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JEWISH NEWS JEWISHJACKSONVILLE.ORG | VOL. 32 NO. 2 | NOVEMBER 2018
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tree of life synagogue
pittsburgh | october 27, 2018 Thousands gather at an interfaith vigil after a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 27, 2018. Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2018 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
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ADVERTISING DIRECTORY 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:
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• Jewish Federation of Jacksonville (p. 3, 4, 9, 18, 29, 32) • Jumpin’ Jax (p. 9) • Ken Organes (p. 28) • Margo’s Catering (p. 26) • Ponte Vedra Home Care (p. 19) • River Garden (p. 15) • Stein Mart (p. 10) • Starling at San Jose (p. 21) • Wolfson Children’s Hospital (p. 12)
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JEWISH NEWS credits Editor & Communications Director Natalie McElwee nataliem@jewishjacksonville.org Editorial Support Val Battini Alarie Gibbs Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Federation President Ken Jacobs
Advertising Representatives Barbara Nykerk 904.733.4179 • 904.923.3205 Eta Perras 904.629.0466 Communications Committee Iman Byfield Jon Israel, Chair Donna O’Steen Shirley Bielski Kari Bell Helen Hill Sherrie Saag Michele Katz Joan Levin Andrea Mail Rachel Morgenthal Marsha Pollock
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 due dates: All news, photographs, etc., must be received by the 7th of each month, and sent to nataliem@jewishjacksonville.org. Ad deadlines: All ads must be received by the 15th of each month and sent to nataliem@jewishjacksonville.org in .pdf format. 8505 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217 | 904-448-5000
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FEDERATION NEWS
Federation announces new community-wide event A Night Out with Federation set for Feb. 7, 2019
Shalom Jacksonville director
A Night Out with Federation co-chairs Jeanine Rogozinski (left), Haley Trager (middle), and Daniel Miller (right).
ing Committee Member and has chaired multiple Federation events. Haley Trager is an rGEN Steering Committee Member, Federation Board Member, a member of the JFNA Young Leadership Cabinet, and is a Lion of Judah. “A Night Out with Federation is an opportunity for the whole Jewish community to come together and make an impact with their philanthropy,” said Federation
Campaign Director Lauren Rickoff. “We want everyone in the room to support Jewish life here in Jacksonville, in Israel and throughout the world by saving and changing lives through the Annual Campaign.” Help us make our first Night Out with Federation a success! Call 904-448-5000 or email laurenr@jewishfederation.org for more information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
Q&A with our “Night Out” Co-Chairs: Q: Why are you excited about this event? Haley: Year after year, our Federation raises funds to share, prepare, care for, and repair our Jewish community locally and abroad. Our professionals, lay leaders, and volunteers work tirelessly to make sure our community continues
Nov. 7 Jewish Java: “Ways to Learn to Love Your Body” BY ISABEL BALOTIN
By Jewish Federation of Jackosnville
The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville is proud to present a new community-wide event, A Night Out with Federation. Mark your calendars for a night of good food, fun, and great music at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 7, 2019, at the Jacksonville Marriott. Paying tribute to the Federation 2019 Annual Campaign theme of “All Together Now,” this event is an opportunity for the Jacksonville Jewish community to gather together under one roof and celebrate the amazing contributions of those involved with the Federation - all while moving and grooving to the sounds of The Beatles presented by BeatleBeat. The co-chairs for A Night Out with Federation are Daniel Miller, Jeanine Rogozinski and Haley Trager. Daniel Miller is an rGEN Steering Committee Member and a Federation Board Member. Jeanine Rogozinski is a longtime Lion of Judah, Federation Board Member, and Women’s Division Steer-
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
to thrive. A Night Out with Federation is a special night about celebrating our accomplishments. Every donor makes an impact, and I’m excited to see us Come Together for a fun night honoring each other and the work we all care so deeply for.
of everything our Federation does well. We bring people together, have a great time, learn something new, have fun, share a laugh with friends and family. It’s going to be an amazing night. Oh, and the Beatles… What could be better?
Daniel: A Night Out with Federation is a culmination
See NIGHT OUT, p. 29
Are you a member of the clean plate club? Were you told to eat everything on your plate because the children around the world were starving? Oy, that could be one of the reasons some of us may have body and weight issues. Join the friendly group of Jewish Java regulars at River Garden on Wednesday, November 7 for “21 Ways to Learn to Love Your Body,” presented by Lori Osachy, director of The Body Imaging Counseling Center. Lori will illustrate how practicing just five of the 21 techniques daily can bring about change and improve your self-esteem in a week’s time. For over twenty years, Lori Osachy has been tirelessly working to free the world from eating disorders and body hatred. She received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and her master’s degree in Social Services from Bryn Mawr College of Social Work and Social Research. She has become a nationally recognized authority in her field and has more than 20 years of experience in clinical counseling, research and teaching. Each Java begins at 9 a.m. in the Cohen Auditorium with a complimentary bagel brunch followed by the program. This popular monthly event is a partnership of the Jewish Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville and River Garden. Everyone is welcome, however, reservations are a must. RSVP now: Isabel Balotin, 904-448-5000 x1206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville. org. Shalom Jacksonville is the official Jewish welcome wagon of northeast Florida. We welcome newcomers from Amelia Island to St. Augustine, If you are new to the community, please contact us so we can tell you all about
our vibrant Jewish community and help you navigate and feel at home in your new surroundings. More about Lori in her own words: Is it really possible to stop hating your body and worrying about weight? This is a question near and dear to my heart, because even though I help people to recover from eating disorders every day, what often remains is body hatred and weight obsession. Even though the physical symptoms have gone away, and the person has “recovered” from their eating disorder, they still may not like their body or their looks. That is not full recovery. In order to help with this widespread problem, I thought that I would put together a list of the most powerful techniques I know to help heal weight, body and food obsession. I have already shared several of these tips in video format on my YouTube Channel. I am proud to say that National Public Radio actually used one of my videos in a fantastic story they ran on the effectiveness of positive self-talk for Science Friday. Individually these techniques may not seem like much. Or perhaps it feels overwhelming to practice all 21 techniques. Yet, I am positive that if you choose just five of these techniques and practice them daily, I promise you, you will see a huge improvement in your body image and self-esteem within just one week. Taken altogether, these 21 techniques are extremely powerful and life changing. This is powerful information and I’m thrilled to give it to you, because I want to see a world free of body image hatred and eating disorders within my lifetime. Looking forward to sharing my useful techniques with everyone.
SAVE THE DATE YOU ARE INVITED
TO THE ANNUAL
Champagne B r u n c h 10 AM Sunday, January 6, 2019 Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club
federation news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Tikkun Olam: Lily Hernandez BY LILY HERNANDEZ Tikkun Olam Participant
During this past summer, I participated in the Jewish Federation’s Israel Partnership Program, through which I had the opportunity to stay in Israel for two weeks. I went with seven other American teenagers and we stayed with Israeli hosts in the town of Hadera. For the two weeks that we were in Israel, we traveled all around the small country. I learned so much about Israel and about Israelis, and in two weeks it felt as if we had seen the whole country. It was an incredible experience. While on the trip, we visited many of the holy sites and cities in Israel along with the tourist sites. Visiting cities and sites so rich with Jewish history and being in a place where so many other people were Jewish was a profound experience. During this trip, I realized that Judaism is so deeply ingrained in Israeli culture, and it is so easy for the Israelis to be connected to their Jewish identity, that it is essentially effortless. However, this is not the case for American Jews, or Jews in other countries, constantly confronted by people from other religions and other cultures who do not understand Judaism. We, as American Jews, are not surprised to encounter hatred or ignorance, but Israelis rarely encounter this for being Jewish. When the Israelis heard about how often some of the American teens had faced ignorance, they admitted that this was surprising, and mostly foreign to them. They said that they rarely encountered hatred or ignorance towards Judaism from other Israelis since so many people around them were also Jewish. Being in this environment, I slowly came to realize and truly comprehend that I was in the Holy Land, that this was important, meaningful. In fact, visiting the Kotel was a very profound moment for me. I realized when I was within a few feet of the wall what was in front of me. The revelation was intense; in a second I recognized the significance of the holy site I faced, and I felt especially connected to my religious heritage in that moment. Each of the Americans on our trip stayed with an Israeli host family in Hadera. I stayed with a girl named Bar and her family. I am incredibly grateful that I got the chance to stay with Israelis rather than with other Americans because this opportunity transformed the entire experience. -I was able to experience the mundane daily aspects of Israeli culture. I stayed in an Israeli house; I ate true Israeli food; I rode in a car with Israelis and lived to tell about it, and most importantly I was with Israeli people. I had the chance to get to know Bar and her family and learn from them the similarities and dissimilarities of Israe-
Happy 75th Birthday, Isabel! Love, your Federation family
lis and Americans. When I stayed with Bar, I experienced Israeli life through her and her family. I went with her to dinners, to the kibbutz to meet her grandmother, to parties, and to “meetings,” which was the term the Israelis used to say that they were hanging out with their friends. All the Israeli hosts traveled around Israel with us and participated in the activities we did, and within the two weeks that I spent in Israel, I formed close relationships with several of the Israelis. I made many friends while in Israel, and I am glad to know that I will always have a connection with these people even though they live in a different country. As the two weeks came to an end, we had to say goodbye to many of the Israelis we had befriended, and it was a very emotional moment. However, four of the Israeli teens who had hosted Americans from Jacksonville came back with us to Jacksonville along with three other Israelis. Bar came and stayed with my family in Jacksonville for two weeks after I had just stayed with her family in Hadera. We showed the Israelis around Jacksonville, and we participated in many great local activities. As they had taken us to visit the holy sites in Israel, we took the Israelis in Florida to the Orlando theme parks and the St. Augustine Outlets. They did a lot of shopping. We got
to show the Israelis our home and got an extra two weeks to spend with our Israeli friends. I will never forget this experience or the people that I met while I participated in this program; I know that I will always have a strong connection with Israel and with the Israeli people because of this.
Double Shot Jewish Java
Robert L. Gold
Lori Osachy, MSS, LCSW
Dir., Body Image Counseling Ctr.
Prof. Emeritus of History
“21 Ways to Learn to Love Your Body”
“Searching Sing Sing
Wed. Dec. 5th
Wed. Nov. 7th
Lori will share the most powerful techniques she applies to her clients to help heal weight, body and food obsession. Lori believes if you choose five of these techniques and practice them daily, you will see a huge improvement in your body image and self-esteem--even in just a week! Please join us for an interesting and enlightening morning.
RSVP ASAP
Prison for My Father” In the first two decades of the 20th century, 15M immigrants entered the U.S. from Europe. Among the thousands who settled in the slums of NYC, a small minority became criminals. When Prof. Gold was forty years old, he discovered his father was imprisoned from 1924-30 in Sing Sing Prison. Hear this fascinating story told by a very engaging speaker.
RSVP by Nov. 28th
9:00-10:30 am
Cohen Auditorium - River Garden (11401 Old St. Augustine Rd.) Complimentary Bagel Brunch by Reservation Only Please RSVP to Isabel Balotin at 904-448-5000 x 1206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org
life and legacy
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Fuel Your Fund
BY KELLIE SMITH Director, Planned Giving & Endowments
BeQuestions with Kellie Smith “We have an IRA and would like to be able to use the assets from it to build our legacy – what should we know about using these monies now or upon our passing?” - Jack and Ellen The desire to create a legacy is universal - we all want to be remembered and to feel that we’ve contributed something to the world. There are many ways to begin building your legacy and utilizing assets from your IRA is a great choice! IRAs are an easy and versatile source for charitable giving (in life and in death) for many reasons. Here are just a few: • Distributions from IRAs to charities avoid income tax in both life and death and when distributed upon death avoid estate tax. • People older than 70½ can transfer up to $100,000 per year from their traditional IRAs to charity, which can count as the required minimum distribution but is not taxable if they follow the rules for a qualified charitable distribution. • IRA assets can be used during life to establish or fuel an endowment fund in your name that will produce gifts annually for years to come. • Endowed Tzedekah - create an endowment fund that your children and grandchildren will see carrying out your legacy of giving. • You can name a charity or endowment at a charity as the beneficiary of your IRA, regardless of the account size. You can also change the beneficiary of your IRA rather easily, versus revising a trust or will, which requires help from an attorney. This couple mentioned supporting their synagogue and two other charities on an annual basis. You can certainly make those gifts annually from your IRA or you could donate funds from your IRA to create an endowment fund. Imagine the “Your Family Name” Endowment Fund. With this fund you will direct the annual 5 percent distribution to your synagogue and named charities of your choosing. Here are some examples of what those distributions might look like from different sized funds: $100,000 endowment fund Annual Distribution from Fund: $2,500 to Synagogue to endow your dues $1,250 to Jewish Family & Com. Services $1,250 to Jewish National Fund $50,000 endowment fund Annual Distribution from Fund: $1,000 to Synagogue $750 to Jewish Community Alliance $750 to University of Florida And remember, the choice is yours as to how the IRA monies are utilized. You can set up an endowment fund now by making a charitable distribution from your IRA to the fund or you can establish an agreement for the fund and wait to fill it until you have passed by making
See BEQUESTIONS, p. 29
The end of the year is the time we associate most often with traveling, holidays and spending time with your family. As the calendar year comes to a close, we look ahead to the New Year. It’s the perfect time to plan for all the things you’ve promised yourself you’d get to, whether it’s converting the spare bedroom, cleaning out the garage, joining that gym or being more strategic with our finances. With all your plans for the year ahead, consider this: it’s also the perfect time to set or reevaluate your goals for your charitable giving. With your donor advised or endowment fund, you have the unique opportunity to make an impact today AND tomorrow – so make sure your fund has enough fuel for your charitable goals in 2019. The simplest way to grow your fund would be to make a traditional deposit via check, credit card or wire transfer, however there are many other ways in which you can contribute to your Fund: Gifts of securities Making gifts of appreciated securities need not be complicated. If your financial services provider hold securities in your account, ask that the securities be electronically transferred to your fund at the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. This is often the most expedient way of making your gift, and we will be pleased to furnish any information needed to complete the transfer. If you have possession of stock certificates, send the endorsed certificate and a signed stock power (available from your financial services provider) to the Federation in
separate envelopes. The gift is complete on the date of the postmark of the later envelope. Giving from other pockets Remember there are other gift sources you may wish to consider. If you are required to take withdrawals from your retirement plan this year and do not need the funds for living expenses, consider making a contribution to your Endowment Fund, if you are over 70½, you are allowed to use up to $100,000 for charitable purposes from your IRA. Gifts of Property Before you sell residential real estate and donate the net proceeds to charity, consider donating that property directly to a charity for two major benefits: • A potential income tax charitable deduction for the fair market value.
