Double Issue
y ul
J / ne 16 u J 20
JCA leads seminar for professionals Page 8
Girlfriends Connect for annual event Page 24
Batter Up!
New Suns owner Ken Babby talks about baseball and being Jewish Page 10
Celebrating 10 Yrs of Shalom Jax Page 27
Display until Aug. 31, 2016
Summer Staycations Where to go and why Pages 52-54
Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5776 • www.jewishjacksonville.org •
Scan QR code to read magazine online at
.com
JaxJewish
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JaxJewishTV • 64 color pages
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table of contents
Welcome to the Jacksonville Jewish News’ inagural Summer Magazine! Double Issue
y ul /J ne 6 Ju 201
JCA leads seminar for professionals Page 8
Batter Up!
Girlfriends Connect for annual event Page 24
New Suns owner Ken Babby talks about baseball and being Jewish Page 10
Celebrating 10 Yrs of Shalom Jax Page 27
Display until Aug. 31, 2016
Summer Staycations Where to go and why Pages 52-54
Scan QR code to read magazine online at
.com
Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5776 • www.jewishjacksonville.org •
JaxJewish
@jaxjewish
JaxJewishTV • 64 color pages
By Jacksonville Jewish News For the very first time the JJN is going to a magazine format for Summer 2016. In the next 64-pages, readers will find more color, more content and more stories and photos from the Jacksonville Jewish community than ever before. It’s the JJN’s hope that the content in this special double issue brings readers enough fun, entertainment and imagination to last them until August when paper production resumes.
Jacksonville Jewish News 2016 Summer Magazine
Advertising Representatives Barbara Nykerk • 904.733.4179 Eta Perras • 904.629.0466 Editor & Communications Director Matt Franzblau • mattf@jewishjacksonville.org Communications Committee Jon Israel, Chair Shirley Bielski Helen Hill Michele Katz Joan Levin Andrea Mail Rachel Morgenthal Andrew Ocean Marsha Pollock Federation President Sandy Zimmerman Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies 8505 San Jose Blvd. • Jacksonville, FL 32217 The Jacksonville Jewish News is published 10 times a year from Aug. - May with one summer magazine covering the months of June and July. All submitted content becomes the property of the Jacksonville Jewish News. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of the Jacksonville Jewish News or its publisher, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jewish News is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product advertised. Copy due dates: All news, photographs, etc., must be received by the 6th of each month and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org. Ad deadlines: All ads must be received by the 15th of each month and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org in .pdf format. Editorial and advertising support: Donna O’Steen, Erin Cohen, Ariel Frechtman, Val Battini, Emma Pulley, Alan Margolies, Andrew Ocean
Advertising Directory At the Jacksonville Jewish News, our advertisers are precious to us. It is with their support that the Jacksonville Jewish community has a newspaper. Advertising revenue also offsets the cost of production, so Federation dollars can be dedicated to helping Jews locally and overseas. Please continue to live generously and support our advertisers: •
Ackerman Cancer Center • JCA (p. 64) (p. 5) • JCF (p. 63) • Arlene Adelson - Berk• Jewish Museum Fla (p. 6) shire Hathaway (p. 49) • Larry Tallis Photo (p. 20) • Axa Advisers - Judi • Lion of Judah Conf. (p. 17) Garwood (p. 36) • Margo’s Catering (p. 8) • Beirut Restaurant (p. 39) • Marc Ressler Watson • B&C Financial (p. 15) Realty (p. 3) • The Bluffs on Plummers • Paige Wajsman - Creeks Cove (p. 7) Realty Group (p. 61) • DuBow Preschool (p. 38) • Pediatric Dentistry (p. 49) • Erica Jolles - Round Table • Pump It Up Jax (p. 14) Realty (p. 9) • The Palazzo (p. 19) • Impressions (p. 49) • River Garden (p. 57) • Innovative Financial • rGEN Summer (p. 11) Solutions (p. 35) • Society of Healers (p. 26) • Israel Box (p. 51) • Shalom Jax (p. 18, 37) • Jax Hadassah (p. 22) • Steinmart (p. 10) • Jacksonville Suns (p. 2) • Thrasher Horne (p. 49) • Jewish Food Fest (p. 23) • The Tax Man (p. 49) • Jewish Java (p. 18) • The Temple (p. 38) • Jewish Federation of • Vandroff Insurance (p. 21) Jacksonville (p. 31, 58) For your advertising needs, please contact advertising sales representative Barbara Nykerk at 904-733-4179 or Eta Perras at 904-629-0466.
what's inside Business Directory ....... p. 49 Chabad News ............... p. 61 Comm. News .... p. 6-9, 21, 50-51 Education ......... p. 14-20 Federation .... p. 24-27, 32-33 Foundation ................... p. 42-43 JCA ............................... p. 40-41 JFCS .............................. p. 44-45 Lifecycles ...................... p. 48-49 Mensch of the Month....................... P. 5 Opinion & cartoons ......................... p. 60 Partner Agency Board of Directors. p. 28-30
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Puzzles & games.............................. p. 59 River Garden ................ p. 46-47 Summer Camps................................ p. 13 Summer Kosher Recipes................. p. 55-56 Summer Sports................................. p. 10-12, 57 Summer Staycations........................ p. 52-54 Synagogue News.............................. p. 34-37 Synagogue & Agency Directory....... p. 62
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June/July 2016
mensch of the month
Summer
2016
Debbie & Ron Price
Bringing together the Jewish community on Amelia Island Though there may not be a synagogue on Amelia Island, it is home to an active Jewish Community. This is due, in large measure, to the efforts of our Mensches of the Month, Debbie and Ron Price. Ron is affectionately referred to as the ‘unofficial Chief Rabbi of Amelia Island’, officiating at nearly all of the monthly Shabbat services and yearly Passover Seders, which are held at community members’ homes on a rotating basis. Deb is known as the ‘Queen of Organizers’ and personally handles logistics for events including Seders, Chanukah parties, High Holidays and monthly services. No island oneg is complete without one of her dessert treats, as her chocolate matzo brickle is
legendary. Services are all-inclusive, made available to the island’s resort guests, visitors, and of course residents. Thank you, Deb and Ron, for supporting Jewish life on the Island of Amelia. If you would like to nominate someone special for Mensch of the Month who volunteers both their time and efforts to the Jacksonville Jewish community and surrounding areas, simply submit their name, photo and a short write-up about them to jjn@ jewishjacksonville.org
MOTM
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community news 2016 festival of the arts at the JCA St. Johns Country Day School students donate nearly 1,000 coming this fall books through drive For JFCS
By Jewish Community Alliance
During the month of November, the Jewish Community Alliance will feature a Festival of Arts with many thought-provoking programs for the entire Jacksonville
community, including the 20th Annual Jewish Book Festival, Nov. 1st - 10th. The event will feature renowned authors who will present literary works from various genres. Then on Nov. 13th, the Jacksonville Jewish Film Festival (JJFF) returns with five days of critically acclaimed Jewish-themed films from around the world, in addition to live discussions with film directors and many exciting events. Look for more information on the book and film festivals, including a festival brochure, in the coming months.
St. Johns Country Day School students with their boxes of book donations
By Jewish Family & Community Services
St. Johns Country Day School’s middle school student leadership organized a book drive after hearing about the opportunity for children to use books during their supervised parental visits at JFCS, through its Child Safety program. With
this in mind, they challenged their fellow students to empty out their bookshelves and after the collection concluded, head basketball coach Phillip Hobbs and several middle school students dropped off the books from their drive and took a tour of JFCS. In all, they were able to collect nearly 1,000 books.
River Garden’s chief nursing officer celebrates quarter century of service By River Garden Senior Services
In a field where nursing directors often measure length of stay in the same facility in months or a handful of years, Carol Thomas, RN, CDONA, recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with River Garden Senior Services. Thomas began her River Garden career in April 1991 and in ‘97 was named its Chief Nursing Officer. “There are only a handful of people that can play a pivotal role in anyone’s life and Carol has done and continues to do that in mine,” explained Assistant Director of Nursing Bernadeth Palompo. “I was a novice 22-year old when she hired me as a charge nurse in the memory care unit and I don’t know what she saw in me but she capitalized on it, leading to where I am now.” Under her leadership the nursing department has grown to include
Carol Thomas began working at River Garden in 1991 and has been its chief nursing officer since ‘97
more than 170 staff members and the Hebrew Home has consistently earned the highest ratings from state and federal regulatory agencies.
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June/July 2016
community news PJ Our Way arrives for kids in Commemoration of largest mass arrest of Rabbis in U.S. history to Jacksonville
be held June 16th in St. Augustine
By Jewish Family & Community Services
BY MERRILL SHAPIRO
PJ Our Way is the next chapter in your child’s PJ Library adventure. Many parents ask what’s next after their children age out of PJ Library, which sends books to children ages six months to eight years. Now kids ages nine through 11 will be eligible for PJ Our
St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society
The fourth annual commemoration of the largest mass arrest of Rabbis in U.S. History, an event that took place in St. Augustine in June, 1964 will be held Thursday, June 16th, at 7 p.m., inside the Gamache-Koger Theater in the Ringhaver Student Center (48 Sevilla St.) on the campus of Flagler College. The 90-minute event will include the reading of the letter written by the Rabbis in the Flagler County
Jail, in addition to a video of the forum held with the surviving rabbis who gathered in St. Augustine in June, 2014. This event is free and no advance arrangements are necessary. Call 904-819-6365 for directions or more information.
Cohn shares riveting story of being a Jewish spy in Nazi Germany to Chabad crowds
Marthe Cohn shared her amazing story throughout Greater Jacksonville
By Chabad of Clay County
The incredible true story of Marthe Cohn, a Jewish spy in Nazi Germany was told in early May at three separate Chabad locations, including the Chabad of S. Augustine, Chabad of Clay County and Chabad Lubavitch of NE Florida in Mandarin. Complete with faith, courage and espionage, Cohn’s story centers around how she was a devoutly religious Jewish woman living just across the German border in France when Hitler rose to power. As the Nazi occupation escalated, Cohn’s sister was sent to Auschwitz, while her family fled to the south of
France. Cohn chose to fight back and joined the intelligence service of the First French Army. Utilizing her perfect German accent and Aryan appearance, she posed as a German nurse, desperately trying to obtain word of a fictional fiancé. She traveled the countryside and approached troops sympathetic to her ‘plight’, thereby obtaining critical information for the Allied commanders. In 2002, Cohn penned her memoir ‘Behind Enemy Lines: The True Story of a French Jewish Spy in Nazi Germany,’ which she shared with capacity crowds at all three locations.
Way as the program will be kid driven, having them decide on everything, from what book they read each month, to what type of programming will take place. For more information on this new program, please contact Whitney Kuvin the PJ Library Coordinator at JFCS at wkuvin@jfcsjax.org or 904394-5724.
Dine with Jax Jewish Singles at P.F. Chang’s By Jax Jewish Singles
Join the Jax Jewish Singles in July for dinner at P.F. Chang’s, which features high-quality, Asian-inspired cuisine in a sophisticated, contemporary bistro. Contact Francine for date and time at 904-221-8061 or email her at francine.smith@comcast.net.
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community news JCA and partner agency professionals take part in educational Israeli seminar
Program participants will meet for nine times during the course of 2016 before heading to Israel in early December for the completion of the course
BY MATT FRANZBLAU
Communications Director mattf@jewishjacksonville.org
This past January, more than a dozen employees from the Jewish Community Alliance, Jewish Family & Community Services and the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville embarked on a special 10-month journey together of study, dialogue, discovery and growth. The program, tabbed the ‘JCA’s Israel professional study seminar’, blends assigned readings with in-class discussions in addition to thought-provoking films and passages. “I hope that people walk away from this experience with a better understanding of Israel and Jewish peoplehood,” said JCA executive director and seminar organizer Myron Flagler. “That it will be meaningful to them, not only personally but professionally and they’ll be able to take this knowledge and have it as the underpinnings of their work moving forward.” The group of 13 profession-
als, comprised of 10 from the JCA, two from JFCS and one from Federation, meet with Flagler and seminar assistant lecturer Pam Tavill to discuss the month’s readings, which cover a host of different topics. From the history of the land, to the Jewish people and even subjects such as the nation’s economic infrastructure, its social norms and varying levels of religiosity within the state, seminar participants are able to weigh in with their thoughts and opinions while keeping track of them in a monthly journal. “I didn’t realize how little I knew about Israel and how such a small country is full of so much depth,” said JFCS’ director of clinical services, Rachel Weinstein. “This seminar is helping me feel more connected, so that by the time I get there I can have some really meaningful moments.” The capstone experience for Weinstein and her program counterparts is a 10-day trip to Israel where they will put what they’ve learned over the course of the past year into action.”I
Class sessions offer an opportunity for debate and discussion among the group
Interactive activities often take place during the middle of each class period
finally feel like I am at an age and stage developmentally to really, truly appreciate this experience,” explained Weinstein, who will be making her first pilgrimage to her homeland. Also making his initial trip to the Land of Milk and Honey is the JCA’s wellness and fitness director Eiffel Gilyana, who grew up in Northern Iraq in a land known as Kurdistan. Gilyana has been in the States for seven years now, but has had more exposure to the land thousands of miles removed from it, rather than when he practically had it in his own backyard. “The most interesting aspect of this course is the comparison of what we studied in school, growing up under Saddam (Hussein’s) regime, which described Israel as a constant threat upon the Arab world,” Gilyana described of his experiences. “The contrast between that and being able to study, read and educate myself about who the Israelis are, Zionism and where it came from is a truly eye opening
experience.” Not every one of the seminar’s participants are Jewish, in fact about half the group is. This makes for a truly diverse conglomerate with unique experiences and viewpoints that they bring to each and every meeting. “I think our group has been amazing at challenging me and challenging each other as they’re trying to understand the information which is very diverse,” Flagler said. “As each session passes they all are having greater insight into Israel and an even greater thirst to learn more about it.” That thirst will be quenched December 2 -11th, when the group brings their experiences studying together here in Jacksonville to life, exploring all that the Jewish state has to offer. Stops on the trip are scheduled for traditional sites such as the Dead Sea, Masada and the Kotel, in addition to unique and authentic experiences like taking in a Shabbat dinner with an Israeli family and being immersed in the country’s culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
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June/July 2016
community news United Health Care refuses to Federation mourns the untimely loss of vice president Wendy Efron contract with River Garden By River Garden Senior Services
Efron with her husband of more than 40-years, Barry, at a Federation event
By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville was very saddened last month by the untimely passing of current executive committee member and vice president Wendy Efron, who passed away Saturday, May 14th at the age of 62, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. After moving to Jacksonville in the early 1980’s, Efron, who is originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., quickly made an impact in her new home by becoming involved in numerous business ventures as well as volunteering her time and efforts for countless Jewish causes in the community and around the world. She eventually held leadership roles in organizations such as ORT, The Temple Sisterhood, Foster Care Review Board, River Garden and the Federation, where she served as Women’s Division president before assuming the role as one of its vice presidents. “Wendy was an outstanding volunteer as she served on our board for many years and participated on our allocations committee, using her warmth and sincerity to become an effective member of our campaign worker’s team,” said Federation Executive Director Alan
If you or a loved one has a health insurance policy issued by United Health, it is important to know that you will not be able to access those benefits at River Garden. Despite River Garden’s efforts, United Health has consistently refused to contract with the Hebrew Home as a provider to its Efron traveled to Israel with the Federa- Medicare Advantage or Commertion’s Women’s Division in April 2015 cial policy subscribers. United’s position is that they have an Margolies.“She traveled overseas adequate number of post-acute with us to experience the work of care facilities in Northeast Florour partner agencies and we most ida, and they do not need to add recently enjoyed her presence on any others. We find their position the April 2015 Women’s Division incredulous and have said so to Mission to Israel,” he added. “The members of the board and our staff their leadership. It’s important for our Jacksonsend our prayers and love to Barry ville Jewish community to know and the family.” A long time member of Congre- that River Garden does not have a financial disagreement with gation Ahavath Chesed, Efron also happily volunteered as the buyer for United Health, they simply refuse to even talk with us about being the Temple’s Judaica gift shop for more than two decades and this past a provider in their network. We winter was featured in the Jacksonville Jewish News for her time and talents regarding the shop. In her spare time, Efron was an avid Mahjong player and enjoyed sampling culinary creations around Jacksonville, especially Taverna in San Marco, the restaurant her son Sam opened. She leaves behind her husband of 42 years, Barry, children, Sam (Kiley) and Andrew (Sabrina), grandchildren Dillon, Brody and Sadie, mother Shirley Lemus and siblings Rhonda Warren and Mitch Lemus. Funeral services were held May 17th at The Temple with rabbis Joshua Lief and Matt Cohen officiating and burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville or River Garden Senior Services.
Remembering the Six Million
UF professor Eric Kligerman speaks to community members at Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue in Ponte Vedra during Jacksonville’s Yom Hashoah event
are committed to informing the Northeast Florida Jewish community that if they have a Medicare Advantage or Commercial policy issued through United Health, that their post-acute benefits do not include access into our care system. Consequently, River Garden does have active contracts with Cigna, Aetna, Florida Blue, Humana and Coventry. In addition to these carriers, if you happen to have benefits available through an out-of-network company, the Hebrew Home might still be able to serve you depending on how those benefits are structured. Those that are unsure can simply call River Garden at 904-8868420 and someone will be glad to answer all of your questions.
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summer sports Jacksonville Jewish News’ summer sit down with new Suns owner Ken Babby Jewish owner of the Jacksonville Suns comes to the First Coast following a successful two seasons at the helm of Akron’s minor league franchise BY MATT FRANZBLAU
Communications Director mattf@jewishjacksonville.org A native of the D.C. Metro The new Suns owner takes part in a photo shoot outside the ballpark this spring area, Ken Babby grew up going to Orioles games, but his love of a community and you don’t know becoming familiar with the Jewish the grand ole game and passion people, but in this community we community in Northeast Florida, for Judaism intersected on the have set forth our vision, which is through another baseball team, diamond, when after more than a being a leader in affordable family this time the Jacksonville Suns, dozen years working in a number fun here in Northeast Florida. which he purchased in 2015. of different capacities for the When we started this process, we Washington Post, he tried his knew we had a big road ahead Jacksonville Jewish News: hand in the business of baseball, of us, with a continuation of a What has been your overall purchasing the Cleveland Indians’ franchise that has sort of become reception in the community since AA Eastern League affiliate, the a stable aspect in town, so we Akron Aeros, which eventually was you’ve arrived and began a new brought in a great team of people chapter in the history of Jacksonrenamed the Rubber Ducks. and strong front office with more ville baseball and with the Suns? Following numerous successthan 50-years of minor league Ken Babby: “I think first of all ful events and opportunities to baseball experience. I am very the community has been incredimake a difference in the Jewish proud of what we’re building and bly warm and welcoming to what community in Northeast Ohio, the the community has been wonderwe’re attempting to build. It’s Baltimore boy now finds himself ful in responding to that.” always a risk when you come into JJN: What was your Jewish upbringing as a child? KB: “I grew up just outside of Washington, D.C., in suburban Maryland near the Potomac/ Bethesda area, and was raised conservative, but sort of morphed over time to be reform. For me, it (Judaism) was always an opportunity to have those special moments around family, such as Jewish holidays and going through Hebrew school when I was preparing for my Bar-Mitzvah. My sister actually went to Masada in Israel for her Bat Mitzvah and that was really a transformative experience in my life, to be able to connect with the land but also that experience emotionally and spiritually.” JJN: What was your baseball experience like as a child and what team did you root for? KB: “I grew up an Orioles fan only because my dad was at the ballpark everyday as he was general counsel for the team, which meant an important part of my journey was making sure that my work was done in the afternoon, so my father and I could hop in his car and drive up I-95 from Washington to Baltimore. I think if my grades were better I could have gone to more games, but I do remember having to get my algebra homework done in his
Babby was one of the honored guests at JFCS’ recent scotch and sports event
office before being able to walk that bridge from the Warehouse (at Camden Yards) into the upper concourse of the ballpark. I remember that vividly and now as a father of a seven-year-old, I am trying to instill those same values, that schoolwork has to come first.” JJN: Do you think there is a special bond between Jews and the game of baseball? KB: “Here’s my read on that and I look at it through a very biased lens, but I grew up outside of Washington, D.C., with a father who was a diehard Brooklyn Dodgers fan as a kid. We would drive first to Memorial Stadium in Baltimore and then to Oriole Park in Camden Yards, often being picked up before or after Hebrew School to attend a game. The Jewish way and the love of the game, somehow very early on, well before we got started (watching and playing it) has been tied together. There is a unique and special bond (between Jews and baseball) and we’ve had fun exploring that in Northeast Ohio. From our fireworks Shabbat to our Jewish Federation picnics that we’ve done, and even bringing summer camps from the JCC to the ballpark to attend a game, I’ve looked for ways to sort of take that thread which has been so important to my upbringing and values and then tie that into the business, while finding ways to get people involved in what we’re doing.” JJN: What are you looking forward to most about Jewish Community Fun Day with the Suns, July 31st? KB: “I am extremely excited about that day as it will be the first in a series of wonderful days at the ballpark. You know, I had the pleasure of hosting and chairing
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June/July 2016
summer sports Federation treasurer, treasures Boston Marathon experience
Mayor Lenny Curry and his son, who threw the first pitch, along with Babby and Blake Bortles on Opening Day, 2016 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville
JFCS’ scotch and sports men’s event in February out at Deerwood Country Club, and the room that day was just packed with people who were excited about the Suns, baseball in Jacksonville and certainly the efforts of the Jewish community in this town, so I joked as I stood up there and said that we had accomplished our first sellout. That same energy continues to be shown at the ballpark and will continue on special days and nights like that one.” JJN: What are some of the different kosher options or Jewish friendly amenities that fans can expect to see at the ballpark this season and beyond? KB: “On a typical night we offer a grilled Kosher hot dog which we are very proud of, as our ballpark in Akron has a range of Kosher options as well. That’s important to me because during my childhood I would always want to make sure a Kosher dog was available at the parks that we went to, so we are continuing that tradition here. But there are obviously opportunities to do more in terms of food choices, not just Kosher, but to really explore a whole range of really different culinary options at the ballpark.”
