NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Jewish Life A PUB LICAT I O N O F JE WI S H FE DE RAT ION A N D FOU N DAT ION OF N ORT H E AST F LO R I DA
Israel CELEBRATING
ISSUE
APRIL 2020 - IYAR 5780 VOL. 32 NO. 18 | jewishjacksonville.org photo credit: Jewish Family and Community Services
8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32217
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Our Jewish community is facing unprecedented times. It will be months, if not years, until we are fully able to assess the total impact of the COVID-19 virus on our Jewish Community. At this point we know that our Jewish institutions are facing significant and potentially catastrophic loss. We also know that our beloved community members have social, emotional and financial needs right now and in the weeks and months to come, as this crisis continues to unfold. Our role at the Jewish Federation has always been to respond to the needs of our community and never has our community been more in need as we are today. To that end, The Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida, along with our local Jewish agency leaders have developed a response to help support our community through this most challenging and uncertain time. We have launched the Jewish Community Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund, aimed at helping our institutions manage the economic impact, providing support for a range of current and anticipated social services, and offering emergency assistance to those most vulnerable and impacted in our community. The Jewish Community Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund is the first of its kind. Based entirely on the defined needs of our local institutions and the constituencies they serve, The Jewish Community Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund enables us to transcend our individual roles and focus entirely on our community as a whole. The stakes could not be higher. The success of the Jewish Community Pandemic Relief Fund has the potential to significantly impact the vitality of the community as we know it and provide life-saving measures to those in need. No one else will care for the Jewish community in the way that we need to do so, right now. Our Jewish values and traditions are a guiding light ensuring that we are always doing what is right and just for our community. It is in these challenging times that we need our community support the most. As we celebrate Passover, our traditions remind us that we are a strong and resilient people, when we work together and support each other. We ask that you also think about how you help secure the future and help those in need. This is what our values dictate we do, right now. We know that challenging times can bring out the best in people. We are confident that through our continued partnership with local agencies, compassion for each other, and characteristic resilience—we will emerge from this stronger as a community. To make your contribution to the Jewish Community Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund, please visit fundingjewishjacksonville.org. If you are in need of services, please call the emergency hotline at 904-394-5722.
Alan Margolies Federation Executive Director
GIVE TODAY AT FUNDINGJEWISHJACKSONVILLE.ORG
contents Due to COVID-19, some of the articles that were written for this issue were omitted as they covered events that were postponed or cancelled. The majority of the articles in this magazine were written before the outbreak. We have also edited our Worth the Schlep section to reflect the virtual nature of our events right now. Thank you for your continued support and patience during this time.
COMMUNITY 9 BEQUESTIONS WITH KELLIE SMITH ICNF HONORS RABBI LUBLINER L’DOR V’DOR 16 LEARNING HARMONY IN THE HOME SHEVA Q&A WITH RACHAEL LEDESMA FEATURES LEANING ON OUR FAITH CELEBRATING ISRAEL
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SEE AND BE SCENE JCA ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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32 THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS. YOU CAN FIND NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE AT THESE LOCATIONS.
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COVID-19 Resources & Community Information
These are uncertain, challenging times for the world, our country, Israel and our community. The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida is ready to fulfill the mandate of “kol yisrael arevim zeh b’zeh” (all of Israel are responsible for one another). Our shared Jewish values provide a roadmap for weathering this coronavirus storm. As always, we translate those values into actions that define us: saving lives, caring for the sick and performing acts of loving kindness. Obviously, it is not business as usual. Though our office is closed, we remain very much
open for business to help the hungry, the sick and others at-risk. Below you will find a community resource guide with information for not only your local Jewish community, but city information and other resouces from the WHO and the CDC. If you or your family need help and you cannot find the resources you need here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@jewishjacksonville.org and we will assist you in any way we can. For updated information, please go to our website at jewishjacksonville.org.
www.NowInStock.net
NowInStock.net - Keep an eye on online restocks of much needed items, like household cleaners, hand soap and toilet paper.
www.jfcsjax.org
HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER As River Garden enters its 74 th year of exceptional service, our mission is more important than ever. To provide, create, serve and act in all ways that protect the dignity of older adults. However and whenever you need us — we’ll be here.
The Max Block Food Pantry will have bagged food available for pick-up between 1-3:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday at our Dupont location (6261 Dupont Station Court East). When you come to the food pantry, please park in a numbered space in front of the pantry, stay in your vehicle, and turn on your hazard lights. Someone will come to your vehicle to assist you. Teletherapy is currently being offered either online or over the phone. Counseling is offered on a sliding scale based on income. Many different insurances are also accepted, including Medicaid. Call 904-394-5706 to schedule an appointment.
www.jcajax.org
The JCA building is closed until further notice. They still continue to serve our community with a host of engaging virtual activities, resources and lessons.
www.jewishtogether.org
Visit RiverGarden.org or call (904) 260 .1818
Stay Connected
Virtual community and informative resources, powered by The Jewish Federations of North America.
If yo u w o u ld lik e to s che du le a call wi t h y our lo ve d o ne at Rive r Gar de n, ple as e e m ai l K ari Bell at k be ll@r ive r gar de n. o r g o r call (9 0 4) 288.7855 to s c he du le an appo intme nt .
RGSS-20-001 River Garden Jewish Life AD 4C 3.75_ x 9.5-3/24/20 .indd 1
3/24/20 10:57 AM
SUPER SUNDAY (L-R) Barry Shapiro, Millie Tannen, Stefanie Levine, Sara Smolensky
By Faye Hedrick, Young Professionals and Families Director
This year’s Super Sunday phone-a-thon LIVE was a success on many levels! Congratulations and thank you to all the volunteers, lay leaders, donors, sponsors, and to those who tuned in to watch live on Facebook. As of the writing of this column (March 16, 2020), we collected $163,585, toward the 2020 annual campaign for the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida. For the second year in a row, Jewish Family & Community Services’ Baycenter location provided the perfect space to make calls. The format for the day was unique. We had two shifts for the callers, a live Facebook stream throughout the day hosted by Action News Jax’s Ben Becker, as well as several mitzvah projects going on simultaneously. The Federation’s own, Isabel Balotin, opened the first training session with an original, joy-filled parody to the tune of “I will Survive” ironically
called “We Will Survive.” For those of you who might have missed it, the song goes something along the lines of:
Chorus So get your phone You’re not alone And do the ask, it’s not a task But a mitzvah for the Jews In North Florida and Yisrael And other places where Jews dwell To better their daily lives and help them to thrive Chorus So get your phone You’re not alone And do the ask, it’s not a task But a mitzvah for the Jews. We will survive... we will survive Am Yisrael Chai By Isabel “Hammerstein” Balotin
The children who accompanied their families on this day charted their very own tzedakah by graphing and counting the coins, read books about generosity, watched videos about tzedakah, and decorated tzedakah boxes as a reminder to always partake in this important
mitzvah. The basic concept behind this important fundraising event has been in place for decades. This year we tried a new, innovative approach, giving past donors, new donors, and community members the opportunity to tune in live, text their gifts, or even call in to us live all while showcasing what our community partners have to offer. While Super Sunday is an important day for our fundraising efforts, our campaign is active throughout the entire year. If you have already made your 2020 pledge, we thank you! If we have not yet had an opportunity to reach you, we hope you will consider making a donation that will reach so many around our community and the globe. You can go online and donate today on our secure website, www.jewishjacksonville.org. We would like to sincerely thank Gary and Nancy Perlman, our Super Sunday sponsors, for their longtime support of this significant day. Super Sunday LIVE 2020 chair, Jeff Rood. Jeff summed the day up best, “Super
(L-R) Ben Marcus, Erik Rostholder, Eden Trager, Brent Trager
Photo Credit: Tallis Photography
Sunday is such an important day for our community in general and for our partner agencies. Everyone who steps up that day to volunteer and/or make a pledge understands that, and gets to learn about the various critical programs that are being administered. There is so much positive energy in the room when we are making calls – it is one of the most precious, fulfilling days of the year for me.” Finally, we would like to thank Ben Becker for his time, support, and energy on Sunday, February 23. Ben kept our viewers laughing and engaged the entire time while allowing everyone who took part in the day a chance to shine, highlighting the important work that they do. By the end of the day and with a few follow up calls the week after, we raised an impressive amount of money to help those who need it the most. You make a difference in our community and together we can have a momentous impact to help those in need. Thank you for answering the call, Northeast Florida!
