FOOD GALORE Congregation Ahavath Chesed hosts its anuual Jewish Food Festival May 4
PURIM FUN View our crazy Purim pictures. page 2
EDUCATION Jacksonville’s Jewish schools make learning fun.
JEWISH NEWS Jacksonville
May
2014
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Nisan/Sivan
5774
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www.jewishjacksonville.org
page 8
page 10
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www.facebook.com/JaxJewish
Friend of Jews stops by Java
A publication of the
FEDERATION
JEWISH •
Volume
26,
OF JACKSONVILLE
Number
11
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16
pages
Passover 2014
By ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director
“My whole life I have always been fascinated by the Jewish people. And for some reason, I feel a very special connection, even though I was not born or raised Jewish.” These were the first words our new friend, Franco, spoke to me after I greeted him at our April Java program. He had heard about Shalom Jacksonville from a newcomer I had spoken to a couple of weeks ago. After a brief conversation with him, I seated him with a friendly group of regulars where he eagerly shared his interest and desire to learn more about Judaism. Born in northern Italy and an avid traveler, Franco sought out the Jewish communities wherever he lived or visited. Living in Jacksonville for eight months, he felt the same strong desire to connect with the Jewish community, and Jewish Java was his entry point, as it has been for many other newcomers. During the conversation, one of our regulars shared her many experiences as a member of the Jewish Community Alliance and offered to take Franco there for a tour after our program. He also was invited to Shabbat services, which he plans to attend with one of our Java regulars. I gave him my business card and the Jacksonville Jewish News, and wished Franco well as he begins his journey into Jewish life in Jacksonville. As always it was a very interesting morning, which began with some sharing of Passover experiences and
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Shalom Jax thanks you : This year marked six years of hosting Passover in the Matzah Aisles with Winn-Dixie Supermarkets. A special thank you to our friendly volunteers who greeted and assisted shoppers: Mimi and Marty Kaufman, Eunice Zisser, Kathy Moemke, Marcia Grado, Aviva Kaplan, Mere and Martin Schwartz, Sonya Morris, Eva Jackler, Barbi Young, Naomi Lazar, Arlene Adelson, Adrienne Biber, Sandy Rosenfield, Ina Taffet, Gloria Goodman and Edna Maltz. Special thanks to the Lakewood and Mandarin Winn- Dixie store managers and marketing department for their cooperation.
Temple Bet Yam chocolate Seder
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School reenactment
Synagogues, schools hold variety of Seders By Temple Bet Yam
By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
By Congregation Ahavath Chesed
Temple Bet Yam school holds chocolate Seder
MJGDS K-8 experiences differentiated Passover
Interfaith Passover Seder held
Recently families of the Temple Bet Yam Religious School celebrated Passover with a chocolate Seder. The chocolate Seder was a creative addition to the traditional Seder the Temple holds each year. Passover celebrates the exodus of Jews from Egypt, and the story is told using symbolic items on the Seder plate. In this case, the Religious School staff created chocolate symbols to exemplify the tradition. For instance, wine became chocolate milk, matzo was dipped in chocolate, and the bitter herb used to remind Jews of the harshness of slavery was substituted by bitter chocolate. A special chocolate Haggadah followed the traditional order of a Seder. A delicious time was had by all.
(Taken from Dr. Mitzmacher’s blog) MJGDS believes in the model Seder. The Seder is among the most powerful pedagogies ever developed. Celebrating a holiday through reenactment is experiential education at its finest. We like it so much, we have created them for Tu B’Shevat, Yom Ha’Atzmaut and holidays. And we do in the Jewish day school feel a certain pressure to provide Jewish experiences of holidays to ensure all our families have opportunities to participate. Hence, our monthly All-School Kabbalat Shabbat services and this year’s Purim celebration. Basically, outside of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we celebrate the entire Jew-
See MODEL SEDER, p. 4
The Lefkowitz Interfaith Passover Seder was held on April 10, several days before Passover. Everyone who attended was invited to attend the Congregational Seder, at which more than 250 gathered on the first night of Passover. At the Interfaith Seder, a model Seder, Rabbi Joshua Lief shared the symbols and meaning of the holiday. Everyone partook of the symbolic foods, four cups of wine, tasty Passover treats, rituals, songs, and even a hunt for the Afikoman. At our Interfaith Seder, we remember that “no one is truly free until all people are free,” explained Lief. A unique feature of this Seder is that a Temple member is seated at each table
See INTERFAITH, p. 6
page 2
Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
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PURIM FUN This March Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool students celebrated Purim with a surprise for some members of the JCA staff. Classes decorated baskets and filled them with candies, hamantaschen cookies and fruits. All morning children paraded through the JCA halls delivering baskets. Derived from the Book of Esther, this tradition ensures that everyone has food for the Purim feast. This act has evolved into giving gifts to people in our lives as an expression of gratitude, appreciation and love. The day culminated with a special Purim Play Day carnival, thanks to the assistance of the many parent volunteers who helped run games and distribute prizes. The Galinsky Academy PTA hosted a Purim Festival for the community on March 16, which included a stilt walking 10-foot tall Haman. Haman (MJGDS teacher Seth Carpenter) greeted guests as they enjoyed activities such as bounce houses, face painting, Haman Hoops, duck races, photo booth and more. This year, some new additions to the day included a student art auction, which raised over $600 toward a weaving loom and supplies for the Galinsky Academy art program.
Members of Temple Bet Yam in St. Augustine celebrate Purim in a wild and wacky way.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
I-PAC JAX organizes River Garden offers sensitivity training to understand aging in North Florida By I-PAC JAX
Richard Browdy, founding member and treasurer of I-PAC JAX, recently announced the formation of a federal non-affiliated political action committee. A political action committee is a legal entity registered with the Federal Election Committee to enable like-minded individuals to pool their political contributions to federal office seekers and incumbents to indicate their support for a particular issue. I-Pac Jax is a pro-Israel PAC that will support member of congress who supports a strong U.S.-
Israel relationship and a pro-Israel political agenda. This Northeast Florida political action committee is completely bi-partisan and evaluates its recipients solely based on actual voting records and positions related to foreign policy in the Middle East. I-PAC Jax plans to host events to raise funds throughout the year. The PAC will also conduct interviews with candidates and office holders who express their support for the U.S.-Israel relationship. For information regarding membership in I-PAC Jax, contact Richard Browdy at (904) 7395195 or at IPAC JAX@aol.com.
JCA sheds some light on Messianic Judaism By Jewish Community Alliance
Increased proselytization is leading to an assault on the Jewish community. Some Messianic Jews in particular utilize misleading and heavy-handed tactics in an effort to bring unsuspecting Jews into the fold. Most commonly experienced on college campuses, this deception occurs in all age groups and branches of Judaism. On Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m., in an effort to educate and inform, the JCA’s J Institute will welcome Ira Michaelson from Jews for Judaism. Ira was raised as an orthodox Jew and became a Messianic
rabbi, serving a congregation in Orlando for several years. Spiritually unsatisfied and uncomfortable with the inconsistencies in Messianic Judaism, Ira transitioned back to traditional Judaism and will be speaking about the tactics and techniques used to attract the uninformed. This program is open to the community. The fee is $5 and is free to JCA valued members. Space is limited so advance registration is suggested. For more information or to register visit www.jcajax.org/ ji or contact the JCA registrar at 730-2100 ext. 228. The J Institute -- experience it.
River Garden installs board By River Garden Senior Services
River Garden installed new board leadership during the annual meeting of River Garden Senior Services and the 68th Anniversary Day celebration of River Garden Hebrew Home. Following three years as board president of the River Garden Hebrew Home, Mark Lodinger passed the baton to incoming board president, Marsha Pollock. Mark has served on the
River Garden Home board since 1991, including serving as vice president of the River Garden admissions board and chair of its Insurance Committee. Marsha has served on the River Garden Home board since 1990, most recently as vicechair of the Admissions Committee. The annual anniversary day celebration was attended by over 500 guests and included a barbeque, pony rides, train rides, face painting, balloon artistry, games and an open house.
Dine with the Jax Jewish Singles By Jax Jewish Singles
Come join the Jax Jewish Singles for dinner at India’s Restaurant, located in Southside. Tempt your taste buds with this
authentic North Indian food. The spices will delight your senses. Come for good food and good conversation. Please call Francine for details, 221-8061, or email, francine.smith@comcast.net.
