The Jewish News - August 2019

EVENTS See page 14

2019–2020

UPCOMING

Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS PUBLISHED BY

The Jewish Federation OF SARASOTA-MANATEE

THE LARRY GREENSPON FAMILY CAMPUS FOR JEWISH LIFE

August 2019 - Tammuz/Av 5779 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 8 Community Focus 15 Jewish Happenings 19 Jewish Interest 24 Israel & the Jewish World 28 Commentary 31 Focus on Youth 35 Life Cycle

3 Shonim B’yahad – a program of our Jewish Federation – remains relevant today

7 Birthright trip inspires close connection to Israel and each other

33

By Kim Mullins, Chief Operating Officer

I

n 2018-2019, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee hosted numerous thought-provoking, insightful and fun programs. We heard from incredible speakers such as Nancy Spielberg and Daniel Gordis, we celebrated Federation’s 60th anniversary, we brought young families together through interactive PJ Library programming, and we had another record-breaking Jewish Film Festival.

What do we do once the dust has settled from those events? We start to plan for the coming season! Our staff and volunteer leadership have spent the last couple of months researching and planning in order to provide our community with an excellent lineup of programs for the 2019-20 season…and here’s a taste of what’s in store:  Shalom SRQ Live (November 3) is a new event this year – a showcase of all Jewish organizations in our Sarasota-Manatee area. The goal is to have a place where those new to our community or who may be unfamiliar with the wealth of Jewish options available to them can schmooze while learning about synagogue life, membership organizations, children’s programs and much more.

 Women’s Day (December 16) will feature Gail Simmons, culinary expert, cookbook author and TV personality. Gail has been a judge on Top Chef since 2006 and also lends her talents to other Bravo shows such as Top Chef Masters and Top Chef Gail Simmons (Credit: Guerin Blask) Desserts. Gail recently took part in “Celebrity Chef Birthright,” where she toured Israel with 30 fellow foodies and chefs.

She will talk about her recent trip to Israel and share her Jewish story with our community. Women’s Day chairs are Rachael Feldman and Ronna Ruben.  On December 25, we invite the community to join us in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life for a screening of Fiddler on the Roof, where we will sing the songs together, and enjoy a Chinese meal at intermission!

 On February 9, Survivor winner and two-time cancer survivor Ethan Zohn will share his story of survival and strength with our Sarasota-Manatee audience. Zohn will discuss how his faith and love of Israel have impacted his life.

Prior to his lecture, he will host a Survivor-style competition for our area teens.  The Community Lecture (February 25) features Deborah Lipstadt, American historian, author, and Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Emory University. Deborah

Deborah Lipstadt

is most well-known for defeating Holocaust denier David Irving in a libel suit in an English court. The movie Denial tells her story, and continued on page 2

New community leader for LIFE & LEGACY program ™

F

“

34

Volume 49, Number 8

An exciting year of community programs coming in 2019-20

Staff Report

The impact of meaningful camp experiences for our children

Teens enjoy summer experiences at Chabad’s CTeen Sarasota

www.jfedsrq.org

rom strength to strength” perfectly describes the transition of leadership of our LIFE & LEGACY™ program as Nelle Miller becomes the new Community Chair, a role that Albert Ernst skillfully performed since the introduction and implementation of the program in 2016 in Sarasota-Manatee.

“We are honored that Nelle Miller, who served as one of our finest Federation Board Presidents, has agreed to be our new Community LIFE

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& LEGACY Chair. I can think of no one better suited for this role and for helping our community continue to create and enhance Jewish futures,” said Federation Board President Michael Ritter.

Nelle is no stranger to our community, and neither is the significant contribution she Nelle Miller has made since moving to Sarasota in 2001 and continues to make in the ▼

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local non-profit world. Temple Sinai was one of Nelle’s first board leadership positions, followed by serving as a board member and ultimately becoming the Board President of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee from 2010-2012. Nelle ultimately became involved nationally and internationally as a trustee of different boards that serve the Jewish people and Israel.

Nelle currently serves as Board Chair of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Board Chair of All Faiths continued on page 2 ▼

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An exciting year...continued from page 1 will be screened as part of our Just Reel Films series prior to Deborah’s lecture. The event chair is Bette Zaret. The event is part of the community-wide Butterflies of Hope program. Deborah will also speak at our Major Gifts Event, just prior to the Community Lecture.  Our 11th annual Jewish Film Festival (March 11-22) will continue with a broad range of films – from documentaries to comedies, with topics ranging from Israel to the Holocaust to issues that face our Jewish community today. Our JFF committee, chaired by Cheryl Shapiro and Bunny Skirboll, is already hard at work screening scores of films for you!  Back by popular demand…Women’s Passover Celebration (March 26)! Always an audience favorite, we have started initial planning discussions with our local female clergy. The theme will be a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, and is part of Florida Studio Theatre’s year-long celebration, The Suffragist Project.

In addition to these amazing events, we are developing a new series, People of the Book Lecture Series, presented

in partnership with the Jewish Book Council. The series will feature six current authors in its inaugural year. Each event will feature a lecture and Q&A session, followed by a book sale and signing. Look for the September issue of The Jewish News for a formal announcement of dates and authors.

If you can believe it, there are more events than what have been highlighted here! Our very popular Just Reel Films series will continue into 2020. A variety of PJ Library and Shapiro Teen Engagement Programs (STEP) will provide opportunities for our young families and teens to engage in Jewish life. We will continue to collaborate with our community partners, area synagogues and other non-profits on exciting partnership events and programs.

If you’re interested in volunteering at any of these events, or just finding a way to get more involved with our Federation, please come to our volunteer open house on Monday, August 19 at 11:00 a.m. to meet our staff and volunteers. See the ad below for more information.

For more details about upcoming programs, visit jfedsrq.org/events or read about them in future issues of The Jewish News. If you have any questions, please contact me at 941.552.6300 or kmullins@jfedsrq.org.

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FEDERATION NEWS Nelle Miller...continued from page 1 Food Bank, and Board President of Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center.

Despite her other commitments, Nelle felt it was important to take on this new role. “The LIFE & LEGACY program has had a huge impact on our community,” she said. “It is one of the first initiatives that has involved the entire Jewish community. It has been a great equalizer and has, as a result, convened us all in one place with a common goal to protect our Jewish future for each other and generations to come.”

In addition to her work in the nonprofit world, Nelle is a consultant to emerging technology companies both here and in Tel Aviv. As the co-founder of BizTank LLC, her third successful start-up, Nelle knows what it takes to move a company from start-up to exit by quickly building value in the company’s products, services and organization. Throughout her professional career she has leveraged her passion for skillfully converting “concepts”

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Come and hear about the many volunteer opportunities at Federation and our partner organizations!

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSES Thursday, October 24, 2019 • 2:00pm – 3:00pm Monday, January 20, 2020 • 10:00am – 11:00am

RSVP at jfedsrq.org/events PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS:

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Questions? Contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org

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into cohesive organizations.

The LIFE & LEGACY program is now in its third year and has raised over 16 million dollars in estimated gifts secured by 11 partners of the program. Under Nelle’s leadership, donor stewardship and formalization of legacy gifts are a priority along with assisting all LIFE & LEGACY partners to continue strengthening the culture of philanthropy in our community and within each organization.

Nelle says it’s never too early to consider what we want our personal legacy to be. “Participation in the LIFE & LEGACY program is a statement, promise and commitment made by all of us to each other, to our children and theirs. We are protecting our home in Sarasota and Manatee as a safe and viable place for future generations to stay in or come back to live Jewishly.”

For more information about the LIFE & LEGACY program, please contact Gisele Pintchuck at 941.706.0029 or at gpintchuck@jfedsrq.org.

August 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

3

Israel’s Shonim B’yahad remains relevant today

By Howard Tevlowitz, Chief Executive Officer

I

srael has always been at the core of what The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee stands for. This is still true today, but what this means has evolved. Whereas Israel was once a developing country, facing critical challenges absorbing Jewish refugees from around the world, today Israel is a high-tech and economic powerhouse.

There is still important philanthropic work for us to do, and our Federation’s grant making has become increasingly focused on addressing gaps in services, helping vulnerable populations, and helping Israelis to build a civil society in Israel as the country matures.

Before I turn to the Shonim B’yahad program, which I had the pleasure of attending in the Port of Jaffa last month, let me state the obvious. Israel is a complicated country; in fact, it has a lot of challenges for a small country of 71 years. Whether you are talking about relations among Jews in the State of Israel, among different religious beliefs, or between Israelis and Palestinians, there are so many competing perspectives, issues and narratives, that it is nearly impossible to formulate a simple approach or solution to the challenges faced by the people in this place.

Let’s look at two biblical personalities – Abraham and Noah – and how they addressed challenges during their times when there was lots of uncertainty.

Abraham was able to find an approach and a worldview that enabled him to be Av Hamon Goyim, the father of many nations. Noah, when faced with turmoil and crisis, built an ark which sheltered his family and his future.

Abraham was known for an open tent, where he invited others for shelter and respite. And I believe it was this more engaging and outwardly focused

ulum is designed to elicit a classroom discussion that informs the artwork that is displayed in a public space for an audience of thousands. Michal Yaniv, the Daniel Centers’ Director of Schools, serves as the program and educational coordinator for Shonim B’yahad. There are four stages of implementation.

1) Educational Component. The primary goals of the module are to introduce the students to the project’s message, to help the students explore their relative differences and similarities, and show them that individual differences can actually unite a society.

Yaniv works closely with educators to determine the best tools for delivery of the program and its message for each group of students. The curriculum includes two workshops. Themes include individual and collective identity, fear of “the other,” pluralism and inclusivity. A range of media is used: text, art, games, music and drama. Participation of Arab schools is crucial to their goals. To better meet their needs, promotional and educational materials in Arabic were developed following the 2018 program.

2) Artwork. Students reflect on their understanding of the concepts discussed and translate them into art.

Each year, hundreds of pieces of artwork are submitted; a selection is made for the exhibition.

3) Opening Ceremony. The 2019 ceremony was held on June 18 in the Jaffa Port, the beginning of the tourist season, and just before the summer break. The ceremony was attended by hundreds, including students, their families, educators and public officials.

4) Exhibition. Concepts are transmitted to the outside world at a public exhibition at the Jaffa Port. Billboards – each displaying a piece of artwork with Hebrew, English and Arabic text – hang in one of Tel Aviv-Jaffa’s busiest hubs. One cannot overemphasize the significance of the Jaffa Port as Shonim B’yahad’s exhibition space.

The port, one of the oldest in the world, has been serving fishermen, merchants, pilgrims, conquerors and immigrants for thousands of years. Today, it is still a place of commerce for local Arab fishermen and business owners. It welcomes tens of thousands of visitors per year, including tourists and Israelis, Federation CEO Howard Tevlowitz Jews and Arabs alike. For the Jewish with Rabbi Meir Azari, Senior Rabbi of the Daniel Centers for Progressive Judaism and Arab residents of Jaffa, it is a space that symbolizes their shared existence approach, welcoming the stranger and and exemplifies attempts to balance reembodying empathy, that resulted in newal and gentrification with a desire God telling Abraham and Sarah that to maintain the area’s Arab heritage they would be a blessing – a message and unique character. just as relevant today as we enter year The municipality of Tel Avivfive of Shonim B’yahad.

Jaffa and the port’s management team Shonim B’yahad – a program of are enthusiastic supporters of Shonim the Daniel Centers for Progressive B’yahad. The operations manager Judaism and our Jewish Federation – shared that the billboards are incornow brings the message of pluralism porated into tours, and pique the interest of, and receive positive feedback from, local business owners and people living in the surrounding community. He noted that the lack of graffiti on the billboards is a testament to how much this program contributes esthetically One of the many billboards in the Jaffa Port and culturally to the port. and diversity to Tel Aviv-Jaffa for The fact that Shonim B’yahad is showthe fifth year in a row. Students from cased at the port allows for a dialogue more than 25 schools and programs that began in a classroom to be transthroughout Israel submitted artwork mitted to thousands, many of whom that reflected their conception of what would not otherwise be exposed to coit means to “embrace the other” in our existence projects. In this way, Shonim shared society. Shonim B’yahad has B’yahad seeps into the deeper layers of grown to become an acclaimed projIsraeli public consciousness. ect that represents different sectors of Shonim B’yahad literally “draws Israeli society, including Jews, Chrisout” concepts of equality, inclusivetians, Muslims, Bedouins, immigrants ness and co-existence to our next and children of migrant workers, and generation of leaders – both Arab and people with special needs.

Jewish. With the levels of intolerance The program’s educational curricand incitement toward “the other”

increasing in Israel and throughout the world, the message of “embracing our differences” has never been more important.

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee remains incredibly proud to support a program with such a vital message. We remember the words of Israel President Reuven Rivlin at the opening ceremony in 2017: “This exhibition teaches us about respect, tolerance, inclusion, patience and human kindness. We need this hope – the ability of our youth to feel beyond their day-to-day reality – and to look toward the future. I hope that this wonderful project will continue to create a meeting of minds between youth of all faiths, ethnicities and sectors.”

Students work together to create artwork for the exhibit

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August 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight Iris Nahemow: Sailing enthusiast continues her altruistic journey

By Sandy Chase

I

ris Nahemow will soon be stepping down from the helm of the Heller Community Relations Committee (CRC), as she collaborates with David Millstone, the next chair. An avid sailor, Iris intends to continue her journey – her philanthropic course charted – volunteering on numerous Federation committees and advocating for Israel’s peace and security.

“Rotating out over several months allows for a smooth transition. I will continue working as a Heller CRC member,” says Iris.

Remembering her late husband, she says, “Marty taught me how to sail.

Our boat was named Luv It. We were Flying Scot sailors at Deep Creek Lake for 30 years until we couldn’t continue because of Marty’s health.”

Since relocating to Sarasota in 2013, Iris has worked tirelessly to reverse the tide of anti-Semitism, building bridges within our community, especially at local colleges, and helping to further the Heller CRC mission.

Learning about the Heller CRC, a major arm of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, was serendipitous.

Iris relates, “At a Federation event, interfaith efforts.”

I sat next to Jessi Sheslow, who invited When asked about the Heller CRC me to a brunch, where I learned about accomplishments, Iris beams – bethe FAST (Fighting Anti-Semitism holden to others. “Establishing a HilToday) taskforce, which merged with lel presence on the local campus under the Heller Israel Advocacy subcommittee chair EsCommittee, becoming the sie Garfinkel is right up Heller CRC.” there, as are the exciting As FAST co-chairs, speakers we have brought Iris and Sandra Rifkin adto the community with the dressed anti-Semitism on help of generous donors college campuses, creating like Hannah and Norman support for the establishWeinberg and David and ment of Gulf Coast Hillel.

Devorah Millstone.”

Iris has also co-chaired Reflecting on Conthe Heller CRC with Edie gressional support for a Chaifetz, who chose Iris strong U.S.-Israel partbecause, “She has ennership helping to counter Iris Nahemow hanced our work on the Heller CRC. the effects of BDS (Boycott, Divestment, She’s smart, enthusiastic, committed Sanctions), Iris says, “Heller CRC and insightful, with perseverance to is becoming more important as the turn our ideas into reality. It’s been a Federation’s outreach arm, especially win-win!” with our work with legislators and poHeller CRC Director Jessi Sheslitical candidates under our subcomlow echoes Edie’s comments. “From mittee chaired by Norman Olshansky.” the beginning of Iris’s involvement in Her dedication to Judaism and the Federation and our Heller CRC, commitment to nonprofits – Iris’s manshe’s exhibited a strong passion to suptra – began in Pittsburgh: port Jews and promote Jewish identity,  As an adolescent, Iris taught Sunbe it on the college campus or with our day school at the Homestead Hebrew Congregation.  The first director of community education at Allegheny East Mental Health/Mental Retardation Center, Iris later became director of development.  Pursuing her career in nonprofits, she became the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters.  A founding board member of Jewish Residential Services, she helped steer the community toward serving the needs of mentallyimpaired individuals.  Board chair of Youthworks, Iris helped underprivileged youth prepare to enter the workforce.  Before becoming the Jewish National Fund regional director, she was active at the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh.

 Her work led her to teaching graduate courses in fundraising and board governance at the University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris University.  Iris later founded Nahemow Associates, consulting with other organizations, conducting capital campaigns, providing strategic planning, and assisting in all aspects of readiness for organizational growth.

In Sarasota, Iris has pursued her commitment to volunteering by serving on the Federation’s Board of Directors, governance and nominating committees, and the capital campaign cabinet.

She has also offered to help her synagogue, Temple Beth Sholom, with the LIFE & LEGACY™ campaign.

“I’ve been honored to participate in important ventures in Pittsburgh and Sarasota as both a volunteer and staff,” says Iris.

Patti Wertheimer, a former Federation president, who recruited Iris for the board, attests to Iris’s experience and expertise, saying, “As a valued member of the governance committee, Iris has shared her wisdom and candor as we approach challenging issues. Iris’s enthusiastic support and loyalty is a welcome addition to our meetings.”

But what stands out most about Iris is her DNA: Determination to Nullify Anti-Semitism.

As Iris begins her transition, she’s happy that her professional skills have been used to support her deeply-held core values. “I’m grateful and honored to have worked with other volunteers and staff of the highest caliber.”

For those interested in volunteering, there are many ways to contribute and be part of the volunteer life at the Federation. For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of Innovation and Volunteer Engagement, at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq. org.

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FEDERATION NEWS

August 2019

5

A heartfelt appreciation for camp grants Staff Report Established 1971

PUBLISHER The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232-1959 Phone: 941.371.4546 Fax: 941.378.2947 E-mail: jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Website: www.jfedsrq.org Published Monthly Volume 49, Number 8 August 2019 36 pages USPS Permit No. 167 September 2019 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: July 31, 2019 Advertising: August 1, 2019 CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Change of address inquiries can be sent to Paula Ivory-Bishop at pibishop@jfedsrq.org or call 941.371.4546 x0

PRESIDENT Michael Ritter CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Howard Tevlowitz SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Marty Katz MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein ADVERTISING SALES Adam Kaplan – 941.552.6307 PROOFREADERS Edward D. Cohen, Marianne Mandell, Elliot Ofsowitz, Jeff Sherman, Linda Stern, Bryna Tevlowitz MISSION STATEMENT: The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee strives to be the source of news and features of special interest to the Jewish community of Sarasota-Manatee, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community, and to communicate the mission, activities and achievements of the Federation and its Jewish community partners.

OPINIONS printed in The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, its Board of Directors or staff.

SUBMISSIONS to The Jewish News are subject to editing for space and content, and may be withheld from publication without prior notice. Approval of submissions for publication in either verbal or written form shall always be considered tentative, and does not imply a guarantee of any kind.

Submissions must be sent electronically to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org.

