Jacksonville Jewish News - October 2015

ARMADA’S JEWISH COMMUNITY NIGHT

SHABBAT IN THE LOBBY BEGINS JCA starts holding weekly celebrations of the sabbath in main lobby Page 3

AMAZING JOURNEY

Soccer club hosts a night of fun and Page 12 futbol

Society of Healers guest speaker shares his special story Page 15

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JEWISH NEWS October

2015

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Tishrei/Cheshvan

Ambassador Dennis Ross to speak at JCA

BY IMAN BYFIELD

5776

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The Jacksonville Jewish News interviews former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak

Jewish Community Alliance

8505 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32217

Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

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On Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m., the JCA, in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville and the Sisisky Family Foundation, will host an evening with U.S. Ambassador Dennis Ross to kick off the 2015 Jewish Book Festival and mini cultural arts festival. Ross will be discussing his book, Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama, which examines the complexities of U.S.-Israel relations and explores the history of policies toward Israel and the Middle East.

Ambassador Ross is the William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He also served for two years as a special assistant to Ambassador Dennis Ross President Obama and the National Security Council senior director for the Central Region as well as a special advisor to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. For more than a decade, Ambassador Ross played a leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process, dealing directly with parties in negotiations. This exclusive event is free and open to the entire community. For more information or to register, visit jcajax.org or contact the JCA registrar at 904-730-2100, ext.

228. You can also contact Jeanine Hoff at the Federation by calling 904-448-5000, ex.t 208 or via e-mail at jeanineh@jewishjacksonville.org

Ehud Barak served as Israeli Prime Minister from 1999-2001 and was the leader of the nation’s labor party until 2011.

Former Israeli leader discusses issues ranging from the Iran nuclear deal to Taglit Birthright

BY MATT FRANZBLAU

Federation Communications Director

In anticipation of Ehud Barak’s arrival to Jacksonville in October, where he’ll speak to a captivated audience at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts, the Jacksonville Jewish News interviewed the former Israeli Prime Minister and asked him a number of questions, ranging in topic from the Iran nuclear deal to the importance of Taglit Birthright Israel.

Jacksonville Jewish News: In your opinion, what are the merits or the lack thereof when it pertains to the nuclear deal recently brokered with Iran?

Barak is one of the most highly decorated Prime Minister Barak: “I think it’s a soldiers in the Israeli Defense Force’s history bad deal for several reasons. First, it will allow Iran to become a nuclear threshold Barak: “The relationship is very deep state and gives the Iranians the ability to choose the right moment from their point of and strong. The debate is legitimate and refl ects fairly healthy attitudes on both sides. view on when they’d like to breakout. More I also see it as a dispute within a family and profoundly, the United States, Russia, ChiI think it is quite tough to date as Iran sees na, Europe, etc., now recognize Iran as a regional, legitimate power. I emphasize the the differing positions on both sides of the ocean with regard to it (the nuclear deal). word legitimate because in a way it tells I am confident though that the (Obama) the world and the Iranians that although by administration really believes that it is a now they are part of the problem, acceding good deal. I ultimately think it is a bad to the deal they can gradually and conditionally if handled over a long time become deal, but I do not think it should threaten the relationship between the United States a part of the solution. This agreement was and Israel. I have said this publicly, that one that was not signed just by the United our job is to find the way to resume the States. It was led by the United State but working relationship with the White House, the other players and the U.N. Security the sooner the better, as well as to share Council are part of the deal, so it really our reservations behind closed doors at the creates quite a delicate situation for the White House and with leaders in both the region. I think that the recognition of it as Congress and Senate. We have to focus on a bad deal is not just by the Israelis, but it is shared by the Gulf States, Cairo, Amman what follows. We need to make sure we maintain coordination between our states’ and even Ankara.” intelligence services. There is already an JJN: Along those same lines, the isunprecedented level of intimacy between sue has created a lot of debate between the both of us, and I am sure the U.S. will Americans and Israelis, so how would you keep Israel’s qualitative military edge over describe the current status of U.S./Israeli any combination relations?

See EHUD BARAK, p. 4

Mentalist Sidney Friedman headlines Federation’s annual campaign kickoff event

BY ERIN COHEN

Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville is excited to present Sidney Friedman, ‘Mentalist to the Stars’, at the 2016 Annual Campaign Kickoff. Friedman will perform his remarkable, extrasensory feats such as mind reading, ESP, telepathy and premonition.

This astounding evening of fun will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 17, starting at 7 p.m. at Congregation Ahavath Chesed – The Temple. The program is geared toward adults and is appropriate for teens, high school age and up.

The event will include a dessert reception prior to the performance and is chaired

by Ken Jacobs, the Federation Campaign Chair and Allison Jacobs, Women’s Campaign Chair.

Friedman boasts many celebrity clients and is a favorite of Jewish organizations across the country. He has been featured on numerous TV shows, including NBC’s The Today Show, ABC’s The View, 20/20 and CBS’s The Early Show. In just the last six years, he has performed shows for

Mentalist Sidney Friedman will be on hand at the Federation’s annual campaign kickoff event, scheduled for Tues., Nov. 17.

more than 160 Jewish charity events across North America, including Jewish Federations, Chabad, Hadassah and Israel Bonds.

The Campaign Kickoff will also include two very special award presentations as each year, the Federation honors individuals who have shown their dedication and love for our Jewish community through their volunteerism and leadership. This year, Max ‘Mickey’ Block will be honored posthumously, with the Joe P. Safer Community Service Award. The Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award will be awarded to Nicole Sena Brown. Nicole and her family, as well as the Block family will be in attendance to receive these well deserved honors.

“Our awards this year reflect the very

best of our Jewish community, Federation and the local agencies and synagogues,” said Federation executive director, Alan Margolies. “Mickey Block was one of the builders of this community as he and his family’s impact on the JCA, The Temple, JFCS, Federation and many other organizations was and is significant. Nicole is impacting rGEN effectively and represents so much of what is good about our future,”

See CAMPAIGN KICKOFF , p. 13

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

education

Block Gan to host seventh annual ECE Symposium Parent Workshop

UNF students focuses on the art of fashion

Michele Block Gan Yeladim preschool and kindergarten will host its seventh annual Early Childhood Symposium, Tuesday, Oct. 20th, with the theme ‘Creating Wonder’ and keynote speaker Prof. Gillian McNamee

BY MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim

This month, Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten will host the seventh annual Early Childhood Education Symposium, Creating Wonder, with keynote speaker Prof. Gillian McNamee, who is the director of teacher education at the Erikson Institute. The following day, McNamee will return to Block Gan to host an exclusive free talk for preschool parents on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 9:30 am.

Looking to create, nourish and sustain a child’s sense of wonder?

Child therapist Dr. Peter Haiman suggests parents show their surprise, interest and attraction to the natural world and its happen-

ings—from the movements of a worm, the wag of a dog’s tail and even bubbles popping in a bath or the shadow cast by the sun and a spider’s web. By doing this, parents can:

• Encourage children to experiment, taste, feel, hear, see, imagine and explore things that are interesting and safe.

• Be flexible enough to postpone planned activities from time to time and let a child’s creative idea or direction lead the way.

• Support the efforts of young children because a child’s sense of wonder is damaged and grows weak if their efforts are often met by adult corrections and criticism.

• Remember that wonder becomes possible when children can be themselves without there being any risk.

For more information or to register, call Rochelle at 904730-2100, ext. 259 or e-mail her at Rochelle.golomb@jcajax.org.

Coffee and light refreshments will be served at the event.

UNF student Amanda Rosenblatt’s work will be on display at MOCA in December. Rosenblatt is a photography student and works like this one, entitled ‘Self Portrait’, will be showcased as a part of her residency

BY DENISE REAGAN MOCA Jacksonville

Visitors who wander onto the fifth floor of MOCA Jacksonville this fall might witness a glamorous photo shoot worthy of a highfashion magazine spread. That’s because University of North Florida student Amanda Rosenblatt is focusing her photography skills during a residency which includes studio space and an exhibition at the Museum in December.

Rosenblatt, a photography student in the Art and Design Department, is the second to receive the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville’s student residency for UNF art seniors.

She is working in a studio space of the Museum to complete a new body of work for her senior portfolio and an exhibition which opens Dec. 13 in the Florida Blue Education Gallery at MOCA Jacksonville, a cultural resource of UNF. As Rosenblatt sharpens her craft, visitors will learn about the process behind slick fashion photography seen in publications such as Vogue and Vanity Fair, two of her inspirations.

“I enjoy every part about making a photograph, and I think that the process is almost as important as the image itself,” Rosenblatt told MOCA Jacksonville. “There is so much creativity involved between the lighting, the direction, the clothing, etc. Each photo can be like a tiny movie still.”

She will engage with onlookers, offering explanations about what she’s doing and answering questions. Rosenblatt will also display working proofs of images and perhaps share a live feed of photographs from her camera to a computer screen. “I like a mostly transparent artistic process because I think sometimes a connection with the artist helps connect a viewer with the work,” she said.

Working with the public partly connects Rosenblatt to what drew

her to photography, which she said made her feel interesting.

“I was someone who existed on the fringe of popularity. I was a little artsy and, to put it kindly, ‘eccentric.’ I was hoping it would give me full access to popularity,” she said. “In the end, I really loved it, and the popularity didn’t matter. It wasn’t until I went into a darkroom for the first time that I really fell in love with every part of making a photograph.”

MOCA Jacksonville’s UNF Student Residency gives students experience working with a curatorial team and others who work behind the scenes in a museum setting. It helps them learn how to present and market their work to the public.

“As a student, I hope it will help transition me from the student artist world to the working artist world—a transition that can sometimes be abrupt,” Rosenblatt said. The work the photography student creates during her residency will be inspired by the Major Arcana of the tarot deck, a suit of twenty-two cards that includes characters such as the High Priestess, the Moon, the Sun, Death, and the Devil.

“I am fascinated with all manner of visual history as well as symbolism, and the tarot deck offers me all of those things,” she said. “I am going to create a series rooted in symbolism with additional focus on fashion and aesthetics.”

Rosenblatt chose UNF’s photography program after finding classes that spoke to her love of analog and historic process, two areas other schools she researched didn’t offer. She said her experience at UNF has given her a whole new artistic life.

“I had never been surrounded by so many creative souls, and having others to bounce ideas off or seek inspiration from changed the way I worked as an artist,” she said.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

community news

Hadassah to kick-off new year with bagel brunch

New member, Randi Pakula (left) and Liat Walker, PRAIZE VP of Hadassah (right) exchange greetings at last month’s Girls Night Out, jointly sponsored by Jacksonville Hadassah and Beth El Beaches

By Jacksonville Hadassah

All Hadassah members are invited to attend a bagel brunch at the Jacksonville Jewish Center (3662 Crown Point Rd.), Sunday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The brunch will serve as the first meeting of the new year and is a great opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.

A special program, led by Liat

Walker, will provide everyone a chance to learn about myHADASSAH, which is being promoted as a place for participants to visit. Walker serves as the tour guide and will show people where it is, explain how to get there, and inform them of all the things that they can do once they reach their destination. Please RSVP to Liat Waller at 904-372-7996 or walkers.beach@gmail.com

JCA celebrates Shabbat in the Lobby

Participants wind down their week and celebrate the Sabbath during the JCA’s new “Shabbat in the lobby’ initiative which takes place each Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the main lobby, complete with challah and grape juice

BY MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim

Shabbat is one of the most important observances in Judaism and is a time for spiritual enrichment. Beginning in September, the Jewish Community Alliance will hold weekly community Shabbat celebrations. Every Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the JCA

lobby, those wishing to participate will be able welcome the Sabbath with traditional blessings, grape juice and challah.

“Shabbat is a time where we rest and come together with the people that we love and reflect upon, while celebrating the week that was,” said JCA director of family programs and Jewish outreach, Dave Flagler. “This is a

great way for our JCA members, staff and extended family to take part in this weekly tradition as a community,” he added. The entire community is invited to attend and participate in this weekly celebration. For more information, contact Dave Flagler at 904-7302100, ext. 271.

Red Cross training offered at the JCA

BY IMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

CPR can save lives when done properly and administered immediately. With this in mind, the JCA Aquatics Department proudly offers ongoing Red Cross certified lifeguard training and Red Cross CPR certification for community and professional rescuers. The purpose of these programs is to provide participants with the skills to give immediate breathing and cardiac support to a suddenly injured or ill person until advanced medical personnel take over.

Red Cross certified lifeguard training will be available begin-

ning Dec. 9, and will continue through Dec. 17. Participants must be at least 15 years old and meet the following prerequisites; swim 300 yards freestyle and/or breaststroke; swim 20 yards to retrieve a ten pound brick from seven to ten feet of water in one minute and forty seconds; and must tread water for two minutes. The fee for this program is $285 and $190 for JCA valued members.

The JCA has two levels of Red Cross CPR certification available: Community Adult/Child/Infant CPR/First Aid/AED and CPR/ AED for the professional rescuer.

Community CPR is on Sunday

Oct. 25 from 1-6 p.m. The fee is $98 and $65 for JCA valued members. CPR for professionals is on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 1-6 p.m. The fee is $105 and $70 for JCA valued members. For more information or to register for these programs, visit jcajax.org or contact the JCA registrar at 904-7302100 ext. 228.

Red Cross certified lifeguard and CPR training will be available at the JCA for those wanting to learn, starting Dec. 9 and lasting until Dec. 17

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

community news JJN Ad Directory - Oct. 2015 At the Jacksonville Jewish News, our advertisers are precious to us. It is with their support that the Jacksonville Jewish community has a newspaper. Advertising revenue also offsets the cost of production, so Federation dollars can be dedicated to helping Jews locally and overseas. Please continue to live generously and support our advertisers: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Anti-Defimation League (p.28) B&C Financial (p. 15) Beachview Rentals (p. 16) Beirut Restaurant (p. 9) Bob Ham Eyewear (p. 17) The Bolles School (p. 14) Borland Groover (p. 3) Brandon Pest Cntrol (p. 10) Dottie Shafer Wilson Realty (p. 11) Erica Jolles Realty (p. 4) Impressions (p. 17) Innovative Financial Solutions (p. 2) Israel Partnership (p. 26) Jacksonville Armada (P. 29) Jax Jewish Center (p. 15) JCA/ Federation Mission Trip (p. 19) Jewish Book Festival (p. 27)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Jewish Federation of Jacksonville (p. 13, 24) Jewish Museum Fla (p. 25) Jerry Seebol (p. 17) Larry Tallis Photo (p. 3) Margo’s Catering (p. 9) Nancy Rubenstein Realty (p. 25) Paige Wajsman Realty (p. 18) Pediatric Dentistry (p. 17) River Garden (p. 12) San Jose Beauclerc Aninal Hospital (p. 16) Shalom Jacksonville (p. 17) Spivak’s Institute (p. 18) Stein Mart (p. 8) Temple Sisterhood (p. 28) The Tax Man (p. 17) Tumbling Kids ( p. 11) Vandroff Insurance (p. 10)

For your advertising needs, please contact advertising sales representative Barbara Nykerk at 904-733-4179 or Eta Perras at 904-629-0466.

what's inside Business Directory.......... p. 25 Community News..................... ..................... p. 3-4, 6-7, 15-17 Education .........p. 2, 7-10, 26 Federation News ........p. 12-14 Foundation .................... p. 22 JCA ................................. p. 20 printed by

JCFS .................................p. 21 Lifecycles ......................... p. 26 Opinion & Cartoons ........... P. 5 River Garden ................... p. 23 Synagogue News ..................... ............................. p. 11, 18, 27

Ehud Barak Continued from p. 1 of neighbors. Still, we need to draw upon enough resources to make sure the United States and Israel will be the first to know if and when Iran violates this agreement.”

