The Jewish News - January 2017 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

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THE FEDERATION’S THE FEDERATION’S

I M PACT

Whether your interest is Jewish need or fighting anti-Semitism, education or crisis relief, or defending Israel, we invite you to join us.

See article on pages 15–18. Our Federation focuses on critical needs in our local and global Jewish communities. We identify, evaluate and address our priorities with unparalleled commitment, passion and sensitivity.

Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS Our responsibility is to ensure that needs are met, to create a strong, more vibrant Jewish community in Sarasota-Manatee and to foster and strengthen our connection to Jews in Israel and around the world.

Serving our community since 1971!

Whether you are a growing family or seeking a retirement community, finding your partner or finding care for a parent, we invite you to join us. Whether your interest is Jewish need or fighting anti-Semitism, education or crisis relief, or defending Israel, we invite you to join us. Bring yourself, your passions, your talents, your hunger for change, and live it through The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Take a stand, grow your network, inspire a child, celebrate a tradition, explore Israel and change a life!

For more information, contact Howard Tevlowitz at htevlowitz@jfedsrq.org

Published by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee www.jfedsrq.org

January 2017 - Tevet / Shevat 5777 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

9A Community Focus 15A The Federation’s Impact 21A Jewish Interest 26A Commentary 28A Focus on Youth 31A Life Cycle 1B Jewish Happenings

4A Women’s Day with Paula Abdul great success!

9A Temple Sinai announces its 9th Annual Food Festival

20A

Volume 47, Number 1

Jewish journeys start with Federation By Howard Tevlowitz

s the executive director of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee for the last 16 years, I have been witness to tremendous changes within our organization, our Jewish community and Sarasota-Manatee as a whole. Our Federation has transitioned from the typical Federation model, one focused primarily on the Annual Campaign, and evolved into an organization that addresses the needs of an ever-increasing number of people of every age, religious affiliation, and level of community involvement. It is to the credit of our visionary leadership that we have been able to change and Howard Tevlowitz remain a relevant, integral part of our Jewish community. And through relationships with area religious, cultural arts, education and social service agencies, we continue to expand our reach and bring Jewish culture and values to Sarasota-Manatee in new and innovative ways. Our mission is to strengthen Jewish life and identity in our community, provide for Jewish people in need, and promote support for Israel. We live and breathe this mission in everything we do – from

community-wide holiday celebrations, to raising funds to address the emergency needs of Israelis impacted by the recent wildfires, and providing grants for students in Sarasota-Manatee to attend religious school and overnight Jewish camp. And that’s just the beginning. We constantly evaluate our programs and initiatives to ensure that we are addressing the needs of our worldwide Jewish community. In recent years, Federation has taken on the role of serving as a connector to Jewish life – enabling members of our community to enhance their Jewish journeys through our outreach, educational and cultural programs. We have also engaged both Jewish and general community institutions in these programs and initiatives, thus impacting not only members of our Jewish community, but the entire community in general. We take great pride in the many friends we’ve made in the community and look forward to continuing these partnerships in the years to come. It is only through YOUR generosity that we are able to accomplish all this and more. I urge you to turn to the center of this newspaper section to learn more about the impact our Federation makes throughout the Jewish world. I close by saying THANK YOU to each of you for all you do for our vibrant Jewish community.

An interview with Bella Meyer, granddaughter of Marc Chagall By Marty Fugate

JFCS program: “TAKE A LOOK – BUY A BOOK – DONATE”

28A Sarasota BBYO update

A publication of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 Annual voluntary subscription: $25

As to those lectures, they’re still goella Meyer, the granddaughter of Marc Chagall, was ing on – and they’re all about her grandfather’s artistic legacy. Meyer will share born in Paris, raised in Switinsights on the legacy of her famous zerland, and moved to Jerusalem for grandfather at the Lion of Judah/Pomea time. After returning to Paris and granate Luncheon on Friday, January graduating from the Sorbonne with 13 at 11:30 a.m. at Marie Selby Botania PhD in medieval art history, Meycal Gardens. Tickets start at $75. A minier went on to a stellar career teachmum gift of $1,800 to The Federation’s ing and writing about art history and 2017 development efforts is required. For lecturing around the world. more information, contact Ilene Fox at As an attaché to the French Em941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org. bassy in New York City, Meyer was Ms. Meyer recently offered The Jewa cultural ambassador for France’s Bella Meyer ish News an exclusive interview. visual arts and culture. She next put What are some of your early memories of her talents to work designing costumes and masks your grandfather? for NYC theater groups and producing her own pupWhen I was very little, I remember him as a perpet shows. After a sudden epiphany, she eventually son with such a shining face and shining eyes. He became a floral designer and opened her own shop – Fleurs Bella. continued on page 3A NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA FL PERMIT 167

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January 2017

FEDERATION NEWS

Sneak peek at the 8th Annual Jewish Film Festival – March 12-19

By Roz Goldberg, Chair

lease mark your calendars for our 8th Annual Jewish Film Festival! The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is again very proud to present a roster of outstanding new films that explore, record and celebrate Jewish life and experience. Starting Opening Night, Sunday evening, March 12, and running through Sunday, March 19, the JFF will excite, enlighten and provoke you with a highly diverse range of films. In response to last year’s unprecedented attendance, we are adding more matinee screenings – and evening screenings – at Hollywood 20 to make it easier for you to see all the films at times and venues that are convenient for you! In addition, we are planning exciting special events – and special guests – that will greatly enhance your JFF experience. This year, we will celebrate our Opening Night, Sunday, March 12, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, so we can accommodate an even larger audience than last year, and host a large private Cocktail Reception for Sponsors and Special Guests before the screening. The 2017 Festival will feature at least 30 screenings of eleven new films that will engage, inspire and entertain you. Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the films that will be shown: On Opening Night, our Guest of Honor will be Bogdan Bialek, a Polish Catholic journalist and psychologist, and the hero of a powerful and inspiring new documentary, Bogdan’s Journey. Dr. Bialek and the film’s director, Michal Jaskulski, will join us from Poland and answer questions after the film. Our screening will be the Florida premiere of this extraordinary

VIOLINS

film, which recently received The Star of David Special Award at the Warsaw Jewish Film Festival.

Bogdan’s Journey is the deeply moving account of one man’s dedicated pursuit of a terrible truth that had been buried for 60 years – the merciless attack on 120 Holocaust survivors who had sought shelter in Kielce, Poland, in 1946 – and the role of the townspeople in perpetrating this vicious atrocity, the last Jewish pogrom in Europe. For Bogdan Bialek, anti-Semitism is a sin, and this conviction is the animating force of his life. Determined to heal a historical wound and reconcile Poles and Jews, he courageously persuades people to embrace their past, and launches a crusade to commemorate the Kielce massacre and honor its victims, even while most of his neighbors continue to deny their crimes. His journey is a heroic story of commitment in the search for truth. The evening will be dedicated to the innocent victims of that horrendous crime.

MARC CHAGALL

HOPE S A R A S O T A

FEBRUARY 1-16, 2017 FEBRUARY – JULY, 2017

ANNE FRANK –

A HISTORY FOR TODAY APRIL 17 – MAY 27, 2017

EWCOMERS

ECEPTION

Wednesday, January 4 • 5:00-7:00 pm

New to the area? New to Federation? You are invited to a Newcomers Reception • Connect with other members of the Jewish community • This event is FREE, but reservations are required ___ Space is limited ___ C o -C hairs : s aranee n ewman

and

Our Closing Event film, which we will screen on Sunday, March 19 at 3:00 p.m. at Hollywood 20, will be a documentary portrait of the Israeli people told through their food, In Search of Israeli Cuisine. Celebrity chef-restaurateur Michael Solomonov zigzags across Israel, filming in fine restaurants, home kitchens, wineries, on the street and more, to savor a food revolution rooted in centuries-old traditions. To make the film’s Israeli delicacies

come alive for our audience, we will be offering an optional multi-course “Taste of Israel” food event following the screening. Since we expect a tremendous response to this savory event, we urge you to make your reservations as soon as possible after ticket sales begin in mid-January. Two other films we will proudly show are: Dirty Wolves: Inspired by real events, Dirty Wolves is a gripping feature that explores a little-known chapter of World Word II history. In Spain’s rural Galicia region in 1944, Nazi forces have taken over a tungsten mine, using political prisoners and slave laborers to mine the precious element the Nazis need for manufacturing weapons. Two local sisters take different paths of resistance in this dramatic thriller: Manuela is secretly helping Allied forces hidden in the region who are trying to stop the strategic metal from reaching German factories; and Candela is helping Jews escape by guiding them to safety in Portugal. Featuring strong performances and beautiful cinematography, Dirty Wolves won two awards and was nominated for nine others at the Galician AV Academy Awards. The Last Mentsch: Poignant, funny and deeply moving, The Last

w w a w h

Mentsch is a powerful, emotional narrative of friendship and healing that o explores the cost of forgetting the past, and the power recaptured by rememberw ing it. Born as Menachem Teitelbaum, g Marcus Schwarz (German Academy w Award-winner Mario Adorf) escaped p Auschwitz with his life, only to spend a the rest of his days running away from a his Jewishness. With no synagogue, a Jewish friends or family, the hardened g old man has done such an effective job f of creating a new non-Jewish identity l that, when faced with his own mortality, he can’t convince the rabbis to bury w him in a Jewish cemetery in Cologne. w Determined to return to his birthplace and establish his Jewish ancestry, Mard cus enlists the help of Gül (Katharina m Derr), a brash, chain-smoking Turkish i woman with a troubled history of her d own. The unlikely duo sets out on a I road trip to a small village on the Hunm garian-Romanian border, a journey that w will irrevocably change them both. The h film won the Audience Choice Award l at the St. Louis International Film Fesh tival. We will announce the full schedule t and venues in mid-January, but as you can see from these tidbits, you have an a exciting week of films to look forward Y to! t Why not become a Sponsor of m the 2017 Jewish Film Festival? You’ll a be invited to all JFF events, including m the Opening Night Cocktail Recepr tion with our Special Guests, the Closa ing Night “Taste of Israel” food event, and all the other special events being o planned for the JFF week – plus you’ll b receive Sponsor Passes and VIP seatm ing for every film and event, and you can make your reservations in advance i using our Sponsor Concierge. Spont sorship levels start at $700. Please cont tact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or s jlisitza@jfedsrq.org for information on o how you can become a Sponsor! o Watch for our 2017 JFF brochure, which should arrive in your mailbox before the end of January. (All Sponsor commitments received by December 31 will be included in that brochure; Sponsor commitments received after that date will be included in subsequent JFF materials.) Check the February issue of The Jewish News and ongoing Federation E-Blasts for more information. You will not want to miss this celebration of Jewish life and experience. See you at the (Jewish) movies!

Stay connected @ www.jfedsrq.org

To Life:

The Florida Holocaust Museum’s 25th Anniversary February 25, 2017 Saturday, 6:00 p.m. The Vinoy Renaissance

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January 2017

FEDERATION NEWS Bella Mayer...continued from page 1A

Your grandfather grew up in an Orthodox Jewish household. Were your parents observant Jews? No. I grew up in an extremely secular household. My mother had an independent mind, but also a strong understanding of her heritage. How did Chagall speak to the rise of anti-Semitism in his paintings? If you look at his early paintings, there is more celebration. Before he left Russia, there was an explosion of freedom. He was very active and part of this amazing cultural revolution. Jews were free for the first time, but that changed very quickly. After he left Russia for good, he was part of an artistic revolution in Paris. But he knew what the Nazis were doing. In 1933, he painted “Solitude,” which shows a sad rabbi holding a Torah very protectively, with a cow sitting behind him and an angel flying through the sky. It is a powerful, silent, serene painting. I think it speaks of the dangers to the Torah and how it must be protected. As the war went on, he used the image of a Jewish Christ on the cross many times. The Jew crucified was his motif to cry out against the horrors of this terrible time. And the horror always seemed like it was getting closer. After the Nazis invaded France, they burned three of my grandfather’s paintings. How did your family flee escape from Vichy, France? It was with the help of the Emergency Rescue Committee in 1941. How did Chagall’s paintings make it out? It was mostly thanks to my mother. She took their frames off, rolled them up and put them in crates – hundreds of kilos. She somehow had the papers to shuttle the paintings from Spain to Portugal. Unfortunately, the police stopped the paintings in Madrid. They held them there for several weeks until my mother went. She crossed the Pyrenees, went to Madrid and convinced them to release the paintings. I guess we’ll never know how she did it. I understand you were touched by Chagall’s stained-glass “Peace

would look at all of his grandchildren with incredible delight and joy. He really didn’t know what to say to us. He would touch our cheeks and hold our hands. What are your early experiences of his art? For as long as I can remember I was always surrounded by his art. I grew up with his beautiful artwork. It was a normal thing at home. I loved his paintings! He would paint fairytales and I could dream myself into them. As an older child, I would sit on the couch and look at the paintings. I’d see my grandmother and other family figures from his childhood. His paintings were like family albums for me. Did your grandfather’s worldwide fame affect your relationship with him at all? No. I was a very naïve child. I didn’t understand what “world famous” meant. He would go to art openings and inaugurations, speak with dignitaries, have lunch with presidents. I thought this was all completely normal. He wasn’t affected by fame the way other artists were. He was very humble. When someone said, “Oh, I love your art,” it made him genuinely happy. I understand he once asked you to find your ideal. Yes. I was very polite when he asked me. I said, “Yes, grandfather. Yes.” But I had no clue what he was talking about. But the question remained with me as I grew up. I thought about it and understood it more and more every year. I’ve always tried to reach for that ideal. His question was a gift to me. Your grandfather spoke of colors, textures and compositions – but never about what his paintings mean. Why do you think that was? My grandfather was never dogmatic. He didn’t want to tell people how to think about his paintings. He wanted to let you discover for yourself and not spell it out for you. He left them as an open book for anybody to read in their own way.

AT SELBY GARDENS • FEBRUARY - JULY 2017 JEAN AND ALFRED GOLDSTEIN EXHIBITION SERIES

Our Federation is thrilled to be the Lead Sponsor of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series featuring Marc Chagall’s The Lovers, a 1937 painting on loan from The Israel Museum, Jerusalem. The painting focuses on the artist’s love of flowers and botanical images, yet also has great Jewish symbolism.

Window” at the UN. Yes, his stained-glass windows were all extremely beautiful. There is a famous photograph of him while he was working at this window. He looks at it with such awe, such humility. It was really a spiritual work he was doing. Each color he chose, each addition made, every drop of ink he added, it was like a kind of a prayer. Favorite Chagall paintings? I love his tender, early paintings. It’s so hard to choose a favorite – perhaps the “Apparition” from 1918, which is an annunciation painting where an angel speaks to a woman, or the ”Love and the Stage” panels he did for the Yiddish State Theater in Mos-

cow. They are all so full of joy. I understand you’ve been involved with art history, painting, costume design, mask making and also puppetry. What inspired you to also become a floral designer? It was about 20 years ago. A friend asked me to design a huppah for her wedding. I went to the flower district, and I was so taken by the richness of the colors and the textures of the flowers. It was like being underwater and seeing the most extraordinary colors of the fish. I fell in love with these extraordinary creatures. It took me 10 years to find the courage to open my own shop. Now flowers are my fulltime work – and my art.

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January 2017

FEDERATION NEWS

Women’s Day with Paula Abdul a great success!

By Ilene Fox

arbara Ackerman and Sepi Ackerman, Women’s Day cochairs, welcomed a sold-out crowd of 450 guests to the event on December 7 at Michael’s On East. Sepi shared the moving story of her Jewish journey with a captivated audience. The event was moderated by ABC 7’s Hayley Wielgus. The guest speaker, singer Paula Abdul, talked about her life’s challenges, career and Jewish experience. During 2013, Paula traveled to Israel, where she celebrated her Bat Mitzvah

in Tzfat and spent a day with the late President Shimon Peres. The event also celebrated ten years of Women’s Day. The Gold sponsor for Women’s Day was Tableseide Restaurant Group and the Silver sponsor was Bunny Skirboll. Federation Torch sponsors were Edie Chaifetz, Margaret Ellin, Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative and Lois Stulberg. Table sponsors were The Ackerman Group; Blalock Walters, Attorneys at Law; Ashley Barrett Bloom, LLC; Eileen Curd and Sandra Malamud;

Stacey Bloom, Jaime Shusterman, Sepi Ackerman, Paula Abdul, Emily Stroud, Lee Sax, Hilary Yunis

Helen Glaser; Maureen Horn; Michael Saunders & Co.; Joy Moravitz; and Betty Schoenbaum. Copper sponsors were Ruthe Actor, Carol Green, Susan Samson and Patti Wertheimer. Media sponsors were ABC 7, Scene magazine and the Observer. Joining Barbara and Sepi on the Women’s Day committee were Stacey Bloom, Elisa Cohen, Mary Collier, Geri Drexler, Stacey Edelman, Helen Glaser, Ros Mazur, Sharyn Nassau, Saranee Newman, Courtney Rosenthal, Barbara Sander, Lee Sax, Toby Simon,

Bunny Skirboll, Anne Spindel, Emily Stroud, Joyce Weiss and Hilary Yunis. For more information about Women’s Day, please contact me at 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org.

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FEDERATION NEWS

Impacting local Jewish college students By Jeremy Dictor

y Established 1971

PUBLISHER The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee 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 47, Number 1 January 2017 48 pages USPS Permit No. 167 February 2017 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: December 29, 2016 Advertising: December 28, 2016 PRESIDENT Patti Wertheimer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Howard Tevlowitz COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR Linda Lipson CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING OFFICER Kim Mullins MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi PROOFREADERS Jack Mansbach, Merry Sanders, Bryna Tevlowitz MIMI AND JOSEPH J. EDLIN JOURNALISM INTERNS Phoenix Berman, Jessica Zelitt 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.

t the end of summer 2016, I was tasked with the seemingly insurmountable goal of growing, nurturing and supporting Jewish student life on three incredibly different college campuses, separated by over one hundred miles, on my own. I had no office. I had no desk. I was given a sizeable stack of business Jeremy Dictor cards, a laptop, and a promise that I could use the printer at The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee if I ever needed it. I was very excited, and absolutely terrified. Rebbetzin Denah Weinberg, founder of the College of Jewish Studies for Women, says that “there are no problems, only opportunities for growth.” This concept has kept me motivated during my work this year as our community’s Jewish Campus Engagement Associate. It would be untrue if I said there were no problems on our college campuses. With a history of anti-Semitic activity on one campus, a lack of leadership on another, and a third entirely unfamiliar college environment, there were certainly problems, but there was also a tremendous opportunity for growth. On my first day of work, I had a conversation with a Jewish student at Ringling College of Art + Design. We talked about his interest in filmmaking, and his plans for the future. He was in his final year of study, and lamented about his Jewish experience as a college student. “I just wish I could have done more,” he told me, “The problem is that no one even knows we exist.” Disappointed by the lack of Jewish campus activity, he went on to explain how so very few students attend programs. I asked if he would be willing to serve as the group’s president, and help me grow the Ringling College Hillel program, knowing that as a fourth-year student, he likely wouldn’t be around to see the results. He agreed, and picked a date for the first Shabbat dinner of the semester. In the past, a well-attended Shab-

bat dinner at Ringling College of Art + Design included, at most, seven to ten students. This year, thanks to our new Ringling College Hillel president, and our concentrated recruitment efforts, our first Shabbat dinner of the semester had 40 students in attendance. I asked if he was happy with the turnout, and the president just smiled and said, “So, when can we do this again?” At the end of the fall semester, the Ringling Hillel president and I met for lunch. He said that only a few months ago, no one knew that Hillel existed on campus. Now he walks through campus and students recognize him as the group’s president. “When are we getting together next?” they would say. “Is Hillel meeting this week?” students would ask. He said that after a semester of successful programs – from Shabbat dinners and High Holiday celebrations,

to Bagel Giveaways – he was finally proud of the legacy he was leaving behind. This is just one of many student experiences. Our Jewish student leaders have made a remarkable effort to help grow, nurture and support Jewish student life on each of their respective college campuses. They will leave behind a legacy as the builders of something great. However, I am most appreciative of the legacy that you, our Jewish community, will leave behind. You have come together to recognize an incredible opportunity for growth. By funding our new Hillel program, which spans from Manatee to Collier County, you have made an impact on the lives of countless Jewish college students today, and for years to come. Thank you.

Every Woman Matters Here. The Women’s Giving Circle

“Ma’agal Nashim” is a giving circle that empowers women as funders, decision makers and agents of change. Each member contributes the same amount, and has an equal voice in directing the funds. By becoming a member of the Women’s Giving Circle, you improve the lives of women and children in Israel through the power of collective philanthropy. Since its start in 2014, we have distributed more than $88,000 in grants to nonprofits in Israel that help women and children of all backgrounds live safer, healthier and more meaningful lives. Become a member today, and join a group of women influencers in the Sarasota-Manatee area making a difference in Israel. For more information, contact Ilene Fox at 941.343.2111 or ifox@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 snail mail 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.

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January 2017

FEDERATION NEWS

A Temple Mount tragedy W By Dr. Steven Derfler

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4-6pm in Beatrice Friedman Theater on the Federation Campus Register now for this StandWithUs presentation featuring speaker Hussein Aboubakr. Presenter: HUSSEIN ABOUBAKR

Survivor of the Egyptian Revolution. StandWithUs is an international, nonprofit organization that believes education is the road to peace. StandWithUs is dedicated to informing the public about Israel, and combating the extremism and antiSemitism that often distorts the issues.

A former Muslim and Egyptian prisoner, Hussein was persecuted in his homeland for his interest in Israel and study of Hebrew language. He will share his journey to asylum in the US after surviving imprisonment and torture, being disowned by his family and helping to organize the 2011 Tahrir Square Egyptian Revolution. Don’t miss this inspirational story: hear how he overcame unsurmountable atrocities and find out what he is up to now.

This STEP Sponsored Event is FREE and open to the public but registration is a must.

For more information contact Andrea Eiffert aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

JFEDSRQ.org/Events or call 1.866.465.3995

ne of the major points of contention between Israel and the Arab/Moslem world is over the most sacred piece of real estate on the planet. At 37 acres, the Temple Mount is the focal point of prayer and contention for the three western religious traditions – Judaism, Dr. Steven Derfler Christianity and Islam. While Christianity has Rome, Constantinople and Jerusalem vying for spiritual “seniority;” and Islam has Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem; Judaism has Jerusalem, and Jerusalem and Jerusalem. However, traditionally, the role of the holy city and, in particular, the Temple Mount, has been widely, if not grudgingly, recognized in importance by each of these traditions to the other. It has only been in the last century, a result of a “Twice Promised Land” coming out of World War I (blame it on the British!), that we find disinformation and the re-writing of history taking place. But the greatest activity has taken place in the 21st century. The Waqf, the Islamic religious authority that was granted control of the Temple Mount by Israel decades ago, decided to ‘remodel’ a series of stables beneath the Mount, create a mosque, and then an internal entry from just north of the Al Aqsa plaza. In doing so, tons of debris, filled with archaeological treasures pertaining to the history of the Temple Mount were unceremoniously dumped, with no regard for context, into the Kidron Valley – all in spite of Israeli law that forbids such activity unless overseen by the Israel Antiquities Authority. To make matters worse, many stones, some dating to the tenth century BCE, were re-used and modified for their building activity. Archaeologist Eilat Mazar said: “There is disappointment at the turning of a blind eye and the ongoing contempt for the tremendous archaeological importance of the Temple Mount. Heavy machinery and lack of documentation can damage ancient relics and erase evidence of the presence of the biblical structures. Any excavation, even if for technical reasons, must be documented, photographed and the dirt sifted for any remains of relics.” Dr. Gabi Barkai slammed the way the excavations were being carried out, stating that, “They should be using a toothbrush, not a bulldozer.” The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, rejected the Israeli charges. “We don’t harm the antiquities; we are the ones who are taking care of the antiquities, unlike others who destroy them.” Yusuf Natsheh, of the Islamic Waqf, argued that “remains unearthed would be from the 16th or 17th century Ottoman period.” He said the Al Aqsa compound is an important religious institution. “We regret some Israeli groups try to use archaeology to achieve political ends, but their rules of archaeology do not apply to the Haram; it is a living religious site in an occupied land.” In 2004, debris was transferred to camps set up at Tzurim Valley National Park, overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem. Here, a sifting project was begun and, over the years, the Temple Mount debris dump in the Kidron Valley was moved to the sifting site (a total of 322 truckloads to date).