LETTERS to the editor should not exceed 300 words, must be typed, and include the writer’s name, mailing address and phone number.

Letters can be submitted via USPS or email (jewishnews@jfedsrq.org). Not all letters will be published. Letters may be edited for length and content.

ADVERTISING: Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and may require the words “Paid Advertisement” in any ad.

Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of products, services or ideas promoted therein.

A

s you are reading this, two area boys are having a blast at Camp Coleman. Fourteenyear-old Maxwell Fletcher and 12-yearold Jack Fletcher were helped to attend camp through the generosity of donors at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. In the last six years, the Federation has provided 465 camp grants totaling $373,000.

We thought we should share the Fletcher family’s heartfelt written “thank you” notes.

“Thank you for the scholarship to Camp Coleman. This means so much to me, allowing me to connect with friends who share my pride in Judaism and reinforce it. Camp gives me experiences I would have never gotten. I will make the most out of every day at camp.” – Maxwell “Thank you for the scholarship to camp. It means so much to me to be around people like me and who I care about. My connection with other Jews helps me connect to God and the world.

Thank you again.” – Jack The boys’ mother, Renee Fletcher, echoed their appreciation. “We are glad that Camp Coleman is a time for our children to disconnect from their busy lives and technology, enjoy and interact with nature, and have challenging experiences like whitewater rafting and caving. And it’s obvious

that our kids are more confident, inthe Sarasota Youth Orchestra. dependent, self-sufficient, versatile, Jack is entering 7th grade at Braden River Middle School. He is extremely generous, understanding, sympathetic musical, playing the violin in the Saraand empathetic because of their time sota Youth Orchestra, trumpet in his there. But what is most evident to us school band, the electric bass and, his is that it is the strong relationships and passion, the drum set. He is in a rock connections they develop at camp that band and this summer performed a kindles the light in them. Last year at pick-up, we were moved watching our children’s emotional farewells with their friends and counselors. They tell us how they love being in a place where they are surrounded by other Jewish friends and get to celebrate beautiful communal Shabbat and Havdalah services.

This connection to Judaism stays with them Maxwell and Jack Fletcher celebrate Shabbat at Camp Coleman drum set solo with the Pops Orchestra after they return, in their participation of Bradenton and Sarasota, and was in Temple Youth Group activities, refeatured on Suncoast View. ligious school, Hatikvah Kallahs and As a family, the Fletchers perform leadership conferences. We are fortuin a string trio for local assisted living nate our children have this meaningful and memory care facilities at about 25 experience.” concerts a year.

Maxwell is entering 10th grade at It’s not too early to start thinkBraden River High School. He is acing about next summer. Applications tive in the TSA (Technology Student for Jewish overnight camp grants and Association), attending the National scholarships for 2020 will be available Conference in Washington, D.C., this beginning in November 2019. For more summer, specializing in structural eninformation, contact Andrea Eiffert at gineering. He additionally plays the aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308. cello in both his school orchestra and

Religious school scholarships available Staff Report

A

s a reminder to all area religious school families, the grant cycle for religious school scholarships is open until Tuesday, September 3. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has budgeted $30,000 for need-based religious school scholarships this year.

Since 2013, the Jewish Federation has awarded a total of $221,390 benefitting 571 children.

We believe it is of the utmost importance to help families with financial assistance to ensure a Jewish foundation for their children. The following are some of the “thank you” notes we have received:  “We are so grateful for the financial support this scholarship provided for our family and our synagogue.

Religious school is our top priority when it comes to our three

children, so thank you for making that possible this year! They gain leadership skills, confidence and security in who they are as Jews growing up in Sarasota; and spirituality, knowledge, love, friendships and a sense of community by going to religious school. We can’t thank you enough!”  “For our family, especially as our son begins studying for his Bar Mitzvah this year, this scholarship provides an opportunity we cannot underscore enough. When a family has dealt with hardships – unemployment, illness, etc. – as we have over the past year, it is comforting to know that the Federation is there to lend a hand and ensure that the next generation of students carries on our educational traditions.”  “At Temple Emanu-El, we are

teaching the next generation to learn, live and love Judaism – but we can’t do it alone. This sacred task requires vision, support, generosity, innovation and dedication.

We are blessed to have found a true partner in The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Not only does its generous scholarship fund put religious education in every family’s reach, it also reminds the entire community to reach out to and to care for these families, and to keep Judaism meaningful and vibrant from generation to generation. Thank you, Federation!”

– Rabbi Elaine Glickman, Temple Emanu-El Visit jfedsrq.org/religious-school to apply for a scholarship. For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.342.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.

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6

August 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

International March of the Living program In May, students gathered from all corners of the world to remember the Shoah, as part of the International March of the Living program, an annual educational program that brings teens to Poland and Israel to study the history of the Holocaust and to examine the roots of prejudice, intolerance and hatred. Juniors and seniors attending high school in Sarasota and Manatee counties are eligible each year to apply for a scholarship from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to participate in this program. For more information about March of the Living, please call Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308.

This month, we share two poignant essays from participants.

Sacred moments

I

By Ben Heiman ’ve wanted to participate in the March of the Living program and was thrilled when I was given that opportunity this May. I had a general idea of what to expect and what we were going to do, but nothing prepared me for what I actually experienced.

In Poland, we were joined on our bus by a Holocaust survivor. Zelda was an amazing woman who captivated us with her heart-wrenching stories of

a feeling of strength and courage as we joined thousands of Jewish people marching with their own free will into these places of terror.

In Israel, the tone changed drastically. Although our days were filled with learning, we felt lighter and more free-spirited. We were able to trace the hardships the first Jewish people in the land of Israel faced and how they turned this land into one of fruitful endeavor and industry.

I am the first person in my family to travel to Eastern Europe since the Holocaust and feel blessed to have been given that opportunity. Every moment was sacred. I made a promise to myself that I will take my knowledge and strength, and build a better tomorrow.

I’d like to thank all the donors, staff and organizers of the trip. This oncein-a-lifetime experience will never be forgotten.

Ben Heiman recently graduated from Sarasota High School.

A life-changing experience

what she and her family experienced in the ghettos and camps. I was touched by the details, unable to comprehend how anyone could survive such horror.

In Auschwitz, our mood was somber, but we were also unified by

again to the Western Wall in Jerusalem exactly a week later. The trip consisted of one week in Poland and another week in Israel.

My time in Poland was the most difficult as I saw many terrible sights.

On the first day, we visited Lodz, where all 100 of us were packed into an original cattle car that was used to transport Jews from the ghettos to the camps. In the 20 minutes I was in that car, I felt like I was suffocating. I cannot imagine the suffering of millions who were on those trains for days or even weeks at a time with no hope in sight. Later in the week, we lined up in Auschwitz and silently walked through the gates, linking arms with 12,000 other Jews. Although it was painful, it also felt empowering. People gathered from around the world, including Argentina, South Africa, Canada and Mexico, wearing Israeli flags as capes.

As soon as we touched down in Israel, the mood completely changed.

A few people even kissed the ground.

The first thing my group did was to go river rafting, which was a lot of fun.

Our march in Jerusalem was completely different than the one we did in Poland. People sang and danced, and the whole atmosphere was bright and festive. Later that day, we went to

the Mega Event, a huge gathering of marchers from around the globe who came to celebrate and socialize.

On our last night in Israel, before we went to the airport, we had a Havdalah service outside of our hostel.

While we were swaying side to side with our arms over each other, I reminisced about the entire trip – both the sad and exciting parts – and realized that I will never be the same.

I would like to thank The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and everyone involved in making this lifechanging trip a possibility for me.

Aaron Prokupets will be attending the University of Florida next year.

Welcome to our new sales representative Staff Report

F

By Aaron Prokupets ive years ago, my sister went on the March of the Living and came back with a completely changed perspective. I did not quite understand why that was until I went on the trip this year.

The premise is to march with thousands of fellow Jews from Auschwitz to Birkenau in Poland, and then march

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Adam will be responsiIf you are interble for advertising sales ested in advertising for all Federation pubin any of our print or Adam Kaplan lications, including The digital publications, Jewish News, SHALOM SRQ and the Adam would be thrilled to talk with Jewish Film Festival Guides. He will you. He can be reached at akaplan@ also be the main contact for our trade jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6307.

Gulf Coast Hillel Director receives master’s degree Staff Report

M

azel tov to Sydney Harlow, Gulf Coast Hillel Program Director, on receiving her master’s degree in Leadership with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. Sydney has been working for 18 months to finish the coursework online and recently completed the residency portion of the degree, spending a week on campus in Vermont.

Through her studies she was able to learn more about different leadership styles, emotional intelligence, and leading change in an organization as well as strategic communication. Sydney says, “My master’s degree gave me the tools to develop student leaders who can go on to make a positive impact in the world.” She adds, “I can’t wait to put into practice all I learned during my coursework and see my students fly.”

This degree directly correlates to what Sydney does on a daily basis working with Hillel and with student leaders.

Correction:

“We are so proud of Sydney’s accomplishment,” says Jessi Sheslow, the Federation’s Director of Community Relations. “She has chosen to continue learning, a main pillar in Jewish culture. I look forward to seeing Sydney come up with even more great ideas for Hillel.”

Sydney Harlow

Sydney will continue her studies through Norwich University in the fall as she begins her MBA program.

For more information about Gulf Coast Hillel, please contact Sydney at sydney@gchillel.org or 305.968.6266.

In the July issue, we referred to Dennis Rees, a participant on the Israel Interfaith Leader Mission, as Board Chair of Planned Parenthood. Rather, he is Board Vice Chair of the organization. We regret our error.

August 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

7

Birthright trip inspires close connection to Israel and each other

g of who

By Sydney Harlow, Gulf Coast Hillel Program Director

I

ben May, Gulf Coast Hillel accompaad a nied four students to Israel as part stel. of the Taglit-Birthright Israel program, which offers a free trip to Israel for Jewish adults, ages 18 to 32. As the program director for Gulf Coast Hillel, I was offered the opportunity to staff the trip. For some of our participants it was their first time in Israel; some had been there before with friends and family; some had never left the U.S. We traveled across Israel by bus with other students from Rollins College, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia. One of the best parts of working with Hillel International on a Birthright trip is that we were able to custom-design our itinerary. side Our group got to hear about the emi-Israeli-Palestinian conflict while we h thewere in Sderot, and glimpse the daily izedchallenges facing the people who live there. For some group members it was wishthe first time hearing about this topic and life-

from someone who lives it every day.

That night we slept under the stars in Bedouin tents. It was wonderful to connect to the land around us and also to each other.

When we were in Jerusalem, we joined with other Birthright groups and celebrated with the Shehecheyanu blessing, and with song and dance, overlooking the Old City. We then walked to the Kotel (Western Wall).

Watching people who were encountering the Wall for the first time reminded me of my first Birthright trip and how magical it was. This is the moment many participants feel the emotional impact of actually being in Israel.

Halfway through the trip we were joined by seven Israeli participants who were current or recent Israeli army soldiers, each from a different branch.

It was inspiring to see how quickly we were able to bond with our Israeli peers; several have remained in touch.

Jacob Brody-Ogborn, a participant from New College of Florida, said that he felt the “trip was even better than I expected. The staff made sure everyone had a fun time.

Everything, from experiencing the busy markets to looking out at the Gaza Strip, gave me a clearer picture of things Israelis deal with on a daily basis. I can’t wait to go back.”

Each time I staff Birthright it’s a new and wonderful experience. The experience allows me to bond with the students on a different level than on

Birthright group in the desert

campus. My favorite part about staffing is that I can bring these relationships back to campus and continue the participants’ growth in Sarasota-Manatee.

For more information about Gulf Coast Hillel, contact me at sydney@ gchillel.org or 305.968.6266.

FIND JEWISH The COMMUNITY DIRECTORY on The Federation website gives you information at your fingertips.

Any time of the day or night, you can Search and Click on our database of Jewish congregations, service providers and retail merchants.

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Jacob Brody-Ogborn (NCF ’22), Sarah Benyona (Ringling ’21), Eden Aflalo (Ringling ’22) and Laura Koval (Ringling ’21) at an overlook in Jerusalem

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August 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Directory of Local Temples and Organizations Temples CHABAD OF BRADENTON & LAKEWOOD RANCH 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton, FL 34211 • Telephone: 941.752.3030 • E-Mail: info@chabadofbradenton.com • Website: www.chabadofbradenton.com • Rabbi Mendy Bukiet CHABAD OF DOWNTOWN SARASOTA 1221 1st St., Sarasota, FL 34236 • Telephone: 941.928.9267 • E-Mail: rabbi@chabadofdowntownsrq.com • Website: www.chabadofdowntownsrq.com • Rabbi Levi Steinmetz CHABAD OF SARASOTA AND MANATEE COUNTIES 7700 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34238 • Telephone: 941.925.0770 • E-Mail: info@chabadofsarasota.com • Website: www.chabadofsarasota.com This • Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz CHABAD OF VENICE & NORTH PORT 21560 Angela Lane, Venice, FL 34293 • Telephone: 941.493.2770 • E-Mail: info@chabadofvenice.com • Website: www.chabadofvenice.com • Rabbi Sholom Schmerling

directory is updated each year in the August issue of The Jewish News.

Organizations THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA-MANATEE The Larry Greenspon Campus for Jewish Life Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 • Telephone: 941.371.4546 • E-Mail: info@jfedsrq.org • Website: www.jfedsrq.org • President: Michael Ritter • President-Elect: Randon Carvel • Chief Executive Officer: Howard Tevlowitz AIPAC (AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE) Florida Regional Office, 954.382.6110 or flreg@aipac.org; www.aipac.org AJC (AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE), West Coast Florida Region Brian Lipton, Regional Director, 941.365.4955 or liptonb@ajc.org; www.ajc.org AL KATZ CENTER FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS & JEWISH LEARNING, INC. Lawrence Newman, Executive Director, 941.313.9239 AMERICAN TECHNION SOCIETY, Gulf Coast Chapter Chapter Director, 561.395.7206 or technionfl@ats.org; www.ats.org ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE 561.988.2900 or florida@adl.org; www.adl.org ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ASPIRING JEWISH ARTISTS Rabbi Goldie Milgram, rebgoldie@gmail.com; Joan Davidson, artjoand@aol.com

CHABAD OF WEST BRADENTON 3611 Southern Pkwy W., Bradenton, FL 34205 • Telephone: 941.735.9049 • E-Mail: info@chabadofwestbradenton.com • Website: www.chabadofwestbradenton.com • Rabbi Zev Steinmetz

AVIVA - A CAMPUS FOR SENIOR LIFE Jay Solomon, CEO, 941.225.8369; www.avivaseniorlife.org

CONGREGATION FOR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM UNITY, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34231 • Telephone: 941.929.7771 • Website: www.chj-sarasota.org • Email: chjsarasota@hotmail.com • President: Margo Moore

BBYO NORTH FLORIDA REGION Jessica Zimmerman, Associate Regional Director, jesszimmerman@bbyo.org nfr@bbyo.org; www.bbyo.org/region/northflorida/

CONGREGATION KOL HaNESHAMA (Postdenominational) Services held at South Gate Comm. Ctr., 3145 Southgate Cir., Sarasota, FL 34239 • Telephone: 941.244.2042 • Email: office@congkh.org • Website: www.congkh.org • Rabbi Jennifer Singer CONGREGATION NER TAMID (Pluralistic) 3817 40th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 Mailing Address: P. O. Box 10261, Bradenton, FL 34282 • Telephone: 941.755.1231 • E-Mail: shalom@nertamidflorida.org • Website: www.nertamidflorida.org • Rabbinic Advisor: Rabbi Barbara Aiello • Rabbinic Associate: Rena Morano JEWISH CONGREGATION OF VENICE (Independent) 600 N. Auburn Road, Venice, FL 34292 • Telephone: 941.484.2022 • E-Mail: jcvenice2@gmail.com • Website: www.jewishcongregationofvenice.com • Rabbi Benjamin Shull • Cantor Marci Vitkus TEMPLE BETH EL BRADENTON/LAKEWOOD RANCH (Reform) 5150 Peridia Blvd. East, Bradenton, FL 34203 • Telephone: 941.755.4900 • E-Mail: tbebradentonfl@yahoo.com • Website: www.templebethelbradenton.com • Rabbi Michael Sternfield • Cantor Deborah Bard

AVIVA JEWISH HOUSING FOUNDATION Jay Solomon, Chief Executive Officer, Aviva - A Campus for Senior Life www.avivaseniorlife.org/about-our-foundation

BRANDEIS NATIONAL COMMITTEE Suzy Morris, Membership VP, 941.351.6762 or alvanm@aol.com www.brandeis.edu/BNC GULF COAST HILLEL The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Sydney Harlow, Program Director, 305.968.6266 or sharlow@gchillel.org HADASSAH, Greater Venice Chapter Harriet Davidson, President, 941.492.6025 or alicat7102@gmail.com Ruth Klein, Treasurer, rklein2692@gmail.com HADASSAH, SaBra Chapter Susan Prohofsky, President, 756.426.5830 or susanprohofsky@gmail.com THE JEWISH CLUB AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Judy Gibbs, thejewishclubatlwr@gmail.com JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICE OF THE SUNCOAST, INC. Heidi Brown, President/CEO, 941.366.2224 or info@jfcs-cares.org; www.jfcs-cares.org JEWISH GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Kim Sheintal, President, 941.921.1433 or klapshein@aol.com; www.jgsswf.org JEWISH NATIONAL FUND Uri Smajovits, Executive Director, Northern Florida 727.536.5263 x890 or usmajovits@jnf.org; www.jnf.org JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF SARASOTA COUNTY POST 172 Stan Levinson, Commander, 941.226.7185 or stanlevinson172@gmail.com NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN (NCJW), Sarasota-Manatee Section NCJW’s 24-hour answering svc., 941.342.1855; www.ncjwsarasota-manatee.org Joyce Hersh and Cindy Solomon, Co-Presidents

TEMPLE BETH EL - NORTH PORT JEWISH CENTER (Conservative) 12711 Tamiami Trail South, North Port, FL 34287 • Telephone: 941.423.0300 • Website: www.templebethelnorthport.org

ORT AMERICA Marlies Gluck, Area Development Advisor, 941.371.5522 or jrgranny@aol.com Kim Sheintal, Area Development Advisor, 941.921.1433 or klapshein@aol.com Judy Weinstein, Area Development Advisor, 941.739.2244 or judithwein@aol.com

TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL (Reform) 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228 • Telephone: 941.383.3428 • E-Mail: info@tbi-lbk.org Website: www.tbi-lbk.org • Rabbi Stephen Sniderman

SARASOTA JEWISH CHORALE Ronnie Riceberg, President, 508.942.1479 ; www.sarasotajewishchorale.org

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM (Conservative) 1050 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237 • Telephone: 941.955.8121 • E-mail: info@templebethsholomfl.org • Website: www.templebethsholomfl.org • Rabbi Michael Werbow

SARASOTA-MANATEE RABBINIC ASSOCIATION Rabbi Jennifer Singer, President, 941.244.2042 or RabbiJennifer.KH@gmail.com

TEMPLE EMANU-EL (Reform) 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 • Telephone: 941.371.2788 • Email: info@sarasotatemple.org • Website: www.sarasotatemple.org • Rabbi Brenner J. Glickman • Rabbi Michael Shefrin TEMPLE SINAI (Reform) 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34231 • Telephone: 941.924.1802 • Email: office@templesinai-sarasota.org • Website: www.sinaisrq.org • Rabbi Samantha Kahn • Chazzan Cliff Abramson

SARASOTA LIBERAL YESHIVA Marden David Paru, Dean, 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail.com

SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION OF SARASOTA Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz, City Director for Tel Mond Israel, 941.993.4026 or jkatz@JFCS-cares.org Alice Cotman, Assistant City Dir. for Tel Mond, 941.359-6451 or alimaecot@gmail.com Kim Sheintal, Assistant City Dir. for Tel Mond, 941.921.1433 or klapshein@aol.com http://sarasotasistercities.org/en/city/tel-mond-israel STATE OF ISRAEL BONDS, Florida West Coast Monica DiGiovanni, 727.282.1124 or tampa@israelbonds.com; www.israelbonds.com SYNAGOGUE COUNCIL OF SARASOTA-MANATEE COUNTIES, INC. David Weiss, President; 941.349.8827 or weissdv@live.com; www.synagoguessarasotamanatee.org THE FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 727.820.0100 or kwright@thefhm.org; https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org

August 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

9

“Jewish History of Italy”

By Marden Paru, Dean, Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva | This program is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

T

here is a long and amazing history of the Jews in Italy. When did the first Jews arrive and what were the circumstances that brought them there? The prevailing thinking is that during the latter years of the 2nd Temple period in Jerusalem, many Jews were taken captive to Rome. But by a miracle, Jewish life there developed and even flourished for a while under the Roman emperors.

