The Jewish News - March 2019

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

The Jewish Federation OF SARASOTA-MANATEE

THE LARRY GREENSPON FAMILY CAMPUS FOR JEWISH LIFE

March 2019 - Adar 5779 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 11 18 28 33 34 37 39

Community Focus Jewish Happenings Jewish Interest Israel & the Jewish World Commentary Focus on Youth Life Cycle

2 Hershorin Schiff Community Day School leaders power vision for the future

6 The Jewish Federation’s Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon

www.jfedsrq.org

Volume 49, Number 3

Building and planning for a vibrant Jewish future…together! Staff report

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e know that many of you are eager for a ‘behind the scenes’ look at what we are planning for our Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life. Our staff and leadership are busy meeting with vendors and potential campus partners to discover all our options for creating a vibrant Jewish campus: sports and wellness, summer day camp, culinary arts and so much more. Though this campus plan is still a work in progress, we are excited to share some details with you! We have a well-established utilization committee, co-chaired by Ian Black and Randon Carvel, which consists of members of the community and Federation board members who have backgrounds in construction, building,

theater, security, kitchens and catering, etc. In order to accomplish all the work that needs to be done, the utilization committee has been broken down into four sub-committees, which report their findings back to the overall group. Those sub-committees are:  Youth and Family Programming  Performing Arts, Event and Meeting Space  Outdoor/Sports Facilities  Israel and Holocaust These sub-committees have been meeting regularly to discuss how to best use the space for current and future programs, and what kind of space is required; conducting research on similar spaces in other cities; meeting with professionals; and conveying their

MARCH

16-21 Meet the dynamic duos behind

2015

Building Our Future…Together! By Su Byron

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he Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life presents an innovative and exciting opportunity to take our community to a new level of programming and engagement. To help fund this monumental initiative, four couples have come together to launch a capital campaign: Building Our Future…Together! We shine a spotlight on them in this piece. Tom and Karen Bernstein are enthused about spreading the word about the project. Tom, who is also a Federation board member, says he is positively passionate about describing Building Our Future…Together! to prospective investors. “It will become the cornerstone of the Jewish community, especially with the Community Day School on campus.” Karen says that, as residents of the region for 25 years, they’re thrilled to be part of a project that will enhance the region for generations to come. Josh and Julie Green say they were honored to be asked to spearhead such an important project. “The Fed-

ANNUAL 16

New Torah dedication at Congregation Kol HaNeshama

38 A fabulous Shabbat in the strawberry fields with Temple Emanu-El and PJ Library

needs to the architects who will create drawings and accompanying budgets. In all, there are over 70 community members sitting on these committees. The construction work will be performed in phases, with the first three phases taking precedence: Phase 1 will address infrastructure needs, including access for emergency vehicles and additional parking. Phase 2 will be the renovation of the existing recreation and teen center buildings (gymnasium and surrounding areas) for the needs of Community Day School, which will relocate to our campus in June 2021. Phase 3 will be the renovation and expansion of the Flanzer-Weinberg continued on page 2

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

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA FL PERMIT 167

Ben & Stacy Hanan, Tom & Karen Bernstein, Patti & David Wertheimer, Julie & Josh Green

eration is the heart of our Jewish community and we believe in its mission,” says Josh. “The most exciting part of this campaign is that we are building a center for the future of the Jewish community that will have a generational impact.” Julie, who serves on the Federation’s board, adds that the initiative, “will bring the mission to a higher level, offering even more to strengthen Jewish life, provide for those in need and promote Israel. In order to keep up with changing times and fulfill our vision for a vibrant campus for Jewish life, this campaign is necessary. We ▼

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hope everyone will take ownership in its future.” Ben and Stacy Hanan are excited to leave a legacy for future generations of Jews in our community. “The idea of a campus for Jewish life energizes us,” says Ben. “Stacy grew up in a community with a very vibrant JCC. Although this won’t be a JCC, it will provide a place for all things Jewish. There are so many exciting opportunities that come along with this.” Stacy agrees. “The new campus will serve as a consistent reminder of the importance of continued on page 2 ▼

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Building and planning...continued from page 1 building (the old JCC), including the Vern Buchanan, who was very helpful Beatrice Friedman Theater. in providing advice on where to find Phase 4 will consider the back 16 state and federal security grants. We acres and the development of The Larry also have set up a small security comand Mary Greenspon Sports Complex, mittee made up of local experts who The Papa Ed and Mimi Rosenthal Suswill help us address the needs of our tainable Kibbutz Garden, The Marie expanded campus. Cohen Hadida Zachor Remember Me We anticipate having the architect’s Orchard, and a possible day camp. full renderings for phases 1, 2 and 3 in the spring, and will be in a position Phase 5 will focus on the renovation of the Federation’s Klingenstein to announce a formal campaign goal Jewish Center building into more usat that time. We are proud to welcome able office space and possible home four dynamic duos in our community to to our Robert and Esther Heller Israel co-chair the campaign, which is aptly Center. themed Building Our Future…TogethSecurity will overlay all stages of er! Please read all about them in the construction. We are meeting with searticle on page 1. There will be much curity experts from around the country, more to come in future issues of The and recently met with Congressman Jewish News.

FEDERATION NEWS Dynamic duos...continued from page 1 Judaism in our community, and will be a lasting legacy to be enjoyed by future generations.” They say that the demographics in the community have changed in the past decade, with many more Jews living here. “Having a campus for Jewish life will enable our community to come together and get more involved in all we have to offer. The community will benefit greatly, but it can’t be done without a campaign,” says Ben. David and Patti Wertheimer both grew up in the Sarasota community and have long participated in philanthropic efforts. “Our Federation is at a place in its history where we’ve earned the trust of the Jewish and non-Jewish community to make the right decisions,”

says Patti, who is the immediate pastpresident of the Federation’s Board of Directors. “The concept of providing a proud Jewish presence and place to gather for years to come is exciting.” David adds that they feel fortunate to participate in the launch of the project. “Howard Tevlowitz is an outstanding leader and he’s put together an exceptional team,” he says. “We received input from so many people whose lifeBy S experience, knowledge and wisdom have added greatly to the planning process.” For more information on how you can get involved in the campaign, contact Gisele Pintchuck at gpintchuck@ jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0029.

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School leaders power vision for the future

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hile the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School works every day to promote each student’s academic success and well-being, school leaders are looking forward to the future as well. Last year, Sarasota’s Jewish day school, Community Day, formalized a long-term arrangement with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and will construct new school facilities as part of The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life on McIntosh Road in Sarasota for the 2021-2022 school year. The move will allow for increased enrollment; availability of more outdoor space for gardens, play and athletics; increased arts programming with access to a theater; classrooms and science labs designed to support and enhance project-based learning; a dedicated space for the new Torah Academy; and more. The campus is being designed for year-round programs, including a possible day camp. “With this move into custom-

designed facilities, we anticipate continued growth and opportunities in a larger operating environment, rich with cultural arts offerings, strong global connections, sports facilities and other community organizations,” said head of school Dan Ceaser. “We are confident our new school facilities and activities it will host will also serve to benefit our overall community, now and into the future.” Since 2015, with the arrival of Ceaser and the school’s establishment as an independent entity, Community Day has experienced rapid growth and positive changes. Enrollment has increased from 87 to 240, highly-trained teachers have been hired, and new partnerships have enriched the school experience for the students. While Community Day has great appreciation for the school’s beginnings and history on its current campus, limitations to the building and grounds necessitated the consideration of new facilities. A small but dedicated cadre of

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Ed and Mimi, as Community Day students fondly call them – have a rich history with Community Day. Their two sons graduated from the school

(Front row) Colleen & Mitch Blumenthal, Laura Hershorin, (back row) Dan Ceaser, Betty & Ed Rosenthal, Rachel Saltzberg, Richard Hershorin

efforts to make the move into new facilities possible. Richard Hershorin, whose late wife, Patti, was a well-known Sarasota Jewish community leader, says his father’s endless thirst for knowledge and father-in-law’s commitment to philanthropic endeavors – for both Jewish and gentile causes – are the pillars on which the school is based. Hershorin’s daughter, Laura, has also been a school leader, serving as immediate past board chair. “We must recognize Patti, whose dedication to education set the example for all in our family. Both Laura and I were greatly influenced by Patti,” Hershorin said. “And Laura’s dedicated leadership was part of the energy that helped us get to this moment.” Ed and Betty Rosenthal – or Papa

when it was the Temple Beth Sholom school, and all four of their grandchildren have attended Community Day. The Rosenthals have funded the Papa Ed and Mimi Sustainable Organic Kibbutz School Garden and Outdoor Classroom, the Go Green program, and the Community Remember Me Holocaust Organic Fruit Tree Orchard, as well as supported the school in innumerable other ways. “We are committed to these community programs and we want to make sure that they remain part of the school curriculum going forward as our legacy to the Jewish community and school,” Ed Rosenthal said. “While our grandchildren are no longer there, our commitment to the school remains the same as always. These programs continued on page 3

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March 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

Stories of LIFE & LEGACY

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LIFE & LEGACY™ is a partnership of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and 10 local Jewish organizations that promote after-lifetime giving to benefit synagogues, social service organizations, Jewish day schools and other Jewish entities. Legacy donors, such as the one featured in the story below, are helping to secure the future of our Jewish community for generations to come.

Mark Schlanger: The power of a name By Sandy Chase

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s Shakespeare once asked, “What’s in a name?” Mark Schlanger is aptly named because he leaves his “mark” on others by empowering them – not only as a LIFE & LEGACY donor to Chabad of Sarasota but as a philanthropist championing countless causes. His benevolence, insights and determination have helped individuals turn their lives around, sustain those attainments and become self-reliant. However, Mark relates to his name because of the “mark” others have left on him, beginning with his grandparents. Named after his great-grandfather Max, Mark proudly rolls off a list of those who have inspired him, including family, secular and religious teachers; friends; and board members and directors of numerous nonprofit organizations. “My grandfather Stanley Kassoff was a tzadik (righteous one) who spoke positively and lovingly of everyone. He taught me to treat everyone fairly and regard employees like family. My high-school swim coach taught me I could achieve anything through hard work,” says Mark. “Since that time, I’ve been blessed by knowing many who provide guidance, spiritual leadership and the infrastructure so I can assist others to overcome insurmountable odds.” Having received a business degree from Binghamton University (SUNY), Mark managed several Manhattan auto dealerships and real estate companies. Currently, he’s a business consultant who reminisces about how moving to Sarasota in 1994 “marked” a turning point in his life. “Howard Tevlowitz, CEO of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, was instrumental in getting me involved in the Jewish community and advising me regarding the Better Futures Foundation. He also introduced me to Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz 15 years ago. I’m forever grateful for the rabbi’s guidance, knowledge and sincerity.” Rebbetzin Sara Steinmetz acknowledges how, over the years, Mark has become stalwart in embracing a new dimension of Judaism since his youth. “Judaism is very meaningful

initiatives as Movement4All, assistto him, endowing him with personal ing 10 years, Mark has initiated ing Parkinson’s patients; and Suncoast fulfillment and contentment. Living numerous successful programs, Jewish Music Ensemble, entertaining an enriched Jewish life, Mark has an ensuring a better life for seniors, residents with Chanukah music at such added a sense of vibrancy and calm.” at-risk students and other children, local senior-care facilities as Pines of Joining the synagogue “marks” a the unemployed, and the povertySarasota. religious journey that will culminate in ridden here and in Brazil. (http:// Uri Smajovits, who serves as the his making Aliyah: better-futures.com) regional executive director of the Tam Having moved within walking dis JNF: Former president of the pa JNF and board member of Better tance to the synagogue, Mark atSarasota chapter and current board Futures Foundation, Inc., says this of tends synagogue daily. member of Aleh Negev, a JNF Mark: “His loyalty is unshakable; his  Almost two years ago, Mark began partner supporting those most friendship, selfless.” studying Torah challenged in Israel. As Uri goes one step further by sayand Kabbalah, chair, Mark also has suping that Mark’s middle name should integral to the Toported Doctors for Israel, be Tzedakah because “...he would rah. which focuses on Israel’s sooner not eat than see a child go hun A year ago, he behealthcare and medical gry. Mark is a towering mensch and a gan attending the breakthroughs. Zionist to the core – not resting until he Jewish Learning  The Jewish Federameets his objectives.” Institute courses. tion of Sarasota-ManCongregants applaud Mark as  Most recently, the atee: Former two-term a selfless individual, donating time, rabbi koshered board member, who sponmoney and commitment, including Mark’s home. sored Israel at 60, helping his collection of rare comic books, ac He’s provided to establish a community cruing a profit for the synagogue. Ed business knowldevelopment fund with Mark Schlanger Joseph says, “Knowing Mark, he will edge and fervent support in helpthe Federation, supporting such continue his legacy of commitment to ing Rabbi Levi Steinmetz establish endeavors as the Project Light Litwhatever cause needs his talents.” a Chabad of Downtown SRQ. eracy Center of Manatee County, Mark’s benevolence is indeed inLIFE & LEGACY is just one of which helps non-native speakers delible. many charities defining Mark as a phiwith their English. For more information about the lanthropist.  Pines of Sarasota Foundation: LIFE & LEGACY program, please con“Tzedakah is most important beMember of fundraising and govertact Gisele Pintchuck at 941.706.0029 cause I’m giving a meaningful gift to nance committees. or gpintchuck@jfedsrq.org. the Chabad of Sarasota, while simulMark has supported such recent taneously providing for and improving Lee’s (his son) future,” says Mark. Who does the Jewish community turn to for “Also, my gift will help promote Rabbi Steinmetz’s vision of teaching Judathe most trusted service in real estate? ism and spreading chesed (lovingkindness).” By endowing the Chabad of Sarasota, Mark follows his passion. “The more you give, the more you have left. Initiating and fostering programs, promoting self-sufficiency and ensuring sustainability are paramount.” Contributing to the Phil Mancini, who catered Lee’s prosperity of our bar mitzvah, captures Mark’s essence Jewish Community by saying, “He’s one of those people since 1979! who gives more than he receives.” Continuing a long-lasting friendship, Phil relates how Mark and he attend concerts together, sharing a love Ryan Ackerman Barbara Ackerman of music. 941.387.1818 941.780.6045 Mark’s affiliation with the following nonprofit organizations highlights #1 Team by Sales Volume across ALL companies his dedication to others: in Sarasota County, Manatee County & Longboat Key!  Better Futures Foundation: As www.ackermangroup.net founder and ex-president serv-

School leaders...continued from page 2 we continue to fund are truly our ‘life and legacy commitment’ to Community Day School and the Jewish Federation as the school moves to its new location.” Colleen Blumenthal, a former president of the school’s board, particularly appreciates the school’s purposeful pluralism. “At Community Day School, each person is valued for who he or she is,” she said. “There is a respect for others that is sorely lacking in today’s society.” For Colleen’s husband, Mitch, who is a current co-chair of the board, it is the concept of l’dor vador that motivates him. His parents were very philanthropic. He hopes that he and Colleen are setting a philanthropic example that their two sons – who both graduated from the school in the early 2000s, along with their cousin – will follow. “We have been blessed with a fortunate situation where we would be able to make an impact somewhere. Here is a school where we saw firsthand the successes it created, and it clearly could use our support,” Mitch

said. “In the spiritual and cultural tradition of l’dor vador, we want to pass along the philanthropic tradition of our family.” Current co-chair of the board, Rachel Saltzberg, who is the mother of a Community Day graduate and two current students, is deeply grateful for the generosity of all of the school’s supporters as it builds for its future. “Those who have contributed to our capital campaign believe in our model of a Jewish day school and share a desire to strengthen our community by educating children of all faiths through academic excellence (limud), with integrity (tzedek) and around a desire to improve the world (tikkun olam),” Saltzberg said. “These gifts recognize the significance of the school being a cornerstone of The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life and how integral that is to carry out the school’s mission and vision for generations to come.” For more information about how you can support the “Community Day School of tomorrow,” call Dan Ceaser at 941.552.2770.

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March 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

Celebrating a generous community Staff Report

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ith the second year of the LIFE & LEGACY™ program coming to a close, we are thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of another successful year and thank the many generous individuals who have made it possible. How proud we are to announce the community has raised over $15 million in estimated value of gifts from 454 donors! To honor that amazing feat, The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee will host the annual LIFE & LEGACY Celebration on Thursday, April 4 at 6:00 p.m. at Michael’s On East. Co-chairs Meredith and Al Ernst are planning another beautiful evening with lively entertainment, a delicious kosher meal and a meaningful program for all those who have made a legacy gift to one of the 11 partnering organizations participating in the program. The partners have dedicated the past two years to establishing a rich culture of philanthropy and bringing transformational legacy gifts into their organizations. Many organizations have already received funds from realized legacy gifts, and this initiative is helping to secure the future of our Jewish community. Last year, over 200 guests attended the Community Celebration and witnessed the organizations they care about receive an incentive grant from the Jewish Federation for meeting the program’s goal of Letters of Intent secured. This year’s grant award promises to be just as exciting, as many of the organizations have met or surpassed their goal. “It’s a great feeling to share an evening of gratitude and generosity with

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legacy donors and community partners,” says Al Ernst. “This community has benefited tremendously during the short two years of the program and the best is yet to come!” For more information about the LIFE & LEGACY Community Celebration or to become a LIFE & LEGACY donor, please contact Gisele Pintchuck at gpintchuck@jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0029.

Anne Spindel, Martin & Irene Ross

Mark Sharff, Temple Emanu-El; Robert Katz, Temple Beth Sholom; Rabbi Sholom Schmerling, Chabad of Venice and North Port; Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, Robert Landman and Elizabeth Weber, Chabad of Sarasota; Heidi Brown, JFCS of the Suncoast; (back) Howard Tevlowitz, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Laurie Lachowitzer, Temple Sinai; Isaac Azerad, Temple Beth Israel; Rabbi Mendy Bukiet, Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch; Jay Solomon, Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life; Howard Tevlowitz, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee; Rachel Saltzberg, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School

Federation announces 2019 board lineup Staff Report

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ichael Ritter, president of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Board of Directors, recently announced the organization’s 2019 Board of Directors. New members include Lauren Fineman, Mary Gratehouse, Bob Israeloff, David Millstone and Mel Taub. Board promotions include former treasurer, Randon Carvel, who will now serve as president-elect; former vice president, Roz Goldberg, who will now serve as treasurer; and Merrill Wynne, who moves from director to vice president. Cycling off the board are Fran

Braverman and Irene Ross. “It’s always exciting to welcome new faces to the table who offer fresh perspectives,” says Michael Ritter. “They join a team of dedicated people who are united in their commitment to serve the needs and mission of the Federation, and we look forward to a vibrant future. We’re also grateful to those inMichael Ritter dividuals cycling off the board who have shared their talents, passion for hands-on projects and longstanding commitment to community involvement over the past years.” The Federation’s slate of officers includes: Michael Ritter, president;

Randon Carvel, president-elect; Patti Wertheimer, immediate past-president; Ian Black, vice president; Stacy Hanan, vice president; Anne Spindel, vice president; Merrill Wynne, vice president; Roz Goldberg, treasurer; and Debbie Haspel, secretary/governance officer. Other members include Sepi Ackerman, Len Drexler, Marsha Eisenberg, Al Ernst, Lauren Fineman, Mary Gratehouse, Julie Green, Bob Israeloff, Simone Knego, Linda Lipson, David Millstone, Michelle Mitchell, Iris Nahemow, Nancy Roucher, Alan Silverglat, Bunny Skirboll, Adrea Sukin, Mel Taub and Peter Wells. Lifetime board members are Barbara Ackerman, Alan Ades, Tom Bernstein, David Chaifetz, Lewis Hanan and Lois Stulberg.

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March 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

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Volunteer Spotlight Our Ageless Volunteer – Ed Cohen Established 1971

PUBLISHER The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232-1959 Phone: 941.371.4546 Fax: 941.378.2947 E-mail: jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Website: www.jfedsrq.org Published Monthly Volume 49, Number 3 March 2019 40 pages USPS Permit No. 167 April 2019 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: February 28, 2019 Advertising: March 1, 2019 CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Change of address inquiries can be sent to Paula Ivory-Bishop at pibishop@jfedsrq.org or call 941.371.4546.