By River Garden Senior Services
River Garden Senior Services and AgeWell Institute of Baptist Health will present a community program on the River Garden campus. This interactive training program, called Ageless Wisdom, has been designed to help participants better understand the aging process. Through the use of simulations and role-playing exercises, participants will gain a clearer understanding of the changes that normally occur with age, as well as those that occur as a result of diseases and disabilities associated with aging. By the end of the two-hour program, attendees will become better sensitized to the aging
process and will gain strategies to help respond to the needs of older adults, whether encountered at work, in the community or in their families. Topics include: • Myths about aging • Sensory changes • Functional changes • Cognitive changes • Psychological and social changes • Tips on how to age well This program is offered by a team of certified facilitators from Baptist Health’s AgeWell Institute. The Ageless Wisdom Sensitivity Training Program was developed by the University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging in partnership with UPMC/University of Pittsburgh
JCA helps you eat healthier By Jewish Community Alliance
Diabetes, heart disease and obesity are far too common these days. The JCA’s J Institute will host two extremely relevant programs in May. On Tuesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. nutritionist and holistic health practitioner Dr. Jon Repole will present, Stop Eating Your Feelings. Repole will discuss the
causes and effects of emotional eating and provide techniques to help break the bond. On Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. Mayo Clinic’s clinical dietician Debi Silverstein, M.S., R.D., will present, Healthy Meal Planning for Diabetes. Silverstein will teach you how to count carbohydrates the easy way and show you how to plan simple, healthy diabetic meals
By River Garden Senior Services
River Garden Senior Services hosted a special event on its campus April 1. More than 125 men and women participated in an educational session with guest speaker Larry Minnix, president and CEO of LeadingAge, a national association of 6,000 not-forprofit aging services providers nationwide. Participants then toured the River Garden campus, and were treated to a reception in
their honor. Attendees were representatives from Jewish senior services agencies throughout North America who gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Jacksonville March 30 to April 2 for the 54th annual conference of the Association of Jewish Aging Services. The international association represents over 100 not-for-profit Jewish community agencies throughout the United States and Larry Minnix Canada.
Magazine ranks River Garden among the best By River Garden Senior Services
U.S. News & World Report has once again rated River Garden Hebrew Home a fivestar community, which positions them among the Best Nursing Homes in the United States. This ranking is one of the most helpful and popular tools among baby boomers and others when
researching and evaluating nursing homes for short-stay rehabilitation, as well as traditional long-term care. Approximately 20 percent of nursing homes nationwide earned an overall five-star rating. At the top of the U.S. News & World Report list are those with a rating of five stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medic-
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 adverisers: 29 South Restaurant Beachview & Party Rentals Bob Ham Eyewear Brandon Pest Control Butensky & Cohen Financial Security • Davoli’s Catering
• • • • • • •
that are easy and satisfying. Both programs are open to the community. The fee is $5, free for JCA members. Space is limited so advance registration is suggested. For more information or to register, visit www.jcajax.org/ ji or contact the JCA registrar at 730-2100 ext. 228. The J Institute – experience it.
River Garden hosts senior services agencies
Thank you ... thank you ... thank you • • • • •
Medical Center. There will be no charge to attend this community forum program at River Garden. River Garden will host two sessions of Ageless Wisdom: • Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will follow the session. • Tuesday, May 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dessert will be served. Since these sessions are interactive, attendance is limited to 30 people per session. Please RSVP as soon as possible, as interest in this program is expected to be high. Contact Skip Willbach at swillbach@rivergarden.org or 904-260-1818 x207 to reserve your space today.
Erica Jolles - Magnolia Properties Etz Chaim Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home Irina Stevens, CAN Jewish Community Alliance Jewish Museum of Florida Margo’s Catering
• Mark Kraus, MetLife • PaigeWajsman-Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty • River Garden • Stein Mart • Torah Academy • Business Directory, p. 14
For your advertising needs, please contact advertising sales representative Barbara Nykerk at 904.733.4179 or Eta Perras at 904.629.0466.
aid Services, the federal agency that sets and enforces standards for nursing homes. These top facilities are rated five stars for their overall performance in health inspections, nurse staffing and quality of medical care. This prestigious status reflects River Garden’s dedication to providing excellent elder care in Northeast Florida.
What’s inside Community................................. p. 3 Education.................................... p. 8 Federation ................................ p. 6 Jewish Family & Community Services.................................... p. 12 Jewish Community Alliance .... p. 14 Lifecycles.................................. p. 14 Obituaries................................. p. 14 Perspectives............................... p. 4 River Garden............................. p. 11 Synagogues ............................. p. 10 Women’s..................................... p. 7
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
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PERSPECTIVES
The cost of freedom By RABBI MATT COHEN Congregation Ahaveth Chesed
H
ow many of you went to religious school and left feeling like you knew enough about Judaism to last a while? Hopefully, some of you felt like me. Admittedly, prior to a few years before my rabbinical studies at the age of 30, I fell into the category: the Jew who actually did not know much. Sure, I went to religious school all the way through becoming a Bar Mitzvah. While my finish line was on the morning of Sept. 16, 1989, I knew the basics. I had a cursory understanding of the Jewish holidays, enough Hebrew to get me through my Bar Mitzvah service, and a few famous Bible stories. Isn’t that all there is to it? I am afraid that my religious school experience is too common. It was not until my diligent pursuit of knowledge as an adult that I began to realize how much I did not know. Take, for instance, the Bible stories beyond those we read in Genesis and Exodus. There is sex, corruption, deceit, blood and guts (the sacrificial system is not clean) and, of course violence, war, and death – a lot of it. Further, most of it is not taught in religious school. Adults, encountering it for the first time, are shocked to learn about the complicated and uncomfortable details that were left out. This coming month, we will conclude the book of Leviticus (full of blood and guts) and continue our journey through the wilderness in the book of Numbers. Numbers opens with
God’s command to Moses to take a census of all Israelite men 20 years old and up who can bear arms. This is a military census. The men who are counted will indeed go to battle with the inhabitants of the Promised Land and face the reality of war. Numbers records multiple battles in which tens of thousands of lives are lost – the stories that tend to get left out of religious school curriculum. At the same time we venture into Numbers, on May 5, Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance, we will gather as Jews to pay homage to the men and women who died defending our right to live freely in Israel. On May 26, Memorial Day, we will join to remember and commemorate the men and women who have died defending our right to live freely in America. However, there are some distinct differences between the ways in which Israeli Jews and Americans recognize these historical events. In Israel, on Yom Hazikaron, the entire country comes to an immediate stop to remember and mourn the loss of fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Children stop their playground activities, while adults halt their busy work day for a moment of silence. It is a day in which every Israeli citizen – young enough to understand and old enough to have fought for Israel’s independence – face the reality of the cost of freedom. The stories of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror are remembered and transmitted in a true and honest way. On Yom Hazikaron, in stark
contrast to the American Memorial Day, there are no special sales, fun family gatherings, or long weekend vacations. In America it seems, unless a family has been affected by a direct or close tie to a loved one who fell in battle, Memorial Day is a day off. And, dare I say, the majority of our youth do not truly understand the meaning of the day. It is a blessing to enjoy the freedom of living in America. It is a blessing that we can shop those great sales, spend a weekend away, and gather to celebrate with family and friends. Yet, it is only a blessing if we remember and teach why it is a blessing. It is our responsibility to teach our children that the freedom we enjoy today comes at a cost. It is our responsibility to pause with our families and friends to commemorate those who fought for our freedom and be thankful for the blessings in our lives. As Jews, we have double the responsibility. We are charged with the task of being wellversed in our Jewish history, as well as our American history, and to be appreciative of all who have sacrificed their lives to establish the state of Israel and to allow us to live freely as Americans. This year, let Yom Hazikaron be a time of reflection and thoughtfulness. And this Memorial Day, before we throw dinner on the grill or take advantage of big savings at the mall, let us all take a moment to teach our children why he or she is home from school and show gratitude to those who helped get us where we are today. May it be God’s will that someday soon all of humanity will be so blessed to celebrate freedom and life with joy and gratitude.
families: Kitah gan: first Model Seder, Kitah alef: first Hebrew Model Seder, Kitah bet: Hebrew Passover play, Kitah gimmel: historical reenactment Model Seder, Kitot dalet and hay: a Passover experience, Kitot vav – chet: Lead Seder at Mt. Carmel in partnership with Jewish Family & Community Services. Each grade (or grade grouping) had its particular theme or experience (or both). Every
student learned appropriate Passover material, and each family had a chance to have an appropriate Passover family experience. Hopefully, the differentiated experience will continue to give our students something new to look forward to each year, and give our parents and families (particularly those with multiple children) something different to experience with each child.
RABBINICALLY SPEAKING
MODEL SEDER Continued from p. 1
ish calendar in school – whether they fall during school or not. So we were not going to get rid of Passover. But maybe we could provide a differentiated educational experience? So we delivered a K-8 differentiated Passover experience for MJGDS students and
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Remembering a great lady By HAZEL MACK
Special to the Jewish News
The Hackel family came to Jacksonville in 1929, along with five daughters. Pat was the youngest. She grew up in Jacksonville and received a teaching degree at Florida State College for Women, now FSU. She taught for two years before she married Dr. Felix Glickstein and raised two sons. She continued her education, taking writing courses at Jacksonville University. She then launched a freelance
career, writing business profiles for Jacksonville Magazine. These included many of the early Jewish business families: Cohen Brothers, Furchgott’s, Mizrahi family, Levy’s, The Luggage Shop and Movsovitz Produce. Pat worked with the organizers and sourced materials for Mosaic, the exhibit of Jewish Life in Florida that would later become the Jewish Museum of Florida. She left an indelible memory in the Jewish community with her contributions to the National Council of Jewish Women, the Jewish Community Council, the United Jewish Appeal and the Brandeis University National Women’s Committee. Her commitment to the history of the Jews of Jacksonville and Congregation Ahavath Chesed led her to write the 100-year history of this synagogue, the first in Jacksonville, and only the second in Florida. Pat was my mentor and my dearest friend. She inspired me to continue with the history of Congregation Ahavath Chesed and the Jewish history of Jacksonville. She shall be sadly missed.
JACKSONVILLE’S JEWISH HISTORY
Natalie “Pat” Hackel Glickstein Haas 1918 - 2014 Jacksonville
JEWISH NEWS Grow your business If you want to reach a demographic with a higher than average household income and education, the Jewish News is your connection.
