belong magazine Winter 2015

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Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County | Winter 2015 | Palm Beach

School

for the

The revival of

Jewish Cuisine

The young women from our area

fighting for Israel

WHAT JEWISH MILLENNIALS WANT

Modern Mensch How Meyer Academy’s brand new school is revolutionizing the way kids learn

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Crazy Hours

50 Main Street Nantucket, MA 02554 508-228-7557 27 Via Mizner Palm Beach, FL 33480 561-659-3364 trintytime@aol.com

Š2015 - The Franck Muller Group, All rights reserved

THE TRINITY COLLECTION

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30 Winter Features 24

The World Premiere

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Mental Illness in the Jewish Community

The opera world has its eyes on Palm Beach County and a new opera about a post-Holocaust love triangle in New York City.

Helping Jewish families deal with with devastating issues.

By Richard Westlund

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Lone, but Never Lonely

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Off the Bima

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What’s on the Menu

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School for the Modern Mensch

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What Jewish Millennials Want

Meet two young women from Palm Beach County who were inspired to join the Israel Defense Forces.

By Mark Cantrell

What some local rabbis are doing in their free time might surprise you.

By Y.A. Teitelbaum

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Jewish cuisine gets an update

By Rich Pollack

How Meyer Academy’s brand new building will revolutionize the way 21st century kids learn – and grow as people.

By Colin Shalo

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Young Jewish people search for meaning and connections.

By Allegra Nagler

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16 Winter Departments

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Be Next

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Be Well

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Be Local

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Be Entertained

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Be Connected

Celebrate our youth.

Savor information for your health and wellbeing.

See the community in action.

Enjoy the many colors of the local leisure landscape.

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Federation Headlines Community Happenings The Scene

Faces of the COMMUNITY

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Inspired Leadership: Ilan Kaufer

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Bente Lyons Giving the Gift of Hope

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Jupiter’s Vice Mayor gives back to the community.

By Michael Isenbek

National and International philanthropist graciously gives hands-on help to needs children.

By Amy Woods

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4601 Community Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33417 561-478-0700 www.jewishpalmbeach.org

FEDERATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Ira Gerstein Administrative Management & Financial Oversight Committee Chair

Arthur S. Loring Board Chair

Gary S. Lesser Secretary

Barry S. Berg Annual Campaign Chair

Michael L. Kohner Treasurer

Mark F. Levy Vice Chair

Sanford M. Baklor Immediate Past Board Chair

Bente S. Lyons Vice Chair

Morton L. Mandel Human Resources Committee Chair

Cynthia R. Brown Women’s Philanthropy Board Chair

Libby G. Fishman Community Planning & Investments Committee Chair

Lynn Kaston Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair

Sam Liebovich Israel & Global Initiatives Committee Chair

William Meyer Vice Chair Ronald P. Pertnoy Vice Chair

Scott Benarde Paul R. Fine Nancy C. Hart Miki Leibowitz Rebecca Rothschild Alyson Seligman

FEDERATION EXECUTIVE STAFF Debra Roshfeld

Senior Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer 561-242-6644 • debbi.roshfeld@jewishpalmbeach.org

Dr. Helene Lotman

Executive Vice President / Chief Talent Officer 561-242-6659 • helene.lotman@jewishpalmbeach.org

b Hope Dunkel

Senior Vice President / Israel & Global Initiatives 561-242-6686 • hope.dunkel@jewishpalmbeach.org

Ilan Hurvitz

Senior Vice President / Community Planning & Investments 561-242-6606 • ilan.hurvitz@jewishpalmbeach.org

Kathy G. Sigall

Senior Vice President / Chief Financial Officer 561-242-6622 • kathy.sigall@jewishpalmbeach.org

Rachel H. Berg

Vice President / Financial Resource Development 561-242-6612 • rachel.berg@jewishpalmbeach.org

Jeff Trynz

Vice President / Marketing & Communications 561-242-6611 • jeff.trynz@jewishpalmbeach.org

belong Palm Beach

Passport Publications & Media Corporation 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Suite 1555 West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 561-472-8769 | PassportPublications.com

EDITORIAL STAFF Jeff Trynz Colin Shalo CT Wood Richard Westlund

Executive Editor Editorial Director Managing Editor Business Editor

ART & DESIGN Angelo D. LoPresti Rebecca M. Lafita

Art & Production Director Graphic Designer

ADVERTISING SALES Richard S. Wolff Janice L. Waterman Richard Kahn Simone A. Desiderio Donna L. Mercenit

Director of Advertising National Advertising Manager Signature Publications Senior Advertising Manager Contract Administrator

PUBLISHER Robert S.C. Kirschner

Publisher & President

®

a passion for people & publishing

belong is published by Passport Publications & Media Corporation, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 1550, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. All rights reserved.

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All Work.

More Play.

Palm Beach County, The Perfect Business Climate In today’s highly competitive business environment, you don’t have to trade WORK for PLACE. Palm Beach County offers your company every opportunity for success and growth, in an environment with endless possibilities to enrich your time outside the office.

Your business will excel in Palm Beach County because of our: • Attractive Corporate Lifestyle • Pro-Business Environment • Low Business and Living Costs • Educated Workforce and Exceptional Training Opportunities • Solid Infrastructure Systems • Access to Latin and Caribbean Markets • Business Incentives

Launch.

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We have it all, in the perfect business climate. www.BDB.org or phone 561.835.1008 to learn more.

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belong | contributors

Before launching her freelance career, Amy Woods worked as the society editor of Palm 2 Jupiter and as the editor of Notables at The Palm Beach Post, a position she held for 11 years. An experienced editor, columnist, writer and reporter, Amy’s goal is to use her experience as a journalist and skills in public relations for the benefit of our local nonprofit community.

Freelance writer Joann Plockova specializes in design, architecture and culture writing – often with a social or environmental focus.

Her curious nature and broad list of interests always has her on the hunt for new and important topics to cover.

Among other publications, she’s written for American Craft Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller UK, the Christian Science Monitor and Green Building & Design. She has one foot in South Florida and the other in Prague, Czech Republic.

b Jan Engoren’s father was an artist. From an early age, she was exposed to working artists and the creative process growing up in New York and developed what would become a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Today, Jan uses her writing skills to connect with artists and the art world and is delighted to live in a region with an abundance of creative energy.

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Michael Isenbek has almost a decade of experience in writing and editing diverse magazine copy. He is also a musician and budding novelist who enjoys basking in the beautiful ambiance of south Florida.

Mark Cantrell is the author of several books, including The Everything Weather Book and Sixteen Minutes From Home, a study of the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster. He is an award-winning freelance writer who has written hundreds of articles for a diverse lineup of publications, including Air & Space Smithsonian, Mad Magazine and Military Officer.

Y.A. Teitelbaum is a freelance writer based in Wellington, Fla., who was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, NY. He is also a PR consultant, focusing primarily on promoting athletes and non-profits. A father of two teens, Teitelbaum is a member of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Hall of Fame committee.

Rich Pollack is a veteran South Florida journalist, writer and communications specialist who never imagined when he bought his first set of wheels – a 1961 Chevy Bel Air – that some 40 years later he’d be spending much of his time writing about cars and the auto industry. The writer of a weekly column in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Rich and his wife, Carol, also edited and contributed to a book that provides insider tips on buying and servicing a car. Rich also writes on a variety of topics for other South Florida publications.

belong

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4th annual ann nu ual a

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be | next

International Flavor At Palm Beach Synagogue, Jewish teens across the county gather for a Shabbat meal with a cultural twist. Ethnic cuisine, traditional music, and stories about Jews across the world are the essential ingredients for the Shabbat Around the World dinners, hosted locally at the synagogue throughout the year.

The dinners have enlightened teens about countries like India, Argentina, China and Morocco. Along with the necessary prayers, candle lighting and challah, high school students have the opportunity to experience other cultures and learn about the Jewish history of countries that aren’t necessarily well known for their Jewish communities.

For information, contact Ilan Weismark at 561.838.9002 or visit palmbeachsynagogue.org and find “Tweens & Teens” under the Youth section.

be | well

Rabbi Goes to School

A World of Difference Exercise keeps you fit, relieves stress and – some say – may even help sharpen your memory. Now, at the Mandel JCC in Boynton Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, exercise can even provide the opportunity to learn about other cultures.

The JCC offers a variety of classes in yoga, an ancient discipline from India that combines controlled breathing with specific movements.

The practice not only enhances strength, balance and flexibility but can relieve stress and promote general wellbeing.

That’s just the beginning. Latin jazz and Zumba classes at the JCC have their roots in South America. Kids can learn a traditional Japanese style of martial arts. Parents – and other stressed-out adults – can enjoy the benefits of tai chi, the Chinese mind-body philosophy of health. Also offered are classes for qigong (literally translating to “life energy cultivation”), which is an ancient Chinese practice of aligning body, breath, and mind for health, meditation, and martial arts training.

“Diversity encourages fitness,” JCC Fitness Coordinator Shaun McDougall said.

For information, visit jcconline.com.

There’s a new full-time rabbi taking a very different approach with students through Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach.

Hillel serves one of the largest Jewish student populations in the country, providing connections to Jewish life at Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach State College, Lynn University, N ova Southeastern University and Broward College.

Rabbi Glenn Ettman, who most recently served as the senior rabbi at Temple Sinai in Palm Desert, California, hopes to engage students and show them that Judaism can be relevant – and even cool. “I am looking to do what I have been trying to do in the entirety of my rabbinate: bring Judaism to life and relate the beautiful elements of our ancient traditions with modern times,” he says.

Rabbi Ettman offers weekly lunch and learn sessions that tackle contemporary Jewish issues affecting students. “We have talked about our Jewish obligation to be socially responsible on social media…our Jewish responsibility to vote and other thought provoking topics,” he says.

In the months ahead, Rabbi Ettman plans to speak with students based on topics they show interest in, such as Israeli poetry and what it means to raise a Jewish family. “I have to say the most rewarding moment for me is having students come in my office just to sit and talk,” he says.

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County | belong

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be | local The Way of a Higher Self The Mandel JCC in Palm Beach Gardens is hosting a series of monthly meetings geared toward an exploration of Mussar, a Jewish movement developed in Eastern Europe in the 19th century that is dedicated to ethical and spiritual growth.

The goal is to reach your highest spiritual potential through living a life of holiness.

Dr. Barry Horowitz, a local physician and longtime member of Temple Israel, leads the class “Mussar I: The Way of a Higher Self,” Dr. Horowitz, who has studied and practiced Mussar for several years, teaches participants how to study their individual middot (Hebrew for “soul traits”).

The group is free to the community and meets one Monday each month. For information, contact Sharon Waltman at sharonw@jcconline.com.

It’s a Shore Thing Saving the endangered reptiles is a year-round mission for the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach.

Sea turtles also nest on the beaches of Israel, where the need for conservation is even more apparent. At the turn of the previous century, experts estimate that somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 turtles would emerge from the waters of the Mediterranean to lay their eggs on the nation’s shores.

According to the Israel Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Mikhmoret, which is about a half hour’s drive north of Tel Aviv, the number of nests has dropped dramatically. Fewer than 200 turtles are expected to lay nests in the upcoming season, which begins in May in Israel. Light pollution in the area is changing the nesting habits of the sea turtles in Israel.

Most sea turtle species are nocturnal nesters and thus affected by artificial night-light activity.

For more information on the global conservation effort, visit Marinelife.org or Facebook.com/IsraelSeaTurtleRescueCenter.

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be | entertained Movie Magic Thousands of people gathered in our area for the 25th annual Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival. Wrapping up on February 8 and presented by Mandel JCC, the festival offers a selection of features, short films and documentaries from around the world that is as diverse as our community. Films focus on Jewish issues, achievements, culture, arts and history.

A number of events commemorated the 25th anniversary of this local cultural jewel, including a tribute to and appearance by Lainie Kazan – a Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony Award nominated entertainer.

For information, visit pbjff.org.

The film Oy Vey My Son is Gay, starring Lainie Kazan (right), was shown at the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival. Kazan was honored and appeared at the festival.

Jewish Community Takes Center Stage

Picture This You often hear people say that young people do not appreciate the arts – but groups like N extGen Jewish Palm Beach are making sure young professionals stay cultured and connected. In fact, NextGen is organizing an event at the Norton Museum of Art, in conjunction with the Norton’s successful Art After Dark weekly program.

On April 2, young professionals and NextGen will gather at the Norton where they can tour the landmark exhibit “Imaging Eden: Photographers Discover the Everglades.” There will be a discussion with the museum’s photography curator, a wine tasting from social cause awareness foundation OneHope, a performance by the Atlantic Classical Orchestra and – of course — quality schmoozing time.

N extGen: Art After Dark is taking place Thursday, April 2 at the N orton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach). Register at jewishpalmbeach.org/nortonart or contact Joey Abrin (561.615.4950 or joseph.abrin@jewishpalm beach.org) for more information.

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Florida Atlantic University will present a moving concert in April: Memory and Memorial: Music of the Holocaust. The evening will include works by famed Holocaust-era composers Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Wladyslaw Szpilman and Ernest Bloch. In addition, the concert will serve as a musical tribute to Alice Herz-Sommer, the late pianist and survivor of Theresienstadt concentration camp, who at one point was the world’s oldest known Holocaust survivor and the focus of the Oscar-nominated short documentary “The Lady in Number 6.”

Also in April, FAU will present The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Alfred Uhry’s Tony Award-winniny play about anti-Semitism in the American South. The play, set in 1939, depicts Atlanta’s German-Jewish community’s many crises of identity amid drastic cultural and military developments around the world.

For information, call 800.564.9539 or visit fauevents.com

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belong | Faces of the Community

inspired

Leadership Jupiter Vice Mayor

Ilan Kaufer gives back to the community

By Michael Isenbek

Caption here

Town council member Jim Kuretski swearing in Ilan Kaufer, March 26, 2013

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County | belong Left Photo by: StinkerBug Photography

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Kaufer admits that he has a busy schedule but, as a budding community leader, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

The newly minted vice mayor of Jupiter, who is also a senior environmental specialist with FPL and a new father, believes that effective leadership begins with getting involved. “My family instilled in me the importance of giving back to the community in any way possible,” he says.