PRESIDENT Michael Ritter CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Howard Tevlowitz SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Marty Katz MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi – 941.552.6307 PROOFREADERS Laurel Ash, Edward D. Cohen, Marianne Mandell, Jack Mansbach, Elliot Ofsowitz, Linda Stern, Bryna Tevlowitz

By Linda Lipson

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HO is a volunteer? WHY boat Key. do people volunteer and He says he volunteers because he WHAT are their stories? wants to contribute to society. “I saw an AND why would a man born in 1925, a ad in The Jewish News about a meeting former judge, volunteer at the Federafor prospective volunteers and decided tion today? This is an unusual story of to attend. In talking to the Federation a man who is not only one of our oldest staff, I realized that a great fit for me volunteers but one of the best proofwould be proofreading since I also readers we have at The Jewish News! wrote and proofed a weekly newsletLet us tell you about Edward D. ter for GDIS (Gas Distributors InforCohen. Originally from New York, mation Service) in Washington, D.C., he is a wonderful proud father of two for 12 years. Also, before proofreading daughters. A veteran of at the Federation, I proofread WWII, he went to war at the for the Manatee Players and young age of 18 in 1943. still do so for Temple Beth He was in the Signal IntelliIsrael’s monthly newsletter.” gence Service in Australia, When asked what he Philippines and eventually does as a proofreader, Ed exin Japan until 1946. Upon plained, “Each month I read his return home to the U.S., a printed draft and look more he went back to school at for errors and ambiguities City College of New York, than for content. This takes Ed Cohen which he had attended for approximately 3-4 hours for two years prior to his army service. He each edition. When the final copy is subsequently graduated from Harvard published and distributed, I preview Law School in 1951. my suggested changes against the final Ed worked in the legal profession copy and derive satisfaction in notin many impressive positions in New ing how many of my suggestions are York and Washington, D.C., until 1971. adapted.” In that year he accepted an invitation to Marty Katz, the Federation’s Seserve as an Administrative Law Judge nior Director of Communications and in Albany, New York, a position from Marketing, says, “It amazes me how which he retired in 1994. Ed can find the tiniest mistakes when He has volunteered at many orgaproofreading. He keeps all of us who nizations since coming to Sarasota in work on the paper on our toes and 1994, including the Federation, Meals we are deeply appreciative of his fine on Wheels and Literacy Council of mind!” Sarasota. He served as director and Ed feels that one of the most satissecretary at his condominium on Longfying results of volunteering has been

the people he has met, even though the work is a solitary task. He says, “The work with the Federation permits me to maintain and strengthen my connection with the Jewish community and to meet similarly-minded people. My advice to other retired people, in addition to keeping physically and mentally alert, is to participate in some community service which you enjoy!” Prior to his volunteering, he had limited connections with the Federation through such events as a lecture series. However, since becoming involved, he is more cognizant of the Federation activities and the positive role it plays in the community. An event that immediately came to mind for him was the Memorial Vigil held after the shooting at the Pittsburgh synagogue. It was well attended by both Jews and nonJews – representing the whole community. He was so impressed and proud of our community and the Federation. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee appreciates all of its volunteers. A vital Jewish community is developed through the work of all. Congratulations Ed Cohen on being selected as March’s Volunteer Spotlight. How lucky are we to have him as our proofreader! For those interested in volunteering, there are many ways to contribute and be a part of volunteer life at the Federation. For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of Innovation and Volunteer Engagement, at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.

MISSION STATEMENT: The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee strives to be the source of news and features of special interest to the Jewish community of Sarasota-Manatee, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community, and to communicate the mission, activities and achievements of the Federation and its Jewish community partners. OPINIONS printed in The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, its Board of Directors or staff. SUBMISSIONS to The Jewish News are subject to editing for space and content, and may be withheld from publication without prior notice. Approval of submissions for publication in either verbal or written form shall always be considered tentative, and does not imply a guarantee of any kind. Submissions must be sent electronically to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org. LETTERS to the editor should not exceed 300 words, must be typed, and include the writer’s name, mailing address and phone number. Letters can be submitted via USPS or email (jewishnews@jfedsrq.org). Not all letters will be published. Letters may be edited for length and content.

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March 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon

The Federation’s annual Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Luncheon at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens on January 10 was an event to remember. Jeannie Smith told the riveting story of her mother, Irene Gut OpDyke, who received international recognition for her lifesaving actions during the Holocaust. We also proudly welcomed new Lion of Judah and Pomegranate members into the fold. Many thanks to Co-Chairs Evie Lichter and Fremajane Wolfson. Photos by Cliff Roles

Lynn Carvel and Debbie Haspel

Hadassah Strobel and Lisa Libman

Rosann Black, Sheree Zaslavsky, Anne Spindel

Marsha Frank and Roz Goldberg

Simone Knego, Heidi Brown, Kate Pressman

New Lions Dawn Epstein, Cheryl Shapiro, Nancy Wolk and Adele Sales with Ilene Fox, Federation’s Chief Development Officer (center)

Fremajane Wolfson, Jeannie Smith, Evie Lichter

Meredith Ernst, Faith Goldman, Edie Chaifetz, Bunny Skirboll

New Pomegranates Liz Woodrow, Judy Fox, Gerri Drexler, Debbie Cohen, Alice Cotman, Maxine Spitzer and Debbie Yonker with Ilene Fox

Our community has raised

Make your Impact over $15 million in commitments for the LIFE & LEGACY program.

on our Jewish community!

A program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, LIFE & LEGACY’s mission is to support the future of our Jewish community for generations to come. Whatever you cherish most about Jewish life…learning, community, worship, caring for those in need or social justice, by leaving a legacy you ensure that the things you value are sustained for future generations.

Please consider making a legacy gift in your will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy to our LIFE & LEGACY™ Partners.

To discuss creating your Jewish legacy, contact LIFE & LEGACY™ director: Gisele Pintchuck at 941.706.0029 or gpintchuck@jfedrsq.org

Learn more about each partner organization at

JFEDSRQ.org/Legacy-Partner-Program


March 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

7

Why the AIPAC Policy Conference is so important By Jessi Sheslow

I

n a world where 11 Jews are shot dead in their house of worship, the Daily Stormer (a Neo-Nazi website) sees a surge in clicks, and Jews are still being blamed for financial crises around the globe, the relationship between The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and AIPAC must remain strong. Every year, we provide scholarships to send local high school and college students to the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., to experience the equivalent of the Super Bowl or the Oscars for the proIsrael community. The mission of AIPAC is to strengthen, protect and promote the U.S.-Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of the

United States and Israel. This aligns very closely with that of the Federation’s and the Heller Community Relations Committee’s mission, which is to build relationships within the Jewish and non-Jewish communities to advance the understanding and support of Israel, as well as common interests through education and advocacy. Without doubt, AIPAC brings high-caliber speakers and incredible Israeli technologies to the stage. However, almost more important than hearing from heads of state is hearing stories of perseverance, cooperation and peace from Americans who have been touched by Israel in some way. Eighteen thousand pro-Israel attendees, including students and adults from

Sarasota-Manatee, hear from the American war veteran who was paralyzed during his service and now can walk with the Israeli invention, ReWalk. They hear from the African-American pastor from Chicago who witnessed a trauma center for victims of terror on a trip to Israel and brought the model back to his home for victims of gun violence. The AIPAC Policy Conference is incredibly important for our students. They can meet likeminded young adults from around the nation and know that they are not alone. These students attend breakout sessions to help them become pro-Israel advocates. When they return home, they come back with a wealth of knowledge and a drive to

teach their friends about what they learned. Many become student leaders and decide to study political science or international affairs. This three-day experience of learning, having fun and lobbying their congressional representatives helps shape who they will grow to become as adults. It is something they truly gain from, and this is why we are proud to be sending four students to the AIPAC Policy Conference this month. Keep an eye out for articles about their time at the Conference in future editions of The Jewish News. Jessi Sheslow is director of community relations at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

My Birthright adventure By Cassie Benjamin

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t’s funny how life works. During the summer of 2018, I had only thought about the idea of going on a Birthright trip to Israel. As it happened, though, I was lucky enough to meet Sydney Harlow, the program director for Gulf Coast Hillel. By December 2018, I was on a plane for Israel. Taglit-Birthright with Hillel International took me on the adventure of my life. This action-packed journey took us to Yad Vashem, Mount Masada and other ancient sites, and cultural hotspots. We ate lunch with Israeli soldiers, hiked, and experienced Jewish history and Israeli culture up close. It was truly unforgettable. I met American and Israeli friends with whom I’m still in contact. It also changed the way I think about my own involvement with Judaism, and inspired me to want to return to Israel. I recently applied for the Onward Israel arts and culture program and plan to return to Israel after I

graduate in May. I hope other college students will take advantage of this amazing experience! Cassie is a senior at University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee. She is getting a bachelor’s degree in history in May. She is also the co-president of Hillel at USFSM, which is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee.

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8

March 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

Newcomers Reception We had a wonderful time meeting new and old friends at our annual Newcomers event on January 8. More than 200 people attended (a record!) to learn about the Federation, the Jewish community and how to be more involved. Additionally gratifying was our Volunteer Open House the next day, when we saw many of the newcomers who had attended the night before, learning about volunteering opportunities. What a feeling of community!

“O

Staff

M Co-chairs Sheree & Larry Zaslavsky with Joy Moravitz

Adrienne Friedman, Patti Wertheimer, Richard Friedman

Photos by Seth Berman Adrea Sukin and Brian Carr

L D Morantz, Sheree Zaslavsky, Bruce Garfield, Bill & Liz Rabbaport, Roz Goldberg

New to the Sarasota-Manatee area?

We Welcome You

Shalom! Welcome to paradise! We hope you feel at home and become active members of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community. Please stop by and visit us! Ilene Fox • 941.343.2111 • ifox@jfedsrq.org Get Newcomer information: jfedsrq.org/new

The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life • Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232

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March 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

9

“One Thing I Wish You Knew” Staff Report

M

ore than 200 teens and their loved ones participated in “One Thing I Wish You Knew,” a community event in January that was designed to start a conversation about teen mental health. In their work with teens, Andrea Eiffert, teen and family program coordinator of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, and Ella Steinmetz, teen director of Chabad of Sarasota-Manatee, often saw how the stigma surrounding mental illness prevented many young adults from seeking the help they desperately needed. Together, they enlisted the help and support of mental health organizations in the community to create this event, which included presentations by young adults who face mental health challenges, a panel discussion with experts, and a community resource fair. Four young adults shared their painful struggles with mental health. Taylor Muske spoke about being verbally and physically abused by someone she thought was her best friend, and offered a message to others to not blame themselves when they are victims of abuse. Michael Stark shared that he got

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mixed in with a wrong group when he moved to Sarasota at age 14, and thought drug use was the answer to both popularity and helping mask his true feelings. He discovered drugs were not the answer and that recovery takes perseverance and strength. Hailey Landry told the audience about how she suffered from severe depression after losing a close friend to suicide. She shared that therapy and medications have helped her get back on track, but that it is hard work and she takes it one day at a time. She wants others to know that she is still her, and that her mental health does not define her. The last speaker, a young man who prefers to be anonymous in this article, shared how his relationship with his drug-addicted, incarcerated father affected him as a teen. When his father died suddenly in jail of pancreatic cancer, he began dealing with unresolved feelings and anxiety. The bravery and candidness of these young adults was a beacon of hope for others to begin to open up and understand they are not alone. After the presentations, a panel of experts discussed how to recognize the signs and how to support those with mental health struggles. The panel was moderated by Hallie Peilet from SNN and included Richie Schwieterman, a lieutenant with the Sarasota Police Department; Amy Weinberger, founder of The Thinking Center; Karen Lord, supervisor of clinical services for JFCS of the Suncoast; Lisa Brandy, founder of Brandi’s Wish; and Dr. Stacy Greeter, a local child psychiatrist. The panel made these suggestions: The key to providing support is to create an environment where teens feel comfortable opening up about their struggles. “Young people won’t neces-

sarily volunteer information, but if you ask and give them permission, they will share freely,” said Karen Lord. “As with any touchy topic, it takes a lot of courage to seek help. But saying things out loud can take away a lot of the power of the words.” Dr. Greeter added, “It’s actually less about talking than about how you listen. Reflective listening is non-judgmental and empathetic. A good rule of thumb is that they should say at least five times as many sentences as you do.” Participants were able to visit the resource fair, where 16 local organizations shared literature and resources for those seeking mental health services. Many thanks to the steering committee who helped make this program possible: Lisa Brandy, Andrea Eiffert, Marlene Hauck, Vivien Kalvaria,

Karen Lord, Jack Minge, Lori Ruland, Mark Schlanger, Bunny Skirboll, Ella Steinmetz, Amy Weinberger and Brian and Joan Wides. We are also grateful to our sponsors: The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Chabad of SarasotaManatee, Betty and Marie Healy Family Foundation, The Thinking Center, JFCS of the Suncoast, Brandi’s Wish, Compeer Sarasota, Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., Mark Schlanger, Lori Ruland (Crisis Text Line), NAMI Sarasota County, The Academy at Glengary, Child Protection Center, Central Florida Behavioral Health Network and Centerstone. For more information on the Federation’s teen programs, please contact Andrea Eiffert at aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308.

Ella Steinmetz (center) with CTeen members

ONE THING I WISH YOU KNEW A Mental Health Awareness Event For Teens and Those Who Care for Them

RESOURCE FAIR CONTRIBUTORS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 4:00PM

Hallie Peilet, Lt. Richie Schwieterman, Dr. Stacy Greeter, Karen Lord, Amy Weinberger, Lisa Brandy

ONE ON ONE FITNESS

Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship Central Florida Behavioral Health of your life so you can start living a of men and women who share their Network brings help and hope to healthier, peaceful and stress free life. experience, strength and hope with each Contact: 561-644-3904 individuals, families and communities. The Beatrice Friedman Theater other that they may solve their common The Larry Contact: Greenspon813-740-4821 Family Campus for Jewish Life Dr. Stacy Greeter problem and help others to recover582 from McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 The Child Protection Center works child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. alcoholism. Contact: 941-951-6810 together with the Department of Children Contact: 941-413-0834 The Academy at Glengary provides and Families and Law Enforcement in Peterson Counseling Center. Health a pathway to success, friendship and the investigation of child abuse cases This event will feature: Center at Ringling College of Art and careers for adults seeking to improve their and also coordinates community Candid narratives from local Design. Provides comprehensive mental mental health.Contact: wideyoung services adults for affected children. 941-921-9930 health and medical services to the Contact: 941-365-1277 students of Ringling. 941-893-2855 Brandi’s Wish offers preventive solutions to teens and their the Coastal Behavioral  Tips onfamilies howregarding to recognize warning signs Healthcare, Inc. Betty & MarieisHealy JFCS of the Suncoast a multidangers of prescription drug misuse and provides quality care with compassion, Foundation functionFamily family agency helping abuse.Contact: 941-232-1420 respect and dignity. 941-927-8900 individuals with crises, problems, and discussion Boys & Panel Girls Club helps enablewith all Compeer volunteer friends and mentors growth issues to improve the quality of leading mental experts their lives. Contact: 941-366-2224 young people, especially thosehealth who serve to improve the quality of life for need us most, to reach their full potential adults, children, and families who strive  Community resource fair for good mental health. NAMI Sarasota County offers support, as productive, caring, responsible education, awareness, and advocacy citizens.Contact: 941-366-7940 Contact: 941-927-8900  Light refreshments to improve the lives of individuals Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 with mental illness, their families and Centerstone Sarasota services in caregivers.Contact: 941-376-9361 support for people in crisis, via text addiction recovery, school-based Contact: Text: 74174 therapy for children and families, MARK ELLIOT The Thinking CenterSCHLANGER specialize in counseling and psychiatric care. educational and intervention solutions for will help Contact: (941) 782-4150 For more information, contact families.Contact: 941-924-6373 resolve the issues and challenges

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March 2019

FEDERATION NEWS

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PJ Library: Don’t miss family movie night! By Andrea Eiffert

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ou asked and we answered! This year, for the first time, a family movie night is included during the 2019 Jewish Film Festival of Sarasota-Manatee! Sponsored by PJ Library, this family-friendly event will feature the DreamWorks Studios film, The Prince of Egypt. It will be shown on Saturday, March 16 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the Zell Room on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Registration is required at jfedsrq. org/JFF19. In this animated retelling of the Book of Exodus, Egyptian Prince Moses (Val Kilmer), upon discovering his roots as a Jewish slave, embarks on a quest to free his people from bondage. When his plea is denied by his brother Rameses (Ralph Fiennes), the new pharaoh, a series of horrific plagues strike Egypt. Moses finally leads the Israelites to freedom by parting the Red Sea and drowning the Egyptian army. God then gives Moses the Ten Commandments, a list of rules for his people to live by.

Scheduled just a few weeks before Passover, this program will be a fun way to teach the little ones about the story of Passover! We’ll also have some great activities led by our Federation teen leaders, the STEP Fellows, including matzah house decorating and a game of “find the afikomen.” This event is free and fun for the whole family. Bring pillows and blankets, and we’ll provide the rest, including pizza for dinner and popcorn to snack on. PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families who live in Sarasota or Manatee counties. But PJ Library is more than just books and music. Throughout the year, our families gather for story times and other special programs where you and your kids can meet new friends. PJ is for any family raising Jewish children – affiliated, unaffiliated, interfaith or nontraditional – from six months through eight years old. For more information, please contact me at aeiffert@jfedsrq. org or 941.552.6308.

PJ Library Small Hands Give Back By Melissa Werbow

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“This new Jewish-themed film series focuses on real slices of life we can all relate to.” – ROSANN BLACK

NO PLACE ON EARTH

Thursday, March 28, 2019 • 1:30 pm

Sold Out

A cave exploration in Ukraine leads to the unearthing of a story of World War II survivors who once found shelter in the same cave.

oung children are always asking for help. They often can’t tie their shoes, fix a snack or read a book by themselves. As frustrating as it may be to need the help of others, it can be equally empowering when young children have the opportunity to be the helpers. Inspired by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., PJ Library and Hershorin Schiff Community Day School partnered to create Small Hands Give Back, a morning of service for young children and their grown-ups. This year, MLK day coincided with Tu Bishvat, the Jewish new year of the trees, which led us to focus the program on gardening and hunger. The program kicked off with a non-perishable food drive for All Faiths Food Bank and songs of peace and friendship. Families spent time in the school garden harvesting kale and cherry tomatoes that were later donated to the Salvation Army’s emergency shelter. Kids worked on making bird feeders to hang up at home, snack bags to donate to the homeless, and

kindness rocks to leave as a surprise to brighten a stranger’s day. The morning ended with story time as we shared PJ Library books about tikkun olam, Tu Bishvat and making the world a better place. Special thanks to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota Manatee for sponsoring this program. PJ Library offers free Jewishthemed books to children ages 6 months to 8 years, and provides engaging programs like Small Hands Give Back, welcoming all families with young children to participate. For more information about PJ Library or to sign up, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or visit jfedsrq. org/pj. To receive monthly text reminders about upcoming PJ programs, text PJSRQ to 33222. For more information about Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, please visit www.communityday.org.

Braden River Branch Library 4915 53rd Ave E, Bradenton

SAMMY DAVIS JR. I’VE GOTTA BE ME

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 • 2:00 pm A star-studded roster of interviewees (including Jerry Lewis, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal) pay tribute to the legendary, multi-talented song-and-dance man.

Temple Beth Israel 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

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

CHAIR: ROSANN BLACK

For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at jlisitza@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2113 RN! FREE POPCO

TO REGISTER: JFEDSRQ.ORG/Reel19

Rachel and Jacob Benderson pick cherry tomatoes to donate to the Salvation Army emergency shelter

Delaney and Isabella harvest kale during the event

“These we honor” Your Tributes HOLOCAUST PROGRAMS IN MEMORY OF Gerald Boxstein Kim Mullins

ISRAEL PROGRAMS MAZEL TOV Anne Spindel Bryna & Howard Tevlowitz

OVERNIGHT CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND MAZEL TOV Judy Fleisher Suzy Green

NOTE: To be publicly acknowledged in The Jewish News, Honor Cards require a minimum $10 contribution per listing. You can send Honor Cards directly from www.jfedsrq.org. For more information, call 941.552.6304.