• A greater gift to charity—charities don’t pay capital gains taxes, so the full value of your gift goes to causes you care about. And there’s a third benefit of donating real estate to a public charity with a donoradvised fund program such as the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville—the opportunity to recommend how the contribution is invested on a tax-free basis, potentially increasing the amount of charitable support over time. Let’s resolve now to be more strategic and maximize our giving in 2019. Fuel your fund in 2018 and increase your Tzedakah in 2019! Have questions about how to contribute to your fund? Let us help you look ahead – stop by the Life & Legacy office at the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville or call Kellie Smith at 904-512-3796.
Professional Advisory Spotlight: Mark Moss By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
Meet Mark Moss of the Law Offices of Mark F. Moss, PLLC. We are grateful for community member like Mark and many others who are generous with their time and expertise and are willing to share of themselves to create educational dialogue and help secure Jewish tomorrows in Jacksonville. Mark will be sharing his passion and wealth of knowledge in an upcoming panel series for Life & Legacy. Stay tuned, more details will be announced soon! What is your profession? Attorney Where do you work? Law Offices of Mark F. Moss, PLLC How Long? Licensed for 3 year, firm in business for 2 Area of Focus? Estate planning, asset protection, and probate.
Mark Moss
What influenced you to choose this profession? When one of my grandfathers passed away, all of the grandchildren received a small inheritance. Upon graduation from law school, I was able to use that inheritance that had grown with the stock market, to pay off a portion of my student loans. This allowed my wife and me to purchase our home and grow our family. Favorite part of your job?
Helping families by providing peace of mind to answer the “what if” they are afraid to often discuss. That, along with the audible sigh that often comes at the end of our signing ceremonies, make this job that much more enjoyable. What is one thing you wish more people knew about planning for the future? It’s never too early to plan. Planning now, while you are “too young”, “too healthy”, or “not rich enough” is the best thing you can do for your future self. Name the biggest overall lesson you’ve learned during your professional journey: No matter how busy you are, take
the time to talk with and help people. You never know their situation or how you can help. What are your connections to the Jewish Community? Where do you worship? Currently looking to find the best fit for our growing family. Do you/have you served on the Board of a Partner Agency? I have not yet, but I currently serve on other Boards, including Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) and am involved with local networks such as BNI – Hurricanes, the Jewish Business Network of Jacksonville and Finally Friday – Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
Opinion Rabbinically Speaking: Collective Historical Consciousness BY RABBI MERRILL SHAPIRO St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society
It’s one of those shared experiences that we all know—certainly to those of us who attended elementary schools here in the United States. When we were second graders we learned all about the Pilgrims who came to Plymouth Rock and celebrated the first Thanksgiving. We identified with those immigrants to our land. After all, they came by boat. Our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents came by boat as well. They arrived after a long, arduous, dangerous and uncomfortable journey just as our forebears arrived. They were courageous to come to a new land where they didn’t speak the language, didn’t know whether they could survive or not, didn’t know how they would sustain themselves, just as our ancestors did. They undertook this challenging journey for religious freedom and so did the founders of our families. We became part of what Erik Erikson the German-American developmental psychologist of the 20th century called the “Collective Historical Consciousness” of the United States. Then, when we reached early adolescence, around the time we might have been thinking about Bat and Bar Mitzvah, it suddenly dawned on us that there was no one on the Mayflower named “Lewin” or “Kaplan” or “Goldberg” or even “Shapiro!” These fine people were not Jews! This is one of the reasons for well-founded confusion in adolescents. We are not fully part of the Collective Historical Consciousness of the United States. (After mentioning this in a sermon some years ago, a group of non-Jewish spouses approached me to remind me of their last names. I readily agreed that there were no people on the Mayflower named “Bracco” or “Alvarez” or even “Patel!”) It is only as we proceed through adolescence, and with the help of some well-qualified Jewish educators that we realize that there was no one named “Alden” or “Langmore” or “Fletcher” or even “Turner” who crossed the Sea of Reeds with Moses, Aaron and Miriam! There was no one named “Holbeck” or “Trevore” or “Chilton” present at the foot of Mount Sinai. There were no “Carters” or “Hursts” or “Winslows” when King Solomon dedicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. We have a different Collective Historical Consciousness to celebrate! Part of the Jewish Collective Historical Consciousness of our community connects us to the earliest crypto-Jews who came to what would be called “Florida’s First Coast” in the 16th century. Join the quest to learn who they were as the Society for CryptoJudaic Studies and the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society join forces to invite you to a conference entitled “Telling the Story of Crypto-Jews in the Southeast US” December 9, 2018, at World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort. You can learn more by sending an email to scjs.sajhs. conference@gmail.com
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
November Mensch of the Month Come to the Jacksonville Jewish Center on a Shabbat morning and you will
see Howard Wolpoff in a number of roles. Aside from attending Shabbat and holiday services with his wife, Beth, and their three children (Evan, Andrew and Emma) since their move to the community in 2007 from New York, you may find him on the bimah as a regular Torah reader or walking through the aisles assigning honors in his role as interim Gabbai, a position he assumed during the illness of the shul’s most recent Religious Director. You might also see him there during the week, as he drops off his children to the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School or at any number of committee meetings. He has served as the Vice President of House and is the current Vice President of Religious Life on the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s executive board. Those who know him know first hand that when something unexpected happens he doesn’t bat an eye at volunteering his time or talent to get the job done. Howie is also a very active Jacksonville marketing expert. He is the Vice President of Client Integration at Client Focused Media, a local marketing and adverHoward Wolpoff tising agency. He is the producer of three local TV shows, The Horse’s Mouth, The Jacksonville Buzz and Home and Garden TV and can be seen as an on-air host on Buzz TV’s Five Minutes With online segments. Howie previously worked at 1010XL Sports Radio as the Director of Sales and Marketing and has helped launch three businesses: Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment, the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team (both in New York) and GridironNow.com, the premier site for SEC football. Howie and his family are long time members of the JCA and very active in the River Garden community. We are lucky to have him here with us in Jacksonville and congratulate him on being the community’s November Mensch of the Month!
THE Four Questions with Jeanine Rogozinski By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
Each month, we feature a Lion from our community. This month’s featured Lion is Jeanine Rogozinski. Q: Why is being a Lion meaningful to you? A: The Jacksonville Jewish Federation is instinctively important to me. My passion for the perpetuity of the Jewish community is tantamount to everything in my life and this is the core philosophy of Federation. Being a Lion of Judah gives me a significant presence in this philanthropic milieu. My voice is stronger, my impact is broader. It is imperative to sustain our culture, values and the future of our Jewish community in Jacksonville, Israel and abroad. Q: What was your first Federation event? A: My first Federation event was actually in 1986. It was the first event I ever chaired in Jacksonville. I co-chaired the evening with my then and still dear friend Rosely Kanner at the River City Brewery. It was a fund/friend-raiser for young couples and we had a wonderful turnout with lots of door prizes! I can even remember what I wore...very 80’s...big shoulders and a long skirt! Q: What is your favorite Federation memory? A: I have fond memories of attending many Federation events. I have chaired many programs for the agency since that fateful first time. However, I have two very profound memories. The first is when Federation acknowledged my precious mother-in-law, Holocaust Survivor, Ella Rogozinski, with the honor of being an Extraordinary Woman, alongside others, at a Luncheon attended by 100+ in 2009. She spoke of her horrific experience in the camps. That was the first year I became a Lion. I was so proud of her sacrifice and her legacy, as I was of our community Federation in recognizing what an outstanding Jewish woman she was and still is! The second is when I visited Israel for the first time on an all-women’s mission in 2015. Seeing Israel through the lens of Federation and all its accomplish-
Sylvia Jaffa, Eunice Zisser and Jeanine Rogozinski at the 2018 Girlfriend Connection. Photo by Larry Tallis
ments... I realized I would be a Lion indefinitely. Q: What Jewish tradition do you want to pass on to your kids? A: Judaism is “living with tradition.” L’dor V’dor. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, my father of blessed memory, taught me the importance of “social service” and supporting Jewish causes. He actually started corporate matched-giving for his Federation. I now have four “adult” children, two son-in-laws, and two incredible grandsons. I have spent my entire life in Jacksonville giving back and paying it forward to our Jewish community. I hope my life has been an example for my family to emulate, perpetuate and to never take for granted.
Shaliach Corner: Thank you, Jerusalem! BY ROTEM GABAY Community Shaliach
Here is something you probably don’t know, soon it will be time for Jews to wish each other “Happy Holiday” yet again. That’s right - another Jewish holiday is coming up on November 7th. I know what you’re thinking, but it’s true! There is a real holiday that is celebrated by those who belong to the Ethiopian Jewish community, who celebrate the holiday “Sigd.” Sigd is celebrated each year approximately 50 days after Yom Kippur. On this day, Ethiopian Jews go to Jerusalem and fast the
whole day. They kiss the land and pray because they’re thankful for the opportunity of living in Israel and visiting Jerusalem. The journey of the Jewish Ethiopian community has been a long and hard journey, starting in the 1970’s. They walked in the middle of the night through many dangers, all the way to Sudan in what has been called “the modern exodus.” With help from the State of Israel and many international efforts, including assistance from the United States, over 145,000 Olim have been able to relocate to Israel. In the United States, this month is no stranger to people giving thanks. In the American tradition, “Thanksgiving” is
celebrated the fourth Thursday of November and though it doesn’t involve fasting, it does encourage those who celebrate to practice gratitude for all they have. So let’s leave aside for a moment the big turkey and your mother-in-law’s brisket. Here’s a simple question: what are you thankful for this year? When was the last time we stopped for a minute in our own routine to look around at the people we have in our lives to say “Thank you” or to really appreciate the little things that give us joy? It has been two months since I landed here, in a new place that has its own rules and many new people, with many differences
and even more similarity. I am thankful. I’m thankful for the opportunity I have to experience an amazing Jewish community on the other side of the world, and to be truly a part of it. I’m thankful for the right to be part of the Jewish people, who have deep roots and many traditions, but still look forward to the future and welcome change. I’m thankful to my dear family and friends that always makes me feel at home. And I’m thankful for my unique country - there is no other place like her and although there are differences and a variety of shapes, colors and opinions, I love her here every day a little bit more.
