At Beth Tikvah

Shelley Goodman

May is upon us and most of our winter residents have left to resume their lives up north. Goodbyes are always difficult, especially when hellos are not guaranteed. We wish our snowbirds a healthy summer and hope to see them return again next year.

Beth Tikvah just completed a season filled with music. Throughout this year, we were invited to share our love of music in its many different forms. There were five programs specifically devoted to music, making this a very special year. We began with visiting Hazzan Andres A Levy who conducted a musical weekend in November, setting the tone for our theme “Music and Beth Tikvah.” Music and community continued when Rabbi David Arias from Temple Judea of Fort Myers spoke as our thir speaker in our lecture series. His strong and vibrant voice and shared learnings made this a wonderful event.

For our Scholar in Residence weekend in February, Cantor Stuart Simon, retired from Northfield, Illinois, led us in a weekend of music and study that ended with a concert of many kinds of music.

In March, Daniel Weiser brought Amici’s music back to our congregation with a Jewish Jazz presentation.

The month of March culminated with a visit from Cantor David Edwards from Toronto, Canada, who led us in services with his beautiful voice and unique style. We sang and prayed together throughout the season.

The Phil Jason Lecture Series showcased several excellent speakers who educated and entertained us with their wisdom on a variety of topics from medically generated genocide of the Holocaust to the world’s present and possible future political situation. We are appreciative of all the presenters who willingly contributed their time and expertise.

Rabbi Chorny taught a series of classes titled “Technological Transformation and Halakhic Responses.” He shared insights into the revolutionary changes brought about through technological advancements and re-evaluations of fundamental concepts.

This year, the Naples Jewish Film Festival was held on the five Sundays in March. The festival films covered immigration, a love story, a family crisis on Shabbat, relationship issues and a Holocaust story. Each film left sold-out audiences with questions and many conversations.

The highlight of April for Beth Tikvah was the celebration of Passover. Once again both members and non-members gathered to celebrate under the guidance of Rabbi Chorny and his family. More than 60 people heard the telling of the Passover story while socializing and enjoying the companionship of the community at a kosher Seder. Thanks to Cheff Herb and his staff for making this evening run seamlessly and to Sabrina Stroble for her hard work in overseeing this event.

Though our numbers decline with the end of season, Beth Tikvah continues to provide programs for the congregation and the Greater Naples community. Throughout the summer months, please refer to our website for more information on events sponsored by Beth Tikvah. Go online to our website, www.bethtikvah naples.org, contact us at office@beth tikvah.us or call 239-434-1818.

All Beth Tikvah events are open to the Greater Naples community. We hope you will come and celebrate with us by reserving at office@bethtikvah.us.

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

Religious services schedule

• Friday services – 6:15 p.m. • Saturday services – 9:30 a.m., concluding with a Kiddush luncheon We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request.

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