NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Jewish Life A PU B LICATION O F T HE JE WI S H FE D E RAT ION & FOU N DAT ION OF N ORT H E AST F LO R I DA
OCTOBER 2020 - TISHREI/CHESHVAN 5781 VOL. 33 NO. 24 | jewishjacksonville.org
DURING A PANDEMIC for moms ● for seniors ● for caregivers
8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32217
POSTMASTER PLEASE DELIVER BY OCTOBER 6 Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 146
TO ALL OF OUR COVES VOLUNTEER SHOPPERS,
The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida and River Garden are so thankful for your kindness. We couldn’t have grocery shopped for more than 80 residents without you! We are thankful to all who have shopped, rain or shine, multiple times per week, since the program began in late March. How remarkable that more than 75 caring individuals came together to fulfill more than 1,750 grocery lists during this time. Your generosity of both time and spirit has allowed River Garden to continue to provide a level of service to The Coves residents that is awe-inspiring, keeping them safe and cared for in a most special way during this unprecedented time. As we reflect upon our blessings this new year, you are at the top of our list. We thank these caring volunteers from the bottom of our hearts: Rachel Algee Eve Aptheker Gayle Bailys Suzie Becker Aline Berkenbrock Allie Bielski Carrie Bielski Debbie Banks Susan Board Penny Bolt Emily Buquo Regina Chaskin Margo Crafton Tim Dailing Rachel Davis Debbie Delgado Susan Elinoff Reggie Exum Cheryl Forehand Rachel Fortier Sierra Frisch Alina Gonzalez-Levy
Kalina Delvalle-Gonzalez Michael Delvalle-Gonzalez Marcia Grado Mindy Grinnan Jacklyn Hammer Bonnie Hardy Lyndsey Harmon Dan Hedrick Faye Hedrick Andrea Hernandez Jack Hernandez Helen Hill John Hill Samantha Holtzman Leslee Jacoby Sharon Juhasz Vickie Kennedy Barbara Kiersh Iris Kraemer Goldie Lansky Nancy Lantinberg Vernon Leon
Joan Levin Julia Manning Lynn Marlowe Ronen Marlowe Josie Martin Rita Medina Cayla Milford Laura Miller Monique Miller Vanessa Morris Alicia Munro Amanda Narvett Jennifer Neuman Sandie Olesker Jennifer Plotkin Andy Raitt Marc Raitt Gisela Reis Jeff Rivera Jodi Rogozinski Marjie Rogozinski Rachel Rosenblum
Cathy Rozansky Sherrie Saag Paula Saraga Brooke Saye Eryn Saye Shari Saye Erika Schmucker Sylvia Schmucker Jean Seltzer Lauren Setzer Melanie Setzer Liat Walker Brooke Walling Crystal Whitman Samantha Weisler Karen Wekstein Sara Willens Kali Williams Leah Zimmerman *Shoppers listed are through 9/18/20
Faye Hedrick Young Professionals & Families Director Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida Mauri Mizrahi Associate Administrator River Garden Senior Services P.S. We need more volunteers! Please go to jewishjacksonville.org and look for The Coves Shopping Signup Genius to volunteer, or reach out to Faye Hedrick, fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org.
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LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hag Sameach! We are about to experience the holidays of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret/ Simchat Torah. On the final day of our High Holidays, we celebrate the completion of the yearly cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle. As we do when completing each of the Five Books of Moses, we state, “From Strength To Strength.” It might seem somewhat odd to compare this ending and immediate beginning of Torah readings with how we, as a Jewish community, may choose to come out of this pandemic into an uncertain future. And yet, we have every reason to believe that we will do so whole and complete, and perhaps even stronger than before. “From Strength To Strength.” During the past six months, our local agencies and synagogues, Jewish schools and Federation have provided more than 10,000 services, programs, visitations— both in-person and virtually—to members of our community. It’s remarkable what’s been accomplished by our partners during this uncertain time. To name just a few: • Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat, Havdallah and Torah Study classes offered by all the synagogues • Virtual classroom experiences offered by the day schools • Numerous families receiving food and individuals receiving counseling services by JFCS • JFCS providing staffing to distribute more than $1,000,000 from the Florida First Coast Relief Fund • The sharing of JCA staff to River Garden • More than 100 virtual exercise classes by JCA • More than $200,000 in tuition assistance provided by JCA
• Hundreds of porch visits reuniting families at River Garden • Hundreds of FaceTime calls with residents and families of River Garden • The heroic job of keeping River Garden and the Coves open • The Jewish Community Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund campaign • Nearly 2,000 grocery shopping lists fulfilled by volunteers • The daily Zoom calls with leadership of partner agencies • Countless virtual programs in partnership with our friends in Hadera by Federation…and the list continues! It is amazing to reflect on what has been accomplished during these challenging months. Quite honestly, none of us know for sure when we will come out of this pandemic. I think our collective crystal ball is broken. Our Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida has always been here, has been here during this time of crisis and will be here for our Jewish community as we move towards the future. Our Annual campaign offers everyone in the Jewish community the opportunity to provide for life saving and life enhancing services in Israel, in 70 countries throughout the world and here at home. The needs of our fellow Jews were great pre-COVID. Now, the need is even greater as a result of all that has occurred over the last seven months. Please consider making your gift to the 2021 Campaign at this time. Your increased support will enable us to provide for the increased needs of our local and overseas partner agencies. With your continued generosity, we will move from “Strength To Strength” to be “Stronger Together”. To make your annual campaign gift, please go to jewishjacksonville.org.
Alan Margolies
Jewish Federation & Foundation Staff
Alan Margolies Federation Executive Director alanm@jewishjacksonville.org
Lauren Rickoff Director, Campaign & Women’s Philanthropy laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org Kellie Smith Director, Foundation kelliek@jewishjacksonville.org Faye Hedrick Director, Young Professionals & Families fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org
Pat Burke Director, Finance & Administration patrickb@jewishjacksonville.org Val Battini Finance Specialist valb@jewishjacksonville.org
Mitzi Saul Marketing and Communications Manager mitzis@jewishjacksonville.org Isabel Balotin Director, Shalom Y’all shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org Jill Abel Director, Israel Partnership jilla@jewishjacksonville.org
Jennifer Rensch Campaign Coordinator jenniferr@jewishjacksonville.org
Stav Brener Community Shaliach jaxshlichut@jewishjacksonville.org Charlie DuBow Marketing & Communications Intern charlied@jewishjacksonville.org Ellen Cohen Wilcox Sales Representative es_cohen@yahoo.com
Your Strategists, LLC Communications & Editorial Team jjn@jewishjacksonville.org Cover photo: Marte Wasserman, MD, Mayo Clinic Florida and her mother, Dr. Bettye Coward.
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contents COMMUNITY BRIDGING THE WAY FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT BEQUESTIONS WITH KELLIE SMITH JFCS SAVED MY LIFE
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L’DOR V’DOR 17 JACKSONVILLE KOLLEL BRINGS HIGH HOLIDAY SPIRIT RETRAINING THE BRAIN 20 TEACHING CHILDREN THE GIFT OF GIVING 22 NOSH ON THIS 24 RECIPE FROM AUTHOR LEAH KOENIG IT’S YOUR BUSINESS YONAT BAKERY
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WOMEN'S HEALTH BREAST HEALTH SOCIAL WELLNESS MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS
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SEE AND BE SCENE
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BRIDGING THE WAY FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT By Faye Hedrick, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
Much has happened since The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida’s Leadership Development Initiative, BRIDGES, kicked off. The mission of BRIDGES is to expand the vision of nextgeneration Jewish volunteer leaders, deepen their Jewish knowledge of community, both locally and abroad, and inspire them to exercise transformative leadership. BRIDGES fulfills this mission by educating up-and-coming Jewish lay leaders in the history, thought, texts and contemporary leadership challenges of the Jewish People. The ten-month program is designed to develop the next generation of Jewish leaders in Northeast Florida, address the challenges and meet the needs of the community. BRIDGES Chair Nicole Brown and I sought to create a program to help answer questions, prepare for the future, and become more educated on topics our Federation and our Jewish values support. At the beginning of each session, a member is invited to talk for a few minutes about their Jewish Journey and why they
BRIDGES session on Exploring Your Leadership Style at The Jewish Community Alliance.
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chose to participate in the quickly are able to see how program. “It’s not just a these components intertwine leadership while program for sharing and Jews, it’s a listening to BRIDGES is so program that each others' explores journeys.” important to the leadership Several of longevity of our through a the 28 Jewish lens,” participants community. Nicole says. have shared “We wanted a bit about Nicole Brown, to bring in themselves BRIDGES Chair components and reasons of Judaism for joining as well as the group. personal and professional Class member Joe Young development. Participants asserts, “Hearing from
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members of my class and sharing my own personal story has made me realize just how different everyone’s Jewish story and identity can be, but yet we all have so much in common at the same time.” At a class on Jewish identity Joe noted, “We may be Conservative, Reform or Hasidic, from the north or south, or from different countries, but we’re all Jews working towards the same goals. Our diversity, within this Jewish community, helps BRIDGES cont. on pg. 6
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BRIDGES from pg. 5
us learn through other’s life experiences and 'Bridges' the cultural gap to bring us closer together as Jews.” The group visited partner
agencies and heard from many of our community leaders. The program is funded through the NextGen B’Nai Tzedek grant awarded to BRIDGES from the Life and
Legacy Division of Federation. BRIDGES will continue nurturing future leaders in their personal and professional lives, who will give back to our community now and into the future. At
BRIDGES session on Making an Impact Through Philanthropy at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School.
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the end of the program each candidate will be prepared and encouraged to engage in a meaningful way within our community. “BRIDGES is so important to the longevity of our community,” says chair, Nicole Brown. BRIDGES runs every other year and includes monthly leadership sessions at different Jewish organizations in the area. We look forward to restarting the initiative in the near future and thank those who have contributed to ensure our ongoing success. To learn more about the BRIDGES Leadership Development Initiative, reach out to Faye Hedrick at fayeh@ jewishjacksonville.org.
