Jacksonville Jewish News - August 2019

JEWISHJACKSONVILLE.ORG | VOL. 32 NO. 11 | AUGUST 2019 – AV 5779

Jax JEWnited brings together Jewish teens Q&A with Zoe Mail

Join us for Q: Jewish SAVE THE DATE Community Jewish Community Day in partnership with the Day theof Art & Gardens Cummer at Museum Sunday, August 25 Cummer 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

What is the goal of Jax JEWnited?

A: The goal is to bring together local Jewish teens from all across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida and help them feel more connected to the community. It is also a way for Jewish teens from different areas to meet each other.

Q: How does it differ from teen programs like NCSY, USY and JSU? A: This program differs from others in that it is inclusive to everyone and is not specific to a school or synagogue. While youth groups are meant for Jews who already know each other to THE The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville andto offer get including together, our event is about meeting people Enjoy all the Cummer Museum has The Cummer Museum ofaArt and Gardens scavenger and becoming art activities and museum-wide hunt! more involved in the broader are partnering for the first Annual Jewish Jewish community.

Community Day on Sunday, August 25. The with the in partnership Q: Who is it intended for?

Cummer will be openComplimentary to the community Event from event is intended for all Jewish high noon till 4 p.m., with a variety of information Cummer Museum of ArtA:&OurGardens Co-chairs: Stefanie Levine and schoolers in Jacksonville, no matter their Jewand projects available to showcase what ourJodi Rogozinski Sunday, 25background. ish local Jewish agencies, schools and syna-August Registration information to follow gogues have to 12 p.m.-4 p.m.Q: What activities will the upcoming event offer. RepreJewish Community Day sentatives from include?

Enjoy all the Cummer Museum has to offer including the various at the Cummer A: The September art activities andJewish a museum-wide scavenger hunt!8 event at the JCA (see page orga12 for details) will consist of fun ice breakers 829 Riverside Avenue, nizations will for people to get to know each other, followed Complimentary be available to Event Jacksonville by group activities/competitions to encourage share the work camaraderie. We will be putting the teens with they doLevine and and Jodi Co-chairs: Rogozinski Sunday, August 25, Stefanie people they don’t know. answer any information to follow noon to 4 p.m.Registration For more information about JEWnited, Community partners* questions you contact Zoe Mail at zoemmail@gmail.com. *as ofmight July 1,have.

2019 Kosher food will be available for purchase.

“Please come out, have fun, learn someWelcome to our back-to-school edition! thing new, and celebrate all that our comAs it says in Deuteronomy, chapter 6, we are munity has to offer while enjoying the art and commanded to teach our children the mitzvot, and atmosphere at The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens,” said Faye Hedrick, director of how to live by them. When you teach someone you the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville’s rGEN become like a parent to him or her. This teaching of division. the written and oral Torah has been the ongoing link Community For more information, email Faye at partners* to our survival as Jews throughout the generations. fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org. *as of July 1, 2019

SAVE

DATE

Jewish Community Day

Clockwise left to right: Jillian P., Jasmine M., Rachel J., Jamie B., Zoe M., Brandon M., Drew W.

And you shall teach them to your children and speak of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk on the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.

How to welcome newcomers: a little sensitivity and a smile can go a long way

8505 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32217

Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

Published Monthly POSTMASTER PLEASE DELIVER BY AUG. 1ST

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By Mindy Rubenstein & Isabel Balotin

Summer’s end can be a time of transition, and for many it means settling into a new place, starting new schools or new jobs. For those who have never been a newcomer or if it’s been a long time, it helps to have some tips on ways to make others feel comfortable and welcome.

As the Jewish community of Jacksonville continues to grow, with an estimated 200 families moving here each year according to Isabel Balotin, director of the Federation’s ShalomJax program, it’s relatively simple to extend a little kindness to others, especially if they are new. Simple things we may take for granted, like navigating a new place and locating resources, can be a source of stress.

“It’s about sensitivity,” says Balotin, who has lived in Jacksonville for decades and helps welcome newcomers by matching them with people and organizations who may

Rabbinically Speaking

be helpful. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to grow the community. The only way we can do that is by expanding kindness and hospitality.”

It’s simple, and something anyone can do. If you see someone you’ve never met, don’t assume they’re being welcomed by someone else.

Reach out and say hello, introduce yourself, ask about them and listen for the response.

We may be busy, but it only takes a moment to show a bit of friendliness that can have a lasting impact.

“A smile, a handshake, a hug, people remember that,” she says. “One thing that makes people feel comfortable coming up to you – just smile at them. A warm smile breaks the ice.”

For those who are new and want to integrate into the community, it’s important to put yourself out there – go beyond your comfort zone. We may get caught in the cycle of – “I don’t go because I don’t know

Back to school…BACK TO SCHOOL?! Our heads begin to reel from the onslaught of ads in the papers and the signs plastered all over Walmart and Target. That very familiar yet uncomfortable feeling wells up deep inside, striking a mixture of fear and relief into every parent’s heart. It’s been a long summer, perhaps too long, and we’ve been itching to see our children get back to their daily routines. Alas, the flashbacks of those late-night emails from the teachers and principals, the temper tantrums and the stressful studying before tests causes us each to begin questioning, “Am I truly prepared to go through another ten months of this? G-d, help me!”

But school doesn’t have to be this way. The Torah places great value on education and literacy, while balancing the burden with the understanding that we are to guide each individual child on his or her own path by utilizing the skillsets unique to him or her. When we partner with our schools to ensure that our children’s individual needs are met, and the school creates a warm and personalized environment, those concerns begin to fade.

Furthermore, what makes a Torah education so vital to our budding Jewish future is the content of the material combined with the positive influences

See NEWCOMERS, p. 12

See RABBINICALLY SPEAKING, p. 12

Rabbi Shaya Hauptman, Head of School, Torah Academy of Jacksonville

JJN Index

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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

content Community News .......................7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22 Education.............................................. 14, 15, 16 Federation News .................................3, 4, 6, 8, 9 JCA .................................................................... 18 JFCS................................................................... 23 Life and Legacy ................................................... 5 River Garden..................................................... 24

Synagogue News ............................... 25, 26, 27

ADVERTISING DIRECTORY At the Jacksonville Jewish News, our advertisers are precious to us. It is with their support that the Jacksonville Jewish community has a newspaper.

Advertising revenue also offsets the cost of production, so Federation dollars can be dedicated to helping Jews locally and overseas. Please continue to live generously and support our advertisers: Alhambra Theatre............................................... 2 Atlantica Isles .................................................... 28 Bob Ham Eyewear .............................................. 7 Jewish Federation of Jacksonville ............. 5,6,12, 13,19,20 Margo’s Catering ................................................ 5 River Garden ................................................ 17,26 Round Table Realty - Erica Jolles ...................... 22 SMASH ................................................................ 3 Starling Living ................................................... 15 Stein Mart ......................................................... 13 Watson Realty Corp. .......................................... 3

August 2019 - av 5779

A PUBLICATION OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF JACKSONVILLE

credits Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies

Editor & Communications Director Mindy Rubenstein mindyr@jewishjacksonville.org

Federation President Iris Kraemer

Layout Designer Sandy Weber, Key 3 Creative

Advertising Representative Ellen Cohen Wilcox es_cohen@yahoo.com 215.680.1000

Editorial Support Karen Backilman Shirley Bielski Inman Byfeld Helen Hill

The Jacksonville Jewish News is published monthly. All submitted content becomes the property of the Jacksonville Jewish News. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of the Jacksonville Jewish News or its publisher, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jewish News is not responsible for the kashruth of any product advertised.

Copy due dates: All news, photographs, etc., must be received by the 7th of each month, and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org.

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FEDERATION NEWS

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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Letter from the Editor: From Darkness Comes the Potential for More Light

BY MINDY RUBENSTEIN

Editor & Communications Director

One of the hardest things for someone to handle is the feeling of being trapped. Trapped in the wrong job, trapped in the wrong city, trapped by our own negative habits. However, even when experiencing difficulty, if there is a sense of movement or progress, the pain tends to be less intense, says educator and speaker Ani Lipitz in her article on TheJewishWoman.org.

The period between the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz and the 9th of the Hebrew month of Av, which this year runs through Sunday, August 11, is called Bein HaMetzarim (“Between the Straits”) -- also known as the Three Weeks. During this period each year, Jewish people around the world enter into a period of constriction, minimizing outward expressions of joy and observing different customs associated with mourning. As their name implies, these three weeks are tough.

We reflect on the spiritually and physically destructive events that occurred -- from the breaching of Jerusalem’s walls on the 17th of Tammuz to the fall of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) on the 9th of Av in the year 70 CE. Even now in modern times, it’s considered to be an inauspicious time, when negative forces tend to exist more freely in the world. However, these three weeks are also permeated with powerfully positive spiritual influences as well.

The three weeks occur during the late summer, when the sun is at its strongest. Kabbalah teaches that each detail of our world is a reflection of what’s going on behind the scenes in the spiritual realm.

The sun is associated spiritually with the Divine Name “Havayah,” with attributes of compassion and revelation. The strength of the sun during the three weeks tells us that during the darkest period on the Hebrew calendar, G‑d’s love and compassion are actually shining

the brightest.* And so it is within us.

Each human being is a microcosm of the universe.

Each of us, in our journey through this world, experiences our own periods of personal destruction, when we may feel defeated and trapped.

But it is during these times of darkness that the potential light of compassion shines the strongest, Lipitz says.

When my family and I moved to Jacksonville from Norfolk, Virginia, last summer, it was right before this three-week period. In addition to settling into a new city, I also experienced a miscarriage soon after moving. Then, before fully healing emotionally, I accepted a full-time job. Although I had worked as a writer, editor and publisher for 18 years, I felt like I was drowning.

From this chaos, however, an entirely new reality emerged.

In order to be lifted from the darkness, I needed to address some issues within. With support, and guided by Torah and Chassidic teachings, I acknowledged and faced the issues I had around mothering, working and self-care.

In the course of this healing work I discovered and embraced my soul’s true passions and gifts – including writing and art. I also learned how to set healthy boundaries and to handle toxic people and situations with strength and dignity.

Through the darkness, the most potent light is hidden. It is up to each of us to reveal it. As we leave behind summer and the three-week period on August 11, may we enter a time filled with love, light and a renewed sense of purpose. *Source – TheJewishWoman.org

An insider’s Memories of Woodstock Music Festival – Martin Edwards

By Isabel Balotin, Shalom Jacksonville Director

For five summers and some winter vacations, Marty Edwards helped pay his college tuition by waiting tables at the Concord in the Catskills. In 1969 he had just finished his fifth semester at the University of Florida law school and was planning to work the entire summer one more time. However, this summer was to be very different. He and his friends heard about a rock festival in the area, “that was going to be big!” says Marty.

Trying to figure out what to sell, Marty had the brilliant idea – snow cones!

After scoping out Max Yasgur’s farm prior to the event, seeing vehicles from all over the country and people already camping in the hills surrounding the site, Marty and his crew knew this was going to be bigger than anyone expected.

The boys secured a license to sell concessions at the festival. They set up shop out of the trunk of their car and worked feverishly from beginning till end of Woodstock Music Festival four days later. Marty recalls vividly so many details of this historic and unique event and says it was one of the highlights and life-changing events of his life.

For the full story, join us for a trip down memory lane as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock Music Festival Three Days of Peace and Music. Whether or not you experienced the event, heard about it or are interested in its historical signifi-

cance, you will want to hear our insider’s recollections.

Join us on Sunday, August 18 at 10:30 a.m. at River Garden. If you want, come in your hippie clothes and enjoy some festival souvenirs and a trivia game.

The program is a partnership of Shalom Jacksonville and River Garden Senior Services. There is no charge for this program, which will be held in River Garden’s Cohen Auditorium.

Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP no later than August 12 to Isabel Balotin, shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org or 904224-1408.

Candle Lighting Times Acting from love is greater than acting from fear.” – Talmud, Sota

August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30

Devarim 7:55 Vaetchanan 7:48 Eikev 7:41 Re’eh 7:33

federation news

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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Mission to Israel will allow women to explore, learn and grow Women’s Mission to Israel co-chairs Whitney Kuvin, Lauren Setzer, Jill Metlin and Jennifer Plotkin are excited to welcome dozens of other women from throughout Northeast Florida on a unique trip to the Holy Land April 2128.

The participants will be enjoying five-star hotels while in Israel, including the newly renovated Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv.

Mission Co-Chair Jennifer Plotkin, regional vice president commercial banking TD Bank and a mom of three, has been to Israel three times with her family, but this will be her first trip with a group of women. “I think that what I’m most excited about is that the focus will be on not just the spiritual and historical aspects of Israel but also how they relate to women in general.”

“This will be a completely unique way to experience Israel,” she added.

“I’m not in charge of anybody but myself -- it’s going to give me the freedom to experience Israel and develop relationships with all these women in a way I wasn’t able to on missions I’ve been on before. It’s a big gift to myself to be able to do this.”

She added, “This is not something that happens often. People should seize the moment and opportunity.”

Co-chair Whitney Kuvin has visited Israel twice before. “My first trip was to visit my brother who was studying there. My second trip was with my family about 10 years ago,” she said. “I am excited to go back; it has been too long since I have been there.”

Kuvin added: “I am really looking forward to this mission trip and spending time with like-minded women and exploring a different side of Israel. I am excited for the cooking demonstration, the lone soldiers joining us for Shabbos dinner and spending Shabbat in Jerusalem -- there is nothing like it.”

Jill Metlin has been to Israel five times before, but this is her first mission trip with the Federation. “Each time it’s

Women’s Mission to Israel co-chairs

a different experience and a week to 10 days is never enough, so going back is important to me.”

“I know that our Federation professionals plan a wonderful and enriching experience,” she said. “The women who are going are a diverse lot -- both first timers and frequent visitors -- and I think it’s neat that there are several mother and daughter pairs!”

Plus, she said, everyone choosing to go has a different reason. “I can’t wait to get to know people better and understand their connection to the land,” she said.

Co-Chair Lauren Setzer is excited for her third trip to Israel.

“In our busy lives, it is rare that we put ourselves before our children, family, and work obligations,” she said.

“This trip will allow many of us to take a step back and have an opportunity to explore, learn and grow. After seeing the world in a new way, we can impart our newfound values on our family and workplace upon returning.”

For more information, contact Lauren Rickoff at laurenr@jewishjacksonville. org.

A Unique Learning Experience

BY ROTEM GABAY Community Shaliach

How do you imagine your child’s best learning environment? Would you like to see him or her or sitting in a classroom with 25 other students, or hanging out in the woods and learning while having a picnic? Would you like your child to learn to knit, to play a musical instrument and appreciate nature?

As the new school year approaches, I would love to share something about an educational system that has become increasingly popular in Israel in recent years.

What is Anthroposophical Education?

Anthroposophy, according to Britannica. com, is a philosophy based on the premise that the human intellect has the ability to contact spiritual worlds. It was formulated

by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, scientist and artist, who regarded human beings as having originally participated in the spiritual processes of the world through a dreamlike consciousness. Because Steiner claimed that an enhanced consciousness can again perceive spiritual worlds, he attempted to develop a faculty for spiritual perception independent of the senses. Toward this end, he founded the Anthroposophical Society in 1912. The society, now based in Dornach, Switzerland, has branches around the world, including in Israel and the U.S. Anthroposophical education took its first steps in Israel in the field of special education, and only then spread to conventional educational frameworks. The schools in Israel that operate according to the anthroposophical method also incorporate content related to Judaism and the culture of Israel.

The more I read about this system, the more interested and intrigued I become. I contacted a charming woman named Merav Dudai, who is 52 and sent her three daughters to anthroposophical schools. I wanted

to hear from her about the experience and the feelings, and asked her a number of questions that interested me in particular.

(Q): What were the reasons you decided to send your daughters to anthroposophical schools?

(A): We have always thought that ordinary public education was “OK,” not beyond. The usual schools are familiar and pretty known to everyone, and we felt that they would not give anything “extra” to our daughters.

(Q): What kind of experience do you think your daughters have received from anthroposophic education?

(A): I think that the main thing is that they are taught to learn from an interest, rather than a desire to score and achieve the highest achievements and grades. They study out of interest and curiosity. The teachers at school see and wrap each student individually with so much love and respect.

In addition, the children learn areas of activity and fields of knowledge that they would not have been able to get in a regular school.

They meet friends for life, and there is nothing else we could have asked for.

(Q): What behavioral results do you see about your girls who have studied in this system?

(A): I feel that they have curiosity in the world, they have a larger view of things, a lot of desire to invest and change. They are more open, they are more willing to meet the world in a different, more creative way.

In honor of the new school year, I chose to present an educational approach that has become more popular in recent years. I wish a successful school year for all students within our community.

Plaque honors 16 rabbis arrested in 1964

By Emma Pulley

Last month, a crowd gathered outside the Hilton Bayfront Historic Inn in St. Augustine. Standing in the warm, Florida breeze we looked on as Lee Weaver, board member of the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society (SAJHS), presided over the plaque dedication honoring the 16 rabbis arrested in St. Augustine in 1964. Those present came to honor the brave men who stood in solidarity with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his efforts to further the work of the Civil Rights Movement in the idyllic coastal town.

“Our event, celebrating the 16, was to me almost a holy work.

It spoke much more clearly of the sacrifice, the investment, the heroism and the dedication of the 16,” remarked Weaver, the event’s emcee and volunteer for SAJHS. The sacrifice, investment, heroism and dedication that Weaver refers to describes what is thought to be the largest mass arrest of rabbis in U.S. history – a story not well-known outside of the storied gates of St. Augustine.

“Certainly, most Americans know who Dr. King was, but few could tell you that rabbis walked beside him on most of his marches for civil rights throughout the ‘60s,” said Greg Arnold, a community member and attendee.

It’s hard to imagine a place that has been consistently voted among the top small-town vacation destinations as a place that once suffered from extreme racial tension and violence. But in 1964, Dr. King telegraphed his close friend Rabbi Israel Dresner, asking him to send a delegation south to St. Augustine to aid with local peaceful protesting efforts. The request came during the 75th annual gathering of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), and a group of representatives was quickly arranged. Not long after their arrival, all 16 were arrested for their participation in the protests.

“Much of what we, the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society, is in the realm of encouragement to remember. Only by understanding our past can we gain our bearings and set our compasses to take us into the future,” said Rabbi Merrill Shapiro, president of the Saint Augustine Jewish Historical Society.

Through the efforts of Rabbi Shapiro and others, there will now be a permanent marker of history at the Hilton – encouraging all who pass by or seek it out to reflect on the heroism of men who answered the call and came to stand with their brothers and sisters in the cause.

After the outdoor plaque dedication, attendees moved inside to hear a reading of “Why We Went,” a joint letter from the 16 Rabbis crafted from their jail cell in St. Johns County and a poignant trea-

tise of love, justice and civic duty.

But perhaps the most moving portion of the day was a message written by Rabbi Chanan Sills, one of the original 16 rabbis who is still living. Though unable to travel himself, he sent his friend and caregiver Stacy Heath in his stead with some inspiring words: “We were simply doing what was right, but I also know that it was meaningful to put our necks on the line. We aimed to strengthen and legitimize the civil rights struggle as allies, and we wanted to show that we cared with more than just words.

I don’t think we should underestimate what that physical solidarity can mean for those we stand up for and with.”

After the program, Stacy generously shared her perspective on the day’s event: “I was born in November 1965, so I wasn’t even conceived when the rabbis and so many others before them risked their lives so my family and I could have rights today. The commemoration of the ceremony opened up the gratefulness and gratitude in me that I had never thought or felt before. So, as I said to Rabbi Sills, who told me I was his surrogate daughter, it was an honor to be able to go in his stead and share his statement.”

Greg Arnold and his wife Barbara summed up their commitment to remembering: “To remind people that justice is something that Jews have always believed in and strived for, and to remind today’s Jews that the quest for justice, peace and tikkun olam is not an armchair activity. It takes courage, dedication and action.”

To read the full statement written by Rabbi Chanan Sills, visit our website at www.jewishjacksonville. org/rabbisills.

h

life and legacy

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Attention all B’nai Tzedek Fund Holders

BeQuestions with Kellie Smith Question: “Why doesn’t our community have an endowment for Jewish Education and what can we do about that?”

Our Jewish schools play an important role in our Jewish community that stretches far beyond the obvious purpose of providing a world-class secular education alongside a rich Jewish education. Having these schools in our community helps bring more Jews into our community. For parents looking into relocating to Jacksonville and seeking a Jewish education for their children, having education options within our community are critical to attracting new Jewish families. Recently while picking up my son from the DuBow Preschool, I met a newly relocated family from the Northeast who shared they would not have moved here if the school options didn’t exist in our community.

Many believe that Jewish day school education lays the foundation for each student to have a full and meaningful connection to Jewish life, because it’s what they live every single day. In addition, Jewish day schools are a great return on investment for our community. Studies show that today’s young Jewish leaders, both volunteer and professional, are almost all day-school alums.

Some may ask what is the purpose or reason for having an endowment fund, so let me explain the basic principal: an endowment fund is a permanent source of funding for a specific community need. You can specify a purpose, organization or even a specific program to support. The annual disbursement from the endowment provides a predictable revenue stream for schools to provide scholarships and invest in educational excellence.

Nationally, communal endowment funds have experienced significant growth. Reports estimate that communal funds throughout the U.S. and Canada total at least $300 million. Communal endowment funds are often shepherded by local Jewish Federations or central agencies like a Jewish Community Foundation (prominent funds exist in Los Angeles, Montreal, Metro West NJ, Boston and Chicago). Plus,

page 5

Fuel your fund today in support of Jewish tomorrows based inclusion program that will increase access to Jewish education for children with special needs (Jewish Family & Community Services), and Just Like Me, a theatre program that will inspire hundreds of local children by teaching justice and celebrating diversity (Jewish Community Alliance).