March 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

11

“Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism”

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

K

abbalah is the body of esoteric of Kabbalah is also worthy of review (i.e., the story of the Golem to save the culture. Classes are held on The Larry teachings of Judaism and Jewto fully grasp its essence. Its popularpeople of Prague). The power of words Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish ish mystical literature, particuity grew during the middle ages when and the formation of Hebrew letters Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. belife was difficult, people were impovbecame part of the Kabbalists’ toolbox. To enroll, please contact me at be alarly coming into vogue from the 12th erished and Jews suff ered greatly from Several of our key prayers and prac941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail. century onward. The Kabbalah draws bout anti-Semitism. Turning inward to core tices for Shabbat came from the Kabcom. The course fee is $60 and inon early rabbinic mystical tradition have beliefs, trying to understand God, to balists of Safed (i.e., the L’echa dodi of cludes all materials. The course is open Fed-about the divine chariot (maaseh Merdevelop the imagery for interaction the Kabbalat Shabbat Friday evening to everyone regardless of background ows,kavah) and the mysteries of creation with the Divine, took many individuals (maaseh Bereshit). It is concerned with service and welcoming the Sabbath or personal orientation. and away from what was normative in JewQueen). doctrines about God and creation, the The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva, is a ish thinking and practice. By the 19th Starting Monday, April 1 (from 501(c)(3) non-denominational not-forr theproblem of evil, the soul and the mystic century, Kabbalah had been adopted 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.), the Sarasota Libprofit organization, which also operblan-way. by the Hasidic world and embraced eral Yeshiva is offering an eight-week ates in part through a grant from The Jewish mysticism emanates from cludby thousands seeking inner peace with course on “Kabbalah and Jewish MysJewish Federation of Sarasota-Mann toearly rabbinic literature. The Sefer their Judaism. ticism.” This course will discuss the Yetzira and the Zohar are key foundaatee. There are some interesting tales key literature, history and application, win-tional texts worthy of introduction and to be told about the use of Kabbalah as well as its renewed popularity in pop val-exploration. The fascinating history ve in ut PJ and ami-This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee other ey Chorale’s Masterworks the people cry for vengeance. From lecture one hour before each concert. The concerts will take place at 4:00 your series culminates on Sunday the prophet’s curse of drought, to conThere will be a complimentary postp.m. on March 10 and 7:00 p.m. on s for and Monday, March 10-11 fronting an evil queen, to ascent to concert reception on March 10. March 11 at the First United Methodist – af-with Mendelssohn’s powerful choral heaven on a fiery chariot, “Elijah” is For tickets, visit www.keychorale. Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave., Saranon-masterpiece, “Elijah,” which portrays an extraordinary musical experience. org or call 941.921.4845. sota. Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins oughsome of the most dramatic moments in Baritone Jamal Sarikoki will retell the will lead a free “Behind the Music” tion,the Old Testament. story of a man’s devotion, persecution dsrq. These concerts will be the culmiand ascension in one of the greatest nating event of the Project of Unity seoratorios ever written. “This is an enormous production ries sponsored by JFCS of the Suncoast, SERVING The Jewish Federation of SarasotaTHE JEWISH Manatee, Aviva – A Campus for SeCOMMUNITY nior Life and Key Chorale. The Project SINCE 1978 of Unity, and these concerts, will be dedicated to Steve Seidensticker who Charter Members exemplified unity in our community. of Temple Sinai based on some of the most dramatic Joining the Suncoast’s premier stories in the Old Testament,” said symphonic chorus will be tenor Jason Maestro Joseph Caulkins. “I find the Ferrante, soprano Ruthie Nelson, conprophet Elijah to be a complex chartralto Robin Bier, youth soloist Annika acter who seems to carry his zealousness on his sleeve, who isn’t afraid to confront those not THE following God, but yet still finds himself unworGuyer and 35 members of the Sarasota thy of the task that has been called of Janis Collier, REALTOR® Orchestra. They combine to tell this him. This story, coupled with some of powerful story in which fire comes Mendelssohn’s most beautiful music, is from the heavens, storms gather and what makes this oratorio so beloved.” JanisCollier@michaelsaunders.com

Mendelssohn’s powerful choral masterpiece, Elijah

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12

March 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Scholar-in-Residence at Temple Beth Sholom and Temple Sinai This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

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abbi Michael Marmur, Associate Professor of Jewish Theology at the Jerusalem Campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, will be the honored Scholar-in-Residence at Temple Beth Sholom and Temple Sinai for the weekend of March 15-17. This event is sponsored by Temple Beth Sholom, Temple Sinai and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Rabbi Marmur was born and raised in England and subsequently completed a BA Degree in Modern History at Oxford University. He then moved to Israel in 1984, obtaining an MA in Ancient Jewish History at the Hebrew University College in 1992. Following his ordination, Rabbi Marmur served as congregational rabbi, high school teacher, and member of the executive board at Leo Baeck Education Center in Haifa. Rabbi Marmur has lectured

and taught in Israel, North America time. Rabbi Marmur will speak about what is happening today in the Israeli and Europe. He and his wife Sarah Jewish renaissance, and Bernstein have three children, Miriam, Nawhether it is an exciting dav and Gaby. new chapter in the story On Friday, March of Judaism or simply a curious footnote. 15 at Temple Sinai On Saturday, March (4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota), 16 at Temple Beth Shothere will be a Shabbat lom (1050 S. Tuttle reception at 5:15 p.m. Ave., Sarasota), Rabbi Marmur will speak on followed by Shabbat “Rafts and Rhapsoservices at 6:00 p.m. and a dinner and disdies: The Relationship cussion at 7:00 p.m. Between the State of The topic is, “LookIsrael and Jewish ComRabbi Michael Marmur munities Around the World” during ing, Seeing and Getting across the River. Challenges Which Face the State of the morning Shabbat service, which Israel and the Jewish World Today.” begins at 9:30 a.m. This will be followed by Kiddush at 12:45 p.m. and Using a Talmudic tale about three men a schmooze where Rabbi Marmur will trying to get across an argumentative answer questions from the audience. river, he will discuss some of the major issues confronting Israeli society in our Using a metaphor taken from a bibli-

cal verse, in this session we will look at the vexed question of the relationship between the State of Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Is this the end of the road or the beginning of a beautiful friendship? On Sunday, March 17 at Temple Beth Sholom, Rabbi Marmur will give the presentation, “In Search of Heschel.” This program is an introduction to the life and work of Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972), one of the most significant thinkers, spiritual leaders and social activists of the twentieth century. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and include light refreshments. Registration for the entire program is open to the community. To register or for program details, please visit the Temple Sinai website at templesinaisarasota.org.

In the footsteps of a prophet By Matthew Solomon

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time look at man as if he were a horse.” Dr. Heschel’s second goal was to speak to seniors, a group she believes must take action to help protect future generations. Her determination and passion for the Jewish role in social justice connected her with Aviva, one of the state’s largest and longest functioning Jewish faith-based communities. For over 25 years, the Aviva campus has become a hub for seniors to live healthy and dynamic lives without having to worry about the stress of home maintenance, cooking, cleaning or other daily burdens we each deal with. What makes the residents at Aviva so unique and so important to this discussion is the fact that well over two dozen campus residents are Holocaust survivors, a fact not lost on Heschel. During her lecture, Heschel spoke to residents about her father’s legacy. Rabbi Heschel deeply believed in equality and the fact that it was our responsibility as Jews to fight for the equality Dr. Susannah Heschel speaks at Aviva of others. We, as Jews, actions which would ultimately lead to know what happens when hate is left the famous march on Selma, Alabama. unchecked, and Rabbi Heschel worked In a partnership with The Florida his whole life to instill that memory in Holocaust Museum, Dr. Heschel arthe lives of Jews, young and old. rived in Florida with two main goals in Almost 53 years after her father’s mind. First, she wanted to speak with famous march, Dr. Heschel spoke to students, preferably university sturesidents about how our community dents. With her background in higher cannot stay silent against the inequaleducation, including currently servity faced by minority groups or the ing as a Professor of Religion at DartLGBTQA community, or inequalities mouth College, Dr. Heschel believes due to gender. Every person has a role that change in our country sits on the to play and, while you may no longer shoulders of these students. Speaking be able to pray with your feet as Rabbi to students at USF in Saint Petersburg, Heschel once did, his daughter is leadDr. Heschel shared her message of faith ing the way in other forms of activism. and courage in the face of hatred, a lesDr. Heschel’s final lesson to the comson her father taught her. It was Rabbi munity was simple: How can we, as Heschel himself who once said, “You Jews, expect the world to change if we cannot worship God and at the same do not go out and fight for it? hat does it mean to be a prophet? According to Dr. Susannah Heschel, daughter of legendary Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a prophet is someone who chooses to stand against the tides of adversity. On February 1, surrounded by members of the Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life community, Dr. Heschel told her incredible story of growing up at the feet of those she defines as American prophets. Rabbi Heschel was a confidant, friend and constant supporter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the height of the American Civil Rights movement. As a child, Dr. Heschel watched as her father and Dr. King shared coffee in the family’s living room and discussed the

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March 2019

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13

Jews of Sarasota-Manatee respond to anti-Israel media bias

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negatively affect how the wider public deal with identification of media bias; perceives Israel and its efforts to dethe second, with how to effectively fend itself,” Levin says. “Those public address the problem. misperceptions in turn shape governThe program is part of the mission ment policies. That’s why it’s vitally of the synagogue consortium, which important for Israel’s supporters to goes by the name of Dalet. learn about media bias and Dalet seeks to build how best to respond to it.” community among the A consortium of four Jews of greater SarasotaSarasota congregations – Manatee through learnTemple Beth Israel, Teming, dialogue and cultural ple Beth Sholom, Temple enrichment. It works in Emanu-El and Temple conjunction with The Sinai – have joined with Jewish Federation of The Jewish Federation Sarasota-Manatee to proof Sarasota-Manatee to vide quality programs for tackle the problem of antithe entire Jewish commuSarit Catz Israel media bias. nity. The March 10 CAMThese local organizations will hold ERA program is the second program an event on the problem of media bias co-sponsored by Federation and Dalet. on Sunday, March 10 at 2:30 p.m. at As a meeting facilitator for Dalet, I the Beatrice Friedman Theater on The am excited to see that our joint efforts Larry Greenspon Family Campus for have produced meaningful programs Jewish Life, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarathat enrich the entire Sarasota-Manatee sota. Jewish community. We are working toSpeaking at the event will be megether to produce a community theme dia expert Sarit Catz, who heads CAMfor the coming year in which each of ERA’s International Media Response the participating congregations and Team, an 18,000-strong letter-writing Federation can produce special events team composed of volunteers across the that relate to that theme. We have world. Their letters are often published found that by dialoguing and planning in the editorial sections of major newstogether, we are able to create very expapers, magazines and influential blogs. citing ideas and work collaboratively Catz will discuss “how to identify to convert them into reality. We are media bias about Israel and to recogdefinitely stronger and better together. nize how and why the media continuThose interested in attending the ally get the news backwards, inverting March 10 media bias program can regwho did what to whom.” ister at www.templesinai-sarasota.org/ The discussion will be organized jewish-event-registration/. Tickets are into two parts: the first portion will $10 and free for students.

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he president of the influential media watchdog organization, CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America), says that news bias against Israel has gotten worse in recent years. Andrea Levin, the veteran media analyst who has led CAMERA for nearly four decades, says that in today’s fast-paced social media environment, “falsehoods spread with lightning speed across the globe.” Last year, CAMERA broke an organizational record by prompting 206 media corrections from mainstream news outlets in the English, Hebrew, Arabic, French and Spanish-speaking worlds. “It was different in the past when errors in newspapers and on nightly network news had a much shorter shelf life,” Levin says. “Today, false stories can sit permanently on the internet, misleading generations of readers.” She says mainstream news outlets often repeat falsehoods about the Jewish state: that Israel’s army deliberately targets civilians, that Tel Aviv is Israel’s capital, that Israel has “Jewish only roads,” and that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas supports a Jewish state. These three problems – the repetition of falsehoods, the increased speed with which the falsehoods spread online, and the longer lifespan of misinformation – make it more important than ever for the public to understand modern media bias. “Erroneous news can and does

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March 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Hirsh to address “The Rise of Anti-Semitism” By Al Treidel | This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

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he entire Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community is invited to attend a very important presentation and community dialogue on the topic of “The Rise of Anti-Semitism” on Thursday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota. This evening of community dialogue is cosponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Temple Beth Sholom and the Portnoff family. The program will begin with a presentation by Dr. David Hirsh on left-wing anti-Semitism in the United Kingdom and Western Europe. Professor Hirsh will then join a panel of distinguished Jewish leaders to discuss the present state of anti-Semitism in the United States and things that we can do to combat it. Professor David Hirsh is an expert on left-wing anti-Semitism in the UK and Western Europe. He is a lecturer at Goldsmith’s College, University of

the British Labour movement and two London and the founder of Engage, a chapters about the campaign to exclude campaign against the academic boycott Israelis from the acaof Israel. Professor Hirsh was demic, cultural, sportthe holder of the Sociologing and economic life ical Review Fellowship, of humanity. It has a critique of anti-Zionwhich enabled him to ism and the apartheid write Law Against Genocide: Cosmopolitan Trials. analogy. It also looks The book was awarded the at specifically Jewish anti-Zionism. It exBritish Sociological Asamines case studies sociation Philip Abrams of openly anti-Semitic Prize for best first book in sociology in 2004. Profesdiscourse which have Dr. David Hirsh emerged out of anti-Zionism, and it sor Hirsh’s latest book, that came out in addresses specifically sociological ap2017, is titled Contemporary Left Antiproaches to understanding contemposemitism. The book begins with a chapter on the Livingston Formulation, a rary anti-Semitism. standard response which accuses Jews In 2006-07, Professor Hirsh was a Research Fellow at Yale Univerof raising the issue of anti-Semitism in sity. He acted as an expert witness in bad faith only in order to silence critiSouth African Jewish Board of Depucism of Israel or to smear the left. It has two chapters about the rise of anties v Bongani Masuku, Johannesburg, February 2017, and in South African ti-Zionist and anti-Semitic politics in

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Jewish Board of Deputies v Islamic Unity Convention, Cape Town, 2012. “Charlottesville and Pittsburgh,Sara along with the significant rise of anti-ming Semitic incidents around the Unitedexpe States, raise the question of why thisat ho is happening to the Jewish community.its a The purpose of this program is to en-reco able us to better understand this uglywho phenomenon and what tools we Jewsand T possess to combat hate and prejudice. Tickets for this program are $10co-c and checks should be made payable toSolo Temple Beth Sholom. Advance regis-on S trations will be accepted through Tues-Mich day, March 26. Tickets will also be ontered sale at the door. Temple Beth Sholomtion H is located at 1050 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. The doors open at 6:15 p.m.Rose and complimentary valet parking will1985 be available. To register, please visityear www.templebethsholomfl.org/hirshmarch-28 or call the temple office at 941.955.8121.

Klingenstein lecturer explores early roots of Jewish charity

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niversity of British Columbia Associate Professor Gregg Gardner opened his talk, “Excavating the Foundations of Charity in Classical Jewish Texts,” at New College of Florida with a slide displaying a large bronze donor recognition plaque on the wall of the largest Jewish day school in Vancouver. “Anyone who has set foot in a Jewish school, synagogue or community center is surely familiar with bronze plaques like this one,” he told the full crowd that gathered at Sainer Auditorium on January 22 for the annual Klingenstein Lecture on Judaic Studies. Gardner, who holds The Diamond

Chair in Jewish Law and Ethics at UBC, then delved into a historic interpretation of the roots of Jewish charity that dated back 2,000 years. “The propensity to recognize benefactors has a long history in Judaism. This norm, which was adopted and adapted from the ancient Greeks, is testified about quite early,” he said. Noting that the only surviving piece of the first synagogue in Jerusalem is a stone plaque bearing the temple benefactor’s name, he pointed out that archaeologists have discovered the stone floor remnants from a number of ancient Jewish temples that were inscribed with benefactor names and

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descriptions of their benefaction. Gardner closed with the story of During the 12th century, Jewish King Munbaz, a first-century Syrian monarch who depleted the family’s philosopher and Torah scholar Maimonides “envisioned a ladder of charwealth to save his subjects from starving to death during a famine. When his ity that ranks the various forms of giving and places anonymous giving near the top.” As a result of his outsized influence, according to Gardner, anonymous giving has being H come “a well-known of t ideal in Jewish comLup munities.” Gregg Gardner at New College of Florida mark Noting the cenbrothers challenged him, he cited sixWom turies-long tension in Judaic culture biblical blessings that were rewardedwork between anonymous giving and giving and for charitable acts. that receives public acknowledgement, As Gardner pointed out, Mun-Nan Gardner said: “Poverty, charity and baz’s story played an important rolefesso motivations for giving are undergirded in Jewish tradition by equating charityacro by the broader issue of the role of monwith righteousness. The king rejectedpurs ey and wealth in religious traditions. earthly acknowledgements for his gen-book Despite the importance of the role of erosity because he sought “intangiblegain wealth in religion, the topic remains treasures that were accessible only into th understudied for the ancient world.” other worldly realms. These includedees. Gardner then delved into the roots treasures of soul, access to the world“Mis of charitable giving in Jewish tradition to come, and other rewards that werea hu with the ancient harvesters’ practice of typically part of a system of divine jus-outre leaving produce in the corners of their feed tice.” fields for the poor. He then explained Gardiner was introduced by Pro-for S the early rabbis’ concepts of the soup fessor of Religion Susan Marx, whoable kitchen and the communal charity M holds the Klingenstein Chair in Judaic fund, which are social inventions that mem Studies at New College of Florida. live on today.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

March 2019

15

Aviva honors eight!

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or over 25 years, Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life has worked to better the lives of seniors in Sarasota through enriching programming, a welcoming campus and an experience that makes everyone feel at home. It is that passion that inspires its annual Eight Over 80 brunch which recognizes extraordinary individuals who have served as stewards of change and positivity in Sarasota. This year’s Eight Over 80 event, co-chaired by Meredith Ernst, Lori Solomon and Shari Paler, will be held on Sunday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East with a gourmet catered brunch and a morning of inspiration and celebration. Honorees for 2019 include Alfred Rose, who has lived in Sarasota since 1985. He is best known for his 16 years of serving the Center for Build-

JFCS of the Suncoast for over seven years. Marion was the founding chair of the JFCS Celebrity Chef event, which has functioned as one of the organization’s most successful events. Few have lived a life as full and dynamic as Carolyn Kaplan, a Holocaust survivor and educator. Just a snapshot of her involvement in Sarasota includes Holocaust education and history preservation through the Jewish Federation, volunteer leadership roles at Temple Beth Sholom and advocacy for the residents of Aviva. Mickey Fine is most well-known for her stalwart support of the Itzhak Perlman Music Program, which she helped found. Mickey and her late husband were also fervent advocates of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, becoming one of the organization’s most beloved supporters. Ted and Mary Ann Simon have a special

See you in March

Every Wednesday:

The Original Brown Bag with Rabbi Huntting

March 1:

Rhythm & Jews Shabbat Service

March 15-17:

Scholar in Residence Weekend with Rabbi Marmur

March 20:

Purim Megilah & Spiel followed by Hamantaschan Nosh

March 22:

New Member Erev Shabbat Service

For more information on upcoming events and Temple Sinai, visit SinaiSRQ.org

Ted Simon, Victoria Brown, Mickey Fine, Carolyn Kaplan, Barbara Lupoff (not pictured: Nancy Schlossberg, Marion Levine, Alfred Rose, Mary Ann Simon)

ing Hope and his unwavering support of the residents of Aviva. Barbara Lupoff’s time in Sarasota has been marked by her deep connection to the Women’s Resource Center and her work with the Florida Studio Theatre and the Sarasota Arts Grant Panel. Nancy Schlossberg’s work as a professor of psychology has taken her across the country in a near constant pursuit of helping those in need. Her book, Retire Smart, Retire Happy, has gained national focus for its approach to the mental health of America’s retirees. Victoria Brown, better known as “Miss Vicky,” started Dollar Dynasty, a humanitarian aid and community outreach organization that works to feed, educate and provide a safe place for Sarasota’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens. Marion Levine has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of

place in their hearts for the Boy Scouts of America, working to strengthen programming. The pair has also donated their time and energy to bettering the Asolo Repertory Theatre in addition to countless other causes in Sarasota. No celebration would be complete without a star attraction! This year’s event will feature Tampa Bay’s premier jazz band, the Michael Ross Jazz Band. Performing at many local venues, Ross and his band bring big music to the world of Sarasota! For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 941.357.1609 or visit the Aviva website at aviva seniorlife.org/about-our-foundation/ eight-over-80. All proceeds from Eight Over 80 go directly to improving the lives of Aviva’s residents. Aviva is Sarasota’s only not-for-profit rental senior living community offering all levels of living.

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

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any individuals have derived significant benefit from participating in the Bereavement Support Groups that JFCS of the Suncoast offers. To share with those who have also lost a loved one is a source of comfort that can foster healing, contribute to personal growth, and engender a sense of renewed possibility. Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, JFCS’s next Bereavement Support Group will begin Wednesday, March 6 at the agency’s 2688 Fruitville Road location. Facilitated by Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz, the group

is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds and will meet for six weekly Wednesday sessions from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Exploring the impact of loss, providing coping skills and developing strategies to move forward even in the wake of loss will be a major focus. Other topics, depending on the interest of group members, will also be addressed. The cost for the entire program of sessions is $36. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, please contact Rabbi Katz at 941.366.2224 x166.

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16

March 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Rabbi Eric Yoffie to speak New Torah dedication at Temple Beth Israel at Kol HaNeshama This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

By Rabbi Jennifer Singer

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emple Beth Israel’s Speakers’ rael, and has written widely on issues of Committee is honored to prespeace and security in Israel and on the ent the 2019 Kallah Scholar, relations between Israel and America. Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President Emeritus, He was instrumental in the founding of Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). The the Israel Religious Action Center, the community is invited. Rabbi Yoffie will advocacy group for religious pluralexplore the topic of “Ameriism in Israel. For 30 years can Jews and the State of Ishe has met regularly with rael: Issues that Both Unite Israel’s top leaders. and Divide Us.” Rabbi Yoffie has apOn Friday, March 15 at peared on CNN, Fox News 8:00 p.m., Rabbi Yoffie will and many other media outpresent “Pluralism now! The lets, and has presented at American Jewish struggle the World Economic Fofor religious freedom and rum in Davos. He writes minority rights in Israel.” On an opinion column for Saturday, March 16 at 10:00 Haaretz. Rabbi Eric Yoffie a.m., he will explore “Will peace ever The presentations are free and be possible? A Reform Jew’s perspecopen to the entire community. The TBI tive on the struggle for Israeli-PalestinKallah Scholar Weekend is made posian peace in the age of Trump.” sible through a grant by Gerard Daniel Installed as URJ President in June (z’l) in loving memory of his wife Ruth 1996, Rabbi Yoffie led the Reform Daniel. For reservations or more inforMovement, is an expert on modern Ismation, please call 941.383.3428.

L’Chayim

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ongregation Kol HaNeshama was delighted to welcome a new Torah scroll in January, donated by a Pittsburgh synagogue that closed its doors last year. Beth Israel Center was seeking homes for its Torah scrolls, and Kol HaNeshama member Garry Grossman wanted to honor his family’s roots at the Pittsburgh synagogue, so he facilitated the donation in memory of his father and brother, Ely H. and Paul J. Grossman. Thanks to the dedicated work of sofer (Torah scribe) Shel Bassel of Jerusalem, the 150-year-old scroll was

Rabbi Jennifer Singer carries Kol HaNeshama’s new Torah at the Sarasota airport

repaired and brought to its new home in Sarasota. Welcoming a Torah scroll is likened to welcoming a bride, so the scribe

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After the scribe finished restoring the 150-year-old scroll, Kol HaNeshama formally dedicated it by chanting the Song of the Sea together. Founding member John Niles helps hold the scroll open while founding member Kayla Niles reads the Song; beside her is Rabbi Everett Gendler. (photos courtesy Lynn Levine)

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proudly carried the scroll through the Sarasota airport under a handmadeCom chuppah carried by Kol HaNeshama’sDr. M Rabbi Jennifer Singer and other con-year gregational leaders, and was greeted byish F a klezmer band and dozens of peopleAtte Pres the men ish c T Char seve He he r spee histo Kol HaNeshama member Ruth Brandwein 400observes as Sofer Shel Bassel writes a letter cans in the new scroll in her honor the s singing and dancing. At the synagogue, Rabbi Singeres, R led a ceremony similar to Simchat To-ence rah. The congregation’s existing scrollsenga were brought forward to “welcome”all A the new scroll, and all three scrolls were carried forward to song and dance, making seven circles around the sanctuary. Led by chair Paige Jacobson, a day-long celebration followed, during which more than 60 people sponsored the writing of letters in the scroll as the sofer completed his restoration. Theof T celebration included the first-ever Kolnew HaNeshama choral group, Israeli danc-and ing, Torah study, a talk by the scribe, a O festive luncheon and an art workshop.on o In addition, in honor of Martin Lutherbow King Jr. Day, on which the dedica-of an tion was held, Rabbi Everett Gendlerof th and Mary Gendler shared memories ofrum marching with Dr. King. sues The new Torah was formally dedi-resp cated when one of the congregation’s A founders, Kayla Niles, chanted from the newly completed scroll, standing under the congregation’s chuppah.

