Jacksonville Jewish News - September 2015

NETANYAHU ADDRESSES IRAN Israeli PM speaks out in special webstream geared toward U.S. Federations Page 5

BIRTHRIGHT FOR MOMS Local women take trip to the Holy Land this summer Page 12

SWEET NEW RECIPES

Welcoming in 5776 with some tasty dishes Page 8

acksonville

JEWISH NEWS September

2015

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Elul/Tishrei

5775/5776

Jacksonville Armada to host first Jewish Community Night

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www.jewishjacksonville.org

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JaxJewish

@jaxjewish

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A publication of the

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28,

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3

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32

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Campaign chair spends week in Israel, learning how Federation touches lives

BY JEANINE HOFF rGEN Division Director

8505 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32217

Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

POSTMASTER PLEASE DELIVER BY SEPT. 1

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 146

The Jacksonville Armada Football Club will host a Jewish Community Night, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Community First Park, downtown.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in pre- and post-game festivities and will receive a FREE giveaway.

Details regarding ticket purchases and pricing will be coming soon via email, social media and the Jacksonville Jewish News. The evening is being copresented 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 Jacksonville Jewish Center. Our synagogues and local Jewish agencies are looking forward to a great turnout and an ultimately memorable evening for the entire Jewish community, so please save the date! For more information, contact Jeanine Hoff at 904-448-5000, ext, 208 or at jeanineh@jewishjacksonville.org.

Jacobs (R) alongside Federation Executive Di- One of the trip’s highlights was an emotional rector Alan Margolies overlooking Jerusalem stop at the iconic Western Wall in Jerusalem

Educational and impactful trip made possible with Jacksonville’s vital input

BY MATT FRANZBLAU

Federation Communications Director

Back from an emotional week-long mission trip to Israel, Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Campaign Chair and First Vice President Ken Jacobs now has a greater appreciation for how Jewish federations make a difference in the lives of Jews overseas and in our homeland. Jacobs spent seven impactful days at the beginning of July as part of the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) second annual campaign workers trip to Israel.

“This particular mission had never been done before until last summer and it was

the brainchild of our very own (executive director) Alan Margolies,” Jacobs said. “He was extremely instrumental in the planning for it, the vision for it and what the overarching goals would be.”

There were two main goals which Margolies and other trip architects wanted to accomplish when laying the groundwork for the mission in its initial planning stages.

The first was to show Federation volunteers throughout the U.S. and Canada the types of programs JFNA does in Israel and for them to fully understand the impact it has on the lives of Jews there. The second was to help train those workers to be more effective advocates to gain support for their respective Federations’ campaigns.

“The ultimate goal of the mission was for us to receive training on establishing relationships with donors and how we can better teach them about the mitzvah of Tzedakah,” Jacobs explained. “Now, there is a nationwide army, so to speak of campaign

Teaching Haredi children math and science in classes held in the town of Be’er Sheva

workers who can properly help educate fellow donors.”

At first, this process of learning and discovery wasn’t one Jacobs was necessarily looking forward to embracing, as he was used to seeing a different side of the country during his time there.

“I went into this trip thinking I wouldn’t enjoy the site visits or programs regarding the things the Federation does as much as some of the other sightseeing stops along the way, but as it turns out, the site visits were the most interesting and emotional part of the trip for me,” Jacobs recalled about his transformation. “I was simply blown away by what I saw there.”

Jacobs along with his 50 plus other trip participants made treks to places like an absorption center in Tel Aviv for Jews who were fleeing Europe to move to Israel in order to escape xrising anti-Semitism which is rearing its ugly head in the region.

See JFNA TRIP, p. 11

JFCS teaches inclusion for disability awareness

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Dealing with a disability is often a voyage through uncharted waters. Having guidance and support from knowledgeable professionals can make all the difference. The inclusion programs that JFCS has started allow families to feel less isolated as they make their way. It is hard to believe that as recently as three years ago, these programs didn’t exist, making it very difficult for our families to give their children a Jewish experience. Going to services and Sunday school, having a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, attending Jewish summer camp programs, all posed huge challenges or were simply impossible. Due to the generosity of donors and people working hard to create these programs, along with increasing awareness, understanding and acceptance within our community, this is changing.

This change is huge for many area families who are so thankful that JFCS has undertaken the mission to ensure that every child, no matter how severe their disability, can enjoy a Jewish education, take part in Jewish traditions, and feel the acceptance of the Jewish community. The inclusion programs don’t simply allow these children to experience and be part of the Jewish community, they also allow the Jewish

Through JFCS’ inclusion programs, kids with disabilities can have a full Jewish experience

community to experience and be a part of the children’s lives: to acknowledge, to understand, to accept, to include and most importantly, to care. This is all the more important as the numbers of afflicted children becomes larger with each passing year.

The need for these programs has already doubled, which is why the inclusion programs need to continue to grow and provide support for the children and their families, increasing the acceptance and understanding throughout our com-

munity. This is possible, but only with your financial support. The programs created are enriching our children’s lives. To have children going to the Galinsky Academy, Torah Academy of Jacksonville and all synagogue religious schools receiving the extra help they need to succeed is terrific. To know that our children can go to Sunday school and learn about their culture and heritage is wonderful. To send our children to a Jewish day camp, and have an extra person to give them the help and support they need to be

See DISABILITY AWARNESS , p. 21

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

education

Martin J. Gottlieb Day School teacher Block Gan’s J Away Eco leads summer teen mission to Israel Day set for September 20th

Liat Walker poses with Jacksonville teen Sabrina Mail while in Israel

By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

Liat Walker, Jewish Studies Coordinator for the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is back

in the States after spending two weeks of her summer leading a group of American teens on a Federation mission trip to Israel.

The overseas adventure was part of Partnership 2Gether, which

seeks to connect the Jacksonville Jewish community with its sister region of Hadera-Eiron in Israel.

Comprised of five teens from Tennessee, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Sabrina Mail represented Jewish Federation of Jacksonville in partnership with the Joan Levin’s Gift of Israel program. As a native Israeli who immigrated to the United States as a teenager, Walker was excited to lead the group in her own backyard. In addition to Hadera-Eiron, the crop of teens travelled extensively throughout Israel, staying with host families along the way. The group also met up with Jacksonville’s Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project mission, led

by Henny Fisch, for an Israeli cooking class.

Registration now open for Block Gan’s Creating Wonder Symposium this Oct

BY MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim

Now in its seventh year, the Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten award winning annual symposium has gained a reputation in the community as the premier event for exemplary training in early childhood education. 200 educators from across the city attended last year’s event and its success and reception embodies the vision of the JCC’s of North America, which is to demonstrate outstanding achievements in programming and leadership. After several months of preparation, faculty and staff at Michel Block

Gan Yeladim is pleased to see that the final pieces for this year’s program, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, is coming together.

“We began by conducting research on key topics and relevant trends in early childhood education,” said Rochelle Golomb, assistant director of Michele Block Gan Yeladim. “Through those efforts we established a theme and then selected a keynote speaker as well as presenters.”

This year’s symposium, Creating Wonder, will examine children’s natural curiosity and identify how educators can tap into, nourish and celebrate each child’s sense of wonder. With a keynote address by Professor Gillian McNamee, director of teacher educa-

tion at the Erikson Institute, one of the nation’s premier graduate schools in child development, as well as workshops with several guest clinicians, the symposium promises to be a valuable experience for all educators within the community. Registration is now open for the event and the cost to attend includes a delicious catered, kosher dinner. The symposium takes place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Alliance (8505 San Jose Blvd.).

Register online at www.jcajax. org or call 904-730-2100 ext.

259. Registrants can also email rochelle.golomb@jcajax.org in order to receive the Jewish educator discount.

BY MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim

On Sunday, Sept. 20, families are invited to participate in the JCA’s first fall J Away event, an Eco Day at Jacksonville Beach, to learn about sea turtle conservation and nesting sites. For Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten students, ecology and conservation are familiar subjects. That’s because through partnerships with the St. John’s Riverkeeper, The Jacksonville Zoo and visits from the Humane Society, students encounter numerous opportunities to learn about Florida’s ecological welfare throughout the school year. Pupils also collect and donate tzedakah money to help Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol and Florida Fish and Wildlife’s conservation efforts.

During the J Away Eco Day, students and staff will be joined by biologist David Jones, a representative from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis-

sion. The FFWC is an organization that, along with many other tasks, helps to protect marine turtles and their habitats from endangerment. Jones will lead an informative discussion about sea turtle conservation, identify nesting sites and assist with a fun project.

The learning begins at 10 a.m. at 16th Avenue South in Jacksonville Beach and the entire community is invited to join in this free, educational family event. Participants are also invited to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day on the beach as drinks and a snack will be provided. Reservations are kindly requested by Sept.16. Contact Rochelle at 904-730-2100 ext.

259 or rochelle.golomb@jcajax. org to register.

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www.jewishjacksonville.org w

community news

River Garden celebrates national rehabilition week

BY BOBBIE JO MENTZ Director, River Garden Rehab

The Rehab & Therapy Center at River Garden is pleased to celebrate National Rehabilitation Week, Sept. 20-26. Since 1976, the third week in September has been saved for this annual celebration across the United States. This observance aims to promote the value of rehabilitation, and highlights the capabilities of people with disabilities, while saluting the professionals who provide services to this community. It also goes a long way in renewing our commitment to meet the needs of people with disabilities in our community. This is because rehabilitation helps minimize physical or cognitive disabilities and restore those affected by potentially incapacitating diseases or traumatic injuries to health and productivity.

During the week, special focus will be given to the powers and possibilities of rehabilitation, as well as saluting the determination of people with disabilities and applauding the efforts of rehabilitation professionals, while renewing our commitment to fulfilling the unmet needs of people with disabilities. Some of the activities that are planned for the seven day

stretch include a wheelchair and walker tune up clinic, memory activities, balance assessments and adaptive equipment training.

The Rehab team at River Garden treats patients with functional limitations in mobility, self-care, and communication. These limitations can be a result of any number of medical conditions including: stroke, brain injury, cardiopulmonary dysfunction, amputation, fractures of the femur or hip, hip replacement, and neurological disorders. An individual program is created for each patient by the rehabilitation team. The team includes a staff of physicians and nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, a social worker, and of course, the patient. Family members are also an integral part of the team. They participate in education, therapy, and preparing for the patient’s return home.

Recovering from a serious illness or injury can be one of the greatest challenges a person can face but physical rehabilitation helps patients resume healthy, happy, and productive lifestyles.

Maximum functional independence is the treatment goal for each patient. For more information, please call River Garden Rehab at 904-886-8454.

Youth basketball and more now offered at the JCA

BY IMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

Participating in sports at the JCA is a great opportunity for young players to learn valuable social and personal life skills.

Studies have shown that children who participate in sports have increased academic performance and are more likely to exhibit leadership behaviors as they grow older. All of these benefits, combined with a supportive and caring staff, make the JCA a great choice for young athletes to hone their skills and make valuable friendships in the process.

This fall, the JCA will hold assessments for two basketball clinics. Youth Basketball League starts in November with a skillsassessment tentatively scheduled for Nov. 8 and JCA Select Basketball, for players who want

to compete at the highest level, will hold tryouts on Monday, Sept. 21. Beginning Sept. 13, players in the JCA Youth Soccer League will learn their sport’s fundamentals while having fun in an organized, competitive and social atmosphere. Also beginning Sept. 13, is the Lacrosse Skills Clinic, which is for beginner and intermediate players and helps players perfect their skills and master the fundamentals using a variety of drills.

Additionally, JCA Fencing begins Sept. 20 for 7 to 13-year-olds and the JCA continues to offer ongoing tennis clinics for youth of all ages as well as American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim programs for children six months all the way to 12 years old. For information on these programs, visit jcajax.org or contact the JCA registrar at 904-730-2100 ext.

228.

Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

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community news JJN Ad Directory - Sept. 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: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Athens Cafe (p.9) Anti Defamation League (p.15) B&C Financial (p. 15) Beachview Rentals (p. 8) Beirut Restaurant (p. 24) Bob Ham Eyewear (p. 24) Borland Groover (p. 2) Brandon Pest Control (p.4) Congregation Ahavath Chesed (p. 32) Davoli’s Catering (p. 18) DuBow Preschool (p. 18) Erica Jolles Realty (p. 11) Federation’s High Holy Day message (p. 29) The Florida Forum (p. 31) Hadassah (p. 17) Heekin Clinic (P. 3) Impressions (p. 29) Innovative Financial Solutions (p. 15)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Jewish Book Festival (p. 16) Jewish Museum of Florida (p. 25) Jerry Seebol (p. 29) Maid Brigade (p. 2) Margo’s Catering (p. 4 & 8) Nancy Rubenstein Realtor (p. 24) PaigeWajsman Realty (p. 4) Pediatric Dentistry (p. 29) Publix (p. 14) River Garden (p. 23, 30) Rosh Hashanah greetings (p. 26-28) RPM Automotive (p. 16) Spivak’s Institute (p. 25) Stein Mart (p. 13) Temple Sisterhood (p. 3) The Tax Man (p. 29) Tumbling Kids ( p. 9) Vandroff Insurance (p. 4) Winn Dixie (p. 19)

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. 29 Community News..................... ........................ p. 3-4, 6, 11-12 Education ......p. 2, 10, 18, 24 Federation News . p. 13, 16-17 Foundation .................... p. 22 High Holy Days coverage ........ ......................................... p. 7-8

JCA ................................. p. 20 JCFS .................................p. 21 Lifecycles ......................... p. 29 Opinion & Cartoons ........... P. 5 River Garden ................... p. 23 New Year Greetings ...p. 26-28 Synagogue News ..................... ..........................p. 9, 25, 30-31

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Jax Jewish Singles to mingle at the St. Johns Town Center

BY FRANCINE SMITH Jax Jewish Singles

Join the Jax Jewish Singles for delicious lunch at Nordstrom’s restaurant Bazille, which offers bistro cuisine in a casually sophisticated atmosphere. After-

wards attendees can browse the department store or visit the many other shops at the St. Johns Town Center. Contact Francine for the exact date and time of the event at 904-221-8061 or email her at francine.smith@comcast.net.

Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

opinion

Enjoying the journey & remembering we’re a work in progress

BY RABBI AVI FEIGENBAUM Etz Chaim Synagogue

We live in a culture that does not allow for mistakes or errors. Admitting to imperfection; admitting to being wrong – is tantamount to stating ones lack of intelligence or abilities. This is of course neither true, nor helpful to achieving one’s long-term goals.

On the contrary, the inability to admit ones’ lack of perfection is detrimental to one’s growth.

About 25 years ago, in his now classic study, Harvard professor Chris Agyris postulated that admitting mistakes is the biggest challenge for the smart people in our society. It is this challenge which actually prevents them from learning. Add to that the high expectations and thus the consequent feelings of inadequacy that the past few generations have been plagued with; you end up with Western Society as we know it. Sound familiar?

In addition, the current cultural trend of Rugged Individualism doesn’t help the situation. It has created a society where those idolized as successful are only those

who have reached the pinnacle to become the richest, the brightest, and the most well-known.

This causes a tremendous lack of self-esteem in the young adults of today; because in any given situation, there can only be one person who is THE best.

In school, there can be only one valedictorian; in a hospital, there is only one chief of surgery. When one looks at life this way, all it becomes is a rat race to just work harder, go further, climber higher – to achieve the ultimate goal of being ‘on top’, with little consideration for the process, and zero room for mistakes.

We often get so caught up in the world we live in that we don’t even realize how caught up we really are! But when one takes a step back, they can see the intrinsic disparity between Western and Jewish value systems and the inherent advantages that the Jewish system has to offer.