Community news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
First Coast Holocaust survivor remembers perilous journey “like it was yesterday” By Jewish Family & Community Services
Alla Korzenkova’s and her three siblings grew up in the Ukraine in the 1930s following the Holodomor, a man-made famine inflicted by Joseph Stalin’s Red Army that killed an estimated 12 million ethnic Ukrainians by starvation. Hardened by living in that harsh environment, Korsenkova’s family had no plans to flee their homeland as Hitler’s army amassed along the Ukrainian/Romanian border in 1941. That all changed on July 3 when Stalin went on the radio to announce the crushing Nazi invasion in his now infamous “brothers and sisters” speech. Stalin’s speech made it clear that life as the Ukrainian people knew it was over. “Above all,” Stalin shouted in his radio address, “it is essential that our people should understand the full immensity of the danger that threatens our country, and should abandon all complacency, all heedlessness, all peaceful constructive work that was so natural before the war, but which are fatal today.” The speech sparked a frantic evacuation that Korsenkova, now retired and living in Palm Coast, remembers vividly. Her father, a barber before the war, quickly joined his countrymen in defending their home. Her mother took the four young children with everything they could carry and boarded a train headed east, away from the fighting. Korzenkova remembers the train packed full of women and children being bombarded by Nazi warplanes. When the train was hit, four-year-old Alla closed her eyes tight. When she opened them, she saw blood gushing from a wound on her chest. The young girl who had been sitting next to her was dead. The family’s harrowing journey continued east to the Russian city of Syzran, requiring crossing the River Volga on a crowded ship that was also bombed by the Nazis. Her mother tied the family together with rope to ensure they made it to shore together as the ship sank. These are the images Korzenkova recalls, “like it was yesterday.” They’re also what she feels compelled to share with those who will listen today. Korzenkova and her husband, Yuly, are among the approximately 90 Holocaust survivors living on the First Coast that Jewish Family & Community Services assists. JFCS
case managers like Hilary Rotenberg, who visits the Korzenkovas each month, provide wraparound services that ensure Holocaust survivors receive crucial assistance such as food and medical attention. The JFCS team has also encouraged local survivors to recapture their memories. “As they get older, they want to share their stories more because they know their time is limited,” Rotenberg said.
Jewish Genealogy Society Nov. program: Local artist’s DNA test leads to many surprises BY ISABEL BALOTIN Shalom Jacksonville Director
The next local Jewish Genealogy Society will meet on Wednesday, November 14 at 6 p.m. at River Garden. Everyone is invited to attend. The guest speaker will be Heather Ferman, a well-known local artist who will dis-
cuss how a DNA test led to a fascinating and unexpected discovery. Also,we will discuss Yizkor books and how they can help uncover information about lost Jewish communities. It doesn’t matter where you are in your search, let us help you get started or assist you in finding more information. If you would like to enjoy dinner prior to the meeting, please come at 5:30 p.m. for a dutch-treat delicious dinner
at River Garden’s Cafe. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. The Jewish Genealogy Society of Northeast Florida, the Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville and River Garden Hebrew Home are sponsoring this very important event. RSVPs are must by November 7. Please contact Marla Westberg, marla@westbergfl.com or Isabel Balotin, 904448-5000 ext. 1206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org.
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community news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
River Garden Hebrew Home awarded Nursing Care Center Accreditation and Post-Acute Care Certification from The Joint Commission By River Garden Senior Services
River Garden Hebrew Home today announced it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Nursing Care Center Accreditation and Post-Acute Care Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient and resident care. River Garden underwent a rigorous onsite survey August 28-30, 2018. During the review, Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated compliance with nursing care center standards related to several areas, including assistance with activities of daily living, coordination of care, and staff education and training. Surveyors also conducted on-site observations and interviews with leaders and staff of the organization. “Joint Commission accreditation and certification provides nursing homes with
a framework for the processes needed to improve the care patients and residents receive,” said Gina Zimmermann, MS, executive director, Nursing Care Center Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission. “We commend River Garden for its efforts to become a quality improvement organization.” “River Garden is delighted to receive accreditation and certification from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation. Along with our other awards, Joint Commission accreditation serves as validation of the excellence of our programs, and it is a testament to the ongoing support of the Jacksonville Jewish community,” added Martin A. Goetz, Chief Executive Officer. Mauri Mizrahi, Associate Administrator at River Garden, championed the certification project over the last year. She added, “Staff from across our care community continues to work together to develop and implement approaches and strategies that improve care for our
JCA Pizza in the Hut was a fun, family event to celebrate Sukkot By Jewish Community Alliance
On Thursday, Sept. 27, JCA members and families gathered at the JCA outdoor Sukkah to carry on the tradition of holding the etrog and shaking the lulav this past Sukkot. It was a wonderful community event with songs, crafts and community.
patients and residents.” As an eight-time recipient of the Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care, River Garden is well known for top-rated senior care. Established in 1966, The Joint Commission’s Nursing Care Center Accreditation Program accredits more than 1,000 organizations that offer nursing home and other long term care services. The Post-Acute Care Certification award was launched in 2013 by The Joint Commission to recognize nursing homes that demonstrate advanced competencies in the provision of post-acute care to patients and residents recently hospitalized. The accreditation and certification programs are awarded for a three-year period. The River Garden campus includes: River Garden Hebrew Home, a 180-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility; The Coves at River Garden, an 80-unit independent living community; River Garden Home Health Care, a Florida licensed and Medicare certified home health agency; River Garden Rehab, providing
short-stay rehabilitation and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapies; River Garden Adult Day Care; The Albert Z. Fleet Geriatric Training Center, providing continuing education, training and professional advancement for staff; and River Garden Foundation, providing financial support to the River Garden system of senior services.
Temple Bet Yam presents The Sock Hop By Temple Bet Yam
Remember those oldies but goodies? That rock and roll is here to stay? The sock hop? Well, knowing that rock and roll will never die, Temple Bet Yam presents The Sock Hop on November 10, 2018. Disc jockey Chico Dennis provides the music and you provide the dancing. Be there at 7 p.m. and dance till 10, and if you’d like, in your favorite ’50s and ’60s outfits. The cost is $15 per person for great music, refreshments, and dessert. Temple Bet Yam’s rock and roll headquarters are at 2055 Wildwood Drive, just off SR 207, St. Augustine. For ticket information, contact Carol Levy at 945-895-7332 or BernieLevy@att.net.
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community news JCA’s Jewish Cultural Arts Festival emphasizes family Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
By Jewish Community Alliance
The JCA once again hosts the Jewish Cultural Arts Festival this month with multiple ways to enjoy and celebrate our strong cultural heritage and traditions. Beginning November 1, and continuing to November 15, the JCA brings the latest and greatest in Jewish books, authors, movies, music and theatre to the Ed Parker Jewish Community Campus. “Jacksonville is such a wonderful place. Our JCA community is filled with people who love and support each other and our Jewish identity. We are very fortunate to have dedicated professionals, quality volunteers and generous donors who enrich our lives. Please join us at the JCA for this year’s Jewish Cultural Arts Festival. It will be filled with thoughtful and meaningful events for the entire family,” said JCA President Brent Trager. The festival committee chose events designed to educate, entertain and inspire, and this year’s lineup is so expansive and broad. “We hope and intend for it to appeal to as much of the community as possible,” said festival chair Sherrie Saag. “We were extra thoughtful about appealing to families this year since last year’s kids’ event, a puppet show about Jewish values, attracted such a large audience.” This year’s children’s event is a concert with Miss Emily, a recording artist and Jewish educator who brings together the power of music and Judaism in her appearances across the country. She appears in the JCA auditorium on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m., sponsored in partnership with PJ Library. Israel’s first and only one-armed Special Forces sharpshooter and squad commander, Izzy Ezagui, shares his harrowing and heroic experiences as told in his recently released memoir, Disarmed. A story of true courage and dedication, Izzy was a 19-year-old Miami boy who made Aliyah and asserts he is “just an ordinary guy.” It is sure to be a meaningful and inspirational night for everyone.
Families with children age 13 and older are encouraged to attend on Monday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. Having its Jacksonville debut after receiving accolades at Jewish Film Festivals across the country, A Bag of Marbles is a heartwarming story of brotherly love set against WWII atrocities in France. The French book upon which the film is based was an instant bestseller, and the film is recommended for families with children age 13 and older. It will be screened on November 4 at 2 p.m. in the JCA Auditorium and will be preceded by a short film, Daughter of the Holocaust, the story of a local Holocaust survivor. JCA Executive Director Myron Flagler commented, “The Jewish Cultural Arts Festival is the cornerstone in stimulating awareness of contemporary Jewish issues through authors, films and family events. The JCA is the common meeting ground for our community and this festival is the Jewish town square that provokes thought and spurs important conversations. This year’s lineup will be spectacular!” Sharing our cultural heritage through literature, music, film and art connects our community and fosters our mutual engagement. Due to the incredible generosity of our festival sponsors, the JCA is able to bring these programs and speakers to the Jacksonville community free of charge. All events are open to the entire community. From Emmy-winning war correspondent Martin Fletcher on opening night, November 1, to closing night, November 15, when we screen two critically acclaimed Jewish festival films, the JCA has over 11 different events spanning 14 days—five authors, a book club discussion, four films, a family concert and a cabaret presented by the JCA Theatre Department. Make sure to check out the complete festival brochure delivered to your mailbox or available at the JCA and online at jcajax.org/jcafest. For more information or to support this important cultural arts event, contact Lior Spring at lior.spring@jcajax.org or 730-2100 ext. 318.
synagogue news
page 10
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
A rabbi’s love for his congregation far exceeds the pulpit BY SHERILL HERZFELD Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue
Rabbi Michael Matuson
A rabbi is the center of Jewish life. At the heart of Judaism are three beliefs about leadership: We are free. We are responsible. We can change the world. Rabbi Michael Matuson of Beth El The Beaches Synagogue is the epitome of all three. Most rabbis serve to encourage a commitment in Judaism and cultivate learning, religious practice and belief. But many don’t go over and beyond as Rabbi Matuson has done. With retirement on the horizon in a few years, Rabbi
Matuson reflected on many aspects of his career as a leader. “How can I convey my gratitude to a community for all the support, friendships, laughter and moments of holiness I have known at Beth El? How can I possibly express my gratitude to a community who make real the dreams of my prayers?” the Rabbi asked himself. With these values in mind, Rabbi Matuson has pledged to create and direct the first $100,000 to a fund dedicated solely to paying down the Beth El building mortgage. “I believe in Beth El’s mission to be a vibrant Jewish presence at
the Beaches.” Rabbi Matuson stated. “I believe in Beth El’s commitment to teaching and demonstrating how to live a joyful Judaism, a life informed and inspired by sacred Jewish values. I believe a secure financial future is absolutely critical to our success,” Rabbi further explained. “I want to leave you something, something better than words or sounds.” the Rabbi expressed to his congregants. “I want to be part of creating a legacy of love to bequeath to the generations to come.” The rabbi’s commitment to his congregants has been met with such overwhelming pride
that many have become inspired to match his pledge. “We were so emotionally touched by the Rabbi’s gesture of generosity to the entire Beth El family”, Mr. Marco and Mr. Orender, Beth El congregants, stated, “that we felt compelled to match this gift.” “The entire congregation will benefit from the power of retiring this burdensome debit” added Mr. Marco. As the highest of holy days concludes, Rabbi Matuson and the entire Beth El family will forever feel the effects of his gratitude, commitment and love for the future of their synagogue.
Hadassah to host panel: Women Who Lead with Jewish Values BY HELEN HILL Jacksonville Hadassah
The phrase, “Jewish leadership,” according to a recent article in the Jerusalem Post, can be defined as “…either meaning leadership by Jews, or leadership in a Jewish way according to Judaic principles and values.” On Tuesday evening, November13, at 7 p.m., Jacksonville Hadassah will explore the latter. A panel discussion, Women Who Lead With Jewish Values, will examine that question and more. The panelists are Rabbi Shira Rosenblum, Associate Rabbi at the Jacksonville Jewish Center; Raquel Scharf-Anderson, Head of Schools, DuBow Preschool, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and Camp KiTov; and Mauri Mizrahi, Associate Administrator of River Garden Senior Services. The panel will be moderated by Jill Metlin, M.S. The program will be held at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, the Temple. All are invited to attend. There is a donation of $5 at the door. Funds collected will go toward the Hadassah Foundation which champions initiatives and invests in social change to empower young women and girls in the United States and Israel. Please RSVP to Helen Hill at 904-504-8251 or hillhelenhill@ gmail.com.
Mauri Mizrahi
Rabbi Shira Rosenblum
Raquel Scharf-Anderson
Menorahs and Martinis for Women By Chabad S. Johns
&
Shop Save
Shine On
The Jewish Women’s Circle of St. Johns invites you to an elegant, warm and creative evening where you’ll design your own magnificent Granite Menorah and bring out your inner artiste. On Wednesday, November 14 at 7 p.m., kick back and get to know the Jewish women in your area. Enjoy a martini (or two) with a gourmet Chanukah buffet on the side, discover
your inner fire and explore the connection between women and Chanukah. The Jewish Women’s Circle (JWC) is a unique opportunity to connect with Jewish women from diverse backgrounds and affiliations in a warm, lighthearted atmosphere. Join us and bring a friend! To RSVP or find out more about the Jewish Women’s Circle, contact Mrs. Dini Sharfstein at 904-7014422 or email Dini@JewishSJohnsCounty.com.
