Federation Star - November 2025

Honoring Generosity, Building the Future

"Where

INammie Ichilov Federation President & CEO

t's a question I hear often, and it's exactly the right question to ask. As stewards of your generosity, we welcome the opportunity to share how your investment strengthens our Jewish community in ways both visible and invisible.

There is a teaching by our sages about a traveler who rests under the shade of a carob tree. "How wonderful this shade is," he remarks, enjoying the relief from the sun. What this traveler does not consider is that someone planted this tree decades earlier, knowing they themselves might never benefit from its shade. They planted it anyway, because that's what building community means, investing in something larger than ourselves, creating shelter and sustenance for generations to come.

Our Annual Community Campaign dollars flow to many essential places. They support critical needs locally, in

Israel, and around the world. They help families in crisis, feed the hungry, and provide services through our partner agencies. But what makes the Jewish Federation model unique is that we honor your wishes while looking at the community as a whole and considering what our community’s needs are today and will be in the future. We serve as the bridge between your generosity and the agencies and individuals who benefit from it today and in the future.

Yet there's another dimension to your investment that I want to highlight this month, one that touches your daily life in Greater Naples.

The Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, where so many of us gather for everything from weekly card games to profound memorial services like our October 7th commemoration, operates because of Annual Community Campaign support. When you attend a book festival event, hear a compelling speaker, participate in weekly lessons and lectures, or simply come together for social programs, you're experiencing the return on our community investment. This isn't just a building; it's the living room of Jewish Greater Naples.

And speaking of investments you might not always see what goes into ensuring our community’s safety. In these troubling times of rising antisemitism, your donations fund not only the physical safety measures that protect everyone who enters our buildings, but also our vital relationships with law enforcement and our Regional Security Advisor from the Secure Community Network. This professional resource, available to all our local Jewish agencies and organizations, is funded by the Jewish Federation’s Annual Community Campaign. It's an investment in peace of mind that has become

absolutely critical. In fact, sadly, some call it our “Jewish tax.”

Even the newspaper you're holding right now, our Fed Star, exists because of the Annual Community Campaign. This isn't a subscription publication. It's our commitment to keeping you informed and connected, sharing the stories that bind us together and celebrating the wonderful things happening in our community.

Like that ancient carob tree, the Annual Community Campaign creates shade for all of us. Some benefits are immediate and visible. Others work quietly in the background, creating the foundation for everything else to flourish.

So, when you're invited to invest in this year's Annual Community Campaign, we hope you'll remember: the community will be there when you need it, because you were there when we needed you. That's gratitude in action.

Together, we're not just maintaining what we have, we're planting trees whose shade will shelter our children and grandchildren. Because we are Stronger Together.

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A Community United in Remembrance and Hope

By Alan Scher Zagier, Director, Jewish Community Relations Council

With news of a U.S.brokered peace deal still fresh, a renewed sense of hope filled the air at our Naples community’s memorial service to remember the nearly 1,200 victims of the October 7 terror attacks two years earlier.

The gathering, which also focused attention on the remaining hostages, concluded with the dedication of a flagpole garden — a lasting symbol of our presence and resilience.

The event took place at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center on Sunday, Oct. 5, to avoid a conflict with Sukkot two days later. More than 150 community members and guests attended, including U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann, Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk and other local elected officials, civic leaders, and members of the interfaith community.

Their presence underscored the broader community’s embrace and support of the Naples Jewish community during these challenging times.

Nammie Ichilov, president and CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, addressed the crowd with deeply moving words:

“To our community members: You carry the weight of history and remind us why the words ‘Never Again’ must mean exactly that. To the families who have lost loved ones to war, to those with family members who served or are still serving in the IDF, and to everyone touched by the events of October 7, we see you, we hold you, and we will not let the world forget.”

Emotions ran high, as local clergy led prayers for Israel, the hostages, and for the IDF. Cantor Donna Azu of Temple Shalom and Cantorial Soloist Hari Jacobsen of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island offered a stirring rendition of Yerushalayim Shel Zahav (“Jerusalem of Gold”), inviting everyone to join in song.

The ceremony culminated in the dedication of the new outdoor flag garden, which now flies the flags of the United States, Israel, and a solid yellow flag in memory of the events of October 7.

Before the flags were raised, Chabad of Naples Rabbi Fishel Zaklos reflected that this gives us an opportunity to announce that we are here — and are proud of our Judaism. Am Israel Chai!

Community member Dr. Stuart Morgenstein, whose family funded the

flag garden, shared, “This Memorial Flag Garden will help us remember all the sacrifices and loss that U.S. and Israeli emergency personnel have suffered through acts of terror, war, and the pandemic.”

Since the outbreak of the war, the local Jewish community has contributed nearly $1.75 million to the Israel Emergency Relief Fund, secured and managed by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples — a testament to the strength, compassion, and unity of our community.

Toni Klein Morgenstein shows her granddaughter the new Memorial Flag Garden named in honor of Toni and her husband Stuart.

October 7 remembrance attendees gather outside the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center for the concluding ceremonial flag raising and Memorial Flag Garden dedication.

Dr. Stuart Morgenstein greets members of the Jewish War Veterans Post 202, Jack Wiedro (left) and Henry (Hank) Benima, following the ceremonial flag raising and Memorial Flag Garden dedication.

Henry (Hank) Benima from the Jewish War Veterans, Post 202, raises the Israeli flag in front of the newly dedicated Flag Garden.

We Are All Women of Philanthropy

By Susan Pittelman, Philanthropy Engagement Chair

In the Greater Naples Jewish community, every woman is a Woman of Philanthropy. Whether you give time, energy, or financial resources — whether you uplift local community agencies, empower the next generation, support Jews in need worldwide, or stand with Israel — you are living your Jewish values and making a lasting impact.

Nearly every week, a friend — or sometimes even an acquaintance — shares with me how blessed she feels to live in Naples. I couldn’t agree more. With a vibrant and growing Jewish community, beautiful beaches, wonderful weather, and a rich cultural life, Naples can feel like paradise. And yet, many of our neighbors in Southwest Florida are not as fortunate. Countless families face food insecurity; many struggle to find affordable housing. Children in our schools lack shoes that fit, basic school supplies, and academic support. Seniors in our community need assistance and companionship.

that it was their volunteer work — and the role models in their lives — that led them to “give back” with both their time and treasure.

In Their Own Words

• Tamra Segal: “Philanthropy to me is not just giving financially but giving of our time. As a young mom, we didn’t have money to give to organizations, but I had time. My grandmother, Cecil Mushkat, taught me this. She never had a lot of money, but she showed up and packed food. She was present with her time! This ‘donation of time’

was passed down to my mom, who taught me to add the gift of dollars when you can.”

• Cherie Blazofsky: “My daughter, Lauren Soifer, inspired me to become a woman of philanthropy. She is the Associate Director of Philanthropy for Federation of Detroit and has just been selected for ‘36 under 36’ in the Detroit area Jewish Community.”

• Deborah Schreier: “I was inspired by a woman named Lilly White, who was my supervisor at a JCC when I was in my early 20s. That experience led to my career in the Jewish community.

Beyond Naples, Jewish communities across North America, in Israel, and around the world also look to us for help. These challenges remind us why caring community members are greatly needed — in food banks, shelters, classrooms, senior programs, and countless other places.

When we volunteer, we see firsthand the needs around us. That experience often sparks the desire to not only give our time but also to give of our resources. At last January’s Women of Philanthropy Luncheon, women were asked, “Who inspired you to become a Woman of Philanthropy?” Many shared

• Wynne Baruch: “All of the women on Women’s Philanthropy in Chicago that I served with on WCC — Women’ City Council. They all walk the walk and talk the talk!”

• Arielle Grill: Ellen Waghelstein, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Former VP of Women’s Philanthropy, inspired my giving. She showed me how much I would receive in return for my Lion of Judah gift. After attending the National Lion of Judah conference and participating in activities in Naples and in leadership roles in DC, I am continually enjoying the pride in my Lion gift.”

Looking Ahead

Federation’s Jewish Women of Philanthropy engages women in the fulfilling work of making the world a better place. We build and support Jewish life for today and for generations to come.

Tomorrow morning, when you wake up, ask yourself, “What good shall I do today?”

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us at the Women of Philanthropy Luncheon, chaired by Felica Anchor, on Tuesday, Jan. 20 and be part of this inspiring community of women making a difference.

4720 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34119

Phone: 239.263.4205

www.jewishnaples.org

Email: info@jewishnaples.org

Officers Chair: Nathaniel Ritter

Vice Chairs: Frank Baum, Rosalee Bogo, Robin Mintz

Secretary: Marc Saperstein

Treasurer: Steve Strome

Board of Directors

Felicia Anchor, Shelly Bell, Myra Benedikt, Mark Blaskey, Marcia Cohodes, Max Deifik, Paula Filler, Judith Finer Freedman, Cheryl Ginsburg, Mia Hyatt, Larry Israelite, Steve Iser, Tammy Katz, James Knafo, Lisa Koppel, Elliot Lerner, Debbie Lurie, Joan Meltzer, Darlene Muller, Joel Pittelman, Michael Rubenstein, Anne Schuchman, Michael Sobol

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, Steve McCloskey, Rabbi James Perman, Dr. Arthur Seigel, Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

Staff

Nammie Ichilov: President & CEO

Jeffrey Feld: President & CEO Emeritus

Eduardo Avila: Campaign Associate

Reneé Bialek: Director of Programs

Jaime Cohen: Executive Assistant & Board Liaison

Michelle Cunningham: Administrative Assistant

Hailey Dalby: Jewish Youth & Family Programs Manager

Alicia Feldman: Director of Development

Kayde Jones: Director of Marketing & Communications

Pat Pastorius: Facility Manager

Anthony Clark: Facility Assistant

Susan Spoerlein: Accounting Manager

Alan Scher Zagier: JCRC Director

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

• Naples Jewish Film Festival

• PJ Library & PJ Our Way

• Publication of Fed 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

Susan Pittelman

Ellaine Rosen, Paula Filler & Arline Kaplan enjoy a laugh at the 2025 Women in Philanthropy Luncheon

Jewish Philanthropy is a family tradition for Susan Pittelman and Susan H. Pittleman

Judith Finer Freedman 2025 WIP Luncheon Chair with attendees

Here’s your chance to get a taste of what life is like at Moorings Park’s three stunning Naples communities.

Successful aging expert and Vice President Tom Mann will introduce you to our three premier Moorings Park communities. Discover an innovative approach to successful aging as you learn valuable details on costs, floor plans, healthcare, dining, and waiting lists.

During this presentation, you’ll enjoy a video tour of each community’s clubhouse and model residences, all while savoring top culinary delights from our executive chef.

The Season of Reconnection

By Debbie Laites and Phyllis Strome, 2026 Annual Community Campaign Co-chairs

You can feel it in the air—neighbors are returning, and Naples is shifting once again. The quiet rhythm of summer gives way to the lively energy of a new season. Friends and families are coming back from months up north, and familiar faces are filling our restaurants, synagogues, and the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

For the Jewish community of Greater Naples, this is always a cherished time of reconnection—a season to renew bonds with one another and recommit to the shared goals of our Federation.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) plays a vital role in strengthening Jewish life in Naples, a small but mighty part of the greater Jewish world.

Last year, thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our annual fundraising goal. With your continued support, we can achieve this milestone again. How? Through commitment and involvement. Just as importantly, through participation in the many programs and events offered by the Federation. Engagement not only enriches our community

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but also deepens your own sense of belonging.

A Kickoff with Laughter

Our first major event of the season will be held on December 10, when we welcome comedian Shaun Eli, who will headline our welcome-back celebration. This promises to be an evening of laughter, entertainment, and shared philanthropy — a perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends and share in the spirit of community.

Giving Back to Community

The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples not only strengthens Jewish life but also extends its impact throughout the broader community. Among the many organizations we support, two long-time beneficiaries stand out: the Baker Senior Center Naples and the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center of Southwest Florida

For more than thirteen years, JFGN has supported the Baker Senior Center Naples' critical work with Holocaust survivors in the Naples area. Through this partnership, survivors receive:

• Connection to social networks

• Weekly hot lunches

• Financial assistance

• Access to quality medical care

• Transportation to medical appointments

The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, meanwhile, plays a vital role in educating the next generation. Its programs reach more than 15,000 students each year across middle schools, high schools, and universities. One of its most powerful teaching tools is an authentic World War II boxcar, which travels to schools and libraries, bringing history to life in unforgettable ways.

Join Us

As we begin this new season together, let us strengthen our sense of connection—to one another, to Jewish life, and to the future of our community. With your generosity and active involvement, the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples will continue to grow, inspire, and make a meaningful difference. We truly are “Stronger Together”!

Debbie Laites

Phyllis Strome

Turning Your Retirement Savings into a Lasting Jewish Legacy

By Jill Hagler, Director of Philanthropy, TOP Jewish Foundation

If you are age 70½ or older, you may be surprised to learn that your retirement account can do more than just provide you income — it can also create a meaningful legacy for the causes you care about most. Through a special giving option called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) , you can use your IRA, and some other retirement accounts, to make a gift that benefits both you and the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

What Is a QCD?

Why Retirement Accounts Are Ideal for Giving

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA to a qualified charity. Instead of taking money out of your retirement account, paying income tax on it, and then making a gift, a QCD allows you to give directly from your retirement account tax free.

Even better, your QCD counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), the annual withdrawal the IRS requires once you reach age 73. For many donors, this means you can satisfy your RMD while also supporting your values.

Retirement accounts, especially traditional IRAs, are often one of the most heavily taxed assets you own. When passed on to heirs, these accounts can be subject to both income and estate taxes, significantly reducing their value.

By using your IRA to make a charitable gift through a QCD, you can:

• Avoid income tax on the distribution.

• Reduce your taxable income, which may reduce your taxes on Social Security benefits and minimize Medicare surcharges for higher incomes.

• Direct a portion of your retirement savings to support Jewish Federation

in Naples, rather than to the IRS.

The Tax Benefits for You

Here’s why donors love QCDs:

• No income tax on the gift. You can make a larger gift!

• Unlike an IRA withdrawal, a QCD is excluded from your taxable income.

• Counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). If you can spare some income each year from your retirement account, a QCD is a smart way to meet your RMD, reduce your taxes, and start a legacy that is true to your values.

• Annual limits are generous. In 2025, you can give up to $108,000 per year through QCDs. Married couples can each make their own QCDs from their individual retirement account, effectively doubling the impact.

Creating a Legacy Gift

When you make a QCD, you are not just reducing your tax burden — you are helping create a Jewish legacy and sustaining a vibrant Jewish community for generations to come.

That is why Paula Filler, Life & Legacy Endowment Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, chose to endow her Lion of Judah gift through her QCD.

“The powerful idea of perpetuating my Lion gift and ensuring that what I care about is protected and thrives in the future really resonates with me. Each year, I make a tax-free distribution from my IRA to the Federation, so that when I’m no longer here, my Lion gift —and my values — will continue beyond my lifetime.”

Take the Next Step

If you are 70½ or older and have an IRA, a QCD may be one of the most tax-smart ways to give. It’s a simple, powerful way to ensure that your retirement savings have a lasting impact.

To explore how a QCD could fit into your legacy plans, please contact Alicia Feldman, Development Director, at afeldman@jewishnaples.org or Jill Hagler of TOP at 239-4498266 for more information.

Together, we can transform your retirement savings into a gift that will make a difference for generations to come.

Staying Safe at Large Outdoor Events Brazina Documentary Series Opener Showcases Hadassah

LJohn Murtagh SCN Regional Security Advisor – Florida West Coast

arge outdoor events, such as our annual Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Communitywide Hanukkah Celebration, bring our entire community together in celebration and unity. However, with large crowds come increased safety and security concerns. Be assured, we at Federation are coordinating with our law enforcement and emergency services partners to ensure a secure environment.

