"There's No Place Like Home!"

By Hazzan Holzer, Jacksonville Jewish Center

I’ve been privileged to see Israel through the eyes of so many people: a precocious six year old, kickstarting his Jewish education while instilling a love of �9�0s Hazzan at Kotel people and country; an archeology-loving 10-year-old who couldn’t wait to see more ruins; a 16-year-old having just visited places of Nazi horror only to fi nd hope in the holy land; an 18-year-old learning of the diversity of Israeli society from Ethiopian and Russian immigrants; a Jewish educator purchasing hebrew one-sies on the brink of parenthood; a parent visiting sites from their childhood with new perspective and appreciation. In one way, these eyes were of one person, me. But, these eyes also tell the stories of others, and their experiences are unique in their own right. All of these journeys pushed the participants physically, mentally, and spiritually. As a child, I was gifted with the opportunity to travel around Israel as much as I was gifted with the chance to just “be” in Israel while lounging, shooting hoops with the neighborhood kids, or experiencing the day to day rhythms of Israeli life. As a teen, I fi nally got to test my Hebrew chops by tutoring immigrants in math, when the only common language was Hebrew. As an adult, I’ve participated in P2G Educator Missions and led our Jacksonville Jewish Center trips to Israel, creating a platform for learning, exploring and capturing that love to return to Jacksonville. Israel is constantly growing upwards and outwards. There are so many layers to Israeli history, Israeli society, and Israel’s future. Just as an archaeological site grows and expands as we unearth more of our history, visiting Israel, being part of its awesomeness allows us to dig deeper and appreciate the foundations on which it was formed and the newest layers that add it to its fl avor. No two visits are the same. There are new innovations, museums, and experiences. While we may be inclined to say “been there, done that,” it’s important to think of Israel like the reading of Torah, even if the text does not change, we will have changed each and every time we read it. The stories of those we meet and love have changed. And even if our eyes and hearts have not changed, our life experiences can show us a diff erent angle or perspective, enabling us to see something for the very fi rst time.

Wherever you travel in Israel, there are mezuzot on the door posts of hotels, restaurants and other public spaces. A mezuzah is not only a reminder of God’s presence in our world, but where we come from and where we are going; a reminder of where home is. Life can often feel like a slalom course, back and forth on a hill of life, yet it’s important to recognize the slalom posts on our journey that keep us on course. The last time I left Ben Gurion Airport, as I was heading through the tunnel before boarding our plane, I noticed a mezuzah on the left side of the doorway, the opposite side. As we leave Israel, it’s a subtle reminder that Israel is home. So while we may have been “staying home to stay safe” these two-plus years, it is a reminder that the words of Hazzan and Doppelgänger on the Northern Border medieval poet Judah Halevi still ring true: “My heart is in the East and I am at the edge of the West.” Zoom has been a lifeline, but the stopgap has reminded us that nothing beats the real deal. We crave human connection, seeing the world through our own eyes, in person, weather and health permitting. If you’re interested in seeing Israel for the fi rst or our fortieth time, join us this summer. You’ll feel that unparalleled sense of home and belonging.

Jacksonville Jewish Center is a benefi ciary of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida.

NOSH ON THIS

SHARING RECIPES

HAMANTASCHEN

Recipe from Sweeta By Ita and myjewishlearning.com

Each year before Purim, my mother baked hamantaschen with her three daughters. While my mother’s memories of this annual event consist mainly of bickering, I have only fond recollections of that wonderful activity. I hope you will enjoy this recipe as much as I did.

DIRECTIONS

1. Cream the shortening with sugar. Add egg and continue creaming until smooth. 2. Add the vanilla. Stir in the sifted fl our, baking powder, and salt until a ball of dough is formed. 3. Chill for 2-3 hours, or overnight. 4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 5. Roll out the dough into a thin layer, and cut out circles using a glass cup. 6. Fill each circle with Jelly, then fold in the top corner and pinch tightly into a triangle. 7. Bake for 10 - 16 minutes until the tops are golden.