As we continue to brief you on the progress of these worthy initiatives, we hope the coming year will inspire you to continue building your legacy through the tremendous impact you have made in your community. We encourage you to keep your fund growing and on the road to philanthropic

We mailed you a ballot in December asking for you to vote on three programs within the Jacksonville Jewish Community seeking grant funding through the B’nai Tzedek Young Philanthropy Next Gen Grantmaking program.

Many of you made your voices heard and we appreciate your investment in the Jacksonville Jewish community!

This July, funds will be disbursed from your accounts in support of the following agency’s programming efforts: The rGEN Bridges Leadership Initiative to help grow tomorrow’s Jewish community leaders (Jewish Federation of Jacksonville), a school-

success.

Have a birthday coming up?

Extra cash from a summer job?

Invest in your charitable passions today for the benefit of tomorrow.

Remember that contributions can be made to your fund at any time and that the gifts are tax deductible! Your Jewish Community Foundation is here to help you create your legacy, no matter where you live or what stage of legacy building you may be in, you can count on us to help you plant the seeds for Jewish tomorrows. Have questions about your fund? Contact Emma Pulley at 904-224-1405 or emmap@jewishjacksonville.org.

WHAT COMES AFTER B’NAI TZEDEK? 1. ACTIVE FUND

WOW - TIME FLIES!

Great! If your fund has remaIned $2,500 or more, your fund can be converted to a permanent (endowed) donor adactIve and reached a level of

after 20 years have passed, you’ve fInIshed school, started a career, and are ready to take the next step wIth your fund...

vIsed fund from whIch you can dIrect your

2. INACTIVE FUND

based on your level of actIvIty and your desIre to buIld your own phIlanthropIc

If your fund has been InactIve, or Is $2,500, It wIll roll Into the

leGacy, you have two optIons.

See BEQUESTIONS, p. 6

5% GIft each year!

less than

endowment fund of the synaGoGue at whIch you had your bar or bat mItzvah.

LIFE and LEGACY

Your Jewish Community Foundation

For more information, contact Kellie Smith at kelliek@jewishjacksonville.org or 904-512-3796.

Traditionally Inspired High Holy Day Kosher Cuisine Options

Your Jewish Community Foundation works closely with individuals and families to help them explore their interests and identify their passions, ultimately connecting them with outstanding programs and organizations.

Contact us to learn more about: Donor Advised Funds Legacy Planning

For a complete list of our Holiday Take Out Menus, please visit our website and Facebook page.

As always, Margo’s offers a variety of options to create wonderful holiday meals for the entire family.

We will be offering Take Out on the following dates.

September 29 for Rosh Hashanah October 8 for Break the Fast on October 9 October 13 and 18 for Sukkot

Professional Advisory Group

Additional opportunities to enjoy our High Holy Day Menus.

Please join our JJC Congregation for services followed by; Break the Fast - Sukkot Kiddushes & Dinner - Simchat Torah

Nonprofit Financial Sustainability

904-559-9781 or 904-292-1000 Ext. 142

Endowment Planning

margoscatering@aol.com

904.512.3796 8505 San Jose Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32217 www.jewishjacksonville.org/foundation

SECURING THE FUTURE OF OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY

Want to keep up with Margo’s Catering?

Like us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website;

www.margoscatering.com Tikkun Olam -- If you see what needs to be repaired and how to repair it, then you have found a piece of the world G-d has left for you to complete. But if you only see what is wrong and what is ugly in the world, then it is you yourself that needs repair. – Menachem Mendel Schneerson

FEDERATION NEWS

page 6

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

New Program Develops Emerging Community Leaders

By Faye Hedrick

Quarterly Cocktails brings together a mix of new and old friends

By Faye Hedrick

A great group from Federation’s rGEN gathered at Aardwolf Brewing Company for the final Quarterly Cocktails before heading into summer. The group included a great mix of both new and familiar faces and gave people a chance to catch up and meet new friends from throughout the community.

Many of those in attendance brought t-shirts for Rethreaded, which sells handcrafted products made by survivors of human trafficking. While making the delivery to their downtown location, we had a chance to see many of the items from the partnerships Rethreaded has all over the world.

We need to make sure that all rGEN programs and events include a mitzvah component. This way the group, while meeting up for events, is also provided the opportunity to think about the needs within the broader community and helps make it a better place.

Mark your calendar to join rGEN at our next gathering on Sunday, August 25 as part of Jewish Community Day at the Cummer. The group will gather for a special

The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville has launched BRIDGES, an initiative to help foster emerging leaders in our community.

The mission of BRIDGES is to expand the vision of potential Jewish volunteer leaders, deepen their knowledge of the Jewish community locally and abroad, and inspire them to exercise transformative leadership by educating them in the history, thought, texts and contemporary leadership challenges of the Jewish people.

The application process for the 2019-20 BRIDGES class, which will run from September through June, is now open. Community leaders and agency directors are invited to submit the names of young professionals they believe would benefit from being part of the program and who could be a future leader within our community.

Nicole Brown, current steering com-

mittee member, has been instrumental in helping to develop this initiative.

Her connection with Federation and the community has helped us develop and focus on the topics that our current and future leaders should be versed in.

At the end of the 9-month program, each candidate will be encouraged to choose an area within Federation, such as young professionals’ or women’s division, or to volunteer within the community at a Federation beneficiary agency, school or synagogue.

Funded through a B’nai Tzedek grant from Federation’s Foundation, called Life & Legacy, this program hopes to nurture future leaders, who will give back to the community now and into the future.

For more information, contact Faye Hedrick at 904-448-5000 Ext.1214 or fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org.

All sessions will take place at one of our local agencies, synagogues, or day schools. All sessions will be held in the evenings from 6:30-8:00 PM. Most classes will meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

BRIDGES Introducing BRIDGES, the Jewish

cheers and mitzvah project from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Cummer Café. We will be hand painting back-to-school tool boxes and writing a personalized note to a child receiving school supplies from our partner agency, Jewish Family and Community Services, to wish them well during this upcoming academic year.

For more information about rGEN, email fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org.

Federation of Jacksonville’s leadership initiative. Mission: to expand the vision of Jewish volunteer leaders, deepen their Jewish knowledge of community both locally and abroad, and inspire them to exercise transformative leadership.

Participants should: • be approximately 25-40 years old • be able to attend most sessions • make a minimum gift of $118 or more to the Federation’s 2020 Annual Campaign • demonstrate an interest in being active or currently are active in our Jacksonville community.

The application and nomination process for this year’s class is now open. Please reach out if you or someone you know is interested in participating.

Each candidate will be required to attend a minimum of seven classes to graduate: September 12

Federation 101

October 16

Exploring your leadership style

November 7

World Jewry: Challenges & Connection to Israel

December 18

Unmet Local Needs: Real Stories

January 15

Making an Impact Through Philanthropy

February 6

A Night Out with Federation

March 18

What Mitzvot & Jewish Identity means to you

April 13

Israel: Innovation Nation & Behind the Media Headlines

May 20

Next Steps: Beyond BRIDGES

June 17

Graduation Program

Contact Faye Hedrick with any questions: 904-448-5000 Ext. 1214 fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org

BEQUESTIONS Continued from pg. 5

Israel Teen Delegation visits Jacksonville

By Jill Abel

We are excited to welcome our P2G Israel Teen Delegation from our Partnership Region of Hadera-Eiron. A special thank you to Nancy and Rich Davis, Alyse and Alan Nathans, Jenn and Lon Neuman, Irit and Oren Salzman and Manya and Tal Osher for hosting the members of the delegation.

Local Jacksonville teens -- Arin Nathans, Stav Salzman, Josie Neuman,

Benjamin Davis and Lily Davis – joined the delegation for 10 days of fun and meaningful activities learning about the Jewish community in Jacksonville and showing our visitors some true Southern hospitality.

If you have a teen interested in our incredible summer program, please contact Jill Abel and jilla@jewishjacksonville. org.

they are most often used to fund efforts around academic excellence, middle-income affordability and to incentivize further school-specific endowment growth.

Over the past decade, day schools nationally have begun focusing on endowment fundraising and have nearly doubled their endowment size.

It is worth noting that the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) recommends that its schools target an

endowment of at least $20,000 per student. We have not heard of one Jewish day school that possesses an endowment in that range, but we can dream!

I believe in our community and in our schools. Now is the time to get focused and move forward in securing the future of our Jewish schools.

It is the goal of your Jewish community Foundation to build endowments that will help ensure more affordable and accessible Jewish educational opportunities for families. Supporting the future of Jewish education

with an endowment fund will help the community far beyond helping to subsidize Jewish day school education. These entities play a vital role in educating the next generation of Jewish leaders, making us stronger for tomorrow.

Currently, your Jewish Community Foundation has an endowed scholarship fund for the Michele Block Gan Yeladim preschool at the JCA. The fund was created by Sol and Hilda Goldman to provide need based scholarships to preschool and summer camp.

COMMUNITY

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

page 7

Jamie Bielski – Teen Spotlight Why do you choose to be active in USY (United Synagogue Youth), Ramah, Stand with Us, JSU (Jewish Student Union) and KFC (Kosher Food Club)?

I choose to be active in these organizations because I have found that the one thing that makes me the happiest is when I am acting on my Judaism and doing “Jewish Things.” I love advocating for the state of Israel and hanging out with my Jewish friends all while learning about something new or participating in an engaging activity.

What is it like being Jewish at a public school?

Being Jewish at a public school, for the most part, becomes pretty normal. All of my friends and most (if not all) of my teachers know that I am Jewish and treat me like a normal friend/student.

However, there will always be ignorant people in the world who will say or do things that they do not completely understand the magnitude of. I have encountered hate, usually through social media but also through swastikas drawn on

desks or books and “Jew jokes,” and have learned throughout the course of the past three years how to handle them.

This has been one of the greatest lessons I have learned as a Jewish student in a public school.

How did you react to the recent anti-Semitic incidents at school?

A few months ago, there were pictures going around my school with antisemitic slurs and swastikas. In response to this, about 15 Jewish students collectively scheduled a meeting with our administration. They were very receptive to what we were saying and made it very clear that they will work until this is no longer a problem. Following this meeting, I scheduled some personal meetings with my principal and dean to ensure that the solutions we had talked about in this larger meeting were implemented.

Through these various meet-

Tips for Getting Organized for Back to School

Tell us about your trip.

What are you hoping to get out of it?

I am so excited to be going on Ramah Israel Seminar where I will be in Poland for one week and Israel for six weeks!

In Poland, I will be visiting concentration camps and other Holocaust-related historical sites. I am eager to experience such a powerful portion of my trip, where I hope to learn more in-depth about the atrocities of the Holocaust because it is my responsibility to pass this knowledge on to the next generation. I am so excited to experience the feeling of arriving in Israel, the Jewish homeland and safehaven, after learning about the Holocaust the week prior.

I hope that this will deepen my appreciation for Israel.

Once I am in the Holy Land I hope to have the experience of a lifetime and meet lifelong friends all while eating falafel, hiking, schmoozing, and experiencing all that Israel has to offer!

Advice for other teens looking to connect with their Judaism?

Find a Jewish Student Union (JSU) or Kosher Food Club (KFC) at your school and start going to meetings! Reach out

way to stay organized is to realize it’s a moving target.

What worked when the kids were in elementary school isn’t going to work when they are older. This is not about perfection. Many people wait and wait to get organized because they don’t know how to do it “right.” Maimonides said it best: “The risk of the wrong decisions is preferable to the terror of indecision.” Just go ahead and do it imperfectly, and then adapt as needed!

Remember, there are many ways to get organized. The important thing is to find what works for you at this season and never be afraid to make a mistake or ask for help.

That’s not just good advice when starting school -- it’s a good plan for getting and staying organized throughout the year.

Jenny Lane is a professional organizer and master gardener who lives in Ponte Vedra and has been part of the Jacksonville Jewish community for 15 years. When she’s not helping someone get organized or tending to her own plants, she loves to teach about gardening for mental health.

to me or someone else you know for USY event dates and make an effort to attend!

Don’t wait to get involved!

Jamie Bielski can be reached at jamieb1207@ gmail.com. To learn more about Jewish Student Union, contact Joey Hamaoui at HamaouiJ@DoJSU.org or call 904-262-3565. To learn more about Kosher Food Club, contact Dini Sharfstein at dini@jewishsjohnscounty. com or call 904-701-4422.

Rabbi Bauman lived as a true mensch, died rescuing a student

By Mindy Rubenstein

By Jenny Lane

August in Florida means back to school for much of us, from the littlest in preschool to adults of all ages working on various levels of degrees.

This time of year not only means tighter schedules and a crowded calendar, but also the dreaded influx of paperwork. Then, right about the time classes are in full swing, we find ourselves in the midst of the Jewish High Holidays.

Being disorganized at home, the office or in school can add stress, but sometimes changing our thought processes make a huge difference in changing our patterns. Here are some concepts to help you be more organized this year. #1 Evaluate. Give thought to how you’ve been functioning, what works and what doesn’t. Example: The papers brought home from school never actually make it to the cute little bin you bought at Target. Why not? Maybe placing the bins too far away from where you walk in the door is just not an intuitive place. It’s okay to admit the current pattern isn’t working.

Or, for that matter, look at what does work and see how you can duplicate that in other non-functioning areas. #2 Be honest with yourself about your time. When scheduling, make sure you’ve designated time for the ordinary things, like grocery shopping, laundry, and exercising. We tend to just write down the appointments and deadlines and then find ourselves frantic because the basics are falling by the wayside. Being realistic and setting aside the time it takes to keep up with household things and self-care can go a long way in feeling more organized. #3 Be adaptable. The best

ings, we ensured that the AntiDefamation League (ADL) was contacted and devised a plan to get OneJax Metrotown involved in our school (our first event took place this past summer), create an educational video for the student body, and implement two Unity Days a year where speakers will come and events will take place at lunch.

When Rabbi Reuven Bauman saw a student struggling in the waves off the coast of a state park in Virginia Beach last month, he didn’t hesitate.

Rabbi Bauman, a 35-year-old teacher and father of five, ran into the water to save him.

Rabbi Bauman, who was visiting the beach with about 20 students from a local day camp, also taught at a nearby Jewish day school.

It seems that as Rabbi Bauman struggled to reach the boy, an anonymous passerby used a boogie board to help as well. The student made it back to shore, but Rabbi Bauman did not and was presumed to have been caught in a rip current.

The Coast Guard searched the rest of the day, and then hundreds of Jewish volun-

teers from New York, New Jersey, and Baltimore joined the search, using boats, jet skis and even small airplanes and helicopters to search the waters and beach near where Rabbi Bauman disappeared.

Volunteers searched right up until Shabbat, three days after Rabbi Bauman disappeared, then resumed searching the waters on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Jews across the world were united, reciting Psalms, donating tzedakah and

praying.

“Please stop what you are doing and say Tehillim (Psalms) chapter 69 right away” for Reuven Tzvi ben Esther Baila was an urgent message that came up on my social media feed. The same message reached thousands of other women too, as it was shared and sent around the world.

As Jewish volunteers searched for Rabbi Bauman, Jews across the world prayed, did mitzvot and studied Torah on his behalf.

“The hundreds of thousands of tefillos (prayers) from all of Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people) have given our community, the family, and our children unnatural strength during this difficult time,” wrote Rabbi Sender Haber of Norfolk’s B’nai Israel Congre-

See BAUMAN, p. 21

Federation News

page 8

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Let Us Say THANK

YOU 1,224 Times

1,224 people gave to the 2018-2019 Campaign. caring for our seniors and those in great need, and securing the Jewish future.

That’s 1,224 believers, givers, doers who are This is just the start. Your gifts will continue to confident in the Federation’s ability to impact do so much more. our Jewish community, Israel and the world for We are so grateful. the better.

Thank you!

Your gifts totaled $2,305,856 and are funding scholarships, educating our community, investing

Iris Kraemer in Israel, fighting anti-Semitism and prejudice,

Federation Board President * If we did not include your name in an appropriate way or we didn’t include your name, please let us know by calling 904-224-1406 or emailing laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org.

The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville gratefully acknowledges our 2019 event sponsors: Ansbacher & Schneider, P.A. Community Hospice & Palliative Care Dennis, Jackson, Martin & Fontela, P.A. Dona Scarves Linda Franzblau Jackson Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Craig Aaronson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abel Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Abisch Dr. and Mrs. Mark Abramson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abramson Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ackerman Dr. and Mrs. Scot Ackerman Dr. and Mrs. Tony Adelson Mr. and Mrs. David Adler Dr. and Mrs. Philip Adler Mrs. Peggy Ageloff Mr. and Mrs. Michel Allen Mr. and Mrs. Scott Allerding Mr. and Mrs. Norman Allison Mr. and Mrs. Howard Alterman Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Alterman Mr. and Mrs. Allen Altman Ms. Barbara Ames Mr. and Mrs. Greg Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Allan D. Andrew Mrs. Frieda Andriesse Mr. and Mrs. Marc Angelo Ronnie & Jerrold Rosenbaum Family Mr. and Mrs. Barry Ansbacher Jordan and Shirley Ansbacher Family Mr. Lawrence Ansbacher Mrs. Sybil Ansbacher Mr. and Mrs. Larry Appel Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Appelbaum Ms. Eve Aptheker Mrs. Sandy Archer Mr. Robert Armel Mr. Rob Armstrong and Ms. Barbara Stafford Mr. and Mrs. Henry Arnold Mr. Shawn Arnold and Mrs. Melissa Gross-Arnold Ms. Sara August Mr. and Mrs. Richard Axelberg Ms. Diana Azpiazu Mr. and Mrs. Michael Backer Mrs. Karen Backilman Mr. Al Bagocius and Ms. Carol Doyle Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar Mr. and Mrs. David Bailys Mr. and Mrs. Scott Baker Dr. and Mrs. Robert A Baker Mrs. Isabel Balotin Mr. and Mrs. Scott Balotin Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bannon Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Barone Mr. John Barrett and Ms. Judy Greenberg Mrs. Rita Baumgarten Mr. Jack Bazinsky Mrs. Terry Bean Mr. and Mrs. Ben Becker Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Becker Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Beckerman Mrs. Mary G. Beissinger Mr. and Mrs. Morris Bendit Mr. Jean Benjamin Mr. and Mrs. Odell Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bennett Dr. and Mrs. Guy Benrubi Dr. Isidore D. Benrubi Mr. and Mrs. Prince Benyehudah Mr. and Mrs. Greg Berger Mr. and Mrs. Ira Berger Mr. Martin Berger

Sylvia and Andrew Jaffa The Jaffe Group at Morgan Stanley Ken Jacobs | Gray Robinson, P.A. Wells Fargo Wealth Management Judy Mizrahi Rachel Morgenthal

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Berger Mr. Daniel Bergman Ms. Danielle Berke Mr. and Mrs. Ivan H. Berke Berman Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Mark Berman Mr. and Mrs. Steve Bermudez Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bernard Dr. Anne Bernstein Ms. Carolee Bertisch Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Bettman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Beyer Mrs. Adrienne Biber Mr. and Mrs. Alan Bick Mr. and Mrs. Abe Bielski Mr. and Mrs. David Bielski Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kraus Mr. Sheldon Blattner Mr. and Mrs. Larry Blaustein Block Family Mr. and Mrs. Philip Bloom Dr. and Mrs. Adrian Blotner Dr. David Blum Mr. and Mrs. Norm Blum Ms. Stacey Blum Mrs. Sue Ann Blumenthal Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Green Board Mrs. Traude Bohrman Mrs. Josephine Bonnett Mr. Robert H Bossen Mrs. Rhona Botnick Mr. Wiatt Bowers Mr. and Mrs. David Boyer Ms. Michelle Branly Mr. and Mrs. Warren Brattner Ms. Joyce Braun Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Breault Mrs. Ruchel Broadman Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Brodsky Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bronowitz Dr. and Mrs. Sol G. Brotman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Browdy Ms. Alison Brown Dr. and Mrs. Andy R. Brown Dr. and Mrs. Robert G Brown Mr. Yefim Brunfon and Mrs. Polina Koropova Mrs. Estelle Brust Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Bubis Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Buchman Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Buckley Mr. and Mrs. Patrick M. Burke Dr. and Mrs. Arthur S Burns Mr. and Mrs. Howard Buss Cantor and Ms. Henry Butensky Mr. and Mrs. Jan Butensky Mr. Leonard Cagan Mr. and Mrs. Adam Canada Mr. and Mrs. Andrew M Cantor Mr. and Mrs. Paul L Cantor Dr. and Mrs. Sherwood Cantor Mr. and Mrs. Steven Cantor Mr. Howard A. Caplan and Mrs. Jeanne Maron Mrs. Barbara Carman Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Chait Mr. and Mrs. Adam Chaskin Mr. and Mrs. Barry Chefer Ms. Miriam Chefer Mr. and Mrs. Allan Cheiken Mr. and Mrs. Alan Chepenik