Whether attending with family or with friends, it’s essential to stay aware and take precautions to ensure a safe experience for everyone. Attendees can do their part by remaining vigilant and prepared. Be aware of your surroundings, follow all posted signs or instructions from security personnel, and have a plan in case of an emergency. Parents should keep a close

watch on children and establish a meeting point in case anyone becomes separated.

Public celebrations are about joy and community, but safety should never be taken for granted. By taking a few simple steps, you can help ensure a safe, peaceful experience for all.

Best Practices for Personal Safety

• Keep personal belongings secure and close.

• Stay alert to unusual behavior or unattended items.

• Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the layout.

• Keep your phone charged and share your location with a trusted contact.

• Follow all security instructions and be respectful to law enforcement.

• If you see something suspicious, report it immediately.

While it’s important to stay aware, it’s equally important to live our lives fully and without fear. Public celebrations are powerful expressions of resilience, community, and joy. We protect each other not by retreating, but by showing up, paying attention, and staying vigilant together. Safety and celebration can — and should — coexist!

Each woman who wears her Lion of Judah pin is uniquely connected to all other Lions, all of whom embody the true meaning of tzedakah. These women are empowered to take the dream of Tikkun Olam and turn it into a reality.

WHO WE ARE

We are the most dynamic philanthropic Jewish women in the world. We are a part of an international sisterhood of thousands of global activists who care deeply about the Jewish future.

The Lion of Judah is a symbol of today’s Jewish woman’s strength, her care about the Jewish world and her financial commitment to the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples’ Annual Community Campaign and its mission.

WHAT WE DO

Lions of Judah play a vital role in creating social justice, aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity.

Our impact can be seen through contribution of our time and resources. Each woman makes an annual donation to their Federation that reflects her capacity to give. In our community, the threshold annual commitment is $5,000. Some Lions also choose to endow their gift to benefit future generations.

The Lions of Judah set an exemplary standard of leadership and giving.

By Richard Prosten

Henrietta Szold's dedication to public service is chronicled and celebrated in Peabody Award winner Abby Ginsberg's latest film: Labors of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold Twenty years in the making, the project captures Szold's amazing accomplishments as well as her emotional lows.

A turn of the century American Jewish woman who founded Hadassah in 1912, Szold quickly became a major force in early twentieth century Palestine, establishing a health care system that treated Jews and Arabs equally. She helped shape its education system and initiated social services that still operate today. Another of Szold's major activities was helping to organize Youth Aliyah, which successfully rescued thousands of Jewish children from Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe during the 1930s and relocated them to Palestine.

The oldest daughter of a Baltimore rabbi, Szold devoted her early adult years to her father and his scholarly research. At an early age, she became her father’s indispensable aide—copying his sermons, organizing his notes, and assisting in his theological studies. She became fluent in Hebrew and immersed herself in Jewish scholarship.

Though she never attended college formally, in 1877 Szold broke barriers by becoming the first woman ever permitted to participate in classes at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. Szold's strong organizational skills surfaced at an early age when she founded the first night school for Russian immigrants—devoting her time and energy to making sure they learned English.

Following her father’s death, Szold devoted her life to biblical scholar Louis Ginsberg. She was his translator and editor, taught him English, accompanied him on long walks and fell in love with him, a relationship she believed might lead to marriage. At 48, she was 13 years older than Ginsberg. When he announced his engagement to a 22-year-old German woman he had known for only a few weeks, Henrietta suffered a stunning, and very public, emotional collapse.

As Director Ginsberg noted: "I stand at this intersection of her broken heart and all the good work she did." Ginsberg's paternal grandfather was Judaic scholar Ginsberg — the man who broke Szold’s heart. (Szold

was also a distant cousin of the filmmaker — on her maternal side.)

A few years later, Szold, now 52 years old, founded Hadassah. At first a group of a half dozen women meeting in New York, Hadassah grew rapidly under Szold's disciplined and visionary leadership. She insisted on work that could directly improve life in Palestine. Hadassah’s

earliest efforts included sending nurses to Jerusalem, beginning with two women in 1913 who opened the first school of nursing in the city. Outbreaks of trachoma, malaria, and other endemic diseases were treated systematically. Hadassah doctors and nurses brought modern medical practices to remote villages, weaving health care into the fabric of daily life. A century later the organization is still vital.

Director Ginsberg's films, which span the last 35 years, have concentrated on topics of social justice and female empowerment. Labors of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold is no exception: it bridges past and present, reminding viewers that struggles for health, justice, and security remain as urgent today as they did in Szold’s time.

Nancy Wiadro, co-President of the Collier-Lee chapter of Hadassah will be joining us to introduce the material.

The 79-minute film will be shown at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center on Tuesday, November 4 at 1:30 p.m. (doors open at 1:00). There is no charge, but reservations are required. Registration through the WCA and MCA websites and e-mails is now available. Questions? Contact us at Docfilmsnaples@ gmail.com.

Tips for finding a retirement community that fits your lifestyle

By: Greg Pascucci, SRG Senior Living

As we think about the future and what retirement living may look like, one of the most important considerations is whether a community will truly reflect our preferences. Retirement today isn’t about fitting into a pre-set mold; it’s about creating a lifestyle that feels authentic, whether that means peace and quiet, new friendships or a mix of both.

Here are five tips for choosing a community that honors individuality and empowers residents to live life their way:

1. PAY ATTENTION TO STAFF LONGEVITY

The people who work in a community are just as important as the buildings and amenities. Long-tenured staff often create a strong sense of trust and familiarity. They know residents well and can anticipate needs. During a tour, don’t hesitate to ask: How long have most of your team members been here? Communities where employees stay for many years often foster deeper relationships, creating an environment where residents feel genuinely cared for.

2. LOOK FOR RESIDENT FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITIES

A community thrives when residents have a voice in shaping daily life. One way to ensure this is through a Resident Council or similar forum, where they can share ideas and feedback directly with leadership. This collaboration helps make the community feel more inclusive and responsive to residents’ needs.

At The Carlisle Naples, a luxury senior rental community, residents meet regularly with the leadership team to discuss everything from dining preferences to upcoming activities. It’s not uncommon for the executive chef to preview a new dish with residents before adding it to the menu or for the Zest Director to coordinate an outing based on resident requests. This ongoing dialogue makes daily life feel more personalized and meaningful for residents.

3. CHECK FOR ACCREDITATION

When comparing communities, ask if accreditation has been achieved and maintained. It can give added peace of mind that you’re considering a place with verified best practices and a dedication to continuous improvement.

At The Carlisle Naples, for example, the community has been accredited by CARF International since 2008, most recently receiving reaccreditation in 2023. This distinction is considered the senior living equivalent of a five-star hotel rating. It provides reassurance to residents and families that the community is committed to excellence well beyond the basics.

4. ASK ABOUT DINING FLEXIBILITY

Dining is central to daily life, and choice is key. Fixed mealtimes and limited options can feel restrictive, so it’s important to look for communities that provide flexibility and variety.

The Carlisle Naples offers 12-hour dining, giving residents the freedom to enjoy meals on their own schedule. In addition to classic menu favorites, a FreshZest plant-forward menu provides nutritious, seasonal choices for those who want lighter or health-conscious meals.

No matter where you’re considering, find out if the dining program mirrors the way you like to eat at home: on your own time with options that fit your preferences.

5. CONSIDER TRANSITION SUPPORT

Moving into a community can feel overwhelming, especially in the first few weeks. Some communities make this transition easier by connecting newcomers with resident ambassadors, neighbors who walk alongside new residents, make introductions and provide companionship as they settle in.

According to Bill Diamond, The Carlisle Naples’ Executive Director, “Transitions are not just smooth, they’re personal. We don’t tell you what to do. We listen to how you want to live, and then make that possible.”

When evaluating communities, ask about the support systems in place for easing the transition. Resident ambassadors, orientation programs and long-tenured staff can make the difference between simply moving in and truly feeling at home.

6. SEEK OUT A CULTURE OF CHOICE

Above all, the hallmark of a strong retirement community is respect for resident choice. Whether you want a quiet day with a good book, a bustling outing with friends or something in between, the community should support that decision.

At The Carlisle Naples, some residents prefer tranquil mornings, while others take advantage of outings, wellness classes or social clubs. And, best of all, there is peace of mind for residents and families in knowing supportive care is available, if and when needed.

Choosing a retirement community isn’t about finding the busiest calendar or the most elaborate dining room. It’s about finding a place that reflects your individuality and offers the freedom to live the way you want.

“Every resident is different, and that’s the point,” added Diamond. “At The Carlisle Naples, we don’t just welcome you, we help you thrive on your own terms.”

Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers independent and assisted living lifestyles featuring spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, housekeeping, maintenance, transportation, all utilities except telephone, Zest wellness programming and elevated dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is ECC licensed with an integrated health care clinic and rehabilitative therapies located onsite. The Carlisle Naples is accredited by the National Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents with the assurance that the highest standards of quality care, services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about the community, please call 239-388-3768 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.

FALL 2025 Elliott Katz Lecture Series

Wednesdays, Nov. 5 & 19 @ 10-11:30AM

Wednesday, Nov. 12 @ 9:30AM - 11AM

Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 @ 10-11:30AM

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

25 e ec e a e d a 6 f 110

Nov. 5 @ 10AM:

Nov. 12 @ 9:30AM:

Nov. 19 @ 10AM:

Oh Canada, Where is your Shame?

We Will Always Have Casablanca Armenia, A Real Genocide

Dec. 3 @ 10AM:

Dec. 10 @ 10AM:

Dec. 17 @ 10AM:

Sacco & Vanzetti, Fathers of Anarchy in the U.S.

Why Isn’t Anne Here?

The Greek Princess and the Greek Bishop, Righteous Among the Nations

Scan to Register Or visit jewishnaples.org/EliottKatz26

Presented by

A Holocaust Memoir

Monday, November 10

1:00 – 2:15 PM

Join us for a Meaningful Afternoon with Author Andrew A. Dahl, as he shares the story behind Finding Rose: The Search for My Grandmother, a powerful exploration of family, memory, and Jewish identity.

Upcoming Programs

TReneé Bialek

Director of Programs

he November Fed Star is brimming with information about the wonderful array of programs that Federation is offering this month. You will find information about the Community-wide Hanukkah Celebration, Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival, Naples Jewish Film Festival, Elliott Katz Fall and Winter Lecture Series, Andrew Dahl’s presentation on Finding Rose, an Alta Rockers Concert, a “Medicare vs. Home Care Difference” presentation, and the Beading Buddies project.

Everyone is invited to join us on Monday, Dec. 15 at the Community-wide Hanukkah Celebration at Mercato from 4:30-6 p.m. The Klezmer Band will start playing music at 4:30 p.m. Chef Dalia will be selling Israeli food, Melody the Clown will be creating balloons for the children, and much, much more!

Don’t forget to visit the various vendors set up along the perimeter of the lawn at Mercato. Each vendor/organization will have something fun for you! Please register for this free event so we can plan accordingly at JFGN.regfox.com/ hanukkah-celebration-2025.

Please be sure to sign up for all the programs that you plan to attend. You can register through Federation’s weekly email, ChaiLights, or on our website calendar.

2025 Community-wide Hanukkah Celebration

By Renee Bialek, Director of Programs

Join us at the Mercado on Monday, Dec.15 for our Communitywide Hanukkah Celebration!

At 5:30 p.m., Naples Klezmer Band will entertain us with its core repertoire of traditional Eastern European (“Ashkenazi”) music of the 16th to 19th centuries, with Sephardic, Israeli, and adaptations of the music of the synagogue and the Yiddish theater included.

At 5 p.m., Charlie Blum, our Emcee, takes the stage!

At 5:30 p.m., Dancers from Dance Arts by Maria will perform “Ocho Kandelikas.”

At 5:45 p.m., Singer Dana Wexler will invite all children to join her near the stage to sing some favorite Hanukkah children’s songs.

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Stephen Saks Campus

Through uncovering his grandmother’s fate during the Holocaust, Dahl reconnects with his heritage, shedding light on the enduring impact of generational loss and remembrance.

Scan to register Or visit jewishnaples.org/andrewdahl

At 5:50 p.m., we will light of the Menorah.

Please Visit Our Vendors

• BBYO teen youth: fun games

• Beading Buddies: selling handmade beaded jewelry

Beth Tikvah: giveaways and a game to play

Chef Dalia: selling delicious Israeli latkes, Sufganiyot (Israel jelly donuts), Babka, and Challah Bread

• Collier County Sheriff's Office: providing safety information, answering questions, and offering give-aways.

• Collier/Lee Hadassah: passing out Hadassah membership information along with chocolate Hanukkah Gelt GenShoah & Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: passing out materials and giveaways

• Jewish Federation of Greater Naples: sharing materials about Men and Women's Philanthropy, JCRC, and JFGN. Handing out water bottles. Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida and Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance: latke pitching game for all to play

• Jewish National Fund-USA: handing out toys and stamps & ink pads to create Israel-themed art for all ages, and distributing blue boxes to bring the holiness of tzedakah into your home

Jewish Volunteer Ambulance Corps Naples: checking vitals and giving out materials

• Jewish War Veterans

• Melody the Clown: creating free Balloon-Twisting animals for children

Men’s Cultural Alliance: giveaways Naples Jewish Congregation: face painting and an opportunity to make your own edible dreidels North Collier Fire Truck

• PJ Library: fun games and giveaways

• The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology: Hanukkah gift bags with dreidels & gelt, informational pamphlet

Temple Shalom Sisterhood’s Gift Shop: selling Hanukkah items and other Judaica

• Temple Shalom & YESh Preschool, Temple Shalom Sisterhood, and Temple Shalom Men’s Club

• Women’s Cultural Alliance: Children of all ages can spin the dreidel to win fun prizes, while adults can enjoy complimentary WCA swag.

For more information, please email me at rbialek@jewishnaples.org.

Alta Rockers Concert

By Ken Anchor, Band Member

On Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, this high energy, live music event will be a fun experience returning us to the good ole days when we sang along with our favorite tunes.

This year’s concert will highlight familiar Jewish composers. The

setlist of popular songs includes some of your favorites as well as some that may surprise you. No need to depend on your memory as lyrics will be prominently displayed along with special visual art.

All that is required is that you join with the Alta Rockers and be prepared to sing with gusto and maybe dance a

little too. Previous concerts have met with rave reviews and have been filled to capacity. So, join the band on Sunday, January 18 at 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the community. Please register soon at JewishNaples.org/Alta2026.

Alta Rockers members are: Founder, Don Belmont (physician)

Ken Anchor (psychology professor)

Ken Brown (business president)

Harry Chertok (educator)

Buzz Cohn (physician)

Andy Ichel (engineer)

Larry Israelite (learning technologist)

Sam Miller (business owner)

Frank Muller (rabbi)

Randy Solomon (trial attorney)

Alex Wertheim (social worker)

All the Reasons to be Thankful

Enjoy a retirement lifestyle that blends comfort, community, and convenience!

From chef-prepared meals and lively social events to maintenance-free living, every detail of our community is designed to give you more time to celebrate every day. We bundle everything together for one convenient monthly payment — no hidden charges or surprise fees. Now that’s something to be thankful for!

ANNUAL DAY OF LEARNING 11th

Sunday, February 8

9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

In-person or on Zoom, $25 per person Light lunch included

Speakers:

Jay Shofet Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel

Julianne Thomas Sr Environmental Planner, Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Rabbi Ed Rosenthal Founder & CEO, Repair the Sea/Tikkun HaYam Derek Salge Avian Specialist, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Connections, Conversations & Coffee for Grandparents

By Susan Abrams, M.A. CCC-SLP

We’re excited to welcome Bronia Ichel , artist at the Naples Art District and longtime art teacher, to our December meeting! Bronia will help us “spark the artist within” as she leads a hands-on demonstration of fun, sensory art activities designed for grandparents to enjoy with their grandchildren of all ages – including young adults with special needs.

Susan Abrams

Using a variety of tactile materials, Bronia will share simple, creative projects that spark imagination, encourage play, and foster meaningful

Israel and Overseas Committee

connections – while also supporting fine motor skills and confidence.

