Connections 2013 - Lee-Charlotte Counties

Published by the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Countieswww.JewishFederationLCC.org

Connections2013 GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES

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2013 GUIDE TO JEWISH LIFE IN LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES

Published by the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties www.JewishFederationLCC.org

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2 CONNECTIONS2013 A Guide to Jewish Living in Lee and Charlotte Counties

Volume 3, No. 12013 Edition

56 pagesUSPS Permit No. 175

PublisherJewish Federation

of Lee and Charlotte Counties9701 Commerce Center Court

Fort Myers, FL 33908Phone: (239) 481-4449

Fax: (239) 481-0139Email: [email protected]

www.JewishFederationLCC.org

Jewish Federation StaffAlan Isaacs, Executive Director

Amy Ginsburg-Padilla, Program Dir.Lori Ramos, Executive Assistant

Karina Ciresi, BookkeeperLisa Bendetowicz,

Jewish Family Services

EditorTed Epstein

[email protected]

Advertising SalesJill Schreidell

[email protected](239) 989-6521

Graphic Design & Production

Federation Media Group, Inc.(239) 249-0699

Email your comments, questions, kudos, criticism and suggestions to [email protected]. Or send a letter to:Connections Editor, Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908

Connect with Connections!

From the Editor

Ted Epstein

Welcome to the third edition of Connections. This is THE publication to turn to for the local Jewish community’s activities, programs, services and organizations.

Just as L’CHAYIM serves to keep you up-to-date on all things “Jewish” each month, Connections serves as your annual resource guide.

I am often asked by friends and family on the east coast of Florida and in the New York area, whether there is “Jewish life” in Southwest Florida.

Well...what you are holding in your hands is proof positive that Jewish life is alive and growing in our area. Did you know that in Southwest Florida (from Marco Island to Bradenton and all points in between) there are 29 synagogues, including eight Chabads? There are three Jewish Family Service agencies; sev-eral chapters of Hadassah, ORT, NCJW and JWV; and a Holocaust Museum in Naples.

There are four Jewish Film Festivals, two major Jewish Book Festivals, numerous book discussion groups, mah jongg galore, several Jewish food fairs, large community holiday celebrations, and hundreds of cultural and learning opportunities.

When you go through these pages, you will learn a lot about the wealth of opportunities – cultural, educational and spiritual – available to the Jewish community in Lee and Charlotte counties.

Without our valued advertisers, neither L’CHAYIM nor Connections would be possible. When you visit an entity that advertises with us – whether it’s a health provider, financial adviser, theater, restaurant or museum – please be sure to say, “Thank you for advertising with the publications of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.”

Everyone involved with Connections hopes you will save it and use it as a guide for the coming year. And please share it with others or have them contact the Federation for their own copy.

Ted Epstein, Editor, Connections and L’CHAYIM



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Table of ContentsFEDERATION................................................6-9ARTS & CULTURE.......................................10-17RELIGIOUS LIFE.........................................18-25ORGANIZATIONS......................................26-37 Special Interest Groups...................................................26-29 Israel Connection..............................................................30-35 Advocacy Groups..............................................................36-37

COMMUNITY SERVICES............................38-39ADULT EDUCATION..................................40-41FOCUS ON YOUTH....................................42-48 Schools.....................................................................42-46 Camps..............................................................................46 Teens/Youth Groups.........................................................47-48

CALENDAR................................................50-51 Community Events..................................................................50 Candle Lighting Times...........................................................51 Jewish Holidays........................................................................51

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS.......................52INDEX.........................................................53

The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties thanks all of our advertisers for their continued support! Without them we would be unable to provide you with Connections. Please support our advertisers and let them know you saw their ad in Connections.

Visiting other areas in Southwest Florida and want to know about all things Jewish there? There are Connections publications for

Collier County as well as for the Sarasota-Manatee area. To view the online versions, visit the Federation websites listed below.

www.jewishnaples.org www.jfedsrq.org

2013 Guide to Jewish Living in SaraSota-Manatee Connections

A FREE publicAtion

The Strength of a PeoPle.The Power of CommuniTy.

www.theJewishFederation.org

A Guide to Jewish Livingin Collier County A FREE PUBLICATION

ARTS & CULTURE • ADULT & CHILDHOOD EDUCATION • FEDERATION

COMMUNITY SERVICES • EVENTS • LOCAL AGENCIES & ORGANIZATIONS

RELIGIOUS LIFE • COMMUNITY CALENDAR • AND MUCH MORE!

read it online at www.jewishnaples.org



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301 Washington AvenueMiami Beach, FL 33139Tel: 305-672-5044

Jewish Museum of Florida

Open daily: 10am–5pm, except Mondays, Jewish and Civil holidays.

