JJn February 2018 by JewishLife Magazine

MARKING A MILESTONE MAKING MITZVAHS HAPPEN

River Garden CEO, Marty Goetz celebrates 40 years at the agency Page 5

ANNUAL CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH Takes on a historic theme for the Women’s Division this year with appearances from some famous Israelis Page 19

The Jacksonville Jewish community steps up on Dec. 25 and delivers food to 1st responders Page 12

A publication of

February 2018

• Sh’vat/Adar 5778 •

Federation makes appearance on Ch. 4 in advance of Super Sunday

By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32217

Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

Published Monthly POSTMASTER PLEASE DELIVER BY FEB. 1ST

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 146

A significant twist has been added to a yearly tradition as the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville’s annual Super Sunday video will be aired on Channel 4’s River City Live, just a few days before Super Sunday, Feb. 4. The segment will be aired live on WJXT during the 11 a.m. hour, Thursday morning, Feb. 1, as hosts Eden Kendall and Mark Payton will interview Board President Ken Jacobs about the Federation and its fundraising efforts. The segment will then Federation President Ken be reaired the Jacobs will be interviewed. following day at 6 a.m. on Ch. 4’s sister station, CW17 and posted online at news4jax.com. “We are extremely grateful to WJXT for publicly recognizing Federation’s unique Super Sunday event,” Jacobs said. “Each year, our community joins together on this special day to provide critical support to improve the lives of countless people in Jacksonville and throughout the world.” Before the in-studio interview with Jacobs, a special four-minute-long pre-recorded video will be shown spotlighting two Holocaust survivors in the community who receive critical services from JFCS. Jacobs’ interview will then highlight Federation’s impact on both the secular and Jewish communities here in Jacksonville and the global Jewish community at-large. The video, which in past years had been filmed and produced by Federation staff, was edited and put together in partnership with WJXT and its production team.

www.jewishjacksonville.org

•

JaxJewish

@jaxjewish

JaxJewishTV • Volume 30, Number 8 • 28 pages

Exec. Director Alan Margolies talks Super Sunday On Sunday,

Feb. 4, Federation will hold its annual Phonathon called Super Sunday. Chaired by our outstanding young leaders, Haley Trager and Ben Marsh, we hope to speak with hundreds of members of the community requesting their Alan Margolies participation in the annual campaign. In our publicity for the event, we are asking for everyone to ‘answer the call’ and in the process encourage everyone to support the campaign and the work of our partner agencies in Jacksonville and abroad. Perhaps it is fair to question, why do we as Federation merit this consideration? There are, today, many worthy causes for

each of us to consider when we determine our expressions of tzedukah, or charitable donations. On page No. 17 of this issue of the JJN, we list the recipients of Federation funds from last year’s annual campaign, as we are the only organization in Jacksonville conducting an annual campaign to support all of these agencies, synagogues and Jewish schools. Over the course of the past 10 years, Federation has provided $3,000,000 to Jewish Family and Community Services, $2,000,000 to both the Jewish Community Alliance and River Garden, and more than $1.5 million for day school education. Federation has allocated

more than $7 million to overseas partner agencies. These recipients of Federation funds make Jacksonville a truly wonderful community in which to live and raise our children. Our overseas partners are providing life-saving services to our fellow Jews all over the world, so it’s no wonder why Federation touches more Jewish lives than any other organization in the world. With this in mind, we do ask that you indeed ‘answer the call’ on Super Sunday and make your gift to the 2018 campaign or call before Feb. 4, at 904-448-5000 and make your gift in advance of the big day. Alan Margolies

Federation Executive Director

Chabad of the Southside and UNF team up to bring Anne Frank’s stepsister on campus By Chabad of the Southside

On Wednesday, March 7, at 7 p.m., Mrs. Eva Schloss will share her experiences as the childhood friend and stepsister of Anne Frank, including accounts of the publishing of her famed diary in the 70th year since its initial publication. The presentation will take place at the Adam W. Hubert University Center (12000 Alumni Dr.) on the campus of the University of North Florida and will be suitable for audience members in their teens and older. UNF President and former Jacksonville mayor John Delaney will interview Mrs. Schloss from the stage for what is sure to be a compelling and memorable evening. The event will be free and open to the public however Chabad of the Southside, which honored to offer this event to the community, is actively seeking personal and corporate sponsors to help make this event possible. Please contact Rabbi Shmuli Novack at 904-646-4434 for sponsorships or to reserve your spot for a special VIP reception with Mrs. Schloss that will be held prior to the event. The reception starts at 5:30 p.m. where attendees will receive an

Anne Frank

autographed copy of her book and have the opportunity to meet briefly with her for a contribution of $180. In 1938, Germany invaded Austria, causing many Jewish families to flee Austria to avoid persecution. Among the emigrants was 8-year-old Eva Geiringer, who with her mother, brother, and father moved first to Belgium and then to Holland, where one of her neighbors was a German Jewish girl name Anne of the same age. The two girls became friends and playmates and they

Frank’s stepsister Eva Schloss

passed the time by skipping, playing hopscotch and marbles, and drinking lemonade that the girl’s mother prepared. Ultimately, both girls and their families were deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Eva survived her experience and made her way to England, where she married Zvi Schloss and raised three daughters. Her eventual stepsister did not survive Auschwitz but kept a diary that did.

See EVA SCHLOSS, p. 4

Jewish UNF student’s work is out of this world Jewish Osprey President Lee Giat doesn’t let the constraints of Earth contain his curiosity BY MATT FRANZBLAU Communications Director jjn@jewishjacksonville.org

As UNF sophomore Lee Giat scans the vast landscape of Jacksonville’s expansive borders, he does so from a unique perspective, both figuratively and literally. While many in the River City complete this same task from the congested highways and bridges that inhabit the densely populated municipality, the 19-year-old Weston, Fla., native does so from thousands of feet above in the sky. That’s because Giat is a newly minted pilot, having obtained his license within the last calendar year. “Whenever you sit in the pilot’s seat and are in the air after take off, you get this adrenaline rush because you can say, ‘I did it’,” Giat explained of his most unique circumstances. “To be able to be above

everything else and know that you have this perspective that not a lot of other people can get at your age is very satisfying.” Coincidentally enough, Giat can claim a lot of things that many of his peers cannot at this stage of life. Aside from following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a licensed aviator, the astrophysics and multimedia production double-major has also accrued a wide-array of experiences and accomplishments when it comes to broadcast videos and the dissemination of them to the far reaches of our planet. “I helped create a TV show with hosts from the United States and Russia,” said the aspiring journalist and scientist. “Me, my UNF student Lee Giat explores the world friend Daniel and my other friend Ricky around him through a creative lens which is filmed a 30-second video and sent it to filmed and posted in a special YouTube series. the Eurasia Foundation, and we ultimately ended up winning the competition we entered at the Student Television Network Convention.” What followed for the then high school senior was a trip overseas with his friends for a month-long stay inside dorms at a

Scan code for paper online at

See SPACE STUDENT, p. 13

.com

page 2

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News â&#x20AC;¢ February 2018

page 3

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

opinion and cartoons JJN’s Rabbinically Speaking: Celebrating the birthday of the trees BY RABBI AVI FEIGENBAUM Etz Chiam Synagogue

Tu B’Shvat seems to be a bit of an odd holiday. Tu B’Shvat – the “birthday of the trees” takes place in what appears to be the dead of winter. Everything is dreary and cold, and covered in snow. (We might not experience the snow here in Jacksonville, but we certainly experienced the cold this year!) It does not exactly seem to be the joyous birth of anything at all! Quite the opposite – the leaves are all gone, and everything seems to be cold and dead. This being said – Tu B’Shvat taking place now seems a bit incongruous! Why not have Tu B’Shvat closer to Passover, at the beginning of spring? That’s when the snow is melting, birds start chirping and trees start producing blossoms. That appears to be more in line with the spirit of the holiday. Yet this is not the case – Tu B’Shvat is celebrated now – when no growth seems to be happening whatsoever. To understand the reasoning behind this, we must discover the

symbolism behind the holiday of Tu B’Shevat. The Torah doesn’t tell us to celebrate the birthday of every living thing. There is no “Yom Huledet Lsusim” day – “Happy birthday horses”, or “Yom Huledet lchitah” day – “Happy birthday wheat”. That sounds ridiculous! Well, if you think about it – so do “Yom Huledet l’ilanot” – Happy birthday trees”! So why does G-d command us to celebrate the birth of the trees? What is He trying to teach us? Nature is cyclical. We have four seasons, where much of the world experiences extreme differences in weather, and thus in Nature’s growth cycles. There is no greater time when this disparity is seen than the difference between winter and spring. In winter, everything appears to be lifeless – nothing growing whatsoever. In spring – that is when trees, plants and flowers start to flourish, appearing to be reborn after the dead of winter. But, in truth, as anyone with even a rudimentary knowledge of botany knows, it is in fact the dead of winter that gives the

RABBINICALLY SPEAKING earth the ability to regrow with such splendor in the spring. While there is no external signs of development, it is the cold, the dark and the dreary that gives the roots a chance to revitalize and prepare itself for the growth that is to come in the spring. In fact, without the winter, it is indeed more difficult for the spring to

bring forth all it has to offer. And so it is true with our lives. Many times we get caught up in the “winter” – the hardships, where everything seems cold, dark and impossible to handle. We think that we will never get past it, that we will be stuck in this state forever. We cannot possibly imagine why G-d has put us in this situation, and how we can ever grow from it. We would like to “huddle under our covers” and stay there till the struggle is gone, hoping that we wake up the next day and “spring” has arrived. We view our hardships as something we must deal with and overcome, and leave behind – as quickly as possible. G-d is teaching us that the opposite is true. We are like the trees. It is in fact our hardships that give us the ability to

Expert Insights on the Jewish Funeral By Dignity Memorial

Judaism is the world’s oldest surviving monotheistic religion, spanning more than 3,000 years. It is considered by the Jewish people to express the relationship God developed with the Children of Israel. Based on centuries of tradition as well as Jewish law, the Jewish funeral is a modest, solemn religious service designed to honor the dead and provide support to the deceased’s family and friends. It is important to remember that Jewish funeral practices vary widely depending on family preferences. Religious Tradition Jewish law, the basis for the ceremony, requires the following: • The body is thoroughly washed. • The deceased is buried in an all-wood constructed casket. • The deceased is buried

wearing a simple white shroud (tachrichim). Today, many families bury their loved one in clothing instead. • The body of the deceased is watched over until burial. • Before the funeral begins, immediate relatives tear their garments to symbolize their loss. The rabbi may perform this ritual or present torn black ribbons to pin on their clothes. • Upon hearing about a death, a Jew recites the words, “Ba ruch dayan emet” which means “Blessed be the one true judge.” According to tradition, burial takes place as soon as possible after death. But in today’s world, families may live far apart, so burials may be postponed to accommodate travel. Most communities offer the services of Chevra Kadisha, a sacred burial society that will prepare the deceased for burial. The practice of shemira, guarding the body from death until

burial, honors the dead. A family member, Chevra Kadisha, or someone arranged by the funeral home recites from the Tehillim (Book of Psalms) while watching over the deceased. Historically strictly forbidden in the Jewish faith, cremation is on the rise, even in Jewish funeral homes, so families should feel comfortable discussing this option with their provider. Although religious tradition discourages open casket funerals, families will generally have an opportunity to view their loved one privately before the burial. The service, which generally lasts between 15 and 60 minutes, typically takes place in a funeral home, graveside or occasionally in a synagogue, and is led by the rabbi, with lay participation limited to eulogies or memorials by relatives or friends. If families are not affiliated with a particular synagogue, the funeral home will likely be able to arrange for a rabbi to perform the service.

At the simplest funeral service, the rabbi recites prayers and leads the family in the kaddish, the prayer for the deceased. The graveside service will vary, depending on the family’s background and religious affiliation. Participants may assist in filling the grave. Jewish Funeral Etiquette Recommended funeral attire consists of dark-colored clothing - a dress or skirt and blouse for women, and a jacket and tie for men. Men also wear a head covering known as a yarmulke which is provided by the funeral home. For the majority of Jewish families, charitable donations are fitting memorial gifts. Mourning After the burial, Jewish families mourn by sitting shiva, generally at the home of a close family

grow. When we are stuck in the “winter” – we must realize that it is in fact these hardships that give us the greatest opportunities for growth. “Nisayon” - the Hebrew word for hardships, comes from the root of the word “nes” miracles. For it is within our greatest hardships that we experience the greatest miracles – which is our own power, strength and ability to keep going, and to keep growing. It is easy to grow when it is “spring”, when it is sunny, warm and cheerful. We only realize our own greatness when going gets tough, and we have to channel our inner strengths in ways we never knew we could. And so, in the dead of winter, we celebrate the birthday of the trees. We celebrate the fact that just like trees, which begin to rejuvenate and grow right when everything appears to be completely lifeless; we too can take our own personal winters, and instead of feeling hopeless and depressed, we can turn them into opportunities for growth, and hope for the future! member. This was traditionally done for seven days, but many Jews now sit shiva for one or three days. Traditional Jews cover all mirrors during this time and sit on shiva benches. Condolence visits by friends and extended family are welcomed during this period. You may bring gifts of food, but make sure it is kosher unless you’re sure the family doesn’t keep kosher. In addition to a formal shiva, some families will “receive friends” on a more casual basis. Choosing a Jewish Funeral Provider The funeral provider you choose should be well-versed in these time-honored customs. Whether you are in need of immediate assistance or interested in learning more about prearranging, Dignity Memorial® providers are experts in Jewish funeral practices and are here to help you and your loved ones plan a service that honors the life it represents and the traditions you cherish. Rely on us to serve your family’s needs.

Advertising Representatives Barbara Nykerk • 904.733.4179 • 904.923-3205 Eta Perras • 904.629.0466 Editor & Communications Director Matt Franzblau • mattf@jewishjacksonville.org

Dry Bones Cartoons by Yaakov Kirschen

Communications Committee Jon Israel, Chair Shirley Bielski Helen Hill Michele Katz Joan Levin Andrea Mail Rachel Morgenthal Andrew Ocean Marsha Pollock Federation President Ken Jacobs Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies 8505 San Jose Blvd. • Jacksonville, FL 32217 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. Ad deadlines: All ads must be received by the 15th of each month and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org in .pdf format. Editorial support: Natalie McElwee, Donna O’Steen, Erin Cohen, Val Battini, Emma Pulley, Andrew Ocean

page 4

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

community news

Letter from the editor: A simple so long, yet a complex goodbye T

o my Jewish Jacksonville friends, coworkers and extended family. This will be the final time I write to you in this capacity as I have embarked on a new professional journey, assuming a similar role with a Jewish day school in the southern part of the state. For the past 2.5 plus years, it has been an honor to help tell the many wonderful stories within this community. From weekly lunches between a father and his sons to an inside look inside our city’s Eruv, your thoughts, opinions and experiences have helped guide me in putting words to print for you to read each and every month. I have not only been proud to answer to the title of Editor and Communications Director, but what meant most to me was the one title I shared with each and every one of you, and that was ‘community member.’ Together we have shared meals, shed tears and spread smiles with one another, but with

these meaningful experiences now in my heart and on my mind, I make the hard yet necessary decision to move on where I can apply the skills I perfected here in Jacksonville to helping tell another Jewish community’s story. That community is Boca Raton where I will be the Communications Director at the Donna Klein Jewish Academy, a K-12 school in Palm Beach County. Following my departure, I urge you to continue reading the Jacksonville Jewish News and to continue filling it with interesting and captivating content, as it is a vitally important communications vehicle in our community. Please stay in touch and remember that the written word still yields more power and evokes more raw emotion than those that are typed, tweeted and texted.