Etz Chaim presents The Traveling Chassidim By Etz Chaim Synagogue
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There is a group of Chassidic families who travel around the country. They bring with them a classic Chassidic warmth and liveliness, and together with the special aura of Shabbat, they form a deep connection with your community, resulting ina Shabbaton that is truly transformational. Shabbos is ushered in with a stirring Carlebach davening enhanced with a particular Chassidic flavor. This is followed by a community meal with lively zemirot and a Friday Night “Oneg”/ “Tisch” with lots of singing and refreshments. The
program reaches its climax with the moving Havdalah service, kumzitz, and spirited dancing, accompanied by live music. November 2-3, 2018. For more information, please contact the Etz Chaim office at 904-2623565.
synagogue news
Kids take up tools at Lowe’s Menorah Building Workshop By Chabad of St. Johns
Chabad of St. Johns is partnering with Lowe’s once again. This year it’s a pre-Chanukah Glowing Menorah Building Workshop. Wearing mini Lowe’s aprons and goggles, the kids will each craft a remarkable Menorah with a host of supplies available from Lowe’s. Expect some light refreshments in the form of fried foods as we keep up the tradition to eat foods that remind us of the miracle of the oil. And of course, Judah Maccabee will make his annual appearance to give us a taste of victory and the joy
and warmth of the holiday. The workshop will take place at Lowe’s on 4040 Oldfield Crossing Dr., on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Children and their families are invited to join in this lively, interactive celebration of Chanukah. This event is open to kids of all ages and is FREE with your RSVP! The Menorah workshop is co- sponsored by Lowe’s and Chabad of St. Johns. Reservations are appreciated to ensure enough supplies. To RSVP and for more information, go to JewishSJohnsCounty.com, email Info@JewishSJohnsCounty. com, or call 904-701-4422.
Chabad at the Beaches offers Friday Night Shabbat Service, dinner in Atlantic/Neptune Beach By Chabad at the Beaches
Jewish residents of the Beaches can experience both a Shabbat Service and wonderful dinner in Atlantic Beach. Join us for a short, yet meaningful 25-minute Shabbat Night Service on Friday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m., followed by delicious cuisine at a full Shabbat dinner. This evening is for any and all Jewish residents in the area; no affiliation is necessary. Services will be led in Hebrew with transliteration and translation in English. This wonderful Shabbat evening will take place at the Adele Grage Community Center, 716 Ocean Blvd in Atlantic Beach. Dinner will begin at 7 p.m., replete with Kiddush, a full four-course meal, singing and Shabbat fun led by Rabbi Nochum and Leah Kurinsky of Chabad at the Beaches. As with all Chabad events, there is no membership or affiliation necessary to join. Reservations are required and can be made via our website, www.ChabadBeaches.com. For nearly 15 years now Chabad at the Beaches
has offered a Shabbat Service and legendary full dinner to residents of the Beaches area. Hundreds of Beaches residents and travelers have participated and enjoyed a spectacular Shabbat experience. These Shabbat meals are legendary because of the singing, jovial atmosphere and spirituality. “The greatest joy for us is spending Shabbat with old friends, and we welcome the opportunity to make new ones,” said Leah Kurinsky, co-director of Chabad at the Beaches. Reservation is requested to ensure proper seating and dinner plates. There is no set cost; however, there is a suggested donation of $25 per person, which can be made via our website www.ChabadBeaches.com or by mail. Sponsorships are available for $100, $180 and $360. For information, please call 904-543-9301, email info@chabadbeaches.com or visit our website at www.ChabadBeaches.com. Chabad’s regular Shabbat Service is held at the Aaron and Blanche Scharf Chabad at the Beaches’ Center for Jewish Life, at 521 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, and begins at 7 p.m.
Upcoming events at Etz Chaim Synagogue By Etz Chaim Synagogue
The Art of Speed Reading People: Using MBTI to understand yourself and others with Henny Fisch
People are confusing! Join our four-week Myers-Brigg Series to learn how to understand yourself and those around you better. The Myers– Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an introspective self-report questionnaire with the purpose of indicating different psychological preferences in how people perceive the world around them and make decisions November 5, November 12, November 19, November 26.
NJOP: READ HEBREW AMERICA with Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum
Jacksonville Hadassah
Helicopter to take Chanukah gelt to new heights in Nocatee
On Tuesday, December 4 at 6 p.m. the ancient custom of giving children gelt (money) on Chanukah will be taken to a whole new level. You will witness the dramatic Helicopter Gelt Drop! After the chocolate coins rain down from the sky in a spectacular shimmering shower, the kids will rush in and collect their treasures. Lighting up the night at the Nocatee Splash Park, families are invited to a Chanukah Light Show followed by the kindling of a Giant Glowing Menorah. The show will be accompanied by lively music and a delectable smorgasbord of Chanu-
kah treats. The lighting of a dazzling Glow-in-the-dark Menorah and the joyous, family atmosphere will be sure to keep children and children-atheart engaged and entertained throughout the evening. This special celebration is free and open to the public and will be held on Tuesday, December 4 at 6 p.m. at the Nocatee Splash Water Park. For more information about all of our Chanukah events and public Menorah lighting ceremonies, visit www.JewishSJohnsCounty.com or facebook.com/JewishStJohnsCounty Phone 904-701-4422 or email info@jewishSJohnsCounty.com
Every November, tens of thousands of Jewish adults gather in hundreds of locations across North America to learn Hebrew, the language of our people. READ HEBREW AMERICA is the ideal way to learn how to follow synagogue services, to be more involved in your children’s Jewish education, or to enhance your ties to Judaism. This course is designed for Jews with little or no background in Hebrew. It concentrates on teaching Hebrew alphabet and reading skills. November 7, November 14, November 21 and November 28.
Weekly Classes
Java for the Soul with Rabbi Feigenbaum Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. Prophetic Visions Shabbos afternoon before Mincha Unlocking the Closed Book with Rabbi Feigenbaum November 3, November 17 at 10:30 a.m. The Parsha Alive! Class with Henny Fisch on Shabbos - November 10 at 10:30 a.m.
Women’s Bazaar: Unique gift ideas for Chanukah BY HELEN HILL
By Chabad S. Johns
page 11
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Beth El Synagogue Sisterhood and Jacksonville Hadassah are holding a Women’s Bazaar on Thursday evening, November 29th at Beth El Beaches Synagogue, 288 Roscoe Blvd N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is complimentary and all are welcome. The Bazaar will celebrate women entrepreneurs, professionals and artisans, all of whom will feature a variety of unique gifts just in time
for your Hanukkah shopping. Handmade jewelry, art, personal care items, and creative ideas for the home and for good health will be some of the featured items for sale. Refreshments will also be available. Please plan to attend this celebration of the talented women in our community, support their talents, and also the good work of Beth El’s Sisterhood and Hadassah groups. For more information, and also to register to participate as a vendor, contact Sheila Lieberman at smlieb@mac. com or 973-876-2894.
synagogue news
page 12
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Temple installs Rabbi Bahar as Senior Rabbi
Latkes & Vodkas returns to the Jacksonville Jewish Center
By The Temple
“While we have had the pleasure of worshipping and learning with Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar for several months, we will mark her arrival with a formal installation Shabbat scheduled for November 16 and 17. On behalf of your Board of Trustees, we invite the entire community to join with us for this special Shabbaton,” said David Kaufman, President of The Temple. “At Rabbi Bahar’s request, we have invited Rabbi Mark Washofsky Ph.D., the Solomon B. Freehof Professor of Jewish Law and Practice at HUC-JIR in Cincinnati, to do the honors of installing her as Temple’s Senior Rabbi,” continues Kaufman. “Rabbi Washofsky was Rabbi Bahar’s teacher and thesis advisor. Their mutual respect continues even after her ordination.” The Shabbaton will begin with a festive Shabbat dinner on Friday, November 16 at 5:30 p.m. before worship. Rabbi Washofsky will install Rabbi Bahar during Erev Shabbat worship and will address the congregation by describing “A Rabbi’s Real Job.” Shabbat morning, Rabbi Washofsky will lead Torah Study to which the entire community is invited. The discussion will focus on “Reform Responsa: How Jewish Tradition Answers Today’s Questions.” Rabbi Washofsky will respond to these questions: What is rabbinical responsa? How do they work in the context of Reform Judaism? Why should today’s Reform Jews pay any attention to ancient and medieval texts of Jewish law?
Picture from the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Latkes & Vodkas 2017
Rabbi Bahar
Temple is hosting a Lunch ‘n Learn following Shabbat morning worship. The title for this presentation is “Would You Kill the Fat Man? Jewish Law Meets the Runaway Trolley Problem.” The entire community is invited to join with the Temple family for this festive and significant moment in the life of our Jewish community. Reservations are required for Shabbat dinner, Torah Study and Lunch ‘n Learn. Call the Temple office 904-733-7078 to make your reservation and payments.
By Jacksonville Jewish Center
Mark your calendars and join us at the Jacksonville Jewish Center on Saturday, December 8 for Latkes and Vodkas! Celebrate the 7th night of Hanukkah with fun, food, friends, music, signature cocktails, mocktails and of course, laktkes. Our Latkes & Vodkas Event Chairwoman, Rhoda Goldstein and her committee are putting together a wonderful evening program and invite all of Jacksonville Jewish community to join in on the fun. More information about this year’s Latkes & Vodkas event can be found on the Center’s website, jjcjax.org or by calling the Center’s Office at 904-292-1000.
Chabad at the Beaches offers women’s book club luncheon By Chabad at the Beaches
Chabad at the Beaches presents the seventh annual women’s Jewish book club. Every month the club meets and discusses a new book.. All who choose can preorder lunch from Gili’s Kitchen by Wednesday 3 p.m. for delivery to Chabad. The books will cover a wide variety of topics. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, share your thoughts and opinions, hear other people’s insights, and enjoy a great meal. The first local
meeting will take place Wednesday, December 12 at 12 p.m. at Chabad at the Beaches 521 A1A North in Ponte Vedra. This club is free of charge. Reservations are required. In December, the club will meet and discuss “The Other Einstein” by Marie Benedict. The Other Einstein offers us a window into a brilliant, fascinating woman whose light was lost in Einstein’s enormous shadow. It is the story of Einstein’s wife, a brilliant physicist in her own right, whose contri-
bution to the special theory of relativity is hotly debated and may have been inspired by her own profound and very personal insight. For anyone wanting to eat lunch while discussing books, contact Gili’s Kitchen at 904-475-1400 by 3 p.m. the Tuesday before book club. For more information on this or other Chabad at the Beaches programs and events, visit www.Chabadbeaches.com or call 904-5439301. To RSVP, email leah@chabadbeaches.com or text 904-504-0451.
Lecturers
Juli Catlin Catlin Design Jacksonville, Florida William Nash E. W. Nash & Sons Jacksonville, Florida Leta Austin Foster Interior Designer Palm Beach, Florida
November 30 - December 2
Jacksonville Jewish Center Sisterhood Creates on Nov. 14 By Jacksonville Jewish Center Sisterhood Join Center Sisterhood on Wednesday, November 14th at 7 p.m. at the Jacksonville Jewish Center as we create beautiful hand painted silk scarves to wear or to share. To create these one of a kind wearable art we will be using permanent markers and alcohol spray on 100 percent crepe de chine silk 14-inch x 72-inch
scarves that have hand rolled hems. Cost per person is $20 for one scarf and $30 for two scarves. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited, and reservations are required. To inquire about available space, please contact Rhoda Goldstein at rhodagoldstein@ hotmail.com or 904-2688124. All are welcome. To learn more about Jacksonville Jewish Center Sisterhood visit jjcsisterhood.com.
PRIME F. OSBORN III CONVENTION CENTER JACKSONVILLE, FL
Art & antiques dealers from across the country A Place in the Sun Gala Children’s Fashion Show TICKETS & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 904.202.2886 artandantiquesshow.com
Mary Aarons Daughter of famed photographer Slim Aarons Boston, Massachusetts Keni Valenti Fashion Designer and Vintage Lilly Pulitzer Collector Joshua Tree, California Kathryn Livingston Author of Lilly: Palm Beach, Tropical Glamour and the Birth of a Fashion Legend New York, New York
BENEFITING WOLFSON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL WOMENSBOARDWCH.COM
synagogue news
page 13
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Temple celebrates gay pride with Jacksonville By The Temple
Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) proudly marched in the Jacksonville 40th anniversary Gay Pride Parade on October 6, 2018. Over 100 groups marched in the 2-mile parade which was attended by hundreds more who lined the two-mile parade route through Riverside into Five Points. Temple’s decision to participate was yet another step in Temple’s and the Reform movement’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Temple has always opened its doors wide to everyone who shares the values of Reform Judaism. Temple’s clergy members worked tirelessly for several years to add the words ‘sexual
orientation and gender identity’ to the existing Jacksonville HRO which prohibited discrimination for public accommodations, employment and housing. The fight was won in February 2017. JAFTY (Jacksonville Federation of Temple Youth) initiated the conversation which led to the decision to participate in the parade. “We have been taught, since we were very young, that we are all created b’tzelem Elohim,” said Sara Branly, Co-President of JAFTY. “It was an agreement reached quickly when Sophie Greco, JAFTY Co-President, and I discussed it with the JAFTY leadership. And it was equally easy to design our banner. Love wins! What more need be said.”