Judaism teaches that God doesn’t only judge us based on how high we have climbed, but rather on how hard we have worked to get there. In the words of my father, Rabbi Yitzchak

Feigenbaum (may he live and be well): “It doesn’t matter what rung you’re on, what matters is how hard you climbed to get there.”

When you think about it, life is like a road trip. While everyone does eventually want to get to their RABBINICALLY destination, the journey is just as, if not more, important than the arrival itself. The constant effort, determination and willpower it takes to keep going is more impressive than the final objective. While this is an important and outlookchanging concept, let’s take it one step further. Judaism not only believes in the importance of the journey over the destination; it also believes that along this journey, mistakes are not only

SPEAKING

unavoidable, but necessary. The Torah teaches us the concept of ‘Sheva Yipol Tzaddik V’kam’ – ‘seven times a righteous person falls down and seven times he/ she gets back up.’ (Mishlai 24:16).

On a simple level, this is teaching us that even a righteous person makes mistakes and can get back up, continuing on with their journey. How much more so for us who are still working on our path to righteousness; we too have the ability to make mistakes, and get back up and continue on.

Our Sages of blessed memory explains that this concept has a much deeper meaning. In order to become a righteous person, one must fall down! It is only through the process of faltering and making mistakes, and then picking oneself up and trying again, that one can become righteous. One cannot truly grow without making mistakes and after you have made a mistake, get up, learn your lesson, and move on. This is what the Jewish idea of repentance, teshuva, is all about. It is about acknowledging the errors in our ways, and instead of wallowing in self-loathing; taking this knowl-

edge and channeling it in the best way possible.

As we head into the month of Elul; the Jewish time period of repentance and renewal, let us try and take this concept to heart. If there is only one Rosh Hashana resolution you make this year, let it be to acknowledge that you are still a work in progress; accept your own imperfections, and celebrate your mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth. This will allow you to move forward and become the best possible version of yourself.

May we all merit seeing the good in our mistakes and use them as a springboard for future spiritual growth. Shana Tova!

Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum, originally from Toronto, Canada, moved to Jacksonville with his wife Devora and beautiful daughters in August 2013. He previously served as a member of the Kansas City Community Kollel for two years where he spearheaded many outreach activities. He is an alumnus of Ner L’elef Center For Jewish Leadership Training and Community Outreach and the Mirrer Yeshiva in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu speaks out against Iran deal in special web address

BY MATT FRANZBLAU

Federation Communications Director

This past month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a short address via video web stream that was made available to those affiliated with Jewish Federations across America.

During the 20-minute speech, Netanyahu spoke about the specific points of the nuclear deal recently brokered between the United States and Iran and why it was a potentially dangerous one for Israel and its allies.

The three-term Israeli leader laid out what he called ‘three fatal flaws of the deal,’ and then took a handful of pre-submitted questions from viewers who had sat in on the talk.

“The nuclear deal with Iran doesn’t block its path to the bomb but it actually paves Iran’s path to the bomb,” he said in his initial remarks. “What’s worse is it actually gives Iran two paths to the bomb because Iran can get to the bomb by keeping the deal or it can get to the bomb by violating the deal.”

Netanyahu explained that the deal would allow Iran to keep a path to the bomb by maintaining the vast nuclear infrastructure it already has in place and that in roughly 15-years the restrictions placed upon the country will just expire.

“Those restrictions will be lifted and at that point Iran will be able to produce enough enriched

uranium for an entire arsenal of nuclear weapons and it could produce that arsenal very quickly,” he continued. “After 15 years, Iran’s break out time will be practically zero, just a few days and President Obama said as much in a recent interview with NPR.” The second path the Prime Minister told viewers was if the nation once listed on the U.S.’ axis of evil violated the agreement. He also cited the issues of intelligence and inspections as another major flaw in the deal as it took years for the world to discover both Iran and Syria’s recent nuclear activity through both methods.

“Neither intelligence nor inspections prevented North Korea from developing atomic bombs despite assurance that they wouldn’t be able to do so,” he carefully detailed in his recent remarks.

It’s because of this fact he warned Americans and the world that Iranian officials could still be conducting nuclear experiments under the veil of the agreement.

“If a facility under the deal is suspected of housing secret nuclear activity, inspectors must wait at least 24 days before getting access to those suspected sites,” he criticized. “Not only that but the inspectors must share with Iran the critical intelligence that made them suspect the sites in the first place, which I feel is astounding.”

Netanyahu said that 24-day

window would be plenty of time to clean up any evidence of nuclear activity as to not arouse suspicion from inspectors. He also pointed out that the deal would give the Middle Eastern country a large cash flow which it would in turn use to fund its terroristic threats in the region and around the world.

“It’s been said that most of the money Iran will get will not go to its terrorism and aggression, well let’s suppose that is true,” he stated hypothetically. “Let’s suppose that Iran just takes 10 percent for terrorism which is 10 percent of nearly half a trillion dollars that Iran is expected to receive over the next 10 to 15 years.”

He said that staggering amount of money would easily turn any terrorist group sponsored by Iran into a terrorist superpower.

“As a result of this deal, there will be more terrorism, more attacks and more people will die,” he blatantly stated. “My solemn responsibilities as Prime Minister is to make sure Israel’s concerns are heard.”

He went on to emphasize that those who oppose this deal do not want war but rather peace and that it is the Israelis who will ultimately pay the highest price if fighting breaks out.

“What we do now will affect our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren in Israel, in America and everywhere … oppose this dangerous deal,” he concluded.

Scan to listen to Netanyahu’s full speech on

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JEWISH NEWS Advertising Representatives Barbara Nykerk • 904.733.4179 Eta Perras • 904.629.0466 Editor & Communications Director Matt Franzblau • mattf@jewishjacksonville.org Communications Committee Jon Israel, Chair Shirley Bielski Helen Hill Michele Katz Joan Levin Andrea Mail Rachel Morgenthal Andrew Ocean Marsha Pollock Federation President Sandy Zimmerman Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies 8505 San Jose Blvd. • Jacksonville, FL 32217 The Jacksonville Jewish News is published monthly. All submitted content becomes the property of the Jacksonville Jewish News.

Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of the Jacksonville Jewish News or its publisher, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jewish News is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product advertised.

Copy deadlines: All news, photographs, etc., must be received by the 6th of each month, and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org.

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community news

Jimmy Jaffa Eruv Architect Jaffa built the Eruv of Jacksonville with his own two hands more than a dozen years ago. This allows observant Jews to carry and bring their kids to shul on Shabbat. His contributions have aided the growth of observant Jews in the community as there are now dozens of new folks who have moved to the area since its inception. Jaffa continues to donate much of his time for maintenance and repairs of the Eruv, which goes above and beyond the duties of his role as house chair of Etz Chaim, coming in at all hours to make sure everything is as it should be.

2015

September

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

An array of adult sports programming is Ehud Barak to speak in offered at the Jewish Community Alliance Jacksonville October 5

BY JULIE HOWARD The Florida Forum

The JCA offers a variety of sports for adults to partcipate in including basketball, soccer, fencing and tennis

BY IMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

The Jewish Community Alliance is known for its unparalleled children’s athletic programming but also offers many programs for adult athletes and those seeking fun, social adult sports activities.

Beginning in the fall, the JCA is offering adult soccer, fencing and tennis clinics. These clinics come at an opportune time as a recent poll showed that while three in four adults played sports as children, only one in four continued to play into adulthood. Of those adults who play sports, more than 50 percent show a reduction in

stress and improved mental and physical health. While exercises like walking, jogging and biking remain popular ways to stay fit for most adults, there are many, if not more, benefits to playing sports for physical fitness.

The JCA Adult Soccer League allows participants to form teams of six to eight players for 5-on-5 play, but players can also register individually or with friends to be placed on a team. Rosters must be submitted by Sept. 7 as league play begins Sept. 13 and continues through Nov. 1. The next session of JCA Fencing for adults starts Oct. 14 and continues through Dec. 9. Tennis clinics at

the JCA are ongoing and include ladies’ tennis clinics as well as a new working women’s team in addition to men’s tennis clinics.

For more information on these and other adult programming at the JCA, visit jcajax.org or contact the JCA registrar at 904-7302100 ext. 228.

River Garden Auxiliary begins its year with special opening meeting

By River Garden Auxiliary

The River Garden Auxiliary is starting the year with its opening meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 12 p.m. in River Garden’s Cohen Auditorium. The lunch will be a real delicatessen lunch served family style. The event’s honored guest will be none other than friend and storyteller extraordinaire, Elliott Palevsky, who will share a special holiday story with everyone.

A Chinese auction will be held featuring some unique pieces of jewelry, in addition to gift cards and gift baskets. Also available will be very gently used books for sale at reasonable prices. Lunch is only $10 per person and prices for the Chinese auction are $4 for one ticket, $10 for three tickets and $20 for seven tickets. Those who haven’t already paid their $25 annual dues, will be able to

do so that day as well. As always, all proceeds generated from the event will benefit the residents of River Garden. The Deadline for reservations is Thursday, Sept.

3 and can be made by emailing Mimi Kaufman at sexymandms@ bellsouth.net, or Evelyn Peck at ijpeck@bellsouth.net . Reservations will also be accepted over the phone by calling Ina Hall at 904-262-5207.

The 24th season of the Florida Forum opens October 5, with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, an international diplomat, peace broker and the most decorated soldier in Israel’s history.

The Florida Forum presents diverse and poignant speakers who enrich, enlighten and inspire us all, while raising vital funds for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The 2015-2016 series also presents former First Lady Laura Bush and a superstar NFL quarterback.

“In response to input from the Jacksonville Jewish community and as a tribute to Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s founder, Morris ‘Pop’ Wolfson, The Women’s Board is proud to present such a distinguished Israeli leader,” said Past Women’s Board President Karen Wolfson. “A man of deep integrity and high accomplishment in his personal and professional life, and a leading voice on Israel and the Middle East, Mr. Barak honors us as our first speaker of the 2015-16 Florida Forum season.”

Barak, a major player in Middle East peace efforts, offers a firsthand account of global politics, world economics and the state of Israel. He began his 50plus years of military service to Israel at age 17 upon his acceptance to the elite commando unit, Sayaret Matkaland. He quickly distinguished himself for ingenuity, coolness, and bravery under fire.

He earned acclaim as a brilliant military strategist and for personally leading daring covert raids including the Spring of the Youth in Beirut, where - disguised as a woman - he led the assassination of the Palestine Liberation Army members. He retired from the military in 1995 as a lieutenant general, the army’s highest rank.

His career continued in politics where, as Prime Minister from 1999 to 2001 and as Israeli Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2013, he garnered a reputation as a global statesman and a broker for peace in the Middle East.

Mr. Barak took part in the Camp David 2000 Summit, an effort to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which regrettably was not successful. He reactivated peace talks with Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat and reopened peace talks with Syria after 30 years of deadlock.

Former Israeli PM Ehud Barak

Mr. Barak is also recognized for his far-reaching and positive impact on Israel’s economic prosperity, leading Israel out of a recession and into an economic boom. A multi-millionaire, in private life Barak served as an adviser to hedge funds and private equity funds.

The former Israeli Prime Minister earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and his M.SC in Economic Engineering Systems at Stanford University in California. Trained as a classical pianist, Barak was born Ehud Brog but later changed his name to Barak, which means ‘lightning’ in Hebrew. His paternal grandparents were murdered in Lithuania in 1912, leaving his father orphaned at age two. His maternal grandparents died during the Holocaust at Treblinka.

Mr. Barak can speak with authority on a variety of issues, including international diplomacy, global economics and terrorism.

The Florida Forum will continue on Nov. 10 with Mrs. Laura Bush and conclude March 2, 2016 with an iconic American athlete.

All three events will be held at the Times-Union Center For The Performing Arts at 7 p.m.

Subscription packages to the Florida Forum are available with options to meet the speakers at private receptions and may be purchased online at www. thefloridaforum.com or by calling 904-202-2886. Group sales are also available.

With the help of corporate sponsors and many individuals, The Women’s Board has raised more than $25 million for Wolfson Children’s Hospital with the goal of providing the best, most technologically advanced health care for children. In addition to the Florida Forum, The Women’s Board will present the 39th annual Art & Antiques Show Dec. 4-6, 2015 at the Prime Osborne Convention Center.

page 7

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULES 288 N. Roscoe Blvd.

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 bethelbeaches.org 904-273-9100 Saturday, Sept. 5 - Selichot Service: 7 p.m.

Reception: 8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 13 Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 14 Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Service: 10 a.m.

Youth Service: 10 a.m.

Taschlich: 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Service: 10 a.m.

Sunday, Sept. 20 - Cemetery Service Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery (Beth El Section): Service: 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Kol Nidre Service: 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 - Yom Kippur Service: 10 a.m.

Youth Service: 10 a.m.

Rabbi’s Discussion: 1:30 p.m.

Community Youth and Family Service: 2:45 – 3:40 p.m.

Yizkor: 4:30 p.m.

Followed by Neilah and Havdalah Break Fast: 6:30 p.m.

8727 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32217 thetemplejacksonville.org 904-733-7078 Saturday, Sept. 5 - Selichot The 6th Annual Joint Selichot Program and Service With the Jacksonville Jewish Center Dessert Reception: 8:30 p.m.

Program: 9:15 p.m.

Selichot Service at Ahavath Chesed: 10:30 p.m.

Traditional Midnight Selichot at 11:45 p.m. at the Jacksonville Jewish Center Sunday, Sept. 13 Erev Rosh Hashanah Family Service: 5:30 p.m.

Evening Worship: 8 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 14 - Rosh Hashanah Tot Service: 9:15 a.m.

Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Experience and Teen Congregation: 11 a.m.

Taschlich: 12:30 p.m. at Epping Forest Luncheon: 1 p.m. at Epping Forest Sunday, Sept. 20 - Cemetery Services Evergreen Cemetery 9 a.m.

King David Garden at Greenlawn 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Kol Nidre Family Service: 5:30 p.m.

Evening Worship: 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 - Yom Kippur Tot Experience: 9:15 a.m.

Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Experience and Teen Congregation: 11 a.m.

Adult Discussion: 1:30 p.m.

Afternoon Worship: 2:30 p.m.

Yizkor Service: 4:45 p.m.

Neilah & Havdalah followed by Break-the-Fast: 5:15 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27 - Erev Sukkot Sook-out and Sukkah Decorating: 12 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 28 - Sukkot Worship in the Sukkah: 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 5 - Shemini Atzeret Worship with Yizkor: 10:30 a.m.

Friday, Oct. 9 - Simchat Torah Celebration and Consecration Worship and hakafot - 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 29 - Sukkos Day 2 Shacharis: 9 a.m.

NCSY Sukkah Hop: 2:30 p.m.

Mincha: 7 p.m.

Maariv and Havdallah: 7:59 p.m.

10167 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32257 etzchaim.org 904-262-3565 Sunday, Sept. 13 Erev Rosh Hashanah Selichot and Shacharis: 6 a.m.

Candle lighting: 7:16 p.m.

Mincha: 7:15 p.m.

Monday Sept. 14 Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Main Minyan, Wolfson Sanctuary: 8 a.m.

Sephardic Minyan, Mirkis Chapel: 8 a.m.

Youth Programs, School wing: 8:45 a.m.

Explanatory Class Part 1 with Rena Schochet on the topic of preparing for meaningful change: 10-10:30 a.m.

Sermon by Rabbi Yaakov Fisch: 10:40 a.m.

Kiddush: 11 a.m.

Shofar Service: 11:20 a.m.

Mussaf: 11:40 a.m.

Explanatory Class Part 1 with Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum on the topic of Rosh Hashanah - Your GPS for the Year: 12:30 p.m.

Mincha followed by Taschlich: 6:45 p.m.

Candle lighting after (from existing flame): 8:14 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Main Minyan, Wolfson Sanctuary: 8 a.m.

