solidarity

By Allen Menkin, MD Project Coordinator. CAMERA’s Naples Partnership of Christians and Jews

The Oct. 7, 2023, massacres, the plight of the hostages and the normalization of violent antisemitism have occupied our minds for a year-and-a-half. As of this writing, we do not know if the current ceasefire represents a step toward peace or just a tactical pause (hudna) in Palestinian Arab aggression. Could moderate-growing international demands for the legal persecution of Israel have any effect at all on the hurricane of antisemitism raging across Europe and the English-speaking world?

We do know that there has been a glaring lack of moral clarity and support from secular Western democracies, the Vatican and some mainstream Protestant denominations, and it is legitimate to question if those institutions actually learned the lessons of the Holocaust.

In contrast, the approximately 100 million Evangelical or non-denominational

Christians in America have no legacy of complicity and unwaveringly support of Israel. In the words of the eminent American historian, Walter Russell Mead, “Israel’s endurance against its enemies remains, for these Americans, proof that God exists; He drives history; He performs miracles in real time; [and that] God’s word in the Bible is true.” As a result, perhaps for the first time in history, more Christians actively support Jews than there are Jews.

Unfortunately, their robust Zionism, philosemitism and offers of help have frequently been met with disinterest, skepticism or rejection from the Jewish community. That is inconsistent with our teachings and traditions. At a time when many traditional friends and allies have become critics or foes, it is also clearly not in our best interest.

Federation Star Publication Policy

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

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

Critical or derogatory comments directed at individuals or organizations will not be published.

To avoid misunderstandings, controversies and destructive divisions among our people, the Officers and Board of Trustees of Federation have adopted the following publication policy: Advertisements: All advertisements, regardless of their sponsor, shall be paid for in full, at the established rates, prior to publication. The contents of all advertisements shall be subject to review and approval of the Federation board or its designee. Commercial advertisers may make credit arrangements with

the advertising manager, subject to the approval of the Federation board. Regular Columns: Regular columns shall be accepted only from leaders (Rabbis, Presidents, Chairs) of established and recognized Jewish organizations in Greater Naples and the designated chairs of the regular committees of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Special Announcements: Special announcements shall be accepted from established Jewish organizations in Greater Naples and may, at the discretion of the Federation board, be subject to the conditions applicable to paid advertisements, as set forth above.

News Items: Only those news items pertaining to matters of general interest to the broadest cross section of the Jewish community will be accepted for publication.

Note: Items of controversial opinions and points of view about political issues will not be accepted for publication without prior approval of a majority of the Federation Officers and Trustees. All persons and organizations objecting to the actions and rulings of the Editor or Publications Committee Chair shall have the right to appeal those rulings to the Officers and Board of Trustees of JFGN.

Tributes

To: Hilda Levine

In Celebration Hilda Levine

Happy "Special" Birthday! Love, Michael & Beth

From: Beth Laster-Nathan

To: Philip Sacks

In Honor of Philip Sacks

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

From: Rita Bernstein & Steve Iser

To: Hilda Levine In Celebration Hilda Levine

Wishing you a Special Birthday!

From: Rita Bernstein & Steve Iser

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.

To: Judy Rubenstein In Memory of Richard Rubenstein

Dear Judy, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of you and wish you and your family a long life

From: Louise Novis

To place a tribute in FederationStarin honor or memory of someone, please contact Linda Sherman at the Federation office at 239-263-4205 or lsherman@jewishnaples.org. Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. A note will be sent to the person/ family you are honoring. Tributes help further the work of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Purim means it’s time for Hamantaschen

By Chef Dalia

Known in Israel as oznei Haman (or, of late, as oznei Sinwar, in reference to infamous Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar), these triangular cookies may well be even more iconic than the Purim holiday itself.

When I moved to the U.S., I was amazed to discover what a disappointing response Purim got from the majority of Jews here. As an Israeli, I definitely felt the cultural difference.

Purim just isn’t a big deal here in the U.S., and for most American Jews, this holiday, which I find so extremely spirited, is filled with childhood memories of Hebrew School Purim parades. Purim isn’t a holiday that they relate to as adults, aside from, maybe, a love of hamantaschen.

Growing up in Israel, Purim was always a big deal. From choosing my costume — I always wanted to be Queen Esther and pretend to be beautiful and powerful — to fussing over mischloach manot (or shalach manos). These little Purim gifts baskets that hold treats and goodies are exchanged in Israeli classrooms. They are shared with neighbors, friends, family and, especially, poor people on Purim. I loved the store-bought type of Oznei Haman (yummy triangle Purim cookies) that they gave us at school, and the fun events that were often staged in our schoolyards with games and activities. It was truly a festive and exciting day.

Purim is about dancing, being drunk from happiness and being yourself, even if you are hidden behind a costume.

Purim in Israel can be kind of extravagant. But for me, it’s all about Oznei Haman, a sweet holiday memory that appears every year. Although my kids grew up learning that the triangular shape of the iconic Purim cookies are called hamantaschen, which symbolize the evil Haman’s hat, in Israel, the desserts are called Oznei Haman (Haman’s Ears). The treats in Israel are made with shortbread dough, sweeter and crisper than what you can find in the stores in the U.S.