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LIVE 2020 (L-R) Shylie Bannon, Daniel Miller, Jeff Rood, Deborah Kaye
Federation’s Isabel Balotin leading the group in “We will Survive”
JSU’s Joey Hamoki, Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum, Travis Melamed and Rabbi Shaya Hauptman
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students help to assemble mitzvah bags
Federation enthusiasts Joan Rosenberg and Meryl Rittenberg
Young Professionals & Families Chair, Ben Marsh with Super Sunday Chair, Jeff Rood
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH BEN BECKER
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(L-R) Nicole Marks, Lon Smolensky, Rabbi Hauptman and Suzie Becker, Brian Pargman
IT’S YOUR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ON JEWISH-OWNED BUSINESSES
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prioritize, pack, and identify the essentials. Then, while expecting my first child, I survived a house fire that burned every possession. My photos and childhood keepsakes gone! I’m a survivor. I was prepared for new beginnings, understood loss on many levels and decided to dedicate my career to empowering others by helping them identify their priorities, organize their possessions, living space and move forward with their lives. Q: What services does NEU Spaces offer? A: When clutter dominates your living space, Neu Spaces comes to the rescue through a collaborative approach. YOU are in control of the decisions, but we offer manageable, customized solutions. Our team creates practical living spaces, sets up document management, organizes every room in your home. Whether your challenge is staging, new home design, relocation, transition, right sizing, aging in place or home organization, NEU Spaces is here
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COMMUNITY W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N N O R T H E A S T F L O R I D A
BEQUESTIONS WITH KELLIE SMITH
In lieu of our normal format where we answer an individual’s question, I thought I’d address some important information regarding charitable giving and deductions as we approach Tax Day on April 15*. Charitable donations are still tax-deductible under the new tax law. While the new tax law made changes to other itemized deductions, the deduction for charitable donations remains intact with few changes. That means you can still claim your donations of money and goods if you itemize your tax deductions. Start looking for all those receipts and contribution letters - we don’t want you to forget to take deductions for all your charitable giving! First, it’s important to make sure you are giving to a qualified nonprofit organization. Qualified organizations include nonprofit groups that are religious, charitable, educational, scientific, or literary in purpose or that work to prevent cruelty to children or animals. You can check to see whether the organization you plan to give to is qualified by going to IRS.gov/ TEOS. The few changes that were made to the charitable deduction
provision include: • The percentage limit of contributions of cash to public charities increased from 50 percent to 60 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI). • While you were able to claim 80% of the donation for personal seat rights like season tickets for college sports events as a tax deduction before the new tax law, you can no longer claim any of the donations as a tax deduction beginning with tax year 2018 taxes (the ones filed in 2019). While not a direct change to the charitable deduction provision, another change that could impact whether or not you can still claim charitable contributions if you have before is how the increased standard deduction impacts whether you now take the standard deduction or itemize your tax deductions. For tax year 2019, the standard deduction increased to $12,200 for single filers and $24,400 on a joint tax return. If you file as head of household, your standard deduction is increased to $18,350. And as in the past, you will claim either the standard deduction or itemize your tax deductions based on your eligible tax-deductible expenses and which option gives you the best tax outcome. If you are close to the new standard deduction threshold, you can increase your tax deductions and itemize your deductions by donating in the calendar year or opening a
Donor Advised Fund which will help you get ahead of your giving for next year! By doing this, you will both supporting the causes you love most and possibly increasing your tax refund. You can accurately track and value your total charitable giving using a donor advised fund or even a simple spreadsheet that you update throughout the year. If you have specific questions about your current tax situation, please consult your financial advisor or tax professional.
If you’d like to learn more about how the Jewish Foundation can help you organize your charitable giving and make your philanthropic efforts stress-free, call Kellie Smith at 904-5123796.
*IMPORTANT COVID - 19 UPDATE: The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service has announced that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Please refer to www.irs.gov for the most up to date information.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
ICNF HONORS RABBI LUBLINER
By Danielle Berke, Jacksonville Jewish Center
At this year’s annual Interfaith Community Dinner on February 25, the Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida (ICNF) presented one of its two awards to Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner, the Jack F. Shorstein Senior Rabbi, of the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Each award recognizes an unsung local hero in Jacksonville who actively promotes diversity and speaks to peace and togetherness in the workplace, government, or other vocational spheres in their respective communities. The Community Education Award presented to Rabbi Lubliner recognizes and celebrates an exemplary effort to build mutual curiosity in Northeast Florida around interfaith relationships, while the Emerging Leadership Award recognizes an "under 40" Northeast Florida community member who has demonstrated leadership in interfaith understanding or activism. “Neither Jews nor Muslims
believe in a gerrymandered God. We may worship differently, but ours is the same Deity who created all of humanity in the Divine Image,” Rabbi Lubliner said. “By hosting an iftar which also serves as our Melaveh Malkah meal, we serve to underscore that our religious differences need not serve as a barrier to learning from and about one another. In an increasingly polarized world, it is more important than ever to build bridges of understanding between Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner receiving Community Education Award from ICNF Board Member Alex Sivar. neighbors.” other on May 9. Attendees can during Ramadan. The meal will One of the activities recogexperience both Jewish and be prepared together by volunnized by this award is the annual Muslim prayer services, singing, teers in the synagogue’s kitchen interfaith program and dinner at and a simultaneous Melaveh before Shabbat and incorporates the Center. This year, the Malkah meal and iftar, the traditional recipes from both Jacksonville Jewish Center and traditional meal eaten by communities. ICNF will invite members of Muslims to end their daily fast both communities to join each
JCA KICKS OFF WOMEN IN POWER
By Kendall Sisisky-Valliere, Jewish Community Alliance
The Jewish Community was awarded a microgrant to pilot the prestigious Women inPower JCC Community Program in Jacksonville. Women inPower is a national level initiative to elevate more women into positions of power. The yearlong fellowship provides a group of women with training, mentorship and support to advance to new leadership roles within the Jewish communal world and
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beyond. Events will be designed to inspire, connect and build relationships amongst women in the Jacksonville community. The Women inPower fellows include Lauren Edwards (Interline Brands), Kelsi Hasden (PAX Technologies, Inc.), Taylor Hazelhurst (Your Strategists, LLC), Hannah Oberholzer (Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens), Leah Palestrant (City Year Jacksonville), Sarah Perfido ( JCA), Hope Prober ( Ja-Ru, Inc.), Emma Pulley ( Jewish Federation
and Foundation of Northeast Florida), Hilary Rotenberg ( Jewish Family & Community Services) and Amanda Stanley (River Garden). The JCA is extremely grateful to the program mentors who have agreed to support this important program: Suzette Allen (Pioneer Equipment), Joanne Cohen (The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida), Glori Katz (Stein Mart), Allison Korman Shelton ( JACE Advisors), Jan Lipsky ( Jan Lipsky Coaching), Mauri Mizrahi (River Garden),
Jennifer Plotkin (Bank of America), Colleen Rodriguez ( Jewish Family & Community Services), Jennifer Smith ( Jacksonville Jewish Center) and Karen Stone (UNF). The JCA is one of only five communities nationwide to participate. Women inPower is open to all women in the Jewish communal field. The goal is to create a community of fellows that can continue to inspire women in our community. Contact Kendall Sisisky Valliere at 730-2100 ext. 231 or Kendall.valliere@ jcajax.org.