Mr. Craig Cherrin and Dr. Colleen Bell Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Cherry Ms. Susan Cherry Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Chiapetta Mrs. Rita Clark Mr. James Coffman Mr. and Mrs. Allan Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Danny Cohen Dr. Donald Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Cohen Ms. Joanne E. Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Joel E Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Martin Cohen Ms. Nancy Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Norman Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cohen Mrs. Shirley C Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Cohen Ms. Yvonne Cohen Mrs. Marion Cohn-Spitzner Mrs. Helene Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Constain Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cooper Mrs. Maxine Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Alvin M Coplan Mrs. Ellen Cottrill Ms. Cheryl Covitz Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Crafton Mr. and Mrs. David Cristol Mrs. Phyllis Crovatto Mr. and Mrs. Walter Crowder Mr. Tyler Curl and Ms. Jessica Ligator Mr. and Mrs. Steven Cutler Ms. Bev Darkatsh Mr. and Mrs. Albert J Datz Mr. and Mrs. Bernard S. Datz Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Datz Mr. James Davis Dr. and Dr. Leo C. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Davis Mr. and Mrs. Jim De Arman Mr. and Mrs. Jon DeBardeleben Mr. and Mrs. Allan Decker Mr. and Mrs. Moti Demri Mrs. Marilyn Desser Mrs. Ellen Diamond Mr. and Mrs. Harold Diamond Mrs. Anita Dittman Mr. and Mrs. Scott Dreicer Judge and Mrs. Robert Droker DuBow Family Mrs. Jody Dughi Mr. and Mrs. Alexius Dyer Ms. Sue Eaglstein Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Edelman Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Edelman Mrs. Goldie Edelstein Mrs. Helene S Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Martin Edwards Dr. and Mrs. Barry Efron Ms. Gloria Einstein Mrs. Elizabeth Rohan Eisenberg Dr. Iris Eisenberg Mrs. Lisa Eisenberg Mrs. Marie Eisenberg Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Elikan Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Elinoff Mr. and Mrs. Michael Elkin Dr. and Mrs. Warren Endes

Dr. Gary and Nancy Perlman PRI Productions Rand Consulting Dr. Chaim and Jeanine Rogozinski Marjie Rogozinski SEI Investments Company

Mr. and Mrs. Neal Esserman Mrs. Fern Estner Ms. Laura Evans Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Farhi Mr. and Mrs. Dave Fastenberg Ms. Betsy Federman Mr. Yakov Feig and Dr. Denise Sherman Rabbi and Mrs. Avi Feigenbaum Ms. Harriet Feinglass Dr. and Mrs. Neil Feinglass Mr. and Mrs. Alan Feldman Mrs. Arlene Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Brian Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Rick Feldman Dr. and Mrs. Charles Feldstein Ms. Michalle Felmet Dr. Alan Fetner and Dr. Mary Hartigan Dr. and Dr. Howard Fetner Dr. and Mrs. Michael Fetner Ms. Gaye Feuer Ms. Etta Fialkow Mrs. Luba Finegold Dr. Miriam Finegold-Price Ms. Anna Finelt Mr. and Mrs. Neal Finkelstein Ms. Cheryl Fisch Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Fisch Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Fischer Mr. and Mrs. Ben Fishman Mr. Dave Flagler Mr. Matt Flagler Mr. and Mrs. Myron Flagler Mr. and Mrs. Martin Flamm Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fleet Mr. and Mrs. Robert S Fleet Ms. Kaitlin Flynn Ms. Bobbie Fost Rabbi Joel Fox Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Fox Ms. Sarah Fraden Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Franzblau Mrs. Marilyn Freedman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Freedman Dr. and Mrs. Marc H. Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Steven Friedman Mr. Adam Frisch and Mrs. Sierra Kornbluth Frisch Frisch Family Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Frohman Mr. and Mrs. Melvyn Fruit Judge Jerry Funk Mr. and Mrs. David Furfine Ms. Elaine Furman Mr. and Mrs. Paul Furman Ms. Natalie Gagnon Mr. and Mrs. Oren Gahanian Mrs. Helena Katzif Gandell Mr. and Mrs. Harold Garber Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gard Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gare Ms. Nicola Garner Mrs. Zelda Gartner Mr. and Mrs. Simon Garwood Mr. Victor Gaukhman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gefen Mr. and Mrs. Larry Geller Mrs. Alois Gendzier Mr. and Mrs. Gary Gendzier Mr. Sheldon Gendzier Mrs. Sunny Gettinger

Judge Marvin Gillman Mr. John Gilmore and Ms. Amy Grass-Gilmore Mr. and Mrs. Randall Ginzig Mr. and Mrs. Marc Gladstone Mr. Stuart Glass and Ms. Joan Davidow Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Glassman Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Glassman Mr. and Mrs. Martin Goetz Mrs. Carole Goldberg Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Goldberg Mrs. Patricia Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Golden Ms. Lauren Goldenberg Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Goldfarb Dr. Bruce Goldfeder Mr. and Mrs. Ira Goldfield Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Goldhagen Mr. David Golding and Ms. Leslie Carmel Mr. Alan Goldman Mr. and Mrs. David M. Goldman Mrs. Hilda Goldman Mrs. Irma E Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Karl Goldman Mr. Kenneth Goldman Mrs. Muriel Green Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Goldman Dr. and Mrs. Roy Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Mark Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Marty Goldmintz Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Goldring Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Goldsmith Mr. and Mrs. Allen Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Goldstein Mrs. Barbara Goldstein Mr. Harvey Goldstein Ms. Janet L. Goldstein Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Goldstein Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth H Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Goodfarb Mr. David Goodman Mrs. Gloria Goodman Mr. Jonathan Goodman Rabbi and Mrs. Robert Goodman Mr. Neal Goodwin Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Alan Gordon Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Dale Gosa Mr. and Mrs. Andrew B Goshen Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Martin H. Gottlieb Gottlieb Family Mr. and Mrs. Chris Gould Mr. and Mrs. John Grado Dr. and Mrs. Neill Graff-Radford Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd E Granat Dr. and Mrs. Brett Gratz Ms. Eva Grayzel Dr. and Mrs. Alvin Green Mr. and Mrs. Mark Green Dr. and Mrs. Jesse S Greenblum Dr. and Mrs. Michael Greenburg Dr. Melinda Greenfield Dr. Mickey M Greenfield Mr. and Mrs. Paul Greenfield Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Greenfield Mr. and Mrs. Joel Greenhut Mr. and Mrs. Steven B. Greenhut

Debra Setzer Taverna TD Bank US Trust Dot Verstandig

Dr. and Mrs. Earl Greenwald Ms. Gari Greenwald Mr. and Mrs. Edward Grenadier Ms. Ilisa Griffin Mr. and Mrs. James Allan Grinnan Mr. Matthew Grinnan Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan Gross Mr. Marc Grosse and Ms. Lisa Ross Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grossinger Mr. Michael Grossman Mrs. Roslyn Grossman Mrs. Dolly Grunthal Mr. and Mrs. Scott Gutterman Dr. and Mrs. Randall Haas Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Haile Mr. and Mrs. Greg Hall Dr. and Mrs. Jesse Halpern Mrs. Cynthia Handmaker Mr. Robert Handmaker Mrs. Bonnie Hardy Ms. Melanie Hare Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Hare Mr. and Mrs. Gary Harlow Dr. Alan Harris Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Harris Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Harris Dr. Sherrie Harris Mr. and Mrs. Alan Harrison Rabbi and Mrs. Shaya Hauptman Mrs. Janice Hayflick Ms. Rosalind Hecht Mrs. Sonie Hecht Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hedrick Mrs. Leslie Held Mr. Steven Heller and Mrs. Charlene Kingsworth Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Herbst Mr. Rafael M. Herman Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Herman Mr. and Mrs. Christopher T. Hernandez Mr. and Mrs. Michael Herring Ms. Dena Heyman Mrs. Raymonde Higgins Mr. and Mrs. Ken Hilbert Mr. and Mrs. John Hill Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hirsch Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hodor Mr. David Hoffman Mr. Royal Holian Mr. and Mrs. Jay Holiday Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Holzer Hazzan and Mrs. Jesse Holzer Mr. and Mrs. David Honig Mrs. Nancy Honig Mrs. Wendy Honigman Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Horn Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Horovitz Ms. Sheila Horowitz Mr. Arthur Hurwitz Mrs. Faye Hyken Mr. Charles Hyman and Ms. Janet Healy Mr. and Mrs. Michael Isakbayev Ms. Helene Isolica Mrs. Judith Israel Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan B. Israel Mr. Jesse Isserow Mr. and Mrs. Larry Jaben Dr. and Mrs. Ira Jackler Mr. and Mrs. Ted Jackrel

Federation News Mr. and Mrs. George Jackson Mr. Marc Jackson and Ms. Ann Tiefenthaler Mr. and Mrs. Brian Jacobs Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth B. Jacobs Mr. Darryl C Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Leo Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Sam Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jaffa Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Jaffa Mr. and Mrs. James Jaffa Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Jaffe Mr. and Mrs. Jon Jagodinski Ms. Anita Jarrett Mr. Anthony D. Jarzyna and Mrs. Sue Gottesmann-Jarzyna Mrs. Lorraine Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Jolles Mr. and Mrs. Charles Joseph Dr. Edward Joseph Ms. Sharon Harris Juhasz Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kagan Mr. and Mrs. Norman Kagan Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kahn Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kaminsky Dr. and Mrs. Jesse Kane Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kanner Dr. and Mrs. Larry Kanter Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Kantor Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Jay H. Karp Mrs. Barbara Karsin Mr. and Mrs. David Kasriel Mr. and Mrs. Alan Katz Dr. and Mrs. David Katz Ms. Heidi Katz Ms. Libby Katz Mr. and Mrs. Manfred Katz Mr. and Mrs. Michael Katz Ms. Michele Katz Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kaufmann Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Kaunitz Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kaye Mr. and Mrs. Benjay Kempner Ms. Sharon Kenner Rabbi and Mrs. Dov Kentof Mrs. Mimi Kersun Judge and Mrs. Morton Kesler Ms. Sharon Kesler Ms. Marcia Kessler Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Kessler Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Kigel Ms. Katie Kight Ms. Simone Kilbourn Dr. Garry Kitay and Mrs. Debbie Banks Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Klausner Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Kleiman Mr. Richard and Dr. Ruth Klein Mr. and Mrs. Gil Kleiner Ms. Janice Knack Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kopp Dr. Michael J Koren Mr. and Mrs. Howard Korman Mr. and Mrs. Michael J Korn Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kornhauser Mr. and Mrs. Eric Korzyniowski Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kossoff Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kraemer Mrs. Sylvia Kraemer Dr. and Mrs. Alan Krantz Mr. Leo Kreisel Mrs. Carolyn T. Krestul Ms. JoAnn Krestul Ms. Ann Kristal Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Kristol Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Kuhbander Mr. Don Kupfer Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kurtz Dr. and Mrs. Ron Kushner Mr. Carl Kutlin Mr. and Mrs. Grant Kuvin Mr. Louis G La Russo Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Lafer Mr. Howard Laner Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Langer Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lantinberg Mr. and Mrs. Louis Larmoyeux Mrs. Sonya Lasris Mr. and Mrs. James Lawson Mr. William Layton and Ms. Rachel Heiser Mrs. Naomi Lazar Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Lazoff Mr. and Mrs. Eric Leach Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Leach Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leader Mrs. Marilyn Leavitt Ms. and Ms. Jean Lebowitz Dr. and Mrs. Alex Leder Mrs. Dorothy Legum Ms. Sybil Lehr Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Leibowitz Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Leif Mr. and Mrs. Stephan Leimberg Ms. Tilde Ann Lerman Dr. and Mrs. Eli Lerner Dr. and Dr. Jeff Levenson Dr. and Mrs. H. Ronald Levin Mrs. Pearl Levin Mr. and Mrs. David Levine Mr. and Mrs. Mark Levine Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Levine Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Levine Ms. Robin Levine Ms. Stefanie Levine Mr. Alan Levinson

Mr. and Mrs. Don Levinson Mr. and Mrs. Kal Levinson Ms. Carol Levitan Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Levitsky Mr. Peter Levy and Ms. Kim Glasgal Levy Memorial Fund Mr. and Mrs. Philip Levy Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Levy Mr. and Mrs. Gary S Lewis Mrs. Phyllis Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Lewis Ms. Suzanne Lichter Ms. Karen Lidsky Dr. and Mrs. Larry Lieberman Dr. Leonard Lipkin Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Lipsky Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lissner Dr. and Mrs. Marc Litt Mrs. Muriel Litt Mr. Mark Lodinger Mr. and Mrs. Alan Loeser Ms. Joan Logan Ms. Rhoda London Ms. Esther LoPiano Ms. Sherri Louer Ms. Joanne Lowell Rabbi and Mrs. Jonathan Lubliner Ms. Sylvia Lubliner Ms. Marcia Luettchau Dr. Robert Lufrano and Dr. Anne Lesser Lufrano Mrs. Betty Lustig Ms. Lucille Lustig Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mack Ms. Gabrielle Eden Magid Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Magid Mr. and Mrs. Steven Mail Mr. and Mrs. Leonardo J Maiman Mrs. Raquel Maiman Ms. Stephanie Majeskey Dr. Yan Makeyev and Ms. Greta Vugman Mrs. Amy Malkin Ms. Maria Mamalui Mrs. Ilana Manasse Ms. Sydney Mann Mrs. Laura Marder Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Margol Mrs. Barbara Margol Mrs. Marilyn Margol Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Margol Mr. and Mrs. Alan Margolies Mr. Richard Margulies and Mrs. Karen Stone Mr. and Mrs. Adam Marko Dr. and Mrs. Alan R Marks Ms. Caroline Marks Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marks Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey B. Marks Mr. and Mrs. Adam Marmelstein Dr. Donald Mars Dr. Ronald Mars Mr. Ben Marsh Mr. and Mrs. Bob Marshak Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Martin Mr. and Mrs. Tim Martin Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Martino Ms. Laura Mason Dr. and Mrs. Mike Mass Mr. and Mrs. Adam Mautner Mrs. Deinya Mautz Mrs. Charlotte Mayo Mrs. Hilda Mazo Mr. and Mrs. Leo McCarthy Mrs. Kimberly McDonough Mr. and Mrs. Tom McNett Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Melamed Mr. and Mrs. Walter Menaged Mrs. Elaine Mendelson Mr. Jarred Shaw and Ms. Julia Mendenhall Mr. and Mrs. Myron Mensh Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Meritt Mr. and Mrs. Paul Metlin Mr. and Mrs. Yosef Meyer Mr. A.J. Michaels Mr. and Mrs. Tony Milian Alexandra Miller Bequest Mr. and Mrs. Albert Jason Miller Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Miller Mr. Daniel Miller and Ms. Lior Spring Mr. and Mrs. David Miller Mr. and Mrs. Jay Miller Mrs. Jo Miller Mrs. Margaret Miller Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Miller Mr. Michael and Mr. Glenn Miller Mr. Michael Miller Mr. and Mrs. Richard Miller Dr. and Mrs. Robert Miller Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Millrood Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Mintzer Ms. Elsa Mitschele Mr. and Mrs. Alan Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Mizrahi Mrs. Judy H. Mizrahi Mrs. Judy B. Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Steven Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Montagna Dr. and Mrs. Craig Morgenthal Mr. and Mrs. Allen Morris Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Morris Mr. and Mrs. Joel Morris Mrs. Sonya Morris

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Mr. and Mrs. Todd Morse Ms. Cathy Myers Ms. Geri Myers Mrs. Marlene Myers Judge and Mrs. Bernard Nachman Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Nadler Dr. and Mrs. Alan Nathans Ms. Maria Natovitch Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Neadle Ms. Melissa Neadle Dr. Steven Neihaus and Dr. Tmima Neihaus Mr. John Nelson and Dr. Murren Hill Network for Good Mr. and Mrs. Lon Neuman Mr. and Mrs. Lance Newman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Newman Mr. and Mrs. William Newman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nicotra Mrs. Thelma Nied Mr. and Mrs. Louis B Nussbaum Dr. Michael and Dr. Sue Nussbaum Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Nykerk Ms. Linda Oberdorfer Ms. Deborah Oblath Mr. Andrew Ocean Ms. Gloria Oehlman Mr. and Mrs. Jais Ohayon Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Ohayon Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Olesker Mr. and Mrs. William Olive Mr. and Mrs. John Ordile Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Organes Ms. Allysondra Osborne Mr. and Mrs. Morrie Osterer Mr. and Mrs. Lee Ostroff Ms. Sandra Baia Overton Ms. Ali Pagano Ms. Marilyn Pagano Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pagano Mr. and Mrs. Michael Paisner Ms. Leah Palestrant Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Palevsky Mr. Michael Pallen Mrs. Francine Parfitt Mr. and Mrs. Brian Pargman Mr. and Mrs. Richard S Passink Mr. and Mrs. John Pataky Ms. Adele Paul Mr. and Mrs. Herman Paul Mr. and Mrs. Michael Paul Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Pearl Mrs. Evelyn Peck Mr. and Mrs. Mark Penson Ms. Ruth Penson Mrs. Sophia Pentel Mr. Mitchell L Perin Mr. and Mrs. Donald Perlin Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Perlis Dr. and Mrs. Gary Perlman Dr. and Mrs. Morton Allan Perlman Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Persky Ms. Meredith Persky Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Peters Mr. Martin Pett Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Pies Ms. Laura Platzer Mr. Michael Platzer and Mrs. Roslina Ayala Platzer Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Plaut Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Jay Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Richard Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Ron Poehlman Ms. Claudia Pollack Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pollan Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L Pollock Mr. Ronel and Dr. Judy Poppell Dr. and Mrs. Steven Porter Mr. Corey Portnoy Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Portnoy Mrs. Phyllis Portnoy Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pozin Mr. Jan Pozin Mr. and Mrs. Marc Preminger Mrs. Anne Presser Mr. Bradley Preuss Mr. Michael Price Mr. and Mrs. Ron Price Mr. and Mrs. Sam Price Dr. Susan Price Ms. Terri Quint Mr. and Mrs. Michael Raffol Mr. and Mrs. Sol Rajfer Dr. and Mrs. Marco Rand Mr. and Mrs. Bob Rand Mrs. Laura Rappaport Mrs. Cornelia Rappoport Mr. and Mrs. Joel Rappoport Dr. Todd Rasner and Dr. Inbal Cohen-Rasner Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Rauchwarger Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Raudt Mr. Melvin J. Redmond Rein Family Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Reindl Dr. Harry Reinstine, Jr Ms. Barbara Resnick Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Resnick Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Resnick Ms. Sondra Resnikoff Mr. and Ms. Ronald Rettner Mrs. Marian Rice Ms. Rachael Rice Mr. and Dr. James Richman Mrs. Ina Richter

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Rickoff Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L Rideman Mr. and Mrs. William Rifkin Mrs. Toby Ringel Dr. and Mrs. Harris Rittenberg Mr. and Mrs. Skip Roach Mr. and Mrs. David Robbins Mrs. Linda Rodman Mrs. Colleen Rodriguez Mr. Howard Roey Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rogove Dr. and Mrs. Abe Rogozinski Dr. and Mrs. Chaim Rogozinski Ms. Danielle Rogozinski Mr. and Mrs. Sam Rogozinski Mr. and Mrs. Steven Rohan Mr. Jeff Rood Ms. Margaret Rose Mr. William Rose Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Rosen Mr. Paul Rosen Dr. and Mrs. Elliott Rosenbaum Mr. Jerome Rosenbaum Dr. and Mrs. Lee Rosenberg Dr. and Mrs. Sanford Rosenberg Mrs. Janet Rosenblatt Mr. Sanford Rosenblatt Ms. Sharon Rosenblum Rabbi Shira Rosenblum Mrs. Stacia Rosenblum Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rosenfield Mrs. Elaine Rosenthal Mr. Stuart Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Alan Rosner Mr. and Mrs. Steve Ross Dr. Emily and Mr. Erik Rostholder Ms. Hilary Rotenberg Dr. and Mrs. Neal Roth Mrs. Sandi Roth Mrs. Sandra G. Roth Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Rothstein Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Rothstein Ms. Nan Rothstein Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rothstein Mr. Simon Rothstein Mr. and Mrs. Grigory Royzen Mr. and Mrs. George Rubens Ms. Nancy Rubenstein Mrs. Arlene Rubin Mr. Benjamin Rubin and Mrs. Carolyn Herman Dr. and Mrs. Devon Rubin Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Ruby Dr. and Mrs. Gene Ruckh Mrs. Shirley Rudnick Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rudowitz Mr. and Mrs. Leif Rush Mr. Joseph Rutansky Mr. and Mrs. David Saag Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sachs Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Sachs Mrs. Carol Sack Ms. Daryl Sadowsky Joe P. Safer Endowment Fund Ms. Eleanor Safer Mr. and Mrs. Eliot Safer Mrs. Gaye Sager Ms. Bess Saliman Ms. Debra Salinas Dr. and Mrs. David L. Sall Rabbi and Mrs. Martin Sandberg Dr. and Mrs. Craig Sandler Mr. and Dr. Daniel Sandler Dr. and Mrs. Eric Sandler Dr. Jeffrey Sandler and Dr. Dayan Sandler Mr. and Mrs. Neil Sandler Mrs. Eleanor Sapolsky Dr. Jeff Sapolsky and Dr. Wendy Sapolsky Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Saraga Ms. Mitzi Saul Mr. and Mrs. Mark Saye Ms. Lois Sayward Mr. and Mrs. David Schachnovsky Dr. and Mrs. Howard Schare Dr. and Mrs. Michael Scharf Mr. and Mrs. Eric Anderson Dr. and Mrs. Jay L Schauben Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Scheer Ms. Amy Schemer Mrs. Frances Schemer Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Schemer Mr. and Mrs. Harold Schemer Judge and Mrs. Jack Schemer Mrs. Shirley Schemer Mr. and Mrs. William H Schemer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schiller Ms. Ilene Schinasi Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Schlackman Judge and Mrs. Harvey Schlesinger Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schneider Rabbi and Mrs. Avi Schochet Dr. Elana Schrader Mrs. Laura Schulman Dr. and Mrs. Brian Schwam Mrs. Sandra Schwam Mrs. Shira Schwam-Baird Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan E Schwartz Mr. Zachary Schwartz and Ms. Sarah Olesker Dr. Renee Scott Mr. and Mrs. Allan Sebotnick Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Seebol Mr. and Mrs. Jerald Seebol Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sekine