JJN: What made Jacksonville and the Suns your choice for your second baseball franchise to secure ownership of? KB: “You know it’s funny because I was just asked this question, so it’s kind of fun to reflect back on that process. The 2014 season was a success for us in Akron and a lot of fun as we had some wonderful attendance after ranaming the team the ‘Rubber Ducks’. As the season came to an end, I started to think through that off-season and what some of my priorities were likely to be and I ended coming down to Jacksonville at the request of minor league baseball, because we were planning to announce an All-Star Game in Akron in 2016. The game had just been to Jacksonville a year earlier, so it gave me a chance to come down, see the ballpark, meet the Bragan family and connect with leaders in this community, which ultimately resulted in a series of conversations which led to buying the team.” JJN: What do you like to do for fun during your downtime in your new home of Jacksonville? KB: “I’m at the ballpark a lot but I love to eat, so I try and get out to the Town Center. I also really love the beaches as it has a lot to offer and I even had a chance several weeks ago to visit the zoo with my son, so I’m still exploring and learning about our community everyday because it’s so large from a geographic standpoint but at the same time it is intimate and has a small community feel in terms of its people, which I love.” Follow new Jacksonville Suns owner Ken Babby on Twitter @kenbabby
By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville In April 2015, Federation treasurer, Dr. Michael Nussbaum ran his first Boston Marathon (and 17th marathon overall) for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC), raising nearly $6,000. Inspired by his previous year’s experience, Nussbaum decided to run the hallowed course again in April of 2016 and this time raised more than $6,000 in his efforts. The DFMC raised a total of $5,404,653.73 in 2015 and should
exceed that total this year as 100-percent of every dollar raised by the team benefits the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, widely recognized as one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind. Jacksonville philanthropists Delores Barr Weaver and her husband, J. Wayne Weaver, established the Claudia Adams Barr Program in 1987 in memory of Delores’ mother. Nussbaum finished the 2016 Boston Marathon in 6:57.59.
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summer sports
JCA to head to the 2016 JCC Maccabi Games in St. Louis this summer By Jewish Community Alliance
The Jewish Community Alliance is excited to send a delegation of youth athletes to participate in the upcoming 2016 JCC Maccabi Games, being hosted by the St. Louis JCC from July 31st – Aug. 5th. In past years, the JCA has eagerly participated in the JCC Association of North America sponsored event, where young athletes from all over the world meet at various sites to participate in a week of sports competition, social activities and Judaic programming for Jewish teens ages 13 - 16. The 2016 JCA delegation is made up of a dozen Jewish athletes from Jacksonville who will participate in basketball, swimming and soccer. The basketball team roster includes Noah Rosin-Borrousch, Jacob Glassman, Mackie Garwood, Kam Firpo, David Hochman, Ja-
cob Abraham, Zack Rosin-Borrousch, Zach Mizrahi and Ayden Israel. The team will be coached by Brian Sherman, a former Maccabi Basketball participant and member of the JCA. The JCA will be represented by two male swimmers, Jacob Rubin and Jonathan Homsky, who are
both competitive swimmers on the JCA Makos Summer Swim Team. Jonah Bennett, will also compete on a mixed soccer team and Rio Robinson, the JCA Sports and Recreation director, will accompany the group as the delegate head. Each JCC Maccabi Games
offers a variety of sports competition areas, including girls’ volleyball, girls’ softball, flag football, boys’ baseball, tennis, girls’ basketball, golf, table tennis, dance, art, reporting, track and field, lacrosse and ice hockey. The JCA hopes that a good showing at this year’s games will ensure JCA participation at the 2017 JCC Maccabi Games in Birmingham, Ala. or Miami, Fla. For questions about the JCC Maccabi Games, please contact Rio Robinson at rio.robinson@ jcajax.org.
Generation W continues to empower the women of Jacksonville
BY PATTI MINGLIN Generation W
For the fifth consecutive year, UNF’s Lazzara Performance Hall served as the site for Generation W, Jacksonville’s inspirational and transformational conference, which was held in early April. Launched in 2012, the Generation W platform has grown exponentially over the years, and attendees, both male and female have experienced real and lasting life change. “The biggest accomplishment of Generation W and its founder Donna Orender is that the inspiration and enthusiasm does not end when the day is over,” said Generation W attendee Perrin Rubin. “For weeks and months after the event, I ask myself ‘Have I made a difference today? Am I growing and leading a meaningful life?’ Generation W allows each of us to feel supported to create change both internally and externally.” As a catalyst for conversations
around the issues that matter most, Generation W motivates attendees to make impactful change in their lives, in their communities and in this world. “Generation W is a movement, so I feel once you come to Generation W you keep coming back, spreading the word and trying to bring more and more people in, and, isn’t that really what a movement is about?” said Generation W speaker Kelly Wallace, who is a digital correspondent and editor-at-large for CNN. “I’m always thinking about what I’m learning here at Gen W that can help me personally, but also what more I can do in my role at CNN to showcase more women and bring more attention to the issues they’re facing.” The Generation W platform is designed to educate, inspire and connect women and girls and speaks to leadership, innovation and transformation from a personal to a professional and to a civic level. “Generation W helps us to listen to how others
its role in empowering women and girls and has launched two additional initiatives: Generation WORKS, a citywide day of service and Generation WOW, a mentorship program designed to connect the leaders of tomorrow with the outstanding women leaders of today. Generation WOW is a life-changing afternoon that includes mentorship opportunities throughout the entire year-allowing girls realize their full potential by building lifelong intergenerational relationships. Debbie Banks Kittay, who has attended all five Generation W conferences, is inspired by the growing number of young women who Generation W founder and CEO Donna are getting involved with the Orender served as the WNBA President movement, including more than from 2005-10 and is a 2015 inductee a dozen seventh and eighth grade of the International Jewish Sports Hall girls from Martin J. Gottlieb Day of Fame in Netanya, Israel School, who attended this year’s gathering. have achieved their goals which Young girls in the Jacksoninspires us to move forward,” ville area who are interested explained attendee Faye Mizrahi. in participating in Generation “Our community is very lucky to WOW’s Nov. 2nd event can get have this platform to inspire us, more information by logging onto to bring us the knowledge and genwownow.org. As Generation connections we need to succeed.” W founder Donna Orender often “Generation W represents the col- says, when people come together, lective impact we have when we especially women and girls, magwork collaboratively to make our ic happens. With this in mind, be city—and our world—a better sure to mark your calendars to place for all,” added Andrea Mail. attend the sixth annual GeneraDuring the past four years, tion W conference, scheduled for Generation W has expanded March 31, 2017.
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summer camps DuBow Preschool offers year Michele Block Gan Yeladim gears up for another amazing summer with round experiences through four specialized camp sessions Camp Ki Tov BY SARA WERNER
DuBow Preschool Parent
Campers at Michele Block Gan Yeladim will get to take part in numerous specialized sessions this summer ranging from surf and sand to nature explorers
BY NATHAN WOODS
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten teachers and staff are getting ready for yet another season of the renowned Camp Gan Yeladim. The school’s summer camp provides an eclectic range of fun and engaging activities for campers to enjoy from the safety and security of the Jewish Community Alliance’s 100,000-square-foot campus. The camp is divided into four sessions, each exploring different themes. The theme of the first session, which takes place from June 13th to June 24th, is ‘Nature Explorers’ as campers will learn about the great outdoors. During that time frame, they will also learn about basic scientific concepts such as observing, creating, experiencing and predicting. The session from June 27th to July 8th focuses on ‘Olympic Adventures’, as this session will teach campers about the Summer Olympics, focusing on the upcoming events in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Campers will learn about the uniting of all nations from all
across the world in friendship, unity and peace to play games together and develop the building blocks of good sportsmanship and love for their fellow human beings. In the July 11th to July 22th session, campers will explore the world of ‘Critters and Creatures’, as they’ll learn all about the animals and insects of the world and how we as humans must coexist peacefully with them. Campers will do this through art, science, music and literature. In the fourth and final session, ‘Surf and Sand’, the campers will explore marine life, learning about fish and other sea creatures through two local bodies of water, the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River. This session will take place from July 25th to Aug. 5th. Both the campers and staff at Michele Block Gan Yeladim will have very a busy summer and the school looks forward to another season of lifelong friendships and memories being formed at Camp Gan Yeladim. For more information about the camp and sessions, contact Theresa Levy at 904730-2100, ext. 237 or Rochelle Golomb at ext. 259.
The approaching end to the school year means different things for different people. For some it signifies a shorter commute to work, while for others family vacations. For our three-year old, it is a time of smoothly transitioning from one loving teacher and classroom experience to another. Being a year-round student at the DuBow Preschool, our child has the opportunity to come to her home-away-from-home, six, sometimes seven, days a week, for 12-months straight. As a two-year old completing her first year of preschool last spring, our daughter was a little skeptical about the prospect of her routine changing, but as we prepared her for camp at Camp Ki Tov, she was comforted knowing that she was able to be in a cabin with all of her friends and even her favorite teacher. She quickly learned that camp meant all the fun and learning she experienced during the school year, with the addition of new themes, bathing suits, and lots of water play. In the year-round program at the DuBow Preschool, students have the opportunity to participate in a unique summer camp experience in the comfort of their
Camp KiTov offers students the opportunity to learn and play in a familiar and safe environment
own school. It provides peace of mind to parents whose schedules are also year-round. This summer, Camp Ki Tov offers a flexible and exciting program for preschoolers all the way up through middle school. It also provides a unique Leaders In Training program which allows ninth and tenth grade students an opportunity to support camp staff, while forming special bonds with campers of all ages. Whether a supplemental program to other summer experiences or a continuation of the year-round program, Camp Ki Tov offers something for everybody. For our three-year old, it provides an opportunity to move up from ‘Kofim’ or two and three-year-olds to ‘Parparim’ or three and four-year-olds in a fun and unique way.
Southside Chabad to offer two-week music and much more. Camp experience drama, Camp is located at Chabad of By Southside Chabad Directed by Ganeinu’s Chana Novack, the program will take place from August 1-12th and will offer a large array of activities including swimming, Shabbat parties, yoga, sports, martial arts,
Southside (11271 Alumni Way 32246) and runs from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., for kids ages two through eight. The cost for camp is $250 per child, so visit SouthsideChabad.com or call 904-646-4434 for more information.
Camp Gan Israel Jacksonville announces plans for summer 2016 By Chabad Lubavitch of Northeast Florida
As summer hurries in and temperatures rise, an exciting Jewish day camp experience is generating quite a buzz among parents on the First Coast. That’s because Camp Gan Israel or (CGI), the world’s largest network of Jewish camps with more than 500 locations, is back
by popular demand. “Summer is a critical time in a child’s life because a successful summer camp experience is more than a break from studies to let loose. Every activity is a major learning experience,” explained Chanie Kahanov, Director of CGI JAX. “Our program is designed to let our campers minds run wild, enjoying nature,
crafts, sports and water activities, while building character and responsibility in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.” CGI will take place for two to three weeks from July 25th – Aug. 12th for children ages three to nine years of age. For rates and more detailed information, please call Chabad Lubavitch of Northeast Florida at 904-262-6641.
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education Galinsky Academy honors Selevan Religious School honors Levine and Margolies during its consecration class of 5776 its annual awards celebration
Students celebrated their first year of Jewish educaion with a special service
By Selevan Religious School The Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School of the Jacksonville Jewish Center is proud of its Consecration class of 5776, as students celebrated their first year of the formal Jewish educational program at Galinsky Academy. They did this by leading some portions of the religious school’s Shabbat in late May, making a presentation which reviewed their new skills, and explained the im-
portance of their Hebrew names. Those names were also on the beautifully hand-decorated siddur covers which were given to them by their proud parents. The 2015-16 class includes: Anna Folstein, daughter of Scott Folstein; Evan Harmon, son of Lauren and Matt Harmon; Agam Kiel, daughter of Adva and Micha Kiel; Charlie Milian, son of Claudia Margolis and Tony Milian; and Amelia Wilhelm, daughter of Sharon and Victor Wilhelm.
Sue Levine was given the Rabbi David Alan Margolies (second from left) acGaffney Leadership in Education Award cepted the Community Partner Award on behalf of the Jewish Federation Photos by Larry Tallis
By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School The Galinsky Academy held its annual celebration and awards dinner, in late May at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, and this year’s theme was ‘It’s In Our DNA’. With its primary purpose to raise funds to benefit the L’Dor V’Dor Annual Giving Campaign, the 300 guests in attendance enjoyed cocktails and dinner. The event’s co-chairs were Jeanine Rogozinski and Andrea Mail, who pulled out all the stops in creating a program that highlighted the Academy’s schools and programs, which include DuBow Preschool, Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School, Setzer Youth Education and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. The Galinsky Academy serves children from six weeks of age through high school, which
currently numbers approximately 320 students in total. The evening’s emcee was Ben Becker, local news reporter and Galinsky Academy parent. Following an inspiring and energetic program, the evening’s highlights were the presentation of two awards, including the Rabbi David Gaffney Leadership in Education Award to Sue Levine in recognition of her years of tireless service to the Galinsky Academy’s schools and programs. The Academy’s inaugural Community Partner Award was given in gratitude for Federation’s commitment to Jewish education in Jacksonville, and was accepted by Executive Director Alan Margolies on the Federation’s behalf. For more information on the Galinsky Academy, please contact Nancy Davis at nancy.davis@ mjdgs.org.
JFCS to offer evening writer’s workshops for Gen 2 participants By Jewish Family & Community Services For the past two years JFCS has increased its Holocaust support services to include Gen 2- the adult children of survivors who have grown up in the shadow of the Holocaust. They meet in a monthly writer’s workshop at JFCS to receive mutual aid and share their own unique stories through a variety of media. The sessions are facilitated by Stacey Goldring and she along with JFCS are interested in offering an evening Writer’s Workshop for Gen 2 participants who cannot attend during the day. The 2016-17 monthly dates are listed above. For
more information on one of these workshops please call Gail Furman at 904-394-5723 or email her at gfurman@ jfcsjax.org. Evening 2nd Gen Writers Workshops Series will be held Wednesday evenings at Jewish Family & Community Services, starting at 6:30 p.m., on the following dates in 2016: Sept. 14th, Oct. 19th, Nov. 9th, Dec. 14th, and in 2017: Jan. 11th, Feb. 8th, Mar. 8th, Apr. 19th and May 10th.
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education
Ganeinu preschool students take a Martin J. Gottlieb Day School teacher receives an award for virtual trip to Israel for Israeli career excellence independence day
By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School Ganeinu students watch an airline safety video before take-off and get ready to hand over their passports for their pretend trip to Israel for Yom Ha’Atzmaut
By Southside Chabad Students at Ganeinu Preschool explored the Land of Israel with a full week of exciting activities and projects to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut. The children learned about the Holy city of Safed and its many galleries and artists, in addition to Tiberius and the Kineret (Sea of Galilee). They also were able to explore places like Jaffa Port and the shipyards, and of course Jerusalem and the Western Wall. The exciting week of exploring Israel culminated with a virtual tour of the land as students packed
their suitcases, had their passports stamped and climbed aboard an EL AL flight to the Middle East. Upon their arrival, they enjoyed boating in the Jaffa Port water table, became a little artistic with Safed’s art easels and of course prayed, while placing notes in the Western Wall. “The Holy Land of Eretz Yisrael is so dear and near to all of our hearts. This project really gave our students an opportunity to apply their imaginative curiosity and creative senses to explore and experience Israel,” said Ganeinu Director Chana Novack.
Selevan religious school students honored in graduation celebration
By Jacksonville Jewish Center Mazel tov to the Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School class of 5776/2016 as students celebrated their graduation during a Sunday morning ceremony in late May. One highlight of the ceremony was a film, which looked back on their years so far in the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Galinsky Academy program. Two awards were also given out as The ‘Mensch’ Award, recalling the student who has worked the hardest and had the greatest attitude, went to Sydney Leach. The ‘Madrichim’ Award was given to Ben Miller, in honor of
his hard work and dedication to the Religious School in the years after his own graduation. Graduating students include Will Aaronson, Veronica Bryant, Julia Grosse, Sydney Herbst, Rebecca Katz, Jagger Leach, Sydney Leach, Laura Rogovin, Zachary Rosin-Borrousch, Eryn Saye, Jacob Selevan, Channah Thomas, Jeremy Zaifert, and Leah Zimmerman. The Jacksonville Jewish Center looks forward to the continued involvement of this group in the future as they join the high school program and continue with various Setzer Youth activities.
The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is proud to announce that long-time teacher Judy Reppert recently received the Gladys Prior Career Teaching Excellence Award from the University of North Florida’s College of Education and Human Services. The Prior Award was founded by local businessman Gilchrist Berg in honor of his fourth-grade teacher at Ortega Elementary. The four annual winners are selected from a wide field
Award Winner Judy Reppert
that is open to public and private school teachers in Duval County, with each winner receiving a $15,000 cash prize. The criteria for the annual award includes sustained excellence in classroom, in addition to teaching and sustained inspiration to students. Martin J. Gottlieb Day School could not prouder of Mrs. Reppert, who has ensured that generations of students are well-prepared for their high school education and beyond.
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education 25 years of national accreditation DuBow Preschool director for Michele Block Gan Yeladim Shereen Canady to step down BY NATHAN WOODS after a decade of service Michele Block Gan Yeladim This year marks the 25th anniversary of Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten’s accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children or NAEYC. They are one of just ten programs across the Jacksonville area to not only achieve but maintain this most prestigious accreditation. NAEYC is a nonprofit association founded in the late 1920s with the goal of ensuring the quality of early childhood programs across the nation. The organization’s accreditation standards were developed in 1985 and have been the most highly sought after accreditation for preschools in the United States since then. The process is rigorous and has more than 400 criteria to meet. Candidates must satisfy ten standards of excellence, including promoting positive relationships among children and adults, a consistent and well-planned curriculum, effective teaching methods, ongoing assessment of child development and promoting health and nutrition, in addition to the service of qualified teachers, and establishing and maintaining relationships with families among others. “When they doubled the criteria from 200 individual items to
BY SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool more than 400, most of our peers dropped out,” said Michele Block Gan Yeladim Director Theresa Levy. “Keeping accreditation was important for maintaining our standards of excellence as the program has been accredited for 25 consecutive years.” Educators at Michele Block Gan Yeladim view children as constructivist learners and guide them in self-discovery and developing critical thinking skills that are often left out of other early childhood education programs, which tend to focus on rote memorization and teaching to the schools’ readiness tests. “I really pursued accreditation all those years ago as a way to improve the preschool and differentiate us from the rest,” explained JCA assistant to the executive director and former Gan director Nancy Green. “I especially liked it because it was child-centered and developmentally focused.” Moving forward, the school plans to continue its tradition of excellence by staying up-to-date on the latest innovations in early childhood education as directed by the strict but helpful standards of the NAEYC.
Leaving the Jacksonville Jewish Center is something I could not have imagined a year ago, but time and a special someone, Tzahi BenMoshe, the former cantor of the Center, changed my heart and mind as later this summer we will marry and I’ll move to Austin, Texas. Thinking about saying goodbye is quite emotional because I came to this community when my daughters were in preschool and as a result, the synagogue, preschool, and day school became a huge part of my family’s life. Over the years I have fostered relationships with many in the Jewish community that I will cherish along with all the memories made with them. I have also learned a great deal from the clergy and educational and community leaders, who give so much of themselves. Watching my older daughter graduate from the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School last May was an immense delight, as I am thankful that my daughters had such an enriching, fantastic school experience due to the diligence, care and talents of the school’s teachers and leaders. I will always be grateful to Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner, the DuBow
Shereen Canady
Family, and to all with whom I have worked, for their trust, guidance, and support and I thank the families who entrusted me and my faculty with their precious children. Watching these children grow, mature, learn, and blossom has filled me with great joy. ‘The magic is in the journey’ were my first words from the bima to the DuBow Preschool parents, on the evening of the first open house I led in 2006. At the time, I was talking about how magical the early years in preschool are for children and their families, but now I say them once more, as I think about the privileged journey I have been on as the Early Childhood Education Director at the Jacksonville Jewish Center for the past 10 years.