Kaufer was raised in the United States until age 11, when his father moved the family to Paris for professional reasons. Before he graduated high school and moved back to the US for college, Kaufer had some eye-opening Old World experiences that contributed to his perspective on the Jewish diaspora.

“We had the opportunity to travel to Israel when I was 13,” he says. A suicide bomber attacked a bus line hours after Kaufer’s family had traveled on it. “That had a profound impact on my life.

It creates a much different perspective of what’s going on in the Middle East.”

As a high school student in Paris, Kaufer interacted with classmates of different faiths, from different countries. As much as he valued the experience, there was still a specter of post-World War II intolerance that lingered along the banks of the River Seine.

In France, he says, “You’re much more exposed to anti-Semitic acts. They occur more frequently in some other countries than what you see in the United States.”

Inspired by a life featuring coastal living and travel, Kaufer’s professional identity took shape as he studied political and environmental sciences at the University of Virginia before heading south. He earned a Master of Forest Resources from the University of Florida; a law degree from UF soon followed. During

ILAN

Ilan and his son Asher

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his time in Gainesville, Kaufer served as a student senator and later as a justice on the University of Florida Supreme Court of the Student Body.

Full-time employment at FPL and a move to Jupiter followed his 2008 graduation. Kaufer cites the quality of the beaches, parks and schools in the area as prime reasons for the relocation – along with the locale’s growing Jewish community.

His participation in the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County – ranging from his participation in the Emerging Leadership Project in 2010 to his current engagement in the Jewish Community Relations Council, which develops interfaith community programming and advocates on behalf of the Jewish community – directly influenced his decision to run for public office. Kaufer says his mentors at Federation were a “great help in learning how to become a leader in the local Jewish community.”

He was elected to the Jupiter Town Council in 2013, rapidly rising to the position of vice mayor in his adopted hometown. “I’ve always had an interest in politics,” he says. Before throwing his hat into the ring, he consulted mentors and friends from Federation and ELP, along with his family. As vice mayor, Kaufer is putting his educational background to good use, representing the Jupiter Town Council as the alternate member of both the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council and the Bioscience Land Protection Advisory Board. He will be running again in 2016 when his three-year town council term expires.

Kaufer and his wife, Stephanie, believe in the spirit of tzedakah and “want to play significant roles in giving back to the community,” he says. Stephanie, an attorney with Roberts, Reynolds, Bedard and Tuzzio, PA, is active in the Junior League of the Palm Beaches. The couple’s son, Asher, is now at Mandel JCC’s preschool in Palm Beach Gardens, where Ilan and Stephanie are increasingly involved.

“Faith plays an important role in how I conduct my life,” Kaufer says. “It helps me focus on what is most important – family – and helps me focus on making ethical and moral decisions.”

“I’ve always been impressed with Ilan’s selflessness, passion to help people and desire to do the right thing,” says fellow ELP participant and close friend Andrew Comiter. The Palm Beach Gardens lawyer declares, “He’s very organized and balances his commitments to work, family and community very well.”

Comiter foresees greater things on the horizon. “I’m very proud of what Ilan’s accomplished so far, and I know this is just the start for him.” b

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Stephanie and Ilan under their wedding Chuppah

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Bente

LYONS Giving the Gift of Hope

By Amy Woods

She grew up in a Danish orphanage during World War II, the “Because of my background, because of growing up with all unfortunate daughter of a teenage mother and negligent father. these children and because I was helped by kind people…,” she Her hard-knock life began before she turned one. trails off. “My heart is very soft for youngsters who need help, The little Jewish girl came into the world in 1934 as a twinkle because if you don’t help them, they will fail.” in the eyes of her struggling parents quickly faded. They named Bente’s personal journey inspired her and Daniel’s generosity her Bente. The couple divorced soon after her birth. The mother to create momentum for the Youth Futures program, which forsook her baby, leaving the infant with the father. “He really connects at-risk children in Israel with mentors for a three-year didn’t take good care of me,” Lyons reflects. “He would leave me period. In 2005, the Lyons’ actions led to Jewish Federation of with people.”

Palm Beach County becoming the first community in the United When her mother returned eight months after the abrupt States to invest in Youth Futures. The Bente and Daniel Lyons abandonment, she learned Bente had contracted rickets. “I was Foundation also dedicates a significant investment to the sick,” the Holocaust survivor says. “I was calcium-deficient. I Ethiopian National Project, which helps integrate Ethiopians into ended up in the hospital. I was there for a year.”

Israel society.

After her bones became strong enough, she transitioned to a A girl named Zohar saw her life changed by the Lyons and ward for homeless infants and their involvement with Federation. stayed there until the age of two- “If we don’t take care of our young people, Zohar, from the ancient Israeli city and-a-half. Then, she entered we don’t have a future” of Hazor HaGlilit, joined the Youth – Bente Lyons the orphanage. The Copenhagen Futures program as a fourthfacility served as her home for 14 years. grader distraught by the death of her father.

“I was one of the longest ones staying there and, believe me, The introverted and isolated child worked with a trained I learned how to take care of myself,” she says. “I learned a lot counselor for three years to shed her sadness and strengthen her about people by being in that home. I learned what I wanted.” social skills. Today, the transformed 10th-grader volunteers as an Bente wanted to go to college. Two mentors at the orphanage alumna and tutors a third-grade boy. helped her secure a grant that paid for her tuition at the University “The boy’s mother says that the two have a special bond,” of Denmark. “I really wanted to be an architect but I could not get says Rachel Hass, Zohar’s former mentor. “She has used the a scholarship for that,” she says. “So I decided on fashion.” many skills she gained in Youth Futures to build her self-esteem Bente landed a factory job while also earning money as a and continue the circle of impact.” nanny for a family of five. The family’s parents eventually decided Iris Meidan, partnership director for the Jewish Agency for they wanted to leave the country and take their twin boys and one Israel, which operates Youth Futures, says there are countless girl to Washington, D.C. They encouraged their personal stories similar to Zohar’s because of Lyons’ financial backing. “By employee Bente to come with them on a diplomatic visa. “I being a visionary and a believer, Bente enabled this great social jumped on that chance so fast, you have no idea,” she says. and educational start-up. I can’t ever be grateful enough to this Meet the modern-day Bente – Bente Lyons – a mother of two beloved woman,” she says. and grandmother of three whose last name comes from her “I think [Youth Futures] is the best program I have, in my whole beloved late husband Daniel. The Palm Beach Gardens resident- life, heard of,” says Lyons. “Broken families, drugs, prostitution, turned-local, national and international philanthropist graciously you name it. When kids don’t do well in school, they get into gives hands-on help and hope to needy children around the world trouble. If we don’t take care of our young people, we don’t have – children with stories like hers. a future. That’s it.” b

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These children and mentors are paired together because of the Lyons’ creating a springboard for the Youth Futures program. Mentors help children in Israel improve their school performance, strengthen social integration and inspire engagements with the community.

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Right now, the opera world has its eyes on Palm Beach County and a brand new opera about a Holocaust survivor in love with three women at the same time.

Our area’s foremost opera company, Palm Beach Opera, is bravely going where no opera company has ever gone before – literally.

They’re producing the world premiere of Enemies, A Love Story, based off the book by Nobel Prize-winning Yiddish author Isaac Bashevis Singer. The book was also adapted into an Oscarnominated movie in 1989.

Even before its world premiere, Palm Beach Opera’s performance of Enemies, A Love Story is causing a stir in the opera world. Famed opera expert Fred Plotkin calls the new opera “one of the most eagerly anticipated premieres of the season” and lists it as one of the world’s “performances not to miss” in 2015 (ranking it among the likes of London, Venice and Dresden’s opera seasons).

So why all this buzz? One, it’s a world premiere. Two, the opera is in English. And three, it’s one of the only known operas to take on Jewish themes.

“In the operatic repertoire, there are only a few works which feature a distinctly Jewish experience,” said Daniel Biaggi, executive director of Palm Beach Opera. “Enemies, A Love Story is unique in its way of combining the tragic side of Holocaust legacy with farcical yet romantic elements, all set to melodious music to create a moving theatrical experience.”

Enemies, A Love Story tells the tale of Herman Broder, a Jewish man who by 1948 has moved to N ew York City after surviving the Holocaust. He finds himself juggling a complex network of love interests, including his second wife, his mistress and his first wife – who was presumed dead. The story examines the immigrant experience with irony, humor and determination.

“It’s a human story, and the story is unmistakable. It’s compelling and one can identify with all the characters,” says Nahma Sandrow, librettist for the opera and a Yiddish scholar.

Sandrow worked to create Enemies, A Love Story with American composer Ben Moore, whose music has been praised

by The New York Times as “brilliant” and “gorgeously lyrical.”

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Moore’s first opera is Enemies, A Love Story, which he calls “a very relevant opera for our times.”

“When you’ve gone through a traumatic event, how do you put the pieces back together? Coping with humor is one way,” says Moore. “Also, the gift of music: if you can tell a story through music, then you can really process it. Music is a way of psychologically processing difficult situations.”

Palm Beach Opera sees the upcoming production as more than just a performance – they see it as a chance to bring the community together and create meaningful dialogue between groups of different faiths.

They formed a community partnership with Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, organizing a broad spectrum of community programs to teach and discuss the Holocaust: these include a lunch and learn with Holocaust experts and a screening of the film Enemies, A Love Story at the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival.

It’s also been important to the opera company to maintain a Jewish element to the production and performance itself. Moore and Sandrow are Jewish, as well as director Sam Helfrich, conductor David Stern (son of legendary conductor and violinist Isaac Stern) and Daniel Okulitch, who will sing the lead role of Herman Broder.

For now, the opera world eagerly awaits what could be the next classic opera – sung in English, premiered in Palm Beach County and taking on themes that connect the Jewish community.

Enemies, A Love Story will make its world premiere at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on February 20-22, 2015.

People who make gifts to Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s 2015 Annual Campaign receive a generous discount on tickets.

To purchase tickets or for more information on Palm Beach Opera’s 2014-2015 season, visit pbopera.org or call the Palm Beach Opera box office at 561-833-7888. b

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Set Designer Allen Moyer discusses the different elements of the set

Preliminary costume sketch for Tamara, a character in Enemies, A Love Story who had been presumed dead during the Holocaust.

Preliminary costume sketch for Masha, the protagonist’s mistress in Enemies, A Love Story.

Preliminary costume sketch for Yadwiga, the protagonist’s new wife.

Allen Moyer with Palm Beach Opera's Director of Production Greg Hirsch

Composer Ben Moore and librettist Nahma Sandrow

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De-Stigmatizing Mental Illness Helping Jewish families deal with devastating issues

By Richard Westlund

When comedian and actor Robin Williams committed suicide last August, one of the burning questions was why such a gifted, successful and iconic man would take his own life. The answer: depression, like heart disease or cancer, destroys a person’s energy and vitality – driving them to do the unthinkable.

And the Jewish community is as much at risk as anyone.

“Mental illness affects roughly one in five people in our community,” says Elaine Rotenberg, Ph.D., clinical director at Alpert Jewish Family and Children’s Service (AJFCS). “While mental health treatment works (see chart on page 59), nearly two-thirds of people who need help go without treatment because of the stigma or the inability to access care.”

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Elaine Rotenberg, Ph.D., clinical director at Alpert Jewish Family and Children’s Service teaching a mental first aid class.

While depression, suicide, anxiety and related disorders like alcoholism and substance abuse affect Palm Beach County’s Jewish families, these devastating problems and disorders are rarely talked about in public. When someone dies from these causes, the survivors often harbor unspoken feelings of anger, guilt and shame that can lead to further problems.

“A lot of Jewish people will say you shouldn’t talk about suicide,” says Ronni Cutler, LCSW, a clinical social worker with AJFCS in Lake Worth who has been helping families deal with personal tragedies for 19 years. “At some level, many Jews feel that suicide is a sin, rather than the end result of mental illness. That’s why it's so important to understand these diseases of the brain.”

DEALING WITH TRAGEDY For most parents, nothing is more heartbreaking than losing a son or daughter to suicide. That’s why AJFCS’s Cutler runs a twice-monthly support group to help family members come to terms with their devastating tragedies.

“I remember a lovely Jewish couple in their 60s who had twin sons, a doctor and an attorney,” she says. “The doctor had a history of depression, became addicted to painkillers and took his life. When the mother and father came to our group, they said, ‘He’s at peace, and we’re in pieces.’”

The family’s sad story doesn't end there. “They urged their other son to get help, but he refused,” Cutler says. “When I called the parents after the Jewish holidays to see if they would be coming back to our group, they told me they had moved away because the surviving twin had also taken his life.”

Cutler warns parents to watch their young children carefully for signs of depression, like withdrawing from friends, a downturn in school grades, inability to sleep, increased anxiety or other changes in behavior. “Anger turned inward can result in depression,” she adds. “If parents are concerned, they should talk with the child, learn about mental illness and reach out for help. Please don't wait until it's too late.”

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LAUNCHING A NEW PROGRAM Rotenberg is dedicated to removing the stigma from mental illness so that children, teenagers and adults can reach out for help before it’s too late. “If you are worried about a family member or friend, bring up your concerns,” says Rotenberg. “Talking to someone who cares can make a huge difference for an individual in trouble.”

With the continued support of partner organization Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, AJFCS received a grant from the Herbert Bearman Foundation to bring Mental Health First Aid to our community. While new to South Florida, the program has had success internationally. This eight-hour course teaches ordinary citizens how to respond to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

“Our training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, just as CPR and First Aid help you assist an individual who may be choking or bleeding,” Rotenberg says.

To date, more than 300 individuals have participated in the training sessions, including interfaith clergy and members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Ongoing trainings are being scheduled for Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County staff and local synagogues.

“AJFCS is recognized as a leader in meeting the mental health needs of our community,” says Rotenberg, who spoke in May 2014 to the Association of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies, a national organization made up of social service agencies from around the country.