Come ready to be inspired and leave with engaging activities you can easily recreate at home to make this holiday season extra special for your family.

With years of experience teaching art in public schools, Bronia has worked with children and adults of all abilities, helping them discover joy and success through creativity.

We hope you’ll join us for this festive, interactive session!

PLAN TO ATTEND

Holiday Fun with Sensory Art withBroniaIchel,Artist&ArtTeacher Friday, Dec. 5, 10-11:30 a.m. | Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Bronia Ichel

Have You Registered for the Jewish Book Festival?

By Robin Mintz, Volunteer Chair, Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival

The 11th Annual Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival begins in only one month! And what a sensational festival it will be!

The opening event will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at the Nina Iser Cultural Center. Mitch Albom will be back by popular demand to talk about his newest book Twice. What if you got to do everything in your life—twice?

The heart of Mitch Albom's newest novel is a stunning love story in which the main character has the

opportunity to do everything over again. The catch is that he needs to live with the results of that second chance.

We anticipate a sellout — but don’t worry, you can be guaranteed a seat by becoming a Patron of the Jewish Book Festival.

Being a Patron of the Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival is certainly a win-win! Not only are you assured entry to each Book Festival event but it also enables us to bring an outstanding array of authors to Naples as well as helps Federation to fulfill its mission of building a vibrant Jewish community in Greater Naples and supporting the social service needs of the Jewish people in our community, in North America, in Israel and around the world.

There are three Patron levels: Platinum at $500, Silver at $250 and Bronze at $150.

Why should I become a Patron?

In addition to knowing that your

financial support is integral to the success of the Jewish Book Festival and helping our Federation help others, Patrons receive several other benefits. You will be preregistered for each event; you simply sign up once. All Patrons will be acknowledged in the Fed Star as well as on the Jewish Book Festival web page and on the screen at each event. Unlike “everyone else,” you won’t have to individually register for each event.

All Patrons will receive access to a very special “bonus event.” On Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m., Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City and author of Heart of a Stranger, will be interviewed by author Abigail Pogrebin. (The Zoom link will be sent only to Patrons.)

Platinum Patrons will be given reserved seating at all events. And, you will receive an invitation to a private pre-event reception with Mitch Albom.

Silver Patrons will have preferred seating at all events.

Bronze Patrons receive significant savings in purchasing entry to all the events in the Festival.

How do I become a Patron? Visit JewishBookFestival.org and check the appropriate box on the JBF Registration Form. If you are not already a Patron, I hope that you will consider becoming one.

The Book Festival Committee, JFGN Director of Programs Reneé Bialek, and I look forward to welcoming you to the Book Festival Kickoff on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

Robin Mintz

The 2025-26 Jewish Book Festival will kick off with author Mitch Albom on Dec. 1.

Jewish BOOK Festival

Welcome to the 11th Annual Greater Naples

Back by Popular Demand

Twice by Mitch Albom

Monday, December 1 • 7 PM • $45

(includes one signed book)

A moving novel in which a man, filled with regret over a lost love, is miraculously given one day to live his life over again.

Mitch Albom is an internationally bestselling author of inspirational fiction and nonfiction, including Tuesdays with Morrie. His works explore hope, meaning, and human connection.

Platinum Patrons will be invited to a private pre-event reception with Mitch Albom. Exclusively Sponsored by Ginsberg Eye

One in Six Million

by Amy Fish

Monday, Jan. 12 1 PM • $30

This Holocaust biography chronicles the harrowing journey of a young boy in Nazi-occupied Europe, surviving ghettos, camps, and loss through resilience and unexpected acts of kindness.

Amy Fish is an author and storyteller known for memoir and narrative nonfiction. She often focuses on themes of justice, resilience, and moral courage.

Book Festival Sponsors

and organizations for

Legacy of Lies

by Lew Paper

Wednesday, Jan. 28 1 PM • $30

A former FBI agent witnesses the abduction of Teamsters president Jimmy Hoffa from a restaurant parking lot in 1975 and then has to decide what he should do.

Lew Paper is a lawyer and author of nine books, blending meticulous historical research with narrative drive, often exploring American politics and untold true stories.

Family of Spies

by Christine Kuehn

Tuesday, Feb. 10 1 PM • $30

A compelling nonfiction account of a Jewish family who engaged in espionage during the Holocaust, risking everything to aid the Allied resistance against Nazi Germany. Christine Kuehn is a historian and writer specializing in Holocaustera biographies, committed to preserving survivor stories and bringing lesser-known acts of resistance to light.

PLATINUM

Patti Bloom

Rosalee Bogo

Karen Budnick

Paul Budnick

Norma Carl

Shelley Einhorn

Judith FinerFreedman

Ellen Frankel

Jeremy Freedman

Myra Friedman

Brenda Gignac Peter Gignac

Gorman Nancy Kahn

Karp

Kroll Anna Levin Laurie Lieberman

Agranat

Agranat

Blaskey

Paulson

Pittelman

Ritter

Ritter

Historical twined where romance, collide rapidly Alka author in writes in

(as of

Naples Jewish Book Festival

your in-person enjoyment. becomingaPatronortopurchaseindividualtickets.

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Six Days in Bombay

by Alka Joshi

Wednesday, Feb. 25

1 PM • $30

Historical fiction following intertwined lives in 1960s Bombay, where ambition, forbidden romance, and cultural change collide against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing India.

Alka Joshi is the bestselling author of The Henna Artist. Born India and raised in the U.S., she writes vivid, sensory novels rooted Indian history and culture.

3..2..1…We’re on the Air

by Robert Steinfeld

Friday, March 6 1 PM • $30

A memoir from a seasoned TV producer r ecounting behindthe-scenes moments from live broadcasts, celebrity interviews, newsroom crises, and the evolving world of television journalism.

Robert Steinfeld is a veteran television producer and media executive with decades of experience in broadcast news, talk shows, and special event programming. Sponsored by MCA

of September 29, 2025)

Harriet Schweitzer

Mark Shiffman

Charles Siegel

Lori Siegel

Martin Silverstein

Carol Smoler

Barbara Steckler

Sharon Stein

Dana Strull

Fritzi Thorner

Heidi Thorner

Allison Tucker

Jay Weintraub

Laurie Weiss

Russell Yale

Susan Yale

Judy Zahn

BRONZE

Leslie Aderson

Sudy Altholz

Nancy Armocida

Patti Badiner

Lea Bendes

Rose Bernstein

Jill Binder

Jamie Blatter

Tim Broms

Barbara Carlstrom

Tom Carlstrom

Jacqueline Chizever

Nan Ciralsky

Diane Clarke Geri Cohen

Marilyn Davidson

Sherry Delinko

Elyse Dickman

Gayle Dorio

Larry Dukatz

Linda Dukatz

Janett Edelberg

Sallyann Endleman

Karen Ezrine

Leslie Feldman

Susan Feuerman

James Fine

Phyllis Fine

Phyllis Garon

Heidi Gilbert

Howard Gilbert

Cheryl Ginsburg

Elizabeth Girardat

Mark Goetz

Hannah Goodman

Larry Goodman

Barrie Graham

Arlene Griff

Elaine Griver

Jean Haven

Karen Herbst

Deborah Hermalyn Burton Hirsch

Linda Hirsch

Sunny Hochberg

Ronna Hochman

Charlene Kerner

Susan Koeppel

Ruth-Lynn Kosiner

Barbara Lefkowitz

Arlene Levin

Evelyn Lipschutz

Jay Lipschutz

Debbie Lurie

Phyllis Luts

Paula Maisel

Robert Maisel

Marcy Malc

Jeffrey Margolis

Sheila Mesulam

Marsha Moranz

Darlene Muller

Arthur Murphy

Laura Murphy

Helene Naimon

Carol Orloff

Barbara Ostrolenk

Ann Packman

David Packman

Joel Pittelman

Iris Podolsky

Steve Podolsky

Terri Polacheck

Sandy Randall Estelle Rauch

John Reiches

Sue Reiver

Midge Rozen

Arnie Rubin

Lynn Rubin

Elaine Samuels

Gary Sanders

Karen Sanders

We Would Never

by Tova Mirvis

Tuesday, March 17

1 PM • $30

A gripping, true story of a close-knit religious community shattered when a shocking act forces members to confront loyalty, betrayal, and the limits of justice.

Tova Mirvis is the author of several novels and memoirs exploring themes of faith, identity, and belonging, often drawing from her Orthodox Jewish upbringing.

Laurie Sandler

Sandra Sanfilippo

Carole Schwartz

Dorothy Schwebel

Millie Sernovitz

Julie Shlensky

Michael Shlensky

Iris Shur

Cathy Silver

Rosalie Slansky

Gail Solomon

Jim Storch

Marilyn Storch

June Streisand Denise Sultan

Ann Swartz

Shira Swartz

Marla Taub

Suzanne Tolpin

Joan Van Berg

Ann Varsano

Joan Vazakas

Lisa Vogel

Leslie Wasserman

MarianneWassmer

Sydelle Weinberger

Ellen Weisberg

Joan Werhane

Phyllis Winski

Deborah Wyman

Cathy Zacks

Joni Zalasky

Louis Graveraet Kaufman by Ann Berman

Monday, March 30

1 PM • $30

Biography of the influential banker who shaped U.S. finance in the early 20th century, guided the growth of major institutions, and became a notable philanthropist.

Ann Berman is a writer and historian whose work focuses on American financial history, business leaders, and their cultural contributions.

Carole King

by Jane Eisner

Monday, April 13 1 PM • $30

The life of the groundbreaking singer-songwriter who redefined American pop, from her Brill Building hits to her landmark album Tapestry and decades of musical influence.

Jane Eisner is an award-winning journalist and author, known for her deep cultural profiles and leadership as former editor-inchief of The Forward

Exclusively Sponsored by Gulfshore Playhouse

Special Bonus

As a special bonus exclusively for those who become a Patron of the Jewish Book Festival, we’re offering a unique virtual event.

This special Zoom book and author talk is on November 18 at 1 p.m., as part of Jewish Book Month. We are proud to partner with the Jewish Book Council to bring you this event, featuring Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City and author of Heart of a Stranger, in conversation with author Abigail Pogrebin

Exclusively

Naples Klezmer Band

By Jerry Pyser, Director

Founded by Stu Warshauer (z”l) in 1994, the Naples Klezmer Band continues to bring the warmth, joy and fun of this very special genre of music to the Naples community as we approach the upcoming season. The core repertoire of the band is the traditional Eastern European (“Ashkenazi”) music of the 16th to 19th centuries with Sephardic, Israeli and adaptations of the music of the synagogue and the Yiddish theater included. The band has expanded its repertoire over the years to include jazz and popular dance music, adapting to the needs of audiences, just as the Klezmer musicians who emigrated to the U.S. in the late 1900s and early 20th century found

Presented by

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Friends of the Library & Collier County South Regional Library

it necessary to change their musical styles.

The members of the Naples Klezmer Band are Jake Goldberger, clarinet; Pat Bracy, keyboard and vocalist; Ari Schneider, violin; Jerry Pyser, accordion; and Arnie Saslovsky drums.

You will have the opportunity to hear the Naples Klezmer Band at two public performances this season:

• Community-wide Hanukkah Celebration at Mercato (on the lawn), Monday, Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m.

• The Klezmer Band Concert & Jewish

At both events, you will be treated to a wonderfully upbeat, uplifting and creative musical event. We look forward to seeing you all there! Please reserve

Naples Klezmer

please contact me at

for your

com. If you would like to be part of the band, please email me.

Beading Buddies Create Necklaces and Smiles

By Carol Hirsch

For more than 10 years, the Beading Buddies project has provided beaded necklaces for children to give as gifts for special holidays. This is a joint project of Temple Shalom and Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Necklaces made through Temple Shalom are distributed to children at the Guadalupe Center to give on Mother’s Day. Thanks to the hard work of a great team of beaders, we provided 720 necklaces this year.

Connections, Conversation & Coffee

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

Friday, Nov. 7 | 10-11:30 a.m. At the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center with Sue Abrams, The Social

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

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

Necklaces made through Federation are given as part of the “Shop with a Sheriff” event at Christmas.

All are welcome to attend our beading sessions. Sessions are held at the Nina Iser Cultural Jewish Center (4720 Pine Ridge Rd.) from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the following days:

Thursday, Nov. 13

Tuesdays, Dec. 9 and 16

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 Thursday, Feb. 5

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

Wednesday, March 11

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Sessions are free if you have your own supplies. If not, a donation is requested so that more supplies can be purchased.

For more information, contact me at chirsch1951@gmail.com.

Band

event,

pyser421@gmail.

Coach

Building Bridges through Crisis Preparedness

JCRC'sRoleinDisasterReadyCollierCounty

BAlan Scher Zagier JCRC Director

y the time you read this, just one month will remain in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. While this year has been uncharacteristically quiet through late October kinahora (“not to stir up the evil eye”), those of us who have weathered Southwest Florida's most devastating storms know that preparation, not luck, is what protects our community when the next "Big One" inevitably arrives.

For our Jewish community, disaster preparedness represents more than emergency planning, it embodies our commitment to Tikkun Olam and demonstrates how Jewish values translate into meaningful community partnerships.

Through the Jewish Community Relations Council's (JCRC) participation in Disaster Ready Collier County (DRCC), we're not just preparing for storms; we're building

the relationships our community needs now more than ever.

Building on the groundwork laid by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples President and CEO Emeritus Jeffrey Feld, our newly reconstituted JCRC now has a dedicated professional advancing this critical aspect of our strategic mission for public advocacy and community outreach.

This investment enables us to engage more deeply with this collaborative network of community organizations, which includes the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Meals of Hope, St. Matthew's House, Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Collier County Sheriff's Office, and dozens of other nonprofits, businesses, government agencies and their respective community leaders.

Why should our Jewish community take pride in this investment? Because when we show up as reliable partners in community-wide disaster preparedness, we demonstrate Jewish values in action while strengthening vital relationships.

At a time when antisemitism is rising and our community needs every ally we can nurture, our participation in DRCC showcases Jewish commitment to the broader Naples community's wellbeing.

The DRCC initiative (https://disasterreadycollier.org) works to "collectively overcome disasters and emerge stronger" by increasing collaborative capacity among community partners. Our JCRC's focus within this network centers on volunteer coordination and spiritual health; areas where Jewish tradition offers profound wisdom and practical support.

The volunteer opportunities are diverse and accessible to everyone in our community:

• Disaster relief and debris removal

• Food and supply distribution

• Office/data entry and phone support

• Shelter and donation site assistance

• Child, elder, and animal care

• Emotional support and wellness

• Logistics and volunteer coordination

Volunteers need no prior disaster experience, just the willingness to help when the county's Volunteer Reception Center is activated.

Community members can sign up at https://uwcollierkeys.org/ volunteer or watch for opportunities on the DRCC website.

This coordinated approach launched in earnest during 2024's particularly active hurricane season, when three storms made Florida landfall, tying a record reached only five times in 150plus years. The response demonstrated what our community has always known: Collier Countians support each other through crisis with time, energy, resources, and compassion.

Through our JCRC's participation in DRCC, your investment in Jewish community infrastructure pays dividends far beyond our own walls. We're building relationships, demonstrating values, and ensuring that when crisis strikes, the Jewish community stands ready as a trusted partner in recovery.

Because in times of crisis, we don't just weather the storm, we help our entire community emerge stronger.

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Nostra Aetate at 60

A New Path Forward for Catholic-Jewish Relations

By Dick Surrusco, Deacon, St. Agnes Catholic Church; Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County

On Oct. 17, 1960, Pope John XXIII greeted a delegation of 130 American Jews with words from the Bible: “I am Joseph, your brother.”

Just as Joseph reconciled with his estranged brothers in the book of Genesis, the Pope’s words signaled the start of a new relationship between Catholics and Jews.

This encounter followed an earlier meeting with the French Jewish historian Jules Isaac, who presented to the pope some core Christian antisemitic notions: notably, that Jews killed Jesus and would be exiled from their ancestral home for his crucifixion.