JJN 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: • • • • • • • • •

Sincerely,

Matt Franzblau Federation Communications Director and JJN Editor (Apr. 2015–Jan. 2018)

Alhambra Theatre (p. 12) • Jewish Java (p. 13) B&C Financial (p. 12) • Jumpin’ JAX House of Food Beachview Rentals (p. 9) (p. 8) Bob Ham Eyewear (p. 8) • KW Realty (p. 23) Brandon Pest (p. 24) • Larry Tallis, Photographer Dignity Memorial (p. 25) (p. 27) Erica Jolles Realty (p. 6) • Margo’s Catering (p. 24) Etz Chaim (p. 26) • Mensch Express (p. 23) Hala’s Mideast Eatery and • Pediatric Dentistry (p. 23) Market (p. 10) • River Garden (p. 2) • Hydroponic Unique Goods • San-Jose Beauclerc Animal (p. 27) Hospital Inc. (p. 9) • Impressions (p. 23) • Shalom JAX (p. 4) • JJC (p. 11, 17) • Starling at San Jose (p. 18) • JCA (p. 20) • Stein Mart (p. 19) • JFCS (p. 21) • The Tax Man (p. 23) • Jewish Federation of • UF Health Proton Therapy Jacksonville (p. 14, 15, 28) Institute (p. 26) For your advertising needs, please contact advertising sales representatives Barbara Nykerk at 904-733-4179 or Eta Perras at 904-629-0466.

Feb. 2018 - Sh’vat/Adar 5778

Eva Schloss Continued from pg. 1 Since 1985, Eva Schloss has devoted herself to Holocaust education and global peace. She has recounted her wartime experiences in more than 1,000 speaking engagements, has written two books and has had a play written about her life. In 1999, Eva signed the Anne Frank Peace Declaration along with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and the niece of Raul Wallenberg, a legendary figure who rescued thousands of Jews in Budapest. Schloss’ 3-D likeness is currently on display at New York’s Museum of Jewish Heritage and her documentary ‘116 Cameras’ is now in the running for an Academy

Award. Families of all faiths are invited to attend as this is a special opportunity to hear a first-hand account from someone whose life intersected with one of the most compelling figures of the past century. Complimentary tickets are available at southsidechabad. com/annefrank.

Adult Education.................p. 27 Community News...................... ............................ p. 4-6, 18, 24 Education ..................... p. 9-11 Federation News.p. 15,-17, 19 JCA .................................. p. 20 JFCS ..................................p. 21

Jacksonville Jewish News ........ ....................................p. 12, 13 Lifecycles.......................... p. 23 Opinion & Cartoons............ P. 3 River Garden.................... p. 22 Service Schedules........... p. 26 Synagogue News.......... p. 7, 8 Top Stories...........................p. 1

Read archived issues online at

.com

This month in JJN History Feb. 2010

Eight years ago this month, the Jacksonville Jewish News publicized its upcoming annual Super Sunday Phonathon and how the communities dollars go to protecting and improving the lives of Jews in Northeast Florida and around the world. Then Federation Campaign Chair Larry Appel made a personal appeal to the community and at the bottom of the page a special Purim preview was placed to help community The Feb. 2010 edition of the Jacksonville members see what contests, Jewish News had Super Sunday coverage carnivals and other celebrations front and center on its front page, just would be taking place in the like this month’s edition in 2018 does. coming month.

www.jewishjacksonville.org

page 5

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

community news

CEO Marty Goetz celebrates 40 years at River Garden By River Garden Senior Services

Goetz poses with the Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville Director Isabel Balotin. Both are staples in the Jacksonville Jewish community.

It has been 40 years since Martin A. Goetz, River Garden CEO, began his career at the Hebrew Home. In 1978, Goetz was hired as the Associate Administrator, and became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. He is a past member of the Board and Executive Committee of the Florida Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (FAHSA) and served as its treasurer. In 2001 Mr. Goetz received FAHSA’s Public

Policy Award for advocacy on nursing home litigation reform, and in 2003 he was the recipient of FAHSA’s Distinguished Service Award, the highest award given by the association. In 2007, Goetz was presented with the Chairman’s Award by FAHSA in recognition of his years of service to the board and its members. In 2008 he was elected by FAHSA membership to a threeyear term in the AAHSA (now LeadingAge) House of Delegates. In 1994, the eventual CEO was the recipient of the ‘Dr. Herb Shore Young Administrator of the Year Award’ by the Association of

Jewish Aging Services (AJAS) in Washington, D.C., and, in 2005, he was elected to the AJAS Board of Directors and served as its Board Chair from 2011-2013. In 2016, he was presented with the ‘Dr. Herbert Shore Award of Honor.’ Mr. Goetz served (2002–06) as a member of the Community Advisory Board for Av-Med Health Systems, a statewide managed healthcare organization with a central office in Gainesville, Florida. He has also served as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the University of North Florida College Of Health in Jacksonville.

JCA, Etz Chaim host Hamentashen Bake

Temple Archivist, Hazel Mack: 90 Years Young BY GOLDIE Y. LANSKY

Executive Director at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, The Temple

Hazel has more energy than people half her age. When most people talk about celebrating a “special” birthday, Hazel proudly says I am 90. To which I say, may you live to 120 happy and healthy. Hazel was one of the first people who greeted me when I arrived at Temple ten years ago. She had so much to tell me about the history, the traditions, the amazing people and events that are part of Temple’s history. As she talks about the event, she is pulling documents, newspaper articles, photographs and letters which she has carefully filed in special acid-free archive boxes. She recognizes that Temple’s history is priceless and that she is the mistress of that history. In 1980, Natalie Glickstein asked for her help writing the history of Temple’s first 100 years in anticipation of celebrating Temple’s centennial in 1982. “All the rest is history,” as it is said. The women began gathering photographs of Confirmation classes and past presidents and then, boxes of materials presented themselves. Some of these materials had been found in closets at Temple and some at congregants’ homes. Over time, they evaluated each item and today the Temple Archives includes more than 15,000 items. For years, Lois Gilbert, of blessed memory, worked with Hazel two days each week for six hours each day… all volunteer hours, affirming the history and cataloging each item. Today, there are leather-bound record books of Temple Vital Statistics: each

See HAZEL MACK, p. 6

By Etz Chaim Synagogue

In preparation for the upcoming holiday of Purim, join the JCA and Etz Chaim Synagogue for the annual Family Hamentashen Bake, Sunday, Feb. 18 at 12:30 p.m. Aside from baking the customary three-cornered festival treats, there will be games and crafts for the children, and a special learning session about the Purim story for the adults. This event is free and open to the community but registration is required. Originally, the hamentashen bake was orchestrated by the Etz Chaim’s WIFI group but last year, in collaboration with the JCA’s department of Family and Jewish Outreach, the event had more than 90 people in attendance. The JCA became a natural partner in helping to orchestrate this event on a bigger scale and this year, Dave Flagler and Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum hope that the mitzvah and joy of Purim can be brought to even more members of our community. “I am excited for the opportunity to work with again with Etz Chaim and bring the community together to experientially usher in Purim,” Flagler said. “I love working with Rabbi Feigenbaum as he is a wonderful man and educator and excellent resource for this community.”

The event will be taking place at the JCA, so for more information, contact Dave Flagler at 904-730-2100, ext. 271 or Rabbi Feigenbaum at rabbifeigenbaum@etzchaim.org. To register, please contact the JCA program registrar at 904-730-2100, ext. 228 or go to etzchaim.org.

Young Concert Artists continues with flutist Anthony Trionfo By Jewish Community Alliance

The JCA is proud to present flutist Anthony Trionfo in concert on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. This free concert is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Berman Family. Anthony Trionfo

Trionfo has been praised for his “spellbinding” performances and has made recital debuts at the Kennedy Center as well as in New York City’s Merkin Concert Hall. He also served as the Principal Flute of the American Youth Symphony for the 2015-16 season.

At the Young Concert Artists 2016 International Auditions, Trionfo received numerous prizes and awards as well as being the first YCA artist to win the inaugural LP Classics Debut Recording Prize, granting him a commercial recording. In addition to performing,

Trionfo is committed to community outreach, teaching through the jumpstart program in Los Angeles. He was a Colburn School Teaching Fellow and has performed in masterclasses. Trionfo studies at the Colburn Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of James

Walker. He has performed concertos with the Interlochen Symphony Orchestra, The Colburn Symphony Orchestra and the Las Vegas Philharmonic. For more information on the concert series, contact Thelma at thelma.nied@jcajax.org.

page 6

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

community news Chabad at the Beaches to sell Hamantashen below retail

Chanukah Klezmer Celebration

By Chabad at the Beaches

Chabad at the Beaches will sell world-famous Reisman’s Hamantashen. Hamantashen is a triangular, filled pastry which is traditionally served on Purim. The Hamantashen will be sold for only $5.50 a pound which is less than the standard retail value. The Hamantashen are available in four delicious flavors: raspberry, apricot, poppy seed and prune. Orders must be submitted before Wed., February 14. Reisman`s Hamantashen are famous. They are the most mouthwatering hamantashen around. One taste, and you’ll keep coming back for more. For centuries this little tri-cornered pastry (representing either Haman’s ears or, his hat) has served as the “special” food associated with the Purim holiday. Hamantashen, of course, can go into shalach manos baskets. Remember that the sending of gifts of food to friends on Purim is an important mitzvah that is mentioned in the Megillah itself (the minimum requirement is two food items to one person).

Hazel Mack Continued from pg. 5 birth, lifecycle event, conversion, marriage and death. These are a

River Garden Auxiliary to hold dinner, game night By River Garden Auxiliary

Guy and the Yehudahs Klezmer band were truly a sensation and their Chanukah rendition that preceded Menorah lighting really set the Chanukah atmoshphere. Hundreds of Latkes and donuts were enjoyed and kids had a super fun time creating Chanukah slime!

treasure trove for those creating their family trees. Temple regularly receives a call from distant places, asking if we can help confirm a family anecdote which has a Jacksonville connection. Hazel tries to “connect the dots.”

Rabbi Gary Zola, the Executive Director of The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives and the Edward M. Ackerman Family Distinguished Professor of the American Jewish Experience at Hebrew Union

College, was the Scholar-inResidence several months ago. He has visited hundreds of synagogue archives, most of which are boxes of uncatalogued items, or small closets. He was so impressed by what Hazel has accomplished that he offered his expertise and the

The River Garden Auxiliary requests your attendance for a deli dinner, movie, Mahjong and more, Saturday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. The event, which will also feature games such as Bridge, Canasta, Rummikub and Scrabble, will take place at River Garden Hebrew Home and costs $18 per person. Please RSVP by Feb. 1, to Randee Steinberg at 904-7319437 and Randee.impressions@aol.com or Rhoda Goldstein at 904-268-8124 and rhodagoldstein@hotmail. com. Those wishing to mail payment can do so by sending a check to the attention of Randee Steinberg 2306 Segovia Ave. Jacksonville, Fla. 32217. support of his staff to organize our archives catalog in a manner that the information can be accessed electronically from anywhere in the world. This may be the greatest birthday gift Hazel (and Temple) has received.

Helicopter gelt drop takes Chanukah to new heights in Nocatee By Chabad St. Johns County

For the first time in Northeast Florida, hundreds witnessed the dramatic Helicopter Gelt Drop! After one thousand chocolate coins rained down in a spectacular shimmering shower, the entire crowd of kids and adults rushed in to collect their chocolate treasures. The evening commenced with an adorable sing-along performance by the kids from GROW’s

Jewish After School Enrichment program. Lighting up the night at the Nocatee Splash Park, families took in the annual Chanukah Light Show followed by the kindling of a Giant Glowing Menorah. The show was accompanied by lively music and a delectable smorgasbord of Chanukah treats and a Kosher BBQ. The lighting of a dazzling Glow-in-the-dark Menorah and the joyous, family atmosphere kept children and

Jax Jewish Singles to take on Thai in February By Jacksonville Jewish Singles

Please join the Jacksonville Jewish Singles for dinner in February at Tuptin Thai serving traditional Thai cuisine. Located on San Jose Blvd. in a casual set-

ting with many options to choose from including traditional noodle dishes to other family recipes that have been handed down for generations. Contact Francine Smith at 904-221-8061 for more information.

page 7

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

synagogue news

Shabbat service, dinner to be held in Atlantic, Neptune Beaches By Chabad at the Beaches

Jewish residents of Neptune and Atlantic Beaches will now have the opportunity to experience both a Shabbat service and wonderful dinner. Delicious cuisine will be offered for the dinner you have been waiting for. Join us for a short yet meaningful 25-minute Shabbat night service on Friday, February 23 at 6 p.m. followed by a full Shabbat dinner. No experience necessary. Services

to be led in Hebrew with transliteration and translation, and in English. This wonderful Shabbat evening will take place at the Adele Grage Community Center, 716 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach in Atlantic Beach. The Shabbat dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., replete with Kiddush, a full fourcourse meal, singing and Shabbat fun led by Rabbi Nochum and Leah Kurinsky of Chabad at the Beaches. As with all Chabad events, there is no membership

or affiliation necessary to join. Reservations are required and can be made via our website: ChabadBeaches.com. For nearly 14 years now, Chabad at the Beaches has offered a Shabbat Service and legendary full dinner to residents of the Beaches area. Hundreds of Beaches residents and travelers have participated and enjoyed a spectacular Shabbat experience. These Shabbat meals are legendary because of

the singing, jovial atmosphere and spirituality. “Shabbat in Atlantic Beach always brings out the most marvelous mix of people,” Says Leah Kurinsky, Co-Director of Chabad at the Beaches. “The greatest joy for us is spending Shabbat with old friends, and we welcome the opportunity to make new ones”. Chabad’s regular Shabbat service, which will be held at the Aaron and Blanche Scharf Chabad at the Beaches’ Center for

Jewish life in Ponte Vedra, will begin at 7 p.m. Your reservation is requested. There is no set cost. However, there is a suggested donation of $25 per person which can be made via our website ChabadBeaches.com or by mail. Sponsorships are available for $100 and $180 and $360. For information, please call (904) 543 9301, email info@ chabadbeaches.com or go to our website at ChabadBeaches.com.

Beloved Annual Purim Event to take place March 1

Yom Limmud sees great turnout BY BETH RUSH

Etz Chaim Synagogue

Over 180 people came to this year’s Yom Limmud at Etz Chaim on Sunday morning, January 14. It was cold but sunny, and the stage was set for inspiration. Coffee flowed and bagels and other tasty nosh were shared just prior to the presentation. People of all ages and different levels of Jewish observance and scholarship came together for a morning of learning and the energy strongly reflected the welcoming and accepting energy of our community. As in past years, Etz Chaim offered the event for free, along with free babysitting. Such costs were offset by the generous sponsorship of Lawrence and Kathy Kanter & Family. My children, my husband and I had a great time seeing old friends and meeting new friends. To the kids, the babysitting was a great chance to have fun with other children in our community. Invited speaker, Charlie Harary presented, “I Know God Exists, but Is He in My Life?” Charlie shared how Torah teaches us how everything we experience (the good, the bad, and the ugly) is a manifestation of Hashem. At times, Hashem interacts by asking us to express and challenge ourselves, but at the same time, we must balance such acts and events with knowing our limits. That is not an easy task for any of us to accomplish. Charlie shared 7 of the 10 Sefirot, (Chesed, Gevurah, Tiferet, Netzach, Hod, Yesod,

Malchut) and used excerpts from Torah, and real life, to demonstrate how Hashem is with us at all times. Each of the Sefirot counter-balances one another, and through an understanding of these principles, we can become more balanced. This particular lecture provided me a way to truly understand extraordinary events that I have experienced and will experience in the future, using a different lens and filter. Despite sitting in a crowd, I felt an intimate connection to the material. I realize I have much more to consider going forward about the way that Hashem guides me through my journey in life. Because of events like Yom Limmud, I continue to grow and learn. I am grateful for our community offerings in this regard. As we all are, I continue as a work in progress. I look forward to future events that are capable of resonating so deeply within me.