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A MONTH OF HOLIDAYS AT RIVER GARDEN
By Leslie Held, River Garden Senior Services
The month of Elul, the final month prior to Rosh Hashanah, arrived and anticipation for the New Year, a Time of Awakening, was building. Certainly, under COVID-19, the High Holidays were not observed at River Garden as previous years; yet we celebrated with a happy heart, praying to be sealed in the Book of Life, confident in our faith in G-d. For holiday services, arrangements were made to create safe spaces in our Parker Chapel and at The Coves for those who wanted to pray together. We also televised for those who preferred to stay in their rooms and apartments. We were deeply appreciative to the clergy of the Jacksonville Jewish Center
for coming to River Garden to perform the mitzvah of blowing shofar. We may lack the words to express our innermost feelings but hearing the piercing sound calls to us and penetrates our heart. We appreciated the many friends and families who shared their New Year video greetings with us. These added to the overall joy we felt with the sights, sounds, smells and sweet tastes of the season. We are ever mindful of our supportive community. May we all be as full of mitzvot as the pomegranate is full of seeds. We are on the other side of the High Holidays after having committed to a new beginning through our sincere repentance on Yom Kippur. By the time you are reading this, we will all have
Steve Meisel prepares to lead Rosh Hashanah services for residents.
constructed our sukkahs and be in the midst of celebrating Sukkot; otherwise known as Z’man Simchateinu, The Time Of Our Joy. Connecting Jewishly with technology has been a lifeline on our campus. Zoom has
kept us connected to the local community and helped us view inspirational and educational programs from around the country. May you all have a joyous Simchat Torah!
THE JOYS OF YIDDISH!
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE, LISTEN TO SOME FUNNY STORIES
By Isabel Balotin, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
The Yiddish your parents and grandparents spoke may be a little different than it is today. It’s a language that continues to grow and adapt, incorporating more words and ideas. In fact, some are now part of the “Yinglish” language, e.g., shlep, klutz, chutzpah, mensch, shtik, tschotske and schmooze. Some
meanings are exact translations, others have taken on new meanings. Nevertheless, it is a colorful language and one that brings back treasured memories. Join us for a virtual program on Wednesday, October 7 at 10:30 am, as Brooklyn-born Suzie Becker, who is fluent in Yiddish, and Isabel Balotin, who is famous for using Yiddish expressions, test your knowledge of Yiddish and
offer some interesting facts and funny stories about the origins and the actual meanings of some of the words. Get ready for a fun morning. Excerpt from a Yiddish Poem by Gene Wilder: Yiddish was a secret code, therefore I don’t farshtaist A bisseleh maybe here and there, the rest has gone to waste. Sadly, when I hear it now, I only get the gist, My Bubbe
spoke it beautifully; but me, I am tsemisht! The program is sponsored by the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida’s Shalom Jacksonville and Rachel Sandler, Jewish Educator & Youth Services Director, Jewish Community Alliance (JCA). RSVP to Rachel Sandler to receive Zoom link at Rachel. Sandler@jcajax.org
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
BEQUESTIONS WITH KELLIE SMITH
By Kellie Smith, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
This month’s question comes to us from a new board member: “Kellie, why do you do what you do?” First, let me start off by sharing that I truly love what I do for work and find great pleasure in helping raise awareness and funds for nonprofit missions. Having
been a part of the Jewish Federation & Foundation team for two and a half years, I feel more confident in our path forward as a merged community. I believe in the mission of this organization, of our two merged organizations, and I trust the leadership to ensure proper planning for our future. I am an employee, but I am also a donor and a fund holder, so the stewardship of my gift is very important to me. When you support the Federation you are trusting in the process of how those funds get distributed. I will be honest, I haven’t always been a supporter but after my first year working at Federation, my annual gift
grew significantly as I learned how our partners receive support from us and how that funding has been long standing. Year to year things change with many individuals’ philanthropic giving, but year after year our Federation is there for our partners, who are there for our Jewish community. This year has certainly been a challenge and I see and hear that from our donors. For the last 75 years, who else has been there to ensure that our partners receive funding, every single year? Your Jewish Federation & Foundation. I know the work I do to secure long term sustainable funding for our community
is worthwhile and the support local agencies receive annually through Federation is invaluable. It is also the only consistent funding I have seen that keeps Jewish culture and life alive in Northeast Florida. Growing up, my exposure and immersion in Jewish culture was through my grandparents. They were my access to traditions. I don't want to live in a community where that doesn't exist. Like many, my child doesn’t live near his grandparents but he lives here in Northeast Florida where we have an incredible Jewish community.
BEQUESTIONS cont. on pg. 12
JFCS BOARD SPOTLIGHT: DR. JUSTIN D’ARIENZO By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Community & Family Services
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A transplant from Cincinnati, Ohio, Bishop Kenny Graduate (1991), husband to Erica Obi D’Arienzo (BK, 1990), and father of four children ages 11 to 16, Dr. Justin D’Arienzo is a BoardCertified Clinical Psychologist, a distinction held by only five percent of psychologists nationally. Dr. D’Arienzo completed his undergraduate degree at Furman University and University of North Florida, his master's and doctorate degrees in Clinical
Psychology at Nova Southeastern University, and his Psychology Internship at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center and Psychology Residency at Pensacola Naval Hospital. Once a licensed psychologist, he began his career as a US Navy Psychologist holding such positions as Head of Behavioral Health Clinic, NATTC NAS Pensacola, Florida, Director of Psychological Services, Joint Medical Group/Joint Task Force/Detention Group, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the Director of both Psychological Services and the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program
(SARP), USS KITTY HAWK Carrier Strike Group of the Pacific Fleet. Since leaving the Navy in 2008, he established D’Arienzo Psychology, a comprehensive psychology practice based in Jacksonville, Florida. Three psychologists, one attorney, three clinical social workers, and a mental health counselor comprise the practice. The firm specializes in forensic, clinical, and business psychological services. “It is time to integrate more community service at this phase in my life, and I am excited to join JFCS’s
Board to fulfill this mission and make a positive impact!” D’Arienzo stated. We are excited to have Justin on our board.
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VOLUNTEER ROCKSTARS: JIM AND FRANCINE KEMPNER By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services
For more than 20 years, Jim and Francine Kempner have been an invaluable gift to Jewish Family & Community Services. In 1997, Jim Kempner relocated to Jacksonville from New York and immediately felt that he needed something new and exciting to do that would allow him to help the community. Francine suggested visiting Iris Young, former JFCS Executive Director. “I want to help” was the first thing Jim said as he walked into Iris' office. Motivated by his enthusiasm, Iris sat down with Jim and
the two strategized a plan that would benefit the community. Jim and Francine decided to host a dinner for their closest friends and use the event as an opportunity to educate people about JFCS. The Kempner’s partnered with Matthew’s Restaurant and invited ten people to visit their home for an evening of food, fun and fundraising. The night was a success. The following year, more people joined, and the next even more, until eventually the Kempner’s house could no longer accommodate all the attendees. It was then that our Annual Event was born. Both Jim and Francine are JFCS Past Board Presidents and believe in the services
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and programs provided by our organization. Since 1997, their dedication, generosity, and leadership has never wavered. They continue to be involved, currently serving on the Development Committee. When asked why the two are still involved after all this time, Francine stated, “We love JFCS. We take pride in supporting an agency that continues to grow and prosper. We have been here from the beginning and
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will remain involved as long as we can.” Thank you, Jim and Francine for always being here for JFCS! Save the date for our 2021 Annual Hybrid-Fundraiser, scheduled for April 22, 2021. Details to follow.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
JFCS SAVED MY LIFE: A SURVIVOR STORY
By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services
The following personal story was written by a current JFCS client. Her name has been withheld to protect her privacy.
As a former victim of human sexual trafficking, there were moments when I didn’t believe I would survive. I was “purchased” more times than I can count by the highest bidder for that day.
I was at the lowest place in my life and getting addicted to drugs seemed inevitable. After being identified by the Department of Children and Families as a child who had been sexually and commercially trafficked, I was immediately put into traditional foster care. Having never known what being a part of a family felt like, and feeling as though I’d never been truly loved at any time in my life, I did what past trauma taught me to
do—I ran away. I spent the first few months trying to run back to the life that had been my reality for so long. Ironically, getting arrested and placed on probation by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and put in the care of Jewish Family & Community Services was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was forced to face all of the disappointment, neglect, rejection, abuse, and trauma that I experienced throughout my life. And it brought healing that transformed my life completely. I entered and successfully completed a program for sexually exploited children. Through my therapy sessions with Dupont Counseling Group, and working with my JFCS case manager I eventually realized that my rights had been violated. But it was my responsibility to
change my narrative from traumatic to triumphant. At this point in my life I consider myself to be very fortunate. I didn’t know how many more birthdays I would live to see, but I will soon be celebrating my 18th birthday with my amazing foster family. Every day they show me what it means to be a part of a loving family and for the first time in my life I am looking forward to my future. I want to help people the way JFCS helped me. I want people to know that people like me, who have a troubled history, are neither broken nor defeated. I want everyone to know that healing creates wonderful new beginnings. And when you least expect it, you will meet people who are willing to help you reclaim your life and thrive on your journey.
MEDITATION FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT
By Gail Greenfield, NESHAMA/The Jewish Meditation Community of Jacksonville
Many of us feel as though we are constantly under pressure. Whether the pressure is real or imagined, our health suffers, and our thinking becomes reactive and confused. With an increasing number of individuals taking anti– anxiety or antidepressant medications or struggling to
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keep an even keel during this unprecedented time of economic and political turmoil, compounded with a world pandemic, it seems more important than ever to think about ways to take responsibility for our own lives and bodies. It is possible to care for our mind, body and spirit and to do so within a Jewish meditation practice. There is evidence that meditation practices within Judaism have been around since the time of the
Patriarchs, and there is substantial documentation of meditation in 13th century Hasidism, as well as subsequent movements throughout the centuries. Jewish meditation made a resurgence in the mid-20th century, especially through the work of Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, who assembled a practical guide for meditation within a Jewish context, and developed tools to develop our spiritual potential and enhance our prayer practice
through traditional Jewish liturgy. A small but thriving Jewish meditation community exists here in Jacksonville. Together, individuals learn appropriate techniques for stress reduction within a positive and Jewish environment, and the first time a Virtual Jewish Spirituality Retreat within the Jacksonville community is being planned for November 8. For more information, contact Gail Greenfield at gailsgreenfield@gmail.com.