JJN: Going back to when you were Prime Minister, there was a desirable deal on the table with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) but what followed was a complete rejection of it and the second intifada. 15 years after your administration left office, do you feel there has been any legitimate progress in the region?

Barak: “There were several attempts but until now we did not succeed. It does not mean that we should stop looking for a way.

When I tried, I did it in terms of what I thought was good for the future and security of Israel.

An agreement with the Palestinians can make Israel safer and strengthen us, which is why I think we should keep searching for it. I totally reject the notion that somehow there is a causal relationship between the negotiations that we made and the second intifada. I don’t buy that it is the result of our negotiations. I think, however, that we are on a collision course with the Palestinians as a result of the fact that while fighting against terror and for our security, and at the same time are reigning over another people against their will, which we have done for 48 years now.

Whether we like it or not, they don’t like it and they will use any way possible to try and put an end to it. Now, we did not initiate this situation, we were brought into it. We wanted to make peace, all Israeli governments tried, but we should realize that although Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, it at the same time is the only democracy that has reigned over another people for half a century. Similarly, we are the only state which lives in a neighborhood where the many players around it would really like

In addition to Israeli Prime Minister, Barak has been the nation’s chief of staff, minister of foreign affairs and minister of defense during his career

to see it disappear. We obviously have no intention whatsoever to disappear, so we need to be strong, self confident and to act wisely. Not only maintain our military edge, but make sure that we sustain our special relationship with the United States and uphold the moral high ground in the eyes of the world”.

JJN: As you know Israel has been covered quite a bit recently in the local and national news regarding this deal and other matters, but here in Jacksonville we are fairly lucky as the coverage is relatively positive. As you know, that is not always the case, so what advice would you give to Jews here in Northeast Florida and around the U.S., to become advocates for Israel?

Barak: “I think that what you are doing by expressing your genuine views is the right thing, and they shouldn’t necessarily be in unison. When Israel has an internal debate or dispute between Israel and U.S., people in America who are supporting Israel take different positions and have varying thoughts. The same happens in Israel. The continuing support of the American-Jewish community to Israel is extremely important to us and is very effective in keeping the Jewish community united within the United States.

I am not worried, however, by the fact that even among Jewish leaders in America, you will find more than one voice and more than one educated opinion, that is just natural. I also believe there is huge support in Congress for Israel on both sides of the political isle and that there is a tradition of all the administrations of the last few generations of American political debate, having been extremely supportive of Israel. I led our intelligence community more than 30-years ago when (Ronald) Reagan was in power in the White House and it has remained the same. I was later chief of staff in Israel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Prime Minister and again a Minister of Defense and I always found great support, but the support that Israel has gotten in the last several years by this administration, led by Obama is in many ways unprecedented. So even when I look at the disputes that we might have with (Sec.

of State John) Kerry, President Obama or (Vice President Joe) Biden about this or that detail, I think that they have invested a lot of their time, energy and political capital in trying to help us to have a breakthrough in our relationship with the Palestinians.

They deserve thanks and gratitude because of this; not criticism or condemnation. I really do believe that they are a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.”

JJN: For some of us here in the States, we can often feel somewhat disconnected from Israel.

We can see what’s going on over there on the news, but to go to Israel and to see it first hand is a truly unique and oftentimes lifechanging experience. How important do you feel it is for American Jews to donate their time, money and resources to make that trip?

Barak: “I think that the most important activity carried out by American-Jewish communities are these trips to Israel, which encourages every young Jew and helps them get their Birthright experience or Taglit as it is called in Hebrew. I was the Prime Minister who approved this project by matching the contributions of leading American philanthropists. At the time, they brought 20-million dollars, and I brought in 20-million from the Israeli government and we launched it.

I think Taglit and Masa, as there are several variations of these Israeli experiences now, are of utmost significance because it helps young Jewish Americans get direct exposure to the totality of Jewish life here in Israel.

They get to see the people and the landscapes, the history and the vibrant spirit of Israel, everything from hi-tech to entertainment, to the devotion of the young Israeli’s who defend our country. They get to see that all those things are real, and as you mentioned, I think it is a life changing experience for many youngsters who are the future of our people. So it is extremely important.”

The former Israeli PM will be speaking Monday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. inside the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Florida Forum speakers series presented by the Women’s Board of the Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Scan QR code to listen to the entire interview on

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JEWISH NEWS Grow your business If you want to reach a demographic with a higher than average household income and education, the Jewish News is your connection. To advertise, contact: Barbara Nykerk at (904) 923-3205 and bnykerk@comoacst.net or Eta Perras at (904) 629-0466 and perraseta@bellsouth.net

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

opinion

Sukkos: Spending a few precious minutes with our dad

BY RABBI SHAYA HAUPTMAN Torah Academy of Jacksonville

The High Holy Days take us on a journey, beginning with the month of Elul which leads into Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and then closes with Sukkos, Hoshana Rabbah, Shmini Atzeres, and Simchas Torah. Jewish mysticism describes this journey as one of developing intimacy with our creator. After having spent the year bogged down in the mundane daily grind of our lives, we set aside time to become reacquainted. Rosh Hashana is the opportunity to crown our king and to announce his sovereignty over ourselves and the world. Yom Kippur is an opportunity to mend our relationship with him, a relationship which may have suffered neglect over the past year … and then Sukkos arrives.

Jewish law dictates that a sukkah be built with two full-sized walls and a third which extends a minimum of one handbreadth.

Kabbalistic writings teach us that this halachic requirement is metaphoric of the hug God gives us as he wraps us in his embrace, using his arm to create that two and a half walled hug to pull us in tightly. When the holiday finally reaches a crescendo with Hoshana Rabbah, God looks at us and says, “My children, please don’t go just yet. Come, let’s spend a little more time together.” And so we celebrate Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah.

Every year on Simchas Torah, when we complete the cycle of reading the entire Five Books of Moses, we all come together – men, women, and children – to sing, dance and rejoice with our holy heritage. The Sages describe the celebration of the Jewish people with its Torah as one akin to the celebration of a bride and her groom. Whereas in the Diaspora, Simchas Torah takes place on the eighth day of Sukkos, and in Israel, it takes place on the seventh.

Americans visiting or studying in

RABBINICALLY SPEAKING Israel, however, still celebrate on the eighth day. When I studied in Yeshivas Mir Jerusalem, the dean, Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (of blessed memory), would make a point of inviting the American students to join with their Israeli brethren in celebrating with them at their ‘wedding’, because it was a reminder both of what the day

signified to us all, as well as to the familial status the global Jewish community.

We leave this season with a heightened sense of awareness that we matter to God; that he cares about us in a very deep way.

God sees us as his children and he sees us all as brothers and sisters.

A great takeaway when leaving the High Holy Days and returning to our daily routines, is to remain conscious of the fact that there is no greater joy and no greater pride for a parent than when he or she sees his or her children getting along with each other. May we indeed merit developing a lasting bond that will bring all of us together and bring great joy to our creator; and may we merit joining together for the ultimate celebration speedily in our days. Best wishes for a chag sameach and an amazing year filled with meaning and success!

Rabbi Shaya Hauptman began teaching Judaic studies at the Torah Academy in 2010. He is an

alumnus of Yeshivas Mir, Jerusalem and Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, N.J. Rabbi Hauptman received his Rabbinic Ordination from Rabbi Malkiel Kotler, the dean of Beth Medrash Govoha. A computer science major at Touro College, he also earned his teacher’s certification from the Machon Aluf Binah Institute and is currently a graduate student working toward his MA in Educational Leadership.

Rabbinically speaking is a monthly column written by clergy members in the Jacksonville Jewish community. If you are a Rabbi, chazzan or religious leader in the Northeast Florida region and would like to contribute your inspirational thoughts for a monthly column, please e-mail jjn@jewishjacksonville.org with your name, organization, congregation and which month you are interested in writing for and what topic, specifically you would like to write about.

Op Ed: Dr. Ken Stein on how to stop an ominous Iran

BY DR. KEN STEIN

Emory University Professor

For nearly 40 years, I have taught Modern Middle Eastern History and Politics at Emory University. I follow the contemporary Middle East as a passionate devotee of behavior, precedents, and historical perspective.

When my Arab-Israeli conflict course cranks up this semester, most of my students will arrive without too much knowledge of the region. Like always, my students will yank me into discussions about contemporary events like the Iran deal; I will resist until they are grounded in historical context.

And then here is what I will tell them: As the son of rural Orthodox German-Jewish immigrants whose families lost so much because of Hitler’s destruction and displacement of Jews, and who was raised on Truman, Kennedy, Javitz, Rockefeller, and Johnson, my personal political instincts have always led me to lean center or center-left, especially with regard to civil rights, the role of government, and the liberal idealist sensibilities that engagement and dialogue achieves more than confrontation and conflict.

I looked to Scoop Jackson as my benchmark for foreign affairs.

While growing up, ignorance and indifference were not valued virtues. My parents voraciously engaged in America because they were excluded systematically in the Germany of their youth. My mother at age six in the 1920s was yelled at by the Aryan teacher during bible learning periods, “Juden Raus.” She and her mates were forced to stand in the wintry cold halls of the public school until shouted at to return to class.

At least my mother and father and their parents got out of Germany.

Iran is not Nazi Germany – at least not yet – but its history of hatred and repression combined with its economic and military might - and its willingness to use that might to expand its sphere of influence – is perhaps the most dangerous in the world today.

Add to that history the reality that this deal validates Iran’s nuclear program, enshrines Iran as a threshold nuclear weapons state and almost guarantees it can build its own weapons unhindered by international constraints in fifteen years. and the prospects for this Iranian regime to become the Nazi Germany of the 21st Century will become more real every single day.

There was a time when it appeared the president thought the same way. I listened carefully to his remarks in Jerusalem in March 2013, when he said, “the position of the United States of America [is] clear: Iran must not get a nuclear weapon. This is not a danger that can be contained.”

Until now, the president never put a time limit on these constraints - his commitment was “not now not ever.”

Statements like that and others made me think the president and his team understood the history of the Iranian regime in the Middle East and elsewhere and that if he was to proceed with negotiations and an eventual agreement, that statement would be a guiding force in any deal he would bring back to the American people.

But I was mistaken.

In the interest of securing any deal rather than the right deal – politics over principle - the president and the diplomats he sent to negotiate seem to have forgotten or perhaps never learned why Iran must not get a nuclear weapon. Did they forget nor

not understand this Iranian Shia regime despises 90 perrcent of the Moslem world? Did we ignore our Sunni Arab allies who have political shivers about past, present, and future Iranian hegemonic intentions? Did we not learn from the Iraqi and Afghani engagements that political borders in the Middle East are only suggestions and that Iran will cross those borders to kill American soldiers? Who believes that Iran will in the future treat its border with Iraq like we do with Canada?

Do we not see that Iran is already a “Mediterranean” country, with tentacles stretching across Iraq, into Syria and Lebanon? Did we forget conveniently that Iran and its supported surrogates, killed more than 250 marines, diplomats, French soldiers, and others in Beirut in 1983? Does it matter that Iranian operatives killed Jews in Argentina in 1994, in Bulgaria in 2012, or are constantly shipping weapons to Hezbollah or Hamas who want to see Israel vaporized? Does it matter that this Iranian regime is supporting Syria, one the world’s most murderous regimes of its own people, and has routinely threatened to wipe Israel off the face of the earth? Does it matter that the US is referred to as “the Great Satan?” Perhaps the concern should not be a nuclear threat to others in the region but to us right here in the U.S.?

This deal negates historical context, allows Iran to have a pathway to a nuclear breakout, walks back containment, legitimizes a nefarious regime, and gives Tehran desperately wanted sanctions relief. What has Iran historically done to warrant a “Get out of Jail Free Card?” Where is the incentive for Iran to change its regional political behavior,

even slightly? With a new lease on longevity, this oil-rich Iranian regime can reshape the map of the Middle East in a manner not seen last since World War I. At some point within the next couple of weeks, when we suspend the syllabus for a day or two, and the class engages in a vigorous debate about the Iran deal and its impact on the region, the merits of negotiations with incentives will be weighed as a means to tone down hostile attitudes. Will the students grasp the notion that past actions are acutely indicative of future behavior?

I will remind them that when the Iranian regime negotiated this deal it knew that the Obama administration’s clock was ticking; for that reason Iranian negotiators have operated with a decade calendar; prolonging these negotiations through the last

three, two-term presidents, finally wearing down the last of them.

The American people and the congress cannot leave this foreign policy to this president alone; he exits in 500 days.

In his American University speech, the president, the fiercest advocate for this agreement, described the Iranian regime as “dangerous and repressive.” He said, we should “continue to have sanctions in place on Iran’s support for terrorism and violation of human rights?” Without those sanctions, it looks like greater hatred, more proxy violence, more unrest for a region already awash with enormous instability, and an ominous existential threat to Israel.

Dr. Kenneth Stein teaches Middle Eastern History and Political Science at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

community news

Michelle Margol Inspiring Veteran Educator

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October O ctober

Michelle Margol (center), known to the children at the DuBow Preschool as Morah Miriam, has been involved in teaching at the Jacksonville Jewish Center for 30-years.

She has been an inspiration and guide to many teachers and families over the years as many of her creative inspirations can still be seen around our school today.

For example, children have learned from an illustrated full-sized Torah and Megillah which she made. Every year during Sukkot, each classroom enjoys a Sukkah she has assisted with building and each week, students and teachers learn from her energetic memorable songs, projects, and stories. Morah Miriam lovingly teaches Jewish Studies and truly puts a unique spark in everything she does.

If you have someone in mind you would like to nominate for Mensch of the Month, who volunteers both their time and efforts to the Jacksonville Jewish community, simply submit their name, photo and a short write up about them to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org

Being Jewish on Campus: Are You Prepared? Jewish Museum of Florida Anti-Defamation League community program for upper level high school and college students along with their parents

BY HAVA L. HOLZHAUER ADL Florida Regional Director

& REBECCA REJTMAN BENNETT ADL Consultant & Facilitator

Preparing for college is an exciting and nerve-racking time for students and parents alike.