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PERSPECTIVES
Op-Ed: Beating back the assault on Israel’s legitimacy By Jerry Silverman and Steve Gutow
Leaders of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement say they are protesting Israel’s policies in the West Bank. They are doing far more than that. BDS advocates routinely oppose a two-state solution and seek to delegitimize the sovereign, Jewish State of Israel. In some cases, BDS becomes the latest form of anti-Semitism. The BDS movement aims to isolate and punish Israel, using the same techniques applied to apartheid South Africa. Not hesitating to misrepresent facts and ignore context, these Israel bashers take advantage of ignorance and naïveté within civil society circles, mostly in Western Europe, to advance their anti-Israel agenda. BDS advocates view the situation in the West Bank through a one-way lens, seeing only a single perspective. They cite, for example, the security checkpoints that make life difficult for Palestinians but conveniently overlook the reasons for those checkpoints. They ignore the fact that hurting Israel’s economy would also hurt Palestinians who earn their livelihoods from Israeli-owned businesses. BDS backers don’t bother to protest the many countries that have horrific human rights records, instead singling out the world’s only Jewish state, often based on false or misrepresented information. A tipping point for the Jewish community’s response to BDS came in 2009 when a number of anti-Israel groups called for a
boycott of the Toronto International Film Festival because one of its themes was Tel Aviv’s 100th anniversary. The Toronto and Los Angeles Jewish federations joined forces and, with the involvement of major figures in the entertainment industry, fashioned an effective response. With calls for BDS escalating in the mainline Protestant churches, on college campuses and elsewhere, Jewish community leaders realize that the situation calls for more than an ad hoc approach: Local communities need a strategic approach with national support and coordination. In 2010, the Jewish Federations of North America, representing more than 150 local federations, allocated significant resources so that the Israel Action Network could serve this purpose. The Jewish Council for Public Affairs — with its 16 national member organizations, including all four of the religious movements, and 125 Jewish community relations councils, which work with non-Jewish coalition partners on a range of international and domestic concerns — was the JFNA’s obvious partner. One principle that guides this work is that we should understand our audiences. And when we speak with others, we should do so with a respect for the sensitivities of that constituency so that our important messages are authentically heard. Whether on a campus, in a church or speaking with an LGBT group, we should always be clear that we stand as partners, sharing the goal of a future with peace and security
— not one of conflict and BDS. Experience and research demonstrate that what works best with these audiences — mostly made up of political and religious progressives — is not an all-good-vs.all-bad characterization of Israelis and Palestinians. Instead, a more nuanced narrative is the one that is likely to defeat the one-sided and hostile stance of those seeking to delegitimize Israel. This means honestly conveying the situation’s complexity, expressing empathy for suffering on both sides (without implying moral equivalency) and offering a constructive pathway to helping the parties move toward peace and reconciliation based on two states for two peoples. Whether we are dealing with a boycott of Israeli academic institutions adopted by the American Studies Association or an attempt to remove Israeli products from a Brooklyn food co-op, the most effective opponents of these initiatives are the people who travel in those circles. While we should not remain silent in the face of Israel’s delegitimization, we should strongly support the efforts of these thirdparty validators who share our values. The 247 (and counting) universities and colleges that have denounced academic boycotts generally — and academic boycotts of Israel specifically — are just such validators. It is not enough to only expose the true goals of the boycotters and their allies. Israel’s supporters must also drain the swamps of ignorance that allow the poisonous ideas of
the Jewish state’s opponents to incubate. Thus, we are taking the initiative to inoculate vulnerable politically progressive sectors, presenting a more factual perspective on Israel and taking prominent leaders to the region to see the real situation firsthand. There is no imminent threat to the critical and broad North American support for Israel. But American support for Israel is not
something to be taken for granted in light of the organized campaign we now face. While we should not be panicked, we cannot be complacent either. We pledge to continue to work hard to prevent any erosion of that support. Rabbi Steve Gutow is president and CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. Jerry Silverman is president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
FEDERATION/COMMUNITY NEWS Proposed slate of officers and Torah Academy honors Leslie board members announced Held, and Jeff and Debbie Parker By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
In accordance with the bylaws of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, the nominating committee chaired by immediate past president Larry Appel presents to the members of the Jewish community a proposed slate of officers and board members for the fiscal year July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. Election and installation will occur at the annual meeting to be held on June 17. Any changes or additions to this list will be noted in the June issue of the Jacksonville Jewish News. The executive committee will include: Harold Resnick, president; Sandy Zimmerman, first vice president and campaign chair; vice presidents, Wendy Efron, Iris Kraemer, Mike Nussbaum and Risa Herman, women’s division president; Jennifer Plotkin, women’s campaign chair; Ken Jacobs, treasurer; Jon Israel, secretary; Daniel Miller, rGEN chair; Larry Appel, immediate past president; Richard Sisisky,
JAVA
Continued from p. 1 memories. One of our Java regulars, a volunteer for Jewish Family & Community Service’s Jewish Healing Network, brought her client to Java to say hello and enjoy the camaraderie. She was so happy to join us. The morning was a wonderful blend of welcoming, good food, new and familiar faces, inspirational experiences and most of all, community. Franco update: Franco joined the JCA and has already participated in many of the programs. He also attended Friday evening services at the Temple and was very inspired. Join us for Shalom Jacksonville’s
INTERFAITH Continued from p. 1
to welcome the guests and to answer questions about the food, the Seder and the traditions of Passover. Rabbi Sidney Lefkowitz, who served as the senior rabbi at the Temple from 1946 to 1973, believed in building strong relations with people of all faiths. Lief, Temple’s current senior rabbi, continues that legacy. He is actively engaged in interfaith
presidential appointee; and Mark Green, president of the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida. Board members include: Ellen Rosner (Jewish Family & Community Services), Marsha Pollock (River Garden), president of the JCA to be determined, Michael Abel, Claudia Baker, Nancy Davis, Susan DuBow, Kim Glasgal, Andrew Jaffa, Erica Jolles, Francine Kempner, Michael Koren, Michael Korn, Michael Lewis, Andrea Mail, Adam Marmelstein, Ben Marsh, Zachary Sherman, Emily Rosenbaum, Diane Rothstein, Mike Solloway, Todd Werwa, Susan Wolchok and Eugene Wolchok. Past president/honorary life members include: Scot Ackerman, Guy Benrubi, Jack Coleman, Ronald Elinoff, Leslie Held, Joan Levin, Mitchell Levine, Gary Perlman, David Robbins, Kenneth Sekine, Leonard Setzer, Steve Silverman, Arnold Vandroff and Elliot Zisser. Rabbis include: Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, Rabbi Joshua Lief, Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner and Rabbi Michael Matuson.
Jewish Java on May 7 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Village Bread Café, 10111 San Jose Blvd. at Crown Point Road. Our monthly Javas have been going strong for seven years. Each month brings regulars, newcomers and many people who are interested in making new friends. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived in Jacksonville, you have an open invitation to join us anytime. Buy your fresh breakfast, a bagel or Danish. The coffee and tea are compliments of Village Bread. Mark your calendars now for the first Wednesday of every month. For more information, please contact Isabel Balotin, 904-448-5000 x206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org. Shalom Jacksonville is a program of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville.
activities. “Interfaith activities enable us to explore the similarities and differences among us. That focus can bring us together and help us all find greater connection to our own faith traditions,” explains Lief. Lefkowitz’s first interfaith event was held Feb. 10, 1947. About 35 people attended including a Catholic priest, the seventh U.S. fleet captain and the mayor of Jacksonville. At least one interfaith event was held each subsequent year. The interfaith Seder was added in 1970.
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By Torah Academy
Leslie Held is passionate about Jewish education. On Tuesday, May 27, she will receive the Kesser Shem Tov Award for over 11 years of work devoted to establishing and maintaining the Torah Academy. Leslie helped shape the idealistic and physical foundation of Torah Academy by the side of Robbie Roth, of blessed memory. Leslie succeeded Robbie Leslie Held as the school’s president and was an integral part of Council’s Initiative on menthe Education Committee. tal illness. She continues to serve on Professionally, Leslie the school’s Board of Direc- serves as the volunteer cotors. There are over 60 stuordinator at River Garden. dents in the Torah Academy She has two children and today receiving an educathree grandchildren who, tion in a loving environment along with the students of steeped in the values of the the Torah Academy, have Torah. Leslie states that she all enjoyed the benefits of is most proud of “knowing Leslie’s commitment to that I played a pivotal role education. in seeing that Robbie’s viJeff and Debbie Parker sion continued, and that this have been active supportincredible Jewish education ers of numerous not-foris here in Jacksonville for profit organizations within those who want it.” the Jewish community, as Leslie is a past president well as the larger Jacksonof the Jewish Federation ville community. Jeff, an of Jacksonville and Tikvah entrepreneur and CEO of a Hadassah. Her travels to public company, grew up in the Jewish communities Omaha, Neb., and Debbie in Ukraine, Argentina, has strong ties to the local Budapest, Poland and Israel community having attended have fueled her passion the Jacksonville Solomon for working for the Jewish Schecter Day School and people as a whole. She is a being an alumna of the Jewish National Fund Tree University of Florida. of Life recipient and considThe Parkers involvement ers Israel to be an “incredincludes active support of ible force in my life.” Leslie The Bolles School, where is also involved with the Jeff has served multiple Jacksonville Community terms as a trustee of the
board and co-chairs the Technology Committee. Jeff and Debbie have twice chaired the Bolles Annual Giving Campaign. Jeff is a lifelong member of the board of the Jewish Community Alliance, which is named for his father Ed. They also chaired a Federation’s family mission to Israel. Jeff and Debbie support the Jewish National Fund, of which they have been Tree of Life honorees. They started and support a scholarship fund for exceptional students seeking degrees in engineering at the University of North Florida and the University of Central Florida. They annually support River Garden, where they are this year’s co-chairs of the annual River Garden gala. They have been longtime supporters of Federation, where Debbie has served on the board; JFCS; as well as many other local and national groups. Over the past several years they have been supporters of the Torah Academy, as they recognize an orthodox Jewish day school as an important facet of the Jewish community. Bonnie Hardy and Judy Lewis are the co-chairs for the evening. The annual dinner will be held at 6 p.m., in the Etz Chaim Synagogue Social Hall. For additional information please contact the school office at 268-7719, and visit our website www.torah. academy.com/dinner.
Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
page 7
www.jewishjacksonville.org
WOMEN’S NEWS
Etz Chaim and JJC Sisterhoods join to prepare for Pesach By Emily Rosenbaum and Kim Glasgal
Purim was over, so what to do next? Rest up a little? Enjoy the hamantashen? Of course not. Time to get ready for Passover. Put the costumes away, and get out the brooms and aprons. Jewish women all over the world shudder at the mention of the three little words, kosher for Passover. But it doesn’t have to be this way, insists chef Aviva Kanoff, author of the cookbook “The No Potato Passover.” Gleaned from travels to other countries, Kanoff offers easy and tasty alternatives to Passover staples for the Seders and the
gastronomically monotonous days that follow. Emily Rosenbaum was newly appointed to the Etz Chaim Sisterhood Board and had worked with Kim Glasgal in the past, so she and Etz Chaim Sisterhood President Beth Beyer reached out to the JJC Sisterhood president to see if there was anything they could do together. A Passover cooking event seemed a common interest for both groups. Chai Gross graciously hosted the event and gave her kitchen over to Kanoff to prepare delicious samples for the guests. Almost 50 guests from both sisterhoods and of various ages paid
River Garden Auxiliary offers Special Event By River Garden Auxiliary
It’s not too late to enjoy a Taste of the Caribbean with the River Garden Auxiliary. The 18th annual Special Event will be Thursday, May 8, at the Jacksonville Marriott and is the auxiliary’s major fundraiser. All monies raised by the auxiliary are returned to River Garden to enhance the lives of the residents. The music, silent auction shopping, tropical drinks and a special luncheon will make you feel like
you’re in the islands. TJ Maxx will present an inland fashion show with auxiliary members as the models. You might get lucky and win the raffle – tickets are $5 or a book of six tickets is $25. This year’s event is co-chaired by Rhoda Goldstein and Ilana Manasse. There is still time for you to make your reservations by calling Rhoda at 268-8124 or Ilana at 733-7765. Special Sponsor and Patron Designations are available and include a table for eight.
Center Sisterhood presents: Smile, you’re on (secret) camera By Center Sisterhood
In the wake of the National Security Council’s scandalous revelation of its immense collection of data about the daily activities of millions, we are left wondering what privacy means in the internet age. To what extent does the need to protect society
$5 to taste the recipes and hear a few tips for Pesach cooking. Guests could purchase a signed cookbook. Kanoff discussed her tips for preserving herbs and for preparing the dishes she presented. Carrot fries, mock-potato kugel, and biscotti, all kosher for Passover, were available to taste. As informative and useful as it was to learn from Kanoff (and her cookbook), the enthusiasm seemed generated more by the gathering of the two sisterhoods. As they left, many women remarked that it was a great idea to get two groups together. “Let’s do it again.”
JWRP walks to Israel By JWRP
JWRP Walks2Israel is an initiative that connects people all over the world. People who care about the JWRP, Israel or fitness can come together to make a difference in a fun and easy way. To join go to Walk2Israel. org This spring, hundreds of people from around the world will each walk 100 miles over four weeks in support of the JWRP and JWRP partner organizations. It is JWRP’s challenge to get active, connect with friends and raise money to send more men and women on life-changing trips to Israel.
How does it work? Every walker will track their steps. Once they have registered, they will receive an email giving them their tracker options; to either purchase a Fitbit Tracker ($60) or download the specified Smartphone tracker ($3 on an iPhone, free for an Android). Whether walking, running or dancing, every step counts toward the 100-mile goal as long as their tracker is with them. We link the trackers to their personal fundraising pages, automatically syncing their steps. How do they raise money? Once registered, walkers invite friends, family and colleagues to sponsor their challenge. The
donations received both online and offline are recorded on their personal page. Walkers receive a sponsor log allowing them to record donations received via check, which they then submit at the end of the walk. Sponsors and peers can track their progress online, cheer them on and make sure they hit their goals. To help walkers raise as much money as possible, they receive a fundraising pack full of ideas and tools, and our team is on hand to support them every step of the way. When is the walk? The challenge lasts for four weeks starting May 6, Israel Independence Day, and ending June 2.
Center Sisterhood supports synagogue youth By Center Sisterhood
Women of the Jacksonville Jewish Center Sisterhood will gather for lunch on Wednesday, May 14, at noon to enjoy fun
with fragrances, and raise money in support of the Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School, youth scholarship, the Youth Department, capital improvements to the center kitchen and other
activities benefitting the children of the Center. For information on donating and to RSVP, go to www. jjcsisterhood.com/rsvp or call 292-1000.
outweigh an individual’s expectation of privacy? Join Center Sisterhood for Hot Topic with Rabbi Lubliner Wednesday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m. in the Shorstein Room of the Jacksonville Jewish Center as we explore what ancient texts have to say about a timely and increasingly urgent topic.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
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Kids get dirty and strong
EDUCATION JCA Young Concert Artists series closes By MOLLY SWEET
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool
By SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool
It’s time to pull out the old and plant the new. Classes pulled out the remnants of our fall garden vegetables and prepared the garden beds for the spring vegetables. This transition really provided for great learning. They used their muscles to pull out the plants and then examined the roots. The beets were the most interesting: Their large bulbs made them difficult to pull out. The kids were excited to pull and store the lettuce to feed the guinea pigs. They look forward
to their day of the week when it is their turn to take care of the celebrities in residence: Daisy and Petunia. Meanwhile in class, everyone has been learning about, examining, sorting and germinating organic seeds. These tender little plants will be planted into the fresh beds along with some more mature plants. Last year we harvested delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, basil and made yummy muffins with the zucchini. Gardening, coupled with lessons on nutrition, and daily exercise classes help to keep our preschoolers growing strong and healthy.
Michele Block Gan Yeladim students acclimate to renovations By MOLLY SWEET
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool
The long-anticipated renovations to Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s campus are now complete and students are getting acclimated to their big, bright and inviting new space. From mid-December until early March, construction in the Teddy Bear classrooms moved several classes into alternative classroom spaces in the JCA. From the beginning of construction teachers and students embraced the change. Everyone received hard hats and caution tape, and they immersed themselves in the study of construction. They learned about all of the tools, trucks, machines and people that were needed to transform the old area into beautiful new spaces with endless possibilities. “The teachers and children are greatly enjoying our renovated classrooms with sparkling new bathrooms. The new floors and
Every winter, thanks to the generosity of the Berman family, the JCA Cultural Arts department hosts a concert series by the Young Concert Artists Organization, a non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and promoting the careers of talented young classical musicians. The concerts are free and open to the community. “To hear these artists in Merkin Hall in New York City patrons may pay $40 for orchestra seats, $27 for back orchestra and $10 for a balcony seat,” says Thelma Nied, director of cultural arts at the JCA. The final YCA performance took place in mid-March with Veit Hertenstein, a German-born violist and winner of the 2011 Young Concert Artists, and pianist Pei-Yao Wang, a prominent soloist and chamber musician. The duo visited the JCA for a two-day
performance residency, performing a community concert on Sunday afternoon and a children’s concert the following morning for students in Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and JCA Youth Services program. The YCA artists play an abridged yet interactive version of their program for Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool students
and engage in educational discussion throughout the performance. Students are encouraged to ask questions about the music, the instruments and the musicians themselves. “During a question and answer session the children spoke about their feelings after hearing the music. The goal of these residencies is to create future music lovers,” says Nied.
Expressing self through the DuBow Art Gallery By SHEREEN CANADY
are able to share. It is interesting to ask a young child to explain what they have drawn or created. An adult may only see a few scribbles, but when asked, the preschooler often has an entire story. At other times, the child has no reason behind their creation; they simply enjoyed the sensory experience of touching the paint, and were thrilled by the way the colors blended. Paint, scraps of material, watercolor, chalk, rice, clay, bead, crayons: These are only a few of
DuBow Preschool
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for,” Georgia O’Keeffe said. Preschool-age children relate to O’Keeffe’s words in a more literal way than what she meant. Speech develops over time and sometimes preschoolers have not learned the vocabulary needed to communicate their thoughts, but through art they
the materials that our budding artists use to create their masterpieces and express what they see and feel. The DuBow Art Gallery is updated monthly, and each child in the school has their art displayed a few times each year. The classes take turns creating a sculpture. This month, Janet Kriss’ Parparim class created a sculpture as they learn about the Passover story, “From Slavery to Freedom.” Come take a peek at our gallery each month to see the wonderful art created by our artists.