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COMMUNITY SHALIACH UNDEFEATED ON THE COURT
By Britney Bean, Jewish Community Alliance
For the last two seasons, Shaliach Rotem Gabay has coached JCA Basketball League. And his team is undefeated. “I played basketball in Israel and loved the game. As part of my Shlichut position in Jacksonville, I was looking for ways to be active and involved,” Gabay said. “The amazing opportunity to coach JCA basketball was exactly what I was looking for.” Gabay has not only gained the admiration of his team, but parents as well. “Being new to
the JCA sporting experience, I have really enjoyed Rotem as a coach. Honestly, after watching the first practice, I thought he was intense, “ said a parent. “But that is exactly what the boys love about him. He pushes them to do their best, and you can see that when they play.” “He is tough on us but in a
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because he supports us whether we make a good play or not. That’s what coaches should do.”
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
MAZEL TOV, ARI!
OPERATION ISAIAH
Ari Benjamin Willens, son of Sara and Michael Willens, was called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah on March 28, 2020 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Sharing in the simcha were Ari’s brothers, Jonah, Gabriel and Nathan; and many other family and friends. Ari is in the seventh grade at Fruit Cove Middle School, where he is in the gifted program and plays the alto saxophone in the school band. He enjoys running, creating videos, coding and spending time with his friends, family and his dog, Truffles. *This was written before the COVID-19 outbreak.
By Mimi Kaufman, Jacksonville Jewish Center
Operation Isaiah is a project of the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism. This is an on-going, year-round project and is partnered with Jewish Family & Community Service food pantry and their FANN program (Feed a Needy Neighbor). In these uncertain times there are hundreds of people in our own community who are out of work and are losing their homes. They are also facing “food insecurity” and the demand at the food pantries is at an all-time
high. Jacksonville Jewish Center is joining with others in our community to help those in need by donating canned and packaged food, toiletries, baby food and baby diapers and wipes. In the book of Isaiah 58:7, it is written, “…share your bread with the hungry and take the poor into your home….” The shelves at JFCS are depleting rapidly. Help keep those shelves filled by dropping off nonperishable food in the donation area off the Center’s lobby. You will be doing a great mitzvah.
Games & Challenges for Teens this April You’re the piece of the puzzle we’re missing!
Vir tual Events Include: Online Hangouts Video Contests Vir tual Scavenger Hunts
For more information visit www.jaxjewishcenter.org/vitualyouth or contact Sara Crowe, Youth Director, at youthdirector@jaxjewishcenter.org 12
COMMUNITY
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W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N N O R T H E A S T F LO R I DA
AIPAC-ED WITH EXCITEMENT By Ken Jacobs, Immediate Past President of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida
In March, more than 40 representatives from Jacksonville joined 18,000 Americans from across the country to celebrate the U.S.-Israel partnership at the AIPAC 2020 Policy Conference. The Policy Conference is the largest gathering of America’s pro-Israel community and is an educational and inspirational experience. For three powerful days in Washington, D.C., attendees heard moving stories of Israeli heroism, groundbreaking innovations, and the many mutual benefits of our close friendship. This year’s Policy Conference was especially exciting in the midst of election seasons for both America and Israel. The upcoming Presidential election was center stage, with keynote appearances from Former Vice President Joe Biden, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Vice President Mike Pence. From Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue & White Party Chair Benny Gantz addressed the Conference on the eve of their historic election.
The AIPAC Policy Conference is truly unique in today’s contentious political climate, as leadership from both sides of the aisle participate, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. All representatives from both parties uniformly expressed and endorsed the critical importance of bi-partisan support for Israel. Similarly, leaders from countries around the globe, including the Presidents and Prime Ministers of Canada, Columbia, Guatemala, Serbia, Congo, and
Estonia, joined American Leaders such as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, in order to highlight and promote their relationships with Israel. AIPAC, American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is not a political action committee and does not endorse or contribute to candidates. Rather, it is a grassroots organization of United States citizens that works to expand our alliance with Israel by empowering leaders across America, including those from the Jewish, African-American, Hispanic, Christian, Progressive, and Veteran communities, as well as more than 4,000
students who attended the Conference from over 600 college campuses. The culmination of the Policy Conference is the opportunity for every attendee to visit their members of Congress and speak to them about issues of concern to the pro-Israel community. This year’s agenda included increasing security assistance to Israel, extending the Iranian arms embargo, and standing with Israel against discrimination. In addition to making an impact on advancing the U.S.-Israel relationship, the AIPAC Policy Conference is a unique, powerful, and exhilarating experience that no member of the pro-Israel community should miss.
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE DECISION DAY: APRIL 16 By Kari Bell, River Garden Senior Services
Since 2008, National Healthcare Decision Day (NHDD) has provided a platform to educate Americans about the importance of advance care planning and documenting healthcare wishes in writing. If faced
with a serious or life-limiting illness, it’s important to organize your thoughts and discuss your values and beliefs to identify how you want to live. Aging is inevitable, and emergencies happen. One single step to help you organize your healthcare decisions is to have a
conversation. A single conversation may not cover all of the decisions that you and your family face. But, it will start you on a path toward shared understanding, and can bring you closer to those you love. Take time to plan ahead now so future healthcare challenges don’t create difficult
questions and unnecessary worry for family caregivers and decision makers. River Garden will host an interactive workshop in May to help you get started. Peace of mind comes when you have a conversation about your goals, beliefs and experiences and make your wishes known in advance.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
STUDENTS SHARE PURIM WITH RIVER GARDEN By Danielle Wirsansky, Jewish Community Alliance
When exploring what concepts teachers could introduce to their students through the holiday of Purim, Michele Block Gan Yeladim came up with community, joy and celebration, to name a few. Every year, the school holds a Purim Play Day for the entire school to participate in. This year, the school wanted to add a component of service to the festivities that would celebrate the main themes of Purim as well as one of the Sheva lenses, K’dusha (holiness, with intentionality and presence). The school partnered with River Garden to create Purim holiday cards for the resi-
dents. Students made and decorated cards as part of their Purim Play Day celebrations. They colored and drew, sharing the story of Purim and their joy in celebrating the holiday on each card so that River Garden residents could receive a card made for them with care and affection from a preschool student. Honoring the elderly is an important mitzvah to teach children while they are young. Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten was delighted for this opportunity to teach this mitzvah, commemorate the Purim holiday and celebrate with the Jewish community of Jacksonville through this partnership with River Garden.