Celebrating a year of Jewish learning at The Temple By Congregation Ahavath Chesed The launch of Hebrew Through Movement (HTM) in Pre-K through grade five taught Temple religious school students that Hebrew is a living, thriving language which people speak and understand. The methodology had students moving and learning and they will soon add phonics when they are developmentally more ready to process printed letters and vowels. Students also went on deeper explorations of prayers’ meanings in grades six and seven and generally felt they understood more of what they were saying, as they perfected their pronunciations. The impact and progress of the school’s new Hebrew teaching will continue to be monitored in the coming years through observ-
able evidence such as less individualized instruction and limited investment in private tutors prior to B’nai Mitzvah. The LIMA (library, Israel, music and art) encounters aligned neatly with the students’ Torah learning. That experience coupled with finding out how those texts and the weekly portions correlates to holidays, showed students how Torah weaves continually throughout our Jewish lives. Torah through Philosophical Inquiry also had its fair share of shining moments, as teachers gained skills in the practice of literary exploration, while students acquired new questioning techniques and a new appreciation for textual discourse within the Reform tradition. Eighth and ninth graders had a rich year of Torah learning, expanding their familiarity with the people and organizations that practice their Jewish values
through their work. While confirmation students met people who shared their own personal journeys to Judaism, they took their own journey to Savannah for a tour of the historic Jewish community there. 11th and 12th graders or the Vatikim in the Temple’s religious school classes, served as role models and leaders to the youngest learners, often assisting instructors. Some even traveled to Washington, D.C. for L’taken, a program of the social action arm of the Reform movement. While there, they met with lobbyists and government leaders who praised their intelligence and maturity. T’filah, the worship experience that began learning each Sunday, attracted more and more congregants, and sometimes even those without children in the religious school. Family learning days also gave parents a chance to study
texts with Rabbi Cohen and to learn with their children’s other teachers. The past year helped reinforce all four pillars on which The Temple stands for study, worship, social action, and community and it looks forward to Interim Senior Rabbi Rick Shapiro’s arrival this summer as he will share his wealth of teaching and innovative experiential learning ideas.
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education
Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s 8th Chabad at the Beaches’ reading annual early childhood education Hebrew crash course promises symposium scheduled for Sept. results in just five short weeks BY NATHAN WOODS
By Chabad at the Beaches
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten is busy preparing for its eighth annual Early Childhood Education Symposium, entitled ‘Technology: Creative Use in the Classroom’. The symposium will take place Tuesday, Sept. 27th and continues the tradition of Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s leadership in educational excellence and innovation among Jacksonville area educators. This year’s symposium will focus on the use of cutting-edge technology in the classroom and how it can be beneficial to both students and teachers. It is open to Jewish community educators at a reduced rate and will include interactive breakout sessions, informative workshops and a kosher dinner. Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s award-winning symposium has taken place annually since 2009, providing educators in the Jacksonville area with a unique opportunity for collaboration with fellow educators and participation in an enriching and informative experience. Previous years’ symposiums have routinely drawn around 200 educators from across northeast Florida. Past topics for the symposium have included STEAM education,
learning through the eyes of a child, and the natural curiosity of children. This year’s discussion on technology in the classroom promises to be equally captivating and educational. Michele Block Gan Yeladim teachers and administrators take pride in continuing to be leaders in educational excellence within the community, so educators in the Jacksonville area should be sure to mark their calendars for late September. Specific details about the symposium and its content will be available soon. In the meantime, more information on the symposium can be obtained by contacting Rochelle Golomb at 904-730-2100, ext. 259 or at rochelle.golomb@ jcajax.org.
Registration for Selevan Religious School now open for 2016-17 By Selevan Religious School Registration for the Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School of the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Galinsky Academy is now open to any Jewish child in grades K-7. This program includes kindergarten and first grade Sunday School classes, where loving, dedicated teachers introduce the youngest students to Torah, Hebrew, and the holidays. The innovative ‘Judaism through the Arts’ program for grades two through five uses a variety of crafts, literature, technology and music to nourish a love of Jewish culture, and the very popular ‘Project Etgar’ for sixth and seventh grade students, makes Jewish learning relevant and challenging to middle-schoolers. Additionally, inclusive family programs, allow-
ing for parent involvement and education, round out this exciting new concept in Jewish education. For more information, log onto basrs.org, as online registration and calendars can be found in the ‘Parent Portal’. Anyone with further questions can call Principal Lois Tompkins at 904 268-4200, ext. 146.
In response to popular demand, Chabad at the Beaches is once again offering a Hebrew reading crash course for adults. The course is a unique and innovative approach to language acquisition using visual aids and exciting new techniques and will take place on five consecutive Tuesdays, starting Aug. 23rd and wrapping up on Sept 20th. Learning will last from 7 - 8:30 p.m., and the course will be held at Chabad at the Beaches’ Aaron and Blanch Scharf Center for Jewish Life, located 521 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. FL 32082. Each participant will receive their own textbook and all course related materials. The cost for the entire course is $50 and $25 for a returning student. “There is a fascination with reading Hebrew, and rightfully so, as it is the language of the Bible, but the challenge is that it may seem difficult to learn”, explained
course instructor Rabbi Eli Wilansky. “I guarantee, however, that everyone will learn to read Hebrew in just five weeks and you will be able to amaze your family and friends by reading the prayers in the original Hebrew, just in time for the upcoming High Holidays!” There are a limited number of scholarships available for this course, so call 904-543-9301 for details or to RSVP. You can also reach Rabbi Wilansky with questions at eli@chabadbeaches.com.
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education The DuBow Preschool Treehouse The Jacksonville Jewish Center celebrates a successful first year to serve up plenty of adult education events this summer
By DuBow Preschool The DuBow Preschool Treehouse made quite the debut this past year as it hosted a grand opening event in March, welcoming more than 80 people into the Preschool, giving them a taste of all of the parent and me classes housed in the Treehouse. DuBow Preschool and the Treehouse were also present at the Prego Expo in April, meeting more than 1,200 new and expectant mothers. In addition to its initial introduction, Family Music and Movement, Color Splash, Stroller Workout, Baby Sing-A-long and Shalom
Baby have all had great success with participants ages two months to four years. These classes give participants the opportunity to get a glimpse into the preschool, while learning and growing in all areas of development. Treehouse classes will run throughout the summer, its busiest time of year, with full enrollment and waiting lists expected. To obtain schedule information or to view photos and reviews from all of the classes, simply visit treehouse.dubowpreschool.org or facebook.com/dubowpreschooltreehouse. You can also call the preschool office at 904-268-4200, ext. 143.
By Jacksonville Jewish Center The Jacksonville Jewish Center has a busy, vibrant adult learning community, as the synagogue offers Hebrew reading and t’fillah classes, Yiddish and Jewish book
club, meditation, text study as well as exciting scholars and artists-in-residence. To find the program or class that interests you, log onto JJCJax.org and click ‘Adult Education’ for a complete and updated listing of dates, times and upcoming special events.
Ganeinu Preschool opens up enrollment for new school year
By Southside Chabad As summer heats up and the school year comes to a close, Ganeinu Preschool is gearing up for its second decade serving families on the First Coast. Now in its 11th year, Ganeniu’s philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Amelia approach to early childhood education. This approach focuses on a child’s natural development and
embraces the view that learning must make sense to the student in order to be effective and meaningful. A child’s point of view is completely respected and the student is encouraged to follow his or her own educational path. Ganeinu is a small child-centered program located on the Southside near the St. Johns Town Center. To see if your child is a good fit for Ganeinu visit Ganeinu.com to schedule a tour.
J Kids Club busy making matzo
The Jewish Kids Club at Chabad of St. Johns in hats and aprons with rolling out their very own handmade Matzo, just as our ancestors did leaving Egypt
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education
GROW after school enrichment program treats students with a holiday art series By Chabad of S. Johns Children at the GROW After-School Enrichment Program at the Chabad of S. Johns enjoyed a holiday art series where they created their own beautiful Seder plates out of clay, while learning all about the story of the Exodus and the 15 steps of the Seder. The GROW Enrichment Program is an after-school program brimming with carefully designed workshops which foster positive character development, social competence and emotional awareness. Your child can be immersed in engaging, interactive enrichment courses that feature drama, art, dance and the unique Aleph Champ workshop. Lovingly created with your child in mind, GROW inspires young hearts and minds for a lifetime of Jewish pride and purpose. This year at GROW, Jewish children joined from many schools including Cunningham Creek, Timberlin Creek, Julington Creek
Children at GROW are able to grow their artistic talents by making creations like these plates for Passover
Elementary, Fruit Cove Middle, Florida Virtual and Durbin Creek Elementary School. The program takes place every Tuesday at Durbin Creek Elementary School and registration is now open for the 2016-17 school year. For more information visit JewishSJohnsCounty.com/GROW or email Dini@JewishSJohnsCounty.com.
Block Gan’s Camp UNDER nights returns for this summer BY NATHAN WOODS
Michele Block Gan Yeladim It is summer time again, which means the return of the renowned Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten’s Camp Gan Yeladim UNDERnight events. During the summer sessions, Camp Gan Yeladim’s Tovim and Kindercamp campers are invited to take part in the UNDERnights program, whether they are enrolled in the presently-occurring session or not. Campers either stay at camp or, if they are not participating in the current session, return to the Jewish Community Alliance at 6 p.m., for a fun-filled, themed event. UNDERnights includes crafting, a keepsake photo, evening swimming, dinner and many more fun activities. At the end of the evening, campers dress in their pajamas and prepare to be picked up by their parents at 7:30 p.m. The UNDERnights program promotes curiosity, excitement, camaraderie and collaborative play among KinderCampers. Children who are not quite old enough or ready for a full overnight sleepover get to experience autonomy and in-
dependence and these special nights satisfy campers’ desire for greater social experiences, independence and, of course, fun. This year, UNDERnights will occur two times throughout the summer sessions, once on Thursday, June 30th and again on Wednesday, July 20th. Each UNDERnight is priced at $27, however JCA valued members are $18. UNDERnights are just one of many ways Michele Block Gan Yeladim provides a unique and enriching experience to its campers over the summer break. For more information about UNDERnights or general information on Camp Gan Yeladim, contact Director Theresa Levy at 904-730-2100, ext. 237 or assistant director Rochelle Golomb at ext. 259.
Block Gan staff studies for special development trip to Israel in Dec. BY NATHAN WOODS
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Throughout the past school year, seven staff members from Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten have been preparing for an exciting educational trip to Israel this December. The group will join nine other participants for a meaningful traveling experience that will provide them with valuable insight, knowledge and personal and professional growth to bring back to Jacksonville. This is the second staff trip to Israel for the JCA, as the first took place 2012, with executive director Myron Flagler taking all of the JCA department directors. The direct impact of the experience was immediately evident, programmatically throughout the agency in celebrations of weekly Shabbat, fitness challenges on a symbolic trip to the promised land and Yom Ha’Atzmaut experiential activities in addition to many more implementations of Israeli culture at the JCA. Prior to the upcoming visit, JCA
staff will join group study sessions to examine thought-provoking articles and books and participate in presentations on the history, diversity, geography and technological innovations of Israel. This full year of study leading up to the trip will also enable them to better immerse themselves within the culture, people and land of Israel. The delegation will return to Michele Block Gan Yeladim with a plethora of newfound knowledge and insight into the happenings in Israel, and their shared insight will help them gain a better understanding of the country, which will greatly contribute to the school’s curriculum and cultural awareness.
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Beth El – The Beaches’ religious school year-in-review BY BETH BRENNER
Beth El - Beaches Synagogue The 2015-16 school year at Beth-El the Beaches Synagogue’s Religious School was an absolute blast, as from spaghetti dinners and bingo night to family Shabbat and the Purim Carnival, there were so many wonderful events for students to participate in and enjoy with their families. To celebrate Chanukah, a lovely holiday dinner before Shabbat was held in December, which was catered by Woody’s BBQ with latkes prepared by Chef Cheryl Clark. Families were encouraged to bring their own menorahs to light together and students led the candle lighting blessings. Everyone then gathered outside as the large synagogue menorah was lit. The following Sunday, students participated in the second annual Maccabee Games as they played games with their classmates which
some of the religious school parents helped to organize and lead. In March, more than 100 parents, students, and synagogue members came out for family Shabbat. Religious school students led the congregation in worship and teachers lit the Shabbat candles and said the Kiddush. The Purim Carnival, put on by the Brotherhood, Sisterhood, as well as the parents of religious school students was then held a few days later. Brotherhood members grilled hamburgers and hotdogs while sisterhood members The Sisterhood volunteers at Beth Seventh graders showing off their organized and facilitated the carni- El’s Purim Carnival this past year soon to be baked hamentaschen val games. These are just some of the many wonderful events that took place at the religious school during the past year and there are many more to come in 2016-17. Beth El is currently in the registration process for the next school year, so for registration information, contact Beth Brenner at 904-273-9100 or beth@ bethelbeaches.org. Students lead the Kiddush and Hamotzi prayers before family Shabbat
Torah Academy of Jacksonville boasts plenty of highlights from the past year BY SHAYA HAUPTMAN
Torah Academy of Jacksonville Torah Academy of Jacksonville has experienced a school year filled with growth in its academics, enrichment, study of Torah and character development curricula. Student life was vibrant with a strong focus on literacy, school pride, social awareness and love of Israel. It’s been a truly amazing year and it’s an honor to share some of these highlights with the entire Jacksonville Jew- Iris Kraemer as the Cat in the Hat during ish community. Torah Academy’s Read Across America event
The Torah Academy of Jacksonville family waves goodbye to another great year
First graders are very excited to receive their first chumashim
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June/July 2016
community news
JCA leaders to be honored with awards at June board meeting
Fall fashion show and high tea event planned BY HELEN HILL
Jacksonville Hadassah The Jacksonville Hadassah and the Sisterhood at Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue are teaming up to co-sponsor a fall fashion show and high tea event, Sunday, Sept. 18th at 2 p.m. Both Hadassah and synagogue sisterhood members will be modeling
beautiful fall fashions from Petunia Patch. Stay tuned for more details in the August edition of the Jacksonville Jewish News.
Jacksonville Hadassah’s book reviews to resume this summer BY HELEN HILL Michael and Glenn Miller and Alison and Brent Trager at the JCA’s annual event
By Jewish Community Alliance The JCA Board of Directors will honor Brent and Alison Trager and Michael and Glenn Miller with special awards at its June Board meeting. All four are being recognized for their work as co-chairs of the JCA’s 2016 annual fundraiser. Brent will receive the Howard Korman President’s Awards, which recognizes a JCA Board member who embodied the qualities of leadership, vision and courage during the past program year. In addition to serving as co-chair of the annual fundraiser, he also led the JCA’s strategic planning initiative this year. Michael and Glenn Miller as well as Alison Trager will receive the Special Service Award, given to those who demonstrate outstanding service to the JCA. As co-chairs of
the 70’s themed event, the Millers’ and Tragers’ efforts resulted in an outstanding community participation and substantial fundraising for the JCA’s annual campaign, which benefits many of its programs, including senior activities, preschool, after school care and camp tuitions for children in need. “It was an honor to collaborate with the Millers and Tragers in planning this exceptional event,” said executive director Myron Flagler.“It was unique, different, and, most importantly, we will be able to extend financial assistance to countless members and program participants as direct result of their fundraising efforts,” he added. “We are truly grateful to them for their commitment to the J and their leadership and dedication as chairs this year.”
Caring for caregivers conference to be held in July at River Garden By Jewish Family & Community Services
JFCS, the Caregiver Coalition, River Garden and the JCA will be putting on a special Caring for the Caregiver conference, scheduled for Tuesday, July 26th, from 8:30 am - 2 pm. The event will take place at River Garden (11401 Old St. Augustine Rd.), and is a free conference that can help you take better care of yourself and those you care for, by connecting you to a network of fellow caregivers as well as some of the best community resources and thought leaders in aging services.
As a result of this conference, caregivers will leave empowered to take better care of themselves and those they love. For more information, visit MyCaregiverConnection.org.
Jacksonville Hadassah Hadassah’s summer book reviews are something everyone can look forward to each year and this year promises to be better than ever. As usual, coffee and conversation start at 10:30 a.m., followed by the actual book review a half an hour later. All three programs will be held at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, located at 3662 Crown Point Rd., so mark your calen-
dars for the following Tuesdays: July 5th, July 12th and July 19th.
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federation news
Rachel Cohel Gerrol shares her inspiring Birthright to re-birth story at annual Girlfriend Connection
Guest speaker Rachel Cohen Gerrol Photos by Larry Tallis
BY ERIN COHEN
Women’s Division Director erinc@jewishjacksonville.org In mid-May, more than 100 women came together for the 11th Annual Women’s Division Girlfriend Connection. Hosted at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, and co-chaired by Marjie Rogozinski and Diane Rothstein, the evening was filled with laughter, learning and love. Guests were educated and entertained by speaker, Rachel Cohen Gerrol, who has a remarkable gift for storytelling. Her presentation entitled, ‘From Birthright to Re-Birth: My Unexpected Journey to Judaism’, tells a story of the personal and professional journey she has been on ever since traveling to Israel with Birthright Israel in 2000. She made audience members laugh,
Zina Sohaney, Allison Jacobs and Adrienne Zimmerman
Blair Sisisky Sherman, Kimberly Sisisky and Kendall Sisisky Valliere
Event chairs Marjie Rogozinski and Diane Rothstein
cry and most importantly, think of the limitless possibilities they all have as philanthropists in the community. During the event, Kimberly Sisisky was presented with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award certificate and will receive the actual award at the International Lion of Judah Conference this September for her exemplary leadership and philanthropic commitment to the Jacksonville Jewish community. The certificate was presented by her daughters, Blair Sisisky Sherman and Kimberly Millrood, Haley Trager, Paige Wajsman, Nancy Davis & Rachael Bunnell Kendall Sisisky Valliere. A big thank you goes out the Pargman, Debbi Pataky, Lauren Plotkin, Barbara Resnick, Jeanine event committee who helped put Rickoff, Melanie Setzer, Talie Zai- Rogozinski, Marjie Rogozinski on the evening, who along with fert and Eunice Zisser. Additionaland Christy Rosen. For more Rogozinski and Rothstein made ly thanks is given to the Girlfriend information about getting involved the night so special. Event comConnection patron sponsors, with the Federation Women’s mittee members include Arlene Arlene Adelson, Beth Angelo, Division, contact Erin Cohen Adelson, Shirley Bielski, Stacey Shirley Bielski, Merle Cherry, at(904) 448-5000 x205 or erinc@ Blum, Wendy Efron z’’l, Lynn Linda Franzblau, Risa Herman, jewishjacksonville.org. Maiman, Jenn Neuman, Michelle Marilyn Mass, Jenn Neuman, Jen
rGEN hosts ‘a night not to pass over’ second night Seder for young pros
BY ARIEL FRECHTMAN rGEN Director arielf@jewishjacksonville.org
In what has become a long standing tradition in the Jackson-
Conversations as well as kiddush cups were overflowing
ville Jewish Community, rGEN hosted its popular second night Seder for young professionals to ensure that everyone from
Plates and stomachs were full during rGEN’s second Seder
that demographic had a place to celebrate the holiday. This year, 35 young adults from the community gathered in Jacksonville Beach
to continue the tradition in what was tabbed ‘A Night Not to Pass Over’.
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www.jewishjacksonville.org
June/July 2016
federation news July’s Jewish Java to feature Federation and Israel Partnership’s Jill Abel
Each year because of the Federation’s Partnership Together (P2G) program, teens and educators from the Hadera and Eiron region in Israel come to Jacksonville
BY ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org
Jill Abel, Jacksonville Israel Partnership Director and P2G Consortium Coordinator is delighted to join the July Java crew to talk about the Federation’s amazing poartnership with Israel. Join us at River Garden Senior Services (11401 Old St. Augustine Rd.), Wednesday, July 6th from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Cohen Auditorium. A complimentary bagel breakfast will be served, courtesy of the Hebrew Home. Jacksonville is one of 10
cities in the Southeastern United States that shares a Partnership with the city of Hadera-Eiron, Israel. Through this Partnership, people-to-people connections are created with our brothers and sisters in Israel. During her presentation, Abel will share a lot of information about programs such as teen and educator exchanges, leadership programs, art exhibits and more. She will also be bringing members of the community who have participated in Partnership programming so attendees can hear, first hand, all about the impact this partnership has made on them. Jewish Java will be held at
River Garden through August as there plenty of room to mingle and enjoy the bagel buffet breakfast, while sitting back and enjoying the array of speakers. Many thanks to Federation partner agency River Garden and its extraordinary staff for partnering with Shalom Jacksonville and allowing for the expansion of this popular program. The Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville division is the official Jewish ‘welcome wagon’ of Northeast Florida. If you are new to the community, been here a while or are simply newly interested in the community, please contact Is-
abel Balotin at 904-448-5000, ext. 206 or at shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org. An RSVP is required for the Jewish Java programs.
Film on the outrageous Sophie JJN newspaper production will Tucker coming to Jacksonville resume with the August issue BY MATT FRANZBLAU
Communications Director mattf@jewishjacksonville.org
BY ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org
The Jewish Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville and its partner agency, River Garden Senior Services, invite you to the screening of ‘The Outrageous Sophie Tucker’, Sunday, June 26th at 2 p.m. at the Hebrew Home, located at 11101 St. Augustine Rd. The film tells the rags to riches story of Sophie Tucker, an iconic superstar who ruled the worlds of
vaudeville, Broadway, radio, TV and Hollywood throughout the 20th Century. There is no charge for this program but an RSVP is required as popcorn and soft drinks will be provided. The Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville division is the official Jewish welcome wagon of Northeast Florida. If you are new to the community or are newly interested in the Jewish community please contact Isabel Balotin at 904-448-5000, ext. 206 or at shalomjax@jewishjacksonville. org
Following the release of the Jacksonville Jewish News’ Summer Magazine in mid-June, the JJN will return in newspaper format, starting again in August. However copies of the magazine will be displayed alongside the August paper while supplies last in newsstands around the community. Those locations now include three places in and around Mandarin as Whole Foods Market at 10601 San Jose Blvd., has joined the JCA and River Garden Senior services as the exclusive public pick-up locations of the publication. The exact location in Whole Foods is at the café area behind the registers.