“Years ago, many people felt that a person with mental illness couldn’t be helped,” she says. “N ow, there is a growing recognition that – with proper treatment – people can recover and lead meaningful and productive lives.”

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“

Our training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, just as CPR and First Aid help you assist an individual who may be choking or bleeding

”

– Ronni Cutler, LCSW

ADDRESSING SUBSTANCE ABUSE Many people deal with mental illness by turning to alcohol or drugs. Others use these addictive substances as an escape from the stresses of daily life or for recreational purposes. “Addiction is a widespread problem that affects people at all levels of income,” says Sid Goodman, executive director at Caron Renaissance, a facility that provides treatment services for people in Palm Beach County. “It’s not a disease that occurs only among the poor. In fact, an addict with plenty of financial resources is likely to continue using until something disastrous happens.”

It might take a serious traffic accident, drug-related arrest or criminal conviction for an addict to finally admit that he or she has a problem. “This is a very hard thing for parents, in particular, to realize,” says Goodman. “No one wants to think about their child going to jail, whether at age 18 or 42. But that might be necessary in order to save a life.”

Of course, it’s far better for an addict to seek treatment before hitting bottom. Fortunately, there are outpatient and inpatient programs in Palm Beach County, as well as support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Mental Health

The Mental Health First Aid action plan covers five key steps: Assess for risk of suicide or harm Listen non-judgmentally Give reassurance and information Encourage appropriate professional help Encourage self-help and other support strategies

First Aid also includes a focus on substance use, in an attempt to shine the light on addiction as an illness, and de-stigmatize those seeking help.

“One of the biggest myths of addiction is that an individual needs to want to get well before treatment will work,” Goodman says. “In many cases, you have to use your leverage to force a person into rehabilitation and recovery. Then, once the drugs are out of their system, they start to feel better and can begin making plans for the future.”

In addition to 12-step groups, many Jewish persons in recovery have turned to groups to approach recovery from a Jewish perspective. Known as JACS support groups (for Jewish Alcoholics and Chemically-Dependent Persons and Significant Others), Rotenberg is excited to announce the formation of a JACS support group to be held at AJFCS beginning November 2014.

Goodman emphasizes the importance of addressing the cultural and spiritual aspects of treatment for Jewish patients dealing with alcoholism and drug abuse. “Having a kosher kitchen and Shabbat services in a residential facility can be helpful in supporting an individual’s recovery,” he says. “It can also remind people that addiction is a brain disease, not a sin.” b

Mental Health Treatments Work Illness Success Rate Bipolar disorder ..............................................................80% Major depression ............................................................70% Panic attacks ..................................................................70% Schizophrenia ................................................................60% Asthma ....................................................................70-80% Diabetes ....................................................................70-80% Cardiovascular disease..............................................60-70% SOURCE: Alpert Jewish Family and Children’s Service

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Photo by: Barak Chen, IDF Spokesperson Unit

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Lone BUT NEVER LONELY

By Mark Cantrell

In her years as a teenager growing up in Jupiter, Hannah Rosenberg had no idea that someday she’d be wielding an M-16 assault rifle in a battle zone on the other side of the world. But during a trip to Israel at the age of 16, she visited fallen war hero Michael Levin’s grave at the national military cemetery on Mount Herzl. It changed the course of her life.

Levin, an American from Philadelphia, made Aliyah in 2002 to become a lone soldier, the name given to foreign Jews who join the Israel Defense Force but have no family/parents in-country who join the Israel Defense Forces. Levin fell in battle in 2006, and his story had a powerful effect on Rosenberg, who began to consider becoming a lone soldier herself. When she finally informed her parents of her plans, however, their natural protective instincts kicked in.

“They were a little shocked,” Rosenberg remembers. “They tried to push the idea on me of going to a ‘normal college’ like my brother did and offered to pay my way and help me out. But I was determined and after they realized they couldn’t change my mind, they became very supportive.”

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HELPING HANDS

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Preparing for Battle

Before training can begin, however, lone soldiers spend their first three months in country acclimating to life – whether it be on a kibbutz, in an apartment or in a Soldier’s Welfare Association house – and undergoing all the necessary processing.

Those whose Hebrew is a bit shaky get several weeks of intensive language studies as well.

The type of training soldiers receive depends on their prospective specialty. “Combat soldiers get around eight months of training, in addition to their two or three years of service,” Boneh notes.

“Special forces units usually get more, while for those in a professional role, it can be shorter.”

Rosenberg, who once held a service

Barak Chen, IDF Spokesperson Unit

Barak Chen, IDF Spokesperson Unit

Once her course was set, Rosenberg received aid from several organizations – including the Michael Levin Center – that helped her make the move from Florida to Israel and get established with furniture and food. One organization is currently providing her with housing and Shabbat meals. In addition, The Jewish Agency for Israel – a partner of Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County – provides a continuum of support services for lone soldiers. “With all the different organizations that are popping up, you get to meet more people and become a family with everyone in your community,” says Rosenberg, who participated in a variety of programs at the Mandel JCC when she was growing up. “I probably know 500 lone soldiers in Jerusalem just from those organizations.”

According to N ir Boneh, a former IDF soldier who is now a locally-based Israeli emissary for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, there are currently about 5,800 lone soldiers in Israel, with more arriving all the time. They come from more than a dozen countries, with the majority hailing from the United States, Russia and Ukraine.

Native Israelis are required to serve in the IDF for a period of two years for women and three for men.

Although lone soldiers serve for the same amount of time, because they’re volunteers, they are treated a bit differently,

says Boneh. “They get an extra day of leave each month to go to the bank or supermarket and they get a little more money for holidays to buy groceries and other things that regular soldiers, who go home to their parents, don’t need.

Every lone soldier also gets a host family who celebrates Passover and other holidays with them, spends Shabbat together and generally takes care of them. But,” he notes, “they get the exact same training as regular Israelis.”

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But in the end, I know it’s worth it, and I’m not going to regret anything.”

Maxine Kaufman, Associate Director of Federation’s Israel & Global Initiatives, has a lone soldier in Israel, as well: her daughter, Aimee, is an assistant to a commander on a base in Hebron. When Aimee was a teenager serving in Federation’s Young Ambassadors program, the family hosted Israelis in their home. Now, as a lone soldier, Aimee will be welcomed into the home of an Israeli family.

Like Rosenberg, Kaufman says her daughter “has absolutely no regrets, and considers Israel her home now. She lives in Kibbutz Magen and really feels like a citizen. I don’t expect her back in the US, actually.”

That doesn’t surprise Boneh. “I think it’s because they feel at home [in Israel],” he explains. “When they visit, they feel this spirit and just fall in love with the culture, the land and the atmosphere. And after they’ve felt that feeling of home, they want to help protect it.”

That feeling is reciprocated by the Israeli people. Lone soldiers are held in such high esteem that when a staff sergeant from Texas named Sean Carmeli was recently killed, 20,000 people showed up for his funeral. Says Boneh, “They came to show that there’s no such thing as a lonely soldier in the IDF.” To learn more about programs and services in Israel made possible in part through Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, please visit jewishpalmbeach.org. b

Alexi Rosenfeld, IDF Spokesperson Unit

Alexi Rosenfeld, IDF Spokesperson Unit

attendance record at Temple Beth Am in Jupiter, was assigned to a combat intelligence and reconnaissance unit in the N egev Desert near the Egyptian border. She typically spends 11 days on base and three days back at her kibbutz. “We usually complete three missions when on duty, which last anywhere from 24 hours to multiple days,” she says.

“Our job is to prevent smuggling of weapons, drugs or people across the Egyptian border. We live in a small tent camouflaged as a rock and are trained to use M-16s and grenade launchers.

“The past two years have been full of ups and downs. I’ve pushed myself physically beyond what I thought I could do. There have been times where I’ve thought, ‘Why am I doing this?’

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Off the

What some local rabbis are doing in their free time might surprise you

BIMA

By Y.A. Teitelbaum

Rabbi Anthony Fratello’s office is full of cows – stuffed cows, spotted cows, yellow cows, glass cows, cartoon cows and more.

He began collecting them not long after he arrived at Temple Shaarei Shalom in Boynton Beach in 2000.

“The cow is such a wonderful beast,” Fratello says. “It is most content to merely stand there chewing away, letting little of the world bother them or get them down. At the end of the day, that is a pretty good way of approaching life.”

Fratello is not the only rabbi who has a unique interest outside of studying the Torah.

Rabbi Leonid Feldman of Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach enjoys ballroom dancing. Rabbi Cookie Olshein of Temple Israel in West Palm Beach crochets kippot. And Rabbi Alon Levkovitz of Temple Beth Am in the Jupiter-Tequesta area runs because he can’t think of not running, whether it’s for exercise or a competition.

“I started racing about 10 years ago,” says Levkovitz, who has run in the New York City Marathon, the Los Angeles Marathon and the Palm Beach Marathon. “I trained for the Tel Aviv Marathon a couple of years ago and even flew to Israel to race it but, because of an unusual heat wave, they cancelled the full course, and I ended up running the half marathon. It would have been disappointing if not for the fact that my father and my two brothers ran the course as well. It was a very special feeling.”

Levkovitz usually trains for a major race in the fall, which requires him to average about 40 miles each week. Running in local races gives the rabbi a family activity, a way to stay involved in the community and a chance to collect his thoughts.

“As a rabbi, our Jewish High Holidays require a lot of thinking and mental preparation,” he says. This year, Levkovitz had the opportunity to think deep thoughts while training for an IRONMAN® Miami race in October. “There is nothing like a three- to four-hour run to help with thinking about the High Holidays sermons.”

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RABBI

Anthony Fratello

Meanwhile, Rabbi Feldman, who has always wanted to learn how to dance, saw an ad for an introductory course about five years ago and decided to go for it.

“Ballroom dancing is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to learn,” he says. “There’s always room for improvement. I like the esthetics of it, it is my artistic outlet. I find that it takes me away from my professional life. I like the challenge of learning and improving the technique – and I enjoy dancing much more that working out in a gym.”

Feldman usually goes to the studio twice a week but doesn’t participate in competitions. “This is just for me, a skill I always wanted to have,” he says. His favorite dances are the waltz, rumba and bolero.

Rabbi Olshein learned to crochet when she was 12 years old by taking classes at her mother’s craft store. She taught herself how to crochet kippot (yarmulkes) while attending the Jerusalem campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s rabbinical school. For the past 11 years, she has been making them for her own personal tzadekah project.

It can take anywhere from 90 minutes to eight hours to complete a single kippah, depending on the complexity. Olshein sells them for $10 or $15 and donates all of the proceeds to a variety of worthwhile organizations. “I stopped counting when I reached $2,500 in donations,” she admits.

All of Olshein’s kippot are created without a pattern from yarn she buys in Jerusalem. “I have searched for the cotton I first purchased there all over the U.S. and on the Internet but have never been able to get the brand I like anywhere else,” she says. “Because of this, I have often asked people to bring this specific yarn back from Israel when they visit. I also like supporting an Israeli business by buying it there.”

She usually works with colors that are fairly universal and can be worn with anything. She has found, however, that some people like to match a kippah with a specific outfit. To accommodate the

“At the end of the day, cows have a pretty good way of approaching life.”

– Rabbi Anthony Fratello

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RABBI

Alon Levkovitz

RABBI

Cookie Olshein

RABBI

Leonid Feldman

fashionistas, she says, “Sometimes I get a little more adventurous and use more vivid colors.”

One of her creations is on display as part of the permanent collection in the Berlin Jewish Museum as a result of a visit to Germany she made five years ago. Olshein was invited by the German government to participate in a special program for women rabbis and Jewish professionals studying the first woman rabbi, Regina Jonas, who was ordained in Germany in 1935. During the visit, the group met with curators from the museum and received a behind-the-scenes tour.

“While looking at their display on kippot, I asked why there were no women’s kippot shown in the display, which led to a conversation about the creativity of women’s head coverings in the west and in Israel,” she says. The curator took an interest in the one Olshein was wearing that day, a kind typically unavailable in Germany. When Olshein mentioned that she had made the kippah and that she just happened to have a couple more examples of her work in her purse, the curator didn’t hesitate. “She asked if I would donate one to the museum so it could be included in the exhibit.”

While Rabbis Olshein, Feldman and Levkovitz actively pursue their interests, Rabbi Fratello lets the cows come to him.

“Someone gave me a birthday card that had a cow on it. I thought it was funny, so I taped it to my door. Someone else gave me another after that and it grew from there,” Fratello says. “Now, frequently when people take a trip or see something particularly funny or kitschy, they gift it to me.

“One of the smallest stuffed cows I have sits atop my nightstand at home,” Fratello admits. “He was supposed to be in my office but he was too cute to leave there.” b

“ Ballroom dancing is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to learn.”

– Rabbi Leonid Feldman

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Traditional Jewish dishes, like potato latkes, are being incorporated and updated on many modern menus.

Here, latkes are topped with smoked salmon, asparagus and sour cream.

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What’s on the

Menu Jewish cuisine gets an update

By Rich Pollack

it was

not so long ago, Susan Shulman Pertnoy recalls, when a traditional Jewish family dinner was, well, predictable. “You would sit down to a holiday meal, and it would be brisket with heavy sauces,” she says.

Thanks to an evolution that has been taking place in Jewish kitchens, kosher restaurants and catering halls, Jewish palates may be in for a surprise these days. You can still find the Jewish food you grew up with; you can also, however, discover a new take on tradition. Innovative and creative meals that taste better and are better for you are showing up on tables across South Florida. And, with beautifully presented dishes where no detail has gone unnoticed, presentation no longer takes a back seat.

Go to a bar mitzvah or a Jewish wedding and you could be served sushi or ceviche. Dine out on potato latkes topped not with applesauce or sour cream but with caviar. You can even enjoy a recipe for gefilte fish made with mullet – rich in heart-healthy omega 3s – as well as carrots, beets, onions and a selection of spices that, well, tastes good.

“Now you can keep the traditions and enjoy them without having to worry about getting a heart attack,” says Pertnoy, author of Cooking Up a Story: Empowering Women Through Cooking, a cookbook that features healthier versions of traditional recipes that have been passed on to Israeli women by their mothers and grandmothers.