Community invited to experience Camp Coleman By The Temple

No need to wait until summer for a Camp Coleman experience. WRJ Temple Sisterhood invites the entire community to a backyard campout for Camp Coleman. It is an afternoon of campstyle food, fun and whole lots s’more on Sunday, Feb. 11 beginning at noon. Weather permitting, the event will be held on the Temple’s new property, immediately south of the Temple’s front parking lot. Jewish summer camping builds Jewish identity, Jewish community and Jewish leadership skills. WRJ/Temple Sister-

hood is passionate about giving this experience to as many children as possible. Campers will retell their personal accounts of memorable Coleman summers. “I have heard some of their stories. I want to know why adults cannot have this experience, too,” said Peggy Organes, Donor Event Chair. Donations beginning at $36

are graciously accepted. Attendees will enjoy a hot dog lunch with all the fixin’s, activities for the whole family created by artist Susan Natale, Judaica and crafts teacher Karen Morse, story teller Rhoda London. “Brotherhood, Sisterhood, JAFTY, Boy Scouts… everyone is involved. We just need you and your family to join us,” said Peggy Organes. Your donation check should be made out to WRJ Temple Sisterhood and sent or brought to The Temple. For more information, contact Peggy Organes at 262-1180 or via email at organes@comcast.net.

With the approach of the joyous holiday of Purim, the Jacksonville Jewish community is in for a treat once again. Chabad of Northeast FL is gearing up for another production of its Annual Purim Event to take place on Thursday, March 1 at 5 p.m. at Chabad Headquarters in Mandarin. The event, now in its 26th year, has become a hallmark of Jewish joy and unity. “This celebration brings Jews of all ages and backgrounds together with the single purpose of sharing the joy and warmth of our common Jewish heritage,” said Rabbi Levi Vogel, Director of Chabad S. Augustine. The event’s theme, PURIM IN NEW YORK CITY In addition to the joyous Purim spirit, for which the annual event has become popular, this year the crowd will be entertained with live music and song. For the kids, there will be a fabulous program, featuring Captain Character and his Ventriloquist puppet and magic show, along with balloon twisting and face painting. The celebration will open with a social hour offering a huge selection of great kosher wines and other fine spirits. The menu will include a delectable NYC-style buffet dinner with all the favorites including: Deli, hot dogs, knishes, half sours,pretzels and more, that will have you coming back for seconds. Prepare to be entertained, filled with food and enjoy a jolly Purim atmosphere. The festival is sponsored by Chabad of Northeast Florida, Mandarin/Headquarters, the Beaches, Southside, S. Augustine, Clay County & S. Johns. Tickets may be purchased in

advance from one of the above listed Chabad Centers. The cost of tickets this year has been reduced to only $10 an adult when purchased in advance, by February 22, and $8 per child or student. After February 22 or at the door: $18 per adult and $10 per child or student. Event sponsorships are encouraged to help defray the program costs. Sponsorship includes tickets: $180: 2 Tickets $260: 4 Tickets $360: 6 Tickets $500: 8 Tickets $1,000: 12 Tickets A Megillah Reading will take place at 4:30 p.m., preceding the event. For more information and to reserve call Chabad: Mandarin/Headquarters, 262-6641, Southside 646-4434, the Beaches 543-9301, S. Augustine 521-8664, Clay County 2901017, or S. Johns 701-4422 or go to ChabadJacksonville.org, ChabadBeaches.com, SouthsideChabad.com, Chabadsaugustine.com, jewishclaycounty. com, or JewishsJohnsCounty. com

Purimania On Wednesday February 28, at 7:00 pm. Men women and children will gather together at the Chabad Center to listen to the Megillah and say Boo to Haman. Everyone, young and old, are encouraged to come in Purim costumes. Special prizes for all children dressed up. Light breakfast will be served.

Love is All Around…The Temple By The Temple

Congregation Ahavath Chesed, The Temple, will celebrate Marriage Reconsecration on Fri., February 9 at Erev Shabbat worship beginning at 7 pm. The entire community is welcome to celebrate Shabbat and the love shared between the couples. “This is one of Temple’s special Shabbatot…made all that much more special this year, as Erin and I celebrate 15 years of marriage,” explains Rabbi Matt Cohen. “I am thrilled to recognize those who have reached the five-year milestone and to celebrate with Bernie and Marilyn Datz, who celebrate 65 years together. While we honor those whose

years of marriage end in 5 or zero, we recognize the fragility of love, the significance of the commitment couples make to each other each and every day. In a sense we celebrate every couple, the dreams they share, the struggles they have faced together and the joys of life well-lived.” WRJ Temple Sisterhood will be the host for the oneg Shabbat which follows worship. Their contribution has become part of this Temple tradition.

page 8

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

synagogue news

Center to celebrate Minyannaire Shabbat and award Herb Plotkin By Jacksonville Jewish Center

The Jacksonville Jewish Center is very proud of our over a century tradition of holding a daily Minyan. As a congregation, we are equally honored each day by our members who attend Minyan, who ensure that services can take place and those in mourning or commemorating a yahrtzeit can say kaddish. Once a year, the

Center community comes together to express our appreciation to our “Minyannaires.” On Shabbat morning Herb Plotkin March 3 at 9 a.m., we will acknowledge those who attend our

services regularly and also honor one individual who has been attending Minyan weekly for over 60 years, Herb Plotkin. Herb grew up in an observant household in Brooklyn, NY where his father taught him that when you have two coins in your pocket, you need to give one to someone less fortunate. His father was a Minyan attendee at their synagogue and instilled in Herb the importance

and dedication of playing a role in your community. “When there is a Minyan and someone is saying kaddish you have to be there as a means of respect. You need to be a part of the community not only in spirit but in body also” Herb shared. “To me, it was always a sense of caring when you could express your condolences to someone who had recently suffered a loss and make them feel

at home within the Minyan.” Herb took on the role of Minyan captain in the late 1980s assuming the leadership for Tuesday mornings. He eventually stepped aside almost 20 years later. He remains a regular weekly attendee of the Friday morning Minyan. All are invited to celebrate Minaynnaire Shabbat with the Center community, the Plotkin family and our Minyannaires.

Etz Chaim’s annual gala takes Tot Shabbat at Temple on casino night theme in 2018 By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) celebrates Tot Shabbat on the fourth Saturday of each month beginning at 9:30 a.m. Families with children 2-5 years old are invited to a specially designed one-hour program to enable young families to observe the traditions of Shabbat, meet other young families and learn how to celebrate Shabbat in their own homes in ways that a toddler can appreciate. This interactive experience will encourage families to learn

By Etz Chaim Synagogue

Mark Monday night, Feb. 19 down in your calendar for Etz Chaim Synagogue’s annual gala. This year doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the format is that of a Casino Night. The Etz Chaim Gala Committee and members look forward to greeting friends and welcoming new faces on this special evening. Guests will receive ‘funny money’ to play with, and great opportunities for fun and winning, so please make sure to join us. Etz Chaim Synagogue is a critical component of the Jewish community here in Jacksonville as it provides a warm atmosphere, while offering many programs that are open to everyone in the community. Whether one seeks a trip to Israel with other women or their family, Etz Chaim might very well have a trip planned. During the business day, the Orthodox Synagogue offers a convenient Lunch ‘n’ Learn program schedule that covers two locations in the city, including downtown and Mandarin everyone is welcome. Adult education classes are available morning and evening where topics range from Jewish history, philosophy, and laws and customs, Java for the Soul for women and the Morning Club for men. Each of these meets on a weekly basis, while children’s and youth programs are available on the weekends as well as during the week. New to the roster of programming this year is the Jewish Student Union, for High School students, which has been met with resounding success. Which day does Etz Chaim offer programming? Please feel free to choose as classes cover every age and every stage of life. The Gala is Etz Chaim’s major fund-raising event

Deli nite at Temple Bet Yam BY JACKIE WITTE Temple Bet Yam

of the year and its proceeds are directly applied toward the Synagogue’s basic needs. Gala tickets are available now at $100 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Your reservation provides you with a delightful way to round off your holiday weekend. Call Jeannie or Terri now to reserve your ticket at 904-262-3565, or send an email to ecoffice@gmail.com.

WRJ/Temple Sisterhood plans Women’s Seder By WRJ/Temple Sisterhood

The WRJ/Congregation Ahavath Chesed (Temple) Sisterhood cordially invites all women of the community to join us at the 25th Annual Julie R. Spitzer Memorial Women’s Seder which will

together through art, multimedia, literature and song. Habbat blessings, stories and songs will enable everyone to catch the spirit of Shabbat. Rabbi Matt Cohen will lead a Shabbat worship experience and the morning will conclude with oneg Shabbat… food and fellowship. This is an opportunity for families to engage with Judaism, with the community and with each other. The entire community is invited. Families need not be Temple members to participate. Everyone is welcome on February 24 at 9:30 a.m. at The Temple.

be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018. We will begin with a Social Hour at 5:30 P.M. and the Seder at 6:30 The theme of the Seder is “ Women Who Tell Our Story”. Women’s Seder Co-Chairpersons, Carolyn Kantor and Karen Morse. Rabbi Julie Spitzer, who

attended the Temple Religious School through Confirmation, was a woman of action. She wrote the definitive book, When Love is not Enough: Spousal Abuse in Rabbinic and Contemporary Judaism, which was published in 1995.

See SEDER, p. 24

Temple Bet Yam’s eagerly awaited Deli Nite returns, Thursday, Feb. 15, for your deli-dining pleasure, as your choice of famous overstuffed corned beef, pastrami, and turkey sandwiches are available along with the usual beverages, sides, and dessert. To entertain you, Bill Rosenthal returns with his comedic magic act. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., and no tickets will be sold at the

door. This popular venue fills up quickly so make your reservations early. The cost per person for this fundraiser is $30, so please RSVP Terre Wallach at 904-826-0821 or wandmtby@ gmail.com by Feb. 5.

page 9

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

www.jewishjacksonville.org

education

Head of Martin J. Gottlieb Day School settles into new home community By Raquel Scharf-Anderson

A meaningful life is more than just a happy life. It is what I hope to guide my own children and the children I am fortunate to influence to find. I think all parents desire for their children to be happy but being happy all the time is impossible. A few years ago, I came to realize that while it is wonderful for children (people, really) to be happy, when life has meaning, happiness always follows. Victor Frankel, author and Holocaust survivor, shared that those who could find meaning in even

Torah Academy welcomes new faculty member

the most horrendous circumstances were far more resilient to suffering than those who could not. He wrote, “the last of human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” The 2013 Positive Psychology study found that leading a happy life is associated with being a “taker,” while leading a meaningful life corresponds with being a “giver,” and in the end, people derive much greater satisfaction from giving. People who desire to have a life filled with meaning sometimes

compromise momentarily on happiness. On Christmas Day, our daughter, Tzipporah, and I chose to deliver meals to the less fortunate - an experience that would bring us temporary pain thinking about the limited food these individuals have daily. We knew, though, that making this choice would bring deeper meaning to our lives, first by bringing joy to these individuals through our hugs, conversation and food delivery and second, in knowing that we did a mitzvah in feeding

See GOTTLIEB, p. 24

Raquel Scharf-Anderson

A Day of Giving

By Torah Academy of Jacksonville

Torah Academy of Jacksonville is excited to announce that Mr. Junior Rodney will be joining the TA team as a fulltime member of its General Studies department, teaching middle Junior Rodney school math and science. Mr. Rodney lives with his family in St. Augustine and comes to the Academy from the Duval County school system where he’s taught both elementary and middle school mathematics. Prior to his moving to Florida, Mr. Rodney lived in New Jersey where he graduated from William Paterson University and worked in the banking industry. He found his true calling in the field of education though, and taught high school math in Jamaica where he grew up. His hobbies include track and field, soccer, and spending quality time with his wife and four children.

Michele Block Gan Yeladim to host holiday baking class By Jewish Community Alliance

Students participate in the third annual Mitzvah Day. By Jacksonville Jewish Center

The Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School turned the fifth day of Hanukkah into a day of giving! Although the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Religious School is a place to learn about Judaism’s rich culture and Hebrew prayers, it is just as important to model and guide children in ethical behavior through hands-on mitzvah projects and involvement in our Jacksonville Jewish community. In preparation for of this third annual Mitzvah Day, students made flyers and brought in dona-

tions for several pre-planned projects in November and December. On Dec. 17, the school’s kindergarten and first grade students made holiday cards for residents of River Garden and The Coves. Second and third graders sorted and put together “Hope Bags” to be distributed by Religious School families to the homeless. Students in fourth through sixth grades packed into a bus, along with boxes and bags of food and toiletry donations, and traveled to the Max Block Food Pantry. Once at the food bank, they met with Suzanne Zimmerman, who received the contributions and took time to explain the purpose and need for this very important community resource. The seventh-grade students, who were just finishing up a unit on Holocaust study, met with survivor Morris Bendit. Mr. Bendit led a wonderful session with the students, telling his story and ex-

plaining the need to learn lessons from the past. The school had collected a substantial amount of tzedakah to donate to JFCS’s new Holocaust Memorial exhibit, which was presented to Mr. Bendit. The class hopes to visit the memorial later in the year. The last 30 minutes of the day were reserved for a school-wide celebration of Hanukkah! Hazzan Jesse Holzer led students and staff in a sing-along of holiday songs and dance. Goody bags donated by the Galinsky PTA were distributed and enjoyed; dreidel games and sufganiyot (donuts) were a big hit. Teachers were surprised with wonderful appreciation gifts, coordinated by Religious School representative Amy Levinson, who collected very generous donations from BASRS parents. Todah Rabbah to everyone who donated time, money, and/ or items for a successful Mitzvah Day 5778!

The holidays are a great time at Michele Block Gan Yeladim for celebration and enrichment learning opportunities. For the Purim holiday, the school has a yummy Holiday Baking class for Monday, Feb. 26 from 1:30–2:15 p.m. For this event, children will bake hamentashen, the traditional holiday food associated with Purim. Hamentashen is a triangular pastry with filling in the middle. The fillings can vary and include ingredients such as poppy seed, apricot and chocolate. The triangular shaped snack is meant to represent Haman, the villain of the Purim story from the biblical Book of Esther, and his three-cornered hat. All children aged three to six are invited to this special Purim holiday baking class where they will learn to bake this treat from scratch with Morah Karen. Registration is $15 and $10 for JCA valued members. For more information or to register for the class, go to jcajax. org or call 730-2100 ext. 228.