Objects testifying to the Jewish nature of the Temple Mount platform were dismissed by the Waqf. The Waqf was widely accused of attempting to hide evidence of the existence of the Jewish temples, which many Palestinian leaders say never existed. That debate continued to rage. “The Aqsa Mosque was an Islamic mosque since the world was created,” said Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, the grand mufti of Jerusalem, in November 2015. “It was never anything other than a mosque.” However, this flew in the face of what Islamic leaders said themselves about the Temple Mount earlier in the 20th century. But prior to 1948, even their own 1925 Wakf guidebook stated that the Dome of the Rock is situated on the universally accepted site of King Solomon’s Temple: “The site is one of the oldest in the world… its identity with the site of Solomon’s Temple is beyond dispute. This, too, is the spot, according to the universal belief, on which David built an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.” Abbas himself called Israeli history in Jerusalem “illusions and legends” and “delusional myths,” referring to the “alleged Temple.” The destructive partisan biases in UNESCO were clearly evidenced in the autumn of 2016, as it would vote to ratify a resolution denying Jewish ties to Judaism’s holiest site, the Temple Mount. An affront to science and history, the resolution, which refers to the Temple Mount solely by its Muslim name of Al-Haram Al-Sharif – ostensibly eliminating its connection to Judaism and Christianity – was expected to be approved by the committee comprised of 21 member states at its 40th session. As UNESCO approved a resolution that ignored a Jewish connection to the Temple Mount, the Israel Antiquities Authority produced a rare papyrus fragment from the 7th century BCE, written in ancient Hebrew, that mentions Jerusalem. Archaeologists interpreted two lines of text as a shipping document reading, “From the king’s maidservant, from Na’arat, jars of wine, to Jerusalem.” And even more importantly, Israeli archaeologists revealed the existence of an ancient Muslim inscription testifying to the fact that the original name of the Dome of the Rock, Qubbat al-Sakhrah, was “Beit al Maqdis” ‫“ – سدقملا تيب‬Beit Hamikdash” in Hebrew; AKA the Jewish Temple – during the early Muslim era, Makor Rishon reported. According to archaeologists Assaf Avraham and Peretz Reuven, the inscription is dated to the 10th century CE. It’s time for the western world, Jews, Christians and Moslems of good faith, to recognize the sanctity and legitimacy of the Temple Mount for all religious traditions, and accept the archaeological, historical and spiritual record with dignity and respect. Dr. Steven Derfler has been researching and teaching about ancient civilizations for over forty years. A recently retired professor, he is the director of Educational Resources, Inc., a consulting firm. He has a B.A. in anthropology/archaeology/Jewish studies (Tel Aviv University/University of Minnesota) and a Ph.D. in classics and archaeology (University of Minnesota).

See page 5B for details of Dr. Derfler’s upcoming lecture series, “Jerusalem: 3000 Years of Holiness.”

January 2017

FEDERATION NEWS

We must not be bystanders What We Lost in the Holocaust A poem by Desiree Isterling and Samantha Garcia Prefaced by Anne Stein

By Chayse Kessous

t was a very special day for 300 high school students at Sarasota’s Out-of-Door Academy on November 16. That day, we had the privilege of hearing Holocaust survivor Paul Molnar share his heart-wrenching story about his experience during the Holocaust.

Racial remarks, ethnic jokes have to imon Wiesenthal said: “The Hostop. We can’t allow it to happen.” locaust was not only a Jewish In my opinion, this is exactly what tragedy, but also a human tragthe younger generation needs to hear. edy.” Our children need to hear what There is a rising level of hate happenhappened under the rule of Hitler and ing in the United States; we cannot be the Nazis so that they can learn to treabystanders. sure all humans and make sure that Mr. Molnar informed us that, “the there are no future holocausts. reason the Holocaust hapStudents in Sarasota County are pened is because you had lucky to have the opportunity to hear three groups of people: the from Holocaust survivors through The perpetrators (the ones doJewish Federation of Sarasota-Maning it), the righteous Genatee’s Holocaust Speakers Bureau. tiles (those who risked their One of our speakers, Helga Melmed, lives to save Jews), and the recently spoke to Nancy Hawkin’s bystanders (those who stood Holocaust class at North Port High there and watched).” School. While Helga was telling her There is such a huge disstory of survival, two students, Desiree connect between the youngIsterling and Samantha Garcia, comer generation and the horrors posed the following poem. of the Holocaust. We are the What We Lost in the Holocaust last generation to hear firstBy Desiree Isterling hand a Holocaust survivor Chayse Kessous (3rd from left) and classmates with Paul Molnar share his or her life experiand Samantha Garcia Silent was the night the soldiers came, That story begins when Paul was ences with us. We must never forget They stole us away and we were never 10 years old, living in the Jewish what happened to more than 11 million the same. community of Rákospalota in Budapeople. Children’s cries filled the night, pest, Hungary. When the Nazi regime We must not be bystanders. Never Listen now and hear our plight. reached his community, he and his forget. Never again. th We were moved like cattle in the family were relocated to Auschwitz, Chayse Kessous is a 12 grade student freezing cold, where he was separated from his mothat Out-of-Door Academy. er, younger brother, and grandmother. After spending the night in Auschwitz, The Holocaust Speakers Bureau offers a powerful educaPaul was moved to the infamous work tional opportunity to hear from Holocaust survivors and camp, Buchenwald. their offspring. For booking information, contact Anne Paul had just turned 14. Stein at 941.923.6470 or luvhula@gmail.com. For quesToward the end of his talk, Mr. Molnar emphasized this message: “Do tions regarding Holocaust programs, contact Orna Nissan not be a bystander. Stand up against haat The Federation at 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org. tred and prejudice wherever it occurs.

The skies were dark and the trees were old. Listen close and hear us sing, as our broken heart bells ring. Our depressed and broken sorrowfilled song, We sang for miles all along. Sacrificed in sacred slaughter, our bodies used as Nazi fodder. Children were torn from mother and father, Their lifeless corpses thrown to fire. Giant holes our bodies would fill, Showing no emotion, thousands they’d kill. Listen and hear of the lives we’ve lost, In the horrific time of the Holocaust.

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January 2017

FEDERATION NEWS

The Federation’s Education Reflections on Scholarship Program Alumni: advocacy summit By Gabriella Hazan Where are they now? n November, thanks to The Jewish interested in, and passionate about the By Allyson Russo

graduated from University of Florida in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the College of Journalism and Communications, and immediately went into the advertising and marketing industry just weeks after graduating. I started working for a Sarasotabased digital marketing firm, and then moved to Tampa in 2014. Since moving here, I have held positions in digital and traditional media at a regional newspaper, a full-service advertising agency and, most recently, a marketing and research firm where I work as a media analyst, planning, buying and analyzing media for marketing campaigns for a wide variety of clients. I’m also pursuing my master’s degree in busi-

ness administration at the University of South Florida with a focus on marketing strategy and entrepreneurship. I was extremely fortunate to receive the generous scholarships from The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee during my undergraduate studies, which enabled me to reduce my student loans after graduation and to better focus on my studies, internships and campus involvement in a number of organizations. Allyson Russo was awarded scholarships from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the Marjorie and Earl Scharff Scholarship Funds in 2008 and 2010 while attending the University of Florida.

Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend the Schusterman Advocacy Institute’s High School Summit in Alexandria, Virginia. This conference centered around acquainting high school students with AIPAC’s mission and teaching us how to effectively strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship through engagement of the American political process. Last year, I was lucky enough to attend the AIPAC Policy Conference, but this experience was completely different. It was empowering to be surrounded by people my age who were

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! May 2017 bring you and your loved ones peace, love & joy!

Fridays, 6:30 pm Saturdays, 9:00 am Shabbat Shaboom (for our children)

Saturdays, 10:30 am– 12:00 pm Shabbat Shmooze

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Morning Minyan Sunday-Friday 8:00-9:00 am Men’s Club Minyan Breakfast Wednesday 9:00 am

CONTINUING EDUCATION ◦ A Cup of Joe and the Five Saturdays, approximately 12:45 pm Books of Mo Tuesday, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 OFFICE HOURS 9:15-10:15 am Mondays, CLOSED ◦ Learn Hebrew-beginners Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 am-3:30 pm Thursday, January 5, 12, 19 am PAVER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ◦ 10-11 Learn Hebrew-intermediate Sundays: 9 am—12:30 pm Thursday, January 5, 12, 19 Winter Break-no classes January 1st 11 am—12 pm No Class January 15th ◦ Men’s Club Breakfast & Learn Activity Day: January 8th Sunday, January 15th 9-11 am Blue & You: JUDAICA SHOP HOURS Community Policing with SPD Deputy Chief Pat Robinson Monday-Closed Tuesday-Thursday 10 am—3 pm Friday 10 am—12 pm See more details on our website Sunday-by appointment Let us help with your Judaic needs! Idelson Library Book Review Please contact Hannah Puckhaber at 552-2785 or Wednesday, January 11th tbsjudaicashop@gmail.com 1:15-3:00 pm Bethamy Weinberger will IDELSON LIBRARY review All Who Go Do Not The Idelson Library & Alcove are Return: A Memoir open anytime the TBS office is open. by Shulem Deen and You can use the self check-out for The Pious Ones: The World of books & DVDs. Please return your Hasidim and Their Battles with items to book drop cart in the lobby. America by Joseph Berger (join us for great discussions after Kiddush)

GAME DAY

Every Tuesday 1:00-4:00 pm in the multi-purpose room Bring your favorite game, bring your friends! Healthy snacks provided Donation of $2 for TBS Members & $3 for non-members Sisterhood Shabbat Saturday, January 14th 9:00 am Celebrate the women of the TBS Sisterhood and we will honor Betty Levitt TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM 1050 South Tuttle Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237 (941) 955-8121 Email us at: info@templebethsholomfl.org Visit our website at: www.templebethsholomfl.org

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Idelson Library Film Matinee Thursday, January 26th 1:15-3:30 pm Rosenwald

Refreshments, including popcorn, will be provided by the Men’s Club Suggested donation $3/members; $5 /non-members

B’nai Mitzvah of Graycen Schwartz & Clementine Schwartz January 20th & 21st A Roaring 20’s Extravaganza

Boas & Bowties Celebrating 90 Memorable Years! January 28th 6:30 pm Reservations are required by contacting Nancy Hendricks, Business Director at 941-955-8121

January

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same things I am. During the Summit, I learned that, although we are young, our voices are important and can make a difference. First, we dipped our toes into learning about issues in the Middle East and then were taught how to lobby our representatives in Congress about issues that are important to us. I lobbied for the continuation of the Iran Sanctions Act, which was scheduled to expire on December 31. The day after we returned from the conference I checked the news to find that the act had been passed. It felt incredible to know that I had helped make a change for a country that I care so much about. I thank The Federation for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to continue working with AIPAC in the fus ture. Gabriella Hazan, a senior at Pinea View School, is one of four STEPm fellows who received scholar-i ships to attend the Schustermana Advocacy Institute High Schools Summit in Alexandria, Virginia,F November 13-15, 2016. Eachl year at the Summit, AIPAC andi the Schusterman FoundationN bring together over 400 highS school students from around the country who are committed to supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship through involvement in the American political process. The goal of the Summit is to educate students on the U.S.-Israel relationship and to help them become effective pro-Israel political activists on and beyond their school campus.

Gabriella Hazan, Camryn Cohen, Ashlyn Downey-Hayes, Phoenix Berman

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This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in The Jewish News. Abrams Dermatology...................25A Ackerman Group...........................3A Advocates in Aging........................6B AFMDA.....................................27A AIPAC........................................14B All Heart Senior Care....................7A Allegiant Private Advisors............6A Art Festival Beth-El.......................2B Aviva.....................................9A,21A Barnacle Bill’s Seafood.................7B Cat Depot.......................................7A Center for Sight.............................8B Chevra Kadisha............................31A Coastal Eye Institute....................11B Community Day School...............29A Congregation Kol HaNeshama......7A Cortez Foot & Ankle.....................9B Cove Cleaners.............................24A Danko, Jim, Ameriprise...............25A Dannheisser, Dan.........................26A Environeers....................................5A Feldman Wealth Advisory..............1B Feldmar, Andrea, LMHC...............2B Florida Holocaust Museum...........2A Fresh Start Cafe.............................7A Fyzical Therapy & Balance Ctr.....4A Gloria Musicae.............................14B Grad, Stacey, Morgan Stanley......19A Hanan, Stacy, REALTOR®...........20A HearUSA......................................9A Hebrew Memorial........................31A Ian Black Real Estate...................13B Jewish Museum of Florida - FIU....7B JFCS of the Suncoast...................12B JNF.............................................23A Lakehouse West...........................11B Lifelong Learning Academy..........6B Marie Selby Botanical Gardens...32A

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January 2017

COMMUNITY FOCUS

A fascination with Jewish anthropology By Marden Paru, Dean, Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva

ll civilizations have histories and distinctive records to study but few are as intriguing e as the Jewish people. Outlasting the great ancient civilizations – Egyptian, eAssyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek .and Roman – the Jews are still here gtelling their story. The importance of dthis phenomenon led the Dalai Lama to convene an international meeting sof leading Jewish scholars to help him learn how his Tibetan Buddhist flock smight survive discrimination and their npariah status in Asia. (See The Jew in the Lotus by Rodger Kamenetz.) Likewise, many of our students m ohave inquired about the anthropology tof the Jewish people. Who are they?

Where did they come from? Where did they locate? Who were the Jews of yesteryear and who are they today? By what means did the Jews survive all those forces which attempted to kill Jews or convert Jewish people to other religions or creeds throughout the last two millennia? What were the tools at play? Did the Jewish religion change in order to adapt to the many new conditions and demands of the powers-to-be in the far-flung regions of the world where Jews settled? A new class is being offered this February to study the unique phenomena of Jewish anthropology: existence, survival and contributions to humanity – in the past as well as in the near term.

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Drawing on printed media materials that will be distributed in class, students will have an opportunity to analyze the unique character of the Jewish people in differing venues they have occupied. There are many interesting episodes of Diaspora Jewry’s past that have a bearing on where the Jewish people may be headed in the future. I believe belonging to a people is good for general identification, but by studying Jewish civilization, one can better understand just exactly where the Jews stand today. Beginning Tuesday, February 7, the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva will be offering a course on “Jewish Anthropology.” This eight-week course will

take place on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. on The Federation Campus. The course fee is $60. To register or for more information, please contact me at marden.paru@gmail.com or 941.379.5655. The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is a not-for-profit, independent adult Jewish studies institute which is partially funded through a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Classes are open to anyone regardless of religion, race or sexual orientation. We invite you to participate.

Temple Sinai announces its 9th Annual Food Festival

t e

hat do bagels, chopped liver, chicken soup, blintzes, e corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, kosher hot dogs, kugel eand almost everything else known to Pmankind in the way of traditional Jewish cuisine have in common? They can all be found for your delectable conlsumption at Temple Sinai’s 9th Annual ,Food Festival. (The Festival’s fabuhlous corned beef and pastrami are beding provided by Sarasota’s own former nNew York deli-man, Sol Shenker of hSol’s NYC Deli.) There will also be a e o

Health Fair, craft vendors and a book fair. Come rain or shine. The Festival begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 15 and lasts until 3:00 p.m. Savor a vast array of delicious ethnic foods prepared by a host of dedicated Temple Sinai volunteers. Menu items are available at JewishFoodSRQ.com. The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee is a significant Food Festival sponsor. It will also be sponsoring a PJ program for kids. Preparations for this annual event have been going on for quite some time. Chair Mark Margolis predicts that this year’s Festival will be the largest and n most successful event Temple Sinai has ever held. There is ample parking to accommodate over 300 cars. Overflow parking and shuttle service is available at 4748 S. Beneva, r about 140 yards north, above Proctor and Beneva at Suncoast Technical College’s Staff Parking lot on the left. In addition, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet Temple Sinai’s new rabGloria Perentz and Janis Collier, two fabulous volunteers having a blast at the 8th Annual Jewish Food Festival bi, Michael Churgel, and take

recting you to the temple or let the aroma of all that great food be your guide. For more information, please call Mark Margolis at 941.966.0252 or visit JewishFoodSRQ.com.

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a tour of its beautiful temple. This year, Temple Sinai is proud to announce that it is again partnering with All Faiths Food Bank. This partnership is another facet of Temple Sinai’s continuing community outreach effort and Social Action programming. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the event. Temple Sinai is located just off of Proctor Road (between Swift and Beneva) and Lockwood Ridge just west of the Sarasota Technical College and behind the new Autumn of Sarasota memory facility. Look for the signs di-

Marissa and Laura Freedman at the 8th Annual Jewish Food Festival

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January 2017

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Turning 90: Temple Beth Sholom

he history of Temple Beth Sholom could be traced to one of Sarasota’s favorite sons: John Ringling. On Saturday, January 28, Temple Beth Sholom will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the first synagogue in Sarasota, which was made possible by a generous gift from John Ringling. Betty Schoenbaum, community and Jewish philanthropist, is thrilled to be a part of such an exciting evening and hopes that the community will join TBS as we recognize this milestone. She and Michael’s On East have shown their support as Diamond-level sponsors. It was Ringling, the circus icon,

The temple’s initial building on Washington Avenue, completed in 1928, expanded in 1943 and ultimately moved to its current campus at Tuttle Avenue and Bahia Vista Street in the 1970s. The complex at 1050 South Tuttle Avenue is the current home for Temple Beth Sholom and the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School. Temple Beth Sholom officially became affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in September 1960. The first synagogue youth group was organized shortly thereafter, and in 1965, a preschool. Women became involved in religious services for the first time in the 1980s with the tenure of the first woman president of the temple, Audrey Watson. Today, Temple Beth Sholom remains one of the pillars of the Jewish community in the Sarasota-Bradenton region, housing a preschool, day school, religious school, Jewish Family & ChilTemple Beth Sholom Educational Building dren’s Service of the on Washington Avenue and 6th Street, 1958 who made the largest single contribuSuncoast (JFCS) classes, and the new tion to the Temple Beth Sholom BuildRingling Lifelong Learning Academy ing Fund back in 1927. That was the on campus. With Rabbi Michael Wersame year he made Sarasota the winter bow as our religious leader, both memheadquarters of the Ringling Bros. and bers and visitors take advantage of the daily minyan, Friday evening and Shabbat morning services, community Yizkor, adult education, and Kehillah programming. In honor of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Temple Beth Temple Beth Sholom religious school expansion Sholom, the first Jewon Washington Avenue and 6th Street Barnum & Bailey Circus. Ringling reish synagogue in Sarasota, we will be portedly wanted to tell his friends up holding a celebration commemorating north and in other areas that there was Sarasota’s rich Jewish history and pasa Jewish house of worship in Sarasota. sion about our bright future. Event co-

chairs Stephanie Glosser, Marla Katz, Rob Katz and Phil Mancini invite you to head back to the “Roaring 20s” at our version of “Club Lido” with the Tomkats Jazz Orchestra, dancing, and a kosher dinner prepared by Michael’s On East. For “Boas and Bowties – A Roaring 20s Extravaganza” tickets or sponsorship information, please contact TBS Business Director, Nancy Hendricks, at 941.955.8121 or nhendricks@templebeth sholomfl.org, or visit www. templebethsholomfl.org.

Temple Beth Sholom in 1977

Temple Beth Sholom confirmation class, circa 1961: (front row:) Alan Kates, Robin Hinden, Daniel Silverman, Rabbi Bernard Shoter, (back row:) Marian Moss, Jill Vandroff, Joann Idelson, Carol Cohen

“These we honor” Your Tributes ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

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t a y e v r u s r u o e k a T f o n o i t i . s d n o i t c e n n o T he 2 0 1 7 e c / g r o . q r s E d N e I f Z j A G A 0 x 6 4 5 4 . 1 7 3 CONNECTIONS M sses ! . 1 4 9 t a s u l l a c r e r O p y e v r u s e h is hot of f ktehtoe receive a copy, t l i a m n a c e w d n li a ld u If you wo 546 x-0 . .4 1 u 7 o .3 y 1 4 9 o t t a s u ll a c e s plea q .org . r s d e jf @ fo in il a or em one . u o y d n e s to y p p We will be ha urs, o y d e iv e c e r y d a If you have alre ou think! y t a h w w o n k s u please let

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! s r o b h g i e n d n a s d n e i r f r u o Tell y Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL

January 2017

COMMUNITY FOCUS

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Dear Friends, This year Temple Beth Sholom, along with the Sarasota Jewish Community, is celebrating its 90th Anniversary. Temple Beth Sholom, as the oldest and longest serving synagogue in Sarasota, is excited to celebrate our rich history and bright future in front of us. We are inviting the Jewish community, along with all who appreciate our history, to join us on January 28, 2017, as Temple Beth Sholom formally celebrates the 90th Anniversary of Judaism in Sarasota with an evening to remember. Heading back to the roaring 20’s, we will be toe-tapping to the Tomkats Swing Orchestra (www.tomkatsjazzorchestra.com ) along with a visit back in time to “Club Lido,” where we will have a relaxing lounge and casino set up for your pleasure. Phil Mancini of Michael’s On East will be co-chairing the event, insuring great food and a memorable evening to be enjoyed by all. We look forward to celebrating this special evening with all of you! In addition to purchasing tickets, we encourage you to commit to a Sponsorship or an Underwriting Opportunity. Sponsorships and Underwriting Opportunities are an essential element of sustaining the future of Temple Beth Sholom and insuring our success as we head into our century decade. Benefits of this event will help insure that the Jewish community at Temple Beth Sholom can continue to offer an open venue for communal events such as those sponsored by the Florida Holocaust Museum, Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Ringling College (Lifelong Learning Academy) and other organizations looking for a place to gather. The proceeds of the event will allow us to update our sound system and infrastructure so that we can have greater offerings and a more exciting venue for our community. So that you can share your thoughts about Sarasota’s Jewish History, please consider an advertisement or acknowledgement in our tribute book celebrating our 90 year history. Make a difference and become an integral part of our evolving history as we come together to celebrate over 90 years of Jewish life in Sarasota. To reserve seats and/or purchase sponsorship or take advantage of underwriting/advertising opportunities, call Nancy Hendricks at 941-955-8121 or email her at nhendricks@templebethsholomfl.org. We look forward to seeing you at this festive event. Warmest Regards,

Emma Joels, Co-President

Rob Katz, Co-President

A Roaring 20’s Extravaganza... Celebrating 90 Memorable Years!