Sephardic Minyan, Mirkis Chapel: 8 a.m.

Youth Programs, School wing: 8:45 a.m.

Explanatory Class Part 2 with Rena Schochet: on the topic of preparing for meaningful change: 10-10:30 a.m.

Sermon by Rabbi Yaakov Fisch: 10:40 a.m.

Kiddush: 11 a.m.

Shofar Service: 11:20 a.m.

Mussaf: 11:40 a.m.

Explanatory Class Part 2 with Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum on the topic of Shofar, A Call for Freedom: 12:30 p.m.

Candle lighting: 7:15 p.m.

Maariv and Havdallah: 8:15 p.m.

Shabbos Saturday, Sept. 19 (Shabbos Shuvah) Main Minyan, Wolfson Sanctuary: 9 a.m.

Sephardic Minyan, Mirkis Chapel: 9 a.m.

Youth Programs, School Wing: 9:45 a.m.

Mincha: 6:05 p.m.

Shabbos Shuvah Drasha: 6:30 p.m.

Maariv and Havdalla: 7:59 p.m.

Sunday Sept. 20 Community Memorial Service at the Etz Chaim Cemetery: 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Erev Yom Kippur Selihot and Shacharis: 6:30 a.m.

Mincha: 3 p.m.

Candle lighting: 7:04 p.m.

Kol Nidre: 7:04 p.m.

Sermon by Rabbi Yaakov Fisch: 7:30 p.m.

President’s Address: 7:50 p.m.

Maariv: 8:10 p.m.

Explanatory Class with Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum on the topic of Knocking on Heaven’s Door: 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 - Yom Kippur Day Main Minyan, Wolfson Sanctuary: 8 a.m.

Sephardic Minyan, Mirkis Chapel: 8 a.m.

Youth Programs, School wing: 8:45 a.m.

Explanatory Class Part 3 with Rena Schochet on the topic of preparing for meaningful change: 10:15 a.m.

Sermon by Rabbi Yaakov Fisch: 11 a.m.

Torah Reading: 11:20 a.m.

President’s Address: 11:50 a.m.

Yizkor: 12 p.m.

Mussaf: 12:15 p.m.

Explanatory Service the topic of Working towards a Breakthrough and not a Break the Fast with Rabbi Feigenbaum: 12:15 p.m.

Mincha and Ne’ilah: 5 p.m.

Explanatory Class with Rena Schochet: 5 p.m.

Conclusion of Yom Kippur and Shofar Blowing: 8:04 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27 - Erev Sukkos Candle lighting: 6:58 p.m.

Mincha: 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 28 - Sukkos Day 1 Shacharis: 9 a.m.

Mincha: 7 p.m., followed by Candle lighting (from existing flame): 7:58 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 4 – Hashanah Rabbah / Erev Shmini Atzeret Candle Lighting: 6:49 p.m.

Mincha: 6:50 p.m.

Maariv and Havdalla: 7:42 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 5 – Shemini Atzeret / Erev Simchat Torah Shacharis: 9 a.m.

Yizkor: 10:30 a.m.

Mincha: 6:50 p.m.

Candle lighting after (from existing flame) and Maariv: 7:48 p.m. followed by Festive singing and dancing in honor of Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah Tuesday, Oct. 6 - Simchat Torah Shacharis: 8 a.m.

Following services, special lunch in honor of the Chasan Torah and Chasan Bereishis Mincha, then Neilas Hachag: 6:30 p.m.

Maariv and Havdallah: 7:49 p.m.

3662 Crown Point Road Jacksonville, FL 32257 jaxjewishcenter.com 904-268-4200 Saturday, Sept. 5 - Selichot The 6th Annual Joint Selichot Program and Service with Congregation Ahavath Chesed Dessert Reception: 8:30 p.m.

Program: 9:15 p.m.

Selichot Service at Ahavath Chesed: 10:30 p.m.

Traditional Midnight Selichot at 11:45 p.m. at the Jacksonville Jewish Center Sunday, Sept. 13 - Erev Rosh Hashanah Minha/Ma’ariv: 6:15 p.m.

Candle lighting: 7:16 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 14 - Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Shaharit: 7:45 a.m.

Torah service: 9 a.m.

Shofar service: 10 a.m.

Kavanah (Alternative) Service: 10:30 a.m.

- 12:30 p.m.

K - 12 Youth services: 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Preschool Family Service: 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sermon: 11 a.m.

Musaf: 11:30 a.m.

Taschlich: 6 p.m.

Mincha: 6:45 p.m. followed by study session and Ma’ariv.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Shaharit: 7:45 a.m.

Torah service: 8:30 a.m.

Shofar service: 9:30 a.m.

Kavanah (Alternative) Service: 10:30 a.m.

- 12:30 p.m.

K - 12 Youth services: 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Musaf: 10:30 a.m.

Mincha: 7:15 p.m. followed by study session and Ma’ariv.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 – Fast of Gedaliah Morning service at 7:10 a.m., Evening service at 6:15 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 20 – Annual Memorial Service New Center Cemetery: 10:30 a.m.

Beth Shalom Cemetery: 11:15 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 – Erev Yom Kippur Morning Service: 7:10 a.m.

Mincha: 6:45 p.m. followed by Kol Nidre Candle lighting: 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 – Yom Kippur Day Shaharit: 7:45 a.m.

Torah service: 9:30 a.m.

Kavanah (Alternative) Service: 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

K - 12 Youth services: 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

President’s address: 11 a.m.

Musaf service: 11:30 a.m.

Rabbi’s sermon (followed by Yizkor): 1:45 p.m.

Taking a Gamble on Yom Kippur - A Yom Kippur Afternoon Conversation Dialogue/Discussion with Rabbi Lubliner: 4 p.m. (Main Sanctuary) Healing Service: 4 p.m.

Mincha: 5:15 p.m.

Ne’ilah: 6:30 p.m.

Fast ends at 7:58 p.m., followed by

Ma’ariv, Final Shofar and Break-the-Fast Sunday, Sept. 27 – Erev Sukkot Morning Service: 8:30 a.m.

Mincha/Ma’ariv: 6:30 p.m.

Candle lighting: 6:58 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 28 – Sukkot Services 1st Day Shaharit: 9 a.m.

Mincha: 7 p.m., followed by study session and Ma’ariv Candle lighting: 7:58 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 29 – Sukkot Services 2nd Day Shaharit: 9 a.m.

Mincha: 7 p.m. followed by study session and Ma’ariv Sunday, Oct. 4 – Hashanah Rabbah / Erev Shmini Atzeret Shaharit: 8 a.m.

Mincha/Ma’ariv: 6 p.m.

Candle lighting: 6:50 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 5 – Shemini Atzeret / Erev Simchat Torah Shaharit: 9 a.m. with Yizkor Family Simhat Torah Celebration with Young Children in the Benjamin Setzer Social Hall: 5:30 p.m Mincha in the Joe & Sophie Witten Chapel: 6:45 p.m.

Ma’ariv and Simchat Torah Celebration for Adults, Teens and Children in main Sanctuary: 7:30 p.m.

Candle lighting: 7:50 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Simchat Torah Shaharit/Family Simchat Torah Service in the main Sanctuary: 9 a.m.

Mincha followed by study session and Ma’ariv: 6 p.m.

Candle lighting: 7:48 p.m.

2055 Wildwood Drive.

St. Augustine, FL 32086 templebetyam.org 904-819-1875 Friday, Sept. 4 Selichot Shabbat: 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 13 Erev Rosh Hashanah: 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 14 - Rosh Hashanah Day Children’s Service: 9 a.m.

Morning Service : 10 a.m.

Kiddush followed by Taschlich: 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Kol Nidre: 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 - Yom Kippur Day Children’s Service: 9 a.m.

Morning Service: 10 a.m.

Afternoon Service: 3:15 p.m.

Yizkor and Neilah Service: 4:45 p.m.

Havdalah & Break-the-Fast: 6:15 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27 - Sukkot Celebration Time TBD

161 Cordova Street St. Augustine, FL 32084 first-congregationsonsofisrael.org 904-829-9532 Sunday, Sept. 13 Erev Rosh Hashanah: 7:15 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 14 - Rosh Hashanah Day 1: 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 - Rosh Hashanah Day 2: 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Kol Nidre/Erev Yom Kippur: 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 - Yom Kippur: 9 a.m., Yikzor Memorial Service held after Haftarah Mincha afternoon service: 5:30 p.m.

Neelah Concluding Service: 7 p.m.

page 8

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

high holY days coverage

Sweet recipes to cook up for 5776

A genuine Catskills gal remembers Labor Day

Balotin enjoying a party with her summer friends in the Catskills in 1957

BY ISABEL BALOTIN

Shalom Jacksonville Director

Scan code for additional recipe of apple and parsnip soup from Joy of Kosher’s Jamie Geller

High holiday kids’ coloring project

To begin coloring, cut out stencil!

Scan in and upload your finished project to the Federation’s Facebook page

As Labor Day weekend approaches I can’t help but think of how significant that weekend was in the 1950’s and 60’s for my family and friends in the Catskills.

For us and other locals in our resort village of Ellenville, N.Y. in the ‘Borscht Belt’, it meant we could now breathe a sigh of relief from the high energy level of the summer season. The crowded streets and stores once filled with tourists, campers and summer workers would finally return to normalcy. My parents, who owned a kosher butcher shop, could now relax after working day and night servicing the many hotels, camps and bungalows in the area. They were also able to plan their winter vacation in Miami, which by that point they desperately needed.

Additionally, that time served as the point in the year where my brother and I prepared for school, which always began the day after Labor Day. The tourist season was a boon to Ellenville’s economy and we were grateful for the many jobs it created for the locals, but while the season’s end may have been a relief in some respects, it was also sad saying goodbye to my many summer friends who I would not see again until the following summer. Too bad we didn’t have email available to us then!

Prior to Labor Day weekend, there was a flurry of activity for the bungalow families who were packing their belongings to bring home to the ‘city’. Everyone carefully separated and stored the supplies, housewares and other paraphernalia for the next summer season but those who were not returning would pack everything because it had to go back home.

Cars, especially station wagons, would be crammed to the roof with cartons and suitcases leaving little room for people. It was a bumper-to-bumper trip for

thousands of families returning via Route 17 to New York City the Sunday before Labor Day. The ride home usually included a stop at the iconic Red Apple Rest. As difficult as this routine was for the bungalow families, the time spent in the clean fresh air of the mountains compared to the hot, muggy city life made it all worthwhile.

As the renters began their treks back home, the bungalow colony owners began making repairs, painting, nailing down shutters and windows of the bungalows and winterizing the pool, casino and other recreation areas, only to be ready for the colony opening back up the following Memorial Day. Many hotels in our area remained open through Labor Day as it was a big weekend for celebrity headliners to perform.

The larger hotels were year-round, but the smaller ones were seasonal so it was time for them as well to repair, paint and winterize their properties. Waiters and busboys, bellhops and office staff said their farewells and many immediately applied for weekend jobs at the nearby year-round resorts.

I imagine that local residents in resort areas such as Cape Cod, the Berkshires, North and South Carolina, Lake Michigan, Atlantic City, and up in Maine share in similar experiences. It’s quite significant that the summer season for Catskill tourists began on Memorial Day and ended on Labor Day. It was a summer season sandwiched between two very significant holidays in American life as one remembered all those who bravely gave their lives for their country and the other honors the social and economic achievements of the American worker. It’s a wonderful memory and a great country so that’s why I invite you to share your Catskills memories on the Facebook page entitled, ‘I Had the Time of My Life in the Catskills—Borscht Belt’.

w www.jewishjacksonville.org

page 9

Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

synagogue news Beth El – The Beaches gives The Temple to honor first responders on to the Donna Foundation anniversary of September 11th attacks

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Sept. 11, 2001 is a date we will never forget – the tragedy, the heroism, the pain, the sorrow, and the community spirit that formed as a result. It’s with this in mind that The Temple will honor Jacksonville’s first responders during Kabbalat Shabbat worship, Friday, Sept.

11, beginning at 7 p.m. SherAccepting a check from Denice Goldberg (right), Chairperson for Beth El, The Beaches Synagogue Corned Beef Sandwich Sale and Helen Siegal (left) is Julie Terrazzano (center), Director of The Donna Foundation

By Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue The Donna Foundation does such

Recently, Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue donated a check for $250 dollars to the Donna Foundation which it helped raise through its fourth annual corned beef sandwich sale. The Donna Foundation is an organization which provides aid and assistance to women living with breast cancer. “It gives us great pleasure to share our fundraising efforts by giving back to the community and

a wonderful job in providing such a vital service to our community.�

Foundation director Julie Terrazzano said. “We are honored and thankful to have had Beth El Synagogue as a partner with us for the past three years and look forward to a continuing relationship in our support of women living with cancer.� In addition to The Donna Foundation, Beth El provided 500 corned beef sandwiches to The Mission House to feed the needy of the greater beaches community.

Jacksonville Jewish Center gears up for Operation Isaiah during High Holy Day season

By Jacksonville Jewish Center

With Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur right around the corner, the Jacksonville Jewish Center is gearing up for its annual High Holidays food drive as part of Operation Isaiah. Because of the emergency situation that exists as far as donations go, it is imperative that our efforts surpass the amount of food given during last year’s drive which exceeded 3,000 pounds of food. The Center’s social action committee is responding to this emergency, as on Rosh Hashanah congregants will receive grocery bags to take home and fill with non-perishable foods. These bags will be donated to Jewish Family & Community Services’ Winn-Dixie pantry.

Operation Isaiah is an all-yearround program providing food and toiletries to needy families in Jacksonville through the JFCS pantry, but a special effort is made around the High Holidays. On Yom Kippur we read from Isaiah 58:7 which states, “It is to share bread with the hungry and to take the poor into your home�. That is why the Center is asking everyone in the community to help others in need at this special time in the Hebrew calendar and to help us fulfill the words of the prophet Isaiah. Donations of packaged and canned foods can be dropped off inside the carts at the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s front lobby (3662 Crown Point Drive) from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Athens Cafe family wants to wish all our customers:

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riff Mike Williams and former Sherriff John Rutherford will participate, along with other JSO and JFRD personnel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As members of a minority religious community here in Jacksonville, we are profoundly grateful to live, work and pray in freedom, safety and security thanks to the diligence of our first responders,â&#x20AC;? said Congregation Ahavath Chesed senior Rabbi Joshua Lief. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On this an-

niversary of the tragic terrorist attacks on our nation, we want to give thanks and offer our blessings to these brave men and women. May they continue to watch over us and be safe in the performance of their duties.â&#x20AC;?

The entire community is welcome to join The Templeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s congregation for its special service of worship this Shabbat.

page 10

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

EDUCATION

DuBow Preschool earns coveted five Four Mommy & Me star rating from Guiding Stars of Duval classes now offered at the DuBow Preschool

Staff from the DuBow preschool celebrates its Five Star rating from the Guiding Stars of Duval which rates

schools on how well teachers, classrooms & their curriculum combine to get kids ready for kindergarten

BY SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool

The DuBow Preschool is proud to announce that it is the recent recipient of a five-star rating from the Guiding Stars of Duval (GSOD). Guiding Stars rates preschools on how well teachers, classrooms and curriculum combine to get little minds ready for kindergarten. Only 15 percent of schools in the program rate at the five-star level and the DuBow Preschool is proud to be part of that auspicious group.

“We’re thrilled to have earned the mark of excellence from the Guiding Stars program and to be recognized for reaching their highest professional standards,” said Shereen Canady, DuBow Preschool Early Childhood Director. “I am proud of our teachers and their deep commitment and love for our children.”

GSOD not only rates the training and qualifications of staff, but also how well the school’s programs engage families and how the preschool conducts business.