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federation news
Israel Partnership will welcome handful of Israeli teens to Jax for summer 2016
Shay Ben Yehuda
Gili Hurnong
Alexandra Dvinky
Amit Hacohen
BY JILL ABEL
Israel Partnership Director jilla@jewishjacksonville.org
The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville is excited to welcome its Israel Partnership 2016 Summer Teen Delegation from Hadera-Eiron. Coming to Northeast Florida, Monday, July 18th and staying through
Aug. 1st will be Shay Ben Yehuda, Alexandra Dvinky, Gili Hurnong, Amit Hacohen and their chaperone, Gal Korablikov. Many thanks are extended to the program’s wonderful host families, the Lantinberg, Sims, Rosin-Barrousch, Wright and Oshers. Be on the look-
Chaperone Gal Korablikov
out for these young men and women at all of the area’s local synagogues and Jewish
summer camps, River Garden and even the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville as they attend Jewish Community Fun With the Suns Day. Anyone who would like the chance to meet the group or have your teen spend time with them, please contact Jill Abel at jilla@ jewishjacksonville.org for the group’s updated schedule.
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June/July 2016
federation news
Shalom Jacksonville celebrates 10 years of fun moments and memories
Making Catskills connections in Jacksonville
BY ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org In July 2006, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville launched its official Jewish welcome wagon, Shalom Jacksonville. Ten years later its mission as the central information and referral resource for all things Jewish in northeast Florida remains the same. Its casual programming, held in public spaces and private homes, have fostered many friendships and helped the ‘newbies’ navigate their new communities successfully. As its creator and director, I’ve had the privilege of meeting hundreds and hundreds of newcomers, giving me the opportunity to perform the mitzvah of welcoming strangers on a daily basis. How lucky am I? Well, friendships have blossomed and newcomers have become valued volunteers in
Welcome baskets for Jax Jewish newcomers
addition to generous donors. Most importantly, many lives have been enhanced by our community’s welcoming efforts, making it certainly something to kvell about. During the past decade, new families have been greeted with welcome baskets, celebrated Jewish holidays with Chanukah Storytime and puppet shows together, while Charoset Throwdowns, Passover in the Matzah Aisles, Sukkot Garden Parties and Honey Tasting events have been hosted, just to name a few. The generous community has hosted meet and greets in Mandarin, St. Augustine, Julington Creek, Riverside, the Beaches and Amelia Island, allowing Shalom Jax to reach out to everyone in northeast Florida. Together, we have toured the Farmer’s Market, Cummer Museum, Cruised and Schmoozed in Amelia Island, tasted wine in St. Augustine, enjoyed the Art Walk and scavenger hunt in downtown
Passover in the Matzah Aisle at Winn-Dixie
Jacksonville and cheered at a Suns game. As invited guests of the JCA, Jewish Family and Community Services and River Garden., program participants have learned about the important services these agencies provide for our community. Jewish Java, Shalom Jacksonville’s signature and successful monthly coffee and schmoozing program, has grown over the years. For many, it has been their first entry into the community as they meet and greet new friends at local cafes. For summer 2016, Jewish Java will be enjoying
Hanukkah Storytime at Barnes & Noble
Taking a cruise around Amelia Island
Celebrating Sukkot with a garden party
Social outing at a Jacksonville Suns game
the hospitality of Federation’s partner agency, River Garden Senior Services and for those who don’t know, Shalom Jacksonville programs are open to everyone, no matter how long you have lived in the area. Here is to another 10 successful years, and a special thank you to the division’s original generous and anonymous donor as well as the Federation board for supporting the concept and its programming. Additional thank yous go out to the Shalom Jacksonville volunteers who have shared their many talents and welcoming hearts with the community, as well as all the local businesses for their continued support. The Jacksonville Jewish community has truly answered the call when asked to welcome the newcomers to the community, and it’s because of that act that our community has continued to grow and enrich our lives. L’Chaim!
Taking part in a newcomer get-together
Taking in the scenes at the farmer’s market
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2016-17 partner agency board of directors
Jewish Community Jewish Community Alliance Foundation of NE Fla Executive Committee *Ali Korman Shelton - President
Office Holders
Lisa Ansbacher Douglas Oberdorfer Denise Sherman Irene Wolfe
Sue Nussbaum, M.D., MBA President Ron Elinoff, DDS – Vice President (The Temple) Michael Korn, Esq. – Vice President Gary Perlman, DDS – Vice President (Etz Chaim Synagogue) Larry Appel - Secretary Jeff Edwards – Asst. Secretary *Shari Shuman - Treasurer (River Garden Senior Services) Mel Gottlieb – Asst. Treasurer
Positions Expiring in 2018
Board of Trustees
Brent Trager - Vice President *David Wolf - Vice President *Michael Miller - Secretary Rochelle Stoddard - Treasurer *Debbie Parker - Asst. Secretary & Asst. Treasurer
Positions Expiring in 2017
Andy Cantor Mary Edwards Garry Kitay Jason Plaien Chase Zimmerman
Positions Expiring in 2019 *Sid Ansbacher *Sunny Gettinger *Nancy Rothstein Rebekah Selevan *Sam Stromberg
Past Presidents Adam Frisch Jan Lipsky
Nominating Committee Mary Edwards Adam Frisch Jan Lipsky Rochelle Stoddard Brent Trager Myron Flagler
Award Winners
Andy Cantor, CFA Leonard Elikan Melvin Fruit, Esq. *Kim Glasgal Mark Green, Esq. Barbara Jaffe, CIMA *Mark Kraus, CLU, ChFC, CASL Sue Levine Andrea Mail Adam Marmelstein Harold Resnick, Ph.D. *Elliott Rosenbaum, Psy.D. Ellen Rosner – (Jewish Family & Community Services) Steve Sherman, CSM, CRPC *Judy Silverman Richard Sisisky *David Vandroff The Honorable Gary Wilkinson Sandy Zimmerman (Jewish Federation of Jacksonville)
Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Executive Committee
Sandy Zimmerman - President Ken Jacobs - 1st Vice President & Campaign Chair Risa Herman - Vice President Jon Israel - Vice President Jen Plotkin - Vice President & Women’s Division President Mike Nussbaum - Treasurer Iris Kraemer - Secretary Daniel Miller - rGEN Chair Allison Jacobs - Women’s Division Campaign Chair Hal Resnick - Immediate Past Pres. Larry Appel - Presidential Appointee *Sue Nussbaum (JCF)
Board of Directors
Marsha Pollack (River Garden) *Ali Korman Shelton (JCA) Claudia Baker, *Shylie Bannon *Dina Fetner, Debbie Banks Kitay Susan DuBow, Kim Glasgal Mark Green, Andrew Jaffa Erica Jolles, Michael Korn, *Mark Kraemer, Ben Marsh, Judy Silverman Emily Rosenbaum, Diane Rothstein *Zachary Schwartz, Mike Solloway Eugene Wolchok, Susan Wolchok *Barry Zisser
Past Presidents/Honorary Life Members
Scot Ackerman, Guy Benrubi Jack Coleman, Ronald Elinoff Leslie Held, Joan Levin Mitchell Levine, Gary Perlman David Robbins, Kenneth Sekine Leonard Setzer, Steve Silverman, Richard Sisisky, Arnold Vandroff, Elliot Zisser
Brent Trager Howard Korman President’s Award Michael Miller - Special Service Award Glenn Miller - Special Service Award Alison Trager - Special Service Award
Rabbis
* = Newly serving in position
* = Newly serving in position
Yaakov Fisch (Etz Chaim) Rick Shapiro (The Temple) Jonathan Lubliner (Jacksonville Jewish Center) Michael Matuson (Beth El - Beaches)
Jewish Family & Community Services Board of Directors *Harold Resnick - President
*Jodie Leach - 1st Vice President *Ellen Rosner - Chairman Stephen Goldman - VP/Treasurer *Caren Appel - Vice President Robert Morgan - Secretary *Keon Falkner Mary Edwards Francine Kempner Barbara Hunter Michael Katz Stuart Klein *Dr. David Loeb *Matthew Lufrano Sheryl Newman *Elliott Rosenbaum Rabbi Avi Schochet Debra Setzer Kimberly Sisisky Vanessa Solomon Theresa Stahlman Andrew Steif Glenn Ullmann
JFCS Charities Inc. Board of Directors
Harold Resnick - President Jodie Leach - 1st Vice President Ellen Rosner - Chairman Stephen Goldman - Secretary & Treasurer Robert Morgan Caren Appel
JFCS Realty Inc. Board of Directors
Harold Resnick - President Jodie Leach - 1st Vice President Ellen Rosner - Chairman Stephen Goldman - Secretary & Treasurer Robert Morgan Caren Appel
Award Winners
Larry Appel - Joe P. Safer Award Shylie Bannon - Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award Zachary Schwartz - Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award
* = Newly serving in position
Page 29
www.jewishjacksonville.org
June/July 2016
partner agency presidential biographies
River Garden Senior Services Officers
Marsha Pollock - President Susan Cohen - Vice President & Chair of Admissions Larry Goldberg - Vice President & Co-Chair of Admissions Randy Kammer - Vice President & Co- Chair of Admissions Morrie Osterer - Vice President & Chair of the House Judy Paul - Secretary Cindy Demri - Treasurer
Allison Korman Sue Nussbaum Shelton - Jewish Jewish Community Community Alliance Foundation of NE Fla
The Jewish Community Alliance will welcome Allison ‘Ali’ Korman Shelton as its new President of its Board of Directors. Korman Shelton is the Director of IntergovTrustees ernmental Affairs for Mayor Lenny Sharon Cohen, Susan Cohen Curry where she is responsible Cindy Demri, Susan Edelman for lobbying the City Council, Jeff Edwards, Gloria Einstein State Legislature and Federal Ron Elinoff, Janis Fleet, Sheldon Government to ensure successful Gendzier, Larry Goldberg, Rachelle passage of the Mayor’s legislative Gottlieb, Michael Greenburg, Ed priorities. A graduate of Florida Grenadier, Bruce Horovitz, Michael State University, she is an active Howard, Charlie Joseph, Randy member of the Northeast Florida Kammer, Debby Kaye, Michael civic and philanthropic community. Lissner, Mark Lodinger, Lew She has also served on numerMeisel, *Mauri Mizrahi, Morrie ous boards including the CommuOsterer, Herman Paul, Judy Paul, nity Hospice of Northeast Florida, Michael Paul, Marsha Pollock, the Cultural Council of Greater Michael Price, Jerry Rothstein, Jacksonville (Past President), Cul*Nan Rothstein, Michael Scharf, tural Council Services Grant Panel Harvey Schlesinger, Barbara (Past Chair), Community ConnecSchneider, Beth Shorstein, Shari tions (Past President), Jacksonville Shuman, Fred Tromberg, Sandy Chamber of Commerce, Nonprofit Zimmerman, Naomi Lazar Center, JCCI Epping Forest Yacht (Auxiliary President) Club and Leadership Jacksonville. In addition to her previous Honorary Trustees positions within the community, Jack Coleman, Bernie Datz, she has received numerous honors Allen Gray, Bernie Nachman, including being named one of the Rubye Safer top ‘40 under 40’ and a ‘Woman of Influence’ by the Jacksonville Volunteer Lifetime Business Journal. She also received Hours Awards the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Women of Distinction Award, 5,500 Hours the Esther Leah Ritz Emerging Judy Dushoff* (Of Blessed Memory) Young Leaders Award from JCC Leanore Nathanson Association and the JCA’s Howard Korman President’s Award. In 5,000 Hours 2014 she and her husband Jamie Leslie Carmel Shelton, co-chaired the JCA’s annual fundraiser. Korman Shelton 3,500 Hours has three step children, a four-yearSharon Smith old son, Camp, and a three-yearLeanore Nathanson old daughter, Ellie.
3,000 Hours Bernard Datz Barbara Safer Alice Sherman
1,500 Hours Deinya Mautz
1,000 Hours Arnold Corr Hilde Meyer
* = Newly serving in position
Sue Nussbaum, M.D., MBA, continues as the President of the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida (JCF). In 2016, Sue began her fourth year on the JCF Board of Trustees, as she understands the significant work done by the Foundation and the importance of raising awareness of the need for leaving bequests and estate gifts to the JCF for the benefit of the Jacksonville Jewish community. During the 2015-16 fiscal year, in partnership with JCF Executive Director Jeff Klein, Nussbaum successfully created a Finance Committee to ensure future sustainability of the JCF, while serving on the Nominating Committee and creating a Professional Advisory Committee for financial and estate planning professionals. In addition, she designed a Grants Committee aimed at providing much-needed funds to new and innovative programs in the Jewish community. Under the direction of the Investment Oversight Committee chaired by Barbara Jaffe, the JCF changed investment managers (SEI Investments Management) and back office providers (Renaissance). Currently, Nussbaum and Klein are working on a Campaign for Jewish Sustainability (CJS), which will guarantee the survival of Foundation partners and synagogues, now, as well as in the near future. Nussbaum has spent much of her career combining her work in health prevention, quality improvement and access to healthcare for all that need it. Currently, she is the Executive Director of ‘We Care Jacksonville’.
Sandy Zimmerman Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Sandy Zimmerman enters his second year as the President of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, where he has served on the Board of Directors since 2005, including serving as Major Gifts Chair, Allocations Chair, Treasurer and, most recently, Campaign Chair. He is a past recipient of the Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award, former member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet, and has traveled on several Federation missions to Israel, Romania, Poland, Tunisia and Belarus. Zimmerman’s commitment to the Jacksonville Jewish community has seen him serve on the boards of each of the Federation’s four partner agencies. He served on the board of JFCS for six years as well as served as their treasurer and Vice President of Finance. He has served on the board of directors of the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida since 2004 and serves on its investment committee. He was a member of the JCA Board of Directors from 2000 – ‘03, is a Vice President on the River Garden Foundation Board and serves on the River Garden Home Board. One of Zimmerman’s most notable achievements was serving as co-chair, alongside Susan DuBow, of River Garden’s $7 million capital campaign. Zimmerman’s passion for the community extends past the area’s local Jewish agencies and into his synagogue, where he has served on the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Jewish Center since 1999. He was vice president of finance there from (2004 – 06) and served as Center president from (2006 – 08). Professionally, Zimmerman is a Senior Vice President, Wealth Management and Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley. His volunteer and philanthropic commitments in the greater Jacksonville community include past member of the United Way Tocqueville Society and serving on its young leadership steering committee, as well as having served on the UF Foundation regional board, helping to secure funds for the Proton Beam treatment center at UF Jacksonville.
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partner agency presidential biographies Federation names Ariel Frechtman new rGEN director Hal Resnick Jewish Family & Community Services Harold (Hal) Resnick will take over the reins as the newly installed President of Jewish Family & Community Services, effective July 1, 2016. He comes to the agency with more than 45 years of successful business experience as an entrepreneur, a consultant to Fortune 500 companies, a corporate executive, university professor, author, board member and public administrator. Resnick has been deeply involved in the Jacksonville Jewish community over the past decade, serving on the board of The Temple. He is the immediate past president of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. He is currently on the Federation board and has also been appointed to the board of the Torah Academy of Jacksonville. He has been a board member of JFCS for a number of years and has used his organizational talents to assist the agency with its strategic planning. Resnick also contributes his time in providing both leadership and management training for the JFCS executive team and its management staff.
Marsha Pollack River Garden Senior Services Marsha Pollock starts year three of her presidency at River Garden Senior Services, where she has served since 1990. Pollack has served her community in almost every capacity as she is a second generation native of Jacksonville and comes from a pioneer family that spans four generations. After attending college at the University of Georgia, she returned to the Sunshine State with her husband and three children and became involved in the community at the urging of the late Judge Louis Safer. She was the first woman to become president of a synagogue in Jacksonville, as the first of two female presidents of the Jacksonville Jewish Center. She has also served as president of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville’s Women’s Division, River Garden Foundation, Jewish National Fund, Center Sisterhood, ORT, Hadassah and PTA. She is a lifetime member of Hadassah, NCJW and the River Garden Auxiliary. In addition, she has chaired numerous community events including the River Garden Gala, their 50th Anniversary Day, the NCJW Women in Power event and the JNF Tree of Life Dinner. Pollack also served as chair of the Centennial Celebration Year of the Jacksonville Jewish Center and has served on the Federation’s Communications, Allocations and Community Relations committees. Her civic activities include Jacksonville Interfaith Council, National Conference of Community and Justice, the Local School Advisory Council, Girl Scouts, and March of Dimes and Leukemia street campaigns. Regionally she has served as state president of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, vice president and conference co-chair of Southeast Region of United Synagogue, and she served on the board of the Jewish Museum of Florida and Jewish
National Fund. In past years the Jacksonville native traveled the country as a consultant and trainer for Women’s League. She also served on National Women’s American ORT Board and the advisory committee of United Synagogue. Pollack worked as a preschool teacher at the Solomon Schechter School and the Jewish Community Alliance. Ariel Frechtman
By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Executive Director, Alan Margolies, told the Jacksonville Jewish News that Ariel Frechtman, will begin serving as the Federation’s new rGEN Director effective July 1st. For the past four months, Frechtman has been on the Federation’s support staff and administrative team. “Ariel has been working with rGEN leadership, planning for next year and has been extremely well received,” Margolies explained. “She is creative, thoughtful, has terrific attention to detail and is no doubt going to be a welcome addition to our professional staff.” Frechtman comes to the Federation staff with an extensive background of leadership and management as she previously served as a National Officer for Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, and continues to volunteer her time advising and mentoring college sorority women as they transition into and serve in leadership roles. “The Jewish community has been my Jacksonville family since I relocated here last summer, so there are no words to express what it means to now have the opportunity to give back in a profes-
sional capacity,” she explained. “I can’t think of another place I’d rather get up to go work. The Jewish young professionals and families in our community continue to amaze me,” she added. “Their desire to participate, collaborate, lead, and, most importantly, inspire one another, inspires me to be a stronger professional every day.” Frechtman was raised an avid supporter of Israel, where she has traveled a number of times and where she will be attending her sister’s wedding this summer. She cites that an important part of her childhood was her family’s involvement as hosts for Zahal Shalom, a New Jersey-based program that brings disabled Israeli veterans to the United States each year. The new rGEN Director was born and raised in the Garden State, where she was a Bat Mitzvah of the Glen Rock Jewish Center and a confirmant of Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes. The Montclair State University graduate has also participated in the Jewish Federation of Atlanta’s L.E.A.D.S. (Leadership Education and Development Series) program in its pioneer year of 2014. Frechtman’s sister, Ilana made Aliyah in 2007 and her brother Jordan, is an actor residing in Los Angeles. She is the daughter of Lori and Bill Frechtman, who now reside in Atlanta and in her spare time enjoys rooting for her beloved Mets, Jets and Devils in addition to being a Pinterest enthusiast and cooking most of her own gluten-free meals. She is also the proud mother of an 8 lb. Chorkie dog, named ‘Pepsi’.
Celebrate Israel’s 70th Birthday
with the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville April 15 - 24, 2018 Trip Highlights to Include: - Tel Aviv, the Negev, Zichron Yaacov, Hadera & Jerusalem - Five star hotels with luxurious spa services - Top-notch food, wine & cultural experiences - Observe Shabbat in Jerusalem & celebrate Israel’s 70th birthday with friends in our partner city of Hadera - Meet with our overseas agency partners and see first hand how our fundraising dollars are used - A $500 deposit secures your spot for this once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate Israel's 70th birthday alongside members of the Jacksonville Jewish community
For more information, please call Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies at 904-448-5000, ext. 207
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federation 2015-16year in review
Mentalist Sidney Friedman dazzled the audience during the Federation’s annual campaign kick-off
By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville This past May, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville was honored by the Galinsky Academy for more than 25 years of supporting Jewish education. In executive director Alan Margolies’ remarks, he expressed his appreciation to Joan Levin, Richard Sisisky, Steve Silverman, Ken Sekine, Scot Ackerman, Guy Benrubi, Mitchell Levine, Leslie Held, Leonard Setzer, Gary Perlman, Larry Appel, Hal Resnick and Sandy Zimmerman, the presidents he has worked with during his 26-years as executive director. The Federation has accomplished so much over these two and a half plus decades and the word ‘partnership’ continues to be at the very core of all that it does. In the fall, JFCS tinformed us that we have a significant number of Holocaust survivors in our community facing significant financial challenges. As a result of the efforts of past president Steve Silverman, $100,000 was raised
Former Middle East Ambassador A robust turnout was had at the FederDennis Ross spoke to members of the ation’s Major Gifts event, held at the Jewish community this fall beach this past February
for the survivors who are in need. Further, the donors who supported this effort, committed to support JFCS at this level for the next five years. For a number of years, JCA Executive Director, Myron Flagler has urged the Federation to partner with the JCA to bring an Israel emissary or a schliha to our Jewish community. As a result of the wonderful generosity from Mark and Iris Kraemer, in August we will welcome a lovely and talented young woman, named Dana Marmari, to Jacksonville, to serve as our schliha. The Kraemers are sponsoring this program in memory of Mark’s father, Walter. In April, two-dozen members of the community participated in a joint Federation-JCA journey to Israel. This was the first time that this type of partnership occurred, seeing a Federation and a Jewish community center collaborate to bring people together to experience their homeland. The Sisisky family also continues to partner with Federation, sponsoring a speaker series al-
Partnership Together
Israeli teens dine with their American counterparts at a host family’s home in Jacksonville
This past year, Jacksonville hosted educators from Hadera-Eiron region of Israel in December. Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies hosted the group in his home as part of a Chanukah celebration. P2G also conducted its annual steering committee meeting in Hadera in early April. Margolies, Federation secretary Iris Kraemer and
lowing outstanding individuals to address the community. This year, author and former Ambassador Dennis Ross spoke to community members and the June 8th Annual Meeting featured Jay Footlik, President & CEO of Global Policy Initiatives and former special assistant to President Clinton. The Federation and its staff would like to thank its Board of Directors, the Women’s Division Steering Committee, and the rGEN Steering Committee for everything its lay leadership does in support of the campaign and the excellent programming that takes place throughout the year. Much appreciation is given to President, Sandy Zimmerman, Campaign Chair, Ken Jacobs, Women’s Division President and Campaign Chairs, Jen Plotkin and Allison Jacobs, Major Gifts Chair, Mike Nussbaum, Lion of Judah Chair, Debbie Banks Kitay, Society of Healers Co-Chairs, Dina and Howard Fetner, and rGEN Chair Daniel Miller. Those individuals as well as many others did so much to provide leadership for the
Trip participants enjoy a beach bike ride during the Federation and JCA’s first ever joint journey to Israel
2016 campaign, which has a final projection of $2,412,000. It’s also important to note that Iris Kraemer has been selected to chair the Southeast Consortium for the Federation’s Partnership2Gether program. She will continue to help build bridges between our consortium cities and the Hadera region in Israel. The Federation would also like to extend its sincerest appreciation for staff members Erin Cohen, Pat Burke, Jeanine Hoff, Matt Franzblau, Donna O’Steen, Emma Pulley, Valerie Battini, Jill Abel, Isabel Balotin, Ariel Frechtman, and Kris Light whose accomplishments and contributions were evident every day of the year. Finally, a big thank you is given to all of the Federation’s donors as well as the community’s clergy, agency, day school and synagogue presidents, in addition to other agency executive directors for all of their tireless work during the past 366 days.