For more information, contact

Robin Leonardi 941.552.6307 rleonardi@jfedsrq.org

Rabbi Michael Werbow

1050 South Tuttle Avenue · Sarasota

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January 2017

COMMUNITY FOCUS

The 2017 Klingenstein Lecture

he Hebrew Bible’s notion of humanity, “created in the image of God,” is often what comes to mind when people consider the concept. Dr. Rachel Neis, a Judaic studies scholar at the University of Michigan, will present a different approach to classical Jewish approaches to humanness in “Humans, Animals, and Hybrids in Rabbinic Reproductive Thought,” the annual Klingenstein Lecture in Judaic Studies at New College of Florida on Tuesday, January 17. “I’m delighted to have Rachel Neis as the Klingenstein speaker because of her great ability to remind us that there is so much more to the world around us than we might have considered,” said Dr. Susan Marks, professor of Judaic studies and the Klingenstein Chair at New College. Neis is an associate professor of history and Judaic studies at Michigan and holds the Jean and Samuel Frankel Chair in Rabbinics. She has a Ph.D. in Jewish studies from Harvard University, a master’s degree in religious studies from Boston University, and a

law degree from the London School of said Neis awes her listeners by drawing Economics. on many, often unexpected, aspects of Neis said that the human as “image historic, social and communal relations of God” can form the basis of excluto help people understand rabbinic Jusions as much as they daism. can gesture to diversi“She pays particular ty. Ancient rabbis, she attention to gender and says, actually thought to the interactions of about the limits and cultures,” Marks said. makings of the hu“In her earlier work she man within broader uses Greek optics to considerations about explain rabbinic Judareproduction and speism. In her new exploracies hybridity. tion we see the rabbinic In her talk, she thought of the early cenplans to show the surturies of the Common prising ways in which Era serving as a mirror the early rabbis of the to our own time, as she Dr. Rachel Neis (photo courtesy of Mishnah created a unflinchingly examines Univ. of Michigan Frankel Center for Judaic Studies) “biology” that sought the fantastic twists and to determine the boundaries and the turns taken in the attempt to neatly overlaps between species. circumscribe identity in the midst of a This alternative Jewish approach complicated world.” to the human opens up possibilities for Dr. Neis’ first book, The Sense a more porous and varied approach to of Sight in Rabbinic Culture: Jewish bodily variation, and dovetails with inWays of Seeing in Late Antiquity (Camsights drawn from the fields of disabilbridge, 2013), offers a cultural history ity studies and animal studies, she said. of vision focusing on late antique rabNew College’s Professor Marks bis, other Jews, and other minorities living under Roman and Sassanian rule

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Experience Jewish heritage on Longboat Key through more than sixty stimulating programs and events throughout the year.

All events are $15 at the door and $10 with advance reservations Free admission to Temple Beth Israel members Thursdays, January 5, 12, 19 at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Steven Derfler “King Herod’s Ancient Role” When Herod became the Roman King of Judea in 40 BCE he imposed changes that “turned the world upside down.” Herod carried out the most massive building program in the land since King Solomon. Jerusalem was remodeled and the Temple virtually rebuilt. With the collapse of the Herodian Dynasty, the Romans made Judea a province. For the Jews, this was a case of going from the frying pan into the fire. They would revolt in 66 CE. Dr. Steven Derfler is recently retired from University of Wisconsin, he has lectured throughout the country and maintains associations with prominent institutions both in the U.S. and Israel. He has also served as the Minnesota Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee. Wednesdays January 18, 25 and February 1, 8 1:30-3:00 p.m. Rabbi Peter Kasdan “Not Random, Part of the Plan” The Pirkei Avot is one of the best-known, and most-cited, of Jewish texts. Even those who claim to know little about Jewish literature are familiar with maxims such as Hillel’s “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when? (1:14)” Pirkei Avot presents us with a series of ethical principles articulated by the Rabbis whose legal opinions appear elsewhere in the Mishnah. The Pirkei Avot thus serves as an introduction to the overall world-views of these Rabbis, whom we would otherwise know only through their legal rulings. In studying the Pirkei Avot we will not only attempt to understand what the Rabbis were saying two thousand years ago, but also try to see the relevance of their teachings in the context of our own time.

Sponsored by: Temple Beth Israel 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key www.tbi-lbk.org

To register Call the Temple Office: 941-383-3428 Ask about special incentives and introductory memberships.

in Palestine and Mesopotamia respectively. It won the Salon Baron Prize for best first book in Jewish Studies and an honorable mention for the Jordan Schnitzer Award for books published in Biblical Studies, Rabbinics, Jewish History and Culture in Antiquity in 2010-2013. It was just released in paperback format. Neis’ current research projects encompass ancient Jewish visual and material culture, minority spatial rituals in antiquity, comparative ancient law and legal theory, and ancient science. New College’s annual Judaic Studies Lecture is sponsored by the Klingenstein Chair of Judaic Studies and the Jay Rudolph Endowment. The lecture is named for Selma Klingenstein, who, along with her husband Paul, helped establish the Klingenstein Chair in Judaic Studies at New College in 2001. The 2017 Klingenstein Lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17 in the Sainer Auditorium, New College’s Caples Campus, 5313 Bay Shore Road (immediately south of the Ringling Museum), Sarasota. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

ight amazing honorees have been selected, from nominations by the community, for the fifth annual Eight Over 80 celebration on Sunday, February 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East. As the only event of its kind in this area, Eight Over 80 is a unique celebration that will recognize seven individuals and one couple, all octogenarians or better, who have demonstrated a legacy of leadership and community enrichment in the Sarasota-Manatee community. The honorees to be recognized at the celebration are Bob Bartner, Shirley Fein, Sydney Goldstein, Ron Greenbaum, Joelle & Jerry Hamovit, Philip Kotler, Arnold Schamban (of blessed memory) and Ed Winnick. The Jewish Housing Council Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Housing Council, which operates Aviva: A Campus for Senior Life. Formerly Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson, Aviva is the same not-for-profit campus and

remains committed to its Jewish values such as a reverence for life and a belief in its dignity. Aviva is Sarasota’s only rental senior living community offering the full continuum: Kobernick Independent Living, Anchin Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Benderson Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation. Proceeds raised by Eight Over 80 support programs and services for Aviva residents, families and the greater senior community. We wish to thank Premier Sponsors Isabel Anchin Becker, Benderson Development, Debbie & Larry Haspel, KBR Foundation, Ernest Kretzmer and Susan & Randy Mallitz; and Platinum Sponsors Gerard Daniel and Gulf Coast Community Foundation. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Scott Anderson, Vice President of Philanthropy, at sanderson@jewishhcf.org or 941.357.1609.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

January 2017

Kol HaNeshama’s Jennifer Singer to receive rabbinic ordination

ennifer Singer, spiritual leader of Congregation Kol HaNeshama, Sarasota’s post-denominational d synagogue, will reap the rewards of nintensive study and hands-on preparation when she receives rabbinic ordination from ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, on Sunday, January 15. The previous day she will be ordained as a nspiritual director. The two ceremonies will take d place at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield, Colorado, outside of Boulder. “We recognized in Jennifer Singer d ethe insightful intellect and joyful spirituality that are prerequisites for a rabbi drepresenting the revitalization of Judanism,” said Rabbi Marcia Prager, Dean eof the ALEPH Ordination Program. “Over the five years of her studies, she has demonstrated personal yand professional growth, particularly in creating innovative and accessible eprayer experiences,” Prager added. “It is with great pride and pleasure that I slook forward to taking part in her rabbinic ordination.”

Singer, who has worked as a Jewgrowing congregation. ish communal professional for more Singer came to Sarasota in 1998 to than 20 years, many of them in Saratake a senior position at the Sarasotasota, approaches the milestone of rabManatee Jewish Federation, where she binic ordination with a eventually served as mixture of fulfillment and interim executive direcexcitement. tor. Following a lifelong “I have had successful dream, in 2002 she encareers as a writer, teacher rolled in the Davidson and fundraiser, but nothSchool at the Jewish ing has been as rewarding Theological Seminary as studying to become a in New York, where she rabbi and serving as spiriearned a Master’s Detual leader of Congregagree in Jewish Education Kol HaNeshama,” tion. she said. She has taught exShe became actively tensively in Sarasota, Jennifer Singer involved with KH 10 years including for the Florago, when it was a newly forming conence Melton School of Adult Learning, gregation aimed at providing a warm and was one of the first teachers in the and welcoming setting for prayer, groundbreaking pilot Limudim prolearning and community. Initially the gram for emerging community leaders, congregation’s education director, she created by The Jewish Federations of eventually began leading services regNorth America. A contributor to the ularly. In 2013 she assumed the posisecond edition of the Limudim curtion of spiritual leader, responsible for riculum, she created a highly-regarded leading weekly services and providIsrael travel experience for Limudim ing education and pastoral care for the participants.

She worked for more than eight years as a major gifts fundraiser for the American Technion Society, and in 2015 joined the staff of Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast, where she serves as coordinator of the Jewish Healing Program. Singer began her studies toward the rabbinate by enrolling in the innovative Davvenen’ Leadership Training Institute in the summer of 2010. A year later she was accepted into the rabbinic track of the ALEPH Ordination Program. Maureen Binderman, co-president of Kol HaNeshama, said, “Our congregation treasures Jennifer’s leadership and is thrilled to share in her milestone achievement. We are also extremely pleased that her new status promises us many opportunities for growth and development.” A gala brunch to celebrate with and honor Singer is scheduled for Sunday, February 19. For more information, please call 941.244.2042 or email office@congkh.org.

Temple Beth El Bradenton honors Dr. Lois Gerber

amily, faith and education define the core values of Dr. Lois Gerber. She and her late husband, Dr. Murray B. Gerber, brought their family to Bradenton in 1973. Together, Lois and Murray, along with several others, founded Temple Beth El, the first synagogue in Manatee County. Lois’s distinguished career as an educator began serving as “Ms. Lois” in the television series Romper Room for WTEN in Troy, New York. She went on to teach in the classroom, and to develop instructional programs for students with learning disabilities for

the Ministry of Education in Israel, and appointments to many community lecture for a program for groups. Palestinian teachers at Ben Lois also helped Gurion University. to found the first ManAs an educational poatee County Hadaslitical activist, Lois has sah group and served served as a member of the as the past president Education Commission of for Temple Beth El the States, and as the Prifor six years. She and vate Sector Chair for the her husband ran the American Legislative ExHebrew school for change Council, as an apthe temple during the Dr. Lois Gerber pointee for Senator John first decade of the McKay to the State Charter School synagogue, with Murray acting as layReview Board along with many other rabbi for the temple.

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It is with great pride that Temple Beth El Bradenton will honor this talented and dedicated leader within the educational and Jewish community of Bradenton on Saturday, February 18 at Renaissance on 9th. Join us as we celebrate the synagogue’s anniversary and the life of Dr. Lois Gerber. For more information on this event and to learn about honoring Dr. Gerber in our gala journal, please call the TBE office at 941.755.4900 Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

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January 2017

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Taking Israel film to be shown at Temple Beth Sholom By Dan Boxser

SPONSORED BY

n the summers between 1988 and 2002, approximately 150 AfricanAmerican students traveled to Israel to experience the social, political, economic and cultural conditions of Israel and of the Israeli-Arab population. In celebration of Black History Month, The Boxser Diversity Initiative in cooperation with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) Manasota Branch, and the support of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, is bringing the documentary, Taking Israel, to Sarasota. The film will be shown at Temple Beth Sholom on Tuesday, February 7 at 6:15 p.m. Admission is free and open

to the public; donations are welcome. In addition to the film, the evening’s events will include a panel discussion with the participation of the film’s producer, the director, as well as one of the students who was part of the original program. A coffee reception will follow immediately after the program.” This program originated at Wilberforce University, in Ohio, the oldest historical Black University in the United States. The film traces the students’ journey in Israel, beginning with their three-week stay at kibbutz Ramot Menashe, located in northern Israel. This

is followed by their five-week community service project in the Jesse Cohen community in the city of Holon, at the time, one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. The trip culminated with a short-term course at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The audience will view the lives of Israeli and Arab citizens through the eyes of African-American students. They will understand the student transformation and the impact the program made on Israelis’ lives. The film will shed light on how this initiative allowed students to gain a deeper cross-

cultural understanding. The Boxser Diversity Initiative provides speakers, exhibits, and uses other methods of communication in Southwest Florida to support work on issues of nationality, religion and race to achieve fairness and opportunity for all. The mission of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History is to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community. The Manasota branch of ASALH is the largest branch in the United States. For more information, or to make a reservation, call the Temple Beth Sholom office at 941.955.8121.

Night of Eternal Light at Temple Emanu-El

emple Emanu-El was honored to host a major interfaith event on Wednesday, November 2, as Rabbi Abraham Skorka was presented with the 13th annual Eternal Light Award by the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies of Saint Leo’s University. Temple Emanu-El members, Cath-

olic friends and neighbors, and people of goodwill from all over Southwest Florida packed the sanctuary to hear Rabbi Skorka share his thoughts on the writings of Abraham Joshua Heschel as well as the story of his own life and work. Known as the “Pope’s Rabbi” for his friendship and collaboration with

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Pope Francis, Rabbi Skorka is rector of the Latin American Rabbinical Seminary and spiritual leader of Buenos Aires’s Benei Tikva community, and an honorary professor of Hebrew law at the University of Salamanca. His insightful words will be long remembered by all present. Also speaking was Dr. Susannah Heschel, a professor at Dartmouth College and the loving daughter of the late Abraham Joshua Heschel. Her talk combined keen intellect and scholarship with humor and affection. The evening was highlighted by

the presentation of the prestigious Eternal Light Award to Rabbi Skorka, and concluded with a prayer by Rabbi A. James Rudin. Also speaking were Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Saint Leo Professor Matthew Tapie. Abundant thanks were offered to cherished Temple Emanu-El members Morton and Carol Siegler for their central role in the special event, and to Barbara Gerber, Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman and Judy Dean for their help in coordinating this Night of Eternal Light!

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Temple Sinai welcomes you and your family  A congregational family that welcomes newcomers with a smile, open arms and open hearts.  A spiritual home for those searching to find 21st century meaning in an ancient tradition.  A participatory worship experience, created by our Rabbi and Chazzan, which blends uplifting Jewish music and contemporary liturgy.  Where passionate discourse and action mix with laughter and warmth.  Where relationships develop and friendships follow.

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Participants in the Eternal Light Award presentation ceremony included Saint Leo University President William Lennox, Jr., Bishop Frank Dewane, Rabbi Abraham Skorka, Saint Leo University Professor Matthew Tapie and Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman

Empowering troubled youth toward self-sufficiency By Sandy Chase

“

olunteer Extraordinaire” RogGED with online self-education. More er Stephenson, the recipient importantly, he demonstrates a mature of the Children’s Services sense of responsibility toward family Award (2014-2015), has been helpand society.” ing to perpetuate the JFCS mission by Notably, this student is the same mentoring McIntosh Middle School one who had been dismissed from (MMS) students who grapple with an school because of behavioral problems and was attending Triad, a disciplinary onslaught of academic and emotional challenges. institution working within the school system in conjunction According to Roger, with the Sarasota Sheriff’s who’s been affiliated with this program for eight Office. Even then, Roger was beyears, “Mentor and Mentee are matched by a JFCS ginning to make a difference in this youth’s life. Part of guidance counselor, a the Triad regimen is “Camp trained staff person housed at MMS who’s available X-Ray,” a day-long “boot camp” requiring strenuous for scheduled weekly sessions with the student.” activity and a visit to the jail. Roger Stephenson Ignoring the constraints of an “Mentors must be role obstacle course, Roger’s Mentee intermodels who are good listeners. The key is to befriend the student and create a rupted his progress in order to help a younger lad who had fallen and was relaxing break from the school routine and its distractions – all within a halfabout to fail. Enthusiastically, Roger says, “The Mentee was recognized for hour lunch break. Help a student think his compassion and courage to do the and act beyond the school confines to realize that parents, teachers and othright thing!” Why does Roger mentor? “How ers have their own lives, anxieties and concerns.” else can you help a student in the formative years? How else can you reach Although Roger deflects the out to expand the awareness and potenspotlight, his commitment contributes immeasurably to his Mentees’ tial of today’s youth and tomorrow’s adult? The benefits are mutual.” achievements, as exemplified by the following: “At the conclusion of an To become a JFCS Mentor, contact Cindy Underwood, Director of Voluneight-year mentoring relationship (beteer Services & Community Outreach, yond the JFCS program), a student is poised to graduate from high school at 941.366.2224 x143. with As and Bs or expected to earn his

January 2017

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.COM/JFEDSRQ

THE FEDERATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IMPACT

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Jewish journeys start here

THE FEDERATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

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Our Federation focuses on critical needs in our local and global Jewish communities. We identify, evaluate and address our priorities with unparalleled commitment, passion and sensitivity.

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Our responsibility is to ensure that needs are met, to create a strong, more vibrant Jewish community in Sarasota-Manatee and to foster and strengthen our connection to Jews in Israel and around the world.

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For more information, contact Howard Tevlowitz at htevlowitz@jfedsrq.org

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January 2017

THE FEDERATION’S IMPACT

STRENGTHENING JEWISH LIFE AND IDENTITY Through cultural and educational events, social programs, holiday celebrations and travel opportunities, our Federation works to provide opportunities for meaningful connections to enhance your Jewish life. We understand that living a Jewish life means different things for different individuals — for some, it means being an active participant in synagogue life, for others it means their weekly mah jongg game, enjoying a delicious Israeli meal or celebrating the holidays with family and friends. Working with our extensive network of community partners, we bring Jewish culture and values to Sarasota-Manatee through a variety of programs and venues. Our partnerships include Embracing Our Differences, Florida Studio Theatre, Perlman Music Program/Suncoast and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Our Federation is committed to offering programs geared toward youth and teens to foster and build their Jewish identities. Our PJ Library sends Jewish books and music each month to almost 80 families with children under the age of 8; the Shapiro Teen Engagement Program has engaged over 100 teens in the last three years, giving them the ability to learn about Israel, to connect with other Jewish teens and the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, Israel and Poland.

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Our Federatio community r with dignity. and Children financial assi managers exp aging Holoca and social ser such as the C

In addition to provide a Jew include socia programs tha national syste

When w our Fed assess their ho most a Federa raise fu homes Examples of programs that strengthen Jewish life and identity: •

Young Adult Division (for those in their 20s to 40s)

•

Fifty Shades of J (social events for those 50 and above)

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Club Fed (an active adult chavurah)

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Women’s Day (annual event for women)

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Cultural arts programs such as the Jewish Film Festival, Newcomers Reception, the upcoming Marc Chagall Exhibit at Selby Gardens, and Violins of Hope

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Subsidies for area teens to attend leadership and Israel advocacy conferences

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Support for Israeli shaliach, Oded Israely, who works with children of all ages, young adults and more

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Funding for a Hillel professional for college campuses in southwest Florida (in partnership with the Jewish Federations in Collier and Lee/Charlotte counties)

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Federation communications such as The Jewish News, Connections Magazine and social media outlets to help connect our constituents with Jewish activities throughout the community

•

Scholarships for children attending Jewish overnight camps

YOUR JEWISH JOURNEY STARTS HERE Whether your interest is Jewish need or fighting anti-Semitism, education or crisis relief, or defending Israel, we invite you to join us.

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Food

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January 2017

THE FEDERATION’S IMPACT

OVIDING FOR JEWS IN NEED

on works to ensure that those most at risk and in need in our receive the comfort and care they require in order to live their lives Our Federation provides over $200,000 annually to Jewish Family n’s Service of the Suncoast (JFCS) to fund staff and emergency istance for Jewish families in need. These skilled providers and case pertly care for the most vulnerable. We have a large population of aust survivors in our area; we ensure that they receive the medical rvices they need while also helping them with access to resources, Claims Conference.

enduring networks of social services in North America. With the help of our overseas partners, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the American Joint Distribution Committee, and World ORT, this network reaches at risk and needy Jews wherever they may be — the former Soviet Union, Argentina, Poland and more than 60 other countries. We are proud partners with All Faiths Food Bank’s (AFFB) Campaign Against Summer Hunger, which helped to feed more than 31,000 children in our area alone in 2016.

o services for those most at risk in our area, our partners at JFCS wish connection to many home-bound seniors. These services al gatherings, interactive programs and holiday celebrations — at simply wouldn’t exist without our Federation. Our Federation em continues to support one of the largest, strongest, and most

wild fires broke out in Israel in late November, deration system was there to immediately the damage, to relocate those who lost omes, and to address the needs of those at risk. Once the fires were under control, our ation joined with many across the country to unds to help challenged residents rebuild their s, schools and neighborhoods.

f programs that provide for Jews in need:

s on Wheels – delivering close to 100 meals each month

ect Light – hosting English as a second language (ESL) classes on our campus

d pantry at Wilkinson Elementary School (through a partnership with AFFB)

rgency financial assistance and holiday meals for Jews in need (through JFCS)

$73,000 in need-based scholarships for students at area religious schools over ast two years

$90,000 in need-based post-secondary education scholarships for Jewish students be disbursed in 2017

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January 2017

THE FEDERATION’S IMPACT

PROMOTE SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

b l

Unwavering support, advocacy for and education about Israel and her people is a cornerstone of our Federation’s mission. The Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative (IAI) was created to address a number of efforts both locally and abroad. These efforts include:

•

Advocating for peace and security in Israel through education, information and community awareness;

•

Raising awareness of, and actively confronting, anti-Semitism on a global level with special emphasis on college campuses;

•

Directly addressing anti-Israel activities in our local community.

Through the Heller IAI, our Federation has formed a coalition consisting of Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, members of the faith-based community, and public officials. We are able to call this group to action whenever Israel is in need. To connect our local community with the State of Israel, our Federation has sponsored four interfaith missions to Israel. To date, more than 70 clergy and non-Jewish leaders have participated on these trips and have returned to Sarasota-Manatee with a deep connection to Israel. As a result, these leaders have worked with our Federation to plan pro-Israel rallies, educational events and family programs to raise awareness of Israel and the issues surrounding her survival. Our Federation’s Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) is a giving society that empowers women as philanthropists and agents of change. Each of the more than 80 members donates $500 annually; all members receive an equal vote in deciding which Israeli nonprofit organizations that benefit women or children in need or at risk will receive their grants. Over the last three years, the WGC has granted over $88,000 to support projects in Israel that fight domestic violence, improve women’s health and protect at-risk children, among other projects. We have an active and cooperative relationship with Sarasota’s sister city, Tel Mond, Israel. Sarasota-Manatee teens have made annual visits to Tel Mond, allowing them to foster relationships and build long-lasting friendships with Israeli teens. This year, for the first time, fifteen 7th graders and two teachers from Tel Mond will visit the area for eight days. This visit, coordinated by our community shaliach, was made possible through a partnership between our Federation and the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School.