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March 2019

COMMUNITY FOCUS

17

Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute at Temple Emanu-El This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

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n Sunday, January 20, Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood, Sisterhood and Social Action Committee sponsored a tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As in past years, the co-sponsor was The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Attendees were welcomed by Temple President Ken Marsh, who recounted the history of the civil rights movement and the involvement of the Jewish community. The tribute featured Reverend Charles McKenzie, who re-enacted several iconic speeches of Dr. King. He received a rousing ovation when he recited the beautiful words from a speech referencing the close ties and history of the Jewish people and the 400-year struggle of African Americans to achieve civil rights. Through the stirring recreation of these speeches, Rev. McKenzie reminded the audience of the passions and ideals of those engaged in the fight for civil rights for all Americans.

Rev. McKenzie’s recitations were intertwined with breathtaking performances by talented teenagers of Greatness Beyond Measure, led by Melanie Thomas. They delighted the audience with beautifully performed music, readings and poetry to honor Dr. King. The tribute to Dr. King’s memory and the relationship between the Jewish and African-American communities were highlighted by Temple Emanu-El

Greatness Beyond Measure teenagers delighted attendees with beautiful musical performances

Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman. Rabbi Everett Gendler also shared stories of his role as organizer and confidant to Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel in civil rights activities and marches including the famous march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Various leaders were present during the tribute including Trevor Harvey, longtime president of the Sarasota

chapter of the NAACP; Willy Shaw, City of Sarasota Commissioner and former Mayor; Fredd Atkins, former Mayor and community leader; Jetson Grimes, Chair of the MLK Celebration Committee and community leader; and Wengay Newton, Florida House of Representatives. Following the tribute was a dessert reception and a slideshow of Dr. King’s civil rights achievements.

Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Greatness Beyond Measure leader Melanie Thomas, Brotherhood Trustee Don Malawsky, Social Action Chair Barbara Peltz, Brotherhood Past President Barry Gerber, Reverend Charles McKenzie, Temple Emanu-El President Ken Marsh, Brotherhood President Bob Meisel, Sisterhood Co-President Judy Levy

Conversations on “Jewish Values and Contemporary Issues” at Temple Beth Sholom

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service, we will have an interactive discussion among the congregation relating to the Jewish value, which was the subject of the sermon, and a contemporary issue related to it. The first sermon will be on the Jewish value of kindness and the first interactive discussion will be on the contemporary issue of immigration. The discussion will be moderated by Rabbi Werbow and Harold Halpern, and will include an overview of immigration: legal, illegal, refugee status and asylum. Everyone will have an opportunity

n Saturday, March 30, Rabbi Michael Werbow and the Continuing Education Committee of Temple Beth Sholom will begin a new program called “Jewish Values and Contemporary Issues.” Over the course of the next year, on one Shabbat a month, Rabbi Werbow will deliver a sermon on the theme of an important Jewish value. The goal of the program will be to create a forum where big ideas and important issues can be discussed in an open and respectful manner. After the Kiddush that follows the

to express their feelings about this vital subject which embroils our country and much of the world in serious political conflict between nationalism and universalism, as we look at how this

issue can be viewed through the lens of Jewish values. For more information, call the temple office at 941.955.8121.

Tidewell Hospice

is committed to meeting the spiritual and physical needs of our patients and families. As a certified Jewish Hospice, Tidewell offers: • Mezuzah and Shabbat candles • Spiritual consultation with Rabbi on request • Bible and prayer book www.tidewell.org • 941-552-7500 • 855-Tidewell

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM Sarasota's Conservative Synagogue

FREE

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

Judaica Shop Sale! Selected merchandise is on sale at 40-50% off regular pricing

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COMING THIS MONTH!

Catering Services Continuing Education Daily Morning Minyan Holocaust Garden Idelson Library Jewish Cemetery Judaica Museum Judaica Shop

Watch for our brand new publication, SHALOMSRQ, in your mailbox.

Shabbat Services

What better way to enjoy a Jewish Florida lifestyle than with a brand new publication that will help make life easier! The ultimate guide to everything Jewish in Sarasota and Manatee counties, SHALOMSRQ is a NEW magazine-style Jewish resource guide.

Shabbat Shaboom & Youth Havurah

SHALOMSRQ covers everything a local resident, visitor or newcomer needs to know when it comes to “all things Jewish” in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. • Synagogues & Temples

• Jewish Housing

• Jewish Clubs

• Jewish Youth & Teen Programs

• Jewish Cultural Arts

• Jewish Calendar

• Jewish Education

• Israel Connections

• Jewish Food

• History of Jews in Sarasota

• Jewish Gift Shops

• Maps with Drop-pin Locators

• Jewish Service Providers

AND MORE!

Friday 6:30 pm Saturday 9:00 am

for our children Saturday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Morning Minyan

Sunday - Friday 8:00 am - 9:00 am

OFFICE HOURS Monday, CLOSED Tuesday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

JUDAICA SHOP Tuesday, 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Wednesday & Thursday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm closed on holidays

For more information on SHALOMSRQ, go to

SHALOMSRQ.org or contact Marty Katz 941.706.0033 or mkatz@jfedsrq.org

SHALOMSRQ is published by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Beach hat and sunglasses art credit: Vecteezy.com

Kosher Kitchen Mah Jongg (weekly) Room Rentals Sisterhood & Men's Club Youth Groups (PREP)Paver Religious Educational Program

Let us help with your Judaic needs! 1050 SOUTH TUTTLE AVENUE SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34237 941.955.8121 INFO@TEMPLEBETHSHOLOMFL.ORG WWW.TEMPLEBETHSHOLOMFL.ORG


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March 2019

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

Jewish Happenings FRIDAY, MARCH 1

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Brandeis National Committee Open House

Annual Community Jewish Art & Books Fair

Please join Brandeis National Committee members for an Open House and General Meeting from 10:30 a.m. to noon on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Winnie Downs of Compassion and Choices will present “Expanding End-of-Life Options,” actions you should take now to ensure your wishes are met later. Free admission. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Joan Levenson at j.levenson@comcast.net or Fran Spring and franspringny@hotmail.com.

Come to the sixth annual Community Jewish Art & Books Fair hosted by The Al Katz Center in the Al and Sophia Katz Jewish Art Gallery, the only one of its kind on Florida’s west coast. The Fair features books and stunning artworks by local and international Jewish authors and artists in various mediums, including photography, paintings, jewelry and crafts for viewing and purchase. All purchases help benefit the vital programs of The Al Katz Center. The Fair takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Donations greatly appreciated. Kosher refreshments available. For more information, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Rhythm and Jews LIFE & LEGACY™ Shabbat Service Join Rabbi Geoff Huntting and Chazzan Cliff Abramson at 6:00 p.m. for the Rhythm and Jews LIFE & LEGACY™ Erev Shabbat Service and enjoy the Bruno Family Musicians as they join the rabbi and chazzan for an uplifting service with a variety of traditional melodies. A welcome reception begins at 5:15 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter only from Proctor Road between Beneva and Swift). For more information, contact the temple office at 941.924.1802 or office@sinaisrq.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 CHJ Purim Party with Entertainer Russ Gerard

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Join the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism at Unity (3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota) at 10:30 a.m. for its Purim party. We’ll begin with a short service followed by Russ Gerard and conclude with an Oneg. Gerard grew up in an Italian-Jewish neighborhood in New York and mixes up a blend of the two cultures in his show. He says his favorite food is lox parmigiana. He is a stand-up comedian and trained actor who has worked in theater and television. This event is free and open to all. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or email CHJSarasota@hotmail.com.

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Goldie’s Legacy Brunch Community Day School will honor Dr. Wendy Katz during its annual fundraising event. Highlights include a delicious brunch, mimosa bar and tributes to Dr. Katz, who has overcome numerous obstacles to earn advanced degrees and impacted generations of students in Sarasota County and beyond. Proceeds will benefit the Wendy J. Katz Scholarship Fund, which will assist deserving students who embody the qualities of a nontraditional learner: hardworking, tenacious and who has had to overcome obstacles to learning. Join us from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $85/ general admission, $180/patron; numerous sponsorships are available. Contact Melissa Rivera at 941. 552.2770 or mrivera@communityday.org for more information.

Yemin Orde Youth Village Presentation Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Join us for a compelling program about transforming the lives of Israel’s at-risk youth and meet special guests from Yemin Orde Youth Village, a home, school and safe haven for 430 at-risk immigrant teens. Most of Yemin Orde’s youth have suffered neglect, cultural barriers, family dysfunction and more. The Village’s innovative educational methodology, called the “Village Way,” helps its youth develop self-esteem, leadership skills and strong cultural identity so they may embrace hope for a bright future as productive citizens of Israel. Refreshments will be served. There will be no solicitation of funds. Free and open to the community, the event begins at 4:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter only from Proctor Road between Beneva and Swift). For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.924.1802 or office@sinaisrq.org.

7 days 48 Events 110+ Musicians Hyatt Regency Hotel March 3-9

Main Stage Concerts

Featuring

KEN PEPLOWSKi Music Director

with

4 New “Themed” Afternoon Stages

Alejandro Arenas Blues Stage Contemporary Stage Shelly Berg Marlon Boone Selwyn Birchwood Randy Brecker Jeremy Carter Betty Fox Bill Charlap Hiram Hazley Lauren Mitchell Roxy Coss Latin Stage Mark Feinman Classic Stage Thomas Carabasi Dick Hyman Gene Bertoncini Joe Delaney Aaron Johnson Katt Hefner Frankie Pineiro John Lamb Allan Vache’ John O’Leary PLUS......A Workshop Production Houston Person “Lil & Louis” an original play by Jo Morello Randy Sandke Mary Stallings James Suggs For tickets and Charles Turner U of Miami Big Band information visit:

www.sarasotajazzfestival.org JoMo Productions

The Harold and Evelyn R. Davis Memorial Foundation

Venice L

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Magazine

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


March 2019

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

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florida studio theatre

MONDAY, MARCH 4 NCJW’s “The Blankee Bee” The National Council of Jewish Women has an ongoing project called “The Blankee Bee.” The project has involved its members in making nosew fleece blankets which have been distributed to various agencies, such as Manatee Community Action Agency, HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters), residents of Anchin Pavilion, patients at the Florida Cancer Center, and children at Camp Mariposa as a joint venture with JFCS. Join us from 10:00 a.m. to noon on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life (580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) to make these blankets. For more information, contact Joan Bour at 941.281.2133 or joanbour5@yahoo.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 5 Yoga Class at Temple Beth Sholom

By David Gow

Join Temple Beth Sholom’s Sisterhood as we welcome Janie Gibson, a Certified Yoga Instructor. This class is for all levels of experience and no prior experience necessary. Please bring a yoga mat or heavy towel. Instruction will also be given using a chair for support. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. for the 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. class at Temple Beth Sholom, Chapel, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. No RSVP required. Cost for the class, payable at the door: $5 for TBS Sisterhood members, $10 for nonmembers. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

A neo-Nazi skinhead is charged with murder, and Legal Aid has assigned him a Jewish lawyer in this “thought provoking” and “explosive” drama.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 Naiditch Family Foundation Jewish Film Festival Opening Night

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EDGE

A Stage III Production

For complete details or to order tickets online, visit jfedsrq.org/jff19. To order by phone, call 888.718.4253, Option 1.

941.366.9000

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 7:00 p.m. - Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel Special guests: filmmaker Jeremy Newberger and ball players from Team Israel

FLORIDASTUDIOTHEATRE.ORG

PoU_Ad-JN.pdf

Temple Emanu-El “Lunch with the Rabbis”

4

2/1/19

2:09 PM

1241 NORTH PALM AVENUE

PROJECT OF

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

The Original Brown Bag with Rabbi Geoff Huntting Temple Sinai has a longstanding tradition of Rabbi Geoff Huntting hosting a brown bag lunch and discussion of timely topics. Join with congregants, friends and neighbors in spirited conversations surrounding worldly events. Bring a bag lunch and an open mind to discuss important issues. This free workshop is open to the community. Participants are encouraged to introduce ideas for discussion, analysis and/or debate. Meet at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter only from Proctor Road between Beneva and Swift). For more information, contact the temple office at 941.924.1802 or office@sinaisrq.org.

JFCS of the Suncoast, in collaboration with community partners, presents the Project of Unity series. The series includes educational and cultural events designed to help people better understand the fundamental values behind different faiths and common principles, through the story of the prophet Elijah. C

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JFEDSRQ.org/JewishEvents

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ELIJAH

MARCH 10, 4PM • MARCH 11, 7PM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, SARASOTA Tickets available at keychorale.org — $30-$40 or please call (941) 921-4845

The Project of Unity series culminates with Mendelssohn’s powerful choral masterpiece, Elijah. This performance brings to life some of the most dramatic moments in the Old Testament. Fire comes from the heavens, storms gather, and the people cry for vengeance. From the prophet’s curse of drought to confronting an evil queen, to his ascent to heaven on a fiery chariot, Elijah is an extraordinary musical experience. Elijah, portrayed by Jamal Sarikoki, and Key Chorale will retell the story of a man’s devotion, persecution, and ascension in one of the greatest oratorios ever written. The Project of Unity is dedicated to Steve Seidensticker who exemplified unity in our community. Presented by:


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March 2019

JEWISH HAPPENINGS THURSDAY, MARCH 7 Jewish Film Festival Screenings

THROUGH JUNE 30 LEAD SPONSORS:

900 SOUTH PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236 SELBY.ORG

Bridge...

Anyone? THE BRIDGE GROUP meets

Thursday afternoons 1:00–4:00 pm

The Hecht School, The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life

For more information

Open to intermediate and advanced bridge players.

call Bob Satnick at 941.538.3739

I B L ERAL YESHIVA a t o s a r a s PRESENTS APRIL – MAY 2019 COURSES

KABBALAH AND JEWISH MYSTICISM MONDAYS 3:15 PM–4:30 PM Starting April 1 (Eight Weeks) Kabbalah (“mysticism”) is the body of esoteric teachings of Judaism and Jewish mystical literature, particularly from the 12th century onward. The kabbalah draws on early rabbinic mystical tradition about the divine chariot (“maaseh Merkavah”) and the mysteries of creation (“maaseh bereshit”). It is concerned with doctrines about God and creation, the problem of evil, the soul, and the mystic way. This course will discuss the key literature as well as its renewed popularity in pop culture. Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $60.

THE PROPHET MOSES TUESDAYS 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Starting April 2 (Eight Weeks) Moshe is the lawgiver, leader of the Israelites, teacher and prophet. What he accomplished in 120 years were feats never duplicated in quality or quantity by anyone else of the Mosaic persuasion. In partnership with the Almighty, he took his people out of bondage, into the wilderness and then up to the promised land. In addition to the bible narrative, there are midrash and commentary that will arouse your curiosity and expand our collective view and understanding of this outstanding individual. Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $60.

For complete details or to order tickets online, visit jfedsrq.org/jff19. To order by phone, call 888.718.4253, Option 1. Hollywood 11 Regal Cinemas 1993 Main St., Sarasota Noon - The Light of Hope Noon - Past Life 1:00 p.m. - The Optimists 3:00 p.m. - 93Queen 3:00 p.m. - Keep the Change 4:00 p.m. - The Samuel Project 7:00 p.m. - Shelter 7:45 p.m. - The Last Suit

Women of Sinai Mah Jongg & More Enjoy a continental breakfast, delicious catered lunch and a fun-filled day of Mah Jongg and social interaction from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter only from Proctor Road between Beneva and Swift). For more information and reservations, contact Rae Ellen Levene at 941.751.5340 or res10levene@gmail.com.

“The Jewish Calendar and This Leap Year” Unlike the solar calendar used in America and other countries, which adds one full day every four years, the Jewish lunar calendar has unequal intervals between leap years, one of which is this year, adding a full extra month to the year 5779. The extra month added every leap year to the Jewish calendar is known as Adar II, during which the joyous festival of Purim is celebrated, this year on the evening of March 20 and on March 21. Join us at 10:30 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Lunch & Learn: “Is it a Sin to Tell a Lie?” Bring a dairy bagged lunch with you and enjoy this fascinating series, taught by Sue Spector. Through activity and discussion, each session will focus on a different question that challenges society today. Come participate in Temple Beth Sholom’s version of What Would You Do? Classes meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays, March 7, 14 and 21, and April 4 at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. No charge for TBS members, $5 for nonmembers. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

Professor Robert Lieber at Temple Emanu-El Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood is honored to sponsor a lecture by Robert J. Lieber, Professor of Government at Georgetown University. Professor Lieber is the author and editor of numerous books and articles and has also made many media appearances regarding U.S. foreign affairs. The subject of Professor Lieber’s talk will be “Is there a Trump Administration Foreign Policy Doctrine?” The community is warmly invited to this free event, which begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, please contact Don Malawsky at 941.359.2890 or dmalawsky@msn.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 Jewish Film Festival Screenings

ISRAEL 2019: THRIVE AND SURVIVE FRIDAYS 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Starting April 5 (Eight weeks) Constantly under threat from its neighbors, how has Israel thrived and survived in spite some of the most heinous attacks on its civilian population? Its political system seems wacky yet democracy prevails in an ever-changing multi-party system. Known for its high technology and educational institutions, modern society would not have advanced without Israeli know how and ingenuity. What is the current state of affairs? Let’s assess it and opine Israel’s future, Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $60.

Inquire about multi-course discounts. Scholarships are also available.

Classes are held at The Jewish Federation on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. To register or seek more information, please contact Marden Paru, Dean and Rosh Yeshiva at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail.com. Please make checks payable to the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva and mail to Marden Paru, 5445 Pamela Wood Way #160, Sarasota, FL 34233. NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs. The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency. It is funded, in part, by a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

For complete details or to order tickets online, visit jfedsrq.org/jff19. To order by phone, call 888.718.4253, Option 1. Hollywood 11 Regal Cinemas 1993 Main St., Sarasota Noon - The Cakemaker Noon - When the Smoke Clears Noon - The Samuel Project 2:30 p.m. - A Fortunate Man 2:30 p.m. - Fanny’s Journey 3:00 p.m. - Who Will Write Our History

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Havdalah and a Movie Back by popular demand, Temple Beth El will once again begin its Jewish International Film Series. Please join us for a potluck dairy dinner (no meat, kugels or desserts please) followed by a Havdalah service and then a wonderful movie with a Jewish theme. Following the movie will be time for discussion. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El Bradenton/ Lakewood Ranch, 5150 Peridia Blvd. East, Bradenton. The movie is free with your dish for the potluck dinner. To RSVP or for more information, please call the TBE office at 941.755.4900.


March 2019

JEWISH HAPPENINGS SUNDAY, MARCH 10

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MONDAY, MARCH 11

Jewish War Veterans Meeting Jewish War Veterans, Sarasota/Manatee Post 172, will hold its next meeting in the main dining room at Aviva/Kobernick, 1951 North Honore Ave., Sarasota. This is the featured meeting of our year, when we honor three JROTC cadets, one each from Riverview, Sarasota and Booker High Schools. We begin at 9:30 a.m. with a Super Dairy Brunch followed by the Awards Ceremony and a short business meeting. For this event, all Kobernick veterans and Post 172 members will eat free. Guests, spouses and significant others will pay $7 at the door. Since this meeting is always well attended, parking will be at a premium. If you are unable to park around the circle or along the lake, near the entrance to Kobernick, there is always ample parking in “C” Lot, which is located to the left as you enter the Aviva Campus. You may park in any uncovered space that is not already occupied. For further information or directions, please contact Stan Levinson, Commander, Post 172, at stanlevinson172@gmail.com or 941.226.7185.

Jewish Film Festival Screenings

For complete details or to order tickets online, visit jfedsrq.org/jff19. To order by phone, call 888.718.4253, Option 1. Hollywood 11 Regal Cinemas 1993 Main St., Sarasota Noon - Keep the Change Noon - 93Queens 1:00 p.m. - The Optimists 3:00 p.m. - My Dear Children 4:00 p.m. - Life Is Rich 7:00 p.m. - Who Will Write Our History 7:45 p.m. - Life Is Rich

Temple Sinai’s Religious School Purim Carnival Family, friends, congregants and the community are invited to Temple Sinai’s festive Purim Carnival with food, games, prizes, face painting and fun for children of all ages. No charge for entrance. Buy tickets for games and food to support other Temple Sinai endeavors. The fun begins at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter only from Proctor Road between Beneva and Swift). For more information, please contact Steve Weintraub at 941.922.9322 or sweintraub@Sinai SRQ.org.