DuBow Preschool Treehouse announces new programming By DuBow Preschool

The DuBow Preschool Treehouse has a few opportunities for interactive and hands-on classes for young families this winter. ‘Theatre for Babies’ is a trend sweeping Europe and Canada,

See TREEHOUSE, p. 13

page 10

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

education

Summer fun awaits at JCA Camp Gan Yeladim By Jewish Community Alliance

This summer, the youngest children in our community can enjoy a fun, engaging summer Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s fully accredited summer camp program. Registration is open for the 2018 summer season. Camp Gan Yeladim for ages 2–4 and KinderCamp for children entering kindergarten provide a wide range of engaging and ageappropriate activities to enrich

your child’s summer. Patty Cakes, K’ton and Tovim groups are the best place for young campers to participate in daily music, art, gardening, water play and more. KinderCamp helps children entering kindergarten make the transition from preschool and guides campers toward independence with high quality sports, outdoor play, music, cooking and other age-specific special programming. Campers (potty trained Kindergarten age and older) also receive

daily Red Cross water safety swim instruction. Michele Block Gan Yeladim summer camps are offered in four sessions. Session One is June 1122, session two is June 25-July 6, session three is July 9-20, and session four is July 23-August 3. The 2018 summer season is sure to be a great time at Camp Gan Yeladim and KinderCamp. For more information, contact Theresa Levy at 730-2100 ext. 237 or Rochelle Golomb at ext. 259.

Choosing Education with Intention BY AMANDA WATSKY Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

Be mindful. Slow down. Be clearer with intentions and make more conscious decisions. These are a few resolutions that I have committed to working on this year. For me, as a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in life’s momentum. It’s challenging for me to find a rhythm and make decisions that support a slower pace. I try to remind myself that “life is a marathon, not a sprint,” but it’s a hard concept to internalize when you have two busy little ones. Now that I have committed to trying to make this lifestyle shift, I’ve spotted commentary that supports this theme everywhere. Even as I was reading a blog on The Jewish Week written by Dr. Erica Brown, the statement “education involves more slowcooking than microwave cooking” resonated with me. In the article, Dr. Brown, an author and associate professor at George Washington University, makes “The Case for Day Schools.” She mentions a study from Brandeis University’s Cohen Center that demonstrated that

“day school graduates achieve among the highest levels of academic success” and “day school graduates in college were less likely to engage in risky behavior, and after college were more likely to volunteer, to find careers that helped people, and to devote themselves in and outside of work to making a difference in society.” The case she made with regard to academic achievements and leadership skills seen throughout life was a good one. It was the other benefits mentioned that made me realize, that while my struggle may lie in finding balance, I’ve provided my children with an opportunity to experience a ‘slow-cooked’ education at both The DuBow Preschool and The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. Both of my kids know what it feels like to be a part of a community, to be a mensch, and to be part of finding solutions. In small class sizes, each of them

have flourished as I conference with teachers as we all help them get to their best selves. Their days seem busy and fast-paced, but the work is meaningful and creating in them a Jewish identity that is as unique as their own fingerprints. Their day is full of laughter, play, being able to go outside. It’s also full of traditions learned, rituals introduced, and guidance from supportive teachers. If you have ever considered incorporating Jewish preschool or day school into your education plan for your children, I encourage you to look into it. And, like the suggestion from Dr. Brown in her article, if you have decided against it for some reason, “please reconsider.” Going forward with the decision, not only take into account the various long-term benefits but consider the benefits you will see every day. As I see my kids thrive in a tight-knit community and get to just ‘be kids,’ I realize I’m not as bad at making these conscious decisions as I thought when I incorporated a day school into their education plan. To read Dr. Brown’s article in full, go to http://blogs.timesofisrael. com/the-case-for-day-schools.

Torah Academy of Jacksonville students work together on STEMthemed activites and challenges.

Torah Academy students take part in STEM bridge challenge By Torah Academy of Jacksonville

As Torah Academy of Jacksonville works hard to increase the exposure of its students in the fields of STEM, they began an engineering project a couple weeks ago. Although the great push to increase the inclusion of Science Technology Engineering and Math in the curriculum began in 1998, there has been a continual push to increase the hands-on activities presented within the classroom. The hope is this will also increase the desire for students to enter these fields

in the future. The project finished with a friendly competition which included determining which of their bridges, constructed of no more than 250 flat toothpicks and one bottle of gel glue, would withstand the most stress from weight. The students watched eagerly as their bridges were put to the test. The final result was a toothpick bridge able to hold a 7.5 oz. container and 1,500 ml. of water before giving way to the weight. Congratulations to Chani Joseph, Shmuel Weiss, and Natalie Schechter for their ingenuity, creativity.

Tu B’Shevat blooms at MJGDS By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students observed the holiday of Tu B’Shevat with a musical performance celebrating conservation and ecology. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students performed songs, instrumentals, poetry, and creative writings rooted in conservation and love of trees. The night’s performance showcased the daily collaboration that occurs at the school between the Jewish Studies, General Studies, Art, and Music teachers. Attendees also experienced an art show presented by the Kindergarten through fifth grades.

Other Lower School Tu B’Shevat celebrations included a Seder, a nature walk with environmentalist Stacy Goldring, and environmental field trips to Tree Hill Nature Preserve, Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park, and the Trad’s nursery. The Middle School students celebrated Tu B’Shvat by sharing it with others, while students conducted a special Seder for residents of The Coves and a Tu B’Shvat program for residents of River Garden Hebrew Home. Kids purchased and planted vegetables in the community garden at The Bridge of Northeast Florida, before finally planting vegetables with students at the DuBow Preschool.

page 11

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

www.jewishjacksonville.org

education DuBow Preschool’s 75th anniversary dinner to be a Simcha for the entire community By DuBow Preschool

The DuBow Preschool is thrilled to invite the entire Jacksonville Jewish community, Sunday, Mar. 18 to celebrate a tremendous milestone, which is the 75th anniversary of providing excellent early childhood education. Beginning in 1942 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s

original home at Third and Silver in Springfield, the DuBow Preschool serves as the perfect place for young families to build their Jewish identities. The special L’Dor V’Dor Celebration and Awards Dinner will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Please make plans to attends as the Rabbi David

Gaffney Leadership in Education Award is presented to the DuBow Family in recognition of their dedication to Jewish education in Jacksonville. Jewish Family & Community Services will also be honored with a Community Partner Award for its support of inclusive education at Jacksonville’s Jewish schools. Preschool students

are so excited about their school’s special birthday, and hopefully you are as well. For sponsorship and table information, or to place your tribute to the Dubow Family and JFCS, email event chairs Faye Hedrick and Haley Trager at dubowpreschool75@gmail.com or contact Nancy Davis at 904-268-4200.

Community invited to MJGDS’s event Michele Block Gan Yeladim partners with Whole Foods

By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

On Thursday, Feb. 8, the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School will host a Middle School Family Fun Night at The Edge Rock Gym at 5:30 p.m. Whether you are a current family that wants to hang out and have fun, or are interested in learning more about the middle school program or its Mitzvah Program, come climb with everyone. Martin J. Gottlieb’s Middle School focuses on helping students achieve their potential through highly differentiated programming and by integrating cross-collaborative learning. The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School may be ‘just the right fit’

By Jewish Community Alliance

for your family, and we want our students to flex their abilities in ‘reaching’ their goals. Climbers must weigh at

Learn about new Kindergarten curriculum at Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s Open House By Jewish Community Alliance

Parents with young children are invited to Michele Block Gan Yeladim on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 7-8 p.m. for their Kindergarten Open House. The school is redesigning the program and incorporating the highly effective project-based learning, which will be detailed by Michele Block Gan Yeladim educators at this informative event. As a leader in early childhood education in Jacksonville, Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s incorporation of this new approach to early childhood education bolsters an already strong curriculum based in exploration and investigation. The project-based learning incorporates project work as a major part of the curriculum. A project is defined as an

in-depth extended investigation of a topic—ideally, one worthy of the children’s time and energy. Project work provides contexts in which developing and emerging literacy and numeracy skills are applied in such a way that their uses and purposes are readily understood and accepted by the children. For more information on the Michele Block Gan Yeladim Open House, contact Theresa at 730-2100 ext. 237 or Theresa.levy@jcajax.org.

Martin J. Gottlieb Day School’s MakerCon building up momentum By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School’s MakerCon is an evening event showcasing the school’s STEAM integration program. Community partners will be joining the interactive booths put on by the school, while JAX Play Day will be bringing their large Discovery Playground and Lego Bricks, providing a space for even the younger members of our community to create and innovate their own play space. The Jacksonville Public Library Makerspace will be on hand to demonstrate components of their STEAM initiative and the Day School will be setting up stations, providing opportunities for all ages to experiment with circuitry, engineering, design, and fun. The event will be

on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the community. Families from the community that would like to participate are encouraged to RSVP to ensure adequate supplies as space is limited. Email amanda.watsky@mjgds.org for more information or to reserve your spot today.

least 35 lbs., and the cost is just $10 per child. Space is limited, so please send your RSVP to amanda.watsky@mjgds.org.

Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten is continuing the ongoing effort to promote health and wellness among its students and within the school with a special partnership with Whole Foods Market. Whole Foods Market provides community outreach programs that encourage and educate on healthy eating practices for parents and children. A representative from the store provides Michele Block Gan Yeladim students with hands-on activities to help them experience and learn about healthy eating. Michele Block Gan Yeladim parent and Whole Foods market-

ing representative Jessica Banish also donates gift baskets for the school’s various programs. This partnership serves to further the school’s already active commitment to healthy eating and smart snack choices. For more information about Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s healthy eating initiatives, please contact Rochelle Golomb at (904) 730-2100 ext. 259 or rochelle.golomb@jcajax. org.

page 12

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

jacksonville jewish news

Jacksonville community’s Dec. 25 mitzvah meal delivery a success

BY RHODA GOLDSTEIN Event Organizer

Thousands of cookies were baked by volunteers, then packaged and delivered to area fire stations this past Dec. 25 as part of the Jacksonville Jewish community’s annual mitzvah meal delivery. A big thanks goes out to all the volunteers who made the project successful. A team of volunteers went to the Sulzbacher Center to prepare a hot dinner for those who are homeless in

our community and as a result, hundreds were served dinner at this shelter. At Ronald McDonald House, a team of volunteers began cooking dinner for those who couldn’t leave for the holiday because of a sick child who is here for treatment. Volunteers also went to Gabriel House of Hope the night before to serve dinner to those who couldn’t get home for the holidays due to treatment. Those who are staying there are in Jacksonville either awaiting an organ

transplant, has just received one, or is having extensive treatment for their cancer. Five Star Veteran’s Center now has 45 vets in residence, and while about half were gone for the day, those who remained enjoyed the volunteers and veterans from the Jewish community who visited with them and in many instances, give them support and help. Some of those who live at the Veteran’s Center were homeless before learning about this facility, while others were having a difficult time

finding jobs or trying to get an education or support for mental health issues. Vets and the staff of the Veteran’s Center were served a wonderful meal and had their refrigerators and freezers packed with enough food to get them through to whole week. Helen’s House is new and it houses the families of those who are in Jacksonville at Brooks Rehab Center for any number of reasons. This shelter has families with children staying there while a loved one is being treated for

either an accident, stroke or other conditions that require extensive and varied therapies. On this day when we can help those in our community, it is good to come together and work as one, synagogue affiliation not making a difference. Those of us who work on putting this together each year, hope that you will continue to support this project as we add more people to help each year, so mark your calendars now for next Dec. 25 as we serve more Mitzvah meals in our community.

Shiawase Purimu! Celebrate a fun filled Purim in Japan with Chabad at the Beaches By Chabad at the Beaches

Chabad at the Beaches presents the 2,440 Annual Purim Celebration creating Jewish excitement and fun for the whole family. The entire

Beaches Jewish community is invited regardless of affiliation or background. The event will include a fun interactive Megillah Reading followed by a buffet that will feature delicious Japanese cuisine. Enjoy live

entertainment, a costume contest, fun and excitement. The event will be held Wednesday evening, February 28th at 6:45 p.m. starting with a Megillah Reading followed by Japanese cuisine and entertainment.

The event will take place at Chabad at the Beaches’ Center for Jewish Life, 521 A1A N, in Ponte Vedra Beach. The event is free. Sponsorship opportunities available. Donations are always appreciated and can be

sent to ChabadBeaches.com/donate. RSVP is not necessary but always appreciated and can be done via email to Chabad@ChabadBeaches.com or by calling our office at (904) 543-9301.

page 13

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

jacksonville jewish news

Space Student Continued from pg. 1 camp in Western Russia centering around an innovative film festival in a city known as Cheboksary. “We basically had to make videos with the Russians,” Giat explained. “That’s what we were there for.” What spawned from that experience was the world’s first-ever student-led international TV show called the ‘US-Russia Youth TV bridge,’ which the soon-to-be college freshman helped get off the ground, leading production efforts here in the states from his dorm room at the University of North Florida. “We were three Americans and four Russian students who did four episodes the first season, and, through my first year at UNF, I would edit the shows, film the tosses and leed the majority of our side of the project,’ Giat remembered. “We would message back and forth and more high schoolers got involved from both here and Russia, so now we have hundreds of students who have submitted content to us. It’s been raising eyebrows as to what’s possible in terms of cooperation between the next generations of both countries.” While the Jewish Osprey has now officially crossed the bridge, passing on the torch to a new group of students here and abroad, he has embarked on another visual video journey, creating a YouTube series with some of his friends right here Jacksonville, centering on STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “I’m hoping to be able to get a lot of attention through this show and turn it into a career because I make it for people to learn, watch, and enjoy things that they may not understand completely,” the busy undergrad described of his efforts. “For example when the eclipse happened last summer, I explained what takes place during certain parts of it.”

Giat (front) and his team explore zero gravity for their YouTube web series .

Giat was in South Carolina with the UNF Astronomy Club when the eclipse occurred to see it with 100 percent totality. Aside from more monumental and newsworthy happenings, the professional videographer also touches on lesser talked about subjects with his production team such as gravity, weather and food through a video franchise tabbed ‘theSTEM’. “The series is really an excuse to learn and go on adventures and see the world while talking to amazing people and doing amazing things,” Giat, who runs his own professional videography business (D.L.G. Studios) explained. “My goal is to make theSTEM the best science show out there, and even if we don’t get as many views as we want, I’m still going to do it because I love it and I’ll do it for fun.” These fun and informative videos are accessible on The Spinnaker’s website (unfspinnaker.com), which is UNF’s official student-run publication, as well as its official channel at YouTube. com/theSTEMseries. For those wondering, the South Florida native turned Northeast Florida resident’s fascination with science, space and video started at a very young age. At just 7 years old, he started making amateur films and took part in his very first nationwide video competition just a few years later. “I was the president of my

Chabad St. Johns County hosts Purim Under the Sea party By Chabad S. Johns

On Wednesday February 28, 6 p.m., join us for a Purim party at sea with live fish swimming around, amazing entertainment for your children, delicious Kosher seafood buffet along with a child-friendly dinner package, Magic Carpet Megillah reading with a visual presentation, traditional ‘Hamantashen’, an open bar for adults, and let the kids hunt for treasures in the sand. In the spirit of Purim, partygoers are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite underwater creature or in a costume of

their choice to win a prize. Jews of all backgrounds are encouraged to join - no prior knowledge about Purim needed. This event is guaranteed fun for all ages! New friends are always welcome to swim in our school, so feel free to forward this splashy invite. Make sure to RSVP before things get too fishy. Buoy, we’re gonna have a whale of a time! To RSVP or for more information on Purim Under the Sea go to JewishSJohnsCounty.com. Call 904.01.4422 or email Info@JewishSJohnsCounty.com

Treehouse Continued from pg. 9 and Theatre Jacksonville is the first theatre in the USA to offer it. There will be two performances a month with the DuBow Preschool Treehouse and Ms. Natalie will begin Color Splash in February, returning to the Treehouse after adding a new little one to her own family. Ms. Emily’s Music and Movement will be going strong, offering a safe and fun space for our little movers and shakers and in the upcoming months Shalom Baby will be held on Feb. 23 and Mar. 23 at 9 a.m. at the

DuBow Preschool. For additional information about the DuBow Preschool Treehouse you can send an email to treehouse@dubowpreschool.org.

high school’s TV production program, ‘Cypress Bay Television’, which is one of the largest in the country,” he described of his past experiences. “How I got into space was through that TV production club, I did a story on Hellen Tavora, who flew on ‘the SOFIA’ or a Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. She basically became my mentor and after the interview I started going to that observatory for fun and really got into space, familiarizing myself with astronomy and actually knowing the night sky by heart.” That skill would come in handy for Giat, who now works as Planetarium Educator at Jacksonville’s Museum of Science and History. The science enthusiast was also was a finalist in the student astronaut competition this past year for Xploration Station, a science based digital television network. Aside from those two cosmic exploits, the filmmaker can also add another impressive credit to his career resume. “The big highlight of my freshman year was ‘Campus Movie Fest’, here at UNF, where my team made a movie about a girl who wanted to take a regular old Cessna plane to space,” he said. “It was a short five-minute movie and ended up taking us to Atlanta for the national convention and now will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival in France.” A trailblazer among his peers,

A new season of theSTEM started last month, with episodes scheduled for every other week.