Questions like, ‘Will I get along with my roommate?’ ‘How will I select a major?’ are top of mind but Jewish students and their parents may also be anxious about anti-Semitism and/or antiIsrael activity on their college campus. It’s because of this that The Temple will be hosting a free community program developed by the Anti-Defamation League entitled, ‘Being Jewish on Campus: Are You Prepared?’.

The special event will be held at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m.

In 2014, nearly 40,000 Jewish students enrolled in Florida’s college campuses, and one of the most well known cases of antiSemitism that year came out of Orlando. That’s where a swastika was carved into the outside wall of a Jewish student’s apartment at an off-campus complex near the University of Central

Florida. These reported incidents stretched across campuses in the Sunshine State as vandals also forcibly removed a mezuzah from the off-campus doorway of a University of Florida student. A short time later, they returned and not only removed the new mezuzah, but also verbally threatened the student.

Are these incidents an everyday occurrence on Florida campuses? Not at all as there are thriving Jewish student populations and active Jewish student organizations, including Hillels, Jewish Student Unions, Jewish fraternities and sororities, and more from coast to coast. However, when they do occur, will you or your student know what to do?

Such incidents are not limited to Florida universities or colleges.

The ADL reported a remarkable increase in the number and intensity of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incidents on American college campuses during the 2014-15 academic year, with 520 anti-Israel on campus events reported. This represents a 38-percent increase from the previous academic year, but it’s important to note that not all incidents are reported. Increasingly, incidents are part of a larger campaign under the banner of ‘Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS)’ and ‘Israel Apartheid Week’. We also witnessed instances of Jewish students running for student government being questioned and accused of being loyal to Israel rather than the United States. We

exhibition displays timely Anti-Semitic illustrations

BY GITA SHONEK

Jewish Museum of Florida

have seen hostile environments in the college classroom, whereas openly anti-Israel or anti-Semitic professors have given assignments promoting an anti-Israel agenda – and some who penalize students who express discomfort or opposite views.

With all this being said, in addition to roommates and majors, Jewish students and their parents should also begin to ask questions about how they hope to explore their Jewish identities, and how they can deal with anti-Semitism and anti-Israel activity on campuses, both proactively and reactively. Questions like ‘How does anti-Semitism manifest itself on a 2015-16 college campus?’ or ‘What is the line between political activism and anti-Israel intimidation?’ in addition to ‘Are there allies I can turn to?’, should be posed.

These are key skills that students and parents in Jacksonville and North Florida will learn at this event which current college students, high school juniors and seniors, and parents are encouraged to attend. Although the event is free, an RSVP is required and can be submitted via e-mail at rsvp@thetemplejacksonville. org or by phone at 904-733-7078.

River Garden Auxiliary to hold its first ever off-site garage sale, Nov. 8th

BY EVELYN PECK River Garden Auxiliary

The River Garden Auxiliary is asking for the Jewish community’s help to participate in its first ever garage sale, taking place off site, Sunday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. This is an important fund raiser because various household items such as vases, suitcases, and nice accessories, like pocketbooks are in need. Baby and children’s

clothes, in addition to toys will also be accepted, but one thing that is not needed for this sale are books as there are already

a large amount of them in stock.

The sale will take place at 4578 San Jose Blvd, near the intersection of San Jose and Hendricks Ave. People are also needed to volunteer for this event to accept and store items until the sale. For more information on the event or to help out, please call garage sale coordinator Evelyn Peck at 904268-0597.

The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU (JMOF-FIU) is proud to present the timely and evocative exhibition, Mark Podwal: All This Has Come Upon Us....

The artist, author and illustrator is best known for his drawings on The New York Times op-ed page.

The exhibition features Podwal’s drawings and paintings of historical threats of anti-Semitism, combined with verses from the Book of Psalms. With so many recent incidents of anti-Semitic acts throughout Europe and the U.S., and even right here in Florida, the topic has never been so relevant.

The exhibition will be on view Nov. 10, 2015 - March 13, 2016.

JMOF-FIU is the only Florida recipient to date of one of the limited numbered copies of this body of work, signed by the artist. Podwal originally planned to limit the edition to 10, but due to high demand, he was encouraged to produce 60 numbered copies.

These works have already been acquired by prestigious institutions such as: Yale, Harvard, Columbia and Oxford universities, the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. and Yad Vashem in Israel. The portfolio, donated to the Museum by longtime supporter, Dr. Paul Drucker, is number 10 of 60. Each image in this series depicts a tragedy or injustice in Jewish history, from slavery in Egypt through the Holocaust, and is paired with a verse from Psalms. According to Podwal, “the paintings and drawings in this series are a disturbing reminder of how Europe’s extensive history of ‘Jew-hatred’ laid the groundwork for Terezin and Auschwitz...The menorah in the first image, carried away by goose stepping Germans, appears again in the last image with the seven biblical fruits sprouting from its branches. A verse from Psalm 126, the psalm almost chosen as Israel’s national anthem, proclaims, ‘Those who plant with tears will harvest in joy.’ “ JMOF-FIU Executive Director and Chief Curator, Jo Ann Arnowitz explains the exhibition’s significance, “This ex-

hibit’s 42 drawings all have one common theme: survival. As the exhibit title says, with All This Has Come Upon Us, the Jewish people have survived for more than 5,000 years, through every instance, even the most unthinkable acts of tragedy. With everything happening today in our own communities, across the country and throughout the world, people often express the feeling that, “things have never been so bad.”

This exhibit offers a message of hope, inspiration and survival.”

The original exhibition, All This Has Come Upon Us..., premiered in April 2014 at the Terezin Ghetto Museum outside of Prague, and is scheduled to travel to other institutions in the Czech Republic. In addition, Czech Television has produced a documentary film offering a portrait of the artist and the creative process behind these works. Filmed in Prague, Terezin, Auschwitz, Krakow and New York, the documentary includes interviews with leading personalities discussing Podwal’s art. Podwal is represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Victoria and Albert Museum, Israel Museum and Library of Congress, among many others.

The exhibition’s Members’ Opening will take place in the evening of Nov. 10, with the artist providing the keynote address. The opening date has been scheduled to follow the community-wide commemoration of Kristallnacht, at the Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach on November 9th.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

community news

Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project puts moms on Birthright style trip to Israel

BY SHARON WILHELM JWRP Israel trip participant

While scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed last December, the following headline caught my eye, ‘It’s Birthright Israel – for Jewish Moms’. My heart skipped a beat when I read those words as I was familiar with Taglit because my sister went on a Birthright trip in 2000, and I’d always regretted not following suit while I was still eligible. With this in mind, I was wondering if ‘Birthright for Jewish Moms’, could be my second chance, so I went ahead clicked on the link but I had no idea at the time that my life was about to change forever.

After doing some initial reading the ‘Birthright for Jewish Moms’ trip turned out to be a program called the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project or JWRP. Founded in 2009, JWRP is a free (with the exception of airfare) eight day trip to Israel for nonOrthodox Jewish mothers. Its goal is to strengthen the participants Jewish identity, foster their connection to Israel, and introduce them to some important principles and practices of Judaism. After the trip, the hope is that these

The JWRP trip takes mothers on historic sights like the Western Wall

women will share what they’ve learned with their respective families and communities. The unique aspect of this trip is that it is organized by partner organizations in different cities and since building a community with women from your hometown is such a vital part of the trip, you can only travel with the partner organization from your own city. In other words, if your city doesn’t have a JWRP partner, you’re not able to go to Israel on this specific trip.

After reading that last bit of information my heart sank because I thought what were the odds of Jacksonville having a partner organization? Turns out the odds were pretty good because with

Making a difference by ‘volunteering for Israel’

The moms show support for their homeland and the land they call home

the leadership of the extraordinary Rebbetzin Henny Fisch, Etz Chaim Synagogue had partnered with JWRP and was already accepting applications for the summer 2015 trip. Knowing this, I applied for the trip on the spot.

One month later, I met Henny for the first time and then fast forward three months later, I found myself sitting in an unfamiliar living room, peering awkwardly at the 12 complete strangers who would become my traveling companions.

Many of the women seemed to know each other already, at least casually, whereas I had very few ties to the Jacksonville Jewish community. I felt like an outsider and thought to myself, ‘had I

made a mistake?’

I can’t even begin to describe how far outside of my comfort zone I was putting myself, but I knew in my heart that I was meant to be there. I knew deep down that I could tolerate a little social discomfort in exchange for the opportunity of a lifetime because I wasn’t going to let another trip to Israel pass me by. It’s odd looking back on those first few group meetings, because those dozen strange faces have now become my soul sisters and friends for life. In eight short days, we shared a lifetime of indescribable experiences. I cried until my eyes were dry, I laughed until my stomach hurt, and I danced more in eight

days than I had in the last eight years.

I think it’s fair to say that JWRP and Etz Chaim accomplished their mission because these women and their families are my family now. Through them, I have finally begun to feel connected with the Jacksonville Jewish community and for that (and for so much more) I will forever be grateful. For more information, log onto jwrp.org or by contacting Henny Fisch at hennyfisch@gmail.com and 904-2623565. Though the accommodations in Israel are complimentary, trip participants are responsible for financing their flights to there and back.

JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion to present ‘Sleepless in Jacksonville’

By Jewish Community Alliance

Two years ago Gail and Stanley Greenfield (pictured) participated in the Volunteers for Israel which provides an insider’s view of the country

BY GAIL GREENFIELD & STANLEY GREENFIELD Former Volunteers for Israel

Volunteers for Israel gives people an opportunity to experience the Jewish state in a most unique way. The program provides an insider’s view of Israel as participants work on an Israel Defense Force (IDF) base, performing non-combat civilian support duties such as packing medical supplies, repairing machinery and equipment and completing building fortifications.

Responsibilities also include cleaning, painting, and overall base maintenance as well as working alongside soldiers, base employees, and other volunteers.

While doing this work, volunteers help Israel shoulder its defense burden.

Those taking part in this unique program are housed in barracks with fellow volunteers and enjoy three kosher meals a

day, while wearing IDF work clothes. The only costs, which are tax deductible, are your flight, and a registration fee, in addition to off base expenses. The Sunday to Thursday workweek includes cultural programs in the evening, and tours when possible. Weekends are spent off base, so participants are able to travel around Israel, visiting with friends and relatives, or even hanging out with fellow VFI friends.

Two years ago, we participated in this program and it was an incredible experience because we knew we were doing something tangible to help our homeland.

We are again planning to go away for the two-week program scheduled for Mar. 27 – Apr. 7, 2016, and are hoping to organize a group from Jacksonville to join us. If interested, contact Stanley Greenfield at sbg39@outlook. com or call him at 904-233-9052.

For more information on the Volunteers for Israel program visit vfi-usa.org.

On Monday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m., the JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion will present the program, Sleepless in Jacksonville, to discuss healthy sleeping habits and the importance of sleep quality and regularity.

Sleep plays an imperative role in physical health as its during sleep that the body heals and repairs itself and when the formation of neuronal connections and the regulation of cell energy occurs. Deficiencies in sleep have been attributed to greater

risks for heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illness and decreased resilience to stress.

Join Dr. Peter Nassar from Baptist Health, the only full time sleep medicine physician in the First Coast, to learn about the important role sleep plays in a person’s overall health and well-being. Also gain useful sleep hygiene tips to promote a more restful night. This program is free to the entire community, however advance registration is required. For more information, visit jcajax.org or contact the JCA registrar at 904-730-2100, ext.

228.

Sunday Walk for Awareness to be held Oct. 18th for Shabbat observers

By Komen North Florida Race for the Cure

The Komen North Florida Race for the Cure will host the Sunday Walk for Awareness on October 18, at 8 a.m. at the Bolles School (7400 San Jose Blvd.).

The popular 2K began years ago to accommodate those whose religious practices prevented them from participating in the annual Komen North Florida Race for the Cure occurring on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015.

“This event will permit Sabbath observers to participate and support in Komen North Florida’s event, which raises money for local breast cancer screening, breast health education, and the

eradication of breast cancer,” said Executive Director, Delores Wise.

“We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the beautiful stroll along the St. Johns River at the Bolles School.”

We are thrilled to return to the Bolles School, in Mandarin, for our third year as this 2K course provides a stunning stroll along the St. Johns River and an excellent occasion for those who prefer an event with a smaller crowd.

Walk for Awareness participants

can create teams and fundraise just as those who participate in the Race for the Cure and receive the same goody bag and Race t-shirt. A survivor recognition ceremony will be held prior to the start of the Walk.

The adult 2K registration (ages 18 and up) fee is $36 and the child 2K registration (ages 3 to 17) fee is $20 but parking is free. Registration is available online at komennorthflorida.org or http://ow.ly/PrbPR. Sponsorships opportunities are available.

For additional information, please contact the Komen North Florida office at 904-448-7446, info@ komennorthflorida.org or visit www.komennorthflorida.org.

JFCS’ Bikur Cholim Shabbat, Parshat Vayera (Oct. 31- Nov. 1, 2015)

By Jewish Community & Family Services

Bikur cholim, or ‘visiting the sick’, in Hebrew, is a term encompassing a wide range of activities performed by an individual or a group to provide comfort

and support to people who are ill, homebound, isolated and or otherwise in distress. The act of bikur cholim is a mitzvah, a moral and spiritual obligation incumbent upon all Jews to perform. It is an essential quality of good interpersonal relationships.

At JFCS, our Jewish Healing Network volunteers are involved in many ways — either as an individual or as part of a coordinated team effort. There are so many ways one can help: • Visit the homebound.

• Call a homebound senior

before Shabbat.

• Bring food to a family with a new baby.

• Help a child, whose parent is hospitalized, with homework.

• Call when you are at the store, and say “I am here. What can I pick up for you?”

• Smile, Listen.

We have many residents in our community who would enjoy a visit or a call. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Gail Furman at 904-394-5723.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

education

Michele Block Gan Yeladim kindergarten DuBow Preschool’s ‘apples for aba’ was a program to hold open house, Oct. 26th morning to remember

The Michele Block Gan yeladim kindergarten program offers a comprehensive cirriculum of age-appropriate core skills which helps prepare students for measureable success in elementary school and beyond

BY MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim

It’s never too early to start planning for your child’s future kindergarten experience. Michele Block Gan Yeladim kindergarten program offers a comprehensive curriculum of age-appropriate core skills which helps prepare students for success in elementary school and beyond. These major cognitive skill areas include literacy and language, science and technology, social, emotional, fine and gross motor skills, art, math, reading, social studies, handwriting and Jewish studies.

Throughout the year, students work on special topic projects and each month guest musicians, ecologists, historians and art-

BY SHEREEN CANADAY ists often visit the school. Field trip learning experiences include Tree Hill Preserve, Art Museums like MOCA and The Cummer, as well as popular spots such as the Jacksonville Zoo and the St. Johns River.