INGREDIENTS

A dash of salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 1/2 – 3 cups all-purpose fl our 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon of Jelly

B'NAI MITZVAH

REMEMBER THE PAST AND EDUCATE FOR THE FUTURE

Mazel Tov to Ari Zetlan on becoming a Bar Mitzvah! Through his participation in Chain of Memory he demonstrates the importance of remembering the past as well as educating the future. Chain of Memory makes it possible for B’nai Mitzvah to remember one of the 1.5 million children who were murdered by the Nazis before being able to fulfi ll the mitzvah of learning Torah. The B’nai Tzedek Program, with the support of Mel and Debbie Gottlieb, helps young people learn about leadership, service, fi nancial literacy, and long-term investing to use their tzedekah for good. The Gift of Israel Program, designed in cooperation with the Levin family, was established to encourage teens to visit Israel by providing them with a $700 subsidy towards an accredited travel program.

Ari Zetlan for Chain of Memory

Ari Zetlan will become a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) on March 26. Ari is currently a high honor roll 7th grader at Patriot Oaks Academy. He enjoys playing basketball, and loves his dog Jovi, and hanging out with his friends. He is always up for any adventure, especially if roller coasters or zip lines are involved. Ari has chosen to dedicate this special occasion to the memory of Carlo D'Angeli.

Carlo D'Angeli was born in Milan, Italy, on December 2, 1938 to Mario and Renata. Mussolini had passed anti-Jewish racial laws in November 1938, barring Jews from most professions and public education. Throughout the war, Jews in Italy struggled both economically and emotionally, and everyone knew families with members who had converted, emigrated, or been arrested. Many endured unpleasant antisemitic incidents and it was extremely hard to make a living. When Hitler invaded Italy on September 8, 1941, Carlo was almost fi ve years old. His family was evacuated to the small town of Montecatini-Terme to escape the bombing, but on November 5, 1943, members of the Fascist Militia and the German SS found Carlo, his parents, and his baby brother, Massimo. On November 9, they were shoved into an overcrowded, unsanitary cattle car in Florence. This train, the second deportation train to leave Italian soil, carried at least 400 Jews to the Auschwitz death camp. Carlo's train arrived in Auschwitz on November 14, 1943. Immediately upon arrival, two weeks before his fi fth birthday, he was sent to the gas chambers, where he was murdered.

FAITH AND INSPIRATION

BE HAPPY, IT'S ADAR!

By Rabbi Shira Rosenblum, Jacksonville Jewish Center

Back in high school, I always knew it was Rosh Hodesh Adar when my friend showed up at school with a fun costume or accessory. It could be a feather boa, a jester’s hat, a light-up bowtie…you name it, she wore it! We are taught in the Babylonian Talmud Tractate Ta’anit, “Mishenikhnas Adar Marbin B’Simha,” “When the month of Adar arrives, we increase in joy.” This particular friend took the spirit of this teaching to heart and dressed up every day from the start of the new month of Adar through Purim just over two weeks later. Sometimes she would wear something small that simply supplemented her outfit and other times she would come in a full-blown costume, ready to spread happiness wherever she went.

Over the years, I have often thought back on this experience and admired my friend for having the courage to wear things that were different and even a little strange, just to make herself and other people happy. Too often we get stuck in the routine of wearing something because it is expected of us or it is deemed “appropriate” for the occasion. This year, I want to challenge all of us to consider adopting this practice of dressing up from the beginning of Adar through the holiday of Purim. Instead of just focusing on one big costume to wear on Purim itself, we could express our creativity by wearing a different costume or accessory every day leading up to Purim as well. We could all use a bit of extra happiness so pull out your costumes and “Be Happy, It’s Adar!”

Jacksonville Jewish Center is a beneficiary of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida.

SEE & BE SCENE

Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida, and PJ Library hosted the second of two Beaches Ladies Night Out events. This was made possible by the Jewish Grant Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation which is part of Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida. The event was held at the home of Tulin Ostfeld. The evening featured delicious vegetarian food, and participants shared tips for making this easier in the kitchen. It was a lovely evening that welcomed newcomers to the area and connected old friends.