The goal of GSOD is to improve the quality of early care and learning programs, to support earlyliteracy development, and to improve the content knowledge and instructional strategies of early childhood teachers and directors.

The preschool itself underwent an extensive self-study process recently which helped elevate its offerings by mentoring from early childhood professionals.

“Providing a nurturing, happy

environment where small children can grow and develop emotionally, cognitively, physically and spiritually is of utmost importance to us,” Canady added. “They are our future and we must work with their parents to provide them with the best foundation we can, so being recognized as a fivestar school shows families and the community our commitment to those high standards.” As the gateway to the Galinsky Academy, the DuBow Preschool offers an excellent first-school experience. “Every one of our teachers and administrators is absolutely committed to providing an outstanding educational experience, for our children and our parents,” said Rabbi Jim Rogozen, Head of the Galinsky Academy. “The ‘five-star’ designation is further proof that we are accomplishing our goals.”

The DuBow Preschool at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, is beginning its 74th year and has a rich history accompanied with an an outstanding reputation.

“The DuBow Preschool plants the seeds of living a Jewish life through teaching and experiencing Jewish values,” explained Mauri Mizrahi, parent and former Education Chair for the Galinsky Academy. “The teachers instill positive growth and development and a high self-esteem in all of the students and it’s for these reasons we sent our three boys there.”

The Guiding Stars program emphasizes the importance of a school’s commitment to engage

parents in education and social opportunities. Helping families make connections with other families and providing a space to learn, socialize and grow together has always been an important part of DuBow Preschool’s mission. At this stage of their lives, parents of young children are also considering questions of identity and connection for themselves and their children. Raising children in a community offers support, guidance, and helps build long-term relationships. This is why the DuBow Preschool strives to offer its crop of students the highest quality education as well as providing a place for the whole family to find a community of support and celebration grounded in Jewish values. “Our family has had a connection to the preschool since 1975 when the Jacksonville Jewish Center moved to Mandarin and it’s because of that we would not consider sending our kids anywhere else,” Mizrahi added.

Many parents begin their association with the school by attending one of the many popular ‘Mommy & Me’, style programs, by becoming active in the PTO or joining a parenting book club. To learn more about our school, call Shereen Canady at 904-268-4200 ext. 143. Prospective parents are also encouraged to look at the special teacher blogs on the Parent Portal located on our website (dubowpreschool.org), or even drop by one of our parent programs.

Family Music & Movement is just one of four innovative Mommy & Me classes now offered for parents and kids to enjoy at DuBow Preschool

BY SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool

Color Splash, is a handson and hands-in multi-sensory experience. Participants explore the world of colors using their five senses in a fun and unique class unlike any other Mommy & Me class in the area. Color Splash is taught by Natalie Dayan, a certified and licensed speech and language pathologist. Dayan incorporates her knowledge and experience of child development to facilitate increased language and socialization through structured play, songs, art activities, story time, and more. The first session for fall begins Friday, Sept. 4. To find out more or to register, email colorsplashclass@gmail.com or visit: www.facebook.com/colorsplashclass DuBow Preschool is offering a new Stroller Workout class on Monday mornings for moms and babies. Kids stay in their strollers and get to watch mom (or dad) sweat and sing songs while they exercise to keep them giggling. This 45-minute class combines strength training and power walking. Instruction is led

by Emily Carpenter who trained for her group fitness certification and taught stroller exercise classes for four years. Those who plan on attending, please bring a towel, water, and a resistance band. The cost of the class is just $5 and no RSVP is needed, so just show up and sweat with us, but try not to be late because once we take off we are tough to find! View a complete schedule at facebook.

com/strollerworkout but please note that some Mondays will be swapped out during the Jewish holidays.

Did you know research shows us that music promotes bonding between parents and their babies?

Studies also show that even at two months old infants can remember brief melodies. It’s because of this that Family Music and Movement at DuBow Preschool is a perfect fit for a first class with your new baby. Class is taught by Emily Carpenter who holds her BFA in musical theatre from Penn State. The first session of the fall slate begins Wednesday, Sept.

2 at 10 a.m. To find out more or to register, email Carpenter at artswithemily@gmail.com or visit the class’ official Facebook page at facebook.com/familymusicandmovement.

Shalom Baby Playgroup.

This free playgroup is back and is offered twice a month. It is the cornerstone of DuBow Preschool’s Parent & Me program as the preschool now offers four different classes Monday through Friday mornings for parents and their babies. Come play, chat, and meet other moms, while socializing your baby, but don’t forget everyone’s favorite part, the challah and juice! The first playgroup gathering of the fall is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 4. For more information or to be added to the Jewish Moms Playgroup private group on Facebook, send an e-mail shalombaby@dubowpreschool.org.

A special summer helps transform Selevan Religious School learning at the DuBow Preschool

BY AMANDA WATSKY DuBow Preschool

My plan for this summer break was to start a family tradition of heading out on a yearly summer road trip. We ended up logging about 5,000 miles, and visited around 10 different science and children’s museums, all along the east coast. The trip was wonderful and provided us with such a special experience. Additionally, I was inspired by a creative collection of ways in which we can incorporate fun science activities into our programming at the DuBow Preschool.

Our students are going to have an amazing year and I cannot wait to get started. Last year we introduced the walk-in butterfly

garden, an outdoor music space and had our first ever DuBow Preschool Farmer’s Market, where students sold the fruits (and vegetables!!) of their labor. These programs will be expanded as we will be introducing more life cycle programs and assist in more collaboration with local museums.

We will also be doing some of the same activities that larger museums are using to connect their youngest visitors with the world of science.

Also, this upcoming year our students are going to benefit from two days of Discovery Studio programming. One day will be our typical science day with experiments and projects but a second day is going to be based on gardening, food science, and en-

ready for yet another year

By Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School

vironmental sciences. Our studies will also be tied to Jewish themes and values. I am very excited to put together a program that integrates the values of our school and educates our students in a way that imparts a love of science and in turn the world to them.

The Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School of the Jacksonville Jewish Center kicked-off it’s 2015-16 learning slate with a special meet and greet on Sunday, Aug. 30. Parents and students had a chance to learn more about the school’s innovative initiatives, including the return of some very successful programs including, Judaism through the arts, the new family-wide Mitzvah project options as well as the 24/7 Hebrew Online Learning Center and school Shabbat opportunities. An expanded Hebrew through prayer program now includes more class time as well as a variety of 21st century teaching methods blended

with the old school approach.

There will also be additional professional staff in the classroom this coming year for more involved instruction.

Even though classes start Sunday, Sept. 13 and Wednesday, Sept. 16, there are still limited spots open and available. For your convenience, all of the religious school registration forms, calendars, costs, and other pertinent information are available on the Religious School webpage at http://www.basrs.org. There, parents can take a unique glimpse into the innovative and engaging programs available to students.

For more information, please call Principal Lois Tompkins at 904 268-4200, ext. 146.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

Community NEWS JFNA Trip Continued from p. 1 “We met people from France, Ukraine and Russia who left their families, their friends, their jobs and everything they have to start a new life because things are so bad in Europe right now,” the veteran Federation board member recalled of his emotional experience. “The atmosphere in Europe probably has not been this difficult for Jews since before World War II, and because of that JFNA is expecting 30,000 European Jews to move to Israel this year.”

Jacobs remembered one young man in particular during that visit named Thibeau from France, whose grandparents were survivors of the Holocaust.

While growing up he was put into Catholic school and did not overtly advertise the fact that he was Jewish, but because of his last name, the harassment and discrimination were so intolerable, he had to make a new start in the one place he knew he would be welcomed with open arms.

“What Federation does for these people in similar situations is provide them housing, job training, teach them Hebrew and

give them everything they need to start a new life in a brand new country,” he detailed of what he learned that day. “It was remarkable to me that these young people were doing this at the same time that Israel experienced war last summer and rockets were raining down on the country. Nevertheless, they still felt Israel provided a much better life for them than where they were coming from.”

Other visits after the trip’s first emotional one included a stop along an Israeli town bordering Gaza, where they talked to residents about their experiences during the war last summer. Sometimes what they had to go through physically, evacuating their homes and businesses, was much less damaging than the emotional toll it took on them and their families to do that.

“We went to a Kibbutz called Nir Oz that is so close to the border that there is only a 15 second warning from the sirens to having to go into the shelters,” Jacobs said. “So we actually witnessed holes that rockets had put in walls and pieces of debris leftover from the attacks.”

More unforgettable interactions with Israelis followed as they explained their struggles living amidst the conflict coupled with resolve and determination.

“We also met with a solider at a memorial for fallen soldiers of other Gaza campaigns and he talked about what he went through during the war as his brother was also with him in Gaza at a separate command,” Jacobs remembered of his one-on-one discussion. “He told us that even if he found out his brother had been killed during one of the attacks, he was going to call home and tell his parents he had to stay and finish his mission because he was an integral part of the IDF and he could not leave his fellow soldiers behind.”

Jacobs, Margolies and others from the trip next went to the town of Be’er Sheva in the Negev Desert where they saw how the Federation’s support was helping educate Haredi or ultra orthodox youth in the region with science and math classes.

“Obviously it’s the hope that the Haredi children will be able to integrate more into society and earn a living in Israel,” Jacobs said.

Along with the Jewish youth, there were also Arab-Israeli girls who were being given the benefit of academic instruction from the JFNA and its partners.

“They were actually running a debate team for the girls who were debating other Jewish schools, so it’s the hope that these Arab-Israe-

li girls will develop much greater feelings toward Israel through these programs,” he explained. “All together these efforts showed us tremendous hope for the future of Israel through education.”

Upon his return, the campaign chair had a chance to reflect on only his second trip to Israel during his lifetime, but unlike his first pilgrimage to the Land of Milk and Honey, this one proved to be less touristy and more of an in depth exploration of day-to-day life inside the Jewish state.

“We weren’t going to see a bunch of sights, take a few pictures and move on. Instead we gained a full understanding of the issues Israel is facing, the challenges that they have over there and what Federation is doing to provide solutions,” he said. “From that standpoint, it was far more meaningful, extremely emotional and very moving for me to see all of the good that Federation is doing in Israel.”

But for Jacobs, the experience was made even more special because the blueprints for the trip had a Jacksonville flair to them.

“I took a lot of pride in the fact that this program was as the result of the original ideas of our Federation’s executive director here in Jacksonville,” he said. “I think all of the cities throughout

the country and across Canada were extremely appreciative that it happened, and impressed with what had been done to make it happen.”

The 2015 trip which Jacobs was a part of was in fact so successful that the workers mission will return for its third year in 2016.

“I enjoyed my time there so much this past July that I decided to take my wife Allison on the Federation and JCA’s joint trip to Israel in April,” he said with excitement.

The third annual workers mission will take place July 18-24, 2016, while the first-ever joint mission involving the Federation and the JCA is scheduled for April 10-18. For more information on the worker’s mission or to guarantee your spot on the joint Jacksonville mission with a $500 deposit, call Federation executive director Alan Margolies at 904-448-5000, ext. 207 or e-mail him at alanm@jewishjacksonville.org.

River Garden Auxiliary Kaplan & Pomertantz named delegates to to hold garage sale Nov. 8 upcoming national Hadassah conference

By River Garden Auxiliary

The River Garden Auxiliary is holding a Garage Sale, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8 from 12-3 p.m. at the Hebrew Home. People in the community are encouraged to go through their closets, drawers, garages and other places around the house to find items to contribute to the event because as the old adage goes, what is one person’s junk is another one’s treasure.

There is a special need for vases from flower arrangements, so

those with collections of them, such as florists or people with just one or two are asked to kindly donate. In addition to vases, books are also another popular item for these types of events. It is important to note that both adult clothing and shoes will not be accepted but purses and other accessories that are in good condition will be. For more information, please call Evelyn Peck at 904-268-0597 or Sandy Selwitz 904-371-2429.

River Garden residents benefit directly from this fundraiser.

JCA helping to empower women with LEAN IN 2.0

By Jewish Community Alliance

In 2013, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg published ‘LEAN IN: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead’, based on her top ranking 2010 Ted Talk. The reception of her talk and book led Sandberg to create LeanIn.org, to challenge women to pursue their dreams by providing inspiration and support through small peer groups called LEAN IN Circles. Motivated by the idea of helping women learn and grow, the J Institute became the first Jewish community center in the U.S. to initiate LEAN IN Circles, providing women the opportunity to learn, share and connect at the JCA. Now, after two successful years, the J Institute LEAN IN programming is expanding to create additional opportunities for participation.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m., the JCA begins the new LEAN IN 2.0 with ‘Be True to You’, the first of two thoughtprovoking learning sessions. In the weeks following, women will also have the opportunity to join a local LEAN IN Circle, led by an exceptional facilitator, who will guide participants through a discussion of the learning session topic in a warm environment for sharing and connecting. This program is open to the entire community. Reservations for the Sept. 30 session are required by Sept. 24.

The fee for this program is $8 and $5 for JCA members. Details on the second session, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16, will be available in the fall. To learn more or to reserve your seat, visit jcajax. org/leanin or contact Dorri Kraus at 904-730-2100 ext. 239.

BY HELEN HILL Jacksonville Hadassah

Long time Jacksonville Hadassah members Aviva Kaplan and Lin Pomerantz were recent delegates to Hadassah’s National Business Meeting in Philadelphia, where Ellen Hershkin was elected the organization’s 26th National President. Hershkin, who will succeed Marcie Natan on Jan. 1, after an unprecedented four

and a half years in that same post, is currently coordinator of the Programming, Advocacy, Zionism and Education (PRAZE) Division. She joined Hadassah in 1973, and has held numerous leadership positions throughout the 42 years since then, including vice president, secretary, chair of membership outreach, coordinator of Young Judaea, all on the national level.

Regional installation ceremonies will officially take place in December when Pomerantz

will be installed as region organization VP and Kaplan will assume presidential duties for the Jacksonville Hadassah. “All Jacksonville Hadassah members are invited to attend this celebratory event,” Lin explained. “The Region will even charter a van for us if we get enough women to go”. Tampa will be site of this year’s Florida Central Region and All-Chapter Installation, as festivities are set to take place, Dec. 12-13.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

community news

Jewish Historical Society Jacksonville women partake in trip tabbed ‘Birthright for Moms’ to celebrate anniversary at the Fountain of Youth

BY MERRILL SHAPIRO Jewish Historical Society

The group of mothers from Jacksonville pose together at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv upon arrival

BY MATT FRANZBLAU Federation Communications Director

This past July, 13 mothers from Jacksonville teamed up with 400 Jewish women from across North America to make a trek to the homeland affectionately called ‘birthright for moms’. The eight day trip, organized by the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP), is as an opportunity for Jewish mothers to connect with each other and their spiritual selves, while deepening their understanding of the pivotal role Judaism plays in family life.

“The original Birthright program has taken 500,000 young people to Israel, so when JWRP founder Lori Palatnik and other leaders thought about what they could do to engage more people in Israel and the Jewish world, they decided to replicate the Birthright concept,” explained trip participant and Jewish Federation board member Andrea Mail. “When you take a young person to Israel, you transform a life but when you take a mother to Israel, you transform an entire family.”

The trip is geared for women with school-aged children because upon their return, the mothers can share with their kids along with the rest of their families the valuable lessons they learned while overseas. “It’s a challenge for mothers with children at home to leave their families,” Mail, who has three teenage daughters said.

“Yet, when they make the commitment to spend time in Israel focusing on their own spiritual growth, amazing things happen.”

To date, 6,500 Jewish mothers from a total of 19 countries have embarked on this transformational journey and JWRP partners with local organizations such as

Jacksonville’s Etz Chaim Synagogue. Impressively, the Israeli government has recently decided to become a partner, matching funds dollar-for-dollar to double the number of mothers traveling to the homeland.