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Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Selber Selevan Family Mrs. Mimi Selig Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Selwitz Mr. Howard Serkin Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Serkin Setzer Family Mr. and Mrs. Alan Setzer Dr. and Mrs. Barry Setzer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shacter Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shafer Mrs. Arlene Shainbrown Mr. and Mrs. Mark Shainbrown Mr. Barry Shapiro Dr. and Mrs. Craig Shapiro Mr. Harry Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Joel R Shapiro Mrs. Juli Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Steven L Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shenkman Mr. and Mrs. Steven Sherman Mr. Zachary Sherman and Mrs. Blair Sisisky Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shieldhouse Mr. and Mrs. Josh Shilts Mr. Harry Shmunes Mr. and Mrs. Harry Shorstein Shorstein Family Mr. and Mrs. David Shuman Dr. and Mrs. Michael Shumer Dr. and Mrs. Jules Sidle Mr. and Mrs. Edward Siegel Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Siegel Dr. and Mrs. Arnold Signer Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Silbar Mr. and Mrs. Allen Silberman Mr. and Mrs. Leon Silke Mrs. Cynthia Silverberg Mr. and Mrs. Gary Silverfield Mr. Robert Silverman and Ms. Barbara Berlin Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Silverman Mr. and Mrs. Alex Silverstein Mr. and Mrs. Nick Simonis Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C Sims Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon Singal Mr. Frederick Singer Mrs. Linda Singer Mrs. Carole Sinoff Mr. and Mrs. Richard L Sisisky Mr. and Mrs. Adam Skala Mrs. Irene Sloat Dr. Michael Smalline Mrs. Joscelyne Smiley Mr. Robert Smilowitz and Mrs. Alyssa Smilowitz Ms. Laurie Smirl Mr. and Mrs. Avi Smith Ms. Dianna Smith Mr. and Mrs. Eric Smith Ms. Francine Smith Mr. and Mrs. Jason Smith Mr. and Mrs. Lon Smolensky Dr. Todd Snowden and Dr. Catherine Snowden Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Soffer Mrs. Phyllis Sohn Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Soilson Mr. and Mrs. Eugolio Soliven Dr. Michael L. Solloway Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Solomon Mrs. Carole Solomon Mr. and Mrs. David Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Solomon Mr. and Mrs. David Spencer Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Spill Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Spiritas Mr. and Mrs. Mark Spivak Mr. and Mrs. Tom Spriggs Mrs. Elaine Stack Mr. and Mrs. Bruce J Stark Dr. and Mrs. Mandell Stearman Mr. Daniel Stein Mr. and Mrs. David Stein Mrs. Marilyn Stein Ms. Ruth Stein Mrs. Susan Stein Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Steinberg Mr. and Mrs. Martin Steinberg Ms. Talia Steiner Mr. and Mrs. David Steinfeld Mr. and Mrs. Les Stern Mr. and Mrs. Murray Stern Dr. and Dr. Barry H. Stevens Ms. Adele Stewart Mrs. Ann Stone Mrs. Bernice Stone Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Stone Mr. George Strumlauf Ms. Linda Stuart Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Sugar Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Sugg Dr. and Mrs. Saul M Sussman Dr, Millie and Mr. Edward Tannen Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Tannenbaum Ms. Nancy Tarbis Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Tavill Mrs. Barbara Teitelman Mr. Larry Teitelman Temple Bet Yam Mr. and Mrs. Leonid Tesler Ms. Ilene Thrasher Mr. and Mrs. Lev Tillis Ms. Marion Tischler Dr. Karen Toker Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Toyzer Mr. Marty Trachtenberg and Mrs. Sandy Sohn-Trachtenberg

Trager Family Foundation Ms. Joyce Traugot Ms. Amanda Trimble Mr. and Mrs. Fred Tromberg Ms. Esfir Tulchinskaya Mrs. Carol Turbow Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Turko Mr. Izrail Turovskiy Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ullmann Mrs. Phyllis Usdin Mr. and Mrs. Sean Valliere Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Van Ms. Ruth VanAlstine Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Vandroff Mr. and Mrs. David Vandroff Mr. and Mrs. Michael Vanover Mrs. Dot Verstandig Ms. Sharon Voiron Mr. and Mrs. Vladimir Voloshin Mrs. Leonore Wagman Mr. David Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Sumner Waitz Mr. and Mrs. Blair Walker Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wallman Dr. and Mrs. Steven Warfield Mr. and Mrs. Carl Wasserman Dr. Paul Wasserman and Dr. Marte C. Wasserman Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Watkins Mrs. Amanda Watsky Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Weihnacht Ms. Eileen Weinberg Mr. and Mrs. Frank Weiner Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Weiner Dr. Joseph Weinman Mrs. Linda Weinstein Mrs. Margie S. Weinstein Mrs. Renee Weinstein Mr. Daniel Weinstock Mr. and Mrs. Dan Weisberg Ms. Andrea Weisberger Mr. and Mrs. David Weisblatt Mrs. Susanne Weisman Dr. David Weiss and Mrs. Grace Staggs Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Weiss Mr. Mitchell Weiss and Mrs. Gale Cohen-Weiss Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Weitzen Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Weitzner Mrs. Karen Wekstein and Mr. Larry Frank Dr. and Mrs. Gary Weltman Mrs. June Weltman Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Werner Mr. and Mrs. Ron Westberg Mr. and Mrs. Brian Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Josh Whitman Mr. Jeff Wiener Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wilkinson Mrs. Linda Wilkinson Mr. and Mrs. Skip Willbach Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wilson Ms. Grace Wilson Mrs. Hylda Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Steven Wilson Mr. Edward Witlen and Ms. Marie Reitzes Ms. Holly Witt Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Witt Mrs. Jacqueline Witte Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Witten Ms. Carole Witten Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Wohl Ms. Kathy Wohlhuter Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Wolchok Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Wolchok Mr. and Dr. Arnie Wolf Mr. and Mrs. David Wolf Ms. Irene Wolfe Dr. and Mrs. Bud Wolfson Mrs. Lesley Wolfson Mr. Jeffry Wollitz and Ms. Randy Meg Kammer Mrs. Carole Wolpin Mr. and Mrs. Howard Wolpoff Mr. and Mrs. Frank Woodard Mrs. Daiva Woodworth Ms. Elaine Sills Wright Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Wyzan Mrs. Marjorie Wyzan Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Yahre Dr. Paul Yarish Mr. and Mrs. Evan Yegelwel Mrs. Elsie Yellin Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Yergin Mr. Leon Yergin and Ms. Caryn Moss Kenny Dr. Harry Yoffee Mr. Charles Young Mr. and Mrs. Donald Young Dr. and Mrs. Larry Young Mr. and Mrs. Dana Zaifert Mr. and Mrs. David Zavon Mrs. Elissa Ziemba Mr. and Mrs. Lev Zilberman Zimmerman Family Foundation Mrs. Barbara Zimmerman Mr. Bradley Zimmerman Ms. Donna Zimmerman Mr. Lanny Zimmerman Dr. and Mrs. Rod Zimmerman Mr. Sandy Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Zisser Mr. and Mrs. Barry Zisser Mr. Jonathan Zisser Mr. Daniel L Zucker Mr. and Mrs. Paul Zyserman

* If we did not include your name in an appropriate way or we didn’t include your name, please let us know by calling 904-224-1406 or emailing laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org.

community news

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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Save the date for the 2019 JCA Jewish Cultural Arts Festival Discover Culture, Jacksonville’s Jewish Literary, Film and Arts Festival returns this November at the JCA. The two-week event runs November 3 - 14 and presents a variety of Jewish books, authors, movies and cultural programs for the community to enjoy.

A favorite for attendees is the Jewish Book Festival, where current and often bestselling authors are chosen to educate, entertain and inspire. The festival committee is hard at work choosing speakers that run the gamut from history to literature to comedy. There is truly something for everyone happening at the JCA this November.

“The committee members are a wonderful representation of our community, from young to old, readers or maybe not so much, but we all have a real interest in gathering together as a community to celebrate Jewish culture, in all its forms and interpretations,” said third time Chair, Sherrie Saag.

New festival committee members Danielle Leder, Whitney Kuvin and Karen Backilman, offer some insight into their involvement with the festival and what to expect from this year’s program.

Why did you want to be a part of this committee?

Danielle: I wanted to be on this committee to get more involved in the Jewish community and meet people. My family and

I moved here from Maryland last summer.

Whitney: I have always loved to read. I am normally reading two or three books at a time, so this was a great opportunity to spread my love for a good book with the community!

Karen: I was honored to be asked to serve on the Cultural Arts Festival committee. The event is one I look forward to each year. Being on the committee is a way for me to give back and say thank you to the JCA. Selecting the books and authors is a big responsibility.

What have you learned that you wouldn’t know by just attending the festival?

Danielle: I’ve learned that it’s a very involved process requiring research and discussion.

We consider how the stories will resonate with community members and take that into account before deciding who to invite to our festival.

Whitney: There are so many amazing books to choose from!

The committee takes time to pick and choose the very best.

There is so much thought and consideration put into making this event successful and enjoyable for the entire community.

Karen: As a yearly attendee, I was only interested in books I would enjoy or speakers I thought might be interesting.

As a committee member, it is incumbent on me to consider the interests and tastes of others,

Karen Backilman

which may not necessarily correspond with mine.

What have you enjoyed as part of the committee so far?

Danielle: The discussions undertaken on book topics and the merits of various authors.

It’s been fun getting to know the other committee members and hearing their different perspectives.

Whitney: The great reading list. I have a long list of new books to read. I will be very busy this summer!

Karen: I have enjoyed getting to know the committee members and hearing their perspectives during our book review meetings. What a well-read group they are! I was exposed to authors with whom I was not familiar yet were well regarded and admired by committee

Whitney Kuvin

members.

What are you most excited about for the 2019 JCA Jewish Cultural Arts Festival?

Danielle: I’m really excited to see which authors accept our festival invitations.

Whitney: We are going to have something for everyone.

I’m excited for the diversity in programming.

Karen: I am most excited about connecting readers with books. It was one of my favorite parts of being a librarian. I still tend to do this when browsing in my local library, hoping that strangers do not mind.

Anything else you’d like to share about your experience thus far?

Danielle: I encourage everyone to come out to this year’s

Danielle Leder

Cultural Arts Festival. We are working hard to make it an enlightening and entertaining event. Can’t wait!

Whitney: I have met a lot of new people who share my passion for culture and books. I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy our selections.

Karen: Prior to being a [JCA] member, I never took advantage of its programming open to the whole community.

That was a mistake. I hope others won’t be as reticent. We really do want everyone to join us!

For additional details or to donate to the 2019 JCA Jewish Cultural Arts Festival, contact Lior Spring at 730-2100 ext. 318 or lior.spring@jcajax.org. All events are free and open to the entire community thanks to the generosity of sponsors.

Three reasons youth should get involved in the 2020 Maccabi Games and Art Fest with the JCA

Eva Grayzel shares her story of survival with the Jewish Business Network

By Judith Fox-Goldstein, “Word by Word”

Immediately, our chattering network group came to silence.

The room was still.

Captivated by the melodic rhythm, strength and vibrant sound of Eva Grayzel’s unforgettable voice as she transformed the packed room to the darkest period in her life when stage IV tongue cancer entered and Eva disappeared.

The irony of an interactive storyteller who changed lives with her words, who never smoked and rarely consumed alcohol was stunning. Eva Grayzel, storyteller, performer; writer; mother; wife – was stripped of everything familiar. She became her disease. At one point, Eva wanted to stop treatment. She contemplated giving up because life became too hard, but her doctor said, “This is your life!” and that’s when Eva’s fight for her survival began. Eva shared her journey and the wisdom she garnered with our spellbound JBN members.

What was the lowest point in your journey?

A. Believing that I was unable to endure devastating effects of treatment and wanting to give up.

How did your disease affect your family?

A. I regret not seeking professional attention for my children during my illness, which I couldn’t

hide under clothes.

How did cancer change your relationship with Judaism?

A.I recognized that praying had no power when I asked for outcomes or offered a barter. Prayers became significant when my prayers were ones of gratitude.

Takeaways A. You have more strength than you think you have. No one will take care of you like you.

It’s not about the length of your life, but the breadth of it.

Eva Grayzel speaks internationally to raise awareness about oral health and the symptoms of cancer. Learn more at EvaGrayzel.com.

Informative and entertaining speakers, business collaborations and leads, lasting friendships and a shared interest in Judaism attribute to JBN’s continuing growth. Attracting new members and guests, JBN meetings offer more than networking and business connections. “We build community, sustain relationships, make lasting friendships and open doors for newcomers,” said group founder Zach Cohen. “We remember, share our history, customs, traditions and we all continue to grow both personally and professionally.” New members are always welcome!

For more information on up-coming meetings and speakers, contact Zach Cohen Zach@ stjohnsasset.com.

The Jewish Community Alliance seeks Jewish teens, ages 12 – 17, to participate in the 2020 JCC Maccabi Games and Art Fest, sponsored by the JCC Association of North America.

This week-long event features sporting competition in boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, girls volleyball, flag football, softball, baseball, tennis, golf, track and field, swimming, dance and table tennis.

It also includes specialties in music, theater, dance, visual arts and culinary arts. In addition to the opportunity to compete or explore their craft, here are three more reasons Jewish youth in Jacksonville should get involved in the JCC Maccabi Games and Art Fest: 1. Enrich Jewish identity in

an informal setting to promote Jewish peoplehood. This is the largest Jewish teen event in the world, and includes youth from around the globe. Participants have the opportunity to connect socially with Jewish teens from other communities and build life-long friendships 2. Cultivate a deeper understanding and instill an appreciation of Jewish values within Jewish youth. The games are played with a focus on rachmanus, or sportsmanship, with the intent to foster long-lasting memories and identification with Judaism and Israel.

3. Provide Jewish youth with a supportive environment that fosters mutual respect

See GAMES, p. 12

JCA Maccabi Games 2016 delegation.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Teen Grace Freedman Receives Prestigious Award

By Rachel Dranetz

Meet Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award recipient, Grace Freedman. Volunteering for World Relief, a global humanitarian nonprofit, inspired her to found her own youth-led, non-profit organization aimed towards helping refugee students.

During the summer of 2017, Grace witnessed firsthand the cultural, linguistic and economic difficulties facing refugee children. On the way home, she began thinking of ways to help.

She imagined an organization serving Jacksonville’s refugee population, the sixth largest in the country, matching newly arrived children with local students for one-on-one mentoring and tutoring. And JaxTHRIVE was born.

“I initially did not go into

this thinking that a huge program was what I wanted to create,” said Freedman, who was then a rising senior at Ponte Vedra High School.

“Going into my junior year, I volunteered for World Relief... and helped tutor kids during their summer program. And it struck me that what these kids needed was help during the school year too, when they tend to struggle the most academically.”

That year, due to World Relief budget cuts, the Jacksonville branch was shut down.

“But I didn’t want to just abandon these kids,” she said. “So my friend and I created JaxTHRIVE to help continue to tutor these kids over the summer and during the school year.”

Grace, along with her cofounder, Chase Magnano, have attracted volunteers from 12 different area schools, including the University of North Florida. So far, more than 100 student volunteers have

donated their mornings on a rotating basis, ensuring an easier transition for students who have come to this country.

“Our goal is to have them do better in school, help them to thrive in our community, and to nurture them to succeed inside and outside of the classroom,” she said. They’ve developed a formal tracking system that incentivizes academic performance and has produced demonstrable, measurable results.

Grace will be attending Yale University in the fall, and in the future she hopes to expand her non-profit and have THRIVE helping kids in cities all over the country.

“I’d love to start a branch up there (New Haven, CT),” she said, “and eventually expand and help kids in multiple cities THRIVE.” For more information or to volunteer, visit www.jaxthrive. net.

Hadassah Kick-Off Luncheon

Jacksonville Hadassah kicks off its 2019-2020 year with an opening luncheon to be held on Tuesday, September 10 at 11:30 a.m., at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, 3662 Crown Point Road.

Join old and new Hadassah friends as we welcome new members, receive Hadassah updates and look at the year ahead. Lunch prepared by Margo’s Catering. Our keynote speaker is David Tucker, Chief Legal Counsel for the northeast region of the Department of Children and Families. Tucker will talk about human rights as a Jewish value in a program entitled, “We Answer to a Higher Authority.”

As a professional who represents an agency that provides a wide range of services to the underserved and at-risk throughout northeast Florida and as a Jewish educator and long-time active member of the Jewish community, Tucker brings an interesting perspective to this topic. He is passionate about the ethical foundations that underline everything we believe in as Jews and how our Jewish values define how we look at basic human rights.

For more information, contact Cathy Winterfield, event chair, at cwinterfie@aol.com or 904-994-7772.

The Art of Saying “NO”

Hilary Rotenberg, MSW to present “Self-Care & the Art of Saying No”

Hilary Rotenberg, MSW, Director of Jewish Services at JFCS, will present an educational program for Jacksonville Hadassah on Tuesday, August 13 at 11:30 a.m.

“Self-Care & The Art of Saying No,” an interactive, informative and empowering presentation, will take place over lunch at the Athenian Owl Restaurant, 9551 Baymeadows Road. Free for members, or anyone who becomes a member that day. $10 non-members.

An RSVP to jacksonvillehadassah@gmail.com is requested as space will be limited. Call Mitzi Saul, VP Membership, at 904-803-6238 for more information.

UF Jewish Library one of the Best in the World

By Dr. Rebecca Jefferson

The Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica is a treasure living within the walls of the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida. It is the foremost Jewish studies research collection in the southeastern United States, and for its thousands of rare titles in Hebrew and Yiddish, it ranks among the top 20 academic libraries of Judaica in the world.

The library is currently collecting important local archives and manuscripts, including many from Jacksonville, documenting the Jewish experience in Florida.

The library’s rare materials are housed in the beautiful and inspiring Judaica Suite, designed by artist, architect and UF alumnus, Kenneth Treister.

The suite is visited every year by hundreds of faculty, students and members of the public.

“I love the library, and we need to have that wonderful connection between Gainesville and our own Jacksonville identity. I could go on and on,” says journalist and author Stacey Goldring.

Whether or not you have a child or grandchild at UF, the Library of Judaica is a unique gem for academics, clergy, K-12 education (including Bar and Bat Mitzvah research), and to anyone interested in worldwide Jewish history and literature.

To schedule a personal or family tour, please contact Dr. Rebecca Jefferson, at rjefferson@ufl.edu.

Mensch of the Month – Doug Harlan Doug Harlan has been an integral part of JFCS’s food delivery programs for several years and now donates six days a month to ensuring the food needs of Jewish seniors and Holocaust survivors are met. He first started volunteering for JFCS’s Meals 4 You program, where he delivered weekly meals from River Garden to elderly Jewish Seniors in the community. He expanded his volunteer commitment by becoming a volunteer for the Holocaust Survivor Food Delivery Program, where he also delivers groceries to Holocaust survivors twice a month.

Doug’s delivery travels take him throughout Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties, creating important relationships with our clients. He is a second pair of eyes and ears and always lets us know how our clients are doing and if they need additional services. Doug’s commitment ensures JFCS clients have access to nutritious food and meals, but he also provides our clients with an important connection to the community. Our clients often look forward to his visit as much as they do the food.

You can find Doug at River Garden every Tuesday morning and at the JFCS Dupont location on the first and third Wednesday of the month loading up his car and preparing to deliver. He always has a smile on his face and a “can do” attitude. On the

occasions where Doug will travel the world with his wife, Jeanne, we find our clients asking when Doug will return and counting down the days until his next visit.

As a model mensch, Doug has an acute willingness to go above and beyond for those in need.

He has a positive attitude and is always willing to lend a helping hand.

Thank you, Doug!

University of Florida photographer, Bernard Brzezinski

Community News

GAMES

Continued from pg. 10 and sportsmanship. The Maccabi Games and Art Fest promotes community involvement, teamwork and pride in being Jewish, in an atmosphere of fun, democracy and peace.

NEWCOMERS Continued from pg. 1

anyone. But I don’t know anyone because I don’t go.”

“I tell people, try out different places. When you get invitations to events, go. When you go, you open yourself up to meeting other people,” she said. “It broadens your opportunity to potentially meet that one special person who could be your buddy.”

page 12

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

The JCC Maccabi Games and Art Fest will take place for one week in late July or early August of 2020. Jewish teens who are interested in participating should contact JCA Sports and Recreation Director Rio Robinson at 904-730-2100 ext.

250 or rio.robinson@jcajax.org

by December 1, 2019.

Balotin recommends what she dubs the “buddy system.”

When people come to a new place, they want to find a doctor, a hairdresser, a dentist, a pediatrician, where to get kosher meat, restaurants. It’s good to have someone to go to for recommendations and support.

“Someone has to be the point person that’s going to help them find their way. A person needs just one person they can call,” she said. “Even

with synagogues, I try to find out which one they’re interested in, and then I find someone to invite them and walk in with them.”

Indeed, walking into a room where you don’t know anyone is probably one of the most frightening things. If making a reservation for an event, she recommends telling them you’re new to the area and ask if they know someone going from the area. Walk into a room with someone, she

says.

“On the other hand, if you’re sitting at a table and you see someone sitting alone at another table, it’s our responsibility to invite them to sit with us. Or if I see someone sitting by themselves, I go sit with them.”

Avoid cliques. If you’re used to sitting with your friends, divide up so you can meet new people. “Open your heart and keep a few chairs open.”

Someone’s first few weeks or months here can really have a lasting impact. “It really makes a big difference how you’re welcomed into the community,” she said.

Whether you’ve been here for a few days or a few years, reach out to us for ways to connect. Please contact Mindy Rubenstein at mindyr@jewishjacksonville.org or Isabel Balotin at shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org. We’d love to help welcome you.