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~ Hablo Espanol
Community -Wide
Purim Carnival
brought to you by the Galinsky Academy PTA & Jacksonville Jewish Center
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Candies Limousines & Motorcoaches, Capital Veterinary Specialists, CarwashU, Curl/Ligator Family, Kaye Family, Kelleher-Smith Family, Kofim 2 Class, Kona Ice, Korzyniowski Family, Leder Retina & Uveitis Specialist, Level Up Learning Center, Mandarin Mediation,Minuteman Press, Morgan & Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Olive My Pickle, Perce Orthodontics, River Oaks Dental, Erik & Emily Rostholder, Seafood Sales & Service, Shapiro & Morgenthal Families, Tersak's Family Martial Arts Academy, Weaver & Stratton Pediatric Dentistry, Weiss Family
L’DOR V’DOR F A M I LY, E D U C A T I O N A N D S E N I O R L I V I N G
JAX TEENS REPRESENT AT CTEEN SHABBATON IN NYC
By Gabby T., Chabad of S. Johns County Jacksonville Jewish teens and Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein of Chabad St. Johns joined 2,700 teens from 24 countries to celebrate Jewish unity, heritage, and pride at the annual CTeen International Shabbaton. “The Shabbaton is the greatest weekend of the year,” 11th grader Gabby said, “It is a time where I can be with people I love in the city and can explore my heritage while meeting thousands of other teens like me.” The inspirational weekend included a Times Square takeover, featuring a Jewish concert in the heart of NYC. The singing and dancing was an unbelievable display of Jewish pride. The theme of this year's historic Shabbaton was “Soul Care,” which focused on the idea
that each person is a soul with a body, and that there’s no better time than the present to tone up and hit the spiritual gym. The teens took a pledge to become personal soul trainers and get others involved in mitzvot—good deeds. “You may find yourself alone, the only Jew in your public school, you may feel like a minority, but remember: there is no such thing as a small Jew,” Cteen Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky said. “I hope you take the energy you gained this weekend and carry it into every aspect of your lives back at home.” With over 600 chapters in 24 countries, CTeen creates a nurturing environment where giving to others encourages
Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein and teens pose at the CTeen International Shabbaton in NYC
self-discovery and empowers tomorrow’s generation of leaders through Jewish education. Teens develop confidence, while connecting with individuals sharing similar experiences and beliefs, becoming an integral part of a group that focuses on
building core values and stresses positive character development. CTeen is open to teens regardless of affiliation, background and level of knowledge or observance.
MARTIN J. GOTTLIEB DAY SCHOOL ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: RACHEL SPECTOR By Brian Pargman, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
Rachel Spector (’13) currently attends the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech. Passionate about the environment, Spector became involved in environmental activism while fighting a fracked gas pipeline that would destroy the natural environment and force families from their homes nearby. “I became extremely involved in the fight against fracking, seeing first-hand how big industry exploits people,” Spector said. “I planned VT’s
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first climate strike, which was backed up by demands for climate action. The demands emphasized a transition to renewable energy with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.” Recently, Spector’s passion for environmental action led her to an appointment on Earth Guardians’ National Youth Council, an organization that works to ensure that the youth voice is represented to build a healthy, just and sustainable world. “My experience at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School was
incredible. While people often think of the small class size as a disadvantage, my small class was always finding ways to have fun and my teachers became like family,” Spector said. “My favorite memories include delivering food and gifts on Mitzvah trips during the holiday season, science experiments with Mrs. Burkhart, extravagant history projects with Mrs. Reppert, and the mess that was filming our class production of the book The Sunflower.” To share alumni news, please contact Brian Pargman at bpargman@dubowgottlieb.org
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F A M I LY, E D U C A T I O N A N D S E N I O R L I V I N G
LEARNING HARMONY IN THE HOME By Danielle Wirsansky, Jewish Community Alliance
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten has adopted Conscious Discipline practices under the guidance of Nicole Mercer, a certified Conscious Discipline Instructor, who has been practicing since 2003. Mercer has visited the school every month this academic year to observe and advise teachers in the classroom and to provide educational seminars to teachers in the Jacksonville community. This program was generously sponsored through a grant from the Chartrand Family Fund and the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Mercer opened her own preschool in 2006 in which she used Conscious Discipline, and
after seeing how successful it could be with families and students, she became a certified Conscious Discipline instructor
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten is one of these schools. Conscious Discipline is a
in 2009. Mercer now travels the country helping schools, families and students grow and improve using Conscious Discipline.
social-emotional approach and curriculum for working with children. Based on research on the brain and child development,
it helps teachers and parents use developmentally appropriate practices when guiding children. Michele Block Gan Yeladim took this education a step further and invited families and parents to a lunch and learn program called Harmony in the Home in late February. During this program, parents learned more about this approach and ways to incorporate it into their home lives. Through this workshop, participants were able to change their lives as adults, and from there, change the lives of the children in their charge. “Behaviors, especially challenging ones, are communications that we must decode in order to ensure a culture of kindness, caring and connection,” Theresa Levy, the Director of Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE For Rosh Chodesh Adar Torah Academy had a “V’nahafochu” (topsy-turvy) day where students came dressed as staff members and staff members came dressed as students.
Congratulations to the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School Science Fair Winners: 1st Place Behavioral Science, Avigail Barak 2nd Place Behavioral Science, Sadie Handmaker 2nd Place Computer Science, Micah Jaffa
Torah Academy's first graders had a big celebration in honor of receiving their first chumashim. Students have been preparing all year, learning the skills needed to translate and decode the ancient words of our holy Torah.
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students celebrated Tu B’Shevat at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens. They went on a nature hike, learned from master naturalists and planted a red cedar tree at the Gardens.
The 8th grade class, at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School learned about the history of African Americans in the South through analysis of historical and literary primary source photographs and documents as part of reading To Kill a Mockingbird.
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L’DOR V’DOR
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F A M I LY, E D U C A T I O N A N D S E N I O R L I V I N G
CONGRATULATIONS ELIKAN SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS! The Len and Judy Elikan Promising Young Leader Summer Camp Scholarship Selection Committee is thrilled to announce this year’s award winners: Hope Freedman, Moses Jaffa, Dovid Rabinowitz, and Yitzchak Rabinowitz. Congratulations to our recipients on their awards! Through their hard work and creativity, they have proven themselves to be promising young leaders within their communities, and we hope that their summer camp experience encourages them to continue their leadership efforts here at home. Each of these students will be featured in the upcoming issues of the Northeast Florida Jewish Life magazine as they report back on their summer camp experiences.