Giat is also one in his own family as he is the first to be born in the U.S. His parents came to this country from Israel in the early 1990s in the hopes that their future children would have more opportunities to pursue their passions both personally and professionally. Little did they know that those passions would intersect and be multifaceted, catapulting their oldest of two sons beyond the classroom and ultimately the borders of their new country, straight into the stratosphere. “I feel like I am no different than many 19-year-olds, but I am just very passionate about what I do,” the teenager humbly described of himself. “I embrace my passions for science, astronomy, flying planes and scuba diving.” Another one of those passions takes him back to UNF’s campus where he serves as the President of the Jewish Ospreys, UNF’s official on-campus, student-run Jewish group. “I’m not the most religious person, but I definitely represent the Jewish community when we need it and sometimes when I want to,” he explained. “Despite all of his talents, they pale in comparison to his generous personality,” Rabbi Shmuli Novak of Southside Chabad and

The college sophomore blends his two passions, science and video when he’s outside of the classroom.

advisor to the Jewish Ospreys said. “Lee is an exceptionally kind-natured person and when a fellow student needs some help, he is always there to lend a hand. For instance, when the Hurricane (Irma) was approaching and Shabbat dinner was called off for safety, Lee helped us deliver meals to home-bound students.” “Especially now with everything going on in the Middle East, I think it’s important to represent where you come from,” Giat explained of his involvement with the Jewish Ospreys. “In the end, I’m here as a result of hundreds of generations, doing the same thing over and over, trying to pass down their traditions and stories as far as they can.” For Giat, his mission is twofold should he choose to accept it; to continue the work of his ancestors in passing down their shared spiritual heritage, while exploring the physical bounds of time and space and to teach his peers how to do so in the process. For all things science, STEM and space, log onto Giat’s official website at directorleegiat.com, where you can see an array of photos, videos, links and background of his prior work and expanding expertise. Season two of his ‘the STEM’ series began last month, with the first episode premiering, Jan. 16.

page 14

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News â&#x20AC;¢ February 2018

page 15

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

federation news

Executive Director’s Message: Merger brings exciting new chapter As you know, as of December 31,

a merger was completed by the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida and the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. We are now responsible for the planned giving work on behalf of our Jewish community. We hope to build on the relationships with donors to the annual campaign, to nurture new relationships with other members of the community, and to create an ongoing campaign for excellence in Jewish life. We want to insure the future well being of our community. We want to thank those who hold funds established with our Jewish Foundation. We will provide the best possible service for all of our fund holders. Over the course of the coming months we intend to: *have Jean Brantley, who has worked

for many years with the Jewish Foundation join our staff during this time of transition. *conduct a search process and hire a planned giving director. *continue the relationship with SEI, the investment company that has performed well managing all of the funds the past two years. *invite those who served on the Jewish Foundation’s investment committee to serve on our new investment committee. For donor advised fund holders, you will still be able to make disbursement recommendations thru the Renaissance online program or you may send your recommendations by email to Jean Brantley at: jeanb@jewishjacksonville.org. Contributions to all funds may be

brought to the Federation office or mailed to: Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Attn: Jean or Pat 8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32217 In addition, we plan to meet with all our fund holders to insure the agreements you have set up reflect your best interests. If you have any questions, please call Jean, our CFO Pat Burke or me at 904 448-5000. Alan Margolies

Federation Executive Director

Shlicha Corner: Celebrating the New Year of the Trees

BY SHELLY SHALEV

Community Shlicha jaxshlicha@jewishjacksonville.org

Shalom everyone! On Jan 30th we will mark Israel earth and trees day - Tu Bishvat, the mentioning the Jewish Arbor Day. The date, in the exact middle of winter became labeled as rosh hashanah la-ilanot (which means “the new year of the trees” in Hebrew). In Israel, Tu Bishvat marks the

occasion for planting trees across the country - when we arrived to Israel (then called Palestine) the country was filled with swamps and of areas that no man could reside in. Today, thanks to our perseverance and will to make this land as great as it is we planted trees, dried out the swamps and became agriculturally innovative. I believe that our tree planting express our root connection to Eretz Israel - we are rooted to

Learn how to recapture a highlight of your life at next Jewish Java, Feb. 7 BY ISABEL BALOTIN

Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org

Everyone has a story to tell, but most people don’t know where to start. On Wednesday, Feb. 7, Shalom Jacksonville’s Jewish Java will feature Kathy Triebwasser, who is a personal historian and writer with extensive training in guided autobiography. Triebwasser will inspire us with themes and priming questions that will evoke memories of events once known but filed away and seemingly forgotten. She will also give us the tools to begin the process of recapturing one highlight of our lives. By writing it, you will understand how you have shaped your life and not how life shaped you. We hope this program will inspire you to begin writing your autobiography, so please bring a writing pad and pen to the program. In addition to personal history writing, Triebwasser assists in writing Legacy Wills. She is a Florida Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Life and Wellness Coach, specializing in individual, couples, family therapy, and coaching. She also maintains a private practice in Ponte Vedra Beach, and has 25 years experience as a marriage

Kathy Triebwasser

and family therapist. Her book ‘Courage Blossoms’ is a self-published inspirational poem with beautiful nature photographs and a writing exercise that inspires you to let your courage blossom and thereby promotes healing and growth. She graciously donated more than 70 copies to Hubbard House of Jacksonville. The Jewish Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville and River Garden Senior Services invites newcomers, locals and friends to this popular monthly program at River Garden’s Cohen Auditorium (11401 Old St. Augustine Rd.), where a complimentary brunch begins at 9 a.m. followed by the program. Please RSVP by Jan. 31 by calling Shalom Jacksonville Director Isabel Balotin at 904-448-5000, ext. 1206 or Shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org.

this land, food and climate, there I feel most connected to nature. I remember the field trip we would all take to plant our own special tree in the north of Israel. Writer and historian Ze’ev Jawitz is hailed as the guy who kicked off this tradition when he and his students planted trees in the Zichron Yaakov region. In 1908, the Teachers Federa-

tion and the KKL-JNF standardized this practice. KKL-JNF has planted more than 230 million trees since its establishment, in an area of around one million dunams (about 250,000 acres). In this upcoming Tu Bishvat, my new and precious first nephew Liam will get his first named tree and so will hundreds of Israelis that will plant trees to

celebrate the 15th day (“Tu” is the acronym for the number 15 in Hebrew letters) of the Jewish month of Shvat – the day almond trees begin to bloom and it is such a beautiful site to see. This is the time for me to connect to the land we walk on, the trees that give us life, the earth that needs that respect. In Israel, it is such a beautiful time in the middle of the winter, looking at the shkedia (almond tree) blossoms all over and the air is fresh and refreshing the soul. We host a Tu B’Shvat seder and it is such a festive meal with fruits like Dried apricots, figs, dates, prunes, raisins, mango and pineapple in honor of the holiday. The seder actually started as a kabbalistic way to celebrate the holiday but has become popular as a great opportunity to reflect on ecological contribution to earth and our connection to the land of Israel. So, take the time - go out to the beautiful nature and enjoy our earth, this is a great time of year!

page 16

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News â&#x20AC;˘ February 2018

federation news

The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville thanks you for your support! We appreciate our donors and want to express this each month in the JJN. Thank you to the following donors who have made a commitment to support the 2018 Federation Annual Campaign as of Jan. 15, 2018. Names printed in BOLD TEAL denote a gift that was made after Dec. 15, 2017.

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Abramson Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ackerman Dr. and Mrs. Tony Adelson Mr. and Mrs. David Adler Mr. and Mrs. Michel Allen 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. Allan Andrew Mr. and Mrs. Marc Angelo Mrs. Sybil Ansbacher Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Appelbaum Mrs. Sandy Archer Mr. and Mrs. Henry Arnold Ms. Sara August Ms. Diana Azpiazu Mr. and Mrs. Frank Backilman Mr. and Mrs. Scott Balotin Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bannon Mr. and Mrs. Martin Barna Mrs. Rita Baumgarten Mr. Jack Bazinsky Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Becker Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Beckerman Ms. Sarah Beekman Mr. and Mrs. Jean Benjamin Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Odell 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 Mr. Daniel Bergman Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Berke Mr. and Mrs. Mark Berman Mrs. Steve Bermudez Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bernard Ms. Carolee Bertisch Mrs. Adrienne Biber Mr. and Mrs. David Bielski Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Blattner Mr. and Mrs. Larry Blaustein Mr. and Mrs. Philip Bloom Ms. Stacey Blum Mr. David Blum Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Board Mrs. Traude Bohrman Mrs. Josephine Bonnett Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bossen Mr. Wiatt Bowers Mr. and Mrs. James Brady Ms. Michelle Branly Mr. and Mrs. Warren Brattner Mrs. Joyce Braun Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Breault Dr. and Mrs. Sol Brotman Dr. and Mrs. Andy Brown Dr. and Mrs. Robert Brown Ms. Alison Brown Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Buchman Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Burke Mr. and Mrs. Howard Buss Mr. and Mrs. Jan Butensky Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood Cantor Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cantor Mr. and Mrs. Howard Caplan Mrs. Barbara Carman Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Chait Mr. and Mrs. Barry Chefer Mr. and Mrs. Allan Cheiken Dr. Colleen Bell and Mr. Craig Cherrin Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Cherry Ms. Susan Cherry Mrs. Rita Clark Dr. and Mrs. Donald Cohen Rabbi and Mrs. Matt Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Martin Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Danny Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Norman Cohen Ms. Joanne Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Jack Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Constain Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Coplan Mrs. Ellen Cottrill Dr. and Mrs. Richard Crovatto Mr. and Mrs. Walter Crowder Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Datz Ms. Joan Davidow and Mr. Stuart Glass Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Davis Drs. Leo and Joanne Davis Mr. and Mrs. Jim De Arman Mr. and Mrs. Jon DeBardeleben Mr. and Mrs. Moti Demri Mrs. Marilyn Desser Mr. and Mrs. Scott Dreicer Mr. and Mrs. Sean Driscoll Ms. Nanci Duchovnay Mrs. Jody Dughi Mr. and Mrs. Alexius Dyer Mr. and Mrs. Dan Edelman Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Edelman Mrs. Goldie Edelstein Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Martin Edwards Ms. Gloria Einstein Mrs. Lisa Eisenberg Mrs. Elizabeth Eisenberg Mrs. Marie Eisenberg Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Elikan Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Elinoff Mr. and Mrs. Michael Elkin Mrs. Fern Estner Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Farhi Mr. and Mrs. Dave Fastenberg Ms. Harriet Feinglass Dr. and Mrs. Neil Feinglass Mr. and Mrs. Edward Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Alan Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Feldman Drs. Howard and Dina Fetner Ms. Gaye Feuer Mr. and Mrs. Neal Finkelstein

Ms. Cheryl Fisch Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Fischer Mr. and Mrs. Ben Fishman Mr. and Mrs. Myron Flagler Mr. and Mrs. Martin Flamm Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fleet Ms. Bobbie Fost Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Fox Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Franzblau Mr. Matthew Franzblau Ms. Ariel Frechtman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Freedman Mrs. Marilyn Freedman Dr. and Mrs. Marc Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Steven Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Adam Frisch Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Frohman Judge Jerry Funk Mr. and Mrs. Paul Furman Mr. and Mrs. Harold Garber Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gare Ms. Nicola Garner Mr. and Mrs. Simon Garwood Mr. Victor Gaukhman Mr. and Mrs. Larry Geller Mrs. Alois Gendzier Judge and Mrs. Marvin Gillman Mr. and Mrs. Marc Gladstone Mr. Peter Levy and Ms. Kim Glasgal Mr. and Mrs. Martin Goetz Dr. Goldberg and Mrs. Lawrence Goldberg Mrs. Patricia Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Ira Goldfield Mr. David Golding and Ms. Leslie Carmel Mr. Kenneth Goldman Dr. and Mrs. Roy Goldman Mr. and Mrs. David Goldman Mrs. Hilda Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Goldsmith Ms. Bea Goldsmith Mr. and Mrs. Allen Goldstein Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Goldstein Mr. Harvey Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. David Goodman Mrs. Gloria Goodman Mr. Jonathan Goodman Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Goshen Gottlieb Family Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Chris Gould Mr. and Mrs. John Grado Dr. and Mrs. Brett Gratz Dr. and Mrs. Jesse Greenblum Dr. and Mrs. Michael Greenburg Mr. and Mrs. Paul Greenfield Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Greenfield Mr. and Mrs. Joel Greenhut Mr. Gerald Greenspoon Ms. Gari Greenwald Dr. and Mrs. Earl Greenwald Mr. and Mrs. Edward Grenadier Ms. Ilisa Griffin Mr. Matthew Grinnan Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Arnold Mrs. Roslyn Grossman Mrs. Dolly Grunthal Mr. Stephen Gurne Drs. Randall and Shoshana Haas Dr. and Mrs. Jesse Halpern Mrs. Bonnie Hardy Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harris Dr. and Mrs. Alan Harris Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Harris Mr. and Mrs. Alan Harrison Rabbi and Mrs. Shaya Hauptman Mrs. Sonie Hecht Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hedrick Mrs. Leslie Held Mr. Steven Heller Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Herbst Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Herman Mr. and Mrs. Brian Herschkowitz Mr. John Nelson and Ms. Murren Hill John and Helen Hill Ms. Masha Hleap Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hodor Mr. Royal Holian Mr. and Mrs. Jay Holiday Hazzan and Mrs. Jesse Holzer Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Holzer Mr. and Mrs. David Honig Mrs. Nancy Honig Mrs. Wendy Honigman Ms. Sheila Horowitz Mr. Arthur Hurwitz Ms. Helene Isolica Mrs. Judith Israel Dr. and Mrs. Ira Jackler Mr. and Mrs. Ted Jackrel Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Leo Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. James Jaffa Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jaffa Ms. Anita Jarrett Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Jolles Dr. Edward Joseph Ms. Sharon Juhasz Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kagan Mr. and Mrs. Norman Kagan Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kahn Mr. Jeffry Wollitz and Ms. Randy Kammer Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kanner Dr. and Mrs. Larry Kanter Mr. and Mrs. David Kasriel Ms. Heidi Katz Mr. and Mrs. Alan Katz Ms. Michele Katz Dr. and Mrs. David Katz Ms. Libby Katz Mr. and Mrs. Manfred Katz Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kaufman