RABBINICALLY SPEAKING

rapidly changing news cycles and trends which grow more ridiculous and more dangerous by the day, it’s comforting to know that our children are shielded during their formative years.

Brooklyn Law School Professor Dr. Aaron Twerski notes in an article in Crain’s New York Business that the largest and most successful photo supply company in the United States is owned and operated by Jews with a Torah education. Torah-educated Jews also own major commercial and residential construction companies, and they are accountants, comptrollers and computer experts who hold high positions in banks and other financial institutions. Our day school graduates enter the business world with skills that are often superior to those taught in secular schools.

True, school isn’t easy, but neither is child rearing in general – and it’s not meant to be.

The challenges of life are a gift to us, no less precious than the gift of our children. May we all avail ourselves of the traditions and values so fundamental to our heritage, to grow day by day and show our children just how important their education is.

And remember, when you start missing them hanging around the house all day, well hey, summer is just 10 months away!

Continued from pg. 1

surrounding them day in and day out. When our children are taught the values and traditions we’ve been gifted at Sinai by teachers who live by those self-same values, everything changes and it all becomes worthwhile.

Understanding that learning offers more than the ability to pass standardized testing, but actually guides intrinsic growth in every one of our children is a fundamental principal of Judaism.

Jewish consciousness refers to it as learning lishma, or, for its own sake. Can there be a more potent lesson or means of alleviating the pressure on our children when we teach them that, although tests are an important part of memory retention, the ultimate goal is to learn for the sake of learning?

Are we concerned that we’re sacrificing too much to offer a Jewish education to our children?

Perhaps they would have a better chance succeeding at life were they to be inundated by extra coursework and advanced placement opportunities. Studies have proven that Jewish education offers something rare in today’s society: the ability to think critically. In a world steered by

Jax Jewish Singles Join other Jax Jewish Singles for an early dinner at Noom Thai Bistro. Please contact Francine Smith for details, including the date and time. Call 904-2218061 or email francine.smith@comcast.net.

Community News What Do We Do When Our Schools Fail Our Children

By Todd Cohn, Executive Director of Southern NCSY

Just recently, the South Florida Jewish community collectively took a very deep breath when Spanish River High School’s Principal William Latson weighed in on the school’s approach to state-mandated holocaust education. I was in complete and total shock when I learned of what had transpired just a few miles from our NCSY office. Principal Latson said he had to remain “politically neutral” when choosing how to educate our children about the holocaust. He also stated in the email, “Not everyone believes the Holocaust happened and you have your thoughts but we are a public school and not all of our parents have the same beliefs so they will react differently.” These disturbing events continue to be at the top of our radar as we wonder why the holocaust is being reclassified as a belief and not fact. How did this one man find himself in the middle of one of the biggest challenges facing Jews today?

As the Executive Director of Southern NCSY, I find myself deeply invested in connecting our Jewish teens to their heritage and providing them the important leadership skills needed to exact positive change not only in their local communities, but also in the world. It’s a task that I’m both personally and professionally extremely devoted to. We teach them about Israel advocacy, help them professionally network, teach them Torah, provide them with social programs and charitable ones as well.

One of our programs, JSU (Jewish Student Union) operates in 60 high schools across South Florida – including Spanish River High School. At JSU, we seek to engage teens and strengthen their Jewish identity.

Participation is always free and open to any teen, regardless of their Jewish background or denomination.

With the continued increase in anti-Semitism and the unfortunate growth of Holocaust denial, I’m forced to re-examine

our outreach teen programming.

I keep asking myself if we are doing enough. Perhaps a shift is in order? Maybe we need to arm our Jewish teens with the ability to deal with encounters with Holocaust deniers in their own schools? Is that what it’s come to? Along the same lines, are adults in need of education as well? Are middle-class, well-educated Boca Raton adults in need of a Holocaust literacy program of their own?

Do school officials need to be taught how to handle those who incorrectly deny that portions of our world’s history never happened?

Today we are both burdened and blessed with instant news, breaking news, social networks, text messages, group messages and even fake news. Information is at your fingertips 24/7/365. Some people receive information and are quick to draw often unmoving and irrational conclusions.

There are people that bend over backwards not to offend while others speak their mind inappropriately in these forums and can incite a riot with just a few words.

This brings me back to former Principal Latson. Whether or not he either personally or professionally holds the opinion that the Holocaust never happened, the situation should serve as a wake-up call. A wake up call to the Jewish people and to the agencies around the world that are tasked with educating our children. Southern NCSY plans to lend a hand in making sure the students, parents and school officials at Spanish River High School (and other schools in South Florida) have not only a clear picture of the tragic history of the Jewish people, but are also armed with the confidence to stand behind Holocaust programming. For it’s through education that we can both preserve our history and ensure that it never happens again.

Being a Light unto the Nations Adapted from an essay by Rabbi Yehuda Appelbaum, Jacksonville Community Kollel

Life can be challenging and messy, but our mission is to see good in a chaotic world and to elevate it. Unlike other religions where the focus is on abstaining from the physical, the Jewish approach is not to shy away from the world around us.

Rather, we focus on bringing spirituality down into this physical world. We have human needs, but we sanctify them by following the Torah. We are supposed to be a model to the nations by showing how a human behaves, how to practice selfcontrol, how to show care for others, and how to live a moral life. What sets us apart is how we conduct ourselves in business, how we treat the people around us and how we live for a greater purpose.

By following the Torah in our daily routine, we proudly proclaim G-d’s existence and thereby shed light on the nations.

To learn more, visit jacksonvillekollel.com.

SAVE THE DATE

Jewish Community Day in partnership with the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Sunday, August 25 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

Enjoy all the Cummer Museum has to offer including art activities and a museum-wide scavenger hunt!

Complimentary Event Co-chairs: Stefanie Levine and Jodi Rogozinski Registration information to follow

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education news

page 14

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Welcome to the Team!

By Brian Pargman

Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is pleased to welcome two new teachers that will join our faculty in the fall.

Jacksonville Jewish Schools DuBow Preschool / Martin J. Gottlieb Day School (K-8)

Ms. Gabrilella Webster will join us as our Physical Education teacher, working with students in Preschool through Grade 8. Ms. Webster spent the spring teaching in our preschool; however, she holds her teaching certification in elementary education and additional certification in special education. Coach Gabby is excited to work with our students and has already started to create innovative lessons to teach sportsmanship, collaboration and community building.

Another Successful Camp Ki Tov Summer!

By Pamela Lewis, Camp Ki Tov Director

Where did Summer 2019 go? We had an EPIC time this year at Camp Ki Tov! Our registration was overflowing with buzz about our STEAM programming. Thanks to a team of professionals and teachers, we had many enrichments available for our campers. We enjoyed learning, exploring and expanding our critical thinking skills while still having a blast.

Through hands on experiments, activities and big questions for the week, we were constantly working those noggins! Besides hanging out in the steam lab, our campers enjoyed using our 34-acre property to have fun in the sun! The Beth Shalom Park and the Yegelwel Pool were hot commodities this summer.

Each week our themes provided the groundwork for spirit and crafts. There were blasting rocket ships during space week, digging for bugs (pretend!) and even capes and shields

during spy week. Our Israeli counselors brought the culture and passion from Israel direct to Camp Ki Tov. They brought us special snacks, stickers and a love of Israel. Our annual Ki Tov overnight was a huge success with nighttime swimming, flashlight games and counselor-hideand-seek – don’t forget a sweet treat plus a movie to end out the night of adventure!

It is always our goal to build long lasting memories for the campers at Camp Ki Tov and we were more than successful. We are thankful to our administration, our clergy and to all our loving parents. A huge shout out to our phenomenal staff of young men and women who dedicated their summer to making sure our campers have a summer to remember at Camp Ki Tov. We hope our families and campers have a healthy, happy and wonderful year.

We look forward to seeing you again in Summer 2020 at Camp Ki Tov!

Mrs. Katie Solis is the new Grade 4 general studies teacher. Mrs. Solis has taught previously in Baltimore, Maryland, and in San Diego, California. She is a recent newcomer to Jacksonville and a member of the Jacksonville Jewish Center along with her husband and young daughter.

New Tanach Program Launched

We are excited to partner with Jewish Family & Community Services again this school year to include their E.P.I.C. (Education, Partnership, Inclusion, and Counseling) Program in our educational programming. The E.P.I.C. program is an educational partnership that offers an inclusive learning environment as well as the support of professional counseling, ensuring that students – and their families – have whatever additional support they may need to achieve academic success.

When the program was first initiated, it was simply dubbed, “Inclusion.” But that name didn’t illustrate all that we were doing for Martin J. Gottlieb Day

The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is pleased to announce that Stephanie Teitelbaum, middle school English teacher, has been selected to participate in a two-year educational leadership Master’s program at Brandeis University. She will be joining 15 selected Jewish day school

904-268-4200 info@dubowpreschool.org office@mjgds.org

Ganeinu - Chabad Early Childhood Development Center / The Cheder (K-8)

The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is proud to announce an exciting new Tanach Program for the 2019-2020 school year. Partnering with the Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy, an award winning online school for Jewish studies, students will study with a live teacher in Israel daily via the internet. The Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy has been recognized as one of the most innovative projects in the American Jewish Community. We are excited to be able to offer our students this opportunity to participate in this award-winning initiative!

Jacksonville Torah High School exceeds fundraising goal

Entering its third year, Jacksonville Torah High School received an outpouring of support from all over the world. “With tremendous gratitude, we are beyond proud to share that we surpassed our $20,000 goal!” said JTHS Executive Director Suzie Becker.

You can still help support the first and only high school serving the needs of Jewish families in Northeast Florida. For more information, visit jaxtorahhigh.com or email jthsed@gmail.com.

Save the Date for L’Dor V’Dor Music Festival

By Brian Pargman

Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 22, 2020, for the Galinksy Academy Music Festival to benefit the L’Dor V’Dor Annual Fund.

This fun and one-of-kind event, co-chaired by Rachel Morgenthal and Sandy Shapiro, will support our Jewish Youth who participate in the DuBow Preschool, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, Setzer Youth Education, and Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School. You won’t want to miss out on our biggest fundraiser of the year!

School students and families, nor did it give the program the recognition it deserved after producing such wonderful results for students and families alike.

“We wanted a name that was as positive as the outcomes that we were creating, while illustrating what the program did,” said Lauren Lodato, Inclusion Supervisor for JFCS. “E.P.I.C. fits perfectly.”

Lodato’s E.P.I.C. team provides students with individualized education and parents with a better understanding of what programming and support is available to help their family. The team includes Krystil Wilson Brown, who holds a reading specialist certification and has earned hands-on experience teaching in deaf and blind

schools. Kirsten Wirth rounds out the professional team with more than 20 years of counseling experience.

“The relationship with JFCS and the services that they provide to our students is outstanding. We appreciate the meaningful and great work that they do each and every day on our campus,” said Head of Schools, Raquel Scharf-Anderson.

To learn more about how the E.P.I.C. program can serve your family and help your child succeed academically, please contact Lauren Lodato at LLodato@jfcsjax.org or Director of Jewish Services, Hilary Rotenberg at hrotenberg@jfcsjax.org.

Teitelbaum Selected for Leadership Program

By Brian Pargman

Jacksonville, FL 32257

By Edith Horovitz

Together We Are E.P.I.C.!

By Ryan Murphy, Jewish Family & Community Services

3662 Crown Point Rd

leaders from across the country to begin this meaningful experience in Boston this summer.

This program is designed to foster future leaders and build upon their passion for instructional learning while improving school culture. The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is extremely proud of Stephanie as she joins this rigorous program.

11271 Alumni Way Jacksonville, FL 32246 904-646-4434 Chabadecdc@gmail.com

Jacksonville Torah High School 10167 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32257 904-990-3039 jthsed@gmail.com

Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool 8500 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32217 904-730-2100 info@jcajax.org

Torah Academy of Jacksonville (Pre-K - 8) 10167 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32257 904-268-7719 office@torah-academy.com

New Sefer Torah Writing Soon Underway Etz Chaim Synagogue is honored to announce that it has commissioned the writing of a new Sefer Torah in honor of Scot and Alex Ackerman. The generosity and dedication of the Ackermans for so many years has been outstanding. We now have an opportunity to express our gratitude to them, while participating in a great mitzvah and helping raise funds for the shul.

The writing of a Sefer Torah is, in fact, the final of the 613 mitzvahs of the Torah. A scribe handwrites the Torah with a quill, painstakingly marking every single letter on parchment.

This extraordinary labor-intensive task usually takes the scribe about a year to complete the

project and costs over $40,000.

In this situation, our synagogue and community are coming together collaboratively, with different families and individuals sponsoring different Parshiyos and Seforim (Books and Portions). This will allow everyone to fulfill the final mitzvah of the Torah and honor Scot and Alex Ackerman for all their selfless devotion to Etz Chaim for so many years.

There will be a Torah Dedication Ceremony in early 2020, in which the new Ackerman Torah will be brought to Etz Chaim Synagogue, accompanied by much singing and dancing.

Look how even a single candle can both defy and define the darkness. – Anne Frank

education news

page 15

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Michele Block Gan Yeladim 11th Annual Professional Development Conference

By Jewish Community Alliance

This fall, Michele Block Gan Yeladim hosts their 11th Annual Professional Development Conference at the Jewish Community Alliance on September 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. The school invites back last year’s keynote speaker, Nicole Mercer, to present more on Positive Guidance and building personal connections through establishing a school family.

Mercer has been a Conscious Discipline certified instructor since 2009 and has her master’s degree in Child Development from Florida State University.

The conference focus is building a caring school family where kindness, helpfulness and connectedness are encouraged. Michele Block Gan Yeladim is excited to have Mercer return to share more on the subject. Following the 2018 conference, educator participants increased their knowledge and classroom behavior management effectiveness through the tools and resources provided at the conference. Mercer worked with Michele Block Gan Yeladim and educators from other schools in the community throughout the year on principles of Conscious Discipline through the Educators Support Network (ESN).

The ESN consists of monthly meetings, some hosted by Mercer and others facilitated by Michele Block Gan Yeladim Director Theresa Levy with

videos from Dr. Becky Bailey. Thanks to the financial support of The Community Foundation and the Chartrand Family Fund, this program and subsequent year-long study is available to schools in need in Duval County who are unable to afford this training on their own.

All early childhood programs in Duval

County are invited to join the JCA in our 11th Annual Professional Development Conference and Educators Support Network.

For more information on the Michele Block Gan Yeladim 11th Annual Professional Development Conference, visit jcajax. org/ece or call 904-730-2100 ext. 235.

Jewish Community Kollel offers after-school learning In August, the Jacksonville Community Kollel will open its second season of afterschool learning. The Kollel Club is an afterschool learning program offering supplementary Torah learning for boys in grades 7-10 in Jewish day schools or public schools throughout our community.

Students are introduced to Mishna, Talmud and Parsha in a relaxed environment with pizza, nosh and plenty of smiles. The learning is reinforced with prizes and occasional trips.

The program has generated much excitement, and the kids look forward to coming each week.

For more information, visit the Kollel website at www.jacksonvillekollel.com or email office@jacksonvillekollel.com.

GROW after-school Jewish enrichment serves eight public schools Chabad of St. Johns GROW After-School Enrichment Program - hosted weekly by Durbin Creek Elementary School - is preparing for another fabulous school year!

Registration is now open for 2019-20.

GROW is where kids challenge themselves to be better to each other and make a difference in the world. It’s where they learn STEM skills in a Jewish context - skills they can use in every area of their lives.

“As parents and teachers hoping to instill wholesome values in our children, we’re constantly competing with screens and video games,” said the director, Mrs. Dini Sharfstein.

“GROW was designed to meet the needs of today’s children and give them a place to practice foundational skills like interpersonal awareness, self-care and character development.”

At GROW your child can express his or her creativity in a warm and stimulating Jewish environment.

This year at GROW, Jewish kids from eight different public schools in St. Johns County came together to empower each other with the skills and strengths to be positive leaders.

GROW takes place every Tuesday at Durbin Creek Elementary School. Registration is now open for the 2019-20 School Year.

To sign up or find out more visit www.JewishSJohnsCounty/ GROW, email Dini@JewishSJohnsCounty.com or call 904701-4422.

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education news

Mazel Tov! Jewish Pride: Why it’s important in America today

By Sam Kaplan - rising eighth-grade student at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

Jacksonville Torah High School Celebrates Third “Back to School” It is hard to believe that it has been almost three years since the idea of Jacksonville Torah High School was first conceptualized by founding principal Kineret Weiss with the help of Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, senior rabbi of Etz Chaim Synagogue. It seems like only yesterday when a school with three students began in this community.

Previously, families who wished to continue Jewish studies beyond middle school had to send their children away or uproot and move elsewhere. How fortunate is Jacksonville to watch an idea for another Jewish resource -- with the sole purpose of contributing to the continued growth of Jewish education and identity -- come to fruition right here?

In June of 2019, JTHS graduated its first student and this month will have its third “First Day of School.”

Current principal, Ita Rabinowitz, has spent the summer further strengthening the curriculum to ensure a successful year ahead for the returning and incoming students.

The Hebrew curriculum has also been enhanced with the assistance of Jill Abel, Israel Partnership Director

at the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, through the Partnership2Gether Classroom Connection. Students at JTHS will connect regularly with a classroom at an Israeli high school to develop relationships with students there, to practice their Hebrew language skills, and to continue to strengthen their ties to Israel.

Jacksonville’s shaliach (Israeli emissary), Rotem Gabay, will also be contributing to the program by providing resources that will teach students about modern day Israel from the establishment of our Jewish state through present day.

The mission of Jacksonville Torah High School is to support the development of Jewish students who will become future leaders that we can all be proud of.

For more information about Jacksonville Torah High School, visit the website at www.jaxtorahhigh. com or contact Suzie Becker at 561-908-1841.

page 16

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Anti-Semitism is on the rise once again in America and all across the world and, especially now, it is very important to be proud of our Jewish heritage. When people try to bring us down, we must stay strong and rely on God to help us through our issues. We should trust each other and our community to help us when attacks on our religion take place.

For example, a recent series of events at Creekside High School heavily affected the Jewish students who attend the school, and the Jewish community was right there beside them through it all. This just goes to show that if we are divided, not just as a community, but as a nation, we will fall. Right now we are divided. Some people don’t accept that the Holocaust took place, or still believe that us Jews are the root of their problems. Ignorance like that is what is causing horrible events from the death of Heather Heyer caused by Neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, VA to the ones right here in our city. Here are some ways that we can show our religious pride.

The first way we can show our pride is by go-

Avoiding Lashon Hara

By Hudi Finkelstein - rising freshman at Jacksonville Torah High School (graduate of Torah Academy of Jacksonville)

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me”.

From a Jewish perspective, this statement is invalid, and many non Jews would agree, as well. G-d gives us the amazing ability to speak and communicate, so why would we misuse that gift in a wrong manner, for speaking Lashon Hara.

Lashon Hara is like gossiping or, talking badly about another person, and some even say, talking badly about yourself. Speaking Lashon Hara gives you no benefit, so why bother. All it does is embarrass and hurt people. It is immoral and you should ask yourself, would you ever want someone speaking Lashon Hara about you?

The harm inflicted by speech is even worse than the harm done by stealing money, or stealing anything. Money that is lost can be repaid, but the harm done by speech can never be repaired. That is why we should always be careful about what we say, and think before we speak. Speaking Lashon Hara brings pain to others. It really embarrasses and brings them down. It is also about respect. You may not like someone but speaking behind their back is no way to solve it. Mrs. Appelbaum, my Navi teacher, taught me about respect; until a person does something to lose it, that person should be respected. Not only is Lashon Hara not showing respect towards others, but respecting yourself, for two reasons.

One reason, is that it would give you a reputation of speaking badly about others.

Who would want to be around you with that reputation? Secondly, it brings you down spiritually, which makes you further away from G-d.

Another famous quote,“ Do not do to others what

Here are the winning submissions from the recent Jewish News essay contest. ing to religious events, such as minyan and Shabbat services. Religious events are the things that give us a spiritual connection to God, but help build personal connections with friends. When I attend Shabbat services, I sit with the people I attend school with and it brings joy to me. It’s a nice feeling to enjoy something with the people you care about while participating in your faith The second way we can show our faith is by putting up mezuzahs around our house. Maybe you choose to place on mezuzah on your front door frame, or on every doorframe in your house, it still represents your pride in your faith. Another physical sign of faith is tefillin, which represent our binding to God and Judaism.

Lastly, I think intensively researching mitzvot can help enhance religious experiences. At the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, we have an entire class about the mitzvot of Judaism. We learn about them and discuss how we can perform them in real life. Before this, I would say I didn’t really understand mitzvot and why these ancient laws are still relevant today, but now, more than ever, they are.

In conclusion, faith is one of the most important things in life, whether it’s in a person or a divine presence, we as people must trust in life to guide us, as while there may be a supernatural being who created us, our lives belong to us and it is our job to make the important decisions for ourselves. There are many things that are important, but everything is made from faith. Friendships, relationships, religion, business, and so many other things are bound by faith in each other. While times may be tough for some, or most, we must have faith to turn it around. Faith is the key to life. you don’t want done to you.” Can you imagine hearing people talk negatively about you? You may try to act as if it does not hurt you, but I am sure most people would be bothered, and hurt by it. When you speak badly about someone, especially while the person is right there, you might as well slap them in the face. That is not something you would want to happen to you. If only it was that simple, and all you had to do was think, I would not like this, then you would not speak Lashon Hara. It is not though.

The pressure, or the want (yetzer hara) to speak what is on our mind and say bad is too strong. There are some people, who have the strength to stop themselves, and think about what they are saying. If only everyone had the willpower for that, but that is not realistic.