Shalom Jacksonville
BY JILL ABEL
Partnership Director jilla@jewishjacksonville.org
Partnership director Jill Abel represented Jacksonville at the meeting where budget and programming decisions were made for the upcoming year. Also, as part of the steering committee meeting,P2G had the grand opening of the Psalms Art Exhibit in Hadera, which will begin traveling through U.S. cities in late August.
BY ISABEL BALOTIN
Numerous capacity crowds came out to see Shalom Jax Director the ‘Welcome to Kutshers’ documentary film shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org
Shalom Jacksonville continues its visible presence in the community, maintaining its monthly Jewish Java programs, which have become a staple, as well as partnering with Federation’s partner agency, River Garden to show such films as ‘Welcome to Kutshers’ and ‘The
Outrageous Sophie Tucker’. Shalom Jax is also finishing out its 10th year of service, meaning it has helped welcome countless newcomers to Jacksonville, making them feel quickly comfortable and connected to the Jewish community.
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June/July 2016
federation 2015-16 divisions year in review
Women’s Division
BY ERIN COHEN
rGEN Jax
Women’s Division Director erinc@jewishjacksonville.org
This year, the Women’s Division has had several exceptional events. In addition to bringing women together for learning and laughter, each event has had a social action project associated with the fundraising piece of the program. Some highlights included: -Lion of Judah Luncheon, which featured author and philanthropist Jane Weitzman. At the event, Lions collected new women’s and children’s shoes which were donated to JFCS. -The Champagne Brunch welcomed motivational speaker
Debbie Kenvin, who spoke about personal branding and being your best at every age. Guests of the event donated food to the JFCS emergency food pantry. -The Girlfriend Connection hosted the exceptionally talented Rachel Cohen Gerrol, founder of Nexus Global Youth Summit, who spoke about the life-changing experience she had on her Birthright Israel trip. Attendees of the women’s division collected and donated makeup, hair accessories, nail polish and other items to be given to the girls who live at the Beit-Taf Boarding Home in our sister city of Hadera in Israel.
Society of Healers
BY ERIN COHEN
Events like rGEN’s second Seder were heavily attended by young professionals this past year
This year’s Champagne Brunch brought out different generations of women from each family
BY ARIEL FRECHTMAN rGEN Director arielf@jewishjacksonville.org
Reaching 500-plus households of young professionals and families, rGEN Jax provided a total of eight programs specifically geared toward community members in their 20s-40s. The division also elic-
Jacksonville Jewish News
BY MATT FRANZBLAU
Communications Director mattf@jewishjacksonville.org
Talks such as this one brought out numerous healthcare providers from around the community
Society of Healers Director erinc@jewishjacksonville.org
The Federation’s healthcare professionals division, Society of Healers, is now a little more than two-years-old and during that time span the division has had phenomenal programming, connecting the Jewish medical community not only to the work of Federation, but to each other. The group has grown tremendously over the past 24 months and featured speakers this past year included: - Dr. Bernd Wollschlager,
who in August came to Jacksonville from Miami to speak about his spiritual and personal journey - A German Life: Against all Odds, Change is Possible. -Author, columnist and network news producer, Jon Entine, spoke about Jewish DNA and ancestry in December. - In April, one of Jacksonville’s local, talented professionals was highlighted as Dr. Alissa Hurwitz Swota, the city’s only bioethicist shared her thoughts on patient care in a multicultural society.
ited participation from more than 50 new Jewish young professionals in the community, while adding monthly happy hours to provide more networking opportunities. Additionally, rGEN increased giving amongst young adults by nearly 25-percent during the 2015 Campaign.
The JJN continued to expand its readership and reach members of the Jewish community in Jacksonville, Northeast Florida and beyond. With a lengthier paper, now averaging 30+ pages an issue, the publication has also expanded its presence in the community, now available for
JaxJewish @jaxjewish
The Jacksonville Jewish News (JJN) sported a new look and more overall pages to the publication in 2015-16
pick-up on newsstands at the JCA, River Garden and Whole Foods on San Jose Blvd. The major changes for the newspaper included an overhaul in its logo and color scheme, which was ushered in at the beginning of the year, and switching from a newspaper format to an all-color magazine for summer (June and July 2016).
JaxJewishTV .com/JewishNews
Social Media Directory
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synagogue news Jacksonville Jewish Center’s RE:MIND Mental Health Series opens dialogue to try and reduce stigma By Jacksonville Jewish Center Four powerful hidden family stories captivated the audience at the opening event of the RE:MIND initiative in early May. Panelists told stories of their personal and family struggles dealing with mental illness, incarceration, bullying, and substance abuse, while demonstrating courage for confronting their fear, shame, guilt and frustration. Through sharing their stories and experiences, they were able to engage the audience in understanding unique human challenges. Two consecutive Monday
evening sessions further opened dialogue about estrangement and isolation that can lead to or be compounded by persons with mental illness. The concluding session about legislative action, advocacy and community action had a distinguished panel with Representative Charles McBurney, District 16 , Denise Marzullo, CEO of Mental Health America of Northeast Florida, and Christine Cauffield, VP of LSF Health Systems, Inc. Marion Tischler, a RE:MIND leadership team partner with Lois Chepenik, Beth Shorstein and Hilary Rotenberg said “It takes all of us to become advocates for
RE:MIND Leadership Team and Panelists who helped put on the series change as we gain compassion by understanding the magnitude and severity of the issues facing individuals and families struggling with mental illness.” The RE:MIND initiative is striving to change community culture toward
acceptance, respect, kindness and support for individuals with a mental illness. For more information about the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s RE:MIND initiative visit jjcjax.org/remind or write to remindjax@aol.com.
Jax Hadassah and The Temple put on Shalom Yoga Temple Bet Yam BY HELEN HILL
Jacksonville Hadassah Shalom Yoga is a program held every Wednesday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), located at 8727 San Jose Blvd. This unique morning prayer service for body, mind and spirit, combines
two powerful spiritual disciplines: Jewish worship and yoga practice. The initiative is a cooperative effort of the Temple and the Jacksonville Hadassah, and is open to everyone, no matter their level of previous experience, age or ability. For more information, contact Jodi Seitlin at lawlady1990@att.net or 904-2542322.
announces new president
Denise Zicht
BY CAROL GLADSTONE Temple Bet Yam
Temple Bet Yam is pleased to announce that Denise Zicht will serve as the congregation’s new President for 2016-17. Denise and her husband Richard along with their three children have been active in Temple Bet Yam for many years. Zicht, who currently serves as the Temple’s Vice President, has held many Board positions. Professionally, she has been a General Magistrate for the Seventh Judicial Circuit since 2007. “I am honored to serve as President of the congregation as the prior leadership has created a strong foundation and solidified Temple Bet Yam’s role in the spiritual community of St. Augustine,” she said. “I look forward to growing our membership and enhancing our relationships in the nation’s oldest city.”
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synagogue news
Temple Bet Yam Year in review photo collage
Mother’s Day brunch held at Temple Bet Yam
Lisa Black raises the roof of the Sukkah at Temple Bet Yam
Winners of Temple Bet Yam’s Great Kugel Cook-off
BY CAROL GLADSTONE
at Temple Bet Yam in St. Augustine, with fun, food, family, music and more. Pictured are just a few of the Temple’s favorite memories that were captured on film from
the previous year gone by. Temple Bet Yam is led by Rabbi Fred Raskind and is a reform synagogue located at 2055 Wildwood Dr. in St. Augustine.
Temple Bet Yam
It surely was a memorable year
Have something newsworthy you directly at mattf@ want to share? Franzblau jewishjacksonville.or or by calling By Jacksonville Jewish News Whether it’s a milestone achievement accomplished by a friend or family associated with the Jacksonville Jewish community, or simply a story, event or announcement to be shared, drop us a line at jjn@jewishjacksonville.org. You can also contact newspaper editor and Federation communications director Matt
904-448-5000, ext. 212. The Jacksonville Jewish News is published 11 times a years, in newspaper form from January to May and then again from August to December, with a Summer Magazine covering the months of June and July. For further information as well as advertising rates, log onto jewishjacksonville. org/news and for back issues go to issuu.com/jewishnews.
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If you want to reach a demographic with a higher than average household income and education, the Jewish News is your connection. To advertise, contact: Barbara Nykerk 904-923-3205 bnykerk@comcast.net 904-629-0466
Eta Perras perraseta@bellsouth.net
Rocking out at Temple Bet Yam
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synagogue news Temple Bet Yam to screen a funny Etz Chaim Synagogue puts film about challah on a community-wide Israeli BY JOSEPH MARX independence celebration St. Augustine Film Society The St. Augustine Film Society is proud to present the first run feature ‘Dough’ at Temple Bet Yam, scheduled for Saturday, June 25th at 7 p.m. The film is about an elderly Jewish baker who clings to his way of life as a shop owner in London’s East End. Understaffed, he reluctantly enlists the help of a teenager who has a secret side gig selling marijuana to help his immigrant mother make ends meet. When the teen accidentally drops his stash into the mixing dough, the challah starts flying off the shelves and an unlikely friendship forms between the old Jewish baker and his young Muslim apprentice. Dough is a warmhearted and humorous story about overcoming prejudice and finding redemption in unexpected places.
Balloon animals and bounce houses were available for kids and kids at heart to enjoy during Etz Chaim’s Yom Ha’Atzmut celebration
The event is free and open to the public, however donations are encouraged. Temple Bet Yam is located at 2055 Wildwood Dr. in St. Augustine, just east of Rt. 207 and easy access to I-95. For additional information, call Joe at 904-254-9524.
By Etz Chaim Synagogue
Etz Chaim Synagogue celebrated Israel’s Independence Day this year with a community-wide Yom Ha’Atzmaut barbecue. More
than 150 people were on hand to enjoy the entertainment, Israeli themed arts and crafts in addition to a bounce house. There was plenty of fine food to go around including sno cones, soda and hamburgers and hot dogs.
The Jacksonville Jewish Center donates 100 pillows to Ronald McDonald House
By Jacksonville Jewish Center
Thanks to the generosity of many members of the Jacksonville Jewish Center, more than 100 new bed pillows have been donated to the Ronald Mc Donald House to help furnish additions to its 30-room house. Two dozen new rooms and a second kitchen have been added to help house families who come to Jacksonville for medical treatment for their children. Each room has two beds because a good night’s sleep is so important for families seeking the best pediatric medical treatment at what is a most critical time in their lives. Approximately 33,000
Ronald McDonald House employees pick up the 100 plus pillows donated to them by members of the Jacksonville Jewish Center during its recent pillow drive
families have stayed at the house since it was founded 26-years ago. Those families are referred there by area hospitals, and most of them stay three to seven days in bedrooms that can accommodate four people. The Jacksonville Jewish Center is happy to be able to support this important service to the community.
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synagogue news The Temple proudly welcomes interim Rabbi Rick Shapiro to Jacksonville BY SUSAN EDELMAN
Congregation Ahavath Chesed
Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) is about to embark on an unprecedented journey, guided by Interim Rabbi Rick Shapiro, who arrives in Jacksonville this July. Rabbi Shapiro was intentionally hired as an interim rabbi, to serve as ‘breathing room’, as this strategy has become increasingly popular while congregations consider securing a new rabbi. For two years, Rabbi Shapiro will help Temple members learn about themselves and what they want in religious leadership, assisting in the search for a new ‘settled’ rabbi. “The first question congregations usually ask when they begin a search is, ‘What kind of rabbi do we want?” explained Rabbi Shapiro. “But it’s much more important to answer the question, ‘what kind of congregation are we?’” This is Rabbi Shapiro’s seventh interim stint as he’s part of a small and growing contingent
Interim Rabbi Rick Shapiro
of interim rabbis trained by the Reform Movement. It’s believed that an interim rabbi can provide additional perspective on the challenges and opportunities of hiring a senior rabbi. “My job is to help make that
match (between the congregation and its next rabbi) successful by encouraging people to do the necessary work before they even start the process,” he said. “Congregations need to know who they are before they can select a rabbi.” Rabbi Shapiro, along with Associate Rabbi Matt Cohen, will perform The Temple’s traditional rabbinic duties, while working closely with leadership, staff and members to find a healthy, productive path forward. At the conclusion of the 24-months, hopefully with a new senior rabbi selected, Rabbi Shapiro will
move on, which is a status he finds liberating. “The work I do is only successful when it’s known that I’m already fired,” he said half-jokingly. “I tell the board, ‘I’ll give you the best I’ve got, but the decisions are yours, and the work has to be yours.’ Rabbi Shapiro is currently finishing an interim assignment in Kansas City but he and his wife Lynn are excited to return to Florida, where he worked in a similar capacity at a congregation in Pensacola several years ago. He’s also looking forward to now being closer to family in Atlanta but most of all is excited to help The Temple start a successful new chapter in its 134 year history. “It’s an opportunity for me to give back to the Reform movement, a small portion of what it has given to me by assisting congregations in their transitions,” he explained. “If, when I leave, the congregation has formed a solid bond with a settled rabbi, then I will consider my time here to have been a success.”
Nadine Epstein to cover topic of Jewish art at Temple talk By Congregation Ahavath Chesed Nadine Epstein, editor and publisher of Moment Magazine will discuss what exactly constitutes Jewish art, Monday, Aug. 1st at 7 p.m. at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple). During her presentation, Epstein will share her insights into famous, and not so famous, works of Jewish art, drawing from Moment’s recent symposium featuring the art of Judy Chicago, Marc Chagall, Daniels Libeskind, Helene Aylon and others. Questions like ‘What is Jewish art?’ ‘Is every art piece created by a Jew, Jewish art?’ ‘Must the art depict Jews or contain Jewish subject matter to be considered Jewish art?’ and ‘Are Jewish ceremonial objects to be considered art?’ in addition to ‘If the piece includes Hebrew letters, or grapples with Jewish mysticism, does that make the piece Jewish art?’ will be addressed. Epstein is a long-time journalist whose work has appeared in Moment, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. She is the 1990 recipient of a prestigious Knight-Wallace Fellow
Editor, publisher Nadine Epstein at the University of Michigan as well as many grants including the Washington, D.C. Commission on the Arts and the Fund for Investigative Journalism. She holds a B.A. and an M.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and was a University Doctorate Fellow at Columbia University. Additionally, she has co-written three books and a documentary film, which was selected as a semifinalist for the 2001 Academy Awards. Dr. Larry and Kathy Kanter, through their Fund for Jewish Preservation are hosting this event, which is another in the series of prominent Jewish thinkers they have brought to Jacksonville.
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jewish community alliance
JCA celebrates first full year of Wellness Connexion By Jewish Community Alliance Last year saw the launch of a wonderful new service for Jewish Community Alliance members and staff called the JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion. Through a partnership with Baptist Health, the Wellness Connexion has brought personalized wellness guidance to hundreds of JCA staff and its members. Two Wellness Coaches who are also registered nurses with Baptist Health, conduct confidential consultations and help guide members of all ages to higher wellness goals. Amaris Chrispell, RN, and Cheryl Meyer, RN, consider themselves
lucky to be involved in the unique mission of the Wellness Connexion. “I feel blessed every day to be able to come to the JCA because it feels like we are making a difference,” explained Meyer. “We definitely see people taking strides in their health,” she added. Since its opening, the Wellness Connexion, which is located in the JCA lobby, has provided 264 biometric screenings, 242 wellness coaching sessions and held 506 individual appointments with members. These services include one-on-one wellness assessments, fitness guidance and resources for better, healthier living. As Wellness Coaches, Chrispell and Meyer help JCA members on their path to improved wellness, but
the program is not just for people who need support in improving their health. The wellness coaches also help members who already have good health practices make improvements to their wellness status. Working in collaboration with the JCA Fitness and Wellness Department, the Wellness Connexion establishes lasting connections with JCA and community members, while encouraging long-term wellness progress. “I love it when people have success and they are happy,” Chrispell said. “There have been a lot of people having varying measures of successes.” The Wellness Connexion is a free service to JCA members and its staff. For information about the Wellness Connexion or to take the
wellness assessment, visit jcajax. org/wellnessconnexion. If you have visited the Wellness Connexion and would like to share your story of improves wellness, story cards are available at the Wellness Connexion office, JCA front desk and on the JCA website.
jca summer happenings (june / July 2016)
Beat the heat at the JCA Summer is here and as the temperatures rise, you can still get your daily workout at the JCA. The air-conditioned Fitness Center, cycling and group exercise studios as well as the JCA’s two swimming pools will help you stay fit and keep cool through the summer. The Howard and Joy Korman Outdoor Pool is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. – 9:15 p.m., Friday from 5:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 1 – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Richter Family Indoor Pool has at least one lap pool open at all times Monday through Friday. Open swim is available daily, except during aquatics group fitness classes. Pool times are Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. – 9:15 p.m., Friday from 5:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5:30 pm. Visit jcajax.org for pool information and a full schedule. JCA Summer Camp The 2016 JCA Summer Camp season is underway, but there are still limited spaces available in the best summer camp in Jacksonville. JCA Summer Camp is still accepting registration for three sessions: June 27 – July 8; July 11 – 22; and July 25 – August 5. JCA Theatre Camp has one session available July 11 –
August 5. JCA Camp Gan Yeladim, KinderCamp, Sabra and Habonim offer age appropriate activities and fun with a top-notch staff in a safe, positive environment. Campers enjoy a wide range of activities, including swimming, sports, arts and crafts and specialty offerings like tennis, horseback riding, flag football, lacrosse and soccer. JCA Post Adventure Days are also available after the regular camp session from Aug. 8th – 12th. For more information about JCA Summer Camps, visit jcajax.org to view the brochure online. Contact the JCA registrar at 904-730-2100, ext. 228 to check availability. Michele Block Gan Yeladim Registration is open for the 2016–17 school year at Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten for children ages 12 months to six years. The innovative environment and facility houses integrated programming and unique curriculum and partnerships that provide students with unparalleled excellence in early childhood education. For more information, contact 904-730-2100, ext. 235 or visit jcajax.org. JCA After School Program Registration is open for the 201617 school year at the JCA After School Program. This program nurtures, encourages and stimulates your children’s interests with a variety of activities, all in a positive environment. Limited spaces are available and free transportation is provided from some schools. For more information, contact 904-7302100, ext. 245 or visit jcajax.org. Vandroff Art Gallery The work of the Art Guild of Orange Park will be featured from June 3rd – 29th. The work of Roseann Egidio will be featured from
July 1st – 27th. Sunday Film Series ‘Live and Become’ will be shown Sunday, July 24th at 2 p.m. This film tells the story of an Ethiopian boy who pretends to be a Jew to escape a Sudanese refugee camp to Israel. While adapting to a new way of life, he must grapple with prejudice as a black immigrant and the fear of being discovered as a non-Jew. This is free to the community, so for more information, contact Natalie at 904-730-2100, ext. 227. Summer Youth Basketball Let your little baller sharpen their skills in this summer league which builds on principles of the winter league and teaches fundamentals, sportsmanship and competitive play. For more information, contact Mike at 904-730-2100, ext. 254.
