NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Jewish Life A PUBLICATION OF THE JEWISH F E D E RAT ION & FOUNDAT ION OF NORT HE AST FLO R I DA
Celebrating Jewish Culture
OCTOBER 2021 TISHREI/CHESHVAN 5782 JEWISHJACKSONVILLE.ORG
Contents
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COMMUNITY
4 A Tax-Saving Way To Start Your Legacy
7 The JCA Cultural Arts Festival 9 Volunteer Rockstar Doug Harlan 12 Welcome, Caryl Butterly!
13 Welcome, Gonen Arad! 14 New Grant Initiative Created in Memory of Linda DuBow
October 2021
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L’DOR V’DOR
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FEATURE JEWISH CULTURE
17 Faces of JCA: Rachel Sandler
20 Tikkun Olam and the Arts
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22 The Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital: Expressing Jewish Culture Through Stained Glass
19 Seven Grants Awarded to Jewish Nonprofits
IT'S YOUR BUSINESS 25 CarwashU
20 Sharing Jewish Stories
24 Cover Story; The Challah Maven
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SEE & BE SCENE Cover photo by Emlyn James, Emlyn James Images, emlynjamesimages.com
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NOSH ON THIS 28 Kosher Strawberry Protein Oat Bark 29 Chocolate Chunk Mandel Bread
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WORTH THE SCHELP
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR When I first contemplated Jewish culture, what came to mind were many talented writers such as Emma Lazarus, Herman Wouk and Leon Uris, and musical legends, including Leonard Bernstein and Barbara Streisand. Then, I focused on what may be the most famous of all Jewish traditional songs, L’ Cha Dodi written in the 1500’s by Shlomo Alkabets in Safed. And doesn’t culture include Jewish food and wine? In 1989, there were less than 20 wineries in Israel, while today there are more than 300! The traditional foods we prepare—from challah every Shabbat to apples & honey on Rosh Hashanah to matzo for Passover and latkes on Hanukkah— wouldn’t that make an interesting article? I believe culture means the culture of our Jewish community and what we, together, have built and continue to nurture. Having served as your executive director for more than 31 years, I have a perspective on this, and I welcome others to agree, disagree, or challenge my viewpoint.
Rabbis from our Reform, Conservative and Orthodox synagogues have often studied Torah together. All rabbis and synagogue presidents participate in writing direct appeal letters to their congregants each year in support of our annual campaign. The opportunity for Jewish education and learning offered by our synagogues and our
two Jewish day schools is impressive.
The Fifth Commandment is to “honor your father and mother.” I see our community respect our most senior members through the outstanding work of River Garden, JFCS and the JCA. We can be proud that our seniors are treated with dignity by our Jewish family of organizations. Your Federation has enhanced our community's connectedness to Israel through our many missions, and through our shlicha or shaliach, our Israeli emissaries. With all Israel’s accomplishments in agriculture, science and tech, there is still a fragility when it comes to her security. It is important that we be united when it comes to our Jewish community support for our Jewish homeland.
On November 1, Mariam Feist will join us as the CEO of our organization. She begins as we enter the twenty-first month of the pandemic. This reality adds to the challenges that exist any time one moves to a new community and takes on the leadership of one of our Jewish organizations. I encourage us all to welcome Mariam and extend to her the support that has been given to me throughout my tenure. The willingness to continue to care for one another, especially during these difficult times, is what makes the culture of our Jewish community unique and should not be taken for granted. With gratitude,
Alan Margolies
Jewish Federation & Foundation Staff Alan Margolies Executive Director alanm@jewishjacksonville.org Jill Abel Director, Israel Partnership jilla@jewishjacksonville.org
Stav Brener Community Shaliach jaxshlichut@jewishjacksonville. org
Pat Burke Director, Finance & Administration patrickb@jewishjacksonville.org Savannah Feustel Marketing Assistant savannahf@jewishjacksonville. org Faye Hedrick Director, Young Professionals & Families fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org
Rachel Heiser Campaign & Donor Relations Coordinator rachelh@jewishjacksonville.org
Jennifer Rensch Foundation Manager jenniferr@jewishjacksonville.org Lauren Rickoff Director, Campaign & Women’s Philanthropy laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org Mitzi Saul Marketing & Communications Manager mitzis@jewishjacksonville.org Kellie Smith Director, Foundation kelliek@jewishjacksonville.org
PICK UP NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE AT THESE LOCATIONS.
COMMUNITY
W H AT ' S H A P P E N I N G I N N O R T H E A S T F LO R I DA
A TAX-SAVING WAY TO START YOUR LEGACY By Kellie Smith, Jewish Foundation Director Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
Are you a charitably minded senior with a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? Struggling with your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?
Many people know they can deduct donations to charity from their income taxes but increasing your knowledge of tax planning strategies with retirement funds can help to maximize your giving impact as you age.
If you are 70½ years or older, one of the easiest ways you can make a difference is by giving directly from your IRA to a qualified charity, such as the Jewish Foundation, which allows you to pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions. Since the gift doesn’t count as income, it reduces your annual income level. This may help lower your Medicare premiums and decrease the amount of Social Security that is subject to tax.
Gifts of any value, up to a maximum of $100,000, are eligible for this benefit. This popular gift option is commonly called the IRA charitable rollover, but you may also see it referred to as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) and many choose to use that pesky RMD to get it started! Beginning in the year you turn 72, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your RMD.