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RIVER GARDEN CHIEF NURSING OFFICER NAMED LEADINGAGE FLORIDA EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR By Kari Bell, River Garden Senior Services
Congratulations to Carol Thomas, River Garden’s long-time Chief Nursing Officer, on being named 2020 Executive of the Year by LeadingAge Florida. Carol began her career with River Garden Hebrew Home in 1991. At that time, she only worked ‘as-needed’, but after just one year, she accepted a full-time position as a nurse manager. She was promoted to the Director of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer position in 1997. Now in her 29th year of service, Carol was notified of her award at a River Garden
Department Head meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Two weeks later, on August 26, 2020, she formally accepted her award as a part of the Leading Age Florida virtual convention. In a nomination letter, Mauri Mizrahi, Associate Administrator at River Garden, described Carol as intelligent, curious, ambitious, warm, generous, and real. “We nominated Carol because of the outstanding leadership she has shared with our agency. She cares deeply about our residents and her staff. Throughout the past years, Carol has seen our agency
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through numerous surveys, and is now gracefully managing through this pandemic. Her tenacious pursuit of excellence and her role in making River Garden a nine-time recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence deserve recognition. Personally, and professionally, she is extremely worthy of this
honor,” said Martin A. Goetz, Chief Executive Officer. For more than 57 years, LeadingAge Florida has been the state’s leading advocate for high-quality senior living, and aging services. River Garden has always been very active with the organization. Effective August 2020, Mauri Mizrahi was elected to its Board of Trustees.
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BEQUESTIONS, CONT. FROM PG. 8
Let me share a few things about our community that keep me doing what I do every day. In my son’s Zoom open house for Kindergarten at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School we were asked to start the school year off right by helping JFCS with the back-to-school drive. The school emailed us a list of supplies JFCS needed and asked that while we were preparing for our own children that we encourage and model a mitzvah. So before school started, my son and I went shopping to assemble four backpacks.
We dropped them off at JFCS and talked about how blessed he is and how important it is to help others. He asked me if the kids who would get backpacks were Jewish and if they needed kippot. I replied with, "Maybe, but maybe not and it doesn't matter. All that matters is that we are able to help others, so we do." That's a Jewish value. One of my favorite quotes is “We used to give because they were Jewish and now we give because we are Jewish.” In my short eight
years in town I have fallen in love with Jewish Jacksonville. I was welcomed with open arms and the preschool education my son was able to experience was incredible. We are only a few weeks into grade school and I am beyond impressed with the education my son is receiving at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. I believe the connection and commitment to community between these organizations, programs and missions wouldn't be what they are today if not for Federation. Change is happening and
we are moving forward in a new way with a clear understanding that things need to change for the better. This is not a speed boat we are driving; it is more like an old steamship. I want to be a part of this community and I want to see Jewish Northeast Florida thrive and secure our future as a strong and vibrant Jewish community. This is why I do what I do. For information about the services provided by our Foundation, please contact me at kelliek@ jewishjacksonville.org.
JOIN VIRTUAL TEEN PROGRAM & SOCIAL ACTION PROJECT THIS FALL AT THE TEMPLE
By Michelle Penson, Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple
Recently, I lost one of my heroes. John Lewis embodied so many of the values I strive to live by: • Doing Right: Acting with integrity and using judgment to do the right thing.
• Giving All or Nothing: Putting everything we have into everything we do. • Giving More than You Take: Putting more in, so everyone gets more out. • Be Yourself.
The eulogies from Presidents Obama and Bush tell of his lifelong fight for
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equity among all people. In his eulogy, President Obama called John Lewis his Moses, showing him and the American people the way. President Bush, in his remarks, said that one of the truths that drove Lewis was a recognition that all people are created in the image of God (b’tzelem Elohim). Our former presidents were speaking our shared Jewish language. Bush recounted that one of the passages that meant a lot to Lewis was from Isaiah. God is looking for a prophet and asks, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah answers, “I am here.” John Lewis was the ultimate embodiment of hineni. I am here to support youth. I am here to build community and connection. I am here to listen and learn
in a time of the unknown. I am here to continue the journey that was begun last year when we created Jax JEWnited. Hineni. Temple will open for Jewish teens throughout Northeast Florida who are looking for a connection. Our post b’nai mitzvah program, Siyyum, is virtual learning experiences and social action projects. Teens from Temple Bet Yam and Beth El, the Beaches, as well as other unaffiliated teens have already signed up to join us. Please contact Michelle Penson at the Temple for more information and the schedule. L’Shana Tovah U’metukah. May this year be good and sweet for all.
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FAITH & INSPIRATION: CHOOSE HAPPINESS
By Edith Horovitz, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School/Jacksonville Jewish Center
When asked, “Why are you always so happy?” I answer, “Somebody’s got to be!” We choose how we respond to life, but we can help ourselves choose happiness and contentment. This pandemic presents challenges, creating isolation and loneliness while forcing us to live a new normal. I think of the Yiddish expression, “Gam Zu L’tova—this too is for the best” during these crazy times. The pandemic has made me focus on being healthy. We are taught that our bodies are holy and we have to take care of them. It is hard to find the time to exercise everyday but during the pandemic I have made it a point to either walk, bike or swim daily.
Our spiritual selves are important. Faith and the customs of Jewish life are an integral part of who I am, a source of comfort and strength. Waking up on Shabbat morning and not walking to shul has been an adjustment. Gam Zu L’tova—I have found that davening in my backyard and the peaceful quiet of Shabbat morning is a different, yet wonderful way to connect with God. Finally, we must feed our souls. For me, this starts with family and has been made difficult by COVID -19. Even here we can find silver linings. We could focus on illness, isolation, riots, and hurricanes or we can look for those moments that shine through despite the craziness. Walking after dinner with my husband. Watching your grandchildren ride their new bikes. The FaceTime call from a grandchild sharing her new siddur. These silver linings that we don’t always have time to appreciate during “normal” times keep me happy all the time. Say “Gam Zu L’tova”, look for the silver linings and smile! Shana tova—Wishing you a Happy, Healthy New Year.
MAZEL TOV
SYDNEY MANN Mazel Tov to Sydney Mann who became a Bat Mitzvah, virtually, on August 22nd with her friends and family watching! Sydney is a proud and dedicated member of Congregation AhavathChesed and serves as the VP of Religion & Culture for the Temple’s 20s & 30s Young Professional Group, Trustee on the Temple Board and is a member of the Ritual and Adult Education committees while also being a member of the WRJ/Temple Sisterhood.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH WILL FEATURE RENOWNED COOKBOOK AUTHOR LEAH KOENIG transform event attendees to locations around the world. “Having followed Leah Koenig’s work as a Jewish food writer for years, I am pleased to introduce her to our local community as her dedication to preserving and highlighting Jewish values and culture are a natural fit with our own," event Erica Jolles and Shylie Bannon, co-chairs of the 2021 Champagne Brunch co-chair, Shylie Bannon said. Writer and Cookbook By Lauren Rickoff, Jewish Each month through Author, Leah Koenig. She is Federation & Foundation of January, Northeast Florida the author of six cookbooks, Jewish Life will feature one Northeast Florida including "The Jewish of Leah’s recipes as part of While we are still spending Cookbook," a 400+ recipe the Let’s Nosh section. Visit more time at home and less collection of Jewish dishes page 24 for a delicious time traveling, this year’s from around the globe, recipe of Roast Chicken with Women’s Philanthropy which was named “Best New Honey and Thyme. In Champagne Brunch will be a Cookbook” for Fall 2019 by addition, Shylie and event virtual escape. The featured Bon Appetit, Food & Wine and co-chair, Erica Jolles, shared speaker is Jewish Food Forbes. Her global cuisine will
JFCS WELLNESS WARRIORS HONORED WITH AWARD By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Community & Family Services
Two years ago, JFCS started our wellness program and called it “Wellness Warriors.” The staff wanted to get healthy
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and learn to live a healthier lifestyle. Last month, JFCS was given an award from the First Coast Worksite Wellness Council and Florida Blue for creating a culture of health and wellness within our
organization. JFCS is so honored to have been chosen and will continue on our journey to health!
a video of them cooking Leah’s Poppyseed Jam Kugel, which was posted on the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida’s Facebook page on Wednesday, September 23. “This year, more than any, I am delighted to serve as the co-chair of this year's Champagne Brunch," Erica Jolles said. "While I wish we were able to be together in person, what better way to start 2021 than coming together for an exciting and fun virtual event. I believe our ability to come together via our computers shows the true strength, grit and love of our Jewish Community." The Women’s Philanthropy Champagne Brunch will take place on Sunday, January 10, 2021 via Zoom. For more information, contact me at laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org.
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
GETTING TO KNOW OUR COMMUNITY SHALIACH STAV BRENER
Mike Abel, Shaliach Host Parent and Stav Brener, Community Shaliach sharing Shabbat in Jacksonville
By Jill Abel, Israel Partnership
There will be many opportunities over the next few months for us to get to know our new Shaliach, Stav Brener. For starters, he was born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel. He has served in the army and he is an avid musician. However, I won’t say more than that. Make it a point to get to know him, attend one of his programs for he has so much to share with our community. What I learned about him was a little different, not what you might expect. I’ve had the privilege in my life to meet many Israelis. I always find it fascinating to learn about their perspective on different aspects of Judaism. Their answers never cease to surprise me.
My husband and I had the occasion to share Shabbat in our home with Stav during one of his first weeks here. The first thing I heard him say after we lit Shabbat candles and say the blessing was, “Wow, I haven’t done that in years.” I was surprised. I looked at him and asked, “Do you light candles on Friday night with your family?” His answer was “No.” We spent the evening talking about how his family celebrates Shabbat. He has dinner with his family on Friday night. They generally rest and get together with family and friends on Saturday, but lighting candles and reciting blessings—they just don’t do that. He explained that many Israelis are secular Jews and as such live a secular life. Stav shared that he is
actually excited to be in the United States to learn more
about Judaism because he has come to understand that it is harder here to create a Jewish life, and in Israel, many people just live one! The Shlichut Program is an amazing opportunity for our community to learn more about Israel from a young Israeli perspective. Shaliach Stav Brener will share about Israel—his experiences and his knowledge about his home country. Please reach out to him. He can be found all over town--in our Jewish schools, synagogues and Jewish agencies sharing an Israeli point of view. Contact Stav at jaxshlichut@ jewishjacksonville.org.