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Israeli-influenced Mediterranean breakfast buffet at the Eau Palm Beach Resort’s Temple Orange restaurant. Armando Galeas, Chef de Cuisine

To be fair, there is still a lot of demand for corned beef on rye.

Chances are also slim that eggplant soup will replace matzo ball soup at most Jewish celebrations. Slowly but surely, though, healthier dishes made with less fat, less sugar and fewer calories – presented appetizingly and prepared creatively – are finding their way onto our plates.

“You want to keep the traditions but you want to be able to update them so they can be incorporated into today’s lifestyle,” Pertnoy says. “Many of the dishes are evolving to accommodate our growing knowledge of healthy living. We’ve become more aware and more educated.”

The trend toward more creative – and healthier – Jewish-style food is being driven by broader trends in the community. The benefits of healthy eating are more generally understood.

Consumer demand, along with the ability to circumvent the

“

Kosher and kosher style can be gastronomic.

”

– Ayelet Rahav, Eau Palm Beach Creative Director

seasons, enables us to enjoy an amazing variety of fresh produce year-round. There are inspired chefs eager to create and suppliers happy to provide a greater array of kosher products.

“Kosher-style products in the old days were canned, powdered or dried,” says Thomas Ryan, executive chef at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan. “Today’s ingredients are better and they’re healthier.”

“What we’re doing is maintaining the traditions of kosher style while presenting it in a more non-traditional manner,” says Tito Rodriguez-Torres, executive assistant manager of the resort’s food and beverage division. “People think that in order to be creative you have to compromise tradition and that’s not the case.” When it comes to catering special occasions like weddings and mitzvahs, fish and innovative Mediterranean-style side dishes

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Choices at Eau’s Mediterranean buffet range from mini quiches and hummus with pita bread to shakshouka, poached eggs served with sautéed onions, fresh garlic, pepper, cumin and cherry tomatoes in season

are now among the choices available at Eau Palm Beach.

The days of matzo balls as heavy as cannon balls and spreading schmaltz on a piece of challah are slowly fading. “Now, there’s a demand for better quality,” Ryan says. “People are more knowledgeable and more demanding.”

“Kosher and kosher style can be gastronomic,” says Eau Palm Beach Creative Director Ayelet Rahav. The new Israeliinfluenced Mediterranean breakfast buffet at the resort’s Temple Orange restaurant provides ample evidence. Guests can get the day off to a good start with choices ranging from mini quiches and hummus with pita bread to shakshouka, poached eggs served with sautéed onions, fresh garlic, pepper, cumin and cherry tomatoes in season.

Rahav is quick to point out that Israeli cuisine has long been healthier than traditional Jewish cuisine is here in the United States. “Because Israel is a melting pot of cultures, we didn’t have to break away from traditions,” she says. “We didn’t have any traditions.”

The Mediterranean influence can also be found at King David Cuisine. Couscous and pita bread are staples at the strictly kosher restaurant in Boynton Beach, reflecting the Moroccan and French heritage of Nelly Cohen, who, along with her family, owns the restaurant.

For holidays and Shabbat, Cohen says, diners still favor the familiar but they are becoming a little more daring when it comes to everyday meals. “The traditions have stayed the same but now I think our customers are a little more open to testing new things,” Cohen says.

For Rami Attias, who runs the kosher Te’Amim Catering, it’s not just the food but the way it is served that has changed. The days of paper plates and plastic silverware are gone. “Back then it was ‘Here’s the food, take it or leave it, bye bye,’” he says. “Now presentation has changed 100 percent. People don’t believe it’s kosher.” b

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A Recipe for “The women learned how to make substitutions to dishes that were passed on to them by their mothers and grandmothers” – Susan Shulman Pertnoy

During a 2012 trip to Israel, Susan Shulman Pertnoy had a chance to see the Nazareth Illit Cook and Host Group in action. The innovative program, which receives funding from her family’s foundation through a philanthropic fund at the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, brings together women from vulnerable populations and diverse backgrounds to share stories and recipes in a therapeutic setting.

With a spread of traditional family meals in front of them – all prepared in slightly nontraditional ways to make them healthier – Pertnoy saw firsthand how the program changes lives.

“As each person told their story and shared how they learned to make their meals healthier I kept thinking, ‘This could be an amazing cookbook,’” Pertnoy recalls.

Pertnoy followed through on the idea and published Cooking Up a Story: Empowering Women Through Cooking earlier this year.

It is filled with traditional recipes shared by women in the group, who receive support from one another and from a professional staff that includes a social worker, a dietician and a chef.

“The women learned how to make substitutions to dishes that were passed on to them by their mothers and grandmothers to turn them into healthy meals that are also low cost,” Pertnoy says.

Along with recipes, women in the program – many of whom have overcome adversity – share their personal stories with Pertnoy in the book. For example, the recipe for mamaliga, a cornmeal porridge traditionally served in Romania, Moldova and

Western Ukraine, comes from a woman who left her native Romania because doctors there couldn’t treat her daughter’s celiac disease.

Pertnoy is continuing in her family’s tradition of philanthropy. The book benefits the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s Nutritional Enrichment and Healthy Living Program. The program was initiated by Pernoty’s late uncle, Professor Stanley Mills (z"l). The generosity of Pertnoy’s mother, Barbara Kay, and her late husband, Jack Kay (z"l), turned Stanley’s vision into reality.

For more information or to purchase a copy of Cooking up a Story: Empowering Women through Cooking, visit jewishpalmbeach.org/cookbook.

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School for the

MODERN MENSCH

How Meyer Academy’s brand new home will revolutionize the way 21st century kids learn – and grow as people.

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By Colin Shalo Photos by Lori Danley & Holly Sokoloff

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Several design aspects of the new Meyer Academy building incorporate religious themes. The media center was designed with a Noah’s Ark theme, notably the large rectangular objects on the ceiling, which were built to represent clouds.

I’m standing next to the head of school of the Arthur I. Meyer We walk down the hall and I look up again. Large rectangular Jewish Academy, and we’re looking up at the galaxy. objects seemingly float from the ceiling above. They look like “There’s knowledge and then there’s wisdom,” he says to me. clouds. I’m in the Noah’s Ark section of the school. An ark-like “Most schools teach knowledge: what you should know. But at structure comes out of the wall, leading all the way up to the Meyer Academy, we teach wisdom: what you do with what you shingles on the roof. The design functions as a tie to history and know. This galaxy puts things in perspective for children.”

Judaism, a feature Rene Tercilla – the school’s architect and We’re looking at a large backlit rendering of the galaxy senior vice president at Harvard Jolly Architecture – was drawn to constructed into the ceiling at the Meyer Academy’s brand new, when he accepted the project. state-of-the-art facility that recently opened for the school’s 41st “Hearing a desire to look for ways to integrate religious year. After 16 years on Military content into everyday life at the Trail, the International school was exciting,” said Meyer Academy is not just teaching Baccalaureate school (which Tercilla. “It led to the design of my boys to read, write and do math. serves kindergarten through very obvious parts of the building eighth grade) is now in the such as the Ark within the media They are teaching my children to Melvin J. & Claire Levine Center center – but also to less visible be independent, resourceful, smart, for Jewish Learning on Hood differences like a media center Road in Palm Beach Gardens. that’s more of a ‘living room’ than creative and kind.

This galaxy painting, Head of library.”

– Tracie Kreiger, mother of two sons School N ehemia “N ammie” Beside the ark, I’m struck by who attend Meyer Academy Ichilov explains to me, is one of what I see through a nearby many features of the school that is both artistically awe-inspiring window: a room that looks like a TV studio. and educationally purposeful.

“Students will write, produce and have all the responsibility to “The architecture and design are part of the educational create TV news for their peers,” Ichilov tells me. “Giving them this experience,” he says. “The entire building was created to be part responsibility is a part of that ‘teaching wisdom’ philosophy.” of the children’s learning experience, rather than simply a building I walk upstairs to a science classroom – or, as it’s known at to house it.” the school, a “Fab Lab” (short for “fabrication lab,” which school

“

”

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The new building has two outdoor areas where children can play and learn geography.

This outdoor play area has a map of Israel built into the surface.

officials tell me will soon be equipped with a 3D printer and many Honorary co-chairs include Sheila and Alec Engelstein, Barbara other advanced technological resources). Here, students not only and Jack (z”l) Kay, Marilyn (z”l) and Arnold Lampert, Ellen and build their ideas into tangible prototypes, they are taught that their Irwin Levy, Barbara and Mort Mandel, and Sydelle Meyer. work may potentially fail or not go as predicted when tested. As Ron Pertnoy, a principal of Shapiro Pertnoy Companies and a result, students are encouraged to experiment and learn from President of the Palm Beach County Jewish Community Campus their experiences.

Corporation, dedicated his detailed “Meyer Academy is not just knowledge of the real estate industry A rendering of the galaxy is built into the ceiling at the school, meant to evoke a sense of awe before students enter the Beit Midrash. teaching my boys to read, write and to guide Jewish community institutions do math. They are teaching my to best meet the changing needs of the children to be independent, population. Pertnoy’s efforts to resourceful, smart, creative and kind,” relocate Meyer Academy and Mandel said Tracie Kreiger, whose two sons JCC to Palm Beach Gardens, for attend Meyer Academy. “This school instance, came in response to the develops so much more than area’s blossoming Jewish community children’s academics – they are – one of the fastest growing in the developing every single beautiful part country. of my children.”

The school’s new home is also the Though school is now in session result of a landmark expedition to the at the new facility, many design Washington, D.C. area. Six school and features are still being constructed. School officials tell me that community leaders – including Ichilov, Tercilla, Federation this is on purpose: students are growing not just in the new professionals and members of the building and design committee building, but with it.

– traveled to our nation’s capital to visit some of the most One feature recently installed is a large wall outside the lobby, renowned independent schools in the country. fashioned to appear like shelves with book titles that are actually Their goal: draw inspiration from these shining examples to engravings written by past, present and future students and their build the dream school for our Jewish community. families. Dubbed the “Building Our Future, One Book at a Time” “We spoke to school leaders across the country. We listened project by a student at Meyer Academy, the wall is one of the to the things that worked as well as those that didn’t,” says Miki many recognition opportunities for the community members who Leibowitz, chair of Meyer Academy’s building committee and funded the school’s construction with the Tomorrow Today parent of two alumni. “The process allowed us to explore the best Campaign (TTC). of what existed and learn from others’ successes and challenges.”

Meyer Academy’s new building is just one result of TTC, a “It is rare in this day and age to be given a blank sheet of paper community capital campaign spearheaded by Jewish Federation and told to create the school of your dreams,” said William Meyer, of Palm Beach County and a group of Jewish community leaders a lead donor to the school, board of trustees member and the son to reimagine the Jewish community of the greater Palm Beaches. of the school’s namesake, philanthropist Arthur Meyer (z”l).

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A Meyer Academy student puts a note in the replica Western Wall at the school.

Eighth graders will collect notes dropped off at this wall and deliver them to the Kotel in Jerusalem later in the school year.

Three young girls walk through the hallways of the new Meyer Academy, which teaches children from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“But that is what you see before you today.”

When I was a kid (and maybe when you were, too), a schoolyard was a bare and characterless blacktop. That’s all there was to it. At Meyer Academy’s new facility, that idea has been turned on its head.

I walk outside and see a giant map of Israel engraved into the courtyard where children play, learn and absorb. The map will soon identify key cities, including our area’s partner region known as TZAHAR (an abbreviation of the cities of Tzfat, Hazor HaGlilit and Rosh Pina).

“When visualizing the school, we spoke about what types of activities and what type of learning would take place in these areas,” said Michelle Jacobson, a mother of Meyer Academy alumni, chair of the school’s design committee and immediate past president of the school. “It was a fun place to conceive and design.”

“

Most schools teach knowledge: what you should know. But at Meyer Academy, we teach wisdom: what you do with

”

what you know.

– Nehemia “Nammie” Ichilov, Head of School The map is just the beginning to students’ Israel experience at the school. Many teachers are actually from Israel. Students stay connected to their Israeli peers through a school twinning program and a network of immersive travel experiences – all thanks to Partnership 2Gether, a living bridge program between the Jewish community of the greater Palm Beaches and Israel’s TZAHAR region. Partners from the region have already visited

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Meyer Academy twice this school year, and students look forward to their eighth grade trip to Israel, where they will meet Israeli friends they have made through letters, emails, FaceTime and Skype.

But the school isn’t only about teaching Israel. A few yards away from the Israel map, under a large permanent awning, is another giant map built into the ground: that of the United States.

Educators can teach U.S. geography and history, employing immersive tactics far more exciting than textbooks. What could have been standard pavement instead ties into a much more resonating learning experience.

“Our youth have a spectacularly designed and built environment to absorb the excellent academic and Jewish education provided by Meyer Academy teachers and staff,” said Michael Kaufman, founder and CEO of Kaufman Lynn Construction, whose company built the school.

As I go to exit the school, I see a student walk up to a small slot in a unique wall. He drops a note into the slot. The wall looks familiar: built with imported Jerusalem stone, it’s a replica of Jerusalem’s Kotel.

Using the mail slot built toward the bottom of the wall, students (or, actually, anyone from the community) can leave prayers and messages throughout the year. During the course of the year, the eighth grade students are responsible for collecting these notes and ultimately fulfilling the commandment of being shlichei mitzvah (“emissaries of good deeds”) when they drop them off at the Kotel in Jerusalem during their annual spring trip to Israel.

As Nammie puts it: “The students are living Jewish values.”

While I am not what most people would call a religious person, I have spent my share of time in Israel and a lot of other places around the world. This new home for Meyer Academy is, to me,

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The first school year at the Meyer Academy’s new building is underway at its new location on Hood Road in Palm Beach Gardens.

refreshing. The school not only embraces the beauty of Judaism and the Jewish homeland, but it so clearly dedicates itself to creatively surrounding children with the rich history that serves as our foundation and the wisdom to lead us into the future.