Leonard and Judy Elikan created this scholarship in 2009 in order to provide outstanding and motivated youth the opportunity to have a quintessential Jewish summer camp experience. The Elikan Family is committed to giving Jacksonville youth access to uniquely Jewish summer camp experiences in hopes that they will have additional exposure to and appreciation Len and Judy Elikan, founders of the Len and Judy Elikan Promising Young Leader Summer Camp of their Jewish values Scholarship." and Jewish heritage. scholarship, applicants must of 2020, so be on the lookout Since the scholarship’s have completed the 9th grade for application information inception, more than 100 by June 30th of the award and instructions to be awards have been granted to year. A new cycle of applicareleased in the fall! Jacksonville teens. tions will begin in December To be eligible for the
COOKING & CRAFTS AT FAMILY HAMANTASCHEN BAKE
By Suzie Becker, Etz Chaim
It is not often that the Beckers can take part in a Sunday event
with all members in attendance. Who has a game, who has a class, or who gets sent places? However,
that Sunday we were ready on time and excited to attend. In a wonderful collaboration between Etz Chaim, PJ Library, Young Professionals & Families, and the JCA, the Purim Hamentashen Bake of 2020 was everything we expected and more. The dough was ready-made; we had a variety of fillings to choose from: strawberry, apricot,
raspberry, Nutella, marshmallow, and Hershey’s Kisses. DJ (age 7) attempted to place as many Kisses as possible into his scrumptious arrangements, while Brooklyn (age 4) went wild with the sprinkles. In addition to the delicious hamantaschen we took home, the highlight of the event was the opportunity to attend a community-wide event and catch up with friends. Thanks to Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum, who always takes the time to make every single parent and child feel welcomed and special, the totally terrific Faye Hedrick, who effortlessly floated through the prep room and the kitchen like the Purim fairy, and Whitney Kuvin, who arranged the arts and crafts projects thoughtfully provided for the kids so that they would be occupied during the baking of the ‘tasch.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
SHEVA Q&A WITH RACHAEL LEDESMA By Danielle Wirsansky, Jewish Community Alliance
Rachael Ledesma is the Kindergarten teacher for Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten. She has been an educator at the JCA since 2004. She was also chosen to participate in the competitive Israeli Learning Seminar (ILS), a professional development opportunity due to her passion to learn. Q: What makes the seven lenses of the Sheva framework accessible to people from many different walks of life (and why is that an important element)? A: I feel the lenses of the Sheva framework can be used in various aspects of life and applied to many situations whether inside or outside the classroom. These lenses provide an ethical model for living and can be a shared vision that can be passed to future generations. Q: How will the Sheva framework help enrich our students’ learning? And in what ways, even as we transition, is it already proving effective? A: The Sheva framework helps to enrich student learning by supporting the creation of the shared image of the child. It helps us see the child as capable and promotes their individual strengths. I'm already seeing this implemented in the classrooms in
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our school. The entire classroom environment has become more child directed where the focus is on things that interest the child.
Q: Do you have any meaningful anecdotes that highlight the effect/ power of the Sheva framework as you have witnessed in the classroom?
Style for a Steal
A: We had two students find a rock outside. They each wanted to keep the rock, so they had to come up with a solution. Ultimately, they asked to break it in half so they could share it. We got safety goggles and a hammer, and they took turns hammering it until it broke. It wasn't something we planned to do but it was child-led.
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Yitzak Rabin called Magen David Adom Israel’s second line of defense. With the coronavirus, we’re the first. When the COVID19 coronavirus arrived in Israel, the Ministry of Health knew who could best protect everyone’s health. Because Israelis know Magen David Adom has the paramedics, training, and vision to minimize the spread of the disease. With its innovative home-testing program and cutting-edge video apps, MDA can literally see how patients are recovering — enabling most Israelis to recover at home, where they can infect the fewest people. Support from Americans like you has helped MDA shield almost all of Israel’s 9 million people from this disease. But this fight has depleted the tools and supplies MDA needs to ensure the infection rates don’t rise. Help Magen David Adom continue to protect Israelis and save lives. Make a gift today. Chag Pesach sameach.
afmda.org/protect
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
CONFIRMATION STUDENTS ATTEND AIPAC
By: Danielle Berke, Jacksonville Jewish Center
In March, twelfth-grade students participating in Siyyum, the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Confirmation program, joined Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner at the 2020 American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. AIPAC seeks to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Israel through advocacy and education on Capitol Hill and at the White House. The event attracts more than 18,000 activists from all 50 states, more than half of the Senate, a third of the House of Representatives, and countless Israeli and American policymakers and thought leaders. In
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addition to attending the plenary sessions of top leaders of the United States and Israel, Siyyum students participate in a number of sessions designed for high school and college-age students that focus on Israel-related campus issues. Policy Conference culminates with the opportunity to lobby our Senators and Congressional Representatives on legislation related to Israel. All costs associated with the trip – including airfare, hotel, conference registration, ground transportation and food – are covered by the generous support of Elyne & Charles, Nancy & Seeman, and Chase & Morrie Zimmerman. Through informal study, dialogue, and hands-on action, Siyyum (the Hebrew word
meaning “conclusion” or “graduation) fosters leadership skills among young adults and strengthens their connection with Jewish identity and the ethical imperatives of our tradition. It is also a time when students are encouraged to think actively about how they will express their Jewish identities on campus.
This year’s class partnered with Kim’s Open Door, a nonprofit Jacksonville organization that provides mentoring, arts education, and community building to children from low-income and immigrant families. It culminates in the celebration of Confirmation at Shabbat services on May 30.
faith leaning on our
Our Jewish values and traditions are a guiding light ensuring that we are always doing what is right and just for our community. It is in these challenging times that we need support the most. As synagogues, schools and community institutions remain closed for an undetermined amount of days, we’ve asked Rabbis and community leaders to provide words of comfort during these uncertain times.
The COVID pandemic is hitting us like a tsunami without mercy. No sector has been unaffected. Long and established norms of modern society are being unraveled by the hour. Our communities are being tested as perhaps no one alive has ever experienced nor remotely anticipated. With that in mind, I would like to address an area that is becoming a casualty in this world of chaos. I am referring to Happiness. Someone may wonder, in a world where we are just attempting to survive, who has time to worry about Happiness? The truth is, I am not referring to the type of Happiness that is associated with levity or watching a comedy show. I am referring to real Happiness. According to the Jewish Sages, that means for one to understand how to find meaning and purpose in their everyday life. The objective of finding meaning and purpose in life is challenging during good times, so how can
we find it during incredibly sad times? I like to think of the book, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, who provides some incredible insights from his time spent in the camps during the Holocaust. Frankl makes the case that despite the tremendous atrocities that he experienced, there was one thing that the Nazis couldn’t take away from him, and that was his state of mind. He further argues we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. The pandemic we find ourselves is removing all the illusions of control in our lives. We need to realize that the only thing we can control is our reaction to it if we can find meaning and purpose. This can be achieved by becoming closer to G-d through meaningful prayer and reaching out with assistance to those in need than we have become better people from this. Rabbi Fisch, Etz Chaim
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE To say these are trying times, times of fear, times of concern are statements not to be taken lightly. However, the power of prayer is a strong weapon in your spiritual arsenal. Beth El The Beaches Synagogue has been offering such arsenal weekly with video communications from our Rabbi Michael Matuson. Rabbi has been offering guidance and assurance on how strong a family we are. He is reminding us to pray to HaShem for a successful cure, to heal those who are suffering with the virus and to help those who are anxious due to this outbreak. Our Beth El leadership is working with the leadership around Jewish Jacksonville to ensure that those in need are cared for. We have identified our members who are in need and have contacted them often to make sure they are managing and their needs and concerns are taken care of. If you know of anyone who lives at the beaches who needs help with grocery shopping, rides to appointments or just phone calls to keep in touch with the outside world please call our office at (904) 273-9100.