When pagan Rome turned to Christianity, matters got worse. Did

the Jews stay? Many did, but there was also a mass Jewish migration into western and eastern Europe. Those who meandered to the Iberian Peninsula – Sephardim – were expelled from Spain. Ironically, many Spanish and Portuguese Jews found haven in renaissance Italy. A vibrant Romani Jewish community evolved, stayed put and survived ghettoes and harsh treatment

by Roman clergy and despots.

With the advent of the printing press, Italy somehow became the

Temple Sinai implements increased security

mecca of Jewish printing: Tanach (Holy Scriptures) tomes of the Talmud, siddurim (prayer books), machzorim (holiday prayer books) and illustrated haggadot (the Passover story manuals). A number of great Jewish scholars added to the vast compendium of Jewish literature and left a legacy of erudition (e.g., Rabbis Luzzato, Modena and Zacuto). But there were down times. The Jewish population was often forced to live in the infamous Italian ghettos, but survived and managed to maintain Judaism.

The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is offering an 8-week course on the “Jewish History of Italy,” which begins Tuesday, August 6 (10:30 to 11:45

a.m.). Andiamo! Classes are held in the Hecht Music School Bldg. on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Registration is required; scholarships are also available. The tuition fee is $70. To enroll or for additional information, contact me at marden.paru@ gmail.com or 941.379.5655.

The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva operates, in part, under a grant from The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee. Now in its ninth year, the Yeshiva is an independent, IRS 501(c) (3) non-profit adult Jewish education institute. Benvenuto! Classes are open to all regardless of religion, race, color, national or ethnic origin.

By Gail Glickman

T

emple Sinai has responded to is available only after the individual the recent and worldwide inhas announced his/her name and the crease in the number of attacks purpose of the visit. After Friday night on synagogues, and has reached out Erev Shabbat services begin, doors are to experts in the Sarasota community. locked. Another technique implementTemple president Gary Kravitz and ed at the services is a fully operational president elect Ellyn Bender attended security camera monitoring program. community seminars sponsored by In a hidden room in our building, one The Jewish Federation of Sarasotaof our security usher volunteers sits in Manatee and conducted front of two giant by the FBI. The latest reccomputer monitors watching all activommendation is that we must have a professional ity being seen by an array of camarmed guard at our front door to provide the first eras around the line of defense necessary perimeter of our building.

These for law enforcement. Consequently, the Sarasota are just a few of the many safety Sheriff’s Department has been providing highlysystems in place.

Ellyn Bender and Gary Kravitz attended the meetings on security trained professionals who Temple Sinai significantly add to the temple’s secucontinues to offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere but emphasizes the rity strategy.

Among several of the other proceimportance of security at all services, dures we have implemented, we conreligious school sessions and other special events. The safety of everyone tinue to monitor our locked doors with is our number-one priority. an extensive camera system, and entry

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August 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

In Memoriam: Hazzan Richard Mark Berlin

H

azzan Richard Mark Berlin passed away May 1, 2019, surrounded by close family and friends. He was born in Philadelphia and moved to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, when he was 16 years old.

Rick was active in choral groups and theater throughout middle and high schools and at Muhlenberg College, where he initially pursued a course of study in pre-med. He went on to get his master’s in Speech and Theatre from Temple University. While at Temple, he met Mary, who would later become his wife.

In 1979, the family moved to Pittsburgh, where Rick and Mary sang under Robert Page in the Mendelssohn Choir, where Rick was a featured soloist, including of his own choral composition of the K’Eyl Malei Rachamim for the Millions during the choir’s European tour at Auschwitz in 1994. Rick sang in Cantor Mordechai Heiser’s choir at B’Nai Israel and served as cantor

there after the death of Cantor Heiser in 1989 until 1995. Rick also sang with Cantor Moshe Taube’s choir at Beth Sholom. Both Cantors Heiser and Taube mentored Rick; Cantor Taube later prepared Rick for his audition at the H.L. Miller Cantorial School.

With the closing of B’Nai Israel in 1995, Rick felt a strong calling to continue as a cantor. In 1996, Rick entered the H.L. Miller Cantorial School of JTS. He graduated in 2000 and went on to serve as a cantor and Kol Bo for a congregation in Johnstown and then at Parkway Jewish Center in Monroeville (greater Pittsburgh), for many years.

Rick was also an ASCAP publisher and composer.

Throughout his career, Rick arranged and composed musical settings for liturgical and holiday songs that he generously shared with colleagues.

In 2013, Rick retired and moved to Florida, where he became a mem-

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services at the Chabad of Venice and North Port.

Hazzan Berlin is survived by his beloved wife Mary, daughters Elizabeth and Katherine, grandchildren Jordan and Brooke, sister Julie Friedman, as well as many Pittsburgh young adults whom he and Mary mentored.

Sadly, Rick and Mary’s granddaughter Reeva predeceased Rick.

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ber of the Tampa Bay Area Cantors organization. He also became active with the Cantors Assembly’s Southern Florida Region and the Jewish Federations of Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee.

He was an invited cantor for services at Temple Beth Sholom (Sarasota) and led its choir during Rabbi Michael Werbow’s inauguration. Rick served as the Kol Bo at Temple Beth El in North Port, and he frequently led

IN MEMORY OF Leonard Glaser Inna & Gerry Sideman Susan & Jack Steenbarger Sarah Wertheimer Bill Oynick Inna & Gerry Sideman Joel Whitten Sandy & Jim Goldman Inna & Gerry Sideman

ISRAEL PROGRAMS IN MEMORY OF Leonard Glaser Lois Stulberg Bryna & Howard Tevlowitz

SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel) IN MEMORY OF Nelson Garnick Barbara & Gary Ackerman

STEP (Shapiro Teen Engagement Program) IN HONOR OF Judy & Skip Rosner Marlyn & Bob Vogel

NOTE: To be publicly acknowledged in The Jewish News, Honor Cards require a minimum $10 contribution per listing. You can send Honor Cards directly from www.jfedsrq.org.

For more information, please call 941.552.6304.

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GUIDING YOU TO EVERYTHING JEWISH IN SARASOTA-MANATEE

Learn About Our Vibrant Jewish Community!

Little did we know that, when we set out to publish SHALOMSRQ —the ultimate resource guide to everything Jewish in Sarasota and Manatee counties—it would be such a great success! So much of a success, that we’ve decided to bring it to you LIVE! Announcing, ShalomSRQ Live!, the event that brings you face-to-face with Sarasota and Manatee County Jewish organizations featured in in SHALOMSRQ. • Synagogues & Temples

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Speak up, save a life

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and

his fall, Chabad of Sarasota will host three back-to-back safey his TALK workshops for youth liza-and adults. SafeTALK, a three-hour drensuicide alertness and prevention trainried-ing, developed by Livingworks, is an ounginnovative workshop that provides ored.participants with tools, knowledge and ghterawareness to assist their peers who may struggle with suicidal thoughts.

The program is the second installment of Chabad of Sarasota’s mental health awareness initiative, which previously included One Thing I Wish You Knew. The workshops are made possible by the support of JFCS of the Suncoast, Brandi’s Wish, Compeer and Gelt Financial.

The trainings will take place at Chabad of Sarasota (7700 Beneva Road) on Sunday, September 8 (noon to 3:00 p.m. for teens, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. community-wide) and Monday, September 9 (9:00 a.m. to noon communitywide). The registration fee is $10 for

m

August 2019

youths and $20 for anyone over the age of 18. All three workshops will offer light refreshments and a question-andanswer session following the training.

Registration is limited. For more information or to register, visit sarasota chabad.com/safetalk.

The aim of the workshops is not only to normalize discussion about difficult topics such as depression and suicide, but to also help participants understand that the power to make a difference is in their hands.

“It is crucial that our community come together to get trained and learn to recognize the signs of suicide,” shared Ella Steinmetz, director of Chabad of Sarasota’s teen division. “Three hours in exchange for life-changing skills is one powerful step we all can and should take to create a safer, healthier community.”

All are encouraged to attend and participate in creating a suicide-alert community.

Social Action at Temple Beth Sholom

By Lex Calaguas & Sue Prohofsky

C

harity, tzedakah and tikkun olam are of great importance to Judaism and the Jewish people.

Temple Beth Sholom’s Social Action Committee, led by Sue Prohofsky, has been working hard this year. Committee members have been holding a drive for Sarasota’s Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC). Members of the community and the temple have been graciously donating items including

.

Lev Werbow shows off the two key ingredients when making green bean casserole

soaps, hair care, deodorant, oral care, lotions and various other hygiene products that are imperative to the health and wellbeing of the survivors that SPARCC helps.

The drive has yielded several bags of donations already. The committee will continue to collect for SPARCC, and everyone is encouraged to bring regular or travel-size items to TBS after the High Holidays.

Another project our Social Action Committee is committed to is cooking and bringing casseroles to the Salvation Army. Several of our youths are involved in this program as well!

Lastly, an exciting program starting in late August/early September is the Starfish Initiative. Volunteers will assist kindergarten students with their reading skills once a week for 30 minutes in hopes of bringing them up to reading level. Moreover, for the High Holidays, we will collect food donations for local food banks.

If you are interested in any of these programs, call 941.955.8121 or email lcalaguas@templebethsholomfl.org.

Volunteers from last year’s High Holiday Food Drive at Temple Beth Sholom

New to the Sarasota-Manatee area?

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Ilene Fox • 941.343.2111 • ifox@jfedsrq.org

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Reserve your space in upcoming editions: ISSUE DEADLINE SEPTEMBER........Aug. 1 OCTOBER............Aug. 30 NOVEMBER ........Sept. 27 DECEMBER .........Nov. 4 JANUARY 2020.....Dec. 2 FEBRUARY 2020..Dec. 27

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12

August 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Temple Emanu-El recognizes new and outgoing leaders

T

emple Emanu-El formally installed its 2019-20 leaders and recognized the outstanding service of outgoing trustees at a recent annual meeting and Board Installation Shabbat.

Continuing their service to Temple Emanu-El are president Ken Marsh, vice-president Dr. Hal Alterman, treasurer Gloria Weed, financial secretary

Fae Beloff, recording secretary Ethel Gross and immediate past president Toby Halpern, as well as trustees Barry Gerber, Sarah Link and Anne Virag. Joining the board are new trustees Phyllis Dreyfuss, Ellen Klein and Michael Levitan; and concluding their terms of service are Alice Cotman, Barbara Peltz, Betty Perlmutter, Mark Sharff and Harry Yaverbaum.

“This new board is a perfect mix of experienced, dedicated leaders coming back, and new faces bringing fresh energy,” stated Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman.

“The year ahead looks promising, building on the success and growth of this past year.”

Temple Emanu-El Associate Rabbi Michael Shefrin, Along with installing a with President Ken Marsh, smiles as he points to his name on the updated plaque new board, Temple Emanuwho have so ably served the congregaEl also unveiled an updated plaque tion, and presented gifts of thanks to adding the name of Associate Rabbi past trustees.

Michael Shefrin to the list of clergy

Innovative workshop comes to Sarasota-Manatee Temple Emanu-El’s Board of Trustees and rabbis

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he Aleph-Bet is considered Judaism’s periodic table. However, too often they are taken for granted in the search for perceived deeper Jewish meaning beyond them.

In many respects, those meanings begin and end with the letters.

According to the Talmud, the letters constitute their own independent universes. In fact, the Hebrew word for letter, Ot, means sign or wonder.

Therefore, the Aleph-Bet has the potential to be a launching pad for inner development.

On Sunday, August 25 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Hecht School on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz will facilitate an innovative workshop, “Letter Lift Off,” that brings the Aleph-Bet to life

in fascinating and insightful ways. No previous Hebrew learning is required.

“Our sages regarded the letters as profound vehicles for illumination and healing. They possess their own unique personalities,” relates Rabbi Katz. “I have facilitated this workshop in various places to the delight and intrigue of participants, young and old. You aren’t just introduced to the letters, but actually become them.”

Though limited to 15 people, parents with older teenage children are encouraged to participate. There is no cost for the program. Call Rabbi Katz at 941.366.2224 x166 for more information and to register. The program is jointly sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and JFCS of the Suncoast.

New Bereavement Support Group at JFCS This program is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

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o share with those who also have lost a loved one is a source of comfort that can foster healing, contribute to personal growth and engender a sense of renewed possibility.

JFCS of the Suncoast’s Jewish Healing Program, sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, will begin its next Bereavement Support Group on Thursday, August 22 at the agency’s 2688 Fruitville Road location.

Open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, the group will meet for

six successive Thursday sessions from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. through September 26. It will explore the impact of loss, provide coping skills and examine potential changes in relationships between friends and among family member in the wake of loss. Other topics, depending on the interest of group members, will also be addressed.

The fee for the six sessions is $36.

Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, please contact Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz at 941.366.2224 x166.

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habad of Sarasota’s presiing minyans and holiday programs. He dent for the past three years, volunteered at various programs and Dr. Herman Weber, helped the organization in has stepped down to make a myriad of ways whenever called upon. room for a new incoming president. Dr. Isaac Kalvaria, Dr. Isaac Kalvaria asassumed the leadership posisumes Chabad’s leadership tion on June 30 for the next at a point of growth and exthree years. pansion, and will continue Dr. Weber’s leadership the path that was created and involvement at Chabad by past presidents. Please Dr. Isaac Kalvaria positively impacted many join us in welcoming and programs and activities, from Friday congratulating Dr. Kalvaria in his new evening services to weekly daily mornendeavor.

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THEY HELP MAKE THE JEWISH NEWS POSSIBLE.

The Jewish News is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

August 2019

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14

August 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

UPCOMING

EVENTS November 13, 2019 FEDERATION CELEBRATION/ANNUAL MEETING December 16, 2019

WOMEN’S DAY with Gail Simmons December 19, 2019 FEDERATION’S NEWCOMERS EVENT • BRADENTON December 2019 – April 2020 PEOPLE OF THE BOOK AUTHOR SERIES January 13, 2020 FEDERATION’S NEWCOMERS EVENT • SARASOTA

February 25, 2020 MAJOR GIFTS EVENT with Deborah Lipstadt February 25, 2020 COMMUNITY LECTURE with Deborah Lipstadt March 11 – 22, 2020 11TH JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL March 26, 2020 WOMEN’S PASSOVER CELEBRATION

20 19 –2 0 2 0

January 16, 2020 LION OF JUDAH & POMEGRANATE LUNCHEON with Alina Spaulding

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

August 2019

15

Jewish Happenings THURSDAY, AUGUST 1

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

Lunch & Learn: “Jews Move Out West”

Holocaust Education Advocacy

Who were the Jewish pioneers and what was their legacy? How did they set up Jewish communities, deal with Shabbat, kashrut, clergy and religious education? Were there any Jewish gunslingers or Indian Chiefs? Find out when you join us on Thursdays, August 1 and 8 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Cost: free for TBS members; $5 per class for non-members.

Please bring a dairy lunch. No RSVP needed. For more information, contact Kelly Nester at 941.955.8121 or knester@templebethsholomfl.org.

In a recent survey by the Holocaust Claims Conference, 49 percent of Millennials admitted that they could not name a single Nazi concentration camp, but over 93 percent surveyed thought that our schools should be teaching about the Holocaust. Although Holocaust education is mandated by statute for all Florida schools, compliance is slack, and the facts about Jewish Holocaust enslavement are rarely ever taught. Learn how to advocate for Holocaust education to be meaningful for all Florida students. Join us at 4:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly at 941.313.9239.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 Temple Sinai Rhythm & Jews Erev Shabbat Service Join congregants, family and friends at 6:00 p.m. for something special and delicious at Temple Sinai: a festive Rhythm & Jews Erev Shabbat Service and a tasty pot luck dinner. Welcome reception at 5:15 p.m. Celebrate with the inspirational sounds of the Bruno Family Musicians followed by a community dinner. Temple Sinai is located at 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter only from Proctor Road between Beneva and Swift). For more information, please call 941.924.1802 or email office@ sinaisrq.org.

Temple Beth Israel Shabbat Dinner Join us for Shabbat dinner following 5:30 p.m. services. Cost: $30 for temple members; $35 for non-members. Temple Beth Israel is located at 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. For more information or to RSVP, call the temple office at 941.383.3428.

MONDAY, AUGUST 5 “The Real History of the Nazi Party” One hundred years ago, in September 1919, Corporal Adolf Hitler was tasked by the German Army to report on a meeting of the obscure German Workers Party in Bavaria. Within days, Hitler had joined the party and soon became its leader. From a group of seven men meeting in the back room of a beer hall, Hitler built a political empire that devastated the world. This multi-part series explores the history of the Nazi movement to the present day. Join us at 11:00 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly at 941.313.9239.

