Nogifttouches morelives
LeadershipTeam
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Nathaniel Ritter Board Chair
Joan Blumkin
Marcia Cohodes
Max Deifik
Frank Baum
Rosalee Bogo
Robin Mintz
Vice Chairs
Marc Saperstein
Secretary
Steve Strome
Treasurer
Jane Schiff
Immediate Past Chair
Paula Filler
Judith Finer Freedman
Cheryl Ginsburg
Mia Hyatt
Steve Iser
Larry Israelite
Alvin Becker z"l
Rosalee Bogo
Dr. William Ettinger
Gerald Flagel
Ann Jacobson z"l
Bobbie Katz
Judge Norman
Krivosha z"l
Sheldon Starman
Past Chairs
duardo A. Avila ampaign Associate
Melissa Barr usiness Development & vents Manager
enee Bialek Director of Programs
nthony Clark acility Assistant
ailey Dalby
ewish Youth & Family rogram Manager
Tammy Katz
James Knafo
Lisa Koppel
Elliot Lerner
Debbie Lurie
Darlene Muller
Alvin Becker z"l
Phyllis Seaman Trustees Emeritus
Joel Pittelman
Michael Rubenstein
Anne Schuchman
Arlene Sobol
Michael Sobol
Michelle Cunningham Program Assistant/ Receptionist
Jaime Cohen Executive Assistant & Board Liaison
Jeffrey Feld President & CEO Emeritus
Alicia Feldman Director of Development
Kayde Jones Director of Marketing & Communications
Pat Pastorius Facility Manager
Susan Spoerlein Accounting Manager
Alan Scher Zagier Director, Jewish Community Relations Council
DearFriends,
Whatyouholdinyourhandsismorethanareport,it'sareflectionofwhowearewhen weshowupforeachother.
Thispastyear,ourJewishFederationofGreaterNaplesdidwhatitdoesbest:we gathereddiversevoicesunderonetent,weplannedforbothtoday'sneedsand tomorrow'sdreams,andwesecuredtheresourcestomakeitallpossible.FromtheNina IserJewishCulturalCentertoIsraelandbeyond,we'vestrengthenedJewishlifeinways thatwillechoforgenerations.
Thepagesaheadtellstoriesofconnection:JewishBookFestivalconversationsthat challengedus;JewishFilmFestivalscreeningsthatmovedus;speakerseriesthatinspired us;andcountlessprogramsthroughourWCAandMCAculturalalliancesthatenriched ourpassions.Theydocumentgrantsthatsustainedvitalorganizationsandinitiatives thatbroughtourcommunityclosertogether.
Buttheseaccomplishmentsbelongtoallofus.Everydonor,volunteer,andparticipant madethisimpactpossible.Youdidn'tjustsupporttheFederation…youarethe Federation!
Thankyouforrefusingtoletanyonestandalone.Thankyouforhelpingusbe STRONGERTOGETHER.
Withgratitudeandpride,
NathanielRitter BoardChair NammieIchilov President&CEO
AGiftThatBuildsTomorrow. AFriendWhoInspiresToday.
This year, we are honored to recognize Stephen Saks, a treasured friend whose extraordinary generosity is shaping our community today and will be for generations to come. Stephen’s visionary commitment, including his historic $11 million endowment for our community's future, with $1 million specifically to support the PJ Library program, reflects the deepest values of tzedakah and tikkun olam.
Because of his leadership, our Jewish Federation can expand meaningful programs, strengthen Jewish life, and ensure that children, families, and seniors experience connection, dignity, and belonging. His gift is transformational not only in its scale, but in its spirit. Stephen invests in people, our stories, our gathering spaces, and the Jewish future we are building together.
We are deeply grateful for his continued partnership. Stephen remains actively engaged in Federation life: attending programs, participating proudly in the King David Society, and sharing many thoughtful conversations over lunch with our CEO. His presence enriches our community as much as his generosity sustains it.
Stephen’s philanthropy is truly a legacy in motion, touching lives today while laying the foundation for those who will follow.
Thank you, Stephen, for helping us create a brighter Jewish future.
Todah Rabah!
TheHeartofOurWorkMajorImpactAreas
From celebrations that bring us together to security that keeps us safe, your campaign dollars touch every aspect of Jewish life.