It is easy to fall in love with the Jacksonville Jewish community as I have done in my short time here. During this time of limited interaction, the JCA is committed to embodying our mission outside of the walls of our building. Fortunately, the strength of our agency has never been about the physical space. The JCA is still here to help you enhance your mind, body and spirit. Our staff continues to engage our valued members and community through online resources and virtual content for each age and stage of life. Content is updated weekly at jcajax.org/virtual. Resources include live-streamed storytelling, classes for children, fitness and wellness programs for adults and more. Though our building is closed, our normal operating expenses remain. However, we made the decision to continue to support and pay our staff during this closure.
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We have temporarily cancelled all in person shabbat services, both Friday night and Saturday morning and have closed our synagogue to outside persons. Our programs have been put on hold and we look forward to rescheduling them. Members of our Sisterhood are sewing surgical masks to help with the shortage in area hospitals and nursing homes. We, at Beth El The Beaches Synagogue, remind you to take care of yourself and your sanity. Take the time to do things you enjoy, whether it be a walk around your neighborhood or quiet moments to reflect on yourself and your family. We will grow from this. This too shall pass even though it might not feel that way. We will see happier, brighter times. Rabbi Matuson, Beth El at the Beaches
As we rely on them to bring unparalleled excellence to our agency, so should they be able to rely on us during this challenging time. In the spirit of partnership, the JCA has also reassigned some staff to River Garden to help safely monitor access to the River Garden campus. We are fortunate to be able to support our sister agency at this time. For our senior members, we are contacting them by phone to determine if they are well and reporting any needs to our partners at JFCS. The JCA is proud to continue to serve our community during this time of uncertainty. Now, more than ever, I wish to thank you for your support of the JCA and the Jacksonville Jewish community. As our community’s leadership comes together during this time, it is even more clear to me why I so easily fell in love with the JCA and Jewish Jacksonville! Please take care of yourself, your families and each other. Adam Chaskin, Jewish Community Alliance
On Shabbat morning, March 14, we observed our sixth annual Minyannaire Shabbat as we honored Harry Shmunes with our “Minyannaire of the Year” award. Members like Harry are dedicated to ensuring we pray morning and evening with a minyan, a prayer quorum of ten Jewish adults, without which one cannot recite Kaddish or read Torah publicly. Their devotion underscores the importance that Judaism attaches to communal prayer. But why is it so important to pray in community? Rabbi Reuven Hammer, my teacher of blessed memory, once said, “Religion is about we do with our togetherness, not our aloneness.” Or as the Torah puts it, “For I am sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people” (Leviticus 22:32). The Jewish experience of sanctifying God comes through being together with others; it is in hearing their voices and joining them rather than merely saying the words in isolation.
Finding God at minyan isn’t about how fast one reads Hebrew. One feels God by looking around the room to see the varied individuals present, each with a different story, or by closing one’s eyes and listening to the call and response of a chorus of voices. In one row of the chapel is a man who comes because he can’t imagine not coming; in another sits a woman who can barely read Hebrew, but feels her day starts better through fellowship with community; in a third a young man who relies on us to help him recite Kaddish for his mother, morning and evening. On any given day, there are as many reasons for being there as people present, but all of them transcend the word “I”, all of them are about community. And when they are present, I know that God is as well. Rabbi Lubliner, Jacksonville Jewish Center
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Israel CELEBRATING
By: Beth Turner, Congregation Ahavath Chesed
I had the absolute honor of representing Northeast Florida and Congregation Ahavath Chesed-The Temple in the Partnership2Gether Educator Delegation. This was my first (and long overdue) trip to Israel. Everyone told me it would change me: that I would come back a different person, and teacher. How could one week leave such a transformative impact? I have never been so happy to be so wrong. The trip was a true delegation—educators from all over the Southeast United States who taught different grade levels, settings, and denominations of Judaism.
We worked closely with teachers in Israel, predominantly from the Hadera
region. They brought us into their homes; we celebrated Chanukah and Shabbat with them. For a few days, we were a part of the family. My host, Naamah, could not have been more welcoming; I never felt like I was the odd one out. The experiences were amazing. We went to the
places you would expect: the Old City in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, the Kotel, Ben Yehuda Street...the traditional destinations. The most impactful experiences involved people: talking to teens about their lives and goals, having difficult but necessary discussions about the relationship between America and Israel with other teachers, experiencing the joy on a child’s face as they showed us what they were doing in school, the pride from the high school’s robotics team as they demonstrated their award-winning robot, and decompressing as a group after visiting Yad Vashem. Israel did change me.
By Allison Jacobs, Partnership2Gether Jacksonville Steering Committee Chair The Israel Partnership is almost in its 20th year and is one of my favorite programs at the Federation. The Southeast Consortium is comprised of 11 Southeast communities along with the Jewish Federation of the Czech Republic to create relationships with people in the Hadera-Eiron Region in Israel. We base our programs on five main pillars: to educate about Israel and the Diaspora Jewry, to promote Jewish Peoplehood and mutual responsibility, to create awareness and strengthen Jewish identity, to build relationships, and to increase community engagement. Friendships are the key to building our living bridges. My family has hosted Israeli teens and chaperones over the last eight years. Each year we cannot wait to share this experience with the Israelis. Each one has become an important part of our family. We nurture our relationships throughout the year, and we are grateful for the reciprocal hospitality we receive in Israel.
Israel PARTNERSHIP
Israel A TREE GROWS IN
HADASSAH RESEARCHERS IN ISRAEL SUCCESSFULLY GROW DATE PALMS FROM 2,000 YEAR OLD SEEDS
By Mitzi Saul, Hadassah Jacksonville
An interest in traditional herbal remedies is what motivated Hadassah Medical Center ethnobotanist Sarah Sallon to search for ancient medicinal plants. What she found were viable 2,000-year-old seeds recovered from Masada, Israel and other sites around the Dead Sea. Amazingly, six of those seeds germinated and have grown into viable date palm plants. To grow the date plants, Sallon and colleagues sorted through hundreds of seeds. Some were excavated from Masada, others came from caves around the Dead Sea used for storage and living quarters. Researchers soaked 34 of the most promising specimens in warm water and liquid fertilizer, and then planted them in sterile potting soil. Six seeds germinated and sprouted into seedlings that would eventually become date palms. The successful seeds were all several centimeters long, 30% larger than modern date seeds, suggesting dates that were significantly larger than modern varieties, supporting historical records of the large size of the Judean date. Researchers suggest that sophisticated agricultural practices may have contributed to the Judean date’s historical reputation. To verify that the seeds were ancient—and not more recent specimens deposited amid archaeological artifacts by burrowing animals, for example— the team carbon dated seed shell fragments clinging to the roots after the seeds had successfully sprouted. The seeds were between 2200 and 1800 years old! These most remarkable date palm trees
might not exist if Sallon hadn’t gotten sick while working as a doctor in India in 1986. Antibiotics didn’t help. What cured her, she thinks, were some traditional herbal remedies. “It was just amazing. It was so incredible,” Sallon said. “And then I got very interested.