Five years later, the pope would bring those conversations to the Second Vatican Council, resulting in the historic document “Nostra Aetate” (In Our Age), addressing the relationship between Christianity and other religions, Judaism in particular.

For the first time in modern church history, there was a formal public repudiation of those once-core antisemitic notions. More than a change in policy, it became a shared “holy memory” as we looked to rediscover and build upon roots that had been entwined for two millennia.

Using the imagery from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, Nostra Aetatespeaks of Gentile Christians as branches grafted on the “good olive tree” of Israel, sharing in the same spiritual heritage, an unbreakable link that rejects the idea that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan.

Further, it affirms the spiritual soundness of the study of Torah. The logical conclusion – the mission of conversion of the Jews is no longer relevant.

The document acknowledges the Jewish faith as one of the sacred roots of Christian identity, the Church sincerely regrets the terrible persecutions which the Jewish people have endured, and continue to endure, especially those that have involved Christians.

Beyond repudiating the notion that Jews killed Jesus, it stresses the need for accurate biblical interpretation and religious education, so that negative views of Judaism aren’t presented as biblically based or authentic Catholic teaching.

The significance of Nostra Aetate cannot be overstated; it effectively reversed centuries of teaching of contempt for Jews and Judaism, correcting distorted claims against each other’s traditions while acknowledging

and cherishing the distinct identities and insights of each community.

So, problems solved, or not? Does antisemitism still exist in the Catholic Church?

It is unrealistic to expect the immediate elimination of centuries of animosity towards Jews, especially in places where Catholics are unaware of these changes in Church teachings.

However, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops continues to maintain open dialogue with the Jewish community, collaborating on many issues of common concern that go beyond doctrinal differences, crossing boundaries of belief with sincere curiosity and care.

In the Catholic periodical America, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz, the son of a Christian mother and Jewish father,

writes: “The vision of interreligious cooperation is grounded in the concept of Tikkun Olam — repairing the world — which resonates with Jesus’ call that we be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ for the world. In shared action for justice, we discover our own humanity; these acts then become holy meeting grounds… and the sacred charges of our time.”

Especially now, with a rise in antisemitism and a deeply divided society, we must continue to seek signs of hope. In the promising early months of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV follows in the footsteps of Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, working to sustain the progress of the past while seeking opportunities for greater collaboration in the future.

The commonality of our origins and shared moral compass must be – will be – our guide.

SYMPOSIUM DETAILS

The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County is hosting a free, two-day symposium on Nostra Aetate at 60 on the weekend of Dec. 6-7, with sessions at both Ave Maria University and at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. The program brings together a panel of distinguished theologians and professors from across North America to discuss the landmark document that changed 20 centuries of Catholic-Jewish relations, and its impact on our lives.

To register: https://jfgn.regfox.com/nostra-aetate-60th-anniversary.

Herb Keinon The Jerusalem Post

Monday, Oct. 27, 4 pm

Topic: The TrumpNetanyahu equation: A new chapter in an old alliance

The Sharon and Paul Stein Israel and Overseas 2025-2026 SPEAKER SERIES

Dahlia Scheindlin

Author, political strategist, Haaretz columnist

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 3 pm

Topic: War, politics and peace: A better solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Beejhy Barhany

Harlem-based Ethiopian Jewish entrepreneur, author & activist

Sunday, Jan. 11, 10 am

Topic: Ethiopian Jewish (Beta Israel) history spanning thousands of years

Adeena Sussman Cookbook author, food writer

Monday, February 9, 3 pm

Topic: Immigration nation: Israeli's diverse culinary life

All events will take place at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Thanks to a generous commitment from Dr. Paul Stein and Sharon Stein, this annual speaker series will now feature free admission for participants.

American Technion Society Neta Blum

Monday, March 2, 6:30 pm

Topic: Technion10² documentary film screening, discussion

Alex Lederman Israel Policy Forum

Tuesday, March 24, 5:30 pm

Topic: Israel 2026 – the path forward

Kristallnacht Remembrance Returns to Temple Shalom

By Yvonne Holtzman, Co-chair, Catholic-Jewish Dialogue

On Sunday, Nov. 9, our CatholicJewish Dialogue of Collier County hosts the annual commemorative program marking the 87th anniversary of Kristallnacht — the spark that ignited Holocaust.

There’s still time to register for this somber remembrance, which will be held at Temple Shalom this year. To do so, visit https://jfgn.regfox.com/ kristallnacht-2025.

As the event approaches, we’ve compiled the following brief but essential guide for our audience, which will include members of both the local Jewish and Catholic communities.

What is Kristallnacht?

Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, occurred on Nov. 9–10, 1938, across Nazi Germany and parts of Austria. It was also called the “November pogrom,” a state-sponsored, organized and violent attack by Nazi paramilitary forces and local nonJewish populations against Jews.

The name “Kristallnacht” refers to the shattered glass from the windows of synagogues, homes and Jewish-owned businesses that were destroyed.

What Happened?

• Over 1,400 synagogues and prayer

rooms were burned or desecrated.

• Approximately 7,500 Jewish businesses were vandalized or looted.

• Jewish cemeteries, schools and homes were attacked.

• Around 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and sent to concentration camps such as Dachau, Buchenwald and Sachsenhausen.

• At least 91 Jews were murdered during the pogrom, though the true number may be higher.

These attacks were portrayed by Nazi propaganda as a spontaneous outburst of German anger over the assassination of a German diplomat (Ernst vom Rath) by a young PolishJewish refugee (Herschel Grynszpan).

In reality, the violence was planned and orchestrated by the Nazi regime.

Why Is Kristallnacht Important?

Kristallnacht marks a turning point in Nazi anti-Jewish policy:

• It moved from economic and social persecution to state-sanctioned violence.

• It was a precursor to the Holocaust — the systematic genocide of six million Jews.

• The world’s inadequate response to Kristallnacht emboldened the Nazi regime to continue and escalate their persecution.

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Why Commemorate Kristallnacht?

Commemorating Kristallnacht helps us:

• Remember the victims — those who were killed, terrorized and displaced.

• Honor the survivors and their resilience.

• Bear witness to the escalation of hatred into violence and genocide.

• Educate future generations about the consequences of antisemitism, racism and indifference.

• Reaffirm our commitment to stand against hatred in all its forms.

Kristallnacht was not just a violent episode — it was a warning. It marked the moment when Nazi hatred turned into state-sponsored terror, and the world watched but did not intervene.

Remembering and teaching about Kristallnacht helps us understand how antisemitism, bigotry and authoritarianism can spread when left unchecked.

It is important today because the same forces that enabled Kristallnacht — intolerance, scapegoating, propaganda and silence — still exist. Educating new generations about what happened not only honors the victims and survivors but also strengthens our collective resolve to recognize the early signs of persecution and confront them. Teaching about Kristallnacht reminds us that history is not just

about the past — it’s a tool to shape a more just and compassionate future.

Lessons to Learn

What lessons can we draw about the dangers of silence and inaction in the face of injustice? Kristallnacht teaches us that silence is not neutral — it is dangerous. When communities, governments and individuals remain silent in the face of injustice, they allow hatred to grow and violence to escalate. The lack of response to Kristallnacht, both within Germany and around the world, sent a chilling message to the Nazis that they could act without consequence.

From this, we learn that moral courage is essential. We are all responsible — not just for our actions, but for our inaction. Speaking out, standing up and protecting the vulnerable are duties we cannot abdicate.

The lesson is clear: never be a bystander. In the face of injustice, silence is complicity.

Sources:UnitedStatesHolocaustMemorial Museum (https://www.ushmm.org/ hpto/eofy2025/index.html);YadVashem –The World Holocaust Remembrance Center(https://www.yadvashem.org/); Facing History and Ourselves (https:// www.facinghistory.org/);SimonWiesenthalCenter(https://wiesenthal.org)

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Jewish-Russian Cultural Alliance Celebrated Rosh Hashanah

By Mariana Berkovich, JRCA Chair

As members of a group of people born under tyrannical Soviet Socialist regime and raised in depravation and denial of anything Jews, we faced antisemitism and rebelled against it by escaping to the safe harbor of USA, some through Israel first.

This Rosh Hashanah, our eleventh as a group, we gathered to welcome year 5786, share a delicious community meal, stories of our distant beginnings behind the impregnable stronghold of the Iron Curtain, and our unyielding gratitude to the United States of America and Israel for rescuing us from the inevitability of predetermined destiny.

We were honored to partner with The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida (JHSSWF) on September 29 for an impactful presentation Antisemitism: From Babi Yar to Our Backyards. Our member Alla Karagodova shared some of her family’s story, including the practical

necessity of acquiring a Russiansounding last name instead of a Jewish one.

In his 1986 Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust Survivor who had witnessed countless atrocities and understood the importance of sharing eyewitness memories, wrote:

“I have tried to keep memory alive, that I have tried to fight those who would forget. Because if we forget, we are guilty, we are accomplices. We could not prevent their deaths the first time, but if we forget them, they will be killed a second time. And this time, it will be our responsibility… I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national

Israel Day & Jewish Advocacy Day in Tallahassee A Two-Day Mission of Unity, Advocacy & Action

Join Jewish leaders, advocates and allies from Greater Naples and across Florida for a powerful two-day experience in the heart of our state’s capital.

• Promote understanding of Florida-Israel relations

• Educate attendees on state-level legislative priorities

• Advocate for Jewish community interests

• Showcase Israeli innovation

Visit jewishpb.org/israeldaysflyin for more information and to register. $199 per person.

RSVP Deadline: December 22, 2025

Organized by the Palm Beach Center to Combat Antisemitism & Hatred in Partnership with the Israeli Consulate of Florida, the

borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men or women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must–at that moment–become the center of the universe.

Of course, since I am a Jew profoundly rooted in my people’s memory and tradition, my first response is to Jewish fears, Jewish needs, Jewish crises. For I belong to a traumatized generation, one that experienced the abandonment and solitude of our people. It would be unnatural for me not to make Jewish priorities my own: Israel, Soviet Jewry, Jews in Arab lands …”

We, too, belong to the traumatized generation, as do our friends and acquaintances, who have survived expulsion of Jews from various counties in Africa and Europe. Now, we fear, that the recent developments in USA will place our successors amongst the traumatized–with college campus pro-Palestinian bullying of Jewish students; with careless politicians, including the Jewish ones, who in an effort to fulfill their ambitions, are unable to elevate themselves beyond their

personal goals, and throw Jewish people and Israel under the proverbial bus; with advancement of much more populous religions and political movements and their agenda of replacing the invaluable, hitherto irreplaceable, lessons of the Holocaust, an event that was and should have retained its pristine meaning of extermination of Jews in an organized, institutionalized, systematic manner.

In places like NYC, a former epitome of Jewish-American culture, revisionisms now include a proposal to eliminate the working 2013 definition of Holocaust denial and distortion adopted by International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

Our hearts bleed for the current and future sufferers of antisemitism and we try to do anything we can to educate and alert those who are just now discovering its everlasting damage.

We gather to celebrate the resilience of all Jewish people, and all ex-Soviet Jews specifically, with homemade Jewish-themed foods, lovingly prepared by our members.

See you at Hanukkah! JRCA@jewish naples.org.

Mark & Jane Livstone

Alla Karagodova

Leo & Marianna Ziskin

The Tribe – New Name, Same Fun!

By Hailey Dalby, Jewish Youth & Family Program Manager

The Tribe is excited to introduce its new name to the greater Jewish community! Formerly Jewish Young Professionals of Southwest Florida (SWFL), this group of adults is served by its “Tribal Council.” The Tribe gathers for group Shabbats as well as various outings and events throughout Southwest Florida. If this sounds like a group for you, please reach out to The Tribe’s leader, Mak at 88maksta@ gmail.com.

The Tribe is proud to announce Dr. Rachel Anderson as its newest committee member. Dr. Anderson will be serving as Social Media Coordinator. Originally from Kansas City, home of the Chiefs, Dr. Anderson double

majored in Animal Science and Philosophy at the University of Missouri before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2023, she moved to Southwest Florida to pursue her passion for exotic animal medicine. She currently serves on the board

Where Every Brick Builds Community

By Eduardo Avila, Campaign Associate

Add a name to a commemorative brick at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center and help create a path that honors our past and welcomes our future.

of the Calusa Herpetological Society and is actively involved with local parrot and rabbit rescues.

While settling into her new community, Dr. Anderson discovered

The Tribe, which quickly made her feel at home. The friendships and connections she built there have become a meaningful part of her Jewish journey in Florida. Her involvement with the Jewish community is rooted in her belief in tikkun olam, the responsibility to help repair the world, and she is inspired by Federation’s commitment to service, education, and Jewish life.

In her spare time, Dr. Anderson enjoys playing tennis, hosting game nights, teaching Zumba, spending time at the beach, and belting out karaoke. She is kept on her toes at home by her husband, Cooper, and two fur babies, Mekko (a husky mix) and Scotch (a lab mix).

Rockers

JANUARY 18, 2026

Donation Amount (S)

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 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)

Rockers members are: Founder, Don Belmont (physician) Ken Anchor (psychology professor), Ken Brown (business president) Harry Chertok (educator), Buzz Cohn (physician), Andy Ichel (engineer) Larry Israelite (learning technologist), Sam Miller (business owner) Frank Muller (rabbi), Randy Solomon (trial attorney) Alex Wertheim (social worker)

Dr. Rachel Anderson

Connections, Conversation & Coffee

FRIDAY, DEC. 5

10-11:30 A.M.

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

We’re excited to welcome Bronia Ichel, artist at the Naples Art District and longtime art teacher, to our December meeting! Bronia will help us “spark the artist within” as she leads a hands-on demonstration of fun, sensory art activities designed for grandparents to enjoy with their grandchildren of all ages—including young adults with special needs.

Usingavarietyof tactilematerials,Bronia willsharesimple, creativeprojectsthat sparkimagination, encourageplay,and fostermeaningful connections—whilealso supportingfinemotor skillsandconfidence.

Come ready to be inspired and leave with engaging activities you can easily recreate at home to make this holiday season extra special for your family. Brought to you by WCA and JFGN Register here: https://JFGN.regfox.com/connectbronia

The Matzah Ball 2025: Let’s Play!

By Michael Rubenstein, 2025 Matzah Ball Chair

Hanukkah is right around the corner, which means one thing: it’s almost time for the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples’ 4th Annual Matzah Ball — and this year, we’re turning up the fun with a retro game night twist!

On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at 7 p.m., the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural

Center will transform into the ultimate holiday party zone. Expect plenty of food, drinks, dancing, and nostalgic game-night vibes as we celebrate Hanukkah together. Whether you come solo, as a couple, or with a whole crew, the Matzah Ball is the can’t-miss event for Jewish singles, couples, and friends 55 and under

Our vision is rooted in unity, a world where Jewish communities thrive, where Israel flourishes as a source of inspiration, and acts of kindness echo across generations. With your generous assistance we are one step closer to making this vision a reality.

SolidarityWithIsraelCoalition.com 15275 Collier Blvd #201 PMB Box 180 Naples, Florida 34119

What’s on the Menu?

• Delicious bites from Sage Events & Catering

• Unstoppable beats by DJ Rebel (get ready for a packed dance floor!)

• Retro game-inspired décor that will set the scene for a night of play

Ticket Information

Tickets are live now!

• General admission: $150 per person

Sponsorship Opportunities

Want to level up your impact and visibility? Sponsorships are available at these playful levels:

• $5,000 – Matzah Baller

n 8 complimentary tickets

n Presenting title sponsor recognition

n Advertisement in the Fed Star

n Name recognition at event + marketing

• Early Bird Special: $125 per person if purchased by Oct. 31, almost a 20% discount!

Scholarship tickets are available for Tribe members (formerly Jewish Young Professionals), teachers, first responders, students, and others. For confidential consideration, reach out to Alicia Feldman, Director of Development, at afeldman@ jewishnaples.org.