I B L E R A a L Y t ESHIVA o s a r sa PRESENTS AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2019 COURSES

JEWS IN CINEMA MONDAYS 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM Starting August 5 (Eight Weeks) Cinema is an industry started and dominated by creative and artistic Jews. How did it all begin? Who were the pioneers?

It would not surprise anyone that the first talking movie was Jewish in theme: a cantor’s son who wants to go into show business. Al Jolson and a whole cadre of Jewish actors, many who changed their names, went on to great fame. The Jewish impact on the cinema is still present in our day. This course will explore the fascinating history of cinema. Instructor: Marden Paru; $70.

JEWISH HISTORY OF ITALY

Your Kosher Connection for Sarasota and Manatee Counties

TUESDAYS 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Starting August 6 (Eight Weeks) When did the first Jews arrive in Italy and what was the condition that brought them there? There is an illustrious history regarding their arrival to Italian shores. Did they stay? Many did, but we will also study the continued migration into western and eastern Europe including expelled Sephardim from Spain. Yet, a Romani Jewish community stayed put and survived ghettoes and harsh treatment by Roman clergy and despots. This course will also assess the contributions of notable Italian-Jewish scholars and their legacy.

Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $70.

Robert Krasow R E A LT O R ®

941.349.3444 RobertKrasow@michaelsaunders.com RobertKrasow.michaelsaunders.com Hablo Español

BRANDEIS TO GINSBURG AND WOMENS RIGHTS FRIDAYS 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Starting August 9 (Eight weeks) There is a remarkable trail—from Justice Louis D. Brandeis to Ruth Bader Ginsburg—which pursued the rights of women in the United States. How was their fame and success impacted by their Jewish upbringing and values? What has changed since the beginning of the 20th Century that is directly attributed to their legal positions as members of SCOTUS. Look at how far we have come!

In the Torah it states: Justice, justice you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20).

One of the most exemplary implementation of this injunction is the legal legacy left by Brandeis and Ginsburg. You’re invited to join in the study of these two legal minds and their achievements. Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $70.

5100 Ocean Blvd • Sarasota, FL 34242 • 941.349.3444 • michaelsaunders.com

Bridge...

Anyone?

Inquire about multi-course discounts.

Scholarships are also available.

Classes are held at The Jewish Federation on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. To register or seek more information, please contact Marden Paru, Dean and Rosh Yeshiva at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail.com. Please make checks payable to the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva and mail to Marden Paru, 5445 Pamela Wood Way #160, Sarasota, FL 34233.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.

The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency. It is funded, in part, by a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

THE BRIDGE GROUP meets

Thursday afternoons 1:00–4:00 pm

For more information

The Hecht School, The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life Open to intermediate and advanced bridge players.

call Bob Satnick at 941.538.3739

16

August 2019

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7

Beginning Conversational Hebrew

Men’s Club Morning Minyan Breakfast

Want to know speaking basics when visiting Israel, deepen your Torah study or exercise your mind? Start speaking modern Hebrew during your first class! Meet with us from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays in the Sainer Social Hall at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. No cost and no RSVP needed. For more information, contact Kelly Nester at 941.955.8121 or knester@templebethsholomfl.org.

Temple Beth Sholom’s Men’s Club graciously sponsors a weekly breakfast after Minyan service on Wednesdays. Start your morning off in an uplifting and meaningful way. Join us every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. in the Sainer Social Hall at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota.

No RSVP needed for this free event. For more information, contact Kelly Nester at 941.955.8121 or knester@templebethsholomfl.org.

AJC’s Summer Lunch & Learn

Temple Emanu-El “Lunch with the Rabbis”

Holly R. Huffnagle, Asst. Director AJC, Los Angeles, will present “The Viability of Europe’s Jewish Communities in the Face of Rising AntiSemitism.” Why is anti-Semitism in Europe increasing? Why is the viability of Europe’s Jewish communities being threatened? And why is this relevant for us, as Americans, as we witness anti-Semitism rising in our own country? The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota. Williams Parker is the generous sponsor of the Summer Lunch & Learn Series. The cost of $28 includes the lecture and luncheon. Advance registration is required.

Contact West Coast Florida AJC at 941.365.4955 or sarasota@ajc.org.

Are you looking for a great lunch date? Join Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Rabbi Michael Shefrin and friendly, interesting companions for lunch, socializing, and a discussion of current events and subjects of Jewish interest. All are invited to this popular, stimulating and enjoyable program at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Attendees are asked to bring a brown-bag lunch and are also welcome to bring a newspaper article for discussion. Homemade dessert and terrific company are provided! For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

Mindful Yoga at Temple Beth Sholom Help us put the “Om” in “Shalom” by attending our weekly yoga class taught by certified yoga instructor Janie Gibson. This class is very accessible and is suitable for all levels, genders and ages. Instruction for chair support can also be given. Please bring a yoga mat or heavy towel.

Additional props will be provided. Join us every Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Sainer Social Hall, Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Cost: $5 for TBS members; $10 for non-members. No RSVP needed. For more information, contact Lex Calaguas at 941.955.8121 or lcalaguas@templebethsholomfl.org.

The Women of Beth El’s Rosh Chodesh Service Participants will explore their lives as Jewish women with particular emphasis on personal spirituality, ritual and celebration. You are invited to bring readings, poetry and songs pertaining to the moon. This free event takes place at 7:00 p.m. at Sara Bay Condo Clubhouse, 1714 6th Ave. West (off Tamiami Trail near New College), Bradenton. RSVP by Wednesday, July 31 by calling Temple Beth El at 941.755.4900 or via email to tbebradentonfl@yahoo.com.

2019 2020

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 CHJ Summer Movie: Radio Days Radio Days is a nostalgic reminiscence comedy about growing up in the 1940s in Queens, New York, in the days prior to World War II. The movie mixes family vignettes with incidents about radio performers from that medium’s golden age. Actors include Diane Keaton, Dianne Wiest, Josh Mostel, Julie Kavner, Mia Farrow, Michael Tucker and Seth Green. The film (1987, 90 minutes) was written and directed by Woody Allen. The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism invites you to the screening at Unity Church, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Free for CHJ members; $5 for non-members. For more information or to RSVP, call the CHJ office at 941.929.7771 or email chjsarasota@hotmail.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 “Reality Check – Local Anti-Semitism” While increasing worldwide anti-Semitism is publicized, its local component is all too often ignored or minimized. Anti-Semitism in Central Florida should be a concern to all local Jewish communities, and real protective actions from both leadership and the general community are needed to combat this very real evil in our midst. From condo associations and college campuses to local middle schools, anti-Semitism surfaces, reproduces and roots itself especially in youths, gravely threatening Jewish life and Jewish lives everywhere. Join us at 1:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; no refreshments on this fast day. To RSVP, call Beverly at 941.313.9239.

Bridge... Anyone?

Movies & Messages: Tisha B’Av

The saddest day of the Jewish year commemorates the destructions of both Thedisasters Bridgethat Group Thursday Holy Temples as well as other major havemeets befallen the Jewish people on the 9th day of Av. Thisafternoons day compelsfrom a time1:00–4:00 of personal pm and comon the Federation Campus munal introspection as the Jewish people remember and respond to these tragedies. Through films and readings, join us inRoad). a remembrance of the past (582 McIntosh and in building an unbrokenOpen future to forintermediate the Jewish people. The event begins at 3:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 bridge Cortez players.

Road West, Bradenton. and advanced Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; no refreshments For more information, on this fast day. To RSVP, call Beverly at 941.313.9239. call Bob Satnick

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS

August 2019

17

MONDAY, AUGUST 12 Opening Day for Chabad’s Kaplan Preschool The Kaplan Preschool provides a top-quality learning environment for children ages 2.5-5. The school aims to provide an education that reinforces Jewish values and holidays, while meeting each child’s individual learning priorities, thus building a strong and solid educational foundation for the young students. To schedule a tour of the school (located at 7700 Beneva Road, Sarasota) or for more information, please contact preschool director Sara Steinmetz at 941.925.0770 or sara@chabadofsarasota.com.

Opening Day for The Susan Schwaid Early Learning Center The Susan Schwaid Early Learning Center at Temple Emanu-El (151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) happily opens its doors for another wonderful year of learning and growing in a loving Jewish environment – and on our beautiful and newly-renovated campus! Children ages 18 months through five years old thrive at this nationally-accredited and Gold Seal-certified preschool, which offers traditional preschool and VPK as well as extended care hours. Outstanding secular learning is enhanced by weekly Shabbat celebrations, joyful Jewish holiday activities and the acclaimed “SixPointed Stars” Judaic curriculum. For a schedule and tuition information, please call Elaine Sharrock, Temple Emanu-El Preschool Director, at 941.377.8074.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13 Mitzvah Knitting Group at Temple Emanu-El Are you a knitter or crocheter interested in using your talent to brighten the lives of others while making new friends? If so, please come to the Mitzvah Knitting Group sponsored by Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood. We gather monthly to craft and socialize, and our beautiful handiwork has been donated to local new parents as well as needy families in Sarasota-Manatee and in Israel. Bring your needles or crochet hook and a favorite pattern – we’ll supply the yarn and great company! The group meets at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, email Susan Bernstein at susanhope22@comcast.net.

Yiddish Reading Circle at Temple Beth Sholom Join us in reading and discussing Yiddish, texts, books and stories. The group meets from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, August 13 and 27 in the Chapel Foyer at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. No charge. Reading knowledge of Yiddish is essential. For more information, contact Kelly Nester at 941.955.8121 or knester@templebethsholomfl.org.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 “This Month in Jewish History” Significant Jewish events in August include: Columbus set sail in 1492, noting in his diary the expulsion of the Jews of Spain; the Jewish Agency for Palestine was founded in 1929; S.A. Bierfield was lynched by the KKK in Franklin, Tennessee, in 1868, the first such incident involving a Jewish victim; Operation Magic Carpet, which brought 45,000 Yemenite Jews to Israel, was concluded in 1950; the Bialystok Ghetto uprising took place in 1943 in Poland. Join us at noon at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; kosher brunch included. To RSVP, call Beverly at 941.313.9239.

“RomCom Movie Night” for Tu B’Av Did you know that Tu B’Av – the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Av – is a holiday celebrating love, romance, affection, laughter and friendship? By popular demand, Temple Emanu-El will mark Tu B’Av with the second annual “RomCom Movie Night,” featuring When Harry Met Sally. All are invited for a brief talk about Tu B’Av and the screening of the film. Fresh coffee, desserts and friendly socializing will conclude this great evening.

Everyone is welcome to this free event at 6:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 Bingo Night at Temple Emanu-El Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood and Sisterhood are delighted to host Bingo Night! The entire community is warmly welcome for this special night of fun, food and drink, socializing, friendly competition, prizes and, of course, Bingo! Join us at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For reservations, pricing or more information, please call 941.371.2788.

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“Our monthly Jewish-themed film series focuses on real slices of life we can all relate to.”

– ROSANN BLACK

THE LAST DAYS

Wednesday, Sept 18, 2019 • 1:30 pm

UT O D

This Oscar-winning documentary, executive produced by Steven Spielberg, focuses on the plight of five Hungarian Jews who survived imprisonment in Auschwitz.

SOL

Academy Award, Best Documentary

Manatee Community Foundation 2820 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL

BIG SONIA

October 15, 2019 • 10:00 AM Among other things, this film offers a laugh-out-loud-funny portrait of the power of love to triumph over bigotry, and the power of truth-telling to heal us all.

Best Film, Cleveland International Film Festival; Best Documentary, Napa Valley Film Festival William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Public Library 300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice, FL

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

November 21, 2019 • 1:15 PM Once In A Lifetime demonstrates the enduring impact of the Holocaust in transforming future generations.

Audience Award: New Hamphsire, Boston, Santa Barbara; Best Narrative Film, Toronto

Temple Beth Sholom

1050 S. Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL

JOURNEY TO JUSTICE

December 12, 2019 • 1:00 PM This is the story of a 16 year old German Jew who fled Nazi Germany in 1939, returned as an American soldier and then served as an interpreter during the Nuremberg Trial.

This film was shot in five countries and features extensive archival research and images, including historic film and photographs shot by Howard himself

Beatrice Friedman Theater on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life 582 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL

LIMIT 2 TICKETS PER FILM. THE SERIES IS FREE but audience members are encouraged to bring cans of food as well as new toys and school supplies, which will be donated to All Faiths Food Bank, Toys for Tots and Title 1 Schools.

CHAIR: ROSANN BLACK

For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at jlisitza@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2113.

R: TO REGISTE

VISIT: JFEDSRQ.ORG/Reel19

18

August 2019 SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 Sunday Zionist Brunch & Movie

Zionism, the centuries-long hope of the Jewish people for its homeland, is now a happy reality. Jewish support for Israel is needed now more than ever, as Jews remain a persecuted minority in other nations, and Israel is itself the target of worldwide social and political anti-Semitism. Join fellow Zionists for a delicious kosher brunch, film and lively discussion centered on our love of Israel and what we can do to strengthen the Zionist dream in reality. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student. To RSVP, call Beverly at 941.313.9239.

Women of Sinai Theater and Dinner Join the Women of Sinai at 2:00 p.m. for a lively afternoon of theater at the Cook Theatre at the Asolo, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Harbor by Chad Beguelin is a smart and scrappy, outrageously funny comedy that tests the constantly shifting nature of the meaning of family. The performance will be followed by an optional dinner at Café Baci, 4001 S. Tamiami Trail. Advanced reservations required. For more information or to RSVP, call Patty Schreiber at 941.923.7992 or Janet Tolbert at 941.388.9624.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS MONDAY, AUGUST 19 Federation Volunteer Open House Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Learn about opportunities for joining a Federation committee or participating in an event. There will also be partner organizations to meet and hear from about their volunteer opportunities. The Open House takes place from 11:00 a.m. to noon in the Zell Room on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. RSVP online at jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.

Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Learn all about the Federation’s Shapiro Teen Engagement Program, teen volunteer opportunities, scholarships for The Bob Malkin Young Ambassador Mission to Israel, March of the Living and more. This event is free and appropriate for high school teens and their parents. Dessert will be served! The Open House takes place from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Zell Room on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Register online at jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 942.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org.

Join Rabbi Samantha Kahn, Chazzan Cliff Abramson, congregants and friends for a festive Rhythm & Jews Erev Shabbat Service at 6:00 p.m.

Welcome reception at 5:15 p.m. Celebrate with the inspirational sounds of the Bruno Family Musicians as we welcome back students. Temple Sinai is located at 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter only from Proctor Road between Beneva and Swift). For more information, call 941.924.1802 or email office@sinaisrq.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

"Where community is family and egalitarian Conservative Judaism thrives in Sarasota through prayer, learning, and community service.”

Get to Know Our Synagogue Daily Morning Minyan Mah Jongg Continuing Education Kosher Kitchen Youth Groups & Shabbat Sisterhood & Men's Club Idelson Library Jewish Cemetery PREP (Paver Religious Mindful Yoga Educational Program) Judaica Museum Holocaust Garden

Workshop: Letter Lift Off Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Join us for an experiential workshop facilitated by Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz. The Aleph-Bet is considered Judaism’s periodic table. Workshop participants will not study the letters as much as enter into them and bring them to life. The engagement of the Aleph-Bet as a spiritual springboard will be a source of fascination, fun and delight. No previous Hebrew learning is required, only a capacity for imagination. The workshop takes place from 9:30 a.m. to noon on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Though limited to 15 people, parents with older teenage children are encouraged to participate. Please call Rabbi Katz at 941.366.2224 x166 for more information or to register.

Rosh Hashanah Farmer’s Market Start the year out fresh with an organic, hands-on experience bringing the local goodness of the High Holidays to life. Activities include a New Year’s card-craft and a bushel of healthful, culinary adventures, where you will learn new recipes and techniques while understanding their unique connection to Rosh Hashanah. These include artisanal challah baking, apple mocktails, carrot cake pops and making your own pomegranate honey salad dressing. Everyone receives a custom tote bag to collect your marketplace finds! Join us from 11:00 a.m. to noon at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Admission is $10; free for Chabad Hebrew School students. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 Temple Emanu-El “Emanu-Elders” Shabbat

1050 South Tuttle Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34237 941.955.8121 Info@TempleBethSholomFL.org • www.TempleBethSholomFL.org

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

Temple Beth Sholom

By R

Featuring wine, cheese, fresh challah, hot hors d’oeuvres and even a celebratory cake, Temple Emanu-El’s “Emanu-Elders” Shabbat will salute members of the Greatest Generation and celebrate their spirit and their contributions to the world around us. The entire community – and especially those aged 80 and over – are welcome for Shabbat blessings, refreshments, friendly socializing, and a special surprise activity and gift. This wonderful event is hosted by the Membership Committee of Temple Emanu-El, and begins at 5:00 p.m. at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, email Temple Emanu-El Membership Chair Kim Sheintal at klapshein@ aol.com, or call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

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gene ried emo marr inter unde a Je often the u whe the k was H the i Jewi feren 47 a coup in th publ both crea ditio resp A Jewi toria lenn the histo esis Rebe Isaac is Bi

August 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

19

Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old

Where’s my ketubah?

By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

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“

To seal the agreement, we read that (Abraham’s family) “brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebecca” – an example of the first marriage contract. Later, traditional Judaism introduced the ketubah, a binding legal document that enumerates all of the requirements that a husband is obliged to fulfill to his wife.

Researchers agree that the ketubah tradition dates back 2,000 years with the discovery of what is thought to be the earliest ketubah – found in Egypt and written on papyrus. The year was about 440 BCE, making this ketubah one of the earliest documented examples of the granting of legal and financial rights to women.

It was in Italy where the traditional ketubah underwent its first major change – the adding of decorative art to the document. The first embellished ketubah was written in the Jewish settlement of Ancona, where this artistic tradition was born. Soon, most ketubot were adorned with bright colors and gold leaf accents. Italian ketubah artists traditionally created a wide margin around the Hebrew text to give themselves room to depict biblical scenes, drawings of Jewish ritual items and even zodiac signs. Examples of these elaborate and intricate ketubot are on display in the Jewish Museum of Rome.

Recent years has brought another adaptation – the writing of egalitarian, same-sex and interfaith ketubot, with couples choosing to incorporate wording that expresses their own unique relationship – a relationship that Bubbe Fritzi explained to her friends at the mahjong table. She said, “So, nu, my granddaughter told me all about the ketubah they are designing and she wants the artist to see my ketubah and use some of the words to tie our generations together!”

When Fritzi’s granddaughter and her fiancé sign their interfaith ketubah,

they will continue an ancient tradition that connects them, l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, all the way back to the Jews of ancient times. Their ketubah represents the promises made on their wedding day and the promises they will keep throughout their lives.