Temple Beth Sholom Men’s Club Breakfast Program Join the Temple Beth Sholom Men’s Club as it welcomes Bud Livingston, a historian, raconteur, past president of the Civil War Round Table of New York, and author of Brooklyn and the Civil War, for “American Jewry and the Civil War.” For many years, Bud has served as a speaker and educator at numerous east coast colleges and adult education forums including NYC’s 92nd Street Y. The program takes place from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Sainer Social Hall, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Open to the public. Cost: $5/adult; youth are free. RSVP by Thursday, March 7 to 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

Sunday Zionist Brunch Club What is more important than spending time in support of Israel with fellow Zionists? The delightful Sunday Zionist Brunch Club brings Jews of Sarasota-Manatee together over brunch to discuss Israeli current events and urgent issues, since Israel always has an overabundance of pressing matters to review, debate, research and take action upon. Indeed, this club can inspire everyone to act on behalf of Israel in multitudes of ways. Help the Jewish homeland even from thousands of miles away! Join us at 11:30 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; kosher brunch included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

NCJW Book Club The National Council of Jewish Women Book Club will discuss Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty at the Gulf Gate Public Library (7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota) from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. The NCJW Sarasota-Manatee section website (ncjwsarasota-manatee.org) has information about the Book Club, the title selections and dates for the current season. Click on Community Services at the top of the page. You will also find Goodreads reviews of the books. Guests welcome. For more information, contact Barbara Aferiat at barbara@aferiat.com or 703.338.7112.

info@performancecopying.com

Dan and Steve Levison - Owners

Active Members of the Jewish Community 25 Years Family Owned and Independent “Serving all your printing and graphic design needs”

8010 25th Court East, Suite 105 Sarasota, FL 34243 (On U.S. 301, 1/2 mile North of University Parkway) Ph: 941-351-5500

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JCV Open House for Prospective Members The Jewish Congregation of Venice will host an open house for prospective members from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 600 North Auburn Road, Venice. Anyone interested in becoming part of a small, friendly, diverse, caring and active congregation is invited to attend and learn about our spiritual and social activities. Light refreshments will be served. Our members live primarily in the Venice area, but several are from Sarasota, Osprey, Englewood and North Port. RSVP to Chair Nessa Kleinglass at 941.451.4021 or nessak@comcast.net by Tuesday, March 5.

Exceptional Service

Above All

The Jewish Club at Lakewood Ranch Lecture

Robert Krasow

Back by popular demand, local lecturer Baila Miller will speak about “The Golden Age of Jewish Vienna in the 1900s.” The program starts at 7:00 p.m., followed by refreshments, at the Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Cost: $5. This program is open to Jewish residents of Lakewood Ranch and their guests. For more information, please visit www.jewishclubatlwr.org.

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22

March 2019

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM, THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA-MANATEE AND THE PORTNOFF FAMILY INVITE YOU TO JOIN US

JEWISH HAPPENINGS TUESDAY, MARCH 12 Jewish Film Festival Screenings

THE RISE OF ANTI-SEMITISM IN 2019 WITH PROFESSOR DAVID HIRSH

Thursday, March 28, 2019 7:00 pm - DOORS OPEN AT 6:15 PM -

For complete details or to order tickets online, visit jfedsrq.org/jff19. To order by phone, call 888.718.4253, Option 1. Hollywood 11 Regal Cinemas 1993 Main St., Sarasota Noon - Shelter 1:00 p.m. - Life Is Rich 3:00 p.m. - Keep the Change 4:00 p.m. - Back to Berlin 4:00 p.m. - Heading Home 7:00 p.m. - Past Life 7:00 p.m. - The Cakemaker 7:45 p.m. - When the Smoke Clears

Mitzvah Knitting Group at Temple Emanu-El

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM 1050 S. TUTTLE AVENUE SARASOTA, FL 34237

Following Professor Hirsh's presentation, he will be joined by a panel of leaders from the Sarasota Jewish community for a discussion and dialogue on the present state of anti-Semitism in the United States.

Professor David Hirsh is an expert on left-wing anti-Semitism in the UK and Western Europe and lecturer at Goldsmiths College, University of London and the founder of Engage, a campaign against the academic boycott of Israel. $10 per person Advance Registrations will be taken through March 26, 2019 *tickets also on sale at the door* Register at: www.templebethsholomfl.org/hirsh-march-28 or call the Temple office at 941-955-8121 THE PORTNOFF FAMILY

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

Brandeis: Art in the Afternoon Join Brandeis members at The Meadows Country Club (3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for “A History of Florida Through its Buildings.” Harold Bubil, author of the “Florida Buildings I Love” series in the Herald-Tribune, will present a slideshow featuring structures that reflect the architectural and social history of Florida. He will tell the stories behind the buildings and explain their historical context. The cost for the event with lunch is $50 for Brandeis members and $65 for guests. For more information, contact Janet Tolbert at 941.388.9624 or janetrtolbert@gmail.com, or Maris Margulies at 941.757.3012 or grandmakabat@aol.com.

CTeen – Purim Sunset Cruise Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Join CTeen and enjoy a wonderful Purim Sunset Cruise including many fun activities such as Lottery Scratch Offs and Teen Challenge: “Seeing G-d in the Everyday.” Come dressed up and enjoy the “Purim Runway Show.” The event takes place from 5:30 to 9:15 p.m. Meet at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. A special thank you to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee for sponsoring CTeen 5779. A CTeen annual membership is $180 and includes all trips and activities except the International CTeen Shabbaton in New York. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton. com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 Jewish Film Festival Screenings

For complete details or to order tickets online, visit jfedsrq.org/jff19. To order by phone, call 888.718.4253, Option 1. Hollywood 11 Regal Cinemas 1993 Main St., Sarasota Noon - Light of Hope Noon - The Samuel Project 3:00 p.m. - The Cakemaker 4:00 p.m. - Past Life 7:00 p.m. - A Fortunate Man 7:45 p.m. - Back to Berlin Temple Beth Israel 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key 7:00 p.m. - The Last Suit

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS THURSDAY, MARCH 14

March 2019

23

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Jewish Film Festival Screenings

Jewish Film Festival Screenings

For complete details or to order tickets online, visit jfedsrq.org/jff19. To order by phone, call 888.718.4253, Option 1.

For complete details or to order tickets online, visit jfedsrq.org/jff19. To order by phone, call 888.718.4253, Option 1.

Hollywood 11 Regal Cinemas 1993 Main St., Sarasota Noon - Who Will Write Our History 1:00 p.m. - Back to Berlin 3:00 p.m. - The Last Suit 4:00 p.m. - When the Smoke Clears 7:00 p.m. - My Dear Children 7:45 p.m. - The Optimists

Hollywood 11 Regal Cinemas 1993 Main St., Sarasota Noon - Light of Hope Noon - Fanny’s Journey 1:00 p.m. - 93Queen 2:30 p.m. - A Fortunate Man 4:00 p.m. - My Dear Children

This Month in Jewish History Significant events in Jewish history in March include the issuance of the notorious Alhambra Decree by King Ferdinand in 1492, expelling and converting the Jews of Spain; the establishment in 1933 of Dachau, the first concentration camp in Nazi Germany; the signing of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt at the White House in 1979; and the monumental first Maccabiah Games held in Palestine in 1932, featuring 390 Jewish athletes from 14 countries. Join us at noon at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; kosher brunch included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Rosh Chodesh Society Course - Bradenton Women are invited to join RCS’s latest course, “Larger Than Life – Weaving G-d in the Details.” This fifth class is entitled “Whistle While You Work: The Balancing Fact.” Lunch will be served. Join us at noon at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. The course fee is $75 (textbooks included) or $18 per class. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

Rosh Chodesh Society Course - Sarasota Women are invited to join RCS’s latest course, “Larger Than Life.” The Rosh Chodesh Society meets monthly, yet each segment stands alone. This month’s segment, entitled “Whistle While You Work: The Balancing Fact,” will explore the spiritual perspective on work and wealth, and discuss ways to find a healthy balance between work and the other important callings of our lives. Following the class, participants will enjoy a Zumba class with Yael Campbell. Refreshments will be served. For assistance with underwriting this course, appreciation is extended to Anne Stein. Join us at 7:15 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Cost: free for Rebbetzin Circle members; $10 for RCS members; $12 for nonmembers. Anyone joining the class for the first time is our guest at no charge. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sara Steinmetz at 941.925.0770 or sara@chabadofsarasota.com.

Babycinno This exciting 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. Babycinno 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. Join us from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Suggested donation: $10. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

Temple Sinai Scholar-in-Residence Weekend Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Temple Sinai’s scholar weekend, sponsored in part by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, includes interesting and educational presentations all weekend. Friday’s Erev Shabbat Service at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai will feature Rabbi Marmur, Associate Professor of Jewish Theology at HUC in Jerusalem, speaking on “Looking, Seeing and Getting Across the River.” Rabbi Marmur will discuss the prospects for Israel, looking at some of the major challenges that face Israel and the Jewish world today. Join us at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter only from Proctor Road between Beneva and Swift). For more information, contact Steve Weintraub at 941.922.9322 or sweintraub@SinaiSRQ. org.com.

Sarasota Concert Association

2019

GREAT

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March 15 • 7:30 pm

Pavel Haas Quartet

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Shostakovich • Quartet No. 7 in F-sharp Minor, Op. 108 and Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110 Beethoven • Quartet in C Major, Op. 59, No. 3

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Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra JoAnn Falletta, conductor • Fabio Bidini, piano

April 3 • 7:30 pm • Van Wezel

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Berlioz • Roman Carnival Overture Brahms • Piano Concerto No. 2 Prokofiev • Selections from Romeo & Juliet

Tickets only available via SCA box office

941-225-6500 www.scasarasota.org


24

March 2019

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

SAT-SUN, MARCH 16-17

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

Temple Beth Sholom Scholar-in-Residence Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

A joint Scholar-in-Residence weekend, hosted with Temple Sinai and sponsored in part by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, includes interesting and educational presentations all weekend. Saturday morning’s Shabbat service at Temple Beth Sholom (1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota) will feature a lecture presented by Rabbi Michael Marmur, Associate Professor of Jewish Theology at HUC in Jerusalem. Rabbi Marmur will speak on “Rafts and Rhapsodies: The Prospects for the Israel-Diaspora Relationship.” The service begins at 9:00 a.m.; lecture at 12:45 p.m. On Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Rabbi Marmur will speak on “In Search of Heschel.” Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Naiditch Family Foundation Jewish Film Festival Closing Event

For complete details or to order tickets online, visit jfedsrq.org/jff19. To order by phone, call 888.718.4253, Option 1. Beatrice Friedman Theater on the Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota 3:00 p.m. - Mamboniks With special guest, producer John Paulson

CKids – Epic Purim Rap Battle

PJ Library Jewish Film Festival Family Night Bring blankets, pillows and PJs! Snack on pizza and popcorn while you snuggle up and watch DreamWorks Studios’ movie, The Prince of Egypt. After the movie, get ready for Passover with games and activities, including making and decorating a matzah house and playing a game of afikomen hide and seek! The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Zell Room on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, please contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org. To register, go to https://jfedsrq.org/community-calendar/2019-jewish-filmfest-family-day.

Embracing Our Differences The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (CHJ) will introduce Sarah Wertheimer, Executive Director of Embracing Our Differences (EOD), and Bernadette Bennett, Ph.D., Director of Curriculum and Liaison in the Sarasota Schools. They will discuss how EOD grew from a local project asking students to think about intolerance. This year, art work was received from 11,791 people from around the world, including Sarasota students. EOD has impacted more than 2.7 million people since its inception in 2004. EOD also inspired Israel to hold its own program annually. Special guest soloist Devon Chiodo, majoring in Music and Special Ed, is also part of the program, which is free and open to the public. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at CHJ, which meets at Unity, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota. For further information, email CHJSarasota@hotmail.com or call 941.929.7771.

Tot Shabbat at Temple Emanu-El Tot Shabbat is a relaxed, welcoming and festive Shabbat celebration for young Jewish and interfaith families. Please join us for playground time, a bagel breakfast, crafts, and age-appropriate Shabbat prayers, songs and movement with Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Rabbi Michael Shefrin. It’s a wonderful time with old and new friends! Although Tot Shabbat is designed for families with children ages 1-6, all are invited at 10:30 a.m. to Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, call Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997.

Rap meets ancient storytelling with this groovy new Purim twist, bringing together incredible heroes and terrifying villains. Team up, dress up and speak to the beat with our lyrics, costumes and music. Stick to the script or improvise your own poetic rhythms in this professional rap production based on the Purim story. Then perform theater-style for your parents and friends. Admission is $10. Chabad Hebrew School students come free! The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to noon at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

Jewish Genealogical Society of SWFL In “Preserve Your Ancestor’s Legacy: Write Their Life Story,” Mike Karsen walks the audience through the process of preserving the memories of departed loved ones. Where genealogy meets family history, this presentation explores the elements of putting together an individual’s life story. Framed against the backdrop of historical context, these elements begin with collecting the information. These efforts result in written portraits of our ancestors that bring them back to life for future generations to know and cherish. Join us at 1:00 p.m. at Aviva, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. Attendance is free. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Kim Sheintal at 941.302.1433 or klapshein@aol.com.

“The One-Drop Rule” Startling as it seems, America’s racial segregation and eugenics laws were the models for Nazi Germany’s racial purity ideology. In particular, America’s “One-Drop Rule” deemed any person with even “one drop” of black blood to belong to the black race. The Nazis, murderers of millions of “sub-humans,” criticized the “human hardness” of the “One-Drop Rule.” Incredibly, when the Nazis rejected American racial law, it was often because they found it too harsh. For more on this topic, join us at 3:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

THE ICONIC ROCK PROMOTER WHO USED MUSIC FOR SOCIAL CHANGE AND BROUGHT YOU

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In response to visitor demand, Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution has been extended through June 30, 2019! Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution explores the extraordinary life of renowned music promoter Bill Graham (1931 - 1991) who helped launch and promote the careers of countless rock & roll artists. It also traces the indomitable spirit of a man brought to the United States as an elevenyear-old Jewish refugee fleeing the Nazis, fueling a lifelong passion and advocacy for justice.

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS

March 2019

25

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 “Purim is a Big Spiel” The exuberant festival of Purim or Feast of Esther celebrates one of the world’s most awesome, miraculous victories of right over might, which inspires Jews worldwide to have faith and hope in even the darkest of times. This holiday turns the tables against evildoers in a manner that brings meaning to desperation that Jews have faced throughout the millennia, when all seemed lost. Esther is the ultimate in womanhood to multitudes of Jews across the ages. Join us at 5:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per student; kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Sarasota Jewish Singles Dinner Meeting 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 5:30 p.m. at Waterfront Restaurant, 7660 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To make a reservation or for more information, call or text Rosalyn Fleischer at 941.915.6631 or email rozfleischer@gmail.com.

We are proud to announce the 2019 honorees who will be recognized at this year’s Eight Over 80 event. These nine individuals have been nominated as extraordinary stewards of the Sarasota community. Each honoree is recognized for the work they have done to enrich the lives of the Sarasota community through their passion, leadership, generosity, and wisdom. Aviva is proud to honor these individuals and celebrate the difference they have made in our community.

Honorees:

Victoria Brown Carolyn Kaplan Barbara Lupoff Nancy Schlossberg

Eight Over 80 Date: March 17, 2019 Time: 10:30 am Place: Michael’s On East Brunch

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 NCJW General Meeting and Luncheon Join the National Council of Jewish Women from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Speaker Ann Walborn from the MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium will discuss “Coral Reefs and Our Changing Climate.” A light lunch will be served at no charge. For more information or to RSVP, contact Marion Marshak at 941.739.0463 or marjmar7@aol.com.

Rhythm & Jews Purim Service Join Rabbi Geoff Huntting and Chazzan Cliff Abramson at 5:30 p.m. for the Rhythm & Jews Purim Worship Service, an entertaining Purim Shpiel and hear the Bruno Family Trio as they join the rabbi and chazzan for an uplifting service with a variety of traditional, Israeli, Sephardic and Chassidic melodies. The service takes place at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota (enter only from Proctor Road between Beneva and Swift). For more information, contact the temple office at 941.924.1802 or office@sinaisrq.org.

Purim Masquerade Party Join us for an exciting Purim Masquerade Party and enjoy a night of Megillah reading, cocktails, music, refreshments and more. This free event begins at 8:00 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

Mickey Fine Marion Levine Alfred Rose Mary Ann & Ted Simon

Helping to enrich the lives of the residents at Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life For additional information or sponsorship opportunities please contact Karen Corbin, 941-203-6237 or kcorbin@jewishhcf.org Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life is Sarasota’s only non-profit, rental senior living campus which offers all levels of care on a rental basis. Inspired by the Jewish values it was founded on, Aviva allows residents in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Rehabilitation to live life to the fullest while experiencing a world of possibilities.

Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life is Sarasota’s only rental non-profit senior living community. The community’s mission is to provide seniors in Sarasota with an enriching, dynamic, and fulfilling lifestyle inspired by Jewish values and tradition. Your donations strengthen our community and provide new opportunities for the residents of Aviva.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 Purim in Africa Dinner & Drum Circle Celebrate Purim at Chabad of Sarasota’s Purim in Africa dinner and drum circle, which will be lots of fun for the young and the young at heart! Prior to the dinner, the Megillah will be read at 5:00 pm. The event takes place at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Cost: $18 per adult and $12 per child. Advance reservations necessary. To RSVP, call 941.925.0770 or go to SarasotaChabad.com.

Film Matinee Series at Temple Beth Sholom The Idelson Library Film Matinee Series presents The Sturgeon Queens (2014; 52 minutes), a “delectable” documentary about the famed lox and herring emporium, Russ and Daughters, a staple on New York’s Lower East Side for 100 years. The film traces four generations of the Jewish immigrant family that created and continue to run the store today. Famous devoted customers are interviewed, including Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Morley Safer and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Ronnie Riceburg will lead a Q&A session after the movie. Refreshments, including popcorn, are provided courtesy of the Temple Beth Sholom Men’s Club. Join us at 1:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Sainer Social Hall, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Suggested donation: $3 for TBS members, $5 for nonmembers. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@ templebethsholomfl.org.

FREE EVENT Registration required. Online registration is strongly encouraged at www.neurochallenge.org Call 941-926-6413 for more information.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 Bradenton Area Convention Center 1 Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL

9AM–3PM

Doors open at 8am www.neurochallenge.org

This event is presented to the community at no charge thanks to the following partners:

Exclusive Presenting Sponsor

Purim in the Shtetl Join the celebration of Purim in the Shtetl at The Chabad House (5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton), featuring delicious traditional “heimishe” cuisine, kosher pickling, interactive Megillah reading and the wonderful Klezmer Freylach Band! Enjoy many fun activities such as hay rides, a petting zoo, and comedy with the cantor and rabbi. The fun begins at 5:45 p.m. Admission is $18 per adult and $12 per child (ages 3-12) for pre-paid admission before Wednesday, March 20. Payment afterwards or at the door is $25 per adult and $18 per child. Chabad Hebrew School students come free! For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 or rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.

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The Parkinson’s Expo will feature presentations from medical experts on treatment options, the latest in research, managing the non-motor aspects of the disease, and more.

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A complete listing of speakers and topics is available at www.neurochallenge.org

Silver Sponsors Acadia • Bioclinica • Medtronic • Rough & Ready Slater-Kassan Charitable Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation SYNOVUS • Trulieve


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26

March 2019

JEWISH HAPPENINGS FRIDAY, MARCH 22 Be Happy It’s Purim Join us for a Purim celebration, a Persian dinner (presented by Chef Rabbi Sternfield) and enjoy a wonderful Purim Shpiel with Cantor Bard, The Shabbat Band, Temple Beth El Choir and our religious school children. And, of course, hamentashen and more. Costumes for young and not so young encouraged! The event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch, 5150 Peridia Blvd. East, Bradenton. The cost for the dinner is $13 for members and $15 for guests and friends. For more information and to RSVP for the dinner, please call the temple office at 941.755.4900 by Thursday, March 7.

Live at Aviva. Play at The Meadows. Experience the possibilities at Aviva, now offering residents membership to The Meadows Country Club. Call or visit our website today to learn more about lifestyle and membership options!

941-225-8369 avivaseniorlife.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Pour’Em Another: World Tour Guests are invited to enjoy the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School’s annual event featuring colorful costumes and craft cocktails by Christian Hershman, chef at The Overton, as revelers celebrate Community Day School in the Purim tradition. Attendees will enjoy mixology tasting, music and dancing, dinner by the bite, open bar and lounge, and silent auction. Proceeds benefit Community Day School. Join us at 6:30 p.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets are $125/general admission, $150/patron; sponsorships available. Contact Melissa Rivera at 941.552.2770 or mrivera@communityday.org for more information.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 Sunday Serenade and Supper

Sarasota’s only rental non-profit senior community offering all levels of living: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

The Jewish Congregation of Venice (600 North Auburn Road) will present The Venice Symphony Orchestra Woodwind Quintet in a musical program at 3:00 p.m. followed by dinner. Selections include light classical music, tunes from Broadway shows and other popular music. Cost: $30 for JCV members and $35 for nonmembers in advance; $32 for members and $37 for nonmembers at the door. For information and to purchase tickets, call 941.484.2022 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Zip Code Party with Temple Beth Sholom

Cruise Ship Living Without Leaving Port!

This is an outreach program of Temple Beth Sholom, inviting those of you who live in Palmer Ranch, Venice, Osprey or Nokomis to join us for a meet & greet. Enjoy wine and cheese, and find out who the people in your neighborhood are! Join us from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Village Walk Clubhouse, 8109 Camminare Drive, Sarasota. This event is free, but registration is required to enter the gate at Village Walk. RSVP by Wednesday, March 20 at https://www.templebethsholomfl.org/event/zipcodeparty. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 25 Tatev Baroyan, Rising Opera Singer

OPEN HOUSE March 23 , 2019 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life 1951 N Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL rd

Join us for an afternoon of live entertainment, gourmet food and exclusive raffle prizes.

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The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (CHJ), which meets at Unity (3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota), will present Tatev Baroyan at 4:00 p.m. Later this year, Baroyan will play the title role in Bellini’s “La Straniera” in New York City, and will participate in the apprentice program with the Sarasota Opera and sing the title roles in “Un Baila Maschera” and “Stiffelio.” Tickets will be held at the door. Send your $20 check (“Tatev” in the memo line) to CHJ, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34231 or pay at the door. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or email CHJSarasota@ hotmail.com.