• $2,000 – Latke Sponsor

n 4 complimentary tickets

n Advertisement in the Fed Star

n Name recognition at event + marketing

• $1,000 – Dreidel Sponsor

n 2 complimentary tickets

n Advertisement in the Fed Star

n Name recognition at event + marketing

• $500 – Gelt Sponsor

n 2 complimentary tickets

n Name recognition at event + marketing

For details, contact Eduardo Avila, Campaign Associate, at eavila@ jewishnaples.org.

Our “Matzah Ballers” Committee!

This event wouldn’t happen without the creativity, energy, and dedication of our planning team: Daryl Berg, Marianna Clark, Hailey Dalby, Max Deifik, Alicia Feldman, Mia Hyatt, Fabiana Kivilevic, Julie Smith, Susan Solomon, and Jennifer Suden.

So, grab your best holiday party outfit, dust off your dancing shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable evening. It’s game time at the 2025 Matzah Ball — Let’s Play!

beach Clean Up beach Clean Up

“It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it” Pirkei Avot

The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples invites you to fulfill the Mitzvah of Tikkun Olam (Cleaning the World)

PJ Library - Sharing Books and Sharing Stories

By Hailey Dalby, Jewish Youth & Family Programs Manager

What a busy month it has been for PJ Library! We could not think of a better way to begin 5786 than with all of our PJ friends! October was filled with fun and new programming offering lots of opportunities to connect

Park to celebrate Thanksgiving together with all of PJ Library and their families. Our final event in November is the community-wide beach cleanup. This effort spans across half a dozen organizations striving to fulfill the Mitzvah of

November 24TH November 24TH 10:00 am 10:00 am

jfgn.regfox.com/beach-clean-up REGISTER NOW

with our community. We started the month with a Sukkot Splash at Eagle Lakes Aquatics Center. Naples’ sunshine was the perfect accessory to a good time. Next, we kicked off the party season with the inaugural Mini Matzah Ball. A warm PJ thanks to the Hyatt family for allowing us to gather at their home. Everyone had a wonderful time swimming, playing, and partying!

We are ecstatic to have begun a new program with our littlest readers – PJ Library tots Storytime, a gathering for caregivers and children ages 0-2. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone visiting from out of town are welcome to join us at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center in the Saperstein BBYO Lounge (and outside when the weather cooperates!). Each story time, we will read seasonal PJ Library books and sing songs together! Our upcoming November story time dates are November 6 and 20. Please email me with any questions at hdalby@ jewishnaples.org.

tikkun olam (Repairing the World). We cannot wait for another month of meeting new friends, reading new books, and sharing new stories!

UPCOMING EVENTS!

In November, PJ Library has even more fun programs for you to look forward to! On the 16th our PJ Our Way and BBYO Connect groups will enjoy a relaxing afternoon creating vision boards and meeting new friends. Later that day, we will gather at North Collier Regional

January 30 February

Calling all Bubbies, Zaydes, Nanas, Granddads, Grandmas, and Grandpas! From passing down traditions, to sharing family history with future generations, your role in your grandchildren’s lives is irreplaceable – and PJ Library agrees! Grandparents can enroll to receive a free PJ Library book to read with their grandchildren. If this is something you and your family are interested in, please contact me, Hailey Dalby, Jewish Youth & Family Programs Manager, to enroll at 239-799-1113 or hdalby@jewishnaples.org.

Remaining Intellectually Curious

By Larry Israelite

For some of us, there is a limit to the number of times each week we can golf, play pickleball, bocce, kayak, or take advantage of the other physically demanding activities that MCA offers. So on the days that members would prefer to remain ‘inside,’ to listen to interesting speakers or to discuss the issues of the day, the MCA Program Committee has worked overtime to ensure there are plenty of options. Here are just a few.

The Speaker Series - Members of MCA have led interesting lives, done interesting work, and possess all manner of unique knowledge and experience. This series of mostly monthly presentations

The Road Ahead, and The Nobel Prize and its many Jewish Awardees.

Financial Health

- Everyone – well, almost everyone –thinks about the stock market, interest rates, real estate prices, and other financial issues affecting our futures. The Financial Health speaker series is designed to address these issues. Subjects addressed this year include: Reducing Medical

provides an opportunity for MCA members to share their expertise. This year, topics include: Larynx Transplants and Medical Ethics, The Pentagon Papers. Customer Service Centers Explained, Presidential Power: More or Less?, Jews in Baseball, and Climate Change: An Inconvenient Reality.

Monthly Luncheons - On the second Thursday of each month from November to April, MCA members gather for a good meal and a stimulating presentation. Topics address a wide range of issues, but all directly relevant to MCA’s members. Luncheon presentations include: My Career in Sports Media, Economic and Market Forecasts, Goodbye Walter Cronkite. The Media has Changed, My Career as an NFL Referee, Electric Vehicles:

Expenses, Annuities & Stock Options, Stay or Go? Our Housing Options as We Age, Protecting Your Wealth for Your Heirs, and Your IRA and Charity Strategies

Science - Our world is a complex place, and there is a great deal that, for many, can be hard to understand. MCA’s science presentations are designed to help make it all just a little easier. This year’s sessions cover the following topics: The Twilight Zone: Real and Imagined Failures, Vitamin D in Daily Life: Understanding How Adequate Vitamin D Can Keep You Healthier, Cyber Security, Implantable Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators, Conspiracy Theories: Past, Present and in the Future, and From Fear to Fascination: The Science and Conservation of Sharks.

Scott Harshbarger, Former Attorney General of Massachusetts, spoke at an MCA Monthly luncheon.

Medical Seminars - ‘Organ Recital’ is a phrase used by many of us to describe the ever-present discussion of health issues almost every time MCA members get together. The Medical Seminars are intended to help us better understand the complex world of medicine and how we, as adult males, can make informed choices to better manage our health. This season, the series will address: Keeping Our Teeth Healthy as we Age, AgeAppropriate Forgetfulness vs. Dementia, Going With the Flow - Urology Update, Reviewing the Hematology Disease Spectrum, Is Falling in My Future? - Part II: I'm Down but I'm Not Out, and Understanding Cardiology Diagnostic Procedures and Approaches

Special Speakers - Throughout the season, MCA sponsors speakers whose presentations don’t fit neatly into a category. This year, those include Generative AI: What It Is and How It Can Enhance Your Life, America’s Opioid Epidemic – How Big Pharma’s Profit Motive fueled Opioid Addiction, Sam Harris, Child

Survivor of the Holocaust: A Personal Story, Safeguarding our Nation’s Future, and Israel and War - 2026 Update

The bottom line… MCA offers many opportunities for its members to exercise their curiosity. Visit www. mcanaples.org or scan the QR code for additional information.

Nov 7: 5:23 p.m. Nov 14: 5:19 p.m. Nov 21: 5:17 p.m.

28: 5:16 p.m.

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, Sheriff of Collier County, Florida, spoke at an MCA Monthly luncheon.

Avi Goldstein, speaker at the MCA Men's Medical Seminar Series

WCA North and South

ExpandingOurCommunityofFriendship

By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Director; and Emily Berkowitz, WCA North Board Member

Since its founding in 2008, the Women’s Cultural Alliance (WCA) has focused on meeting the needs of its steadily growing membership. We are continually creating engaging programs that meet members’ interests and ensure that events are easily accessible to all members.

In 2012, WCA launched the Corkscrew Coconut Consortium (CCC) to better serve members living north of Naples, particularly in Bonita Springs and Estero.

Just a year later, in 2013, CCC evolved into WCA North, which now reaches women even north of Estero. Inspired by the success of WCA North, in 2015 WCA South was created to serve women east and south of Naples, extending down to Marco Island.

With the creation of WCA North and WCA South, WCA became even more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive, while also providing additional programming that benefits our entire membership. The events planned by WCA North and WCA South are so appealing that women from across Southwest Florida frequently participate, regardless of where they live.

Much of this success can be attributed to their leadership. Since its inception, WCA North has been led by Coordinator Dina Shein, while WCA South only recently welcomed its new Coordinator, Susan Feuerman. Both Dina and Susan work with dedicated teams of volunteers to create the innovative and meaningful programming our members enjoy.

WCA North Board Member Emily Berkowitz, with the assistance of

Coordinator Dina Shein, shares her reflections on WCA North below. An overview of WCA South, written by Cooridantor Susan Feuerman, will appear in the December issue of the Fed Star

WCA North by Emily Berkowitz It wasn’t long after we moved to Florida that I realized that I had found two homes. One was my residence, and the second was the Women’s Cultural Alliance (WCA). We are uniquely fortunate to have a huge array of interest groups and activities, all run by the fabulous women of WCA.

Around 2013, WCA created a branch to serve women who are north of Naples. particularly in Bonita Springs, Estero and even north of Estero. Though this group is known as WCA North, all WCA members are welcome!

WCA North is expertly helmed by the kind, creative and dedicated Dina Shein. Meetings are frequently held at the Grandezza Country Club in Estero, the Shadow

Wood Community, and the Shadow Wood Preserve Community.

We hope you will find the following groups enticing and join in! All WCA members are welcome!

Book Discussion…. Meets the 4th Thursday of the month. Selections are thoughtfully chosen by literary experts Maureen Feeney, Marcia Maloni, Dina Shein, and Alison Schmerler. Expect to enjoy lively, in-depth discussions. Recent books have included Amor Towles’ Table for Two, and Stephanie Dray’s Becoming Madame Secretary Please contact Dina Shein (dinaatwca!@gmail.com) to join.

Classic Films…. Meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The group gathers to watch and discuss American and foreign films, and determine if they are, indeed, true classics. Films have included Like Water for Chocolate,

Casablanca, and AllAboutEve. This year’s film theme is “Strong Women, Strong Actresses.” Please contact one of the coordinators to sign up! Emily Berkowitz (Emily.Berkowitz@ gmail.com), Cipora Levine (Cipora Levine@gmail.com), or Dina Shein (Dinaatwca@gmail.com) encourage you to join!

Group Trivia…. Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month. You needn’t be a trivia expert at all to have fun in this great activity. Teams are randomly created, so you’ll be meeting lots of new women, too. And who doesn’t want to win a chocolate bar if you are on the winning team? Please contact coordinator Cipora Levine (CiporaLevine@gmail.com) if you are interested.

Israeli Authors and Movies…. Meets the 4th Tuesday of the month. To deepen our understanding of modern Israeli society, coordinators

Nancy Armacido, Dana Lefkowitz, Fran Kroll and Maureen Feeney enjoy playing Group Trivia.

Book Discussion is a popular WCA North group. (Emily Berkson is 4th from the left in the first row, wearing white.)

Judith Satin, Cipora Levine and Dana Lefkowitz — WCA North Ladies Who Brunch, at Survey Cafe in Bonita Springs

Dina Shein and Luba Rotsztain thoughtfully make selections, which alternate monthly between films and books, to foster rich discussions. Please contact Dina Shein (Dinaatwca@gmail) to join.

Ladies Who Brunch…. 2nd Friday of the month. This is a great gettogether for those who want to socialize, enjoy good food, relax and make new friends. The coordinators – Marilyn Harris and Alison Schmerler – are wonderful culinary “sleuths” who find new eateries for us to enjoy. The announcements and registration for the brunches are included in the Thursday WCA Newsletters.

Mahjong…. Wednesdays from 1-4 pm, Grandezza. If you are an experienced player and enjoy a fast-moving game, this is for you!

Please contact Andrea Goodman (Andgood24@yahoo.com) to sign up.

Read and Relax…. Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month. This book discussion group focuses on works that are perhaps less challenging, maybe a bit lighter, and shorter than other book groups.

The conversations, though, are always fun and meaningful. Recent books have included Ruth Reichel’s The Paris Novel and Jesse Sutanto’s Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. Please contact coordinator Cipora Levine (CiporaLevine@gmail.com) to attend.

WCA North Special Events/ Trips . Coordinator June Kruger finds exciting and worthwhile adventures to enjoy. Recently, the group attended Wisteria Tea Room in Fort Myers for a sumptuous high tea. Upcoming events include a show at the Broadway Palm Theater, as well as Canasta Day coordinated by Raleigh Kaminsky. Watch the WCA Newsletter for the announcements and registration information.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy outstanding programs and create lasting friendships through WCA, WCA North, and WCA South. Not yet a member? Join today — you’ll be glad you did! For more information, visit WCA’s website at wcanaples.org

Read and Relax. . . and some women are indeed relaxing!

North Group Trivia

Annual Community Wide Hanukkah Celebration

Monday, December 15

5 - 6 PM

Mercato on the Lawn

Join us for this free community wide event as we celebrate Hanukkah and light the Menorah

Entertainment, music, food, and fun!

Naples Klezmer Revival Band, music begins at 4:30

Chef Dalia’s Israeli food for sale

Enjoy balloon creations & giveaways

Please register so we can plan accordingly

PREPARE TO BE AMAZED!

An Enchanting Evening with World-Famous Magician Joshua Jay

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Presents: World-famous magician Joshua Jay brings his internationally acclaimed illusions and mind-bending sleight of hand to Naples for one magical day only!

Two Shows Only on Sunday, February 1, 2026

2:00 PM Matinée

Followed by a Dessert Reception

Tickets: $100 per person

5:00 PM Evening Show

Followed by an elegant Wine & Cheese Reception

Tickets: $125 per person

Check-in begins 30 minutes before each show

Adult-appropriate entertainment

Seating limited to 150 guests per show—reserve early

Scan to Register or visit www.jewishnaples.org/JoshuaJay26

Annual Community Wide Hanukkah Celebration

Monday, December 15 • 5 - 6 PM • Mercato on the Lawn

Join us for this free community wide event as we celebrate Hanukkah and light the Menorah Scan to Register or

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Three Pillars of Service

BDr. Jaclynn Faffer President/ CEO

aker Senior Center Naples (BSCN) is unique among senior centers. As one of 111 senior centers accredited by the National Council on Aging, we are the only one offering a wide range of comprehensive services under one roof. This is why we are often referred to as the “Central Address for Senior Services.”

Pillar #1 is the senior center itself, with over 50 unique programs including wellness, education, art and music, drum circle and so much more. Located on the first floor of our new 30,000-square-foot

building, close to 2,000 older adults (60 years and over) remain engaged, learn new skills, and make new connections and friendships.

Pillar #2 is our Clinical Services. This includes mental health counseling and case management. Licensed clinical social workers provide individual and group counseling to older adults and their families who are often struggling with life cycle changes and concerns. Grief and loss, illness and caregiving, mild anxiety and depression are often the issues brought to our therapists. We are Medicare providers and are on most insurance panels.

We are grateful for the funding we receive from Federation towards our case management program. It is within case management that we serve our Holocaust Survivors, often among the frailest of frail.

Naples Jewish Film Festival

Bigger,Better,andReadytoInspire!

By Stacey Baum, NJFF Committee Member

The Naples Jewish Film Festival (NJFF) is proud to announce its return for an exciting 13th season; and this year, the Festival is coming home to its original venue: The Naples Players at the Sugden Community Theatre, located on prestigious Fifth Avenue in the heart of downtown Naples.

Over the years, the NJFF has become a cherished tradition for greater Naples audiences, offering a compelling lineup of films that explore Jewish life, Israeli culture, heritage, and universal themes of identity, resilience, and community. Many past films have premiered at major international festivals in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, bringing authentic voices and storytelling from across the Jewish world.

powerful new releases from Israeli filmmakers, and stories of Jewish tradition, is expected to be announced soon!

New: Choose Your Seat

A brand-new ticketing platform will allow Patrons to purchase and reserve the exact seat of their choice for the entire festival. Whether you prefer the front row, an aisle seat, center stage, or balcony views – your perfect seat is waiting for the film season.

Tickets/ Patron Information

Subscriber Festival Patron tickets will go on sale at the end of November and will be announced in ChaiLights, Federation’s weekly email.

For this population, our credentialed case managers often are surrogate families as many of our survivors do not have family and have outlived their friends. We make sure their needs are met, that they live their lives safely and with dignity, and many take part in our senior center activities, expanding their circle and addressing isolation and loneliness. Our case managers work with homeless senior women, veterans, and the most vulnerable and at-risk older adults, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. Our Food Pantry, now serving one hundred older adults per month, is located within our Clinical Services Pillar.