Security & Outreach
12%
Security, JCRC
The foundation that makes everything else possible. Security ensures that we can gather without fear. The Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center serves as our community gathering space. JCRC advocates for Jewish interests and builds interfaith partnerships These investments aren't glamorous, but they're essential, the infrastructure of a thriving, safe, sustainable community.
Investing in Next Generation
14%
Youth programs, PJ Library, BBYO, scholarships, Birthright, campus life
Jewish continuity depends on engaging the next generation. We send books to young families through PJ Library We provide scholarships so every child can access Jewish education, regardless of family finances. We support teens through BBYO leadership programs. We connect college students to Jewish life on campus We send young adults to Israel. These investments ensure our community thrives for decades to come.
Caring for Vulnerable Populations
20%
Holocaust survivors, elderly care, humanitarian aid
Our sacred obligation to care for those who need us most. Holocaust survivors receive dignity and support in their final years Frail elderly get case management Israeli children in crisis find refuge Food insecurity is addressed both here and abroad. This is tikkun olam (repairing the world) in action.
Building Community & Culture
54%
All festivals, events, WCA/MCA, lectures, film festivals, publications
These are the programs that bring us together: the festivals, films, lectures, and celebrations that fill our calendar and our hearts From the Jewish Book Festival that introduces us to new ideas to the community Hanukkah celebration where families gather, these programs create the fabric of Jewish life in Southwest Florida
EnrichingMinds&Souls
The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples creates spaces where minds expand and souls are nourished. Through world-class cultural programming, thought-provoking conversations, and transformative learning experiences, we celebrate the richness of Jewish thought and creativity. These programs don't just entertain, they challenge us to think deeply, connect meaningfully, and explore what it means to live a purposeful Jewish life.
Highlights include:
Jewish Book Festival - Renowned authors and thought-provoking stories that explore Jewish experience, history, and imagination.
Naples Jewish Film Festival - Award-winning films and discussions that shine a light on Jewish culture, resilience, and humor from around the world.
Sharon & Paul Stein Israel Speaker Series - Programs that deepen understanding of Israel's past, present, and people through dialogue and shared experiences.
Elliott Katz Lecture Series - Engaging lectures on Jewish history, spirituality, and contemporary issues that educate and inspire.
Catholic-Jewish Dialogue - Interfaith conversations building bridges of understanding across our broader community through shared learning and mutual respect.
3000+
attendeesengagedacrossallJewishBook Festivalauthorpresentations
visitorstotheNinaIserJewish CulturalCenterperweekinseason Exceededover
1000
GatheringTogether
From holiday celebrations to social connections and shared experiences, we bring people together to strengthen the bonds of community. The Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center serves as our community “living room, ” a welcoming space where strangers become friends, where traditions come alive, and where every generation finds their place. Through inclusive programming and meaningful moments, we celebrate what it means to belong to Jewish Naples.
Highlights include:
Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration - A joyful musical celebration with Israeli band Hashayara bringing nearly 300 community members together in song, dance, and Israeli pride.
Israeli Scouts Caravan - Free performances welcoming the entire community to experience Israeli culture through music, energy, and shared celebration across multiple venues.
Men's Cultural Alliance (MCA) - A dynamic brotherhood offering educational programs, volunteer projects, and social events that connect Jewish men throughout the area.
Women's Cultural Alliance (WCA) - A vibrant network of friendship and lifelong learning, empowering women to engage, lead, and grow together through year-round arts and cultural programming PJ Library & JeWEL Society - Creating pathways for young families and emerging women leaders to build Jewish connections, from Purim celebrations to Pilates classes and everything in between. Lions of Judah & Pomegranate Society - Exclusive experiences including art tours, service projects, and inspiring luncheons that unite our community's philanthropic women in fellowship and purpose.
300+
attendees celebrating Yom Ha'Atzmaut
new PJ Library children this year
Remembering&Building
The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples stands as a bridge between generations; honoring the memories that define us while building the foundation for those yet to come. Through commemoration, education, and strategic investments in our future, we ensure that Jewish life in Southwest Florida remains vibrant, secure, and resilient for decades ahead.
Highlights include:
Launch of the Security Community Network (SCN) - Strengthening Jewish organizations and congregational safety with professional training, upgraded systems, and partnerships with law enforcement to enhance preparedness across Greater Collier County.