Other examples of programs that promote support for Israel: • •

FAST (Fighting Anti-Semitism Today) Committee Community Yom Ha’atzmaut family event

•

Federation’s Overseas Granting Committee, which distributed more than $1 million to non-profit organizations around the world in the last three years

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Grants of more than $100,000 to Birthright Israel in the last three years to fund Israel trips for young Jewish adults

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

January 2017

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We sing high and low in the Sarasota Jewish Chorale By Alan Rothman

n choir singing, there are typically four voice parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. When women go high, men go both low and high. While basses go low, tenors go high. Although smaller in number than women in the chorale, the bass part is often the foundation for harmony, and tenors have an important role in adding harmonic Alan Rothman color. The Sarasota Jewish Chorale bass section is led by original Chorale member Bruce Feldman, whose low, visceral voice adds a great foundation to our songs. The section also includes Irwin Jacobs, Gary Guyon,

Richard Gortz and newcomer Steve Howard. Gary is an organist and keyboard accompanist for the Jewish Congregation of Venice. Steve, from Wilmington, Delaware, is a classicallytrained trumpet player and is trying to form a klezmer band in the area. Richard, originally from the Cleveland area, is a percussionist and still consults as a labor negotiator. While the basses rarely sing melody, their low notes would be sorely missed. Tenors sing higher than basses and add a middle range to the pieces, and there is often a melodic interplay between high and middle voices. Our tenor section, which is often short on men, includes some women – like Sandra Evans and Priscilla Shore, one of the SJC’s founding members – who sing comfortably in that range, The anchor of our tenor section is Don Friedman, from Philadelphia and a former

administrator at Villanova University. The section is rounded out with Abe Zeewy and newcomer Cheryl Cohen, a dancer from Connecticut, whose first choir experience is with the SJC.

The Sarasota Jewish Chorale tenors and basses

Sarasota-Manatee Synagogue Council: Scholars-in-Residence for 2017 Jewish Congregation of Venice Beth Hamon Thursday, January 12 Saturday, January 14 Beth Hamon, daughter of night club musicians, is a music leader, cantorial soloist and Hebrew teacher at Havurah Sholom in Portland, Oregon. She will participate in a variety of music learning activities at JCV during her residence, including Torah study, co-leading services, bike ‘n’ learn, and a Havdalah Coffee House concert. Beth Hamon’s songs straddle the line between Jewish and secular themes of justice, hope, renewal and love. Last year she was selected by Forward as one of the top five New Voices in Jewish Music. For more information, call the JCV office at 941.484.2022. Temple Beth Israel Rabbi Jonah Pesner Friday, January 27 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, January 28 at 10:00 a.m.; and Sunday, January 29 breakfast at 9:30 a.m. Rabbi Jonah Pesner is the Director of the Religious Action Center (RAC) of Reform Judaism and one of the Reform movement’s outstanding scholars. Erev Shabbat: “Prophetic Power & Politics: How People of Faith Can Bring Healing & Justice to our World” Shabbat morning: Text study: “The Exodus: The Master Story of Social Justice” (followed by a light lunch) Sunday morning: “Islamophobia: Communities Coming Together Across Religious and Historical Lines” Reservations for the Sunday breakfast ($10) must be made through the temple office at 941.383.3428.

Temple Emanu-El Dr. Steven Windmueller Friday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, January 28 at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Steven Windmueller is Dean of the Los Angeles campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and has been named the Gottschaul Chair in Jewish Communal Studies by Rabbi David Ellenson, President of the CollegeInstitute. Dr. Windmueller holds a doctorate in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and has had more than thirty articles and monographs published. His Pewfunded research on the major national Jewish community relations agencies appeared in a recent publication, Jewish Polity and American Civil Society: Communal Agencies and Religious Movements in the American Public Square. Congregation Kol HaNeshama Rabbi Daniel Grossman Friday, February 3 at 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, February 4 at 10:00 a.m.; and at Havdalah on Saturday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Daniel Grossman is widely known for his work in the area of “Judaism and Special Needs.” He has worked for 25 years in the field of Jewish Special Education and co-wrote and participated in the video Someone is Listening, the story of a young deaf Jew and his search for fulfillment as a Jewish adult. Dr. Grossman and

The bass and tenor sections would love to have new members. For more information, contact Susan Skovronek, Manager, at asuskov2002@yahoo.com or 941.355.8011.

his wife Elayne also perform “Simon Tov,” an educational and entertainment program using sign language, mime, music and storytelling. Dr. Grossman is a graduate of Temple University, Mirkaz HaRav Kook in Jerusalem, and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Cong. for Humanistic Judaism Paul Golin Saturday, March 4, 10:30 a.m. Paul Golin, writer, speaker, advocate and consultant on the most important issues facing the organized Jewish community in America today is the new Executive Director of the Society for Humanistic Judaism. Combining the values of Judaism and recognizing that the responsibilities for putting those values in place lies in human hands is the cornerstone of Humanistic Judaism. Temple Beth Sholom Dr. Alan Cooper Friday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m. Shabbat dinner (reservations required for dinner); services follow. “Why Did God Flood the World?” The Rabbis turned the flood story into a valuable lesson about morality and human responsibility, but they also left the flood without any evident purpose aside from punishment. If the goal was

to improve human behavior, it was a failure. Perhaps a different interpretation is better? Saturday, March 18 at 9:00 a.m. Service, talk at approximately 11:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush lunch and Q&A session “Strange Stories about Moses’ Sons” – Traditional commentators try to assemble the scattered bits into a unified story, with results that can be surprising and even shocking. Temple Beth Israel Kallah Scholar Rabbi Uri Regev Friday, March 24 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. Rabbi Uri Regev is the founder and CEO of Hiddush – Freedom of Religion and Equality. Friday, March 24: “What is Happening in Israel Today: Israel’s Complex Ruling Coalition: Good or Bad News for Religious Freedom?” Saturday, March 25: “Modern Liberal Jews Re-Imagine the Future of Israel and the Jewish People” (followed by a light lunch)

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January 2017

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Request for nominations for 21st Annual Breaking the Glass Ceiling Awards

he Jewish Museum of FloridaFIU is seeking nominations for the 21st Annual Breaking the Glass Ceiling Awards to be presented on Sunday, March 26 in Miami Beach. From the submissions, the Breaking the Glass Ceiling Committee will select four women from around the state to receive the annual award. The award was established in 1995 by the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU (JMOF-FIU) to honor Florida Jewish professional women who have become successful pioneers in fields generally dominated by men. While this is not an award for community service,

the honorees must have demonstrated activities in the Jewish and civic community, and served as role models or mentors. More than 85 women have received this prestigious award to date, including women in medicine, banking, accounting, academia, politics, law, aviation, sports, journalism, arts, entertainment and more. If you know a woman who qualifies for this award, please log onto www.jewishmuseum.com, or contact Nancy Cohen at 786.972.3164 or nancohen@fiu.edu to obtain a nomination form. Nominations need to submitted to JMOF-FIU by Friday, January 20 at

JFCS tackles illiteracy

here are over 35 million people who cannot read beyond a thirdgrade level in the United States. While these numbers are staggering, they are unfortunately correct. In its ongoing commitment to help all people and create a better community, JFCS of the Suncoast is ready to fight the illiteracy crisis head on with its “TAKE A LOOK – BUY A BOOK – DONATE” campaign! “This campaign is designed to promote literacy among, pre-K through 5th grade, with special focus on helping low income and at-risk children,” said campaign founder Sheila Birnbaum. “Our goal is to provide at least one new book to more than 450 children served though Healthy Families/Healthy Fathers, Family Homelessness Prevention, Operation Military Assistance and school-based programs offered through JFCS. We believe that literacy is a skill best learned early in life, and the gift of a new book is an act of loving kindness

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which will help these at-risk youths learn to read.” The book collection takes place from February 1 through March 31. All children’s books should be new. No loose bindings. No textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines or almanacs. Books can be delivered to JFCS, Cindy Underwood, Director of Volunteer Services & Community Outreach, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. For more information, call 941.366.2224 x143. There is a measure of dignity attached to owning, enjoying and sharing books. Please ask your book clubs, friends, social clubs and family to donate a new book to the campaign. Thank you to the following organizations: University Park Country Club for conducting a book donation drive at its December 29 Hanukkah dinner National Council of Jewish Women for coordinating book donations Sarasota Library for its partnership and support as a collection site for the public to donate Selby Library Foundation Book and Author Event, which will be asking attendees to bring children’s books for JFCS on February 1

L’Chayim

5:00 p.m. You may submit more than one nominee. Nomination is an honor, but not a guarantee of final selection. In order to receive the award, recipients must be able to take part in the Glass Ceiling Ceremony at JMOF-FIU on March 26.

2016 winners: Lynn Leight, Ruth VanDyke, Wendy Mann Resnick, Karen Asher Cohen

Donors help area school purchase van

hanks to generous donors, the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School has purchased a van in order to serve as a mobile classroom, taking its students on the road for reallife educational opportunities. Lead donors are Ed and Betty Rosenthal, and Kira and Gennady Gekht. The mobile classroom van has been in heavy use since the beginning of the school year but was taken off the road briefly for a custom wrap job – parent Brad Mandell at DW Customs designed and donated the cost of the wrap. Community Day School’s unique, expeditionary learning curriculum features deliberately small classes, allowing its students to pursue their natural interests by connecting learning to real life experiences, both inside the classroom and beyond the walls of the school. Community Day partners with numerous area organizations in the

areas of Jewish learning, science, the arts, social services, philanthropy and more to provide students with handson, experiential educational opportunities. Up until this year, students have connected with the community predominantly through on-campus projects. In order to travel off site, parents have had to volunteer to drive students. “When students become engaged in a topic that can be explored more closely – and with greater interest – through a local resource, we are now able to load the kids into the van and go with minimal scheduling and coordination,” said Community Day head of school Dan Ceaser. “Many thanks to the donors who have made this opportunity possible.” For more information about the school, go to CommunityDay.org or call 941.552.2770.

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School students with Community Day head of school Dan Ceaser

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January 2017

JEWISH INTEREST

21A

The Wannsee Conference at 75 By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

ne of the most frequently discussed – and misunderstood – events of the Holocaust took place exactly 75 years ago this month. On January 20, 1942, in a home at 56-58 Am Grossen Wannsee, Berlin, formerly owned by a Jewish family, a group of high-ranking Nazi officials held a short conference in which they discussed the coordination and implementation of the “Final Solution of Dr. Paul Bartrop the Jewish Problem” – the coded phrase for the exterminae tion of all of Europe’s 11 million Jews. d The meeting was convened by Reinhard Heydrich, head of the Reich Security Main Office, or RSHA. Those attending were Heydrich (presiding), e Adolf Eichmann (RSHA, Unit IV B4), Alfred Mayer and Georg Leibbrandt (Ministry for the Occupied Eastern s Territories), Wilhelm Stuckart (Interi. or), Erich Neumann (Office of the Four d Year Plan), Roland Freisler (Justice), e Josef Bühler (Director General of the – Generalgouvernement), Martin Luther w (Foreign Office), Gerhard Klopfer and Friedrich Wilhelm Kritzinger (Reich Chancellery), Otto Hofmann (Race d and Settlement Main Office), Heinrich o Müller (RSHA), Karl Eberhard Schöngarth (Commander SD/SiPO Kraków) and Rudolf Lange (Commander SD e Latvia). Within this group of 15 men were numbered nine lawyers; eight of those attending had earned doctoral degrees. The German invasion and occupation of Eastern Europe presented a demographic challenge for the Nazis because of the large Jewish populations in those areas. By the end of 1941, the head of the SS, Heinrich Himmler, recognized that deportation and emigration were no longer adequate for the task of eliminating the Jews; he thus authorized Heydrich to create the bureaucracy and arrangements for the Final Solution, and it was the conference at Wannsee that dealt with these matters. Henceforth, Jews from across Europe were to be “evacuated to the East.” Those to be murdered included the Jews of Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and other places, both neutral and yet-to-be-occupied. The decision to annihilate all of Europe’s Jews had already been made during the late spring or early summer of 1941. No one can determine this with precision, but it is clear that the decision had nothing to do with Wannsee several months later. The purpose of the meeting was to further discuss and resolve questions regarding the execution of directives already made. Therefore, the conference was intended to move the process of death forward, beyond the work already being accomplished in Russia by the Einsatzgruppen (mobile killing squads). Accordingly, the delegates discussed whether or not there was a more “efficient” way to accomplish the core end of mass murder, meeting the organizational challenges of identifying, transporting, housing and eventually eliminating the European Jews. Among the discussion items stemming from this was the use of mobile gas killing vans and large-scale stationary gas chambers. The conference also established policies for the treatment of Jews who were of “mixed blood” (so-called Mischlinge), or in mixed marriages, using the Nazi racial laws set down at Nuremberg. Criteria were established for dealing with the Mischlinge, who were divided into a complex classification system based on “degrees” of “mixed blood.” Heydrich closed the meeting with

a call for cooperation among all ministries present, after which food and drink were provided. Several of the participants remained after the meeting broke up to socialize and enjoy good fellowship. Eichmann later related that the attendees were quite jovial, the liquor flowed freely and that the cakes were delicious. Heydrich toasted the successful outcome of the meeting with a glass of cognac. Eichmann was tasked with drawing up the protocols resulting from the meeting, and Heydrich ordered that they were to be carefully drafted using coded language and euphemisms. The result was a short summary document in which the purposes of the meeting were outlined, together with conclusions as to next steps. The resultant document was then edited by Heydrich himself. Thirty copies were made, and those who had been present were ordered to read over their copy and then destroy it. One, however, remained. In 1947, Martin Luther’s copy was located, enabling the story of the conference at Wannsee to be reconstructed. Then, at the trial of Adolf Eichmann in Jerusa-

lem in 1961, many of the tentative conclusions reached by earlier researchers were confirmed by Eichmann’s testimony. Soon after the conference, plans for what would eventually become the system of death camps went forward in earnest, and the deadliest phase of the Holocaust began. Today, the villa at Wannsee is a Holocaust memorial and museum, visited by hundreds of people every day. It was opened on January 20, 1992, the fiftieth anniversary of the conference. In view of this history, why is the meeting, as I said at the outset, so frequently misunderstood? It must be noted that the purpose of the meeting was not to discuss whether or not to implement the Final Solution, but, rather, to discuss the various and best ways of achieving the objectives of a Europe to be Judenrein (“Jew-free”). All too many people, beholding the horror of the meeting in which the fate of 11 million Jews was discussed, conclude automatically that it was here that the decision was taken for the Final Solution. It is, perhaps, a natural conclusion to draw, but it belies the fact that by

the time the meeting took place up to half-a-million Jews had already been murdered. All the Wannsee Conference did was to confirm and coordinate – in reality, to make more efficient – a situation of mass annihilation that was already well in train by January 1942. The bureaucracy of death, thus activated, became an unstoppable force that only the defeat of the Nazis in 1945 could defeat. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History and the Director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. He can be reached at pbartrop@fgcu. edu.

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January 2017

JEWISH INTEREST

Three kings, a mad princess, and their times reimagined in dazzling, expansive novel Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News The Secret Book of Kings, by Yochi Brandes. Translated by Yardenne Greenspan. St. Martin’s. 416 pages. Hardcover $26.99.

irst published in Hebrew in 2008, this is a book about the power of stories. It recognizes the truth that the stories we inherit are most often the stories of those who prevailed. We must understand that this aphorism includes the stories of the Jewish Bible. In retelling and reimagining these stories – the kingships of Saul, David and Solomon – author Yochi Brandes includes many Phil Jason scenes in which scribes are at work – or thought to be at work – writing and rewriting history. To the victors go the spoils of war – including having the final, authoritative word. That is, until the lines of power are rearranged and new versions of what happened replace older ones. But the older ones remain concealed only until they are needed again. And stories may be written, and purposely be concealed, for later revelation. “Stories are deadlier than swords. Swords can only harm those standing right in front of them, while stories determine who will live and who will die in future generations.” An official website for the book provides resources to foster complex reader involvement. Readers can discover “how the Bible’s stories as told in the novel are deeply rooted in the

Biblical text and also read the texts ty and arrogance, palaces differently from the perspective of and temples, frankness the Biblical author(s), as well as the and cunning, passion and perspectives of traditional interpretcoldness, tribe and naers. The resources presented here are tion, royal splendor and meant to aid interested readers in learnsimple family life. ing more about traditional and modern Though the author’s perspectives on the Bible, as well as to scholarly preparation, guide readers in comparing the Biblifueled by her imagical text with the book’s text.” nation, allows her to Two voices dominate this sprawlrecreate the lands, the ing epic. One is the voice of Shelopolitics, the genealomoam, a conflicted young man who gies, and the material grows up living in fear and enveloped and spiritual culture of these turbuby secrets. His true identity is a secret, lent times with great particularity, she and the one he is cloaked in is a fabristrives for and attains a welcome sense cation meant to protect him. The early of universality. story of Shelomoam, mainly provided Anyone who reads this book with in his own words, launches the novel. the concluding stages of the recent U. It is followed by one section of the S. political campaigns in mind will story of Michal, daughter find many parallels of King Saul and abanin the campaigns of doned queen of King Dathe ancient candivid. Once again, the main dates for kingship character is the narrator. and their subordiShe is soon identified as nates. Brandes makes the Mad Princess, and we a point of having her will discover why. characters reflect The novel continues on the stories they to alternate perspectives know, seeing paraland locations with a suslels in their own lives penseful building of stoto the stories about ry-telling rhythms. the patriarch generaThe cast of charactions, especially the Yochi Brandes (photo by Iris Nesher) ters is enormous, and rivalries within the the names of many are both strange to families. Parallels are also drawn to English ears and yet so much like other portions of the Moses saga. names that it’s sometimes hard to keep In other words, the more things all the character straight. However, the change the more they remain the same. situations and the emotions they proYochi Brandes is to be commendduce are always vivid and clear. The twists and turns of the plot spin around opposites: loyalty and betrayal, courage and cowardice, modes-

Spend the day in Naples and hear some fabulous authors. Special discount on tickets for groups of five or more. www.JewishBookFestival.org • 239.263.4205

E f ed for how brilliantly shei brings her characters tow life. Her penetration intoa

the longings, confusions,D deliberations and joyfulM moments of these charac-t ters is remarkable. Manyf undergo changes that arew convincingly motivateda though not predictable. Al-t most all the major figuresh are complex individuals whom the readers come toM know intimately. King Da-t vid is one particularly complex charac-J ter, but there are so many. J With the online supplementaryb material, this is a great choice for bookw groups. e Yochi Brandes was born in 1959d in Haifa to a family of Hassidic rab-Y bis. Earning her BA in biblical stud-a ies and an MA in Judaic studies,M Brandes taught bible and Judaism fori many years. She is the author of nov-D els and essays on biblical women – allm of them bestsellers in Israel. She hasa been awarded the Book Publishers As-c sociation’s Platinum Book Prizes forw seven of her books, including The Se-s cret Book of Kings, and the Steimatskys Prize for Akiva’s Orchard. She livese outside of Tel Aviv. Philip K. Jason is Professor EmeritusP of English from the United States Na-a val Academy. He reviews regularly fors Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World,p Southern Literary Review, and otherw publications. Please visit Phil’s web-i site at www.philjason.wordpress.com. w

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 • 11:30am - 2:00pm Kate Siegel, Mother, Can You Not? with Kate’s mom, Kim Friedman

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 • 11:30am - 2:00pm Memoir Jesse Itzler, Living with a SEAL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 • 1:00 - 3:30pm Fiction Alyson Richman, The Velvet Hours Ronald H. Balson, Karolina’s Twins

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 • 2:00 - 4:00pm Autobiography & mini-concert Steve Katz, Blood, Sweat, and My Rock ‘n’ Roll Years

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 • 7:00 - 8:30pm

Jewish Identity Amy Kurzweil, Flying Couch - A Graphic Memoir

MONDAY, JANUARY 23 • 1:00 - 3:30pm

January 5 - March 13, 2017

12 Events • 20 Authors

Holocaust Josh Aronson, Orchestra of Exiles Robert P. Watson, The Nazi Titanic

MONDAY, JANUARY 30 • 7:00 - 9:15pm Sports the 2ndof Annual Gary Belsky,Presents On the Origins Sports Jeff Margolis, Violence in Sports

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 • 1:00 - 3:30pm Memoir Judy Batalion, White Walls December MarchPromised 13, 2017 Noa Baum,13,A 2016 Land -Twice 12 Events • 20 Authors MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 • in 7:00 - 9:15pm All events take place Naples Memoir - LGBTQ These are just a few of the books Julie Tarney, My Son Wears Heels you’ll hear about at the Festival: Steven Gaines, One of These Things First

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 • 9:00 - 11:30am Cooking/Food Ina Pinkney, Ina’s Kitchen

THURSDAY, MARCH 2 • 1:00 - 3:30pm Debut Fiction Panel Victoria Kelly, Mrs. Houdini Jennifer Brown, Modern Girls Martha Hall Kelly, Lilac Girls

MONDAY, MARCH 13 • 1:00 - 3:30pm Humor

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January 2017

JEWISH INTEREST

Stars of David

Interested in Your Family’s History?

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. December Oscar Contenders Many films thought to be Oscar contenders open in December so they are fresh in the minds of Oscar voters when they start voting in January. Here are three such “Oscar-worthy” releases that may still be playing near you and have big Jewish connections. Jackie stars NATALIE PORTMAN, 35, as Jackie Kennedy. It centers on the most dramatic period of Jackie’s life – the time just after the JFK assassination. It’s almost a sure bet that Portman and others connected with the film will be Oscar-nominated. Portman has mastered Jackie’s distinctive voice: a mixture of a New York accent, finishing school diction, and a breathiness that reminds one of Marilyn Monroe. But her performance is far more than the voice. Top critic DAVID EDELSTEIN, 57, says Portman just nails “Jackie’s mix of slyness and shyness.” MAX CASSELLA, 49, co-stars as Jack Valenti, the LBJ aide who clashed with Jackie when she insisted that she would walk in the open streets with JFK’s casket as it was taken to his funeral. The screenplay, by NOAH OPPENHEIM, 38, has already won awards. Oppenheim has a foot in screenwriting and politics and that’s perfect for this film. A Harvard grad, where he sometimes wrote on Jewish issues for the Harvard Crimson, he went on to produce political talk shows like The Chris Matthews Show and Scarborough Country. Currently, he is senior producer of The Today Show (he’s the guy who fired Billy Bush).

Jackie is his first solo screenplay, but he has contributed to the scripts of two recent action films. The romantic musical La La Land has received major kudos from critics. The co-stars, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, were well-cast. They had real romantic chemistry in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011). When their La La characters meet, he’s a jazz musician working in dives and she’s an aspiring actress/ barista trying to survive. They fall in love, but as they become successful, that success starts tearing them apart. JASON FUCHS, 30, whose father was raised Hasidic, has a smallish supporting role. The film was written and directed by Damian Chazelle, whose best known for his 2014 film Whiplash, which won three Oscars. The main Whiplash character was a young Jewish jazz student. In 2015, Chazelle told the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles that his Catholic parents were dissatisfied with his Christian Sunday school and they sent him, instead, to Hebrew school for four years. About those four years, Chazelle said: “…I was very, very into Hebrew…and then I went with my class to Israel when we were in the sixth grade. I don’t think they even knew I wasn’t Jewish. I was, like, ‘passing.’” Chazelle met JUSTIN HURWITZ, 31, the La La Land film composer, at Harvard, and there they formed a nationally successful rock band. Hurwitz wrote 15 songs for La La and some are full production numbers. The lyrics for these songs were

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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. written by the team of Justin Paul and BENJ PASEK, 31. Pasek and Paul met at orientation at college and quickly hit it off, despite different backgrounds. Paul’s father is a Protestant minister and Pasek comes from a religious Jewish home. They’ve written several shows together, including the Broadway hit musical version of A Christmas Story. Oscar talk is in the air for the lead actors of Manchester By the Sea and for KENNETH LONERGAN, 55, the film’s director and screenwriter. Joe Chandler and his 16-year-old son, Patrick (Lucas Hedges), live just north of Boston. Joe suddenly dies and his will names his younger brother, Lee (Casey Affleck), as Patrick’s legal guardian. The modest monetary benefits that come with the guardianship persuade Lee to give up his dead-end job and come back home – even though it forc-

es him to deal with a tragic past involving his ex-wife (Michelle Williams), who lives in Manchester. Lonergan, whose mother was Jewish, has plowed this ground before. Most of his works begin with an unexpected event that forces a confrontation between close friends or family members. The confrontation always features dialogue that is smart, sharp and surprisingly funny. Lonergan’s first Broadway success, This is Our Youth (1996), was about three young adult Jewish friends who face a real crisis involving embezzled money, a possible mob hit on one, and the need to quickly raise cash through selling drugs. Still, there’s humor in the play. Likewise, his film You Can Count on Me (2000) was a critical hit about a “half Jewish” brother and sister who work to sort out their relationship after a crisis.