Temple Sisterhood presents Dealing With Dementia program Thursday, November 29 7:00 p.m. at Temple By The Temple
Lauren Austin, together with her best friend since childhood, Holly Gershbein, have co-authored the book entitled “Love, Loss and Dementia.” Part mem-
oir and part guidebook, the book focuses on the challenges they each faced in being long-distance caretakers for their respective mothers, who both developed dementia and ultimately had to be placed into nursing homes. Each chapter focuses on a specific issue, such as grief or Sandwich Generation, to name just two. The “What I Learned” section of each chapter was written in hindsight and is designed to present alternatives for
handling a particular situation so as to provide a better outcome for all. The book seeks to provide comfort, support and guidance for those who are going through a similar situation, and to let them know that they are not alone. The program is open to the community and friends and neighbors who feel they would benefit are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Mindy Grinnan at mindygrinnan@yahoo.com by Nov. 23.
Chabad at the Beaches offers CKids Club Havdalah party By Chabad at the Beaches
Cancel those babysitters there’s a new kids program in town! CKids Club offers a fun, exciting, and educational experience for children and their parents to come together and explore their Jewish roots. The club will feature four innovative events throughout the year. The first event kicks off in November. Children will adventure through an interactive, super fun Havdalah! Join us Saturday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m. for an inspirational Havdalah and party for the entire family. A Havdalah is a Jewish ceremony marking the end of Shabbat. There will be activi-
ties, game shows, and crafts for all. You’ll even be able to take home your very own handcrafted Havdalah kit. This event will take place at Chabad at the Beaches, The Aaron and Blanche Scharf Center for Jewish Life, 521 A1A North in Ponte Vedra. There is a cost of $12 per child; $9 prepaid by Nov. 6. Ckids is a club that puts an emphasis on the personal. Judaism comes alive for young children and their families; designed to help acquire a new dimension of meaning, mastery, and unique identity. For registration, please visit www.chabadbeaches.com. For further information, call Chabad at the Beaches at 904-543-9301 or email leah@ chabadbeaches.com.
Grab a brew and gather for T3’s Torah On Tap By The Temple
All young Jewish professionals are invited to join with The Temple’s 20s & 30s, also known as T3, on Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Temple as Rabbi Bahar leads a meaningful discussion of Jewish text applied to our everyday lives and current events. Torah on Tap is a great way to learn and spend time with friends! This event welcomes all Jewish young professionals, whether you wish to take an active role in the discussion or sit back and listen to others. Beverages and food will be provided. Also, mark your calendars
for the T3 Challah Bake on Nov. 11. Participants will receive a tutorial in challah braiding and have the option to spice up their challah with a selection of yummy toppings. The event begins at 10 a.m. at Temple. Then on December 18, T3 will be hosting its annual Chanukah Party, Latke Palooza. Latke Palooza will be one of T3’s largest events with a build-your-own latke bar, candle lighting, dreidel games, and more! It will be an event that you do not want to miss! For more information about T3 please feel free to contact Melanie Hare, T3 Membership Chair at thetemple20sand30s@ gmail.com.
community news
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
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community news
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
page 15
“May The Doors Be With You”
Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s 2018 Halloween Doors & More Took Guests To a Galaxy Far, Far Away By Community Hospice & Palliative Care
On Saturday, Oct. 20, just in time for Halloween, Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Halloween Doors & More transformed the Jacksonville Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall into a galaxy far, far away. As an homage to the cinematic classic “Star Wars,” this year’s theme was “May The Doors Be With You.” It was a star-studded event with appearances from Harry Potter, Dorrie, Nemo, Shrek and Darth Vader himself! Northeast Florida’s premier Halloween event, Halloween Doors & More, is truly a gala of a different sort where guests saw huge smiles on the faces of children and adults alike. Made possible by the 2018 presenting sponsor, THE PLAYERS Championship, at this year’s star-studded event, kids and parents enjoyed a day of magic, fantasy and so much more. Proceeds from Halloween Doors & More benefited Community PedsCare, a program of Community Hospice supporting children living with serious illnesses and their families. About 94 percent of the costs incurred by Community PedsCare are not reimbursed by insurance. For more information about Community PedsCare, please visit https://www.communityhospice.com/services/community-pedscare/.
How many Avengers does it take to have a blast a Halloween Doors and More? As many as you can find – Hulk, Thor and Captain America took a little time from world-saving to come to the event. Photo credit: David Luck, Community Hospice & Palliative Care
Even Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper can’t resist the Halloween Doors & More magic – they interrupted plans for world domination to take a photo with one of the kids. Photo credit: David Luck, Community Hospice & Palliative Care
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OUR COMMUNITY
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
page 16
Jewish community turns out for JNF Award Dinner
Federation Director of Endowments & Planned Giving, Kellie Smith pictured with Joanne Cohen, VP of The Community Foundation of NEFL and her father Donald Cohen. Linda Stein (left) with Lauren Rickoff, Federation Director of Campaign and Women’s Division.
Barry Zisser and Eunice Zisser
Mauri Mizrahi with Debbie Banks
Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies with Richard Sisisky
The Steins’ generosity to Jacksonville community goes above and beyond By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
Mark Kraemer, Iris Kraemer, Kim Glasgal and Peter Levy
Dan Hedrick, Shylie Bannon, Faye Hedrick, Nicole Brown, and Barry Shapiro
On October 11, our community came out strong in support of Linda Stein as she accepted the Bernard Selevan Tree of Life Award for her longtime dedication to enhancing young lives through scholarships. A well-deserved recognition from Jewish National Fund, Linda was honored for her support for The Caravan for Democracy Student Leadership Mission. The program, operated by the Jewish National Fund, endeavors to facilitate constructive dialogue about Israel and the Middle East on college campuses across the United States. This mission demonstrates Israel’s unique contributions to the world, its vibrant democracy and its commitment to peace in the region. Once a year, the Jewish National Fund mission trip takes college students from around the United States to Israel to help them learn about the country’s history, politics, and culture and current challenges. The 10-day, educational program for non-Jewish student leaders whom have never travelled to Israel before is fully subsidized. This unique trip provides students with the opportunity to explore the Jewish and democratic state of Israel through meetings with political, cultural and community leaders from diverse backgrounds and faiths. Ideal candidates are American students who hold significant leadership positions in student government, ethnic and minority groups, LGBTQA groups, women’s groups, service groups and Greek life who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors at the time of travel. During the evening we heard from community leaders: Richard Sisisky, Lawrence DuBow,
and Russell Selevan (son of Bernard Selevan.) The message was clear - that there is nothing more powerful than seeing Israel with your own eyes. The nuances and contexts students experience will help them make sense of the pro- and especially anti-Israel discourse they hear on college campuses. Down the line, as these young people begin careers in the public and private sectors, the goal is that they will take their knowledge and understanding of Israel everywhere with them and into their careers. Alumni of the program have gone on to work in the White House, the UN, and have to plan to run for positions in local government. Several Stein scholarship winners were in attendance from both Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida. Linda herself spoke of her passion for students of non-Jewish backgrounds becoming more understanding, sensitive and accepting of others while enhancing their understanding of Israel and its’ people. Linda Stein is a community volunteer and philanthropist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Jacksonville University. Mrs. Stein currently serves on the Board of Directors for Jacksonville University and the Jacksonville Humane Society. She is also a member of the Mayo Clinic Leadership Council, The Council of National Trustees for National Jewish Health, Women’s Giving Alliance of Jacksonville, Cathedral Arts Advisory Board, and more. Most recently, Linda received the 2018 Eve Award from the Florida Times Union, honoring the achievements of women in Jacksonville.
OUR COMMUNITY
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Community gathers together in the sukkah BY FAYE HEDRICK rGEN Director
On Thursday, September 27, Devora and Rabbi Feigenbaum kindly opened their home and sukkah to rGEN and the community. Those who came by shared lunch, conversation, and took part in shaking the lulav (some for the first time) and etrog while saying a bracha, blessing, and shaking the lulav in six directions to symbolize God’s presence everywhere. While in the sukkah, they learned more about the holiday and where the name Sukkot comes from. A sukkah commemorates the temporary dwellings G‑d made to shelter our ancestors on their way out of Egypt and is symbolic of the journey our ancestors went through in route to Israel. This special holiday is a reminder of that journey and how temporary our dwellings can be. We are grateful to those who open their beautiful sukkot during this season. The sukkot that Jews build during the holiday of Sukkot are reminders of Israel’s agricultural history and this journey. Thank you, Feigenbaum Family, for allowing us to partake in this reminder.
rGEN, PJ Library host Guys Day Out
By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
On Oct. 7, several rGEN and PJ Library fellas gathered to watch the Jaguars play the Kansas City Chiefs at the home of Melanie and Ben Setzer. Win or lose, these gents had a great time cheering on their hometown team!
Comradery at the Cowford Ball
By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
Federation Director of Endowments & Planned Giving, Kellie Smith pictured with longtime Federation and American Cancer Society supporter David Stein at the 2018 Cowford Ball held at the Glass Factory.
education news Jacksonville Torah High School’s Parnes Hayom Program By Jacksonville Torah High School
Jacksonville Torah High School is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to become our partner in Jewish education. The Talmud in Tractate Shabbos tells us of the enormous spiritual weight of the merit of Torah study- the Torah study of school children in particular. Each of us can now be a viable part of the Parnes Hayom (Supporter of the Day) Program at JTHS. Parnes Hayom allows individuals to dedicate a day, a week, or a month, for Torah study at JTHS. In addition, a special opportunity to sponsor a particular date in perpetuity can be made. Sponsorships may be in honor of a special individual, an occasion, or in memory of a dear friend or loved one. A specific occasion to remember may also be chosen such as a birth, anniversary, birthday, bar or bat mitzvah, graduation, or Yahrzeit - the anniversary of someone’s passing. Parnes Hayom is also a meaningful way to pray for a refuah shleimah (a full and speedy recovery), or to mark any other significant occasion. All donations raised through this program will be applied directly to expanding Jewish educational opportunities for our students. On the specific day, week, or month for the dedication of learning, the name of the donor along with the name of those being honored or memorialized will be displayed in the school and the dedication will be announced in the Etz Chaim synagogue bulletin. To participate in the Parnes Hayom program at Jacksonville Torah High School, please go to www.jaxtorahhigh.com/parneshayom or contact Suzie Becker at 561-908-1841.
Michele Block Gan Yeladim students connect with the culture of Israel through dance BY ROXANNE GORDON Michele Block Gan Yeladim
This month, students at Michele Block Gan Yeladim make a special connection to Israel culture and history. Move Your Raglayim on Monday November 12 and 19 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. explores traditional Israeli folk dance. Movement exercises and music exposure help children develop a number of skills. Children will join instructor Roxanne Gordon to celebrate these traditional dances and celebrate the culture of Israel. The program includes songs and activities for children ages 3-6. For more information, contact Roxanne Gordon at 904-730-2100 ext. 259.
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Michele Block Gan Yeladim JCAFE explores local arts By Jewish Community Alliance
JCafe, Cultural Arts Family Experiences, is a yearly traditional family activity of Michele Block Gan Yeladim that brings the excitement and wonder of learning to our partner organizations in Jacksonville. On Sunday, Nov. 18, the school is again visiting the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens for a special adventure. This morning features a private tour of the museum and snack in the beautiful museum gardens. Participants can observe the exhibits and explore the gardens. For children, this is a great opportunity for arts exposure and creating wonder. For parents, it is a time to watch children explore and develop an interest in the local fine arts. Parents with young children are invited to attend. The fee is $10 per family for JCA valued members and $15 per family for nonmembers. For more information, contact Roxanne Gordon at 7302100 ext. 259.
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education news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
EXTRAORDINARY CAREGIVERS
Torah Academy 2nd Graders Run for Mayor By Torah Academy
Torah Academy’s 2nd grade has been learning about the United States government, the electoral process and the right all citizens 18 years of age and older have to vote for the President, Mayors, Congressmen, and other representatives. As a tool to bring their Civics lessons to life, the second grade decided to test the political voting practice. The class engaged in a fun, friendly campaign for 2nd grade Class Mayor. Students decided on their platforms: 3 things they would add, change or make better at Torah Academy. After one week of campaigning, each class member cast a vote for the candidate of his or her choice. The students all enjoyed participating in the election process and learned a great deal about our democratic system of government. Congratulations to Ari R., our new class mayor!