“GOD Quest” at Temple Emanu-El Explore and deepen your relationship with the Divine in this wonderful two-part adult learning series with Temple Emanu-El Associate Rabbi Michael Shefrin. Join us at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El (151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) for the first session of “GOD Quest.” “Seeking God” examines different theologies and the names that Judaism uses for God. “GOD Quest” continues on Wednesday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. with “Talking about God” – confronting challenges in talking about the Divine, investigating what pop culture tells us about God, and learning to speak about God. This class is free for Temple Emanu-El members, with a $10 donation requested for guests. For more information, call 941.371.2788.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26 Alpha Epsilon Phi Suncoast Luncheon Members of Alpha Epsilon Phi Suncoast will gather once again to renew old friendships, make new ones, and remember their beloved sister Betty Schoenbaum at their annual luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Marina Jack (2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, on the 2nd floor with a scenic view of the bay). All area AEPhi alumnae are welcome to attend, but reservations are required. Please contact chair Sora Hecht Yelin at sorayelin@yahoo.com if you wish to attend or for further information.

Send your Jewish Happenings to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org


March 2019

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

27

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

The

NCJW Lunch and Learn Join the National Council of Jewish Women at noon at Children First, 1723 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota. The topic is “Positive Solutions for Women and Families in Need.” Take a facility tour and engage in a discussion about the need for, and growth of, early intervention with toddlers/preschoolers whose families need help. No charge. You must register if you want to attend. To RSVP or for more information, contact Barbara Aferiat at barbara@aferiat.com or 703.338.7112.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 Just Reel Films: No Place on Earth Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

In 1942, Esther Stermer, the matriarch of a Jewish family in Ukraine, along with some family members and a group of other families, seeks asylum underground to evade being caught by pursuing Nazis. They remain hidden below for nearly a year and a half – the longest recorded uninterrupted underground survival occurrence. Their story is unearthed by accident when cave explorer Chris Nicola stumbles upon remnants left behind by the cave dwellers. Through extensive research and determination, Nicola locates a few of the survivors and has them share their incredible story of strength and perseverance. The screening takes place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. The series is free, but audience members are asked to bring cans of food, as well as new toys and school supplies, which will be donated to such community organizations as All Faiths Food Bank, The Food Bank of Manatee, Toys for Tots and Title 1 schools. To register, visitjfedsrq.org/reel19. For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at jlisitza@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2113.

SaBra Chapter of Hadassah Donor Luncheon Join SaBra Hadassah for a lovely lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota. Learn about Hadassah’s 360° Campaign for the new round building at Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem. In addition, Sue Spector will present “Exploring Jewish India.” Jewish life in India has a rich and vibrant history going back 2,000 years. Members, Associates and guests are welcome! Cost: $42 in advance and $45 at the door. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lee at 941.228.8244 or lruggles.sabra@gmail.com.

Chabad of Sarasota and The Glenridge Charitable Foundation Inc. Presents:

Dr. Schwartzbaum GERIATRIC COMPASSIONATE CARE SYMPOSIUM SUNDAY I APRIL 7 I 2019 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Michael’s On East 1212 S. East Ave, Sarasota, FL

“The Rise of Anti-Semitism in 2019” Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Join us as we welcome Professor David Hirsh, an expert on left-wing antiSemitism in the UK and Western Europe and lecturer at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and the founder of Engage, a campaign against the academic boycott of Israel. Following Professor Hirsh’s presentation, he will be joined by a panel of leaders from the Sarasota Jewish community for a discussion and dialogue on the present state of anti-Semitism in the United States. The program, presented by Temple Beth Sholom, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the Portnoff Family, begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Cost: $10; advance registrations will be taken through Tuesday, March 26; tickets also on sale at the door. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@ templebethsholomfl.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31 Sing Hallelujah! We are back again, after a standing-room-only concert in 2018, with a brand new show celebrating the music of 20th-century Jewish composers. Act I pays tribute to female songwriters including Nurit Hirsh, Debbie Friedman and Shirona. Act II presents music written by Leonard Bernstein, Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon and Billy Joel. Act III consists of folk songs and prayers sung in the synagogue with a different, modern twist. Join us for Sing Hallelujah!, a concert performed by the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, at 4:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. For advance tickets at $20, go to sarasotajewishchorale.org. Tickets on the day of the performance are $25.

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Temple Emanu-El Presents The Band’s Visit Temple Emanu-El’s popular film series continues with The Band’s Visit. When Egypt’s Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrives in Israel for a performance, they find no delegation to meet them and must arrange their own ride to Petah Tiqva. When they arrive instead at the remote town of Beit Hatikva, they experience a special night of happenings and confessions as the band makes its impact on the town – and the town on them. A lively discussion follows the screening. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Tickets are $5. For more information, email Howard Kilman at howardkilman@hotmail.com.

AJC Award Dinner AJC is proud to honor Tom and Sherry Koski with its National Human Relations Award at a Tribute Dinner at Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota. This award is presented in recognition of their support of the arts and social programs, and their commitment to our entire community. The event will include a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. with dinner following. Dinner Chairs are Larry & Debbie Haspel, Larry & Pat Thompson and Lois Stulberg. Sponsorships start at $1,000. Please contact Brian Lipton at 941.365.4955 or liptonb@ajc.org for further information.

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28

March 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist

Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. TV Catch-Up and Look Ahead Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy, a four-part series, started on Netflix on February 15. LARRY CHARLES, 62, wrote or co-wrote many Seinfeld scripts. He became somewhat famous when he directed the hit films Borat and Bruno, both starring SACHA BARON COHEN, now 47. In his Netflix series, he travels around the world and finds comedy in unlikely places: Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia and Saudi Arabia. Charles, by the way, grew up in a Brooklyn apartment complex called Trump Village (named after Fred Trump, Donald’s father, who built it). Being raised in Trump Village is just fodder for any comedian today. The Fix is a legal drama that will start on ABC on March 18 at 10:00 p.m. The premise is a lot like the O.J. Simpson saga and that’s understandable. MARCIA CLARK, 65, is one of the series’ creators and principal writers. She prosecuted Simpson at his murder trial. The Fix follows Maya Travis, who is living in obscurity in rural Oregon as the series begins. We quickly find out her past: she prosecuted an Oscar-winning actor for two murders. When he was acquitted, she was shredded by the press and moved from Los Angeles to Oregon. When the actor is accused of killing again (his girlfriend), Travis accepts an offer to

join the team prosecuting the actor and returns to L.A. Veteran actor SCOTT COHEN, 57, has a supporting role as Ezra Wolf. The Village is a “feel good” drama that begins on NBC on March 19 at 10:00 p.m. The publicity release says: “The people who reside in [this Brooklyn] building have built a bonded family of friends and neighbors.” Two of the nine members of the series’ ensemble cast are Jewish: MORAN ATIAS, 37, and DARYN KAGASOFF, 32. Atias, who was once a model, was born in Israel. Her parents are of Moroccan Jewish ancestry. She’s co-starred in a couple of short-lived TV series. Kasagoff is best known for starring in the ABC Family TV series The Secret Life of an American Teenager. LOGAN LERMAN, 26 (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Percy Jackson) will co-star in The Hunt, a 10-episode Amazon original series. Also co-starring is Al Pacino, who is appearing in his first TV series. Details are sparse right now, but I know that Lerman plays a young man named Jonah Heidelbaum (who I bet is Jewish). After his grandmother is murdered, Jonah tracks down the killer (who I bet is Nazi-connected). As he tracks the killer, he encounters a mysterious organization called the Hunt. It is dedicated to hunting down Nazis living in America. Pacino plays a Nazi hunter

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

So here’s the deal:

Write Bloom at nteibloom@aol.com and enclose a phone number. Nate will then contact you about starting a limited search. If that goes well, additional and more extensive searches are possible. The first search fee is no more than $100. No upfront cost. Also, several of this newspaper’s readers have asked Bloom to locate friends and family members from their past, and that’s worked out great for them. So contact him about this as well. who mentors Heidelbaum. The series start date is not yet set. At the Movies: Opens March 15 The Hummingbird Project stars JESSE EISENBERG, 35, and Alexander Skarsgard as cousins of Russian Jewish background who, as the film opens, work in technical support for a nasty company with an even-nastier boss (Salma Hayek). They realize they could make millions if they can lay a faster fiber-optical line from Wall Street’s electronic core in Kansas to the Street’s New Jersey data bank (it only has to be a bit faster than the existing line – the time it takes a hummingbird to beat its wings once). They go out on their own to build the line and face geographical challenges as well as legal attacks from their old company. Advance reviews are incredibly mixed (raves and pans). By the way, in 2017, Eisenberg finally married his on-and-off Jewish girlfriend, ANNA STROUT, now 41, and they now have a son. They reside part of the year in Bloomington, Indiana, her hometown. They are very in-

volved in helping a domestic violence shelter in Bloomington. Strout’s late mother was the head of the shelter for 30 years. Another Yiddish Word in the Mainstream? “Alta Kakas” (politely “old farts”), a Yiddish term, recently burst into the “mainstream” when MICHAEL DOUGLAS, 73, used it when accepting a Golden Globe award, and when it was used as the title of a Law & Order: SVU episode. Now “tucas” seems to follow. I was stunned when I stumbled on a Preparation H television ad about the sheriff of a town called Tookas. There were a lot of puns about how Prep H protects his tucas the way he protects Tookas. I have to assume that Prep H ad men think enough non-Jews know tucas to get the jokes. You can view it on YouTube; enter “Preparation H commercials.” You’ll see other funny Prep H ads – one with the song “Ring of Fire” in the background and another about a town called Kiester.

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March 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

29

Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old

Do politics from the bimah keep older Jews at home? By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

I

t’s more than I can take,” says Harriet, a resident of a Jewish retirement community on Florida’s east coast. “At dinner it’s all politics all the time. On the bus to the mall, more politics. I used to enjoy going to my local shul, but when the sermons got political and people started arguing… and when my gentleman friend nearly got into Rabbi Barbara Aiello a fist fight at the Kiddush, that’s when I said, Genug! ence(Enough!) I’m staying home.” late I have the opportunity and plear forsure to speak to many seniors, often on two continents, so at a recent gathering when this issue came up I was astounded at the emotion the subject ts”),evoked. Harriet’s opinion, admittedly intoone of the more extreme, was only one AELof many voiced by older Jewish men cept-and women, the majority of whom en itexpressed the hope that political talk rder:would be left at the synagogue door. ms to In our tradition we are taught that bledShabbat offers us Jews an opportuboutnity to separate the material concerns okas.of everyday life from a once-a-week howopportunity to focus on spirituality, y heor as another of my elderly friends thatput it, “Leave alone the things of the Jewshands. Give yourself time to consider canthe things of the heart.” In fact, in the para-Conservative movement’s Siddur Sim otherShalom, we find the following prayer songthat serves as a Shabbat guide: “Grant and r.

me the privilege of the liberating joy of Shabbat… May I be undisturbed by sadness, sorrow or sighing during the holy hours of Shabbat.” For many shul-going Jews, especially those seniors for whom attendance at services requires more prep time and physical stamina than in years past, more and more elderly congregants find that a recap of the news of the day, replete with tragedy, natural disasters, government shakeups, terrorism and verbal bashing by politicians and pundits has become outright disturbing. Television news has become so steeped in Lashon Hara and vindictive language, often punctuated by curse words and vulgarity, that many Jews share my friend Arthur’s opinion when he says, “The last thing I want to do is hear a political sermon that recaps all that I’ve been bombarded with throughout the week.” Rabbi David Wolpe, of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, seems to agree. In an article written for the LA Jewish Journal (June 7, 2017), “Why I Keep Politics Off the Pulpit,” Rabbi Wolpe had this to say: “Many people privately ask about my political views and I’m happy to answer. But not from the bimah. As a rabbi, my task is to bless, to teach values and texts and ideas and rituals, to comfort, to cajole, to listen and learn, to grow in spirit along with my congregants, to usher them through the transitions of life, to create a cohesive community, to defend the people and land of Israel, and to reinforce what most matters.” Tiffany Shlain, founder of “Un-

plugged for Shabbat,” shares this view. In a March 2, 2017, article that appeared in the Jewish Forward, “Do Yourself a Favor: Unplug This Shabbat,” Shlain writes that since the national presidential election, upsetting news alerts, emails, tweets and Facebook posts “come at us even more furiously than before.” Not to mention 24/7, non-stop cable news. Shlain cites a recent Nielsen study that reports that the average screen time for American adults is a whopping 74 hours a week, and that the majority of those hours are stress related. In fact, the Nielson Report expanded its study to include the age span of current cable TV news viewers. “According to Nielsen Live… in 2017, CNN’s median age was 60, while the median age of the Fox News and MSNBC viewer was 65.” As the population ages, those numbers will climb. A cultural Jew who describes herself as “not religious,” Shlain has unplugged and taken a Technology Shabbat each week for several years and describes the experience as “a secret force field of protection to give me the strength, perspective and energy

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for the other six days.” Many Jews agree that Shabbat is about meditation, reflection and behavior change. It’s about renewing our spiritual selves and promising to revitalize our relationships with our families, our friends and with the God of our understanding. The siddur prayer is an echo emanating from the hearts of many congregants. “May I be undisturbed by sadness, sorrow or sighing…” In other words, “May I please turn off the world just for a little while.” Looking inward rather than outward can be “the liberating joy of Shabbat.” Or as Rabbi Wolpe puts it, “The great questions of life are not usually political ones.” If that’s true, then messages from the bimah that focus on the politics of the day could result in our congregants’ losing the deep spiritual meaning of what is basic to our Jewish tradition, the peace and tranquility of Shabbat. Rabbi Barbara Aiello served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life as resident rabbi. Currently as Aviva’s Rabbi Emerita she shares her experiences on Aging Jewishly. Contact her at Rabbi@ RabbiBarbara.com.

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30

March 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

A brilliant coming-of-age novel Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News Barren Island, by Carol Zoref. New Issues Press. 428 pages. Hardcover $26.00.

C

an you imagine making a life in the shadow of a rendering plant? A place where the stench of rotting horse carcasses and related animal decay is ever present? A place isolated from the Brooklyn shore though regularly supplied by barge visits bringing more and more disintegrating remains for the glue factory? Such is Barren Shoals, Phil Jason which like neighboring Barren Island is a last-chance place for poor immigrant families. Zoref’s narrator, 80-year-old Marta

ernment programs, about the Eisenstein Lane, was born and raised in march of unionizing labor, this repugnant place. Through Marta, and about the various utothe author traces the life of a neglected, pian “isms” for redistributing impoverished community that is dispower and wealth. tanced in every way from the American The heart of the novel Dream. Indeed, a critique of that dream covers Marta’s life from the is one level at which this exceptional age of about and surprising novel opseven through erates. her high school There are many othgraduation and er levels. Zoref’s book her refusal to pursue is truly an historical an opportunity to enter novel, taking us through Hunter College. It fothe aftermath of WWI, cuses on the Eisenstein the brief epoch of good family and other immitimes for many that folgrant families (Greeks, lowed, and the crushing Italians, etc.), revealing Depression eventually the hardships of their to be relieved by the lives and the power of dawning of WWII. She their passions. Its large explores how people Carol Zoref cast of memorable characters includes outside of the mainstream receive Marta’s mother, her best friend Sophia, news and process it: news about govher brother Noah and her teacher – the extremely wise, talented and effective Miss Finn. Barren Island boils with moral issues, with parents aging and children maturing, with romance, humiliation, longing and desperation. Where do desperate people find hope? Can the horrors of their victimization be relieved by watching the graceful scavenging of beautiful birds? No, too many of the Barren Shoals residents are themselves scavengers. A hopeful sign is the building of a community garden. It reveals a proper pride and successful productivity. With diligence and application, something can come of nothing. A less upbeat thread involves Mr. Eisenstein’s frequent trips to the HIAS office in a futile attempt to bring threatened rela-

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By A tives from Hitler’s Europe to the U.S. Barren Island is a brilliant coming-of-age novel; Marta’s portrait of her youth is informed by the distance she has traveled and the experiences from which she has learned. And it is much more. It takes readers to places they have not been or even heard of before – places that are close geographically but distant in most other ways. This book is a grand testimony to the human spirit and a weighty reminder of the consequences of neglect. Zoref’s narrative is so beautifully written, so richly perceptive and so polished in matters of craft that it will surely add more accolades to its distinction as the Associated Writing Programs’ (AWP) Award for the Novel. In fact, since this review was first written, Barren Island won the National Jewish Book Award Goldberg Prize and made the National Book Award Longlist. Reprinted with permission from the Jewish Book Council. Find daily new reviews, reading recommendations and more at www.jewishbook council.org. Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for Florida Weekly, Washington Independent Review of Books, Southern Literary Review, other publications and the Jewish Book Council. Please visit Phil’s website at www.philjason.word press.com.

K’zohar Ha-Ivrit Mish-teh – Banquet By Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin

T

he Hebrew month of Adar has begun, and Purim is at the door. This is a holiday filled with a carnival atmosphere, celebrated in the spirit of the Jewish Persian tradition. The Book of Esther describes the day as yom sim-cha umish-teh ve-yom tov, literally “a day of merrymaking and feasting, a holiday” (Est. 9:19). This is a day, as tradition teaches, where it is “incumbent on Dr. Rachel Dulin one to become intoxicated to the point as to not know the difference between cursed Haman and blessed Mordecai” (Megila 7). In the spirit of the holiday of Purim, I wish to direct our attention to the word mish-teh, which literally means “banquet,” “feast” and “drink.” It is derived from the verb lish-tot, meaning “to drink.” Mish-teh appears in the Bible 46 times, alluding to the fact that banquets and festivities were very much a part of Israel’s world. For example, Abraham made a mish-teh gadol, “a large feast,” when Isaac was weaned (Gen. 21:8). Samson celebrated his betrothal in a mish-teh (Judg. 14:10), and King David marked his political success in a mish-teh to which, Abner, Saul’s chief of staff, was invited (II Sam. 3:20). In addition, a place known as bait mish-teh, literally “house of banquet,” was mentioned three times in the text where private parties took place. Apart from the Book of Esther, where bait mish-teh is mentioned as a special banquet room inside the palace (Est. 7:8), both Ecclesiastes and the prophet Jeremiah mention bait mish-teh in juxtaposition to bait evel, literally “house of

mourning” where food and drink were probably served (Jer. 16:8; Ecc. 7:2). Interestingly, the word mish-teh is mentioned 17 times in the Book of Esther, more often than any other book in the Bible. It was a way to celebrate private as well as public affairs in the great kingdom of Persia. For example, King Ahasuerus celebrated his third year of reign with a mish-teh, a banquet, which Vashti the queen refused to attend (Est.1:2-4, 12). As a matter of fact, the queen was busy celebrating a mish-teh nashim, a “women’s feast,” of her own on the palace’s premises and had no interest in attending the king’s brawl (Est.1:9). This refusal brought her downfall and set the background to Esther’s rise (Est.1:16, 19-20). Moreover, a mish-teh gadol, a “great feast,” was celebrated when Esther was coronated as queen (Est. 2:17-18). Esther herself used the custom of feasting and drinking at the court to invite Haman and King Ahasuerus to a mish-teh in her quarters, where she revealed to the king, Haman’s evil plan to kill the Jews of the kingdom (Est. 5:3-8; 7:1-8). The story of Esther ends with a mish-teh celebrated by the Jews of the entire empire of Persia, as the evil plan was averted (Est. 9:17-19). And so, on Purim, the mish-teh, which began in Persia so many years past, is very much a part of the fabric of Israel’s societal celebrations to this day. As tradition teaches, “When Adar enters, rejoicing increases” (Ta-a-nit 29:1). A happy and safe Purim celebration to all. 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.

A


March 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

31

A visit with Bob Dylan: Is he Christian or Jewish?

By Arlene Stolnitz

A “

ll songwriters are links in a chain,” says legendary folksinger Pete Seeger, “yet there is a -ageare few artists in this evolutionary arc por-whose influence is as profound as Bob h isDylan.” Bob Dylan was born Robert Allen diseledZimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota, on ncesMay 24, 1941, and was raised in Hibhasbing, a mostly Catholic town nearly 70 miles away. more. Dylan’s mother, e not Beattie Stone, of aces Hibbing, had mardisried a Duluth shop ok is owner named Abpirit raham Zimmernseman. Abraham’s father had been fully a peddler and a d so Arlene Stolnitz shoemaker, who will dis-emigrated from Russia in the ’20s. Dylan recalls that his life was built Prol. around the family in those years, since firstthere “weren’t many Jews around.” Always interested in music and an tionPrizeintrepid guitar player, Dylan attended wardsummer camp at Camp Herzl in Webster, Wisconsin. He also learned Hethebrew and studied Torah privately with ncil.a rabbi who was hired to tutor him for ews,his bar mitzvah. So how did a nice Jewish boy like ndabookBobby Zimmerman become the Bob Dylan we know today? That’s a long story which can ritus Na-best be told by referring to the son of y fora longtime friend of mine from my pen-hometown, Rochester, New York. Researching the background of LitandDylan, I came upon a familiar name I visitknew from years ago. Larry Yudelson, wordAssociate Editor of the Rockland, New Jersey, Jewish Standard, is known in music circles as a Dylan scholar. Yudelson has created a web page dedicated to the religious/cultural journey Eu-

salvation, a tremendous awareness of man’s sinfulness, and an appreciation of how much compassion is required in this world. His is an intense, spiritual emotional message, very Hasidic, with much to teach the Jewish world.” Known for his quotes, here’s one that resonated with me: “Gonna change my way of thinking, make myself a different set of rules. Gonna put my good foot forward and stop being influenced by fools.” Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, has sung in choral groups for over 25 years. A retired educator, she is a graduate of the Gulf Coast Community Leadership Foundation. A member of the Jewish Congregation of Venice, the Venice Chorale and the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, her interest in choral music has led to this series of articles on Jewish Folk Music in the Diaspora.