Pillar #3 is our evidence-based Brookdale Cognitive Health Center. We currently have ten 4-hour dementia respite groups that keep our clients engaged, active and safe while their caregivers receive much needed respite for time for themselves. Caregiver support groups, educational programs, a dementia choir and Memory Café are all part of the Brookdale Cognitive Health Center. Staffed by licensed and credentialed social workers and music therapists, our program is the only one of its kind in southwest Florida.

Baker Senior Center Naples is open to adults over age 60. Please look at our website for more information, or better yet, stop by for a tour!

Save the 2026 Festival Dates

• Monday, Jan. 26

• Monday, Feb. 2

• Sunday, March 8

• Monday, March 16

• Sunday, March 22

All screenings begin at 7 p.m. The full 2026 Film Line-up, including

Individual tickets will be released closer to each screening date, subject to availability. Early purchase is encouraged as seats are expected to sell out quickly.

A Look Back

One of the most talked-about films of last season was the breakout comedy Bad Shabbos. This hilarious and heartfelt story about family,

tradition, and the chaos that ensues when the two collide had audiences laughing and cheering — while winning awards from Tel Aviv to Toronto.

Missed it? You can still watch Bad Shabbos at home on digital platforms including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Home, and ChaiFlicks, the streaming service dedicated to Jewish and Israeli cinema. Or catch it on the big screen — where it’s been extended for an 18th week in select theaters due to popular demand.

Join Us for Unforgettable Stories

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or attending for the first time, the Naples Jewish Film Festival offers something for everyone. From moving portrayals of Israeli life and heartfelt Jewish family stories to comedies that explore tradition with humor and heart, our films aim to reflect, inspire, and bring people together.

We tell a story.

Holocaust Museums and Human Rights

By Rochelle Lieb

There is currently a discussion between interested parties about whether a Holocaust Museum should be just about the Holocaust or should it also be an impetus for increased awareness of human rights. It is important to note that in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly (Resolution 217A) declared for the first time that fundamental human rights be universally protected. (https://www.un.org/ en/global-issues/human-rights)

Also in Israel, Yad Vashem (1953) was established by an act of the Knesset. Its purpose was to commemorate the Jewish people who were victims of the Holocaust, honor their heroes, and to collect and disseminate information about this period.

The largest Holocaust Museum in the U.S. is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) in Washington DC (1993). Its stated mission is: "To advance and disseminate knowledge about this unprecedented tragedy; to preserve the memory of those who suffered; and to encourage its visitors

(https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/ content/en/article/elie-wiesel)

Knowing the history, the background, and the factors at play and making the connection to human rights before, during, and after the Holocaust can be more effective to recognize the probability of another

Worldwide, there are hundreds of Holocaust museums/memorials/ institutions that vary in size and mission. With a focus on human rights in today's context, here is some information about a few Holocaust museums/memorials with attention to their mission and possible change over time.

"Yad Vashem promotes human rights by linking Holocaust events to universal ethical values, countering ideologies that led to the Holocaust, and educating the public on the importance of human dignity and individual responsibility." (https://www.yadvashem.org/)

The first Holocaust Museum/ memorial in the United States was established by Holocaust Survivors (1961, Los Angeles) "to commemorate those who perished, honor survivors, educate

The first Holocaust museum in the world was Israel's Ghetto Fighters' House (1949) started by survivors of the ghettos and WWII. Its purpose was to document Jewish life before and during the Holocaust, focusing on Jewish resistance. In 1995, the Center for Humanistic Education was established as part of this museum to provide educational activities to study the Holocaust as a historical crisis that calls for engagement with social and human dilemmas of a universal nature. (https://www.humanisticeducation. org.il)

about the Holocaust, and inspire a more humane world." (https:// www.holocaustmuseumla.org/ mission-and-history)

Locally, The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center originated as a middle school Holocaust project and opened as a museum in 2001. It recognizes the Holocaust at its core but connects its lessons to human rights. "Teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against hatred and to promote mutual respect." (https://hmcec. org/about/our-mission/)

to reflect upon the questions raised by the events of the Holocaust, as well as their own responsibilities as citizens of a democracy." (https://www.ushmm. org/information/ about-the-museum/ mission-and-history)

USHMM was the result of President Jimmy Carter's Commission on the Holocaust and chaired by Elie Wiesel. The appointment of Wiesel was key to connecting the Holocaust and human rights. Wiesel was driven by his Holocaust experience to combat indifference and oppression worldwide.

Holocaust and if possible, keep it from happening again.

For more information about Holocaust Museums and other topics, read the November GenShoah newsletter, available to all members or to anyone interested in our mission.

The first section in the mission statement of GenShoah SWFL is "promotion of Holocaust education and human rights." For information about GenShoah and its programs email genshoahswfl@hmcec.org.

GenShoah SWFL • GenShoahSWFL@HMCEC.org

GenShoah SWFL Upcoming Programs

By Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb

Movies that Matter – The Steve Brazina Memorial Series: 3 films in-person at the Holocaust Museum; 2 p.m.; RSVP required to hmcec.org.

• Oct. 23: "Free For All: The Public Library"

• Oct. 30: "Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act"

• Nov. 6: "Facing Fear" (A journey of forgiveness and reconciliation.)

Watch these relevant documentaries at the Holocaust Museum followed by an expert panel discussion. All films are selected by a committee with Southwest Florida in mind.

GenShoah Readers & Learners Book Discussion – LifeinaJar(Jack Mayer) In coordination w/Irena Sendler illustrations exhibit at HMCEC and facilitated by 2G Estelle Kafer, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 – 11 a.m. at the Holocaust Museum. RSVP required at hmcec.org.

This is a powerful story of heroism during the Holocaust, and its role in the lives of three high school students in Kansas, based on the true story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic rescuer of Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. Jack Mayer weaves these two separate but connected stories and provides us with a unique lens into the Holocaust and its meaning and relevance in today’s world.

Kristallnacht Commemoration (Catholic Jewish Dialogue) Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 - 2:30 p.m.; Temple Shalom - RSVP requested jewish naples.org. A solemn program coordinated to involve the diverse members of our community. A little history of the November pogrom that is considered the beginning of the Holocaust, a symbolic lighting of remembrance candles are included.

Shelley Lieb

Elie Wiesel

Holocaust Museum

IErin Blankenship President & CEO

t has been a busy time at the Museum this fall. Student Education and Community Outreach Programs are being implemented in ten counties across Florida. We recently hosted a School Field Trip for students from North Port High School in Sarasota County. The students were taking a Holocaust History elective class led by teacher Zachary Ward and were very engaged, both during Survivor Rob Nossen’s presentation and the Museum tour led by Docent Stuart Mest, M.D. Mr. Ward is a wonderful advocate for Holocaust Education. He participated in last year’s Museum Educator Trip to Washington, D.C. and will attend our upcoming Luncheon event to share the impact of Museum visits on his students over the years.

The Luncheon, Dec. 3, 2025

We hope you’ll join us at The Luncheon Winter Fundraising Event on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Vineyards Country Club. Our Guest Speaker will be filmmaker and photographer Jillian Laub. She is the creator of the Live2Tell project, a photo archive

required. Visit hmcec.org to purchase tickets.

The final Movies That Matter documentary film and panel discussion in the Fall 2025 Series will take place on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m. at the Museum. The film, Facing Fear, shares the story of Matthew Boger, a gay 13-year-old who was viciously beaten by a group of neo-Nazis in 1980s Los Angeles. Years later, he has a chance meeting with Tim Zaal, a former skinhead. It wasn’t long after meeting that the two men realized that Zaal was involved in

and the Museum. Reservations are required at jewishnaples.org.

Katz Lecture Series

Elliot Katz will present his lecture

of more than 200 Holocaust Survivor portraits designed to show the humanity behind the numbers of Holocaust victims, survivors and their families. In February 2025, Gillian and her Live2Tell project were featured on CBSNewsSunday Morningin a segment titled "Bearing Witness.” Tickets are $200, and a variety of Sponsorship Packages are available. Please visit our website –hmcec.org – for more information and to purchase tickets.

November

Programs and Events

On Monday, Nov. 3, at 5 p.m., join us for a Gallery Talk and wine and cheese reception with artist Bill Farnsworth. His original paintings created to illustrate the children’s book, Irena Sendler and The Children of The WarsawGhetto, are currently on display in the exhibition Painting Irena Sendler’s Story in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery at the Museum. Tickets are $9.00 for the public and admission is complimentary for Museum members. Reservations are

Matthew’s assault. The film will be followed by a panel discussion. The program is free, but registration is required – visit hmcec.org to RSVP.

The annual Kristallnacht Community Commemoration event will take place at Temple Shalom in Naples on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the CatholicJewish Dialogue of Collier County in partnership with JCRC, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, the Diocese of Venice, FL, GenShoah of SWFL and the Museum. RVSP is required at jewishnaples.org

On Monday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m., author Andrew A. Dahl will discuss his book Finding Rose: The Search for My Grandmother, at the Nina Iser Cultural Center. The book is a powerful exploration of family, memory and Jewish identity. The free program is presented in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, The Men’s Cultural Alliance, The Women’s Cultural Alliance

series on Wednesdays in November and December 2025, at the Nina Iser Cultural Center. The cost is $25 per lecture, and registration is required to attend. RSVP at jewishnaples.org. The series is presented by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and the Museum.

I hope to see you at the Museum!

Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center HMCEC.org • 239-263-9200

Live2Tell Project (credit Jillian Laub)

North Port students listening to Rob Nossen presentation

The Good, the Bad and the NishtAhzoyShlaac’ht!

ZoogmirinYiddish

By Sol Awend, GenShoah SWFL

If it’s one thing we "Yiddlec’h" (Jews) love to do, besides talking or shopping, it’s eating. It seems the juicier and more caloric the dish is, the better. There’s a Yiddish slogan that sums it up: "Bah ins Yeedin miz zahn ah bissel fetz." (By us Jews, there needs to be a little fat.) That and "ah biss’l zahltz (a sprinkle salt). Oh, and "fah gess nisht dee k’obl!" (Don’t forget the garlic!)....

And what better way to achieve a calorie-laden dish, but to "pray gel" it (to fry it). In yester years, the go-to fat was "shmaltz" (chicken fat), who knew from cholesterol? And if you’re going to fry it, why not "tink" (dunk) that chicken breast into egg and matzo meal beforehand?

I admit it. I’m a "fresser" (one who loves to eat) and doesn’t raise his pinkies to do it. When I met my wife fifty years ago, I was first enticed by her cooking. Upon arriving at her mother’s house for "Shabbos" (Shabbat), what did we have? "Brisketmitgehbrootenehkartoffln." (Brisket with roasted potatoes) Talk about love at first bite!

One of the best known and most loved Yiddish dish has to be "cholent" (a stewed or baked dish, especially of meat and beans, served on the Sabbath but cooked the day before or overnight over a slow fire) — a crock pot’s best friend. And what better aroma to greet you than that warm, beefy comfort food waiting all day, to satisfy your hunger. Got pickles! As they say, “If you’ve never had it, you’ll never know... and if you have..."ah tow zen tahm!" (A thousand tastes!)

Then there’s chicken soup, otherwise known as Jewish “penicillin.” And what makes it so good? The "yowec’h" (broth) must have "oygen" (eyes). They’re actually fat globules floating on top of the broth, giving the liquid gold some heft. Add rice or perhaps, "lauxshen" (noodles). To provide color and character you

might find a stick or two of carrots and "shtikahlec’h" (morsels) of chicken floating around.

The critiques come into play when there’s a party and everyone comments about what was served. “Did you see the lox? It was 'shvitzing' (sweating)," as in not fresh; left sitting out too long. And the matzo balls? “Dun esk!"(Don't ask!) "Even the "yowec’h" (broth) was salty!"

This month, we approach the feasting season, starting with Thanksgiving. The tongues are going to wag!

“The 'knishes' (dumplings of dough that are stuffed with a filling and baked or fried) were hard as rocks! And the 'toykey' (turkey)?! 'Frayg dec’h nisht!' (Don’t ask!) It was dry!”

Every one of us has a story and a memory of times passed. These were our mothers and grandmothers, and what warm and wonderful memories they conjure up. Today we have our wonderful spouses and the love they add to our feast. Ah... the aroma wafting from the "kec’h" (kitchen). "Doos essen varik" (the meal offering), so downright delicious, followed by dessert... "Oy,shtrood’l" (Oh my! Strudel)!

Here then, are hopes and wishes for a wonderful gastronomic season full of good fare and boisterous talk about the good, the bad and the "nishtahzoyshlaac’ht!" “The not so bad!”

To: Jimmy and Tamra Segal Mazel tov on Evan & Ari’s wedding. They are a beautiful couple, and we wish them a lifetime of happiness.

From: Steve and Ellen Blum

To: Gail and Dan Kamm

My sincere condolences on the passing of your brother, Howard. May the care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace.

From: Patti Bloom

To: Merle Kiwi Mazel tov on the bar mitzvah of your grandson. I am sure he will bring you many more happy occasions.

From: Monica and Allan Goodwin

To: Gail Smith In Memory of Russell Smith

From: Ellen and Ed Wollman

To: Gail Smith In Memory of Russell Smith

From: Phyllis and Steve Strome

Sol Awend

Local Jewish History Film Festival 2025 Continues

By Marina Berkovich, President of the Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 5 p.m.

Film 1: Chief Plager. After serving on the Miami-Dade Police for nearly four decades, Richard Plager became the first Jewish policeman on Sanibel Island and served as Chief for a decade, bridging gaps of discord and misunderstanding through wisdom and strength of experience.

Film 2: When Destiny Called. Holocaust survivor Elena Rosner came

to Marco Island as an investor and convinced its developer to dedicate one of the plots for the first and only Marco Island Jewish temple.

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 5-6 p.m.

The Labodas of Fort Myers. Dr. Gerald, his wife Sheila, parents and children made SWFL their permanent home and contributed to its culture, development, wellness, governance, arts, etc., including

organizing The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5-6 p.m.

EngineeringTheFuture.After doing similar work in South America, WWII veteran Irv Berzon helped plan Collier County’s water preservation and other engineering fetes.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5-6 p.m.

Film Premiere – (Mark) IrgangRoad,

a unique story filmed in unconventional setting.

Attendance is free, but you must register at jhsswf.org/upcomingevents.

Naples Jewish Congregation Community Events

By Len Egdish, Publicity Chair, Naples Jewish Congregation

Please feel free to join us at the following events this month.

Lifelong Learning

As a congregation, NJC is committed to promoting 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 who generously shares his knowledge and brings about a vibrant and respectful exchange of ideas and beliefs.

The Virgin Birth: The Differences Between Christian and Jewish Understanding, Friday Nov. 14 –What is the “Virgin Birth?” It is the story of the supernatural birth of Jesus to his mother Mary (“Miriam” in Hebrew) told in only two of the Gospels. Does this story really derive from Isaiah 7:14? If true, does the Virgin Birth prove that Jesus is God? Join us for this fascinating course and discussion. No prior knowledge or background is required.

Also, at this service, there will be a special guest speaker on Social Justice.

Shabbat Services

Everyone is welcome to attend our Shabbat Services, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday nights: November 7, 14, and 28, and Saturday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m. Join Rabbi Herman, Music Director Alla Gorelick, and the NJC choir 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.

See our website at naplesjewish congregation.org for specific dates and times. While there, you can see the various planned activities.

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, Director of Development, at (239) 449-8266 or email at afeldman@jewishnaples.org to find out more.

Temple Shalom Events

By Jeanette Fischer, Temple Shalom Director of Communications

Our Temple Shalom One Family looks forward to welcoming you to the events listed below. Please visit our website at naplestemple.org or call the Temple Shalom office at 239-4553030 for more information.

Soulful Shabbat

We invite you to join us for this very popular musical Shabbat on Friday evening, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Soulful Shabbat is a service conducted entirely in song and led by Cantor Donna Azu with accompaniment by the Temple Shalom Band.