Low teacher-student ratios at Michele Block Gan Yeladim Kindergarten allow teachers to give individual attention and instruction to all students and alleviate the pressure and strain of managing a large class. In addition to the core curriculum, the Michele Block Gan Yeladim Kindergarten program gives students the unique opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities that many schools cannot offer. With unique access to all areas of the Jewish Community Alliance, students participate in physical education

Galinsky Academy starts 2015-16 school year off with new PTA president

New Galinsky Academy PTA president Melanie Setzer (right) alongside board member Faye Hedrick (left) prior to the start of the new school year By the Galinsky Academy

The 2015-16 school year is in full swing at the Galinsky Academy and there are some new names atop the PTA leadership as the Academy is excited to welcome a new president and board. With a vision of building community among all students and families across the Academy, plans for the school year include a parents’ night out in addition to a family camp out, community service day, a Purim festival as well

Local dads were able to enjoy some apples and honey together with their kids for a sweet New Year, recently at the DuBow Preschool

as a teacher appreciation week.

Led by PTA President Melanie Setzer), the board members include Natalie Dayan, Cindy Handmaker, Faye Hedrick), Tracy Hilbert, Galit Hill, Amy Kaminsky, Simon Schuster, and Falyn Shilts. The Galinsky Academy is comprised of Setzer Youth Education, the Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School, the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, and the DuBow Preschool.

in the gym, yoga in the dance studio, swim lessons in the indoor pool and gardening around campus. Many students also participate in the Youth Services After School program, which offers enrichment classes like kickboxing, chess club and Spanish.

At Michele Block Gan Yeladim Kindergarten, students build a strong foundation in core fundamentals and standard subjects as well as developing a comprehensive love of learning, nurtured by real-life educational experiences.

Please join us Monday, Oct. 26 from 7-8 p.m. for an open house to see this highly accredited program and catch a glimpse of why Michele Block Gan Yeladim is continually regarded in such high levels of esteem in Jacksonville.

DuBow Preschool

Local abas or fathers recently heard the call coming out of the DuBow Preschool and happily joined their children and the teachers for a morning of fun, tabbed ‘Apples for Aba’.

Children baked delicious muffins ahead of time to share with their special guests and served them

along with apples and honey, the traditional New Year treat.

The abas and their children created a beautiful apple printing which became a Rosh Hashanah placemat, complete with a greeting and brachot (blessings).

Both kids and their dad’s enjoyed hearing the shofar being blown and then ended the morning with neshikot (kisses).

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

education

Shalom Baby begins at DuBow Preschool Torah Academy preschool starts after-care enrichment

Shalom Baby is a bi-weekly playgroup that is put on by DuBow Preschool as part of its Mommy & Me classes

BY SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool

Come join in DuBow Preschool’s bi-weekly free playgroup, entitled Shalom Baby. We have a great group of parents, babies and toddlers who enjoy playing, singing, making treasured keepsakes, while talking about current parenting issues, and celebrating Shabbat and other Jewish holidays. A great turnout

was on hand for the September play dates, so be a part of the October fun by contacting Shereen

Canady at 904-268-4200 ext. 143 to learn more. To learn about all the Parent & Me classes offered at the DuBow Preschool, simply log on to parentportal.dubowpreschool. org/family-programming/, where there are four classes to choose from: Family Music & Movement, Color Splash, Stroller Workout and of course, Shalom Baby.

Torah Academy’s middle school adds new enrichment program

Middle school students map out their butterfly and vegetable gardens

BY VICTORIA GOODYEAR Torah Academy of Jacksonville

The Torah Academy of Jacksonville is giving fifth through eighth grade middle school students a chance to make a positive impact on the local environment. Students will have hands on experiences in a cross-curricular

program concerning the construction and upkeep of a butterfly and vegetable garden. The objective of the program is for students to organize, research, plan and build a garden for the school by applying learned and new concepts, while enforcing the Florida Standards in English language arts (ELA), science, and math.

This garden was made possible by a grant the Academy was awarded

from Whole Foods.

Torah Academy is also launching a ‘bring your own device’ initiative this school year, where middle school students will be able to bring laptops, netbooks, or tablets to use for educational purposes. Having ongoing access to technology will help develop greater independence, increase engagement, differentiate instruction and develop skills required to thrive in the 21st century. Student devices will be used to access resources and for completing assignments. Educational activities may include informational research, document production, data analysis, surveys participation, e-books reading and TenMarks interaction for differentiated instruction. The use of these devices is at the sole discretion of the teacher and a focus of this initiative is digital citizenship, which is the responsible use of technology. The children will learn digital skills, ethics, etiquette, and online safety, which are important aspects of participating in today’s ever increasing digital world.

DuBow debuts new stroller workout class

BY EMILY CARPENTER DuBow Preschool

Every Monday at 9 a.m., come get your sweat on at popular stroller workout. Taught by a group-fitness certified instructor, stroller workout is a 45 minute session of strength training and power walking, all while keeping your baby entertained and in the stroller. Parents with kids too big for a stroller can drop them off at the school and join in on the fun.

Classes are all drop-in, so there’s no commitment. The cost is just $5 a class, or $20 for a five class pass through Oct. 6 and sessions begin right in front of the DuBow Preschool. Please remember to bring water, a towel, and snacks for your baby.

Stroller workout classes are offered at DuBow Preschool by a certified group fitness instructor. Check out pictures of the class and get more information on when they are offered at facebook.com/strollerworkout.

Andy Bruck teaches pre-school students all about the musical alphabet

BY HENNY FISCH

Torah Academy of Jacksonville

The Torah Academy of Jacksonville is excited to begin its after school pre-school enrichment program which kicks off with Music Mondays. Each Monday at 3 p.m., there will be a music

session for the preschool children to enjoy as part of their normal aftercare programming. Andy Bruck, who plays violin, flute and harpsichord with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra led things off. Bruck introduced students to the musical alphabet and basic rhythmic patterns.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

EDUCATION

It’s shofar time at DuBow Preschool Block Gan Children’s

concert to be headlined by musician Kate Carpenter

BY SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool

One of the most important gifts we can give our children is a positive feeling toward Judaism. At the DuBow Preschool, children discover the meaning of our religion through songs, stories, art, role-plays and discussions which reinforce joy and the pride of being Jewish. During the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah the children ate apples and honey and created cards for their families, wishing them all a sweet new year (Shana Metuka). They even heard the shofar blown daily by our friends from the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School (Tekiyah), and then practiced along with them.

Afterwards, students talked about their actions during the past year and then all walked to the pond beside the Jacksonville Jewish Center and threw away all the acts which they were not proud of (Tashlich) . Next the children learned about Yom Kippur and why their parents fasted. Additionally, they talked about what it means to be a mensch and saying

BY MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim

Students at DuBow preschool had a complete High Holy Day experience, including eating apples and honey and hearing the shofar blown

selicha, or forgive me.

Families with babies, toddlers and preschoolers also joined together for a special Rosh Hashana preschool family service which was lead by Robin Morris and Shereen Canady. It was a fun interactive service filled with singing, dancing, storytelling and praying. We all had a great time as we wished everyone a ‘L’Shana Tova’ or

Happy New Year. Soon we will begin to decorate the Goldman Sukkah, then learn about Sukkot and do the lulav shake while smelling the etrog and going on a neighborhood Sukkah Hop. Then on Simchat Torah the children will proudly march around the synagogue wearing their creative Torah decorations while singing with joy during this beautiful holiday season.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 10 a.m. inside the JCA Setzer-Frisch Auditorium, Mrs. Kate Carpenter, with guitar in hand, will delight Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten students with plenty of entertaining stories in a special concert.

A native of Callahan, Fla., Carpenter has traveled throughout the southeast for more than two decades, enchanting audiences with her original music, puppetry, unusual instruments and riveting storytelling. To date, she has recorded 11 albums, two children’s music videos and a maintains a rigorous schedule of about 150 concerts a year. In the Jewish spirit of hachnasat orchim

singer, songwriter Kate Carpenter

(welcoming guests), Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten invites preschool aged children in the community to attend this fun concert with an adult. To RSVP, please contact Rochelle at 904-730-2100, ext.

259.

Jacksonville Jewish Center adult ed program ads pair of new offerings for 5776

BY LOIS TOMPKINS Jacksonville Jewish Center

Two new adult education programs have been added to the Jacksonville Jewish center’s offerings this year. First is Chai Mitzvah, which is a national program created as a way to engage adults in a spiritual Jewish journey. Participants make a commitment to attend monthly text study sessions to identify and pursue the study of something Jewish which they want to learn about. Through these actions the subject matter and Jewish rituals associated with them take on a deeper meaning and the participants are also able to engage in a social action activity. This program spans the spectrum of Jewish practice and is for people from any background of Jewish knowledge and Jewish living. Chai Mitzvah is meant

to build community and encourages multi-generational learning.

A community celebration will occur at the end of the year and the group will begin meeting Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6:45 p.m.

Some new Book Clubs have also been formed. For those interested, there will be two options: Tuesday mornings at 11 a.m. at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, or Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at varying locations.

The JJC continues to provide classes, open to the community, in Talmud, parashah study, beginning Hebrew, Foundations of Judaism, service skills, and much more. For more information, or to join an adult education program, please contact Lois Tompkins at LTompkins@JJCJax. org, or visit jjcjax.org/education/adult-education for updated information.

Stroller fit moms find a new home at the JCA

BY MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim

Between tending to the needs of an infant, adjusting to new and erratic sleep schedules and all of the other lifestyle changes that come with having a baby, finding time and energy for postnatal exercise can be challenging for new mothers. However, the benefits of adopting a postnatal exercise routine are immeasurable. Not only can postnatal exercise help mothers shed pregnancy weight, but it can also reduce stress, stimulate positive emotions and provide much needed energy for the new task of being a mom.

Its with this in mind that Mondays, Oct. 19 - Dec. 7 at 9:30 a.m., the JCA will host an exclusive class for new mothers and their babies called Stroller Fit Moms. Led by certified JCA yoga/Pilates instructor Gisela Morgan, the class blends Barre Pilates, yoga and power walking to help build strength, tone muscle and improve posture.

Stroller Fit Moms is open to the entire community and the fee for this program is $120 and $80 for JCA valued members. For more information or to register, call Rochelle Golomb at 904-730-2100, ext. 259 or e-mail her at rochelle. golomb@jcajax.org.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

synagogue NEWS

The Temple’s Sisterhood honored for its social justice programming

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

The Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) Temple Sisterhood from Congregation Ahavath Chesed has been awarded the distinguished Silver Or Ami International Award for social justice programming for their recent ‘Let Our People Go: Human Trafficking Educational and Social Action Series’. The Sisterhood hosted the series in winter 2015, in hopes of educating the Northeast Florida interfaith community about human trafficking, while encouraging action to combat this crime.

By using print, social media outreach, two community-wide programs, and a social action component, funds were raised for Rethreaded, a local grassroots organization to help survivors learn

viable skills to survive and thrive.

“The most amazing accomplishment of this series was that it brought together all ages, races, religions, synagogues, sisterhoods, church groups and non-profits to improve the life of our community,” said program organizers, Rebecca Bennett and Susan Board.

Established in 1973, the WRJ Or Ami Light of My People Award recognizes social justice, community service and educational programming which is exemplary and serves as a model for other WRJ Districts and women’s groups. The awards are given biennially at WRJ’s Assembly and WRJ Temple Sisterhood will receive its award during the organization’s 50th Assembly, scheduled for Nov. 4-8,

Mordechai Rosenstein to soon be an artist-inresidence at the JJC

By Jacksonville Jewish Center

Since 1979, Mordechai Rosenstein has been creating Jewish Art and putting it in people’s homes, synagogues, and agencies throughout the world. He has been commissioned to create original works for prominent politicians such as Elie Weisel, and Presidents Clinton and Bush.

This October he will get to add yet another accomplishment to his resume as he will be visiting the Jacksonville Jewish Center as Artist-in-Residence. From his studio in his home in Elkins Park, Pa., Rosenstein creates a myriad of pieces utilizing vibrant colors and flowing lines that transform the art of Hebrew calligraphy into a modern day feast for the eyes.

“The flowing forms of the letters have been an inspiration since my youth,” he said. “It is very stimulating and rewarding to interact with members and communities throughout the country and develop a rapport with them.”

His unique style evolved as a result of various influences. While studying at The Philadelphia College of Art, abstract expressionist professor Franz Kline profoundly influenced Rosenstein. By

Mordechai Rosenstein

uniting his interest in Judaica and painting, Rosenstein has given a contemporary meaning to the art of Hebrew calligraphy. He is very excited to be joining the Jacksonville Jewish Center community for five days from Oct. 28 – Nov. 1, where he will be conducting sessions for all schools of the Galinsky Academy. Additionally, he will also hold multiple presentations and hands-on demonstrations that will be open to the entire community. Please be sure to contact the Jacksonville Jewish Center with any questions, and visit jjcjax.org for the full schedule of events.

Center Sisterhood hosts TV star for breast cancer awareness

By JJC Sisterhood

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the Jacksonville Jewish Center Sisterhood will present Jeannie Blaylock from First Coast News’ Buddy Check 12 to discuss breast cancer awareness. Blaylock has made a personal goal to teach every woman to routinely check herself and learn more about this vital health issue. Following her talk, there will be a candid conversation with three women First Coast News’ Jeanine Blaylock who have each had their own courageous journey with this This is a paid up luncheon but is disease. Marjie Rogozinski was free for Sisterhood members who diagnosed with ductal carcinoma have paid their yearly dues of insitu breast cancer, while Diane $36. The luncheon will be at the Rothstein was diagnosed with 2 Jacksonville Jewish Center at 12 Neu Estogen Positive as a young p.m. and dues can also be paid at mom. Finally, Melanie Setzer the door. For more information tested positive with the Brca Gene please contact Marjie Rogozinski also early into motherhood. Deat rogomom@bellsouth.net and to spite their battles each incredible RSVP send an e-mail to jjcsisterwoman is extremely positive and hood.com/rsvp. will share their unique stories.

2015 in Orlando. Women of Reform Judaism or (WRJ) was founded in 1913, and is the women’s affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism, which is the central body of Reform Judaism in North America.

WRJ represents about 65,000 women in nearly 500 women’s groups worldwide and promotes women’s issues and leadership through education, programming, and advocacy.

The winners for this award will be featured on WRJ’s website and in other WRJ resources following an official announcement.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

FEDERATION NEWS Jacksonville Armada’s first ever Jewish Young pros prepare for ‘Cocktails & Schmooze’

Community Night to be held Oct. 21

BY JEANINE HOFF rGEN Director

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Jewish Community Night hosted by The Jacksonville Armada, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Community First Park. The evening is being co-presented by the Jacksonville Armada, Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, Jewish Community Alliance, Jewish Family & Community Services, Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, River Garden Senior Services, Beth-El The Beaches Synagogue, Congregation Ahavath Chesed – The Temple, Etz Chaim Synagogue and the

BY JEANINE HOFF

Jacksonville Jewish Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Pre and Post game festivities and will receive a FREE scarf. The first 50 children to purchase tickets will also have the opportunity to participate in a very special on field activity.