Nammie turns to me as he walks me out to the parking lot. He tells me about one more feature coming soon that he thinks will

interest me: a 9’x9’ video matrix wall inside the school that will show live video feeds from around the world. Students will be able to view, in real time, the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza, CNN’s student news feed or even our local weather forecast – among countless other options. The wall can show one giant image or nine different feeds.

With features like the video matrix wall, the giant map of Israel

and the picture of the galaxy, children are introduced from kindergarten onwards to a broader understanding of local and global perspective. Boys and girls learn there’s a big world out there – and they have the potential to affect it for the positive.

At Meyer Academy, they learn to understand that they might sometimes fail – and, in turn, learn to accept the importance of getting back up and trying again.

Children are immersed in the Jewish values of tzedakah (Hebrew for “justice” but commonly signifying “charity”), chesed (“kindness”) and tikkun olam (“repairing the world”) – giving them the tools to understand for themselves how to be the best they can be.

“In other words,” says Nammie, “we educate and graduate mensches.” b

Learn more at MeyerAcademy.org To arrange a tour of the new facility or to learn more about the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy, please contact Stacy Cohn, Director of First Impressions, at 561.686.6520 or Cohn@MeyerAcademy.org.

For information and to learn about recognition opportunities with Federation’s Tomorrow Today Campaign, call 561.242.6665 or email TomorrowToday@JewishPalmBeach.org.

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MILLENNIALS SEARCH FOR MEANING AND CONNECTIONS

By Allegra Nagler

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J

amie Simon grew up going to synagogue.

When she went off to the University of Florida, her schedule prevented her from maintaining the involvement she wished she could have. When she graduated and moved to Boynton Beach in 2007, Jamie looked for ways to reconnect with Jewish life in a way that resonated with her.

“I went to a few group events here and there, but it didn’t really feel like I connected,” says Jamie. “I stopped pursuing after that.”

Fast forward about six years, and Jamie was invited to a Shabbat dinner for young professionals.

“Going to that dinner and meeting some new people sort of reenergized me. I’ve since gone to a few events and it’s been nice to see Millennials coming out – just doing so to be part of their Jewish community.”

Many young professionals like Jamie seek out Jewish events like regular Shabbat dinners to meet other like-minded people in the area. Many similar programs have enjoyed tremendous turnouts.

Often open to non-Jewish friends and significant others, these events are welcoming and all encompassing. Such openness has drawn the attention of many Jewish millennials, many of whom have engaged less and less in Jewish life since their bar or bat mitzvah. The programs only serve as a place to go with your loved one and even a place to meet one. One group in the area claims responsibility for six marriages and seven babies.

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Programs for millennials stay true to their Jewish roots. Many are held at synagogues or with the sponsorship of a Jewish organization. If food is served, it is most always kosher. But the events are adaptable to modern trends and expectations. This creates an environment for millennials that is – as one organizer put it – “Judaism on their own terms.”

Millennials, the cohort born between 1981 and 2000, live increasingly digital lives. They connect through mobile devices, documenting life frame by frame on Facebook. Many, however, find themselves seeking something more.

Millennials are creating a Jewish community beyond the walls of the synagogue. Old enough to remember life before cell phones but young enough to be on the forefront of the tech boom, this generation is quickly discovering new and novel ways to connect to their heritage.

32% of millennials describe themselves as having no religion and identify as Jewish based on ancestry, ethnicity or culture.

“My grandparents were involved because that’s what they did,” Abrin says. Previous generations came to America with their own culture, rituals and traditions and – for economic, social and spiritual reasons – often lived in communities that supported those traditions. “We’re involved because we choose to be.”

According to a 2009 study from Brandeis University, failing to engage younger people could put the continuity of the Jewish community at risk. “These kids are searching for meaning and have a high need to own and control what they do,” the study reports. It goes on to say that the younger generation may find their place within the larger Jewish community, but in different ways.

That’s where groups like Federation’s NextGen are becoming

MILLENNIALS

“Many young Jewish professionals are looking for significant others, friends and a Jewish experience,” says Joey Abrin, a development associate at the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County who works with NextGen Jewish Palm Beach. A division of Federation, N extGen engages the young professional community through philanthropy, education and community service. “They’re looking for a comfortable place to be themselves and meet others they can connect with on that deeper level.”

A landmark 2013 survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 68% of millennial Jews identify as being Jewish on religious terms – a stark contrast to the 93% of the aging “Greatest Generation” who identify as Jewish in that context. The remaining

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increasingly valuable. The group hosts happy hours, volunteer projects, community campaigns and faith-based discussions on love, relationships, spirituality and the human psyche.

For others, it’s about connecting to Judaism through common interests. Dan Finklestein, a 30-something dog walker, enjoys Jewish experiences in nature and is currently president of Mosaic Outdoors Club, which brings outdoor enthusiasts together. The group is not overtly religious; Mosaic encourages all denominations of Jews to share the beauty and opportunity offered by South Florida’s natural environment. Events include an annual musical Havdalah campfire (with kosher s’mores!), camping, deep sea fishing and afternoon paddle boarding. “We’re

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participants, not spectators,” Finkelstein says.

Jay Nightingale runs JYP2030, a group designed for Jewish Young Professionals in their 20s and 30s. The group’s Facebook page boasts 2,500 members, many from Palm Beach County.

Nightingale, an IT specialist who grew up in Israel, says, “It’s hard to meet people. Millennials are not in a hurry to settle down.

They want to explore the world and have fun before they get married.” The group partners with a Jewish dating website, and hosts comedy nights, salsa classes, and social events at area hotspots.

Beth Wayne, a young mother and active volunteer in Palm Beach Gardens, is co-chair of Kol Isha (Hebrew for “a woman’s voice”), a young women’s philanthropy group at the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Wayne grew up as an observant Catholic, converting to Judaism in her 20s after

deliver meals to homebound elderly, I want her to participate with me to understand this is a way of life.”

Wayne sends her children to preschool at the Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches, and completed Federation’s two-year Emerging Leadership Program. “Although I’m currently a stay-athome mom, community involvement and bringing Judaism into our lives on a daily basis is not only part of who I am, it’s about creating the foundation for our family, for our children so they carry the traditions as they grow up.”

“Third Fridays and other emerging groups speak to this independent-minded generation of Jews who don’t need to be rooted in one place,” says Alicia Stillman, 46, cantor at Temple Judea in Palm Beach Gardens. “Part of the millennial experience is to travel, explore, investigate who they are and how to incorporate Judaism into their life.”

GET CONNECTED NextGen, Federation’s young professionals group (22-40) Contact Joey Abrin 561.615.4950 or Joseph.Abrin@jewishpalmbeach.org Kol Isha is a new Federation offering for young women (25-45ish) Contact Jennifer Green Baer 561.242.6608 or Jennifer.Baer@jewishpalmbeach.org Community resources include but are not limited to: JYP2030 for Jewish young professionals in their 20s and 30s jyp2030.com or on Facebook Mosaic Outdoor Club Contact Dan Finkelstein 954.684.1742 or dan@neighborhoodpetsitter.com

marrying a Jewish man.

“I had Jewish friends and spent holidays with them,” she says.

“Who wouldn’t like to sit down for dinner and noodle kugel?”

Although her husband wasn’t particularly observant, Wayne felt it was important for their children to have a sense of Jewish identity. “Because I left my traditions, I jumped headfirst into learning and understanding new Jewish traditions,” she says. “I am committed to have Jewish traditions and values be a central part of our family.”

What attracts her to Kol Isha? “It’s about sisterhood, volunteering, making friendships and becoming a part of the community. I want my daughter to be a part of what I do – if I

Stillman is supportive of the millennial spirit, seeking these individuals who probably aren’t regularly attending services but are looking to create conversations and connections. “People are looking for a spiritual life, but not necessarily within the four walls of a synagogue,” she says. “Rabbis and cantors are using cuttingedge social media to connect.”

Stillman has explored the possibility of holding Friday night services in a bar.

“People want to connect. We’re spiritual beings. Celebrating Shabbat and other Jewish holidays speaks to us in the deepest part of our soul – where we cry and yearn,” she says. “Kumzits come eat and talk to us, make kiddush with us.” b

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Federation Headlines | Community Happenings | The Scene | Federation Headlines | Community Happenings | The Scene | Federation Headlines | Community Happenings | The Scene | Federation Headlines | Community Happenings | The Scene | Federation Headlines | Community Happenings | The Scene | Federation Headlines | Community Happenings | The Scene

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Federation welcomes Carolyn Rose as new Director of Planned Giving

RIVERSIIDE-STANETSKY K MEMOR RIAL CHAPELS S 7205 W. ATLANTIC AVENUE DELRAY BEACH, FL 33456

561-496-7550 5 561 496 7550

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LOCAL, OUT-OFT STATE FUNERALS, AND CREMATIONS REPRESENTING THE LARGEST NETWORK OF JEWISH FUNERAL HOMES O S IN NORTH AMERICA

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Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County recently named Carolyn Rose as the Director of Planned Giving and Endowments. In this role, she will focus on establishing and enhancing the Federation’s portfolio of legacy giving; funds raised are used to support programs and initiatives by the Federation, as well as its partner agencies and local synagogues.

“Planned giving is a powerful opportunity to create an extraordinary living legacy in our Jewish community,” said Michael L. Kohner, Chairman of the Professional Legacy Advisors Network (PLAN) and current Treasurer for Federation. “Carolyn’s energy and knowledge are intrinsically tied to a successful mission of Federation and its partner agencies for generations to come.”

Rose recently served as the Chief Development Officer at the Mandel Jewish Community Center of the Palm Beaches. In this role, she grew the organization’s annual giving by 35 percent and created a professional advisory group to manage fundraising goals in a team setting.

A seasoned professional with 20 years of experience, she also has served as Associate Vice President of South Palm Beach County Federation’s Foundation Department and led their Professional Advisory Committee.

Rose worked with volunteer leaders to create campaigns for giving that received nationwide recognition and oversaw strategic planning to cultivate donors and provide training on planned giving strategies.

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Federation Headlines

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Palm Beach Lions Roar to NYC

[Top row, from L to R] Helen Bix, Vivian Lieberman, Gail Newman, Lynn Kaston, Sheryl Davidoff, Judy Fish, Karen List. [bottom row, from L to R] Jillian Jonas (Amy Jonas’ daughter), Amy Jonas, Samantha Jonas (Amy Jonas’ other daughter) and Jan Burke.

It isn't every day 1,400 women join together in Times Square.

But eleven women philanthropists from Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Women’s Philanthropy joined fellow Lions of Judah in September in New York City for the International Lion of Judah Conference. Lions of Judah (women who commit $6,000 or more to Federation’s Annual Campaign) from across the world came to the Marriott Marquis in Times Square to connect with one another, discuss women’s roles as philanthropists and hear from renowned experts on a wide array of timely topics.

The women heard from political figures, rabbis, filmmakers, businesspeople, founders of nonprofits, authors, scholars and experts in fields ranging from medicine to Jewish philanthropy.

Some of the more recognizable speakers were Second Lady Jill Biden, former New York Governor George Pataki and actor/producer Josh Malina (via video). But the speakers that delivered some of the most moving words of the conference were the parents of Gilad Shaar, one of the three boys who was kidnapped and killed in the West Bank. The parents’ travel arrangements were underwritten by women philanthropists.

“It was extremely moving to hear those parents speak,” said Jan Burke, one of the Lions of Judah from Palm Beach County who attended the conference. “They talked about how their son saved a woman's life shortly before he was killed – and the impact that any single person can have on someone.”

Overall, the women who participated in the conference collectively raised $27 million – compared to $21 million at the last conference in 2012.

“We raise money for a common goal. But we don’t

always understand exactly who we’re touching,” said Burke.

“Federation touches so many avenues. Together we touch so many lives.”

At the conference, Burke increased her annual gift to become a Ruby Lion.

“It was the right moment,” she said. “After understanding all the little things Federation does – each family who gets fed, each woman or child who is helped out of an abusive situation – I decided it was the right thing to do. When you feel it, you just do it.”

Also at the conference, Amy Jonas from Palm Beach County was awarded the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, which honors extraordinary women who have set a high standard for philanthropy and volunteerism.

“28 years ago, I made my first Lion of Judah gift, and I am so grateful for all that my Lion commitment has afforded me over the years," said Jonas. "It has really been my privilege, honor and blessing to be able – for more than three decades – to contribute both my time and resources to building and strengthening our Jewish community and doing my part in Tikkun Olam.”

Over the years, the Lion of Judah program has become a symbol of women’s caring and commitment to the Jewish philanthropic world. More than 17,000 women worldwide take part in the program, which brings together women of all ages and walks of like to play an essential role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity.

To learn more about Women’s Philanthropy with Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, contact Deborah Schafer at 561.242.6631 or email deborah.schafer @jewishpalmbeach.org.

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Federation Headlines Tolerance promoted with community-wide project Using a generous grant from the Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund, Federation is launching OneWorld, a project to promote tolerance, diversity and the Jewish value of chesed (“kindness”). Federation will work to encourage compassion and care in the community via inspiring programs held throughout the greater Palm Beaches.

The first OneWorld program, “Crisis Rising: A Forum on Global Anti-Semitism,” was organized by Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) at the Mandel JCC in Palm Beach Gardens on October 7. The forum included three renowned experts on the issue: Ira Forman, U.S. Special Envoy of the Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism; Professor Charles Small, director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anti-Semitism and Policy; and Hava Holzauer, Florida Regional Director of the AntiDefamation League (ADL).

October 7’s event was held in response to a recent ADL report claiming one quarter of the world’s population now possesses some form of anti-Semitic prejudice.

“We must act now to stop the rampant anti-Semitic exploding across Europe, Latin America and even in the United States,” said JCRC Vice President, Dr. Luis Fleischman. “This forum and the OneWorld project together can ensure our community will always tolerate

people of all races, religions and creeds.”

In addition to the forum, JCRC and the OneWorld project organized “Let My People Go”, a series of photo galleries, film ADL's Florida regional director Hava Holzauer speaks to the viewings and lectures crowd on Tuesday, October 7 to address surging global antiA recent ADL report found one-quarter of theworld's focusing on diversity, Semitism. population now possesses a form of anti-Semitic prejudice. human rights and topics related to the Soviet Jewry movement.

