Full schedule planned at Naples Jewish Congregation – We hope

Roberta Obler, President

It’s a new year and a new season of exciting programs at Naples Jewish Congregation. All of our programs are subject to the caveat that COVID-19 may ruin or modify our plans.

Our High Holiday services ran very smoothly, despite concerns about COVID, thanks to Rabbi Howard Herman, Ritual Chair Charles Flum, Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler and Music Director Alla Stadnik. We had services in person in the sanctuary as well as on Zoom for members and participants who could not attend, and YouTube for all others. We hope we will see all restrictions removed soon.

We have a whole new schedule of Adult Education classes. Rabbi Herman has planned a series of six informative lectures/ discussions, with topics ranging from Plagues in Jewish History to a Social Action book discussion to Jewish Gangsters and other interesting topics. These programs were to be in person. They have been rescheduled to Zoom events due to COVID concerns.

NJC’s Sisterhood has new leadership in Shelley McCloskey and Marilyn Goldenberg. They have planned a wonderful slate of monthly activities from November through April, all of which are fun and interesting at the same time. Planned events include luncheons; a women’s Seder; a tour of a local resort and spa; and a Conservancy talk, tour and boat excursion. Of course, these may be modified or replaced, depending on the current situation.

We hope to revive our Book Club with the new season. We read several interesting books last year and expect to resume now that our northern friends are returning.

We are continuing our NJC Connects program, which provides informative and entertaining programs that help us connect congregants with each other while we are not fully in person. Theses NJC Connects programs were hosted by members of our larger community as well as our own talented members.

Right now, our main concern is the health and safety of our congregants during this strange and difficult time. We will continue planning for a year of great programs while making sure our members stay safe and can find ways to connect with each other.