WE PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE AND LIFE
LIKE NO OTHER SCHOOL. Getting into a great college starts with exceptional college preparation. Bolles.org
ALL THINGS POSSIBLE Pre-K through Grade 12, Day & Boarding School
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
JEWISH FEDERATION & FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER FOCUS: Q&A WITH ERIK ROSTHOLDER By Charlie DuBow, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
This month’s Board Member Focus is Erik Rostholder. Erik is someone I can call a friend. I had the joy of speaking with him by phone to ask him some questions: Where were you born and raised? New Hyde Park, New York What hobbies and activities do you enjoy? I enjoy running, spending time with my family and socializing. I try to run about 80 to 100 miles a month. I am also a big fan of the New York Yankees! Your college and career background? I received finance and real estate degrees from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of North Florida. I further hold the right to use both the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planning (CFP) designations. What is one positive you have taken away from the pandemic? The positive is to
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focus on family, community, and the good things in life; and in our community there are many positives on which to focus. Favorite place or country you have traveled to? Prechildren was Florence, Italy and postchildren is Walt Disney World. What dream or hope do you have for our Jewish Community? My hope is that our Jewish community learns more about legacy and planned giving, and embraces this concept. It is important to secure the futures of all our local agencies and their programming. Without increasing endowed funds through legacy gifts, I believe our community will suffer in the future. What is your favorite Jewish tradition? My favorite Jewish tradition is Passover. I have a big extended family and I love getting together with everyone and seeing family that I do not get to see as often as I would like, so having a big seder is always fun! Do you have a mentor or someone you would consider a
mentor? Michael DuBow is a mentor to me and has been an influence in my engagement on multiple boards and getting involved in the community. I have learned a tremendous amount from him, including the importance of giving back to our community by using our time, unique skill sets, and resources to sustain and improve our community. If we do not support our own community, no one else will. Please share with us a little bit about your family life. I am fortunate enough to
have convinced, persuaded, and downright tricked a wonderful woman to marry me! Emily and I have been married for 13 years and we have built a wonderful life together. I am so proud of her and she amazes me every day. Emily is a Gastroenterologist and partner at Borland-Groover and together we have two wonderful children, Hannah who is eight and Ethan who is five. Our third, but fluffy child is our 6-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Jasper. We are so very blessed!
Passenger Motorcoaches - Limousines - Sedans & Party - Buses Terminals Located: Gainesville, Daytona, Jacksonville, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia A.Candies Coachworks, Inc. 6916 West University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32607 sales@candiesmotorcoaches.com | 877.352.2634
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JACKSONVILLE KOLLEL BRINGS HIGH HOLIDAY SPIRIT By Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz, The Jacksonville Kollel
As we prepared for the high holidays, the Kollel was privileged to bring some holiday spirit to our friends at River Garden and The Coves. COVID-19 didn’t manage to separate us, and we were lucky to have a series of virtual programs. Rabbi Sammy Kahn lead a shofar blowing presentation, while explaining the meaning of the Shofar and the customs we follow during this time of year. Rabbi Yosef Chaim Cohen brought the familiar holiday tunes to life, in a musical
presentation of the high holiday songs and prayers. This was accompanied by an explanation of the special
prayers we recite on Rosh Hashana. It was an amazing experience for us, and we
hope to continue bringing light and joy to all parts of our wonderful community.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SOCIALIZATION By Penny Bolt, Jewish Community Alliance
Socialization is a fundamental part of your child’s development in their early years. It starts when your baby is born and continues into adulthood, shaping each stage of development along the way. Every single interaction your child has, no matter how big or how small, helps them learn language skills, cope with emotions, and work within social norms. Social development is tied
to many other parts of your baby’s overall development, which is why it is important to start socialization with other children at a young age. Social interaction helps young children start to develop their sense of self and start to learn what others expect from them. Sending your child to preschool can give them the social skills and interaction that they need with other children and help them reach other developmental milestones.
Friendship is also vital to a child’s development in the early years. By playing with other children, they learn skills that stay with them their whole life. Sharing, setting boundaries, problem solving, and learning to compromise all come from socializing and interacting. It also helps improve language skills, grow confidence, and develops a positive sense of self. Children learn to have empathy for other people, recognize when their friends are sad, mad, or happy.
Eventually children start to use these skills at home too. What you may see as “just playing” is so much more. It is hard work and is necessary for a child’s development. For parents, it may be hard to let your little one go, but they will love it and will prove to have lifelong benefits. For more than a dozen years, Penny Bolt has educated three-year-old children at the JCA’s Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT NOW MORE THAN EVER
By Sarah Perfido, Jewish Community Alliance
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many of us struggle to cope with anxiety and stress. Some of us joke about gaining the COVID-19—nearly twenty unwanted pounds added to our waistline. While many of us do our best to minimize our risk of infection and the spread (washing our hands, covering our face, and physically distancing), let’s not forget about one of the greatest defenses we have: exercise! If exercise were a pill, it would be regarded as a wonder drug. Exercise is proven to improve everything from general wellbeing, musculoskeletal disease, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, mental health, anxiety, and depression! Exercise can boost our immune system and prepare the body to fight disease. Exercise increases blood flow and mobilizes white blood cells, one of the main defenses against harmful microbes. Moreover, when we exercise, our body releases a powerful antioxidant called extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD). It helps prevent disease by hunting down free radicals. And it’s linked to surviving COVID-19. Research shows that patients with higher
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levels of EcSOD in the body can prevent or reduce the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) one of the worst possible outcomes of COVID-19. ARDS is a major cause of death amongst COVID-19 patients. Forty-five percent of those who develop ARDS will die. 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week is recommended. This may sound like a lot, but it can be broken down to 20 minutes daily or 30 minutes over 5 days. You can even break up your activity into multiple daily sessions of at least 10 minutes. Here are three big reasons to keep (or start) exercising during this pandemic. 1. Support your immune system 2. Reduce your risk of chronic illness 3. Improve your mental health. Mention this article for a free two-week trial at the JCA.
POSITIVELY
Yours
Safely tucked away on 40 acres in Mandarin is a special place that many people call home, including June & Steve Meinstein. After 32 years trekking from Upstate NY to Jacksonville each year, these snowbirds traded in their tire chains for bike pumps. Their 30-year history with River Garden has culminated in an active lifestyle at The Coves for nearly four years.
Visit RiverGarden.org or call (904) 260 .1818
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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
JCA JEWISH CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL RETURNS By Jamie Kennedy, Jewish Community Alliance
In November, the JCA Jewish Cultural Arts Festival returns, virtually with an outstanding line-up of dynamic author programs, far beyond what has been offered in the past. Our first author event is on November 2 at 7 pm with Ben Sheehan’s "OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?" In preparation for election day, this promises to give information about how to be an effective voter in the upcoming election.
The festival continues November 4 at 7pm with a double feature book event featuring authors Jo Ivester and Mimi Lemay, who are both parents of transgender children and LGBTQ activists. This panel discussion will address their families’ journeys to gain acceptance for their children. "Red Sea Spies," by Raffi Berg, on November 5 at 6 pm, tells the true story of a luxury resort on the Sudanese coast in the early 1980s where staff were undercover Mossad, or Israeli secret service. Our book club returns on
GET READY FOR MITZVAH DAY
By Rhoda Goldstein, Jacksonville Jewish Center
December 25 is Jacksonville Jewish Center's annual Mitzvah Day. This year may look a bit different, but we will still be out in our community helping and supporting others. Details about the day will be determined by the status of COVID-19. Our local hospitality houses including Ronald McDonald House, Helen’s House, and Gabriel House are in the process of planning how volunteers and meals will be done. Center Sisterhood will be making and collecting handmade or decorated pillowcases for children who are in Jacksonville for treatment and staying at
Ronald McDonald House. These pillowcases need to be cotton and washable. They can be purchased and tie-dyed or appliqued or embellished anyway, but no glitter can be used. Fabrics can be printed or solid and we encourage you to be creative. For more information contact rhodagoldstein@hotmail.com. Temple Sisterhood is going to be collecting packaged and wrapped snacks and candy for our first responders. They will be delivered to the stations in our area. For more information contact rlondon@aol.com. We will be collecting men’s socks for our homeless shelter, Sulzbacher Center. Several projects are still being planned and more info detailed will follow.
November 16 at 7pm with "The Watergate Girl," by Jill WineBanks, the only woman on the team that prosecuted the highestranking White House officials. The festival closes on November 17 at 7pm with "Wandering Dixie" by Sue Eisenfeld, which explores how the history of Jewish southerners converges with the region’s complex, conflicted present. The festival also includes events for young professionals ("The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia" on November 9 at 7pm), middle-schoolers ("The Book of Secrets" on November 8 at 2pm), parents
of young children ("When the World Feels Like a Scary Place" on November 11 at 8pm) and a girls’ night in ("The Genius of Women" on November 12 at 7pm). All festival events are free and open to the community thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. To find out more about the festival, contact Lior Spring at 730-2100 ext. 318 or visit jcajax.org/jcafest.
HIGHER EDUCATION STARTS WITH
HIGHER STANDARDS. Leading faculty, programs and facilities. Bolles.org
ALL THINGS POSSIBLE Pre-K through Grade 12, Day & Boarding School
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
RETRAINING THE BRAIN
HOW MICHELE BLOCK GAN YELADIM EDUCATORS ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH By Nicole Blundy, Jewish Community Alliance
“Take your vitamins, eat your veggies, and you need to work out,” are common comments made about improving our physical health. However, we do not really talk about ways to stay healthy mentally. Due to the pandemic, though, more people are opening up about mental health. As a person that works with young children, I am retraining myself to think objectively instead of subjectively when talking about mental health and children. I have learned many ways to recognize and cope with my own triggers while helping children understand their emotions, feelings, and actions. From S.T.A.R. (Stop,
Take a breath And Relax) breathing to taking moments for yourself, these are all tools that ECE educators use to assist children in trying to understand what is going on in their growing minds. Children get new information every day which may cause them to be overwhelmed and anxious. They may not express it in the same ways as adults, but they feel it all the same. Think of how much conscious thinking it takes as an adult to go through everyday life. This requires a lot information processing and reflecting. A child is still learning how to navigate social
expectations. Having new experiences and not knowing exactly how to respond or proceed can cause their stress level to increase. Always acknowledge a child’s feelings by describing what you notice, i.e., “Your bottom lip is out, and you have tears. Your face is telling me you are sad.
Would you like a hug?” By observing and acknowledging, it is easier to respond to a child and partner with them to help them maintain good mental health. Nicole Blundy is a Lead Grasshopper Educator at Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten.
PROMOTING SELF AWARENESS AND HEALTH IN EARLY CHILDHOOD THROUGH READING By Nicole Blundy, Jewish Community Alliance
Women’s health and self-awareness is a common topic of conversation today. For children, self-awareness can begin with learning their name, or recognizing themselves in a mirror. They will see themselves making faces or moving in different ways as they feel the control they have over those movements.