To purchase tickets, please visit jewishjacksonville.org and click on the Armada flyer, or contact Jordan Allerding at jallerding@armadafc.org. Tickets are $22 per person (kids three and under get in free). For more information about the event, please contact Jeanine Hoff at jeanineh@jewishjacksonville.org, or check out the full page Armada ad on page number 28 in this month’s paper.

Have some news to share with the JJN? Whether it’s a milestone achievment accomplished by a friend or family member associated with the Jacksonville Jewish community or simply a story, event or announcement to be shared, drop us a line at jjn@ jewishjacksonville.org. You can also contact newspaper editor Matt Franzblau at mattf@jewishjacksonville.org or 904-4485000, extension 212.

Scan to read past issue on

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rGEN Director

rGEN’s Young Professional Network will launch this season’s series of events, Tuesday, Oct. 20, as ‘Cocktails & Schmooze’ will feature special guest and Federation President, Sandy Zimmerman. The Young Professionals Network was launched last year as a way to bring Jewish young professionals together to network, socialize, and learn about our greater Jewish community, including information on synagogues, local Jewish agencies and Federation.

Zimmerman, a current rGEN member, was selected as the special guest because he is the newly installed President of Federation, and is a past Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award winner.

He is also a former member of National Young Leadership Cabinet to go along with many other

roles in our community. He also served as Federation Major Gifts Chair, Treasurer, and Campaign Chair and has traveled on multiple Federation missions around the globe including Israel and the Former Soviet Union.

Look for details about the event, including event registration on the rGEN Facebook page or in your email. For more information, call rGEN Director, Jeanine Hoff, at 904-448-5000 ext 208 or e-mail her at jeanineh@jewishjacksonville.org.

Partner Spotlight: The Jewish Agency for Israel

Masa Israel was originally established in 2004 as a joint partnership between the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency for Israel

BY AMANDA BORSCHEL-DAN Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust The Times of Israel

As her final McGill University semester was drawing to a close in the spring of 2010, Toronto native Lauren Abecassis-Kandravy received a random email from a Jewish students listserv she didn’t recognize. The email described a 10-month Jerusalembased Masa Israel program called Israel Government Fellows in which participants intern at government agencies and concurrently attend courses about Israeli society. Masa Israel was officially established in 2004 as a joint project of the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Approaching graduation and not having a job lined up in the climate of a recovering recession, the email’s description of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center-initiated program sounded like a good plan for AbecassisKandravy. “It was just a random email because I don’t know if I’ve ever gotten another from that address,” she smilingly said, implying divine intervention while sitting in the Begin Center’s conference room with other government fellows graduates this past summer.

Abecassis-Kandravy, 27, participated in the 2010-11 cohort of the Israel Government Fellows program and interned at the Ministry of Finance in the international relations department. She said that while working at the ministry, she sat in at high-level meetings with ranking officials and politicians and would laughingly wonder to herself, “Why am I here?“ “I was given so much respect and everyone listened to my opinion — and in the ministry, everyone gives an opinion,” she said. Abecassis-Kandravy’s internship led to employment at

Museum. “The [Government Fellows] name definitely got me in the door; the experience got me the job,” she says.

She “stayed on” in Israel, as she puts it, and formally became a citizen in 2012. Now she works at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and just finished an MA degree in public policy at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Abecassis-Kandravy’s story is hardly unique. With increased globalization and a recovering economy for many North American college grads looking for an employment edge or unusual resume item, one of Masa’s 200 programs easily fits the bill.

While taking advantage of the chance to dip their toes into “real Israel,” for many North American adults on the brink of “real life,” Israel can become a home for now, if not forever.

At the same time, for thousands of young Jews from conflict ridden countries who enjoy huge subsidies, Masa is now their main immigration launch pad, with up to 90 percent remaining in the Holy Land — and often eventually bringing their parents as well. Israel experiences have been on the menu for Diaspora young adults for decades, from picking avocados on a kibbutz to yeshiva studies or a semester at The Hebrew University. So what’s changed?

In this era of immigration by choice over necessity, in which families are sprinkled over the globe and addresses are no longer permanent, what’s changed is nothing less than the nature of making aliyah.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

FEDERATION NEWS Campaign Kickoff Continued from p. 1 he added. “We are so excited to bring the entire Jewish community together for this fabulous event,” the Jacobs said. “We look forward to kicking off another great campaign year which will enable the Federation to continue to make a difference in the lives of Jews everywhere.”

The Campaign Kickoff is free and open to the entire commu-

nity. While at the Kickoff, guests will be encouraged to make their pledge to the 2016 Annual Campaign and there is no minimum pledge to attend. The event would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of Ken Jacobs and the law firm of Gray Robinson. To RSVP, go to jewishjacksonville.org/2016campaignkickoff.

For more information about the event, contact Erin Cohen at 904-448-5000, ext. 205 or erinc@ jewishjacksonville.org. To learn more about the entertainer, go to SidneyFriedman.com.

Max ‘Mickey’ Block will be honored posthumously, with the Joe P. Safer Community Service Award

Federation’s campaign update

BY ALAN MARGOLIES Federation Executive Director

Just prior to the beginning of the holidays, our Jewish Federation 2015 campaign reached the amount we set for allocations in the spring, which was $2,566,000. All of our local and overseas major recipient organizations received increases as compared to the year prior.

Everyone realizes that this is only possible because of the incredible support received by the more than 1,900 individuals participating in last year’s campaign. Our board of directors and staff are very grateful to the community for the continued support!

Plans for 2016 are now well underway as our campaign kickoff event will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m., at The Temple – Congregation Ahavath Chesed. The program will feature Sidney Friedman, who is known

as the mentalist to the stars’.

Friedman boasts many celebrity clients and is a favorite of Jewish organizations across the country. That evening, we will honor Nicole Sena Brown, the recipient of our Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award as well as pay tribute to the late Mickey Block, recipient of our Joe P Safer Community Service Award.

While it is accurate that all of the agencies and schools here at home and overseas received more funding than in 2014 from Federation, we were nowhere near to completely meeting the needs of these organizations. Throughout the coming months, we will highlight in the JJN the critical priority areas of our Jewish family of local and overseas partners.

Wishing everyone Hag Sameach as we approach the celebrations of Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

Nicole Sena Brown will receive the Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award at the campaign kickoff

Time to hula in the hut with rGEN

BY JEANINE HOFF rGEN Jax Director

Alan Margolies Executive Director

On Saturday, October 3, rGEN (Our Generation), the young adults division of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville will host its third annual adults-only Sukkot gathering, Huts, Hula & Havdalah - a Sukkot ‘Huts, Hula & Havdalah – a Luau will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 Sukkot Luau.’ This year’s event is being hosted at the home with leis, pineapples, tropical of rGEN steering committee cocktails and so much more! To member, Jaimee Mitzmacher and attend or for more information, her husband, Jon. This event is a check out the rGEN Facebook follow-up to last year’s ‘Drinks, page (rGENJax) or call rGEN Desserts & Davises’ hosted by Director, Jeanine Hoff, at 904Nancy and Rich Davis, and ‘Suk- 448-5000, ext 208 or e-mail her kahs, Jaffas, & Tapas’ hosted by at jeanineh@jewishjacksonville.

Sylvia and Andrew Jaffa. This org. year’s celebration will be filled

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

federation NEWS

Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger shares inspiring story at Society of Healers event

Dr. Mark & Holly Emas with Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger

Drs. Marte & Paul Wasserman and Dr. Michael Lewis Photos by Larry Tallis

BY ERIN COHEN

Society of Healers Division

On, Sunday, Aug. 30th, more than 70 members of the Jacksonville Jewish medical community gathered for their first Havura HaMarpeh/Society of Healers event of the year. Guests were inspired by the remarkable personal journey of Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger. His talk, ‘Against all Odds, Change is Possible,’ told the story of his father who was a highly decorated Nazi tank commander during World War II. As he grew older, Dr. Wollschlaeger learned the truth about his father’s past and as a result his relationship with him was overshadowed by the Holocaust and everything

associated with it. Dr. Wollschlaeger eventually converted to Judaism, moved to Israel and served as a medical officer in the Israel Defense Forces.

A big thank you goes out to the event’s gracious hosts, Dr. Mark and Holly Emas for opening their home to this group, as well as to Dr. Michael Lewis, Society of Healers chair, and his wife, Judy for connecting the community with Dr. Wollschlaeger. If you are a Jewish healthcare professional in the Jacksonville community and would like to learn more about getting involved with Society of Healers, please contact Erin Cohen at 904-448-5000 ext. 205 or at erinc@jewishjacksonville.org.

Fall into Jewish Java this autumn

BY ISABEL BALOTIN

Shalom Jacksonville Director

Are you new to Jacksonville and interested in friendly conversation with people in the know? Then join us for coffee and schmoozing on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Village Bread Café, 10111 San Jose Blvd. We gather in a private room which allows for some privacy, as we do invite interesting speakers from time to time. It is also in a casual setting, where its very easy to meet new people and even reacquaint with old friends and neighbors. Consider joining us because when you buy a breakfast, you get a free cup of coffee or tea.

It’s hard to believe Jewish Java began percolating in 2006 because since its inception, many friendships have been forged and hundreds of Jewish connections for newcomers have been made.

As one of many entryways into

our community, it has provided a friendly and casual welcoming environment for newcomers and anyone newly interested in Jewish life in Jacksonville. No matter how long you’ve lived in the area, you have an open invitation to join us for our coffee and schmoozing program the first Wednesday of every month.

Shalom Jacksonville is the official Jewish welcome wagon of Northeast Florida. For more information, contact Isabel Balotin at 904-448-5000 Ext. 206 or email her at: shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org. The next Java is scheduled for Nov. 4 as an Elder Source representative will share information on the organization’s many programs and services.

Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger

Dr. Rod & Adrienne Zimmerman

Dr. Jared Mendelsohn and Drs. Inbal Cohen Rasner & Todd

Ellen & Dr. Barry Setzer

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

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community NEWS

‘Deli Man’ documentary to be showcased at The Temple

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Indulge in the deli foods you love and learn more about the traditions that make deli one of America’s great cuisines as The Temple hosts a showing of the movie ‘Deli Man’, Sunday, Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Congregation Ahavath Chesed. Erik Greenburg Anjou’s film, Deli Man, explores Jewish culture as a reflection of our vital ethnic history. In Houston, Texas, third generation deli man Ziggy Gruber has arguably built one of the finest delicatessen restaurants in the United States in Kenny & Ziggy’s. His story, enhanced with the stories of other iconic delis such as Katz’s, Second Avenue Deli in New York, Nate ’n

Al’s in California, the Carnegie in New Jersey and The Stage Deli in Michigan, embodies a tradition indelibly linked to its savory, nostalgic foods.

Please join us for an evening of fun, film, good food and the opportunity to support the Women of Reform Judaism’s Youth, Education, and Special Projects (YES) Fund, which provides scholarships for rabbinical and cantorial students globally in a variety of different capacities, including URJ camps

and Israel programs, the Religious Action Centers here and abroad, and other philanthropic organizations. The cost for this great evening is $18 per person and checks can be made payable to the Temple Sisterhood. For more information and to make reservations, please call Gail Jarrett at 904-268-3590 or 904885-6655. For those planning on attending, please make sure you get your RSVP in by Friday, Oct. 2.

Jewish Historical Society takes part in Saint Augustine’s 450th anniversary celebration

BY RABBI MERRIL SHAPIRO President, St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society

The St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society was very much involved in the celebration of the 450thanniversary of the founding of North America’s oldest European City. The organization held a ceremony

The 450th anniversary celebration of the nation’s oldest city had a Jewish flare to it this past month

at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, site of the first landing of Europeans, including the descendants of Jews hiding ‘underground’ for fear of running afoul of the Alhambra Decree that ordered the expulsion of all Jews from Spanish territories beginning Aug. 1, 1492.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

community news

The trials and tribulations of being Jewish behind bars

BY INMATES D. & M. Avenal State Prison (Calif.)

We don’t talk much about Jewish men and women in prison. The thought we are few is wrong, very wrong. Since the first diaspora Jews have traveled to all parts of the world and to all parts of society. Jews in prison and jails are no different than anywhere else.

Most are non-observant and a minority have Jewish mothers, but with names that sound like Rappaport, Bookman and Goldstein (actual names not used) Sephardic and Ashkenasi Jews from Europe , Central and South America , Africa , Asia and Israel. The entire spectrum of Jewish ethnography is well represented and we are your fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, grandparents. Yes, even Bubbies (grandmothers) are in prison!

Most are afraid because gangs like the Skinheads and Nazi Low Riders prey on Jewish inmates.

It can be dangerous to be openly Jewish as Michael suffered eight broken ribs and a concussion caused by multiple blows to the face from groups of attackers on two successive yards. The official response was denial of medical services and denial of the truth.

We live in overcrowded conditions with men who shoot heroin through homemade needles, carry shanks, intimidate and steal anything if the opportunity arises.

Not to mention the proselytizers and self righteous convicts hiding

their criminality behind religious garb, selling their festival food for pills and teaching hate in the Chapel.

Even in protective custody, coined ‘Sensitive needs yards’, Jews live at risk. You can see why the blessing of kosher food programs is a mixed one with many taking a pass while non-Jews scheme and scam their way into receiving more nutritious, cleaner food which is called ‘coming up’.

The Jews on this yard hail from England , Uruguay , El Salvador , Zimbabwe , Chicago , New York , Los Angeles and San Francisco . Prior to being convicted they were a doctor, restaurateur, consultant, and drug counselor, store manager, businessman and contractor. Most were silent about being Jewish until a few men stood up and began holding Jewish prayer meetings. One by one we found other Jews and invited them to join us. Now there are 15 openly Jewish men and more

still in hiding but we respect their anonymity. And if there are 20 on this yard, then statistically there may be 20 on every yard even though official records show few if any on most yards and at most prisons.

The majority of men here are not career criminals. For many this is the first time we’ve ever been arrested. Crimes that used to receive probation now come with hefty prison terms. For others it has been a life of fighting addition or coping with a childhood few survive intact. We are being held accountable for our wrong acts, but, are people only as good as the worst thing they’ve ever done?

I’m reminded of the song, ‘there but for fortune’, I never thought it would be me. In Judaism there is the concept of Teshuvah, (repentance) coming back to oneness with G-d and with ourselves. We are the Modern day lost tribe of Israel . We are the Teshuvites, we are living Teshuvah every day,

still in the wilderness subsisting on Manna. G-d is very real here.

We are not under the illusion that we control most aspects of our lives.

This is a time when we can learn Hebrew. A fellow inmate on this yard taught more than a dozen men to read prayers in Hebrew over the past year and four are working toward their Bar Mitzvah. There is so much to learn as we have the time but not the resources or the human commitment of mentors and volunteers. We have one Siddur (prayer book) for every two men.