The pastries in Israel come stuffed with classics like poppy seed, though surprisingly not jam, which has little traction in Israeli bakeries. Beloved Israeli flavors such as halvah spread and hazelnut nougat are everywhere. And growing in popularity are chocolate spread-filled centers; the soft spread hardens during cooking, ultimately resembling a Hershey’s Kiss hiding within a shortbread surface.

As is the case with sufganiyot on Hanukkah, Oznei Haman have become a big thing to watch for each year. Bakeries intentionally release marketing campaigns to promote a new year’s special flavors, and travelers stop in to try a different kind each day in the month leading up to Purim, which starts March 13 this year.

My mother and grandmother would make them only occasionally because the dough is a little labor-intensive. But in

Dalia Hemed can be reached at daliahemed@msn.com.

my household, Purim has been the holiday on which I have taken something “traditional” and turned in on its head! Exactly like they do in Israel. It has become the minhag (custom) in my house to make hamantaschen, but not the kinds you are certainly used to. For my children, no prunes! No poppy seeds! Instead, we have new and modern flavors to please even the youngest palate — peanut butter and jelly, Reese’s peanut butter cup, Skittles … you name it. We invent new yummy fillings each year.

Hamantaschen

For chocolate dough:

J. Steven Moore, Conductor

This year, I combined two of my favorite ingredients into delicious Chocolate Oznei Haman filled with halvah. I make batches of dough with my children. Though it takes their fingers a few tries to get things just right, we fold the dough into triangles in the shape of Haman’s funny hat and wait in anticipation as they bake, diving in right away, blowing on their sweet insides so we can savor that first bite.

We make sure to bake enough to give away as presents to family, friends and neighbors. We make bags of mishloach manot, fulfilling the mitzvah of giving gifts to our loved ones.

Enjoy celebrating this Jewish holiday, fulfilling the many mitzvot Purim provides! Purim sameach, everyone.

Roll the dough onto a floured surface until it is approximately 1/4” thick, then cut into circles.

1/2 cup dark chocolate, broken into cubes

1 cup flour

10 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes

5 tablespoons powdered sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 tablespoon orange zest a pinch of salt

1 egg yolk

1 to 2 tablespoons cold water

(optional, as needed)

To fill: Halvah spread

For decoration:

1/2 cup white chocolate

Preparation:

Chocolate dough: In a food processor, combine dark chocolate and flour, and grind together until all the chocolate has been ground and chocolate flour is obtained.

Add butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, zest and salt. Process until the mixture is crumbly.

Add the egg yolk and water gradually and only enough for dough to form (try to use as little water as possible). Form the dough into a ball, cover in cling wrap and refrigerate for an hour or two.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Take a teaspoon of halvah spread and place it in the center of the dough.

Fold the dough on three sides to the center to form a triangle, then lightly pinch them together.

Place on the prepared baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Allow to cool completely to room temperature.

Decoration

Place the white chocolate cubes in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave for 30 seconds or until melted.

Transfer the melted chocolate to a small drizzle bag and drizzle thin stripes over the Oznei Haman.

Cool the decorated Oznei Haman for about 10 minutes in the freezer to stabilize the chocolate.

Chef's tips

Instead of halvah spread, you can use any other spread you like.

Instead of white chocolate, you can decorate the Oznei Haman with melted milk chocolate or bitter chocolate.

Keep the Oznei Haman in an airtight container for up to a week.

Personal Chef

Challenges faced as parent age Aging Jewishly — What our traditions teach us about growing old.

By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

When I was about 10 years old, I knew enough Italian from my immigrant parents to understand the particulars of a heated argument. That day, my father, who was about 50 years old at the time, was having “words” with his father, my “Nonno,” who, at nearly 80 years of age, had recently moved into our house. As is normal, there were tensions between father and son, two alpha males who were now sharing limited space. As tempers flared, I distinctly heard a pounded fist on the table. It was my grandfather who, pounding for emphasis, said, “No matter what our differences are, you are not to raise your voice to me. I am your father.” I was stunned. Suddenly, my big, grown-up father was a little boy, and just like Dad had done to me, Dad was being chastised by his father!

one’s father and mother is a concept that crosses all religious and cultural barriers, so maybe it’s not so unusual that when our Talmudic sages wanted to share an example of this important mitzvah, they selected a non-Jew as our guide.

Rabbi Sholom Klass (z”l) (“Tales from the Midrash and Talmud,” The Jewish Press), shares an intriguing story. The main character is Dama ben Nesina, a gentile of noble birth, who was admired as a wise and thoughtful man. On this particular day, the elders of the city gathered for an important meeting and ben Nesina was invited as counsel and advisor. When he arrived, they immediately seated him at the head of the table and the discussion began.

Nesina, showing no signs of mortification or embarrassment, never raised his hand against his mother. Instead, he gently patted his mother’s arm and in a calm and quiet voice said, "Mother, allow me to take you home."