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One book I really enjoy when teaching self-awareness is titled, "Giraffes Can’t Dance" by Giles Anreae. In this book the children watch as a giraffe tries to move his body in different ways, to match the way other animals move. Is he able to move like them, or does he need to figure out how his own body is meant to move for himself? The tiny humans in my class have a great time trying to move like the
animals in the book, as well as in their own special ways. It is a fun way to talk about how we may like doing things the same or differently from one another. Some other books I would like to recommend that help keep the conversation going about self-awareness are: • "A Kiss on the Keppie" by Lesléa Newman (PJ Library) • "My Name is Aviva" by Lesléa Newman (PJ
Library) • "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes • "The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings" by Anna Llenas Whichever books you bring along with you on your self-awareness journey, I hope you keep the conversation going. It is so important to teach our little ones how special they are, in their own ways!
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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
LESLEY KOPLOW TO PRESENT AT CONFERENCE By Danielle Wirsansky, Jewish Community Alliance
Lesley Koplow, an Early childhood expert, author, and founding director of the Bank Street College Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice, is presenting at the JCA’s 13th annual professional development conference on October 20. Emotionally Responsive Practice is built on a deep understanding of child
development, research on the effect of social and emotional experiences on the developing brain, and the proven positive effects of working partnerships between educators and school-based clinicians. What could be more important in today’s turbulent times? Koplow is the author of several books including; "Unsmiling Faces: How Preschools Can Heal,"
"Creating Schools That Heal," "Bears, Bears Everywhere: Supporting Children’s Emotional Health in the Classroom," "Tanya and the Tobo Man," and "Politics Aside: Our Children and Their Teachers in ScoreDriven Times." For the past two years, the JCA’s Educator Support Network (ESN) focused on laying the groundwork for educators to learn about and
use Conscious Discipline, which is an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach to working with children. This year, ESN is building off Conscious Discipline and focusing on Emotionally Responsive Practice. Additional training is monthly for the remainder of the school year. Both the conference and trainings are virtual and free for educators and parents.
WELLNESS CHECKLIST FOR OLDER ADULTS
By Bobbie Jo Mentz, Jewish Community Alliance
With a daily focus on healthcare, the River Garden team encourages ‘wellness’ as the best preventative for aging adults. Here are a few things you can do to take good care of yourself:
CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE Normal blood pressure is critical to preventing heart disease and stroke. A single blood pressure reading doesn't necessarily classify your health, so averaging a series of readings is best and may help you avoid serious illness.
GET A FALL SCREENING Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. A simple balance test can help you assess fall risk and help you maintain independence. With a few practical life adjustments, you can increase your strength and balance.
HAVE YOUR HEARING ASSESSED Untreated hearing loss is often associated with lower quality of life, depression, social isolation, high blood pressure and even higher risk of dangerous trips and falls. A simple and painless hearing test maybe just what you need to improve communication and maintain better relationships.
CONDUCT A VISION TEST Most adults consider vision the most important sense. Normal effects of aging, family history and environmental factors can all contribute to vision problems. A vision test
can reveal warning signs of more serious undiagnosed health problems. Bobbie Jo Mentz, is an Associate Administrator at River
Garden. She works closely with clinical and rehab teams to ensure positive outcomes for our residents and patients.
ACADEMICS + BOARDING + MUSIC + ARTS + SPORTS
+ MORE There are many pluses to a Bolles education. Bolles.org
ALL THINGS POSSIBLE Pre-K through Grade 12, Day & Boarding School
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
28TH RIVER GARDEN FOUNDATION GALA "OH NO...IT’S A...NO-GO GALA" By Kathy Osterer, River Garden Foundation
Over the past 27 incredible years, we have celebrated many memorable moments through the River Garden Foundation Galas and have made many friends. We have welcomed the Phantom to the stage, seen the bright lights of Havana, and most recently visited Shanghai together. The 2020
Gala committee lead by chairs Allison and Ken Jacobs had already begun planning a fabulous Gala celebration. Then COVID-19 happened and everything changed. For all the obvious reasons River Garden decided to not hold the event this year. We are heartbroken—we love the Gala! So now our energies are focused on raising the funds that the Gala would have generated. While we will miss seeing
each of you in person for our celebration, we know what truly unites us is our shared commitment to our beloved River Garden. Our first call was to our past Premier Gala Sponsor ‘SunTrust Now Truist’ who agreed to continue as our major sponsor. This led the way to phone call after phone call, and yes, after yes. The response was astounding. Everyone at River Garden, staff, families
and residents salute our heroes that give so freely and generously to support our mission especially during this very difficult time. To date more than $315,000 net has been raised. For more information on how you can participate in our "No-Go Gala" please visit our website at rivergarden. org/river-garden-foundation/ river-garden-gala/ or call Kathy Osterer at 904.886.8430
TEACHING CHILDREN THE GIFT OF GIVING
By Zamira Moran, Jewish Community Alliance
As the leaves begin to change colors and the Florida air starts to cool over comes a renewed sense of community. It is not only important during these times to create community but to also give back to it as well. Research has shown that giving whether it be through charity, donating, or even giving a gift, the act of giving can relieve stress. Within our Busy Bee classroom, we demonstrate the concept of giving to the children by being grateful and appreciative when they hand us toys or when handing something adult to adult. Showing our emotions and reactions in turn makes the children more willing to give and share with one another,
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leaving them to experience happiness when giving to others. Being the children’s models illustrates for the children how rewarding it can be to give no matter if it is a physical item or not. During the holiday months there are an abundance of opportunities in which we can give back to the community that gives so much to each one of us. And while doing this, have your child do it with you. Allow them to watch as you give to food banks, charity, or even your nextdoor neighbor. Giving can also mean reaching out to those you have not spoken, just
because we are distancing ourselves physically does not mean we have to socially. Giving a call to family and friends, starting a chain reaction of Zoom, Facetime, emails, or even just a friendly text saying hello.
And let your child say hello too, introducing them to the gift of giving. Zamira Moran is an assistant Busy Bee teacher (1-2 years old) at Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten.
2020 River Garden Foundation ‘No-Go Gala’ THE GENEROSITY OF OUR SPONSORS
WE CELEBRATE
Premier Gala Sponsor SunTrust Now Truist Diamond Benefactors David and Linda Stein | Selevan Families Golden Benefactors DuBow Family Foundation | Setzer Family Royal Benefactors Frisch Family Janne and Jody Brandenburg ~ Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes & Cemeteries Mrs. Barbara Parker ~ Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Parker ~ Dr. & Mrs. Larry Wilf | Sysco Food Services - Jacksonville Grand Benefactors HUB International Florida | Partner’s Pharmacy Benefactors Aetna | Baptist Health | Berman Bros. Inc. | bestbet | Block Family | Mary & Jeff Edwards | Florida Blue Susan & Martin Goetz | Hanania Automotive | Ullman Bursa Law Circle of Friends Dr. Stefani & Mr. Josh Ashby | Lori & David Burman | Beth & Harvey Dikter | Vicki-lynne Gloger & Rod Hindman Home Depot Pro | Ken Jacobs/GrayRobinson, P.A. | Irene & James Jaffa The Jaffe Group at Morgan Stanley Jordan and Shirley Ansbacher Family Foundation, Inc. | Monique & David Miller | Dr. Stuart Millstone | MMI Dining Systems Modern Periodontics - Douglas I. Storch, DMD, MS | Kathy & Morrie Osterer | Michelle & Mark Penson | RehabCare Dr. & Mrs. Chaim Rogozinski | Lorry & Paul Rothstein | Kimberly & Richard Sisisky | Betty & Michael Sorna Alison & Brent Trager | Vandroff/Roffman Families | Zimmerman Family Foundation ~ Elli & Charles, Nancy & Seeman, Chase & Morrie Platinum Patrons Merle & Ron Cherry | Sue Eaglstein | Linda & Nathan Franzblau | Miriam & David Honig | Anne & Robert Lufrano Judy H. Mizrahi | Mauri & Alan Mizrahi | MSL, P.A. – Rob Matschner | Marjie & Abe Rogozinski | Randi & Sam Rogozinski Diane & Mitchell Rothstein | Stellar | Dr. Skip Wilson & Judy Wilson | Wells Fargo Advisors – Jason Hyrne & Jeff Wyatt Gold Patrons Ackerman Cancer Center Arlene & Tony Adelson Debbie Banks & Dr. Garry Kitay Patty & Guy Benrubi Harriet & Ernie Brodsky Rachel & Colman Brodsky Laverne & Andrew Cantor Susan & Norman Cohen Cecilia & David Cristol Michael De Santo Carol D’Onofrio Gloria Einstein Sue & Ron Elinoff
Dr. & Mrs. Mark Emas Kim Glasgal & Pete Levy Paul, Martin & Emily Glickstein Phyllis & Lawrence Goldberg Jackie & Stephen Goldman Jessica & Victor Hassid Marjie & Aaron Holzer Paula & Ken Horn Edith & Bruce Horovitz Sheila & Leo Jacobson Randy Kammer & Jeff Wollitz Francine & Jim Kempner Ginny & Dennis Lafer
CDR (Ret.) Allan Andrew & Dr. Rebecca Andrew Beyond Home Health Care Shirley & Abe Bielski Dr. Barry & Margie Efron Rea & Robert Fleckenstein Mayalene & Tharin Holland Debby & Don Kaye Iris & Mark Kraemer Sue Krall
Shirley & Richard Kravitz Joanne & James Lawson Helanie & Jerry Lazarus Mark Levine & Associates Penny & Jeff Marks Janie & Gene Meyers Rachel & Craig Morgenthal Drs. Tmima & Steven Neihaus Marsha & Ron Pollock Edrea & Steven Porter
Dr. & Mrs. H. Ronald Levin Deanna & Mike Lissner Marco Family Foundation Robin & Jeffery Morris Michelle Grippi Baker – Northwestern Mutual Donna & Elliott Palevsky Sue & Ned Price Dr. Deena & Mr. Jim Richman Kim & David Robbins Maxine & Don Romo Ronnie & Jerrold Rosenbaum Family Foundation
Patrons
Dr. Harris & Meryl Rittenberg Howard Roey Sandra & Martin Rosenfield Nina & Neal Roth Ms. Jane Rothschild & Dr. Stephen Entman Gaye Sager Shari & Mark Saye Ilene Schinasi Hon. Harvey & Lois Schlesinger
Dr. Emily & Mr. Erik Rostholder Barbara & Eliot Safer Saxon Business Systems Sheryl & Ken Sekine Ellen & Barry Setzer Beth & Mark Shorstein Judy & Stephen Silverman Randee & Martin Steinberg George Strumlauf Haley & Jason Trager Dorothy Verstandig Drs. Marte & Paul Wasserman Arlene & Evan Yegelwel Eunice & Barry Zisser Sandy & Rob Selwitz Drs. Sandy & Craig Shapiro Dr. Michael Solloway Sheree & Tom Spriggs Tree Amigos Outdoor Services Martha & Fred Tromberg Risa & Dr. Steven Warfield Jean & Beech Watson Dianne & Jerome Weitzen Cindy and Daniel Wohl Charles Young
Friends
Cindy & Moti Demri | Doris & Jeff Goldstein Faye Hyken | Steven Michelson | Ashley Osterer Eric Schmidt | Carole Wolpin | Talie & Dania Zaifert
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NOSH ON THIS SHARING
RECIPES
ROAST CHICKEN WITH THYME AND HONEY By Leah Koenig, The Jewish Cookbook
Recipe from "The Jewish Cookbook" by Leah Koenig, featured guest speaker at the Women’s Philanthropy Champagne Brunch on Sunday, January 10, 2021. For more information, contact Lauren Rickoff at laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org.