The Museum is supported by individual contributions, foundations, memberships and grants from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners and the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council.

Come discover 250 years of

unique Floridahistory throughthe core exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish

Life in Florida 1763-Present.

Housed in two internationally acclaimed restored historic former synagogues, the Museum also offers

intriguing temporary art and history exhibits for Jews to retrieve and preserve memories

to help ensure Jewish continuity.

Also visit the Orovitz Museum Store for one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes, and have a

nosh in Bessie’s Bistro.

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For a complete list of the Museum's programs andspecial events, please visit www.jewishmuseum.com.

2012 Through 2013 Exhibition Schedule

• Ongoing Core Exhibition........................................MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida –1763 to the Present• Thru January 27, 2013.........From Home to Home: Jewish Immigration to America (Children’s Exhibit)• Thru March 17, 2013 .................................................................................................Project Mah Jongg• February 12 – May 5, 2013....................................................Miami Mosaic: Portraits by Inez Hollande• April 9 – September 15, 2013 ........................................................................Bat Mitzvah Comes of Age• May 21 – October 20, 2013 ............................................................................Miami Salsa by Carol Fryd


The Jewish Federation in Lee and Charlotte counties

Jewish Federation

ALAN ISAACSExecutive Director

Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte

Counties

There is no record of the arrival of the first Jew in Lee County. Strangely enough, in 1850, Fort Myers was named for a Jew – Col. Abraham Myers – who had

nothing to do with its establishment and (according to most historians) never lived in nor visited the area.

During World War II, a Jewish chaplain was assigned to the U.S. Army Base in Buckingham, and for the first time, the handful of Jews liv-ing here could attend services arranged for ser-vicemen on the base. In 1947, a local merchant, Sam Posner, placed an ad in the newspaper stat-ing that his variety store would be closed for the High Holidays. Suddenly, unknown Jews in the area began to contact him. In 1948, ten families gathered for High Holiday services.

In January 1975, Leo Cooper provided an important link for the Jewish families of Lee County when he set up, edited, published and distributed the monthly newspaper L’CHAYIM. The newspaper was the impetus for the com-munity to come together to establish a local Jewish Fed-eration (but not part of the Council of Jewish Federations) in 1976, whose primary purpose was to raise funds for the United Jewish Appeal.

The Jewish Community began to grow with its need for services, other than fundraising. In 1984, a group of mothers worked tirelessly with then-president Sheila Laboda to begin planning a Federation day camp. It was named Camp Gen-esis and opened in 1985.

Under Laboda’s steady hand, the Federation was incor-porated and became recognized as a member of the Council of Jewish Federations in 1986. This was followed by the creation of many educational and cultural projects, social services, Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) cele-brations, the resettlement of Russian refugees, and Holocaust education in the schools. The Federation hired its first executive director in 1988 and a program director in 1990.

As the Lee County Jewish community continued to

expand its programming, the Jews in Charlotte County expressed their desire to join this Federation, which in 1995 officially became the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.

In recent years, the community has created a bona fide Jewish Family Service. In 2009, the Federation purchased and moved into its Jewish Community Building with a dedicated Jewish Family Service wing.

Today, the Jewish community, like the rest of the population in Lee and Charlotte counties, is growing exponentially. Our database com-prises over 2,200 households and we estimate there are approximately 3,000 households in our target area.

What does this mean for our community?Over the last several years, our social services arm has been working overtime to meet the needs of our community, providing a wide

range of services, including:Groceries and Publix food cards to those in need ÎMaintaining a food pantry ÎHoliday baskets and teen visits to seniors and senior Îfacilities for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah and PassoverAddressing emerging and pressing needs related to se- Înior housing, health and socializationNon-sectarian, individual and family counseling, infor- Îmation and referral services by our social workersBereavement, separation and other support-groups by Îour social workersNon-sectarian, needs-based college scholarships ÎSAT Prep classes throughout the year ÎSupporting families of children with special needs ÎAddressing pressing community needs related to vol- Îunteerism, institutional cooperation and community assessment and planningThis is just the tip of the iceberg for our community


Federation

Who is “Federation” and what do we do?

services. With the influx of new seniors moving into our area we must be in a position to assist the frail and elderly as many are moving here without the support network that they had up north. Just as importantly, we are also seeing an ever

growing younger community and even a burgeoning Hillel at Florida Gulf Coast University. So we’ve started to run out-reach and education programs designed to connect with our Jewish youth.