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kaufmann Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kaye Mr. and Mrs. Jason Smith Ms. Sharon Kenner Rabbi and Mrs. Dov Kentof Ms. Sharon Kesler Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kessler Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Kigel Ms. Simone Kilbourn Dr. and Mrs. Garry Kitay Mr. and Mrs. William Klein Mr. and Mrs. Gil Kleiner Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kopp Korman and Shelton Families Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Korn Mrs. Annetta Kornblum Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kornhauser Mr. Yefim Brunfon and Mrs. Polina Koropova Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kossoff Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kraemer Mrs. Sylvia Kraemer Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kreisel Mrs. Carolyn Krestul Ms. Ann Kristal Mr. Don Kupfer Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kurtz Dr. and Mrs. Ron Kushner Mr. Carl Kutlin Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Lafer Mr. Howard Laner Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Langer Mr. and Mrs. James Lawson Mrs. Naomi Lazar Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leader Ms. Jean Lebowitz and Ms. Thelma Lebowitz Mrs. Dorothy Legum Ms. Sybil Lehr Mr. and Mrs. Stephan Leimberg Ms. Tilde A. Lerman Dr. and Mrs. H. Ronald Levin Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Levine Ms. Stefanie Levine Mr. and Mrs. Mark Levine Ms. Carol Levitan Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lewis Ms. Suzanne Lichter Ms. Karen Lidsky Dr. and Mrs. Larry Lieberman Mr. Tyler Curl and Ms. Jessica Ligator Dr. Leonard Lipkin Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lissner Mrs. Muriel Litt Mr. Mark Lodinger Mr. Herman Lodinger Ms. Rhoda London Ms. Sylvia Lubliner Drs. Robert and Anne Lufrano Ms. Lucille Lustig Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mack Ms. Gabrielle E. Magid Mr. and Mrs. Steven Mail Ms. Maria Mamalui Mrs. Ilana Manasse Mrs. Laura Marder Mrs. Marilyn Margol Ms. Caroline Marks Dr. and Mrs. Alan Marks Mr. and Mrs. Adam Marmelstein Dr. Donald Mars Dr. Ronald Mars Mr. Ben Marsh Mr. and Mrs. Bob Marshak Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Martino Dr. and Mrs. Mike Mass Mrs. Deinya Mautz Mr. and Mrs. Adam McDonough Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Melamed Mr. and Mrs. Myron Mensh Mr. and Mrs. Paul Metlin Mr. and Mrs. Yosef Meyer Mr. A.J. Michaels Mr. and Mrs. Barry Michelson Mr. and Mrs. Tony Milian Mr. and Mrs. Albert Miller Mr. Daniel Miller and Ms. Lior Spring Mr. Glenn Miller and Mr. Michael Miller Mr. Michael Miller Mr. and Mrs. Richard Miller Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Montagna Dr. and Mrs. Craig Morgenthal Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Morris Mr. and Mrs. Joel Morris Ms. Vanessa Morris Mr. and Mrs. Todd Morse Mrs Marlene Myers Judge Nachman and Mrs. Bernard Nachman Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Nadler Dr. and Mrs. Peter Natale Ms. Melissa Neadle Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Neadle Drs. Steven and Tmima Neihaus Ms. Kym Newlen Mr. and Mrs. Robert Newman Mr. and Mrs. Lance Newman Mr. and Mrs. William Newman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nied Drs. Michael and Sue Nussbaum Mr. Andrew Ocean Ms. Gloria Oehlman Mr. and Mrs. Jais Ohayon Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Ohayon Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Olesker Mrs. Donne Ordile Mr. and Mrs. Morrie Osterer Ms. Sandra B. Overton Ms. Marilyn Pagano Mr. and Mrs. Michael Paisner Ms. Leah Palestrant Mr. Michael Pallen Mr. and Mrs. Brian Pargman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Passink

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Paul Ms. Adele Paul Mrs Evelyn Peck Mr. and Mrs. Mark Penson Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Perin Mr. and Mrs. Donald Perlin Dr. and Mrs. Morton Perlman Ms. Meredith Persky Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Persky Ms. Laura Platzer Mr. and Mrs. Michael Platzer Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Plaut Mr. and Mrs. Jay Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Richard Plotkin Mrs. Lita Poehlman Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pollan Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Pollock Mr. and Mrs. Steven Porter Mrs. Phyllis Portnoy Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Portnoy Mr. Jan Pozin Mr. and Mrs. Marc Preminger Mrs. Anne Presser Mr. and Mrs. Ron Price Ms. Terri Quint Dr. and Mrs. Marco Rand Mr. and Mrs. Joel Rappoport Mrs. Cornelia Rappoport Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Rauchwarger Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Raudt Rein Family Dr. Harry Reinstine Jr Mr. Edward Witlen and Ms. Marie Reitzes Ms. Karen Rettner Mrs. Barbara Resnick Ms. Sondra Resnikoff Mr. and Ms. Ronald Rettner Mrs. Marian Rice Ms. Rachael Rice Dr. Deena Richman and Mr. James Richman Mrs. Ina Richter Mr. and Mrs. Matt Rickoff Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Rideman Mr. and Mrs. William Rifkin Mrs. Toby Ringel Dr. and Mrs. Harris Rittenberg Mr. and Mrs. Skip Roach Robbins Family Mr. Howard Roey Ms. Danielle Rogozinski Dr. and Mrs. Abe Rogozinski Dr. and Mrs. Chaim 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. Jerome Rosenbaum Dr. and Mrs. Elliott Rosenbaum Dr. and Mrs. Sanford Rosenberg Mrs. Joan Rosenberg Mrs. Stacia Rosenblum Rabbi Shira Rosenblum Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rosenfield Mrs. Elaine Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Steve Ross Dr. Emily Rostholder and Mr. Erik Rostholder Ms. Hilary Rotenberg Dr. and Mrs. Neal Roth Mrs. Sandi Roth Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rothstein Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Rothstein Mr. Simon Rothstein Mr. and Mrs. George Rubens Ms. Nancy Rubenstein Dr. and Mrs. Devon Rubin Mrs. Arlene Rubin Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Ruby Mrs. Shirley Rudnick Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rudowitz Mr. and Mrs. Leif Rush Mr. and Mrs. David Saag Mrs. Carol Sack Ms. Daryl Sadowsky Ms. Eleanor Safer Dr. and Mrs. David Sall Dr. Rachel Sandler and Mr. Daniel Sandler Mr. and Mrs. Neil Sandler Ms. Mitzi Saul Mr. and Mrs. Mark Saye Mr. Schachnovsky and Mrs. David Schachnovsky Dr. and Mrs. Jay Schauben Judge and Mrs. Jack Schemer Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Schemer Mrs. Shirley Schemer Ms. Amy Schemer Mrs. Frances Schemer Ms. Ilene Schinasi Judge Schlesinger and Mrs. Harvey Schlesinger Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schneider Rabbi and Mrs. Avi Schochet Dr. Renee Scott Mr. and Mrs. Allan Sebotnick Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Seebol Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sekine Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Selber Selevan Family Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Selevan Mrs. Mimi Selig Dr. and Mrs. Robert Selwitz Mr. Howard Serkin Dr. and Mrs. Barry Setzer Mr. and Mrs. Michael Setzer Mr. and Mrs. Alan Setzer Setzer Family

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shafer Mr. Barry Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Joel Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Steven Shapiro Dr. and Mrs. Craig Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Steven Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Josh Shilts Mr. Harry Shmunes Mr. and Mrs. Harry Shorstein 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 Mr. and Mrs. Gary Silverfield Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Silverman Mr. and Mrs. Federick Singer Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sisisky Mr. Michael Smalline Mr. Michael Smalling Mrs. Joscelyne Smiley Ms. Laurie Smirl Mr. and Mrs. Avi Smith Ms. Dianna Smith Mr. and Mrs. Eric Smith Drs. Todd Snowden and Catherine Snowden Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Soilson Mr. and Mrs. Eugolio Soliven Dr. and Mrs. Michael Solloway Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Solomon Mrs. Carole Solomon Mr. and Mrs. David Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Spill Mr. Rob Armstrong and Ms. Barbara Stafford Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Stark Stein Family Ms. Ruth Stein Mr. Daniel Stein Mr. and Mrs. Martin Steinberg Mr. and Mrs. Murray Stern Ms. Adele Stewart Mrs. Bernice Stone Mrs. Ann Stone Dr. and Mrs. Richard Stromberg Mr. George Strumlauf Ms. Linda Stuart Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Sugar Dr. and Mrs. Saul Sussman Dr. Millie Tannen and Mr. Edward Tannen Dr. Tannenbaum and Mrs. Kenneth Tannenbaum Mrs. Marilyn Tanney Mr. and Mrs. Howard Teitelbaum Ms. Marion Tischler Mr. and Mrs. Marty Trachtenberg Mr. and Mrs. Jason Trager Mr. and Mrs. Fred Tromberg Ms. Esfir Tulchinskaya Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ullmann Mr. and Mrs. Sean Valliere Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Van Ms. Ruth VanAlstine David and Tracey Vandroff Mr. and Mrs. Vladimir Voloshin Mr. and Mrs. Jules Wagman Mr. and Mrs. David Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Sumner Waitz Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wallman Drs. Paul and Marte Wasserman Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Weihnacht Mr. and Mrs. Frank Weiner Mrs. Renee Weinstein Mrs. Margie Weinstein Mr. Daniel Weinstock Mr. and Mrs. Dan Weisberg Mr. Mitchell Weiss and Mrs. Gale Cohen-Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Weiss Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Weitzen Dr. and Mrs. Gary Weltman Mrs. June Weltman Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Werner Mr. Jeff Wiener Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wilkinson Mrs. Linda Wilkinson Mr. and Mrs. Skip Willbach Ms. Grace Wilson Mrs. Hylda Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Witt Mrs. Jacqueline Witte Ms. Carole Witten Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Witten Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Wolchok Mr. and Dr. Arnie Wolf Mrs. Carole Wolpin Mr. and Mrs. Howard Wolpoff Mrs. Daiva Woodworth Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Wyzan Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Yahre Mr. Leon Yergin and Ms. Caryn Kenny Mr. and Mrs. Donald Young Dr. and Mrs. Larry Young Mr. and Mrs. Dana Zaifert Mrs. Barbara Zimmerman Zimmerman Family Mr. Jonathan Zisser Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Zisser Mr. and Mrs. Barry Zisser Mr. Daniel L. Zucker Mr. and Mrs. Paul Zyserman

page 17

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

federation news

Your Federation: Where the money goes On Sunday, Feb. 4, Federation volunteers will contact hundreds of the members of our community as part of Super and Thank You Sunday. We speak with more people that day than on any other day of the year. We need you to answer the phone and to consider giving even more than last year. Please take a look at the list below of our beneficiary agencies and recipients of funds from the regular campaign. We hope you will agree that a gift to the annual campaign makes a difference. American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization impacting millions of lives in more than 70 countries today. JDC leverages a century’s experience confronting poverty and crisis around the world to save the world’s poorest Jews, to revitalize Jewish life, empower Israel’s future, and to develop tomorrow’s Jewish leaders and rescue victims of global emergencies. www.jdc.org The Anti-Defamation League was founded in 1913 “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Now the nation’s premier civil rights/human relations agency, ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all. www.adl.org B’Nai Tzedek Program encourages and educates Bar and Bat Mitvah-age youth in the joys of tzedakah. ERUV of Jacksonville allows individuals and families choosing to observe Shabbat to have more access to and from synagogue. Florida Government Affairs Commission is a Jewish communities lobbying organization in Tallahassee. Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is a volunteer organization that inspires a passion for and commitment to its partnership with the land and people of Israel. It enhances the health of people worldwide through its support of medical care and research at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. Hadassah empowers its members and supporters,

as well as youth in Israel and America through opportunities for personal growth, education, advocacy and Jewish continuity. www.hadassah.org. The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future since 1929. JAFI was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled JAFI to address the Jewish people’s greatest challenges in every generation. www.jewishagency.org Jewish Community Alliance is Jacksonville’s Jewish community center. The JCA strengthens Jewish life, serves as a common meeting ground and enhances the quality of life of the entire community. The JCA provides an unparalleled array of physical, recreational, educational, social and cultural programs for all ages in one conveniently located stateof-the-art facility. www.jcajax.org Jewish Education Loan Fund grants interest-free loans to Jewish students from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia for post-secondary study at accredited institutions. JELF’s loans are last dollar — they supply the final funds that a student needs to attend school. These loans can be used for study at a college or university, graduate school or professional/vocational school that leads to a degree or certificate. www.jelf.org. Jewish Family & Community Services is a social service agency dedicated to helping people help themselves. JFCS serves the entire community through six core programs: child welfare, adoption, counseling, emergency financial assistance/food pantry, United Way’s Achievers for Life Dropout Prevention, and Jewish Services. Through the generosity of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, JFCS provides a number of services specifically for the Jewish community. Those include: support for children with special needs, meal delivery, affordable transportation, care management services and medical advocacy for seniors, financial assistance, Holocaust survivor services, and The Jewish Healing Network. www. jfcsjax.org.

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs serves as the representative voice of the organized American Jewish community in addressing the principal mandate of the Jewish community relations field: to safeguard the rights of Jews here and around the world; to dedicate ourselves to the safety and security of Israel; and to protect, preserve and promote a just American society jewishpublicaffairs.org. Joan Levin Gift of Israel Program was established to encourage teens to visit Israel by providing them with a $700 subsidy toward an accredited travel program including youth group trips, Federation Family Missions, official synagogue missions, or trips arranged by organizations such as Hadassah/Young Judea and Birthright Israel. www. jewishjacksonville.org/israel/giftof-israel. Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is the only K-8 Solomon Schechter Day school in North Florida. MJGDS offers a challenging dual track of general and Judaic studies. In first grade, our students spend a significant portion of their day in Hebrew language immersion, and by eighth grade graduate with two high-school level foreign language credits. MJGDS is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and is affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Junior Honor Society. Small class size ensures students receive individualized learning and opportunities for academic, social, and spiritual growth. www.

mjgds.org. National Funding Council divides funds among Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Jewish Community Center Association, JESNA, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, National Conference on Soviet Jewry, National Federation of Just Communities, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, National Hillel. River Garden Senior Services is a high-quality not-for-profit mission-driven community agency sponsored by the organized Jacksonville Jewish community. Programs include a variety of senior services for short- and long-term care including: skilled nursing and short stay rehabilitation, traditional long-term care, Alzheimer’s and memory care, adult day care, independent living apartments, geriatric assessment and case management, outpatient therapies, and licensed home care. www. rivergarden.org. Synagogues & Chabad which includes Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue, Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), Etz Chaim Synagogue, Jacksonville Jewish Center and all six area Chabads in Northeast Florida (Mandarin, Southside, Beaches, S. Johns, Clay and S. Augustine). Funds allocated to these entities go toward teenage education and programming. Taglit-Birthright Israel strives to strengthen Jewish identity, Jewish communi-

ties and solidarity with Israel by providing a 10-day trip to Israel for young Jewish people. Since its inception in 1999, TaglitBirthright Israel has sent more than 400,000 Jewish young adults to Israel. They come from 66 countries, all 50 U.S. States and Canadian provinces, and from nearly 1,000 North American colleges and universities. www. birthrightisrael.com. Torah Academy of Jacksonville is North Florida’s Orthodox Jewish Day School for nursery through eighth grade, but Torah Academy is more than a school – it is a community and a family. To ensure excellence in academics, Torah Academy offers small classes with personalized attention from a dedicated faculty. Our engaging curriculum encompasses Judaic studies, math, science, language arts, science, history, art and physical education as well as providing opportunities for community service. Beyond the classroom, Torah Academy is always focused on the spiritual, emotional and social development of its students. www.torah-academy.com. UNF Jewish Students Union is a part of the interfaith community at the University of North Florida. The organization is student run allowing for peer-to-peer relationships to develop with fellow Jewish students as well as a way to foster relationships with the Jacksonville Jewish community. unfjsu.com.

page 18

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

community news

Andrea Mail Jewish Community Advocate

Andrea Mail has played an active role in the Jacksonville

Jewish community since her arrival 13-years ago across the pond from London, England. Her positivity and willingness to help have led to her involvement with many organizations across the city. She currently serves on numerous boards including those of the Galinsky Academy, River Garden Foundation and WJCT. The Texas native’s passion for Judaism and Israel is seen in her immense involvement with the Jewish Women’s Renaissance

Feb.