Several other programs focusing on tolerance, social justice and cultural understanding will be offered throughout 2015 through Federation’s many partners and initiatives – including JCRC, N extGen (young professionals), Jewish Professionals N etwork, Kol Isha (Federation’s young women’s group), Jewish Teen Initiative, and more.

Learn more about upcoming programs associated with OneWorld at jewishpalmbeach.org/oneworld.

Stay updated on all upcoming events with Federation by registering for eNews, Federation’s biweekly newsletter at jewishpalmbeach.org/signup.

Renowned author, acclaimed humorist speak at Federation events One year after Chelsea Clinton delivered remarks at the Federation’s inaugural Main Event, three major names have signed on to speak at Federation events.

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, political commentator, physician and author Charles Krauthammer was the featured speaker at Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s inaugural Blue & White Ball. The event took place at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion on Thursday, January 8, 2015.

Krauthammer, an outspoken advocate for Israel, writes a renowned weekly column for The Washington Post that is syndicated in more than 400 newspapers worldwide. He is also the former essayist for Time magazine and served as speechwriter for the White House.

At The Main Event, Federation’s flagship philanthropic program at which Clinton spoke in 2014, humorist and actor Mo Rocca will be the featured speaker on March 3, 2015 at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion.

Rocca is known for his quirky reports on a wide range of credits, including The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and CBS Sunday Morning.

Today, he is creator and host of the Cooking Channel’s Emmynominated show My Grandmother’s Ravioli, in which he learns to cook from grandparents across the country.

The Main Event is for families who give a minimum of $1,000 to Federation’s 2015 Annual Campaign. People 35 years old or younger can attend with a minimum gift of $500. The cost per attendee is $136.

For more information about The Main Event, contact Rachel Berg at 561.242.6612 or rachel.berg@jewishpalmbeach.org.

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Community leaders gather for unique retreat Every community needs its leaders – and every leader has a responsibility to develop themselves and their skills for the good of the community.

The Bildner-Winer Leadership Succession Initiative (LSI) is Federation’s effort to cultivate the next generation of community leadership for Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

13 leaders joined together at the Marriott on Singer Island in August for a retreat opportunity, where they discussed Federation’s mission and their role as leaders. This was the fourth in a series of five programs for the participants, including a program to Israel.

“Many of these people are already well-established as business and community leaders,” said Dr. Helene Lotman, Executive Vice President/Chief Talent Officer at Federation and the coordinator of LSI. “The challenge they now face is creating a plan to build beyond themselves and bring others into the community and leadership.”

LSI participants were joined at the retreat by an icon in the Jewish philanthropy world: Jerry Silverman, President & CEO of Jewish Federations of North America.

“Mr. Silverman discussed with the leaders about the commonalities among all Federations,” said Dr. Lotman. “How can we collaborate with one another? What’s our direction? And how does Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County fit into all of that? ” The leaders who participated in the retreat also decided to convene regularly to discuss with other leaders and professionals the ever-changing initiatives needed in the community.

Some examples they discussed were the development of enhanced teen programming, security and analysis of existing programs.

For updates on leadership development opportunities in the community, go to jewishpalmbeach.org.

LSI participants met with with elementary school students while on their program to Israel.

While in Israel, leaders with Federation’s LSI program heard from a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces about what leadership means for someone protecting his country.

Leaders with LSI learned about programs supported by Federation in Israel, like this program for young people who have an interest working in the field of medicine.

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CAMPAIGN CABINET

The Campaign Cabinet: a team of experienced leaders who are bringing a new voice to the Jewish community.

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County welcomes the following community members to this exciting initiative and thanks them for their commitment: Keith Braun Cynthia Brown Andrew Comiter Michelle Jacobson Barry Feinberg Judy Fish

Amy Jonas Lynn Kaston David Kimball Roslyn Leopold Lisa Lickstein Sam Liebovich

Barry Berg named 2015 Annual Campaign Chair

Karen List Justin Paul Ken Tillman Hope Silverman Tony Lampert Joel Yudenfruend

Barry Berg, Annual Campaign Chair Paul Fine, Annual Campaign Vice Chair

Want to get involved? Contact Rachel Berg at 561.242.6612 or rachel.berg@jewishpalmbeach.org.

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Barry Berg has been appointed as Chair of the 2015 Annual Campaign at Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. In this position, he will oversee campaign strategy, community solicitation and work to strengthen the Annual Campaign infrastructure to ensure future growth. Berg will also lead the implementation and organization of the new Campaign Cabinet, which consists of 30 experienced community leaders.

Berg has been involved with Federation since the early 1980s and has sat on the Board of Directors for more than 10 years.

Cynthia Brown becomes Board Chair of Women’s Philanthropy

Cynthia R. Brown was installed as Chair of the Women’s Philanthropy Board at Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

Brown has been on the Federation’s Board for several years, previously serving as chair and an original trustee of Jewish Women’s Foundation (JWF).

She has held several key leadership positions with Women’s Philanthropy.

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Young women’s group adds new avenues for involvement There’s now a way for young women to get together for fun, philanthropy and social action. Women’s Philanthropy at Federation recently launched a young women’s group that will strengthen leadership in the Jewish women’s community, specifically with programs for women ages 25 to 45.

The group, called Kol Isha (Hebrew for “a woman’s voice”) creates education, social action and fundraising programming for young women that empowers and encourages involvement with Women’s Philanthropy and Federation.

Since Kol Isha’s inception, participants have gathered for an early Shabbat and learned how to make braided challah with residents of MorseLife in West Palm Beach. The young women discussed with the residents how Kramer Senior Services (a subsidiary of MorseLife and partner of Jewish Federation) provides vital services in our community.

“I really enjoyed meeting so many smart, community-minded women that share my same passion to help others in the community," said one Kol Isha participant, “as well as see firsthand the power of Federation creating real change.”

In December, young women with Kol Isha joined together with other generations of women for cocktails and painting. The event’s proceeds benefit a kosher food pantry operated through Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service (AJFCS), another partner agency of Federation.

If you are a woman 25-45 years old and are interested in becoming more involved in your community, contact Jennifer Green Baer at 561.242.6608 or jennifer.baer@jewishpalmbeach.org.

Linda Berns and Jenna Kay at Kol Isha’s Bottles & Brushes event.

NextGen kicks off programs at Bar Louie

NextGen Kickoff event chairs Rachel Needle and Adam Hecht

Sometimes it’s good to take a step back, grab a drink and look at all the opportunities available to us in the community.

More than 75 young professionals kicked off the programming year for NextGen Jewish Palm Beach at Bar Louie in Downtown West Palm Beach. This was as much a networking opportunity as it was a time to hear about the importance of supporting community and all the upcoming opportunities to do so with NextGen. “N extGen is an amazing initiative from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County to bring together young adults as the next generation of community leaders and philanthropists,” said Joey Abrin, NextGen’s Development Associate. “Our kickoff was an exciting statement made

by these young adults that not only do they take ownership in our Jewish community but they are excited to be involved.”

Other NextGen events this year have included a night at the Palm Beach Zoo and a family event at Bedner’s Farm in Boynton Beach. NextGen is also planning an Art After Dark event at the N orton Museum of art and many other great programs. Contact N extGen’s Joey Abrin at joseph.abrin@jewishpalmbeach.org for more information.

NextGen's mission is to serve the needs of the younger professional community in the greater Palm Beaches through philanthropy, community and volunteering by connecting, serving and educating.

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Thanks to the community’s donations to the Israel Emergency Fund, thousands of Israeli children who had been forced to stay in bomb shelters were given respite opportunities (like this one to a water park in a safe part of the country).

Community joins together for humanitarian aid during Israel conflict When terrorists’ rockets threatened millions of people in Israel, our Jewish community quickly sprang to action.

This past summer, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County launched the Israel Emergency Fund.

The effort was simple: provide vital humanitarian aid for the people of Israel. 100% of donations ensured life-changing services.

Federation’s commitment was part of a Jewish Federations of North America goal to raise $30 million.

Our community stepped forward and took responsibility for their extended Jewish family.

Altogether, the community donated more than $600,000 for the Israel Emergency Fund.

Thousands of children were forced to stay in bomb shelters to protect themselves from rockets.

80,000 children were relocated out of the line of fire for respite and relief opportunities, thanks to contributions to the Israel Emergency Fund.

Vulnerable populations were unable to access the services they rely on for food, medicine and other necessities. Donations ensured 20,000 frail elderly and other vulnerable groups received food, medicine, supplies and emotional support.

Constant rocket-fire and blaring sirens caused severe emotional distress. Because of donations, 15,000 psychologically-affected citizens received trauma care.

The life-changing work ensured by our community’s generosity received local and national media attention, even being mentioned in Bloomberg Businessweek.

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Fallen IDF soldier a friend of Jewish Palm Beach Our community was heartbroken to hear of the loss of IDF Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, 23, whose abduction and death were highly publicized while serving in Operation Protective Edge on August 3.

Hadar’s sister, Ayelet Goldin Kaufman, is a frequent visitor and friend to the Jewish Palm Beach community. Ayelet is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Living Bridge Coordinator. Through Federation’s Partnership 2Gether program, Ayelet organizes youth leadership programs for Palm Beach County in Israel. She and her family also host delegations from our community.

In December, Ayelet visited Palm Beach County. Teens at Temple Beth Torah in Wellington paid tribute to Hadar with a citrus garden (in Hebrew, “Hadar” means “citrus tree”). The teens presented the garden to Ayelet during her visit.

A few weeks before being assigned to Gaza, Hadar was engaged to be married. His twin brother, Tzur, also served in Operation Protective Edge. Their father, Simha, is an officer in the IDF reserves. Both of Hadar’s grandfathers were Holocaust survivors.

Teens at Temple Beth Torah in Wellington planted a memorial citrus garden in honor of Hadar Goldin. The teens later presented the garden to Hadar’s sister, Ayelet Goldin Kaufman, Federation’s Partnership 2Gether Living Bridge Coordinator.

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Re-energized Vodka Latkas draw record crowds The community tradition known as the Vodka Latka returned in 2014 to great fanfare. More than 1,000 people from various communities around Palm Beach County joined together for evenings of socializing and learning about the difference they make in the Jewish community through their contributions to Federation.

The events were held in December for the following communities: Hunters Run (Boynton Beach); Indian Spring (Boynton Beach); a combined event for BallenIsles, Ibis and Old Palm (West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens); a general event for communities in Federation’s southern communities (held at Wycliffe Country Club in Wellington); and Admirals Cove (Jupiter).

Dr. Jonathan Schanzer was the featured speaker at several of the events. Dr. Schanzer, Vice President for Research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, tracked the money of terrorists for years as a terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Dr. Schanzer is fluent in Hebrew and Arabic and has appeared on American television channels such as Fox News and CNN, as well as Arabic language television channels such as al-Arabiyya and al-Jazeera.

Dr. Ralph Nurnberger (an expert on political and international issues) also delivered remarks in one community, as did Rabbi Michael C. Simon and Cantor Michael Glozman of Temple Beth Kodesh. Events held during Hanukkah included the lighting of a hanukkiah.

In addition, community members heard from people who benefit from their generosity, including a woman who delivers meals to homebound seniors in Palm Beach County and a local teen who went on a unique journey to Israel through the Federationsupported Bonim Chaim program.

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Area professionals ensure humanitarian aid in Israel

(From left to right) Craig Storch (event chair), Shani Boneh (Israeli Emissary), Robert Pick (event chair), Nir Boneh (Israeli Emissary), Eileen Fass (event chair), Brett Sandala (event chair) and Scott Newman (event chair)

Thousands of rockets rained down on Israel over the summer. In response, professionals with Federation’s Jewish Professionals N etwork (JPN ) saw their standing with Israel as a responsibility – and took action.

N early 50 professionals from JPN came together to stand for Israel in August at Nick & Johnnie’s (Palm Beach).

Together, they expressed their solidarity for Israel and heard reflections on the conflict from Federation’s Shlichim (Israeli Emissaries), who had just returned from seeing firsthand how the constant rocket-fire in Israel affected everyday life.

“The scariest part about the rockets was the silence after the warning sirens,” said Israeli Emissary Nir Boneh.

“You know after an alarm that you’re going to hear an explosion. It can be either the Iron Dome intercepting the rocket or the rocket falling nearby. All you can do is hope and pray that it will land far away.”

JPN participants also ensured humanitarian aid in Israel through donations to Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund. 100% of contributions to the fund go towards lifechanging services in Israel.

Overall, more than 100 JPN participants raised nearly $72,000 toward the Israel Emergency Fund.

“This event was truly amazing,” said Israeli Emissary Shani Boneh. “It showed that all of us, all the Jewish people, are a big family. For the Israeli people, it warms our heart that we are all united.”

JPN’s additions to the Israel Emergency Fund brought the total raised for the effort to more than $600,000.

The Israel Emergency Fund ensured respite opportunities for 80,000 children living in range of Hamas’ rocket-fire, relief for 20,000 frail elderly and disabled, and trauma care for 15,000 Israelis psychologically affected by the conflict.

Chairs for the JPN event were committee members Eileen Fass, Robert Pick, Brett Sandala and Craig Storch.

Part of JPN’s mission is to fulfill Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s work to enrich Jewish life, care for vulnerable populations and build global Jewish community.

To learn more about JPN programs and events, please contact Diane Scherer at 561.242.6675 or email diane.scherer@jewishpalmbeach.org.

Paving the way for community innovation Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is proud to launch The Innovation Fund: a high-impact, multi-year grants program that represents a new, forward-thinking philosophy embraced by the organization’s Board of Directors.

The strategic shift in adding a new funding platform – reflective of a nationwide trend – will be done through a request-for-proposal (RFP) process. Federation’s partner agencies, synagogues, startups and other organizations will be encouraged to submit creative and collaborative initiatives capable of generating meaningful impact.

Recipients will be provided multi-year funding.