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colors are wonderful. We are thrilled to have a door leading out to the playground and gardens. Our class uses the child-centered kitchen for baking challah and the open resource area for Judaics, music, movement and Discover CATCH fitness activities,” says Teddy Bear teacher Donna Johns. Renovations to the school yielded a state-of-the-art childcentered kitchen, five new classroom bathrooms, and open and engaging resource spaces.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
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EDUCATION
Torah Academy integrates technology with Talmud study
By RABBI SHAYA HAUPTMAN to their teacher. This allows the Etz Chaim Synagogue
Torah Academy’s fifth/sixth grade Talmud class began an innovative online learning experience. The goal is to engage students in a way that incorporates the attributes of one-on-one scholarship with group discussion utilizing a technological base. The online medium has seen expected and unexpected positive outcomes. It allows children time to process their thoughts and research alongside discussion enabling more clarity with the topic at hand. Students are assigned user accounts to a virtual classroom where their teacher, Rabbi Shaya Hauptman, posts discussion topics. The messaging board is used during class as a tool to check for understanding and have students offer a synopsis of the topic being discussed. The children are instructed to prepare a summary of the material learned and then message it
instructor a clear sense of how well each student has assimilated the material. In some instances, the entire class is then instructed to join the discussion, on their own time, thereby taking the depth of home study to a whole new level. The virtual classroom is fully equipped with in-house messaging and discussion board capabilities. There are other educational perks, such as its learning center which allows for the teacher to post downloadable documents or share links with students. The peer to peer interaction has received a warm welcome by the fifth and sixth graders. Dormant creativity has been given an opportunity to display itself even in the shyest students. The program has gotten off to a great start and is constantly being improved. Students are drawn into an exciting, engaging, technologically based learning experience where they discover for themselves that learning Talmud truly is fun.
Camp Sheves Achim starts June 23 By Etz Chaim Synagogue
Camp Sheves Achim for Jewish children ages 3-10 will begin Monday, June 23, and continue through Friday, Aug. 8. There will be weekly field trips, swimming, sports, baking, wacky science, music, creative arts and crafts, and more. The schedule will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the campus of Etz Chaim Synagogue – seven weeks of fun. You will feel confident that your children are in a friendly and safe environment. The cost is affordable and, if you register by April 11, we have an early bird special of $129 a week (plus $20
registration fee). We are excited to announce our new Camp Director of Sheves Achim Devora Feigenbaum with several years’ experience in directing summer camps. It’s a wholesome friendly environment with superb Ruach. Don’t let your children miss out on a fun-filled, action-packed summer. We are also accepting applications for camp counselors. Please contact the office for an application. For registration information please visit our website: etzchaim. org or contact Devora Feigenbaum at devora@etzchaim.org or 904-262-3565 ext. 7.
MJGDS holds eighth grade graduation By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
Congratulations to the 2014 MJGDS graduating class: Jilliyn Chishom, daughter of Lisa Chisholm and Scott Chisholm; Shira DuBow, daughter of Susan DuBow; Joshua Feig, son of Denise and Yakov Feig; Hannah Gross, daughter of Sara Gross and Steven Gross; Allie Israel, daughter of Kim and Jonathan Israel; Sabrina Mail, daughter of Andrea and Steven Mail;
Max Mizrahi, son of Mauri and Alan Mizrahi; Daniel Nabert, son of Debra and David Nabert; Rachel Olive, daughter of Eve and William Olive; Montgomery Phillips, son of Pamela and Scott Phillips; Shelby Weiss, daughter of Sheri and Jeff Weiss; Allison Wolfson, daughter of Lisa and Bud Wolfson; Reesa Zaifert, daughter of Talie and Dana Zaifert; and Joshua Zimmerman, son of Robin Zimmerman and Bradley Zimmerman.
MJGDS students teach college students via speed geeking By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
On April 2, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School’s Middle School students spent an hour and a half “teaching” at the College of Education at the University of North Florida. Cathy O’Farrell, director of the Office of Educational Field Experiences, invited the students to bring Speed Geeking to the university to show them what students are doing and learning in a 21st century day school. Speed Geeking, similar to speed dating, is a way to quickly introduce people to new ideas or skills in a fixed amount of time. Each student had five minutes to present a tool they use in the classroom. Tools included blogs, Skitch, Google Docs, Google Presentation, Comic Life, Educreations and Pixie. Each college student
was also presented with a flyer, created by the students, on each tool, and it included the MJGDS student’s name, email address and blog, in case they had questions at a later date. After the college students hit every table, the MJGDS students stood at
the head of the room to answer questions. “This whole experience has been eye-opening and motivating to see students where they are at now compared to where we’ve been as students, and it’s very inspiring,” shared a UNF student.
Poindexter teaches kindness
By DuBow Preschool
Learning how to be part of a classroom family, treat friends with kindness, share toys, and show kavod (respect) is something that preschool children learn over time and is modeled and taught daily at the DuBow Preschool. Each month we introduce a Jewish character value such as hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests), tikkun olam (repair the world) and being a mensch (a good person). We strive to do mitzvot daily. Each Friday the children bring in tzedakah (coins or canned food to give to others in need). This year they gave to the food bank,
purchased turkeys for needy families, gave to the National Down Syndrome Association and The American Cancer Association, bought a tree in Israel, and donated to the Orly Ohayon Benefit.
Our VPK classes are piloting a new anti-bullying program developed by Denise Trager and Mary Ellen Panaccione called Huggable Melodies. The classes have read “Picked-On Poindexter.” This is a story about Poindexter, a lovable frog who is a little self-conscious because he has blue feet, red knees and diddlies on his face. He confronts the challenges of being different and makes an unexpected friend in the process. He chooses to be kind and says “no” to bullying. Along with the book, the classes have used the musical storybook app and enjoyed time with Poindexter, the cute and cuddly stuffed animal.
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3rd Annual Jewish Food Festival set for May 4 By Congregation Ahavath Chesed
The following is an interview with Betty Rohan-Eisenberg: There are a lot of things I miss about not being in Jacksonville now that I have moved to The Villages. I wish I had stayed in Jax one more month so I could be part of Temple’s 3rd Annual Jacksonville Jewish Food Festival on Sunday, May 4, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Temple. Last year I was the chairperson for Bubbe’s Bakeoff. What a wonderful experience. I made new friends and reconnected with others from years gone by. Just thinking of the brownies, blondies and Bundt cakes that will be this year’s entries makes my mouth water. The contest is open to participants of
all ages, Bubbe or not, so be sure you dig out that secret recipe and have it at Temple between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on May 4 with your $5 entry fee. I won’t be there this year to taste the Jewish delicacies from around the world. I understand that many of last year’s vendors are returning with several new ones joining them. Rain or shine, the event is indoors, open to the entire community, and only $10 gets you six delicious tastes. Eat a few extra samples just for me. The Wine Wall returns this year. So buy your ticket and enjoy a bottle of wine next week around your Shabbat table. Food, friends and fun—a perfect formula for a great afternoon. Be sure to participate.
Etz honors veterans By Etz Chaim Synagogue
In recognition of all the local Jewish war veterans, Etz Chaim Synagogue is dedicating a Shabbaton in their honor on May 23-24, Memorial Day weekend. Rabbi Fisch said, “The steep debt that we have toward the heroic men and women who risked their lives to put themselves in harm’s way to guarantee our liberties behooves us to recognize and pay tribute to them. Hakaras Hatov / gratitude is a fundamental Jewish concept, and we are excited
to dedicate a Shabbaton in their honor.” Members of the U.S armed forces will be prominently featured during the Shabbaton by leading services, reading from the Torah, and sharing meaningful words of Torah. There will be a festive luncheon Saturday in which there will be official recognition of local Jewish Veterans. If you are a veteran that would like to participate, please contact Lt. Gary Weltman at Gary.Weltman@ va.gov.
Beth El sells corned beef sandwiches By Beth El - the Beaches Synagogue
Back by popular demand, the Best New York Style Corned Beef Sandwich is again available to you, your co-workers, your family and friends this May. Beginning May 2, Friday (the day for large order delivery) as well as Sunday, May 4, and Monday, May 5, for $10 you can have an amazing New York style corned beef sandwich, chips, pickle and a drink. A portion of the proceeds goes to The Donna Foundation, which supports women in need during their recovery from breast cancer, as well as educational and social programs at Beth El Synagogue.
Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
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We will deliver orders of 15 or more sandwiches. Just call and order your prepaid tickets. Please go to bethelcornedbeef@gmail. com or call 904-372-3847 to order now. Helen Siegal, president of Beth El Sisterhood, commented, “I very much appreciate the activities our congregation has undertaken to support the beaches community through social and outreach programs. By supporting our program, you will not only get the Best New York Style Corned Beef Sandwich since last year’s sale but you will also be supporting The Donna Foundation. We look forward to your support and thank you.”