One example of optimizing the use of QCD is to establish a perpetual Endowment Fund. By making a QCD donation to an endowment with our Jewish Foundation, you are creating a lasting legacy by investing in your Jewish community for generations to come. Contributions can be made to your new endowment fund at any time during your life or after your passing. By utilizing these giving strategies, you can make a difference and save on your taxes. Your gift will be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference your legacy is making in life, while helping to secure Jewish tomorrows in Northeast Florida long after you’re gone. We want to help you create your own Endowment Fund and maximize your giving impact! Contact Kellie Smith, Foundation Director, at (904) 512-3796 or by email KellieK@jewishjacksonville.org. 4
MARTIN J. GOTTLIEB DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS EMBARK ON BLENDED LEARNING By Andy Raitt and Stephanie Butler, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School For the 2021-2022 school year, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School will undergo a blended learning initiative. Blended learning is a studentcentered approach that facilitates learning and fosters student engagement by creating a learning environment where students control their pace, time, and place for learning. This school year, we are piloting blended learning in math. The purpose of this is to reach all learners through a personalized approach to learning at their current mathematics level. The 2nd through 8th-grade math classrooms are piloting the station rotation model in their classrooms. The station rotation model allows students to rotate through stations on a fixed schedule, where at least one of the stations is an online learning station. Our vision is to better prepare students with the content knowledge, cognitive skills, habits of success, and real-world practice necessary to thrive in school and beyond. The ultimate goal for students is to own and drive their learning experience, thereby making students active participants in their journey. Students will use valuable online resources that will enable teachers to facilitate differentiation efficiently. We will create a set of tools designed to ensure a guaranteed and viable curriculum and deepened personalization of the learning experience. Students express their learning styles and preferences as learners in any unit of study and are offered multiple ways to demonstrate
mastery of standards, choice, and individualization. This will allow students to be aware of what they are learning and their progress towards learning standards. Students will reflect on their learning and set S.M.A.R.T. goals, which are measurable and studentcentered. Teachers research and assign various resources for students to use for learning in a blended learning environment, both traditional and online, and tailor levels for each student. Blended learning allows students to become agents of learning and create a personalized connection.
COMMUNITY
RIVER GARDEN RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR NORTHEAST FLORIDA River Garden received a first time grant from the Grace H. Osborn Endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. The $10,000 grant was awarded to assist with the reopening of our Adult Day Program (ADP) and specifically address challenges precipitated by COVID-19 isolation.
River Garden has provided a successful outpatient adult day program for almost 30 years, focused on the care of persons with dementia and other chronic illnesses, including supervision, activities, meals and supportive personal care services. The program was closed from March 2020
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By Lisa Poremba, River Garden Senior Services until it reopened on July 19, 2021. As we prepared to reopen the program families shared how the isolation due to COVID-19 wreaked havoc with their loved ones functional and cognitive abilities and contributed to a decline in the person’s activities of daily living. The plans to reinvigorate our program involves a more focused and holistic approach to activity programming, evaluating all current activities against the six dimensions of Hettler’s Model of Wellness (physical, spiritual, social, emotional, occupational and intellectual), as well as considering the functional capacity of the participant.
Funding from the grant will enhance our wander walk area with more outdoor seating and shade, purchase equipment to upgrade interaction with more hands on activities, and provide extra educational opportunities for our staff through the Teppa Snow Positive Approach to Care Organization. Families are counting on us to assist them in their quest to improve their loved ones quality of life. We are grateful to The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida for investing in River Garden’s Adult Day Program and supporting our philosophy of continual evaluation and improvement towards excellence.
THE JCA CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL By Beth Milograno Berry, Jewish Community Alliance
Excitement is in the air as we prepare for our Cultural Arts Festival! Featuring award-winning Jewish producers, authors, artists and films, November 1 will kick off a year-long celebration of the arts at the JCA! Without further delay, an exclusive look at the three Jewish-themed films that will be presented in the JCA auditorium throughout the festival. Kiss Me Kosher
A laugh-out-loud comedy about acceptance, love and family drama. After a string of ex-girlfriends, Shira found real love with Maria, a German
who uproots her life to live with Shira in Tel Aviv. As their families awkwardly overcome cultural and religious differences, Shira’s grandmother, who disapproves of the marriage, goes to great lengths to break up the couple. Join us on Thursday, November 4 at 7 pm as Shira and Maria learn that the road to happiness is a minefield with plenty of traps along the way. Neighbours
A look at the villagers living with the oppressive tyranny of the Syrian government in the seventies. In northeastern Syria, Sero and his uncle act as the Sabbath goy’im for their Jewish neighbors and their spinster daughter. With a growing state of antisemitism, the situation becomes precarious for the Jewish family when they are stripped of their Syrian citizenship and unable to leave the country. When Sero’s mother is
accidentally shot by a border guard, the Jewish family asks Sero’s father to help their daughter flee using his dead wife’s papers. Neighbours will play Sunday, November 7 at 3 pm.
Tiger Within Starring Ed Asner in one of his last performances, Tiger Within showcases the unlikely friendship between Sam, a Holocaust survivor and Casey, an angry 14-year-old runaway. On Wednesday, November 17 at 7 pm, join us for this inspiring film about the power of forgiveness and unconditional love. As the story unfolds, we learn how the relationship provides Casey support and guidance, as it offers Sam a glimpse of fatherhood. Visit jcajax.org/jcafest for more details about our festival events, which are free and open to the entire community, thanks to the generosity of our wonderful sponsors. Advanced registration is required, please call (904) 730-2100 ext. 228 or visit www.jcajax.org.
SENSES OF SHABBOS AT RIVER GARDEN By Lisa Poremba, River Garden Senior Services
Jewish people everywhere celebrate Shabbat in different ways. At River Garden, Fridays bring extra joy throughout our campus as preparations for Shabbos are underway. As we honor River Garden’s 75th anniversary through our 75 Acts of Caring initiative, we would be remiss in not sharing how acts of caring contribute to our residents experience during Shabbat. From a kosher Shabbat dinner to Friday afternoon and Shabbat morning services, residents have the opportunity to continue their Jewish traditions year round. This is a testament to how acts of caring have transformed River Garden into a loving home and family for so many generations.