Judaism: What’s Love Got to do With It? Tuesdays, Nov. 4 – Nov. 25 at 12 p.m. Rabbi Frank Muller leads this class exploring the common misconception that Judaism is a religion of law and the God of the Hebrew Bible is one of punishment and vengeance while Christianity is a religion of love and compassion. Nothing could be further from the truth. This class will utilize the book, Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life by Shari Held. Registration required.

Big-Tent Judaism: Calling All Believers, Doubters, Atheists & Agnostics Sunday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 a.m. A series of classes led by Rabbi Frank Muller, meeting once a month on Sundays. This course is for everyone along the continuum of belief – from the religiously committed to those who feel theologically alienated from normative Judaism. Registration required.

Tzedek, Tzedek (Tashir v’) Tirdof: Music in Doing Justice Thursdays, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. Join Cantor Donna Azu in this two-part series exploring the use of music in the work of doing justice.

Torah Study Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom. Join our vibrant, virtual Torah Study every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom. Explore the wisdom of the weekly Torah portion with thoughtful discussions and meaningful reflections. Led by a member of our clergy or a lay person, this interactive session welcomes all to explore and connect with Jewish teachings. Please contact the Temple Shalom office for the zoom link.

Judaica Shop

The Sisterhood Judaica Shop is the only shop in the Greater Naples area, and it has a wide selection of Judaica! Shop for a mezuzah, Shabbat candle sticks, tallit, Kiddush cups, hostess gifts, and much more.

To schedule an appointment, contact the Temple Shalom office. And visit our table at the Communitywide Hanukkah Celebration in December.

Making the decision between agingin-place or moving to a senior living community is one of the most important choices you’ll make.

This FREE Guide provides an overview of both options to help you determine the best choice for your future.

Temple Shalom Naplestemple.org 239-455-3030

When you need an expert call the “MATCHMAKER” OF SENIOR HOUSING

Over

When Grandkids Use Bad Language

AgingJewishly—Whatourtraditions teachusaboutgrowingold.

By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

"Ithappens every year.” Hannah grimaced and shook her head while her colleague Rex nodded in agreement. Hanna and Rex, both volunteer teachers at their synagogue’s after-school program, lamented what many in their position have come to expect.

Rabbi Barbara Aiello

“We’re in the first book of Torah so that means we’ve got to deal with the ‘Bereshit’ issues,” Rex said. “The jokes, the snickering and the inappropriate use of the word that describes the first of the Five Books of Moses.”

Hannah agreed. “But these days, it’s worse than that. I’m a bubby and I’m worried. So many kids, including my own grandkids, curse, swear and use foul language like we never did. I remember when my own grandmother washed out my brother’s mouth with soap after he used that “s” word.” Rex concurred. “Yeah, back in the day that’s what they did. It was totally inappropriate.”

Hannah signed, “But what can we do when our grandkids’ language has gone too far?”

Thousands of grandparents have asked this question prompting dozens of websites to answer. In January 2025, professional Susan Hawthorne, the “Philosopher Grandmother,” tackled the issue with an article, “Grandparents Can Promote Civil Language.”

mouth”) is highlighted in the Gemara where we read that “because of the sin of cursing, great problems came to Israel; (while) another commentary calls it, ‘the ultimate source of impurity’, reflecting the Nefesh Habahamit — the animalistic aspect of mankind.”

What to do? Parenting Coach Amy McCready, of the online site Positive Parenting Solutions, shares her wisdom and experience via 10 tips that parents and grandparents can employ to curb foul language. It’s not overstating the obvious that Ms. McCready’s first tip admonishes the adults in the child’s life to be aware of their own use of expletives, curses and “dirty words” especially when angry or stressed. If foul language is prohibited in the home, the prohibition applies to everyone.

Subsequent items on McCready’s list include the admonition that adults do not overreact to bad language, even when the expletives are particularly offensive. Instead, Ms. McCready advises that parents and grandparents emphasize clear and concise family values.

Iffoullanguageis prohibitedinthe home,theprohibition appliestoeveryone.

Ms. Hawthorne began by telling on herself. She relates how in years past, when her now older grandchildren were toddlers, she laughed at her little one’s “potty mouth,” Ms. Hawthorne says, “… I won’t laugh anymore (OK, I’ll try not to laugh anymore), and I will point out consistently that mean words can hurt. Calling someone a “poopy head” is not cute and can be quite hurtful.”

Writing for the Jewish Chronicle (London, UK 2017) columnist Lauren Libbert turned to Jewish ethics for insight into the problem of inappropriate and hurtful language.

She didn’t have to look far. Ms. Libbert writes, that the Jewish perspective on cursing, known in Hebrew as “Nivul Peh,” (disgusting speech or “vulgarity of the

She writes, “Is your daughter’s best friend’s cousin allowed to drop an F-bomb whenever she feels like it? Be clear and concise with your child (or grandchild) …. Explain it to her simply. ‘I understand that you hear other kids use that word, but in this family that kind of language is not allowed.’”

Rabbi Malcolm Herman, author of Everyday Parenting for Everyday Parents, emphasizes that “language in Judaism is critical and is seen as a creative force that can build or destroy.”

And to all those, including grandparents whose relationships with their grandchildren help shape their lives, Rabbi Herman says, “Boundaries create more space for love. You are the life coach, and you know the best way for your child to learn.”

Barbara Aiello is Italy’s first woman rabbi. She serves Sinagoga Ner Tamid del Sud in Calabria. She servedtheAvivaCampusforSenior Life(Sarasota,FL)asresidentrabbi and is author of “Aging Jewishly,” (Amazon). Contact her at Rabbi@ RabbiBarbara.com.

Monday, December 1 • 7:00 PM • $45 Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center (includes one signed book) Back by Popular Demand Twice by Mitch Albom

Alfie has a secret gift. But he’s paid a price. If you could relive any — or every — moment in your life, would you?

Exclusively Sponsored by

Platinum Patrons will be invited to a private pre-event reception with Mitch Albom.

Monday, January 12 1:00 PM • $30 One in Six Million by Amy Fish

Wednesday, January 28 1:00 PM • $30 Legacy of Lies by Lew Paper

To become a Patron or to purchase individual tickets: jewishbookfestival.org

Four New Series, A WickedTV Special and Wicked, a Movie Sequel

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 JewishhaveatleastoneJewishparentandwerenotraisedin,oridentify with, a faith other thanJudaism.

ILoveL.A.

ILoveL.A.is an HBO original comedy TV series that premieres on Nov. 2 (first season is 8 episodes). I venture to say that the 5 lead characters are supposed to be about 28 years old. As I write this, “they” haven’t released a lot of plot info. Here’s the ‘official’ premise: “A codependent friend group reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition and new relationships have changed them.”

Rachel Sennott stars as Maza. She also created the series, and she wrote the first season scripts. Even though she isn’t Jewish, Sennott got her breakthrough role playing a directionless young bisexual Jewish woman in ShivaBaby(2020), a wellreceived movie.

Two I Love L.A. characters are played by Jewish actors. Odessa

A’zion plays Tallulah. A’zion is the daughter of actress Pamela Segall Adlon, 59, (Better Things star; and many other credits). A’zion’s father is not Jewish, and her parents are long divorced. A’zion has a big role in Marty Supreme, a comedy film that will open in December. Timothee Chalamet and Gwyneth Palrow star.

Jordan Firstman, 34, plays Charlie. He’s a comedy writer and actor. He really got noticed for his skits on Instagram called “Impressions” during the Covid pandemic (2020). He’s very out as gay and has worked with LGBTQ organizations. (My guess is that he will play a gay character in I Love….)

It’sHerFault

It’sHerFaultis an 8-episode mystery series that will begin streaming on Peacock on Nov. 6. The stars are Sarah Snook and Dakota Fanning. Here’s the premise: Marissa Irvine (Snook) arrives at a house to pick up her son Milo from a play date, but when she gets there, she can't find Milo, sparking a parent's nightmare.

Minkie Spiro, 54, co-produced the series and she directed half of the

It Is and How It Can Enhance Your Life

November 19 at 7:00 PM

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) has been called the most significant technological leap since the invention of the printing press. While it may sound complex, Gen AI is quickly becoming a powerful tool that can enrich daily life, spark creativity, and help solve everyday challenges. Learn what Gen AI is, how it works and how you can begin using it in practical and accessible ways.

This event is open to all members of the community.

To register, go to www.mcanaples.org or scan the QR code.

episodes. She’s a respected British TV director. Her parents, Robin Spiro (now deceased), and Nitza Spiro (a Hebrew language teacher) founded “Spiro’s Ark”, an important London adult school featuring many types of Jewish education.

DeathbyLightning

Death by Lightning is a historical drama miniseries that starts streaming on Netflix on Nov. 6. The series is based on the short presidency (March-July 1881) of President James Garfield, and his assassination on July 2. Most viewed Garfield as honest, and smart, and would make a good President. However, a mentally ill man wanted a high-level government job and he killed Garfield because Garfield, and other administration officials, turned him down.

This series was created by Mike Makowsky, 34. He’s best known for writing and directing Bad Education, an HBO (2020) original movie that won the Emmy for the best TV movie. It was based on a real story about a school superintendent, and some aides, who stole millions of dollars from their school district.

Phur1bus

Phur1busis a sci-fi drama that begins streaming on Apple+ on Nov. 7. The series is set in Albuquerque. Rhea Seehorn stars as Carol Sturka, an author who seems to be the only person immune to the effects of a new virus. The infected are perpetually content and optimistic!

Miriam Shor, 54, is described on IMDB as a “star” in the series, but

there isn’t any other source about any character except Carol. Shor’s father was Jewish, and she taught classes in the Detroit Workingmen’s Circle (Jewish) School. She has many theater, film, and TV credits (mostly short-lived series), but I can’t point to a credit most have watched.

WickedTV Special

WickedforGoodis a film that opens in theaters on Nov. 21. Of course, it’s a sequel to the Wickedfilm that came out in 2024 and made $750M(!) worldwide. An astonishing amount.

First, I have to tell you that a twohour Wicked “special event” will air on NBC on Nov. 6 (and stream on Peacock the next day). The Wicked special features Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the stars of the Wicked movies. They will host and sing. The publicity “promises” that the two stars will be joined by Wicked costars and “surprise” guests.

WickedforGood

Here's the Jewish breakdown of the movie: the screenplay was co-written by Winnie Holzman, 71; She also co-wrote the first Wickedmovie and she co-wrote the original Broadway show; Stephen Schwartz, 77, wrote the stage musical songs and cowrote the story of the original theater play; and he wrote new songs for the two films; Jeff Goldblum, 72, played the Wizard of Oz in both Wicked films; and Ethan Slater, 33, played the Boq Woodsman in both Wicked films. I imagine Slater will be on the TV special. He and Ariana Grade have been “partnering” with each other since 2023.

Gratitude in Action

HonoringGenerosity,BuildingtheFuture

IRabbi Ammos Chorny

n Jewish tradition, gratitude is never only a feeling. It is an action. The Hebrew phrase hakarathatov means “recognizing the good.” To recognize the good is to see blessings clearly, to honor those who make them possible, and to carry them forward with purpose.

Our synagogue has been blessed with an extraordinary act of generosity this year: multiple gifts that made possible the acquisition of a new Torah scroll and its sacred adornments. The Torah is more than parchment and ink. It is the beating heart of Jewish life: chanted in worship, studied in classrooms, danced with in celebration, and cherished across generations. To hold it is to feel the weight of history and the promise of the future.

sustains all three. Torah is preserved when we invest in learning and teaching. Worship flourishes when we sustain our synagogues and communal spaces. Lovingkindness multiplies when we strengthen the bonds of community and care for the vulnerable.

But gratitude also demands vision. It is not only about honoring what has been given, but about imagining what comes next. When we teach a child to love Torah, when we open doors to adult learning, when we provide comfort and support to those in need, we do more than say “thank you.” We ensure that the generosity of today builds the Jewish future.

That is why gratitude is contagious. A donor’s gift can inspire a student to learn, a volunteer to step forward, or another family to support Jewish life in their own way. Each of us has the power to participate. Each of us has the responsibility to say: “I recognize the good, and I will carry it forward.”

Each of us has the responsibilityto say:“Irecognize thegood,andIwill carryitforward.”

This gift does more than add a scroll to our ark. It represents gratitude in action, generosity that honors tradition while building for tomorrow. Just as Torah is not meant to stay hidden, gratitude cannot remain silent. True gratitude stirs us to live differently. It multiplies goodness, turning one act of giving into a ripple of impact that touches countless lives.

Our sages teach that “The world stands on three things: on Torah, on worship, and on acts of lovingkindness” (Pirkei Avot 1:2). Generosity

As we look ahead, let us remember that gratitude is not the end of the story. It is the beginning. By honoring generosity, we strengthen our bonds as a people. By living with gratitude, we ensure that Jewish life continues to flourish with Torah at its center, kindness in our actions, and hope in our future.

This is the work of our Federation as well: transforming gratitude into action, honoring the generosity of today while building the foundation for generations yet to come.

Arline R. Kaplan, PhD

SPECIALIZING IN Recovery from grief and loss

Relationship issues

Anxiety and Depression

OVER 40 YEARS OF PRIVATE PRACTICE

PhD, Temple University, School of Psychoeducational Processes

Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis

Hahnemann University Hospital, Neuropsychology internship and fellowship

Co-facilitator: Bereavement Group, Temple Shalom Synagogue, Naples

PRIVATE OFFICE IN NORTH NAPLES

Community Event Light refreshments will be available

The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue’s Kristallnacht 2025 strives to commemorate and educate.

We endeavor to inform and raise awareness of the historical events that created the environment for the Holocaust to occur.

We remember and honor the 6,000,000 lives who perished and pledge to create a world where such atrocities can never happen again.

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.

Without Social Action/Justice, the Social Fabric Frays

"Do

Steve McCloskey NJC President

not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” Although this quote is often attributed to the Talmud, it is more accurately described as a loose translation of commentary on a portion of the Pirke Avot, which is itself a commentary on Micah 6:8 (do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God).

Succinctly stated another way by Helen Keller: “Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be attained.”

These two quotes epitomize the Judaic creed that acting justly

toward others, treating others with compassion and empathy, and tempering our own conduct with humility is foundational to who we should be as Jews. This creed is one of the Jews’ primary contributions to the elevation of the human spirit.

Naples Jewish Congregation (NJC) is an affiliate congregation of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). One of the pillars of the URJ is the Religious Action Center (RAC), the social action/justice arm of the URJ. Founded in 1961, the RAC has tirelessly pursued social action/ justice for the past 64 years. This critical work has included a pivotal role in the in the civil rights struggles over the years as well as zealous advocacy for voting rights, free and fair elections, gender equity, reproductive freedom, disability rights and equal treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. The URJ RAC is devoted to encouraging us to not only contemplate a world in need of social action/justice, but to do something about it.

NJC has its own Social Action Committee (SAC), comprised of Rabbi Howard Herman, Rob and Roberta Obler, Bonnie and Dick Lechtner, Suzanne Paley, Ina Resnikov, Irene Pomerantz, Robin Egdish, Gusti Rosenauer and Shelley and Steve McCloskey. Our SAC does our part to advance the RAC’s goals of promoting justice and equity for all, with a particular emphasis on those who are often marginalized and disadvantaged. We at NJC have been quite active in a number of projects that promote the practice of tikkun Olam and the betterment of the lives of those less fortunate.

A perfect example of an ongoing project is our Backpacks for Kids, the brainchild of our own Robin Egdish and her husband, Len, whereby we provide filled backpacks for foster kids year-round. We have been able to provide foster children with 100s of backpacks since this project’s inception. We collect food for the food-insecure and gently used clothing for those in need. We staff an election

precinct in Collier County for all elections. We participate in RAC’s Every Voice, Every Vote Campaigns and various other projects advancing RAC’s goals. NJC is now partnering with the UU’s Social Justice Committee, thereby fostering interfaith relations through social action. Our “small congregation with the big heart” generously gives of its heart to help others.