SYNAGOGUE NEWS
Center members participate in a Brush with Kindness By Jacksonville Jewish Center
On March 30 and April 6 over 40 members, guests and staff of the Jacksonville Jewish Center stepped in to make a difference by participating in a Brush with Kindness. They set out on a mission to provide Valveta Turner a healthy and safe environment. A message from Turner: “Where do I start? Thank you all so much for giving me an opportunity to remain in my house and feel safe. Thanks to every
one of the incredible sweet angels that came and helped me maintain my home. It has been amazing to watch my house restoration; I enjoyed working side by side with you and getting to know you all. There is so much to look forward to now that I received my wonderful blessing. With love, Valveta Turner” For additional information on future Brush with Kindness and Habijax projects, contact JJC Executive Director Don Kriss at dkriss@jaxjewishcenter.org or 904-292-1000.
Temple fifth graders brighten the day for River Garden residents By RONNI TICKER
Congregation Ahavath Chesed
As part of the family engagement curriculum, Temple Institute of Religion’s fifth-grade class learns how to perform acts of loving kindness, g’milut chasadim, in the community. Last November the students and their parents traveled to River Garden to visit with residents, sing songs, and learn the Jewish value bikkur cholim, visiting the sick, isolated or homebound. During class in March, the students made Passover cards for the residents. They asked if they could go back for another visit. They had bonded with the residents. When asked why they wanted to return to River Garden, these were their responses: “I like doing mitzvot because it brightens their day. I have fun doing it and it makes them feel good having people come to visit them. It is really special for them.” - Grace B. “They don’t have a lot of visitors, and I get to visit them and make them happy.” - Jessica B. “When we go there it makes me feel good when you put a smile on someone’s face. It makes my heart warm.” - Ben B. “Everybody was so nice, and we all benefited
Angie and Evan Goldsmith with new River Garden friend from it, and it was fun. They were participating with us, and everyone really liked it. They were lonely but seeing us and how enthusiastic we were gave them joy. We did crafts with them, and they got to keep what we made as a memory.” - Bailey D. “They usually don’t have family to visit them, and it reminds me of my grandfather who passed away in December.” - David G. “It was great meeting people and discussing with them about their life, our past, our future and what we like and stuff like that.” - Evan G.
Temple kids serve community By Congregation Ahavath Chesed
All the children who become B’nei Mitzvah at Temple demonstrate their ability to participate, as adults, in the Jewish community. They lead the congregation in worship, they teach words of Torah, they continue to learn, and they do community service. Dylan Emerick chose to become a Bar Mitzvah when he was 15. That was when he was ready to assume his adult responsibilities as a member of the Jewish community. When he heard about the 300,000 people in West Virginia whose water supply was contaminated, he jumped into action. First he tried to send bottled water to the community but soon realized he was spending his money on shipping. Undeterred, he scheduled a car wash and sent the money to the rescue effort. “I often care about others, more than I care about myself,” Dylan explained. “They don’t need to know who I am. I just
want to make a change in people’s lives. They should not have to buy water when it is the government’s responsibility to provide us with clean water. I saw a chance to change people’s lives – one bottle at a time.” Caroline Levine and Vivien Moritz, BFFs who will become B’not Mitzvah in the coming months, have been volunteering at Ana’s Angels Animal Rescue. They have learned that finding good homes for pets takes time and money. They are reaching out to the Temple community and beyond for help with their project. In addition to the time they spend walking dogs and cuddling cats, they are collecting cat food and litter, dog collars and leashes. blankets and towels. Caroline invites everyone to Petco in Mandarin where Ana’s Angels often brings dogs and cats in need of foster care or permanent homes. Caroline says, “You just might find your next family pet.”
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
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RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES
RIVER GARDEN 2013 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $192,000
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
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JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES
Alexandra & Mark Miller series has new dates
By Jewish Family & Community Services
448-1933 www.jfcsjax.org
Briefs Save the date
A Tribute to Mothers and Fathers is offered by JFCS Holocaust Support Services in collaboration with Etz Chaim Youth. The program is for Holocaust survivors and their families. Students will present their thoughts and reflections about their Holocaust survivor interviews. Music will be provided by the Klezmer group, Guy and the Yehudas. A kosher dessert buffet will round out the tribute. The event will take place Sunday, June 1, 2-4 p.m. For more information contact Naomi Mirensky at (904) 394-5777 or nmirensky@jfcsjax.org
FANN foods of the month Help us stock our food pantry for May. We need peanut butter, jelly, pasta, tomato sauce, chili, and fruit juices.
Attention kids
Don’t forget to sign up for the PJ Library. Free books are available for Jewish children ages 6 months to 8 years. It’s fun to receive your own book in the mail. Tell your parents to go to the PJ website at www.pjlibrary.org or call Ilene Schinasi at (904) 3945724.
CALL2GO
Need a ride? Rides to medical appointments, the grocery store, etc., are offered at a reduced rate. Call the transportation line at (904) 224-6287.
Meals4You orders
Our delicious ready-to-heat meals come five to a pack and are delivered right to your door. All meals are prepared at River Garden in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. Please contact Ilene Schinasi at (904) 394-5724 for details and to place orders.
Rabbi Rex D. Perlmeter, founder of The Jewish Wellness Center of Montclair, New Jersey, will be this year’s presenter at the Jewish Healing Network’s 7th annual Alexandra & Mark Miller Speaker Series. The program, Letting Go, Seeking Oneness in Body, Heart, Mind and Spirit, will be offered twice: ● May 28 for the general public at 7 p.m. at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, 8727 San Jose Blvd. ● May 29 for clinicians at 11:45 a.m. at Baptist Hospital,
800 Prudential Dr., in the auditorium. The Jewish Wellness Center of Montclair was established to fulfill the mission of working with institutions and individuals in pursuit of sh’leimut – an experience of wholeness grounded in the belief that wellness can best be achieved when addressed holistically in the four realms of human experience – physical, psychological, intellectual and spiritual – as framed by the teachings of Jewish tradition. Perlmeter will share his personal journey of loss, and through the focus of renewal and
healing, how it is possible to let go. Perlmeter will discuss tools and techniques to draw upon such as blessings, prayers, mindfulness practices and meditation. The Jewish Healing Network, a program of Jewish Family & Community Services, is committed to fulfilling the mitzvah of bikkur cholim (visiting the sick). Following Jewish tradition, bikkur cholim is an expression of responsibility and kindness. For further information about the Speaker Series, please contact Karen Susman at (904) 394-5737.
Rabbi Rex Perlmeter
JFCS and Temple host Holocaust Seder By Jewish Family & Community Services
Close to 100 people participated in a dramatic, interactive model Seder co-hosted by JFCS and the Temple on April 6 for Holocaust survivors and their families. The program was made possible through the generous support of: Regions Bank; The Temple Sisterhood; The Pollan family; The Paul Furman Family; and Robert M. Morgan and As-
sociates, Attorneys-at-law. The program was conducted by the Temple’s JAFTY youth group and TIR students. The survivors were thrilled to share their experiences with the next generation, and have their messages of hope shared. Participants read from the 2nd edition of “Holocaust Haggadah,” which includes survivor stories documented by JAFTY teens and Sandalwood High School students; writings by Rabbi Joshua Lief, senior rabbi of the Temple; and artwork and reflections by TIR students. The haggadahs are available for $10 per copy at JFCS and synagogue gift shops throughout Jacksonville. If you’re interested in an edition of “Holocaust Haggadah,” contact Naomi Mirensky at 904-3945777 or nmirensky@jfcsjax.org.
Recording the memory and legacy of the Holocaust
By Jewish Family & Community Services
JFCS kicks off a new program: Gen 2: Adult Children of Holocaust Survivors. JFCS will hold monthly support groups for adult children of Holocaust survivors. Group meetings will include sessions facilitated by a mental health therapist and a forum with well-known local author Stacey Goldring. The focus will be to share and process the impact of the Holocaust on their lives – what it has meant to be the child of a
survivor, how they have coped as adults, and how this event has shaped their families. In addition, the group will talk about what is needed to further their personal health and what each would like to pass on to their children about growing up with this experience. The six-session forum will begin on Thursday, May 20. The topic, Sharing Stories: Recording the Memory and Legacy of the Holocaust, will be facilitated by Goldring, a local author who has written “On Wooden Wheels - Carla Schipper’s experiences
JFCS hosts model Seders all over town By JFCS
Let all who are hungry, enter and eat. Jewish Services was pleased to join community members during multiple Seders. In total, over 200 people joined to celebrate Passover. On April 6, JFCS and the Temple presented the Second Annual Model Seder for Holocaust survivors and families. On April 11, JFCS and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School conducted a model Seder at
Mt. Carmel Gardens for its residents. On his bar mitzvah, Isaac Shumer provided Passover gift baskets of food to all who attended. Two model Seders took place at senior living facilities for Jewish residents and their neighbors and, on April 28, JFCS board hosted a model Seder for the staff. In addition, kosher for Passover food was available at the JFCS food pantry by parents and children of Martin J. Gottlieb Middle School.