I searched up “Moral Things” on the internet, and the first text that came up was to not gossip. Why else should we not gossip? Gossiping or speaking Lashon Hara makes you untrustworthy, specifically when people are doing business. People like doing business with others they like and trust. So, when you talk gossip with people, they may be afraid of you talking about them behind their back, consequently, destroying a good business relationship, and making you a non trustworthy person. Then, another problem comes up. Like all Lashon Hara and gossip, the word will get around, and will probably end up with the wrong people. When that happens it is common to be sued for slander, by those you spoke Lashon Hara about.

G-d gifts us with so many special tools to help us succeed and learn. However, G-d doesn’t give us these tools for embarrassing, hurting, and disrespecting people. When you put all those things together, one thing that comes out is Lashon Hara. Why should we care though? Why should it matter what we say?

In addition to the pain it brings others, it is also to protect ourselves from going down a bad path. I’m not saying it is easy to not gossip, but we have to start somewhere. Try to challenge yourself and go a day without speaking Lashon Hara!

Michele Block Gan Yeladim starts the year off right with connections over breakfast

By Jewish Community Alliance

Breakfast has the reputation as the most important meal of the day, and the same applies to the start of the school year. Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s Welcome Brunch on Sunday, August 18 and Boohoo/Yahoo Breakfast on the first two mornings of the school year, August 19 and 20, invite

parents to the school to connect with each other, meet staff and get information about the year.

The Michele Block Gan Yeladim Welcome Brunch hosts students and their families for an opportunity to meet other parents, classmates and school friends while enjoying bagels and a bounce house. The Boohoo/ Yahoo Parent Breakfast helps make

the transition to school smoother for adults. The first drop off days can be bittersweet and at times more challenging for parents than children. This breakfast provides a forum for parents to share their anxiety and excitement in a safe place while school staff check on how children are adjusting and reassure adults. This yearly tradition is helpful in building relationships

and acclimating students and their families to our warm and welcoming school environment where kindness and connectedness is encouraged and valued.

For more information, contact Theresa Levy, Michele Block Gan Yeladim Director, at 904-730-2100 ext. 237.

Community News

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

page 17

Jacksonville’s Living Jewish Treasure – Meet Hazel Mack 1971-’73. In 2008, along with my daughter Barbara, I celebrated my B’Nai Mitzvah.

When Pete said, “Don’t convert for me”, I said, “I am not doing this for you, I am doing this for me!” Yes, I chose Judaism!

By, Judith Fox-Goldstein, “Word by Word”

And the grounds were hallowed!

Entering Temple Ahavath Chesed’s archives, I had no idea what to expect. Greeted by 91-year-old archivist Hazel Mack, I immediately knew this was going to be a very memorable interview. Leaving my pre-conceptions in the halls of the Temple, I stilled myself, listened, learned and was amazed by the breadth of knowledge from this dynamic, definitive, determined and devoted woman. “The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly woman” – Andy Rooney A detective at heart, Hazel holds the history of Jacksonville’s Jewish heritage in her mind and heart. With unparalleled research and organizational skills, Hazel enthusiastically shared her archival collection, and her own life’s journey, in a very animated conversation. Her dedication to preserving our community’s Jewish history and culture is evident. “It’s so important for us to remember our past, our lineage and our strong sense of Jewish community so we can move forward into the future with the knowledge and wisdom from the past.”

Serving as the archivist since 1987 at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, the first congregation founded in Northeast Florida, Hazel dedicates her time researching, gathering and recording vital information and statistics celebrating current congregants and their forebearers. “There’s not a week that passes that someone doesn’t call requesting information about their family’s history or location of a deceased relative. This is my job now… this is my life!”

Shivering because it was so extremely cold in the room - I asked Hazel “Is this how you’ve preserved your beauty all these years?” With

a robust laugh (and a sweater she unearthed for me from the archives), we began our memorable morning digging through the archives as Hazel shared the highlights of the collection and the stories behind the photos, gifts, memorabilia and treasured books stored with magnificent care, order and pride.

Q. Were you always committed to preserving Jewish History?

A. ‘Well, I’ve lived my life in cycles…where would you like me to begin?”

“I was born in Canada to a Roman Catholic mother and a Protestant father, married three times (my first husband’s last name was HAZLE). Yes, my name was Hazel Hazle! I had 4 children (one is Catholic, one Jewish and two born-again Christians) and I LOVE my multi-cultural roots. In 1980, I moved to Jacksonville and began another exciting LIFE CYCLE!” I started to explore my own relationship with G-d and I studied under Rabbi Greenstein for 4 years and, in 1983, I converted to Judaism. This was also the year that I met my dear husband, J.L. Mack Jr. - “Pete” to his friends and family, who was the Past President of the Temple from

Q. Converting to Judaism is a big step… WHY did you make this commitment?

“Growing up in Canada, there was a great deal of antisemitism. As a child, I didn’t recognize the hate and discrimination, but I was very against the mean-spirited and disparaging remarks about Jews. These were my friends…I liked these people, but what was all this hate and fear about?

I was curious and very interested in other cultures so I continued to explore and learn. I was fortunate to get to know more about Jewish traditions, customs and the old testament and I knew I had found a home in Judaism.”

Q. Can you tell me about your work with the Jewish Cemetery?

A. “In my continuing quest to preserve Jacksonville’s Jewish history, I decided that restoring the Old City Cemetery was vital so I undertook a fundraising campaign for the restoration. I wanted to clean the grave sites, restore the markers and replace the fencing. Success came in 2009 when Rabbi Joshua B. Lief, Mayor John Peyton, and descendants of those buried in the cemetery, came together on this sacred ground to remember and to honor our shared past.”

Q Why did you feel this was such an important undertaking?

A. “The Old City Cemetery was the first Jewish Cemetery in Florida. This was work that had to be done! Malicious pranks left significant damage to the cemetery and it was very important to repair the

Hazel displays photos of the 1st Jewish resident, Philip Dzialynski (1850) & his brother, Morris, the first Jewish Mayor of Jacksonville.

Phillip sent for his family in 1853.

destruction. The Cemetery, established in 1857, remains the resting place of descendants of Temple members who were living in Jacksonville. Our first resident, Philip Dzialynski, is buried there and the Cemetery continues to be a place of honor and remembrance. I occasionally visit the cemetery to assure myself that it has not been destroyed again.”

In 2010, Goldie Lansky, recently retired Executive Director of the Temple, referred

to Hazel as a “WOMAN OF VALOR.” In 2019, Hazel Mack continues to display the same courage, vigor, intelligence and dedication that has propelled her into the role of Jacksonville’s “Living Jewish Treasure.” A woman of enormous capacity for compassion and generosity, Hazel can look back on a legacy of love and remembrance that she has gifted to her family and to our Jewish community. Stand proud Hazel, you deserve our salute!

Second Maj Jongg Tournament presented by Temple Bet Yam

By Jacqueline Witte, TBY Publicity

Temple Bet Yam presents the second Mah Jongg Tournament which will again be held at the Duplicate Bridge Club in St. Augustine on August 22nd. Pre-registration is required. Download the reservation form from our website: www.templebetyam.org. The cost of $25 will include cash prizes, a continental breakfast, and a buffet lunch. Check in begins at 10:30 a.m.

The Duplicate Bridge Club is located at 10 Fairbanks Street in St. Augustine. For further information regarding this event, contact Carol Levy at 954-8957332 or Teresa Freedman at 774-994-2066.

jewish community alliance

page 18

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

JCA Summer Camp was another successful season!

Labor Day Family Fun Day at the JCA

By Jewish Community Alliance

Every year, the JCA offers valued members the opportunity to meet other JCA families and enjoy a fun day in the sun. This Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., visit the JCA for our annual Family Fun Day. This event takes place at the JCA Joy and Howard Korman outdoor pool and features food, poolside games, DJ entertainment and more. With the start of a new school year, this is a great opportunity to reconnect with the JCA community and make new friends.

JCA Family Fun Days are free and open to JCA valued members. For more information, call 904-730-2100 ext.

228.

By Jewish Community Alliance

JCA Summer Camp was a season of sun, fun and friends. The campers of camps Gan Yeladim, KinderCamp, Sabra, Habonim, Stage Door Theatre and JCA Adventure Days had a great summer experience and made memories to last a lifetime.

New JCA class makes swimming safe for all

By Jewish Community Alliance

Studies have shown that children on the autism spectrum are more likely to drown than neurotypical swimmers. The new Sensory Safe Swimmers class at the JCA seeks to make swim lessons safe and acces-

sible to all.

“Water safety is important knowledge to have for both adults and children. It is important for the JCA to have inclusive lessons for all learners,” says JCA Aquatics Manager Josie Martin.

This unique swim class provides low student to

instructor ratios to allow for a quiet atmosphere with minimal distractions. In this setting, learners are more likely to succeed and gain crucial water safety skills.

Sensory Safe Swimmers has ongoing monthly sessions beginning August 4. To register, visit jcajax.org/ aquatics or call Josei Martin at 730-2100 ext. 240.

Jewish Community Alliance HAPPENINGS August 2019/Tammuz 5779 For more information or to register for programs at the JCA, call 904-730-2100 ext. 228 or visit www.jcajax.org.

Vandroff Art Gallery

Helen Ashmead’s The Beauties of Our World is featured from August 1 – 28.

First Coast Plein Art Painters are featured from August 29 – September 25.

Jax Top-to-Bottom Walking Tour and Lunch

Explore historical city sites and enjoy a Dutch treat lunch on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 9:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Transportation

included; must be able to walk distances unassisted. Registration required.

Sunday Film Series

See The Frisco Kid on August 18 at 2 p.m.

This is free and open to the community.

Youth Soccer League Assessment

The mandatory skill assessment for the fall league is on Sunday, Aug. 11, 1 – 4 pm, at Bolles School Stadium Field. Call ext. 254 for details.

The Breakfast Club

Make new friends over coffee and conversation on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 9 a.m. Dutch treat.

Michele Block Gan Yeladim Welcome Brunch

School Year Makos Swim Team

Willpower Basketball Training

JCA Tennis

Block Gan parents celebrate the new school year on Sunday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This clinic provides specialized training for young players. August 6 – Sep 10. Call ext. 254 for details.

Men’s Basketball Leagues

Leagues for men 18+ and 25+ begin in late August. Call ext. 254 for details.

Jewish community alliance 2019 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $188, 250

The team introduces competitive swimming and prepares children for the summer leagues. Begins August 4. Call ext.

240 for details.

Youth clinics and adult teams are ongoing at the JCA.

JCA Swim Lessons

JCA Aquatics has ongoing group and private swim lessons.

Call Josie at ext. 240 for details.

10-YeaR ALLOCATION TOTAL: $1,927,000

Community News

JScreen expanded screening panel tests for more than 200 diseases

By Hillary Kener

JScreen, a not-for-profit at-home education and genetic carrier screening program, is encouraging people to get tested for genetic diseases so they can make informed decisions about family planning.

Evan Ungerleider – a heartbreaking story that highlights the vital importance of understanding the risk of genetic diseases “If a couple knows their carrier status prior to pregnancy, they have ample time to seek genetic counseling, gain information about the diseases that they carry, and make family planning decisions that will best suit them,” said Shari Ungerleider, whose son, Evan, tragically died of Tay-Sachs disease, caused by absence of the enzyme hexosaminidase A (HexA), which results in progressive neurological damage.

Within months of his seemingly healthy birth in 1994, Shari and Jeff Ungerleider became concerned as they realized that Evan was not developing at the same pace as other children his age.

Evan’s condition quickly progressed, and he was soon unable to move on his own, suffered multiple seizures daily, and had respiratory difficulty which required the Ungerleiders to provide chest physical therapy and to suction him regularly. Evan lost his battle with Tay-Sachs when he was almost four and a half years old.

One in 30 Ashkenazi Jews are carriers of Tay-Sachs, compared to one in 300 people in the general population. While there is no cure for TaySachs, genetic screening can determine who is a carrier and whether a couple is at risk for having a child with this or other diseases. Since the 1970s,

the incidences of babies being born with TaySachs has fallen by more than 90 percent among Jews, because of genetic screening in the Jewish community.

“A simple, at-home spit test can help families avoid the heartbreak of this – and other – devastating genetic diseases and provide essential information to help prospective parents make decisions about the future of their family,” said JScreen’s Director of National Outreach, Hillary Kener Regelman. “If a couple is found to be at high risk, JScreen provides invaluable genetic counseling to help them navigate their options for the future.”

JScreen notes that its screening panel includes many diseases common in Jewish communities and detects nearly two times as many carriers of genetic diseases in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent compared to the general population.

Three out of four people with Jewish background test positive as a carrier of at least one disease on JScreen’s panel.

“It is also important to remember that anyone age 18 or older can be screened through JScreen – whether they’re planning a family tomorrow or years from now,” Regelman said.

JScreen is a non-profit community-based public health initiative headquartered at Emory University School of Medicine and is dedicated to preventing Jewish genetic diseases. The JScreen “spit kit” is available online, used at home, and then mailed in for DNA testing. If a person or couple’s risk is elevated, a certified genetic counselor will privately address their results, options and resources. For more information, visit www. jscreen.org.

The entire community is invited to an

INTERFAITH MISSION TO ISRAEL JULY 19 - 27, 2020 Presented by the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville in cooperation with our two Scholars in Residence: Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar, Congregation Ahavath Chesed & Pastor Kyle Reese, Deputy Director of OneJax HIGHLIGHTS TO INCLUDE: • The most important Jewish and Christian Sites throughout Israel • Old Jaffa • The new Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv • Our partnership community of Hadera • Caesaria • Ancient city of Dan • Acco • Golan Heights • Safed • Mount of Beatitudes

page 19

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

• Kayaking on the Jordan River • Nazareth • Archeological finds at City of David • The Western Wall • Shabbat in Jerusalem • Yad Vashem • Massada and the Dead Sea • Mount of Olives • Church of the Holy Sepulchre • 5-Star Hotels • The tastes, sounds, culture and history of Israel

To learn more about this unique opportunity to explore Israel and to learn about these two faiths, please contact Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies, at 904.224.1410 or alanm@jewishjacksonville.org.

Back-to-school routines

By Rachel Dranetz

Getting your kids back into the school year routine can be tricky.

Often times, children can be overly acMinda Gordon, customed to music therapist the ‘summer break’ mindset they’ve retained for the past few months, and it can be difficult to transition back into school.

Here are some tips, as suggested by local board-certified music therapist Minda Gordon, to help prepare your children for a new and successful school year.

A couple weeks before school starts: Sleep schedule Getting a proper amount of sleep is vital in any student’s academic success. Start implementing a bedtime and wakeup time schedule in advance, so that by the time the first day of school rolls around, your kids are already accustomed to waking up and going to bed on time.

Include children in picking out backpacks A backpack is every student’s closest academic companion. Allowing your children to take part in picking out the bag that will accompany them through the school year can spark their enthusiasm for school and their motivation to learn. The same can be said when picking out school supplies and new school clothes for the year – keeping your kids involved in their own back-to-school transition is invaluable!

Playdate with a friend from school to reestablish friendships For kids, another stress of going back to school can be the social anxiety involved with having new classmates and

making new friends. Having a get together with a school friend can help reestablish their connection and make that nerve-wracking first day that much easier.

Morning routine to decrease anxiety- music during breakfast It’s important to make sure that children come to school already in a healthy mindset so that they are ready to learn throughout the day. Having a morning routine that helps their anxiety can be a great way to prepare your kids for school. For example, listening to their favorite music during breakfast!

Bed-time routine- quiet music while brushing teeth Just as having a morning routine is important, having a before-bed routine can also help. Sticking to a consistent routine can ensure that by the time bedtime rolls around, your kids are relaxed and ready to sleep. A good suggestion, listening to quiet music while brushing their teeth!

Going to open house to meet the teacher is key The teacher will be the one to accompany your child throughout the coming school year. As such, establishing a relationship with said teacher is an excellent way to have a connection to your child’s academic progress and social behavior within the classroom.

Open houses are a great way to not only get to know the person who will be teaching and taking care of your children during the day, but also to help your child form their own relationship with their teacher as well.

Going back to school can be a stressful time for both parent and child. But with just a little preparation, you can help your children to adjust to the new school year, and flourish both inside the classroom and out!

Celebrate the historic Celebrate the50th historic Woodstock Festival’s anniversary Sunday, August 18 @ 10:30 a.m. • River Garden Cohen Auditorium Woodstock Festival’s 50th anniversary Sunday, August 18 @ 10:30 a.m. • River Garden Cohen Auditorium Join us for a "trip" down Memory Lane featuring

Join us for a "trip" down Memory Lane Marty Edwards , local attorney and college professor featuring

Marty , localthe attorney andofcollege professor While working in aEdwards Catskills hotel summer 1969, Marty and his friends

arranged to sell snow cones during the entire Woodstock Music Festival. Don’t miss Marty’s vivid, entertaining and uncensored accountofof1969, someMarty of hisand most While working in a Catskills hotel the summer hismemorable friends of the thisentire historic musical event. arranged to sell snowexperiences cones during Woodstock Music Festival. Don’t miss Marty’s vivid, entertaining and uncensored account of some of his most memorable Festival souvenirs for experiences everyone * Trivia Quizhistoric * Musical memories * Delicious Refreshments of this musical event.

Optional: Hippie garb Festival souvenirs for everyone * Trivia Quiz * Musical memories * Delicious Refreshments Optional: Hippie garb

There is no charge for this program.

RSVP

by August 11. program.

There is no charge for this

50th 50th Anniversary Anniversary

RSVP

by August 11. Shalom Please contact Isabel Balotin, Jacksonville Director, 904-224-1408 or Please contact Isabel Balotin, Shalom shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org.

Jacksonville Director, 904-224-1408 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org.

Community News

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

page 20

Why I Book a Tzimmer: The Case for Vacationing (or Stay-cationing) Old School

By Suzie Becker

“Tzimmer” is the Yiddish word for room. The first “tzimmer” used as a proper noun that I remember was Sharon Springs. I’m still not sure if that was only the name of the town, or also the place we stayed at.

It was known for the natural therapy springs that gave off a sulfuric stench. My Bobby Idis, z”l, went up there for July and August in the ’70s to bathe and shvitz (sweat). My mother, along with all the other daughters-in-law and married daughters, with the grandkids, joined for two months of summer. It was called a tzimmer because it was just that- a room where all three generations stayed.

There was a double bed and a sink in a rooming house with a shared bathroom in the hallway somewhere west of Albany, NY. I remember a large square “playpen” (the original pack and play) that served as the original bonus room for up to 3 infant (through preschool age) children for sleep (and confinement) near moms tanning on loungers slathered in baby oil, Bubbys playing rummy, mahjong, and embroidering on wraparound porches, while Zaidys played dominoes and read the Forward newspaper. The rooms were in a “resort” (motel) where we ate in the “casino” (dining room.) Dads came up for one vacation week during the summer.

Amenities included: Magic made with crayons, a pair of swings on the property, and sprinklers for running through once a day to cool off.

Travel time: As a child, I thought we were in a faraway forest-like place, when we were only three hours away from the city.

The next milestone tzimmer was in the Catskill Mountains (yes, like in Mrs. Maisel).

There were stand-up comics and live bands on Saturday nights at local resorts (hotels) all summer long. There was a concession market “down the hill” that sold ice cream treats and the necessities in case your mom couldn’t get to “town.”

Each family could have an account that got settled by summer’s end that covered groceries, snacks- and quarters for the Pac Man video game that kids lined up to “get next.” It was attached to the “casino” that doubled as the shul and rainy-day camp house. My parents picked my sister Jenny and me up from camp at the end of July one ‘80s summer and drove us to a tzimmer plus! It was a wooden bungalow with a bedroom, bathroom- and separate tiny kitchen with a pull-out couch and single bed. There was no air conditioner- just ceiling fans. This time it was the parents who hosted the Bubbys- who still played rummy, mahjong, and embroidered on screened in porches- and less Zaidys, as they had passed on.

Amenities included: Magic made with lanyard, on-site day camp where I could work as a counselor and my sisters could be occupied all day, two pools- one for the kids at

camp, the other for moms on loungers slathered in tanning oil or swimming laps, two playgrounds, and two baseball fields where we could cheer on our dads who came for the weekends and played each Sunday morning for the OBBL- Orthodox Bungalow Baseball League) before they headed back home for the work week Sunday evenings.

Travel time: These marvelous mountains were an hour and 45 minutes away from home with no traffic and a lifetime away from the real world.

Tzimmers could be found throughout my formative years as the child of European immigrants who tended to cluster in cramped lodgings by incredible locations in nature – the mountains, by lakes, in efficiencies on beaches during the winter season and over Passover- with their chevra, their tribe. So when I back-packed through Europe during college in the ‘90s, a tzimmer in a bungalow, cottage, townhouse down an alley that represented the local culture in Florence, Paris, Austria, and Prague was preferable to an impersonal hotel. When I traveled in Israel as a single adult in the ‘00s, I would look for a tzimmer in Tzfat, the Old City, near the beach- somewhere between a bed and breakfast… a cozy home hideaway… that elicited an ease of blending into the surroundings I was in.

I recently revisited the low-maintenance lifestyle that came with the old school vacations of my childhood for part of our summer trip in June. I was inspired to book a one-bedroom tzimmer (plus!) on Airbnb from a wonderful Israeli guy here in Jacksonville named Meny minutes from Jax Beach. I spent time with my children for a blessed four days! My hubby drove to work and back to where we were staying on two of those days, while the kids and I played, napped, and enjoyed each other.