OneMachzor, (special holiday prayer book) two chumashim (five books of Moses) and one Tanach (Old Testament). We share books as we receive them. This is much more than we had last year before there was a part-time rabbi at this prison. It seems like most prisons have a part time rabbi or none at all. Unless someone outside speaks up things will get worse, not better.

Unlike most other religious groups there is a relatively little active support from Jewish people and organizations. Thank G-d for the Aleph Institute in Surfside, Fla., which works to bring Torah commentary and other services to Jewish inmates. Yet we look to an unsure release date and have normal questions. How are we going to survive in the free world and not come back to prison?

How are our families going to survive with us in prison? Many men are divorced with no family

and no connection to the outside world. It’s hard to have hope when you have nothing and your daily agenda is staying safe from both inmates and guards. Where are the Shepherds among us?

Where are the teachers and the kind ones? We are here, praying some, studying Torah some, being kind and supportive when we can.

Living near men with swastikas tattooed on all parts of their bodies as well as tattoos of Hitler’s face. One man coined a phrase we use which speaks of our lives and our history and the reason for our festivals and celebrations: “They tried to destroy us. They failed.

Let’s eat!”

You may be surprised, but what we need most is hope, hope for the future. Prison is a place of destruction. It takes great effort to choose life when surrounded by depravity, ignorance and violence.

When I’m confronted by a really rotten man in prison, I’m happy he’s here with me, in prison. Oh, for a normal life, to go to the synagogue on Shabbat, to work and earn a living, to support my family, to contribute to society as a whole. Instead of our hands out we extend our arms and our hearts hoping for your embrace.

To volunteer locally and make a difference in the life of a Jewish man or woman who is currently incarcerated, contact Binyamin Adams of the North East Florida Aleph Volunteers Group at 970231-8896 or alephgroupnefl@ gmail.com.

tic, stress reducing techniques to incorporate into your daily routine in Holistic Stress Management, on Oct. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m.

In Crafting at the J, Brian Frus, assistant professor of glass art at Jacksonville University, will lead a four week introductory stained glass class on Wednesdays, Oct. 21 - Nov. 11 from 6:30-9 p.m..

Registration for the class is required by Oct. 14. For more infor-

mation about these programs or to register, visit jcajax.org or call Dorri Kraus at 904-730-2100, ext.

239 or e-mail her dorri.kraus@ jcajax.org.

Explore more at the JCA J Institute

BY IMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

The J Institute at the Jewish Community Alliance offers thought provoking, creative and inspirational programs for the entire community. On Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m., Hollywood character designer Tim Lawrence will join the J Institute for an

enlightening evening behind the scenes of movies’ most memorable characters. Lawrence has worked on such films as Jurassic Park, Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters II and Harry and the Hendersons, helping to feed our imaginations with his iconic characters.

Stay fit, get back in the game or manage stress in our wellness

programs this month by learning how to manage your weight and get the most from your workouts. Join registered dietician Kelly Schooley and personal trainer Kaley Messner in ‘From Techno Food to Techno Fit’, scheduled for Oct. 7 from 7-8:30 p.m. Those planning on participating need to complete their registration by Oct. 5. Also. get Back on Track from an injury or surgery in a specialized group fitness program which are held Tuesdays, Oct. 13 - Nov. 3 from 6-7 p.m. Registration is required

by Oct. 8. Try and reduce stress and make positive life changes with Patty Carroscia, RN, HNBC, CHTP, as she provides holis-

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

community news

University of Florida Hillel hires Stefanie Epstein as its new director of development

BY RACHEL SHARPE University of Florida Hillel

UF Hillel is proud to welcome Stefanie Epstein as its new Director of Development. In this role, Epstein will be responsible for developing and implementing a national fundraising plan and overseeing the organization’s communications and marketing efforts. Prior to joining UF Hillel, Epstein served as an associate for LSN Partners, LLC, a Miami based consulting firm that specializes in government affairs, business development and communications. During her time there, she held finance fundraising directorships for several Senatorial and Mayoral campaigns. She also has experience with national,

state and local fundraising campaigns such as Saving Florida’s Future Super PAC and Defend Justice from Politics, Inc. Epstein comes to Hillel with a strong Judaic background as she previously attended Atlanta JCC Camp Barney Medintz, traveled with USY on Wheels and volunteered for the Jacksonville Jewish Community’s annual Holiday Mitzvah project. Epstein graduated from Hofstra University in 2005

business card directory

with a B.A. in creative studies.

There, she participated in a number of on-campus Hillel programming and activities.

“We are excited for Stefanie to join the UF Hillel team,” said UF Hillel CEO Rabbi Adam Grossman. “Her experience in development, as well as her passion for the Gator Nation and UF Hillel will enhance the vision and direction of the organization.”

UF Hillel enhances students’ college experience by providing individuals a space to find their home, purpose and future focused through a Jewish lens. UF Hillel is located at 2020 West University Avenue in Gainesville, across from the O’Connell Center. For more information, visit ufhillel.org.

Jax Jewish Singles takes a trip to the secret garden

BY FRANCINE SMITH Jax Jewish Singles

Come join the Jax Jewish Singles at the Secret Garden Café, which is tucked away at Beach (Boulevard) and Peach (Drive).

Those in attendance will be delighted with the unique choices for breakfast or lunch, but it will no longer be a secret with this crowd. Contact Francine for the date and time of the event at 904221-8061 or email her at francine. smith@comcast.net.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

Temple Sisterhood Braille Soul Food Shabbat continues at group looking for volunteers Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Photo by Larry Tallis

Volunteers at the Temple Sisterhood’s Braille group work to create reading materials for the blind, using specialized equipment and techniques

Temple congregants will join their new friends at The Sanctuary, Oct. 24 to help collect food for the hungry

BY PAT GRAY

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Temple Sisterhood Braille Group

The Temple Sisterhood Braille group is currently looking for volunteers to transcribe books into Braille for the blind of northeast Florida, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, as well as the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI). Free classes are held every Thursday morning from September to June to learn the language. For those who don’t know, Braille is a system of six raised dots (also known as a cell) that the blind can feel. Each cell represents a letter, number, or a combination of letters and even punctuation.

When the classes are finished a 35-page manuscript is submitted to the Library of Congress for certification.

People are also needed to do graphics, collage or raised line drawing and no previous artistic experience is needed to complete these tasks. Some Braille texts can now be produced by computer but graphics still need to be done by hand. Most of the text books obtained by the group have a lot of pictures which have to be reproduced, like bar graphs, pie charts, maps or illustrations.

Volunteers are encouraged to learn the alphabet and numbers so that they can recognize the labels which are placed on the graphics. After learning Braille basics, there are additional

classes offered to learn how to compile the graphics. These classes are also on Thursday mornings and should wrap up by December.

Initially the Temple Sisterhood started sponsoring Braille classes in 1957 to produce books for the son of a Temple member and the Temple has generously continued sponsoring the group’s activities ever since. In the beginning, the group used a slate and stylus to produce the raised dots, while handmade dots were made dot-by-dot from right to left on the back of the 11.5 x 11 page. Eventually a switch was made to the Perkins Brailler, which is similar to manual typewriters. Currently computers with specialized software are used to produce electronic files which are then embossed into raised dots. Embossers are linked to the computer like a printer to produce the finished product.

This is faster and more productive because an error in the individual file can be corrected instead of having to recreate the entire page. The membership of this group is of all faiths and backgrounds and the majority of its volunteers are certified Braillists as well as tactile graphic artists. The others in the group are Braille students in addition to ‘retired’ Braillists and tactile graphic artists who enjoy doing the work. For more information call Pat Gray at 904-955-8831.

Beth El – The Beaches to hold annual game day

Games like Scrabble (pictured), Mah Jongg, Canasta and Bridge will all be avaivable to be played at Beth El - The Beaches annual game day

By Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

On Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Beth El- The Beaches Synagogue’s Sisterhood is holding its annual Games Day. Come with or without a group and play Mah Jongg, Canasta, Bridge or any game you would like as there will

be lunch, drinks, snacks, door prizes and raffles. A new addition this year will be a two person per team Scrabble Tournament with cash prizes for the winners.

The cost to participate is $25 and advance payment is required, so please contact Denice Goldberg at dzboss1@hotmail.com for further information or to sign up.

Soul Food Shabbat, held this past summer at the Temple was a confluence of religious traditions and shared cuisine. The Temple family welcomed congregants from the Sanctuary at Mt. Calvary located in north Jacksonville.

Rabbi Lief and Rabbi Cohen graciously shared the pulpit with Senior Pastor John Newman and The Temple’s Friday Night Live Band accompanied The Sanctuary’s Praise Team, which together encouraged a toe-tappin’ and hand-clapping atmosphere.

Both Rabbi Lief and Senior Pastor Newman reminded the congregation that the injustices in Jacksonville and throughout the world affect us all. “Freedom for some and not all, is freedom for none,” Rabbi Lief explained during one portion of the service.

He and Senior Pastor Newman

encouraged the congregations to make that evening’s connection an on-going relationship.

Pastor Newman challenged the congregation by saying, “Coming together is the first step and working together is the next step because it will strengthen each congregation and the City as a whole.”

Mike Elkin, Chair of Temple’s Tikkun Olam Committee, responded to the challenge as together with Wiatt Bowers, VicePresident of Religious Affairs, they met with Minister Angela Tomkins and the next step is now in the planning stages. Hunger in our city has been a long-standing concern of the Temple family.

For years, congregants have been supporting FANN (Feed a Needy Neighbor) and helping to stock the JFCS Winn-Dixie Food Pantry. In conversation with Minister Tompkins, Elkin and Bowers

learned that The Sanctuary has a food program, as well, called ‘Food Does Not Take a Vacation’.

Each month, their congregants provide 125 hungry homeless people with food. With this in mind, on Oct. 24, the Temple family will join with the congregants from The Sanctuary.

“Our shared goal is to provide 400 hungry homeless people with food bags and that is just the start,” Elkin said. “The first step will lead to a second and a third.” Food bags will include: a pound of rice, dry beans, canned corn and green beans, corn bread mix, cereal and Jello/pudding.

“The Temple’s collection will be combined with what our friends from The Sanctuary collect and together we will fill and distribute the bags on October 24th,” Elkin added, encouraging everyone to do their part and help fill the bags.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

JCA Cultural Arts Festival to feature books, music and much more

BY INMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

This November, the Jewish Community Alliance will present a mini cultural arts festival, offering several events celebrating the arts, including musical and theatre performances, a feature film and the 19th Annual Jewish Book Festival. The event will open on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. with a special presentation by U.S. Ambassador Dennis Ross, who will discuss his book, Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama. This program is co-sponsored by the Jacksonville Jewish Federation and the Sisisky family foundation.

The festival will continue with presentations by authors Dan Ephron (Nov. 2), Steve

Katz (Nov. 4), Barbara Shapiro (Nov. 10), Lee Mandel (Nov. 11), and David Alan Bernstein (Nov. 12) in addition to a special family event with a dramatic reading by the JCA Theatre Department of the children’s book, Picked on Poindexter, by local authors Denise Trager and Mary Ellen Panaccione. That event is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. Books will also be available for sale and signing at each event.

Additionally, the festival will include a concert by violinist Sergiu Schwartz and pianist Tao-Lin on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. This concert is free to the entire community, thanks to the generosity of Henson Markham.

The festival will also feature a showing of the film, The Green Prince, on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2

BY INMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

p.m., with an interactive discussion to follow.

All JCA Mini Cultural Arts Festival events are free and open to the community, although advance registration is appreciated. For more information or to register, visit jcajax.org or call Thelma Nied at 904-730-2100, ext. 227 or e-mail her at thelma. nied@jcajax.org.

Planning now underway for Jewish Community Alliance’s annual fundraiser

By Jewish Community Alliance

On Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, the JCA will host its annual fundraiser as event co-chairs Michael and Glenn Miller and Alison and Brent Trager have already begun planning a groovy evening for this 1970’s themed event. The JCA annual fundraiser benefits many JCA programs, including senior activities, preschool, after school care and camp tuitions for families in need.

The committee has also already begun planning for this

spectacular event and is comprised by members Alexandra Ackerman, Sharon Bloom, Mary Edwards, Lauren Edwards, Sue Elinoff, Adam Frisch, Pat Frisch, Sierra Frisch, Allison Jacobs, Sam Levin, Monique Miller, Debbie Parker, Kim Robbins, Dana Rogozinski, Jeanine Rogozinski, Ellen Rosner, Ryan Saltz, Shari Saye, Fran Selevan, Rebekah Selevan, Allison Korman Shelton, Kendall Sisisky, Kimberly Sisisky, Randee Steinberg, Linda Stein, Rochelle Stoddard, Stacie Wilf and Chase Zimmerman.

Breast cancer awareness at JCA to include workshops and special art exhibit The JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion, J Institute and Cultural Arts Departments have collaborated to produce a day of programming at the Jewish Community Alliance in support of breast cancer awareness month.

On Sunday, Oct. 25, breast cancer awareness day at the J will include four breast cancer prevention and awareness workshops, in addition to a special exhibit by artist Nadine Terk.

Beginning at 11 a.m., a Baptist Health registered nurse will lead breast cancer self-exam workshops throughout the day to educate woman on breast health.

Then, starting at 11:30 a.m., there will be three breakout sessions addressing various awareness topics, including ‘The BRCA genes and genetic propensity’, followed by ‘Nutrition: eating to support breast health’ at 1 p.m., and ‘breast cancer beyond the physical: implications for the entire family’, slated for 2:30 p.m. All workshops are free to the entire community, however

advanced registration is appreciated.

Throughout the day, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., the JCA Cultural Arts Department will feature the ‘There for You’ project by artist Nadine Terk. This collection of breast cancer survivor portraits and interviews honors the one in eight women who will inevitably face the terrible disease. The exhibit is free but open to adults only. For more information or to register, visit jcajax.org or contact the JCA registrar at 904-7302100, ext. 228.

Sponsorships and ticket sales are crucial to the success of this event, so for more information regarding tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lior Spring at 904-730-2100, ext. 318 or lior.spring@jcajax. org.

jca happenings October 2015 Tishrei/Chesvan 5776 For more information or to register for programs at the JCA, call 904-730-2100 or visit our official website at www.jcajax.org.

Vandroff Art Gallery

The artwork of Desiree Kantrim will be featured from October 2 28. Kantrim has won many prizes and awards for her work. She is a member of the Art Center COOP, Orange Park Art Guild, JWS, Somma and the Jacksonville Art Guild.

Breast Cancer Awareness Art Exhibit

The ‘There for You Project’ by Nadine Terk inspires and encourages those touched by breast cancer and teaches us to be there for the one on eight women who will inevitably face this terrible disease.

This free, adult only exhibit is on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Symposium Parents Morning

On October 20, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., join keynote speaker Dr. Gillian McNamee to discuss sym-

posium theme ‘Creating Wonder’ with stimulating breakout sessions and resources. For information, contact Rochelle Golomb at 904730-2100, ext. 259.