Students prepare for New York Times Bestselling author BY SARAH MOUKHLISS Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
In preparation for a New York Times Bestselling Author Skype Session with Children’s Author, Chris Grabenstein, students at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School in Grades 4 and up will begin researching the author and exploring his many books, which include: Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and the Wonderland series. Students will enjoy excerpts from Wonderland’s Home Sweet Motel during library visits and have the option to participate in a lunchtime book club. This light-hearted mystery introduces the readers to the World of P.T. Wilkie and his new friend, Gloria. P.T. lives in his mother’s aging, nostalgic Florida motel. P.T. cannot imagine living anywhere else until he discovers that his beloved family gem is nearly bankrupt. Can P.T. and motel resident, Gloria, find a way to come up with money to save his family’s business? With surprising twists and turns that include historical postcards with secret messages, a robbery, and buried treasure, P.T. and Gloria are hopeful that two young teens can save the day. Fun novels can open the door to more serious discussions. In this case, students will explore primary sources and Florida history by visiting the Florida Memory Project (https://www.floridamemory. com/) and Library of Congress (http://www.loc.gov/ teachers/classroommaterials/ primarysourcesets/states/). This exploration will prepare them to virtually meet with an archivist! A University of
North Florida archivist will Skype with the children early November to share her knowledge and passion of Florida history. She will share specific postcards and vacation memorabilia from the Richard Mette Collection (https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/mette_postcards/) that tie in with the themes of Grabenstein’s novel.
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education news
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
page 20
Torah Academy students craft at the Coves
By Torah Academy
In preparation for the holiday of Sukkot, the 7th and 8th grade Torah Academy students shared quality time with residents of the Coves, getting to know them and working on a special craft project with them. Through their discussions, students had the opportunity to learn about the residents’ backgrounds and much about the history of Judaism in the U.S. and across the world. It was a wonderful chance for the students to learn from the invaluable life experiences of the older generation. After getting acquainted with one another, students and residents collaborated on a Sukkot craft project that was used to beautify the
Sammy Spider joins Michele Block Gan Yeladim Chanukah celebrations By Michele Block Gan Yeladim
Coves’ sukkah for the recent holiday. Both students and seniors really enjoyed working on this special project
together, and the 7th and 8th graders look forward to more visits with their new friends in the future.
Every year, Michele Block Gan Yeladim has exciting programming to teach young children the messages of the holiday season. On Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 3:30-4:30 p.m., the school’s favorite holiday celebrating insect is featured in a special Chanukah program, Sammy Spider Sufganiyot. This program is for children ages 2-6 and includes a reading of a Chanukkah story. Children will to learn about the traditions and history of the holiday and then participate in a fun baking lesson to make the traditional sweet treat of Channukah, suffiganyot, or jelly donuts. For more information about the Sammy Spider Suffganiyot program contact Roxanne Gordon at roxanne.gordon@jcajax. org or 904-730-2100 ext. 259.
education news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
DuBow Preschool students explore simple machines Call today to schedule a complimentary lunch and tour! 904.299.8299
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BY HEATHER HAMILTON STEAM Director
In the DuBow Preschool STEAM Studio, students have been exploring how simple machines make work easier. Students investigated wheels, axles, and levers. They used their imagination to build their own unique machines. Students brainstormed ways to solve real world transportation problems and selected from various materials like TinkerToys, PVC pipe “axles”, pool noodles cut into “wheels”, and cardboard boxes. Students thought
creatively, and even worked together to describe what our travellers may need to pack for their trips. They also interacted with various pulley centers. At the fixed pulley station, students hauled pretend “presents” up to a rocket ship above their heads. At the clothesline pulley station, students took turns loading up animals into buckets and helping them cross over the “ocean” safely. Mr. Bear, a large stuffed animal whose arms were connected to strings routed through two pulleys, waved his arms hello and gave students high fives as students engaged with him.
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The Third Annual Jack F. Shorstein Memorial Lecture Wednesday, November 7, at 7:00 PM Jacksonville Jewish Center 3662 Crown Point Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257
My Decision to attend JTHS BY BINA GERTMAN Jacksonville Torah High School
My name is Bina Gertman, and I am from Brooklyn, New York. You may be wondering why someone from New York would be appearing in the Jacksonville newspaper- I will explain. Like any other 8th grade student, I was in search of a high school that would provide me with both a good general studies education as well as a Judaic studies program that would help me find my path in life. Before looking into JTHS, I looked at many schools in New York, but none were the right fit for me. Once the schools in my hometown were not an option anymore, I started to look into schools out of town. I heard about JTHS from a close family friend who lives in Jacksonville. Last school year, I visited Jacksonville the city, the Jewish community, and checked out the school. I really liked what I saw. Both the community and school seemed very special. I loved the communal warmth and the way everyone respected each other. After interacting and visiting with everyone, I realized what a unique community this is. So far, I have only been here two months and I am really getting to know everybody in the neighborhood I live in- young and old. As far as school goes I actually like and enjoy it! I like the classes we have and enjoy that everyone’s opinion is heard and considered.
We have professional people come teach us our extra-curricular activities and we all have fun. We have one teacher named Andrea Hernandez who owns Yoga Den in Fleming Island and she takes the time to come here and teach us yoga. One of the hardest parts of choosing an out-of-town school is leaving your family and living some place new. I was aware that I would have to board with a local family- and I feel so lucky! The family that I live by is so open and they are people that I can talk to about my struggles and life itself. The way they treat me makes me feel like they genuinely want me and want to hear about my day. This has been a positive impact on my life. This is the kind of home every single border wants. While I have been here I have participated in community events, enjoyed holidays, and I have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Everyone needs to make choices that will help them decide who they want to be, who is going to help them make those choices, and where are they going to be when they make those choices. I chose Jacksonville for all of these reasons- and I couldn’t be happier with my decision!
Looking Forward Through the Prism of the Past:
An Evening of Recollection and Reflection with Rabbi Emeritus David Gaffney From 1972 until 2001, Rabbi David Gaffney served as the spiritual leader of the Jacksonville Jewish Center. During the nearly three decades of his tenure, the synagogue went through myriad changes. From leaving the site in Springfield it called home for nearly a half century, to moving to a new campus in Mandarin; from the expansion of the Solomon Schechter Day School (now the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School), to the building of a successful relationship with Camp Ramah; and from tackling great financial challenges to growing a successful culture of adult learning, Rabbi Gaffney was both a leader of, and a witness to, this transformative period of synagogue history. Join us as we explore in the first-person the recent past of the Jacksonville Jewish Center with Rabbi Gaffney. Dessert reception to follow lecture.
For more information please contact the Jacksonville Jewish Center Office at 904-292-1000 or visit jjcjax.org/jackfshorsteinmemoriallecture
education news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Sukkot celebrations at Torah Academy By Torah Academy
Sukkot was quite a celebration at Torah Academy. Students were treated to carnival games, raffle prizes, an inter-grade dodgeball tournament, crafts, singing, dancing and more. With special thanks once again to Mr. Charles Hubsch for generously sponsoring lunch and activities for all students and staff during the Chol HaMoed days - hotdogs and french fries the first day and pizza and chips on the second (both served with a healthy helping of veggies, of course!) Students enjoyed their delicious repast in the Etz Chaim sukkah each day, partaking of this unique holiday mitzvah.
Calling all alumni By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
Alumni from near and far are invited to join us for a very special Alumni Day! We will welcome back our Alumni with campus tours, school updates, lunch and a Mitzvah Project led by Morah Eta. Stay updated with details for this day and other news by following our new Alumni facebook page for Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and Solomon Schechter Day School students. Please let us know that you can join us by contacting Brian Pargman at brian.pargman@mjgds.org.
Swim class added to Michele Block Gan Yeladim Parent and Me lineup By Michele Block Gan Yeladim
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Parent and Me classes have become a popular gathering for parents with young children to participate in a variety of learning experiences. Due to popular demand, the program has partnered with JCA Aquatics to offer a Parent and Me Swim Class with JCA Aquatics Director Josie Martin. The addition of new Parent and Me classes has provided a range of opportunities for parents to bond with their babies and young
children as well as a chance to socialize with other young families. Previously added classes include On the Move and Make Music, which have both been extremely successful and will have future dates added in the coming winter season. This new Aquatics class will help children ages 6 months – 3 years get comfortable in the water with a parent by their side. Parent and Me Swim will begin on January 8, 2019. For more information, contact Roxanne Gordon at 7302100 ext. 259 or roxanne.gordon@jcajax.org.
DuBow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School scheduled to host Grandfriends Day By DuBow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
On Thursday, November 8 at 8:30 a.m., students from the DuBow Preschool and Martin J.Gottlieb Day School will host Grandparents and Grandfriends for a very special morning. This day
is always a favorite event as our “Grandfriends” spend time visiting with teachers and students in the classrooms and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Be on the lookout for invitations in the mail soon! Questions about this day may be directed to Development Director, Brian Pargman, at brian. pargman@mjgds.org or 904-268-4200 ext. 147.
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jewish community alliance
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Rock and roll all night and party at the JCA’s Annual Fundraiser this February By Jewish Community Alliance
The Jewish Community Alliance’s 2019 annual fundraiser, Let’s Rock!, will transport you out of Jacksonville and into an all-encompassing experience that is sure to entice the senses. Delicious food and cocktails and an array of entertainment will mix the rock and roll vibe of an
outdoor concert venue with the ambiance of a downtown night club at the JCA on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. Honorary chairs of this year’s event are the Berman and Stoddard Families. Our committee has already started planning for the festivities with members Rachel Algee, Eleanor Berman, Lauren Block, Lathun Brigman,
Nicole Brown, Andy Cantor, Helen DuBow, Mary Edwards, Adam Frisch, Sierra Frisch, Sunny Gettinger, Faye Hedrick, Jan Lipsky, Glenn Miller, Michael Miller, Monique Miller, Thelma Nied, Michelle Pargman, Debbie Parker, Kim Robbins, Jeanine Rogozinski, Sherrie Saag, Ryan Saltz, Fran Selevan, Rebekah Selevan, Allison Korman Shelton,
Blair Sherman, Kimberly Sisisky, Linda Stein, Randee Steinberg, Michele Steinfeld, Rochelle Stoddard, Nadine Terk, Alison Trager, Brent Trager, Jeff Wiener, Stacie Wilf, Lesley Wolfson and Chase Zimmerman. The JCA’s annual fundraiser benefits many JCA programs as well as membership and assistance for families in need. Last
year, the JCA awarded more than $330,000 in scholarships for children, families and senior adults. Sponsorships and ticket sales are crucial to the success of this event. For more information regarding tickets or sponsorship opportunities for the event, please contact Kendall Sisisky Valliere at 730-2100 ext. 231 or kendall. valliere@jcajax.org.
Join the JCA for their annual Chanukah Celebration
By Jewish Community Alliance
On December 3, 2018, from 5:45-7:30 p.m., the Jewish Community Alliance will celebrate Chanukah with their annual Chanukah Party at the JCA. Every year, the JCA celebrates with a fun, family event for JCA members and families. The evening includes the lighting of the JCA’s giant outdoor chanukiyah, which was created by local artist David Ponsler, followed by a family-style dinner. JCA members are invited to gather and celebrate the start of the eight-day festival of lights, take part in the singing of traditional Chanukah songs and enjoy JCA famous hotdogs, latkes as well as youth activities and entertainment. The JCA Chanukah Party is free to JCA valued members. Registration is required by November 28. For more information, contact the JCA Registrar at 904-730-2100 ext. 228.
Jewish Community Alliance HAPPENINGS Nov. 2018/Sh’vat Adar 5779
For more information or to register for programs at the JCA, call 904-730-2100 or visit our official website at www. jcajax.org.
JCA Cultural Arts Festival
Enjoy literature, films, theatre and family events at this festival from November 1 – 15. Visit jcajax.org/jcafest for information.
Vandroff Art Gallery
The work of the First Coast Pastel Society is featured from November 1 – 28. The reception for this exhibit is on November 4 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Sunday Film Series
See Casablanca on November 18 at 2 p.m. This film, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is free to the community.
JCA Matinee
Saving Private Ryan screens on Monday, Nov. 12 at noon. This is $5; JCA valued members are free.
The Reel Thing Movie Club
Join this movie club to view and discuss your favorite films on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. The fee is $6 and $3 for JCA valued members.
Art in the Afternoon
Youth Rugby Clinic
Learn the fundamentals of this growing co-ed sport with certified USA Youth Rugby coaches on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. (ages 5 – 9) and 4:15 p.m. (ages 10 – 14). The fee is $5; JCA valued members are free.
Youth Basketball League Evaluations
The mandatory skills assessment for the winter league is on Sunday, Nov. 11. Call ext. 250 for times.