For Fritzi and her family, the revival of an ancient tradition and the widening of the traditional circle to include interfaith couples represent a golden opportunity. Like Fritzi, we can applaud our grandchildren’s respect for

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Jewish traditions and open our hearts to support the new family created through the signing of the ancient document – the ketubah.

For ten years Rabbi Barbara Aiello served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life as resident rabbi. Currently as Rabbi Emerita she shares her experiences on Aging Jewishly. She is also program host of the 18-year Radio Rabbi program, AM 930 The Answer.

Contact her at Rabbi@RabbiBarbara. com.

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an you believe it?” Fritzi said, shaking her head at her mahjong buddies. “My granddaughter is getting married to a nice Catholic boy so I was so surprised when she wanted to see my ketubah – from 71 years ago. Of course I’m kvelling, but first I have to find it!”

Fritzi’s ketubah, (the Hebrew word for the Jewish wedding document) Rabbi Barbara Aiello was standard fare generations ago when two Jews married under the chuppah in a Jewish ceremony. Back then the Jewish Interfaith marriage rate was in single digits and interfaith couples who wished to marry under the chuppah were often denied a Jewish ceremony. These weddings often took place in City Hall where the union was formalized legally and where the Jewish marriage document, the ketubah (pronounced ka-TOO-bah), was non-existent.

How times have changed. Today, the interfaith marriage rate among one Jewish partner and a partner of a different religion lies somewhere between 47 and 70 percent, and many interfaith couples include an interfaith ketubah in their wedding ceremony as a way to publicly acknowledge their respect for both faith traditions and their pledge to create a loving home where these traditions are encouraged, observed and respected.

A ketubah is the name given to the Jewish wedding document which historians believe has been in use for millennia. The word ketubah derives from the Hebrew verb “to write,” and its history dates back to the Book of Genesis where Abraham’s servant asked Rebecca if she would consent to marry Isaac. Rebecca said, “Yes,” and the rest is Biblical history!

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August 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

Child euthanasia in the Third Reich

By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

I

n August 1939, 80 years ago this month, the Reich Committee for the Scientific Registration of Serious Hereditary and Congenially Based Diseases was established in Germany.

Its object was to remove from German society children and young people who were incurably insane or physically handicapped. The means employed to remove them was to murder them.

On May 23, 1939, a request came from a German family for the mercy killing of their handicapped child, GerDr. Paul Bartrop hard Kretschmar, born that same year on February 29.

His parents, who lived in Saxony, petitioned Adolf Hitler, asking for Gerhard to be “put to sleep” as he was born blind, mentally retarded, and lacked one leg and part of an arm. Hitler approved the request, and carbon monoxide gas was selected as the means of the baby boy’s death.

This then served as the pretext for the initiation of a much larger “euthanasia” program. The program’s original intention was to kill disabled infants and young children, and Dr. Karl Brandt, a medical doctor and SS officer who served as Adolf Hitler’s personal physician, was placed in charge of the program’s planning and execution along with Philipp Bouhler, head of the Reich Chancellery. They received a rare explicit authorization from Hitler, allowing them to grant “mercy deaths” to “incurable” patients.

Before the program relating to children commenced, however, Hitler authorized its expansion to euthanize adults with disabilities as well.

Accordingly, Brandt and Bouhler organized what became known as

Aktion T-4, from the address of the administrative offices in Berlin running the program, Tiergartenstrasse 4. Although starting as a program centering on children in August 1939, Hitler’s preference to euthanize “life unworthy of life” – men, women and children deemed mentally and physically disabled – was initiated to cover all categories in October 1939.

In time, after that first child’s death, others followed quickly, leading ultimately to the organized murder of up to 5,000 children in so-called special children’s wards. Aktion T-4 covered two separate euthanasia programs: one dated back to spring 1939, dealing with infants and small children up to three who had physical deformities; and a second that included mentally disabled older children and adults.

The child euthanasia program usually murdered its victims through lethal overdoses of medication. Adult patients, on the other hand, were removed from their home institutions and transferred to one of six designated killing centers throughout Germany, where they were murdered in specially designed gas chambers.

Planning the program meant that a departmental infrastructure and bureaucratic guidelines had to be established, and this was initiated in a directive from the Reich Minister of the Interior dated August 18, 1939.

This specified the groups to be included in the program and was to apply not only to those children who had already been identified as incurably ill or handicapped, but also to newborn babies suspected of a range of “congenital disorders” at birth.

Brandt would later develop another program of enforced abortions for women classed as “genetically defective,” which likewise included those

who were physically or mentally disabled.

On October 6, 1939, Hitler ordered Brandt to “relieve through death” those mentally ill individuals who could not “take any conscious part in life.” He backdated his signature to September 1, 1939, to highlight the order’s connection to the war; his logic was that the life of every dead soldier should be balanced by taking the life of a person “unworthy of life.”

It now became the duty of doctors, nurses and midwives to report to the appropriate health authorities if a child or newborn baby came across their purview with any of the designated conditions, so that further action (that is, their murder) could be undertaken. The registration of potential victims became a crucial determinant of whether a child was to be euthanized, in accordance with a stringent set of conditions.

Three Nazi medical bureaucrats received the relevant registration forms, with comments made by the first two as to the nature of the case to assist the third in making his final determination. Only the reporting form was used in making the decision of life or death; the doctors did not examine the child in person or review previous records. Sometimes a child might not be condemned if the doctors concluded that he or she could grow up and be a productive member of society. These, however, were in a minority.

The forms also included a compulsory clause in which those doing the reporting were required to indicate the

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HOLOCAUST

Holocaust, Genocide and Tolerance Education

Inspiring Speakers: GEORGE ERDSTEIN RIFK A GLATZ HELGA MELMED DAVID MILBERG GINET TE HERSH

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child’s race. This was so that Jewish children could be easily identified, and in these cases death was mandatory.

As precedents were generated, the range of those to be included in the child euthanasia scheme was broad-At t ened. What began as an assault against“Un children with psychological and physi-Ope cal handicaps was expanded such thaten, a those deemed to be “unfit for society”that – those, for example, with behavioralMeli problems – were also listed on regis-TIF tration forms, and many were subse-wive quently assessed negatively and sentafter to euthanasia centers, where they wereadep gassed. out Some children slated for compul-AND sory euthanasia were even reprievedlate temporarily so that they could be O “studied” as objects of medical or sci-Infor entific research prior to being sent toMA their death. dier The killing centers that were setmess up for children as specialized pediatricwife clinics were a precedent for much larg-mob er killing centers catering to physicallyman and mentally disabled adults. Oncethe s sent to these clinics, children receivedther lethal injections or were sometimesfami simply starved to death. It is worthin 18 reflecting this month that children – O whether Jewish or not – were the firstGoo and most vulnerable of Hitler’s vic-Read tims, as they remained throughout thecom war years and the Holocaust.

Max Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of His-how tory and the Dir. of the Center for Ju-dies, daic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studieson n at Florida Gulf Coast University. Hethe can be reached at pbartrop@fgcu.edu. som an o stuff large edy mak film.

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59

anti-Semitic assaults in 2018, including the 13 victims of the Tree of Life shooting on October 27, 2018* *Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents:

Year in Review 2018, ADL.org

Listening to your heart-wrenching story, I started to tear up. Your story of survival moved me and I will remember you for the rest of my life.

–north Port hiGh School Student

Photo by Matt Rourke, AP

History is not just about events, it is about human lives.

Learn what “Never Forget” means, before it is too late.

Invite a Holocaust survivor to your school, synagogue or library.

To book a speaker contact Anne Stein

Holocaust Speakers Bureau Coordinator • luvhula@gmail.com

What are we doing about it?

EDUCATION.

The Robert and Esther Heller Community Relations Committee takes a firm stand against anti-Semitism. We use community resources and influence to combat a rise in anti-Semitism and anti-Zionist sentiments, which often result in aggressive acts and rhetoric against Jews. Through education, advocacy, and building relationships with the greater community and law enforcement, together we can combat hatred, bigotry, and harassment of Jews and other minorities.

For more information contact Jessi Sheslow at 941.343.2109 or jsheslow@jfedsrq.org

jfedsrq.org 941.371.4546

jfedsrq.org

JEWISH INTEREST

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist

Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish.

At the Movies; Some Starring “Unexpected” Jews Opening Friday, August 9 is The Kitchen, a sort-of-feminist gangster movie that is based on a comic book series.

Melissa McCarthy, Elisabeth Moss and TIFFANY HADDISH, 39, play the wives of mobsters. The wives take over after their husbands are jailed. They are adept at running the rackets and taking out the competition. The director is ANDREA BERLOFF, 44. Haddish’s late father was an Eritrean Jew. Opening Friday, August 16 is The Informer. It stars JOEL KINNAMAN, 39, as a former special ops soldier caught up in a convoluted stateside mess that starts with him protecting his wife. He eventually has to take on the mob, the NYPD and the FBI. Kinnaman was born and raised in Sweden, the son of a non-Jewish American father and a Swedish Jewish mother (her family moved to Sweden from Ukraine in 1850).

Opening Friday, August 23 are Good Boys, Angel Has Fallen and Ready or Not. Good Boys is a teen comedy that opens with 12-year-old Max (Jacob Tremblay) trying to learn how to kiss, and egged on by his buddies, he uses his father’s drone to spy on neighbors. The drone crashes and the boys skip school hoping to find someway to replace it. They embark on an odyssey that involves a lot of weird stuff. MOLLY GORDON, 23, has a large supporting role. Kiev-born comedy writer GENE STUPNITSKY, 41, makes his debut as a director with this film. He and his writing partner, LEE EISENBERG, 42, wrote Boys. The

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pair wrote many episodes of the hit TV show The Office.

Angel stars Gerard Butler as a Secret Service agent who is framed for the attempted assassination of the president. He must evade his own agency and the FBI as he tries to uncover the real threat. TIM BLAKE NELSON, 55, plays the vice president. Ready or Not follows a young bride (Samara Weaving) as she joins her new husband’s rich, eccentric family (ADAM BRODY, 39, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell). The wedding, somehow, turns into a lethal game with everyone fighting for their survival.

Over on Netflix The Red Sea Diving Project, an original Netflix film, begins streaming on Wednesday, July 31. This dramatic film recounts the true efforts of the Israeli secret service, the Mossad, to rescue thousands of Ethiopian Jews in the 1980s. Many of them were hid in a Sudan resort before being transported to Israel. The film was directed and written by Israeli GIDEON RAFF, 46, who shared an Emmy for best writing, dramatic TV show (Homeland). Most of the film’s characters are Jewish, but only one major cast member is really Jewish (Israeli actress ALONA TAL, 35). Chris Evans and Ben Kingsley have starring roles.

Otherhood, also an original Netflix film, begins streaming on Friday, August 9. On Mother’s Day, three longtime friends – played by Angela Bassett, PATRICIA ARQUETTE, 51, and Felicity Huffman – drive to New York City to reconnect with their adult sons. Along the way, they real-

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21

Interested in Your Family’s History?

Nate Bloom (see column at left) has become a family history expert in 10 years of doing his celebrity column, and he has expert friends who can help when called on. Most family history experts charge $1,000 or more to do a full family-tree search. However, Bloom knows that most people want to start with a limited search of one family line.

So here’s the deal:

Write Bloom at nteibloom@aol.com and enclose a phone number.

Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible.

The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out great for them. So contact him about this as well. ize that their sons are not the only ones whose lives need to change. They start to think hard about how to redefine their relationships with their friends, their children and their spouses.

The film was written by and directed by CINDY CHUPACK, 54, the former co-head writer of Sex and the City. Oddly enough, like Tim Blake Nelson, above, Chupack was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Nelson and Chupack are about the same age and I have to believe that they either knew each other in Tulsa or knew “Jews in common.” Oklahoma has a surprisingly vibrant Jewish community, but it isn’t large. (Fun fact: the inventor of the shopping cart, SYLVAN GOLDMAN [1898-1984], was born and raised in Oklahoma. The cart made its debut in 1937 in an Oklahoma City food store he owned.)

A Nice Note Something I saw recently on YouTube prompted me to look at an online bio of actor KIRK DOUGLAS, 102. I noticed something not noted in most news outlets: Kirk’s wife, ANNE BUYDENS, turned 100 in April. In May, the couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Buydens converted to Judaism in 2004 when the couple renewed their wedding vows.

I checked a bit and could not find another famous person who was alive and over 100 when their spouse, too, turned 100.

Douglas and Buydens may be unique. Statistically, “two-centenarian” marriages are very rare, period.

Imagine the odds against one “100+” spouse being famous. Imagine the odds against them both being Jewish.

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August 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

Teenager’s diary reveals the world of a promising life cut short Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News Renia’s Diary: A Holocaust Journal,

by Renia Spiegel, with Elisabeth Bellak and Sarah Durand. Translated from Polish by Anna Blasiak and Marta Dziurosz. Foreword by Deborah E. Lipstadt. St. Martin’s Press. 336 pages. Hardcover $27.99.

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his book, a diary never meant for publication, is not what one would expect from something labeled as a Holocaust diary or journal. In it, young Renia gives very little attention to the immediate effects of Nazi aggression on a Jewish community. Most often, she seems barely aware of it.

Perhaps it’s fairer to say that she is only intermittently aware of the establishment Phil Jason of a ghetto near her grandparents’ home, where she has been living since being separated from her parents. She hears rumors that over time solidify.

Most of her impressions of ongoing or expected destruction of Jewish communities seem secondhand, and perhaps they most often were secondhand – until the end.

Readers will wonder why they are not getting the kind of scenes that make up the bulk of first-person Holocaust writings.

Deborah E. Lipstadt’s Introduction helps clarify the issue by making the important distinction between diary and memoir. Diary writers are writing for themselves or for an alter ego. The

diary is a companion (“dear diary”).

Such journals are about the happenings and concerns of the immediate present.

Memoirs are retrospective. The writer knows the outcome of events initiated in the past and has processed the experiences after the immediate has become the remembered. Memoirs are meant to have an audience and they are written in anticipation of that audience.

Renia spent her time writing her observations, her primary concerns, as a teenage girl in the last years of her well-designed secular schooling. Boys and possible relationships are on her mind, as are her female peers in the school. She writes about her moods, whom she likes, and whom she thinks does and does not understand her.

Foremost here is the student who becomes her committed boyfriend, Zygmunt. Her word portraits of this young man are astonishing, as are her records of their meetings and conversations. Parties, dances and other standard teen activities are on Renia’s mind, as is her sense of how she is maturing physically, intellectually and emotionally. Like most diary writers, she is talking to herself, addressing the diary directly as if it were a sympathetic friend – a true and loyal conRenia Spiegel fidante.

The diary also records her concern about her mother’s situation, her longing for her mother to visit, and her high esteem for her absent mother. Many entries end with the author’s cry for help from her mother and from God.

She needs them both desperately.

Renia’s diary is also, perhaps primarily, a collection of her poems, both recent and brand new. Her writerly aspirations drive her to produce more and more poems in which she skillfully employs nature imagery to help explore her emotional life. The poems fall short of greatness, especially in that they are so repetitive of one another, but Renia is clearly a promising poet whose work could have grown in depth and sophistication if her life had not been cut short.

Meanwhile, she was trusted to run her school’s student newspaper.

While the last passages that Renia wrote do focus on the conditions of ghetto life, a fuller picture of that period and the family’s life before and after can be found in two additional sections of the book prepared

by Renia’s younger sister. They are not journal material but a mix of memoir and research. Titled “Epilogue” and “Elizabeth’s Commentary,” these sections provide much-needed context that is otherwise missing from the journal proper. With these additions,

K H Th

the answers to questions that are not answered in journals or diaries like Renia’s are brought fully to light. It is here that readers receive the conditions of Holocaust life in Poland. *** Renia Spiegel was born to a Jewish family in Poland in 1924. She began her diary at the start of 1939, right before the invasion of Poland by the German and Soviet armies. In 1942, she was forced to move to a ghetto, but was smuggled out by her boyfriend and went into hiding with his parents.

She was discovered by the Gestapo and murdered on July 30, 1942.

Elizabeth Bellak (née Ariana Spiegel), Renia’s sister, born in 1930, was a child actress once called “the Polish Shirley Temple.” In 1942, she and her mother fled to Warsaw, and then to Austria, finally arriving in New York City, where she lives today.

Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for Florida Weekly, Washington Independent Review of Books, Southern Literary Review, other publications and the Jewish Book Council. Please visit Phil’s website at www.philjason.word press.com.

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K’zohar Ha-Ivrit Har Ha-Ba-yit – The Temple Mount

By Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin

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he Temple Mount, Har Ha-Bayit, is mentioned often in the daily news. It’s a place that both Jewish and Islamic traditions consider holy, which explains the tension and the constant clashes over the rights to worship on the Mount between Israel and her Muslim neighbors.

Briefly, we Dr. Rachel Dulin should mention that, according to biblical tradition, Abraham came to this mount to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:1-8). It was here, according to the Bible (I Kings 6-8), that Solomon built the First Temple (circa 957 BCE). And, it was on this same sight that the returnees from the Babylonian Exile (Ez. 3:8-12) rebuilt the Second Temple (circa 515 BCE).

There are several names for Har Ha-Ba-yit in the Bible. For example, three times it is called Har Beit Adonai, literally “The Mount of the House of the Lord.” Twenty-two times it is referred to as Har Ha-Ko-desh, namely “the Holy Mountain,” and once it is also called Har Ha-Moriya, “Mount Moriah.” In short, for Jews, this mountain has been holy ground from the days of Abraham to this day.

In early Arabic tradition, the Temple Mount was called Beit el Miqdis, meaning “The Temple.” Later, a tradition developed that from here Muhammad made his nightly journey to the Throne of God (Koran 17:1). Two important mosques were built here to declare the Mount’s holiness: The Dome of the Rock (688 CE) and el-Aksa (1033 CE). To this day, this mountain, which was never mentioned by name in the Koran, is the third holy place in Islamic tradition.

Returning to the name Har-Ha-Ba-

S

TY.

August 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

yit, this is a compound word: har meaning “mountain” and ha-ba-yit meaning “the house.” Har appears 547 times in the Bible yet only twice in the form of Har Ha-Ba-yit, literally “Mountain of The House.” The prefix Ha to the Bayit is a definite article indicating that this is a special house, namely “The House,” and alludes to The House of the Lord. As for special derivations from the word ba-yit, we will mention first and foremost the word Beyt HaMiq-dash, namely “the Holy Temple,” which is at the heart of Jewish tradition. Also, commonly used is the word ha-bai-tah, namely “toward home.”

(The suffix tah indicates direction.)

And we will end with the colloquial expression hir-gish k’mo ba-ba-yit, or “feels at home.”

Har is at the center of many colorful Hebraic phrases. For example, kafah a-lav har k’-gi-git, literally “raised a mountain on him, like a tub,” implying strong pressure was put on one in order to force a decision. Another interesting idiom is har ho-lid akh-bar, literally “a mountain in labor brought forth a mouse,” implying that there is a lot of fuss over nothing. Oker ha-rim, literally “up-rooter of mountains,” is a description of a very erudite scholar.