In the late afternoon, the sounds of Steve Meisel singing in the Parker Chapel can be heard through the halls and the live-streaming on the in-house TV channels.
Yvonne Lempke cuts and arranges fresh flowers to admire in the dining areas and share with residents as a mitzvah.
LOOK WHO’S CHANGING THE WORLD
ALUMNI
S P O T L I G H T
Max Fleisher, M.D. Neurosurgery Resident George Washington University Hospital
“A love of learning, Jewish tradition, and educational excellence”. From generation to generation, DuBow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students discover their purpose in life. Max Fleisher, a medical doctor and alumnus, feels fortunate to have had this early opportunity at our school. Through innovative education and living Jewish tradition, we inspire our students to make this world a better place.
Building mensches for over 75 years Call 268-4200 to tour our preschool or K-8. 8
VOLUNTEER ROCKSTAR DOUG HARLAN By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services Doug Harlan has been an integral part of JFCS's food delivery programs since August 2015. Doug first started volunteering for JFCS's Meals4You program, delivering weekly meals from River Garden to local Jewish seniors in our community.
In September 2018, Doug expanded his volunteer commitment by becoming a volunteer for the Senior Food Delivery program, delivering food throughout Jacksonville and into Flagler counties. He donates an astounding amount of his time to ensuring the food needs of Jewish seniors and Holocaust survivors are met.
Over the years, Doug has created relationships with the clients he delivers food to. He not only provides food, but also serves as a second set of eyes and ears in making sure our seniors are healthy and receiving all the services they need. His commitment not only ensures our clients have access to nutritious food and meals, but also provides an important human connection – which was especially important during the 2020 pandemic when so many seniors and Holocaust survivors were forced into isolation. Doug always has a smile on his face and a "can do" attitude. Doug is happy to support JFCS staff in any way he can. On the few occasions when Doug has the opportunity to travel the world with his wife, Jeanne, our clients count down the days until they will see him again. Doug goes above and beyond for those in need. He has a positive attitude and is always willing to lend a helping hand. He is a true example of good character and complete responsibility. JFCS is lucky to have Doug in our corner. Thank you, Doug, for all you do!
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COMMUNITY
JFCS’S HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING PROGRAM IN FULL SWING By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services
2020 was JFCS’s most successful holiday season ever, serving a record amount of clients in need. With the help of our amazing and generous supporters, we were able to provide over 2,000 children, seniors and Holocaust survivors with everything they needed to have a happy holiday.
The 2021 holiday season is now upon us and we are gearing up to make it special for the children, seniors and Holocaust survivors we serve. And although we hope that life has returned to normal for our clients following the pandemic, the need is still great. Many are still struggling to overcome the financial repercussions of the last year, living day-to-day, and unable to fully get back on their feet. The Jewish Family & Community Services Holiday Gift Giving program gives you the opportunity to do just that - come together as a community to make a difference in the lives of children, seniors and 1st Generation Holocaust survivors in need during the holiday season.
JFCS donors are the true heroes and during the holidays, spreading love throughout the entire community. We ask you to help JFCS enrich the lives of our families during the 2021 holiday season by sponsoring a child, senior or Holocaust survivor to shop and purchase gifts for. For more information on our holiday program, contact Donna O’Steen at holidays@jfcsjax. org. If you would like to help, but you are unable to shop, a monetary donation can be made and
our volunteers will shop for you. Visit www.jfcsjax.org/holidays and make a difference today.
COMMUNITY
JFCS WELCOMES NEW MARKETING MANAGER By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services
JFCS is thrilled to welcome Caryl Butterley as our new Marketing & Communications Manager.
Caryl spent most of her adult life living in New York City. She has worked in acting and directing, and served as a presentation consultant on Wall Street, assisting companies such as Smith Barney, JPMorgan Chase and Merrill Lynch.
Assisted Living License #12590
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Since moving to Jacksonville, Caryl has been active in the local arts community and served as the Marketing & Communications Manager for Cultural Fusion, a collective designed to foster collaborative programming and made up of over 40 of Jacksonville’s leading arts and cultural institutions including MOSH, Cummer Museum, Jacksonville Symphony, MoCA, Florida Theatre, WJCT, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Caryl is also one of the founders of 5 & Dime Theatre Company and has served as the Marketing Director for All Beaches Experimental Theatre building websites and creating marketing materials for several local
non-profits, including the Garden Club of Jacksonville, Riverfront Parks Now, Women Writing for (a) Change, Scenic Jacksonville, and Pine Castle. “It’s been very moving for me to learn more about both the history of Jewish Family & Community Services, and the important and much needed work they’re doing. I feel honored to join a team of folks bringing more kindness and care to our corner of the world,” said Caryl of her new position. Caryl enjoys making a positive impact in the Jacksonville community. She brings a refreshing attitude and a wealth of knowledge to JFCS, and we are thankful to have her as a new member of our staff.
WELCOME, GONEN ARAD! By Susan Edelman, Congregation Ahavath Chesed
Meet Gonen Arad, Temple's new Director of Congregational Learning and Engagement. Gonen Arad’s passion for Jewish connection is evident in every conversation. Punctuated by his beautiful Israeli accent and his enthusiastic delivery, he makes his mission clear: “My goal is to connect every Jewish soul with his or her Jewish identity.”
A seasoned Jewish educator, Gonen will direct youth and adult education, youth and adult programming and membership recruitment and engagement at Temple. “I am really looking forward to build something new,” he says, noting that it’s going to be a process and that everyone is very committed to the goal. From an education standpoint, Gonen plans to fully integrate informal Jewish education with traditional learning. He plans to focus on providing Jewish experiences that will resonate with them. The Temple Institute of Religion (TIR) will reflect that emphasis as it opens this fall.