There’s nothing like a doctor cured of their problem to get them invested in something.” When she moved back home to Israel, to her job at the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, she went looking for medicinal plants there. And she found lots of them. But she also heard about ancient medicinal plants
that had disappeared. “They’re just historical ghosts,” she said. “Like the famous date plantations along the Dead Sea, 2,000 years ago—described by Pliny; described by Josephus, the first-century historian. They’re not there anymore. They just vanished!” Sallon realized that seeds from those trees still existed; they’d been recovered from archaeological sites. So she went to the archaeologists and proposed planting some of those seeds, to see if they’d grow again. It didn’t go well at first. “They thought I was mad!” she said. “They didn’t think that this was even conceivable.” But she kept pushing, and eventually persuaded a few of them to provide some seeds to try this with. More than a decade ago, she and Elaine Solowey, a researcher at the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies, planted some of these ancient palm seeds. “Six weeks later, little green shoots appeared!” she says. One tree grew. They named it Methuselah. But Methuselah had a problem. Date trees are a little unusual. They’re either male or female; each tree makes either pollen or fertile flowers. But it takes both to produce fruit. So Methuselah by himself couldn’t re-create those ancient dates. But then Sallon found another archaeologist who had recovered a whole trove of date seeds from Qumran, where the ancient texts known as the Dead Sea scrolls had been discovered. In early February, in the journal Science Advances, Sallon and her colleagues announced that they’d grown another six trees from some of these ancient seeds. Two of them are female. “You could say that we
found Methuselah a wife,” she said, laughing. Methuselah, by the way, is now well over ten feet tall. The female trees haven’t flowered yet, but Sallon is hoping that it might happen this year. If one of them does, researchers will take pollen from Methuselah, fertilize those flowers, and wait for fruit to form: dates just like the ones that people in the Bible ate. When Sallon talks about this possibility, her voice fills with wonder and expectation. According to ancient writers, she says, these dates “were known for their wonderful sweetness, their very large size, and their ability to be stored for a long time, so they actually were exported around the Roman empire.” Now they may live again, which Sallon takes as a sign of hope for the world. She’s written a children’s book about this, telling the story from the date’s point of view, and hopes to get it published soon. Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America is a charitable organization founded by Henrietta Szold 108 years ago. Initially established to provide emergency care to infants and mothers in pre-state Israel, today it has flourished into two world class medical and research centers in Jerusalem - Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem (pictured below) and Mount Scopus in West Jerusalem. Hadassah also runs schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacology affiliated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The local Hadassah Jacksonville chapter has over 1,000 Members and Associates and is one of the oldest chapters in the State of Florida having received a charter in 1925. To learn more or become a member, contact Mitzi Saul, VP of Membership at (904) 803-6238 or mitzieye@ comcast.net.
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Israel DEALS WITH COVID-19
By Rotem Gabay, Shaliach, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast FL
I arrived to Israel a week ago and landed in Ben Gurion Airport after eight months living abroad through the Shlichut program. The airport didn’t look as we’re all used to seeing it. It was empty and we were the only flight to arrive that day. Since Israel is such a small country and our health system is public, we are dealing with COVID-19 in different ways, that some of you might not be familiar with. The country is “closed.” The streets are empty. You are not allowed to leave home for more than 100 meters unless you are going to buy medicine or groceries. It feels like Yom Kippur, but for over three weeks now. The biggest difference is that most of the days we sit in front of our televisions listening to news, seeing how Israel and the whole world deals with the virus. Synagogues are closed, as are all small businesses. No shops, no restaurants, no gyms. You can’t hear kids playing and shouting outside before Shabbat, no Friday morning Shuk. But on the other hand, we are optimistic because we trust our country. Unfortunately, in crises like these, Israel knows best, thanks to our experiences we have gained. We become one big family, even more than in our daily lives. Our greatest hospitals, doctors and nurses, work day and night in order to take care of the sick and to make sure we feel as safe as possible. Our most famous singers and comedians all volunteer to perform with no audience, every midnight, live. Artists go outside their homes, for people to listen to their shows from their balconies. Thousands of people volunteer to help seniors with what they need. We
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are using all the patience we have in order to stay strong and keep ourselves, and our surroundings safe and healthy, just like most of the people around the world these days. But hey, look at the good things, someone just knocked on our door and left a bag with a warm challah and a note that says, “To our neighbors who are quarantined, Shabbat Shalom from your next door neighbors.” After all, there’s no place like home.
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The JCA 2020 Annual Fundraiser, A Night in New Orleans, chaired by Nicole and Andy Brown, was a success thanks to the dedicated planning committee and generosity of our sponsors. Thanks to all who attended and supported this campaign which allows us to enrich the lives of countless individuals and reach those who otherwise could not afford the JCA’s benefits.
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THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA The JCA annual fundraiser, A Night in New Orleans, chaired by Nicole and Andy Brown, was a success thanks to the dedicated planning committee and generosity of our sponsors*: Alex and Scot Ackerman, B&C Financial Advisors, Baptist Health, Berman Family Foundation, Block Family, Bonos BBQ, Borland Groover, Deborah and Lathun Brigman, Harriet and Ernest Brodsky, Brooks Rehabilitation, Browdy & Browdy, Inc., Nicole and Andy Brown, LaVerne and Andy Cantor, Regina and Adam Chaskin, Chef’s Garden Catering and Events, LeAnna and Husein Cumber, Michael De Santo, DuBow Family Foundation, Mary and Jeff Edwards, Susan and Ronald Elinoff, Flagler Family, Frisch Family, Meredith and Mark Frisch, Corkie and Clarence Gooden, Debbie and Melvin Gottlieb, Nancy and Mark Green, Risa and Stuart Herman, Paula and Kenneth Horn, HUB International, Ideal Gas, Ken Jacobs/Gray Robinson, P. A., Irene and James Jaffa, The Jaffe Group, Morgan Stanley, Randy Kammer and Jeffry Wollitz, Korman and Shelton Families, Joan and Ronald Levin, Life Fitness, Jan and Bruce Lipsky, Brightway Insurance, Riverside, Monique and David Miller, Glenn and Michael Miller, Minuteman Press, Moore Stephens Lovelace, Rachel and Craig Morgenthal, PRI Productions, Parker and Wilf Families, Nancy and Gary Perlman, Porter and Ringel Families, Barbara Resnick, Kim and David Robbins, Rogers Towers, Jeanine and Chaim Rogozinski, Emily and Erik Rostholder, Diane and Mitchell Rothstein, Ryan, Marks and Stromberg, Shari and Mark Saye, Selevan Family Foundation, Setzer’s Appliances, Sylvia and Joel Shapiro, Sandy and Craig Shapiro, Steve Sherman/Dana Currant–Current/Sherman Group, Merrill Lynch, Kimberly and Richard Sisisky, Smith, Gambrell and Russell, LLP, Michael Solloway, Starling at San Jose, Linda and David Stein, Synovus Bank of Jacksonville, TD Wealth, Terk Oncology, Trager Family Foundation, Vandroff Family, Sharon and Bruce Witten, Robin and David Wolf, Zimmerman Family Foundation. (*Sponsors as of February 2.)