An Art Journaling 101 workshop is on Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 12 – 2 p.m. The fee is $23 and $15 for JCA valued members.
JCA Makos Swim Teams
Tis the Season: Faith, Family and the Holidays
JCA Tennis
Join interfaith couples to learn how to navigate the holidays without sacrificing your beliefs on Tues, Nov. 27 from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
JCA Aquatics has ongoing group and private swim lessons. Call Josie at ext. 240 for details. Youth clinics and adult teams are ongoing at the JCA. Call Reggie at ext. 317 for details.
JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2018 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $189,197
jewish family & Community services briefs Del Webb Shalom Club delivers
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
PJ Library
groceries for the food pantry
PJ Library, the award-winning free program for books and music is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville. If your children are between the ages of six months and eight years, they are eligible. Please sign up now by going to pjlibrary.org/communities/jacksonville, or calling Whitney Kuvin at 904-394-5724.
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. Call Whitney for more information at 904-394-5724.
By Jewish Family & Community Services
A huge thank you to Mark and Laura Marder and the entire Del Webb Shalom Club for collecting and delivering food items to the Max Block Food Pantry during October. JFCS appreciates all you do to help our families!!
Perspectives by High-Risk Newborn Supervisor Lorna Wittenrich By Jewish Family & Community
Call2Go
JFCS is now using a Lyft product called Concierge, which allows JFCS to arrange rides on behalf of its clients, including the ability to schedule rides up to a week in advance. Lyft has also partnered with GreatCall, a senior-focused cell phone company, which will help seniors use Lyft without having to navigate the smart phone app. Anyone using a Jitterbug phone can now simply press ‘0’ and arrange a ride with the company. To learn more or schedule rides, please call Whitney Kuvin at 904-6609268.
Services
I’ve been working in child welfare (in some capacity) for 8 years. I have learned so much during this time about children, families and the trauma that unfortunately impacts their lives. I continue doing what I do to help families heal and to stop the vicious cycle of generational abuse and trauma. One case that stands out to me is a family in which the mother had lost her own mother to a drug overdose when she was a young child and spent the remainder of her childhood in foster care. She became a mother herself as a teenager and ultimately found herself unable to care for the two children. Losing
these children to the foster care system was such an intense trauma for her she began abusing drugs and spent time in out and of prison. She became pregnant again and felt this was her chance to be a mother again, however, she was still struggling with drug abuse. DCF became involved and the mother feared she would lose this child as well. She was motivated to make positive changes in her life. Through her hard work in therapy to address her extensive trauma and learning the skills to help her be a loving, nurturing and healthy mother she was able to help herself. Helping families heal through their trauma and abuse, to reach their fullest potential is the real reason
I continue to do what I do. They make us better. They make me better and they are the basis of what we do at Jewish Family & Community Services. We help people help themselves - and it starts with the families we serve.
Board Focus: Keon Falkner By Jewish Family & Community Services
Keon Falkner grew up in Olive Branch, MS, a small community just south of Memphis, TN. He and his family relocated to Jacksonville a little over three years ago when he was offered a position working with a local health system as Vice President of Operations. Prior to the move, he worked close to 13-years with Baptist Memorial Health Care in Memphis, TN, and served in several senior leadership roles – from Assistant Administrator to CEO. Throughout his career, Keon has delivered patient and physician experience improvements, cost reductions, and growth of organization in footprints and revenue. He is passionate about providing exceptional care to patients and positively impacting communities. Keon obtained a Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of Memphis and a Master of Health Administration from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. He is also a Fellow for the American College of Health Care Executives. Keon enjoys spending time with his wife, Jalona, an IT professional who also designs wedding dresses, and their two children, 3-year old daughter Addison, and 1-year-old son, Paul Boston. In his spare time, he enjoys chasing around toddlers, watching the Jacksonville Jaguars “lock down the Bank,” practicing Tai Chi, relaxing on the beach, exercising, reading and reviewing football film. Keon has proudly served on the JFCS Board since January of 2016 and is still amazed by the quality of services ranging from counseling to mentoring and advocacy provided by JFCS to such a broad spectrum of the community. He and his wife thoroughly enjoyed serving as emcees for the 2018 Annual Event, Heroes Among Us – Looking Forward to the Future, and relish the relationships they have formed through their involvement with JFCS. Thank you, Keon, for all the support and willingness to help us succeed!
Holiday gift giving quickly approaching By Jewish Family & Community Services
Jewish Healing Network
Become a Jewish Healing Network Volunteer at JFCS and help us fulfill the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim. We need volunteers to make weekly visits or phone calls to a senior or deliver food to those who cannot get out. For more information, please call Gail at 904-
JFCS children and seniors need your help! Jewish Family & Community Services organizes a Holiday Gift Giving Program to help more than 1,500 children and seniors each year. The generous donors who provide gifts for our many clients are our heroes. We encourage you, your family, your friends and your coworkers to participate in this rewarding program. To enrich the holidays for a child or senior, please contact Donna O’Steen at 904-394-5714 or via email at dosteen@jfcsjax.org. You can choose to sponsor a child or a senior by going shopping and purchasing gifts selected by the clients. If you do not have time to shop, you can make a monetary donation earmarked for Holiday Gift Giving Program and we will do it for you! Visit jfcsjax.org/donate and make your donation today. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” - Maya Angelo.
JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES 2018 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $269,311
river garden senior services
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Kurt Wallach to Present “Heroes of the Past” By River Garden Senior Services
904-260-1818 www.rivergarden.org 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32258
briefs Adult Day & Support for Caregivers If you or your loved one needs a little extra support, we invite you to attend a monthly caregivers support group or ask about the River Garden Adult Day program. For more information contact Dr. Sue Krall, PhD, ARNP. 904-886-8421 or skrall@rivergarden.org
In honor of Veteran’s Day, we are proud to welcome US Navy veteran, Holocaust survivor, and author Kurt Wallach as a speaker at River Garden Hebrew Home on Sunday, November 11th at 2:00 p.m. Kurt was born to a Jewish family in Magdeburg, Germany in 1926. His father’s outspoken criticisms of the Nazi party made the family a target for execution, and they were forced to flee to Hol-
land and later, America. During the height of World War II, Kurt enlisted in the U.S. Navy and took part in the invasion of Okinawa. Mr. Wallach’s presentation, “Heroes of the Past” will highlight the tragic events of World War II through the lens of his family’s personal struggle to survive. He offers a reminder of the unparalleled hardships brought on by Hitler’s rise to power, and of the strength required to triumph over Nazi oppression.
Mr. Wallach is currently a successful businessman and the author of six books. In recognition of his efforts in spreading education about the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum awarded him its Gold Medal. Books will be available for purchase; all proceeds will go to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Dessert reception to follow. Please RSVP to Laura Platzer at lplatzer@rivergarden.org or 886-8429.
High Holiday service at River Garden recognizes those impacted by dementia By River Garden Senior Services
At River Garden, excellent care and faith-based values are at the heart of all that we do. That's what motivated Leslie Held, Director of Jewish Life and Volunteer Services, to plan an inaugural event. Held hosted a special High Holiday service to support those with dementia and their families celebration of the Jewish New Year. "So much of who we are as a person is rooted in our faith; the traditions, prayers and songs are like a part of our soul,” said Held. “Our goal was to create a respectful and dignified holy service so that those who may feel isolated from the community of faith would have a real, genuine opportunity for High Holiday worship." Every experience dealing with dementia is different, and many facing this difficult disease have specific needs due to the condition. The disease often creates a set of symptoms that make social engagements challenging. In addition to cognitive or physical impairment, people living with dementia may have a heightened sense of emotions and may suffer from hallucinations or delusions. They may also have language difficulties, visual challenges and surprising behavior. Families may withdraw or isolate themselves because of embarrassment. Or, it might just be easier to stay at home, minimizing the risk of ‘something bad’ happening in public. “Throughout the Jewish community, we are continually striving to find new ways to support those who are living with the challenges of dementia,” said Held. “Our special 45-minute service focused on familiar music and prayers to stimulate memory and create a relaxed, accepting environmen.” The care team at River Garden has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share if you or someone you know needs help with this condition. The doors of the Adult Day program and the support group are always open. Talking through the circumstances and learning about available resources may be just what is needed. Please let us know if we can help you, a family member, or friend. (Photos taken on September 16, 2018.)
Purposeful Living Our campus is home to many devoted and caring volunteers whose acts of kindness make a real difference. From teens to those who are young at heart, we invite you to become a part of our team. Create your own convenient schedule and experience personal fulfillment. Contact Leslie Held at 904-886-8429 or lheld@rivergarden.org Remember River Garden when honoring or memorializing your loved ones Donating to River Garden is an uncomplicated, feel-good activity. Here are several ways we’ve made it easy for you. Simply go online: www.rivergarden.org/donate Or mail to: Development Department River Garden Hebrew Home 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, Florida 32258 Or call: 904-886-8432 From Generation to Generation L’Dor V’Dor Remember River Garden and the entire Jewish Community in your will.
- Please Note As an integral part of the River Garden community, you have priority access to our care system when our programs can best meet your needs
River Garden Senior Services
Admissions: 904-886-8420 Adult Day Care: 904-288-7858 Donations: 904-886-8432 Foundation: 904-886-8430 Home Health Care: 904-288-7851 Rehab/Therapy: 904-886-8454 The Coves: 904-292-2683 Volunteers: 904-886-8429 CEO Marty Goetz: 904-260-1818
River Garden Auxiliary opens new year at kickoff luncheon By River Garden Senior Services
On October 30, the River Garden Auxiliary met for their kickoff luncheon. Guest speaker & volunteer extraordinaire Marsha Pollock presented “My Jacksonville, Then and Now.” The program featured special memories of Jacksonville,
especially within the Jewish community. With a wealth of information at her fingertips and a vast collection of memorabilia, Marsha has seen and done it all! All enjoyed her stories flavored with nostalgia, humor and history. The Auxiliary was inaugurated in 1922 by the women of our
community to help the aging live a comfortable life with dignity. Today’s members continue to provide for the needs of the residents with 100 percent of fundraising activities going directly to River Garden Hebrew Home. For further information please contact: Shirley Bielski: shirley_bielski@yahoo.com.
RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES 2018 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $177,607
Marsha Pollock
lifecycles/adult education B’nai Mitzvah Sara Margaret Wasserman, daughter of Drs. Paul and Marte Wasserman, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah on December 15, 2018 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Sharing in the simcha will be her brother Noah, age 11, grandparents Tom and Bettye Coward of Jacksonville and Stanley and Gerta Wasserman of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and many other friends and family. Sara is in the seventh grade at The Bolles School, where she plays flute in the concert band and participates in cross-country. Sara enjoys competitive figure skating and plays piano. She loves camp Ramah Darom, where she has attended the past five summers. Sara is a member of the Bolles middle school Kids for Kids club, which raises money for various children’s causes. She will be choosing a child to remember and honor as part of the Children of the Holocaust program, as well. In addition, Sara has made a donation to Sharsheret, an organization focused on helping those in the Jewish community facing the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Sympathies
...On September 15, 2018, Marian Zagier (nee Lund); cherished mother of Norman Zagier, Rochelle (Jay) Golomb, and Alan (Ellen) Scher Zagier; dear daughter of the late Archie and Elsie Lund; loving grandmother of Julie Golomb (Andy Leber), Emily (Jose) Sabalbaro, Jonah Scher-Zagier, Hera Scher-Zagier, and Eli Scher-Zagier; adoring great-grandmother of Alexandra Leber and Maia Sabalbaro; former wife of the late Jack Zagier. Contributions in her memory may be sent to American Heart Association, Memorial and Tributes Processing Center, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979. ...Jared LoPiano, 43, passed away, suddenly and unexpectedly, the afternoon of Sept. 9, 2018, in Jacksonville, FL. He was a Navy combat veteran, having serviced on the USS Independence during Desert Shield. He was laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery with full military honors, officiated by Rabbi Wolf. Jared is survived by his mother Esther LoPiano, sons Zach and Jacob, daughter Leah, brother Micah LoPiano, niece Peyton and nephew Sawyer, brother James LoPiano, sister Gina LoPiano, sister Stacy Lopiano-Kopsaftis (Phil), nephew Michael, aunt (godmother) Susan Karren and uncle (godfather) Alan Sutel and many cousins and friends worldwide. ...The Jacksonville Jewish Center family is saddened by the passing of Marsha Makavitt, mother of our member Stephanie Teitelbaum, on the evening of September 20th. We extend our condolences to her husband, Mark Howard Makavitt; her daughters Shannon (Bob) Rawls and Stephanie (Howard) Teitelbaum; and five grandchildren, Calvin Turner, Bethany and Daniel Rawls, and Sydney and Emily Teitelbaum. Contributions in Mrs. Makavitt’s memory may be directed to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. May the Holy One comfort the members of Marsha Makavitt’s family among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. To submit an item for lifecycles, please email it to nataliem@jewishjacksonville.org. Due date is the 6th of the month.