“I like the kids to explore many aspects of Judaism: songs, skits, arts, movies, conversations,” he says. “My main goal is to provide our younger generation with a positive Jewish experience. Period. I want them to be happy Jews.”
He understands that he can’t turn children into Jewish scholars in just a few hours a week. But he can
provide the foundation that connects them with their Jewish identity in a way that it will be a lifelong connection.
Gonen received his Masters in Education from Hebrew Union College and has served as a lead educator and administrator of Jewish education for many years, most recently at Beth Rishon in Wyckoff, NJ. But he was very excited to come to Jacksonville.
Gonen and his family are getting settled in Jacksonville. You can reach him at garad@thetemplejax.org
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COMMUNITY
NEW GRANT INITIATIVE CREATED IN MEMORY OF LINDA DUBOW By Kellie Smith, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida is proud to announce the creation of the Linda DuBow Beautification Fund in memory of our beloved lifelong community member. The DuBow family worked closely with the Jewish Foundation to establish the fund and the parameters for which grants can be made. Each year a committee of volunteer community members will meet and review the beautification requests.
Linda DuBow, of blessed memory, with her husband Laurie.
Linda, a native of Jacksonville and member of the Jacksonville Jewish Center, was always interested in improving the aesthetics and functionality of the places that were important to her. In that regard, the
family established the Linda DuBow Beautification Fund to grant requests to the agencies that she held dear.
We are delighted to announce the awarding of $15,000 total for the first of two grants. Stay tuned as we will highlight the beautification projects in the next few months. “Mom was always quick to point out when she felt something needed a fresh new look and we feel she would be very proud of this fund that has been established in her memory,” says daughter, Susan DuBow.
The Jewish Foundation is honored to be working with the DuBow family in helping to remember and celebrate Linda.
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L'DOR V'DOR
FA M I LY, E D U C AT I O N , A N D S E N I O R L I V I N G
FACES OF THE JCA: RACHEL SANDLER By Beth Milograno Berry, Jewish Community Alliance enjoy working with our Israeli Community Shaliach, Stav Brenner. How do these programs make a difference in the greater Jacksonville community?
The Jewish education programs at the JCA enhance the lives of Jewish and non-Jewish people to learn more about Judaism and Israel. Stav’s experiences and knowledge about Israel enrich the lives of families within our community. As the Jewish Educator at the Jewish Community Alliance (JCA), Rachel Sandler creates programming within our community as it relates to our Jewish traditions, heritage and holidays.
After 16 years of teaching elementary school, Rachel joined the JCA in March of 2020, just two weeks before the coronavirus pandemic closed our doors. Amid shutdowns and new safety protocols, Rachel quickly shifted her programs to virtual platforms and continued to engage and educate our community throughout the uncertainties of the pandemic. Why is it fulfilling to create Jewish and Family programs for our community? One of my favorite things about the JCA is being able to connect my Jewish heritage with my profession. I love planning the programs for our community members and especially
What are you looking forward to at the JCA in the next few months? Aside from the Yiddish, Hebrew and Jewish Yoga classes scheduled at the JCA this fall, I am looking forward to our Cultural Arts Festival in November. Collaborating with the festival committee is a new part of my job and I am very excited about the events we have planned this year. We have a great lineup of Jewish authors, artists and films planned for the entire community.
If you are interested in joining Rachel for the JCA’s Jewish and Family programs, please contact the registrar’s office at (904) 730-2100 ext. 228 or visit jcajax.org to learn more about our Jewish classes and programs.
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L'DOR V'DOR
SEVEN GRANTS AWARDED TO JEWISH LOCAL NONPROFITS By Kellie Smith, Jewish Foundation Director, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida has awarded seven grants totaling $14,000 through the 2021 Jewish Grant Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation. Applications were open to all Jewish nonprofit organizations serving Northeast Florida with a focus on addressing the needs of the community through collaboration and finding innovative approaches to engaging the unaffiliated, new or relocating Jews to the area. A grant review committee reviewed the proposals and engaged in thoughtful dialogue to arrive at the following grant disbursements: Jewish Community Alliance, PJ Library, and JF&F Young Professionals and Families
Reimagining the YPF’s current 2nd Night Seder program, ten host families will gather ten people in their home to provide a unique opportunity to reach a diverse number of people, while being sensitive to the need for smaller gatherings. Beth El – The Beaches, JF&F Women’s Philanthropy, and PJ Library
Funding will be used to help grow membership among newcomers to the area to host Ladies Night Out events with JF&F Women’s Philanthropy and a Mommy and Me Program with PJ Library. NCSY JAX Jewish Student Union
The “JSU Family Experience,” is a program to invite the entire family of
teens participating in Jewish Student Union to two Shabbat dinners and holiday themed special events. The goal is to give students’ families the opportunity to meet new, like-minded people at activities that are nonsynagogue based. Hadassah Jacksonville
Expand Hadassah Talking Circles initiative of gathering women of similar ages and interests to meet at least once a quarter with the inclusion of women new to the community. Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
Reinvent the current Mitzvah program to be pandemic friendly. Outreach to include deliveries of “Shabbat in a Box,” Rosh Hashanah cards and honey, “Tu B’Shevat in a Box,” and Purim Mishloach Manot. Congregation Ahavath Chesed
Create welcome bags for new members of Temple in the T-3 group (20’s and 30’s) to include challah, wine, and mezuzah. In addition, host welcome events to cultivate new members.
Jacksonville Community Kollel
Start an online platform to sign up for six meet and greet kosher brunch/ lunch events during the year to network and welcome newcomers. For more information about the Jewish Grant Making Fund, or how to support local programming, contact Kellie Smith, Foundation Director, by email at kelliek@jewishjacksonville.org or by phone (904) 512-3796.