The answer is simple: It’s you – and every member of the Jewish community of Lee and Charlotte counties. The Federation is the thread that runs through the

fabric of our Jewish community, its organizations and ser-vices, connecting us all.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Char-lotte Counties is to provide and support philanthropic, ed-ucational and social service programs that promote such Jewish values as Tzedakah (benevolence), Tikkun Olam (re-pairing the world) and K’lal Yisrael (taking responsibility for one another), in order to strengthen and enrich the Jewish community locally, in Israel and throughout the world.

Two thousand years ago we vowed to take care of one another like family. Today, thanks to donors like you, that vow still holds. It’s an amazing story. We Jews were exiled from the Land of Israel over 2,000 years ago. And yet, with no home, and no one to rely on but ourselves, we developed one of

the largest and most effective social service infrastructures in the world. Our local Jewish Federation is now at the heart of that infrastructure, allocating valuable dollars to family and child services, nursing homes, JCCs, summer camps and a host of vitally important programs here at home, in Israel and around the world.

As we know, however, today that infrastructure is be-ing tested like never before. In these compelling times, with millions of Americans out of work, millions of homes lost to foreclosure, and countless Jewish families who suddenly can’t put food on their tables, more and more Jews are turn-ing to the Federation system for help. Yet, for every story of hardship and despair, there are countless stories of love and

hope that donors like you make happen every day. Israel and overseas support is essential to Jews in dan-

ger, wherever they may be. Wherever Jews are in harm’s way – from Georgia to Yemen to Israel – our Federation and our overseas partners have a unique ability to act quickly in emer-gencies. From wars to acts of terror to natural disasters, there is so much we can do to alleviate suffering. Personnel and programs already on the ground in virtually every part of the world enabled us to provide humanitarian assistance in Georgia during the conflict with Russia and evacuate more than 200 people from the conflict zone to safety. Several hundred Jews remain in Yemen, but due to rising violence their lives have been threatened. Over the past year, we have brought out several groups of Yemenite Jews who needed to leave for the safety of Israel and the U.S. Before, during and after Operation Cast Lead, we provided assistance – supplies, respite and trauma counseling – to residents of Southern Israel while rockets were falling in their backyards. Thou-sands of people received help.

More than 400,000 of Israel’s children are at risk of missing out on the life and learning opportunities they need to become independent members of society. In Israel to-day, one in every three children lives at or below the poverty line. These astounding figures highlight the cycle of despair and depravity that cripples a disturbingly high portion of Israel’s children, physically and psychologically. They don’t get the programs and activities they need to develop their educational and personal abilities. Their families cannot afford extracurricular programs and, equally if not more relevant, often the parents themselves are incapable of func-tioning as positive role models.

Jewish Community PhilanthropyJewish Community Philanthropy is organized and imple-mented through an annual community fundraising campaign

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties is to provide and support philanthropic, educational and social service programs that promote such Jewish values as Tzedakah (benevolence), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world)

and K’lal Yisrael (taking responsibility for one another), in order to strengthen and enrich the Jewish community locally, in Israel and throughout the world.

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Federationto provide the resources to fund local and overseas programs. These funds are raised by volunteers who under-stand that services to the Jewish com-munity here, and communities in Israel and around the world are not provided by governments, foundations or NGOs. The funds that pay for these services are raised from voluntary donations by you and our co-community members.

Jewish Family ServicesJewish Family Services provides infor-mation, referral and counseling services to the community, including programs

for special needs, the elderly and indi-gent. It also operates a food pantry. We need to continue making a difference in the lives of the elderly, the hungry and the poor. Right now, our Jewish com-munity is navigating the most severe economic downturn in generations. In fact, more of us are relying on the ser-vices of Federation-funded assistance to help make ends meet, feed our families, and pay our mortgages than ever be-fore. Individual and group counseling services and support groups provide an emotional safety net to individuals and families who find themselves vulner-able like never before.

Services provided by the Jewish Federation to the aging are being ex-panded to include a task force to assess the nature of residential needs for the aging community. The Jewish Federa-tion and Florida Gulf Coast University conducted a Jewish Community Needs Assessment focusing on the present and future needs of those aging in our community. Clearly there is a growing need for services to the aging in addi-tion to counseling and the distribution of holiday packages four times a year on Jewish holidays to those elderly liv-ing alone and in care facilities.