When the rabbis heard of ben Nesina’s remarkable self-restraint and how, even in her demented condition, ben Nesina honored his mother, they announced, “If you wish to understand how far the mitzvah of honoring one's parents extends, come learn from Dama ben Nesina."

adult child to handle. When that happens, the great sage says that “The child should leave the area and pay others to honor the parents on his behalf.”

It seems that ben Nesina was sorely in need of Maimonides’ sage advice. Back in biblical times, there weren’t “visiting angels” (at least not the “help at home” kind), or residential settings where someone like ben Nesina’s mother could get the expert help she obviously needed. Yet, absent modern day aging services, it is ben Nesina’s demeanor that makes the point.

I recall this incident, which to this day stands out clearly in my memory, as I consider the mitzvah that requires us to “Honor thy father and thy mother.” As we grow older, some of us, due to physical and mental conditions, become childlike once again. And as children of aging parents, we can lose patience with a mother or father who is less flexible, more rigid or confused. Honoring

Unknown to ben Nesina, however, his mother, who today we might describe as one who suffers from severe dementia, had followed him and burst into the chamber room. Before the startled eyes of the people, she rushed at her son and began to beat and slap him. When she kicked ben Nesina, one of her slippers flew off her foot and landed across the room. Calmly ben Nesina retrieved the slipper and returned it to his mother. Rabbi Klass writes that the noble ben

In a Shavuot sermon delivered 11 years ago, Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld brings one of our greatest sages, Maimonides, into the discussion about honoring one’s parents. Herzfeld notes that Maimonides was a careful and frugal writer, measuring each and every word. So, it is significant that when the great sage used the Hebrew word for honor, “kabed”, he used it in tandem with a form of the same word, le-hakbid, to burden. Might it be that Maimonides is trying to teach us that while the obligation to honor a parent is huge, it follows that parents have an obligation to help their children perform the mitzvah — in other words to unburden their children of non-essential kvetching and, especially as parents age, allow our children to focus on the tasks at hand?

Indeed, Maimonides discusses a case where a parent becomes too much for an

The mitzvah states, without reservation, “Honor thy father and thy mother.” In fact, the mitzvah does not say, “Honor thy father and mother if they treated you well,” or “Honor thy mother and father if they don’t complain too much,” or “Honor thy mother and thy father if they don’t scream, yell and embarrass you in public.”

Dama ben Nesina’s mother was indeed a handful, but it is ben Nesina’s behavior that informs our tradition, showing us that all we need to know is simply, “Honor thy father and thy mother.”

For 10 years Rabbi Barbara Aiello served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life as resident rabbi. Currently she serves Congregation Ner Tamid del Sud as Italy’s first woman rabbi. Her book, “Aging Jewishly” is available from Amazon. Contact her at Rabbi@RabbiBarbara.com.

Rabbi Barbara Aiello

New Members Breakfast

Annual New Members Breakfast

Over 50 attended for breakfast, camaraderie, conversation and making new friends. At Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Buffet brunch was excellent with all enjoying a wide variety of goodies.

25 years of impact

Celebrate Birthright Israel’s 25th Anniversary honors exceptional alumni at event

Houston, TX (Jan. 23, 2025) –

Nearly 200 attendees gathered at the Westin Oaks Hotel in Houston on Jan. 16 to celebrate Birthright Israel’s 25th anniversary during an alumni and donor event. The evening marked a quarter-century of transformative educational experiences that have profoundly impacted Jewish young adults worldwide.

The event was made possible through the support of Birthright Israel Foundation National Board Member Russ Robinson, a leader of the Jewish Federation, and in partnership with the Minnette and Jerome Robinson Young Adult Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.

Since its inception, Birthright Israel has brought nearly 900,000 Jewish young adults to Israel through its signature 10-day trips, leadership programs like Onward and Excel, and its newly launched volunteer program. This new initiative was introduced in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks, mobilizing Jewish volunteers to assist Israeli communities by working on farms, schools and in rebuilding efforts. Birthright Israel plans to bring 10,000 volunteers to Israel in 2025, underscoring its ongoing commitment to Israel and the global Jewish community.

The evening began with an exclusive VIP donor reception, honoring Birthright Israel Foundation’s most dedicated supporters and highlighting the lasting impact of their contributions. The 25th anniversary celebration for alumni followed, where the foundation recognized exceptional individuals who have exemplified leadership and service to the organization’s mission.

Three outstanding alumni were honored during the evening’s program with the Distinguished Alumni Award for their extraordinary dedication to the Jewish people and their work in advancing the Birthright Israel mission:

• Rachel Strauss, 44, from Houston, Texas, was part of the very first Birthright Israel trip in 1999. A dedicated leader in the Jewish community, Rachel has spent her life championing Jewish philanthropic causes and continues to inspire others through her work.

• Captain Ziv Shemesh, 25, from Mod’in, Israel, is a combat fitness officer in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Her Birthright Israel trip inspired her transition from military service to a role as a content creator supporting IDF recruitment. Today, Shemesh serves as an emissary for the Jewish Federation of Nashville.