Sing Hallelujah! Performed in celebration of Anu Tali’s final concert as Music Director.

BEETHOVEN’S

NINTH SYMPHONY Masterworks 7

PEACE AND JOY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

APRIL 5-7 Van Wezel

Anu Tali, Music Director Choral Artists of Sarasota, Key Chorale Elizabeth Baldwin, soprano; Blythe Gaissert, alto; Miles Mykkanen, tenor; Branch Fields, bass

ANU TALI Music Director

ebra-

ssor lege ssor lege

ness is an important issue, here is the response from Dylanologist Yudelson regarding Shabtai Zisel ben Avraham v’ Rachel Rivka, a.k.a. Bob Dylan. “I do believe that Dylan’s Jewishness has a lot to teach us. His spiritual searching has always been at the core of his music. But spiritual searching is not something the organized Jewish community is particularly comfortable with. The Establishment freaks out when the younger generations (which still includes those, like Dylan, who have moved well past 50) make cracks about their synagogues, and tune out when they start to speculate that maybe we all indeed ‘have to serve somebody.’ Where Jewish leaders are preaching continuity, Dylan quietly raised five children, saw them to bar mitzvahs and Jewish weddings, but is most at home perpetuating the culture of Woody Guthrie and the old blues singers. At the same time, he has an intense desire for God and

The Sarasota Jewish Chorale presents

were 2). h-teh k of book brate n the mple, third banused er of ng a ,” of and ng’s ught nd to Moreast,” orosther and man h in o the Jews The h-teh ntire was

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of Bob Dylan. It didn’t take me long to find Larry’s email address, and suddenly I had more information than I had ever expected. Yudelson was more than happy to share the information with me, which I have culled for the important and most interesting facts. Some of the highlights of Dylan’s Judaic/religious journey include:  Changing his name from Zimmerman to Dylan in the early ’60s… after poet and writer Dylan Thomas, whom he admired  Considering moving to a kibbutz in the early ’70s and ’80s after several inspiring trips to Israel where he was once seen in prayer wearing tefillin and a tallit  Converting to born-again Christianity in the late ’70s  Studying with Lubavitch Hasidim in the early ’80s We don’t think of Bob Dylan, known for his “music of protest” in the ’60s, as a particularly Jewish songwriter, yet Yudelson points to several references in Dylan’s lyrics which suggest a “Jewish” influence. In his song “Gates of Eden,” the reference to bread crumb sins may refer to the Tashlich ceremony or the Passover holiday. In “Forever Young,” the phrase May God bless and keep you always are the words of the kohanim, Jewish priests, blessing the Jewish congregation. In “Everything is Broken,” the metaphor is from Kabalistic theology: when God created the world, the vessels were broken and the flaws of the world were scattered throughout. Our job is to repair the vessels; until then, everything is broken. Dylan also is reported to have been influenced by Sholem Aleichem and Sholem Asch in his lyrics. Asked whether Dylan’s Jewish-

YEARS OF MUSIC 1949-2019

Themes of peace on Earth and profound joy carry this thrilling concert, the triumphant finale to Anu Tali’s tenure as Music Director. Sarasota Orchestra is joined by full chorus and top soloists in a program that culminates in Beethoven’s ninth symphony, one of the greatest compositions in Western music history. Tickets from $37 941-953-3434 SarasotaOrchestra.org

A Concert Celebrating 20th Century Jewish Composers and Their Music

March 31, 2019 4:00PM

Temple Beth Sholom 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota

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$20 online at sarasotajewishchorale.org $25 at the door

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32

March 2019

JEWISH INTEREST

March 1939: Countdown to war By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

I

t might be said that the final countdown to war between Nazi Germany and the Western Allies began on March 15, 1939, exactly 80 years ago this month. The Munich Agreement of the previous September saw Czechoslovakia lose its Sudetenland regions, handed across by Britain and France to Hitler on the grounds that they were peopled by German-speakers who could be “returned” to the Reich (notwithstanding Dr. Paul Bartrop that the Sudetenland had never belonged to Germany). At this time the Czechs also lost the backbone of their northern defenses, a carefully constructed state-of-the-art series of mountain fortifications and bunkers. In the same grab for territory, Czechoslovakia’s other neighbors – the jackal states of Poland and Hungary – chipped in for their share, helping themselves to parts of the Czech state which they thought should also be theirs.

The relative ease with which Adolf Hitler managed to negotiate Czechoslovakia into this position – in which its territorial integrity was compromised impossibly – emboldened him to consider further adventures. While the Munich Agreement removed the immediate threat of war and gave Britain and France a breathing space to hasten their preparation for potential conflict, Hitler’s confidence that he could get what he wanted without war grew. He had never discussed a complete occupation of Czechoslovakia, though he (and other Nazi leaders like Hermann Göring) expressed continual racial contempt for the Czechs and Slovaks. However, with the occupation of the Sudetenland, Hitler considered that the rest of what was termed “rump Czechoslovakia” should also be occupied. Over the winter of 1938-1939 he became convinced that in light of their capitulation at Munich, Britain and France would not use force to resist any further German expansion. The severely wounded Czechoslovak government now began to be undermined from within, through calls

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for the secession of Slovakia. Slovak People’s Party leader and Catholic priest Jozef Tiso received aid and encouragement directly from Germany for this purpose. And then, on March 14, 1939, after a period of agitation further undermining central resolve, Slovak parliamentarians voted in favor of a complete break with Czechoslovakia, with Tiso making a public appeal to Hitler to step in and guarantee the defense of what was now essentially a German puppet state. Under these circumstances, Czech President Emil Hácha had little idea how to deal with the situation. He requested an audience with Hitler, who summoned him to Berlin and then used the opportunity to intimidate Hácha, threatening a Luftwaffe attack on Prague if he did not order the surrender of the Czechoslovak Army. During the meeting, Hácha suffered a heart attack, and had to be resuscitated by medical staff. Weakly, he eventually gave in to Hitler’s terms of total capitulation. The Czech lands were henceforth to be formed into a new German Protectorate of Bohemia-Moravia. This took place early in the morning on March 15, 1939, with German troops entering what remained of Czechoslovakia. These actions were all in flagrant violation of the Munich Agreement, but no matter; that evening, Hitler made a triumphal entry into Prague and took up temporary residence at the Hradčany Castle, from which he could now look forward to becoming master of Europe. He installed Konstantin von Neurath, the former German Foreign Minister, as Reich Protector of Bohemia-Moravia. Slovakia became an independent state under the leadership of Jozef Tiso, who established an ethnic nationalist, fascist, authoritarian, one-party dictatorship allied to Nazi Germany. In Prague, German citizens turned out and waved swastika flags as German troops and military equipment marched in. For the powerless Czechs, however, the German takeover was as great a tragedy as could be imagined. Many gathered in Wenceslas Square, where they repeatedly sang the

national anthem until this was suppressed. A portrait of the founder of the Czech state, Tomáš Masaryk, was placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was later destroyed on the orders of the occupiers. Hitler had not previously forecast an annexation of the rest of Czechoslovakia. He never mentioned it in Mein Kampf, and throughout his political career up to this point he repeatedly affirmed that he was only interested in uniting all Germans in a single Reich, which would, by definition, not include Slavs or other non-German peoples. On March 15, 1939, however, Germany conquered seven million Czechs, sending Europeans everywhere into a panic regarding just how far Hitler’s appetite extended. The Western surrender at Munich was supposed to end Hitler’s territorial ambitions in Europe and guarantee the future peace. The occupation of Czechoslovakia, however, showed that Hitler’s guarantees, in fact, guaranteed nothing. The invasion made it clear that Hitler could not be trusted to keep his promises, and from this point onwards Britain and France, with enormous reluctance, started preparing for war. They now declared that if Hitler set his sights on Poland that they would have little option but to defend it. Convinced – finally – that there were no limits to Hitler’s territorial ambitions, they saw little other alternative. They would have to prevent German domination of Europe. And if this had to be through force, then so be it. Appeasement was over, and the road to war lay open. Established as a new state in 1918, Czechoslovakia managed only two decades of national existence before disappearing from the map in tears and sorrow. And in the six years that followed, of up to 320,000 Czech civilians who died during World War II, at least 275,000 were Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History and the Dir. 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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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

March 2019

33

“Twice Promised Land and 100 Years War” A series by Dr. Steven Derfler

T

he optimism that was generated supby the late ’70s that resulted in er of the first peace treaty that Israel was ever had with one of its Arab neighown bors was quickly n the tempered by events that arose as a diecast rect consequence osloof the Israeli-EgypMein tian Peace. tical Internally, the edly Dr. Steven Derfl er literal cost of peace ed in eich,to the average Israeli was staggering. ludeThe burden of peace was overwhelmples.ing to the everyday Israeli citizen. The Ger-economy lagged, and inflation hit nearechs,ly 400% – that’s NOT a typo. I recall nto agoing to grocery stores and restaurants ler’sat that time. Nobody printed menus anymore. Menus and grocery prices nichwere all written on chalkboards (whiterito-boards hadn’t been invented yet). You aran-could enter a grocery and pick up a ationloaf of bread, and by the time you hit wedthe checkout line, the price had risen guar-a couple of agorot (1/100 of a shekde itel). The same held true in restaurants. ed toNobody had a clue as to what prices pointwould be from one hour to the next. nor-Yet Israelis would muddle through this g forcrisis, and eventually, by 1986, the NIS Hitler(New Israeli Shekel) would be born at ouldan exchange of 1000:1. Can you imagCon-ine, knocking off three zeroes from e noyour currency to rein in inflation? (But ons,in all fairness, the entire world was inTheyflationary at that time.) But internationally, certain events omialso began to spiral out of control. The o be ease-lack of a comprehensive peace settler layment, and no mention of the Palestinians or Jerusalem at Camp David, 918,brought terror to both Egypt and Israel. The inception of a spate of bombtwo ings was aimed at terrorizing civilian efore populations in Israel. The media would and fol-call these ‘Suicide Bombings.’ HowivilII, at ms of

ever, I prefer to call them ‘Homicide Bombings.’ To me, a suicide bomber is one who goes out into the desert wearing a device strapped to his body, and then blows himself up. The brutal death of innocents surrounding this individual consisted of homicide. On another international front, the saber-rattling Saddam Hussein, with the help of the French, would nearly complete a nuclear plant. A facility was begun in the 1970s, called Osirak by the French, and Tammuz by Iraq. While some in 1980/81 felt that Iraq was still five years away from production, Israeli sources believed it possible within a year. They would be proven right. On June 7, 1981, Israel launched an F-15 attack, destroying the reactor poised to “go hot” in the near future. Israel was soundly condemned publicly in the UN (Resolution 487). But privately, many were thankful. Ten years later, Defense Secretary Dick Cheney would gratefully acknowledge that the 1991 Gulf War could have been radically altered were it not for Israel in 1981. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, one of the three signatories of the peace accord, was assassinated by fundamentalist Muslims within his own military on October 6, 1981. Hosni Mubarak would become the new leader. In northern settlements, the underground bomb shelter beneath the children’s house was an everyday part of life. Attacks came often from PLO positions in South Lebanon. This was in spite of the fact that the Israel-Lebanese border had been peaceful until the coming of the Palestinians after Black September. The relatively open border had been called “The Good Fence.” On June 6, 1982, Israel launched “Operation Peace in the Galilee.” It was designed to push back the PLO military from rocket range into Israel.

Initially, Israel was to move only as far north as the Litani River. Lightning swift success and the attitude of Gen. Ariel Sharon led them much further. As the Israeli army swept into Sidon and Tripoli, the initial Lebanese reaction was one of welcome and liberation. This would not last long. Israeli troops and Lebanese Christian militia moved through South Lebanon into southern Beirut. The PLO leaders were forced to evacuate to Tunisia. Beirut would be torn apart by the violence – the city divided by a “green line” between east and west; Maronite Christian and Shi’ite Moslem. However, the Israelis recovered evidence that showed the scope of the PLO’s military capabilities and the hatred they sowed in their youth for Israel, both through propaganda and military training. Thousands of PLO documents recovered indicated the international terror network that they were a part of. It was backed by the former Soviet Union and its allies, including N. Korea, N. Vietnam and Cuba. However, the plan would backfire. Lebanese Christian Militias committed horrific atrocities against Palestinians in the Shabra and Shatilla Refugee Camps. Then Minister of Defense Ariel Sharon was removed from the Israeli Cabinet on February 14, 1984. As the death toll on all sides – Israeli, Palestinian and Lebanese – mounted, more and more Israelis questioned their presence in Lebanon. A group known as the “Women in Black” would take to Israeli street corners before the Sabbath to protest the violence and the deaths of Israeli youth. The “Peace Now” movement would gain strength, with their signs seen along Israeli roadsides. With 100s of 1000s of Israelis urging the country to get out of its “Vietnam,” the Israelis finally pulled out

of Lebanon. This was carried out by Prime Minister Ehud Barak on May 24, 2000. To many, the cost was too high. To others, it was a welcome relief. But once again, Israel would unilaterally withdraw from occupied land for the sake of peace. Dr. Steven Derfler is an international educational consultant, public speaker, archaeologist, historian, researcher, teacher and writer. He has been uncovering the histories of ancient civilizations for 40 years.

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34

March 2019

COMMENTARY

The changing sands of the Middle East By Rabbi Howard A. Simon

E

ver since the late December threatened, the country will respond in announcement by President ways that guarantee its safety and seTrump that our country will pull curity. United States troops out of Syria, there 2. In the face of Israel’s continhas been a great deal of movement by ued sorties into Syria, the Institute for all parties involved in the the Study of War reports war being fought by Syria that Russia has deployed and its major supporter, at least three new S-300 Iran, against those wishing surface-to-air missile batto stop the dictatorial rule talions in Syria to ward off of Syria’s President Assad. renewed Israeli missions The following events have over Syria. taken place within the last 3. United States Nafew months: tional Security Advisor John Bolton told Netanya1. Israel has continued air strikes in a variety of arhu that the United States Rabbi Howard A. Simon eas within Syria. This has will not pull its troops out of Syria, but instead, for the presprompted Russia to condemn Israeli actions, to which Israel has said its air ent, will shift some troops to Iraq with defensive measures are meant to stop the mission of stopping ISIS. A similar Iran from continuing to arm its proxU.S. troop presence will remain in Syria at the key military outpost in al-Tanf ies in the battle in Syria and supplying to counter ISIS and any Iranian aggresweaponry for a future attack against sion in the area. Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu has made it clear that when Israel feels 4. Iran will not stop arming its

people as it expands its presence in Syria, which could lead to an Iran-Israel-Russia confrontation. The key is how strong the presence of Iran will be in the area and how seriously it affects the security of Israel. As the sands continue to shift in the Middle East, another possibility arises on the horizon: that the countries of Saudi Arabia and Israel maintain continued contact regarding the growing presence of Iran in the area. Both countries are determined to stop this advancement and are devoted to protecting their own people from more deadly attacks. For the past two years, Jared Kushner has worked to improve relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Representatives of both countries have met and discussed their mutual concern regarding Iran, and have agreed that this aggression must be stopped. Is it possible that their unifying belief could lead Prime Minister Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed

bin Salman to meet face to face as they deal with Iran and all that is taking place in Syria? Such an idea has never been thought possible, but it is important to remember that last April, on bin Salman’s visit to the United States, he stated that the Jewish people like “each people, anywhere, have a right to live in their peaceful nation.” How amazing and how meaningful would a Netanyahu visit to Riyadh be for the Middle East. Perhaps a meeting of this nature between the two leaders facing difficult times would signal a monumental change on an international level, a change that would let Iran, Syria and Russia know that things are changing in this part of the world, changing in a way that could impact Syria and the entire Middle East. Rabbi Howard A. Simon is the founding chair of the Robert and Esther Heller Community Relations Committee, formerly known as the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative.

What do you think? The Jewish News wants to know!

Send your comments to jewishnews18@gmail.com. Letters Policy Letters must include the author’s name, full address and daytime phone. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee or its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received.

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March 2019

COMMENTARY

We are the Congregation Sephardic Jews among for Humanistic Judaism Ashkenazic Jews

they king ever porn bin s, he each live

ngful h be Barry E. Wolfe, Ph.D. eting Cong. for Humanistic Judaism eadgnal ne of the newer branches on ernathe Tree of Judaism is Hud let manistic Judaism. Humanistic ingsJudaism is based in a human-centered orld,philosophy that integrates critical pactthinking and scientific thought with a celebration of our precious Jewish herund-itage, culture and identity. It proposes stherthat we as human beings possess the Com-power and responsibility to make our ellerown choices and shape our own lives. Ethics and morality require each of us to be honest, kind and compassionate, and to take full responsibility for our choices and actions. We celebrate human freedom and know that if justice is to exist in the world, we must create it together. The Humanistic Judaism movement, which began in 1963, was the brainchild of Sherwin Wine, a Reform Jewish rabbi, who came to believe that the evolution of a viable Judaism required that the principles of philosophic humanism supersede the historically central commitment to the commands of a supernatural deity. As the leader of a small secular, non-theistic congregation, Wine developed a Jewish liturgy that reflected his and his congregation’s philosophical viewpoint by emphasizing Jewish culture, history and identity along with Humanistic ethics, while excluding all prayers and references to God. This congregation developed into the Birmingham Temple

O

us

in Michigan. In 1969, the Birmingham Temple formed, with two other congregations, the Society for Humanistic Judaism (SHJ). Secular Jews are committed to the Jewish values of lovingkindness and charity, of justice and harmony, and of education and peace as well as to tikkun olam, the collective effort to help create a safer and more peaceful world for all. We cherish Jewish identity and believe it is best preserved in a pluralistic democracy. We seek to foster a positive Jewish identity that is committed to intellectual integrity and ethical behavior. Humanistic Jews also believe that the freedom and dignity of the Jewish people must go hand in hand with the freedom and dignity of all people. Therefore, we support SHJ’s backing of a variety of Humanistic measures: international religious freedom, Planned Parenthood, samesex marriage, humanitarian assistance for refugees seeking political asylum. We advocate positive gun control measures, laws protecting the rights and dignity of LGBTQ individuals and families, and measures protecting the environment, among others. The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism-Sarasota (CHJ-S) was founded in 1996 and currently has approximately 150 members. Our current president is Richard Stein. It is one of 28 Humanistic Jewish congregations in North America now under the umbrella of the SHJ. CHJ-S offers lay-led services on a regular basis as well as expert speakers who give presentations on topics that are of critical concern to secular Jews. We offer interest groups (e.g., films, books, music, Jewish history), social action activities and social events. We celebrate the High Holidays and Passover as well as other Jewish festivals and holidays. We welcome all people who feel they want to share a Humanistic Jewish way of life within a warm and friendly congregation. We invite anyone who might be interested in our services or speakers, or in getting to know a community of kind, creative, interesting and caring people to try us out. Whether you decide to join us or not, we welcome your attendance at any of our services or programs. We are recognized by and affiliated with The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee and the Synagogue Council of Sarasota-Manatee Counties, Inc. For a calendar and more information, visit our website at chj-sarasota.org.

Did You Know?

c

35

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.

From the Bimah Rabbi Brenner Glickman Temple Emanu-El

M

ost of us know only a handful of Sephardic Jews. The vast majority of the descendants of the Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal live today in Israel and France. Those that reside in the United States live primarily in concentrated neighborhoods of a few larger cities, especially New York and Los Angeles. Some American Sephardic Jews have risen to fame and the consciousness of greater American culture. These include Eydie Gorme, Neil Sedaka, Hank Azaria and Isaac Mizrahi. Jerry Seinfeld and Paula Abdul are both half Sephardic and half Ashkenazic (Jerry’s mother and Paula’s father are Syrian Jews). In the first decades of American history, the vast majority of the small Jewish population here was Sephardic.

Soon, the arrival of large numbers of Ashkenazic Jews to the New World would change the demographics. Waves of German Jewish immigration in the 19th century turned the tide, and then the enormous immigration of Eastern European Jews in the late 19th and early 20th centuries cemented it. American Jewish culture is primarily Ashkenazic. Still, the very existence of Sephardic Jews challenges some of our very basic assumptions about what it means to be Jewish. For some, being Jewish is a cultural experience. To be Jewish is to eat lox and bagels, or pastrami on rye. But the existence of Sephardic Jews challenges that assumption. They do not eat bagels; they do not eat pastrami. And they do not have Germanic last names like Schwartz and Rosenbaum. They have their own unique culture of foods and customs and names. They remind us that Judaism is more than a cultural identity. We are linked to Jews throughout the world by shared peoplehood and religious practice. We are all people of the Torah, whether we cover our Torah scrolls in a soft mantle (Ashkenazic) or a hard case (Sephardic). Jewish heritage throughout the world is a mixture of cultures and practices. This diversity makes us all richer.

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36

March 2019

COMMENTARY

A most memorable afternoon By Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz, Community Chaplain

M

arch marks the 50th anniversary of Golda Meir’s selection as Israel’s fourth Prime Minister in 1969. Fifteen months later, during the summer of 1970, our family spent six weeks living in Jerusalem. Picking up The Jerusalem Post one morning, my mother spied a small notice indicating Meir would be speaking at Hebrew University Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz that very afternoon. Four hours later I found myself sitting in the second row of a small auditorium with Meir standing less than 15 feet away. As I recall, the speech marked no special occasion. Perhaps it was to just engage with some of the many American tourists in the country at that time of the year. Certainly her remarks were not going to include any weighty national matters as members of the press were not in visible attendance. No seal of the Prime Minister or even that of the State of Israel adorned the lectern. I figured she would give a fairly pat talk welcoming us to the country. That would have been fine by me. From my 13-year-old perspective, just the chance to be in such close proximity to a world figure was enough. Golda, though, had other ideas. Entering quietly and without introduction, she quickly motioned for everyone to remain seated and refrain from clapping. There were no effusive words of welcome. Nor did she seek to regale us with triumphant anecdotes extolling Israel’s iron will to survive. On

Temple Beth Sholom and Temple Sinai in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee invite you to their Scholar-in-Residence Program

Associate Professor of Jewish Theology Hebrew University College Jerusalem Jewish Institute of Religion

Rabbi Marmur Rabbi Michael Marmur holds degrees in Modern History (BA, Oxford) and Ancient Jewish History (MA, Hebrew University. An ordained rabbi, he currently is a member of the Executive Board at the Leo Baeck Education Center in Haifa. He has lectured and taught in Israel, North America and Europe.