Purim baskets delivered By JFCS
The staff and clients of JFCS would like to thank the students from the Jewish Community Alliance Youth Group under the leadership of Erin Teague. In addition, we would like to thank Ronni
Ticker and the TIR Hebrew school for its generous donation of Purim bags. Purim sweets were delivered to many clients: Meals4You, Senior Services, hospital patients, and culture clubs at Augustine Landing and Emeritus.
during the Holocaust.” Topics will include techniques for collecting memories; the emotional and psychological implications of archiving the Holocaust; and an examination of truth, recollection, memory and omission as participants engage their parents in discussion. The forum’s goal is to help adult children document their own as well as their parents’ Holocaust experiences. For more information, please contact Naomi Mirensky at 904-394-5777 or nmirensky@ jfcsjax.org
Stacey Goldring
Sharing a success story By Jewish Family & Community Services
Family Service counselor Steven Amos received a referral for intensive in-home protective services for an infant girl who tested positive for methadone and was in St. Vincent’s NICU. Voluntary inhome services were offered and the mother agreed to fully engage in all case plan tasks. JFCS provided counseling services. Service referrals and case management were completed for methadone step-down treatment, child care, and assistance with employment. The mother completed parenting through Healthy Start, and completed counseling with JFCS therapist Matthew Birt.
JFCS encouraged family members to provide help with child care and support for the mother. The mother obtained part-time employment. The mother’s behaviors have significantly improved since Amos and Birt began providing protective case management and counseling services. She has worked consistently to complete her case plan tasks, making significant progress. There have been no new reports of child abuse or neglect since the case was received for services by JFCS. JFCS has helped this mother provide housing, gain employment, attend drug treatment and engage in counseling to provide her daughter with a safe and stable home.
Asthma, Allergies, and You presented By Jewish Family & Community Services
Join JFCS on Wednesday, May 7, for our seasonal health series, Conversation Cafe. This session’s speaker is pulmonologist, Dr. Mitchell Rothstein. He will
JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES 2013 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $288,000
discuss health issues concerning asthma, allergies, and other pulmonological issues. Conversation Cafe is a free lunch open to the public. Please RSVP by calling (904) 394-5782 or email kmarks@jfcsjax.org
Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
page 13
www.jewishjacksonville.org
JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
JCA leads nation in JCC benchmarking survey By Jewish Community Alliance
The Jewish Community Alliance participated in JCC Excellence: Benchmarking, a study by JCC Association, the umbrella organization for the Jewish Community Centers in North America. The study measures member satisfaction and ranks the agency against some of its peers. For the fourth year in a row members rated the JCA program, staff and facility extremely high in key categories. “Our benchmarking results once again confirmed our position as a leader in the JCC field;
our stellar facility, the hard working staff, dedicated volunteers and members all contribute to the success of our agency,” said Jan Lipsky, JCA president. “I’m very proud of our continued exceptional results in this important study,” Executive Director Myron Flagler said. “Benchmarking sets the bar and gives us the opportunity to do better each year.” The benchmarking project was conducted online by an independent research firm, Collaborative Strategies, and collected data in late 2013 in five areas: financial, program participation,
Jewish impact, member feedback and staff feedback. The JCA Fitness Center and Summer Camp were ranked No. 1 by members when they compared staff and programs to other local facilities. Members also ranked JCA’s Michele Block Gan Yeladim at the top of the list in staff and program quality among the agency’s peer group. The study also indicated that the JCA has had an increase in the Jewish impact of the agency’s programming since the 2012 benchmarking survey was conducted. The JCA continues to excel in members’ use of the agency, with
a majority using three or more programs in a year, indicating that the JCA is not a singularbased provider. JCA members’ net referral rate was also ranked extremely high, and two-thirds of the survey respondents said they had developed a new friendship through participation in the JCA. This is truly a testament to JCA’s programs and staff engagement. The JCA staff survey reflected a high rate of job satisfaction and confidence in the vision and leadership of the agency. Given the results it is no surprise that the financial viability of the agency was rated very high as well.
JCC Excellence: Benchmarking is funded by JCC Association’s Mandel Center for Excellence in Leadership and Management. The goal of the Mandel Center is to transform the JCC movement by helping JCCs to assess management effectiveness and leadership needs, be more responsive to difficulties as they arise, and develop a practical approach toward continuous self-improvement. JCC Association includes more than 350 JCCs, YM-YWHAs, and camp sites in the United States and Canada.
become an enduring tradition. Join Donna McGee of Green Lotus Studios on Thursday, May 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. for this fun-filled evening of cheese making. We’ll eat, we’ll drink and we’ll make merry. The fee is $30 and $20 for JCA valued members. Registration is required by May 22.
mon fun. Check out what happens when a well-known art gallery owner and her husband receive a visit from her mother. All seems to be going smoothly, until... The fee is $98 and $65 for JCA valued members. Transportation is included. Paid reservations are required by May 12.
Judaism and superstitions
Music in the afternoon
ing to Red Cross standards. Participants will learn to swim in a fun and safe environment. Children will experience a group lesson structured in small groups, building on skills and learning new techniques in a comfortable heated pool. If more personal instruction is needed, JCA’s oneon-one private instruction for children, adults and seniors will lead you closer to your individual goal. A minimum of four 30-minute lessons is required for private lessons.
Jewish Community Alliance Summer Camp registration opens By Jewish Community Alliance
The Jewish Community Alliance is accepting registration for Summer Camp 2014. Summer Camp meets for four two-week sessions: June 16-27, June 30-July 11, July 14-25 and July 28-Aug. 8. Theatre Camp has two sessions: June 16-July 11 and July 14-Aug. 8. JCA Summer Camp combines fun activities, a fabulous facility and top-notch staff to provide a safe, happy and positive camping experience that will create lifelong memories for the campers. Activities for children ages 2 and up
include swimming, arts and crafts, sports, music, dance and theater. Camp Habonim, a specialty camp for children in grades 3 to 6, allows campers to concentrate on a specialty in addition to normal camp activities. Specialties include flag football, horseback riding, chess, pottery, basketball, cooking, design, rowing, ice skating, tennis, soccer, golf, science and more. The JCA also offers pre- and post-camp Adventure Days from June 9 to 13 and Aug. 11 to 15. For more information on JCA Summer Camp, visit www.jcajax.org to view the brochure online or call 730-2100 ext. 252.
JCA happenings For more information or to register for programs at the JCA, call 730-2100 or visit www.jcajax. org.
Vandroff Art Gallery
The gallery features the paintings of Randy Pitts from May 2 to May 28. Randy graduated with a Bachelor of fine arts from the University of South Florida in 1982 with a concentration in drawing and printmaking. After a career in the commercial arts, Randy began painting. Since 2001 he has been devoted to painting the landscape on location, capturing the light, form and shape it provides. He has won many awards including first place for the 2013 Jacksonville Coalition for the Visual Arts Juried Winter Show.
New free tennis clinic
The JCA men’s and ladies’ free clinics have been combined and are now held every Thursday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Stay after the clinic to warm-up and play singles, doubles or mixed doubles. Contact Reggie at ext. 317 for more information.
JCA Film Series
JCA Film Series features Hannah Arendt on Sunday, May 25, at 2 p.m. German director Margarethe von Trotta greatly admires Hannah Arendt. Her sympathy for the German Jewish philosopher fills every frame of this biopic, focusing on the four years Arendt spent covering Adolph Eichmann’s trial in Jerusalem for The New Yorker. Advance registration is appreciated.
Pottery
This class, taught by Christie
Rogers, is for all levels and takes place Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning April 29 through June 3. Instruction is given in hand-building and wheel use. A 10-pound bag of clay is given if needed. Call Thelma at ext. 227 for additional information.
J Café music around the world
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool presents an exciting Courtyard Concert Series for families with young children on Friday, May 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. In the third J Café (Cultural Arts Family Experiences) concert in the series we’ll listen to Klezmer music and welcome Shabbat with a picnic dinner. Families with young children can experience live professional music in a family friendly outdoor concert. These concerts are open to the community. The fee is $15 per family and $10 per family for JCA valued members. In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be held indoors. For more information, please contact Rochelle at ext. 259.
After-school open house
Come check out the best afterschool program in Jacksonville on Thursday, May 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tour the department, and meet the Youth Services staff and representatives from other JCA departments. See all the JCA can offer your student after school. Snacks will be served. This event is free for all. Please RSVP to Betsy at ext. 245 by May 1.
Crafting: Smile and make cheese
Eating dairy on Shavuot has
Rabbi Martin Sandberg returns to the JCA with another great talk on Tuesday, May 13, at noon. Remember the evil eye? It’s one of many Jewish superstitions that rabbi will touch on. Bring your friends and join us for a fascinating discussion. This program is free for all. Advance registration is appreciated.
Culture mavens: The tenors rock
Florida Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts: Here we come for the spring coffee series on Friday, May 2. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will delight us with renditions of celebratory music you all know and love. Meet in the JCA lobby at 9:30 a.m. for free transportation to the Times-Union Center. The fee is $45 and $30 for JCA valued members. Advance reservation is required five days before the performance.
Taste and tour with the JCA
Join us on Sunday, May 18 for the musical comedy, “Social Security,” at the Alhambra starring Barbara Eden of “I Dream of Jeannie.” Gather your friends and meet in the JCA lobby at 11:45 a.m. for an afternoon packed with food and old fashioned Neil Si-
Our free concerts continue on Wednesday, May 14, at 2 p.m. with more good music for your listening pleasure. Gather your friends for a great afternoon’s entertainment with Bernie Simms on the hammered dulcimer. The fee is $5 and is free to JCA valued members. Mark your calendars for the next concert in the series, Sass & Brass, on Tuesday, May 27, at 2 pm.
Men and women’s tennis
The JCA offers a variety of programs for men and women’s tennis at all levels, including our Men’s 3.0-3.5 clinic, Ladies’ A, B, C teams, and Working Women’s Tennis. For more information about the JCA’s tennis programming, please contact Reggie at 730-2100 ext. 317.