• Isaac Malca, 36, from Houston, Texas, is a real estate developer and one of the 9,000 volunteers who responded to Israel’s call for aid following the Oct. 7 attacks. Isaac participated in the volunteer program in December 2023, working on the ground to assist Israeli communities in need during a time of crisis. His commitment to serving the Jewish people made a profound impact on all those who heard his story.

“We are truly fortunate to work alongside such a committed community and our passionate philanthropists to ensure that Birthright Israel experiences continue

to shape the lives of future generations, whether through the iconic 10-day trip or the impactful new volunteer program making a real difference in Israel,” said Jill Kaplan, Birthright Israel Foundation Regional Director, Southwest.

Ziv Shemesh and Aviv Ben Tovim Houston shaliach (Israeli Emissary)

Isaac Malca

Rachel Strauss and Elias Saratovsky, President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation

Photo credit: Courtesy of Birthright Israel Foundation.

WARM WEATHER, HURRICANES HAVE CAUSED RODENT POPULATION TO GROW

by Anna Wallace, Truly Nolen

Between a general warming of temperatures over the last decade around the United States (according to a study in Science Advances Magazine) and several Hurricanes in Southwest Florida causing destruction that left homes vulnerable, there has been a significant increase in the population growth of rodents that shows no signs of slowing anytime soon.

In fact, with Spring starting later this month, rodents continue looking for the three things they need to thrive: food, water, and harborage.

Rats are active mostly at night. They have poor eyesight, but they make up for this with their keen senses of hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Rats constantly explore and learn, memorizing the locations of pathways, obstacles, food and water, shelter, and features of their environment. They quickly detect and tend to avoid new objects and novel foods. Thus, they often avoid traps and baits for several days or more following their initial placement.

To compound this, rats have oversized front teeth for gnawing and check teeth, which are adapted for chewing. Rodents chew on a variety of items available to them and cause great damage in and around homes. They eat and contaminate food, damage structures and property, and transmit parasites and diseases to other animals and humans.

One of the most common rats in the United States, the Norway rat is extremely adaptive and does well in a variety of human habitats including densely populated cities. Norway rats (also called brown or sewer rats) are large, burrowing rodents. Norway rats can undermine building foundations and slabs with their burrowing activities. They require water to drink, and they can gnaw on all types of materials including copper, lead, plastic, and wood.

In addition, Roof rats, also known as black rats, are generally smaller, sleeker, and slightly slimmer than Norway rats. Roof rats typically have light black to brown fur on their bodies with lighter underbellies. As their name indicates, roof rats prefer to nest high above the ground in trees, tall overgrown shrubs, or dense vegetation such as ivy. They often can be seen at night running along overhead utility lines or fence tops. These rats move faster than Norway rats, have an excellent sense of balance, and are very agile climbers. They often access homes by running along tree branches, cables, or wires. They are typically found in attics, walls, false ceilings, and cabinets. Roof rats can cause considerable structural damage in homes with their gnawing and nest-building activities as they chew on wood and wires.

Meanwhile, the house mouse thrives under a variety of conditions in and around homes. Mice are usually brown or light grey in color, with lighter underbellies but different species can be lighter or darker. Once inside mice make their homes in quiet spaces out of spare materials, such as string and insulation. Indoors their diet consists of any spare food, consuming food meant for humans or pets. Mice have keen senses of taste, hearing, smell, and touch. They contaminate food-preparation surfaces with their feces, which can contain the bacterium that causes food poisoning (salmonellosis). Their constant gnawing causes damage to structures and property.

Rodents tend to multiply swiftly, and infestations may be extremely difficult to exterminate. Some species breed year-round, and populations are maintained through constant reproduction.

Infestations in or surrounding a home can prove extremely destructive. Different species are known

for different nesting and feeding behaviors, but infestations cause damage to gardens and yards, as well as to the home and the contents. For this reason, it is best to be consistently on the lookout for signs of rodent presence. These include:

• Rat droppings, especially around human or pet food or in or around trash areas;

• Noises in the dark, such as scratching sounds from the attic;

• Nests or piled nesting materials in hidden areas such as behind boxes or in drawers in the garage or near a firewood stack;

• Evidence of gnawing of wires or structural wood;

• Burrows around the yard particularly among plants or damaged vegetables; beneath the garbage can; under the home or outbuildings; or gnawed fruits in trees; and

• Smudge marks caused by the rats rubbing their fur against beams, rafters, pipes, and walls.

If your rodent problem becomes overwhelming, seek professional pest control help.

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

(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 Termites and the variety you may have in your home, please visit https://www.trulynolen.com/rodent-control/.)