Amenities included: Magic made by sand toys and whatever was in a wagon we pulled with us to the beach and back, food that could be enjoyed out of a mini-fridge and microwave, so much snuggle time, and the wifi that gave us Netflix for movie nights.

Travel time: Twenty-five minutes from our house to four days of detachment from the everyday distractions that cause us to sometimes forget that we live where people vacation. Where we can share a tzimmer “experience” with our tribe and remember that it’s all about the company… That sometimes leaving our house behind for a room can open the door to appreciating the home we come back to. I look forward to, G-d willing, hosting my kids’ grandparents so that they can play rummy and read the Jewish News and keep this tradition alive, The kids still got their “casino” on this trip- at the Adventure Landing arcade with Daddy. While Mommy laid on a lounger reading, slathered in sunscreen, or riding the waves on a boogie board.

rGENerosity Save the Date

Saturday

OCTOBER 19, 2019

Dinner & Cocktails 7:30 PM Special pre-reception for Ben Gurion Society members at 7 o'clock

Jewish Student Union (JSU)

AFTER DARK Wednesday, August 28, 7 p.m.

JCA - 8505 San Jose Blvd

Join JSU for free pizza, Jewish programming and more!

Open to all teens in the area grades 9-12 Joey Hamaoui 305-764-7212 | hamaouij@dojsu.org

SAVE THE DATE

JSU WESTERN BBQ KICKOFF Sunday, August 18, 1-3 p.m.

Are you interested in participating in Jewish Student Union this year? Come dressed in your western clothes for our Kickoff BBQ on Sunday, August 18 and meet everyone. Jewish Student Union is open to all Jewish teens grades 9-12 grade.

Community News

page 21

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Back-to-School Nutrition

By Nancy Cohen, RDN, LDN

In just a couple short weeks, we will be pulling out the backpacks. As the first-day-of-school clothing is selected, the opportunity for your children to grow physically, mentally, socially and emotionally at school will begin again.

Kids have much energy to expend during their busy days. The best solution is to make every calorie count, and pack their day with nutrients that offer stability, value and sustained energy release.

A great strategy for eating well this school year is just what you need to send your children into a successful, flourishing calendar year. Try these winning strategies to support our children and make them the best learners they can be!

Frequent Meals and Snacks Kids do best when they receive calories with a small protein source, every three hours.

They are still growing -- using their brains and muscles -- and food supports all of this while keeping them calm and focused.

Growth and development of the brain continues into the early 20s; don’t let their height and sense of maturity mislead you.

Food Group Balancing Be sure to incorporate something from every food group in most meals. For children and teens, this would be starches, fruits, veggies, dairy, proteins and fats. Try to see that you meet the recommended mark by the end of the day. Missing a whole food group? Consult with your

pediatrician or a licensed nutritionist to avoid any nutritional deficiencies.

The ‘CPF’ Method When planning a balanced snack or meal, use the CPF approach. Match a carbohydrate choice with a protein or fat choice. Something carbohydratefree is not always a healthy choice for active, growing children.

Avoid Energy-Dropping Foods and Beverages Offering your children sugary sodas or teas, sweetened coffee drinks or candy is a guaranteed way to ensure an energy crash.

Offering your children water, milk, nut milk, unsweetened teas or healthier snacks can stave off the “crankies” -- which are lowblood-sugar reactions to being hungry, leading to a loss of focus and attention.

Healthy Snacks Are Your Kids’ Best Friend Providing fuel in the form of a carbohydrate and a protein is a win-win situation. You get peak performance, better focus and continued energy supply for growth.

Snack or Mini-Meal Ideas • Half sandwich and fruit (include a protein source on the sandwich) • Nut butter with apple or banana • Yogurt topped with nuts or cereal • String cheese with cut-up veggies • Rolled-up cold cuts and veggies

• Cereal in a bag with nuts and dried fruit • Rolled pita with cheese or low-fat cold cuts • Fruit smoothie with a dairy or nut-based beverage

Easy, Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets Servings: 4

Ingredients • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast • 1/4 cup almond flour • 3/4 tsp salt • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp paprika (onion powder as an alternative) • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) • 1/8 tsp black pepper (optional) • 1/4 cup avocado oil or other trans fat-free oil Instructions 1.Cut chicken into small chunks, about 1-1½ inches.

Place in bowl.

2.Mix flour with seasonings.

3.Sprinkle flour and seasoning mixture over chicken and mix well to coat thoroughly.

4.Melt oil (if necessary).

Drizzle over chicken and mix to coat lightly.

5.Bake in preheated oven (425 degrees for convection / 450 for conventional) until chicken’s internal temperature reaches 180 degrees.

6.Serve with dipping sauce:

ketchup, salsa of your choice, tomato sauce or wing sauce, depending on your child’s spice palate.

Nutrition: Calories: 173kcal Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 569mg | Potassium: 442mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 7% | Vitamin C: 2% | Calcium: 2% | Iron: 4%

PB&J Bites (Can substitute other nut butters. For gluten-free use GF oats) Makes: 24

Ingredients • 1 cup chunky natural peanut butter • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup • 4 cups old-fashioned oats • 1/2 cup quinoa (uncooked) • 12 ounces strawberry preserves (low sugar or whole fruit- not jelly) Instructions 1. Mix peanut butter, maple syrup and 1/3 cup water in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until peanut butter

A Mother’s Reflection: As My Son Became a Bar Mitzvah

By Mindy Rubenstein

It wasn’t what I always thought of when I heard the term bar mitzvah.

Without much fanfare, our son’s 13th Hebrew birthday marked his official transition into this new world.

He attended back-to-back evening prayers at Chabad of Northeast Florida with one of his friends from school. As the sun slowly set, he was a boy. But as evening turned to night, he was counted as part of their minyan. He came home to tell us, his face beaming with pride.

With all the preparations for his upcoming “bar mitzvah” on Shabbat—the planning, the shopping, the stress—we hadn’t fully grasped the true meaning of this milestone and how it comes upon all Jewish boys simply by turning 13 (no fancy party required).

Alex went with my husband, Danny, who taught him to put on his new tefillin. They were prepared in Israel, arriving after several months just in time. I was there, sitting peacefully in the women’s section with our younger children. It was a meditative and moving experience for me, praying at dawn during this special time. And I watched in awe as these men—doctors, physical therapists, lawyers, rabbis, teachers—all gather to pray every morning at 6:30 a.m. before heading to work and facing the chaos of the day.

Alex was called up to the Torah for the first time. He didn’t chant the parsha he has carefully studied the past year—that will come later in the

week in front of the greater community, family and friends. But there he was, being called up to the Torah and getting his first aliyah. The emotion I felt surprised me; there in this small room so full of holiness was my little boy, not so little anymore.

At age 13, he is now officially part of the privilege and responsibility that comes with living a Torah life—a life of goodness and service, a life where each action counts as he fills his cup with good deeds.

According to some, the first documented bar mitzvah celebration is referred to in the Torah: “And the child [Isaac] grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned” (Genesis 21:8). According to an opinion expressed in the Midrash, this was the day that Isaac turned 13; the day when he was “weaned” from his childish nature and assumed the responsibilities of a Jewish adult. In Jewish literature, this verse is often used as a source for the celebration

made in honor of a boy’s acceptance of the mitzvot at age 13.

As for the cause of the celebration, this is the day when a Jewish person is given the obligation and resulting privilege of observing G-d’s commandments.

The past 13 years, since Alex was a baby, Danny and I have worked to be part of religious Jewish life—the culture, the traditions, the community and the commandments.

We made the commitment, already married with children, to build a family based on Torah values: keeping Shabbat, eating kosher food, and observing many other small and large aspects of Torah-based life. It has been a process of growth and education.

One thing I have learned is that shalom bayit, “peace in the home,” should come first. Kids should marinate in love, and living a Jewish life is meant to be an expression of that.

As we prepared for our son to go before the community, and then celebrate with food and drinks, I tried to remind myself to be with simcha, with happiness, to focus on the beauty and meaning of the milestone.

He was not just having a bar mitzvah, but becoming a bar mitzvah.

He’s no longer just our son, but a son of the mitzvahs that (please G-d) he will continue to perform with joy and kindness throughout his life.

And that’s a reason to celebrate.

is melted and ingredients are combined.

2. In a large bowl, mix together oats and quinoa. Stir in peanut butter mixture until well combined.

3. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper wrappers. Scoop 2 tbsp of the peanut or nut butter and oats mixture into each wrapper, pressing down well with a spatula. Spread 2 tsp of the preserves over peanut butter and oats mixture in each cup. Add 2 more tbsp peanut butter and oats mixture to cover preserves, pressing down well with a spatula.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, until bites begin to brown. Cool in muffin tins 10 minutes; remove from tins to a wire rack and cool to room temperature.

Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition (per serving): 1 g sat. fat | 2 g fiber | 42 mg sodium | 193 kcal cal. | 0 mg chol. | 5 g pro. | 27g carb. | 5 g Fat

(Modified from Family Circle Magazine)

BAUMAN

Continued from pg. 7 gation.

Finally, on Sunday July 14, five days after he disappeared, Rabbi Bauman’s body was found by volunteers from a Brooklynbased Jewish organization that aids people in crisis. His funeral was held the following day.

Rabbi Bauman’s body was flown on a private jet to New York, accompanied by a police escort during the final journey to King Solomon Memorial Park in Clifton, New Jersey, where nearly 1,000 people came to pay their respects.

“He acted heroically,” explained Coast Guard Lt. Arguelles, who led the Coast Guard’s search.

Indeed, Rabbi Reuven Bauman was a true mensch, and I feel blessed to have met him and his family. We got to live for one special year in Norfolk, Virginia, across the street from him and his beautiful family.

Our sons were classmates and friends. They hosted us for Shabbat meals. He taught our older son, Alex, for his Bar Mitzvah,.

I worked with him briefly at Toras Chaim where our children attended school, and I got to substitute for his elementary school class, witnessing the respect and honor and love his students had for him. I felt such awe for Rabbi Bauman, who carried himself in such a humble, gentle way. He was a true mensch, and I’m grateful we had the opportunity to cross his path for even a brief period of our lives. Thank you, Rabbi Bauman, thank you Mrs. Bauman, for adding light to our lives.

You have united Jews of all backgrounds in oneness.

As his father said during the funeral, which I got to listen to remotely via a callin number, along with 40,000 others around the world, “In that little corner of the world, Hashem decided to make him a vehicle of achdus Yisroel…. While doing a tremendous mitzvah.”

Community News

page 22

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Raising Super-Healthy Families

By Dr. Alan Nathans

JFCS Board Focus: Matthew Rickoff

Raising super-healthy families is the goal of every parent. Moms and dads innately want the best for their beloveds. With the right health philosophy and action steps, you and your loved ones can enjoy an excellent quality of life together. Here’s a super healthy philosophy, with some science and common sense to back it up.

Health comes from within. The moment you were conceived, one cell from your mother and one from your father united to form a unique and magnificent you. This united cell multiplied repeatedly during the next nine months into 80 quadrillion cells without any help from the scientific community. Your heart, lungs, fingers and toes, were all positioned by your Innate Intelligence to develop and function properly.

As long as there is no interference to this process, everything can develop perfectly, and you are prepared to be delivered into this world. This Innate Intelligence stays with you after you are born. With the nervous system as its conduit, this intelligence controls and coordinates the function of your entire body. Keeping this system free from interference is essential to a healthy life.

This Innate philosophy strengthens you. It keeps you healthy in mind and body. If you teach this philosophy to your children you will raise them as strong, confident individuals who trust their body, immune system, and genetic potential. They will be “super” healthy kids.

On the other hand, teaching a drug-oriented philosophy from birth can lead to drug-dependency as an adult.

Too many people buy into the philosophy that they need drugs to be healthy. While this may be true in limited cases of extreme pain, sickness and disease, it is not true or healthy as an overall philosophy or lifestyle.

Think about the impact of a “drug first” philosophy.

When your baby gets sick for the first time, you have a choice. If you do not have confidence in your child’s natural immune system, you might immediately panic and give your child a drug. In their toddler years when they get a cold or infection you may give them a drug right away so they won’t “suffer”. Each time they say

Matt graduated from Miami University with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications. He also holds an MBA in Sports Management from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business.

In 2013, Matt was promoted to Vice President of Partnership Marketing for the Florida Panthers and the BB&T Center after nine years with the organization. In that role, Rickoff was tasked with the oversight of the organization’s sponsorship initiatives, including lead generation, go-to-market strategy to engage local, regional and national brands, as well as renewals and sponsorship contracts.

In May of 2014, Matt began serving as Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Jacksonville Jaguars. In April 2016, he was promoted to Senior Partnership Director for the organization. He is responsible for generating new business, building new corporate relationships and the management of existing corporate partnerships.

Matt has been active in several organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Broward County, the Florida Department of Transportation Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition, and Jewish Family & Community Services. He also received the “Vision & Values” Dedication Award from Sunrise Sports & Entertainment.

Matt is married to his wife, Lauren, and together they have one daughter, Alexa, who is four years old. He enjoys sports events, exercising and spending time with his family. Matt’s commitment to the causes he supports demonstrates his professionalism, passion and integrity in making the Jacksonville community a better place. JFCS is lucky to have him!

they do not feel good, rather than rely on their body’s innate wisdom, do you call in a prescription or go to the store and get them an over-the-counter drug?

When your child is old enough to go to school, the teacher might inform you that they are struggling to concentrate or sit still. The child might be labeled and immediately given medication.

If a child is taught that they should take medication every time they do not feel good, this drug-first behavior becomes conditioned.

Your health-care philosophy is your choice. Isn’t it time you begin trusting yourself and this innate philosophy and begin living the “super” healthy life that you and your children deserve?

Dr. Alan Nathans, a lecturer and family chiropractor, is a graduate of Life University in Marietta, Ga., and has been in private practice since 1999. He is a leader in the Jacksonville community focusing on a philosophy that centers around the “100 Year Lifestyle”. He is passionate about transforming the health and longevity of his community by providing effective chiropractic care and the resources to live your best life from birth to 100 years and beyond. Nathans and his wife, Alyse, live in Jacksonville and have three daughters.

E R I C A

J O L L E S

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jewish family & community services briefs PJ Library

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 Whitney Kuvin at 904-394-5724.

Meals4You

JFCS in partnership with River Garden is pleased to bring you our meal program, Meals4You, from our kitchen to yours.

Meals are delicious, nutritious, convenient and delivered right to your door. Jewish dietary laws are observed. Call Whitney for more information at 904-394-5724.

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery News 1. The Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery website is now live! Visit JacksonvilleHolocaustMemorial.com to view past exhibits and find out information about upcoming events, gain more information about the Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery, as well as learn about future exhibits.

2. If you have not been to see the Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery exhibit, “The Rescuers: Moral Portraits of Courage in the Holocaust” at Jewish Family & Community Services, time is running out.

The exhibit will be leaving JFCS on September 30th.

The Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery is free and open to public viewing, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the 8540 Baycenter Road location. For special appointments or a group tour, contact Gail Furman at 904-394-5723 or via email at gfurman@jfcsjax.org.

3. “Searching for Identity: 2nd Gen Writing Workshop” is returning to Jewish Family & Community Services. The workshops are designed to help the children of Holocaust survivors find the words to tell their own stories about their lives and their parents’ experiences, from a second generation survivor’s perspective. Classes are ongoing and meet once a month at JFCS’ Baycenter location. No writing experience is necessary to participate. For more information, contact Stacey Goldring at whatastory@att.net.

Call2Go

JFCS is now using a Lyft product called Concierge, which allows JFCS to arrange rides on behalf of its clients, including the ability to schedule rides up to a week in advance. Lyft has also partnered with GreatCall, a senior-focused cell phone company, which will help seniors use Lyft without having to navigate the smart phone app. Anyone using a Jitterbug phone can now simply press ‘0’ and arrange a ride with the company. To learn more or schedule rides, please call Whitney Kuvin at 904-6609268.

Jewish Healing Network

Become a Jewish Healing Network Volunteer at JFCS and help us fulfill the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim. We need volunteers to make weekly visits or phone calls to a senior or deliver food to those who cannot get out. For more information, please call Gail at 904-394-5723.

page 23

Judge David Gooding with Andrea, William, Bryan (adoptee), Christopher and Patricia after the adoption of Bryan was finalized at the Mother’s Day Adoption Event at the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville.

JFCS Unites Families at Mother’s Day Adoption Event On Friday May 9, 2019, Judge David Gooding celebrated Mother’s Day by holding an Adoption Event in his courtroom. In total, ten children in JFCS’ care were successfully adopted into their forever families. “It was a happy day for all involved,” said Adoption Manager, Rebecca Margulies.

Adoption can be an incredibly rewarding, but also a challenging experience. JFCS’ First Coast Adoption Professionals (FCAP) strive to make the adoption process as seamless as possible. Our case managers are involved in every step of the process—from aiding birth mothers to matching adoptive parents with children in the foster care system.

Since July 1, 2018, our

dedicated team has finalized 140 adoptions, but there are still 112 children in the care of JFCS still looking for their forever family. “There are so many benefits to adoption that people don’t realize, including a tuition waiver for a Florida college, Medicaid and an adoption subsidy until the child is age 18. Each child in our care has something unique to offer and they all deserve to have a forever family,” said Margulies.

If you or someone you know is interested in adopting a child, contact Rebecca at 904-394-5750 or by email at rmargulies@jfcsjax.org. Family is forever. Help to build one today!

Jewish family & Comm. services 2018 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $272,000

Andre Taylor and Jaron Isaac with Calais Campbell at the JaxPAL Sports Camp

JFCS Volunteer Engaging Youth with JaxPAL Football Camp Lonnie Steinberg has been a Jewish Family & Community Services volunteer for over a year. During that time, she has volunteered in several meaningful ways, including working with Achievers for Life.

In January of 2019, Lonnie began tutoring Achievers for Life students at Arlington Middle School. This is where she first met eighth graders Andre Taylor and Jaron Isaac.

The two boys, both struggling in math, needed help to bring their grades up. Lonnie accepted the challenge and stepped in to help bring their Fs up to passing grades so they could move on to high school.

Although they struggled, Lonnie took the time to demonstrate the correct way to solve comprehensive math problems and provided them with much-needed patience. Both boys continued to work hard and “show up.” She said, “I told them that showing up is 90% of being successful.”

At the end of the year, final grades were posted. Sersie Blue, JFCS’ AFL Family Advocate, notified Lonnie that Jaron passed all of his eighth-grade classes and would be promoted to the ninth grade. Andre, although making huge strides during the last quarter by earning a B in math, did not get a high enough overall grade to pass the class, and would have to attend summer school. Regardless, he was proud of himself for his achievements and hard work, and so was Lonnie.

As a reward for Jaron and Andre’s efforts, Lonnie took the boys to Calais Campbell’s Football STEM Camp, which is presented by the Jacksonville Police Athletic League (JaxPAL) and sponsored in part by Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute (JOI) Foundation. It is designed to serve as a bridge to build positive relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and Jacksonville’s youth by creating a safe place for kids to enjoy football and meet positive role models.

The camp features traditional

Calais Campbell with Jaron Isaac

football drills and STEM activities to get kids excited about the world of football and the science behind it. Over 250 children, ages 5-16, attended. And, as a bonus, the kids had the opportunity to meet the Jaguars Defensive End, Calais Campbell.

Campbell spent time with Jaron and Andre and urged them to stay in school and work hard to reach their goals. Of their time together, Jaron said, “I look up to him [Calais Campbell] because he made it. And just like he said, anyone can go to the NFL. You just have to get good grades.”

After the camp was over, when Lonnie was taking the boys home, she asked them what message they took from meeting Calais Campbell. Andre replied, “I gotta keep my grades up!”

Although the boys have graduated from the Achievers for Life program, Lonnie plans to continue to provide academic assistance for kids through ninth grade. She will also continue to serve as a tutor for the Arlington Middle School AFL program.

If you or someone you know is interested in tutoring at-risk children in our Achievers for Life program, contact Donna O’Steen at 904-394-5714 or dosteen@jfcsjax.org. You can make a difference in the lives of the children we serve.

10-YeaR ALLOCATION TOTAL: $2,710,000

river garden senior services

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

page 24

904-260-1818 www.rivergarden.org 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32258

briefs Jewish Genealogy Film August 4 @ 10:30 AM Q? Call 904-886-8429

‘Age-Smart Home’

Lunch Presentation August 13 @ 11:30 AM RSVP kbell@rivergarden.org or 904-288-7855

Caregiver Support Group August 14 @ 3:30 PM Q? Call 904-886-8421

Jewish Java ‘Woodstock’

August 18 @ 10:30 AM RSVP 904-224-1408

‘From Hospital to Home’

Lunch Presentation August 27 @ 11:30 AM RSVP kbell@rivergarden.org or 904-288-7855

Nearly 50 adult volunteers were able to join our celebratory lunch on May 29, 2019. 15 volunteers were recognized for achieving new ‘Milestones’ for Lifetime Volunteer Hours, including Sandra Resnikoff, who reached a new height of 6,500 hours.

Making Memories with our Volunteers

Beginning in May, there is a special focus on the volunteer program at River Garden. On May 28, 2019, we hosted a special luncheon for our adult volunteers, many of whom earned milestone awards for their hours of service. We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough!

We also began orientation for our summer teen program. Throughout June, July and August, these students bring energy and fresh ideas to our Home. So far this summer, our residents have enjoyed bike rides, iPad exploration, crafting and music with the teens. Plus, there is time dedicated for flower arranging, games and more. A special short memoir project is also underway. These intergenerational activities are impactful for both the residents and the teens, with nearly every teen commenting on how much they ‘love this place!’