The impetus for The Innovation Fund is based upon both national research and local community trends, which indicate that donors are increasingly motivated by personal passions and a desire to see a return on their philanthropic investment.

Learn more about The Innovation at jewishpalmbeach.org/innovationfund.

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Rosenberg, Silverman honored for advocacy Judith Rosenberg and Hope Silverman were named 2014’s Advocates of the Year for Alpert Jewish Family and Children’s Service (AJFCS). These remarkable women personify a generosity of spirit and, through their extensive involvement and their selfless acts of kindness, have supported AJFCS as well as the entire community.

Judith and Hope, along with Jack Rosenberg and Gene Silverman – their husbands, partners in philanthropy and creative CoChairs – planned a celebratory and enjoyable event in December.

The Advocates of the Year luncheon was another meaningful opportunity to honor leaders of the community and ensure the vital work AJFCS provides for people who need help meeting life’s challenges.

To learn more about events and involvement with AJFCS, visit jfcsonline.com.

The honorees and their husbands/co-chairs at the AJFCS Advocates of the Year Luncheon. (from left) Gene Silverman, Hope Silverman, Judith Rosenberg, Jack Rosenberg.

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Meyer ribbon cutting draws community together School is officially in session at the brand new Arthur I. Meyer Academy location in Palm Beach Gardens.

More than 100 local leaders, philanthropists and community members gathered on Friday, August 15, for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the 68,000-square-foot facility, located at the Melvin J. and Claire Levine Center for Jewish Learning in Palm Beach Gardens. On August 20, 2014 the school welcomed 260 students for its inaugural school year at the new academic campus.

Following the ribbon cutting and formal hanging of the mezuzah, guests enjoyed tours of the facility and had the opportunity to place well wishes and prayers into the wall in the Israel courtyard, symbolic of what visitors do at the Western Wall.

Each year, the graduating 8th grade class travels for two weeks to Israel and will now deliver the notes to the Western Wall, known as the Kotel, in Jerusalem.

“My father would be proud to see his legacy carried into a new, state-of-the-art school," said William Meyer, son of the school’s namesake, Arthur I. Meyer. “Educating students in a nurturing environment based on Jewish values and focusing on intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth lives on as his vision.”

In addition to Meyer, speakers included Dr. David Lickstein, President of the Meyer Academy Board of Trustees; Michelle Jacobson, Meyer Academy Board of Trustees Immediate Past President; Miki Leibowitz, Meyer Academy Board of Trustees Vice President of Marketing; N ehemia “N ammie” Ichilov, Meyer Academy’s Head of School; and Beth Kigel, President and CEO of the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce.

Distinguished guests included lead donor Claire Levine; Ann Leibovit and Carol Roberts, School Founders; Senator Dave Aronberg; Eric Jablin, Vice Mayor of the City of Palm Beach Gardens; Ilan Kaufer, Vice Mayor of the Town of Jupiter; Chris Mass, Director of Membership Development at the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, and many more.

“This ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in our 41-year history,” said Ichilov. “The youth that will grow and excel here have limitless potential. My role is to ensure that they are inspired and prepared with the knowledge and wisdom to take on the world.”

The new facility fosters learning opportunities in every area of the custom designed space and incorporates leading-edge science labs, a state-of-the-art multimedia center and classrooms equipped with laptops, iPads and Apple TVs. For the past 16 years, the Arthur I. Meyer Academy was located at the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s campus in West Palm Beach.

About the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy The Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy is a full-time, independent Jewish day school for students in kindergarten to eighth grade. Founded in 1973, the prestigious academy has established a legacy of quality education in language arts, mathematics, social studies and science, as well as Hebrew, Jewish history, and Jewish values. The Meyer Academy is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

Meyer Academy has limited spaces still available for students for the current school year. Visit www.MeyerAcademy.org for more information.

Nehemiah “Nammie” Ichilov, Claire Levine, Dr. David Lickstein, William Meyer, and Ronnie Pertnoy at the Meyer Academy ribbon cutting.

“Nammie” Ichilov and William Meyer announce the beginning of a new chapter for the greater Palm Beaches’ premier Jewish day school.

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Community Happenings Adult Learning for the “Wondering Jew” For the fourth straight year, the Lorraine and Jack N . Friedman Commission for Jewish Education (CJE) is bringing The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning to the Palm Beaches for a thought-provoking season of adult learning. The Florence Melton School is the largest pluralistic adult Jewish education network in the world offering high quality, text- based, interactive Jewish study.

With a learned team of rabbis and Jewish scholars at the helm, Friedman CJE’s 2014-2015 schedule offers diverse study options including a comprehensive core curriculum consisting of rhythms, purposes, dramas and ethics of Jewish living. The more advanced Scholars curriculum invites core curriculum graduates to focus on a deeper examination of selected Jewish texts that have shaped Judaism over the years. This year’s Scholars’ topics include “Understanding the Arab Israeli Conflict” and “Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah”. A flexible class schedule is designed to attract a wide variety of learners and features special lunch and learn sessions and snowbird classes.

If you are looking for a profound understanding of what it means to be Jewish, consider exploring your heritage through the Melton curriculum.

Registration for classes is now open. Classes are already underway.

For more information on Friedman CJE’s Melton classes, visit cjepb.org or contact Joyce Siegel, Melton Coordinator (561.209.2612 or j.siegel@cjepb.org) or Debbie Kaplan, Director of Community Engagement (561-209-2618 or d.kaplan@cjepb.org).

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Memorial draws hundreds to honor “Our Boys”

Phillip Taylor, a student at Oxbridge Academy, speaks to media before the Federation’s Remember Our Boys memorial on July 7, 2014. Taylor delivered remarks to more than 500 community members about his experiences in Israel when the boys were murdered.

More than 500 community members were joined by elected officials and leaders of various faiths on July 7, 2014 for the "Remember Our Boys" memorial program.

The program honored the three Israeli boys – N aftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach – who were found dead after being kidnapped by Hamas terrorists, as well as 16-year-old Palestinian Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir.

Khdeir was killed by Israelis in the wake of the boys' murders.

People at the event also expressed solidarity with Israel and remembered all innocent people who have died at the hands of terrorism and hatred. Dignitaries and faith leaders who spoke at the event included Revital Malca, Deputy Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico; Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik of Temple Judea; and Reverend Walter "Lucky" Arnold of the First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach.

Brian & Lisa Seymour shared their perspective; they were just miles from Hebron with their two sons when the Israeli boys were kidnapped. Cantor Zachary Mondrow of Temple Torah sang national anthems, prayers and led other cantors

in the program's closing song, Esa Einai.

Also speaking was Phillip Taylor, a student at Oxbridge Academy, who returned from Israel a few days prior. A participant travelling with Federation's Bonim Chaim program, Taylor and the 18 other teens on the program were housed with Israeli families when they learned of the boys' kidnapping and deaths.

"There was a connection within the nation, tangible in the air – something I will never forget," Taylor told the audience.

"We must never forget these boys, and their tragic loss of life, for there is nothing equal to the value of life," he added. "Yet the nation must keep moving forward, along with their memories that will always remain with us."

Some of our area’s leading TV stations and newspapers covered the memorial. The Palm Beach Post featured an article about the memorial on its front page.

The program was made possible by Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and nearly 50 partner agencies, synagogues and organizations.

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Community Happenings Jenni Frumer appointed CEO of Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service Jenni Frumer has been appointed the chief executive officer of Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service by the agency’s board of directors. Frumer previously served as the chief operating officer of the social service agency where she has worked since 1986.

In her new capacity, Frumer leads the agency’s more than 180 employees in providing a comprehensive array of programs and services to the community including clinical services for psychiatric and psychological care, mentoring for kids, domestic abuse services, guardianship, a variety of elder care services, support groups, life planning for adults with disabilities, residential programs for adults with disabilities, mental health first aid training as well as specialized services for Holocaust survivors.

She is both a licensed mental health counselor and a licensed clinical social worker and is board certified in geriatric counseling and is a nationally certified Guardian. Frumer was recently elected to the Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies national Board of directors, in support of its network of 125 human service agencies in the United States and Canada serving more than 500,000 families.

Frumer was an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University for nine years and was recruited to help develop the Alfus Patient Advocacy Program at the University of Miami. She has written and published articles on geriatric social service systems, cultural competence in working with Holocaust survivors and engaging boomers in the work of non-profits. She coauthored a white paper for the J. Hartford Foundation on models of community-based services for older adults. She presents extensively; nationally and internationally and is a radio co-host for VoiceAmerica’s “Leadership Matters.”

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Briefing on Iran nuclear situation held at Federation When a regime that threatens the State of Israel is given the opportunity to continue developing nuclear weapons, our community must ensure world powers do all they can to protect the security of the Jewish people.

A community briefing on recent developments in the Iran nuclear situation was held at Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. The event was coordinated

by Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

This comes in response to the group of six world powers responsible for diplomatic efforts related to Iran’s nuclear program (known as P5 + 1) recent decision to give an extension of seven months to Iran nuclear talks.

The briefing featured a discussion panel, which included Representative Patrick Murphy (D-FL 18th District); Gadi Soued, Palm Beach Area Director, AIPAC; and Dr. Luis Fleischman, Vice President of JCRC. Dr. Stephen Sussman, Chair of JCRC, moderated the panel. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Brooke Wiener, JCRC steering committee member.

“It is crucial that we inform the broader community about the dangers of a nuclear Iran,” said Dr. Stephen Sussman, moderator of the briefing’s discussion panel. “Our community must continue to advocate for global powers to firmly negotiate and issue sanctions in order to bring a halt to Iran’s development of nuclear weaponry.”

Notable attendees included Deacon Dennis Demes, Ph.D., Diocese of Palm Beach; a member of Rep. Alcee Hastings’ (D-FL 20th District) staff; and Alan Newman, Palm Beach Area Chair, AIPAC.

Gadi Soued of AIPAC (left) and Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-FL) spoke at the Iran briefing held at Federation.

Dr. Stephen Sussman (left) moderated the briefing.

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Community Happenings Photos from the sky at beach celebration

The first thing you noticed when you came to the beach for Temple Beth Am’s annual community-wide Yom HaAtzmaut celebration was a large Jewish star outlined with blue rope in the sand above the shore line. People gathered on a Friday at 5:30pm with their beach chairs and blankets to welcome Shabbat and celebrate Israel’s Independence in true Florida style at Marcinski Beach and Pavilion in Jupiter.

Rabbi Alon Levkovitz, Cantor Jessica Turnoff Ferrari, and Music Director Brett Tancer led prayers and songs. The beach was covered in patches of blue and white as threehundred participants wore the colors of Israel to show support and solidarity. As the service ended, participants

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made their way to the Jewish star in the sand and were instructed to stand on the rope outline.

What followed was something so exciting that the shouts of “wow” and “oohs and ahs” could be heard down the shore line as a media drone, with white spiderlike arms and flashing camera lights, lifted off. The drone flew high up above the assembled crowd, with its camera snapping video of the human Jewish star in the sand. “Am Yisrael Chai” was sung as the drone flew around. On special cue, the participants walked off the blue rope in the sand; the drone made a landing and everyone made their way to the pavilion for a delicious barbecue.

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Temples, churches join for interfaith Thanksgiving service

Every year, a Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service rotates among three houses of worship and is attended by over 1,000 people of all faiths and background. Last year, it was hosted by Temple Beth Am in Jupiter, presented jointly with the clergy and congregations of JupiterFIRST Church and St. Peter Catholic Church.

This year’s Interfaith Service was held at JupiterFIRST Church. Rabbi Alon Levkovitz of Temple Beth Am delivered the sermon.

The event was open to the entire community. By agreement, the Interfaith Service’s prayers and readings did not reflect any particular theology or religious practice, only the mutually held practice of expressing gratitude.

In 2013, religious leaders at the annual event honored the first night of Hanukkah falling on the same day as

Thanksgiving Eve. JupiterFIRST Church’s Senior Minister Dr. Barry L. Johnson, St. Peter Catholic Church’s Father Don Finney Rabbi Levkovitz joined together in lighting the Menorah.

“For the first time in history, more than 1,000 people can say, ‘A priest, a minister and a rabbi stood on the bimah of the synagogue…and they will not be telling a joke,” said Rabbi Levkovitz. “This service says a lot about the ability for people of differing faiths to not only coexist, but to appreciate the richness of each other’s faith.”

Each year, the service benefits a local nonprofit organization. To date, the Interfaith Service has raised more than $100,000 for different causes.

Temple Beth Am is located at 2250 Central Blvd.

Jupiter. Call 561.747.1109 or visit templebetham.com.

Temple Shaarei Shalom welcomes new cantor Temple Shaarei Shalom is delighted to introduce its new Cantor, Judith Borden Ovadia. Cantor Ovadia was ordained by the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion School of Sacred Music, where she received her Master of Sacred Music degree.

Cantor Ovadia has performed in concerts throughout the United States and Israel.

She is the immediate Past President of the Bay Area Cantorial Association in Tampa and serves on the Communications Committee of the American Conference of Cantors. She taught on the faculty of the School of Jewish Music at Hebrew College in Newton Centre, Massachusetts.

The Cantor’s essays and articles appear in several notable Jewish publications, and she is currently working on a memoir entitled “Embraceable World.”

Cantor Ovadia has served congregations in El Paso, Texas; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Newton, Massachusetts; and Clearwater, Florida. She and her three children now reside in Palm Beach County.

Temple Shaarei Shalom is located at 9085 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach.

Visit the Temple’s website at templeshaareishalom.com or call at 561.364.9054 for more information.

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Community Happenings Cantor from Ukraine joins Temple Israel Temple Israel in West Palm Beach is pleased to announce that Cantor Michael Kruk has joined their staff and will share the bima with Rabbi Cookie Lea Olshein each Friday night. He will also be leading the Temple’s choir which performs at Shabbat services monthly and at special events.

“Cantor Kruk’s style will blend well with our participatory approach to worship here at TI since we seek to invite all of our worshipers’ participation in their own prayer experience,” said Rabbi Olshein. “He brings a wide range of musical knowledge and styles to our community and I look forward to working with him to create a beautiful, and meaningful, worship experience for Jews in the Palm Beaches.”