Facts, not partisan political fiction

DRabbi Howard S. Herman DD

uring the month of February, Jews around the world celebrated the minor holiday of Tu Bishvat, commonly thought of as the “holiday celebrating trees” or the holiday celebrating the “birthday of trees.” In ancient Israel, the day marked the start of the annual agricultural cycle. Since the Torah prohibits the harvesting of fruit from trees less than three years old, Tu Bishvat became the day for noticing that little fruit trees were one year older. It is sort of like a Jewish Arbor Day. It has been characterized by the purchasing of trees in Israel and holding a Tu Bishvat seder attempting to nurture the idea of how valuable the earth and its produce are to us as human beings.

Join us for brunch and learn how you can minimize taxes and maximize your charitable support of our Naples Jewish community.

Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11:30 AM

Location: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Panelists:

Edward E. Wollman, J.D., LL.M., CAP® Partner, Wollman, Gehrke & Associates, P.A.

Mia Hyatt, CFA®, CFP®

Vice President, Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank (Naples Office)

far back as the Bible (Proverbs 3:18), and Jewish mysticism uses the figure of the tree to describe the flow of Divine energy and blessing into the world.

Trees are vital to the health of planet earth more than ever — preventing deforestation and planting new sustainable forests are critical strategies for mitigating climate change. If we can root climate awareness and action into our Jewish sacred calendar, we are giving it a place it deserves in our awareness, and it contributes to the revitalization of Tu Bishvat.

But let’s take it one step further. It is the perfect time to ask ourselves, and our children, do we have access to clean water? Can we breathe clean air? Do we live in a place that is safe from the impact of hurricanes, floods, fires and other natural disasters? Are we (and others) close to parks, nature centers and other places for appreciating the environment?

Ontheonehand, wearegivendominion overtheearth,andon theotherhand,weneed to bear in mind that it isGod's,notours.

The earth just suffered its hottest year on record, and it is predicted that future years will be hotter and hotter. It seems to me that with this type of crisis facing us, this annual Jewish reflection of our ties to the earth is due for a reboot, if not a complete overhaul.

Over the last few years Tu Bishvat has been tied to the urgent issue of climate, the devastation of the earth’s resources, and the earth-related dilemmas we face as residents of our planet. Every day we continue to ignore this fact and similar issues move us one day closer to our own peril. Today, we live in an era that glorifies instant gratification; one that has no patience. This is also important in terms of our Jewish identity — instant gratification is affecting the way in which our communities operate. Living in an era with no patience, we tend to disinvest from any initiative that demands longterm commitment.

Tu Bishvat has always been open to reinterpretation because it is not already laden with obligatory ritual and liturgy. At the same time, the existing symbolism of Tu Bishvat is perfect for this task. Trees are a potent life-giving symbol — Torah has been invoked as the “Tree of Life” as

There is a midrash in our sacred literature which relates to us that God showed Adam and Eve around the world and told them “Look at my works, see how beautiful they are — how excellent! For your sake I created them all. See to it that you do not spoil and destroy my world; for if you do there will be no one else to repair it.”

On the one hand, we are given dominion over the earth, and on the other hand, we need to bear in mind that it is God's, not ours. At most, we are here for a short time, mere sojourners. Which solution adheres more closely to Jewish values? It seems to me that the science of climate change, as opposed to the politics of it, is clear that greenhouse gases generated using fossil fuels pose an existential risk to our planet and will affect all people, especially poor people and poorer nations. We, as Jews, have a religious obligation to do what we can to fulfill our sacred commandment — taking care of the earth and repairing the damage that has already been done to it.

Tu Bishvat is a good time to pause and consider these challenging questions about the environment and our human impact upon it. Perhaps that is the larger meaning of this seemingly minor holiday.

Shalom Uvracha.

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

JOIN US IN MARCH FOR THE NAPLES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

March 23 at 7:00 PM PINK LADY

Become a Festival Patron by purchasing tickets at: www.NaplesJewishFilmFestival.org or www.Jewishnaples.org

Season of renewal, courage and redemption

MRabbi Ammos Chorny

oving through the Jewish calendar, the festivals of Tu B’Shvat and Purim lead us toward Pesach, the Festival of Freedom. This year, as we celebrate these holidays, our hearts remain heavy knowing so many brothers and sisters remain in captivity, held hostage by Hamas. How can we celebrate renewal, joy and freedom when so many remain unfree? How can these holidays speak to our current pain while also guiding us forward with hope?

Tu B’Shvat, the New Year of trees, celebrates renewal and growth. As Jews, we’ve always understood that even in the coldest winter, the sap of redemption begins to rise. Just as trees blossom after months of barrenness, so too does the Jewish spirit persist through exile, destruction and despair.

The Talmud tells the story of Honi Ha’Meagel, who, seeing a man planting a carob tree, asked when it would bear fruit. “In 70 years,” the man replied. “Just as my ancestors planted for me, I plant for my children.” This is the Jewish mission: to plant, to build, to believe in a future even when the present is filled with pain.

As families of hostages endure unimaginable suffering, Israel battles against terror and the world debates our fate, we must hold onto the lesson of Tu B’Shvat: planting seeds of redemption even in the darkest times — never giving up on our people, our faith or our future.