Karen Rettner and Donna Berger.

Wendy Popkin, Caroline Gruenbaum, and Andrea Moreno-Lackman. Eva Grayzel and Rebekah Richmond Tammy Shumer and Bonnie Yegidis

Jenny Lane, Marcy Sandler, Robin Deegan

Comedian Pamela Rae Schuller had a fantastic crowd during her apperance at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, January 29!

Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida Community Shaliach Stav Brener at the World of Nations event in Downtown Jacksonville.

Congregation Ahavath Chesed enjoys Shabbat Shireinu on the first Friday of every month starting with Tot Shabbat followed by a community dinner and Shabbat services.

Guests: Mindy Grinnan, Ruth & Bernie Nachman, Laura Osofsky, Marcia & Dan Weinstock, Gina & Bob Weston. Congregation Ahavath Chesed's Tot Shabbat led by Rabbi Glasser & Cantor Barry.

Congregation Ahavath Chesed, Aging True, and the Jacksonville Jewish Center came together in celebration of the Christmas Holiday and the Jewish tradition of mitzvah. The groups worked together to deliver over 400 meals to homebound seniors and disabled residents in North Florida.

Martin J. Gottlieb Day School middle school students created digital prayers to enhance their Tefillah space.

Martin J. Gottlieb Day School middle school student creating the background for her digital prayer. Students at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School planted trees and an etrog plant in honor of Tu BiShvat.

SEE & BE SCENE

APPEARANCES AT RIVER GARDEN

Janice Knack joins the Tu B'Shevat seder at The Coves. It was great to see you, Janice! Lori Donley, a 37-year veteran of River Garden, is recognized for her work anniversary. Currently, Donley is the longest-tenured member of staff.

Members of The Coves enjoyed the company of former COO, Jim Richman, on Casino Night.

Jerry Seebol and Bruce Horowitz entertain members of The Coves with folk music favorites.

Lorraine Newman enjoys a beautifully handmade blanket from the River Garden Auxiliary.

Friendship Circle at The Beaches mission is to bring friends and smiles to children with special needs. The teenage volunteer with Chabad at the Beaches in Ponte Vedra Beach learns the value of giving, and cherishes the experience of making a difference in the child’s life.

WORTH THE SCHLEP

Congregation Ahavath Chesed Exploring Judaism March 2 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 8727 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville

Led by Rabbi Glasser, we will discuss questions regarding religion, culture, spirituality, and more. There is no cost, and all are welcome!

Congregation Ahavath Chesed Purim Carnival March 6 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 8727 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville

Come in costume and enjoy our carnival games, art stations, game truck, magician, food and prizes. $8 per person (Under 3 years old included with adults).

JCA Community Hamentashen Bake March 6 1 - 3 p.m. 8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville

JJC Rabbi Series - When the WW East Meets the WW West March 7 7 - 8:30 p.m. 3662 Crown Point Rd., Jacksonville

Join Rabbi Lubliener for When the “Wild Wild East Meets the Wild Wild West” and Western Movie classics.

JJC Presents the New York Cantors March 8 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. 3662 Crown Point Rd., Jacksonville

Tickets are $25. RSVP at https:// jaxjewishcenter.shulcloud.com/ form/2022cantorsconcert.html

JCA Cafe Israeli March 10 7 - 9 p.m. 8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville

Come hang out with Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida Shaliach Stav to drink coffee, eat Israeli snacks and talk about Israel! Advance registration is required. Please call (904) 730-2100 ext. 228 or visit www.jcajax.org.

Women’s Philanthropy Connections! March 10 7 - 9 p.m.

Join us each month for a fun and interactive program for women to connect with other women throughout Northeast Florida! March 10, hosted by Suzie Becker, Martini Mishigas. RSVP here: https://events.idonate.com/ mishigasmadness

Lion of Judah Lunch: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Lion of Judah March 10 12 p.m. Epping Forest Yatch Club

Congregation Ahavath Chesed Wine & Cheese March 11 6:30 - 7 p.m. 8727 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville

JJC Purim Carnival 2022 March 13 12 - 4 p.m. 3662 Crown Point rd.