JCA Learn-to-Swim These instructional swim programs are for children ages six months to 12 years and are designed by the American Red Cross. For information and schedules, contact Jessica at 904-730-2100, ext. 240. JCA Tennis Ongoing tennis clinics are available for adults and youth. Learn the basics or shape up your game. For
information, contact Reggie at 904730-2100, ext. 317. Cosmic Concert and Lunch Gather your friends for a fabulous cosmic concert at MOSH and a Dutch treat lunch at River City Brewery, Thursday, June 9th at 11 a.m. For more information, contact Sandy at 904-730-2100, ext. 322. The fee is $30 and $20 for JCA valued members. The Wild Side Meet the lions, tigers and other big cats of the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary during feeding time on Wednesday, June 15th from 5:15 – 9 p.m. The fee for adults, including transportation from the JCA, is $25 and $18 for JCA valued members, however children accompanied by an adult are $16 and $12 for JCA valued members. Summer Rummy Q Enjoy a Dutch treat lunch and our monthly Rummy Q game on June 12th and July 26th at 1 p.m. Reservations are required. For more information, contact Sandy at 904-730-2100, ext. 322. Cummer Tapas and more On Tuesday, Aug. 2nd at 4 p.m., tour the gallery, relax on the garden patio and enjoy Dutch treat tapas. Paid reservations are required by July 26th. For information, contact Sandy at 904-730-2100, ext. 322. 8th Annual ECE Symposium On Tuesday, September 27th, this educational and inspiring event will feature a compelling keynote speaker, stimulating breakout sessions and other educational resources. For information, contact Rochelle at 904-730-2100, ext. 259.
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jca 2015-16year in review
The Millers and Tragers enjoy the JCA’s annual fundraiser, this year tabbed ‘Let’s Boogie’, with a 1970s theme
JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion is a valuable resource for JCA members who are on a path to living better lives
Students took part in the JCA’s annual Chanukah Celebration which was a musical celebration of the holiday
By Jewish Community Alliance
JCA members improve their quality of life and reach their wellness goals. The Connexion also offered special programming with Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the J, Women’s Wellness Circle, eye health screening, bone density screening, and an introduction to mindfulness meditation as well as other programs which were free and open to the entire community. JAway reached satellite communities across Jacksonville through fun, engaging programs by various JCA departments. JAway Eco Day with Michele Block Gan Yeladim featured an educational morning learning about sea turtle conservation and nesting sites at Jacksonville Beach. JAway Havdalah family cookout and movie night with youth services was a fun, family, friend-raising event in Julington Creek, and families celebrated the lesser known Lag B’Omer holiday with outdoor activities, a bonfire, games, songs and marshmallow roasting. JCA Summer Camp gave kids from age two up until grade 12 a wide range of fun, age appropriate programs to keep them busy all summer long. Campers from Camp Gan Yeladim, KinderCamp, Camp Sabra, Camp Habonim and Theatre Camp enjoyed water play, arts and crafts, Israeli programming, sports and specialty programs. Cultural Arts at the JCA continued to shine with its Mini Cultural Arts Festival. This amazing event combined the 19th Annual Jewish Book Festival with a variety of music, art and film programs. Several renowned authors were welcomed to the JCA, including U.S. Ambassador Dennis Ross, Barbara Shapiro, Dan Ephron, Lee Mandel, Steve Katz and David Alan Bernstein. The festival also included a selection of compelling films and a concert by violinist Sergiu Schwartz and pianist Tao Lin, making it an event for the entire community to enjoy. The Young Concert Artist Series brought in hundreds of attendees
to enjoy young classical musicians from around the world. The Hermès Quartet, cellist Sang-Eun Lee and pianist George Li enthralled audiences during concerts at the JCA. Additionally, ongoing cultural arts classes in painting, drawing and pottery were offered. Other annual events gave JCA and community members the opportunity for education and plenty of fun. The seventh Annual Early Childhood Symposium, Creating Wonder, highlighted the unique ability to tap into, nourish and celebrate children’s sense of wonder in the classroom. The symposium brought educators from all over Jacksonville to participate in an engaging keynote presentation by Dr. Gillian McNamee, Director of Teacher Education at Erickson Institute in Chicago, as well as stimulating breakout sessions and other educational resources. Attendees of Let’s Boogie got groovy at the JCA’s 70s themed annual fundraising event, which drew hundreds of supporters for a lively, fun-filled evening. Throughout the year, the departments of the JCA continued to provide ongoing programs to valued members and the community. For its youngest members, Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s engaging and diverse programs included Adventure Yoga, JCafe Family Day at the Cummer Museum, Cooking Around the World, Purim Holiday Baking and Grandfriends’ Shabbat. Youth Services kept school-aged participants active and involved in the afterschool program and with JTV (Jacksonville Teens Volunteer). There were opportunities for fun with programs like middle school movie night and youth studio art classes. The JCA stage was also alight with thrilling productions of The Lion King, Disney’s Villains, Shrek Jr., Suessical Jr. and A Year with Frog and Toad, presented by the Theatre Department. The lineup for adults was abundant at the J-Institute, which presented a wide-range of educational, wellness and entertainment
This year, the Jewish Community Alliance launched new programs and initiatives for members and the community while contining to offer quality year-round programming, along with some exciting new upgrades and additions. The new department of Jewish and Family Programs has become the place to connect and have fun with other families, while celebrating Jewish values and themes. JCA members and the community enjoyed holiday celebrations, including the agency’s annual Chanukah Celebration, Sukkot Pizza in the Hut and a Family Chocolate Seder. Families also shared fun at cookouts, movie nights and special events like the Jewish Community Tailgate with the Jaguars and JCA Family Night hosted by the Armada. Weekly Shabbat in the Lobby celebrations have also brought JCA family and community members together each Friday to welcome the Sabbath. In keeping with tradition, the JCA’s Tu B’Shevat Celebration Seder invited the community to celebrate a fun-filled birthday of the trees. During Purim, staff was gifted mishloach manot (Purim baskets) filled with treats that had been prepared and decorated by Michele Block Gan Yeladim preschool and kindergarten students, who graciously donned their cutest costumes for a parade throughout the building. For Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Block Gan students took their annual pilgrimage to Israel and participated in fun and educational activities in celebration of Israel’s independence. In the short time since its opening, JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion continues to be a valuable resource for JCA members who are on a path to living better and leading healthier lives. Guided by a confidential assessment and knowledgeable wellness coaches, JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion has been successful in helping
There’s no shortage of sports and recreational activities for kids to take part in while having fun at the ‘J’
JCA summer camp gives kids a chance to make a splash during the summer months with many fun activities
programming such as LEAN IN 2.0, rabbis in the round, mom’s day at the J, individualized medicine and crafting at the J. Additionally, the J Institute offered programming for mature adults, including music in the afternoon, sit and get fit, visits to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and the Morse Museum of Art, as well as a five-night cruise to the Bahamas. Fitness and Wellness got an exciting upgrade as the first fitness center in the U.S. to debut the new Precor treadmills in the Wellness Center, and valued members and the community continued to reach their goals in group fitness and small training classes. Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu was added to Sports and Recreation, along with ongoing youth and family programs. Tennis and Aquatics continued to offer great programming for youth and adults. In May, the JCA was honored with 12 Excellence Awards at the JCC Association Biennial in the areas of programming, marketing and strategic planning. The coming year is sure to bring even more great programs and events for the entire community.
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jewish community foundation of northeast florida Fiscal fitness and the race for success JCF recognizes Elikan camp award recipients in celebration
JCF board member Michael Korn
BY JEFF KLEIN
JCF Executive Director
Hardly a day goes by while driving to work that I don’t see a runner or two. I admire people who take up running. They do it for many reasons enjoying the outdoors, to get in shape or because of a competitive nature. Upon my arrival to Jacksonville, I met JCF Board member/Legal Counsel representative, Michael Korn. Michael is an attorney with Korn & Zehmer, P.A. Among his JCF board responsibilities is to review legal documents/ agreements. When we met, I was not aware of Michael’s passion for running. He has run in numerous races including the Gate River Run, the Thanksgiving Half Marathon, and the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. Running distances is something Michael trains to do, and he can regularly be seen running on the road. Michael says, “I run because it relaxes me while testing my ability to push beyond the normal ‘comfort level’.” To an outsider, running is simply lacing up your sneakers and hitting the pavement; run as far as you can and then return home. But, running takes training; it takes the right shoes, the right clothes, and it takes knowing how and what muscles to stretch. There are many accomplished people in our community who are experts in their fields. They have demanding
Korn following the Gate River Run
Len Elikan, Judy Elikan, Benjamin Miller, Jagger Leach, Emily Teitelbaum and Sydney Leach
Jagger and Jayden Leach and Benjamin Miller, Emily Teitelbaum and Sydney Leach
jobs with a great deal of responsibility – but when asked questions about financial or planned giving, I am oftentimes met with a blank stare – from men and women alike. Estate or financial planning can be complicated. The purpose of the JCF is to help you “train” so that you can have a better understanding of reducing estate taxes, leaving a legacy to your children, and taking care of your favorite charity. Whether it’s a race or your Stacy Leach, Melissa Miller, Howard Teitelbaum, Len Elikan, Benjamin future, we want to “prepare” Miller and Judy Elikan you for it. Obviously, it’s a proBy Jewish Community Camp Award recipients. The cess, because just as Michael winners, Benjamin Miller, trains to have a successful race, Foundation of NE Fla. Sydney and Jagger Leach, and the JCF’s objective is helping In mid-May, the JCF celeEmily Teitelbaum all came to you secure your finances for a brated its Len and Judy Elikan the dinner in their honor. successful future. The JCF mission is to encourage individuals to establish endowment funds for programs/services that they are passionate about. The first step is learning how to do so. Remember training for a race begins with taking the first step. Mark Your Calendars the Rabbi David Gaffney LeadJCF will be offering estate Investment Oversight ership in Education award. and financial planning semCommittee Meeting inars. Some of the topics - Tuesday, Aug. 2nd … to Sue Nussbaum, M.D., include, “Prince Charming MBA on the marriage of her Isn’t Coming: How Women Board of Trustees Meeting daughter, Jackie. Get Smart about Money,” and - Wednesday, July 20th “How to Make It, Keep It, and … to Jeanine Rogozinski on Pass It On”. Experts will use Mazel Tov! the birth of her grandchild, layman’s terminology to ensure … to Alan Margolies for winEllington Jakob Hyman. everyone takes something ning the Community Partner away from the seminars. award. Get Well Soon We hope to see you at one Well wishes to Laverne Cantor of our upcoming seminars. You … to Sue Levine on winning on a speedy recovery. may even find learning about your finances is as much fun as crossing the finish line. Visit our new website www.jewishfoundationnefl.org.
JCF FYI
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jcf 2015-16year in review
June/July 2016
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jewish family and community services Holocaust survivor celebrates fund JFCS’ food pantry needs to be in her honor on her 90th birthday stocked for FANN food drive By Jewish Family & Community Services
By Jewish Family & Community Services JFCS currently serves 70 holocaust survivors, of which, more than 50-percent are living at or below the poverty level. Although the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville provides generous support through dollars that are allocated to our survivors by the Claims Conference, it’s unfortunately not enough to meet all of their daily needs. Steve and Judy Silverman heard about these needs through presentations at the Jewish Federation and other community events, and in their usual fashion, immediately stepped forward to aid in meeting local Survivors’ needs. The Silvermans committed to raising $100,000 a year, for five years, totaling $500,000, and the funds will exclusively be used to support local Holocaust survivors. “Throughout my life, my parents have been examples of selfless giving, so when it came time to help those Holocaust survivors living below the poverty line in Northeast Florida, I was not shocked in the least to see my dad take the lead and get the commitments he needed,” the Silverman’s son David said. “I hope the values that my parents live by will be something I too can pass on to my children.” The Silvermans took on this cause because of their commitment to the Jacksonville Jewish community and due to the special relationship they have with their daughter-in-law’s grandmother,
PJ Library, the award winning free program for books and music is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville. If your children are between the ages of six months and eight years, they are eligible. Please sign up now by going to pjlibrary.org/communities/ jacksonville, or calling Whitney Kuvin at 904-394-5724.
Lexi Silverman, David Silverman, Jessica Silverman and Aidan Silverman with great-grandma Minnie Minnie Osher, who is a Holocaust Survivor herself. Because of that fact, this unique Holocaust survivor fund was named in Osher’s honor by the Silvermans. The family recently celebrated with Osher as she turned 90-years young and realized that this was a golden opportunity to present her with this great honor. JFCS was thrilled to be able to have her family surprise her by awarding her with a plaque designating this fund in her honor and in support of her fellow Holocaust survivors. “To be able to present the certificate that has my grandmother’s name on it for her 90th birthday celebration, is a moment I will never forget,” Jessica Silverman said. “I thank Judy and Steve for their generosity and have always had the utmost respect and admiration for them.” JFCS in partnership with River Garden is pleased to bring you our meal program, Meals4You, from our kitchen to yours. Meals are delicious, nutritious, convenient and delivered right to your door. Jewish dietary laws are observed. Call Whitney for more information at 904-394-5724.
Meeting the needs of those who are hungry in our community is an on-going challenge. There are specific times of the year when demand is higher such as the holidays, when cold weather hits, or the sweltering summer heat of the Sunshine State. During summertime, kids are out of school and eating meals at home, which they might normally get from school. With this in mind, Jewish Family & Community Services is requesting the following non-perishable food items. Peanut butter, jelly, canned meats, vegetables and fruits, cereal, spaghetti sauce, pasta noodles, canned soup and kid’s snack items. Please help
Being a Bat Mitzvah Volunteer At JFCS
Many thanks to Maiah Jaffa, who for her for Bat Mitzvah project orgnized a food drive at her school and then delivered it to JFCS rides for medical appointments and quality of life events. Call Whitney for more information at 904-6609268.
Jewish Healing Network
Call2Go is the transportation program at JFCS. We work with Checker Cab and are happy to schedule rides for Shabbat and Holidays at no charge. We also provide
make an impact by dropping off your food donations to Jewish Family & Community Services, located at 6261 DuPont Station Ct. E., Jacksonville, FL 32217. For more information please call 904448-1933.
Become a Jewish Healing Network Volunteer at JFCS and help us fulfill the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim. We need volunteers to make weekly visits or phone calls to a senior or deliver food to those who cannot get out. For more information, please call Gail at 904-394-5723.
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jfcs 2015-16year in review
Students from Martin J. Gottlieb Day School helped put smiles on kids’ faces during the holidays
The Model Seder for Holocaust Survivors and their Families was another well-attended event
Arin Nathans and Hannah Silverstein displayed their vocal talents during JFCS’ Annual Event
Torah Academy faculty and students helped support JFCS with its recent food pantry drive
Event Co-chairs Shirley Bielski, Lynn Maiman, and Randee Steinberg enjoying the Women’s Annual Event, tabbed ‘Be Sweet to JFCS’
Dave Herrell, Kent Justice, and Ken Babby discussed Jacksonville as a global sports and entertainment destination at the Men’s Event, Scotch & Sports
Passover Storywalk, put on by PJ Library was an Co-chairs Gayle Bailys and Cathy Klein welcomed atamazing event as the weather was great, the stories tendees to ‘Heroes Among Us … Stronger Together’, were engaging and the setting was perfect which served as JFCS’s 2016 Annual Event
Members of the volunteer event committee for ‘Heroes Among Us…Stronger Together’
JFCS’ own Kate Walker was recognized as the Masters of Social Work Student of the Year during the NASW’s annual organizational breakfast
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river garden senior services Yom HaShoah Service a Significant Event The Cohen Auditorium was full and many of the attendees participated in selected readings and candle lighting. Elliott provided his insight of Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, occurs holocaust events, and his mournful th on the 27 day of Nisan. This year, it voice as he sang in Y iddish added was on Thursday May 5th on the much to this powerful and meaningful secular calendar. commemoration. Shoah, meaning ‘catastrophe’ or ‘utter destruction’ in Hebrew, refers to the atrocities committed against the Emphasizing the depth of loss Jewish people during World War II. that Jews experienced during We are deeply grateful to Elliott the Holocaust, Elliott and Palevsky, River Garden CEO others lit six Yahrzeit candles, Emeritus, for leading a profoundly one for each million of the six moving Y om Hashoah Memorial million Jews lost. Service.
By LESLIE HELD
904-260-1818 www.rivergarden.org
11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32258
Briefs Come And Volunteer It Feels Good… It Does Good
Treat yourself to the River Garden experience. The River Garden Campus is home to our dedicated and caring volunteers. From teens to golden-agers, we invite you to become a part of our volunteer team. Create your own convenient schedule… We guarantee your personal fulfillment!! Interested in volunteer opportunities at River Garden? Please contact Leslie Held at 904-886-8429 or email lheld@rivergarden.org
Remember River Garden when honoring your loved ones
Donating to River Garden is easier than ever. Here are several ways we’ve made it easy for you… Simply go online: www.rivergarden.org/ donation Or mail to: Development Department River Garden Hebrew Home 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, Florida 32258 Or call: 904-886-8432 From Generation to Generation… L’Dor V’Dor Remember River Garden and the entire Jewish Community in your will.
River Garden Senior Services
Admissions 904-886-8420 Adult Day Care 288-7858 Donations 886-8432 Foundation 886-8430 Home Health 288-7851 RehabTherapy 886-8454 The Coves 292-2683 Volunteers 886-8429 CEO Marty Goetz 260-1818
Jewish Life Coordinator & Campus Chaplain
Colleague Graduates with A “Newer” River Garden CPE Certification Gift Shop - Come Visit By SKIP WILLBACH Director of Marketing
Leslie Held, Jewish Life Coordinator, and Volunteer Coordinator with River Garden Hebrew Home, can now proudly add another title to her already full nameplate – Campus Chaplain. Leslie recently completed a six-month, intensive immersion program through Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. The Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program was developed as an accredited satellite of Baptist Health. CPE is an interfaith professional education for ministry.
CPE interns gain an understanding of theological issues arising from end-of-life issues and from a variety of theological perspectives that come from interfaith dialogue. The program focuses on ministry with patients, families and staff and learning from that ministry through reflection, discussion and evaluation with other interns. This 400+ hour program is comprised of 100 hours of educational time and at least 300 hours of clinical time, including on-call responsibilities. Leslie graduated along with her classmates on March 21st.
Marty Goetz, Lisa Poremba, Leslie Held, Tina Tadros, Sue Krall and Kathy Osterer.
Pure Imagination River Garden’s 24th Annual Gala Saturday, November 12, 2016 – 7:00pm Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
bling they purchase in the gift shop. We have novelty ballpoint pens, stationery, and cute The Auxiliary Gift Shop at River Garden has animal figurines, especially frog figurines, a new look. The line of and our key rings are very merchandise has been
By EVELYN PECK
River Garden Auxiliary
Evelyn Peck (far left) is thrilled with the new look, and all the shopping, in the “newer” Auxiliary Gift Shop. Residents, family members, volunteers, and staff love to shop all the new merchandise. greatly expanded to include items for young girls and boys, for men, and a beautiful inventory of jewelry and hair accessories. Many River Garden employees are "shining" these days because of the
clever and adorable. There are gifts for babies, including beautiful quilted growth charts that are unique. Please come see for yourselves! You will be glad you did.
Sponsored by SunTrust Reservations and Sponsorships are available Please contact Kathy Osterer, 904-886-8430 or kosterer@rivergarden.org
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river garden 2015-16year in review Celebrating 70 Years Serving The Jacksonville Community This year marks River Garden Hebrew Home’s 70th Anniversary of continuous service to our community. Our founders, The Ladies Hebrew Sheltering Aid Society, could not have realized that the Stockton Street “Home” they purchased in 1946 would grow and mature into Northeast Florida’s premier senior care community. Our 40-acre Mandarin campus now serves 400 seniors daily through inpatient, outpatient, and residential living programs. And while inpatient programs are what we are best known for, our Medicare-certified home health program remains the focus of growth – now and into the future – as seniors increasingly choose to remain in their own homes and “age in place” with supportive services. We’re especially grateful to our colleagues at Baptist Health who bring exceptionally high
quality clinical professionals onto our campus, making possible a closely aligned relationship with one of the finest health care systems in the country. With two full-time Baptist Health physicians on our campus, we are positioned to meet the overwhelming majority of resident medical needs. We’re also grateful to Community Hospice and their partnership in helping create models in “Palliative Care” and “Advanced Care Planning.” Working together with Baptist Health and Community Hospice, we’re continuing to create best practice models in the field. In 2016 our skilled nursing facility will be evaluated for an unprecedented 8th Governor’s Gold Seal Award. We’re also proud to report that River Garden remains a Five-Star rated facility by both state and federal regulators – a testament to our
boards, staff, and volunteers as well as our community’s commitment to our core mission, vision and values. In March, Dr. Ron Elinoff completed his service as president of River Garden Senior Services. During Ron’s presidency, River Garden successfully completed the largest capital campaign in its history, added 10,000 square feet of outpatient programs to the facility and refurbished the entire skilled nursing facility. We have also refurbished all of the public spaces and most of the private apartments at The Coves at River Garden. I am especially grateful to Ron for his friendship and support, and for his passion in helping to shape the future of our Jacksonville Jewish community. Marsha Pollock completed her second year as president of the Home. Marsha has led virtually every major Jewish organization in Jacksonville, and we are
grateful to her for now leading our skilled nursing facility. Lois Schlesinger continues as president of The Coves at River Garden; Sheldon Gendzier continues as president of The Albert Z. Fleet Geriatric Training Center; and Jeanine Rogozinski enters her third year as president of The River Garden Foundation. We thank each of them for their extraordinary service to our care community. River Garden’s future and our continued ability to serve rich and poor alike in excellence depends upon active philanthropy, engaged philanthropists and a caring community. If you haven’t already considered River Garden and/or other Jacksonville Jewish agencies, I urge you to give it careful consideration. All of our Jewish communal agencies are worthy of your financial support. If not you, then who?