Last but not least, we should mention the idiom yi-kov ha-din et ha-har, literally, “the law will pierce the mountain,” meaning the law takes its course, whatever may happen.

In short, the words har and ba-yit are common Hebrew words. Yet, together they form the name Har Ha-Bayit, a central locale in Jewish tradition.

Let us hope that shalom will return to the Ba-yit and tranquility to the Har upon which it stands.

Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin is a professor of biblical literature at Spertus College in Chicago, and a retired adjunct professor of Hebrew and Bible at New College in Sarasota.

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August 2019

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

“Twice Promised Land and 100 Years War:” Enter the second decade of the 2000s A series by Dr. Steven Derfler

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he new decade of the 2010s did not start with optimism and hope. Rather, the increasing groundswell of international condemnation, under the guise of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, led to further isolation of Israel on the international stage, as well as insidiously permeated an antiSemitic movement aimed at the worldwide Jewish comDr. Steven Derfler munity.

At the end of May 2010, a flotilla of nine vessels carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists and thousands of tons of supplies headed for Gaza. It was the most ambitious attempt so far to break Israel’s maritime blockade of the Hamas-run coastal enclave. Gaza had been under an Israeli- and Egyptian-imposed blockade since Hamas took over the territory by force in 2007.

The flotilla of cargo ships and passenger boats was led by the Free Gaza

Movement and a Turkish organization, Insani Yardim Vakfi, The Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief.

A raid by Israeli naval commandos killed nine people, many of them Turks, on the aid flotilla bound for Gaza. Turkey, Israel’s most important friend in the Muslim world, recalled its ambassador and canceled planned military exercises with Israel as the countries’ already tense relations soured even further. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the commandos, enforcing what Israel said was a legal blockade, were set upon by passengers on the Turkish ship they boarded and fired only in self-defense. The military released a video of the early moments of the raid to support that claim. Israel said the violence was instigated by pro-Palestinian activists who presented themselves as humanitarians but had come ready for a fight.

Months later, a long-awaited UN review of Israel’s 2010 raid found that Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza was

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legal and appropriate. But it said that the way Israeli forces boarded the vessels trying to break that blockade was excessive and unreasonable.

In the north, border clashes erupted with Lebanon over tree/shrub areas that provided limited border observation. As Israeli soldiers cleared this on their side of the line, Lebanese soldiers said Israel crossed into their territory and opened fire. A UN analysis of the claim eventually supported Israel’s version. It was the heaviest fighting since 2006.

And in a third arena, the specter of a nuclear Iran was clearly evident at the announcement that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was almost completed and preparing to go online.

On November 4, the world marked the 15th anniversary of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. President Bill Clinton would elegantly comment on his friend’s death and the legacy that he left: “Therefore, each in our own way, we must all take up the cause for which Yitzhak Rabin gave his life: building a shared future in which our common humanity is more important than our interesting differences. We can all do something, in our communities or around the world, to build the positive and reduce the negative forces of interdependence.”

A new year would dawn and, with it, some cautious optimism regarding the quest for a just and lasting peace for Israel and her neighbors. David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy wanted to show how negotiators could create a new Palestinian state in the West Bank using the pre-1967 boundaries of Israel as a baseline. This would take into ac-

count the roughly 300,000 Jewish settlers who lived there. It was designed to “demystify” the territorial hurdles that divide Israelis and Palestinians, and to debunk the notion that there was no way to reconcile the Palestinian demand for sovereignty over the West Bank with the Israeli demand for control over a majority of the settlers.

However, by the end of January, Israel would find itself on “pins and needles” awaiting the outcome of Egypt’s January Revolution, part of the blossoming Arab Spring that would cast a shadow over the entire region and North Africa. February 11 would see Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak forced to resign and a caretaker military tribunal put in place; it would absolutely ensure the upholding of “Egypt’s international commitments… specifically the peace treaty with Israel.”

On one hand, the initial overwhelming support for, and internal reaction to, this popular uprising would give hope to the advocates of democracy and freedom in the move to overthrow tyrannical and despotic regimes.

But this euphoria would quickly dissipate with the outbreak of civil wars and anarchy in some nations, and simple replacement of one strongman with another. In the north, the Syrian “day of rage” aimed at President Bashir Assad failed to materialize due to the incredibly large ‘security’ presence of the government. This would lead to a splintering of Syria and a bloody, and still unresolved, civil war seeing hundreds of thousands of Syrian civilians brutally slain.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continued on next page

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

25

Dr. Steven Derfler...continued from previous page itself, in that the numbers presented would be kicked into higher gear by the region and the world as a whole.

Dr. Steven Derfler is an international at the General Assembly didn’t even the Palestinians in yet another attempt Israeli President Shimon Peres would educational consultant, public speaker, seem to make sense to Israeli experts. to deflect from their own internal woes. say in a speech at a state dinner, “I am archaeologist, historian, researcher, All of this, through 2015, would The Palestinian leadership would anconfident that Russia, which defeated teacher and writer. He has been uncovset the stage for the impact of a new nounce that it planned to hold presifascism, will not allow today’s threats ering the histories of ancient civilizaU.S. administration. dential and parliamentary elections by to continue. Not the Iranian threat. Not tions for 40 years.

September 2012 as a response to the the bloodshed in Syria.” revolts in Tunisia and Egypt; calling One of the more insidious attempts by the Palestinian Authority to underfor greater democracy and government mine the historical reality of Israel accountability. At the same meeting, became increasingly apparent. Paleslong-time Palestinian Authority chief tinian Authority President Mahmoud negotiator Sa’eeb Erekat announced his resignation. This was a result of Abbas denied the Jewish connection to Jerusalem in statements in late August. his stated “embarrassment” over the He said that all Israeli excavation work Wikileaks statements about his “overin Jerusalem, “will not undermine the the-top” concessions supposedly made fact that the city will forever be Arabic, to Israel. Meanwhile, the time was Islamic and Christian.” The statement right for Palestine to become a permaconcluded “that there will be no peace nent member of the UN, Palestinian or stability before our beloved city and Authority President Mahmoud Abbas eternal capital is liberated from occusaid on March 6, as he reiterated his pation and settlement.” opposition to the idea of a state with Comprehensive Dermatology Israel hoped the Palestinian leader temporary borders.

Skin Cancer Detection In yet another attempt to show was not denying the Jewish connection the world that the Palestinians were to Jerusalem, which goes back 3,000 Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery ready for statehood as a unified people, years. Israel was “disappointed” to Hamas and Fatah began to prepare an hear the mainstream Palestinian leader Cosmetic and Laser Services initiative that would ostensibly end echo outrageous conspiracy theories Medical Spa Treatments the three years of divisive leadership concerning the Temple Mount, theories in Gaza and the West Bank. This deal that are the usual domain of extremist would be brokered by Egypt. elements.

In the UN, as President Obama As tensions over Iranian nuclear voiced his opposition to the Palestincapability grew throughout the world, ian initiative, Abbas looked on glumly.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahma“Peace will not come through statedinejad would once again use the UN ments and resolutions at the U.N.,” Mr. for his bully pulpit. The increasingly Obama said in an address before world virulent anti-Israeli language referring leaders at the General Assembly. “If it to ‘uncivilized Zionists’ was based in 8451 Shade Avenue, Suite 205 were that easy, it would have been acpart on the anti-Muslim underground Sarasota, FL 34243 complished by now.” film clips that were released earlier.

Board Certified Dermatologist Abbas would return home on SepMany delegations walked out. tember 23 to Ramallah with a hero’s Not to be outdone, Netanyahu reCarlee LaPensee, ARNP welcome, but without a crucial vote sorted to cartoon-like drawings that Jesse LeBaron, PA-C for admission into the UN General highlighted the status of Iranian atAssembly. However, a small victory tempts at creating nuclear weapons. was gained as the Palestinian AuthorThis created great controversy in Israel ity would win votes to be admitted as a member of UNESCO. page There would be incredibly welcoming news by the end of 2011. The tension would partly be defused by an unprecedented prisoner exchange. The IDF soldier, Sergeant First Class Gilad Shalit, was released from Gaza, where he had been held since being abducted in a cross-border raid in 2006. The exchange on October 18, would be for n n 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. And yet more movement! On October 27, Ilan Grapel, an American-Israeli citizen Everything we do is focused on increasing our clients’ enjoyment of their wealth. who had been held in Egypt since June, charged with spying for Israel, was reWe help them redeploy their wealth to more efficiently leased in exchange for 25 Egyptians sustain their lifestyles, so they can have more fun, held in Israeli jails. Grapel, 27, a law student from Queens, was flown from help their families, and create a lasting impact on society.

Cairo to Ben-Gurion International Airport.

Both sides appeared to try to find We just happen to be common areas of dialog. The Israelis a Wealth Advisory Practice. were heartened when a new coalition government would be formed with a Jeremy Udell Bruce Udell bloc of 94/120 Knesset seats, seeming CLU, ChFC, MCEP, RFC CFP®, President to give a sense of greater political uniChief Executive Officer ty. On the other hand, the Palestinians, feeling marginalized by the growing Arab Spring, would attempt to reconcile differences between Fatah and Hamas.

An initiative by Israeli Arabs and Jews was launched. “Israel Uncensored,” an Arabic-language Facebook page, was published by Israel advocacy group “The Israel Project.” It chalked up more than 520,000 “likes” and a weekly outreach to 10 million people around the Arab world in the first couple of months. Published out of Jerusalem by a small group of Israelis, both Jews and Arabs, “Israel Uncensored” became a primary source of information about life in Israel for young Egyptians, Jordanians, Saudis and residents of other Middle Eastern countries.

For the first time in several years, Russia began to re-assert itself in the peace talks. Vladimir Putin would meet with Netanyahu in Israel. They agreed that the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran presented a grave danger to Israel,

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August 2019

BRIEFS HOW ISRAEL IS HELPING TO FEED THE WORLD

Since the 1950s, Israelis have not only been finding miraculous ways to turn their own desert green but have also shared their discoveries far and wide.

Israeli drip-irrigation solutions are used worldwide.

Since 1/3 of the food produced globally is lost or wasted each year, Israeli-designed GrainPro Cocoons – huge bags that keep both water and air out – are used today in 100 countries.

Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu-owned BioBee breeds and exports several species of beneficial insects and mites for biological pest control, and bumblebees for natural pollination, to more than 50 nations. The company’s top seller is the tiny BioPersimilis, a highly efficient enemy of the spider mite, a devastating agricultural pest.

BioPersimilis is used by most of California’s strawberry farmers and by growers of peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, corn, cucumber, melon, eggplant and ornamental flowers in order to reduce the amount of pesticides they use by up to 80%. (Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel21c)

HOLLYWOOD IDOL AUDREY HEPBURN HELPED SAVE DUTCH JEWS DURING THE HOLOCAUST

A new book, Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II, by veteran star chronicler Robert Matzen, describes Hepburn’s life in the city of Arnhem and nearby Velp during the war where

she displayed heroism on behalf of individuals in danger. In 1942, the Nazis executed her uncle, Otto Ernst Gelder, Count van Limburg Stirum.

Audrey, known at the time as Adriaantje, refused an order to join a Nazi artists’ committee, ending her burgeoning dance career, which had made her Arnhem’s most famous ballerina by 1944. Hepburn also assisted Dr. Hendrik Visser ’t Hooft, who helped shelter hundreds of Jews in Velp throughout the war. She was one of the people bringing messages to families protecting Jews. She also danced to raise money for the resistance and to feed Jews in hiding. Her family members risked their lives sheltering a British soldier, and she and her mother assisted as nurses. At one point, the Nazis rounded up Dutch women and girls to work in German kitchens, including Hepburn, but she escaped. (Rich Tenorio, Times of Israel)

ISRAEL’S ‘UBER FOR FIRST RESPONDERS’ GOES GLOBAL

United Hatzalah (Hatzalah means Rescue in Hebrew), with its all-volunteer network of trained emergency first responders, has become a regular feature in Israel. It’s now going global.

United Hatzalah’s model is predicated on two facts. First, when it comes to emergency response, every second counts. An ambulance crew that’s too far away, gets stuck in traffic, misses a turn, or waits on a slow elevator can often mean the difference between life and death. Second, when someone has an emergency, there are almost always

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD people nearer to the scene than the dispatched ambulance.

Average ambulance response times in Israel and the U.S. often exceed 10 minutes, depending on population density. Hatzalah’s volunteer medics average less than three minutes. In large cities, their average response time is 90 seconds. So, how do they do it?

United Hatzalah has trained volunteer medics throughout Israel who complete 180 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of field training before being certified.

There are now over 5,000 volunteers – secular and religious Jews, Muslims, Druze and Christians, men and women, old and young, from every socioeconomic background – who all work together to save the lives of their neighbors in need. Over 3,000,000 people have been treated to date.

The centralized dispatch center tracks the location of volunteers, including what equipment and training they have, via an app on volunteers’ phones. When a call comes in, the closest medics are immediately located and dispatched via the app. To deal with congested urban areas, Eli Beer invented the ambucycle – a medically equipped motorcycle that can race through traffic. There are now over 800 ambucycles deployed in Israeli cities.

In the U.S., a four-year-old program in Jersey City has 200 volunteers, and another branch is launching in Englewood, New Jersey. New York City could be on the horizon. Brandon Fuller, deputy director at the NYU Marron Institute of Urban Management, observes, “If United Rescue can do for New York what it has done on a smaller scale for Jersey City, it will save lives and promote the volunteerism that can strengthen communities across the city.” (Yaron Carni, Forbes)

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ISRAEL’S HIGH-TECH FACELIFT TAKES THE STING OUT OF CHECKPOINTS

At the Qalandia military checkpoint north of Jerusalem in the West Bank, people step calmly up to the electronic barrier and allow their ID cards to hover for a second over a green laser before an automatic gate pops open like at an advanced airport terminal.

After a multimillion-dollar renovation, Palestinians breeze through, encountering the Israeli military only if they had not yet received a biometric identification card. Even during busy times, it takes less than five minutes to cross.

Qalandia checkpoint was established 18 years ago during the second intifada, when Palestinian suicide bombers were sent to blow up buses and restaurants inside Israel. Shaul Shay, an Israeli military historian, said that maintaining checkpoints but upgrading them was the best way to maintain “coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.... Unfortunately, as long as Palestinian terror continues, Israel cannot take any risks. This system is unavoidable.” (Ruth Eglash, Washington Post)

WEST POINT GRADUATES 1,000TH JEWISH STUDENT

When West Point graduated its 1,000th Jewish cadet on Saturday, May 25, it was more than a historical moment.

For the 12 Jewish cadets graduating this year out of a class of 980, and the hundreds of Jewish alumni before them, this milestone shows how much Jewish life has grown here since the military academy’s 1802 founding.

(Cathryn J. Prince, Times of Israel)

TECHNION STUDENTS HAVE CREATED OVER 2,000 COMPANIES

Entrepreneurship fever has made the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Israel’s oldest university founded in 1912 in Haifa, one of the main fuses for the country’s roaring tech sector.

“Many of our graduates are running the economy,” said university president Peretz Lavie, who is stepping down in October after 12 years.

Technion students have created over 2,000 companies. The record for a single student is 21.

In a country known as start-up nation, failure isn’t the end, Lavie says.

“Israelis don’t stop asking questions.”

“In some countries if you fail, that’s the end of it. I know people here who succeeded on their 10th attempt.”

“In Japan, there is the same level of ambition as here, but it’s the failures that they cannot tolerate. In Brazil, if you have a failed start-up, you can’t apply for more grants.” (Eanna Kelly, Science Business - Belgium)

2,000-YEAR-OLD PILGRIMAGE ROAD OPENS IN JERUSALEM’S CITY OF DAVID

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Archaeologists in Jerusalem have identified the “Pilgrimage Road,” the path millions of Jews took three times a year when performing the commandment to go up to the holy city during Judaism’s three key holidays: Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot.

The Pilgrimage Road goes from the Shiloah Pool to the area adjacent to the Western Wall known as Robinson’s Arch, where today you can still see remnants of the ancient stairway that led into the Jewish Temple. Josephus, the Roman-Jewish historian, wrote that 2.7 million people used to visit Jerusalem during the Jewish holidays.

The official opening of the Pilgrimage Road has far greater significance for Israel than just the opening of a new, impressive tourist site, said Ze’ev continued on next page

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

BRIEFS continued from previous page Orenstein, director of international affairs for the City of David. It proves the long and historic Jewish connection to Jerusalem.

U.S. Ambassador David Friedman said, “The City of David brings truth and science to a debate that has been marred for too long by myths and deceptions. Its findings, in most cases by secular archaeologists, bring an end to the baseless efforts to deny the historical fact of Jerusalem’s ancient connection to the Jewish people.”

Pilgrimage Road, Friedman said, “brings to life the historical truth of the [Second Temple] period in Jewish history. Peace between Israel and the Palestinians must be based upon a foundation of truth. The City of David advances our collective goal of pursuing a truth-based resolution.”

Asked if Israel would give up the City of David in a peace deal, he said, “I do not believe that Israel would ever consider such a thought. The City of David is an essential component of the national heritage of the State of Israel.

It would be akin to America returning the Statue of Liberty.” (Yaakov Katz, Jerusalem Post)

Another recipient was the team that created an advanced version of the SPICE (Smart, Precise Impact, CostEffective) air-to-surface bomb.

“The four winning projects successfully address significant strategic threats to the State of Israel, and are characterized by their innovative, daring approach and superior operational capabilities,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. (Judah Ari Gross, Times of Israel)

August 2019 ceive the patients an hour and a half before they arrived.

Autonomous aerial vehicles are being studied as an option to evacuate wounded soldiers during war. One unmanned aerial system (UAS) the

IDF has been working on for several years is the Cormorant – a compact, unmanned, single-engine, VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft.

(Anna Ahronheim, Jerusalem Post)

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Established less than a year ago, the IDF’s Medical Innovation Branch has been working on several projects. One such project is to use virtual reality glasses like Microsoft’s HoloLens. It allows paramedics treating wounded soldiers on the battlefield to get guided treatment from a doctor in a hospital.

Another innovative technique involves placing a bar code on the injured individual to track medical information. When Syrians came to Israel for medical treatment, IDF paramedics attached the bar code to the wounded, who were able to transfer all relevant medical information to doctors at Nahariya’s Galilee Medical Center. The doctors were able to plan ahead to re-

27

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ISRAEL SECURITY PRIZE RECIPIENTS HONORED FOR INNOVATION AND DARING

President Reuven Rivlin on Tuesday, July 2, awarded Israel’s top security prize to those who contributed in the past year to the country’s protection.