Friday, March 15 at Temple Sinai Shabbat reception (5:15 pm) and service (6:00 pm) followed by dinner and Rabbi Marmur reflecting on Looking, Seeing and Getting across the River. Challenges Which Face the State of Israel and the Jewish World Today. Dinner is $30 for members and $35 for guests. Saturday, March 15 at Temple Beth Sholom Shabbat service (9:30 am) featuring Rabbi Marmur commenting on Rafts and Rhapsodies: The Relationship between the State of Israel and Jewish Communities Around the World. Kiddush luncheon (12:30 pm) and schmooze with Rabbi Marmur follows. This event is free. Sunday, March 17 at Temple Beth Sholom Nosh and learn (9:30 am) with Rabbi Marmur speaking on In Search of Heschel. Abraham Joshua Heschel was one of the leading Jewish theologians and philosophers of the 20th century. Refreshments—$5 for members and $10 for guests

For more details about the program and to register for any/all of these events, please go to www.templesinai-sarasota.org

the contrary, her tone was plaintive and solemn. Though she’d labored tirelessly for more than half a century to establish, develop and defend a Jewish homeland, Meir had not come to wax proudly about the desert dream come true but to acknowledge certain regrets along the pathway to fulfilling its promise. Over and over Golda repeated, “I admit, I admit.” She admitted having made mistakes. She admitted sorrow in playing a significant role in making military decisions that resulted in the spilling of both Arab and Jewish blood. She admitted not having done enough to address the growing internal strife threatening the country’s future. This was no typical political appearance but a confessional outpouring. I was transfixed by her candor and moved by the force of her humility. When she finished, Meir did not remain to receive our applause. She left the podium as humbly as she had ascended it. Notwithstanding the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when Israel was caught perilously off-guard under Meir’s watch (though her generals did not heed warnings of brewing trouble that she had recognized), she still enjoys an honored status, notably in the Diaspora. However, some don’t regard her reputation in quite so sterling terms. They point to a 1958 cable she wrote to Israel’s Ambassador to Poland about relaying to the Polish government a desire to restrict Jewish emigration from the country to Israel “because we cannot continue accepting sick and handicapped people.” A claim is made that Meir’s perceived insensitivity to the plight of Israel’s Sephardic community contributed to the rise of the Likud party in 1977. Fault is also found in Golda’s reticence to publicly mention the name of a granddaughter born with Down syndrome, for spending too much time away from her family, and her no-holds-barred political tactics. Sitting in the auditorium that day, I can imagine Golda feeling remorse for these things as well. But great leaders carry tremendous burdens and responsibilities. She faced many challenging situations. It was on her shoulders to make decisions in often quite fraught contexts. This requires an especially tough skin, especially in Israel. In this regard, recall the joke about when, meeting for the first time, President Eisenhower conveyed to David Ben-Gurion how difficult it was to be president of 170 million people. BenGurion replied that it was even harder to be prime minister of two million prime ministers. In Golda I discerned someone who, rather than try to deny, obfuscate or paper over misgivings, was willing to acknowledge them straight-up. For this alone, I felt great appreciation and respect. And still do. Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz serves as a Community Chaplain and Director of JFCS’s Jewish Healing Program, a partnership between The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and JFCS of the Suncoast.

In Golda’s own words:

“When peace comes, we will perhaps in time be able to forgive the Arabs for killing our sons. But it will be harder for us to forgive them for having forced us to kill theirs.” “We do not rejoice in victories. We rejoice when a new kind of cotton is grown and when strawberries bloom in Israel.” “Above all, this country is our own. Nobody has to get up in the morning and worry what his neighbors think of him. Being a Jew is no problem here.”


FOCUS ON YOUTH

March 2019

37

Community Day School’s visit to the hospital

R

ecently, 12 kindergartners from Hershorin Schiff Community Day School enjoyed a morning of learning in the Sarasota Meand morial Hospital Simulation Lab and tirelunch, thanks to the hospital’s commuy to Jew-nity outreach program and Dr. Kenneth e toMeredith, the father of kindergarten eamclass member Eli and a renowned rortainbotic gastrointestinal oncology surllinggeon at SMH. The students began the morning d, “Iexamining high-fidelity patient simulavingtors “Lucina” and “Stan.” The computrrowerized mannequins simulate real-life mak-medical scenarios. Then they held a d inTeddy Bear Clinic, complete with a

wish done ernal ure. apourand y. ot releft d as-

Yom ught eir’s not that joys Dias-

Community Day student Anja Zampol with her teddy bear ‘patient’

teddy bear and protective gear for each child, checking heart rates and giving shots, and gently affixing Band-Aids once the injections were done. The students watched a video showing how surgeons use the da Vinci robot to perform surgery through small keyhole-size incisions, with further explanation of the process by Dr. Meredith. They even got to examine robotic arms up close. After a coloring break, they learned about how the hospital tries to make children’s stays at the pediatric wing more pleasant with a music room, playroom and many ways of treating younger patients that reduce anxiety. The final learning session gave the students an opportunity to get moving, as they learned about how physical therapy and mobility tools help people who have been injured or sick to regain strength and mobility. “What a fantastic opportunity for our kids to be able to have such an eye-opening, fun and hands-on experience to learn about the care available at Sarasota Memorial Hospital while also removing some of the mystique and anxiety of a hospital visit,” said Community Day head of school Dan Ceaser.”

Community Day School students Mitchell Moscow, Elise Morgan, Ava Rupp and Kellan Heath learn about high-fidelity patient simulator ‘Stan’ from SMH’s Clinical Educator Laura Horner

Where LEARNING is HANDS-ON

1.3 million…and counting

I

f students in Whitwell, Tennessee, could do that, why can’t we?” Thus were 7th graders her rms.studying the Holocaust at Temple Sinai wroteinspired by the movie Paperclips to belandgin their own Holocaust remembrance vern-campaign. Instead of paperclips, howigra-ever, the Sinai students decided to colauselect 6,000,000 aluminum can tabs, a andReligious School effort that continues madeto this day. Reb Ari Shapiro, the school’s 7th y to com-grade Holocaust teacher, initiated the theproject and organizes periodic tab oundcounting. Bringing to this effort his men-own family’s tragic experiences durborning the Holocaust, he’s acutely aware g tooof how the most recent count of just andover 1.3 million tabs means the project s. is approaching the estimated number ay, Iof children (1.5 million) killed by the e forNazis. Tabs have been donated by many ders pon-sectors of the local community and gingbeyond. Fresh Start Café and Sweetrs toBerries donate regularly, as do Forty ughtCarrots Family Center, Char-lee’s iallyBeauty Salon, Palmer Ranch Dental

bout resiavid o be Benarder llion

eone scate lling For and

1.3 Million Tabs

and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Large collections have been received from Pine View School and Sarasota Military Academy. One family mailed in tabs from Virginia; another regularly mails boxes of tabs

Call (941) 552-2770 or email admissions@communityday.org to schedule a tour.

• Preschool - 8th grade • Rigorous, project-based curriculum • Individualized instruction • Competitive athletics • Multiple foreign languages • Fine arts programs daily • Intensive outdoor learning and play • Variable Tuition Model – affordable for every family • Accredited by FCIS, FKC & PRIZMAH

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

www.CommunityDay.org

IVE

LO VE

L E LAUGH CELEBRAT DREAM

Judye Goldblatt donates more than 20,000 tabs

from Indiana. A former student collects tabs in her Chicago office. Donors drop off individual tabs as well as full Ziploc bags and are thanked in writing. The community is encouraged to help the students reach their goal of 6,000,000 by continuing to collect and donate tabs from drink, soup, pineapple and cat food cans. As the students know, each tab represents a Jewish life lost. At the end of the campaign, a fitting tribute to those lives will be a meaningful addition to our community.

as a ector ram, wish and

RE I P S IN READ

PJ Library helps families on their Jewish journey by sending Jewishcontent books and music on a monthly basis to children from age six-months to eight-years. This program is completely free for families, thanks to the generosity of The Harold Grinspoon Foundation, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and our incredible donors.

Sign-up Today at JFEDSRQ.org/PJ

FAMILY

Students Ethan Blumenstein, Marisa Freedman and Danny Gardi count the tabs

jfedsrq.org

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

Don’t miss the newest chapter of PJ Library for kids...ages 9-11!

Sign up at

pjourway.org

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


38

March 2019

FOCUS ON YOUTH

A fabulous Shabbat in the strawberry fields with Temple Emanu-El and PJ Library This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

O

ver 100 children, parents and grandparents enjoyed a fabulous morning at Hunsader Farms as Temple Emanu-El partnered with PJ Library and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to host its annual, much-anticipated Strawberry Fields Shabbat on Saturday morning, February 2. Families gathered for greetings and socializing with Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Associate Rabbi Michael Shefrin, event chair Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman and PJ Library Community Coordinators Dr. Dori Goldfarb and Amanda Glucklich before exploring the beautiful, lively Hunsader Farms grounds. Playing on the recently-renovated playground, feeding the farm animals at the petting zoo, visiting with minia-

ture horses, and delighting in the sunshine after a recent cold snap, families basked in the warm, happy spirit of Shabbat and the blessings of the natural world. Participants then assembled for a sweet and spirited Shabbat service of age-appropriate songs, movement and blessings – including a special blessing under a tallit for our February birthdays – followed by a picnic lunch. A

Randee, Jacob and Andrew Bunin enjoy the train ride

Sarasota BBYO happenings

This program is Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee By Jessica Zimmerman, Associate Regional Director

J

oin Sarasota BBYO this March for some exciting programs! We will join our BBYO friends in Tampa for a Lightning hockey game either the first or second weekend of March. Text Caterina Capelli at 941.928.3499 for more information. On Friday, March 15, we will host a beach BBQ. Email Jessica Zimmerman me at jesszimmer man@bbyo.org for details, time and location.

During the weekend of March 2931, join North Florida Region at our last convention of the season, Spring Regional Convention. Transportation to and from Tampa is included in the cost. For more information on the convention or to receive the calendar for spring that contains all our program dates and meetings, please email me. And follow us on Instagram @ anachnu tamidbbg. We want to know if you are a BBYO alum! Email and tell me which region you represented and the years you were a member.

L E V A R T N TEE ENTURES ADV

9 1 0 2 G SPRIN

train ride through the farm – including the ostrich, emu and bison habitats – and, of course, the opportunity to pick fresh strawberries concluded the special morning! “What a great event!” enthused Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman. “We look forward to Strawberry Fields Shabbat all year, and it just seems to get bigger and more wonderful every time. Thanks to the generosity of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the partnership of PJ Library, so many families are able to celebrate Shabbat and build bonds with other community members at Strawberry Fields Shabbat. “As families left, they were already talking about coming back again

Sasha and Eliana show off their haul of freshly-picked strawberries

next year,” she added. “We can’t wait!” For more information about Temple Emanu-El’s events and programs for young families, call Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997. For more information about PJ Library, please email the Federation’s youth and family coordinator, Andrea Eiffert, at aeiffert@jfedsrq.org.

“Purim Pandemonium” comes to Temple Emanu-El

P

urim Pandemonium” is on the way! Temple Emanu-El Religious School’s much-anticipated annual Purim extravaganza – a morning of fun and celebration for all ages – is slated for Sunday, March 10 from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The entire community is warmly invited to celebrate Purim with spirit, style – and plenty of hamentashen! “Purim Pandemonium” kicks off with a megillah reading, song session and costume parade with prizes for all participants. The highlight will be the annual performance of Director of Education Sabrina Silverberg, MARE’s original Purimshpiel, performed by Temple Emanu-El’s talented, enthusiastic religious school students. “Purim Pandemonium” continues with an elaborate and enjoyable Purim carnival. Full of indoor and outdoor games, prizes, rides and attractions,

face painting, dunk tank, bounce house, crafts and delicious lunch prepared by Temple Emanu-El’s Brotherhood, “Purim Pandemonium” will put attendees in the joyful Purim spirit. “Purim Pandemonium” also features a bake sale of homemade hamentashen, a 50-50 raffle and fabulous silent auction. “Purim Pandemonium is one of the most anticipated events of the year!” Sabrina Silverberg stated. “Purim is a time when we are commanded to be intentionally jolly, silly and loud. For the children, it is a time for play and merriment – and for the adults it is a beautiful expression of our tradition, a remembrance of when faith won over tyranny and freedom emerged out of oppression.” For more information or to purchase discounted pre-event tickets, please call 941.378.5567. Chag Purim Sameach! Happy Purim!

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

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and its generous donors are committed to providing teen travel scholarships for the following educational, experiential, and exploratory programs: • Alexander Muss High School in Israel Participate in a 6-, 8-, or 18-week program. Enjoy college living in a high school environment in Israel. APPLICATION WINDOW OPEN MARCH 1–APRIL 10, 2019. • Domestic Teen Travel Take part in an accredited academic, experiential, or volunteer-based domestic teen travel program and receive a scholarship from The Jewish Federation. APPLICATION WINDOW OPEN MARCH 1–APRIL 10, 2019. • SKIP (Send A Kid to Israel Program) Take part in an accredited academic, experiential, or volunteerbased program to Israel and receive a scholarship from The Jewish Federation. APPLICATION WINDOW OPEN MARCH 1–APRIL 10, 2019.

BOB MALKIN YOUNG AMBASSADORS TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

FRENET EVE

NAIDITCH FAMILY FOUNDATION 2019 JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT! BRING BLANKETS, PILLOWS AND PJs!

Snack on pizza and popcorn while you snuggle up and watch the DreamWorks Studios film, Prince of Egypt. After the movie, stay for fun Passover games and activities: make and decorate a matzoh house and play a game of afikomen hide and seek!

Saturday, March 16, 5:00-7:30pm Zell Room on the Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life

For more information and to apply, go to

JFEDSRQ.org/TEEN-TRAVEL or contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org

580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota |

REGISTRATION REQUIRED at JFEDSRQ.org/JFF19

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


March 2019

LIFE CYCLE ANNIVERSARIES

60th Julie Zelda Salzman & Martin Salzman Temple Beth Sholom 55th Ruth & Dr. Richard Goldman Temple Sinai 50th Clement & Rosalind Hopp Temple Emanu-El 45th Ernie & Ardis Freedman Temple Emanu-El 45th Sandy & Gary Kravitz Temple Sinai 45th Aviva & Steven Scheer Temple Beth Sholom 40th Joseph & Rachael Feldman Temple Emanu-El

40th Dr. Michele & Stewart Geboff Temple Sinai 40th Dr. Robert & Nancy Oppenheimer Temple Emanu-El 35th Sandra & Dr. Aubert Coran Temple Sinai 30th Stacey & Robert Edelman Temple Beth Sholom 25th Esther Abramson-Krut & Leib Krut Temple Beth Sholom 20th Lisa & Daniel Cooper Temple Beth Sholom 15th Jeremy & Pippa Schwimmer Temple Emanu-El

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

39

Sarasota-Manatee Chevra Kadisha TAHARA

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

men

941.484.2790 941.224.0778

women 941.377.4647 941.921.4740 941.346.6446 941.921.4740 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237

BAT MITZVAH

Eliana Hofing, daughter of Nevin and Lauren Hofing, March 23, Temple Emanu-El

FUNERAL SERVICES

IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Edward Bordin, of Sarasota, January 22 Dr. Warren Chernick, 89, of Bradenton, formerly of Providence, RI, January 23 David Cohen, 92, of Sarasota, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, January 10 Doris Epstein, 85, of Bradenton, formerly of Ames, IA, December 25 Shirley B. Gilbert, 96, of Sarasota, formerly of Detroit, MI, January 4 Carl Haftel, 91, of Venice, formerly of East Hampton, NY, January 23 Michael Lando, 72, of Sarasota, January 17 Irving Naiditch, 91, of Highland Park, IL, formerly of Longboat Key Marvin S. Peretz, 88, of Sarasota, formerly of New York City, NY, January 19 Margaret Pollock, 96, of Longboat Key, formerly of Highland Park, IL, January 15 Irving Reich, 103, of Sarasota, January 5 Barbara Siegel, 77, of Sarasota, formerly of Florham Park, NJ, December 29 Howard Sokolsky, 89, of Longboat Key, January 22 Judith Tannenbaum, 66, of Bradenton, formerly of New York City, NY, December 30 Rubin Weinberger, 85, of Bradenton, formerly of Roosevelt, NJ, January 3 Sally Yanowitz, 86, of Longboat Key, formerly of Sharon, PA, January 16 Cynthia Zadeh, 89, of Lakewood Ranch, January 13

The Area’s ONLY Jewish Owned & Operated Funeral Home Specializing in local burial, out-of-state transfers, and burial in Israel • REFORM • CONSERVATIVE • ORTHODOX • • • • •

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Michael, David, Pati and Steven Gross

Hebr e w M e m or i a l S a r as ota . c o m

SENIORS jfedsrq.org

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

Welcome Rabbi Simon to the Toale Family We’re pleased to welcome Rabbi Howard A. Simon as our liaison to the Jewish community. Rabbi Simon will provide counseling and outreach, with a focus on serving the needs of Jewish families.

Trusted for Generations

www.toalebrothers.com

STAY CONNECTED

941-955-4171

ROBERT TOALE & SONS,

Welcome to the Dignity Memorial® family. is pleased to welcome Robert Toale, Debbie Toale and their sons, Jason and Jeff, to our family of firms in Sarasota and Manatee County. As proud members of North America’s largest network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers, the Toale family will continue their commitment to serving families with personal, compassionate care.

THE DIGNITY MEMORIAL NETWORK

Instagram.com/jfedsrq STAY CONNECTED

In honor of the Toales and in recognition of their longstanding dedication to the Sarasota and Bradenton area communities, three local funeral homes will be renamed to reflect this change in leadership, and two of the funeral homes will undergo renovations to better serve our community with beautiful new facilities and enhanced capabilities. Rely on the Toale family and your local Dignity Memorial professionals to help you and your loved ones celebrate each life like no other.

For more information, call or visit today.

twitter.com/jfedsrq

DignityMemorial.com

ROBERT TOALE & SONS

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941-371-4962

941-755-2688

941-921-5755


40

March 2019

MARCH 6-17, 2019

Naiditch Family Foundation

18+

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

FABULOUS FILMS!

CO-CHAIRS FRAN BRAVERMAN AND CHERYL SHAPIRO

F

or our 10th anniversary, we are proud to present a premiere line-up of 18+ truly outstanding and diverse films that will excite, enlighten and provoke you, our audience.

93QUEEN A FORTUNATE MAN

As a special treat, each feature film will be preceded by an animated short created by a student from the Ringling College of Art + Design.

BACK TO BERLIN FANNY’S JOURNEY

OPENING NIGHT

HEADING HOME: THE TALE OF TEAM ISRAEL

Our Opening Night Screening will feature Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel, a stirring story of sports, patriotism and personal growth. Joining us on Opening Night will be filmmaker Jeremy Newberger along with catcher Ryan Lavarnway, pitcher Dean Kremer (one of two Israelis on the team) and pitcher Jeremy Bleich. There will be a Q & A opportunity after the screening with our special guests.

CLOSING EVENT

KEEP THE CHANGE LIFE IS RICH MY DEAR CHILDREN

MARCH

PAST LIFE

Our Closing Event will feature a screening of The Mamboniks. Executive Producer, John Paulson, will be our special guest along with Mambo produc inspired music, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Mr. Paulson is a producer, director, editor and cinematographer. His recent production, Mister Rogers: It’s You I Like Like, aired on PBS.

Sold Out

JFF FAMILY EVENT

SHELTER

16-21

THE CAKEMAKER THE LAST SUIT

Our Free Family Event will feature The Prince of Egypt, along with pizza and popcorn from PJ Library.

THE MAMBONIKS THE OPTIMISTS

GOLD PONSOR

WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS

ANNUAL The Optimists WHO WILL WRITE OUR HISTORY

SILVER SPONSOR SHELLY AND SY GOLDBLATT BRONZE SPONSORS DR. LOUIS AND MRS. MILLY CHAYKIN DR. LEWIS AND SANDRA HANAN CHERYL AND STEVE SHAPIRO

COPPER SPONSORS HOWARD BERMAN MILT CRYSTAL ANN AND ROBERT JACKSON VALERIE JOELS JOAN AND BART LEVENSON NESSA AND RICHARD LEVINE LORI AND DAVID LINER JACK AND ADREA SUKIN

THE SAMUEL PROJECT

“Our mission is to turn on the light and conquer the darkness” (Ayelet Eshchar, Kibbutz Ketura, Israel)

Narrator: Mandy Patinkin Director: Eliezer Yaari Producer: Irit Ambar

www.theoptimists.co.il

FEDERATION TORCH SPONSORS EDIE AND DAVID CHAIFETZ LEON R. AND MARGARET M. ELLIN DEBBIE AND LARRY HASPEL NAIDITCH FAMILY FOUNDATION THE ROSENTHAL ROOTS FAMILY FOUNDATION BUNNY AND MORT SKIRBOLL HADASSAH AND MARTIN STROBEL LOIS STULBERG

2015

THE LIGHT OF HOPE

MEDIA SPONSORS

TO BECOME A SPONSOR,

contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113

For film descriptions and screening For tickets, call times, visit jfedsrq.org/jff19 888.718.4253, Option 1


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