Foundation Activities Successfully Support the Home Foundation’s mission: to provide financial support for River Garden Hebrew Home. This year we celebrated the 23rd River Garden Gala and the 20th Golf Classic, both of which provided major financial support and helped create many new friendships. Without the support of a strong Board, Foundation staff, dedicated volunteers and donors, these events would not be possible. River Garden Gala: We were honored to have SunTrust Bank as Pr emier Gala Sponsor for Meet Me in Havana. The Gala was held November 21st at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. Guests enjoyed cocktails, a silent auction, dinner and amazing
entertainment. This outstanding event raises much-needed funds in support of the residents of our wonderful Home. Mark your calendars now for Pure Imagination on November 12, 2016. Chaired by Jackie and Stephen Goldman the event will be sponsored by SunTrust Bank.
future certified nursing assistants. River Garden encourages all to generously support the home through regular donations, and the Guardians of Tomorrow program, which recognizes those who have named River Garden in their wills. Members receive a commemorative thank you gift for River Garden Golf Classic: Held on April 20th participation in this program. at Deerwood Country Club, once again chaired Our financial success is essential in by Mark Lodinger and Michael Price, with helping River Garden to continue delivering Title Sponsor Hardage-Giddens Funeral superior services and care to our community Homes and Cremation Services. This with the highest degree of excellence. For splendid day of golf and camaraderie raises additional information about River Garden funds in support of River Garden’s Albert Z. Foundation, please call us: 904-886-8432, Fleet Geriatric Training Center, which email us: foundation@rivergarden.org or visit provides continuing staff education and trains online: www.rivergarden/foundation.
L to R: Gala Honorary Chairs Gena Delaney and UNF President John Delany; terrific entertainment by Chez-zam kept the dance floor full almost all night; Todd Feintuch, (back row 3 rd from left) Sr. VP and Managing Director, SunTrust Bank Private Wealth Management, of Premier Gala Sponsor SunTrust, and his guests. - Photos by Larry Tallis
Independent Living is Always in Season in The Coves at River Garden There is always so much going on at The Coves at River Garden, and we are continually looking for new and interesting ideas. This year our Senior Prom, held in February and coordinated once again by students of Mandarin High School for the 12th year, proved very popular… the turnout was amazing.
Casino Night, in April, was back by popular demand, and our Mothers’ Day Brunch was simply outstanding! We are always happy to welcome all new members to our “family.” For additional information, call us: 904-292-COVE (2683), email us: thecoves@rivergarden.org or visit us online: www.rivergarden/coves.
L to R: Miriam Price, Bess Saliman and Lisette Halpern at the Prom
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lifecycles Births
cessfully raised more than $1,500 for the organization, which will be matched by the Weaver Foundation, totaling $3,100.
Accomplishments Ellington Hyman Ellington Jakob Hyman was born to parents Rachel Rogozinski Hyman and Blair Hyman of West Palm Beach, Wednesday May 11th, 2016. Proud grandparents are Dr. Chaim and Jeanine Rogozinski of Jacksonville. Sharing in their joy is great grandmother Ella Rogozinski as well as numerous Aunts and Uncles. B’nai Mitzvah Connor Douglas Green, son of Wayne and Karen Green, was called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, Saturday, May 28th at Beth El – The Beaches Synogogue. Connor is in the seventh grade at the James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle Connor Green School and enjoys playing baseball. For his mitzvah project, he is volunteering at the South Ponte Vedra Beach Turtle Patrol to monitor and protect sea turtles during the 2016 Nesting Season. Jeremy Zaifert, son of Talie and Dana Zaifert, was called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, Saturday, June 4th at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Reesa Zaifert (sister) and Shirley and Abe Bielski (grandparents) shared in the simcha with many other friends and family. Jeremy is in the seventh grade at Fruit Jeremy Zaifert Cove Middle School and attends the Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School. He is a consistent first place winner in track and field events (100m, 100m hurdles and long jump), and also enjoys flag football and playing video games in his spare time. Jeremy’s love of dogs led him to choose K9s for Warriors as his mitzvah project, where he suc-
Julee Snitzer Levine, daughter of Mark and Suzi Snitzer of Jacksonville has been with Congregation Adat Ari El in Los Angeles for 15 years and was recently named the synagogue’s Director of Supplemental Education. Levine is a graduate of Wolfson High School and The UniJulee Levine versity of Florida, and is a former teacher in the Duval County School System. She is also the immediate past President of the Southwest United States chapter of the Florida Gator Club. Lee Braver, son of Judy Shorstein, has been promoted to full professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Braver was hired three-years ago, with tenure, into the school’s Philosophy Department.
Sympathies
… To the family of long-time Jacksonville Jewish Center member Dr. Milton Mann, who passed away Monday, April 25th at the age of 85. A graveside service was held April 28th at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. He is survived by his wife Clara, children Yitzhak (Shereen Canady), Ben-Moshe, Irene (John) LeJeune, grandchildren Ilan and Eden BenMoshe and sister Shirley (William) Goldman. Contributions in Milton Mann’s memory may be made to Stronger than Stigma, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, or the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … To the family of Jacksonville Jewish Center member Jordan Ansbacher, who passed away Thursday, April 28th at the age of 88. He is survived by his children Donna (Harlan) Helming, Brian (Susan) Ansbacher, Michele (David) Cohen, grandchildren Amy (Josh) Berman, Lance (Rachel) Helming, Michael Ansbacher, and Lindsey Cohen, and great-grandchildren Sadie and Charlie. A graveside service took place May 2nd at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Those who wish to make a donation in Jordan Ansbacher’s memory may direct their contributions to the Jacksonville Jewish Center or a charity of their choice.
… To the family of Margaret Macksamie, who passed away Thursday, April 28th. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Michael, children, David (Sheri) Macksamie, Patricia (David) Vick, John (Debbie) Macksamie, Anne (Demitri) Yioulos, sister Jim (Rita) Brady, 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Funeral services were held, Tuesday, May 3rd in Rochester, N.Y. The family requests that contributions in memory of Margaret Macksamie be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society. … To the family of Cantor Henry Butensky, who passed away Tuesday, May 3rd at the age of 94. He is survived by his wife Sally of 68 years, children, (Jerry) Lazarus, Jan (Barbara) Butensky and Sanford Butensky, his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Butensky was a World War II veteran, serving as a sergeant with the 66th Infantry, where he liberated several concentration camps. He had an affiliation with the Cantors Assembly since 2006 and was awarded both the Gates of Jerusalem medal and the Shalom Award for his work on behalf of Israel. Funeral services took place May 6th, at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston, N.J. where he was Cantor for 40 years, followed by interment at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Iselin, N.J. Those who wish to make a donation in Cantor Butensky’s memory may direct their contributions to the Jacksonville Jewish Center or to River Garden Senior Services Foundation. … To the family of longtime Jacksonville Jewish Center member Seymour Lodinger, who passed away Sunday, May 8th at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife of 69-years, Muriel and children Nora (Steve) Florsheim, Robin (David) Blass, and Mark (Jill) Lodinger, brother Herman (Mary Jo) Lodinger, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lodinger was a World War II veteran, having enlisted in the United States Navy and serving as a pharmacist’s mate. Funeral services were held May 9th in Atlanta. Contributions in Seymour Lodinger’s memory may be made to the Byron Morris Fund at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … To the family of Lillian Gimple, who passed away Wednesday, May 11th at the age of 95. She is survived by her daughter Sandra (Harold) Diamond, granddaughter Tammi Lyn Diamond and Jodi Renee (Andrew) Socket and great grandson Noah Aiden Socket. A graveside service was held May 16th at Arlington Memorial Park in Jacksonville. The family requests that contributions in memory of Lillian Gimple be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society and/ or River Garden Hebrew Home.
… To the family of Wendy Efron, who passed away Saturday, May 14th. She is survived by her husband Barry, children, Sam (Kiley) and Andrew (Sabrina), grandchildren Dillon, Brody and Sadie, mother Shirley Lemus and siblings Rhonda Warren and Mitch Lemus. Funeral services were held May 17th at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), where she helped run the synagogue’s Judaica shop, with burial following at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family requests that contributions in memory of Wendy Efron be made to the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, where she served as its vice president and former Women’s Division President as well as River Garden Hebrew Home, where she also served as its past Gala Chair. … To the family of Robert J. Hare, who passed away Thursday, May 19th in New Jersey at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife Margaret of 60 years, eight children including Congregation Ahavath Chesed members Vince (Ellen) Hare, 15 grandchildren, including Allyson (Troy) Patton and Melanie Hare of Fleming Island, and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held May 26th, in Mays Landing, N.J. The family requests that donations in memory of Robert Hare be made to Deborah Heart and Lung Center at demanddeborah.org. … To the family of Stephen Raszkin of Fernandina Beach, who passed away Thursday, May 19th at the age of 64. He is survived by his wife, Donna, their children, Seth Raszkin, Zachery Raszkin, Shea White, Dylan White, a sister Fay Frint (Kenny), two grandchildren, MacKenzie and Aiden White as well as a nephew, Joseph Frint and a niece, Sheri Frint. Better known as ‘The Wine Guy’, Raszkin and his wife opened a store called A Taste of Wine by Steve in Fernandina Beach. Funeral services were held May 23rd at Oxley Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville.Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made in Stephen Raszkin’s memory to Hospice of Northeast Florida. … To the family of Jacksonville Jewish Center member Walter Beissinger, who passed away Tuesday, May 24th at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife Mary, children Steven (Whendee), Mark (Margaret), and Susan (Dr. Mitchell) Levine, grandchildren Josh, Jon, Becca, Stefanie, Kara, Emily, Jenna and extended family members Mark (Ellen), Don (Betsy), Rob Zimmerman, and Suzanne Zimmerman, and their children. Funeral services were held Thursday, May 26th at the New Center
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lifecycles Cemetery in Jacksonville. Those who wish to make a donation in Walter Beissinger’s memory may direct their contributions to the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Galinsky Academy educational programs, River Garden Senior Services, or to Jewish Family and Community Services’ Holocaust Survivor’s Services. … To the family of Jacksonville Jewish Center member Stanley Stone, who passed away Friday, May 27th. He is survived by his daughter Cheryl, her husband Shaul Janes and his many friends in the community. Graveside services took place May 30th at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Those who wish to make a donation in Stanley Stone’s memory may direct their contributions to the Walgreen’s Red Nose Day. … To the family of Samuel Rand, who passed away in Boynton Beach, Friday, May 27th. He is survived by his wife Miriam and their children, Dr. Marco (Robin) Rand, Judith (Tom) Zakshevsky and Naomi (Randy) Zeitlin, grandchildren Douglas (Dafna), Jonathan (Concetta), Lisa, Peter, and Dana; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services and Shiva took place in Boynton Beach, while minyan was held in Jacksonville at the home of Dr. Marco & Robin Rand.
Those who wish to make a donation in Samuel Rand’s memory may direct their contributions to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … To the family of Yossi Fisch, father of Etz Chaim Synagogue’s senior Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, who passed away Sunday, June 5th. He is survived by Rabbi Fisch (Henny) and his brothers, Yisroel (Chaya), Yehuda (Shoshana), Elimelech (Brochie) and sister Temi (Chaim). Funeral services were held June 6th in Toronto with interment following in Monroe, N.Y.
Business Card Directory
Classified Ads Part Time Job Handyman: An Israeli property owner is looking for someone to take care of the maintenance of nine properties on city’s west side, mainly around I-295. Call 561-299-6907 or 720408-3471 if interested. Maid Services Available: Housecleaning, laundry and cooking with reasonable rates. By appointment only. Call 904-387-9293 or leave a message. Ask for Lidia. To submit an item for life cycles, email it to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org. Due date is the 15th of the month. For guidelines of how to write Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, wedding or obituary announcements, go to jewishjacksonville.org/news under “Share your news.”
Tax Return Preparation Tax Planning Representation before the IRS Bookkeeping & Accounting
904-389-0000 www.thetaxmanirs.com 6260-C Dupont Station Ct. Jacksonville, FL 32217
Gary Rothman Andrew Ocean Joan Palmer Saul Schmelzer
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community news Rabbi Feigenbaum’s Lunch and Jacksonville native uses his Learns prove to be big hits in both Judaism to touch lives during downtown and around Mandarin Malaysian Fulbright position BY JONATHAN EDELMAN Fulbright Program Participant
With two locations, there are often large turnouts at Lunch and Learns
BY JONATHAN GOODMAN Lunch and Learn participant
Lunch and Learn is an educational lunchtime program offered by Etz Chaim Synagogue on a monthly basis at two different locations. One location is in the Mandarin area, usually on Wednesdays and the other is downtown or San Marco, on Fridays. The program is hosted by Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum, with an occasional guest speaker and is attended by about 10 to 20 people of all levels of Jewish observance and education. The downtown Lunch and Learn is usually held on the upper floor of the Bank of America Tower with a magnificent view of the St. John’s River. The food is kosher, excellent and free, however just remember to bring change for the parking meter. Topics discussed vary and usually correspond to current or upcoming holidays and important events in Jewish history. Rabbi Feigenbaum packs a lot of useful information into one hour, as he is extremely knowledgeable about each subject, imparting his wisdom in a humorous, easy to understand and
thought-provoking manner. The dichotomy between the spiritual and physical is a theme that always seems to be present as Rabbi Feigenbaum makes some of the most arcane aspects and practices of Jewish observance seem relevant and personal. For instance, attendees recently learned there is a specific reason why we count the Omer (49 days from Passover to Shavuot) in an upward fashion rather than a countdown approach. That is because these are days of spiritual building and when a person builds a 10 story building, they count each story as it is constructed, rather than thinking, ‘I have nine stories left to build’. Similarly, on the days of Sefirat HaOmer, we are building and preparing ourselves for Matan Torah. God would be prepared to give us the Torah right away, but we are simply not ready yet. Therefore, we count the days of preparation, and count the spiritual ‘stories’ that prepare us for Matan Torah. With this in mind, there is always room for self-improvement, so once a month do yourself a favor and come learn about Judaism in a warm and friendly setting in two convenient locations.
Young Professionals Shabbat
Women light the Shabbat Candles at an April Shabbat Dinner for Young Professionals at the home of Rabbi Shmuli and Chana Novack
I am currently a teaching assistant with the Fulbright Program in Malaysia and life at my high school, situated in a rural village next to the Thai border, feels a world away from the cosmopolitan capital. In January a valuable piece of advice was offered to me by the director of the Malaysian Fulbright commission who said, “Fulbright, like any worthwhile program, really is designed to be just a little bit subversive because as teachers, you have social capital, but you have to decide how you want to use it.” I think about those words often as my very presence here is an act of subversion as the Malaysian government says they would prefer not to have Jews here teaching their kids. Of course, atheists have it worse, homosexuality is illegal, and people around my rural state think that only blonde, fairskinned Christians are ‘real Americans’. I can’t really hide my brown hair and tan skin, but the anti-Jewish attitudes here are serious enough that I have chosen to hide my, well, lack of Christianity. Some probably read the above and thought that Malaysia isn’t really safe for Jews and is too anti-Semitic, but truthfully I don’t think that’s the case, as I feel perfectly safe here. I’ve even told a close Malay confidant about my religion, which has been a huge help for navigating Pesach over here. My hiding is more of a job tension mechanism as at the moment, coming clean about my religion would be too much of a Pandora’s box for me to handle as I still learn the norms and culture of my school. I’m sure I will reveal to more people in due time. Yet, I’ve come to discover that as much as I can hide my Jewish religion, there’s just so much about my Jewish identity that I can’t. People here mistake my Ashkenazi-Floridian skin for Syrian or Lebanese. While I’ve tried to take a step back from
Jonathan Edelman (right) has immersed himself in the Malaysian culture during his Fulbright experience, while gaining strength and guidance from his Jewish roots
Jewish community politics, I can’t stop myself from stealing a glance at the Jewish Daily Forward and Ha’aretz at my desk. Ironically enough, being Jewish has opened all kinds of doors for me in Malaysia, even though my Malaysian counterparts don’t quite know it. There was a special moment I had recently, when I was sitting and talking to one of my students after playing basketball (a sport I honed through training at the JCA), where my student started talking about a movie he saw about a man who overcame Tourette’s Syndrome and a terribly discriminatory school system to become an award-winning teacher. I wouldn’t have thought twice about this movie, except for the fact that I’d heard this very person speak last year when I went to Camp Coleman to help out with the Olim Fellowship retreat. His name is Brad Cohen and I emailed some contacts in the Reform Movement, got his email, and now my student is so excited to email Mr. Cohen himself. It’s an amazingly Jewish way for my student to learn English, even if my student doesn’t know it yet.
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community news JFCS looks toward its centennial celebration of service to the Jacksonville Jewish Community
By Jewish Family & Community Services While inspiration beamed from the stage earlier this spring at JFCS’ annual event ‘Heroes Among Us – Stronger Together’, supporters, clients, and staff all took to the microphone to share how ‘They Are JFCS’ before an audience of nearly 400 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. The event, which was headed up by honorary co-chairs Linda and David Stein celebrated the agen-
Photos by Larry Tallis cy’s 99th year of service to the Jacksonville Jewish community. Before Jewish Family & Community Services shifts its focus to its centennial celebration in 2017, the surrounding photos pay homage to the celebratory event commemorating the organization’s activities during the past year, complete with a surprise flash mob, musical performances by Arin Nathans and Hannah Silverstein, in addition to moving testimonials by Chauncey Johnson and Morris Bendit.
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summer staycations Take a Jewish staycation in the historic city of St. Augustine this summer
Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the Built in 1921, First Congregation U.S. stands as a reminder that Sons of Israel is Florida’s oldest Moses Elias Levy brought free synagogue in continuous use. The public education to Florida congregation started around 1890
BY MERRILL SHAPIRO Jewish Historical Society of St. Augustine
There are plenty of historically Jewish sites in the oldest established city in America, just a short drive or day trip from Jacksonville and surrounding communities in Northeast Florida. Start your staycation at Mission Nombre de Dios on Route A1A, where these Jews, Marranos, were in hiding. The base of the cross says that the first Europeans came here September 8, 1565 but add 10 days to convert to the Gregorian calendar and learn they landed on the day after Yom Kippur. No one knows why this site was named Nombre de Dios, but to your south is a map of Florida’s 66 Spanish Missions. They’re named for Saints or Indian tribes, except Nombre de Dios because the theory is that the name recalls Yom Kippur when the High Priest pronounced the Nombre de Dios. Then head South, through the Old City Gate and you’ll find the oldest surviving wooden schoolhouse in North America where a Jewish man, Moses Elias Levy sat on the St. Johns County School Board in the 1820s and brought free public education to the state of Florida. Two blocks west is the old Minorcan Cemetery, where the graves are of those brought to New
Florida’s oldest Jewish Cemetery which houses the grave of Gerson Posnansky, an itinerant Jewish peddler killed by Indians
Smyrna Beach in 1777 from the Balearic Islands .The colony failed so they walked 70 miles to St. Augustine and many Islanders were descendants of Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity. Next you’ll want to go back toward St. George Street and walk
million Jews from Spain, on August 1, 1492, which ironically enough was also the day that Christopher Columbus set sail. Following that stop, turn right at Avenida Mendendez to the Hilton Garden Inn. Enter the parking lot, turn left and then left again and
south to the Sanchez House on your left. In the 1820s, Moses Elias Levy bought the Sanchez House and purchased land to create a Jewish Utopian State in Florida. Levy devoted himself to writing and speaking about the abolition of Slavery. As you go more in a southerly direction to Hypolito Street, turn left toward the waterfront. At the corner is a small statue of Queen Isabella, who, with her husband King Ferdinand, signed the Alhambra Decree expelling half-a-
notice the plaque in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was King who called for help from the Reform Rabbinate and it was here that 16 Rabbis were arrested for integrating the lunch counter and served as the largest mass arrest of Rabbis in U.S. history. Running south from the Plaza in the center of town is Artillery Lane is the Segui-Kirby Home. Segui is Minorcan thought to be related to the name Siegel. It was here that Moses Levy’s son, David Levy Yulee stud-
The site where the largest mass arrest of Rabbis in United States history happened in 1964
The Sanchez House, which was purchased by Moses Elias Levy in the 1820s
The old Ponce de Leon Hotel, now Flagler College. Built by Henry Flagler in the 1880’s, no Jewish person was permitted to stay there ied for the Florida Bar with future governor Robert Reid. Yulee,was the first person of Jewish descent to serve in the United States Senate. Now, head west on Artillery Street and Palm Row to Cordova St. Notice on your right the old Ponce de Leon Hotel, which is now Flagler College. Built by Henry Flagler toward the end of the 19th century, it is important to note that at the time no Jew was permitted to stay there. At 161 Cordova is First Congregation Sons of Israel, which is Florida’s oldest synagogue that is in continuous use. The synagogue dates back to 1921, and the congregation to the 1890s. West on King Street, past Flagler College and Markland, where Moses Elias Levy stayed, you will find Florida’s oldest Jewish Cemetery. Here is the unmarked grave of Gerson Posnansky, an itinerant Jewish peddler who was killed by Native Americans in 1840s. South of town on the waterfront is the National Cemetery, where there are six Jewish burials including Corporal Leon Breslaw. Breslaw was killed when two B-17s collided near Tampa. Also here is Lieutenant George Friedlander, who in April 1917, asked John Philip Sousa to compose a march for the Artillery Corps. Sousa went home and composed ‘The Caissons Go Rolling Along’.