JJC Stories of Music March 14 & 21 8 p.m. 3662 Crown Point rd.

Israeli Music in the US: The 60s with Hazzan Jesse Holzer. Register at https:// bit.ly/storiesofmusic-22

JCA, The Berman Family JCA Concert Series: Albert Cano Smit March 20 3 - 5 p.m. 8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville

Advance registration is required. Visit jcajax.org to register online or call (904) 730-2100 ext. 228.

Beth El, Not Your Ordinary Passover March 20 4 - 6 p.m. 288 N. Roscoe Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach

In this session we will all bring a Passover dish to share, and have modern ‘kosher for passover’ wines to sample. Discuss your cultural inspiration for your traditional or modern dish. Cost is $10 per person.

Congregation Ahavath Chesed Adult Ed Zoom Programs March 23 7 - 8 p.m.

Rabbi Richard Address will discuss Jewish Grandparenting. Zoom link here: https://bit.ly/3BodDjK

JCA, Cultural Arts Festival Extension Event: Joshua Jay March 24 7 - 9 p.m. 8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville

Advanced registration is required at www.jcajax.org

PJ Library “One Good Deed” Book Walk at the Temple March 27 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 8727 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville

Join the PJ Library at Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple for the "One Good Deed" Book Walk. Contact Melissa Williams at Mgwilliams@jfcsjax. org for more information.

YPF Night of Generosity March 31

COMMUNITY RESOURCES HELP ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA

River Garden is the go-to resource for high-quality adult care in Jacksonville. Honoring our Jewish traditions, the dedicated staff , leadership and volunteers are all committed to a best-in-class experience.

Whether it is for you, your spouse, parents or friend, be sure to request River Garden.

Admissions (904) 886-8420 Adult Day (904) 288-7858 Home Health Care (904) 288-7851 Outpatient Rehab (904) 886-8454 Th e Coves (904) 292-2683 Volunteers (904) 886-8429 Foundation (904) 886-8430 MAIN (904) 260-1818

PJ Library, the award-winning free program for books and music is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville. If your children are between the ages of six months and eight years, they are eligible. Please sign up now by going to pjlibrary.org/communities/ jacksonville or calling Melissa Willams at (904) 394-5724.

JFCS, in partnership with Margo's Catering, is pleased to bring you our meal program Meals4You. Meals are delicious, nutritious, convenient and delivered right to your door. Jewish dietary laws are observed. Call Nicole Andrews at (904) 394-5810 for more information. Through a partnership with GO GO Grandparent and a grant from the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, JFCS is now off ering immediate rides through our Call2Go program. Riders will no longer have to call to book transportation. They will now be able to use an "on demand" service available at their fi ngertips! GO GO Grandparent will have booking agents available 24/7. When a client calls, the agent will book, monitor and stay available to the client until the ride is complete. Riders MUST pre-register with Nicole Brown at (904) 394-5724 and have a cell phone (texting is not necessary) to use this service.

Call2Go is available to those in need of transportation to attend synagogue, medical appointments and other important outings. A sliding fee scale is available. Don't be deceived by the name...you don't have to be a grandparent to use the program. Call Nicole today!

TORAH ACADEMY

OF JACKSONVILLE Searching for identity hosts writing workshops for second and third generation holocaust survivors. Meet monthly in a confi dential and judgement-free setting, in-person/ online, to explore experiences, capture important stories and explore identity. RSVP at www.searchingforidentity.org/ writing-workshops.

Every Tuesday from 3:15 to 4:15,

Torah Academy hosts a free kosher food program sponsored by the USDA for children under 18. The program helps provide food during these trying times.

For more info, contact shorowitz@torah-academy.com. 31

8505 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32217

NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID JACKSONVILLE, FL PERMIT NO. 146