Babysitters training course
Learn how to prepare for an emergency if home alone or if babysitting in this one-day class on May 19 at 9 a.m. This class is for ages 10 to 15 and will review valuable safety tips, basic CPR and first aid skills. The fee is $75 and $50 for JCA valued members.
JCA Fencing for Youth
JCA Fencing for Youth is for beginner and advanced students ages 7 to 13. The class takes place on Sundays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., beginning on May 18 through June 29. There will not be class on May 25. The fee is $158 and $105 for JCA valued members.
Swim lessons at the JCA
Learn to swim or learn to swim more efficiently at the JCA. The JCA now offers instructional swim programs designed by the American Red Cross. All JCA swim instructors are certified through the American Red Cross as Water Safety Instructors. The JCA assures program quality by maintaining small class sizes, monitoring instruction and adher-
JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2013 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $205,000
904.730.2100 wwwjcajax.org
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
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LIFECYCLES/COMMUNITY B’nai Mitzvah
Arielle Rayna Wajsman, daughter of Paige and Ilan Wajsman, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah on May 3, 2014, at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Sharing in the simcha will be her brother Alexander, 15; sister Eden, 6; grandparents, Eileen and Edward Leader of Jacksonville, and Alina and Zev Wajsman of Gainesville; and many other friends and family. Arielle is in seventh grade at Fruit Cove Middle School, where she is on the all A honor roll and a member of the cheerleading squad. She enjoys cheerleading, hanging out with friends and shopping. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Arielle is collecting shredded paper for animal shelters and pet stores that they use to keep the pets warm. Donations will be gladly accepted at the front office of the Jacksonville Jewish Center.
Engagement
The engagement is announced of Dr. Nina Phillips, daughter of Helen Freid and the late Dr. Michael Phillips of St. Petersburg, to Laurence Bernstein of Miami. The future bride is a graduate of Emory University and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is finishing her residency at Miami Children’s Hospital and will be starting a fellowship at Yale in pediatric cardiology in the summer. The groom-to-be is a graduate of the University of Florida and is a CPA at Berkowitz, Pollack and Brant. An April wedding is planned in Miami Beach. The couple plan to reside in New Haven, Conn., after a honeymoon in Italy and Spain.
Wedding
Cara Goldberg and Lawrence Grossman were married at the Jacksonville Jewish Center on March 30, 2014. The bride is the daughter of Dr. Larry and Phyllis Goldberg of Jacksonville. The groom is the son of David Grossman of Coral Springs, and the late Marjorie Grossman. Cara works with special needs children
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for Broward County schools, and Larry provides IT support for the Broward County government. The couple will reside in Plantation.
Accomplishments
Bruce Steinberg, M.D., has been elected chairman of the board and medical director for Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute. His term runs through February 2015. Steinberg is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and upper extremity specialist and one of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars team physicians who has served the entire 18 years that JOI has been their sports medicine provider. “We are pleased and very excited to have Dr. Steinberg leading our practice,” said John Ricchini, executive director of Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute. Melanie Justine Hare, daughter of Vince and Ellen Hare of Fleming Island, has earned her master of social work degree from Florida State University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, with a concentration in clinical social work. Melanie just completed a graduate internship at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, and has plans to remain in the Jacksonville area.
Sympathy
… to the family of Jack H. Becker, father of Fran Selevan. Jack died April 13, 2014. He is also survived by his wife, Joan; his children Fran (Russell) Selevan, Lauren Becker, Bruce (Deena) Becker; and his grandchildren Jackie Selevan, Hope Selevan, Alexa Becker, Jenna Becker; and his sister Elaine Bercu. Contributions may be made to Temple Emanu-El, Birmingham, Ala. (www.ourtemple.org), or to a charity of choice. … to the family of Dorothy Carr, mother of Marion (Sheldon) Abramson and Claire Ghelerter; grandmother of Scott Abramson, Ron (Wendy) Abramson, Holly Dill, Jeff (Rony) Ghelerter, Andy Gherlerter, Jill (Kim) Ghelerter; and greatgrandmother to five. Dorothy died March 27, 2014. Contributions may be made to River Garden or the charity of your choice.
Place your classified ad for 35 cents a word. E-mail your ad to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org and send payment to Jacksonville Jewish News, 8505 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217. Deadline is the 15th of each month.
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… to the family of Larry Garber, brother of Harold (Marilyn) Garber. Larry died in Portland, Maine, on April 11, 2014. He is also survived by brother Harold (Marilyn) Garber and nephew Michael Garber. Contributions may be sent to the Larry Garber Fund, c/o The Barron Center, 1145 Brighton Ave., Portland, Maine 04102 … to the family of Albert Gottlieb, father of Jeff (Rachelle) Gottlieb and grandfather of Alex Gottlieb. Albert died April 14, 2014. He is also survived by his wife Anne; children David Gottlieb, Adam Gottlieb, Carey Ramos, Amy Mesirow; stepchildren Jenni Ryan, Sue Tsokris and Greg Nathan; and 13 grandchildren. Contributions may be made to the Temple or River Garden. … to the family of Anita Maron who died April 4, 2014. She is survived by daughter Jeanne Maron (Howard Caplan), son Glenn Maron (Lyndan), sister Sonya Schwam, and three grandsons. Contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida or the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … to the family of Evelyn Newfield. She is survived by her sister Harriet Ohrt and children, her daughter Faye Newfield, son Neal Newfield, his wife Susan Newfield and their daughter Erica Newfield. … to the family of Selma Olesker, mother of Mitchell (Sandie) Olesker, Michael (Suzy) Olesker, grandmother of Rachel Frattini, Sarah (John) Beekman, Melanie (Brian) Samet, Erik (Marni) Olesker, and great grandmother of Dylan Frattini. Selma died March 22, 2014. Contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org or Hospice of N.E. Florida, 4114 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258. … to the family of Vicki Gatewood (Steve) on the passing of her father, Fred Shapiro, who died March 23, 2014. Other family members include Fred’s wife Norma; sons Ronald Shapiro (Nancy) and Jeffrey Shapiro; grandchildren Delta, Ben, Beth, Dana, Jami, Dani, Chris, and Steve; and eight great-grandchildren. Contributions may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … to the family of Jean Weinberg who died April 1, 2014. She is survived by her sons Peter and Edward; daughters Marilyn
BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY
(Charles) Feldstein and Sandra Pollan; grandchildren Rebekah and Jakob Pollan, and David and Gary Gruber; and sister Helen Bialolenki. Contributions may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center, Jewish Family & Community Services, River Garden Hebrew Home, or Hadassah.
To submit an item for lifecycles, please email it to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org. Deadline 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.”
Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
page 15
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Israel Partnership
COMMUNITY NEWS DuBow Preschool offers toddler and me program By DuBow Preschool
Beginning June 22, Family Music & Movement will bring a Jewish Edition of the class to Shalom Baby once a month. Class will include instruments, song, dance and para-
chute play – and will feature body parts and animal songs using Hebrew names. And a story song will be sung in Hebrew. As always with Shalom Baby, class will end with challah and juice. Don’t miss it. RSVP: rsvp@dubowpreschool.org
The regular sessions of Family Music & Movement will have three sessions in the summer. All three are at half capacity, so reserve soon. Also, check out Groupon for a special offer starting in May (limited quantities).
Mark H. Kraus, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL® Financial Advisor, Registered Representative Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®)
Focusing On: Eliana Jaffa visits her Partnership Twinned Class while traveling in Israel with her family in March. Eliana is in Liat Walker’s fifth-grade class at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School.
Beth El golf tourney
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386.597.2856 markk@ioms.com Beth El The Beaches Synagogue second golf tournament was a tremendous success. We would like to give special thanks to The Palencia Club, Buzzy Klausner of Authorized Appliance and Hampton Golf and a number of other sponsors. From left: Brian Platock, Marty Schemer, Wade Westbrook and Todd Roobin
Little scientists abuzz at DuBow Preschool By SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool
What’s buzzing in the Discovery Studio, or should we say hatching? Last month the children learned about electricity and solar power through some exciting hands-on activities. The solar powered cars were a hit. Now we move on to life science. The children learn about the lifecycles of frogs, butterflies and chicks. This is all integrated into our Jewish Studies curriculum. We learn about the 10 plagues, and tsfardayah (frogs). We carefully rotate and care for the eggs in the incubator until the chicks hatch. The rabbi will attend the chick naming ceremony, and Hazzan will help say the blessings and release the butterflies when they are ready to fly off into the world. Science is so much fun.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2014
Foundation seeks Executive Director The Jewish Community Foundation seeks an energetic and dynamic Executive Director who will work closely with the community agencies as a collaborative partner. Utilizing strong fundraising and management skills, the Executive Director will be a results-driven leader who is able to inspire the community. Outstanding interpersonal skills, a proven track record in endowment development and a commitment to Israel and Jewish values is essential. This is a terrific opportunity to make a difference in your community! For more information or to apply, contact carin.maher@jewishfederations.org.
The Jewish community is cordially invited to a
Cocktail Party Annual Meeting JEWISH
FEDERATION
OF JACKSONVILLE
A celebration of our Jewish Foundation and Create a Jewish Legacy Save the date: Tuesday, June 17, 7 p.m.