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24A

January 2017

JEWISH INTEREST

K’zohar Ha-Ivrit Be’er She-vah – An ancient city in Israel By Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin

f you are planning a trip to Israel, the city of Be’er Sheva should be a place to visit. Be’er She-vah is one of the oldest cities in the world (4th millennium B.C.E) and was a central locale to those who lived in southern Israel throughout history. Today, Be’er Sheva, the capital of the Negev, is a growing, thriving Dr. Rachel Dulin city with a population over 200,000. It houses the Ben Gurion University and other colleges, and it is home to a theater, light opera, the Negev museum, a symphony and an interesting archeological site. Biblical literature, which mentions Be’er She-vah 34 times, attests to the city’s importance for Israel from the

Patriarchal era and beyond. During the time of the Judges and the Kingdom (1338-587 B.C.E), excluding the reign of David and Solomon (10th century B.C.E), Be’er She-vah marked the southern point of Israelite habitation. Seven times in the Bible we find the phrase mi-Dan ve-ad Be’er She-vah, literally “from Dan (in the north) to Be’er She-vah (in the south),” a phrase that reflects Israelite demography during this long extended period. As for the meaning of the name, Be’er She-vah is a compound word. Be’er means “well,” and she-vah means either the number “seven” or the noun “oath.” Thus, Be’er She-vah means “the well of the oath” or the “well of seven.” The biblical writers recorded two interesting, yet confusing, stories by which the name Be’er She-vah was coined. According to the first story,

root. Through time, Be’er Sha-vah and Be’er She-vah were interchanged, yet survived the corruption due to the sacredness of the number she-vah (“seven”) and the importance of sha-vah (“oath”) in the Hebraic culture. Also, it seems that shiv-ah in the meaning of “oath” disappeared from use and remained only as the number seven (masculine) by the time the story was recorded. In either case, the ancient city of Be’er She-vah, which was named by both Abraham and Isaac, is a major place to visit while touring Israel. For Be’er She-vah connects us to our historical roots in the Land of Israel. Enjoy your trip! Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin is a professor of biblical literature at Spertus College in Chicago and an adjunct professor of Hebrew and Bible at New College in Sarasota.

The Kasztner Train – a story of Hungarian survival

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hey will be coming for us,” six-year-old Rifka Glatz’s mother told her. “If they come when I am not here, put on all of your clothes, pack your knapsack and wear your yellow star.” In a recent presentation at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, Rifka bluntly and graphically described her survivor experience. Before World War II, the Jews of Hungary lived comfortably, felt very assimilated and considered themselves truly Hungarian. They believed that what was happening to Jews in Germany could never happen in Hungary. Too late, after Rifka’s father was taken away to a labor camp, never to return, the family realized that indeed the unthinkable was happening. In 1944 “they came” for Rifka and her family, who ended up in Bergen-Belsen. As Rifka explained, a wealthy Hungarian Jew, Israel Kasztner, attempted to bribe Nazis to release Hungarian Jews from the camps. With his own funds and money raised from worldwide Jewry, Kasztner visited Adolf Eichmann in his office located in a deserted synagogue, and bargained with Eichmann to release Hungarian Jews. Eventually, over 1,600 women, children and old men were released. Kasztner, after much effort , raised a bounty of $1,500 per Jew, and then after more negotiation, got Switzerland to accept these Jewish refugees. Rifka believes that aside from the money, the Nazis were pretending to the world that Jews were being treated well.

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Abraham signed a treaty with the local southern king, which was sealed by an oath and an exchange of seven sheep, guarantying his right to waters of a well his servants dug. After the oath, Abraham named the well Be’er Sha-vah,” the well of the oath” (Gen 21:22-32). The second story relates a very similar scenario, only this time it was Isaac, Abraham’s son, who fought for the water rights. Here again, a treaty was sealed by an oath followed by a meal, reestablishing Isaac’s water rights. Isaac renamed the well shiv-ah, meaning “oath.” To reaffirm the name Abraham, his father, gave to the place, he called the city at the well Be’er She-vah, “the well of the seven” (Gen 26:26-33). Interestingly, the words shevah (“seven”), shiv-ah and sha-vah (“oath”) are very close in sound and

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Rifka Glatz shows photos from her childhood in Hungary to Ellen Granick and Henry Werner

Rifka’s group was sheltered in a luxury Swiss hotel that formerly hosted European royalty, now totally vacant during the war. Kasztner somehow arranged (perhaps by bribery) for the British, who controlled Palestine at this time, to allow the group to enter Palestine despite the British ban on immigrant Jews. However, families were broken up, separated for years in various hotels and kibbutzim. Following Israel’s independence, Rifka, her brother and mother were reunited to live safely as a family. After marriage at 19 to a fellow Israeli, Rifka moved with her husband to the U.S. Israel Kasztner continued his efforts to save Jews. He worked with a Nazi officer, visiting various concentration camps, bargaining with Nazi commanders not to send men to death in Auschwitz, but to allow the men to walk back to Germany for labor camp assignments. The lives of over 20,000 men were saved in this way, says Rifka. Unfortunately, Israel Kasztner was not so lucky when he himself finally arrived in Israel. In the early years of Israeli statehood, stories circulated about Kasztner’s wartime activities. Kasztner was described as a Nazi collaborator, tried, found guilty and jailed. Upon release, he was ambushed and shot to death by an Israeli. Several researchers have since reconstructed the activities of Israel Kasztner and honored him for saving Jewish lives, regardless of his methods. A book, The Kasztner Train, and a documentary movie, Killing Kasztner, have recorded Kasztner’s story. Eventually, the Israeli Supreme Court posthumously pardoned him. After speaking to the JCV group, Rifka displayed a large book, with blank blue and white striped covers, resembling a folded tallit. The text contains only one word – “Jew” – repeated six million times, page after page after page. The Title Page reads, “Every Single One was Someone.” As Rifka Glatz points out, our scriptures tell us that to save one life is to save the world. Had Israel Kasztner not been Jewish, Rifka comments, he would have been praised as a “righteous gentile.”

January 2017

JEWISH INTEREST

25A

Yemenite Israeli sister act creates stir in the Israel-Arabic speaking world By Arlene Stolnitz

o who is this Yemenite Israeli sister act? Their name is A-Wa (pronounced ay-way), Arabic slang for “yes.” They are the Haim sisters: Tair, Liron and Tagel. Their paternal grandparents are Yemenite g Jews who were brought to Israel in Operation s Magic Carpet in 1949. f That year, the y Imam of Yemen r agreed to allow 45,000 Jews living in his country Arlene Stolnitz to leave. Israeli and British transport planes airlifted mostly children to Israel in some 380 esecret flights, one of the most comfplex and dangerous missions, which nwas only revealed to the media several months after its completion. The family grew up in the remote southern village of Shaharut in Israel’s Arava Valley. The girls led a rather isolated, but idyllic childhood, often

visiting their grandparents in Gadera, a town in central Israel. Listening to the traditional lullabies sung by their grandmother and the Yemeni Arabic pronunciations of their grandfather, they loved the music “and the groove.” As we have seen in other cultures, religious music was a male domain. Women, who often were illiterate, created their own spirituality with secular folksongs. Passed down through the generations, their songs took on new inspiration from nearby kibbutzim. According to the sisters, they grew up in the desert where there were no borders and everything was open to their imagination. They dreamed big because they had nothing to lose. They took to the mountains where they sang to imagined crowds of fans! Over time, their songs took on new twists as they incorporated sounds they had listened to and admired. Sounds of jazz and popular American music were incorporated into the music they were composing and singing. Last year their songs dominated

the Israeli music charts, and they had the first Arabic-language song ever to hit number one. Tair, the oldest at 32, had earned a music degree and returned to her desert community inviting her sisters, Tagel, 26, and Liron, 30, to collaborate in the recording of YouTube videos of themselves singing original and traditional songs. Their demo was heard by a popular Israeli musical group, whose dance club bandleader liked what he heard. Soon the sisters joined the group on tour, playing throughout Europe and the U.S. They recently played in the “South by Southwest” Music Festival in Austin and the Krakow Music Festival. Since the debut of their video “Habib Galbi,” the sisters have appealed to a multitude of listeners which include a diverse following of fans. Their video, which can be seen on YouTube has had more than 5 million views. Opening with a shot of the vast Arava desert, the video depicts the three sisters singing while performing

mundane household tasks. In the next scene, the women are shown having ditched their drab garb and donned in glittering colorful abayas (robe-like dresses worn by some Muslim women) as they race across the desert in a white jeep! The sisters are proud of their multifaceted identity and never hiding it. In their own words: “We are very proud of who we are…I think it is very important for us to make music that anyone can enjoy with an open ear…someone who wants to listen to something that is new and fresh and to have fun…It doesn’t matter where it comes from. If it’s good, it’s good.” Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jewish Congregation of Venice. A retired educator from Rochester, New York, she has sung in choral groups for over 25 years and also sings in Venice’s Chorale (formerly Exsultate!). Her interest in choral music has led to this series of articles on Jewish folk music in the Diaspora.

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26A

January 2017

COMMENTARY

Election 2016: Lessons America must learn From the Bimah Rabbi Harold F. Caminker Jewish Congregation of Venice

he seemingly endless, interminable presidential election campaign of 2016 finally came to an end. Thank God. At this time, multi-faith clergy and lay leaders across the land are calling on every American to stand firm in our struggle to reassure the world that here

in the United States all people are created equal. Clergy and leading scholars of diverse faith traditions now stand together and condemn – with all our heart and strength – xenophobia, bigotry, misogyny and racism. These are seen as religious transgressions and contrary to what is right and good in our world. Furthermore, we condemn using bigotry, racism and xenophobia for political and personal gain. We are united as people of faith who know that our nation’s commitment to religious freedom, to pluralism, to civil rights and to welcoming strangers are the very attitudes that have always made America great. Our faith of Judaism underscores the common affirmation on which this coun-

try is founded: All people are created equal. We stand together with Christians, who see Christians persecuted in other countries. And with Muslims, who see Muslims targeted with stereotyping and hate speech. As Jews, we see Jews denigrated and diminished by deeply rooted hatred. We stand together with Sikhs and Hindus, and so many others, who are disparaged for their differences. We stand together as men and women who abhor sexual violence, and all violence. We stand together because we are the very stuff of the rich tapestry that is the United States. We stand together because we

Jewish values and American values From the Bimah Jennifer Singer Congregation Kol HaNeshama

t’s been a long time since I heard people debate whether they were American Jews or Jewish Americans. But recently, I’ve heard a great deal about American values and Jewish values.

More than anything else, we Americans cherish our individual rights. And chief among those rights are fairness and opportunity, freedom and independence, patriotism and service to country. In America, bigger is better, first is better than second place, and anything is better than last. And sometimes we contradict ourselves. We believe that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, and at the same time, we cherish privacy. We value equality, yet we admire the rich and powerful. We expect people to believe in God and yet we believe in separation of church and state. And while we like to root for the underdog, we love a winner.

Americans believe that hard work brings success, and idleness is a threat to society. We like people who roll up their sleeves and get things done. And while we are compassionate to those who are smaller, weaker and less fortunate, there is a tinge of judgmentalism mixed with our compassion. The Declaration of Independence states: “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...” And the Torah? “He has told you, O man, what is good, And what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk

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must. The election is over but We the People remain. If we are to look at ourselves in the mirror and face our congregations, our families and our neighbors, we must be able to say that we did all that we could to repudiate xenophobia, bigotry, misogyny and racism even when they were disguised as policy pronouncements, campaign tactics or casual banter. We call on all Americans to join as one in affirming what is right and good, and by rejecting what is wrong and reprehensible. We stand together. Stand together with us. Rabbi Harold F. Caminker serves at the Jewish Congregation of Venice.

humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) The difference between an emphasis on inalienable rights and an injunction to do justice illustrates the primary difference between Jewish values and American values. At their core, they come from entirely different perspectives. Jewish values tend toward the communal, rather than the individual. A friend recently told me about her first meeting with a rabbi to discuss converting to Judaism. After an hour together, the rabbi expressed concern that the woman had spoken only about herself. “I haven’t heard you use the word community,” said the rabbi. “If you want to be Jewish, you need to care about community.” Our tradition teaches that we need each other, that we are responsible for one another. When you ask a Jewish person about core Jewish values, you’ll hear well-known phrases: tikkun olam (healing the world), gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), tzedakah (righteousness), klal Yisrael areyvim zeh ba’zeh (all Jews are interconnected). As American Jews, we too believe in each person’s right to basic freedoms and limitless opportunities. We share the essential understanding that all people are created equal and have equal rights under the law. We too value life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And as Jewish Americans we understand our responsibility to make this world a better place, to fight for the rights of others as well as ourselves, and to right wrongs. Because we know that despite the promises of equality in our nation’s Constitution and legal system, injustice and inequality are everpresent. The Torah, which generally uses as few words as possible, is anxious to emphasize our responsibility to each other by repeating itself: Tzedek, tzedek tirdof, Justice, justice, you shall pursue. As we enter into the new year and a new administration in our secular government, may we remember to be guided by the values that our tradition has given us. Jennifer Singer will be formally ordained as a rabbi on January 15. She serves as the spiritual leader of Congregation Kol HaNeshama.

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

January 2017

COMMENTARY

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Jerusalem, capital of the State of Israel, affirmed or denied? By Rabbi Howard A. Simon

n October 26, the World Hericondemn UNESCO and the Jerusalem tage Committee of UNESCO resolution, saying that it strengthened approved a resolution that iganti-Semitism. nores Jewish ties to the Temple Mount. What the UNESCO committee The resolution refers to the Temple tried to do was deny the fact that JeMount exclusively by its Arabic name, rusalem has, since biblical times, been the Haran al-Sharif or Noble Sanctuthe capital of the country. In support ary. This action disavows of this desire, the grand the reality that two Jewish mufti of the Al Aqsa temples stood on that very loMosque asserted that cation and that Jerusalem has no Jewish temples ever been and is the capital of the stood where the Dome State of Israel. of the Rock now stands Israel feared that only a and that it has been a few of the 21 member states mosque, “3,000 years of the committee would abago and 30,000 years stain or oppose the text of this ago.” How strange resolution. However, much to this is since Islam was Rabbi Howard A. Simon the surprise of the UNESCO founded some 600 group, Tanzania and Croatia asked for years after the Christian belief that Jea secret ballot regarding the resolution. sus overturned the tables in the Jewish The result was that only 10 countries temple prior to the Passover holiday. voted for the motion, two opposed it, Further proof of the fact that the eight abstained, and Jamaica was abtwo temples existed in Jerusalem and sent and could not vote. Prior to this that Jerusalem is the capital of the vote, on October 19, the Czech RepubJewish State of Israel came when the lic’s lower parliament voted 119-4 to Israel Antiquities Authority recently

COMMENTARY BRIEFS ADVICE FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT: REWARD YOUR FRIENDS AND PUNISH YOUR ENEMIES

Dear President-Elect, the world is beset by a constellation of problems – international terrorism, rogue states, and a renascent expansionist Russia. You will not be able to democratize the Middle East or diplomatically “engage” your way with the Vladimir Putins and Ali Khameneis of the world. These are problems to be managed rather than solved. At least the Israelis, who have become masters of this art, can commiserate with your unenviable role. The only indigenous forces willing and able to take on ISIS and win are the Kurds. The Kurds are religiously moderate, politically centrist, and allergic to the kinds of paranoid conspiracy theories so tragically common in the Arab world. They’re more pro-American than even Americans, and they’re the best fighters in the region by far after the Israelis. They’ve wanted their own state for more than 100 years now, and they were promised one, too, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Under what theory do the Palestinians deserve their own state while the Kurds don’t? The Kurds are our best friends in the Muslim Middle East. They stand with us on every question that matters. It’s time to back the Kurds to the hilt and give them the green light to declare independence, partly because it’s the right thing to do, partly because we need their help and partly because it’s the smart move strategically. You could spend your entire presidency litigating every detail of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or we could skip all that and boil it down to its essence: The majority of Israelis have repeatedly elected prime ministers who are willing to sign on to a two-state solution, but the Palestinians haven’t. When a clear majority of Palestinians catch up to the Israelis, the conflict will end. You can try to force the Israelis to give up more than they already have, but it won’t do an iota of good if the Palestinian side remains rejectionist. In essence: Get real about Russia, finish off ISIS in Syria, back the Kurds to the hilt, downgrade rela-

tions with Turkey, repair our relations with Israel and crack down hard again on Iran. The first rule of foreign policy is that you reward your friends and punish your enemies. (Michael J. Totten, The Tower)

announced the finding of a document, written in ancient Hebrew script, that dates back to the seventh century B.C.E., during the period of the Kingdom of Judah. The discovered sheet of papyrus attests to the payment of taxes or the transfer of goods to a warehouse in the capital city of the ancient kingdom. The English translation of the text is: “From the king’s maidservant, from Na’rat, jars of wine, to Jerusalem.” What this means is that this document attests to the shipping of goods to the storehouse in Jerusalem, the capital city of the kingdom. Time and time again Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority, has denied the fact of Jerusalem’s major role in the life of our people and the development of the State of Israel. He wants the world to accept the belief that Jerusalem is a global city with a universal rather than a national identity. The Arab world shares this belief and aligns itself with the most ridiculous of statements trying to disprove the fact that Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish nation for centuries. Neither UNESCO nor the antiSemitic nations around the world can deny the reality of the archeological finds that take place on a regular basis in Israel testifying to the reality of Jerusalem’s place in the history of our people and our faith. Israel’s detractors can rant and rave, can pass resolutions all they want, but it will not change the fact that Jerusalem is the capital of

Israel now as it was in biblical times. Protest all you want, but the reality will not change. Two temples existed on the very spot of the Dome of the Rock, and those two temples, as well as the Western Wall of today, are irrefutable testimony to what Jerusalem is, and always will be – the capital of the State of Israel. Rabbi Howard A. Simon is the founding chair of The Robert and Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative. For more information about the Heller IAI, visit www.sarasotalovesisrael.com or contact Jessi Sheslow at 941.343.2109 jsheslow@jfedsrq.org.

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January 2017

FOCUS ON YOUTH

What does it mean to be a good citizen of the U.S.? C s

Education Corner

By Laura Freedman

very four years, America has a Presidential Inauguration held in January in our nation’s capital. As an educator, my thoughts turn to our young children and how to teach “citizenship.” What does it mean to be a good citizen of the United States? A child’s first experience of citizenship is their sense of belonging to their family. Their first teachers are their own parents. They learn by belonging to this small community and how to get along and connect to these very important people in their lives. Parents teach by example. Mothers and fathers model honesty, compassion, respect and responsibility while interacting with each other and their children and leading their everyday lives. Preschool and elementary school educators encourage good citizenship by establishing a set of classroom rules. Teaching strategies suggest inviting children to bring what they learned from their primary society to school to help create these rules that lead to an atmosphere of positive interaction within the classroom and how to get along as citizens of the same classroom. Teachers engage students in dis-

cussions that give their students an opportunity to share what they do and make their own choices. One might pose for the class a “what if” scenario that challenges the children to address issues that lead them to think deeper about right from wrong or compassion and empathy. These sharing sessions can develop a healthy sense of belonging to the classroom community. In school, students are taught about the greater community in which they live; how the city, state and country need these good citizens to work cooperatively to build a safe and well-functioning environment and society. They learn about the symbols of the nation and what they represent, such as the American flag’s stars and stripes and the Statue of Liberty. They are taught the reasons behind American holiday celebrations. The Fourth of July is not only about the fireworks. They should learn that we have ideals. Many have worked hard to ensure those ideals and our freedom, and they continue to do so. Recently, a parent shared with me a story of her son who is attending kindergarten this year in a public school. The child lived the first few years of his life in Israel, spoke Hebrew, and attended gan. His mother is American and his father is Israeli. When he turned three, his family moved to the United States. They enrolled him in The Gan preschool, and he was immersed in English. He learned to speak fluently and became bilingual, speaking both languages at home. He learned about Jewish holidays and secular holidays, and how they are celebrated in America. Just recently, the boy shared with his mother that when the class says the Pledge of Allegiance each morning in his kindergarten class, he whispers the motzi instead of reciting the Pledge.

This is a great example of why we must teach the meaning behind these activities, not just behaviors. We can help children develop a strong sense of what it means to be an American through teaching strategies that engage children with their personal prior experiences, how they decide

what they may do in certain circumstances, what they believe may be right versus what they believe is wrong, and how they belong among their peers and community. We are socializing kids into American citizenry. Laura Freedman is the director at The Gan at Temple Sinai.

Sarasota BBYO update

By Skylar Haas, Associate Regional Dir., North Florida Region BBYO

arasota BBYO had an incredible Fall 2016 term! For the first time in years the teens of Anachnu Tamid BBG and Achim AZA are meeting weekly on Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School. It is so exciting to have a place that the teens can consider a “home base” and be able to meet consistently to ensure strong and meaningful programming. During the Fall 2016 term the teens held various weekend social events including mini-golf, movies & tubies, bowling and potluck dinners. Teens in Sarasota attended regional events that

tied them to the broader Jewish youth community in Florida. They embarked on an afternoon yacht in Clearwater and roughed it at Camp Wewa in Orlando for a weekend of spiritual practice and exploration of their Jewish identity. The teens have some fun events to look forward to, including escape room challenges, sleepovers, movie nights and ice skating! If you are interested in finding out more about programming offered for Jewish teens in grades 8-12, please email me at shaas@bbyo.org.

Sarasota BBYO teens at a recent bowling event

January 2017

FOCUS ON YOUTH

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Community Day School students spread holiday cheer at Salvation Army

t d or 14 years, teacher Barbara d O’Brien has spearheaded an ans nual service learning project for students at her school, benefiting The eSalvation Army. This year, the first and second graders at the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School continued the proud tradition, raising $1,370, making goodie bags for children, and decorating the dining hall in order to support programs and spread Thanksgiving hcheer. d The planning of the project began r

for teachers O’Brien, Dani Williams and Jodi Behrenfeld before the school year began and evolved as the year progressed. Funds were raised through the school-wide collection of change, a donation drive and yard sale, and a lemonade stand. The final fundraising total impressed the teachers and Salvation Army representatives alike. “This project really seems to plant a seed for community service at a young age,” said O’Brien. “It leaves an indelible memory and spirals into a les-

son of compassion. I have past students return who still talk about this amazing experience.” On November 18, students and teachers visited The Salvation Army to present the check and drop off the goodie bags. While they were there, they decorated the dining hall with a tree with leaves painted with messages of encouragement and love, and a “Happy Thanksgiving” banner. Sharna Rozin from The Salvation Army spoke about the work of the organization and explained how the donation would be used to help get people off the street. For more information about Community Day School, go to Community Day.org or call 941.552.2770.