“As the participants have spent millions of dollars shopping in Israel, the government decided the program is a major investment in the Israeli economy,” Mail jokingly commented. All jokes aside, the trip takes participants to emotionally stirring and historical sites such as the Western Wall and Mail even made a stop in the Federation’s partnership city of Hadera.

Even though the ladies made be shedding tears and spending shekels during their time abroad, the investment that Israel is making in the many Jewish mothers in the U.S. and across the world is indeed priceless.

“Each mother’s experience impacts not only her family, but also her community.” Mail explained. “You don’t travel on your own, but rather you apply and are accepted as a participant in a local group.” The mother of three first became involved with the organization a few years ago when Henny Fisch, JWRP Jacksonville city leader asked her to attend an informative session.

“I initially was hesitant as I had lived in Israel for three years and had been blessed to visit numerous times,” she explained.

“But I was so impressed with Henny, Lori Palatnik and the JWRP movement, I decided to get involved and have been on the trip for the past three years as a counselor or madricha.” The trip is focused on developing one’s Jewish soul and as Palatnik says to the participants, what better

place to do it than Israel?

“She told us that every year we get a physical, so why don’t we also get a spiritual?”, Mail remembered of the trip organizer’s words. “This program is truly a ‘spiritual’, or what I refer to as a spa for the soul.” Another analogy that Palatnik gave was describing how a cactus in Jacksonville would grow only a few inches during the year, but when its placed in Arizona, it’s natural habitat, it will shoot up eight feet.

“The same goes for everyone on this trip,” the Israeli veteran eloquently explained. “When we put our Jewish souls in Israel, they blossom to unimaginable heights.”

Mail’s commitment to JWRP has taken an even more serious turn as she recently joined the JWRP international board. “This is a natural partnership with being involved in our local federation board. I’m learning terrific ideas from other communities which will enable me to be more effective in Jacksonville,” she explained. “My passion is outreach to those who are unaffiliated, intermarried or for whatever reason feel on the periphery of Jewish life. I love bringing Jewish people of every background together as we have much more in common than what divides us.”

Those interested in seeking their own spiritual journey with other Jewish moms across the continent can get more information, by logging 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 and from the Holy Land.

The St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society will mark the 450th anniversary of the arrival of the descendants of CryptoJews to territories later to become the United States. This celebration will take place Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (11 Magnolia Ave, St. Augustine). The program is open to the public and will include a tour of relevant excavations of the oldest successful European settlement in the United States led by St. Augustine Archaeological As-

sociation Board Member, Carl Lindenfeld. Advance reservations must be made by writing a check for $12 per person, payable to the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society with the notation ‘Fountain of Youth’ in the memo line. Please send all payments to Carl Lindenfeld SAJHS Treasurer, 912 Ridgewood Lane, St. Augustine, Fla. 32086. Checks must be received by the end of business, Tuesday, Sept. 1. A detailed discussion over lunch will follow the tour and participants are welcome to bring their own food, however soft drinks will be provided. For more information call 804-914-4460.

Museum programs link Holocaust history to today’s current issues

By The Cummer Museum

Remembering for the Future presents BANNED: A community conversation about censorship and free speech that links Holocaust history to contemporary issues. The Nazi regime’s book burnings and art censorship during the Holocaust have become iconic symbols of the loss of free speech and free expression.

BANNED examines censorship today: local efforts to restrict access to art and literature; removal of books from library and classroom shelves; and recent attacks on free speech around the world.

BANNED programs will take place across the First Coast.

Upcoming events include: • Express Yourself! Celebrate the freedom to read, literacy and free expression at BANNED’s launch event in Jacksonville’s Hemming Park. Enjoy live performances, hands-on art activities, a book giveaway, early literacy testing, and a banned book character costume contest.

Record your stories and opinions about free speech and censorship.

Discuss First Amendment rights with journalists and experts. The celebration will take place from 12 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27.

• Nazi Art Censorship Lecture.

Cummer Executive Director Hope McMath and Chief Curator Holly Keris present “Banned: The Nazi Degenerate Art Exhibition and Censorship,” an in-depth look at censorship of artistic expression during the Nazi regime and beyond. The free lectures take place at 4:00 p.m.

and 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. For further information or to make your required reservations, please call 904-8996038 or register online at www. cummermuseum.org.

• National Book Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson speaks about finding her voice through writing, censorship and her personal memoir, “Brown Girl Dreaming,” at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Main Library. A book signing follows the free presentation.

• A community commemoration of the Holocaust’s Kristallnacht, Night of Broken Glass, takes place at 6 p.m, Monday, Nov. 9 at The Temple, Congregation Ahavath Chesed.

Many more programs will take place at public libraries and on college campuses throughout Duval and St. Johns counties.

Want to know more? Please connect with us online at Facebook/ bannedjax or www.bannedjax. org for details. Contact Leslie Kirkwood at 904-742-2327 or lkirkwood@bannedjax.org regarding volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.

acksonville

JEWISH NEWS Grow your business

Highlights of the ‘Birthright for Mom’s’ trip included stops which were a treat for the taste buds (left) at a local falafel shop as well as those which touched the soul (right) at the iconic Western Wall in Jerusalem

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 • September 2015

federation news

Partner Spotlight: American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

Caring for displaced Jews amidst the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine By the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

When fighting broke out in Donetsk between the government and separatist forces last year, Raisa Libenson believed she could stay with her family in their house by the airport. It wasn’t until her apartment sustained a direct hit from a mortar shell, tearing through the walls and furniture, and rendering the 78-year-old temporarily deaf, that she realized she had to leave.

“Shell fragments were all over my bed,” she recalled with terror.

“There was smoke in the apartment. I rushed into the room and it felt like something hot flew over me. I froze with fear. I could not realize how I would survive.”

Since then Libenson and her husband of 56 years have been staying in Pavlograd, a city a few dozen miles from the frontline.

They are among more than 2,700 Jews who have left their homes in the eastern part of the country and receive help from JDC through its Hesed social welfare center network. Of the Ukrainian Jews who left the east, more than 2,000 have relocated within the

country, living in places like Kiev, Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk and Odessa. There, they rely heavily on the help of the local Jewish communities and JDC. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) include Roman Dubovskoy and his family, who relocated from Lugansk to Zaporozhye when violence erupted in their hometown last August.

Now, all eight of them (Dubovskoy and his wife, their four children, and his wife’s parents) live together under the same roof.

Roman, who is a psychologist, had to come out of retirement to provide for his extended family.

Luckily, he found employment at the local JCC where he treats fellow displaced Jews from the east.

JDC helps Ukrainian Jews like the Dubovskoys and Libensons pay the rent and provides them with clothes, footwear, and a monthly stipend for food, medicine, and other essentials.

During the winter months, IDPs are sent items like blankets, socks, and pajamas to help cope with the cold. Libenson said she was deeply grateful for the meat, cheese, sour cream, and oil JDC gives her through the Hesed.

Jacksonville Jewish News goes social with QR codes

By Jacksonville Jewish News

The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville as well as Jacksonville Jewish News has become a bit more social over the last few months as it pertains to social media. That’s because the Federation has launched both new Instagram and YouTube accounts to compliment its content on Facebook and Twitter. The same Twitter handle now applies for Instagram (@ jaxjewish) and the Federation’s official You Tube channel (JaxJewishTV) is now welcoming subscribers as it begins to populate its account with videos of recent events and interviews throughout the Jacksonville Jewish community.

Another unique component that JJN readers may see popping up in their paper more often than not is a tiny black and white pixilated box known as a QR code. With a simple QR code reader app, people can

scan the code and be directed to any webpage online. Usually the code will bring readers to videos, extended photo galleries or special audio interviews which cannot be housed in print form. Other times the QR code will be used as a vehicle for those who want to read the entire newspaper online via issuu. com. This particular one can always be found in the bottom right hand corner of each issue.

“Maybe, it is not for long, but it’s like a breathing period for us,” she said. “We would not survive during these eight months in Donetsk without Hesed.”

Hardship has driven the number of recipients of aid ever higher around the country. In all, JDC has registered 2,700 new clients. Many are young families or elderly people. Yet despite it all, Ukrainian Jews celebrated Passover last month with events held in Donetsk, Lugansk, Mariupol and many more locations. Some 8,000 people attended celebrations at 32 JDC-run Hesed centers throughout the country. To keep up-to-date on JDC’s response to the crisis in Ukraine, visit jdc.org/ UkraineCrisis.

The JDC is the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, impacting millions of lives in more than 70 countries today. JDC leverages a century’s experience confronting poverty and crisis around the world to: Save the World’s Poorest Jews, Revitalize Jewish Life, Empower Israel’s Future, Develop Tomorrow’s Jewish Leaders and Rescue Victims of Global Emergencies.

Whenever and wherever there

are Jews in need, JDC is there, providing urgent care. Famine, World Wars, Communist repression, political strife, genocide— Jewish communities around the world have confronted the unthinkable over the last century.

Today, Jews worldwide share a unique opportunity to reconnect to their cultural heritage and find unprecedented strength as part of a global Jewish people. Today’s Israel is a dynamic, diverse nation of 7.6 million people. Over 70 nationalities are represented it its vibrant population, and two out of every three Israelis are newcomers, or the children or grandchildren of immigrants. From the historical centers of Jewish tradition in Northern Africa to the nascent wellsprings of Jewish renaissance in Europe and the former Soviet Union, Jewish communities around the globe need promising young leaders to grow into the vibrant cultural hubs of tomorrow.

JDC leverages nearly a century’s experience helping Jewish communities worldwide confronted by the most difficult challenges—disaster, extreme poverty, political instability, genocide—to

create innovative programs that benefit some of the world’s neediest populations. Seed money from JDC leverages funds from the U.S. government, foreign governments, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations, and individual donors.

Scan QR code to watch special video update on the crisis in Ukraine on

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Jacksonville Jewish News â&#x20AC;˘ September 2015

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

FEDERATION NEWS

Jacksonville teen explores Israel this summer with Federation’s help

Mail’s experiences in Israel included some favorites like camel riding and floating in the Dead Sea

BY SABRINA MAIL Israel Partnership Participant

This past July, I walked into an unfamiliar house, knowing that it would be my home for the next two weeks.

I didn’t know what to expect but I definitely would have not expected how quickly I became comfortable with the house and the family who I was staying with. My host parents, Nir and Revital, treated me like another daughter; making sure I had all of my needs met and that of course meant I was never hungry! My host, Hadar, became like a sister to me as I met all her friends, talking and laughing late into the night.

Living with an Israeli family was not as different as I thought it would be. Sure, the older brother, Alon, was in the army and would come home every weekend in his uniform, and yes, they didn’t drive or work on Shabbat, but similar to here, the parents worked during the week, while the kids were in camp. Despite everyone’s busy schedules we had dinner as a family almost every single night.

Our teen group, which consisted of five Americans and seven Israelis, traveled around the country every day.

Most of our trips took place during the day but we did have a few overnights to Jerusalem,

Masada, Tiberius and the Golan Heights. It truly was amazing how much we managed to pack into each and every day! Our activities ranged from hiking Mount Carmel, to riding camels in a Bedouin camp, to going to the holy Western Wall. We did everything from spiritual activities to historical sites along adventurous excursions, (which in Israel, is basically the same thing.)

Many things surprised me about our homeland, such as the numerous amounts of female and male IDF soldiers just going about daily life in their uniforms. At one point, we even saw an off-duty female soldier walking down the street in uniform, while carrying a Coach purse, which is most definitely not something you see every day in America! Something else that surprised me about Israel was how just driving on the highway could be so beautiful. On both sides of the road you see tiny villages dotting the hillside and there were way more trees than expected. I was also impressed by how technologically advanced Israel is as a country. Almost every store and restaurant has free wifi, which definitely came in handy for the Americans in our group.

This experience has made me feel so much more connected to Israel and Judaism.

Just knowing that you are

rGEN set to Break (the) Fast again this new year

surrounded by Jewish people at all times is an amazing feeling.

This particular trip made Israel seem like more of a second home, because I was able to experience the non-touristy part of the country. It’s incredible to see how much Judaism is incorporated into normal life.

For example, on Shabbat and holidays, there is no public transportation and most restaurants and stores are closed.

I would definitely recommend this trip to teenagers around the age of 15, because you get to meet the most terrific people (both Americans and Israelis), make wonderful memories in the process, and experience all aspects of Israel.

I’m extremely grateful to the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville and its Israel Partnership program for providing me with this life-changing opportunity.

Thank you also to Mrs. Joan Levin and her family for the Gift of Israel scholarship!

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

BY JEANINE HOFF rGEN Division Director

Save the date for the annual rGEN Break (the) Fast as on Wednesday evening Sept. 23, rGEN will host its festive pot luck. The event is open to all Young Professionals, newcomers, couples, those looking to meet new people or simply have

Scan code OR call 730-2100 EXT. 228 a fun meal. This tradition has been one of rGEN’s most popular and well-attended events and further details will be coming soon via email and social media.

Those who haven’t been getting e-mails from rGEN can contact division director Jeanine Hoff at jeanineh@jewishjacksonville. org.

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 • September 2015

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federation news

Catskills documentary helps bring together the deep ties that bind

The Federation’s final 2015 campaign report camp

By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

Gail and Jeff Rudolph display publications from the Concord Hotel which feature famous performers

BY ISABEL BALOTIN

Shalom Jacksonville Director

Jewish people love to connect.

We love to play Jewish geography when we meet someone new because it’s our way of identifying with people, places and maybe relatives we even have in common. The two screenings of the documentary, ‘Welcome to Kutsher’s’ have been so successful because they have done just this by bringing people together who not only shared common Catskills experience, but are profoundly bound by a common heritage.

Kutsher’s was a typical Catskills hotels which served kosher food and where most of the waiters spoke Yiddish (even though some

John and Jill Mc Elligott along with Susan and Martin Goetz share their common Catskills connections.

weren’t even Jewish). That came in handy because 99 percent of the guests who patronized these types of resorts and hotels were in fact Jewish. The Catskills, also known as the Borscht Belt was made up of comfortable and affordable resorts where you could vacation and not fear anti-Semitism. These memorable places are long gone now but the experiences remain indelibly etched in the hearts and minds of the people who stayed there.

Those who missed the first two showings will have yet another opportunity as there will be two more scheduled in the area. The Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville division and one of its partners River Garden Senior Services will

once again sponsor two more screenings at no charge. ‘Welcome to Kutsher’s’ will be shown at Beth-El at the Beaches on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. and then at Temple Bet Yam in St. Augustine on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. More information on the film and the screenings can be found in this issue and everyone in the community is invited to attend.

Shalom Jacksonville is the official Jewish welcome wagon of Northeast Florida. If you are new to our area or are newly interested in the Jewish community, please contact me (Isabel Balotin) at 904448-5000 ext. 206 or email me at shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org.

The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville reported to the JJN that in early August the 2015 annual campaign reached the targeted goal of $2,566,000. This was the figure used in the spring for the Federation’s allocations process. The final amount represents an increase of $94,000 from a year ago and all major local and overseas recipient organizations received an increase compared the 2014 numbers.

“I especially want to acknowledge our chair, Sandy Zimmerman as well as women’s chair, Jen Plotkin, in addition to the entire rGEN team who chaired one of most successful Super Sundays in many years,” said Federation executive director, Alan Margolies. “I also want to express my appreciation to all of the volunteers who worked on the campaign, as well as Lion chair, Allison Jacobs and major gifts chair, Ken Jacobs,” he added.