If Tu BiShvat moves us to hope, Purim prompts us to act. The Megillah reveals a world where God’s presence seems hidden, where miracles come not through open divine intervention but through human courage and unity. Esther’s decision to risk her life for her people was not easy. Mordechai’s insistence that salvation would come, one way or another, reassures us that redemption is inevitable, but we must do our part.

Today, Jews the world-over are threatened by enemies who seek to destroy us, just as Haman sought to annihilate our

ancestors. But just as in the days of Purim, our response must be one of unity, determination and faith: praying, advocating, demanding action for the release of our captives; and like Esther, refusing to be silent.

The Megillah ends not just with survival, but with Jewish pride, self-defense and celebration. This is our Purim mission: to reaffirm our Jewish identity, to stand strong against those who wish to destroy us, and to believe in hidden miracles even when we cannot yet see them.

If Tu B’Shvat is the seed of hope, and Purim is the fight for survival, Pesach is the ultimate destination: redemption and freedom. The Exodus from Egypt was not just about escaping slavery; it was about becoming a nation with a divine purpose.

This Pesach, as we gather around the seder table, the words “Avadim hayinu –we were slaves” should feel more immediate. How can we sing of redemption when so many remain captive? And yet, our history demands that we do. Every Pesach, in every generation, we affirm that the Jewish people move toward freedom, despite every Pharaoh, every Haman, every enemy that rises against us.

If Tu B’Shvat is the seed of hope,andPurimisthefight forsurvival,Pesachisthe ultimate destination: redemptionandfreedom.

This year, let our seder tables be places of both grief and determination, leaving an empty chair for those who are not yet free and raising our voices in prayer for their safe return. Let us remember that just as God took us out of Egypt, just as Esther and Mordechai prevailed over Haman, just as our people have overcome every darkness, so too will we see redemption in our time.

May this season of renewal, courage and redemption bring healing to Israel and freedom to our captives. May we plant, may we fight, and may we witness the miracles of our generation.

With prayers for peace, strength and liberation.

Rabbi Ammos Chorny serves at Beth Tikvah.

Jewish paradise

NStan Alliker President

othing says “season” quite like the long lines of cars coming and going between Marco Island and Naples. We, at JCMI, are also in the thick of our busiest time as we go from one program to another, running it seems on “automatic.”

Sunday, March 9 brings our rabbi’s Life Long Learning session entitled “The Real Purim … Much More Than Kid Stuff.” And The Bee Gees Now! arrive on Saturday, March 15.

On Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m., the movie “America” will be showing to round out JCMI’s 24th year of successful Jewish Film Festivals. This final film of the season follows a former champion swimmer from Israel, now giving swimming lessons in Chicago. When he learned that his father has died, he returns to Tel Aviv to sort out his father’s affairs. There, he reconnects with his

The transition for the new Board of Trustees and executive officers at Beth Tikvah Synagogue occurs in the month of March. In preparation for that transition, I have been nominated to be the next president of Beth Tikvah, which will be presented at our Annual Membership Meeting. I wish to express my gratitude to the past president and former Board of Trustees and welcome our new Board of Trustees.

There is a plan to reactivate the Beth Tikvah Long Range Planning Committee to help us move forward and update our strategic plans for the future. It is my hope to continue doing what we do best by welcoming all who are interested in being a part of a thriving conservative synagogue

whether full-timer, snowbird or short-term visitor. We encourage you to attend our services and break bread with us on a Shabbat at our Kiddush and give us a chance to share our Beth Tikvah family with you.

Beth Tikvah is the little synagogue that can. To that end, we work to provide our congregation and the Greater Naples community with a variety of programs that are interesting, educational and entertaining. Our new Program Chairperson Sabrina Strobl is working to determine which programs we wish to repeat and to explore exciting new ideas. Beth Tikvah programing is all-encompassing, seeking a balance between study/learning programs with other programs that have a Jewish and/or nonJewish content. If you have an interest in a program, please let us know, and we will do our best to make it happen at Beth Tikvah.

The events planned for the month of March and April are listed below. Some of the highlights are The Phil Jason Speaker Series on March 6, when Joyce Schrager and June Sochen will discuss current events in the world, and March 18, when Stuart

childhood friend and former swimming partner. Don’t miss this extraordinary movie. The Sunday Film Series at JCMI starts at 2 p.m. and includes a reception following the film.

In the midst of all of this, Purim and its celebration arrive on Friday, March 14. Do I need to mention Monday Night Bingo?

With all the cars, excitement, venues at every turn, and a streak of really cold (by Florida standards) temperatures, we need more than ever to catch our collective breath and settle in each Friday night to the familiar soothing chants of our

service and the company of our familiar synagogue family.

When my wife and I joined JCMI as newcomers, we were amazed that the Oneg treats were all homemade and that the energy of those who seemed to do it all appeared never ending. Well, the Oneg refreshments are still homemade. We still hear accolades around the island from those who have patronized Bubbe’s Bakery. Our events are well attended. We will soon begin planning for next “season.” All that we do is in tribute to those who came before us to establish our slice of Jewish paradise on Marco Island.