Leah Koenig is the author of six cookbooks including "The Jewish Cookbook," a 400+ recipe collection of Jewish dishes from around the globe, and "Modern Jewish Cooking." The Jewish Cookbook was named a "Best New Cookbook" for Fall 2019 by Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, and Forbes. As a freelancer, her writing and recipes have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Epicurious, and Tablet, among other publications. In addition to writing, Leah leads cooking demonstrations and workshops around the country (and now via Zoom!).
INGREDIENTS
3 medium parsnips, peeled, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces 3 medium carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces 2 small onions, each cut into 8 wedges 2 heads of garlic, cloves separated and peeled 6 sprigs thyme, plus 1 tablespoon finely chopped leaves 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and dru sticks, patted dry 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons honey
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PREPARATION
1. Heat the oven to 475°F. 2. Scatter the parsnips, carrots, onions, garlic and thyme sprigs in the bottom of a large roasting pan or baking dish. Drizzle the vegetables with 2 tablespoons of the oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. 3. Lay the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over the chicken, rubbing it in to coat all sides, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey and chopped thyme until combined. 5. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F. Brush the chicken evenly with the lemon-honey mixture, then continue cooking until the skin is browned, the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh registers 165°F, 25 to 30 minutes longer. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
IT’S YOUR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ON JEWISH-OWNED BUSINESSES
YONAT BAKERY By Amber Fitzgerald
Yonat Bakery features Yemeni inspired Jewish foods that have been passed down through generations. Specializing in sweets and small bites, Yonat provides the flavors that would be experienced when growing up and enjoying summers in Israel: chocolate babka, rugelach, date shtrudel cookies, and sufganiyot, burekas, mallawah, and kubaneh. As the season changes, so does the menu, reflecting the fresh flavors that are available. After graduating from Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration, the restaurant life of New York City was calling to me. I spent a year as a floor manager at a well-known
Italian Restaurant in SoHo but found myself wanting to be making the food in the back instead of describing it to guests in the front. I soon began my first full time pastry job at a boutique hotel in Brooklyn, the Wythe Hotel, and my had an incredible pastry chef. Over the next three years, we would do breakfast pastries and viennoisserie, lunch and dinner desserts for the in-house restaurant, a la carte or passed desserts for private functions, and specialty cakes for anniversaries, birthdays and weddings. After my time in NYC, I decided to go to San Francisco to test my new self and skills. After some time in working pastry sous and chef jobs at restaurants and a bakery, I was given the opportunity to feature myself and my baked goods. The showcase went wonderfully well but in March and the following week, everything was shut down due to
COVID-19. With all this excitement and adrenaline of wanting to continue featuring Yonat Bakery goods, I attempted to fulfill personal orders within San Francisco, but working my full-time regular job along with running a bakery was too demanding. I decided to fully commit to bringing Yonat Bakery to life and return home to Jacksonville and be with my parents as I got it all sorted. I moved back in the beginning of July and through social media and word-of-mouth, I've been able to start the business up during these trying times.
The reception has been very warm and welcoming and it has made the transition better than I anticipated. As all this happened during a pandemic, it really highlighted the priorities I wanted to focus on and allowed me to pursue those desires fully. You can order through my website, yonatbakery.com, or visit me every other Sunday at the Orange Park Farmer's Market where I show my some of my staple items but also am able to have fun and experiment with new ideas. It's been a real treat so far, and I'm excited to see how it will progress!
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By Marte Wasserman, MD, Mayo Clinic Florida; The Society of Healers, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
What You Need to Know
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about breast health
reetings and L'Shana Tova! As you may know, clinically apparent, thereby allowing the greatest possibility of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For a cure. 3D mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis, is those of us who work in breast health, we spend a technology that not only improves breast cancer detection this month educating our communities about the but also decreases false positive rates and has become latest recommendations regarding breast health. This includes mainstream. This technology obtains cross-sectional images screening mammography, risk reduction strategies and through the breast, helping to uncover small masses and encouragement of funding for breast cancer research and tissue abnormalities that would otherwise be obscured by patient support organizations. My interest in breast health is surrounding breast tissue on a conventional mammogram. two-fold. Professionally, I am a breast radiologist at the Because of the advantages provided by 3D mammography, Robert and Monica Jacoby Center for Breast Health at the insurance companies are increasingly providing coverage for Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Personally, I am the daughter of their customers. an advanced-stage breast cancer survivor, and I am, therefore, a high-risk patient myself. I certainly understand the It is important not to panic if you receive high stakes involved with a breast cancer notification of an abnormal screening diagnosis and how this disease affects mammogram. A "recall" simply means patients and their families. As that an area of the mammogram The goal of annual someone who has seen how breast requires further imaging to be screening mammography is cancers emerge in a multitude of adequately evaluated. Actually, most patients, family members, and recalls do not end up as a cancer to find cancers as early as friends over the years, I am grateful diagnosis. Even among lesions that possible...allowing the to be given this opportunity to require a biopsy, only a small share my insights and take-home percentage are ultimately diagnosed points about breast health. as a breast cancer.
greatest possibility of a cure.
For average-risk patients, annual screening mammography starting at age 40 saves lives and is the foundation of breast health. Robust data collected over many years supports this recommendation. Initiation of screening at age 40 results in the most significant mortality reduction. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology/Society of Breast Imaging, and Mayo Clinic recommend this screening protocol.
Screening mammograms are better than ever, but like all medical exams, they are not perfect. False negatives can happen when mammograms do not demonstrate any signs of malignancy even when cancer is present. False positives can happen when suspicious findings on a mammogram turn out to be benign. The goal of annual screening mammography is to find cancers as early as possible, before they become
Screening mammograms are only intended for patients without symptoms. A diagnostic appointment is required in the setting of breast-related concerns. Screening mammograms are composed of standardized mammographic views, and after completion, the patient usually leaves the department. However, a diagnostic workup typically involves special mammographic views targeted to an area of concern and possibly includes an ultrasound. In addition, during a diagnostic appointment, the radiologist may do a physical examination to confirm the imaging findings. The purpose of a diagnostic appointment is to address a patient’s symptoms or to further investigate findings from screening mammography. Ultimately, the radiologist will discuss further management recommendations with the patient, including whether the patient can return to screening or if there is any need for
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follow-up imaging, biopsy, or surgical referral. Suspicious breast symptoms include a palpable lump or thickening of the breast or underarm region, nipple discharge, retraction or "pulling in" of the nipple or skin, change in the shape of the breast, redness or "orange-peel" appearance of the skin, and new rash or skin changes of the nipple. Know your breast tissue and be an advocate for your own breast health. Trust your instincts and make sure you get a diagnostic workup when you feel something is different or concerning.
Having access to prior mammograms and any other breast imaging is crucial. Because each patient’s mammogram has a unique breast tissue pattern, it is important for the radiologist to compare to prior imaging studies to determine whether abnormal changes have occurred over time. For this reason, a patient is more likely to be recalled from the first (baseline) mammogram because the radiologist must establish what is normal for that patient. The likelihood of being recalled is significantly lower if the radiologist has prior mammograms available. We routinely make a point to ask every patient for their prior exams, and we have patients sign a release of information form in order to quickly obtain imaging studies from other institutions for comparison. Breast cancer in men, while rare, can occur in those who are genetically predisposed or have other high-risk factors. Men should alert their physician if they experience any of the breast-related symptoms previously described so that they can be scheduled for urgent breast imaging and evaluation. Men who are at high risk should be managed by a breast specialist for tailored cancer screening.
There are ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Lifestyle modifications, including incorporation of an exercise regimen, optimizing diet and body weight, and limiting alcohol consumption have been proven to decrease risk. For high-risk patients, breast specialists can discuss indications for risk-reducing medications that are available. In recent years, the topics of breast tissue density and supplemental screening for high-risk patients have gained more attention. Breast tissue density refers to the amount of glandular tissue seen on a mammogram and is independent of breast size. Dense breast tissue is considered an independent risk factor, and patients should be aware of their breast density. The mammogram report is required to classify breast density into one of four categories. Screening mammography is less sensitive for those with "heterogeneously dense" or "extremely dense" breast tissue. These patients may benefit from supplemental screening with MRI or MBI (molecular breast imaging). On average, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their
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lifetime. However, some of us are at increased risk based on family history, genetic mutation carrier status, increased breast tissue density, and other factors. The Ashkenazi Jewish population is at increased risk to carry BRCA genetic mutations. These high-risk groups should be referred for risk-based supplemental breast cancer screening and many will require initiation of screening before the age of 40.
Every breast cancer experience is unique. Breast cancer is a catch-all term that includes a wide variety of subtypes, all with different receptor profiles and clinical behavior, so one patient should not compare their disease with that of others. However, receiving support from others who have a similar diagnosis can be incredibly beneficial, empowering, and informative. There are various support groups available locally. Sharsheret is a wonderful support organization for those dealing with breast and ovarian cancer diagnoses in the Jewish community. The First Coast is incredibly fortunate to be home to several high-quality health care facilities. I am proud to work with outstanding and compassionate colleagues at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, where world-class breast care specialists and researchers from all disciplines work together to manage each breast cancer patient as a team and provide tailored screening protocols for high-risk patients. We are constantly learning more about breast cancers and how to improve methods of detection and treatment. There is more reason than ever to be hopeful in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis. May you all be blessed with good health, peace, and happiness in the new year! Dr. Wasserman has been a proud member of Federation’s Society of Healers for several years. The Society of Healers provides a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals in Northeast Florida to connect to a cause they care about and to each other. They host industry-related programs, through a Jewish lens, that are open to all healthcare professionals. To find out more about how you can be involved with this group, contact Faye Hedrick at fayeh@ jewishjacksonville.org.