TIKKUN OLAM AND THE ARTS By Donna Stein McNett, DONA
It's odd I would be writing this article on September 11. Twenty years ago, the world changed by one single act. Unfortunately, this was an act of evil; but it clearly showed the dynamics of what a single action could do.
Backtracking three years ago, I went to the Bar Mitzvah of the grandson of my wonderful childhood friend. Officiating was Rabbi Dov Kentof, of blessed memory. His d’var Torah had the most profound impact on me. The wisdom of his words rang clear as a bell. I’ve heard it said that when you study Torah, G-d speaks to you. When you pray you speak to G-d. That day, that moment, G-d was speaking to me. The message was that we all have the ability to heal the world or tikkun olam. I began to question my purpose and how I could use my limited abilities and talents. I realized I needed to make a difference in healing the world.
At that time my grandchildren were attending the DuBow Preschool and the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. I thought this “heart and mind” education was important to empower tikkun olam for
S H A R I N G J E W I S H ST O R I E S
By Lauren Rickoff, Director of Women's Philanthropy Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
Throughout the year, the Women’s Philanthropy Steering Committee is sharing stories of their Jewish journey or what inspires their involvement using an item of Judaica. In this month’s Jewish Life, we’re happy to share a few of them!
Leslie Held
"This home blessing hangs in my office. It was given as a gift from River Garden upon my Chaplaincy Certification. As it is read in Tehillim Psalm 71, Verse 9, 'Do not cast me off in my old age. When my own strength fails, do not abandon me'. This second sentence is a reminder that 'our strength' may be our physical strength, cognition or spiritually; but please be there for me. River Garden is a place of compassion offering hope and prayers for strength. My journey led me to a beautiful, meaningful, purposeful life and I am grateful. May all of our homes be blessed with health, good fortune, peace and tranquility."
Arlene Adelson
“This is my grandmother’s chopping bowl. It’s well over 100 years old. I use it during the holidays and anytime I need to chop. We celebrated many holidays at my grandparents and I have fond memories of my grandmother always chopping in this bowl.” 20
future generations. How could I use my talents in order to make the world a better place and offer the school the ability to financially benefit its students and teachers?
For the last seven years, I have custom designed and manufactured scarves for museums across the country. In fact, one of my largest clients is the Chihuly workshop. If these institutions could profit from selling scarves, why couldn’t a school? So, I created a tikkun olam scarf so extra funds could be raised to benefit the school, its students and teachers. People often ask how I create a design for custom scarves. That's a question that is very difficult to answer mostly because it's intuitive. To make this scarf, I visited the school and synagogue and took pictures that represented Jewish iconic images and Jewish life. You might notice the shapes are in the form of Jewish stars. The one at the right top corner was a picture of the tallit hanging on racks in the synagogue, and the center star is a mah-jongg rack.
Marjie Rogozinski
“This Yemenite wine cup has a removable top so it can be used for Havdalah. I purchased it from a father and son, Yemenite artists, from a shop in the Cardo, on one of the many Federation missions I have been on. It always reminds me of the wonderful bonding experiences Federation missions provide.”
Andrea Mail
Let’s work together in the Jewish year of 5782 by using our G-d given talents, gifts, and resources by “Healing the World" even if it’s only one scarf at a time or one Jewish organization at a time…tikkun olam.
Donna Stein McNett is a local artist who helps her clients express artistically their passions, life cycle events, loved ones, family pets, children, travel or whatever is near and dear to their hearts. Design has been Donna’s passion since graduating from the University of Florida School of Architecture with an interior design focus. “Embracing life and our surroundings with all aspects of visual and physical space is critical to the enjoyment that we experience and the ability to maintain our daily wellbeing.” Donna will be participating in the JCA Cultural Arts Festival Exhibition in the Vandroff Gallery on November 1. To learn more about Donna’s art, go to www.donascarves.com.
“A college friend, Michael Borkow said weekly Torah reading is the ‘world’s longestrunning book club.’ Jewish wisdom from the Torah and books such as ‘Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas’ by Rabbi Sacks continues to inspire my Jewish journey."
Lauren Setzer
“My great grandfather, Paul, lived until 106 years old. His Tallis was gifted to our older son after he was born. Not only does our son have the Tallis from his greatgreat grandfather, but also shares the middle name Paul. This L’Dor V’Dor connection is very special to our family as we keep Paul’s memory alive while also creating our own Jewish Journey.”
THE CHAGALL WINDOWS AT HADASSAH HOSPITAL: EXPRE By Helen Hill, Haddassah Jacksonville
By Helen Hill, Hadassah Jacksonville
Every trip to Israel is an opportunity to see the Chagall windows at the Abbell Synagogue at the Hadassah University Medical Center on the southwestern outskirts of Jerusalem. These twelve stained-glass windows representing the 12 Sons of Jacob (the 12 Tribes of Israel) were created by the famous Russian-born painter and designer, Marc Chagall, who donated them to Hadassah in 1962. Hadassah University Medical Center at Ein Kerem, one of two internationally recognized Hadassah hospitals in Jerusalem (the other being Mt. Scopus) is also home to a collection of one-of-a-kind windows made by the Jewish artist Marc Chagall. So how is it that Chagall’s masterpiece in stained glass came to be at the Hadassah Hospital? Marc Chagall was one of the most prolific artists of the twentieth century. Famous for his bright, bizarre works, his art was not immediately accepted, yet later he
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became recognized as one of the most famous masters of the art world. Born to Orthodox parents in the Belorussian town of Vitebsk, his life was spent alternatively embracing Jewish culture or acting indifferently toward it. Ironically, even though he enjoyed life on the French Riviera and did not practice Judaism, he never forgot his Jewish origin. It is said that he retained a deep sense of identification with the whole of Jewish history, its tragedies and victories, and he never forgot his personal background of having been born and growing up in a Russian shtetl. Chagall became well known for art that conveyed the struggle and triumphs of humanity. Based on his own feelings of spirituality and faith, he carefully selected scenes, used a bright color palette, dramatic shading, and created images that evoked deep emotions. In the 1930’s, he traveled to the “Holy Land” and began
creating art that was inspired by scenes from the Bible. He created art in a variety of mediums, not only stained glass, but many of his stainedglass windows are famous today in churches throughout Europe.