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Patsy Kinney celebrated her 90th birthday with family in the Frisch Pavilion at River Garden. Best wishes for a wonderful year ahead!
The River Garden Auxiliary’s annual special event, “A Day in the Park” was held on March 3 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. This year’s co-chairs were Randee Steinberg and Rhoda Goldstein. The event began with a fashion show beginning with workout clothing from Zyia Movin’ Style, daywear from Katherine Way Beach Boutique, jewelry from Global Island Treasures and evening wear from The Snob. More than 100 people enjoyed a delicious picnic-style lunch served by Margo’s Catering. This annual event raises money to enhance the lives of all of the residents at River Garden Senior Services/ River Garden Hebrew Home for the Aged. (L-R) Judi Greenhut, Daryl Sadowsky, Thelma Nied and Lesley Wolfson enjoy shopping before lunch.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
Students were fortunate to have Ladder 44 from the Jacksonville Fire Department visit the DuBow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School to talk to the children about fire safety and demonstrate some of the special tools the rescue team uses to help people in need. Members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office also visited with their Equine Unit and Motorcycle officers. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful first responders in our area who took the time to meet with our students!
LEFT Everyone at The Coves at River Garden enjoyed filling, giving out and receiving Purim bags.
RIGHT Liz Jackson, our receptionist, crotchets Purim crowns for residents
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Throughout the celebration of Purim, River Garden residents and members are reminded that they are part of a greater community. Thanks to everyone who helped with joyful traditions - like the baking of hamantaschen, the sharing of treats & gifts, and the reading of the Megillah - on our campus! 34
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Temple held its first Shabbat Shireinu service on February 7. Families from TIR came together to put on a wonderful pre-neg and oneg and students from TIR joined Cantor Barry for several songs during the service. It truly was a Shabbat of our songs.
Rabbi Shira Rosenblum launched a new “Judaism with a Twist” challah-making program to connect women of the Center. The first session was a success in St. Johns at the home of Danielle Leder. Rabbi shared a few unique braiding styles and all of the ladies went home with new friendships, delicious challah and a smile.
Beautiful friendships, connections and challot are the finished products of a wonderful morning.
So nice gathering to make challah, celebrate Jewish culture and meet new friends.
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Thank you to Danielle Leder for opening your beautiful home and to Rabbi Rosenblum for this wonderful event!
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE A special thanks to the Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida for repurposing and redecorating two of JFCS’s Visitation Rooms. They replaced older toys with new ones, provided new and better games for our families to play, and made the rooms more family friendly. We are so grateful to all the wonderful volunteers who purchased new “everything” and a huge THANKS to the volunteers who worked that morning to transform the rooms! Debra Setzer, Ilene Schinasi, Helen DuBow, Allison Jacobs, Lauren Rickoff, Melanie Setzer and Lauren Setzer
The rooms after the redesign.
Children at Chabad of St. Johns After School Grow Enrichment act out the story of Joseph and his brothers as they explore the stories of the Torah and learn lifelong lessons.
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THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA
At this year’s annual Interfaith Community Dinner on February 25, the Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida (ICNF) presented its Community Education Award to Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner of the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Center Rabbi Shira Rosenblum was invited to say the blessings over the bread and wine before the meal, and to participate in a panel discussion with the 2020 keynote speaker Imam Khalid Latif - Executive Director and Chaplain for the Islamic Center at New York University. The Community Education Award recognizes and celebrates an exemplary effort to build mutual curiosity in northeastern Florida around interfaith relationships.
Participants Rena Holzer, Daniel Morgenthal, Tali Warner and Adeline Tessler celebrated their birthdays together this year. At their birthday party, they asked all their friends to bring food for the Max Block Food Pantry. They proudly delivered the collected food to Jewish Family & Community Services for clients struggling with food insecurity. Thank you, Rena, Daniel, Tali and Adeline for making a difference in the community!
Chana Stebben, Hudi Finkelstein, Noa Rogelberg, pictured with Suzie Becker delivering food to the Max Block Food Pantry
On March 3, AARP offered three TEK classes at River Garden. These classes are complimentary for AARP members and non-members.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE March 1-3, twelfth-grade students participating in Siyyum, the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Confirmation program, joined Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner at the 2020 American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference in Washington, D.C.
The Jewish Student Union Club ( JSU) at Creekside High School met this month to celebrate Purim! We enjoyed delicious Hamantaschen and Kosher Mini Donuts while playing a fun game of “What’s in the box?” The students really enjoyed playing and laughing with each other before class while we learned about the hidden meaning of Hamantaschen and dressing up on Purim. Students discussed how just like in the Purim story, we don’t always see God’s hand in our own lives. However, He is still behind the scenes helping and cheering us on. Happy Purim from JSU!
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES HELP ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA Admissions 904-886-8420 Adult Day 904-288-7858 Home Health Care 904-288-7851 Outpatient Rehab 904-886-8454 The Coves 904-292-2683 Volunteers 904-886-8429 Foundation 904-886-8430 MAIN 904-260-1818
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-inclass experience. Whether it is for you, your spouse, parents or friend, be sure to request River Garden.
PJ Library, the award-winning free program for books and music is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville. If your children are between the ages of six months and eight years, they are eligible. Please sign up now by going to pjlibrary.org/communities/jacksonville or calling Whitney Kuvin at 904-3945724.
JFCS is now using a Lyft product called Concierge, which allows JFCS to arrange rides on behalf of its clients, including the ability to schedule rides up to a week in advance. Lyft has also partnered with GreatCall, a senior focused cell phone company, which will help seniors use Lyft without having to navigate the smart phone app. Anyone using a Jitterbug phone can now simply press ‘0’ and arrange a ride with the company. To learn more or schedule rides, contact Nicole Brown at 904-394-5724
JFCS in partnership with River Garden is pleased to bring you our meal program, Meals4You, from our kitchen to yours. Meals are delicious, nutritious, convenient and delivered right to your door. Jewish dietary laws are observed. Call Nicole Andrews at 904-394 -5810 for more information.
Become a Jewish Healing Network volunteer at JFCS and help us fulfill the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim. We need volunteers to make weekly visits or phone calls to a senior or deliver food to those who cannot get out. For more information, call Hilary Rotenberg at 904-394-5722
FEDERATION 2019 ALLOCATIONS: Jewish Community Alliance: $189,250 Jewish Family & Community Services: $272,000 River Garden Hebrew Home: $177,700 Martin J Gottlieb Day School: $112,000 Torah Academy of Jacksonville: $46,000 Overseas Allocation - JFNA: $684,130 Other Organizations: $56,160 39