Mest will speak on “A Medically Driven Genocide.” Both talks begin at 7 p.m.

On March 12, Amici Music returns to Beth Tikvah to entertain and educate the congregation on the history of Jewish jazz. Again, the event begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome.

In April, Beth Tikvah will celebrate Passover with a kosher Seder led by Rabbi Chorny including a catered kosher dinner. Reservations for our events are requested via the calendar website (www. bethtikvahnaples.org), email (office@ bethtikvah.us) or at 239-434-1818.

If you are interested in learning more about our services, clergy or congregation, please reach out to the office or Rabbi Chorny. We would love the opportunity to meet you and share our family with you.

March happenings

March 2 – Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study; Facilitator Fran Alpert, 10 a.m. March 6 – Phil Jason Speaker Series; Facilitators Joyce Schrager & June Sochen, 7 p.m.

March 11 – Music Program Amici Music Jewish Jazz, 7 p.m.

March 13 – Purim Party, 5 p.m.

March 18 – The Phil Jason Speaker’s Series; Facilitator Stuart Mest, 7 p.m.

March 22 – Shabbat Service, 9:30 a.m.

New Member’s Shabbat

March 30 – Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study

Facilitator Shelley Goodman, 10 a.m.

April happenings

April 8 – Arlene Levin demonstration of Seder dishes

April 12 – Passover Seder, 7 p.m.

April 19 – Passover Last Day – Yizkor, 9 a.m.

Religious services schedule

• Friday services at 6:15 p.m.

• Saturday services 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, just west of Mission Square Plaza. You may reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239-537-5257.

Goodman

Congratulations & Mazel Tov!

Honoring Don & Arlene Shapiro, David & Daryl Sissman

WDeborah Rosen Fidel, JD, MAJPS

Executive Director

e hope you will join us in recognizing the Shapiros and Sissmans on Sunday, March 9 at Temple Shalom’s annual major fundraiser, “Bright Lights on Broadway!” These four extraordinary volunteers have engaged the hearts and minds of so many members of Temple Shalom. Each one has been an active change-maker and leader here for over a decade. Their dedication to service, philanthropy and leadership is an inspiration to our entire congregation.

We hope you will celebrate with the Sissmans, Shapiros and Temple Shalom (as sponsors), at what promises to be a fabulous event. Thank you to our outstanding event chairs, Anthony and Ashley Solomon and Linda Lerner, the many volunteers and our Temple Shalom staff for planning an incredible evening.

Eddie Shapiro, author of “Here’s to the Ladies,” “A Wonderful Guy: Conversations with the Great Men of Musical

Theater” and “Nothing Like a Dame: Conversations with the Great Women of Musical Theater,” will regale us with behind-the-scenes stories of Broadway’s biggest stars, accompanied onstage by Cantor Azu and two colleagues, Cantor Tifani Coyot and Cantor Shira Ginsburg! This fun and fabulous event will kick off with a cocktail party for our sponsors and conclude with a dessert reception for all.

This fundraiser is not just an event; it’s an opportunity to invest in our community and nurture the next generation of leaders. Your gifts enable us to enhance outstanding educational offerings, expand outreach initiatives and strengthen our ability to meet the spiritual and communal needs of every member. With your partnership, Temple Shalom will continue to be the center of Jewish life in Naples.

Thank you for your generosity and dedication to our community. Together, we will continue to build a bright future for Temple Shalom. I look forward to seeing you at “Bright Lights on Broadway” and celebrating all that makes this congregation so special.

Please call the office at 239-455-3030 or visit tinyurl.com/TS-BrightLights2025 for more information on tickets and sponsorships.

ELLIOTT KATZ LECTURE SERIES

January 24: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

The civil rights movement of the 1960s was an awakening for many Americans. None more so, than young American Jews. Joining to help fi ght segregation, many were beaten and imprisoned in southern jails. Two gave their lives for the cause. Their reward was not what you would have expected. You will learn that no good deed goes unpunished.

January 31: Beau James and Murder in The Park

When the body of Vivian Gordon, a woman with a checkered past, was found murdered in Van Cortland Park in the Bronx, on February 26, 1931, it set in motion a series of events that toppled New York’s favorite Mayor and destroyed, arguably the most powerful political organization in America. The movie does not tell the whole story. Learn how this happened.

February 14: The Partition of India, Wounds That Never Heal

When the British government agreed to partition India in August 1947, the resulting human catastrophe of displacement, misery and death would be squarely placed on the shoulders of England’s leaders, one in particular. Learn who was really responsible for this disaster and why it happened.

February 21: Lawrence of Arabia Meets NILI

Thomas Edward Lawrence was England’s Arab Savior tasked by the British to organize an Arab revolt against the Ottoman Turks in Arabia, in World War I. Sarah Aronsohn her brother Aaron and three dozen Jewish youths decided that they too would help the British to defeat the Turks in their ancient homeland, Palestine. When the British were successful in defeating the Turks to whom did they give the credit? You will be surprised.