Students Meyer Volpert, Avery Carver, Grayson Miller and Emily Gutierrez with the Hope Tree they helped to create and decorate

(Front row) Community Day School students Sophia Levin, Nathaniel Parrott, Zadie Jacobs-Carlson, Paxton Miller, Max Lirio, (back row) Chris Johnson, director of program services for the Salvation Army, and teachers Dani Williams, Barbara O’Brien and Jodi Behrenfeld

! N I E

Jewish Studies • Project-based Learning • Purposeful Diversity Individualized Attention • Robust Arts Program Daily Outdoor Activities • Healthy Lunch Program

O T E

TIM

Ensuring that tomorrow’s leaders have the knowledge, skills and global perspective necessary to create a more peaceful, just and compassionate world.

V I D

CALL US FOR A TOUR TODAY!

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

www.CommunityDay.org

JEWISH CAMP INCENTIVE GRANTS The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, in partnership with local philanthropists, provides incentive grants for Jewish children from Sarasota and Manatee counties to attend not-for-profit Jewish overnight camps.

APPLICATIONS OPEN: NOVEMBER 1, 2016 THRU JANUARY 31, 2017 A limited number of need-based scholarships will also be available this year.

For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at Aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308

Apply Online at

JFEDSRQ.org/Camp

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

Hillel of Florida Gulf Coast University and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee STEP Program cordially invite you to

l e l l Hi Shabbat

at Florida Gulf Coast University

Who’s Going to Give

Friday, February 24, 2017 4:00 PM until 10:30 PM

$90,000 to a Bunch of

Students

FREE for Jewish high school students • Kabbalat Shabbat led by Hillel • Yummy catered dinner • Hear from college students about Jewish life on campus • Fun ice breakers and activities • Bus transportation provided! (Bus departs Federation Campus at 4pm sharp, and returns by 10:30pm)

FEDERATION IS!

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee will award more than $90,000 in education scholarships for the 2017-18 school year. Application Window January 1 thru April 14, 2017

Space is limited; RSVP Today! JFEDSRQ.org/Events Event sponsored by:

For more information contact: Andrea Eiffert at aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308

INFO/APPLICATION ONLINE

JFEDSRQ.org/Help/EducationScholarship

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308

The Jewish News is also available online. Visit The Jewish News page at www.jfedsrq.org and you’ll be just one click away!

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January 2017

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Temple Sinai has a new youth group for children in grades 3-5

By Deb Bryan

emple Sinai has a new youth group this year. Kesher is for students in grades 3-5, and their first event of the year kicked off in the sweetest of ways. “Apple-Dipping Time” was attended by 36 of Temple Sinai’s youth. Oded Israely, a shaliach in Sarasota on a grant from The Jew-

ish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, attended and talked about Rosh Hashanah in Israel while getting to know everyone. A few weeks later, the Kesher group got together again and went roller skating. This time, they started a mitzvah project, which will continue

Temple Sinai youth group members with Rabbi Michael Churgel (above left) and Youth Group Director Deb Bryan (above right)

throughout the year for all three Temple Sinai youth groups (SAFETY, JOOSY and Kesher). They will support the Animal Rescue Coalition, and the items donated will go to this Sarasota agenKyle Tufariello, Ella Collier, Jacob Rosenberg, Liya Elan, cy, whose programs Eitan Elan and Maya Gordon with their award-winning apples from “Apple-Dipping Time” are “designed to reduce overpopulation, provide emerplanned and implemented by our hardgency veterinary care, and arrange fosworking SAFETY Board: Josh Cohen, tering and adoptions.” President; Gwyn Tusia, Programming The “Hamentashen Bake” will Vice President; Lila Marlowe, Relitake place in February, and youth gious and Cultural Vice President; and group members will bake delicious haBen Quale, Membership Vice Presimentashen. They look forward to shardent. New this year is our Eighth Grade ing them with their families as well as Representative, Liya Elan. personally delivering them to residents If you have questions about SAFEin assisted living facilities. TY, JOOSY or Kesher, please email me All of these events and more are at dbryan@sinaisrq.org.

Temple Emanu-El welcomes new students at Simchat Torah and consecration celebration

imchat Torah certainly lived up to its name as a source of rejoicing and happiness for Temple Emanu-El members and guests of all ages – but especially the youth and families! – on Friday night, October 28. In a much-anticipated annual ritual, an entire Torah scroll was unrolled around the sanctuary; congregants of all ages helped hold the holy scroll as Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Assistant Rabbi Michael Shefrin and Director of Education Sabrina Silverberg led the Torah blessings and recited the last words of the Torah – recounting the death of Moses – and its opening verses, describing the first days of Creation. Everyone then joined in dancing with the Torah scrolls as the temple choir sang a delightful medley of holiday songs. A centerpiece of the Simchat Torah celebration was the consecration

of 23 wonderful new religious school students, who were called to the bima by Sabrina Silverberg and Religious School Chair Dr. Michelle Mallitz for a special blessing. The students received mini Torah scrolls to mark the occasion. Welcoming so many new students was a very special way to honor the Torah’s commandment to teach its words to our children and to all future generations! Students who will be having their B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies in the com-

ing year were also honored, and each received a personal prayerbook with a cover handmade by Sandy Ainbinder and Joanne Maguire. It was truly a night of joy! For more information about Temple Emanu-El Religious School, please call 941.378.5567 or send an email to teers@sarasotatemple.org.

New Temple Emanu-El Religious School students Norah Damroth and Abi Lauber share a seat and a smile

u Yo

ilies fam g n

are invited t

o at

te n

Tu B Shevat AT MIXON FRUIT FARMS

Advice from a Tree Stand

tall and proud Go out on a limb Remember your roots Drink plenty of water Be content with your natural beauty Enjoy the view

Celebrate Tu B’Shevat with a tour of the orange grove and wildlife rescue, games and playtime, plus bagel brunch and yummy fruits. EVENT IS FREE | LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE | REGISTER EARLY Check-in starts at 10:45 a.m., with tour starting promptly at 11. For more information, contact Rabbi Elaine Glickman at elaine-glickman@comcast.net or 941.379.1997 PLEASE REGISTER AT: JFEDSRQ.org/Events

Presented by the PJ Library of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee in partnership with Temple Emanu-El

NDS GIVE BACK MONDAY IC E JANUARY 16 10:30am-Noon

SMA

New Temple Emanu-El members Rachael, Joseph, Jacob and Brooke Feldman celebrate Consecration together

Saturday, February 11, 2017 2525 27th St. E, Bradenton, FL

V R MLK DAY OF SE

For more information, contact: Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org Melissa Werbow at 941.552.2770 or mwerbow@communityday.org

PRESENTED BY THE PJ LIBRARY

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

in partnership with Community Day School and Aviva: A Campus for Senior Living

Young Families are invited to come together for a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day at Aviva: A Campus for Senior Living 1951 Honore Ave., Sarasota

Participate in child-friendly service projects for the Sarasota Fire Department, Safe Children Coalition, and Kobernick residents. Enjoy PJ Library story time and song session with Jeremy Dictor and Oded Israely. Bring a gently worn stuffed animal or children’s book to donate to Safe Children Coalition project.

RSVP at JFEDSRQ.org/Events

January 2017

LIFE CYCLE

Please submit your life cycle events (births, B’nai Mitzvah, anniversaries, weddings) to

ANNIVERSARIES

60th Harry & Barbara Lifsec Temple Emanu-El 60th Hannah & Jack Michelson Temple Sinai 35th Dr. Sheldon & Joyce Paley Temple Emanu-El

35th Alan & Cindy Silverglat Temple Emanu-El 35th Alene Wendrow & George Neidich Temple Sinai

B’NAI MITZVAH

Eden Rose Glickman

Dillon Rosenthal, son of Shana & Marc Rosenthal, January 7, Temple Emanu-El Shmuli Steinmetz, son of Rabbi Chaim & Sara Steinmetz, January 7, Chabad of Sarasota Eden Rose Glickman, daughter of Rabbis Elaine & Brenner Glickman, January 14, Temple Emanu-El Jonah Schildkraut, son of Adam & Melissa Schildkraut, January 21, Chabad of Sarasota April Guttman, daughter of Cindy & Mo Guttman, January 28, Temple Sinai

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Sarasota-Manatee Chevra Kadisha TAHARA

jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Photos are appreciated; email as JPGs at 300ppi.

admin 941.224.0778 men 941.377.4647 941.484.2790 women 941.921.4740 941.349.3611 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237

IN MEMORIAM

Louis T. Davis, 86, of Bradenton, formerly of Lincolnwood, IL, November 4 Allyson Galer, 31, of Sarasota, November 6 Stanley Machenberg, 92, of Sarasota, formerly of Stamford, CT, November 10 Harvey Rothenberg, 91, of Sarasota, November 3 Murray Seitman, 89, of Sarasota, formerly of New York, November 15 Adeline (Addie) Silverman, 96, of Sarasota, November 17 James B. Simmons, 87, of Sarasota, November 14 Howard Robert Snow, 91, of Sarasota, November 13 Howard E. Wolff, 95, of Venice, November 14

in Loving MeMory STAY CONNECTED

Addie’s contributions to The Jewish News and Connections were priceless. Addie was the best proofreader an editor or writer could ever wish for! She will be sorely missed.

pinterest.com/jfedsrq STAY CONNECTED

STAY CONNECTED

– Ted epsTein, ediTor

s many in our Sarasota-Manatee community know, we lost our beloved Adeline Silverman in December. Addie was an integral part of The Jewish News team for many years. As our primary proofreader, she spent many hours working to ensure that our newspaper was a top-notch publication. Addie dedicated her life to the Jewish community — whether in her home state of New York, here in Sarasota-Manatee, where she spent many happy years, or to her beloved Israel. She served on too many committees to list, she raised tremendous amounts of money for organizations such as Israel Bonds and Hadassah, and she never said ‘no’ when her community needed her. Our Jewish News family is saddened by her loss; she will forever be missed.

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twitter.com/jfedsrq

During times of neeD for generations Jewish members of sarasota & manatee County Communities have turneD to toale brothers.

Gerry Ronkin

Jewish Family Coordinator OFFICE

— With infinite gratitude — loCally owneD & operateD for over 100 years

3 generations of toale family management

941-955-4171 CELL

941-809-5195 www.ToaleBrothers.com

FUNERAL SERVICES

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Or give it to a friend to read and ask them to recycle it. You can also read The Jewish News online at www.jfedsrq.org.

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January 2017

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The Lovers by Marc Chagall, courtesy of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem © 2016 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris The Lovers by Marc Chagall, courtesy of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem © 2016 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

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

Serving our community since 1971!

Published by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee www.jfedsrq.org

January 2017 - Tevet / Shevat 5777

Volume 47, Number 1

Jewish Happenings SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 Chanukah Shabbart Enjoy the Festival of Lights through expressive movement, storytelling, sand and musical arts on Siesta Key Beach from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Featured artists include Joan Davidson, Susan Slack, Diana Daffner, Heidi Shira, Rabbi Goldie Milgram and Julie Schechter. This free, open-to-the-public celebration is co-sponsored by the Association of Professional Jewish Artists and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. For more information, contact Kim Sheintal at klapshein@aol.com. SPONSORED BY

COMING SOON

VIOLINS

HOPE S A R A S O T A

FEBRUARY 1, 2017

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 Education scholarship application opens Online application opens for The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Education Scholarship Program. Over $90,000 in scholarships are available to local students with financial need planning to attend college, university, technical or vocational programs in 2017-2018. Applications are accepted through Friday, April 14 at 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org. Apply online at: https://jfedsrq. org/help/educationscholarship.

OPENING NIGHT

SPONSORED BY

Violins of Hope

The Len Mazur MeMoriaL ConCerT Featuring soloist Shlomo Mintz and live music provided by members of the Sarasota Orchestra

Wednesday, February 1, 2017 • 8:00pm r itz -C arlton , s arasota $54.00 | $36.00

Family Films & Foods Day Start off the year enjoying selections from dozens of family films and an array of healthy foods. The Al Katz Center has a large film library with educational and inspiring films on Jewish history, the Holocaust, Israeli history, Jewish comedy, children’s stories, holidays and much more. Play age-appropriate board games for children and adults, read our library books, enjoy seeing the Al & Sophia Katz Jewish Art Gallery exhibits, and listen to a variety of Jewish music tapes. Join us from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher refreshments with vegan options provided. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

For tickets go to JFEDSRQ.ORG/violins-of-hope or call 1.866.465.3995 For details of all Violins of Hope events, see the ad on page 5B

“New Year’s Romance on the Piano” Celebrate the New Year with soulful classical music by internationallyacclaimed Russian-Israeli piano virtuoso Eleonora Lvov. Eleonora is the winner of many prestigious competitions and a popular recording artist and teacher. She plays romantic works by Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, Albeniz and Gershwin. Experience this luminous, boldly emotive pianist with staggering technique who emanates ardent passion and spirituality through music at 4:00 p.m. at Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St. W., Bradenton. No RSVP required. Donations requested. For more information, call 941.358.0235 or visit www.eleonoralvov.com.

The average age of a first-time victim is 11 to 14 years old.

83% of

sex trafficking victims in the US are US citizens.

Human Trafficking Awareness Program Human Trafficking is an NCJW national and statewide priority. Southern Florida and the bay area rank third in the country for the number of vulnerable victims, particularly children and teens as young as 11, who are being trafficked into prostitution and indentured services.

FELDMAN W E A LT H A D V I S O R Y

Join us for this important community awareness program to help eradicate this modern-day form of slavery.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 7 p.m.

JOSEPH M. FELDMAN, CFP®

at the Beatrice Friedman Theater on the Federation Campus

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PROFESSIONAL

941.260.9174

JFELDMAN@FELDMANWA.COM

INVESTMENTS

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FINANCIAL PLANNING

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SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH VALMARK SECURITIES, INC. MEMBER FINRA, SIPC. INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH VALMARK ADVISERS, INC., A SEC REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISOR. 130 SPRINGSIDE DRIVE, AKRON, OH 44333. 800-765-5201. FELDMAN WEALTH ADVISORY, LLC IS A SEPARATE ENTITY FROM VALMARK SECURITIES, INC. AND VALMARK ADVISERS, INC.

RSVP to JFEDSRQ.org/Events or 1.866.465.3995 This event is co-sponsored by... Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

For more information, contact NCJW at 941.342.1855

Jewish Happenings specifically for families and youths are easily identified with the event descriptions in red type.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2017 TUESDAY, JANUARY 3

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

Torah & Tea

Holocaust Lecture Series

Join Chanie Bukiet in her home for a weekly dose of delicious tea and refreshments, and learn about Tanya, the mystical psychology of the soul. Gatherings take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. For more information, call Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030.

Dr. Andre Krauss will discuss the different approaches portraying the Holocaust in film – from documentaries to feature films. Join us at 10:00 a.m. in the Hecht School on The Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $18 for the entire series. Seating is limited. Register at 866.465.3995 or online at jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Orna Nissan at 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

SPONSORED BY

Temple Emanu-El “Lunch with the Rabbi”

“King Herod’s Ancient Role”

Are you looking for a great lunch date? Temple Emanu-El welcomes you to our signature monthly program of lunch, socializing, and discussion of current events and subjects of Jewish interest with new and old friends. This promises to be another wonderful “Lunch with the Rabbi” featuring Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Assistant Rabbi Michael Shefrin. All are invited at noon to Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Please bring a brown-bag lunch – homemade dessert and terrific company are provided. For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

Dr. Steven Derfler brings great insight to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Recently retired from University of Wisconsin, he has lectured throughout the country and has served as the Minnesota Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee. This class will focus on the changes Herod imposed as the Roman King of Judea in 40 BCE – changes that “turned the world upside down.” His empire included the most massive building program in the land since King Solomon and remodeled the capital of Jerusalem. This Rabbi Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism class meets at 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays, January 5, 12, and 19 at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Free for Temple Beth Israel members; for nonmembers, $10 per reserved session or $8 each for five or more sessions; $15 at the door for non-reservations. For more information, call 941.383.3428.

Temple Sinai’s Brown Bag Lunch Temple Sinai had a longstanding tradition of its rabbi hosting a Brown Bag Lunch on Wednesdays. Rabbi Churgel will honor this practice of inviting congregants and guests to bring their own lunch and deliberate “worldly events” and other topics of interest among friends. Participants are encouraged to introduce their own ideas for discussion, analysis and or debate. This free event begins at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 4, 11, 18 and 25 at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter off of Proctor only, between Beneva and Swift). For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

Devastating Illness?

HELP IS HERE!

MEDICAL SUPPORT COUNSELING

Guidance and Counseling for Patients and Families Dealing with Serious Medical Conditions A-6.16.qxp_Layout 1 6/23/16 12:18 PM Page 1

Andrea Feldmar, L.M.H.C. | (941) 208-2606

5104 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Suite 105, Sarasota, FL 34234 20 Years Experience Andrea@AndreaFeldmar.com

SAVANNAH GRAND

ASSISTED LIVING RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

A Wonderful Part of Our Savannah Grand Team Tracy Ann Green We’re proud to acquaint you with a familiar face that is a part of the exceptional staff at Savannah Grand. Our Resident Relations Coordinator has a wealth of experience in senior healthcare spanning two decades and is a trusted friend and associate of many in the Sarasota area. You can count on Tracy Ann’s knowledge and empathy to assist you with quality senior living solutions for you or your loved one. You’ve seen her throughout our community and now you can find her helping seniors and family members with important choices everyday. Stop in and say hello, call to schedule a personal appointment or make time for lunch with Tracy Ann. She’s a great part of our Savannah Grand team!

“If you don’t mind being treated like a king or queen, then this is the place for you!” The team at Savannah Grand has been an integral part of the prestigious South Sarasota community for over two decades. This elegant, yet affordable, assisted living residence offers an exceptional design including a lovely central courtyard and inviting common areas, along with a warm and comfortable atmosphere. With services including restaurant-style dining, scheduled transportation, innovative activities, housekeeping and laundry services and much more, its a lifestyle where you’ll feel like royalty every day. We invite you to find out more about carefree assisted living at Savannah Grand.

SaraMana ORT installation with genealogy program SaraMana ORT will have its installation followed by a genealogy program at The Ranch Grill, 14475 SR 70, Lakewood Ranch (Lorraine Road is the cross street). Come at 6:00 p.m. to socialize and order a bite to eat. Come at 7:00 p.m. for the installation and genealogy program (Genealogy is Fun – Let’s Learn the Basics) by Kim Sheintal. Members and guests are invited. For reservations, please email Joan Goodis at jgoodis@gmail.com.

Sarasota Jewish Chorale rehearsal schedule The Sarasota Jewish Chorale will be rehearsing every Thursday during the month of January, from 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. at the Hecht School on The Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. We welcome people of all faiths who love the joy of singing to learn about our Chorale. For more information or to attend a rehearsal, please call Susan Skovronek at 941.355.8011. The Chorale performs throughout the area in synagogues, schools, churches and other venues. To arrange for a performance, call our booking manager, Phyllis Lipshutz, at 941.924.6717. For more information, visit www.sarasotajewishchorale.org or check us out on Facebook.

“Introduction to Judaism” Rabbi Michael Sternfield will be conducting a 14-week course along with other community rabbis on Judaism. This course is open to everyone who wants to learn more about their religion, those who are not of the Jewish faith that would like to learn more about Judaism, those in a marriage to a Jewish partner or marrying a partner of the Jewish faith or interested in looking into conversion. These free classes begin at 7:00 p.m. and will last about one hour, and take place every Thursday in January at Temple Beth El Bradenton, 4200 32nd St. W. It is not necessary to attend all classes. For more information, please call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

44th Annual Art Festival Beth-El January 28, 29 and 30, 2017

www.ArtFestivalBethEl.com

Temple Beth-El

400 Pasadena Avenue S., St. Petersburg, FL 33707

(727) 347-6136

Original artwork by over 150 award-winning artists including paintings, ceramics, glass, wood, jewelr y, photography, and sculpture

plus Syd Entel Galleries of signed, limited edition prints

Lisa Norris

Christine Hempel Todd Babb

Linda Hughes

Saturday, January 28 / 7 – 10 pm:

Elegant preview reception; admission $25 per person at door

Sunday, January 29 / 10 am – 5 pm:

FrEE ADMISSION; Avenue of Shops, Light lunches available to purchase

Monday, January 30 / 10 am – 5 pm: FrEE ADMISSION; Avenue of Shops

ASSISTED LIVING RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

7130 Beneva Road • Sarasota

11:00 am: Entertainment in the Sanctuary 12:30 pm: Gourmet Luncheon – $20; reservation needed 2:00 pm: Docent Tour Like us on

www.artfestivalbethel.com SPONSORS

941.927.0404

SavannahGrandSarasota.com Assisted Living Facility License No. 8636

Steve Raymund

Jason Weisenfeld/Goldman Sachs

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2017

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6 Prayer Class Join Rabbi Mendy Bukiet for a Prayer Class on the how to’s, why’s and what’s of prayer. Classes take place from 11:00 a.m. to noon on Fridays, January 6 and 20 at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Admission is free. For more information, call Rabbi Mendy at 941.752.3030.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

Enjoy our Jewish programs in January, February and March 2017

Explore Kabbalah

SPECIAL ONE-TIME THURSDAY PROGRAM

Examine the relevance of the world’s oldest spiritual wisdom. Explore the ancient teachings of the Kabbalah and their application on a practical level. Gain access to the most powerful spiritual system ever known to humankind. Join us for this free class at 9:30 a.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. For more information, contact Rabbi Sholom Schmerling at rabbi@chabadofvenice.com.

Screening of Menachem & Fred The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (which meets at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota) will screen Menachem & Fred (Documentary, 2008, 90 min.) at 10:30 a.m. Fred Raymes died in 2013. He had been a longtime dedicated CHJ member, Holocaust survivor, and co-author of a memoir written with his brother, Are the Trees in Bloom Over There? The book’s title came from a line his mother had written to her sons while she was in a concentration camp. The documentary subsequently won the Cinema for Peace award in Germany in 2009. The film accompanies the brothers on an emotionally charged journey through which an unexpected relationship develops with the son of the Nazi who deported their family. Cost: free for CHJ members; $5 for nonmembers. Registration is required. Mail to CHJ, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231. For more information, visit chjsarasota.org or call 941.929.7771.

Thursday, January 12 • 11:00am–12:30pm STEVE JOBS PRESENTS Israel, Apple and the Entrepreneurial Spirit

Join Steve Jobs (Dr. Ken Hanson using Steve’s persona) as he shares the transferable lessons to be learned from the State of Israel’s “modern miracle.” This semi-theatrical presentation includes amazing graphics and video. Ken Hanson, Ph.D.