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By Helen Hill, Advocacy & Education Vice President, Hadassah Jacksonville
October is
breast cancer awareness month
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HOW CAN I REDUCE THE RISK OF GETTING BREAST reast cancer is the most common, and the second CANCER? leading cause of death, among women in the United Know your family history and ask your doctor if States—approximately 40,000 deaths each year. additional genetic testing is right for you. You can also According to researchers at the Hadassah Medical reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy lifestyle Organization (HMO), women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent choices like eating right, staying physically active and not have at least a 10 times greater prevalence of BRCA1 gene smoking. It is important to follow recommended screening mutations, leading to increased incidence of the disease. It guidelines (many which can be found on the CDC and has also been discovered that founder mutations (a Hadassah websites). Being informed and genetic alteration observed with high sharing any concerns you may have with frequency in a group that is or was Women of Ashkenazi your doctor can help detect certain geographically or culturally isolated) cancers early. Jewish descent have at increases the risk of breast cancer in Sephardic Jewish populations as well. And one last important message: at The importance of continued breast the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, greater prevalence of cancer research cannot be emphasized elective medical procedures, including BRCA1 gene mutations. enough and, together with education, cancer screening, were largely put on awareness and advocacy, there are many hold to prioritize urgent needs and reduce ways you—and the women you know —can the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in live longer, healthier lives. healthcare settings. One consequence of this has been a substantial decline in cancer screening. If you are WHAT IS BREAST CANCER? due for a mammography, or other cancer screening, contact Breast cancer is a disease in which certain cells in the your health care provider to ensure their use of appropriate breast become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably to safety protocols and don’t delay your regular cancer form a tumor. screenings. For information about breast cancer research, check out hadassah.org/health-medicine-in-us/breastIS IT HEREDITARY? cancer-awareness.html Most cases of breast cancer are not caused by inherited
least a 10 times
genetic factors and do not cluster in families. What is hereditary, however, is the way that cancer risk is inherited, dependent on the gene involved. HOW DO I KNOW IF I CARRY THE GENE? Know your family history and ask your doctor about your risk of genetic counseling and if testing is right for you. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends that women with specific patterns of breast, ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer in their family history consider genetic counseling and testing for BRCA gene mutations.
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By Kari Bell, River Garden Senior Services
make social interaction
R
part of your health care plan iver Garden is delighted to again be able to welcome a limited number of visitors back on to our campus! Recent changes in the Governor’s executive order concerning nursing home visitation make this possible, albeit with guidelines, and visiting for Essential Caregivers and Compassionate Care Visitors began at River Garden on Thursday, September 10. You can imagine the excitement. In an open letter to the Governor in mid-August, CEO Martin Goetz shared support and ideas about how the Governor might move in the direction of allowing visitation in long-term care communities like River Garden, recognizing that COVID-19 has been the most humbling experience of [his] life and that prohibiting family visitation, except for compassionate care, has been heart-wrenching. Goetz also spoke about visitation on the Melissa Ross radio show in early September.
Lack of visitation is not the only example of the toll this pandemic has taken on our emotional health. Those in caregiving roles —personal or professional—have experienced stress and uncertainty with few outlets to reduce tension. Many families— old and young—have felt isolated, lonely and may even have become depressed.
At River Garden, we have been encouraged by each other. Staff & residents have become closer, and members at The Coves have answered the need for peer support by making phone calls to their neighbors, writing notes, initiating walking groups, and more. Plus, everyone has learned how to use technology to engage with others in new ways.
Altogether, it’s made me think that one secret to living a life of good health, longevity and happiness is remaining connected to each other. Auxiliary friends. Mahjong friends. Synagogue friends. Work friends. Neighborhood friends. We all need friends. It might not look the same as it did ten months ago, but let’s be sure social interaction needs to be a part of our plan for healthy aging.
Life is full of changes and coping with all of these changes sometimes feels overwhelming, especially when multiple changes occur at the same time or overlap, as they tend to do in later years. Regardless of how changes come about the way you handle them is perhaps the most influential factor in defining their impact on your health and happiness. Let your friends help. Right now, we are all experiencing a lot of emotions and a range of impacts due to COVID-19. Please take care of yourself, check on your loved ones, especially those who live alone, and connect with a friend. Doctor’s orders.
Being alone is different than being lonely. Even when we have to remain physically distanced, having social support is important. Here are seven (7) reminders about building and sustaining a good support network: 1. Make relationships a priority. 2. Recognize the importance of give-and-take. 3. Respect boundaries. 4. Don't compete with others. 5. Avoid relentless complaining. 6. Adopt a positive outlook. 7. Listen well. 31
By Lorna Wittenrich, Jewish Family & Community Services
Moms Should Prioritize
mental wellness during difficult times
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o say that being a parent can be tough is an understatement—but as all moms and dads know, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. While the strain of a global pandemic and subsequent shift of societal norms has undoubtedly been difficult for all parents, mothers in particular are feeling intense strain. Through our work at Jewish Family & Community Services’ Dupont Counseling Group, we’ve noticed the acute impact that the last few months have had on moms. We’ve helped many of them find peace and balance with strategies for self-care that are important to share—but first, one must Mental examine the causes for chaos.
one curating and managing a never-ending to-do list in your head: what needs to get done, for who, and when – then, delegating those tasks and making sure they actually get done.
One study published in the American Sociological Review explains mental load as the responsibility of "anticipating needs, identifying options for filling them, making decisions, and monitoring progress." The burden of a family’s mental load often falls heavily on moms and can sap time and energy even more during times of uncertainty. For many, the recent stress load they’re feeling is due in part to a much heavier mental load managing an encompasses not the It’s no secret that the COVID-19 unexpected turn of events. The physical tasks, but crisis stopped almost every aspect simple solution is to take time to of day-to-day routine and release yourself from the mental rather the overseeing of structure on a dime. One load whenever possible. those tasks... morning, children were in school, With many families spending restaurants were open, and more time together under the same businesses were functioning as roof all day long, taking a few normal, but seemingly the very next minutes to be alone and unwind seems day, everything shifted. This abrupt nearly impossible. So how can moms change—caused by a then largelyfind ease among the mental clutter? In unknown virus—was anxiety-provoking on short, prioritize your solitude and make its own. Add in strict social distancing mental health maintenance a habit. mandates and the inherent isolation they caused, and a A great way to ease into taking time for yourself is to perfect storm began to brew for parents. wake up before the rest of your household. Whether it is an entire hour early or just a few minutes, this quiet time Both stay-at-home mothers and those in the workplace allows for uninterrupted peace where nothing is needed began to not only take in the stresses of their own roles, but from you. It is simply time to refuel, reflect and breathe also absorbed many of the challenges faced by their children before the rest of the day takes over. In fact, Psychology and partners due to the pandemic. School-aged kids were Today notes that even just 30 minutes of solitude per day suddenly unable to see their friends, and toddlers were helps reboot the brain, enhance concentration and suddenly without childcare. And while many parents split productivity, and can even improve relationships. It’s duties, women often take the brunt of a family’s “emotional important to normalize alone time so that you can allow labor” or “worry work,” also known as the mental load. your mind to truly relax.
curating a never ending to-do list in your head
The mental load encompasses not the physical tasks, but rather the overseeing of those tasks. It means you are the
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As a counseling group, we know that in addition to finding quiet time for self-care, it is equally important to
take time to prioritize mental health. There is never shame in reaching out and asking for help – especially now. The current climate has added new hardships for every walk of life, increasing responsibilities and knocking many families off course. Seeking counseling services not only helps to reframe and find new perspective throughout troubling times, but also to provide new strategies for effective parenting during the pandemic.
Antiquated ideas about counseling and therapy unfortunately still carry a negative stigma, but any counselor will tell you that one of the best things you can do for yourself – and your loved ones – is to share your thoughts, emotions and worries with a professional. A therapist or counselor can help you find clarity in problems big or small while giving you strategies to overcome anything life throws at you. Fortunately, seeking professional help is easier than ever. Many mental health providers – including Dupont Counseling Group – are now offering tele-counseling sessions: video chats or phone meetings that effectively serve as a remote counseling session. In fact, we’ve held hundreds of these sessions with both new and existing clients over the past several months. So, for mothers at home who may not be able to leave to attend a counseling session, know that options exist that make it easier than
ever to prioritize your mental wellbeing. From setting an earlier alarm and seeking out solitude to booking a counseling session with a professional, there are many helpful ways for moms to avoid burnout during difficult times. Our counseling group accepts many insurances for our therapy services, and we offer sliding scale pricing to help both families and individuals afford the extra support they need. Remember: no matter how hard you try; you can’t pour from an empty cup. One of the best things moms can do for themselves and their loved ones is to prioritize their own mental wellness – and keep their cups full. Lorna Wittenrich is the Director of Clinical Services and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Jewish Family & Community Services’ Dupont Counseling Group. For more information or to get help, visit JFCSJax.org.