Recipients included the Mossad agents behind the operation to steal Iran’s nuclear archive and the IDF teams that located and destroyed six cross-border attack tunnels dug by Hizbullah from Lebanon into Israel.

An Israel Security Agency team led by a female agent received the award for the development of a big data program that is used to predict and prevent terror attacks.

“Many dozens of attempted terror attacks were stopped, hundreds of terrorists were arrested and a large number of significant terror attacks were prevented, including suicide bombings, explosive attacks and car bombs that were meant to be carried out against populations within Israel,” the ISA said.

“The system even allowed the ISA to find and stop a number of armed terrorists who were en route to carry out attacks.”

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28

August 2019

COMMENTARY

Speaking out

By Joel S. Kreiss

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grew up during the patriotic times of WWII, the 1940s. We were taught America was always right, committed to protecting personal freedoms, fighting the evil of Nazi Germany.

As a Jew I felt safe in America. I never gave it any thought. It seemed insane to think that, as a second generation American, my safety and legitimacy here were not 100 percent assured. After all, the Founding Fathers were well aware of the dangers of a “State religion” and therefore included in the Constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

According to my childish Brooklyn eyes, I thought the majority of the world was Jewish. This was my core belief and was important in understanding my confusion as I grew older and recognized I had it all wrong. The study of world history, as well as Jewish history, slowly opened my eyes to the fact that the Holocaust was not an isolated incident, but the culmination of 1,800 years of practice. It could happen again, perhaps not in the same form, but Jewish life in America could be as tenuous as Jewish life, historically, was in Europe and the Middle East.

Is this such a farfetched thought?

German, Polish and Hungarian Jews whose families were part of the population for centuries suddenly found themselves showering in deadly rooms! As Jews in this United States of America, we have been here for a much shorter period of time. With history as our guide, how smug should we feel? History has taught us to be more sensitive to shifting political and social winds. We are more sensitive to “innocent words,” that are now referred to as “dog whistles,” than the

non-Jewish world.

If that were to prove true, to where would my family and I flee? Posing this question to friends has only brought strange stares and unspoken questions of my sanity. Yet, I could not, and cannot, erase this from my mind. The State of Israel comes to mind as the place of first, or perhaps, last resort.

Since 1948, when the State of Israel was formed, being Jewish has been a unique experience, because being Jewish means being a People and a Religion. Prior to that, and throughout history, Jews migrated to places where they could find safety and acceptance, however tentative it might be. They were denied full and equal citizenship in most countries and were subject to harassment, restrictions and, worse, “ethnic cleansing,” as tacitly approved by the countries they were in. Where to find “safe haven” was always a factor in Jewish life. The State of Israel seemed to be the answer. But is it the safely valve we long for? Does its existence bring with it other, less recognized, problems?

In a wonderfully written book by Dan Vittorio Segre, Memoirs of a Fortunate Jew, he writes, “I had never been a Zionist, and I could hardly have become one since my father strongly opposed the Jewish national movement, which to his mind undermined the patriotism of the Italian Jews.”

Which brings me back to the State of Israel. On a national and international level, an operative philosophy could evolve that since Jews have a state, that is where they should go. The sooner the better! No longer would there be safe havens in friendly countries. People would say: Go to your own country where you belong! You don’t belong here! Not only don’t you belong here, but you are a potential threat because

Is pi

you are not totally committed to the U.S. Jews have a divided loyalty andBy R therefore cannot be trusted if a choice between the host country and Israel has to be made.

And I have to agree. In my opinrael’ ion, the Christian world in America first feels that Jews have a divided loyalty. will I can only assume this feeling is not in S limited to the United States. Each year party at Passover we recite “…next year in gove Jerusalem.” ter N Even in America today, our governHis ment is enacting rules and guidelines to in th prevent entry of those seeking asylum. were How much of a leap is it to suddenly Form find that our Jewish presence is no lonAvig ger being tolerated? Our current govof ernment’s proclaiming and embracing party of a nationalistic philosophy is, in my wou view, of serious concern to all Jews. Is ship this the first inclination of a deepening men nationalist movement that could lead Orth eventually, like thousands of years of man past history has shown, to an indictno g ment of the Jew as the root cause of W one’s problems? With that, the natural face progression has been the beginning may of a dehumanizing project leading to ties eventual State-sanctioned discriminasepa tion with the attendant banishment, if ritor lucky, or industrialized mass murder as Orth practiced by the “civilized” country of Germany in the mid-twentieth century.

I hope the day never comes when we see history repeating itself. We place our hopes and faith in our elected officials to live up to their responsibility, which is larger than a government paycheck. The road to despotism is laid one small brick at a time until it becomes a highway. I fear that construction is well under way.

Joel Kreiss is a past president of the Jewish Congregation of Venice.

T

Statement on Holocaust analogies

J

une 20, 2019 [St. Petersburg, FL] – The Florida Holocaust Museum, Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance, Illinois Holocaust Museum, Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, Michigan Holocaust Memorial Center, and The Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York City jointly issued the following statement today: The Florida Holocaust Museum, The Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance, Illinois Holocaust Museum, Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, Michigan Holocaust Memorial Center, and The Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York City, feel compelled to address Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s decision to evoke comparisons of the conditions of migrants seeking asylum in the United States to the victims of the Holocaust.

While we are concerned for the plight of these migrants, particularly children, and the deplorable conditions of the centers in which they are being detained, allusions to the Holocaust are completely inappropriate and offensive. The Nazi regime targeted Europe’s Jews for murder. It created a vast forced labor and camp system to exploit Jewish labor before murdering them. Ocasio-Cortez’s inaccurate reference diminishes the inexpressible horror suffered at the hands of Adolf Hitler, the Nazi regime and collaborators, and wrongly equates current U.S. immigration policy with the systematic murder of six million Jews and the persecution of millions of others.

We encourage our elected officials to read the powerful essay, “Why Holocaust Analogies Are Dangerous,” written by Dr. Edna Friedberg, a scholar at the United States Holocaust Memorial

Museum, on the current disgraceful phenomenon of comparing government actions with which they disagree to the organized state-sponsored murder and terrorism of the Holocaust. Dr. Friedberg explains eloquently why Holocaust analogies are dangerous, stating, “At a time when our country needs dialogue more than ever, it is especially dangerous to exploit the memory of the Holocaust as a rhetorical cudgel.”

In the highly charged political climate of today, we call upon the public to unite in condemnation of inflammatory rhetoric, to find common ground, and to promote civil discourse and mutual understanding. Again, we stress that the Holocaust is the paradigm of state-sponsored genocide in the modern era and should never be used for political gain or leverage. This must stop.

Elizabeth Gelman Executive Director The Florida Holocaust Museum Mary Pat Higgins President/Chief Executive Officer Rabb Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance Susan Abrams Chief Executive Officer Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center Beth Kean Chief Executive Officer Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust Eli Mayerfeld Chief Executive Officer Michigan Holocaust Memorial Center Jack Kliger Chief Executive Officer Museum of Jewish Heritage A Living Memorial to the Holocaust

Opinions printed in The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, its Board of Directors or staff.

COMMENTARY BRIEFS THANK YOU, FLORIDA GOVERNOR DESANTIS

(Editorial, May 31, Jerusalem Post) ¡¡ Even before his trip to Israel, in the weeks after Ron DeSantis was elected governor last year, he immediately took action on behalf of the Jewish state. Florida’s cabinet recognized Jerusalem as “Israel’s eternal capital,” invested $10 million in Israel Bonds, and blacklisted Airbnb because of its plan to boycott listings in West Bank settlements, which the global company has since reversed. ¡¡ This week, DeSantis repeatedly

spoke out against the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, leading the first official trade mission to the West Bank led by a U.S. governor – with two dozen business leaders. ¡¡ “Anti-Semitism is driving the BDS movement, and you cannot separate the two,” he said at the Gush Etzion Industrial Zone, meeting with Jewish and Arab businesspeople who oppose boycotts. “We are not going to discriminate against certain Israelis – and if people do... we will take action accordingly.” continued on page 30

August 2019

COMMENTARY

29

Israel’s do-over election pits secularists against ultra-Orthodox

By Rabbi Howard A. Simon

T

he failure of Prime Minister exemptions for religious students, deBenjamin Netanyahu to form a fined school curriculum, housing for coalition government after Isyoung people, and defining relations with Gaza. rael’s April election means that, for the The election will bring to the first time in the country’s history, there forefront secularist iswill be a “snap election” in September to see if any sues such as the ban on party can indeed form a public transportation and businesses staying open government. Prime Minison Shabbat, as well as ter Netanyahu came close. the strict laws regarding His coalition had 60 seats in the Knesset. Sixty-one conversion to Judaism were needed for a majority. and marriage. Previous elections have been rightFormer Defense Minister versus-left struggles that Avignon Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu favored the prime minisRabbi Howard A. Simon party, had five seats and ter. This election could be entirely different. would join the coalition if party leaderWhat can the world expect to see ship agreed to require ultra-Orthodox as the September date comes closer? men to serve in the army. The ultraFirst, the fact that the ultra-Orthodox Orthodox refused to accept Liebermake up only 12 percent of the total man’s solution to the problem and thus Israeli population may make it difficult no government was formed. for them to maintain the power they What the voting public of Israel have exerted in past coalition governfaces is a September election that ments. Second, as the public experimay very well pit the left-wing parences the reality of the new election, ties holding socialist values, wanting a Netanyahu and the Likud party are faseparation of religion and state and tervored to again come out on top in the ritorial compromises, against the ultraelection. Third, there is a great deal Orthodox right wing, wanting army

more outreach to a variety of parties as both Likud and the Blue and White party look to find a solid majority that will allow one or the other to form the needed coalition.

How do Israelis feel about this?

Will the electorate choose to punish Netanyahu and Likud, or take out their wrath on Lieberman and the Yisrael Beiteinu party or the ultra-Orthodox, Haredi followers? Or could the election be decided by a man who understands the divide between secularists and ultra-Orthodox? Yehoshua Pfeiffer is an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who believes

the answer could come from the secular Israeli who asks “why one mother is up all night worrying about what’s going to happen to her son during a military campaign,” while the ultra-Orthodox mother “sleeps happily because her son is studying at the Yeshiva.”

The answer to these two questions may well determine who President Reuven Rivlin asks to form a new government come September.

Rabbi Howard A. Simon is the founding chair of the Robert and Esther Heller Community Relations Committee, formerly known as the Heller IAI.

Detour to Dothan

By Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz, Community Chaplain

I

’d wanted to visit Dothan, Alabama, for a long time. While I recognize this aspiration isn’t likely shared by many, there are several reasons why Alabama’s seventh largest city (population 66,000), nicknamed “The Peanut Capital of the World,” has been a source of intrigue.

My father served as a student rabbi in Dothan in the early 1940s.

Growing up, I recall him telling me about taking the train there from Cincinnati, home of the Reform Movement’s Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz seminary.

Additionally, Dothan’s Jewish Family Relocation Project has received national attention as an innovative effort to increase the local Jewish population. Through the generosity of a member of the community, up to $50,000 is available for housing, moving expenses, small business seed caust money, and private school education in order to attract Jewish families. I wanted to learn about the project’s status. nter Interested in urban aesthetics, I’d heard that Dothan features a series of murals in its downtown area and was curious to experience them. ust Also, Dothan is named for an ancient Israelite town where, according to the Torah, a mysterious man told a lost and wandering Joseph where his brothers could be found pasturing their goats and sheep. This guidance marked the beginning of Joseph’s remarkable rise to power in Egypt. In other words, without Dothan and this nameless figure, all of Jewish history would not have gone forward. A place named Dosraelthan held a special allure. So, when I anc-happened to find myself in southeast firstGeorgia a few months ago, I decided to Westtake a detour on my way back to Sarawithsota and visit the city.

The president of the local congreBDSgation (founded in 1929) met me at epa-Temple Emanu-El for a tour. What a Gushthrill to stand on the very same bimah etingfrom which my father led services peo-close to 80 years ago. Over lunch she e areexplained that, though it prompted her ainstfamily to come to Dothan, the relocado...tion project has not been as successful y.” as hoped. However, there does remain sporadic interest in the offer.

The murals highlighting Dothan’s history were nice. Wandering around downtown looking at them, prompted me to muse about the mysterious man who directed Joseph to Dothan.

Jewish commentaries suggest the man was actually an angel in disguise.

How astonishing to think that the entire course of Jewish existence rests on a meeting that lasted only a few seconds between Joseph and this “man.”

And yet, that’s how life often works. Reflect on those with whom you only had a brief interaction but, nevertheless, played an outsized role in your personal development. Someone, for example, you met on a plane, at a party or at some sort of gathering outside your normal routine who told you about a certain book, job prospect, idea or person that proved to be especially significant.

When we’ve lost our way in the fields of our apprehensions and uncertainties, it is important to muster the courage to step out of our comfort zones as Joseph did when he told his father Jacob, “hineini,” that he was “ready” to find his brothers. That act of initiative led to meeting the stranger/ angel that forever changed not only his life, but that of the Jewish people’s as well.

Generally speaking, the idea of the stranger carries negative connotations.

But this is not the case in Judaism. The Torah instructs us on 36 different occasions to care for the stranger, far more than any other commandment. This is not only due to his vulnerability but because he brings the opportunity of newfound awareness and perspective.

When Joseph struggles to find his brothers, we are told that “the man found him.” We too can be found and helped by seeming strangers we encounter on our life’s way. Yet, we have to be willing to make ourselves accessible, as Joseph did, to the possibility they present. The ability to remain open to change and others, especially in difficult times, makes all the difference. Detours in life, like mine to Dothan, show that the road not taken can be a good one.

Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz serves as a Community Chaplain and Director of JFCS’s Jewish Healing Program, a partnership between The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and JFCS of the Suncoast.

FIND JEWISH EVENTS JFEDSRQ.org/JewishEvents

30

August 2019

COMMENTARY

A wake-up call From the Bimah Rabbi Mendy Bukiet Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch

S

ummer conjures up feelings of freedom – vacation from school and work, and freedom from the daily grind. But a look at the Jewish calendar paints a very different picture.

During the summer month of August, corresponding to the months of Tammuz and Av, there are three weeks with many restrictive laws and customs commemorating the hardships that the Jewish people experienced during these dates throughout history.

Throughout these three weeks of mourning we do not listen to music, hold weddings, eat meat, drink wine or even get a haircut. It is also customary during this time to add in prayer, charity and kindness to others.

Some of these catastrophic events include the destruction of the First and Second Holy Temples; the expulsions from Spain, England and France; the First Crusade; approval from the Nazi Party for “The Final Solution; and mass deportation of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto.

To many, mourning to such an extent seems like living in the past.

Are we just remembering calamities for the sake of having an excuse to kvetch? What’s the point of remembering something that happened so many years ago? Who even has family that

were involved in most of the calamities mentioned above?

Recently, when talking to a group of teens concerning the Holocaust, many did not even know someone who experienced the horrors of the Holocaust. To them, the Holocaust was in the distant past. It shook me to the core that this major world event that shook the Jewish world is in danger of being relegated to ancient history like the Spanish Inquisition and the Babylonian and Roman conquests over Jerusalem.

To combat this potential collective memory loss, our great sages instituted a three-week period of mourning to not just remember our history but to experience it on a miniscule level. This mourning experience can serve as a catalyst, jolting us out of complacency and giving us the drive and sense of urgency to spring into action for all Jews throughout history and for what they sacrificed.

We need to live our lives for the millions of martyrs whose lives were taken too early throughout history. So instead of summer being a time when we put Judaism and synagogue participation on the back-burner, we should use this time to spring in to action and add in prayers and Jewish pride. Let’s ensure that we do everything in our power that physically and spiritually safeguards “NEVER AGAIN.” It’s our wake-up call that, in every generation, at every time, there will always be those who hate us. It’s up to each of us to combat the hate with extra love and kindness. We can all do our part in adding an extra mitzvah, being kind to someone we disagree with, and behaving in ways that are beyond reason with love and compassion. This will herald the coming of Moshiach, a time when there will be only peace, prosperity and goodness in the world.

Commentary Briefs...continued from page 28 ¡ “You have people that are willing “If you support BDS in Florida, you to trade with Iran, the leading state are dead, politically,” he added. sponsor of terrorism in the world ¡ The Florida delegation signed over – some of the worst regimes in the 20 memoranda of understanding in world – and yet they only want to multiple fields including business, boycott the one Jewish and demotrade, academia, innovation and cratic state in the world,” he said. tourism.

Plug In TO YOUR COMMUNITY

So Birkat Kohanim – The Priestly Benediction From the Bimah Rabbi Anne Feibelman Campus Rabbi and Chaplain at Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life

G

“

od bless you.” When someone sneezes, we automatically respond with, “Bless you.” We say it to be polite, as a social convention, not realizing that we are in fact blessing this person. We are saying a bracha.

In the Torah portion “Naso” (Numbers 6:23-26), God said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: This is how you shall bless the children of Israel, saying to them: May God bless you and keep you May God shine upon you and be gracious onto you May God look upon you and grant you peace.”

This blessing became known as the Priestly Benediction, Birkat Kohanim.

It is still recited today on many occasions – for instance, to bless children on Friday nights, during Passover, on Sukkot and on Shavuot.

A blessing is a powerful force.

The Kohanim (priests) were assigned not only the physical task of maintaining and transporting the tabernacle, or mishkan, where God resided and where the Ten Commandments were kept.

The Kohanim were also commanded to bless, to be spiritual leaders, to act as examples of how to conduct oneself while trekking through the wilderness to the Promised Land. They were designated to show us how to live in relationship to each other, to the community and with God. How to be fully human.

But before this commandment to bless, even before receiving the Ten

Commandments on Mount Sinai, God had said in Exodus 19:6, “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests.” God has placed in each of us the power to bless, not only family and friends, but also the wider world in which we live. l People need to bless and to be blessed. f Archaeologists have found physif cal evidence of this spiritual truth. In peci 1979, near the Scottish Church of St. Andrew in Jerusalem, two small amu-Som lets were discovered in a burial cavewhe during an archaeological excavationprett for Tel Aviv University headed by Ga-the r briel Barkay. The amulets are datedJewi to the seventh century BCE, the timedeep of Jeremiah, the prophet. They weresciou originally worn on the forehead or armthat or around the neck to guard the personjoini from evil and to invoke God’s protec-gene W tion. my Inside each amulet was a small scroll. It took three years to unravelHech the tiny scroll tucked inside the firster lo amulet. The scroll was 10 centimetersgood long and made of 99% pure silver. Theevil scroll inside the second amulet was 4 centimeters in length.