A holiday invitation for Jewish newcomers to Jax

BY ISABEL BALOTIN

Shalom Jacksonville Director

We understand that holidays can often be a lonely time when you are away from family and close friends. Our very generous and welcoming Jacksonville Jewish community extends to you an invitation to share in its holiday meals and celebrations at various homes. Please let me know if you are seeking holiday hospitality and we will easily arrange a match. Those who are new and interested in attending services

for the High Holidays can call the synagogue of your choosing to check their ticket policies. In most cases, newcomers are given complimentary entry but detailed synagogue information can be found is this issue as well as by logging onto www.jewishjacksonville.org/about-us/local-synagogues. For more information, please contact Isabel Balotin, Shalom Jacksonville director at 904-448-5000, ext. 206 or at shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org.

September Jewish Java to host holiday trivia

BY ISABEL BALOTIN

Shalom Jacksonville Director

Trivia is back and this time we will test your knowledge of the Jewish High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Shemini Atzeret, plus we’ll even sprinkle some pop culture questions into the mix.

Join newcomers and friends for Jewish Java on Wednesday, Sept.

2, from 9-10:30 a.m. at Village Bread Café (11110 San Jose Blvd.). This coffee and schmoozing program is the perfect place to meet friends (and maybe even a relative) to find out the latest happenings in the community.

Free coffee and tea will be given with each purchase of a food item, so be sure and reserve the

first Wednesday of every month for Shalom Jacksonville’s Jewish Java. For more information, please contact, Isabel Balotin at 904-448-5000, ext. 206 and shalomjax@jewishjacksonville. org. Shalom Jacksonville is the official Jewish welcome wagon of Northeast Florida is an official program of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

EDUCATION

Another successful summer camp season in the books at the JCA

By Jewish Community Alliance - After a memorable summer of fun at JCA Summer Camp, here are some of our favorite moments in photograph form

Lots of High Holy Days programs available for kids at DuBow Preschool

BY SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool

The Jacksonville Jewish Center offers meaningful High Holy Days services and programming for all ages. Specifically, the DuBow Preschool offers creative, holiday programming for children ages one through pre-kindergarten taught by our loving and talented preschool teachers. On the first morning of Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 14) and Yom Kippur (Sept. 23), families will participate in an interactive and fun preschool service led by Center clergy and professionals.

Then, families may check their little ones into the preschool for a morning of holiday fun, while parents attend services.

During that time, the children will be singing and dancing to favorite holiday tunes, playing games such as ‘Apple Toss’, ‘Bumblebee Boogey’ and ‘Rosh Hashanah Symbols Hunt’. They will also be able to indulge in delicious apples and honey for the

traditional New Year snack. Our specialized preschool service and programming is open to members and non-members.

In addition to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot is coming and we have several fun and engaging programs planned for our little ones and their families.

The community is invited to join us for our Jacksonville Jewish Center Sukkot dinner on Sunday, Sept. 27. On Sept. 28, families with young children will enjoy an interactive, fun service in the Goldman Sukkah, so come shake your lulav and etrog with us!

Preschoolers are invited to attend Sukkot babysitting and enjoy more holiday themed activities.

Visit our website dubowpreschool.org for more information or ‘like’ us on Facebook to get updates on this program and many others. For more details or to register your child for either event, please contact the DuBow Preschool office at 904-268-4200 ext. 143.

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Jacksonville Jewish News â&#x20AC;˘ September 2015

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE JCA cultural arts festival to include Breast cancer awareness month in Sept. at the JCA

19th annual Jewish book festival

BY IMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

Last fall the Jewish Community Alliance featured several amazing cultural arts programs for the entire Jacksonville community and this year is sure to bring more compelling, interactive events with the JCA Mini Cultural Arts Festival beginning in November.

A highlight of the festival will be the inclusion of the 19th Annual Jewish Book Festival.

This year’s book festival will feature several renowned authors presenting literary works from various genres. On Thursday, Oct. 29, the festival will open 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’, followed by New York Times bestselling author of ‘The Art Forger’, Barbara Shapiro, who

will be discussing her new novel ‘The Muralist’. Other featured presenters include Dan Ephron, Steve Katz, Lee Mandel, David Alan Bernstein and a special family event featuring Denise Trager and Mary Ellen Panaccione, authors of ‘Picked on Poindexter’.

The JCA theatre department will also present a dramatization of this children’s book. For more information on the book festival and cultural arts festival events, contact the JCA registrar at 904720-3100 ext. 228 or visit jcajax. org. A book festival brochure with a full schedule of events is also available for those wishing to view it.

Learn how to swim at the JCA

BY IMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

Swim instruction and water safety is a core part of youth programming at the Jewish Community Alliance. For children as young as six months, the JCA has American Red Cross certified Learn-to-Swim programs, assuring program quality by maintaining small class sizes, monitoring instruction and adhering to Red Cross standards. Additionally, all instructors are certified as Water Safety Instructors.

“Swimming is a life skill and the most important aspect of swimming education is to keep

children in the water,” said Jessica Novotny, JCA aquatics manager.

The JCA has several programs to help young swimmers learn water safety skills. Parent and Me classes, designed for parents and their children (six months to three years old) emphasizes fun, water adjustment and preparatory activities for future swimming. JCA Mini Makos (two to three years old) teaches the foundation for water adjustment, floating, breath control, kicking, arm movement and safe entry and exit out of the pool. In Little Makos (three and half to five years old), children participate without a parent in the water and are introduced to

breathing control, arm coordination, kicking and the development of basic strokes. Junior Makos (six to 12 years old) teaches water skills, fundamentals aquatic skills, stroke development, stroke improvement, stroke refinement and personal water safety.

All Learn-to-Swim programs are offered one or two days a week in the JCA’s heated indoor pool. Additionally, private swim instruction is available to those who would like it for their children. For more information, visit jcajax.org or contact the registrar’s office at 904-730-2100 ext. 228.

BY IMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

An estimated 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. during 2015.

While these numbers seem staggering, recent decades have seen a decrease in breast cancer incident rates and fatalities, particularly in women 50 years of age and younger. As with most cancers, early detection is essential to developing an effective treatment plan, and more women and men are educating themselves about actions they can take to lower their risk of developing cancer. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the JCA Baptist Health Wellness Connexion is offering an important lineup of breast cancer awareness and prevention workshops and lectures.

On Sunday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the JCA will offer breast cancer self-exam workshops throughout the day. There will also be several lectures, including ‘The BRCA Genes and Genetic Propensity’ at 11:30 a.m., as well as ‘Nutrition: Eating to Support Breast Health’ at 1 p.m., followed by ‘Breast Cancer

beyond the Physical: Implications for the Entire Family’ at 2:30 p.m.

Additionally, the JCA Cultural Arts department will present a special art exhibit by artist Nadine Terk, who three years ago painted the portrait of a woman recovering from a mastectomy and went on to paint a series of portraits of breast cancer survivors. This exhibit honors the one in eight women who will inevitably face this disease. All programs for Breast Cancer Awareness at the J are free and open to the entire community but advance registration is appreciated. For more information, visit jcajax.org or contact the JCA registrar at 904730-2100 ext. 228.

JCA physician chat to address subject of grief

BY IMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m., the JCA Baptist Health Wellness Connexion will hold a physician chat to discuss grief and other life transitions. Whether from the loss of a loved one, pet, possession or simply way of life, grief is a natural process with symptoms that vary from person to person.

Regardless of the cause of one’s grief, support and services are available to those who need it.

Board certified psychiatrist Dr. Michael Solloway and licensed

psychologist Dr. Melissa Roffman of the Baptist Health Agewell Center for Senior Health will join the JCA to discuss a range of topics, including the grief process, how depression differs from grief, how to cope with losing a spouse and how to know if you are depressed, in addition to types of support and treatment options available to those who are grieving. This program is free to the entire community but advanced registration is required. For more information, visit jcajax.org or contact the JCA registrar at 904730-2100 ext. 228.

jca happenings 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

Paintings of the First Coast Pastel Society will be featured from September 4-30. The FCPS’s mission promotes the use of soft pastels as an important and evolving fine art medium. Meet FCPS members at a reception on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1-3 p.m.

JCA Film Series

The film ‘Daniel’ will be shown Sunday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m. This searing portrait of a young man’s quest for the truth about his past stars Timothy Hutton as Daniel, the fictionalized son of the Rosenberg’s, executed in 1953.

This event is free and open to the community.

Community Wide Shabbat

Beginning Sept. 4, join the JCA every Friday at 11:30 a.m. for a weekly community Shabbat celebration with traditional blessings, grape juice and challah. Everyone is invited to attend and participate.

Family Night with the Jacksonville Armada

On Saturday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m., enjoy an evening game at the Jacksonville Armada for JCA families. Transportation to and from the JCA is included for first two dozen to register and dinner is Dutch treat. Contact Dave at 904-730-2100 ext. 271 for pricing and information.

After School Dinner and Open House

Start the New Year on a sweet note with an evening of food and fun on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 6-7:30 p.m. Meet counselors and learn what the JCA can offer you and your elementary aged children.

Reservations are requested by Sept. 8 by calling 904-730-2100 ext. 245.

Spirituality: What does it mean to you?

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 7-8:30 p.m., local rabbis will discuss the role spirituality plays in each of the three major denominations of Judaism. This program is $5; JCA valued members are free. Advance registration is appreciated.

Great Escape

Sept. 4 is the deadline to register for the JCA’s five nights at sea aboard Carnival Fascination with stops in the Bahamas. For complete details, contact Sandy at 904-730-2100 ext. 322; single and triple rates are available upon request.

JAway Eco Day

On Sunday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m., meet us at Jacksonville Beach to learn about sea turtle conservation and nesting sites. Reservations are requested by Sept. 16. Contact Rochelle at 904-730-2100 ext. 259 for more information.

Traditions Cart

This fall, visit the monthly exhibits of our Traditions Cart located in the JCA Lobby. The cart will have information about upcoming Jewish holidays and educational content.

Celebrating Sukkot with Pizza in the Hut

Celebrate Sukkot on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 6-7:30 p.m., as we carry on the tradition of shaking the lulav and holding the etrog, while a festive family meal will be served. This program is offered to valued members at no cost. Registration required by Sept. 25.

A Sweet Topic with Rabbi Fisch

High Holiday Schedule

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 12 p.m., enjoy apples and honey and learn the meaning behind this Rosh Hashanah tradition. This program is free to the entire community, however reservations are required.

Noshing on Breakfast in the Sukkah

Join us in the Sukkah on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 10:30 a.m., for good food and great conversation. Bring friends and family as reservations are required by Sept. 21. The fee is $7 and just $4 for JCA valued members.

Sit and Get Fit Lunch

On Wednesday, Sept.9, at 12 p.m., Sharon Gladden, RN, will provide you with meaningful questions for your doctors to help better prepare you for your next office visit.

The fee is $7; JCA valued members are free, however reservations are requested.

LEAN IN 2.0

The next generation of women’s inspirational programming begins on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 7-8:30 p.m. New participants are welcome and the fee is $8 and just $5 for JCA valued members. Registration required by Sept. 24.

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2015 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $208,000

8505 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32217 jcajax.org 904-730-2100

Friday, Sept. 11 Everything Apples

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

(RSVP by Tuesday, Sept. 1)

Friday, Oct. 2 Sensational Sensory Sukkot

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

(RSVP by Tuesday, Sept. 1) * Fee for above classes is $15 and $10 for valued members

w www.jewishjacksonville.org

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Briefs PJ Library

PJ Library, the award winning free program for books and music, is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville.

Children between the ages of six months and eight years are eligible. Please sign up now by going to www.pjlibrary.org/communities/jacksonville, or call Ilene at 904-394-5724.

JEWISH FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES Camp Ki Tov celebrates JELF awards more than $35,000 in interest free a second successful year

Meals4You

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

Meals are delicious, nutritious convenient and delivered right to your door. Jewish dietary laws are observed, so for more information, please call Ilene at 904-224-6287.

Call2Go

Call2Go is the transportation program at JFCS that works 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. Please call Ilene for more information at 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 volunteering, you can make a weekly visit and or phone call to a senior or even help us deliver food to those who cannot get out. For more information, please call Gail at 904-3945723.

Homecare Services

Holocaust Homecare Services are available to residents of the Jacksonville Jewish 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.

Free Rides for High Holiday Services

Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

JFCS provides High Holiday transportation at no charge. Please plan ahead and remember you must call at least 48 hours in advance of your requested ride. Our phone number is 904-224-6287 and we wish you a Happy, healthy and sweet New Year.

loans to Jax students

By Jewish Family & Community Services

In partnership with Jacksonville Jewish Family & Community Services, The Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) has loaned $37,616 to students in the Jacksonville area for the 2015-16 school year. At the 2015 loan review sessions in Atlanta and Miami this past July, JELF Board members and volunteers came together to give final consideration to the spring loan applicants. During these sessions the organization awarded a lump sum of $753,480 to a total of 199 Jewish students throughout the southeast, including Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. $294,272 or nearly 40-percent of those monies will go toward assisting students in the Sunshine State.

Additional funds will be awarded after the fall application period, enabling even more students to fill the gap between the resources they assembled through grants, loans and scholarships and the real cost of their education.

While JELF currently administers more than $4.2 million in outstanding loans, it has maintained its impressive 98-per-

By Jewish Family & Community Services

cent repayment rate. As students repay their loans, JELF uses that money to make new loans, creating a circle of tzedakah. JELF loans are need-based and can be used for full-time undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as vocational programs. For additional information, email info@ jelf.org, call 770-396-3080, or visit www.jelf.org. Applications for a JELF interest-free loan for the spring and or summer 2016 semesters will be available on the JELF website from Sept. 1 – 30, 2015. Applications for the 20162017 academic year will become accessible starting in March 2016.

Sheridan to perform at next Holocaust family gathering

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Noted speaker and performer Frannie Sheridan will present a stimulating program at the next Holocaust Family Gathering entitled ‘Voice of Gen 2- The Power of Truth Telling’, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18 from 1 - 3 p.m. at the Temple, Congregation Ahavath Chesed. During the talk, Sheridan will share her amazing true life story and journey out of inherited PTSD into truth, humor and healing. The daughter of Orthodox Jewish Holocaust Survivors who converted to Catholicism, she will detail her courageous journey out of secrets and lies and into her amazing path

Disability Awarness Continued from p. 1 is terrific. To know that our children can go to Sunday school and learn about their culture and heritage is wonderful. To send our children to a Jewish day camp, and have an extra person to give them the help and support they need to be other kids, is amazing. All of these are things that every parent wants for their child.

Unfortunately, with a disability, this isn’t always possible, and for most, it is financially impossible.

Having a disability can be very isolating and lonely for both the person and their family.

Stares, nasty comments, undeserved judgments can be heard to deal with but when it happens within out Jewish community, it hurts even more. One of the programs that helps combat this is the ‘Sibling Support Group’. As mentioned previously, a disability affects not only the person, but the entire family. How it affects a mother or father, brothers or sis-

A second successful camp year drew to a close for JFCS and our partner Camp Ki Tov, supporting children with special needs in our community. The children were able to experience a summer filled with lots of activities and field trips while still being just one of the campers. This year the kids were able to participate in archery, fishing, and swimming in addition to hosting fun events

such as a petting zoo, bounce house, and magical pirate stop by the camp. During other weeks, campers even ventured out to go bowling, visit the zoo, fire station, and St. Augustine to help broaden their horizons. Everyone had a fantastic summer camp experience thanks to the amazing staff who helped head up the program.

Camp staff is already looking forward to expanding next summer’s program and overall experience for the kids.

Dignity U Wear helps support Achievers for Life program

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Larri Jo Vretis, a JFCS Achievers for Life (AFL) family advocate was tasked with exploring possible donations from Dignity U Wear to provide uniforms for new AFL sixth graders in anticipation of the upcoming school year. As a friend of the agency, Linda Landwirth, spoke with Dignity U Wear and was able to arrange a donation of khaki pants but more importantly, obtained a grant from the Fanny Landwirth Foundation to purchase other uniform clothing for AFL students.