Book Festival Writing Workshop

Pottery

This eight week course teaches hand building and wheel throwing. No previous clay experience is required. The class will be held on Tuesdays, Oct. 27-Dec.15, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The fee is $216 and $144 for JCA valued members.

Learn the elements of fiction and marketing in this intro to fiction writing workshop with author and journalist Ron Whittington on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7-9 p.m. The fee is $8 and $5 for JCA valued members. Registration is required

by Oct. 29.

Culture Mavens

JCA Film Series

Tennis at the JCA

On Friday, Oct. 16, hear the music of Nat King Cole at the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Paid reservations are required a week in advance. The fee is $42 and $38 for JCA valued members.

To Take a Wife is a powerful drama about a woman’s struggle for independence and emotional freedom in the face of family tradition. The film will be shown, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. and is free and open to the entire community.

Join one of our ongoing tennis programs for children and adults who are proficient in all levels of play. For more information, contact Reggie Exum at 904-7302100, ext. 317.

Art a Gogh Gogh: Book Review

Work in the medium of your choice and learn the principles of drawing nature. This class is for all skill levels and will be held Sundays from 1-3 p.m., starting Oct. 11 and lasting through Nov. 15. The fee is $153 and $102 for JCA valued members.

Cindy Edelman will review ‘The Lady in Gold’, by Anne-Marie O’Connor. The book is available to borrow by calling Sandy at 904-730-2100, ext. 322. The fee is $6 or a canned food donation for FANN.

Learn to Draw

Music in the Afternoon

High Holy Day Schedule

Sass N’ Brass musical duo returns for a fun interlude. Gather your friends and join us on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. The fee is $7, with JCA valued members getting in free . Reservations for the event are requested.

Tailgate Party

Bring your child to the J before the big game for a tailgate party on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 12-5 p.m. The fee is $45 and $30 for JCA valued members.

8505 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32217 904-730-2100

Middle School Cosmic Friday, Oct. 2 Bowling Sensational Sensory Meet us at the JCA on Saturday, Sukkot Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m., and ride to Bowl America in Mandarin for some healthy competition and fun with friends. The fee is $38 and $25 for JCA valued members.

jcajax @jcajax

* Fee for above classes is $15 and $10 for valued members

jca.jax.org @jaxjca

TheJCAJAX

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2015 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $208,000

Special holiday class for children ages 3-6 from 1:30 - 2:15 p.m.

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Briefs

JEWISH FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES Welcoming these new Its a sweet start to the faces to the JFCS family new year for JFCS with

PJ Library

PJ Library, the award winning free program for books and music is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville. If your children are between the ages of six months and eight years, they are eligible. Please sign up now by going to www.pjlibrary. org/communities/jacksonville, or calling Whitney Kuvin at 904-394-5724.

numerous exciting events

By Jewish Community & Family Services

The theme of this year’s Jewish Family & Community Services women’s event is in line with Rosh Hashanah as it is to ‘Be Sweet to the JFCS’. The event is co-chaired by Shirley Bielski and Randee Steinberg as participants can look forward to sweet treats when generations of girls and women come together for a sweet evening. Be Sweet to JFCS begins at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Sheraton Jacksonville located near St. John’s Town Center.

The JFCS men’s event,

‘Scotch and Sports’, will be held Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Deerwood Country Club. Thanks to Brian Mendelson and Sandy Zimmerman for co-chairing this fun event. The event’s guest speaker will be Ken Babby, new owner of Jacksonville’s Suns Baseball club.

Last on the event docket but certainly not least, the JFCS’s annual fundraiser and dinner, ‘Heroes Among Us’, is scheduled for Thursday, Mar. 31 at The Prime Osborn Center in downtown Jacksonville. Event co-chairs are Gayle Bailys and Cathy Klein with the honorary co-chairs as David and Linda Stein.

Meals4You

JFCS in partnership with River Garden is pleased to bring you its meal program, Meals4You, from our kitchen to yours.

Meals are nutritious, delicious, convenient and delivered right to your door.

Jewish dietary laws are observed, so call Whitney for more information at 904-224-6287.

Call2Go

Call2Go is the transportation program at JFCS. We work with Checker Cab. We are happy to schedule rides for Shabbat and Holidays at no charge.

We also provide rides for medical appointments and quality of life events. Call Whitney for more information 904-224-6287.

Jewish Healing Network

Become a Jewish Healing Network Volunteer at JFCS and help us fulfill the Mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim. If you are interested in helping, you can make a weekly visit or phone call to a senior, or even help us deliver food to those who cannot get out. Those interested are encouraged to call Gail at 904-394-5723.

Homecare Services

Holocaust Homecare Services is available to residents of the Jacksonville community. A partnership between JFCS and Alpert Jewish Services in West Palm Beach enables JFCS to offer up to 25 hours per week of homecare services to Holocaust Survivors, paid through funds of the Claims Conference.

Services include light housekeeping, medication management, assistance with bathing, meal preparation and errands. Please call Naomi Mirensky at 904-394-5777 for more information.

Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

Frannie Sheridan to share unique story at the Temple

By Jewish Community & Family Services

Holocaust Family Gatherings presents Frannie Sheridan, noted speaker and performer, who will present a stimulating program, entitled ‘The Power of Truth Telling’. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct 18 from 1 – 3 p.m. at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple). Sheridan will share her amazing true life story and turning of inherited PTSD into truth, humor and healing. The daughter of Orthodox Jewish Holocaust survivors who converted to Catholicism, will tell of her journey back

Frannie Sheridan

home to her proudly Jewish self.

A dessert buffet will follow the presentation. For more information please contact Naomi Mirensky at 904-394-5777 or nmirensky@jfcsjax.org.

Medicare counseling offered at JFCS through ElderSource

By Jewish Community & Family Services

Are you confused about your Medicare benefits? If so, ElderSource and Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) are partnering to provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling, Oct. 9 and 23 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the JFCS offices (6261 Dupont Station Ct. East.). Appointments are required as no walks will be seen. To schedule your appointment, please contact

Hilary Rotenberg at 904-3945722. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a program of the Department of Elder Affairs through ElderSource.

Make an appointment to speak with a trained SHINE counselor and maximize your Medicare benefits today. To learn more, visit floridashine.org

Whitney Kuvin, Community Coordinator

By Jewish Community & Family Services

JFCS would like to welcome Whitney Kuvin, the new Community Coordinator in the Department of Jewish Services. She will be working with the Meals4You, Call2Go Transportation and PJ Library programs. Originally from Norfolk, Va., Kuvin is a graduate of University of Pittsburgh and recently relocated from Orlando with her husband and two sons, who attend the DuBow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. In Orlando, she volunteered for many Jewish Organizations, including PJ Library. “I look forward to putting my volunteer experiences to work here in Jacksonville!,” she said upon her arrival.

Lakisha Carter, School Counselor JFCS would like to welcome Lakisha Carter to the Inclusion Team as its new school counselor. Carter comes to JFCS with several years experience as a school guidance counselor in the Duval County school system.

In her new position, she will be working at both the Martin J Gottlieb Day School and the Torah Academy of Jacksonville, providing individual student counseling while working with teachers and administrators and holding small group sessions in addition to lunch bunch groups and meeting with parents. Carter brings a wealth of experience to the two day schools as she formerly conducted mental health counseling and has been a volunteer child advocate case manager in addition to working for the Department of Children & Families where she investigated child abuse and neglect.

JFCS disability inclusion program gives comprehensive care to those who require it

By Jewish Community & Family Services

Jewish Family & Community Service’s Disability Inclusion Program is in full swing in partnership with the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and the Torah Academy of Jacksonville.

Our team includes a school counselor, Lakisha Carter, who is meeting with students one on one, in small groups, and doing lunch bunch groups in addition to working with staff and parents at both schools. Rochelle Miller is providing academic tutoring two days a week at Torah Academy, while Sara Werner is the speech therapist at both schools.

JFCS JOB BOARD Sunday School Special Education Teacher Jewish Family & Community Services is seeking a special education teacher or a school aide who has worked in a special needs classroom for synagogue Sunday schools in Jacksonville. This teacher is expected to build and maintain strong communication with parents throughout the school year.

There are three religious schools and as a part of their responsibilities, the person hired for this position will visit one school each Sunday for specific scheduled hours. The school’s grades range from kindergarten to high school. Most of the children with special needs are on the autism spectrum or have down syndrome.

Qualifications and Skills: • Background in Special Education • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience • Excellent oral communication skills • Passion for working with students Hours: Sundays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. with a commitment from Sept. - May.

JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES 2015 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $294,500

Cindy Land, our inclusion supervisor, is the special education resource teacher supporting children in their classrooms and also provides student testing and evaluation.

Jewish Family & Community Services has established a partnership with Bloomfield Psychologists to evaluate students at a reduced cost to families. We are planning to hire a special education teacher to support all synagogue religious schools, who will rotate one full Sunday a month among the schools. If you have any questions about this program, please call Cindy at 904-513-8388.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Don’t Let JCF board of trustees finalize new strategic plan Time Run

BY KEVIN ROGERS Out on 2015 cess. The format for presenting the plan connects the goals, tactics and outcomes to each other, making it a very useful tool for both The JCF board of trustees tracking progress and planning has finalized a new strategic next actions,” Resnick concluded. plan for the Jewish CommuLarry Appel, JCF trustee, curnity Foundation of Northeast rent President of Torah Academy Florida, Inc. The plan was and Past President of the Jewish approved unanimously by the Federation, had this to say about board at the August meeting the plan, “Under Jeff (Klein) and and will go into effect OctoSue (Nussbaum’s) leadership, the ber 1, 2015.

Foundation has developed a strong The new plan includes strategic plan which sets clear prifour strategic goals as well as orities and goals, and provides a a new mission statement. The blueprint for accomplishing those four strategic goals are: goals. As we work together to ex1) Grow current and future ecute this plan, our partner agenfunds cies and the community at-large 2) Attain financial indepen- Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida board memwill see the benefits that come bers discuss the details of the organization’s new strategic plan from having a strong foundation to dence 3) Initiate a grants program ensure a bright future for the Jack4) Strengthen relationships with strategic are particularly useful,” he said. “First, it sonville Jewish community,” he added. is concise.

This document crisply defi nes partners and agencies.

“It was my privilege to work with both the strategic goals for the agency. Second, The new mission statement more acJeff Klein and Sue Nussbaum in helping it aligns tactics to the strategies which decurately reflects the JCF’s role in the 21st to develop this strategic plan and create scribe the ‘how’ in support of the ‘what’ for century Jewish community. the structure for both the model its sharing each goal,” he added. “Third, it is outcome Dr. Hal Resnick, JCF trustee and imwith the JCF Board, partner agencies and driven. For each goal there are definable, mediate Past President of the Jewish the broader community” said Dr. Resnick. measurable outcomes so that everyone can Federation of Jacksonville, provided has “Congratulations to everyone involved in its see where progress is being made and where expertise in the plan’s creation. “There are design and creation. It is an excellent piece additional action is required to create sucseveral aspects of this strategic plan that of work.”

Jewish Community Foundation

In a well known and often retold fairy tale, we read about a poor maiden named Cinderella who is transformed into a beautiful princess, while minding the clock which is about to strike midnight.

Cinderella had a godmother who magically transformed her rags into a beautiful jeweled gown, complete with a delicate pair of glass slippers.

By JEFF Her godmother KLEIN, told her to enjoy Executive the ball, but warned her that Director she must return home before midnight.

Wouldn’t it be great if life was like a fairy tale and that in the end we all lived ‘happily ever after’?

Life has its ups and downs but we can try to make the best of what we have. If we are charitable and learn about the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, we can be like a fairy godmother, bestowing good things for others. Here at the JCF we are in the business of transforming lives, programs and services through a variety of endowment funds. The establishment of these endowment funds, programs, services and even scholarship funds have been created by people in the community.

Grants from these funds will then provide money which will be here for generations to come.

Recently a donor who is both active in the Jewish and general community decided that his family fund needed to address the emerging needs of our entire community.

Our new JCF Grants Initiative will oversee the disbursement of that seed money and make sure it is put to good use. Individuals in the community who want to be part of this new grants program may leave money in their wills, provide an outright gift to the JCF or even utilize a life insurance policy whose proceeds at some future date will provide income for the grants program.

Our JCF grants program will be here to create new services for special needs populations. It will also be here to provide seed money for new and innovative programs in our community. Local organizations will be able to apply for grants which will address emerging critical needs or fund a new and innovative program at one of the JCF’s partners or synagogues. JCF donors may always specify core areas of interest such as the arts, music, the environment or senior programs.

In just a few short months we will welcome in 2016, so with that in mind, now is the time to start thinking about year-end charitable giving. This year we hope that you will consider establishing your own personal fund or add to one of the JCF Grant Initiative funds. Before the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, become a part of the JCF to help ensure that future generations will live happily ever after.

MONEY MATTERS

JCF selects new investment manager in SEI’s Harris

BY KEVIN ROGERS

With more than $400 billion in assets, SEI is one of the largest providers of investment management services in the world. For a quarter century, The Jewish Community Founthey have worked with nondation of Northeast Florida’s profits to develop and impleInvestment Oversight Committee ment solutions that let their (IOC) has completed its request clients focus on strategic busifor proposal or RFP process, ness decisions while delegating which it has diligently worked investment functions to SEI. on during the course of the last The IOC expects a number few months. The goal of the RFP of benefits to occur as a result was to identify and select a new of making this change. By investment management advipooling investment assets tosor which would enable the JCF gether, the JCF will be able to to take advantage of an array of take advantage of an economy investments and provide excelof scale which may result in lent service to its various donors and partners. Six nationally SEI’s Glen Harris serve as the JCF’s new investment management a more diversified portfolio.

SEI has a team solely devoted recognized investment advisors adviser, giving financial advice to individual donors and partners to nonprofit and endowment responded to the committee’s of trustees. At its Sept. meeting, the board foundations and new relationRFP by submitting proposals. voted unanimously to approve this recomship manager, Glen Harris, will be available After extensive research and analysis, four mendation. to meet with individual donors and partners. firms were selected to personally meet with Special thanks to JCF President Sue The transition to SEI is still several the committee.

Nussbaum, IOC chair Barbara Jaffe and months away, but staff from the JCF will be On Aug. 24, representatives from each committee members Andrew Cantor, reaching out to our donors and partners to firm delivered an hour long presentation Matthew Edelman, Gary Perlman, David discuss the options and benefits of workto the committee and at the conclusion of Furfine, Mark Kraus, Glenn Ullmann and ing with the new investment management all of the presentations, the IOC voted to Sandy Zimmerman for their commitment to advisor. recommend the selection of SEI Investments Company, Oaks, PA, to the JCF board this critical task.