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

m ot m

Project (JWRP) which brings Jewish mothers to Israel every summer. She is on JWRP’s board, Governance Committee, AIPAC Committee, and is its Chair of Communications and Marketing. Andrea is also currently helping to set up a JWRP Leadership Council in Jacksonville. Additionally, Mail is active in Jacksonville’s Jewish Federation, AIPAC and Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS). She was also the chair of the mega challah bake committee this past year. On top of all of that, she is

If you would like to nominate someone special for Mensch of the Month, who volunteers both their time and efforts to the Jacksonville Jewish community, simply submit their name, photo and a short write-up about them to jjn@jewishjacksonville. org. an amazing wife to her husband Steven and mother to her three teenage daughters, Sabrina, Zoe and Jasmine (and dog Heidi).

2018

Jewish Genealogical Society of NE Fla. will tell ‘stories from our Jewish families’, Feb. 18 BY ISABEL BALOTIN

Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org

On Sunday, Feb. 18 at 10:30 a.m. several of the founders of the new Jewish Genealogical Society of Northeast Florida will present some of its personal family stories as a way of illustrating the huge variety of resources that are available for doing research that is specific to Jewish Genealogy.

The stories will cover the pleasures and rewards of unearthing information about our ancestors, as well as advice in getting started in your research, even if you have very limited information. Mitch Gordon will share how he helped someone find his birth family and in the process found out he was related to this person on both sides. Well-known local genealogist Edwin Safer will share his family story from the shtetls in Lithuania to Jacksonville and Bernie Gross-

man, who had very little information about his family, but managed to create a family tree and connect with long-lost relatives. Listening to some of the stories is sure to strike a familiar chord for many of us who share a common history. Members of our local genealogy society will be available following the program for personal questions and suggestions. Coffee and refreshments will be served during the event, so please RSVP to Isabel Balotin at 904-4485000, ext. 1206 or via shalomjax@ jewishjacksonville.org. You can also contact Marla Westberg at

marla@westbergfl.com to confirm your attendance. This program is brought to the Jewish community courtesy of

The Jewish Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville, River Garden Hebrew Home and the Jewish Genealogical Society of Northeast Florida.

page 19

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

federation news

Champagne Brunch celebrates Israelis rich history BY ERIN COHEN

Women’s Division Director erinc@jewishjacksonville.org

Even a Jaguars playoff game didn’t stop 110 women for coming to Maggiano’s Little Italy to celebrate Israel and recognize the work of our Jewish community at the annual Federation Women’s Division Champagne Brunch. Guests were entertained and enlightened when history came to life as Theodore Herzl and Golda Meir (portrayed by Michael Lifshitz and Gail Byer) taught the group important lessons about their roles in the formation of Israel. The brunch was co-chaired by Michelle Pargman and Lauren Rickoff. Attendees also participated in a special mitzvah project for the JFCS Holocaust Survivors Program, by collecting special ‘spa-like’ items and toiletries, such as lotions, shower gel, perfume, aftershave, soft towels and slippers to be donated to the more than 80 Holocaust survivors living in Northeast Florida. A big thank you goes out to everyone who came out to support this special event, and be sure to mark your calendars now for the annual Girlfriend Connection, to be held Thursday, May 17.

Gail Byer portrays Golda Meir.

Photos by Larry Tallis

rGEN spotlight: Annual rGENerosity event sees successful turnout

Above: Michael DuBow engages with young Jewish philanthropists about the power of impactful giving. On Jan. 27, rGEN’s annual fundraiser was held at the home of Kendall Sisisky Valliere and Sean Valliere. Guests enjoyed a special evening of dinner and cocktails.

Michael Lifshitz portrays Theodore Herzl.

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

page 20

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

Tickets now on sale for JCA’s 30th anniversary celebration with David Stein, Howard Korman and Jeff Parker serving as honorary event chairs By Jewish Community Alliance

The JCA will celebrate 30 years of making a difference in Jacksonville, Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 pm. David Stein, Howard Korman and Jeff Parker will serve as honorary chairs of the event, which will celebrate the agency’s past, while recognizing its present and secure the future for generations to come. “The JCA has served as a common meeting ground for the Jewish community since we opened our doors 30 years ago,” said Executive Director Myron Flagler. “We teach children, care for elderly and frail, embrace individuals with different needs, guide teens, nourish bodies and souls and provide meaningful connections,”

he added. “We are an important part of life for thousands of people and David Stein, Howard Korman and Jeff Parker are three individuals who were instrumental in the success of the agency.” The event will feature signature cocktails, a delicious sit-down dinner, dancing and dessert, a wide variety of entertainment and a few nostalgic surprises along the way. “We are going to the tell story of the difference we make in the community and people’s lives because not everyone remembers where we started 30 years ago,” Flagler explained. Sponsorships and ticket sales are crucial to the success of this event which will benefit JCA membership and programs, including senior activities, preschool, after-school care and camp tuitions for families in need. Each

year, the JCA awards more than $330,000 in scholarships for children, families and senior adults.

Event tickets are on sale now, so visit jcajax.org/jca30 or contact Lior Spring at 904-730-2100, ext.

318 or lior.spring@jcajax.org to buy them or become a sponsor of this important milestone occasion.

JCA and Etz Chaim to celebrate Purim with family Hamentashen Bake in February at the J

The JCA and Etz Chaim’s 2017 family Hamentashen bake was a tremendous success, with treats to accommodate the tastes of those of all ages. By Jewish Community Alliance

The JCA and Etz Chaim Synagogue will join together for a day of baking fun on Sunday, Feb. 18 from 12:30–2:30 pm. For this special Hamentashen Bake, families will learn how to make the tasty three-cornered treats and enjoy games, crafts and a special learning session. As a cornerstone of Purim celebrations for centuries, the eating of hamentashen commemorates the downfall of Haman, the villain of the Purim

story. The three corners of the treat symbolize the three-cornered hat Haman was said to wear. As part of the JCA Jewish and Family Programs, this collaborative event brings families and people from across the Jewish community together to learn, experience, share and enjoy the preparations of the Purim Holiday together. For more information on this event and to register by Thursday, Feb. 15, go to jcajax.org or call 904-730-2100, ext. 228.

Jewish community alliance HAPPENINGS Feb. 2018/Sh’vat Adar 5778

For more information or to register for programs at the JCA, call 904-730-2100 or visit our official website at www.jcajax.org.

Vandroff Art Gallery

The work of Rebecca Hoadley is featured from Feb. 1–28. The receptions for this event is on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 6–8 p.m.

Young Concert Artists Series

Flutist Anthony Trionfo will perform on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. This is free and open to the entire community thanks to the generosity of the Berman Family.

Classic Movie Magic

See De-Lovely¬, which details the life of Cole Porter through his music on Wednesday, Feb 21 at 12 p.m. This is free and open to the entire community.

Sunday Film Series

See ‘The Stranger’ (1946) on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. This is free and open to the entire community.

Israeli Cinema Night

View and discuss the film ‘The Women’s Balcony’ with community shlicha Shelly Shelav on Saturday, Feb 17 at 7 p.m. This is free and open to the entire community.

Family Hamentashen Bake

In preparation for Purim, join the JCA and Etz Chaim Synagogue for this family event on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 12:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the entire community.

Shalom Israel

Explore Israel with Michele Block Gan Yeladim and Morah Karen Feb. 2– 23 from 1:30–2:15 p.m. The fee is $60 and $40 for JCA valued members.

Youth Flag Football Evaluation

A mandatory skills evaluation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 1–4 p.m. Practice begins

in March. Call Mike at 904-7302100, ext. 254 for more information.

JCA School Year Swim Team

Youth ages 5–18 can participate in these swim teams beginning in February. Contact Josie at 904-730-2100, ext. 240 for more information.

JV Makos Swim Team

Youth ages 4–6 can participate in this swim team beginning in February. Contact Josie at 904-7302100, ext. 240 for more information.

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2017 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $186,590

Red Cross CPR Certification

Complete Community Adult/ Child/Infant CPR certification on Sunday, Feb. 4 from 1–6 p.m. or Professional Rescuer CPR certification on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 1–6 p.m. The fee is $105 and $70 for JCA valued members.

JCA Tennis

The JCA offers tennis clinics and private lessons for players of all ages and skill levels. Contact Reggie at 904-730-2100, ext. 317 for information.

page 21

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

JEWISH FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES bRIEFS JFCS celebrates Allison Stein Robbins JFCS Board Building ribbon cutting and PJ Library’s Focus: Mary Edwards PJ Library 6th birthday 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.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Jewish Family & Community Services celebrated the dedication of the Allison Stein Robbins Building on Jan. 21. The newly renovated building includes an expanded Max Block Food Pantry and the new Fanny Landwirth Clothes Closet to better accommodate the needs of the Jacksonville community. The PJ Library Jacksonville’s sixth birthday was also observed and featured performer and Jewish

rock star, Rick Recht, who sang ‘Happy Birthday’ in front of a crowd of close to 300. Following the birthday serenade, a full-concert

was enjoyed by attendees featuring his fan-favorite songs. Look for pictures from the event in the March Jacksonville Jewish News.

JFCS celebrates13th annual ‘Home for the Holidays’ event in court Meals4You

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Call2Go

In late December, the 13th annual ‘Home for the Holidays’ event took place in a Jacksonville courtroom. The event, facilitated each year by Judge David Gooding, is designed to reinvigorate the search and need for adoptive parents by highlighting the happy endings. This year, nine Jewish Family & Community Services children found forever homes. The kids ranged in age from 1–14 and were in care for various reasons, be it abuse, abandonment, drug abuse or neglect. Each had been in relative or foster care for varying amounts of time. Understanding the adoption process and its many benefits is at the forefront of the event. Educating the general public about the benefits of adoption

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.

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 904394-5723.

is important and the ‘Home for the Holidays’ event accomplishes just that. “Finding forever families for children in our care who cannot return home is the number one priority of the JFCS adoption program.” said JFCS Adoption Coordinator Rebecca Margulies. “Not every family is created in the same way and it’s an honor and privilege to be a part of that creation.”

JFCS case workers and adoption coordinators are well-respected in the Jacksonville community and have been leaders in adoption services for over a decade. If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about the Jewish Family & Community Services adoption program, contact Associate Director Laura Evans at 904-394-5747 or email her at levans@jfcsjax.org. Next year, it could be you changing a life.

Yougeeta Singh named new clinical director for Dupont Counseling Group First Coast overcome challenges with Yougeeta at the helm.” If you would like more information on the Dupont Counseling Group, contact the counseling office at 904-394-5702 or email them at counseling@jfcsjax.org.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) recently named Yougeeta Singh as the clinical director of Dupont Counseling Group, where she will oversee a team of clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists at Dupont Counseling Group. Singh has almost 15 years of social work experience, previously serving as the clinical director at Volunteers of America and clinical coordinator of Baltimore City Health Department. She is a licensed clinical social worker in Florida who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from St. Peter’s College and a Master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University.

Yougeeta Singh

“Yougeeta’s impressive experience and commitment to helping others make her a perfect fit for our team,” said JFCS executive directior Colleen Rodriguez. “Dupont Counseling Group is poised to help even more people on the

Boxes and Boxes ‘O Food

A big thank you goes out to the Jacksonville Division of the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories that collected 10 large boxes of food for the Max Block Food Pantry to assist with additional need during the Holidays.

JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES 2017 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $265,600

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Mary Edwards graduated from University of North Florida Mary Edwards with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She also studied classical voice and obtained her culinary degree from FSCJ in 2013, where she was selected ‘Student of the Year’ by faculty. Previously, Edwards served as Vice President of Secondary Marketing at Alliance Mortgage Company, managing day-to-day operations of risk management for a billiondollar portfolio of mortgages. The Jacksonville native has served on the board of directors at the Jewish Community Alliance for eight years, several of which were spent on the JCA’s executive committee. She is currently an active board member at Jewish Family & Community Services where she serves as Chairman of the Fund Development and Marketing Committees. Along with Kimberly Sisisky, Edwards co-chaired the JFCS 100th Anniversary event, ‘Celebrating a Century of Service’, which was held last April. Additionally, she has been an integral part of JFCS’ highly successful capital campaign. Recently, Edwards became a member of the UNF Student Affairs Community Council and is a member of the FSCJ Alumni Advisory Council. She also holds membership on the Advisory Committee of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at FSCJ. In 2008, she received the Jewish Community Alliance Special Volunteer Services Award, and in 2006, the Congregation Ahavath Chesed Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award. In 1995, the JCA bestowed her with the honor of Volunteer of the Year. She currently spends her free time volunteering at River Garden Hebrew Home and Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple). Edwards’ husband of almost 35 years, Jeff, is the CFO of Beaver Street Fisheries and the two have two children in Lauren and David.

page 22

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES

RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES 2017 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $175,160

Jacksonville Jewish News â&#x20AC;¢ February 2018

page 23

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

lifecycles Births

Carlea Jean Kaufman was born Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville. She weighed five and a half lbs., and is the daughter of Zachary and Doree Kaufman. Carlea Jean Kaufman Proud grandparents are David and Sherry Kaufman and great-grandparents are Martin and Mimi Kaufman, all from Jacksonville.

B’nai Mitzvah

Jessica Hayley Benisch was called to the Torah, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 on the occasion of her Bat-Mitzvah at Temple Shaari Emeth in Manalapan, N.J. She is the daugh-

Jessica Hayley Benisch

ter of Cheryl and Gregory Benisch and granddaughter of Susan and Barry Benisch of Millburn, N.J., and Ann and Leon Silke of Jacksonville. Her great-grandmother is Lucie Schachter Fox of New York, N.Y.

Sympathies

… To the family of Irving Nathans, who passed away Wednesday, Dec. 27 at the age of 94. He is survived by his children Alan (Alyse) Nathans, Andrew (Denice) Rosenberg, Laurie (Aaron) Silverman, grandchildren Rebecca, Arin, Morgan, Kenny (Michele), Rachel, Josh, Stuart, Drew, David and Danielle. Contributions in Mr. Nathans’ memory may be directed to the River Garden Hebrew Home. … To the family of Jacksonville Jewish Center member Leah Solomon, who passed away, Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the age of 100. She is survived by her children Stephen (Anita) Solomon, Robert (Wendy) Solomon, and Iris Solomon; grandchildren Kenneth, Jerry (Leora), Lisa (Robyn), Jared (Matt), Beth (Andrew); and all of her greatgrandchildren. A graveside funeral service took place Jan. 5, at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Contributions in Mrs. Solomon’s memory may be directed to the Jacksonville Jewish Center or to River Garden Hebrew Home. … To the family of Eric Levy,

who passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife Susan, children Peter Levy (Kim Glasgal), Anne Levy (Richard); step-daughters Linde Teel and Peggy (Stephen) Ede; grandchildren Rachel and Evan Levy; and step-grandchildren Tiffany, Benjamin, Amanda, Alex, and Candace. A graveside funeral service took place Jan. 7 at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Contributions in Mr. Levy’s memory may be directed to the River Garden Hebrew Home. … To the family of Greg Dacks, who passed away Thursday, Jan. 4. He is survived by his mother Linda; brother Jayson (Brenna); grandmother Pearl Mack; nephew Jack Dacks and niece Carson Dacks. A graveside funeral service was held Jan. 8, at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Contribution in Greg Dacks’ memory may be sent to the Jacksonville Jewish Center, the American Heart Association, or the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation. … To the family of David Sean Price, who passed away Sunday, Jan. 7. He is survived by his father Michael Price; mother Terri (Tim) Overman; sister Elena (Jason) Diaz; grandparents Sam (Linda) Jennings and Miriam Feingold-Price; two step-brothers; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A graveside

To submit an item for lifecycles, please email it to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org. Due date is the 6th of the month. For guidelines of how to write Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding or obituary announcements, go to jewishjacksonville.org/news under “Share your news.”