Vretis went above and beyond the

call of duty and her efforts will no doubt benefit many of the AFL students and their families. For those who don’t know, Achievers for Life is funded through the United Way to provide middle school students at-risk of dropping out with comprehensive services to help move them successfully into the next grade level. This in turn also increases their chances of completing high school on time. JFCS provides these services in ten Duval County middle schools. Thanks again to both Larri Jo Vretis and Linda Landwirth for all of their help and support in this cause.

JFCS adds new director of development & marketing back home to her proud Jewish self. A dessert buffet will follow the talk, for more information please contact Naomi Mirensky at 904-394-5777 or nmirensky@ jfcsjax.org. ters, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, is different. The adults in the family can find support in several places, other family members, friends, support groups, and therapists, but until now, there has not been a support group for siblings. So often, it is the typical child that is forgotten: “they are fine”, or “they don’t need me like my other child does,” are phrases that are often uttered. Some become ‘the helper’ or ‘the protector’, some may withdraw, and some may become angry. Whatever the impact, these siblings are often going through it alone. The sibling support group allows them to meet kids in similar situations and realize that they are not the only one dealing with this.

With disability awarness month coming up in October, and the continued support of this program as well as ones like it through the art of inclusion, it is important to keep in mind their ability to not only change the lives of many Jewish children and families living with a disability, but it will also alter the lives of those who are not.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Kathy Wohlhuter, CFRE, is the new director of development and marketing at Jewish Family & Community Services and is delighted to be part of its leadership team. She comes to JFCS from the University of North Florida where she was previ-

ously director of development of the Coggin College of Business.

Before joining UNF, she served as the senior director of development for the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Medicine and its medical center. Wohlhuter holds degrees from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and Northern Illinois University.

JFCS will be closed for: Labor Day

(Monday, Sept. 7)

Sukkot

(Monday, Sept. 14) (Tuesday, Sept. 15)

Simchat Torah

Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur

(Wednesday, Sept. 23)

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

(Monday, Sept. 28) (Tuesday, Sept. 29) (Monday, Oct. 5) (Tuesday, Oct. 6)

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Rosh Hashanah JCF holds inaugural PAC committee meeting 2015 - 5776 message In a few weeks, Jews around the world will celebrate the Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah. During this holiday, we will repeat the words T’shuvah, Tefillah, and Tzedekah (repentance, prayer, and charity), to ensure that in the coming year we will avoid tragedy and hardship. It is interesting to me that we say these words to ensure a pleasant and healthy year and that we will “avoid the

By JEFF evil decree”. I have often wonKLEIN, dered why we Executive say these words and not others.

Director I have also wondered why we don’t have to commit to simply being nice people on Rosh Hashanah.

If we look deeper into these words, we can learn a few things about our own Jewish heritage and culture. We see that by repenting from what we’ve done and praying even more, we can begin to change ourselves by becoming better people. Then, by learning about the giving of Tzedekah we can begin to affect change in the outside world. It is incredible to think that a religion would include these three simple words on one of its most important holidays. Placing the concept of giving to the forefront of our minds ensures that as Jews, we try to make the world a better place to live in. The giving of Tzedekah is not only to be practiced during this High Holiday season, but it is something that should be a focus of Jewish life year round. Charity and Tzedekah are playing very special roles in the lives of Jews here in Northeast Florida and at the JCF. Families and individuals establish donor advised funds. These funds function as a charitable checking account with the JCF to assist in paying their synagogue dues and donations, or perhaps for capital funds or High Holiday appeals. Since we are set up to seamlessly accept appreciated securities like stock, people may transfer their stock to the JCF and can save capital gains taxes while making a charitable gift. Others use the JCF to make contributions this time of year for programs and services in Israel.

Rosh Hashanah is a very special time of year. As we sit at our beautiful tables with abundant foods and a round raisin challah, we may lose sight that Tzedekah is needed by local families facing economic hardships, now more than ever.

With people losing their jobs and gas and grocery prices ever increasing, our local agencies are being pressed into action to assist. Food, housing, and medical care can all be provided through our generous Tzedekah to many worthwhile organizations.

As we come to the close of 5775, Jewish men and women can make a powerful statement in the Jewish and secular world by directing their Tzedekah and transforming our community into a place where we all share in the abundance of good life and happiness. On behalf of our JCF President Sue Nussbaum and our JCF officers, board, and the JCF staff, we wish you and your families a very healthy and happy New Year.

MONEY MATTERS

BY KEVIN ROGERS JCF Project Coordinator

We are delighted to report that the inaugural meeting of the JCF Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) was held Tuesday, July 28 in Jacksonville. The JCF PAC will play a pivotal role in ensuring our community’s future as the group will provide professional support and guidance on endowment opportunities within the Jewish community. It will

also present educational seminars to community members and be listed on the new JCF web site. In time, PAC participants will be recognized by their peers throughout Northeast Florida as experts in working with individuals and families in Jewish philanthropy and estate planning.

JCF PAC members include: Sheryl Bordelon (Capital Analysts, Inc), Justin Breidenstein (Neville Breidenstein Wainio CPAs), Matthew Edelman

(Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP), Bill Grant (Prudential), Barbara Jaffe (Morgan Stanley Smith Barney), Mark Kraus (Innovative Financial Solutions, Inc), Louis Larmoyeux III (Northwestern Mutual), Bert Livingston (National Financial Services Group), Daniel Miller (Brightway Insurance), Eliot Safer (Duss, Kenney, Safer, Hampton & Joos, PA), David Vandroff (Vandroff Insurance Agency) and Louis Walsh (Walsh Investment Consulting Group).

An extremely exciting event

we are planning is a JCF PAC trip to Israel. The cost of the trip will be subsidized through the generosity of a JCF donor.

Our hope is that this special trip will be affordable for everyone who wants to participate. If you are interested in becoming a member of the JCF PAC, or for more information, please contact Executive Director Jeff Klein at 904-265-6855 or e-mail him at jeff.klein@jewishfoundationnefl. org.

Partner Spotlight: Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

BY KEVIN ROGERS JCF Project Coordinator

The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville and the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida have a unique relationship which acts as a shining example of how federations and Jewish foundations can work together toward the enrichment of the community. Since the inception of the JCF, volunteer leadership has been deeply involved with the Federation. The Federation supports the JCF not only financially, but in many other way as many of our key JCF volunteer leaders and board members have served or are currently serving on the Federation board.

As professionals, Federation executive director Alan Margolies and JCF executive director, Jeff Klein have forged a strong relationship, collaborating to ensure that donors to the Federation know not only how to establish Annual Campaign Endowments (ACE) and Lion of Judah Endowment funds (LOJE), but why it is so important. The JCF has about $ 4.5 million of current and future ACE and LOJE funds. These funds have been established through life insurance policies, bequests, cash and appreciated securities. The JCF and Federation are commit-

• 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. Last month, 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 long-term engagement and impact of the B’nai Tzedek program for past, current and future participants • Investment Oversight Committee (IOC) – Members

ted to growing this segment of endowment funds.

You may be wondering why someone would establish an ACE or LOJE. Recently, a local couple living in a retirement community met to discuss establishing their own ACE. The couple, well into their 80’s, had contributed to the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville’s Annual Campaign for nearly 60 years. It has been during that span of time that both the husband and wife personally witnessed the difference their annual gift has made in the lives of people here in Jacksonville, in Israel and around the world. Our local and national federation system, which includes the Joint Distribution Committee in Europe and the Jewish Agency in Israel, have saved and enhanced the lives of millions of Jews worldwide. That is why they have given for so many years and continue to give to this day.

This couple was shown an illustration on how an ACE could be established through some simple estate planning so that their support will continue even when they are no longer here.

Their Federation annual gift is $1,000. To establish an ACE in perpetuity their endowment fund would need to be about 20 times that amount ($20,000

in this example). The JCF uses a grant model whereby we pay out a percentage of the fund’s annual value. Currently, the JCF pays out five percent and in this case that percentage would represent an annual gift to the Federation of $1,000 in perpetuity.

In the almost 60 years this wonderful couple has given to the Federation, they’ve also had the privilege of witnessing many amazing events. Locally, they’ve seen the Jewish community grow in leaps and bounds, transforming the lives of many through the programs and services funded

by Federation and its allocations.

Globally, they have witnessed the establishment of the State of Israel

as well as the resettling of Jews from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. This couple is committed to ensuring that the Federation has the necessary funds to maintain its support for critical programs for generations to come and because of that, they know their Federation gift has made a difference in the past and will continue to make an significant impact in the future.

To learn how you may establish an ACE or LOJE, please contact Jeff Klein at the JCF, 904-2656855, jeff.klein@jewishfoundationnefl.org or Alan Margolies at the Federation, 904-448-5000, ext.

207, alanm@jewishjacksonville. com.

of the IOC continue the work of identifying and selecting the best Investment Management Advisor for the JCF. Keep up to date with more information as it becomes available in the coming months.

• ReBranding – The JCF rebranding effort is beginning to take shape. Be on the lookout for a new JCF and CJL logo soon.

• Lunch and Learn – It was an honor to host Rabbi Feigenbaum, Education Director at Etz Chaim Synagogue, and about a dozen others for the July ‘Lunch & Learn’. Thanks to Rabbi Feigenbaum for allowing the JCF to host as well as share vital insights into the Jewish concept of Tzedakah.

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

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES

RIVER GARDEN 2015 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $195,000

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

education

High Holy Day enrichment Prominent JCC educational classes now offered at consultant to visit Block Gan Michele Block Gan Yeladim BY MOLLY SWEET Michele Block Gan Yeladim

Students will learn the signifigance of apples and honey when celebrating the new year as well as the blowing of the shofar on Yom Kippur

BY MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim

As the initial excitement of the new school year begins to take shape, classes at Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten are beginning to settle into a steady pace. While students and teachers are busy with their studies, excitement for the fastapproaching High Holiday season is growing.

The high holidays are a special time for Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten the students. Through the school’s educators and resources, not only will kids participate in engaging holiday experiences, but they will also take part in thoughtful lessons about the meaning and value of numerous Jewish holiday traditions.

During Rosh Hashanah, students will explore the significance

of apples and honey in the New Year. The Everything Apples program takes place Friday, Sept. 11, at 1:30 p.m. Led by Block Gan Judaics Instructor Karen Morse, students will bake an apple treat for a sweet New Year and make an apple project to take home. In addition, students will be delighted by the annual blowing of the Shofar by Rabbi Lief from Temple Ahavath Chesed. On Friday, Oct. 2, at 1:30 pm, students will join Morah Karen in the sukkah to create things to taste, touch, hear, see and feel in a Sensational Sensory Sukkot adventure.

Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten holiday enrichment classes are open to children ages three to six throughout the entire community.

For more information, contact Rochelle Golomb at 904-730-2100 ext. 259 or rochelle.golomb@ jcajax.org.

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The JCC Association of North America plays a major role in supporting the efforts of JCA teachers and on Sept. 10, Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten faculty will welcome Mark Horowitz, the JCC vice president of early childhood education and family engagement, to share his expertise, insights, and inspirations.

Horowitz comes to Jacksonville from New York City where he serves as a consultant for JCC schools around the nation. Michele Block Gan Yeladim faculty

is eager to gain the thoughtful perspectives of one of the leading authorities on Jewish early childhood education. Horowitz’s areas of expertise include current research trends and exemplary practices in the field of early childhood education. “Having support from the JCC Association has been invaluable to our school,” said Michele Block Gan Yeladim director Theresa Levy.

“We are always provided with opportunities to learn the most current and successful teaching methods and when given these tools for success, our teachers always rise to the occasion in the classroom,” she added.

As Rabbi Ishmael ben Rabbi

Jose once said, “One who studies Torah in order to teach is given the means to study and teach; and one who studies the Torah in order to practice is given the means to study and to teach, to observe and practice.” This philosophy is exemplified within the classrooms of Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten. Equipped with a wealth of resources for teacher training and professional development, Michele Block Gan Yeladim teachers are always observing, reflecting and practicing methods to learn and grow as educators and this special visit from Mr. Horowitz will enable them to do just that.

Martin J. Gottlieb Day School welcomes new crop of kindergartners for 2015-16

By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is excited to start the 2015-16 school year with a large class of 17 Kindergartners. On

the first day of class (Aug. 24), the new students and their parents received a blessing from Rabbi Jim Rogozen, Head of Schools at Galinsky Academy, as they began their exciting journey of Jewish Day School education. Led by

General Studies teacher Pamela Lewis, herself a day school alum, and Jewish Studies teacher Edith Horovitz, the entire staff looks forward to celebrating many milestones with the class of 2024!

Nancy Rubenstein, REALTOR

®

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

Jacksonville Jewish History on Fall registration now open display at The Temple Archives for Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue religious school

Scan QR code to watch video feature of Mack and the Temple Archives on

BY MATT FRANZBLAU Federation Communications Director

Nestled away just beyond Congregation Ahavath Chesed’s library is a small room known as the Temple Archives. A sign above the door denotes that history is housed there but a simple step inside those hallowed halls makes everyone realize it is a space and a place where history comes alive. Temple archivist Hazel Mack has been working to collect and perfect the growing collection long before some of the synagogue’s current confirmands were even born.

“How these archives began, was in about 1980, Natalie Glickstein was asked to write about the 100-year history of this congregation which had been chartered in 1882,” she explained. “So she recruited me back in 1987 and got me involved with the archives and I fell in love with it.”

For Mack it became a labor of love as each day she spent there was a lesson in local Jewish history.

“It was a slow process as we began getting displays for the confirmation pictures and trying to gather pictures of past presidents in addition to filing things.”

One photo of a particular past president proved to be most significant as it was of Morris Dzialynski, the first and only Jewish major of Jacksonville. As the collection of records began to grow so did Mack’s need for space to house all of her and the Temple’s precious collection.

“They started working on the construction for the addition to the building here and I pleaded with them to give me an archive room because there was no place to work or display anything,” she remembered. “So as the room started to develop, every time

I would turn around there was another box of things in here.”

But Mack wasn’t alone in her efforts as she was afforded the time and hard work of others in the community.

“I was very fortunate in having a lady by the name of Lois Gilbert who gave me her time and we spent about two days a week here and about six hours a day cataloging everything,” she said about the archives’ earliest days. “I’ve had a lot of people in here helping input information over the years and it took a lot of time but so far we’ve got about 15,000 entries in the computer and we’re not finished.”

Even though the Temple’s collection may be humble in comparison with other larger scale historical archives around town, it is quite professional and can stand tall among any archival organization in the region.

“We have acid free boxes for everything and we have vital statistic books, keeping records of everyone who was born, died, Bar or Bat-Mitzvah’d, married, confirmation converted, we have them all,” she boasted.

Despite the sizable collection that now calls the archive room home, Mack is always willing to look over someone’s prospective donation to see if there is room for it among the other historical artifacts from the Jacksonville Jewish community.

“I mean there is always someone bringing something in and some of it I can keep but some of it I can’t,” she explained.

The Temple Archives is located at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, 8727 San Jose Blvd. Archivist Hazel Mack can be reached at fdldede@gmail.com for more information.

JJC Sisterhood to hold its annual paid up membership meeting

By Jacksonville Jewish Center Sisterhood

Next month the Jacksonville Jewish Center Sisterhood will hold its annual Paid Up Membership Meeting, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 11 at 12 p.m. The JJC Sisterhood is comprised of women of all ages with different interests that come together to make a difference in our community. “If you haven’t come to an event in a while, please come and check us out because I know

you will be pleasantly surprised that we have evolved with the times and our events are timely and meaningful,” said sisterhood president Marjie Rogozinski. “I believe that time is precious and limited, and I want every woman that attends a meeting or event to feel that it was worth their time,” she added. The organization’s theme this year is women who can make a difference, which in essence describes exactly what the Jacksonville Jewish Center Sisterhood is all about.

By Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue’s Religious School is accepting registration for the upcoming 2015-16 school year.

Opening day is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and there will be a special

guest during T’Filah services for both students and their parents.

Parents will be able to enjoy a bagel and a cup of coffee, while kibbitzing with the board of trustees. For more information or for access to the forms to sign up, call Marla at 904-273-9100 or email her at marla@bethelbeaches.org.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • September 2015

LIFECYCLES Births Shelby Rena Rauchwarger was welcomed to the world on July 22, 2015 by proud parents Alicia and Jesse Rauchwarger, in addition to big brother, Bradley.

The proud grandparents are Annette and Jerry Goodfarb, Deborah and Don- Shelby Rauchwarger ald Kaye, and Dr. Alan and Diana Rauchwarger. Her Great-grandfather is Edward Bernard. Shelby is named in memory of her greatgrandmothers Sibby Millrood and Rena Bernard.

Mazel Tov to Paige and Lee Lemay of Lake Mary, Fla. on the birth of their daughter, Maya Harper Lemay, on Tuesday, July 7. The proud grandparents are Barbara and Jan Butensky of Jacksonville and Miriam Lemay and Tommy Lemay, who call Israel home. Great grandparents are Sally and Henry Butensky of Jacksonville and Seymour and Shirley Gelzer of Boca Raton, Fla. Madison Olivia Lewis, daughter of Melissa and Greg Lewis and sister of Lorelei, of Orlando, was born on August 11. The proud grandparents are Renie and Gerald Levin of Jacksonville and Linda Lewis, of Topeka, Kan.

B’nai Mitzvah Adi Hayam and Alena Meris Zuckerman, daughters of Tonia Burns, and David and Vickie Zuckerman, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of their B’not Mitzvah, Saturday, Sept. 5 at CongregaAdi Hayam tion Beth-El The Beaches Synagogue.

Adi is in the eighth grade at Landrum Middle School, has been an A/B honor roll Alena Meris student, Zuckerman placing second in the Tropicana Speech Contest. In her spare time, Adi’s enjoys playing sports, reading, music and taking part in beach activities in addition to assisting younger children and playing with all of her friends. Alena is in the seventh grade at Landrum Middle School, where she is an A/B Honor Roll student. Her hobbies include listening to music, photography and going to the beach.

For their mitzvah project, Adi and Alena have done volunteer work for many community service organizations, including Winston Family YMCA, Camp Invention and Generation W. Andrew Wright, son of Lisa Wright, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, Saturday, Sept. 5, at Congregation Ahavath Chesed. Sharing in the simcha will be his sisters Sarah, Lauren and Hallie; grandparents; and many other friends and family.

Drew is in the eighth Andrew Wright

grade at Patriot Oaks Academy, where he is in the gifted program.

He plays the clarinet and saxophone in his school symphonic and jazz bands and was selected for the 2015 St. Johns All-County Middle School Honor Band. He also plays baseball for Creeks Baseball Club (CBC) Riverhawks Grey and this will be his sixth season playing travel baseball.

Sympathies … To the family of Ruth Olgin Baker, who passed away July 28 at the age of 88. She is survived by her husband, Milton Baker, her son Paul Garber, as well as her stepdaughter Lois Tompkins in addition to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on July 30 in Newburgh, N.Y., with interment in California. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … To the family of Raymond Berson, who passed away July 24, at the age of 52. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Greene, parents, Judel and Charlotte Berson, and sisters Sharon (David) McCall and Naomi (Anthony) Chait. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center or to the charitable organization of your choosing. … To the family of Virginia Monroe, who passed away Aug. 3 at the age of 89. She is survived by her daughters, Mareda (Michael) Friedman Vada (Bob) Mills and Sandy Monroe, grandchildren, Ari (Tanya) Friedman, Morrisa (James) Hansen, Jeff (Angela) Molliver, and David Molliver, as well as great-grandson Liam Friedman. Funeral services were held Aug. 7 in Weston, W.V. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … To the family of long-time Congregation Ahavath Chesed member and Jacksonville business man Stanley Schwartz Davidow, who passed away July 31 in Dallas Texas at the age of 75.

He is survived by his two sons, Malcolm Hartley Davidow of Wynnewood, Pa. and Seth Carlin Davidow of Dallas, daughters-inlaw Melany Trudeau and Marni Davidow; and three grandchildren: Gabrielle, Ari and Joelle Davidow. Funeral services were held at Temple Emanu-El, Dallas, with his brother, Rabbi Fred Victor Davidow of Philadelphia, officiating. Donations may be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, Dallas Symphony Orchestra or Temple Emanu-El. … To the family of Jacksonville Jewish Center member Lester Edelstein, who passed away Aug. 4 in Hollywood, Fla. at the age of 92. He is survived by his children, Sandra, Barbara, and Mindy; his brother Lloyd (Lois) Edelstein; and his granddaughter Rachel. A graveside service was held Aug. 10 at the New Center Cemetery.

Contributions in his memory can be directed to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … To the family of Sylvia Turetz, who passed away Aug. 12 at the age of 88. She is survived by her husband Richard Turetz and children, Marilyn Kanas and Alan Turetz. Funeral services were held Aug. 14 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. The family requests that contributions in her memory be made to Temple Sisterhood Braille Group. … To the family of Edmund Herring of Virginia Beach, Va., who passed away Aug. 14 at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife Marcy as well as his,

children, Michael (Sherry) Herring, Charles (Terry) Herring, Joyce Herring Bolton; and grandchildren, Lisa, Craig, Tyler, Kelsey, and Sarah. Minyans were held at the Herring home in Jacksonville, Aug. 19-20. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. his memory can be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. … To the family of former Ft. Lauderdale Jewish Federation Executive Director Joe Telles, who passed away Aug. 12. He is survived by his wife Selma and daughters Robin and Judy Lewis.

Funeral services took place Aug. 14, in South Florida and a shiva was observed locally at the Lewis home in Jacksonville. … To the family of Jacksonville Jewish Center member Herbert Gordon, who passed away Aug. 20 at the age of 76. His is survived by his first cousin, Alan (Renee) Gordon. Funeral services were held Aug. 21 at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center, River Garden Hebrew Home, or Mt. Carmel Gardens Senior Living.

Announcements

The Torah Academy of Jacksonville’s Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy The Torah Academy of Jacksonville admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.

Torah Academy of Jacksonville does not discriminate in areas of personnel and employee concerns on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Torah Academy of Jacksonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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For guidelines of how to write Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding or obituary announcements, go to jewishjacksonville.org/news under “Share your news.”

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synagogue news

The Temple looks to save lives with blood Jax Jewish Center well and bone marrow drives this September represented at ICARE Nehemiah Assembly

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) is committed to tikkun olam (repairing the world.) The Tikkun Olam Committee organizes opportunities throughout the year which remind us how blessed we are by the bounty that surrounds. It also serves as a reminder of the poverty and hardship that surrounds us as well. It’s with this in mind that on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 9 a.m., the One Blood bloodmobile will be parked in The Temple’s front parking lot. Those 17 years old and up, who are in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate. 16year-olds can participate as well with parental consent.

“We cannot eliminate the challenges too many families face but we can make a differ-

ence in someone’s life, each and every day,” expressed Mike Elkin, Chair of the Tikkun Olam Committee. “It is not hard and it is not taxing, imagine how different a community we could be, if everyone did some act of kindness every day.”

In less than 45 minutes, one donor could potentially save the life of three people. The need for blood often exceeds the supply, so because of this every donation is valuable. Goldie Lansky, Executive Director at The Temple had a personal experience with this subject recently as she met a gentleman at the Jacksonville Sharks’ season finale. That man was wearing a t-shirt which read, ‘My life was saved by a blood donor.’ “Suddenly, there was a face to all my years of giving blood. That image is indelible

and I want to sign up now every 56 days,” Lansky said.

In addition to the blood drive, Yom Kippur afternoon, Congregation Ahavath Chesed will host its annual Bone Marrow Registry drive. With this simple venture, a single person can save a life in just five minutes and only with the swab of a cheek.

“If you are 45 or younger and in good health, you are eligible to participate,” said registry drive chair Susan Elinoff. “We are proud to have helped grow the registry over the last three years and are committed to its continued growth.” Those who are worshipping Yom Kippur morning with a congregation other than The Temple, are welcome to come between 1 - 2 p.m. to start the New Year off right by swabbing a cheek and saving a life.

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Rehabilitation | Adult Day Care | Home Health Care | Long-Term Care | Memory Care | Independent Living

Ask For River Garden

BY RABBI MERRILL SHAPIRO Temple Shalom of Deltona

More than a dozen members of the Jacksonville Jewish Center represented the Jewish Community as some 3,000 people gathered at Potter’s House International Ministries this spring to call on government leaders to act affirmatively on a variety of social issues facing Duval County. So critical was the participation of JJC members that the entire program began with an invocation by the Center’s Hazzan Jesse Holzer.

ICARE, the Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation and Empowerment, is comprised of 38 congregations in Duval County and is now in its 17th year. Combined, these congregations represent more than 30,000 resid residents from a broad crosssecti section of the Jacksonville communi munity. ICARE is incorporated in Fl Florida as a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) ta tax exempt and politically non-partisan organization. It was created to powerfully address citywide concerns related to issues of justice and fairness and is a direct action organization not a direct service organization.

The Coalition uses its collective people power to press elected officials and other city leaders on county-wide solutions to the problems which plague our

community such as crime, low graduation rates, homelessness, unemployment and other community concerns.

Nehemiah, described in the biblical book which bears his name, was the cupbearer t the King of Persia in the fifth century B.C.E. Learning that the remnants in Judah were in distress and that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, he asked the king for permission to return and rebuild the city. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, he exacted a promise of cooperation from the people who declared that, “we, according to our ability, will redeem our brethren.” And it was in the same spirit that the representatives of the JJC participated with the goal to redeem all of their brothers and sisters in the Jacksonville community, including the poor, disenfranchised and powerless who live among us.

The Jacksonville Jewish Center invites everyone to participate with its Rodef Tzedek/Social Justice Committee. Last month, the JJN highlighted Hazzan Holzer’s trip to Charleston which was organized by ICARE. For more information about Rodef Tzedek and ICARE, please contact Hazzan Holzer at hholzer@jaxjewishcenter.org or Kim Glasgal at kglasgal@gmail.com.

Look mom … I got a strike!

Ollie Zicht had a great time to go along with his equally great performance at Temple Bet Yam’s recent family bowling party

Celebrate the seasons at Beth El – The Beaches

By Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

Because There Is No Comparison Jewish Dietary Laws Observed. River Garden is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

11401 Old St. Augustine Road | Jacksonville, FL 32258 | 904-260-1818 | www.rivergarden.org

Beth El The Beaches Synagogue is excited to invite its congregants to its annual ‘Celebrate The Seasons’ membership cocktail party, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, from 6:30 - 8:30pm. The event is an opportunity to mix and mingle with other members of the Beth El family and is a chance for leadership to say thank you for all the congregation’s support and

hard work throughout the year.

Beth El continues to flourish at the Beach due to the efforts of all its members. All paid members of the synagogue are invited and this year for the first time, babysitting will be offered during the party, provided by the temple’s teens.

If you have any questions or are interested in hearing more about Beth El The Beaches Synagogue, please call 904-273-9100 or email marla@bethelbeaches.org.

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SYNAGOGUE NEWS

Etz Chaim’s lunch & learns The Temple’s annual Mah Jongg create nourishment for the tournament returns in October mind, body and the soul

By The Temple Sisterhood

Lunch & Learns led by Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum of Etz Chaim Synagogue will be available in two locations this fall, Downtown Jacksonville and Mandarin

BY KEN JACOBS For the third year in a row, Lunch and Learns will provide an opportunity during the hustle and bustle of our hectic workday to pause and reflect on how to bring meaning to our lives. Each month, Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum, Etz Chaim Synagogue’s education director, visits with employees and professionals to conduct these engaging lunch programs at noon, alternating between Downtown Jacksonville and Mandarin locations. Whether discussing the meaning of an upcoming holiday, personal growth or everyday life issues, Rabbi Feigenbaum facilitates interactive discussions

with enthusiasm and passion. In addition to providing a delicious kosher lunch free of charge, these monthly sessions are uplifting and informative.

This year’s Lunch and Learns resume in Mandarin at the JCA on Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Downtown, Friday Sept. 18 at the law offices of GrayRobinson, P.A. These events are open to men and women of all denominations and backgrounds. Past participants are grateful for the time Rabbi Feigenbaum devotes each month to provide a delightful oasis of meaning and inspiration in our daily lives. For further information, please contact Rabbi Feigenbaum at rabbifeigenbaum@ etzchaim.org.

DOWNTOWN LUNCH & LEARNS

MANDARIN LUNCH & LEARNS

Federation Campaign Chair

* held on Fridays @ 12 p.m.

Sept. 18 / Oct. 23 / Nov. 13 Dec. 11 / Jan. 22 / Feb. 19 Mar. 11 / Apr. 8 / May 13

* held on Wednesdays @ 12 p.m.

Sept. 9 / Oct. 14 / Nov. 11 Dec. 2 / Jan. 13 / Feb. 3 Mar. 2 / Apr. 13 / May 25

Jacksonville Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group in search of new members

BY HELLEN HILL Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group

Did you know there is a Women’s Rosh Chodesh group that meets in Jacksonville? It convenes 11 times a year in the chapel of Congregation Ahavath Chesed (8727 San Jose Blvd.) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday’s following a Rosh Chodesh and is open to all women in the community that are Bat Mitzvah age and over. In the tradition of Rosh Chodesh (the head of the month) it is ‘a special time for women’, which is why this group comes together in prayer and song. The group also shares special readings and meaningful discussions on topics of interest

to Jewish women. It is a truly unique time to come together each month, as the moon goes from waning to waxing and to experience the energy of starting anew.

Since we will all be welcoming Rosh Chodesh Tishrei at Rosh Hashanah, please plan to join us when we come together next, Thursday, Oct. 15, to welcome the month of Cheshvan. Those planning to attend are invited to bring a friend, daughter or even their mother, and of course their tambourines. For more information, contact Goldie Lansky at 904-733-7078, goldielansky@ att.net or Helen Hill at 904-9982187, hjhill@comcast.net.

The Temple Sisterhood is thrilled to announce that this year’s annual Mah Jongg tournament will take place Sunday, Oct. 11 at Congregation Ahavath Chesed in Jacksonville.

The tournament, now in its sixth year, attracts players from as far away Orlando to southern Georgia. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. followed by lunch and tournament play begins at 12:30 pm. There will be a total of three rounds of Mah Jongg games and awards and door prizes will be presented at the conclusion of the event. Mah Jongg items and gifts will also be on sale during the tourna-

ment.

“I thought the tournament was wonderful, as always, and our group was very proud that another Amelia Islander won second place,” said Amelia Island resident Sara, about last years event. “The food was delicious and our group enjoyed every aspect of the event.”

As the number of partici-

pants increases each year, every player is encouraged to submit the registration form early. Registration is just $25 and forms are available at the Temple – Congregation Ahavath Chesed, 8727 San Jose Blvd., or online at www.thetemplejacksonville. org. The deadline for registration is Saturday, Sept. 26.

All Mah Jongg players of ages and ability levels are welcome to spend a fun–filled afternoon while meeting new players, so be sure to grab your friends and attend the hottest event in Northeast Florida. For further information, or those with questions can call either of the event co-chairs, Ann Stone 904-565-2772 or Sheila Horowitz 904-234-7104.

Kutsher’s screening coming 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 vacation industries— this award-winning 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 904534-7381

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