On both scrolls are delicately engraved the Priestly Benediction from Numbers 6:24-26. Indeed, the Priestly Benediction with which Aaron and his sons blessed the children of Israel had made its way through the wilderness and reached Jerusalem. These are the oldest Bible verses ever found, making the Priestly Benediction the oldest benediction in continuous use from ancient times to now. Today the scrolls are on display in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

As we go through this month, I invite each one of us to bless and to receive blessings with an open heart. You may bless with spoken words or say many silent blessings during the day. I would like to end here, by blessing you with the oldest Jewish blessing found to this day, in a tiny silver scroll from the seventh century B.C.E. May God bless you and keep you May God shine upon you and be gracious unto you May God look upon you and grant you peace.

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August 2019

FOCUS ON YOUTH

31

Songs – the best way to build a child’s Jewish identity Education Corner

By Rena Morano

I

love to sing, which is a good thing for me, but sometimes not so good for those in listening range! I especially love to sing Jewish melodies.

Some people have even told me that when I sing Jewish songs, I sound pretty good (or at least OK)! I think the reason is that those tunes from my Jewish childhood come from a place deep inside; a place without self-consciousness or pre-meditation; a place that feels like my soul is singing and joining its voice with the voices of the generations.

When I had a farm, I used to milk my goats to the tune of “Mi HaIsh Hechafetz Chaim” (Psalm 34: Whoever loves life / and desires to see many good days, / keep your tongue from evil / and your lips from telling lies.

/ Turn from evil and do good; / seek peace and pursue it. And I gathered eggs from my chickens while serenading them with “Avinu Malkeinu” (Our Father, Our King), from the High Holiday liturgy. When I sang out “Mizmor L’David, Hashem Roi Lo Echsar” – the 23rd Psalm – the sheep would come running for their ration of grain.

After I had children, I’d rock them to sleep to the sounds of the Shema and “Oyfn Pripetshik,” a folksong about children learning the aleph bet. And I’d wake them up with a loud rendition of the morning prayer Modeh Ani followed by a rousing Hinei Mah Tov. Those songs and prayer tunes, and many more, were learned effortlessly in Hebrew School, at synagogue, or just listening to my mother and father sing as they worked around the house. They weren’t necessarily children’s songs, and they didn’t have to be. They represented Yiddishkeit, and they forged an enduring connection to Jewish holidays, Shabbats, and all who came before me and who would come after me.

Songs from early childhood stay with children and help them acquire Jewish values and a vibrant Jewish identity. Along with special foods, children form lasting associations between holidays and music, whether it is an upbeat tune for Mah Nishtana on Passover, Maoz Tzur on Chanukah, Chag Purim on Purim, or a plaintive tune from Rosh Hashanah.

Hebrew School students often ask me why Chanukah isn’t as much fun as Christmas. Families try to remedy that situation by making Chanukah more oriented around presents; but that’s not the best solution to the December dilemma. Christmas is fun because of the music, even though most of the songs aren’t about the religious holiday, but about the winter season. When the airwaves are filled with holiday music, add your own from the rich reservoirs of Jewish folksongs, dance tunes, psalms and prayers.

Singing to and with children is easy to do and doesn’t require any special materials or skills. It just takes a sense of fun, and maybe some gusto!

Parents and grandparents: sing Jewish prayers at mealtimes, sing any Jewish songs when celebrating a good time or for comfort at times of difficulty or loss. Don’t worry if you don’t know all of the words! Teachers: infuse religious school time with music, even if you aren’t musically talented. Service leaders: sing with your congregations, especially when children are present, and please, please, whenever possible, avoid choirs and cantors that congregants can’t sing along with.

We are indeed fortunate to be living in a time when there is an upsurge in Jewish music made just for children.

There are songs that teach basic Hebrew vocabulary, Jewish values and holiday cheer. Those are wonderful and a great addition to any family’s music library. But I hope you will remember that to instill children with a love of Jewish songs, it isn’t necessary to purchase CDs or download music.

All it takes is for you to SING! Rena Morano is Rabbinic Associate at Congregation Ner Tamid.

Temple Sinai’s Camp Gan’s exciting events

By Gail Glickman

T

emple Sinai’s Camp Gan had a movin’ and groovin’ Shabbat Dance Party Friday, June 14 with teachers and volunteers helping to make this a spectacular event for the Gan campers. There was much excitement as the kids jammed with inflated instruments while dancing to Shabbat tunes. The children sang the Shabbat blessings and loved rocking to the Shabbat melodies.

The week kicked off the movin’ and groovin’ theme on Monday, June 10 with a visit from Mad Science. The

goal of Mad Science is to get children excited by science and instill a love of learning in them that will last a lifetime.

The goal is to spark imaginative learning through a hands-on, interactive and inquiry-based approach to science.

Mad Science introduced the science of music to the Gan to set the stage for the Shabbat Dance Party. Mad Science made science fun for the children.

The Gan summer camp, taught by certified preschool teachers, also included art, teddy tennis, Yoga for kids, creative movement classes, camp gym-

nastics, song festivals with Chazzan Cliff Abramson, camp Spanish, and story time with Geveret Laura. Water play day on Wednesday, June 26 was a special favorite for the Gan kids. And every Friday, the Gan celebrates Shabbat. The camp always includes lots of other fun and educational events, such as Barnyard Palooza with visits from a farm with animals, a trip to the teaching garden where each class has its own bed for planting, Pure Imagination Studios presenting entertaining stories, and Bounce House, to name a few.

Laila Golen and Kaelynn Kaplan at the Shabbat Dance Party

Water Play with Maddox Fincher, Adam Feliciano, Maddox Kaplan and Asher Weiner

READ—SING—DANCE—GATHER—GROW PJ Library® has partnered with The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee to provide families raising Jewish children with the gift of free, high-quality children’s books, music, and resources that foster deeper engagement with Jewish life in our community.

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Join one of our PJ programs below to start enhancing your family’s Jewish journey.

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32

August 2019

FOCUS ON YOUTH

All are invited to “Welcome Home Shabbat” at Temple Emanu-El

S

ummer is ending, and it’s time to welcome the new school year – and the perfect place to do that is Temple Emanu-El’s fourth annual “Welcome Home Shabbat” on Friday evening, August 16. All are warmly invited to celebrate Shabbat, share stories with old and new friends of the first days back at school, thank God for

the happy times of summer, and prepare for another great year.

This very special evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a festive and spirited Family Shabbat Service featuring an abbreviated service led by Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Rabbi Michael Shefrin, a wonderful story, and fabulous and engaging music with the Family Shabbat Band. After services, we’ll head to the social hall for a delicious family-style Shabbat dinner and Oneg featuring activity stations like Shabbat crafts, face painting, games, hair braiding, balloon animals and – for those who wish – time outside for games of cornhole, pickup basketball and playground fun. Bring your mah jongg set and a deck of cards if you’d like!

We’ll also enjoy yummy Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman made a balloon sword for Leo at last year’s “Welcome Home Shabbat” desserts and casual enter-

A Commitment to Education, A Love of Children

Scho the p gard head lette tor w the fl stall T and ing abou

The Kurnovs and Schwimmers enjoyed last year’s “Welcome Home Shabbat” at Temple Emanu-El

tainment, all in a friendly, welcoming, lively and happy atmosphere.

“Welcome Home Shabbat” is an opportunity for everyone to share the blessings of family, community, new beginnings and, of course, Shabbat!

Temple membership is not required,

and the entire community is welcome.

For more information or to make a reservation to be a part of Temple Emanu-El’s “Welcome Home Shabbat,” call 941.378.5567 or 941.379.1997.

We can’t wait to see you there!

“FOCUS ON YOUTH” PHOTO OF THE MONTH

NOW G LIN ENROL Full and Part Time Programs Campers enjoy a meal at Chabad of Venice and North Port’s Camp Gan Israel

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for Sarasota and Manatee County Students Let us help make religious school a reality for your child. In the past four years, The Jewish Federation has funded more than $221,390 to assist 573 children to attend religious schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Call us to learn how your child can benefit from attending a Jewish religious school.

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August 2019

FOCUS ON YOUTH

33

Community Day students continue commitment to tikkun olam

T

hanks to this year’s rising sixthgraders, the students at the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School will be taking better care of the planet while caring for the school garden. Last year, the class appealed to head of school Dan Ceaser, writing a letter requesting a flow meter to monitor water use. With Ceaser’s approval, the flow meter was purchased and installed.

The project came about as the fifthand sixth-grade students were working on a project-based learning topic about the role we can and should play

in reducing red tide. During a scientific learning expedition to the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Sarasota County, students participated in handson outdoor labs that helped them come to conclusions about how human behaviors impact the environment.

Upon learning that excess runoff creates extra chemicals in our waterways – which contributes to algal blooms that aid in the production of red tide – the students began measuring the water use in their own homes, with the goal of finding ways to be

more efficient. The project carried over to the school; the fifth-graders decided to write to their head of school and plead their case for monitoring water use in the Papa Ed and Mimi Rosenthal Organic Kibbutz Sustainability Garden and Outdoor Classroom.

“We are working to create global citizens who are problem-solvers, who can work cooperatively and who are committed to improving the world,” said Dan Ceaser. “I am so proud of our students, who are tireless in looking for ways they can have a positive impact.”

Preschool8th grade Where students, learn, lead and laugh together

u-El

me. ke a Emabat,” 997.

The Community Day School difference:

Community Day School student Giovanni Rivera waters the plants in the school garden

The impact of the camp experience

By Rabbi Michael Werbow

A

s we move deeper and deeper into summer, more and more of our children go off to summer experiences. This summer many of our students will spend a few weeks at summer camps like Camp Ramah, Camp Barney and Camp Blue Star.

Others are heading to Israel to further

Spencer Cohen as he arrives at camp

their connection with their Judaism and with the State of Israel. Summer camps, infused with Judaism wherever the campers turn, are a powerful influence on the participants.

Jewish values, rituals and teachings are presented to campers in informal settings. At camp, the campfire, the sports field and the bunk are all places where one can have an impact on the campers. Few moments are more precious to one’s Jewish identity than the deep emotional memories that one has at camp.

Temple Beth Sholom is glad to be able to support campers attending these programs through contributions made to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund and the funds that the Sisterhood raises throughout the year. We thank everyone for supporting these endeavors so we can help provide meaningful experiences for our children.

Rigorous, project-based learning Accelerated & individualized program Healthy & active outdoor learning daily Music & art for every child, every week, all year Competitive athletics Variable Tuition Model – affordable for every family Accredited by FCIS, FKC & PRIZMAH

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota | (941) 552-2770

www.CommunityDay.org

280 140 kosher kosher characters: characters: click here twitter.com/jfedsrq

CALLING ALL TEENS s e r u t Leadership adven e yours! can b STEP AND TEEN TRAVEL OPEN HOUSE August 22, 2019 • 7:00 PM

Gabriel Alpert (left) and Nathan Alpert (2nd from left) with friends, ready for Shabbat

Zell Room on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life 580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL

SARASOTA AND MANATEE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS—

Come find out what the Shapiro Teen Engagement Program (STEP) is all about and how you can receive scholarships to go to Israel, Washington D.C., and more!

— This event is free and dessert will be served — For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at: 941.552.6308 or Aeiffert@jfedsrq.org.

To register,visit jfedsrq.org/events

Greycen Schwartz, Amanda Green, Jake Saltzberg and Jordyn Saltzberg on opening day

34

August 2019

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Teens enjoy summer experiences at CTeen Sarasota

This program is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

C

Teen doesn’t take a break! During the week of June 16, CTeen girls enjoyed a one-week summer experience. Each day started with prayer and included a trip, DIY projects and a humanitarian project. The teens renovated the CTeen lounge, packed care bags for the homeless and went ax throwing. For the grand trip, the group went to Busch Gardens.

In addition to the daily fun activities, the teens gave tzedakah daily, and

tried out a new mitzvah each day. The mitzvot were dedicated to the memory of a dear friend, Dr. Bill Oynick. At the end of the week, the teens proudly shared the mitzvot that were done with the Oynick family. We thank Arthur and Sheila Fox for enabling us to offer this CTeen Summer Experience.

The CTeen leaders have already begun planning the 2019-20 CTeen year! Mark your calendars for the kickoff event and safeTALK suicide

prevention workshop, which will take place on Sundays, August 25 and September 8, respectively. The kickoff party will feature a game truck and an ice cream bar. The safeTALK suicide prevention workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon for teens only (additional workshops will be open to the general community).

Other events to look forward to are Sushi in the Cteen leaders Eva Bella Serebro and Sadie Siegel Sukkah (October 16), our 3rd annual Chanukah Limousine For more information about CTeen Ride (December 22), and the CTeen InSarasota, which creates social and outternational NYC Shabbaton (February reach programming for Jewish teens in 27-29). CTeen at Chabad of Sarasota is grades 7-12, please contact Ella Steinlooking forward to an exciting and fun metz at 941.928.2220 or ella@chabad year! ofsarasota.com.

CTeeners Elijah, Shaina, Alis, Eva Bella, Julian and Ben enjoy a trip to Busch Gardens

FIND JEWISH The COMMUNITY DIRECTORY on The Federation website gives you information at your fingertips. Any time of the day or night, you can Search and Click on our database of Jewish congregations, service providers and retail merchants.

CHECK IT OUT TODAY!

JFEDSRQ.org/Community-Directory CTeeners Shaiel, Alisa, Eva Bella, Shaina and Sadie at an ax-throwing event

APPLICATIONS OPEN SEPTEMBER 1

ZAZIM

Jewish Teen Leadership Initiative

The Zazim Jewish Teen Leadership Initiative empowers Jewish teens to “STEP” into leadership roles by providing advanced leadership training and guidance on a high-impact community project.

TWO-PART PROGRAM (Do one or both) PART ONE: Two free half-day leadership workshops Advanced leadership training with professional leadership coach, Uri Galimidi PART TWO: Choose a high-impact community project with your peers Project management training, support and mentoring Four- to six-month commitment beginning in Jan. 2020 Community Project fee is $100; any unused funds go towards the project cause.

Learn more at the STEP/Teen Travel Open House on August 22, 7-8:30pm.

For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert: 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org, or go to JFEDSRQ.org/STEP. Zazim is a new partnership between The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee STEP Program and Uri Galimidi, President of The Will to Change, Inc., and is available to high school students wishing to advance their leadership skills and co-create a community project with deep meaningful impact.

SURVIVING LUNCH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 4:00pm

Beatrice Friedman Theater The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life 582 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota

J

oin STEP and JFCS for a screening of Surviving Lunch, an award-winning film that explores the issues surrounding bullying and school violence, released the same year as the tragic deaths in a school shooting of 14 students, two coaches, and a teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The film tells a fictional story based on events experienced by today’s teens.

Following the film, a panel of subject matter experts will discuss key topics presented in the film and answer questions.

NOTE: Although the film has not been rated, it can be considered PG-13 due to its carefully portrayed, yet graphic, content. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to attend and watch along with teens.

A film about what it means to be a teenager in America today.

For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308 This film is a product of Source Productions, a division of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida.

August 2019

LIFE CYCLE

35

Celebrating Jewish Lives As our liaison to the Jewish community, Rabbi Howard A. Simon provides guidance and outreach keeping with the traditions and customs of Judaism.

ToaleBrothers.com • 941.955.4171

IN MEMORIAM Robert Biller, 95, of Sarasota, formerly of Greensboro, NC, June 16 Richard Blumencranz, 86, of Sarasota, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, June 1 Sidney Busis, 97, of Sarasota, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, March 22 Sylvia Busis, 94 of Sarasota, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, May 15 Bernard Fishman, 95 of Longboat Key, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, May 24 Marshall Friedman, 95, of Sarasota, formerly of Chicago, IL, May 27 Nelson Garnick, 85, of Sarasota, formerly of Longport, NJ, April 14 Leonard Glaser, 87, of Sarasota, formerly of West Orange, NJ, May 30 Harold Goldblatt, 97, of Sarasota, formerly of Chicago, IL, June 4 Jerry Hamovit, 91, of Longboat Key, formerly of Tulsa, OK, May 9 Nancy J. Katz, 80, of Sarasota, formerly of Syosset, NY, June 1 James Klein, 94, of Sarasota, formerly of Chicago, IL, May 24 Alfred Kohn, 92 of Sarasota, June 5 Samuel Lestz, 86, of Sarasota, formerly of State College, PA, May 29 Harriet Marks, 95, of Sarasota, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, June 5 Elaine Mintz, 91, of Sarasota, formerly of Washington, DC, June 12 Larry Straff, 78, of Sarasota, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, June 1 Pauline Toporek, 97, of Sarasota, May 29 Betty Wild, 93, of Sarasota, formerly of New York, NY, May 31

BAR MITZVAH

Benjamin Shereff, son of Dr. Michael and Denise Shereff, August 3, Temple Emanu-El

ANNIVERSARIES 60 Joan Weiss & Dr. Harold Goodis Temple Sinai 60th Arnold & Bette Hoffman Temple Emanu-El 55th William & Nancy Behrenfeld Temple Emanu-El 55th Dr. Frederick & Betty Crane Temple Emanu-El 55th Rae & Robert Levene Temple Sinai 55th Lewis & Leslie Levine Aviva 50th Cheryl & Ronald Cooper Temple Sinai 50th Harold & Sherri Kaufman Temple Emanu-El 50th Judith & Martin Leader Temple Emanu-El 50th Joanne & Alan Trachtenberg Temple Sinai 45th Bonnie & Alan Ross Temple Emanu-El 30th Dawn & Mitchell Epstein Temple Sinai 30th Tali and Samuel Schneider Temple Emanu-El 25th Drs. Rebecca & Louis Cohen Temple Sinai 15th Daniel & Katherine Ceaser Temple Emanu-El 10th Laurie & Mark Criden Temple Sinai th

Please submit your life cycle events (births, B’nai Mitzvah, anniversaries) to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org. Photos welcome; please e-mail as JPGs at 300dpi.

ROBERT TOALE & SONS,

Welcome to the Dignity Memorial® family. is pleased to welcome Robert Toale, Debbie Toale and their sons, Jason and Jeff, to our family of firms in Sarasota and Manatee County.

As proud members of North America’s largest network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers, the Toale family will continue their commitment to serving families with personal, compassionate care.

THE DIGNITY MEMORIAL NETWORK

In honor of the Toales and in recognition of their longstanding dedication to the Sarasota and Bradenton area communities, three local funeral homes will be renamed to reflect this change in leadership, and two of the funeral homes will undergo renovations to better serve our community with beautiful new facilities and enhanced capabilities.

Rely on the Toale family and your local Dignity Memorial professionals to help you and your loved ones celebrate each life like no other.

For more information, call or visit today.

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August 2019

I make a difference in Jewish lives.

Why do I give?

I believe in supporting the Jewish community.

When I give to our Federation, I know my gift is used wherever it’s needed most.

I may be helping a Holocaust survivor to live with the dignity they deserve. I may be assisting someone in my own town or even in Israel — someone I don’t even know — to get a job so they can take care of their family.

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