Jewish Education and Cultural ProgrammingJewish education and culture programs for all ages draw community-wide par-ticipation. The Annual Jewish Book Fair brings authors from all over the country to Lee and Charlotte counties

in November and December to discuss their diverse work and help to intro-duce us to contemporary Jewish litera-ture and works by Jewish authors. The Annual Jewish Film Festival exposes local audiences to Jewish and Israeli-oriented material for the screen that would be otherwise difficult to access. Audiences fill local theatres to view the films as a communal experience.

Israel Fest, our annual celebration of Israel, introduces our community to Israeli products, arts and crafts, food and fun. Children particularly enjoy the music and entertainment presented for their pleasure.

Israeli dancing classes are offered at the Jewish Federation Community Building as a way to join with others in the community for an Israeli cultural experience.

The Jewish Federation publishes the community calendar for all affili-ated organizations as a clearinghouse for community programs and events.

The Jewish Federation provides needs-based academic scholarships annually to students in the Jewish and non-Jewish communities to attend college. Recipients are selected by the Scholarship Committee and often re-turn to volunteer for the Federation during their vacations.

Holocaust Education is provided through the Holocaust Museum & Ed-ucation Center of Southwest Florida to middle and high school students in the community. The Jewish Federation commemorates the Holocaust each

The faces of Federation

and our communityPhotos courtesy of Michael Shapiro


Federationyear at the Holocaust Memorial Service held at a local synagogue and features a speaker on the subject.

PublicationsL’CHAYIM, the monthly newspaper published by the Jewish Federation, keeps the Jewish community informed about local, national and international Jewish news, and offers the community the opportunity to read and write about issues that affect the community.

The Federation also compiles, up-dates and distributes a Community Directory for use by the Jewish com-munity. And this copy of Connections is published by the Federation.

Community RelationsCommunity Relations activities include monitoring anti-Semitism and issues of separation of church and state in the community. Community relations ac-tivities also include programs of out-reach to the non-Jewish communities such as “A Night to Honor Israel” and a training opportunity for an Israeli emergency response delegation from our Partnership 2000 region with the Lee County Sheriff ’s Department.

Israel Advocacy and Initiatives such as Israel Solidarity Rallies and the relationship with the Partnership 2000 Hadera Eiron region in Israel are undertaken to strengthen local Jewish community ties with Israel, and send a message to the community at large about our support for the Jewish State.

Our Emergency Preparedness Taskforce continues to develop expe-dient organizational plans for disaster response measures in the event of local emergencies. The Federation draws on local expertise to help us enhance these strategies.

Our Young Adult Division (YAD) offers abundant opportunities to get involved with Federation-sponsored activities focused on ages 25 to 40-some-thing, whether celebrating Israel at Israel Fest, socializing with friends at kid-centered activities, joining in at educational events, or engaging in Fed-eration activities directed at fulfilling its mission to serve Jewish communities here, in Israel and abroad. Leader-ship development programs are also designed to pre-

pare the YAD to play key role in de-termining the future of our Jewish community.

The Jewish Community Build-ing is utilized to serve the wide range of Jewish constituencies and organi-zations, accommodate Federation-sponsored programs, and provide a gathering place to conduct Jewish Federation business.

Thank You for HelpingBy allocating your philanthropic dollars to ensure the greatest impact, our Jew-ish Federation has earned a reputation as a trusted, effective charity that makes a real difference in our community and around the world. Through your dona-tions, you are part of a caring, compas-sionate community that unites in good times and bad to safeguard and cele-brate Jewish life. Your contribution to the Jewish Federation of Lee and Char-lotte Counties is the one gift that does it all.

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Arts & Culture

L’Chayim, a word used in toasts and blessings, literally means “To Life,” and we use it to express

the vitality of Jewish life in Southwest Florida. L’CHAYIM, the name of our monthly newspaper, keeps thousands of local readers informed about lo-cal, national and international Jewish news.

L’CHAYIM has articles submitted by the Jewish clergy and lay leaders in Lee and Charlotte counties. Federation Board members and staff also contrib-ute articles of interest to the readers.

The newspaper was first published 35 years ago, and has gone through several design, paper, size and edito-rial changes. Typical issues have 32-40 pages.