ONE-TIME LECTURES TUESDAYS, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

February 28

W The Ravensbruck Archive at Lund University Library Richard Ohlsson

University on Wheels Patron Party

March 7

W Daily Life in Biblical Israel

Meet and greet Brandeis visiting professor of music, Dr. Paula Jo Musegades. Her course list includes: Rock and Roll in American Culture, American Music from Psalms to Hip Hop, Hearing American Cinema and Film Music of the 20th Century. The event takes place from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. at a private home on Bird Key. Sponsor levels: $36, $72, $100. For more information, contact Marilyn Blankman at blankman.marilyn@ gmail.com or Ann Friedman at annfriedman43@hotmail.com.

Kadima Ice Cream Social The Kadima youth group is having an ice cream social from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 South Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Members and nonmembers in grades 6-8 are welcome for dessert and short films. Cost: free for members; $5 for nonmembers. For information and to RSVP by Tuesday, January 3, contact Kelly Nester at knester@temple bethsholomfl.org.

Elizabeth-Bloch Smith, Ph.D.

Mondays

From The “Final Solution” to New Beginnings to Ongoing Conflict—The Holocaust, Israel and The Middle East Thomas O. Hecht, Ph.D. January 9 and January 16 ............. 11:00 AM–12:30 PM

Tuesdays

The Royals of Ancient Israel Rachel Zohar Dulin, Ph.D. January 10 – January 31 ............... 9:00 AM–10:30 AM

Wednesdays

The Mystery of Job and Hidden Wisdom from The Kabbalah Ken Hanson, Ph.D. February 1 and February 8 ........... 1:00 PM–2:30 PM

LION OF JUDAH & POMEGRANATE

Two Thousand Years of Anti-Jewish Enculturation and the Genesis of Nazi Anti-Semitism Andre Krauss, Ph.D. February 15 and February 22 ..... 3:00–4:30 PM

L U N C H E O N

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017 Featuring BELLA MEYER

Granddaughter of Marc Chagall The Great Room at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 11:30am Reception • 12:00pm Luncheon

COURSES

Thursdays

Jewish/Israeli Film Festival Susan Goldfarb & Guest Facilitators February 2 – March 9...................... 2:15 PM–5:00 PM

Fridays

Jewish Masters—The Art of Louise Nevelson and Frank Gehry Kevin Costello January 6 and January 13 ............. 3:00–4:30 PM

PE R F O R M I N G A RT S

Showcasing Original, Powerful, One-Woman Shows

Friday, February 17 • 3:00 – 4:30 PM BASHERT — SOME THINGS ARE MEANT TO BE Do you believe in destiny? Enjoy a funny, touching musical.

Lynne Bernfield

Friday, March 24 • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM GOLDEN ROADS: A Musical About Golda Meir Sharon and David Ohrenstein

For prices and a brochure listing over 175 adult enrichment courses, lectures and special events call 941-383-8811 or visit www.lbkeducationcenter.org

5370 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE

(IN THE CENTRE SHOPS OF LONGBOAT KEY) THE LONGBOAT KEY EDUCATION CENTER, IS NOT-FOR-PROFIT, 501 (c ) (3) EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION. To learn more about the Lion of Judah and Pomegranate, please contact Ilene Fox at 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org

www.lbkeducationcenter.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2017 SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

MONDAY, JANUARY 9

Babyccino

Defiance

This new program at Chabad ventures out into a place where motherhood and childhood happily intersect, creating and offering ways to engage both parents and children at the same time. Babyccino provides a chic meet for mod moms and their tots, and features centers for creative art and expression, Judaic discovery, music and movement, sensory stimulation, dramatic play, parallel play, and social interaction. Babyccino takes place on Sundays, January 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per class or $250 annually. For more information, call Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030.

Join us for a free screening of Defiance, the film about the Bielski brothers. In 1941, Nazi soldiers are slaughtering Eastern European Jews by the thousands. Three brothers, Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber) and Asael (Jamie Bell), manage to escape and take refuge in the forest where they played in childhood. Seeking a way to avenge the deaths of their loved ones, the brothers turn their daily struggle for survival into a battle against the Nazis. As news of their exploits spreads, others join the fray, willing to risk their lives for even brief freedom. The screening begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter off of Proctor only, between Beneva and Swift). To register, call 866.465.3995 or visit jfedsrq. org/events. For more information contact, Debbie Sanford at dsanford@ jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0033.

University on Wheels Enjoy a topical talk by an outstanding Brandeis professor and a continental breakfast. Dr. Paula Jo Musegades (see January 7 listing) will present “Music From Hollywood Movies – a Spotlight on Aaron Copland.” She will compare films clips of Aaron Copland’s five celebrated Hollywood scores with those of his contemporaries to show how Copland changed the sound of Hollywood’s soundtrack with his fresh and original film compositions. The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Prestancia Country Club, 4409 Tournament Players Drive, Sarasota. Cost: $25 for Brandeis National Committee members; $30 for guests; $50 for Patrons. For more information, contact Barb Sander at neverbetter@aol.com.

Chalutzim visits Stardust Skate Center Join Chalutzim for a party at the Stardust Skate Center from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Chalutzim is a youth group open to all students in grades 3-5. Drop off will be at the Temple Beth Sholom Moadon (youth lounge) at 1050 South Tuttle Ave., Sarasota; pick up at Stardust Skate Center, 2571 12th St., Sarasota. Pizza will be served. Cost: $10 for members ($15 for nonmembers) with their own skates, and $13 for members ($18 nonmembers) needing a skate rental. For information and to RSVP by Tuesday, January 3, contact Jessica Zimmerman at jessica.zimmerman12@ncf.edu.

Jo Ann Goldwater Art Show Opening Reception Wildlife photographer Jo Ann Goldwater inaugurates her one-woman art show, “Birds of Florida: Wildlife Photography on Longboat Key,” with an opening reception at the Al & Sophia Katz Jewish Art Gallery, with the exhibit extending throughout January. Jo Ann’s artworks have been exhibited in the United States and Canada, dramatically depicting the wildlife of Longboat Key. Jo Ann’s versatility includes her lectures on Jewish and Holocaust sites in Latvia and Lithuania – where she has traveled and photographed numerous times – and her presentations on Jewish genealogy. Join us from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Donations greatly appreciated. For more information, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Bridge...

Anyone?

The Bridge Group meets Thursday afternoons from 1:00–4:00 pm on the Federation Campus (582 McIntosh Road). Open to intermediate and advanced bridge players.

For more information

SPONSORED BY

D E L E C N CA

“613 Mitzvot: Countdown” Learn the wonders of the 613 mitzvot that form the ethical, religious and moral foundations of an active Jewish life. This course will focus on many of the mitzvot that are the most meaningful and sometimes the least understood of the 248 positive Commandments and 365 negative Commandments that comprise the world’s first monotheistic religion. Biblical citations are provided for each mitzvah. This course provides a solid framework for everyone interested in Judaism. Classes meet at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays through March at The Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy foods and discussion materials included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Meet the Author Luncheon Meet Ronald Balson, author of Once We Were Brothers, Saving Sophie and his latest novel, Karolina’s Twins. His books will be available at the luncheon, which begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Meadows Country Club, 3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota. RSVP to this SaBra Chapter of Hadassah event by Monday, January 2. Send your check for $40, payable to SaBra Hadassah, to Marilyn Stark, 122 Altesino Court, Venice, FL 34292. Indicate your choice of entrée: salmon or vegetable quiche. For more information, contact Marilyn at 941.925.1852 or 16Pilcher@gmail.com, or Cheryl at 847.736.4907 or cheryl@nightbeam.com.

KLWR L’chaim Monday The Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch invites you to our continuing L’chaim Monday programs. We will be discussing some interesting facts about the Jewish calendar. Come and learn a fact or two that you do not know about our calendar or share something you do know. Join us at 7:00 p.m. at The Windsor, 8220 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch. For more information, call 941.281.2587 or email info@kehillahoflakewoodranch.org.

Israeli Folk Dancing at Temple Emanu-El Whether you are an experienced Israeli dancer or have never danced a hora, Temple Emanu-El warmly invites you to fun, lively evenings of Israeli folk dancing in a friendly, spirited environment. We’ll learn dances during the first half of the evening, and then practice and dance together. Dances are a mix of slow and fast, circle and line, and partners are not needed. Sessions are held the second Monday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: Free to Temple Emanu-El members; $5 donation requested for guests. For more information, call Kathy Rance at 941.223.6503.

For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jfedsrq.org.

call Bob Satnick at 941.538.3739

Sig nU Her p e

Sarasota Concert Association • 2017

Bringing You World Renowned Musicians

Stay up-to-date on: • Events • News • Opportunities in the SarasotaManatee Jewish Community

Osmo Vänskä

Conductor, Minnesota Orchestra

Jan. 9 • Minnesota Orchestra Jan. 30 • National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine Feb. 22 • Apollo’s Fire March 16 • Royal Scottish National Orchestra March 30 • Sergei Babayan & Daniil Trifonov wusf Public Media

All concerts at Van Wezel, except for Feb. 22 at Riverview PAC.

Single Tickets & Subscriptions

941-225-6500 • www.scasarasota.org

DON’T MISS OUT!

Registering for The Jewish Federation’s weekly email newsletter means you won’t miss out on important community information. Get updated EVERY Thursday! Sign up at JFEDSRQ.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

CLUBFED

January 2017

VIOLINS

Lecture Series

JERUSALEM: 3000 YEARS OF HOLINESS Presented by Dr. Steven Derfler

8 1 $ S E I R E S E ENTIR “Ten measures of beauty were descended upon the world by God; Jerusalem received nine of them. Yet ten measures of sorrow were visited upon the world by God as well: Jerusalem received nine of them…” according to the Babylonian Talmud. This incredible city is truly the foundation stone of the world’s great western religious traditions.

THE NATURE OF JERUSALEM IN ITS PHYSICAL SETTING

JERUSALEM OF JUDAISM

S A R A S O T A

FEBRUARY 1–16, 2017

OPENING NIGHT*

Violins of Hope – The Len Mazur Memorial Concert Featuring soloist Shlomo Mintz, and live music provided by members of the Sarasota Orchestra Wednesday, February 1, 2017 • 8:00pm *Limited number R itz -C aRlton , S aRaSota of tickets remain. $54.00 | $36.00

A Conversation with Amnon Weinstein and James Grymes Opening by Perlman Music Program/Suncoast Alumni Monday, February 6, 2017 • 7:00pm R iveRview P eRfoRming a RtS C enteR Sponsored by Jewish National Fund $12.50 in advance or $15.00 day of event

Featuring State College of Florida’s Presidential String Quartet Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 7:30pm n eel P eRfoRming a RtS C enteR Sponsored by Bradenton Herald $10.00 in advance or $15.00 day of event

JANUARY 10, 2017

Community Outreach Performance

JANUARY 31, 2017

10–11:30am – JERUSALEM OF JUDAISM

FEBRUARY 21, 2017

10–11:30am – JERUSALEM OF CHRISTIANITY

MARCH 7, 2017

10–11:30am – JERUSALEM OF ISLAM

JERUSALEM OF ISLAM

HOPE

Jerusalem began as the City of Ophel of the Jebusites, was occupied by Rome, invaded by crusaders, and today is the capital of Israel. The Jerusalem of antiquity was home to the ancient Israelites who worshiped at Solomon’s Temple. Explore the city’s long religious legacies, from its historical roots to today’s modern Hekal Shlomo Synagogue. Learn about the setting of the city during the time of Jesus. See how Christian traditions developed in Jerusalem, changed over the centuries, and are observed today. During the 7th century CE, the Caliph Omar ruled Jerusalem, protecting the holy site where it is written that the Prophet Muhammad rose to heaven, came face to face with God, received the teachings of Islam, and brought them home. The Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque mark that spot today, and Arabs still refer to Jerusalem as Al Kuds, or “The Holy.”

10–11:30am – THE NATURE OF JERUSALEM IN ITS PHYSICAL SETTING

JERUSALEM OF CHRISTIANITY

All lectures to be held at the Bea Friedman Theater, on the Federation Campus

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 • 10:30am t emPle B eth i SRael Sponsored by Bob and Judy Vigder $12.50 in advance or $15.00 day of event

Community Outreach Performance

Community Outreach Performance Featuring Perlman Music Program/Suncoast Alumni Monday, February 13, 2017 • 7:00pm f iRSt U nited m ethodiSt C hURCh Sponsored by Robert and Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative $12.50 in advance or $15.00 day of event

CLOSING NIGHT

Featuring Perlman Music Program/Suncoast Alumni Thursday, February 16, 2017 • 7:00pm t emPle B eth S holom Sponsored by The Mazur Family Fund $12.50 in advance or $15.00 day of event

For tickets go to JFEDSRQ.ORG/violins-of-hope or call 1.866.465.3995

Violins of Hope Sponsor

thE MazuR faMiLy funD

Music Sponsor

bEtty sChoEnbauM

To purchase tickets visit jfedsrq.org/events or call 1.866.465.3995 For more info contact Debbie Sanford 941.706.0033 or dsanford@jfedsrq.org

Federation Torch Sponsors

DaviD anD EDiE ChaifEtz | LEon R. anD MaRgaREt M. ELLin founDation RobERt anD EsthER hELLER isRaEL aDvoCaCy initiativE | Lois stuLbERg

Gold Sponsors

KatEs founDation | Joan anD baRtRaM LEvEnson | nanCy anD Ray swaRt

Bronze Sponsors

thE aCKERMan gRoup | aviva | JEwish nationaL funD uDELL assoCiatEs

Hospitality Sponsor

hyatt REgEnCy saRasota

Educational Resources Inc.

Bringing peoples, cultures and faiths together through education

Lead Corporate Sponsor

Media Partners

thE obsERvER gRoup | sCEnE MagazinE bRaDEnton hERaLD

Sponsored by JCC Association’s Making Music Happen Centennial Grant Initiative, funded by a grant from Marvin J. Pertzik and the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation ( list in formation)

941.371.4546 Klingenstein Jewish Center • 580 McIntosh Road • Sarasota, FL

jfedsrq.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2017

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10

RINGLING COLLEGE L I F E L O N G L E A R N I N G AC A D E M Y

Club Fed Lecture Series – Jerusalem: 3000 Years of Holiness Join us for lecture #1 – The Nature of Jerusalem – at 10:00 a.m. on The Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $18 for the entire series. Register at 866.465.3995 or online at jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Debbie Sanford at dsanford@jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0033. SPONSORED BY

Human Trafficking Awareness Program The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and NCJW will jointly present a program on Human Trafficking Awareness. A video that is geared to reach young teens will be shown. Camille Chapman of SPARCC will be guest speaker. Distribution of bi-lingual (English/Spanish) information cards, Q&A and dessert reception to follow. This free event begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on The Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Register at 866.465.3995 or jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, call 941.342.1855. SPONSORED BY

2017 WINTER TERM JANUARY 9-MARCH 3 REGISTRATION NOW UNDER WAY • 2-8 session courses • Full and half-day workshops • Academy Talks • Lectures and Einstein Circle discussions • Academy Adventures REQUEST OR VIEW A CATALOG OR REGISTER ONLINE OR BY PHONE: WWW.LLA-SM.ORG • 941-309-5111

Caffeine for the Soul Join Chabad Jewish Center of Venice’s unique book club for women. Get your weekly social and spiritual boost over roundtable discussions led by Chaya Rivka Schmerling. Delve into the book for this year, Toward a Meaningful Life by Rabbi Simon Jacobson. This free event begins at 10:00 a.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. For more information, contact Chaya Rivka at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

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 SarasotaManatee and in Israel. Bring your needles or crochet hook and a favorite pattern – we’ll supply the yarn and great company. We meet at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, email Susan Bernstein at susanhope22@comcast.net.

“Disarmament of the Jews” located on the campus of TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS THEY HELP MAKE THE JEWISH NEWS POSSIBLE

Throughout history, Jews have been denied their rights to own weapons to defend themselves, their families, possessions, businesses and homes, rendering Jews easy prey for pogroms and other anti-Semitic actions. In 2015, the president of the European Jewish Association futilely pleaded with the EU to “allow designated people in the Jewish communities and institutions to own weapons for the essential protection of their communities.” Once again, millions of Jews face imminent daily dangers, being effectively defenseless against attacks. This class takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31 at The Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy foods and discussion materials included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Reel Fun Movie Night – Hunting Elephants

JOIN US FOR

International Holocaust Remembrance Day This year’s program honors the rescue of Jews by Albanians

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

AMBASSADOR FLORETA FABER Embassy of the Republic of Albania

Sunday, January 29, 2017 3:00 p.m. Beatrice Friedman Theater, Federation Campus

THIS IS A FREE EVENT

FEATURE FILM Film: Rescue in Albania A documentary film about the Jewish rescue in Albania during World War II as told by Jewish survivors.

ENTERTAINMENT Albanian Heritage Foundation of Tampa Dancing Group EAGLES will perform traditional Albanian dances.

Penniless, after the death of his father, a 12-year-old Israeli boy decides he wants to rob a bank with a team of unlikely senior citizens and a penniless English Lord. Enjoy this lively film with delicious home-baked desserts and coffee, followed by a brief discussion. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Rd. Cost: $3. For more information, call the JCV office at 941.484.2022.

Rosh Chodesh Society course: “Simple Truths” Join the Rosh Chodesh Society for its third class of the year with a refreshing look on how to handle everyday simple questions. Women are invited to learn pivotal Jewish insights for a more centered life. “Simple Truths” will help guide participants through life’s many bumps and struggles. The course begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Cost: $75 (textbook included) or $18 per class. Rosh Chodesh Society members receive a $5 discount. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030.

Stay connected @ www.jfedsrq.org

Advocates in aging® Law Office of

Ira Stewart Wiesner free 30-minute consultation

Please Register for This Event at

JFEDSRQ.org/Events or call 1.866.465.3995 For more information, please contact Orna Nissan: 941.552.6305 onissan@jfedsrq.org

Board-Certified Specialist in Elder Law Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

941-365-9900 | www.wiesnerlaw.com

At Advocates in Aging, it’s not just about the law, it’s about the people. 328 North Rhodes Ave. | Sarasota, Florida 34237 | advocates@wiesnerlaw.com

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2017

FA S H I O N

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 Fifty Shades of J

at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU! Hot Couture: Florida Jews on the Fashion Scene, 1800s - Today

This is an opportunity for singles and couples to meet new and old friends. Ages 50 and over are welcome. Join us from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at El Greco, 1592 Main Street, Sarasota. Register at 866.465.3995 or online at jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Debbie Sanford at dsanford@jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0033. SPONSORED BY

(On view through November 5, 2017)

Sponsored by Perry Ellis International, Robert Arthur Segall Foundation, Elliot Stone & Bonnie Sockel Stone, Kenneth & Barbara Bloom, Marla Schaefer & Family, Olem Shoe Corp., Civie and Earl Pertnoy Family Foundation Merle & Dan Weiss, Abby Schaefer, Varat & Singer Families, Isabel Bernfeld Anderson, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

“How Yiddish Songs and Synagogue Melodies Influenced Tin Pan Alley and Hollywood” Based on a book by Jack Gottlieb and the instructor’s personal experience as a performer in the American Musical Theatre, this class examines the deep influences that Jewish musical modes, melodies and motifs have had on America’s popular musical entertainment culture. From Broadway to Hollywood and from Gershwin to Porter, Jewish musical themes are at the core of many popular staples of American music. Many songs and song recordings will be deconstructed to reveal their Jewish roots. No previous musical knowledge is required. This class begins at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 11, 18 and 25 at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter off of Proctor only, between Beneva and Swift). Cost: free for members; $36 for the series for nonmembers. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

Stitching History From the Holocaust (On view through March 19, 2017)

An original exhibit created by and on loan from Jewish Museum Milwaukee. Sponsored by Funding Arts Network, Robert Arthur Segall Foundation, Elliot Stone & Bonnie Sockel Stone, and Kenneth & Barbara Bloom.

jewishmuseum.com • 305-672-5044

2 - for - 1 admission with this ad SMJN

Book review and discussion

August Wilson’s

PIANO LESSON

THE

Bethamy Weinberger will review two books about Hasidism in America: All Who Go Do Not Return: A Memoir by Shulem Deen, about his gradual departure from life in the American Hasidic sect into which he was born and the personal price he had to pay; and The Pious Ones: The World of Hasidim and Their Battles with America by Joseph Berger. This free program is open to the public and begins at 1:15 p.m. in the Band/Desenberg Chapel at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 South Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Light refreshments will be served in the Chapel lobby before and after the program. For more information, call Arlene Hamburger at 941.921.2554.

International Jewish Film Festival Join Rabbi Michael Sternfield and the Temple Beth El family for a screening of The Garden of the Finzi-Continis (Italy). This film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1972 along with 10 other international awards. Come early as Rabbi Sternfield will thrill us with his culinary delights as we enjoy a wonderful meal in keeping with the theme of the film. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El Bradenton, 4200 32nd St. W. Cost: $9. For more information and to reserve your spot, call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

“Read it in Hebrew”

Jan 11–Feb 18, 2017 “Piano Lesson, The” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. Originally presented at National Playwright’s Conference of The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center.

For tickets! 941-366-1505 OR

westcoast

black

westcoastblacktheatre.org

theatre

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture, and the State of Forida.

troUPe

Join us for a five-session Hebrew reading crash course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute. The first two lessons focus on the letters of the Hebrew alphabet while the last three lessons introduce vowels and teach students how to read words. With flashcards portraying the letters alongside catchy mnemonics that make the information memorable and easy to digest, “Read it in Hebrew” allows students to absorb information quickly and efficiently. The class meets from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on five Wednesdays at Chabad of West Bradenton, 3611 Southern Pkwy. W. Course fee: $25. To register or for more information, contact Rabbi Zev Steinmetz at 941.735.9049 or rabbi@chabadofwestbradenton.com.

SENIORS jfedsrq.org

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 “A Nazi in the Family?” Jens M. Albiez recounts his family history and the different phases of discovering, questioning and understanding The Third Reich from his perspective of growing up in Germany during the 1960s. Contrasting personal family experiences with historical context will make this a unique Q&A event. Question how Germans could allow Adolf Hitler into power and discuss the recent momentum of populist movements in Europe and the U.S. The free event takes place on Thursdays, January 12 and 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Aviva, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. To RSVP or for more information, call 941.757.8520.

Rosh Chodesh Society course: “Simple Truths” All women are invited to join Chabad of Sarasota’s Rosh Chodesh Society course entitled “Simple Truths – Pivotal Jewish Insights For Centered Living.” Although “Simple Truths” is a seven-part monthly course, each segment stands alone. This month’s segment, entitled “Creation Revisited,” searches the foundational principles of Jewish thought regarding G-d’s creation of the world and unearths ageless methods of reframing our approach to life. Refreshments will be served. For assistance with underwriting this course, appreciation is extended to Anne Stein. The course starts 7:15 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Cost: free for Rebbetzin Circle members; $10 for Rosh Chodesh Society members; $12 for nonmembers. Anyone joining a N’shei Chabad Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society class for the first time is our guest – no charge. For more information or to RSVP, call Sara Steinmetz at 941.925.0770 or email NCWSarasota@gmail.com.

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January 2017

JEWISH HAPPENINGS FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 Temple Sinai’s Rhythm & Jews Join Rabbi Churgel, Chazzan Abramson, friends and neighbors for a Rhythm & Jews Chanukah Erev Shabbat Service. Hear the Bruno Family Musicians in an uplifting service with a variety of traditional, Israeli, Sephardic and Chasidic melodies. A welcome reception begins at 5:15 p.m., and the service begins at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter off of Proctor only, between Beneva and Swift). For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

Chabad Community Shabbat Dinner with Clem Soffer Join Chabad for the annual Community Shabbat Dinner featuring guest speaker Clem Soffer. Enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends, and journey with Clem as he guides you through his personal experiences of the destruction of the ancient Jewish community in Egypt. The dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Cost: $25; Early Bird Discount before Thursday, January 5: $18. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030.