In 1959, Dr. Miriam Freund, who was National President of Hadassah at the time, and aware of the beautiful windows Chagall had designed for churches, approached Mark Chagall about creating windows for the synagogue in the not yet completed hospital. In her memoir, she tells of meeting violinist Isaac Stern on the plane from New York to Paris and inviting him to accompany her to visit Chagall in France, which he did. And when asked, the artist agreed to design the stained-glass windows, saying '' I have always looked forward to a call from the Jewish people.'' The request was for twelve windows, each window representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Chagall worked on this project for over two years and, during this time, developed a new
XPRESSING JEWISH CULTURE THROUGH STAINED GLASS process for applying color to glass.
Before the windows found their permanent home at Hadassah, they were displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris and in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Chagall to high acclaim. He then gave the collection of 12 windows to the hospital in 1962 and even came to Jerusalem for the inauguration held during Hadassah’s Golden Anniversary Celebration. Chagall had an audience of about three hundred people as he installed the windows, including the American and French ambassadors, delegations from Hadassah, and Israeli officials. "All the time I was working," he said, "I felt my father and my mother were looking over my shoulder, and behind them were Jews, millions of other vanished Jews of yesterday and a thousand years ago."
The windows are indeed extraordinary. Each window is about 11 feet tall and 8 feet wide, executed in brilliant reds, blues, yellows and green. They are decorated with representations of Jewish life, animals, fish, and flowers floating in mid-air. Following the Jewish tradition, no human figures are represented. The iconography, based on the 49th chapter of Genesis and the 33rd chapter of Deuteronomy, is never dogmatic – indeed, the works seem to flow. The imagery throughout and symbolism that Chagall used to represent the 12 tribes is an expression of his own poetic vision. Stained glass absorbs light and gives color, and is constantly animated by changing light throughout the day. It is light that brings these windows to life, moving worshipers and visitors emotionally. This aspect of light was so important to Chagall that he went to Jerusalem prior to their installation to make certain that each individual window received proper light,
Five years after the installation, in 1967, the Six Day War engulfed the region and five of the windows were severely damaged by shrapnel. Chagall sent a cable to the hospital administrator, saying, “Don’t worry about the windows! Worry about Israel. I’ll make you new windows.” It took Chagall two years to repair and, in some cases, completely redo the damaged windows. With the panes back in place and the windows restored, they resumed their original role as the jewels in Hadassah’s crown. Today, over 300,000 tourists make their way to Hadassah’s Ein Kerem hospital each year specifically to view Marc Chagall’s famous windows in the chapel. Is 5782 the year that you will travel to Israel to view the windows?
TH E CH A L L A H M AV E N
By Mitzi Saul, Marketing and Communications Manager, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
As I walked into Sylvia and Andrew Jaffa’s home, I could smell the amazing aroma of fresh baked bread. Sylvia, our cover model, had just brought out two beautiful, round, sugar-crumb topped challahs. Sylvia has earned the reputation as one of Jacksonville's challah mavens. This is in spite of the fact that when she moved here over 20 years ago, she didn’t know how to make challah. Why would she when she lived in Miami Beach with easy access to many kosher bakeries? After years of practice and experimenting with different recipes, Sylvia credits her challah mastery to mentorship from family, friends, and local
rebetzins. Throughout the years, her husband Andrew and her children Martin J. Gottlieb Day School alumni Eliana, Moe and Micah have been discerning critics who rate her Friday night creations on a scale of one to ten.
“I love celebrating the Jewish holidays and Sabbath with family and friends. We’re walking distance to Andrew’s parents, Irene and Jimmy, and only seven minutes away from my mother, Betty Lustig. We are truly blessed to be able to raise a family in such a tight-knit and welcoming Jewish community.”
Like their parents, Sylvia and Andrew have volunteered with Federation over the years. They even met at a Young Leadership conference in Washington, D.C. in 2000. Andrew is a past board member of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida, and several years ago they hosted an Israeli teen with the Israel Partnership Program. They have also chaired Federation's Young Leadership Division and even traveled on several missions to overseas communities and Israel.
S U G A R C R U M B T O P P E D CH A L L A H 1 cup water -- warmed 2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup oil
4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour 1/2 cup generous sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1 large egg -- lightly beaten
Place flour in a large bowl, gently pour the sugar and salt on top of the flour around the rim of the bowl.
In a 2-cup measure, pour the hot water, 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar and set aside for 5 minutes or until it proofs and starts to bubble. Make a well in the middle of the flour, sugar, salt mixture and pour in eggs and the oil.
Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour in and mix. Knead for 5 – 10 minutes until gently elastic. Add just a touch of canola oil in bottom of bowl and rub gently on both sides of the dough so it doesn’t dry out. Cover with a dish towel and let it rise for 1 hour. After an hour, punch down and divide the dough in half and shape and make two challahs. Let it rise on baking sheet (prepared with parchment paper) for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack..
ST R E U ST E L T O P P I N G 1 cup sugar 1 cup flour
½ cup margarine, cut into pieces, or canola oil
Mix sugar, flour, and margarine with fork to form a crumble. Sprinkle on top of challah after you have applied the egg wash before baking. You
24can also sprinkle some crumbs on the pans before you put the braids down, and it gives the crust a nice, sweet crunch.