Nov. 2018 - Sh’vat / Adar 5779
To include your adult education event in this listing please email the Jacksonville Jewish News at jjn@jewishjacksonville.org, with the time/date or frequency of the event from your specific organization or synagogue, along with a short description of each program or event.
Upcoming events at JCA November 5
(12 – 1:15 p.m.) Imagining Your Retirement – Marilyn Feldstein shows you how to tap into your dreams and create a retirement that’s inspiring and satisfying. A light lunch is included. The fee is $9 and $6 for JCA valued members.
November 6
(10 a.m.) Karples Manuscript Museum and Lunch – Learn the history of this documents museum and enjoy lunch at Crispy’s Springfield Gallery. The fee is $8 and $5 for JCA valued members.
November 12
(11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) 100 Years of Technology – Join this lively discussion on the technological developments of the past century. This is free to the community. Advance registration is appreciated.
November 27
(7 – 8:30 p.m.) Tis the Season: Faith, Family and the Holidays – Learn to navigate the holidays within an interfaith household without sacrificing your beliefs. This is free to the community.
November 27
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
ville Jewish Center, and are open to all, whether you are considering conversion, seeking to understand a friend or relative’s religious choices, or simply trying to go beyond your childhood Jewish education. In November, we’ll cover Unit 3: “Rhythms of Jewish Living” as we explore Jewish calendar, Shabbat, and prayer. November 4, 11, 18
November 13: Center Book Club Open to all interested adults. The Book Club meets in the Starbucks section of the Barnes & Noble Book Store in the Claire Lane Shopping Plaza on San Jose Boulevard. The book for November is The Lost City of Z, by David Grann.
Follow us on social media facebook.com/JaxJewish facebook.com/rGENJax
ShalOM Meditation Please join us for 25 minutes of meditation in a Jewish environment! At 9:15-9:30, we will offer some basic instruction of meditation technique and approach. We will start our actual practice at 9:30 and go until 9:55 (in time for the Torah service). We meet in the Henry & Miriam Kramer Library at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. November 3, 10, 17, 24
Monthly Clubs/ Classes/Speakers:
November 18: YIDDISH “CLUB” This is a group of people who meet monthly to enjoy Yiddish culture and language. We begin with a short lesson, watch videos, listen to Klezmer music, and/or discuss Yiddish stage, movies, and humor! Perfect for ALL, whether you know the language or not - please join us! We meet in the Henry & Miriam Kramer Library at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. 12:30-1:30. November 17: Coffee & Torah Third Shabbat of every month Come enjoy a strong cup of brew, a tasty breakfast treat, and thought-provoking insights into the weekly Torah portion in the intimate setting of Rabbi Lubliner’s office at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. 8:00-9:00a.m.
@jaxjewish @rgen_jax
Traditionally Inspired High Holy Day Kosher Cuisine Options
For a complete list of our Holiday Take Out Menus, please visit our NEW website and Facebook page. As always, Margo’s offers a variety of options to create wonderful holiday meals for the entire family. We will be offering Take Out on the following dates.
September 9 for Rosh Hashanah September 18 for Break the Fast on September 19 Additional opportunities to enjoy our High Holy Day Menus. Please join our JJC Congregation for services followed by; Break the Fast - Sukkot Kiddushes & Dinner - Simchat Torah
904-559-9781 or 904-292-1000 Ext. 142 margoscatering@aol.com
Want to keep up with Margo’s Catering? Like us on Facebook. Check out our NEW website;
www.margoscatering.com
(6:30 – 8:30 p.m.) Beautiful Bouquets – Make an organic, natural clutch with seasonal, local blooms in this creative workshop. The fee is $60 and $40 for JCA valued members.
November 28
(6:30 – 7:30 p.m.) Muscle and Tissue Regeneration Workshop: Assisted Stretching and Manual Work for Problem Areas – Trainer, yoga instructor and message therapist Paula Saraga teaches targeted techniques to facilitate muscle and connective tissue recovery.
November 29
(6:30 – 8 p.m.) Why Am I So Tired? Holistic health practitioner Dr. Jon Repole explains some of the reasons for chronic exhaustion in this talk. The fee is $5; JCA valued members are free.
Upcoming events at Jacksonville Jewish Center Weekly Programs:
Monday Minyan Mapquest Monday mornings, following morning minyan at the Jacksonville Jewish Center: Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner takes us on a tour of Jewish cities, explaining history and current statistics of some well-known and not-sowell-known Jewish communities around the world. November 5, 12, 19, 26 Talmud Class Rabbi Lubliner explores communal responses to crisis in tractate Ta’anit. Open to all! Mondays 7:00 p.m. November 5, 12, 19, 26 Foundations of Judaism class Sundays 10:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Classes are held at the Jackson-
We have moved! Come visit us at our new address. 9965 – 24 San Jose Blvd. By Carrabba’s
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
On Saturday, October 27, 2018, 11 lives were taken at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Joyce Fienburg, 75, of Oakland Richard Gottfried, 65, of Ross Township Rose Mallinger, 97, of Squirrel Hill Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, of Edgewood Cecil Rosenthal, 59, of Squirrel Hill David Rosenthal, 54, of Squirrel Hill Bernice Simon, 84, of Wilkinsburg Sylvan Simon, 86, of Wilkinsburg Daniel Stein, 71, of Squirrel Hill Melvin Wax, 88, of Squirrel Hill Irving Younger, 69, of Mt. Washington May their memories be a blessing to all.
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community news JCA 2019 Young Concert Artists Series brings emerging musical talent for the new year
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
By Jewish Community Alliance
Every winter, JCA Cultural Arts begins the season by bringing emerging musical talent to Jacksonville with the Young Concert Artists Series, an on going classical music concert series that has been generously sponsored by the Berman Family. This program is a highlight of the season and has featured young concert artists from all over the world. Starting in January, the JCA Young Concert Artists Series is back with three musical guests to delight the Jacksonville community. On Sunday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m., violinist SooBeen Lee will visit the JCA. Lee has been called Korea’s “hottest violin prodigy.” She began her studies at the age of four and, by eight years old, she won the National Competition of the Korean Chamber Orchestra. A year later, she made her Seoul, South Korea recital debut. A winner of the 2014 Young Concert Artists Auditions, Lee has appeared as soloist with every major Korean orchestra and has also performed for festivals around the world. Lee studies with Miriam Fried at the New England Conservatory, where she recently performed the Sibelius Violin Concerto as winner of their 2018 Concerto Competition. In February, the series welcomes pianist Nathan Lee on Sunday, February 17 at 2 p.m. Lee began playing the piano at the age of six and made his orchestral debut at the age of nine. At 15, he won First Prize at the 2016 Young Concert Artists International Auditions and currently holds the Mortimer Levitt Piano Chair of Young Concert Artists. Lee made his New York debut at the age of sixteen in The Peter Marino Concert, opening the Young Concert Artists Series at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall. The Korean Concert Society Prize sponsored Lee’s sold-out, critically-acclaimed Kennedy Center debut in Washington, D.C. Cellist Zlatomir Fung brings his musical talent to the JCA on Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m. A 2017 First Prize winner at the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, Fung is currently a full Kovner Fellowship student of Richard Aaron and Timothy
rGEN hosts annual Break the Fast BY FAYE HEDRICK rGEN Director
Top: SooBeen Lee, Bottom left: Zlatomir Fung, Bottom right: Nathan Lee Photos by Matt Dine
Eddy at The Juilliard School. He recently captured First Prize at the 2018 Schoenfeld International String Competition and was awarded the competition’s sole performance engagement prize, for a concert with Poland’s Poznan Philharmonic Orchestra. Fung makes his recital debuts in the 2018-2019 Young Concert Artist Series at New York’s Merkin Concert Hall and in Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center. The JCA is happy to shine a spotlight on these brilliant newcomers as they launch their careers. Thanks to the sponsorship of the Berman Family, these concerts are free and open to the community. For details, contact Heather at ext. 265 or heather.billy@jcajax.org.
Voters, you have a clear choice in the critical Midterm election. ELECT
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You deserve to be heard. I’m listening. Paid for by Ken Organes, Democrat, for State Representative District 16
This is a paid political advertisement. This ad does not reflect the views of, or serve as endorsement by, the staff or leadership of The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville.
On September 19, 2018 rGEN gathered at the home of Nicole and Andy Brown for the annual rGEN Break the Fast. There was a great mix of young professionals from the community. The food was terrific and many of those attending couldn’t help but to make a second plate after a long, thoughtful day of fasting. We are proud and excited that we’ve been able to carry on this special rGEN tradition for many years!
community news
Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
Jax Jewish Singles to meet at Mission BBQ in November By Francine Smith
Join the Jax Jewish singles for Sunday lunch at Mission BBQ in the St. John’s Town Center. Their mission is to serve the best BBQ and to honor those
THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF JACKSONVILLE PRESENTS:
A Night Out with Federation February 7, 2019 7 p.m. Jacksonville Marriott
Night Out
Q: What does it mean to you to be a chair?
Continued from pg. 3
Haley: I am honored to chair this inaugural event alongside the incomparable Danny and Jeanine, whom I greatly admire and respect. Together, along with our dedicated Federation Staff, we are working to ensure a fun, inspiring, and fabulous night for all! I can’t wait to see everyone there!
Jeanine: I feel so privileged to be co-chairing A Night Out with Federation, an inaugural event, along side Haley Trager and Danny Miller on February 7. This program will celebrate the entire Jacksonville Jewish community in a “Come Together” Beatles theme. As we all know, this genre is timeless, the Beatles music infectious. In this toe-tapping atmosphere, our Federation leadership will inspire us and emphasize the core values we all hold dear. Q: What are you looking forward to? Haley: Our Federation is a community cornerstone that aspires to leave no community member behind. Rooted in traditional Jewish values, we commit these values into action everyday. I am looking forward to a night to schmooze, enjoy fun Beatles music, and raise our glasses to celebrate the important work we are doing and that we will continue to do. Daniel: Our Federation’s inaugural Night out is going to be a blast. Beatles music, spending time with our community and taking time to celebrate The Jacksonville Jewish Federation’s forty years! Come together is the theme of this event and might as well be the Federation. Through Alan Margolies and Ken Jacobs leadership, coming together is the answer. The questions may change given the day but we always believe in coming together. Jeanine: At the end of the day...when our community supports and celebrates one another’s ideas, we increase our chances of success!
BeQuestions Continued from pg. 5 the fund the beneficiary of your IRA assets upon death. With the latter, you are still able to name the benefiting charities and direct the amount distributed annually in your name. Want to learn even more about how to use your IRA to build your legacy? Stop by the Life and Legacy office inside the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville office or contact Kellie Smith at kelliek@jewishjacksonville.org or 904-512-3796
Daniel: I’m completely honored to help chair this event with these two special ladies. Together we are eager and excited to celebrate 40 years of coming together as a community to do good both locally and around the world. Jeanine: Working with the dynamic and tireless Haley Trager and the quintesssential entrepenuer Danny Miller has been seamless and effortless. The unique qualities brought by each individual will directly influence our results. My heartfelt thank you goes out to both of them, as well as, Development Director Lauren Rickoff and her outstanding staff.
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that serve our community; soldiers, firefighters, police officers and first responders. The business is run with meaning and purpose. Contact Francine for date and time at (904) 221-8061 or email francine.smith@comcast.net.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2018
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Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, Jewish National Fund, & JCA present
For The Love Of Israel A Partnership Journey To Israel June 11 – 20, 2019 This 10-day experience includes: • Incredible hotels in Tel Aviv, the Negev, Jerusalem and the North • The tastes, sounds and vibrancy of Tel Aviv • Bedoin experience • Jeep rides at the Ramon Crater in the Negev • Shabbat in Jerusalem • Yad Vashem • Massada and the Dead Sea • Old City of Jerusalem • Golan Heights • Safed • Stargazing • Wineries • Seeing first-hand the work of Federation and JNF A $500 per person refundable deposit will secure a space for you on this journey. Makes checks payable to the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. For further information, contact Alan Margolies at 904 448 5000 ext 1207 or at alanm@jewishjacksonville.org
THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF JACKSONVILLE PRESENTS:
A Night Out with Federation February 7, 2019 6 p.m. Special Reception 7 p.m. Event Start Jacksonville Marriott Featuring the music of BeatleBeat Plated dessert and open bar General Admission: $30 Co-chairs Daniel Miller, Jeanine Rogozinski & Haley Trager *Generously sponsored by: GrayRobinson Ansbacher & Schneider Dr. Chaim & Jeanine Rogozinski The Jaffe Group at Morgan Stanley *As of 10.18.18
A minimum gift of $36 to the 2019 Federation Annual Campaign is required to attend.