On November 14, NJC will have our 1st Annual Social Justice Shabbat. Our featured speaker will be Michele Eiger, the Florida State Organizer for RAC-FL. She will tell us about the importance of social justice/action, part of the fabric of the URJ, inform us how RAC-FL implements its goals and how NJC can help in this important work.

In today’s extremely polarized world, where we often retreat to our social media silos, we must focus on being “we-centric,” rather than “me-centric.” If we focus on helping others, we can better ourselves and our world.

Marc's career in sports media featured early adaptation to emerging technologies and new media. Along the way, he met many interesting sports personalities, reporters, broadcasters, league and media executives and entrepreneurs. This presentation will include anecdotal memories of groundbreaking launches, interactions with interesting sports figures and behindthe-scenes details from major games and events.

To register, go to www.mcanaples.org or scan the QR code.

A Tale of Two Seasons

Autumn Leaves and Florida Breezes

AShelley Goodman Beth Tikvah President

s November rolls in, the northern landscapes begin their annual transformation. Trees burst into brilliant hues of crimson, amber, and gold, painting a breathtaking canvas that signals the arrival of fall. The air turns crisp, sweaters emerge from closets, and pumpkin spice finds its way into everything from coffee to candles. It’s a season of reflection, harvest, and preparation for the colder months ahead.

But while the north embraces the beauty of falling leaves, a different kind of seasonal shift is underway in Florida — especially in Naples. Here, the arrival of fall isn’t marked by changing foliage, but by the steady hum of car transporters and the cheerful return of the snowbirds. License plates from

beyond begin to reappear, signaling the start of a new season in the Sunshine State.

For many, Naples is more than just a winter escape — it’s a second home, a community, and a place of renewal. And at the heart of that community is Beth Tikvah Synagogue, where the season brings not only sunshine but also a vibrant calendar of programs, worship, and connection.

As we welcome the return of our seasonal residents and greet those who are new to our community, Beth Tikvah is ready to offer a warm embrace and a meaningful experience for all. Whether you’re here for the first time or have been part of our congregation for years, this is a time to reconnect, rediscover, and rejoice.

Beth Tikvah’s winter season is filled with opportunities for spiritual growth, learning, and social engagement. Our services offer a space for reflection and connection, blending tradition with warmth and inclusivity. Services are held on Friday nights

at 9:30 a.m. Whether you attend regularly or are exploring your faith anew, you’ll find a welcoming environment where everyone is able to feel they belong.

Our adult education programs are a cornerstone of the season, offering thought-provoking lectures, Torah study, and guest speakers who bring fresh perspectives on Jewish life, history, and culture. These sessions are not only intellectually stimulating but also foster a sense of community among participants. Our lecture series offers a new and interesting speaker every month and is open to everyone in the Naples Community. Please check our website for specific details of speakers and dates for this year.

Socially, there’s no shortage of ways to engage. From Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations to book clubs and visiting scholars, Beth Tikvah provides countless opportunities to build friendships — both new and long-standing. These gatherings are more than events; they are the threads that weave our community together.

To those returning to Naples: welcome back! We’ve missed your presence and look forward to sharing another season of joy, learning, and connection with you. To those who are joining us for the first time: we are so glad you’re here. You’ll find that Beth Tikvah is more than a synagogue — it’s a family.

As the north settles into the quiet beauty of fall, Naples comes alive with renewed energy and purpose. The contrast is striking, but the spirit is the same: a time to gather, to reflect, and to celebrate the richness of life and community.

So, whether your season begins with the crunch of leaves underfoot or the gentle sway of palm trees in the breeze, we invite you to make this time meaningful. Join us at Beth Tikvah for worship, for learning, and for the joy of being together.

Here’s to a season of warmth, wisdom, and welcome.

per lecture or attend all 7 for

Fri., Jan. 9 - The 1619 Project, The New York Times Does It Again Fri., Jan. 23 - We Hung Her, Oops Mon., Feb. 2 - American Academia Gets an F Mon., Feb. 9 - Ireland's Dirty Little Secrets Wed., Mar 4 - The Black Legend Lives Fri., Mar. 20 - The Jolly Roger and The Star of David Wed., Mar. 25 - Purple Robes, Rogue Court

Fourth Annual Local Jewish History Film Festival

SponsoredbyRosaleeandJerryBogo

TMarina Berkovich JHSSWF President

he September 14 presentation of Timelines of SWFL Jewish History to the JCC of Valencia Lakes community in Bonita Springs drew a crowd of 50 residents. Our history in Florida began in 1513, and we are just getting started on documenting it. We are always happy to take our presentations on the road to your community.

On September 29, together with Jewish-Russian Cultural Alliance, JHSSWF presented Antisemitism: From Babi Yar to Our Backyards. This event commemorated the anniversary of the Babi Yar Massacre in Kiev, USSR (now Kyiv, Ukraine) that was perpetrated by Nazi occupiers and their Ukrainian collaborators on September 29-30, 1941. There are many significant parallels between that event and all subsequent acts of violent antisemitism,

including other mass murders, nonexistent or meek media coverage, and absence of worldwide public outrage or condemnation.

Jews are still less than .2% of the planet’s humans. Yet, we are the most targeted ethnic and religious group. Antisemitism is an unending story of our people. Rebranding it into anti-Zionism or Jew-hatred to suit the changing times and politicized opinions will not alter its impact on history and the safety of our people or the mental health of our future generations. Educating them differently may.

After the Holocaust, survivors preferred not to discuss it with their children. In Israel, studying the Holocaust was limited to specific acts of heroism. We consider every Holocaust survivor a hero. Each of their stories is unique. Similarly, every Soviet Jew who survived complete discrimination is a hero, whether or not they think of themselves as one. Growing up with the fear of persecution made them so. Every survivor of October 7 is definitely a hero. And in a sense, each of us is an October 7 survivor.

Join Susan Karp Riesenbach, owner of SKR Home and Health Care Solutions, a trusted home care company with 20 years of experience, for an important and informative discussion on the differences between Medicare and Home Care. Susan will clarify what services Medicare does—and doesn’t— cover, and offer guidance for families navigating long-term care options. With her deep expertise and compassionate approach, Susan provides essential knowledge every caregiver, nurse, and aging adult should have. Don’t miss this valuable session brought to you by the Jewish Federation of Naples—empowering our community with resources for aging with dignity.

Friday, December 19 1:00 p.m. Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Please register for this free event so we can plan accordingly

Scan to Register or visit JewishNaples.org/SKR

The worldwide fear of escalating antisemitism is once again pulling the younger generations away from their roots, continuing the ancient pattern of persecution and migration. Is emulating young Israelis and gearing up for a standoff our responsibility? We think, yes. And we think being armed with historical facts is imperative.

We are proud to partake in establishing the historical base for our present and future Jewish community and to hold an Annual Local Jewish History Film Festival, comprised of documentary films produced by The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL based on the eyewitness interviews we conduct. To date there are 26 such films in existence and each year we bring to you five or six of them during a month-long festival that is hosted at Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Each film is a brief encounter with the wonderful, resilient individuals who had the fortitude to come to the Southwest Florida region at a time when Jewish people were unwelcomed and chased out. Jewish community was but a distant dream, and even most of the practical conveniences, including infrastructure, were in their infancy.

These Jews formed small, close-knit communities of like-minded people, hired rabbis or led services as lay people. They invested in their own and developed outreach to educate the community-at-large about the Jewish people.

Our Fourth Annual Local Jewish History Film Festival will take place three dates during November. Details are in the events section on page 5A Attendance is free, thanks to the extreme generosity of Rosalee and Jerry Bogo. Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is our location sponsor.

Please accept our apology for the inadvertent misprinting of our telephone number in past issues of the Fed Star. Our correct telephone number is 833-347-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL).

Direct all correspondence, including contributions and renewals, to The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, PO Box 10075, Naples, FL 34101; 833-347-7935 (833-JHSSWFL); www.jhsswf.org.

Section501(c)3charitableorganization, contributions are deductible to thefullextentallowedbylaw.

Together We Will Heal

CNancy Wiadro Presidents Council for Collier/Lee Chapter

ollier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah welcomes back our seasonal members on Monday, Nov. 17, with our Fall Luncheon Meeting and Election of 2026 officers. A former Miss Israel will be our special guest speaker, courtesy of Israel Bonds. There will be an artisan vendor’s showcase (for holiday gift giving). Please bring your checkbook or cash. Hadassah cannot process credit cards.

To register for this or any other programs, email clhchapter@gmail.com and put “Information” in the subject line. Please note that there will be extra security at all events and you must register in advance (by Nov. 10) to be admitted.

Hadassah’s life-changing work has attracted many new members over the summer months. Our membership team will resume new and prospective member gatherings in Naples, Bonita, Estero and Ft. Myers. If you are new to any of these communities, kindly email the address above so that we can personally greet you.

Sunday, Dec. 14 will be our 36th Annual Major Donor and Keepers of the Gate Recognition Brunch at Schiff Hall in the Nina Iser Jewish Community Center in Naples. Special guest speaker, Carol Ann Schwartz, National President of Hadassah, will bring the latest information on Hadassah’s life-affirming work. Hadassah Associates as well as all members are welcome. Registration for the brunch will appear in our e-blasts to members.

Monday, Dec. 15, Join the Jewish Community Hanukah Celebration at Mercado, 5-6 p.m. Be sure to stop by Hadassah’s table for some chocolate gelt!

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, is the 2026 Installation of Officers and catered luncheon at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, Naples. Dr. Judith Mann, National Hadassah Medical Organization Chair, is our speaker.

Save the Date for Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, when the chapter honors three Inspiring Women at the Audubon Country Club, North Naples. Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Jane Schiff and Sylvia Simko will be recognized for their outstanding community work. Net proceeds will benefit Hadassah’s Gandel Rehabilitation Center.

Since October 7, 2024, Hadassah’s resources have been deployed where tragedy continues to occur. Youth at Risk, teens housed at Youth Aliyah Villages in Israel, who were traumatized by the shelling near their villages, receive special counseling programs.

In Jerusalem, Hadassah Hospital patients are being accommodated deep underground in a new Intensive Care Unit — safe from conventional, biological and chemical attack. And six new operating theaters at the Round Building must be equipped with the necessary orthopedic hitech instruments that can best treat victims of modern warfare.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us pause to give thanks to those who came before us and to express gratitude to those leading us into 2026.

When you are considering your yearend philanthropic giving, please think of Hadassah and how meaningful a gift of any amount would be.

Contact Yael Shmookler at 443824-9499, yshmookler@hadassah. org. Let Yael know if you are using an IRA/MRD, Charitable Fund distribution or Stock donation. To ensure proper credit, kindly give her the date, amount and institution’s transaction number.

from beautifully designed lakefront villas, mid-rise condominiums, or the luxurious Tower Pointe high-rise, all featuring open layouts and pet-friendly options.

azabbg.bbyo.org/on-demand/home

Kicking off a Special Year

By Hailey Dalby, Jewish Youth & Family Programs Manager

BBYO is the preeminent pluralistic Jewish teen organization for grades 8-12. With chapters across North America, BBYO brings together young people from around the world to connect with their heritage, develop leadership skills, and build lifelong friendships.

Hailey Dalby

Each of the next 5 months, we will be introducing one of our BBYO Board Members. These teens work together to plan BBYO events, and work to grow the chapter in both numbers and quality. This month, we meet Margot Solomon.

“My name is Margot Solomon, and I am a Junior at Naples High School. I have been a part of the Naples BBYO chapter board for three years. I first joined BBYO because I wanted to make new connections with other Jewish Teens, as I have learned the importance of this from attending religious school at Temple Shalom, and going to a Jewish sleep away camp. I am grateful for BBYO for

teaching me leadership skills and for inspiring me to continue to embrace my Jewish identity.”

This September, the BBYO teens had their Kickoff event at Spinz. There was roller skating and plenty of laughter. The kickoff event is a BBYO calendar hallmark ushering in the new school opening the year of fun and camaraderie. Now that the season has ‘officially’ begun, BBYO will be participating in various community events this year, showing a commitment to being part of something bigger.

In November, the teens will be participating in the Beach Clean Up, a communal effort between PJ Library, Jewel Society, Men’s Cultural Alliance and Women’s Cultural Alliance. Additionally, they will join PJ Our Way for a hang

out and movie day. Later in the month, select teens have been invited to participate in the Jewish Catholic Dialogue Kristallnacht program.

Naples BBYO invites teens currently in grades 8-12 to find yourself here From community service to holiday

celebrations, and social events, BBYO offers opportunities for everyone. If this sounds like the place for you, please reach out to Hailey Dalby at hdalby@jewishnaples.org to begin your BBYO Journey. Scholarships to attend BBYO conventions and summer programs are also available through both the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, and the Temple Shalom Men’s Club.

ANNUAL NAPLES KLEZMER REVIVAL BAND CONCERT

of Greater Naples presents

Free Family Friendly Event Tuesday, January 26 6 - 7 p.m.

Collier County South Regional Library 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway

To register, call the South Florida Regional Library at 239-252-7542

Presented by

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Friends of the Library & Collier County South Regional Library

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform)

4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119

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

Rabbi Adam Miller, MAHL

Cantor Donna Azu, MSM

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

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

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

Rabbi Frank Muller, D.D.

Temple Shalom Rabbinic Scholar

Joshua Garfield, President

Dr. James Cochran, Music Director

Shabbat Services:

Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m.

Sisterhood Men’s Club

Adult Education

Havurot

Youth Groups

Religious School

Judaic Library

Hebrew School

Preschool

Adult Choir

Social Action

Naples’ only Judaica Shop

CHABAD NAPLES JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

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

Phone: 262.4474

Email: info@chabadnaples.com

Website: www.chabadnaples.com

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos Co-directors

Dr. Arthur Seigel, President

Shabbat Services

Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m.

Camp Gan Israel Hebrew School

Preschool of the Arts

Jewish Women’s Circle

Adult Education

Bat Mitzvah Club Friendship Circle

Smile on Seniors Flying Challah

Kosher food delivery

CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS & ESTERO

24611 Production Circle

Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Phone: 239-949-6900

Email: chabad@jewishbonita.com

Website: www.JewishBonita.com

Rabbi Mendy & Luba Greenberg Co-directors

Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Monday through Friday 8 a.m.

Shabbat 10 a.m.

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

Steve McCloskey, President

Shabbat Services

Friday evenings 7 p.m.

May - August: services once a month

Sisterhood • Men’s Club Adult Education • Adult Choir Social Action • Community Events

Fed Star is published monthly, September through July, by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples 4720 Pine Ridge Road • Naples, FL 34119

Phone: 239.263.4205

E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org • Website: www.jewishnaples.org Volume 35, No. 3 • November 2025 • 44 pages USPS Permit No. 521

Publisher and Editor: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Design and Production: MarketCrank, Inc. 239-591-2709 Advertising: Joy Walker • 941.284.0520

December 2025 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: October 31 • Advertising: November 7 Send news stories to: fedstar@jewishnaples.org

BETH TIKVAH (Conservative)

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: 434.1818

Email: office@bethtikvah.us

Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org

Rabbi Ammos Chorny

Shelley Goodman, President Roberta Miller, Secretary

Shabbat Services

Friday evenings 6:15 p.m.

Saturday mornings 9:30 a.m.

Youth Education

Adult Education

Community Events

Kosher catering by Chef Herb

of

RODENTS ON THE RISE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AS TEMPERATURES DROP

by Anna Wallace, Truly Nolen

With Fall in full swing, temperatures beginning to dip here in Southwest Florida, and some homes unfortunately still having post-Hurricane issues from storms over the past three years, rodents have begun 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, Palm rats, also known as black rats, are generally smaller, sleeker, and slightly slimmer than Norway rats. Palm rats typically have light black to brown fur on their bodies with lighter underbellies.

As their name indicates, palm 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. Palm 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 Rodents and the variety you may have in your home, please visit https://www.trulynolen.com/rodent-control/.)