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H O L I DAY S C H E D U L E S BETH EL - THE BEACHES Sukkot Shimini Arzeret Friday Night Services 7:00 pm https://us02web.zoom. us/j/81730076936 Meeting ID: 817 3007 6936 CHABAD OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA Sukkot ● October 2 - 6:45 pm Mincha & Maariv
● October 3 & 4 - 9:30 am Shacharis, 6:45 pm Mincha & Maariv
Shmini Atzeret & Simchas Torah ● October 9 - 6:30 pm Mincha & Maariv (Hakofot)
● October 10 - 9:30 am Morning Service & Yizkor 6:30 pm Mincha followed by Simchat Torah Hakafot & Kiddush
● October 11 - 10:00 am Shacharis, 6:30 pm Mincha & Maariv
CONGREGATION AHAVATH CHESED - THE TEMPLE Prerecorded services and experiences will go live on our website at thetemplejax. org. Consult The Temple times for Zoom links or contact the office at (904) 733-7078. Sukkot ● October 2 - 7:00 pm Erev Sukkot Service (live stream)
● October 3 - 9:00 am Torah Study (Zoom)
● October 3 - 10:30 am Festival Morning Service (Zoom)
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Simchat Torah ● October 9 - 7:00 pm Erev Shabbat Simchat Torah Service (live stream)
● October 10 - 9:00 am Torah Study (Zoom)
● October 10 - 10:30 am Festival Morning Service with Yizkor (Zoom)
ETZ CHAIM SYNAGOGUE Sukkos and Simchas Torah Schedule, Live and In Person Services! Sukkos ● October 2 - 6:45 pm Shacharis, 6:52 pm Candlelighting, 6:55 pm Mincha
First Day Sukkos ● October 3 - 9:00 am Shacharis, 9:00 am Sephardic Minyan, 6:45 pm Mincha, 7:52 pm Candlelighting (from an existing flame)
Second Day of Sukkos ● October 4 - 9:00 am Shacharis, 6:55 pm Mincha, 7:50 pm Maariv and Havdallah Cool Hamoed Succos October 5-8 - 6:30 am Shacharis Hoshana Rabah ● October 9 - 6:45 pm Shacharis, 5:35 pm Mincha, 6:43 pm Candlelighting Shmini Atzeres Yizkor ● October 10 - 9:00 am Shacharis, 7:43 pm Candlelighting
Simchas Torah ● October 11 - 6:40 pm Mincha/Maariv, 7:42 pm Havdalah
FIRST CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL Rabbi Fox will lead virtual services. Email: fcsi1924@ gmail.com for more information or for Zoom login. Sukkot ● October 2 - 7:30 pm ● October 3 - 10:00 am Erev Shabbat ● October 9 - 7:30 pm Shemini Atzeret and Yizkor ● October 10 - 10:00 am Simchat Torah ● October 11 - 10:00 am JACKSONVILLE JEWISH CENTER Erev Sukkot ● October 2 - 6:00 pm Minhah/Ma’ariv services (HJH & RJL - Zoom Room from home)
Sukkot Day 1 ● October 3 - 9:00 am
minyan Zoom link), 6:00 pm Regular evening services (Regular Zoom)
Hoshanah Rabbah and Erev Sh’mini Atzeret ● October 9 - 7:10 am Hoshanah Rabbah services (Regular morning minyan Zoom link), 6:00 pm Sh’mini Atzeret evening services w/ Kiddush (HJH & RSR - Zoom w/Kiddush in Sukkah)
Sh’mini Atzeret and Erev Simhat Torah ● October 10 - 9:00 am Morning services w/ Yizkor (live stream) (need minyan), 6:45 pm Minhah/Ma’ariv (RJL Zoom Room from home), 8:00 pm Simhat Torah evening services (pre-recorded Hakafot shared on Zoom account)
Simhat Torah ● October 11 - 9:00 am Morning services, 9:00-10:30 am davening (live stream) (need minyan), 10:30 am
Morning services (live stream) (need minyan), 6:45 pm Minhah (with Study Session) followed by Ma’ariv and Kiddush in the Sukkah (RJL Zoom Room from home)
Family service & program (in-person), 11:00 am Hakafot/ Torah readings/Honorees (all pre-recorded), 8:00 pm Evening Service and Havdalah (Regular Zoom)
Sukkot Day 2 ● October 4 - 9:00 am
TEMPLE BET YAM To join Zoom services call 904-819-1875 or visit our website at templebetyam. org
Morning services (live stream) (need minyan), 10:30 am Family service and program (in-person outdoors), 7:45 pm Ma’ariv and Havdalah in the Sukkah with Clergy (HJH & RSR - Zoom Room from home)
Hol Hamoed Sukkot ● October 5-8 - 7:10 am Morning services with daily Hoshanah (Regular morning
Sukkot/Simchat Torah ● October 9 - 6:30-7:30 pm Family Service
WORTH THE SCHLEP N O R T H E A S T F LO R I DA’ S E V E N T C A L E N DA R
Your Coffee, Our Torah (Virtual) October 1, 18, 15, 22 & 29 9:30 – 10:30am Jacksonville Jewish Center Your Coffee, Our Torah with Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner: jaxjewishcenter. org/engage/full-calendar/ Shoobee Doobee Shabbat (Virtual) October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 10:00 – 11:00 am Jacksonville Jewish Center Visit https://www. jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/ Zoom link.
Salsa in the Sukkah October 4 5:45 pm 1571 Lemonwood Rd, St. Johns, FL 32259 Chabad of St. Johns invites your family to join us under the mystical canopy of the Sukkah. Savor the spirit of Sukkot and enjoy a delicious taco bar dinner. This event is free. Sponsorships welcome. RSVP at JewishSJohnsCounty.com Virtual Morning Service October 4, 11, 18 & 25 8:30 – 9:15 am Jacksonville Jewish Center
Visit https://www. jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/ Zoom link. Sukkot Celebration October 6 6:00 pm Jewish Community Alliance Let’s come together as a JCA family to celebrate Sukkot! Join in the traditions of shaking the lulav, holding the etrog, and other festive activities. Registration required by October 1. Free for valued members only. The Joys of Yiddish (Virtual) October 7 10:30 am Join Suzie Becker and Isabel Balotin to test your Yiddish knowledge. RSVP to Rachel. Sandler@jcajax.org Women and the Right to Vote (Virtual) October 20 7:00 pm Join Hadassah Jacksonville for a conversation between Dr. Lori Harrison-Kahan and Dr. Melissa Klapper, nationally acclaimed scholars in Women Studies. Historical and literary perspectives of American Jewish women's activism will be highlighted with an emphasis on the Jewish women who helped to pass the Nineteenth Amendment. RSVP jacksonvillehadassah@ gmail.com
Are You at Risk for Getting Ashkenazi Genetic Diseases? (Virtual) October 15 8:00-9:00 pm Join the Society of Healers and Sharsheret. Register at sajac.com/virtual SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE UPCOMING JF&F OF NEFL EVENTS: November 18 Foundation and YPF Financial Literacy: Mortgages 101 November 19 Society of Healers In partnership with Sharsheret and MBCC December 14 Major Gifts Event January 10 Women's Philanthropy Champagne Brunch February 18 A Night Out with Federation
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SEE AND BE SCENE THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA Throughout the month of Elul, The Jacksonville Jewish Center clergy and members met up to hear the shofar blast in different locations throughout town—from the JCA to the beach.
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Getting ready for the high holy days at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. We created goodie bags with the help of the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School middle school students, delivered mahzorim and collected food. We also brought our past presidents together to film them for our Kol Nidre service.
Look who turned out to welcome our community's new shaliach, Stav Brenner, and say goodbye to past shaliach, Rotem Gabay.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE Back to School! Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten was so excited to welcome back students for a new school year.
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The GROW After School Enrichment Program has begun in person! GROW is the place to be when it comes to fostering Jewish pride in the next generation of young, inquisitive minds. At GROW your child will have a fabulous time expressing his or her creativity in a warm and stimulating Jewish environment. GROW is where Jewish kids from public schools throughout St. Johns County come together. Now offering 3 tracks: GROW In Person, GROW Online or Grow Pods for 2020-2021 for more info visit JewishSJohnsCounty.com/GROW
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE The Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School had a great first day of Sunday School—in person! It was so great to have our students back in the building. The students started the morning with a Havdalah service and then attended class. We are lucky to have so much space so students can be physically distant in the sanctuary and their classrooms.
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JFCS would like to thank the Women's Philanthropy of Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida for thinking of JFCS by implementing a project called “The Dignity Project," for lower income girls and women who are struggling to make ends meet who cannot afford to purchase personal hygiene items. Thanks to the Jewish community, the project has been an exceptional success! A special thank you to Jenn Neuman, Debbie Banks-Kitay and Lauren Rickoff for spearheading the project!
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida's Young Professionals & Families Quarterly Cocktails Collaboration with TAVERNA San Marco.
We celebrate Executive Director Alan Margolies, as he enters his 30th year as Jewish Federation & Foundation's fearless and exuberant leader. Happy Anniversary Alan! Thank you for all you've done for our community.
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For her 65th birthday, Amy Amann gathered her closest friends to her “driveway birthday party.” The cost of admission? School supplies for Jewish Family & Community Services. The group of 25 brought enough supplies to fill 40 bookbags for low income and at-risk school-age kids and teens served by JFCS. A HUGE thank you to Amy and her pals!
For his Bar Mitzvah Mitzvah project, Gabe Kaye created a fundraiser for Jewish Family & Community Services Backpack Project. Gabe’s fundraiser, Strides for School Supplies, included walking to collect money to purchase items for JFCS children. Gabe walked so much, he collected enough cash to purchase two cases of pencils and 48 mesh backpacks! With the money he had left over, he made a monetary donation in his name for the purchase of more backpacks and school supplies. THANK YOU SO MUCH, GABE!!!
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t stopped The PGA TOUR Red and Blue Coats from making a positive impact on our Community! The group stopped by JFCS Headquarters carrying backpacks full of school supplies for our children. We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to the PGA Tour and The Red and Blue Coats! Here's to a successful 2020-21 school year!
JFCS would like to thank the BethEl Sisterhood for collecting children’s clothing, new socks and new underwear for the Fanny Landwirth Clothes Closet. A special thanks to Vickie Kennedy, Director of Education for coordinating the drive! JFCS appreciates you!
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THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA
First few weeks of school at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School: (left) Kindergarten singing their alphabet safely behind their shields and face masks and (right) 3rd grade is taking a yoga movement break.
J All Day is designed for families seeking a safe and supportive alternative to brick and mortar schooling. We have developed this program specifically for kids in grades K-8. You bring the online learning; we bring the fun!
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE Rosh Hashanah deliveries from Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
Young Professionals & Families, The JCA, and PJ Library families learning about bees and honey during a joint Rosh Hashanah program to help bring in a SWEET new year!
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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-in-class experience. Whether it is for you, your spouse, parents or friend, be sure to request River Garden.
Love to shop? We need grocery shoppers until the end of 2020. Sign up today to volunteer grocery shop for our community's Coves residents at River Garden.
Easy sign up: signupgenius.com/go/8050A4FA9AA2BABF49-coves Where: Publix, 11250 Old St Augustine Rd. When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 am If you have any questions, please email Faye Hedrick at fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org.
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 is now using a Lyft product called Concierge, 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, to help seniors without the smart phone app. Anyone using a Jitterbug phone can now press ‘0’ and arrange a ride with the company. To learn more or schedule rides, contact Nicole Brown at 904-394-5724
Through a partnership with GO GO Grandparent and a grant from the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, JFCS is now offering 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 fingertips! 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 preregister with Nicole Brown at (904) 394-5724 and have a cell phone (texting is not necessary) to use this service.
JFCS, in partnership with Margos 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.
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
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! 47