February 28: Putting on the Ritz

The Ritz Hotel in Paris, before World War II was the gathering place for the glitterati, the famous and the rich. It became the Nazis favorite residence and meeting place during the French occupation. While they feasted on roast pheasants and sipped champagne, they never suspected what was happening in the Ritz, right under their noses.

March 7: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: Redux

The small Jewish community of South Africa played a disproportionate role in opposing apartheid. Nelson Mandela acknowledged that fact and honored them after becoming president. The reward was the present government pursuing a blood libel against the state of Israel at the International Court of Justice. Why? The answer is quite simple, and you will hear it.

March 28: The Longest Hatred

History encompasses 2500 years of anti-Semitism. We will explore when it began, its past manifestations and how it has morphed into an outburst of Jewish hatred in the 21st century. Learn how the new anti-Semitism is different than the old anti-Semitism and how and why it has become a worldwide phenomenon.

DETAILS AND TICKETS

WHERE: Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center 4720 Pine Ridge Rd .

WHEN: January 24, 31 | February 14, 21, 28 March 7, 28 | Fridays from 10-11:30 am

COST: Series of 7 lectures at $155 pp or $30 individual ticket

PURCHASE SERIES OR INDIVIDUAL TICKETS AT WWW.JEWISHNAPLES.ORG.

azabbg.bbyo.org/on-demand/home

Updates from Naples and Fort Myers BBYO

By Cayla Schreier, BBYO Southwest Coordinator

Our Naples BBYO teens had a strong start to the new year. On Sunday, Jan. 12, our Naples BBYO Chapter Board participated in required semiannual regional training with me and Regional Moreh and Naples BBYO member Adam Berman at the BBYO Lounge. The Board learned different recruitment and retention techniques and discussed goals for their upcoming term. The teens were also able to meet with the new Jewish Federation of Greater Naples President & CEO Nammie Ichilov. We look forward to working with Mr. Ichilov in the future to help Naples BBYO grow and flourish.

On Sunday, Jan. 26, our teens participated in Temple Shalom’s Mitzvah Day. We met up for a delicious bagel and lox breakfast at 8:30 a.m., which the Temple Shalom Men’s Club was generous enough to sponsor. Temple Shalom congregants and the teens participated in numerous mitzvahs, such as “Welcome Home” sign making for Habitat for Humanity, blanket making, bowl painting and Meals of Hope. Teens over the age of 16 also donated blood for the blood drive. Thank you to Bobbie Katz, the Men’s Club and Temple Shalom for organizing this wonderful day of mitzvahs.

Our teens planned three events for February. The Naples BBYO kickoff took place on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Hertz Arena, where the teens attended a hockey game to cheer on the local Florida Everblades as they played against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The Negev Alephs got together to watch the 59th Superbowl with Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 9. The B’nai B’rith Girls hosted a Galentine’s Day party on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the BBYO Lounge.

Two of our teens attended BBYO’s International Convention February 13-17 in Denver, Colorado.

Upcoming events

More details on all upcoming events to 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 8th through 12th grades of all backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender, race, denominational affiliation, or socioeconomic status. BBYO currently reaches over 70,000 teens worldwide, with participants in over 60 countries and hundreds of chapters across the United States.

Supporting our teenage Jewish community

Having teens get involved in BBYO and be eager to create and confidently continue their own Jewish community is critical to our future.

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. 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. Please contact me for more information on scholarships. If you are a BBYO alum and would like to be included in our Friends and Alumn.

TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform)

4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119

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

Rabbi Adam Miller, MAHL

Cantor Donna Azu, MSM

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

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

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

Joshua Garfield, President

Dr. James Cochran, Music Director

Shabbat Services:

Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m.

Sisterhood Men’s Club

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.

Adult Education

Challah of Love

Community Events

Daily Minyan Services

Hebrew School

Kosher Grocery

Kosher Meals on Wheels

Smile on Seniors

JEWISH CONGREGATION

OF MARCO ISLAND (Reform)

991 Winterberry Drive

Marco Island, FL 34145

Phone: 642.0800  Fax: 642.1031

Email: manager@marcojcmi.com

Website: www.marcojcmi.com

Rabbi Mark Gross

Hari Jacobsen, Cantorial Soloist

Stan Alliker, President

Shabbat Services

Friday 7:30 p.m.

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

Rabbi’s Lifelong Learning Series

Sidney R. Hoffman Jewish Film Festival

Saul I. Stern Cultural Series JCMI Book Club

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION (Reform)

Services are held at: The Unitarian Congregation

6340 Napa Woods Way

Rabbi Howard Herman 431.3858

Email: rabbi@naplesjewishcongregation.org www.naplesjewishcongregation.org

Charles Flum, President

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

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BETH TIKVAH (Conservative)

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: 434.1818

Email: office@bethtikvah.us

Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org

Rabbi Ammos Chorny Joseph Henson, President

Roberta Miller, Secretary

Shabbat Services

Friday evenings 6:15 p.m.

Saturday mornings 9:30 a.m.

Youth Education Adult Education Community Events