Jewish Community Foundation

• B’nai Tzedek –The B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy program has long been a teen’s first step in learning the importance of philanthropy and Tzedakah. To date, there are more than 270 participants in the B’nai Tzedek program at the JCF. Earlier this summer, a group composed of individuals involved in some way with a B’nai Mitzvah program in our community began meeting. In the coming months, they will be looking for ways to increase the longterm engagement and impact of the B’nai Tzedek program for past, current and future participants • ReBranding – The JCF rebranding effort is beginning to take shape. Be on the lookout for a new JCF and CJL logo soon.

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA 2015 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $88,422

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES

RIVER GARDEN 2015 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $195,000

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

Scan QR code to view a special message from our local Rabbis and Presidents on

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

LIFECYCLES Births Mazel tov to Kiley and Samuel Efron on the birth of their son, Brody Wynne Efron, Monday, Aug. 24. Proud grandparents are Wendy and Dr. Barry Efron of Jacksonville and Terry Wynne from Point Richmond, Calif., as Brody Wynne Efron well as Stephen Wynne from Sequin, Wash. Great grandmother is Shirley Lemus and his older brother is Dillon Efron.

Mazel tov to Melissa and Dr. Douglas Storch, who welcomed their son, Beryl Nathan Storch into the world on Monday, May 8. His maternal grandparents are Kathy and Morrie Osterer and paternal grandparents are Annette and Herbert Storch.

Accomplishments Jacksonville native Stefanie Epstein has been hired as Director of Development for UF Hillel. Stefanie attended Solomon Schechter Day School, and is a graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and Hofstra University. She is the daughter of Barbara and Michael Schneider.

Sympathies … To the family of Jacksonville Jewish Center member Irving “Sonny” Hacker, who passed way Aug. 21, in Dallas, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Merle Hacker; children, Bradley (Karen) Hacker, Howard (Suzie) Hacker, Deborah (Jay) Leshefsky; and grandchildren Lane and Drew Hacker, Carly, Evan and Morgan Hacker, and Lauren Leshefsky.

Funeral services were held Aug. 26 at the New Center Cemetery.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society. … To the family of Dr. Paul Ross who passed away Thursday, Aug. 27. He is survived by his wife, Penny, their daughters, Lisa Ross (Marc Grosse), Shelly Ross, and Andrea (Pat) Ragin, as well as seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Mayo Clinic. … To the family of Morris Yegelwel who passed away Saturday, Aug. 29 at the age of 93 in Delray Beach, Fla. He is survived by his wife Blanche, as well as his children Evan (Arlene) Yegelwel, Bruce (Betsy) Yegelwel, and Randi (Arnold) Falchook; his grandchildren Esther (Michael), Tania, Adam (Annet), Aaron (Liz), Esther (Darren), Beth, and Harris; and his five great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held in south Florida but a shiva and minyanim took place at the Yegelwel’s home in Jacksonville.

Contributions in his memory can be directed to the Morris Yegelwel Fund at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … To the family of lifelong Jacksonville Jewish Center member Bennie Margol, who passed away Sept. 5 at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his sons Drew (Michelle) and Seth; his grandchildren Lauren (Brandon), Gabrielle, Eden, Joel, Yitzy, Asher, Yoni, Yaakov and Shoey. A graveside service was held Sept. 7 at the New Center Cemetery.

… To the family of Frances Rose Zaifert who passed away Sept. 6 in Stratford, N.J. She is survived by her children, Dana (Talie) Zaifert, Michael (Sherrie) Zaifert, Neil Zaifert, Bennett Dean Zaifert (Sean McClory), and Katie Zaifert (Stephen) Malitsky; her seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and cousin Samuel Engelman and his family.

Funeral services took place Sept.

10 in New Jersey. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. … To the family of Jerry Shapiro, who passed away Thursday, Sept. 3 at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife Florence, and his children, Ellen (Alan) Rosner, Isaac Shapiro (Jennie Bonney) and Michael (Margot) Shapiro; 10 grandchildren; and his greatgrandson. Funeral services took place in Wooster, Ohio. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center or to Jewish Family & Community Services. … To the family of Gloria Brenenson, who passed away Aug. 30 in West Palm Beach, Fla. She is survived by her husband David and her children, Scott (Estelle), Larry, Stephanie, Terri, Hal (Donna) Brenenson, and Rikki (John Burke); and grandchildren Cory, Jessica, Tara and Brian. … To the family of Cyril Toker, MD, who died Sunday, Aug. 8, in Ponte Vedra, Fla. at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, Karen; children, David (Julie) and Rachel (Richard); grandchildren, Maya, Adina, Alexander, and Adam; brother Eugene (Valerie).

Contributions in memory of Cyril Toker may be made to Urban Ecosystem Restorations (urbanecosystemrestorations.org) or to Beth El-The Beaches Synagogue.

To submit an item for lifecycles, please email it to jjn@ jewishjacksonville.org. Due date is the 6th of the month.

For guidelines of how to write Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding or obituary announcements, go to jewishjacksonville.org/news under ‘Share your news’, or simply scan the QR below.

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Jacksonville Jewish Center mourns the tragic loss of executive director Don Kriss

By Jacksonville Jewish Center

Donald A. Kriss, 61, of Jacksonville, passed away Saturday, Sept. 19. Services were held Monday, Sept. 21 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center followed by interment at New Center Cemetery. Kriss was born Dec. 4, 1953 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Stanley and Ilene Kriss. He graduated from George Washington High School in Denver in 1972 and immediately joined the cast of the musical, ‘Up With People’.

Following his tour, Kriss enrolled at Arizona State University and graduated in 1977. At ASU, he met the love of his life, Janet Chapin Kriss.

Don was known all over the country for his service as executive director of synagogues in

Don Kriss

Denver, Tucson, St. Louis, and currently the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Recently, he was honored and qualified as a Fellow in Synagogue Administration. Kriss loved his family and was committed to serving the Jewish community.

When he wasn’t busy working, he could be found fishing, which was

one of his favorite hobbies.

Kriss was preceded in death by his father Stanley and he is survived by his wife, Janet; mother, Ilene Rosen Thompson (James Thompson); sister Ronda Kriss Manspeaker (Jewell ); brother Aron Kriss (Sharon); children Leah Kriss-Ribaudo (John), Joel Kriss; stepsisters Julie Avirett (Rick), Laurie Thompson Barton (Walter) and brand new grandson Finley Ribaudo.

Donations in Kriss’ memory may be directed to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Please note in the memo section of the check (or in the designation area if donating online) that it is intended for the Don Kriss Fund. Words of comfort can be left at HardageGiddensOaklawnChapel.com.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

EDUCATION

High Holy Day fun takes place at Torah Academy of Jacksonville

By Torah Academy of Jacksonville

Moshe Scharman and Noa Zaguri practicing blowing the shofars

The Torah Academy of Jacksonville has been busy celebrating the High Holiday season as the halls are bustling with children learning how to blow the shofar.

DuBow Preschool kids club goes on special ‘book hunt’

BY IVY KFARE DuBow Preschool

DuBow Preschool’s Kids Club is taking off on a yearlong journey through children’s literature. This year the school will be visiting its favorite children’s authors and reading through their wonderful stories. Each week students will explore two books through games, crafts, cooking and even some science experiments, which all will be inspired by the respective story their reading, its characters and their imaginations.

The first stop on the journey took readers to visit Bill Martin Jr.’s, ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?’ and ‘Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?’ as well as Eric Carle’s, ‘The Grouchy Ladybug’ and ‘The Mixed Up Chameleon’. With more than 40 titles in Carle’s

library, a second stop will surely be in the cards. As the High Holy Days approach, pupils are taking some time to peruse their favorite PJ Library books which talk about the New Year, its holidays and mitzvot. During the next few months, the works of Dr. Suess, Laura Numeroff, Mo Willems and many others will be covered.

Those who would like to follow along with the journey online can do so via the officla Kids Club blog at kidsclub.dubowpreschool. org.

Kids Club is the afternoon extended day program of the DuBow Preschool and is open Monday through Thursday from 3:45 – 6 p.m. and on Fridays from 3:45 – 5:30 p.m. To learn more about Guiding Stars of Duval’s Five Star rated DuBow Preschool; visit dubowpreschool. org or call the office at 904-2684200, Ext. 143.

Kids Club afternoon extended day program will have children going on a ‘book hunt’ as they’ll explore two a week through various ways

Benjamin Smolensky practicing the shofar and Shalom Fisch showing off a jar his holiday honey

A New Torah for a New Year!

Members of the Chabad of Southside celebrated the dedication of a new torah last month, just in time for the High Holy Days and also in commemoration of their 10-year anniversary.

Martin J. Gottlieb Day School welcomes brand new school counselor

By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

Through a continuing partnership with Jewish Family & Community Services, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is thrilled to welcome Lakisha Carter as its new school counselor for the 2015-16 school year. Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is proud to offer school counseling as part of its commitment to educational excellence and the emotional and social health of students. Born in Camden County, Ga., Carter grew up in a military family, spending six years living in Scotland. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from Webster University. She first worked as a special

Lakisha Carter

needs teacher in Georgia and most recently served as a school counselor with Duval County for two years. She now resides in Jacksonville with her husband.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

synagogue news

The Temple to host its second Temple Bet Yam teams annual blessing of the animals up with The First Tee for putting tourney, Oct. 25

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

All pets, but preferably dogs and cats, and their owners are welcome to The Temple’s second annual blessing of the animals, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17.

The four legged friends and their owners will worship together in the sukkah garden beginning at 10:30 a.m. Following worship, as is Temple custom, the congregation will enjoy wine and challah, but this Shabbat in particular will be augmented by animal treats and bowls of water.

“Rabbi Lief, senior rabbi at Temple, was very agreeable to Four legged friends and their owners will worship together in the Sukkah, the idea when I presented it to Oct. 17, at the Temple during its second annual blessing of the animals him last year,” explained Morleen as they were able to meet and As is Temple tradition, each event Berlin, WRJ Temple Sisterhood exchange stories about the imporhas a social action component and President. “He appreciates the tance of their furry friends. “Evthis event in particular everyone is important role our pets fill in our eryone was pleasantly surprised asked to bring pet food and supfamilies because he knows how when Rabbi Lief invited us to add plies, towels and blankets which different life would be at the Lief the names our ‘fur babies” who will be donated to animal care and home without George.” had died before we joined together protective services in Riverside.

Last year’s experience was in Kaddish,” Berlin remembered. meaningful to the pet owners

By Temple Bet Yam

The World Golf Hall of Fame will be the setting for a putting tournament, Sunday, Oct. 25 from 3 – 6 p.m. The event will benefit The First Tee of North Florida and Temple Bet Yam’s Children’s Programs. Dr. Stuart Soroka is the event sponsor and adult tickets are $50 per person with a special student price of $15. The fees include the ability to play in a tournament on the 18-hole

putting course, as well as access to the museum and the challenge hole, which is a green modeled after the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will follow the action at the awards party. For information on registration contact Terre Wallace at 904-826-0281 or e-mail her at terretsp@bellsouth.net. Tickets can also be purchased online at The First Tee of North Florida website but they must be obtained

by Oct. 21.

Rabbi Kerry Olitzky makes a return to Jacksonville

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

The Temple will host Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, Tuesday, Oct. 27 beginning at 7 p.m. In this presentation, Rabbi Olitzky will offer provocative proposals to help synagogue leadership face some of today’s challenges which include how synagogues can more effectively reach out to the communities around it, as well as the unique opportunity intermarriage presents to synagogues, and how synagogues might respond to the needs, wants, interests of the Baby Boomer generation. It will be an engaging look at what creative thinking has to offer congregations today and the entire community is invited to listen and learn.

“Every Jewish institution is undergoing significant change and is in danger of becoming irrelevant to the majority of North American Jews,” Rabbi Olitzky explains.

“All these institutions will have to reimagine themselves if they are to survive and grow and the most numerous of these institutions is also the most vulnerable: the synagogue,” he added.

The renowned Rabbi is the Executive Director of Big Tent Judaism, a national, independent, trans-denominational organization reaching out to unaffiliated Jewish families with an emphasis on engaging intermarried households and helping the organized Jewish community better welcome them in.

“The future of the Jewish community is in our hands,” explained Dr. Larry Kanter. “Business as usual will not sustain us for future generations and I am honored to be able to bring Rabbi Olitzky back to Jacksonville to energize us in order to secure our community.”

Rabbi Olitzky was named as one of the 50 Leading Rabbis in North America by Newsweek.

Formerly, he served as vice president of the Wexner Heritage Foundation, the premier adult Jewish learning and Jewish leadership program in North America.

Previously, he was national Dean of Adult Jewish Learning and Living of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion where he served on the faculty and administration for 15 years following his tenure at Congregation Beth Israel

Welcome to Kutsher’s comes to the beaches

BY GAIL GREENFIELD

Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

After two previous successful showings at River Garden, ‘Welcome to Kutsher’s’ is coming to Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015 at 5 p.m. Kutsher’s Country Club was the last surviving Jewish resort in the Catskills. One of the legendary Borscht Belt hotels during its heyday, Kutsher’s was family-owned and operated for more than 100 years. Exploring the full Dirty Dancing-era Catskills experience— and how it changed American pop culture in the comedic, sports and vaca-

tion industries— this awardwinning documentary captures a last glimpse of a lost world as it disappears before our eyes. The story of Kutsher’s is uniquely American, unexpectedly moving and a vital chapter – previously unexplored – of the modern Jewish experience. The film is being shown courtesy of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville’s Shalom Jacksonville Division and refreshments will be provided by River Garden Hebrew Home. Reservations are a must as this program will fill up fast so reserve your seat today. RSVP by email at gailsgreenfield@hotmail. com or call Gail Greenfield at 904-534-7381

in West Hartford, Conn. A leader in the development of innovative Jewish education, particularly for adults, he has shaped training programs for clergy of all faiths, especially in the area of pastoral care and counseling in the Jewish community.

The synagogue as we know it developed in response to a variety of needs, often in an attempt to create new communities for education and assembly as populations moved from urban centers to the suburbs,” Olitzky explained.

“As needs have changed, the synagogue is no longer the center of social and professional life.

Change is necessary, but what does a synagogue that serves the new needs of American Jewish religious life look like? And how can we move from what we have to what may be needed to better respond to expressed needs?

Find out the answers to these questions and more during his talk at the Temple, Congregation Ahavath Chesed.

19TH ANNUAL JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL

Kick Off Event present AMBASSADOR

DENNIS ROSS Thursday, Oct. 29 Ƈ 7:30 P.M. Ƈ Q ¨ ¯ Ü â Ù Ƈ

Scan code OR call 730-2100 EXT. 228 VISIT JCAJAX.ORG FOR MORE DETAILS about this and other JCA Mini Cultural Arts Festival and 19th Annual Jewish Book Festival events. Watch for the festival brochure coming soon with the full schedule of books, music, theatre and film!

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015

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Jacksonville Jewish News • October 2015