Jamie Geller a hit at Major Gifts/Lion of Judah event

The Federation had an amazing turnout at the Major Gifts/Lion of Judah event on Jan. 20! Attendees mingled and enjoyed great conversation followed by a fascinating cooking demonstration by Joy of Kosher’s Jamie Geller. After the presentation, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner. Thank you to all who attended, to the lovely Jamie Geller, and to Rebekah and Andrew Selevan for opening up your home for this event! Pictured above: Jamie Geller and Rebekah Selevan

Jewish Business Network of Jax kicks off 2018 with informational meeting

By Jewish Business Network of Jacksonville

The Jewish Business Network of Jacksonville held its first meeting of the secular New Year the middle of last month at the offices of Zachary Cohen from St. Johns Asset Management. During the hour long meeting a number of different topics were discussed including the direction of the group moving forward. Aside

from general introductions, ideas put forward covered meeting time and place in addition to extra networking opportunities. The group meets the second Friday of each month from 8:309:30 a.m., with roving locations and different meeting sponsors. Those interested in attending or sponsoring a meeting should reach out to Cohen at Zach@ stjohnsasset.com or like the group on Facebook.

funeral service took place Jan. 9 at the Beth Shalom Cemetery in Jacksonville. Contributions in David Price’s memory may be sent to the Jacksonville Jewish Center, to River Garden Hebrew Home, or to the Isser and Rae Price Judaica Library at the University of Florida. … To the family of James Boyle, who passed away, Sunday, Jan. 7, in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. He is survived by his wife Ouida; daughters, Yvonne (Jim) Cone, Lavonne Thompson, and Tonya (Ted) Ward, in addition to a sister, Vera Benjamin. A memorial a service will be scheduled in New Smyrna

at a later date and contributions in James Boyle’s memory may be sent to the Jacksonville Jewish Center or to the Florida Lighthouse Association. … To the family of Esther Zucker who passed away, Monday, Jan. 15, at the age of 101. She is survived by her sons Samuel Zucker and Daniel (Sheryl) Zucker. A graveside funeral service took place Jan. 17 at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Contributions in Esther Zucker’s memory may be sent to the Jacksonville Jewish Center or to River Garden Hebrew Home.

business card directory

page 24

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

community news

River Garden to offer program series with Rabbi Merrill Shapiro BY LESLIE HELD Director of Jewish Life

Rabbi Merrill Shapiro

Rabbi Merrill Shapiro, President of the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society and immediate Past National President of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, will present a four-pro-

gram series titled “Influential Women of the Bible: Examining Persuasive Personalities” in River Garden’s Cohen Auditorium. The first presentation in this series, “Reaping Eve’s Rewards in the Garden of Eden” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m. For

New medical frontiers to be featured in Hadassah podcasts BY HELEN HILL Jacksonville Hadassah

Hadassah is proud to announce the launch of a podcast entitled ‘Hadassah on Call: New Frontiers in Medicine’. This informative behind-the-headlines look with Hadassah, its doctors, specialists, patients, and nurses will amaze you. There are several podcasts available now for you to listen to. Topics include Unlocking the Secrets of Alzheimer’s, The Genetics of Breast Cancer, Curing Melanoma, Real Facts on Women and Heart Health, and more as interviews will continually be added. You can access these podcasts through i-Tunes, i-HEART

Gottlieb Continued from pg. 9 the needy. My parents, Rabbi Martin and Roberta Scharf, have added to our children’s growth in this area by sharing stories of their struggles throughout life along with their joys. Our son, Sam, learned during an illness the expression “it all comes out in the wash” from my parents

Seder Continued from pg. 8 Through her actions, Rabbi

nearly two millennia we have read the story of the Garden of Eden under the influence of our non-Jewish neighbors. Evil inclinations have wrongly been attributed to Adam and especially Eve. Let’s carefully read this foundational document together under the influence of our traditional

Jewish values to find an entirely different tale with Eve as the hero. Rabbi Shapiro, who has served congregations in Ohio, Florida and Virginia, is currently an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Educator at the University of North Florida. Rabbi Shapiro

and his wife, Robyn, live in Palm Coast and are blessed with two daughters and five grandchildren. Refreshments will be served during the presentation, which is free and open to the entire community. Please RSVP by Feb. 14th, to Laura Platzer at lplatzer@rivergarden.org or 904-886-8429.

River Garden Auxiliary to hold mind-winter book sale soft back books can be found. All materials are priced to sell quickly and all proceeds benefit River Garden residents. Anyone with books to donate can drop them off at River Garden, located at 11401 Old St. Augustine

By River Garden Auxiliary

The River Garden Auxiliary will hold a book sale, Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. where a huge assortment of new and like new hardback and

Rd., beginning Feb. 13. For more information please call Michele Steinfeld at 6367580 or Bobbi Miller at 2877572. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Community Shlicha hosts heritage event By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

Radio, Tune-in, and Stitcher, or listen to them on Hadassah’s website at hadassah.org/multimedia/hadasah-on-call. Transcripts are also available through the website. For more information on Jacksonville Hadassah, contact Liat Walker, Chapter President at 904-591-6984 or Terry Schare, Vice President of Membership at 904-221-2486.

Members of the community attended an event hosted by Community Shlicha Shelly on Jan. 14. At this event, referred to as “The Khachapuri Club,” guests learned about the famous and delicious Georgian pastry, the khachapuri, and Georgian Israeli Jewry.

along with their stories of difficult times, and this guides him today any time life turns out differently than his plan. These lessons need to carry over into our schools, too. At DuBow Preschool, I watch children stop playing with a noisy fire truck, a toy that brings them incredible joy, to comfort a crying peer who bumped her leg. At Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, we encourage students to take risks like a coding project or a design

for a game piece might fail - instead of giving them projects with simple solutions where they will find success more easily. Incorporating these lessons and mitzvot into their daily lives - teaching kindness, respect and perseverance - builds people who will be more resilient and hopefully lead to more meaningful, purposeful lives. There is a verse in Parshat Terumah that reads, “Ve’asu li mik dash veshachanti betochem”

which means, “Build for me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25.8). By “them” we understand that G-d may dwell among them - the people, rather than it - the sanctuary. What an incredible reminder that G-d is not contained in any particular space, but rather in the spaces between people and the relationships people have with one another. It is through meaningful relationships and interactions that we are compelled to persevere even when

life becomes difficult. It is by engaging in new ideas, trying out different experiences and building friendships that we bring G-d and meaning into our lives. When we do this, we are truly happy. For more information on how DuBow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School partner with parents to create children who have lives with meaning, please call 268-4200 to schedule a tour or meeting with our Head of Schools, Raquel Scharf-Anderson.

Spitzer exposed domestic violence within the Jewish community empowering women to overcome abuse and rebuild their lives. The WRJ/Temple Sister-

hood supports the effort to end domestic violence by contributing the proceeds of the Women’s Seder to Hubbard House, a comprehensive shelter for abused women and their children in Jacksonville. Over the years, WRJ/Temple Sisterhood has donated over $65,000 to Hubbard House. Using the new Haggadah, WRJ/Temple Sisterhood will celebrate the courageous actions of Jewish women throughout history. Accomplishments of WRJ/Temple Sisterhood members Hazel Mack, Temple

Archives; Virginia Singer, Temple Library; and our unsung heroes, the Sisterhood Bakers will be recognized. All women who attend indeed carry on the tradition of action and service to the community. A light vegetarian meal will be served. Contribution levels are: $108 (Miriam)); $72 (Rachel); $54 (Angel); $36 (Patron); $18 (Chai); $9 Young Women Ages 6 – 12). Invitations will be mailed in late February and RSVPs are required by March 8. If you are not on our invitation list but would like

to attend please call Carolyn Kantor at 904-742-7738 or the Temple office at 904-733-7078 to make your reservation. Your check is your confirmed reservation. Please join us in celebrating our freedom and helping to us to fulfill the imperative that no one is free until all of us are free. We hope that you will be able to attend the Seder so please save the date, March 15 at 5:30 p.m. Invitations to the Seder will be mailed in mid February. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Seder.

page 25

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News â&#x20AC;¢ February 2018

page 26

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News â&#x20AC;¢ February 2018

page 27

www.jewishjacksonville.org

adult education Feb. 2018 - Sh’vat / Adar 5778

To include your adult education event in this listing please email the Jacksonville Jewish News at jjn@jewishjacksonville.org, with the time/date or frequency of the event from your specific organization or synagogue, along with a short description of each program or event.

Special Events

February 1, 8, 15, 22

Jewish Community Alliance (6:30 – 8 p.m.) THE ‘HOW’ OF HAPPINESS – Holistic health practitioner Dr. Jon Repole and his team at Jacksonville Health explain how to alter your thoughts to maximize happiness. The single class rate is $9 and $6 JCA valued members. The series fee is $30 and $20 for JCA valued members.

February 2 and 9

Jewish Community Alliance (12 – 1 p.m.) HEARTWISE SERIES – Join Nancy Crain, PA, from Baptist Health for this heart disease prevention series. This is free to the community.

February 11

Jacksonville Jewish Center YIDDISH CLUB - Our monthly meetings will held in the JJC Kramer Library at 12:30. This is an informal group of all ages with varying levels of ability. Meet other local speakers to practice the language, or to just shmooze a bisl! We’ll listen to Klezmer music, watch videos and films, read and speak in Yiddish! Please join the fun!

February 14

Jewish Community Alliance (1 – 3 p.m.) ART IN THE AFTERNOON: BEGINNERS LINOCUT PRINTMAKING – Create handmade stamps to make your own stationary cards and envelopes. The fee is $38 and $25 for JCA valued members.

February 17

Jacksonville Jewish Center COFFEE & TORAH - Come enjoy a strong cup of brew, a tasty breakfast treat, and thought-provoking insights into the weekly Torah portion in the intimate setting of Rabbi Lubliner’s office. 8:00-9:00 a.m.

February 20

Jewish Community Alliance (6 – 7:30 p.m.) DETOXING YOUR HOME – Join non-toxic living expert Leah Kennelly to discuss simple steps to make your house a healthier place for you and your family. The fee is $5; JCA valued members are free.

February 22

Jewish Community Alliance (6 p.m.) WHAT HELPS YOUR HEART, HELPS YOUR BRAIN – Clinical cardiologist Carlos Zamora, MD, FACC, from Baptist Heart Specialist, explores the connection between the heart and brain. This is free to the community.

February 23-25

Jacksonville Jewish Center

MARILYN AND LOUIS SAFER SHABBATON - This year’s Scholar-In-Residence is Dr. Stephen Berk. All events, except for meals, are free and open to the public, thanks to a very generous donation by the Safer family in loving memory of their parents, Marilyn and Louis Safer. Please see ad for more information, or call the JJC office. For more information about these or any other educational programs for adults, please check our website at www.jjcjax.org (“Adult Education”).

February 26

Jewish Community Alliance (6:30 – 8 p.m.) WORRY NO MORE – Join board-certified clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Elliott Rosenblum to learn how to live a worry-free life. This fee is $5; JCA valued members are free.

February 27

Jewish Community Alliance (6:30 – 9 p.m.) NATURAL HOME CLEANING PRODUCTS: MAKE AND TAKE – Donna McGee shows how to make all-natural, multisurface cleaners and detergents. The fee is $30 and $ 20 for JCA valued members.

Regular Events Sundays

Jacksonville Jewish Center (10:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) FOUNDATIONS OF JUDAISM CLASS - Classes are held at the JJC, and are open to all, whether you are considering conversion, seeking to understand a friend or relative’s religious choices, or simply trying to go beyond your childhood Jewish education. This month’s unit is “Ethics and Values”, and is being taught by Rabbi Merrill Shapiro, Feb. 4, 11, 25 Jacksonville Jewish Center (9:15 to 10:00 am.) BEGINNING HEBREW CLASS - This year’s class is being taught by Etta Fialkow. Alef-Bet reading skills and fluency. Feb. 4, 11, 25

Mondays

Jacksonville Jewish Center MONDAY MINYAN MAPQUEST MONDAY MORNINGS, FOLLOWING MORNING MINYAN: Rabbi Lubliner takes us on a tour of Jewish cities, explaining history and current statistics of some wellknown and not-so-well-known Jewish communities around the world. Feb. 5, 12, 26 Jacksonville Jewish Center (7:00 p.m.) TALMUD CLASS - Rabbi Lubliner explores communal responses to crisis in tractate Ta’anit. Open to all! Feb. 5, 12, 26

Saturdays

Jacksonville Jewish Center SHALOM MEDITATION Please join us for 25 minutes of meditation in a Jewish environment! At 9:15-9:30, we will offer some basic instruction of meditation technique and approach. We will start our actual practice at 9:30 and go until 9:55 (in time for the Torah service). Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24

CLASSIFIED Private Senior Care I am a Certified Nurse Assistant FL. License, have many years experience in Geriatric care, like: Monitoring behavior, Grooming ,Bathing, G.Tube feeding, Personal care activities and Office/Computer work. Have Excellent references & clean Police/ FBI background letter. Looking for a private Senior Care job. Call: Veronica at (904) 370-9178.

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2018

From the Bookshelves of the Second Gen Reviewed by Shoshana Haas

‘A German Life’ by Dr. Bend Wollshaeger tells an impressive true story about determination, roots, self-preservation and the hope that there is always a possibility for change, which is why I couldn’t take my eyes off it. As a child, the author finds an Iron Cross and questions his father. He does not reveal his secret, that he was a Nazi. The

child grows up anxious. Then, as a teen, Wollshaeger discovers what his father tried to hide. As a result, he leaves home and goes to Israel to learn about his father’s past. The author decides to convert to Judaism and today, he is a doctor, practicing in Israel and Florida. Like the author, I am in the medical field and I lived in Israel as well as other countries. This story grabbed me because of

the author’s determination to become a part of a society that his family condemned. Wollshaeger has visited Jacksonville and spoke to members of the Federation’s Society of Healers Division.

Beaches Book Club to read “ 37 Seconds” by Stephanie Arnold By Chabad at the Beaches

Chabad at the Beaches offers: A Jewish book club for women. The popular Jewish book club, beginning its 5th year will be lead by Joan Csillag. Every month the club meets and discusses a new book. The books cover a wide variety of topics that meet various interests. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy

a wonderful exchange of ideas. February’s meeting will take place Monday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m. This club is free of charge. The February Book is 37 Seconds by Stephanie Arnold. Like Proof of Heaven and To Heaven and Back, an award-winning medical drama with heavenly implications in which a woman receives premonitions of her death that come true, and her discovery of the heavenly help available to all

of us. As the book club is hosted at private homes, address is provided with reservations. For more information on this or other Chabad at the Beaches programs and events, go to Chabadbeaches.com. or call 904-543-9301. To RSVP email leah@chabadbeaches.com or text 904-504-0451. March Meeting: The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gillman

page 28

Like us on Facebook: JaxJewish

Jacksonville Jewish News â&#x20AC;¢ February 2018