IT'S YOUR BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHT ON JEWISH-OWNED BUSINESSES
CARWASHU, A FATHER-SON BUSINESS WITH COLLEGE CHEER
By Mitzi Saul, Marketing and Communications Director, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
Ever since Andrew Jaffa attended college at the University of Michigan, and then received a second degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida, he dreamed of working in the automotive industry. Andrew says that owning and operating a car washing business with his father Jimmy, is like working in the automotive industry. “A car wash is a manufacturing plant where we assemble clean cars. Dirty cars go in, and clean cars come out!” Like an automotive plant, the work can be physically demanding, and all moving parts need to be well-maintained in order to effectively and safely wash hundreds of cars every day.
Although their college-themed CarwashU has only been around for a little over three years, the father-son team have been in the car wash business for a long time. Baywash was a traditional full-service wash built in 1999 and sold in 2003 as the industry moved from full serve to express car
washes. From 2005 to 2016 they built and operated four CarbuX express car washes while washing approximately 3,000,000 vehicles during that time. In the 70’s and 80’s Jimmy was busy building residential homes throughout the Jacksonville area, but he is most proud of being a co-founder of Jacksonville’s Eruv in 1999. An Eruv is a wire “wall” that surrounds the community (around 10 square miles in Mandarin) that allows observant Jews to carry items and push strollers during Shabbat and on holidays. Throughout the years he and other volunteers have spent countless hours inspecting and maintaining the Eruv. After getting out of the home building business, he built and operated self-storages and self-serve car washes. That’s where he and his son germinated the idea to build full wash tunnels.
Business is booming (especially during sunny days) and the Jaffas plan on opening another CarwashU in Orange
Park later this month. With considerable investment and years of planning, CarwashU is the only flat-belt car wash in Jacksonville. Unlike the chains used at other washes, the flat belt is literally a moving sidewalk, and this means that there is no damage to tires or rims.
Andrew appreciates the innovative and technical side of the car wash. “I love the challenges, and every day is so unique. Most importantly, I’m grateful and lucky to have worked with and learned from my father. He’s been an amazing mentor for the past 25 years.”
CarwashU, “the only wheel-safe car wash” is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week and located at 6929 103rd Street on the westside of Jacksonville. The second location opening in mid-October will be at 950 Park Avenue in Orange Park. Car washes start at $8. Go to carwashu.com to learn more.
SEE & BE SCENE
T H R O U G H T H E L E N S I N N O R T H E A S T F LO R I DA
Beth El Beaches Synagogue opened our doors to one and all (masked of course), welcoming many new families to our Open House.
Before Rosh Hashanah at Torah Academy, we invited a beekeeper over to explain the life and purpose of bees.
DuBow Preschool weekly Shoobie Doobie Shabbat with Morah Rachel
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School Middle School students during STEAM and social studies classes, building a sukkah and Beringia Land Bridge.
26
SEE & BE SCENE
Eleven members of The Coves created works of art in a Paint Night with talented artist Chrissy Granados last month. Chrissy had been a staff member at River Garden until early ����, when she left to pursue other interests.
River Garden finds wonderful ways to celebrate the High Holidays.
The Coves at River Garden is glad to be welcoming presenters from our Jewish community. To present a program in-person or virtually for members of The Coves, please contact Cheryl Fisch at (���) ���-����. Stav Brenner offers an update on Israel for members of The Coves.
Sunday, August ��, the Jacksonville Jewish Center community gathered at Jacksonville Beach to hear the shofar blast.
NOSH ON THIS
SHARING RECIPES
KOSHER STRAWBERRY PROTEIN OAT BARS By Stacy Seslowsky, Jewish Community Alliance
Consuming whole unprocessed foods is one of the most important components of a healthy and balanced diet. Pre-packaged foods are so processed that you may notice several unrecognizable or unfamiliar ingredients on the labels. Even protein bars, marketed as “health foods,” are not an exception.
Enjoy this healthy alternative to store-bought protein bars. Once you try these Banana Strawberry Oat bars, you will never turn back. The fiber content of oats, strawberries and bananas promotes healthy digestion and reduces cholesterol levels. Replacing processed and nutrient-deficient white flour with coconut or almond flour is an important alternative when it comes to making a healthy bar. Nuts provide us with essential nutrients like magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory and fantastic for our brainpower. Eggs contain choline, which is another nutrient the brain needs and finally, the protein powder in this recipe is helpful for maintaining lean body mass and increasing satiety – better known as that satisfying feeling you get after eating.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup almond or coconut flour 1 cup oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana 1/2 cup puréed strawberries 1 tablespoon maple syrup 3/4 cup pecans halved
1 scoop protein or collagen powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 28
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 375° degrees.
2. Combine (may use a food processor or mix well by hand) vanilla, eggs, mashed banana, puréed strawberries and maple syrup.
3. Add almond flour, oats, pecans, protein powder, cinnamon and salt, until evenly combined. 4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan. 5. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool for one hour. 7. Cut into squares.
8. Serve with almond butter and homemade strawberry jam (mix pureed strawberries with maple syrup, fresh lemon juice and a dash of salt. Simmer on the stovetop until thick/jelly consistency, then remove and cool).
NOSH ON THIS
CHOCOLATE CHUNK MANDEL BREAD By Jacqueline Witte, Temple Bet Yam
With the memory of Temple Bet Yam’s Norma Tinkoff, mandelbrot baker extraordinare in our hearts, this iconic recipe of of Eastern European culture, mandlbroyt or mandel bread, was shared with TBY’s cooks. From allrecipes.com
INGREDIENTS Prep: 25 m
Cook: 35 m
Ready In 2h 10 min
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 3 large eggs
1 cup white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons orange juice 1 cup chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat an over to 350 F. Grease a baking sheet.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a mixing bowl until smooth. 3. Beat the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until smooth.
