Prestigious Award Bestowed to Dedicated Leader Iris Kraemer

By Lauren Rickoff , Director of Campaign and Women’s Philanthropy, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

It is with great pride and pleasure that we announce Iris Kraemer as the 2022 recipient of the Women's Philanthropy Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award (KWF Award). This award honors women who have shown leadership by making a signifi cant impact in their local Jewish community, in Israel and/or abroad; has given other women encouragement, motivation, and opportunity to further their own leadership; and, embodies the spirit and vision of the Lion of Judah through a commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam. All of these qualities shine through in Iris.

She is the immediate past president of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida and a current National Women's Philanthropy board member, where she co-chairs the Our Shared Shelf Program, a monthly book and author series.

Iris was thrilled and humbled when she received the news of this honor. “I have always admired the examples set by women who have become Lions of Judah. Their commitment and dedication to Jewish life locally, in Israel and around the world inspired me to join their company.

As a recipient of the Kipnis Wilson/Friedland Award, I am humbled and hope to continue to bring honor to the women who it is named for, as well as to all past and present recipients throughout North America.

The souls of my mother and grandmother continue to cheer me on in this rewarding aspect of my life. I am grateful for the circumstances that enable me to engage whole-heartedly in making a diff erence in the lives of Jewish people.”

The KWF Award, established in 2004, is named for Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland. of blessed memory, the founders of the Lion of Judah. Other Northeast Florida award recipients include Joan Levin, Debra Setzer, Judy Silverman, Phyllis Vandroff , Eunice Zisser, Kimberly Sisisky, and Sue Eaglstein. Iris will be recognized at the 2022 International Lion of Judah Conference January 9-11 in Scottsdale, Arizona, coordinated by the Jewish Federations of North America. In addition, she will be recognized locally throughout the 2021-2022 year.

“Mazel Tov to Iris on this distinguished award,” said Diane Rothstein, Women’s Philanthropy Chair. “With Iris’ leadership, we have continued to grow and serve our community in countless ways. Throughout these unprecedented times, Iris has maintained her thoughtful and insightful perspective, while continuing to lead our Federation to new heights. Iris is an outstanding woman of great character, intellect and commitment, truly embodying the spirit of the KWF Award.”

The Lion of Judah is a symbol of today’s Jewish woman’s strength, of her caring about the organized Jewish world and of her fi nancial commitment of at least $5,000 to the Federation's Annual Campaign. Almost 17,000 women worldwide are Lions of Judah. The Lion of Judah program brings together women of all ages and from many walks of life to play an essential role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity.

SUSHI NIGHT WITH TEMPLE 20'S AND 30'S

By Paul Novak, Congregation Ahavath Chesed

The Congregation Ahaveth Chesed Young Professionals group, aka the Temple 20s and 30s (T-3), had been brainstorming for more creative ways to have get-togethers. We wanted to ensure they were more engaging and fun for prospective and current members. As we brainstormed, we thought, what does everyone love? The answer was food.

Having just experienced an extended time away from friends and family due to COVID-19, we wanted to share an outing where everyone could meet and enjoy the company they had and the food. Sushi was the answer. We weren't sure what to expect or how many people to plan because Jacksonville has many new residents and members concerned with the ongoing pandemic.

We planned it for July 15 at 7 p.m. at a local sushi restaurant close to Temple. We created a Facebook event, and the T-3 board began to spread the word. To our surprise, the event seemed to excite people more than we thought. Quickly, we counted up over 20 RSVPs. We were all receiving messages about how excited everyone was to be getting back together. During this get-together, we had numerous prospective members and countless current members come out. All of the attendees shared laughs, caught up on how their lives have been since our last meetup and made plans for ice cream after. Ultimately, a great time was had by all. In addition, several members reached out after the event, shared kind words, and asked for additional similar events.

We learned a few things from this event; our members love sushi, creative ideas and events should continue, and we enjoy getting together over dinner. Regrettably, the pandemic has taken a turn for the worse, and all of our events are put on hold. However, we are hoping to continue the success of this event once the infection numbers have subsided.

BETH EL - THE BEACHES SYNAGOGUE WELCOMES NEW CO-PRESIDENTS

By Vickie Kennedy, Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

The year 5782 brings with it a new chapter in the history of Beth El. We are excited to enter this new year with Tammy Shumer and Karen Freedman as our co-presidents. They bring with them years of experience and expertise in many areas relevant to synagogue management. Much more than that is their love and commitment to our Jewish traditions, our Jewish community and Beth El.

Our congregation welcomes a new year confi dent that Tammy and Karen will guide us in our search for a new rabbi and a secure future. Tammy put it best when she said,

“Karen and I have worked together in the past on countless projects. The timing was right for us to step up in this important leadership role. With Rabbi Matuson retiring next July, Beth El is beginning a rabbi search. This will be a difficult and exciting transition. Karen and I, as well as our board of trustees and Beth El family, see a very bright future for our beaches Jewish community."

UNIQUE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY HELPS BLIND STUDENTS

By Nancy Cohen,Temple Sisterhood Braille

For over 60 years, Temple Sisterhood at Congregation Ahavath Chesed has sponsored a program that converts printed books into braille versions used by the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind and other institutions serving the visually impaired, at no cost to the recipients. During 2020, volunteers contributed over 20,000 hours. Based on the Sector in Partnership With Do Good Institute, University of Maryland economic impact calculator, the 20,000+ hours equates to over $591,000 in donated value.

The next braille training class will begin on September 30. Volunteers will attend a free nine-month program to either learn to transcribe printed text into braille or to convert illustrations into raised images. Classes are held every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to Noon through June. Course graduates become certified as braille transcribers by the Library of Congress.

“Using a special program on their home computer, they press different combinations of six keys on their keyboard to create braille versions of each letter of the book they’re transcribing. Then another computer uses the digital file created to punch out the text in braille’s raised-dot format,” said Lynnette Taylor, longtime volunteer in the group. “Learning to braille is like learning a foreign language, however all that’s needed is basic computer skills and a dedication to serving people who need our help.”

Susie Coleman, graphics chairwoman, works with volunteers who create tactile versions of illustrations. “Pictures are converted into tactile graphic images using different forms of craft materials and computer graphics,” she said.

Interested adults are invited to attend an introductory program at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 23 at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, 8727 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville 32217. Contact Pam Wiker (904) 610-6733, Holly Cleveland (904) 463-0357, or Nancy Cohen (248) 250-2406.