Friday, May 1, 2020
The Jewish Press
Page 49
Florida SHELLEY BENVENISTE FLORIDA EDITOR IT’S MY OPINION
No More Sorrow Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, serve as a microcosm of the yin and yang of the Jewish psyche. The holidays represent the agony of those who have
made the ultimate sacrifice for their homeland and the ecstasy of its rebirth. This year, Israel Memorial Day took place on April 28. It was announced in Israel by sirens that sounded throughout the country. People stood at attention in complete silence, remembering and honoring all those who bravely gave their lives defending Israel since the War of Independence in 1948. The country is small and most citizens are drafted to serve in the IDF. Everyone personally knows of someone who fell in one of the many wars and terrorist attacks that Israel has suffered. The feelings of personal loss and camaraderie are palpable on this day of remembrance. This heartfelt time of mourning was, as usual, followed by another event the following day. This is the holiday commemorating Israel’s Declaration of Inde-
pendence and re-establishment as a Jewish State. Its observance is one of joy. Israel’s Independence Day is usually celebrated with jubilant festivities that include parties, barbecues, fireworks, and outdoor concerts, though unfortunately, this year’s celebrations were greatly restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic. The juxtaposition of these two days is poignant. Jewish blood, sweat and tears often precede national deliverance. The Passover redemption followed the bitter time of Egyptian slavery. The modern Jewish State emerged from the ashes of the Shoah. Hopefully, the Jewish nation will only go from strength to strength with the blessings of peace and security. May our brothers and sisters be comforted among the mourners of Zion and may they know of no more sorrow.
Southern NCSY/JSU Partners With Artist Romero Britto During Pandemic On March 29, NCSY/JSU and artist Romero Britto held a virtual event, “Be a Part of Art,” with the goal of spreading the joy of the medium to teens and families held captive by the coronavirus outbreak. With teens stuck at home due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, Southern NCSY has had to change its programming efforts. No longer able to hold weekly Jewish Student Union clubs at high schools or weekly Latte & Learning or even Shabbatons, the
agency looked for creative ways to entice teens to connect. When Rabbi Avi Fried, Southern NCSY’s Chief Dream Maker, met world-renowned artist Romero Britto a few months ago, he and Jennifer Romanoff, JSU’s private school director, knew that they wanted to contact him to work together, but didn’t know when. Then the schools switched to a virtual curriculum and students were compelled to work remotely. “When Jennifer and Avi came to me and said Romero Britto was interested in holding a virtual program for Southern NCSY, I was thrilled,” said longtime fan of the artist and director of marketing and communications Deena Lurie. “I couldn’t wait to hear what he had in mind.” Britto is an international artist who uses vibrant, bold, and colorful patterns to reflect his optimistic view of the world around him. He has created a visual language of hope and happiness that has inspired millions. Britto’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in over 100 countries. He is an activist for charitable organizations worldwide and believes that “art is too important not to share.” Britto had just created a downloadable coloring book with the goal of helping to bring families closer during this time of social distancing. He was eager to hold a virtual art lesson. NCSY took the opportunity to offer the program to all of its followers internationally. Families, teachers, schools, and communities across the globe spread the word. The result was a one-hour Zoom lesson with Britto that was watched by over 1,500 households. Lurie and Fried moderated questions to ask the artist while he painted a beautiful Star of David. Britto is generously donating a print of the artwork to Southern NCSY for auction to benefit the organization. “What an honor and privilege it was to work with such an amazing talent,” remarked Todd Cohn, Executive Director of Southern NCSY. “The past
Boca Raton family works on artwork.
weeks have been a turning point in our programming. Although we’ve been faced with challenges, we’ve risen to the occasion, thinking outside of the box and presenting students with unique opportunities.” For more information on Southern NCSY, visit www.southern.ncsy.org. To purchase the Britto print, contact Deena Lurie at deena@ncsy.org or 561445-3810.
SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:30 -11:00AM ON WWNN 1470AM & WWNNradio.com
WWW.ShalomSouthFlorida.com