Musician-in-Residence Beth Hamon will present a Musician-in-Residence weekend at the Jewish Congregation of Venice (600 N. Auburn Rd.) from Thursday, January 12 through Saturday, January 14. Hamon is music leader, cantorial soloist and Hebrew teacher at Havurah Sholom in Portland, Oregon. She will participate in a variety of music learning activities at JCV during her 3-day residence, including Torah study on Thursday, co-leading a special Friday night Shabbat music service, a Saturday guitar sing-along and a Havdalah Coffee House concert on Saturday evening. Hamon’s songs straddle the line between Jewish and secular themes of justice, hope, renewal and love. Last year she was selected by Forward as one of the top five New Voices in Jewish Music. All are welcome to attend the Friday night service starting at 7:30 p.m. Other events require an RSVP, although there is no charge for any of the weekend activities. For more information, call the JCV office at 941.484.2022.

Erev Shabbat Live

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Join the Temple Beth El family as we observe Erev Shabbat with a special musical service dedicated to peace and Rev. Martin Luther King. Cantorial Soloist Deborah Suta and musicians Albert Rosenstein and Robbie Taylor will lead us with prayer and song. The service begins at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El Bradenton, 4200 32nd St. W. For more information, call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

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ajor M Gifts D I N N E R

THE

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Anne Frank A HISTORY FOR TODAY This exhibit, which has been shown in more than 40 countries, tells the story of Anne Frank against the background of the Holocaust and World War II. Selby Public Library will host the exhibit. All who visit the exhibit will gain a better understanding of the Holocaust, World War II, and the impact these events have on today’s society.

APRIL 17 – MAY 27, 2017 SELBY PUBLIC LIBRARY

For more information contact Orna Nissan at onissan@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6305

Wednesday

February 1, 2017 5:30pm

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Event Chair

HENRY WINKLER

Melissa Howard

Couvert will include reserved seating at the Len Mazur Memorial Concert/ HENRY WINKLER Opening Night of Violins of Hope following the dinner. Minimum gift of $6,000 to the 2017 development efforts of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is required.

Klingenstein Jewish Center • 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL

WE HAVE A LOT TO SAY WANT TO DISPLAY THE JEWISH NEWS IN YOUR OFFICE OR BUSINESS?

Questions? Contact Ilene Fox 941.343.2111 ifox@jfedsrq.org

Robin Leonardi, Account Executive: 941.552.6307 • rleonardi@jfedsrq.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2017

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 9th Annual Jewish Food Festival What do bagels, chopped liver, chicken soup, blintzes, corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, kosher hot dogs, kugel and almost everything else known to mankind in the way of traditional Jewish cuisine have in common? They can all be found for your delectable consumption at Temple Sinai’s Jewish Food Festival. There will also be health/craft vendors and a book fair. Come rain or shine from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter off of Proctor only, between Beneva and Swift). Free parking and admission. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802. SPONSORED BY

“My Journey to Judaism” Bob Dreifort is the product of an eclectic religious background. His Bavarian grandmother was raised Catholic. His mother was a Pennsylvania Dutch Mennonite and he attended a Unitarian Sunday School. He married a Jewish girl, but the family remained in the Unitarian Church. At the age of 50, Bob began a spiritual journey, which he will describe in a program sponsored by the Jewish Congregation of Venice Men’s Club. This event begins at 9:30 a.m. at JCV (600 N. Auburn Rd.) and is open to everyone. The morning begins with a hot breakfast, followed by Dreifort’s presentation and a Q&A. A $7 donation is requested to cover food costs. For more information, call the JCV office at 941.484.2022.

My Balancing Act

I’m Dickie Smothers. I’d like to have a healthy, balanced and great quality of life for as long as possible

Breakfast Speakers Series All ages are invited to Temple Beth Sholom Men’s Club’s Breakfast Speakers Series at 9:30 a.m. in the Madeline L. Sainer Social Hall, 1050 South Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Sarasota Police Department Deputy Chief Pat Robinson, Partnership Policing Communications Leader, will discuss Blue and You: Community Policing. Enjoy a terrific lox and bagel breakfast for only $5. RSVP to Kelly Nester at knester@templebethsholomfl.org or 941.955.8121 by Thursday, January 12. For more information, please contact the Men’s Club Breakfast Speakers Series Coordinator, Rabbi Dr. Ed Weinsberg, via the temple office or at 941.444.9790.

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Jewish War Veterans brunch/meeting

™

Jewish War Veterans Post 172 will hold its next brunch/meeting in the Activities Room at Kobernick House, 1951 North Honore Avenue, Sarasota. Please note: The name for the entire Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson campus has been changed to Aviva. The brunch begins at 9:45 a.m., at a cost of $7 per person. Military snowbirds, spouses and significant others are always welcome. By popular demand, we have invited back our guest speaker from October, Oded Israely. His topic will be “Israel.” For more information or directions, please contact Stan Levinson, Commander, at stanlevinson172@gmail.com or 941.907.6720.

TreeUmph CTeen trip Join in for CTeens’ fifth get-together of the season. Themed to “Truth or Care,” teens will meet at TreeUmph for a fabulous trip of ziplining, tree climbing and more! They will learn the social skills of being honest, caring and trustworthy, explore the concept of Torah=Truth, and partner with Aleph Institute/Children of Inmates. Refreshments will be served. The fun begins at 1:00 p.m. at 21805 E. State Rd. 70, Bradenton. An annual CTeen membership is $180. For more information, call Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030.

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Dickie Smothers

Actor, Musician & Comedian

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“Interpreting Your DNA Results” Kathleen Callanan emerged as an author with her autobiographical book, Unlocking the Who Within – A Journal of a Journey, in January 2013 and confirmed her new role with the publication of a how-to book on genealogy in September of the same year. Ms. Callanan is currently a lecturer on genealogy techniques, especially those using DNA to uncover hidden cousins and climb over brick walls. She will present at 1:00 p.m. at the Aviva Campus, Kobernick building, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. Attendance is free. Everyone is welcome to this Jewish Genealogical Society of Southwest Florida event. RSVP to Kim Sheintal at klapshein@ aol.com. For more information, contact Kim at 941.921.1433, or visit http://jgsswf.org/.

“This Spaceship Earth” The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (which meets at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota) will present David Houle speaking on “This Spaceship Earth.” David Houle is a futurist, thinker and speaker. He spent more than 20 years in media and entertainment, including being part of the senior executive team that created MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and CNN Headline News. He is one of the top futurists and futurist keynote speakers in the world. The event will take place from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Cost: free for CHJ members; $5 for nonmembers. Registration is required for both members and nonmembers by Monday, January 9. Mail to CHJ, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231. For more information, visit chj-sarasota. org or call 941.929.7771.

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10B

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2017

Save the Date!

! d e t i v n ou are I

2N D A N N U A L HESCHEL/KING BREAKFAST

Tuesday, February 21st

WGC 2017 MISSION TO ISRAEL MARCH 26 - APRIL 1

7:00am–8:30am

Join the Women’s Giving Circle for an incredible, hands-on mission to Israel where we will visit projects we have funded and more.

2017 MISSION TO ISRAEL MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2017

MISSION HIGHLIGHTS • Four nights at the Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv • Two nights at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem • Full Israeli breakfast daily; three lunches and three dinners • All ground transportation while in Israel on an air conditioned motorcoach with English speaking guide

• Culinary tour in Tel Aviv • Shabbat home experience in Jerusalem • A day in Netanya and participation in an impactful community service project • Inspirational and informative speakers and special guests • Free time for shopping, exploring or relaxing

$3,000* per person

(based on double occupancy, $866 single supplement available)

Hold your spot with a $500 deposit by December 1 *Tips and airfare not included. The mission begins on March 26 at 5pm, and concludes the evening of April 1; please plan your flight accordingly.

For more information, please contact:

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 MacIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL

Ilene Fox

ifox@jfedsrq.org | 941.343.2111

LIGHT OF THE WORLD CHURCH 3809 CHAPEL DR, SARASOTA, FL

BREAKFAST AND A SHORT PRESENTATION HONOREES NELLE MILLER AND PASTOR JOHN WALKER PRESENTED BY THE HELLER ISRAEL ADVOCACY INITIATIVE

Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee in honoring Black History month by commemorating the strong friendship between the Black and Jewish communities throughout history and in Sarasota. oin the

I marched “ When in Selma, I felt my legs were praying.

”

–Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

To get tickets call 1.866.465.3995 or visit jfedsrq.org/events

$10

per person

941.371.4546 jfedsrq.org

Get to know Israel and her people! Visit SarasotaLovesIsrael.com

IBERAL YESHIVA L a t o s a r sa PRESENTS FEBRUARY COURSES JOSHUA: LIFE AND LEGACY MONDAYS 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM Starting February 6 (Eight Weeks)

Tau Epsilon Rho Law Society and

Joshua, son of Nun, is named as Moses’ successor. His main task is to conquer Canaan and settle the Israelites on the land that God promised to Abraham. The monumental task of “setting up shop” was a business like no other in Israelite history. Drawing on his innate leadership skills, and with God at his back, plus a few miracles, he leads a weary people from 40 years of wandering in the wilderness into the land flowing with milk and honey. What happened to the Canaanites? What was the justification for taking control of this geographic area? his class will draw upon text from the Tanach (Hebrew Scriptures) as well as popular commentary and midrash. The moral and ethical behavior of the conquest will also be addressed. Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $60.

JEWISH ANTHROPOLGY present

TUESDAYS 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM Starting February 7 (Eight Weeks)

at the TAU EPSILON RHO 96th NATIONAL CONVENTION

Many of our students have inquired about the anthropology of the Jewish People. Who are they? Where did they come from? Where did they locate? Who were the Jews of yesteryear and who are they today? This class will study the unique phenomenon of Jewish existence, survival and contributions to humanity— in the past as well as in the near term. Drawing on print media materials that will be distributed in class, students will have an opportunity to analyze the unique character of the Jewish people in the many venues they have occupied. Belonging to a people is great for identification but studying Jewish civilization will help one better understand just exactly where the Jews stand today. Instructor: Marden Paru; Fee $60.

Saturday, February 11, 2017

ISRAEL 2017

TAU EPSILON RHO LAW SOCIETY’S Benjamin Nathan Cardozo Memorial Award to United States Supreme Court Associate Justice

Stephen Breyer

11:00 am • reception | 12:00pm • brunch Boathouse at Hyatt Regency 1000 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota

The cost for the reception and brunch is $200 per couple ($100 for single) and reservations should be made by sending your check, made payable to: TER LAW SOCIETY Alan M. Tepper, Esquire, National Executive Director, 133 Paisley Place Hainesport, NJ 08036 (609) 864-1838 To pay by credit card, contact tepesq@verizon.net or director@ter-law.org

Please respond by January 27, 2017. — Seating iS Limited —

Local inquiries can be directed to David Liner at attorneyd@aol.com

FRIDAYS 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM February 3 (Eight weeks) There is not a day that goes by that Israel isn’t in the news: not always on page one, but frequent enough to challenge our sensibilities toward this young nation. Way out of proportion to the world’s population, as well as its relatively small size (i.e. New Jersey), Israel is at the forefront of innovation, military preparedness, and creative politics. Moods and swings change constantly, and it seems hard to keep up with what is going on there. The uptick in visitors’ travel, aliyah by threatened Jews around the globe, and the ongoing security issues Israel face will be included in our class discussions. Internet media resources will be suggested to students whose interest in Israeli current events will allow them to stay tuned in. Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $60.

Inquire about multi-course discounts. Scholarships are also available. Classes are held on the Campus of The Jewish Federation, 580 McIntosh Rd. in 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.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2017

MONDAY, JANUARY 16

11B

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

PJ Library Small Hands Give Back: MLK Day of Service

Mosaic Life

In partnership with Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, Aviva and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, PJ Library will host a day of service for young children and their families to learn about tikkun olam and honor Dr. Martin Luther King. Free for families with young children, this event beings at 10:30 a.m. at Aviva, 1951 Honore Ave., Sarasota. For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org. RSVP online at jfedsrq.org/events.

Harry Samtur, mosaic artist, will present “Mosaic Life” from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota (7700 S. Beneva Rd.) with a hands-on expressive arts activity. Lynne Bernfield will interview Samtur. Refreshments will be served. This Jewish Artists Explore program is co-sponsored by the Association of Professional Jewish Artists and The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee. For reservations or more information, contact Kim Sheintal at klapshein@aol.com.

Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch Book Review

Art in the Afternoon

Join us at 1:30 p.m. at the Esplanade Golf & Country Club, Amenity Center (5240 Esplanade Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch), to discuss Izzy White? by local author, Dr. Barry Wolfe. It’s 1958 and school desegregation has already challenged so much of what Izzy White thinks he knows about Negroes, life and himself. Jewish and insecure, Izzy has fallen in love with Rhythm and Blues, Black dance styles, basketball and any girl who smiles at him. Because he has no money, feels guilty about his own racism, and has a ton of curiosity about Black people, he chooses to go to Howard University, “The Harvard of Negro Education.” No charge; donations appreciated. For more information, call 941.281.2587.

Charles Troy, graphic designer and former theater lyricist, shares the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of two groundbreaking musicals – Guys and Dolls and Cabaret – with a multimedia presentation of graphics, video and audio clips. The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Meadows Country Club, 3101 Longmeadow Road, Sarasota. The cost ($45 for Brandeis National Committee members; $60 for guests) includes lunch and the presentation. For more information, call Janet Tolbert at 941.388.9624 or Linda Geller at 781.888.9802.

SPONSORED BY

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Sarasota Jewish Singles The Sarasota Jewish Singles is an outreach program of Temple Beth Israel to give all Jewish Singles in the area the opportunity to meet other men and women who are alone. The group meets once a month for dinner, laughter and a time to turn acquaintances into lifelong friends. Join us at 6:00 p.m. at Columbia Restaurant, 411 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota. For more information or to make a reservation, call or text Rosalyn Fleischer at 941.915.6631 or rozfleischer@gmail.com.

THE UROLOGY TREATMENT CENTER

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Winston E. Barzell, M.D., FACS Alan R. Treiman, M.D., FACS Kenneth J. Bregg, M.D., FACS Joshua T. Green, M.D., FACS Robert I. Carey, M.D., PhD, FACS Daniel M. Kaplon, M.D.

Diplomate of the American Board of Urology 3325 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 200, Sarasota 5350 University Parkway Suite #207, Sarasota

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Our fellowship-trained physicians can provide a lifetime of care

HAPPY HOUR Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists: • Murray Friedberg, M.D. • Pooja Khator, M.D. • Robert Edelman, M.D. • Allison Menezes, M.D. • Scott Silverman, M.D. • Jeffrey Davis, M.D. • Eric Berman, M.D. • Anita Shane, M.D. • Robert Sambursky, M.D.

An opportunity for singles and couples to meet new and old friends. (Ages 50 plus welcome)

CoastalEye.com • (941)748-1818 217 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton • 6310 Health Park Way, Ste. 340, Lakewood Ranch 1427 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 6:00 pm

El Greco

1592 Main Street, Sarasota

To RSVP please visit jfedsrq.org/events or call 1.866.465.3995 For more info contact Debbie Sanford 941.706.0033 or dsanford@jfedsrq.org FIFTY SHADES OF J SPONSORED BY

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12B

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

January 2017

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 Temple Emanu-El’s Jewish Book Club Do you love books of Jewish interest? Do you love discussing books of Jewish interest with old and new friends? Under the direction of librarian Dr. Eleanor Wachs, Temple Emanu-El is delighted to facilitate a vibrant and lively monthly Jewish Book Club. This month’s book is All Who Go Do Not Return by Shulem Deen. Join us at 10:00 a.m. at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: free for Temple Emanu-El members; $5 donation requested for guests. For information on the book of the month, email Dr. Eleanor Wachs at efwachs@aol.com.

The Dead Sea Scrolls

There’s a program that can help master aging…and it’s almost as good as chicken soup! JFCS presents the Jewish-focused Aging Mastery Program (JAMP) JAMP combines the science & art of aging well with the wisdom of the Jewish faith. Participate in a fun and comprehensive approach to living that celebrates the gift of longevity.

Our program will feature:

• Jewish Perspectives on Aging with Rabbi Brenner Glickman • Community Engagement with Dr. Nancy Schlossberg • Advanced Planning with Ira Wiesner, Advocates in Aging • Better Sleep - Dr. Matthew Edlund • Falls Prevention - Ready and Steady Program/Pines of Sarasota

Lunch included. Seating is limited.

Classes Start Thursday, January 19th

For more information: Contact Pam Baron at 366-2224 ext 112 or email pbaron@jfcs-cares.org (12 sessions/7 week program only $100)

The Aging Mastery Program® is possible through support from

Although it has been over a half century since the initial acquisition of the Dead Sea scrolls, the intrigue and excitement of their discovery remains unrivaled. Written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, they contain biblical and apocryphal works, prayers and legal texts, and sectarian documents that have deepened our understanding of Judaism, the development of the Hebrew Bible, and the beginnings of the Christian faith. Archaeologist and historian Dr. Steven Derfler will lead this riveting lecture (free) at 11:00 a.m. at Aviva, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. To RSVP or for more information, call 941.757.8520.

NCJW’S Women in Power Luncheon National Council of Jewish Women will honor four wonderful and dedicated women – KT Curran, Sue Jacobson, Dr. Lisa Merritt and Bunny Skirboll – at 11:00 a.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota. Cost: $75. Sponsorships range from $125 - $5,000. For more information, call Geri Serot at 941.556.9363.

“Not Random, Part of the Plan” Rabbi Peter Kasdan, Emeritus Rabbi from Livingston, New Jersey, will discuss the Pirkei Avot, one of the most-cited Jewish texts. Like the rest of the Mishnah, the Pirkei Avot consists of statements often attributed to rabbis from the beginning of the Common Era. Rabbi Kasdan will lead the class in an attempt to understand not only what these rabbis were saying, but the relevance of their teaching in the context of our own time. This Rabbi Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism class meets at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 18 and 25, and February 1 and 8 at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Free for Temple Beth Israel members; for nonmembers, $10 per reserved session or $8 each for five or more sessions; $15 at the door for non-reservations. For more information, call 941.383.3428.

“Introduction to Judaism”

CLUBFED

Join Rabbi Michael Churgel as he teaches the fundamentals of Jewish thought and practice. This course is perfect for interfaith couples, those from different backgrounds considering conversion, and Jews looking for an adult-level introduction. This is a 15-class series and classes begin at 7:15 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter off of Proctor only, between Beneva and Swift). Cost: free for members; $36 for nonmembers. For more information, call 941.924.1802.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 UN Watch with Hillel Neuer Norman and Hannah Weinberg and the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative present a program featuring Hillel Neuer, the executive director of the Geneva-based UN Watch. This program will focus on the United Nations as one of the leading epicenters of anti-Israel activism and showcases for public antiSemitism, as well as its role as an enabler of human rights abusers. It takes place from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Cost: $15 online; $18 at the door. For tickets, call 866.465.3995 or visit jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, call Jessi Sheslow at 941.343.2109. SPONSORED BY

Friday, February 10, 2017*

Florida Holocaust Museum St. Petersburg, FL Guest Speaker: Assi Weinstein, preview of the “Courage and Compassion: The Legacy of the Bielski Brothers” and lunch. Leaving the Federation campus at 9:30 am, returning atpproximately at 3:30 pm $55

Wednesday, March 1, 2017*

Dali Museum St. Petersburg, FL The Frida Kahlo Exhibit (Includes lunch at Acropolis.) Leaving the Federation campus at 9:30 am, returning atpproximately at 3:30 pm $65

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Tampa, FL Enjoy some time at the zoo and have lunch on your own in the park.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS CALL 941.706.0033

Leaving the Federation campus at 9:30 am, returning atpproximately at 3:30 pm $40

* These outings are all Inclusive: • Transportation • Admission to Museum • Docent Tour (No full refunds two weeks prior to event)

QUESTIONS?

Contact Debbie Sanford at 941.706.0033 or dsanford@jfedsrq.org Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232

D E L E C N CA

Bereavement Support Group This six-week group, open to men and women, provides opportunities to learn how others deal with grief, share experiences, receive support, and discover ways to cope. The group meets on Thursday, January 19 through March 2 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Jewish Family & Children’s Service, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Cost: $36 for all six sessions. Pre-registration required. To register or for more information, call Jennifer Singer, JFCS Jewish Healing Program Coordinator, at 941.366.2224 x166. The Bereavement Support Group is a part of the JFCS Jewish Healing Program, sponsored in part by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. SPONSORED BY

JFCS Holocaust Survivors’ Havurah All survivors are invited to attend these monthly gatherings of friendship, camaraderie and support. Enjoy a light nosh and a lively discussion. The group meets from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Aviva, 1955 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. This month: Annual showing of the acclaimed movie, Watermarks, a look back in time at the Jewish Sports Club Hakoah and its women’s swim team that dominated national competitions in the 1930s. This is a multi-agency event sponsored by JFCS of the Suncoast, Inc., Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jan Alston at 941.366.2224 x172 or jalston@JFCSCares.org. SPONSORED BY

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 Mommy & Me with a Jewish twist Calling all moms with infants and toddlers up to 36 months to join for a free monthly Mommy & Me program at 9:30 a.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. This free and innovative program explores Jewish themes in a stimulating, fun and creative atmosphere. Make new friends as we explore the child’s world through circle time, music, books, crafts and multi-sensory experiences. This is an exciting morning of bonding and quality time for mom and child! For a complete schedule, to register or for more information, contact Sara Steinmetz at 941.925.0770 or sara@ chabadofsarasota.com.

“The Future of Holocaust Education” On the 75th anniversary of the infamous Wannsee Conference, when the Final Solution was finalized on January 20, 1942, Holocaust survivor and founder of the Begin-Sadat Center in Israel, Dr. Thomas Hecht, will discuss “The Future of Holocaust Education,” which international efforts he leads with his remarkable program that has sent hundreds of teachers to Yad Vashem to learn about the Holocaust firsthand. Friend of Golda Meir, Menachem Begin and Bibi Netanyahu, Dr. Hecht is a renowned Jewish leader. Join us at 11:00 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $3 per student; healthy foods and discussion materials included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

“Making a Positive Difference” The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (which meets at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota), after the 7:30 p.m. service, will introduce Neil Phillips, who will speak on “Making a Positive Difference.” After receiving his B.A. in English and American Literature from Harvard University, Phillips went on to play professional basketball in Australia. He has been an educational administrator for the last 11 years serving as the Assistant Headmaster at the Landon School for Boys in Bethesda, Maryland, as Interim Head of Upper School at the Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota, and is now serving as Principal of Visible Men Academy. Phillips was recently awarded the Nantucket Project Audience Award for his talk, Race to Truth. For more information, visit chj-sarasota.org or call 941.929.7771.

Sarasota Jewish Chorale at Temple Emanu-El The Sarasota Jewish Chorale will take part in the Shabbat services at Temple Emanu-El at 7:30 p.m. with a variety of music. Temple Emanu-El is located at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, please call Chorale manager Susan Skovronek at 941.355.8011.