Mission Plaque at Mission Nombre de Dios, showing a map of Spanish Missions
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summer staycations
Maitland’s Holocaust center offers a very educational and emotional experience for its many visitors
Built in 1986, the center’s museum exhibit was installed and a The center is one of the oldest facilities of its kind in the nation and houses library with documentary and archival collections were developed permanent and temporary exhibit space, archives and a research library
BY SUSAN MITCHELL
Holocaust Center of Florida 10-years before the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum was built in Washington, D.C., a small group of Holocaust survivors, educators, business leaders and community activists began planning for a Holocaust center in Orlando. The group, spearheaded by Tess Wise – a Survivor from Poland – and nurtured by Valencia College as well as the newly-formed Orlando JCC, launched community programming in 1981 and broke ground for the Holocaust
Memorial Resource and Education Center in 1986. Expanded twice since that time, it houses permanent and temporary exhibit space, archives, and a research library. It is a nonprofit organization supported by tax-exempt donations, and is open to the public free of charge. The permanent exhibit consists primarily of photographs and text, supplemented by artifacts, art works, and short film presentations. The self-guided tour is enhanced by an audio guide that can be downloaded on any smartphone and used either on or off site. The Center has a cultural sea-
son of important films, community programs, and temporary exhibits. In June through August 2016 the featured exhibits are ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses: Faith Under Fire’ and a companion exhibit, ‘Who Am I? Young Minds Forced to Choose’, dealing with the experiences of Jehovah’s Witnesses who suffered intense persecution and reprisals by the Nazis because of their religious stance. From September through December the Center will be exhibiting ‘Two Regimes’, the powerful memoir of a woman who lived through Stalin’s famine in the Ukraine and was rounded up
by Nazis in Germany. Teodora Verbitskya’s diary of her years of labor camp internment, exquisitely illustrated by her daughter Nadia Werbitzky, reflect faith, courage, and the sheer will to live in the face of the worst adversity. Annually, thousands of individuals come to the Center’s programs, all listed at holocaustedu. org. In addition to learning more about the history and lessons of the Holocaust, many of them leave with a new understanding of what it means to be a more respectful and more responsible citizen as a result of their experience there.
FIU’s Jewish Museum of Florida provides a mosaic of Jewish life in the Sunshine State for residents to learn about
JMOF-FIU is the only Museum dedicated to telling the story of more than 250 years of Florida Jewish history, arts and culture
BY GITA SHONEK
Jewish Museum of Florida The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU (JMOF-FIU) is the only Museum dedicated to telling the story of more than 250 years of Florida Jewish history, arts and culture. The Museum is housed in two adjacent, lovingly restored historic buildings that were once synagogues for Miami Beach’s first Jewish congregation. The original synagogue was built in 1929, and
the second, built in 1936, was designed by art deco architect Henry Hohauser and features striking stained glass windows. The two buildings are joined together by Bessie’s Bistro, named after former Miss America, Bess Myerson. The Museum’s core exhibition, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763 to present, is drawn from a permanent collection of more than 100,000 objects. Also on display are varied thought-provoking history and art exhibitions that
The Museum’s core exhibition, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763 to present, is drawn from a permanent collection of 100,000 plus objects change periodically. By collecting and preserving Florida Jewish memories that strengthen Jewish identity, the Museum plays a vital role in helping to ensure Jewish continuity. JMOF-FIU’s collection, while reflective of the Jewish experience in Florida, embraces the shared immigrant experience in our multicultural society and creates an understanding across all ethnic groups. The Jewish Museum of Florida is located at 301 Washington Ave.
in Miami Beach and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bessie’s Bistro & Orovitz Museum store are both closed on Sunday. Admission to the facility is as follows: $6 for adults; $5 for seniors or students and $12 for families while museum members are afforded free admission. To find out how to obtain a museum membership, or for more information on the museum and its exhibits, log onto www.jmof.fiu. edu or call 305-672-5044.
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summer staycations Two-hour drive along I-95 provides the perfect Staycation opportunity to tour Savannah’s historic Congregation Mickve Israel By Congregation Mickve Israel
Congregation Mickve Israel has a long and storied history,
dating back to 1733, just a few months after the founding of the City of Savannah. 42 intrepid Jews set sail from England aboard The William and Sarah, with little more than their beloved Torah (which the Congregation still uses annually in anniversary Shabbat services) and a special kit for circumcision. They arrived in Savannah, a border colony town with an innovative vision for religious tolerance, to start their lives anew in a land of freedom. These brave settlers went on to found Kahal Kadosh Mickva Israel: Holy Congregation, the Hope of Israel. Through war, plagues, and struggles, the Congregation survived, even thrived. What our ancestors started in Savannah more than 280-years ago has blossomed into a present day synagogue that boasts more than 350 member families, an active schedule of services and activities, and a place of involvement in the community and in the world at large. Congregation Mickve Israel is
Founded in 1735, Congregation Mickve Israel is the nation’s oldest reform synagogue and is just a short two-hour drive from Jacksonville located in the Historic District of Savannah on beautiful Monterey Square on Bull Street (physical address is 20 East Gordon St.) Tours are offered of the historic sanctuary and museum Monday-Friday (excluding Jewish and Federal holidays) from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., but please note that the synagogue is closed from
1 - 2p.m. each day for lunch. The last tour of the morning begins no later than 12:30 p.m., and the last afternoon tour begins no later than 3:30 p.m. No reservations are necessary for individuals taking a tour as long as you plan on arriving during either of these time frames. Group tours require advance arrangements, so please
send an e-mail at info@mickveisrael.org with the details and the welcome specialist will contact you to finalize your reservation. A donation of $7 per person is kindly requested to assist with the upkeep of the historic facility. Tours typically last between 30-45 minutes, but it is recommended to allow for extra time for browsing the excellent selection of gifts and souvenirs available in the synagogue’s Judaica shop. Please note that Congregation Mickve Israel does not have a parking garage or lot, so be sure to bring change for the parking meters. There is ample on-street parking at either the two-hour or five-hour parking meters around Monterey Square, and parking rates are generally $1 per hour.
Cardboard boat regatta highlights return of family fun days at JCA BY IMAN BYFIELD
Jewish Community Alliance
The JCA held its first Family Fun Day in late May, with its annual Cardboard Boat Regatta to commemorate the opening of the Howard and Joy Korman outdoor pool. Members and their families enjoyed poolside fun, food and entertainment, while regatta winners were presented with prizes. The day continued with swim time for the whole family. The second Family Fun Day will be held Monday, July 4th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the JCA. Family Fun Days are special events that offer JCA families the opportunity to cool off from The next family fun day at the Jewish Community Alliance will be held Monday July 4th from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. the hot summer days and enjoy a great time together. Every event includes free snacks and refreshments, including the JCA’s famous hot dogs, DJ entertainment, poolside games,
engaging activities and more. For more information about Family Fun Days, contact Jessica Novotny at 904-730-2100, ext. 240.
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summer kosher recipes
Three ingredient Bissli Chicken Summer Squash Bowtie Pasta
Three ingredients is all you need to make the most succulent chicken schnitzel, delicious all year long. Time and servings • 13 minute duration • 8 minute cook time • 5 minute prep time • 2 servings Ingredients • 2 chicken cutlets • 2 bags of Bissli • 1 egg • Winn-Dixie olive oil Preparation 1. Prepare 2 baking sheets. Line only one with paper towels. 2. Places eggs in a shallow bowl. 3. Place crushed Bissli in a
second shallow bowl. 4. Working with one cutlet at a time, assembly line style, submerge chicken in beaten eggs to coat. Then cover with crushed Bissli, pressing gently to coat both sides. 5. Place on the baking sheet without the paper towels. 6. Repeat with remaining chicken. 7. Heat a large sauté pan with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of oil over medium high heat. 8. Once oil is shimmering and hot fry chicken about 4 minutes per side for thick cutlets or 2 to 3 minutes per side for thin cutlets. For crispy chicken do not overcrowd the pan. Drain on the paper towel lined baking sheet. 9. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Delish both warm and chilled, this colorful summer style pasta dinner is perfect as the weather warms up. Time and servings • 40 minute duration • 30 minute cook time • 10 minute prep time • 8 servings Ingredients • 1 pound bowtie pasta • 1 tablespoon Winn-Dixie olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced • 2 yellow crookneck squash, thinly sliced • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped • 1/2 cup basil, chopped • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese • 1 lemon, juiced • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper Preparation 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. 2. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, zucchini, and squash and sauté 3 to 5 minutes or until just tender. Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes. 3. In a large bowl, combine cooked squash and tomatoes with pasta, basil, cheese, lemon juice, salt and pepper and toss well to combine. Serve warm or refrigerate until cool and serve chilled.
Scan QR code to watch video of dish being made on Jamie Geller is an American-born Israeli food writer, celebrity chef, television producer and businesswoman. She is an author of several cookbooks and the founder of the Kosher Media Network, a media company that is organized into five business segments: Publishing, Broadcasting, Digital, Live and E-Commerce. In 2010 KMN
launched Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller, which has become the #1 Trusted Kosher Content Brand. Additionally, she hosts online cooking shows called the “Joy of Kosher” cooking series. Geller has received acclaim including being called “The Kosher Rachael Ray” by the Miami Herald.[1]
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summer kosher recipes
Tropical Summer Salad Salad and dressing ingredients with preparation instructions
Recipe submitted by Rivkie Kahanov from Catering by Rivkie Ingredients (Fruit) • 2 heads romaine lettuce • 1 mango cubed • 1⁄4 cup slivered almonds • 1⁄4 cup Craisins • 1 cup sliced strawberries
(Dressing) • 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise • 1⁄4 cup apricot jam • 1 teaspoon vinegar • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Preparation Blend all dressing ingredients and mix over salad. Place strawberries on top as garnish.
• June/July 2016
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summer sports
Looking at a potential roster for Israel’s World Baseball Classic qualifying team in September
BY MAX WILDSTEIN Hardballscoop.com
En route to the final at the World Baseball Classic qualifier in Jupiter, Florida, back in 2012, Israel was boosted by exceptional pitching and timely hitting in a rather weak four-team pool. After winning their first two games with help of back-to-back two-homer games by Nate Freiman, Israel dropped a stunning winnertake-all championship game
to 2-1 Spain, who they had beaten in their game before. Trying to qualify this time Former Major Leaguer Shawn Green during the 2012 World Baseball around, Spain was not as qualifier, which was held in Jupiter, Fla. Green last played in the bigs in fortunate in qualifying for 2007 but suited up for Israel a half decade later to help get them one the World Baseball Claswin shy of qualifying for the WBC, falling to Spain 9-7 in the final game. sic, dropping two straight Pederson. Pederson was only have upwards of nine returncontests to Colombia and in the low minor leagues at the ing players on the team which France, eliminating them from time, but he is now playing in will have to take on a pool contention in a much stronger the big leagues with the Los that has Great Britain, Pakipool. Angeles Dodgers and placed stan and Brazil, Sept. 22-25th If one looks at last edition’s second in last summer’s Home in Brooklyn, N.Y., during a roster, they will spot a familiar Run Derby in Cincinnati. This modified double-elimination name on there. In the 2012 fall’s team will not have the tournament. edition, Israel had a two-hole likes of Pederson, but could hitter by the name of Joc
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puzzles and games heroes of israel Across
1.Yitzchak 6. Yishuv group. Spied on the Turks for the British 10. When 44 across was active 14. There ___ oil wells in Tel Aviv 15. Hebrew girfs nanw meaning tight 16. Jane ___, the novel 17. Word, or thing, in Hebrew 18. Prize fight outcomes 19.Yigal 20.”___ believe you” 21. David 23. Rosh, in English 25. A start, as in illness 26. Welcomed 30. Measurement of economic activity 31. Akiva (built Negev defenses in War of Independence) 32. Dissertation 37. Appears 38. Storage container for bulk items 39. David’s great-grandmother’s book. First verse 40. It almost seemed that these happened, so complete were the victories. 42. Two locational prepositions 43. Spice, Turkish or Arabic coffee 44. Jewish _____, unit in British army. 45. Answered hunger totally 48. “I _ meet you today” 49. Ilan Ramon’s ill-fated shuttle 51. Parts of an agenda 56. Son of a Kish 57. Fact starter 58. U.S. Civil War choice: Grant__ 59. Weapon, in France 60. Greek Titan (abbrev.) 61. “Absolutely not!” 62. Four reverse curves 63. David or Solomon 64. Intelligent
Find the answers to this crossword puzzle and others on this page on page no. 60
Down
1. Cal starter 2. North Negev city won by Joshua, near modern city of same name 3. University of Texas - Austin mascot 4. I’ll be there __ instant! 5. In six day war, some units advanced thus to nablus - compass direction, preposition, Hebrew name of ancient capital (for short) 6. Somewhat good 7. Rited 8. David had to kill one as a sheppard 9. Answer to “Where’s the money?” 10. Bears dothing 11. Phillip __, author of Gladiator 12.”__for my team and none other” 13. Napoleonic battle, Oct. 14, 1806 22. International action of Nov. 1947 24. Poetic contraction 26. Headgear to protect vs. poisons in the air (abbrev,) 27. First northeast U.S. highway 28. Weizmann (Air Force general, later President of Israel) 29. Poet Lazarus 30. IDF Rabbi gave blessings at Western Wall in 1967. (abbrev.) 32.< •..._oftheen 33. Chinese tree yields drying oil 34. Willow genus 35. Food fish, runs rivers to spawn 36. Gaelic land 38. _ and The Dragon. Jewish Apocryphal book 41. Guided returnees 42. Scottish alder tree 44. Founding or establishing 45. Flies high 46. Grads 47. Certain bulrushes 48.”__ A Hot Tin Roof” 49. Govt. of 58 Across, and others 50. Gate starter 52. Wind instrum. 53. Actress Lanchester 54. Golda
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opinion and cartoons Five easy ways to live more Jewishly this summer BY SHMULI NOVACK
the Kosher Wizard. (Extra credit: Have a Jewish friend over for a kosher meal).
Summer is here! For the kids, this ushers in a well-deserved break from grinding school routines. For others, summer means sunburn, sandals and stifling heat. As our schedules and environment change - we all have a great opportunity to step up our Jewish activities. Here are 5 easy steps to live more Jewishly this summer:
3. תבשCELEBRATE (Soul) Despite his secular bent, the Zionist thinker Ahad Ha’am famously remarked “More than the Jews have kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept the Jews.” Today we are more socially networked than ever, yet we often fail to acknowledge someone sitting across the table. Shabbat affords us the opportunity to unplug while recharging - our family, our faith and our community. (Extra credit: Attend Shabbat Services at a synagogue near you).
Rabbi, Southside Chabad
1. הרותSTUDY (Mind) The Jewish community is so celebrated for academics and higher education. This summer expand your knowledge in the vast sea of Jewish learning. Learn from teachings of some of the greatest minds ever by spending five minutes or five hours. I highly reccomend TorahCafe. com for their extensive collection of lectures your can watch from hundreds of scholars and thinkers. (Extra Credit: Follow up with your rabbi with any questions you may have or join a Torah Class nearby). 2. תורשכEAT (Body) Prepping that summer body is becoming an all out national obsession. This time of year more than ever we are extra cognizant of what we eat. Kosher is MUCH easier than you think. Try it for one day or a week and you won’t believe how easy it is and how great you’ll feel. Visit Chabad.org/113424 for
4. ק”שנLIGHT UP (Women) Such an easy Mitzvah yet such a profound impact! Wind down your long summer week with a moment of peace and reflection just as Jewish women have for centuries. No candle burns with the unique and holy glow of the Shabbat flames. Enveloping your home and household with an aura of calm and serenity. Be sure to light at the appropriate times available at FridayLight.org. (Extra credit: Light up with your daughter, granddaughter or girlfriends). 5. ןיליפתWRAP (Men) Phylacteries in English. Those black boxes and leather straps you may recall your grandfather
donning back in the day. Teffilin binds our hand, heart and head three rather distinctive and often competing elements of ourselves together - a moment of harmony in a complicated world. Short on time? You can wrap teffilin in less than five minutes. Don’t have a pair? Ask a friend or visit a synagogue (your local Chabad will be glad to wrap you up). (Extra Credit: Go all out and recite the morning prayers while wearing Teffilin). Already doing all of this? Here’s your challenge - find a Jewish friend you can inspire to engage with one or more of these miztvos. Have a safe and fun summer and never underestimate the huge power of a small good deed.
ANSWERS continued from page no. 59
RABBINICALLY SPEAKING Shmuli Novack is the Rabbi and co-director at Chabad of Southside. In 2000, he moved to Jacksonville and joined the team at Chabad Headquarters in Mandarin and in 2006 he and his wife Chana moved to the Southside to establish a Chabad center there. Rabbi Novack is a native of Los Angeles and together he and his wife, who heads up the center’s award winning Ganeinu Preschool, have four sons: Zammy, Menny, Dovid and Eli. Follow the Rabbi on Twitter @JaxJew.
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chabad news Chabad at the Beaches to debut Upcoming and ongoing new age Kosher cuisine during events
fourth annual Kosher food festival
By Chabad at the Beaches What does Lukshen, rugelach, challah and gefilta have in common with Chimichurri, yucca fries, Moroccan fish, gazpacho, borscht, and ceviche? It may seem like a person needs a foreign language dictionary in order to have a Jewish culinary experience, but all are invited to leave the dictionaries behind and simply enjoy old and new age Kosher cuisine at Chabad at the Beaches’ Fourth Annual Kosher Food Festival. The Festival will take place, Sunday, Sept. 11th from 12 – 3 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Cultural Center, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. This year’s festival will be hosted by restaurant owner and chef Masha Hleap. Hleap, originally from Colombia, South America, is the owner and top chef of FuegoMundo, one of Atlanta’s finest eating establishments. FuegoMundo, meaning ‘world of fire’ is the city’s ‘hottest’ kosher restaurant. Located in the heart of one of the city’s busiest business districts and just a short drive from all of Atlanta’s Jewish neighborhoods. Included in this extraordinary festival will be an array of kosher
foods, including the traditional favorites such as knishes, latkes, matzah ball soup and deli sandwiches. The event is open to the public and there is a $1 fee for admission, but free with registration on KosherFoodFest.com. Cost of food is seperate from the price of admission. Past year’s events were held at smaller venues and saw record crowds. “The last festival was the largest Jewish event in the Beaches history,” said event coordinator Mrs. Leah Kurinsky. “This year we found a venue large enough to hold a significant crowd and the menu has also been vastly expanded.” The festival will offer a free raffle as well as all kinds of surprises and entertainment. A free admission ticket will be offered to all those reserving in advance. Information about this or any other Chabad @ the Beaches event is available by calling the Chabad office at 904-543-9301 or visiting it’s official website at ChabadBeaches.com. The Kosher Food Fest is an excellent, cost efficient way to share your business with the Jewish community with a modest sponsorship, so if interested log onto the official event website at KosherFoodFest.com.
Chabad prepares for Pesach
Burning of the chametz before Pesach at Chabad of Mandarin headquarters
Mandarin Daily Chassidic Philosophy Held weekday mornings, Monday – Friday, 6:40 a.m., Sundays 8:15 a.m., with instructor Rabbi Yossie Kahanov. Insights on the Torah Portion Shabbos Mornings, 8:30 a.m., with instructor Rabbi Mendy Browd. Exploring The Talmud Tuesday evenings after Maariv with instructor Rabbi Mendy Browd. Women’s Study Group Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with instructor Rebbetzin Rivkie Kahanov. Shabbos Live Join us for a memorable Shabbat dinner and monthly oneg, July 2nd and 30th, which is free and open to all. Experience the feeling of holiness that only Shabbat can bring with great food, insightful discussion, Chassidic melodies and a warm ‘Heimish atmosphere. Sponsorships are available, so call 904-262-6641 for more information or to reserve space. S. Johns Hebrew School for Grown-ups An informal space to refresh your knowledge of Judaism, where you’ll gain a basic knowledge of Jewish practice and an understanding of why we Jew-it. Participants will be able to delve into the deeper, more mystical aspects of Jewish life. Contact info@JewishSJohnsCounty. com for more information. Bar Mitzvah Discovery The most important event in the life of a young person should be more than just rote memorization leading up to an anxiety-ridden recital of the Torah. A new breakthrough in Bar Mitzvah education is geared toward preparing our youth for the important new role they’ll be assuming as a Jewish adults and will help them define who they are for years to come. This program is for boy’s ages 11-13 and is held every Sunday
at 9:00 a.m. Call 904-701-4422 or email Rabbi@JewishSJohnsCounty. com for more information. Torah & Tea Join other Jewish women for inspiring Torah discussions, Jewish meditation, camaraderie, hot tea, and delicious refreshments all in the name of feminine Spiritualit-Tea! For more information e-mail Dini@ JewishSJohnsCounty.com Southside Yoga and Torah for Women Unleash Your Inner Strength Invigorating Yoga exercise followed by delicious and healthy refreshments and a thought provoking discussion of Jewish wisdom. Held Tuesday evenings in the S. Johns Town Center. To RSVP visit SouthsideChabad.com or call 904646-4434. Hebrew School - Register Today CHS is for you as families of all backgrounds feel comfortable and welcome. Our school enjoys a wellearned reputation as a trendsetter in creative Jewish education for children ages 5-13. School is in session Sundays, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Visit SouthsideChabad.com for more information. Shabbat Morning Services Join us for services with Rabbi Shmuli Novack in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Our nonjudgmental philosophy embraces everyone, regardless of commitment or religious background. Services are held at 10:30 a.m. each Saturday in a traditional setting, with a contemporary message. A traditional cholent luncheon follows the service. BLT - Bagels Lox and Torah Held Sunday mornings from 10:3011:30 a.m., where you’ll enjoy a Jewish classic while studying from the Jewish classics. RSVP at Soutshidechabad.com.
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• June/July 2016