4. Whisk in the vegetable oil vanilla extract, and orange juice.
5. Stir in the Chocolate chips and the flour mixture until no dry lumps remain.
6. Divide the dough into two pieces. Form each piece into a roll about 3 in wide and 12 in long. Place the rolls side by side on the prepared baking sheet. 7. Bake in the preheated oven until the rolls have started to brown – about 20 minutes.
8. Remove the rolls from the oven onto a rack. Let cool until cool enough to handle-about 10 minutes. 9. Cut the mandel bread into ½ in thick slices. Return to the baking sheet and lay them flat. 10. Return to the oven and bake until lightly golden , about 15 minutes more. 11. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before servings.
WORTH THE SCHELP Federation Tuesdays Together October 5 Virtual 10:00 - 11:30 AM Register at https://events.idonate.com/ welcomeoctober2021 JCA Evergreen Cemetery Tour and Lunch October 6 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM The Evergreen Cemetery is the oldest cemetery still in operation in Jacksonville. Join us in the city's historic cemetery space as Gary Sass takes us on a tour to explore the fascinating history buried within our city. Transportation from the JCA is included. Lunch will be at your own expense. Limited to 14 people. Please register at https://bit.ly JCARegistrationLink or call (904) 730-2100 ext. 228.
Dr. David Bortnick & the Jewish Historical Society Gathering October 12 2:30 PM Dr. David Bortnick will explore the role of Florida's Jews in the U.S. Civil War at a gathering of the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society, St. Johns County Library Main Branch, 1960 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. St. Augustine. JCA Charcoal Drawing Basics October 13 2:00 - 5:00 PM Learn to draw objects using drawing
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charcoal and paper. Class includes a demonstration of materials and how to draw shapes in proportion with shading to make your work appear 3D. Please register at https://bit.ly/JCARegistrationLink or call (904) 730-2100 ext. 228. JCA Discover Israel Film Series: Policeman Azoulay October 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM Join us at the JCA to watch this iconic Israeli film! PJ Library “One Good Deed” Bookwalk with Beth-El Beaches Synagogue October 17 12:00 - 2:00 PM Join the PJ Library at Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue for the "One Good Deed" Book Walk. Contact Melissa Williams at Mgwilliams@jfcsjax.org for more information. Hadassah General Meeting October 19 7:00 PM Hadassah Jacksonville will provide its members with an overall look at the accomplishments of the last year, and look ahead to the coming year. The agenda will include a preview of upcoming educational programs for 2021-2022 and an interactive educational component. RSVP jacksonvillehadassah@gmail.com for zoom link. Cafe Israeli with Shaliach Stav Brener October 20 7:00 - 8:00 PM Gather together at the JCA, to enjoy Israeli snacks and coffee and to talk about anything connected to Israel!
"Knights, Bird Heads, and Dragons: Surprises of Medieval Jewish Literature" October 27 7:00 - 8:30 PM The program will take place in person at the JCA from 7-8:30 on Wednesday, October 27th
JCA Cultural Arts Festival Opening Night November 1 7:00 - 9:00 PM For details about the festival or how to get involved, contact either Rachel Sandler at (904) 730-2100 ext. 271 rachel.sandler@jcaja.org or Heather Terrill at (904) 730-2100 ext. 265 heather.terrill@jcajax.org.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
HELP ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA
River Garden is the go-to resource for high-quality adult care in Jacksonville. Honoring our Jewish traditions, the dedicated staff, leadership and volunteers are all committed to a best-in-class experience. Whether it is for you, your spouse, parents or friend, be sure to request River Garden.
PJ Library, the award-winning free program for books and music is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville. If your children are between the ages of six months and eight years, they are eligible. Please sign up now by going to pjlibrary.org/ communities/jacksonville or calling Melissa Willams at (904) 394-5724.
JFCS, in partnership with Margo's Catering, is pleased to bring you our meal program Meals4You. Meals are delicious, nutritious, convenient and delivered right to your door. Jewish dietary laws are observed. Call Nicole Andrews at (904) 394-5810 for more information.
T ORAH A CADEMY OF JACKSONVILLE
Every Tuesday from 3:15 to 4:15, Torah Academy hosts a free kosher food program sponsored by the USDA for children under 18. The program helps provide food during these trying times. For more info, contact shorowitz@torah-academy.com.
Through a partnership with GO GO Grandparent and a grant from the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, JFCS is now offering immediate rides through our Call2Go program. Riders will no longer have to call to book transportation. They will now be able to use an "on demand" service available at their fingertips! GO GO Grandparent will have booking agents available 24/7. When a client calls, the agent will book, monitor and stay available to the client until the ride is complete. Riders MUST pre-register with Nicole Brown at (904) 394-5724 and have a cell phone (texting is not necessary) to use this service. Call2Go is available to those in need of transportation to attend synagogue, medical appointments and other important outings. A sliding fee scale is available. Don't be deceived by the name. . .you don't have to be a grandparent to use the program. Call Nicole today!
Admissions (904) 886-8420 Adult Day (904) 288-7858 Home Health Care (904) 288-7851 Outpatient Rehab (904) 886-8454 The Coves (904) 292-2683 Volunteers (904) 886-8429 Foundation (904) 886-8430 MAIN (904) 260-1818
Searching for identity hosts writing workshops for second and third generation holocaust survivors. Meet monthly in a confidential and judgement-free setting, in-person/ online, to explore experiences, capture important stories and explore identity. RSVP at www.searchingforidentity.org/ writing-workshops.