Silver Circle Society - Honoring donors who have given to any Federation for 25 years or more and/or who have made lasting commitments through legacy and endowment gifts, ensuring our Jewish Federation's strength for decades to come.
Camp Scholarship Program - Sending Jewish children to transformative summer experiences that build lifelong identity, friendships, and connection to Jewish life.
JELF Educational Support - Providing interest-free loans helping Jewish students pursue higher education and realize their full potential.
Yom HaShoah Commemoration - A moving community gathering bringing together 375 participants to recognize our local survivors and remember the victims of the Holocaust through reflection, testimony, and prayer.
Professional Growth & Capacity Building - Welcoming Marketing & Communications Director and Jewish Community Relations Council Director to strengthen our community's voice and reach.
$11M transformativegift fromphilanthropist StephenSaks
$70K awardgrantedfor localHolocaust SurvivorProgram 8 newLionsofJudah (LOJE)endowments
SafeguardingourCommunity
Through the work of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples promotes understanding, combats anti-Semitism, and strengthens partnerships that build a more inclusive Greater Naples community. In an era of rising threats, we respond with both vigilance and values, protecting our community while extending our hand in friendship to neighbors of all faiths.
Highlights include:
Enhanced Security Protocols - Comprehensive safety upgrades including National Security Grant Program applications, advanced training, and emergency preparedness systems ensuring our community remains a safe haven.
Situational Awareness Training - Monthly sessions by our SCN Regional Security Advisor equipping community members with knowledge and confidence to recognize and respond to potential threats.
Community Blood Drives - Partnering with Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) to support emergency preparedness and community health through regular blood donation events.
Combating Anti-Semitism - Educational programs and advocacy promoting awareness, understanding, and action against hatred in all its forms.
Collier County Educator Award - Honoring teachers who model tolerance, inclusion, and respect in their classrooms and communities.
Community Partnerships - Working with faith and civic leaders to build bridges of understanding across differences.
342
PeopletrainedinCountering
157
SCNengagementsincluding Consultations,Executive Engagements,LawEnforcement Meetings,Communication, Walkthroughs,Assessments& ProgramDevelopment
$100K
InEmergencySecurityFunding tosupportlocalJewishearly childhoodprograms
GenerosityinAction
We touch lives every day, offering help when it is needed most and investing in programs that nurture the next generation of Jewish leaders. Our commitment ranges from supporting vulnerable neighbors to creating spaces where young people learn, connect, and lead. Through this community’s generosity, we not only sustain Jewish life, we help it flourish.
Highlights include:
Record-Breaking Annual Community Campaign – Exceeding our goal at over 112% and raising $2.08 million to support Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world, with major donors leading through transformational gifts.
Israel Resilience Campaign – Responding to urgent needs by exceeding our match goal and raising $314,600 for humanitarian relief when Israel needs us most.
Human Needs Award – Recognizing outstanding service and compassion that uplift our community and embody the Jewish value of caring for those in need.
Life & Legacy Endowment – Securing our future through planned gifts that ensure lasting impact for generations to come.
Youth Engagement – Supporting PJ Library, BBYO, and student programs rooted in Jewish values that shape tomorrow’s leaders.
Young Adult Connection – Building belonging through the Matzah Ball, JeWEL Society, and Jewish Young Professionals (“The Tribe”) events that welcome the next generation.
Community Allocations Process – Distributing grants that sustain vital Jewish agencies, synagogues, and programs, ensuring no need goes unmet.
Power of Community Awards – Celebrating volunteer champions through Stand Up For Justice Awards, Human Needs Awards, and Patricia J. Adkins Leadership Awards.
$2,008,378 annualcampaigndollarsraised forlocalandglobalneeds
$314,600 raisedforIsrael ResilienceCampaign
145 localLionsofJudah andcounting
Supporting27domestic agenciesservingour localcommunity
Israel&overseas supportthrough16 partnerorganizations
IsraelCrisisRelief respondingto urgentneeds
WhereYourSupportGoes
$328,447
$277,627
$385,308
$74,800 Scholarships& Birthright connectingyoung peopletotheir heritage
Every number tells a story of generosity. Every dollar represents a choice to show up for each other. This is what happens when a community decides that no one stands alone.