Cantor Michael Kruk was born in Tchernovitz, Ukraine and studied music from the age of six, as well as violin and piano in music school.

He also completed vocal studies in a music college. He served in the Red Army Choir as a soloist. Unhappy with many years of prohibition and persecution, he emigrated to Israel were he continued his vocal studies at the Academy of Music of Tel Aviv University. Later he served in the Rabbinical Military Choir as a soloist. In 1981 he represented Israel in the 10th International Vocal Competition held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Cantor Kruk has performed leading operatic roles for the Israeli Rubin Opera Company, the National Radio & Television Orchestra, and Bronx Opera House, New York. He has appeared in many concerts and recitals throughout Israel and Russia.

In 1986 he arrived in the United States, where he continued to study voice in the Julliard School, American Opera Center of New York. Since graduation, he has sung at many concerts and performances in Israel, Canada, and United States.

In search of his Jewish identity and love for Cantorial music, he began a new phase in his vocal career in 1989, by becoming a student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, School of Sacred Music and in 1993 he was invested as a Cantor. Cantor Michael Kruk served as a Cantor of Hebrew Tabernacle Congregation, New York and Temple Sinai of North Dade, Florida.

To learn more about Temple Israel, visit temple-israel.com or call 561.833.8421.

Award-winning educator joins Temple for religious school re-launch Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington is proud to welcome educator Rabbi Janie Grackin as its new Religious School Director. Rabbi Janie, as she is known, is working with Temple B’nai Jacob’s leadership to redesign and update its Religious School, combining traditional knowledge and love of Judaism in a new, vibrant curriculum infused with art, music, technology and drama. The school is re-launching this year as The New School at B’nai Jacob.

Temple B’nai Jacob’s commitment to its growing religious school and its family programming is evident in the hiring of Rabbi Janie. She has traveled the world creating programs for intergenerational populations in synagogues and schools in the United States, Europe and Israel. She has been honored with awards including the Solomon Schechter Gold Award for Family Education, Coalition for Advancements in Jewish Education (CAJE) National Award for specialty programming and Commission for Jewish Education Torah Award for Jewish Education.

“I love working with children. I am always asking myself, how do we make this exciting?

How do we keep this fresh? I want to instill in the children a love of being Jewish,” said Rabbi Janie The New School at B’nai Jacob serves children from kindergarten to seventh grade with classes twice a week.

Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington is a Conservative, egalitarian synagogue serving the Western communities of Palm Beach County. Temple B’nai Jacob seeks to inspire each member to become more deeply connected to his or her Jewish identity by providing relevant worship experiences, life-long educational experiences, opportunities for social action, and a connection to Jewish culture. Visit templebnaijacob.com to learn more.

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Mandel JCC and Jupiter Medical Center kick off unique partnership

Representatives from Jupiter Medical Center offered free health screenings and assessments to the community at Mandel JCC in Palm Beach Gardens on January 8, marking the beginning of the new health and wellness partnership between the medical center and Mandel JCC.

It's only natural that the Mandel JCC – a Federation partner agency that enhances Jewish life – create a partnership with a medical center that saves lives on a regular basis.

To further enhance the Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches’ (JCC) mission to provide health and wellness initiatives to members, they have partnered with Jupiter Medical Center (JMC) to create a highly personalized health, wellness and fitness program at its Palm Beach Gardens location.

The partnership formally kicked off with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting on January 8. Full-time JMC Health & Wellness Navigator, Tiffany Jones, was on hand to brief the community on the programs and services available.

Specialists performed mammograms on the WIM (Wellness in Motion) bus, orthopedic assessments, sleep assessments, blood pressure checks, cholesterol and glucose tests, BMI and body fat measurements, bone density tests, seated massages and diabetes, stroke and skin cancer risk assessments.

“The addition of a JMC Health & Wellness Navigator and the other services JMC provides will enable members to take their journey to wellness to the next level. They have the resources, and now they can receive expert advice on

a regular basis to enhance and execute their wellness plans, all in a convenient setting,” said Mindy Hanken, President and CEO of the Mandel JCC. The partnership is committed to helping the whole family from children to adults. JMC recently began performing pediatric screenings at the Mandel JCC's preschool. This not only allows the parents to receive free testing in the school environment, but once they receive the results, the therapists will work with the children on campus. In the past, they had to seek help outside of the JCC. “We’re excited to bring expert guidance for an active, healthy lifestyle to JCC members,” said John Couris, President and CEO of Jupiter Medical Center. JMC’s shared purpose is to care for the health and wellness of our community. This partnership allows us to further fulfill our mission.”

The program is an exclusive healthcare partnership between the two organizations with the mission of promoting the health, wellness, and fitness of the JCC members and guests. Through the partnership, JCC members are also granted access to JMC’s Rehab & Wellness Center to use the heated pool and exercise equipment during non-therapy hours.

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BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

Temple Shaarei Shalom dedicates new Torah scroll

Daringly Traditional.

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The Triple J Sandwich Corned beef, roast beef, turkey and Swiss cheese rolled with lots of Cole slaw and Russian dressing.

Exclusively at TooJay’s

Since 1981, TooJay’s has been delighting diners with an exciting and eclectic menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When the craving strikes indulge in authentic NY–Style deli sandwiches or settle in with slow

roasted turkey, old fashioned pot roast and other time-honored comfort food favorites. Friendly, professional service is a part of every meal, so make plans today to join us for “a little taste of home”.

A new Torah was given to Temple Shaarei Shalom in Boynton Beach, donated by Elaine and Leonard Schoenfeld in memory of Elaine’s daughter, Jacqueline Pearl Kirsh (1968-1998).

The new Torah was dedicated on Friday, September 5, 2014, at Shabbat Services.

Rabbi Anthony Fratello and Rabbi Joanna Tract donated the new Torah’s breast plate, yad and gartel in memory of Rabbi Fratello’s father, Richard Fratello.

Marvin and Rhoda Gottlieb donated the Torah crown in memory of their respective parents and grandparents.

Temple Shaarei Shalom is located at 9085 Hagen Ranch Rd. Visit templeshaareishalom.com for more information.

New youth education director at Temple Judea Legendary desserts: carrot cake, black & whites, chocolate Killer Cake.

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Temple Judea is delighted to announce Rabbi Rose Durbin as their new Director of Youth Education. Rabbi Rose was raised in Alabama and graduated Brown University with a degree in Community Health. In 2010, she was ordained by the Hebrew Union College.

Rabbi Rose has extensive leadership experience working with youth. Most recently, Rabbi Rose was the rabbi at Knesseth Israel Synagogue in Gloversville, New York.

She recently moved to South Florida with her husband, Rabbi Matthew Durbin, who will be the new rabbi at congregation Beit Ha Yam in Stuart, and their two daughters.

Contact Temple Judea to learn more about its religious school or to schedule time to meet Rabbi Rose.

Call 561.624.4633 or visit templejudeapbc.org.

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“Community Stars” honored at Mandel JCC Gala The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches hosted its second annual Gala in November.

This year’s distinguished honorees were Connie and David Blacher, who were instrumental in raising significant funds for the Mandel JCC’s Capital Campaign; John D. Rising Star Joel Yudenfreund, Corporate Star John D. Couris, Community Stars Connie and David Blacher President & CEO Couris, President & CEO of Jupiter Medical Wealth Management Strategist of U.S. Bank of Jupiter Medical Center Center, which began a partnership with the Mandel JCC; and Joel Yudenfreund, Wealth Management Strategist of U.S. Bank, who has continued to support the Jewish community on a personal and professional level.

Gala Committee Chairs were Beryl and Robert Schneider and Vicki and Stephen Wildstein.

Mindy Hanken appointed Mandel JCC’s CEO

The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches announced the appointment of Mindy Hanken as President and CEO. Mindy has worked at the Mandel JCC for more than six years, most recently serving as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), supervising and managing all programming and operations. She is highly regarded by the national JCC Association as one of its leading professionals.

Over the past year as the Mandel JCC's COO, Hanken has streamlined programming at both the Boynton Beach and Palm Beach Gardens locations of the Mandel JCC, enhancing the focus on one agency with two locations. In addition, Hanken was instrumental in the firstyear success of the Mandel JCC's new Palm Beach Gardens location.

New leader at Friedman CJE Friedman CJE’s President, Alan L. Shulman, recently announced the hiring of a new Executive Director, Charles Cohen, who joined the agency in September. Charles, who holds a law degree from Boston University, has extensive experience in the Jewish nonprofit world. Most recently, he served as Manager of the Jewish Day School Affordability Knowledge Center at the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education in Boston, Massachusetts.

Previously, Charles was Planning Manager for Jewish Continuity at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, where he staffed two allocations commissions and directed nearly $6 million of the Federation’s Campaign, Donor Directed and Government investments in the areas of Jewish Learning and Community Life. Charles joins our community with his wife Jennifer and two children: Amitai, age 6, and Tamar, age 4.

“I am truly excited to join the excellent lay and professional Friedman CJE team,” said Cohen about his new role. “Together we will ensure that Jews in Palm Beach will connect with each other, learn about their shared Jewish heritage and wisdom, and grow in their connection to Judaism and the Jewish community.”

Libby Fishman brings expertise to “big picture” planning Libby Fishman has begun serving as Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Chair of Community Planning and Investments Committee.

Fishman’s top priority is to focus on evaluations-based decisions for funding that emphasizes big-picture strategic community planning. She is also overseeing the launch and implementation of the Innovation Fund, a highimpact, multi-year grants program at Federation.

Fishman has previously served on Women’s Philanthropy’s Board of Directors. She has also served as a board member and officer of Alpert Jewish Family and Children’s Services and the Levine Jewish Residential Services.

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Teens spend day with nation’s heroes Veteran’s Day is a day when we honor those who serve our country.

But it’s rare for teens to use their day off school to hear the experiences of and lend a hand to our nation’s heroes.

Teens with Federation’s Jewish Teen Initiative (JTI) spent Veteran’s Day showing their respect to veterans. Students in grades six through 12 volunteered with veterans at MorseLife as part of JTI’s “StarSpangled Day of Service”.

“This Veteran’s Day helped me understand the importance of giving back to our community,” said one JTI participant. “It was important for me to learn what these brave men and women go through as they transition back to civilian life.”

After teens spent time with the veterans, they went to Revolutions in CityPlace (West Palm Beach) for bowling and fun.

To learn about other JTI programs, go to jtipalmbeach.org.

On Veteran’s Day 2014, teens with Federation’s Jewish Teen Initiative (JTI) volunteered with veterans at MorseLife.

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Dermatology Associates, P.A. of the Palm Beaches Joshua M. Berlin, M.D.

Cristina Lampuri, M.D.

Brett S. Dock, M.D.

Harvey J. Penziner, M.D.

Mark R. Gardner, M.D.

Robert A. Sarro, M.D.

J. John Goodman, M.D.

Brent Schillinger, M.D.

Howard A. Green, M.D.

John M. Strasswimmer, M.D.

Richard A. Krathen, M.D.

WEST PALM BEACH 120A Butler Street West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (561) 659-1510 PALM BEACH GARDENS 10335-A N. Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561) 622-6976 SOUTH DELRAY BEACH 3100 S. Federal Highway Suite 8 Delray Beach, FL 33483 (561) 278-1362 NORTH DELRAY BEACH 2605 W. Atlantic Boulevard Suite D204 North Delray Beach, FL 33445 (561) 819-5822 BOYNTON BEACH 10301 Hagen Ranch Road Suite 930 Boynton Beach, FL 33437 (561) 739-5252

WEST BOCA RATON 7280 W. Palmetto Road Suite 207 Boca Raton, FL 33433 (561) 368-1440 EAST BOCA RATON 951 SW 13th Street Suite 2D Boca Raton, FL 33486 (561) 862-5021 ATLANTIS 120 JFK Circle, Suite 128 Atlantis, FL 33462 (561) 964-9671 PALM CITY 3654 SW 30th Avenue Palm City, FL 34990 (772) 403-2227 WELLINGTON 1011 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

Suite 100 Wellington, FL 33414 (561) 798-1649

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6 Cynthia Brown, Lynn Kaston and Paul Fine at

Blue & White Ball Committee reception.

Ayelet Goldin Kaufman (featured speaker) and 7 Christine Curtis at the Prime Minister’s Council Reception.

Arlene Kaufman and Sanford Baklor at the 8 Blue & White Ball.

Stacey and Steve Ellison at 2014’s Main Event.

9 Lisa Zwig Gerstein and Judy Fish at the 2014 Lion of Judah Luncheon.

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the Blue & White Ball Committee reception.

Amy Jonas, Miryam Buchler and Beth Wayne at Kol Isha’s Bottles & Brushes event.

Charles and Merrill Gottesman at the Prime Minister’s Council Reception.

Barry and Marjorie Berg at the Prime Minister’s Council Reception.

Alec and Sheila Engelstein at the Blue & White Ball.

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8 Lori Gendelman, Marjorie Fiverson, Dorothy Kohl,

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Council Reception.

Federation/Palm Beach Country Club Brunch.

5 Erna and Sam Liebovich at the Prime Minister’s Council Reception.

Council Reception.

Minister’s Council Reception.

Cynthia Hirsch and Nancy Oelbaum at the Federation/ Palm Beach Country Club Brunch.

9 Barbara Rothschild and Vicki Loring at the

Federation/Palm Beach Country Club Brunch.

10 Sandra Krakoff at the Blue & White Ball Committee reception.

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Pass the matzah, please.

One of the most significant observances related to Passover is the avoiding of chametz throughout the holiday. Chametz means "leaven" – any food that's made of grain and water that has been allowed to ferment and rise. Bread, cereal, cake, cookies, pizza, pasta and beer are common examples. This is the antithesis of matzah, the unleavened bread we eat on Passover to commemorate the Jews who left Egypt in a hurry and did not have time to let their bread rise. On Passover, we eat matzah rid our homes of chametz – and the egotism and spiritual coarseness it represents. This Passover begins the evening of Friday, April 3 and ends the evening of Saturday, April 11.

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