Caleb Bautista explores the iPad River Garden is a beautiful setting for creating remarkable memories. If you’d like to become involved in our volunteer programs, please contact Leslie Held, Director of Jewish Life & Volunteer Services. (LHELD@ with Marilyn Gross, a short-stay patient. rivergarden.org or 904-886-8429.)

The Mad Hatter Strikes Again On June 26, River Garden hosted the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, an annual favorite for both residents and employees.

Each table is a unique showcase of talent, as employees begin planning weeks in advance to develop a theme décor for their departments’ tables. Details are kept secret, to build anticipation.

The event began years ago as a way for employees to share in the fun of a resident event. Residents love to see the whimsical table and hat creations, and enjoy the afternoon ‘tea party’ complete with finger sandwiches and desserts.

Special thanks to Lisa Poremba, Life Enrichment Director, and her team for coordinating the details. As the name implies, the afternoon is a little crazy, but if you’ve never been, The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a must-see for June 2020!

This young guest just couldn’t believe her

eyes! She choose to enjoy the butterfly table.

Foundation

Please remember River Garden when honoring or memorializing your loved ones. www.rivergarden.org/donate Q? Call 904-886-8432

Dorie Norman, 22-year River Garden veteran and memory care assistant, welcomes our new baby to the Life Enrichment team.

David Millstone enjoy his Scottish themed table and baklava, as Lisa Poremba, Life Enrichment Director, shows off her ‘mad’ hat – a collection of ornaments from each table.

Congratulations!

Our Medicare Home Health agency is now accredited by the Joint Commission.

Adult Day

Q? Call 904-288-7858

Flamingos and families join in the fun. The residents and friends who attend say the party “gets better and better every year!”

Leading Members from The Coves are Honored with a Special Lunch

On June 21, Cheryl Fisch and Lisa Poremba from our Life Enrichment team recognized nine special members from The Coves, who have become fully involved with planning and executing interesting programs on our campus. Whether by professional training or from life experience, each contributes to our robust activity schedule, fostering wonderful opportunities for fellow members to meet new people and learn new things. For more information about The Coves, please contact Margaret Davis at 904886-8935 or visit our website at www.rivergarden.org/coves. The activity calendar for The Coves can also be found online.

Choose River Garden

Did you know that River Garden Rehab offers appointment-based services for all adults needing therapy? So, if you ever have a doctor’s order for PT or OT, please call directly to discuss your options. Depending on your situation, we can likely help.

These outpatient services are typically covered by Medicare or through general health insurance. When you call, we’ll verify your coverage. 904-886-8454.

Emma Collings enjoys a ride on The Duet bicycle, with teen volunteer Abril Gomez piloting.

(L-R) Pearl Mack, Herb Plotkin, June Meinstein, Cheryl Fisch, Lisa Poremba, Rabbi Sylvin Wolf, Art Fields, Charlotte Berson, Lois Chepenik. Not pictured: Evelyn Peck, Janice Knack and Margaret Davis.

RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES 2018 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $177,700

River Garden has a New Baby Like music therapy, River Garden strives to incorporate a variety of non-medical techniques to enhance the personal well-being of those in our Home. Specifically for residents with cognitive impairment, our newly gifted baby doll may be able to help.

Studies involving doll therapy date back to the early 2000’s, noting benefits like an increased sense of security or improved levels of communication and engagement. In addition, some report that those who develop a relationship with a baby have happier, more expressive moods and improved sensory stimulation and perception. It’s important to note that this is not just child’s play. Respectful doll therapy requires a baby that is similar to an actual newborn in weight and form: Our lifeinspired doll is a one-of-a-kind piece of art sculpted by artist Kymberli Durden of The Angel Keepers, Inc., measuring at 19” long and weighing nearly 5 lbs.

We are looking forward to seeing the results.

10-YeaR ALLOCATION TOTAL: $1,859,841

Synagogue News Bagels and Belonging

page 25

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Temple Bet Yam Open House Temple Bet Yam will host an open house on Sunday, August 18 from 10 a.m. to noon for prospective members and to recognize its newest members.

Coffee, bagels and fixin’s will be served.

TBY, located at 2055 Wildwood Drive in St. Augustine and led by Rabbi Dr Nadia Siritsky, was founded by 14 families in 1993. Today, more than 100 families from St. Johns and surrounding counties call Temple Bet Yam home. The Temple has a vibrant religious school guided by lead teacher Terry Cohen, as well as a men’s club, sisterhood, Sisterhood Book Club, Social Justice, Lifelong Learning, choir and social events.

Services are generally held twice a month September through June with additional holiday observances and special events. For more information, visit templebetyam.org or call 904-819-1875.

Introducing Justin Sakofs, Director of Congregational Learning, to the Jacksonville Jewish Center The Director of Congregational Learning Search Committee and Board of Directors at the Jacksonville Jewish Center are pleased to announce that Justin Sakofs has accepted the position of Director of Congregational Learning (DCL) for the Center. His responsibilities will include overseeing the Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School, Setzer Youth Education, as well as family and adult education.

Justin Sakofs has been the Director of Empowerment for families with school age children at the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey for the past three years. In his work at Federation he has created “Shtick Together” for families to create and take ownership of their own Jewish practices centered on Shabbat; designed intergenerational experiences for grandparents and grandchildren in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel; collaborated with local day schools to utilize PJ Library as a recruitment tool; empowered b’nai mitzvah teens to make a difference through the “Mitzvot of Greater Metro West program; and has planned and choreographed myriad events of Jewish family education across the five-county region covered by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest.

Justin also brings an entrepreneurial spirit to his work as a Jewish educator. As the founder and CEO of Magnetic Shul, he has created a variety of synagoguefriendly educational toys, which he sells and markets at Jewish educational conferences, and through his website (www.magneticshul.com).

A graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Justin received a Masters in Jewish Studies from Boston’s Hebrew College, and

All Jacksonville Jewish Teens are welcome to join our “bale!”

What is Setzer Youth Education?

Setzer Youth Education is the department that is home to our youth group programming at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. We engage with students from 4th – 12th grade, giving them experiences designed to build friendships and create memories with their peers. The beauty of our experiential program is that it provides a safe, fun environment that allows our youth to develop and strengthen their Jewish identities as well as their commitment to the Jewish community here in Jacksonville and around the world—all while having fun!

What is Chalutzim?

In Chalutzim (4th and 5th grade), the primary focus is to build bridges and foster friendships that extend beyond the typical classroom setting. We have fun and meaningful events twice a month—created with the input of participants!

What is Kadima?

In Kadima (6th-8th grade), we build upon the goals of Chalutzim, and participants take more initiative and are taught about the leadership it requires to run their chapter. We also have two events a month, often led by the Kadima Board, along with Kadima Convention, which fosters interaction with other Jewish middle schoolers from the Southern United States. (We’re hosting this year!)

earned a second MA of Education in School Administration and Supervision from Loyola University of Chicago. He has had extensive experience in educational settings, including summer camps and Jewish day schools such as the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Chicago, the Adelson School of Las Vegas and the American Hebrew Academy.

Upon accepting his new position, Justin Sakofs commented, “We’re excited by the warmth of the community and look forward to calling Jacksonville home.”

“Justin brings a level of creative energy and broad perspective to the Center,” commented Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner. “He engages with learners of all ages in a wonderful way. I’m confident he will be an incredible asset to our community.”

Justin assumed his new duties in mid-July. We are excited to welcome him, his wife Rachel and children Amit and Mira, to the Jacksonville Jewish community.

Coping with Loss:

A Jewish Community Grief Support Group There is no right way to handle grief. For many people, loss can be isolating, painful, confusing, life-changing. This support group offers an opportunity for grievers to share their concerns and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment. Run by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 19 years of experience, Coping With Loss meets regu-

JJC Sea Turtles are Back

larly to serve the needs of the greater Jewish community. Join us every other Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p. m. at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Dates and meetings are subject to change.

For more information or to be added to the mailing list, email Beth Shorstein at bethshorstein@ gmail.com, or call 904-868-4400.

What is USY? In USY (9th-12th grade), the participants truly

take over the youth group, as everything is run and planned by board members and participants.

In USY, you also have the opportunity to attend even more conventions—and meet Jewish teens not only from your region, but from around the country!

How do I get involved?

The first step is to attend our first event of the year, and then our first youth group event of the year.

Our first event (catered by Bruster’s) is August 15th from 5pm-6pm, at the Jacksonville Jewish Center in the Ansbacher Gazebo.

Our first Chalutzim and Kadima event will be August 18th from 2pm 4pm, at Adventure Landing.

Our first USY event will also be on August 18th from 7am to 5pm, location TBA .

Who do I contact?

For more information about these events or to join one of our youth groups, please contact Sara Crowe, Youth Director, at 904-292-1000 or by email at setzeryouthed@jaxjewishcenter.org.

The Jacksonville Jewish Center welcomes new Executive Director, Jennifer Smith It is with great excitement, on behalf of our Board of Directors and Executive Director Search Committee, that the Jacksonville Jewish Center is pleased to announce that Jennifer Smith has been selected to serve as our next Executive Director.

Jennifer has worked as a Jewish Communal Professional for 20 years and is currently in her 12th year as executive director at Congregation Beth Israel in Austin, TX. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Behavioral Science at Drew University, she attended law school at the University of the Pacific‘s McGeorge School of Law, receiving her certificate in Governmental Affairs. Following graduation, Jennifer worked in the California State Assembly for a couple of years. Deciding that California was too far from home, Jennifer moved back to Atlanta and started working at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) while studying for the Georgia bar. While working at the MJCCA, Jennifer obtained her Masters of Public Administration in Non-Profit Management from Kennesaw State University. Jennifer spent 8 years at the MJCCA as the Program Director in the Sports, Camps & Fitness Department, focusing on new program-

ming, budgeting and marketing.

She moved to Austin in the fall of 2006 and began working at Congregation Beth Israel shortly thereafter.

During Jennifer’s tenure at Congregation Beth Israel, the congregation implemented a strategic plan, renovated the Sanctuary, participated in the URJ Community of Practice in Financial Support and expanded the Child Development Center. With her guidance, CBI installed solar panels and was the first organization in Texas to be a recipient of PACE (PropertyAssessed Clean Energy) financing, which enabled the congregation to put more energy efficient HVAC equipment in place.

Jennifer has been an active leader representing CBI while collaborating with partner organizations in Austin. She worked with the Jewish Foundation of Austin and Central Texas to become the first congregation in Austin to

have funds managed by the foundation. Jennifer is a senior member of the National Association for Temple Administration (NATA), and was the local delegation chair for the NATA National Conference held in Austin in 2018.

Upon accepting her new position, Jennifer Smith commented, “My family is so excited to be moving to Jacksonville to become a part of the Jacksonville Jewish Center community. I look forward to getting to know the members of the congregation as I continue my Jewish journey as an Executive Director.”

“Jennifer’s selection was the result of an intensive and thorough selection process,” remarked Tyler Curl and Rachel Morgenthal, co-chairs of the Executive Director Search Committee. “Of the dozens of candidates we evaluated during the past few months, her experience and credentials stood out immediately to the members of the committee. Jennifer will be an asset to our synagogue and community.”

Jennifer will officially begin her work at the Center on July 15, but she will start communicating and planning with staff, clergy and lay leaders immediately. We are excited to welcome Jennifer, her husband, Daniel and son, Joshua, to the Jacksonville Jewish community.

Synagogue News

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Temple Names New Executive Director David Kaufman, president of Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), announces the appointment of Eugene (Gene) Meyers as executive director of the congregation.

“I am thrilled that Gene has joined our Temple family and look forward to working with him, Rabbi Bahar and our Board of Trustees to make our congregation thrive,” Kaufman said.

Gene was the executive director of K.K. Bene Israel-Rockdale Temple in Cincinnati and served as the development director at Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach. He is a certified public accountant who brings his experience in the business world to synagogue management.

“I am impressed with the strong leadership team at Temple and am excited about working side-by-side with David Kaufman, Rabbi Bahar,

Cantor Barry and Michelle Penson,” explained Meyers. “The pride and spirit within the congregation are palpable and the number of volunteers who so willingly share their skills and their time for Temple is most exciting.”

Gene will be relocating to Jacksonville with his wife, Jane, and will begin work on August 12.

Happy Retirement, Goldie!

During a celebration that drew more than 300 people, Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple Jacksonville honored its longtime executive director, Goldie Lansky, for her many years of service.

LIFE EXPERIENCE(D)

page 26

Meet Cantor Carrie Barry Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) is excited to welcome Cantor Carrie Barry to complement the spiritual leadership of Senior Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar. Cantor Barry and her family relocated to Jacksonville/St. Johns from South Florida, and she officially began her cantorial duties at Temple on July 1.

Cantor Barry is originally from South Florida and has served congregations there for more than a decade. She received her education (undergraduate and Hebrew Union College) in New York City and spent a year in Jerusalem as part of her training. She’s excited about the opportunities in the northeast corner of her home state.

“The Temple has a long musical tradition, and I was looking for a community that had a strong interest in Jewish music, one that is interested in social justice and enthusiastic about being part of a greater Jewish community,” she said. “My family was ready for a change, and we knew we wanted a close-knit Jewish community that worked together.”

Cantor Barry knew early on that she wanted to be a cantor— she grew up in a Reform congregation with a female cantor, and she and the congregation’s rabbi were her inspiration.

“For me, music is the heart of Jewish worship,” she says, adding that she is excited to work

with Rabbi Bahar to advance the spiritual element in the life of the congregation. “When I find people who feel the same way and want to partner with me so that we can build something even more beautiful, what more can I ask for?”

She’s excited to get started with one of Temple’s most popular music offerings, Friday Night Live (FNL). She had started a band in South Florida, and so was particularly impressed by the passion the FNL members bring to this Temple tradition.

Cantor Barry will also be working with the families of those preparing for B’nai Mitzvah.

“One of my passions is working with the B’nai Mitzvah families, taking them through that particular life experience,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being able to help them navigate that journey.”

It’s been several years since The Temple had a full-time cantor, and she is eager to expose the congregation to some of the newer voices in Jewish music.

Cantor Barry also believes in having a mix of old and new so that everyone can connect with the music on a deeper level.

“I believe that when we engage people in services, the trick is to find an access point for everyone,” she noted. “I always want there to be a moment for each person to take that breath and welcome Shabbat in their own way.”

Cantor Barry is joined in Jacksonville by her husband, Ian Barry, and their two sons, Blake (11) and Eli (8).

Blind Students Helped

by Unique Volunteering Opportunity For over 60 years, the Temple Sisterhood at Congregation Ahavath Chesed has sponsored a Braille education program, teaching volunteers to convert printed books into Braille versions used by the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, other institutions serving the visually impaired, and individuals who make special requests. These services are provided at no cost to recipients.

The 2019-2020 Braille class for volunteers will begin on September 5. This nine-month program on transcribing text into Braille or converting illustrations into tactile graphics runs September through June, on Thurs-

days from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Course graduates can go on to be certified as Braille transcribers by the U.S. Library of Congress.

The program is open to men and women of all faiths.

Please join us for an orientation meeting Thursday, August 29, at 10 a.m. at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, 8727 San Jose Boulevard.

For more information, contact Lynnette Taylor (904-466-2129 or dandltaylor@att.net), Holly Cleveland (904-463-0357 or holly.cleveland@att.net), Nancy Cohen (248-250-2406 or r4cohen@gmail.com), or Candace Richardson (904-607-7619 or candacerichardson@att.net).

Synagogue News

page 27

Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2019

Friendship Circle serves Jewish families with special needs

By Chabad at the Beaches

Beth El religious school begins new year Beth El religious school teachers are looking forward to implementing their hands-on curriculum and creating a meaningful and enjoyable learning environment for their students. The curriculum is based on three big ideas: Developing a Deep Connection to our Sacred Texts, Belonging to a Spiritual Community, and Living Our Values: I am Part of the Jewish Community and have Responsibilities to it.

Through these Big Ideas, students can discuss such essential questions as: How can Torah help me in my life when I am not sure what to do? What

values can I learn from Bible characters? How has Israel shaped and been shaped by the story of the Jewish people? How can I make a difference for other people in the world?

The goal for the students of religious school is to develop a love of Judaism through story, art and celebration. The learning begins on August 11 at 9 a.m.

For more information, contact Vickie Kennedy at 904-273-9100 or vickie@bethelbeaches.org.

Chabad at the Beaches will be starting a local branch of Friendship Circle this year for Jewish families with special needs children in the Beaches area. It will launch with Friends at Home and Sunday Circle.

Sunday Circle is a holidaybased program that offers a wonderful range of activities, from music therapy to sports and holiday-themed activities for our special friends and their teen buddies.

Friends at Home is a weekly program that has pairs of teenage volunteers spending quality time with children with special needs in the environment the kids are most comfortable and familiar with: their own homes.

Special age-appropriate surprises are given for each Jewish holiday and various dates on the Jewish calendar.

A unique bond is established between the volunteers and their friends. Parents speak glowingly of how the children

New Five-Week Hebrew Reading Crash Course Now Available

By Chabad at The Beaches

A new flashcard-based Hebrew reading course, developed by the Jewish Learning Institute, promises users that they can learn to read Hebrew in only five weeks if they follow the program.

Beginning Tuesday, August 20 at 7 p.m., Dafne Blank will conduct the five sessions of this new course, “Read it in Hebrew, “ at Chabad at the Beaches, 521 A1A N, in Ponte Vedra Beach.

“Many people feel lost in synagogue, because they don’t know how to read Hebrew,” explains Rabbi Levi Kaplan of JLI’s headquarters in Brooklyn, N.Y. “We have found that learning how to read Hebrew strengthens one’s feeling of connection to Judaism in a powerful way. ‘Read it in Hebrew’ fills a tremendous need.”

Already a hit with communities around the world, “Read it in Hebrew” has been tried successfully in over 150 Chabad Houses, camps and schools, enabling over 1,000 students to read Hebrew so far.

The first two lessons of “Read it

in Hebrew” focus on the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, while the last three lessons introduce vowels and teach students how to read words.

With flashcards portraying the letters alongside catchy mnemonics that make the information memorable and easy to digest, “Read in Hebrew” allows students to absorb information quickly and efficiently.

The course utilizes a timeless teaching method espoused by the Jewish sages for generations. In addition to reading skills, students get a glimpse into the holiness and depth of the Hebrew language, including brief kabalistic explanations of the Hebrew letters.

Local instructor Dafne Blank, a native Israeli, ads her own flair to the course by ending each lesson with a fun segment focusing on conversational Hebrew.

“Finally, a fun and easy-to-use program that teaches Jews how to read in the language of their ancestors,” exclaims Rabbi Nochum Kurinsky with Chabad at the Beaches. “If you want to participate in synagogue but find it hard to follow what’s going on, this is for you.

look forward to these visits, and how they excitedly sit at the window in anticipation of their buddies showing up at the doorstep.

This program is set up by the Friends at Home coordinator and is based on the specific needs of each family.

To register your child for the Friends at Home program, contact Dafne Blank at 904-770-0502. For more information about serving as a volunteer, email info@ chabadbeaches.com.

NOT Your Parents Hebrew School!

By Chabad at The Beaches

Language no longer needs to be a barrier between Jewish people and their heritage.”

“Read it in Hebrew” is designed to appeal to people at all levels of Jewish knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. The course is open to the public.

For more information, contact Dafne Blank at 904-770-0502 or dafne@chabadbeaches.com, or visit www.chabadbeaches.com.

Chabad at The Beaches innovative Hebrew School is accepting students for the 2019-2020 School year.

Imagine a Hebrew School where kids don’t want to miss a day. They come in with a smile and leave humming a Hebrew song. Walking through the school, you can hear the sounds of lively discussion, of singing, laughter and prayer. Imagine a child who feels the warmth and spirit of Judaism. Imagine the pride of their parents.

Welcome to The Beaches Hebrew School, an exciting and innovative educational program with a wellearned reputation as a trend setter in creative Jewish education for children in grades kindergarten through seven.

The Beaches Hebrew School has exciting new programs, a dynamic staff and engaged students. Our student body is made up of children from various backgrounds and affiliations. Synagogue membership is not required.

For more information, visit chabadbeaches.com/hebrewschool, call 904-543-9301 or email info@ chabadbeaches.com.

Temple Sisterhood Installation 2019-2020 President Laurie Simmons began her second year by installing her Executive Board for 2019-2020. With the help of Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar, the following women took office:

Newly Installed Executive Board Left to Right:

(Front Row) Susan Board, Cathy Winterfield, Ann Stone, President Laurie Simmons, Rhoda London and Gail Jarrett (Back Row) Joyce Elkin, Sandy Archer, Cheryl Covitz, Leslie Goldstein, Joyce Braun, Angela Deese-Theobald, Sydney Mann, Mindy Grinnan, Carolyn Kantor and Marie Reitzes Not pictured: Peggy Organes and Judy Israel

• President Elect: Ann Stone and Cathy Winterfield • Temple and Community Co-VPs: Ann Stone and Sydney Mann • Membership Co-VPs: Susan Board, Cheryl Covitz and Carolyn Kantor • Programming Co-VPs: Marie Reitzes and Angela Deese-Theobald • Ways and Means Co-VPs: Cathy Winterfield and Joyce Braun • Co-Treasurers: Joyce Elkin and Mindy Grinnan • Financial Secretary: Peggy Organes • Recording Secretary: Sandy Archer • Parliamentarian: Judy Israel • Communications Coordinator: Rhoda London • Immediate Past President: Gail Jarrett

At the Installation service, Renee Weinstein received a special award for her work with Sisterhood’s Judaica shop.

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