Each month, readers of L’CHAYIM get news and updates on all Jewish-re-lated local events including the Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Book Fair, Israel Fest, holiday celebrations, concerts, food festivals, book study groups and timely lectures. They also get updates from the area’s synagogues and nu-merous local Jewish organizations. It’s the place they turn to for community news, the community calendar, candle lighting times, a business directory and much more.

The newspaper also features Israel & the Jewish world items, commen-

News and InformationL’CHAYIM

For more information about L’CHAYIM, to receive a free subscription, or to advertise:Call: (239) 481-4449 x4 Email: [email protected]: L’CHAYIM page at www.JewishFederationLCC.org

tary pieces and general Jewish interest articles.

Ted Epstein, the editor/designer of Connections, has been the Managing Editor and designer of L’CHAYIM since October 2009.

L’CHAYIM is mailed free to 2,500 homes and businesses in the area, and is available to everyone at the Federa-tion office.

It can also be found online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org. Read-ers can view the most recent issue as well as an archive of recent past issues in PDF format.

The mission of L’CHAYIM is to represent Jewish life in the area by providing the voice that reports news, information, programs and events im-portant to the local Jewish commu-nity. In accomplishing this mission, the newspaper seeks to:

Celebrate Jewish life in Lee and •Charlotte countiesInform, enrich and entertain readers•Strengthen Jewish identity and •facilitate participation in Jewish community lifeProvide an efficient advertising and •editorial network to businesses that serve our areaAssist the Jewish Federation and its •beneficiary agencies to achieve com-munity building goals


Arts & CultureFilm & Variety17th Annual Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida

The 17th Annual Southwest Florida Jewish Film Fes-tival, produced by the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, will be held in January and

February 2013. The local Festival captures the flavor of the larger Jewish Film Festivals that are held each year in cities like New York, Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco and Miami.

This year’s films include a wide variety of international and domestic productions that run the gamut of moving you to tears to setting you on the edge of your seat.

Ticket prices for this year’s event, which includes eight films, are $68 for the entire series or $10 for individual films. Call the Jewish Federation at (239) 481-4449 x3 for more details. Most of the past films have sold out. Please order your tickets early. Schedule of events (all films begin at 7:15 p.m. with open seating at the Regal Bell Tower Cinemas in Fort Myers):

January 15 – ¡ A Bottle in the Gaza SeaJanuary 17 – ¡ HabermannJanuary 22 – ¡ Blank BulletJanuary 24 – ¡ Their Eyes Were DryJanuary 29 – ¡ Making TroubleJanuary 31 – ¡ Nicky’s FamilyFebruary 5 – ¡ MabulFebruary 7 – ¡ Follow Me

You will find a downloadable ticket order form at www.JewishFederationLCC.org or you can purchase tickets di-rectly on the site.

The Regal Bell Tower Cinema is located at 13499 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers (in back of the Bell Tower Shops at the corner of Daniels Parkway and US 41 North). Note: The theater does NOT sell Jewish Film Festival tickets.

Special thanks to the Jewish Film Festival Committee: co-Chairs Jill Weil and Sara Krivisky, Susie Ferkel, Claire Goldhagen, Andi Horowitz, Janet Sigman, Lynn Talone, Kathy Toll, and Program Director Amy Ginsburg-Padilla.

Bat Yam - Temple of the Islands and the Sanibel Con-gregational Church will once again jointly sponsor the video series, “Live From NY’s 92nd St. Y.”

In January, on a date to be announced, the Joint Film Committee will pres-ent an interview with Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton. Call Ed Greenberg, Film Committee Chair, at (239) 395-3560 for more information and to reserve your place. A $5 minimum fee is requested.

Bat Yam Cantor Douglas Renfroe will appear as solo-ist and conductor at a number of concerts throughout the year. The first, on Sunday, January 13 at 3:00 p.m.,

is co-sponsored by Bat Yam and the Sanibel Congregational Church. It will feature Douglas Renfroe, Reverend John Danner and Leslie Frost, and will will take place at the Church Sanctuary, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

For more information or the schedule of concerts, call the Bat Yam office at (239) 395-1432.

“Live From NY’s 92nd St. Y”

Douglas Renfroe in concert

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Arts & Culture

Jewish Federation’s 19th Annual Jewish Book Fair

The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties is a mem-ber of the Jewish Book Coun-

cil, a national organization, giving us access to more authors and publish-ers than ever before. The Jewish Book Fair Committee Chair and Program Director attend the Annual Jewish Book Council Conference ensuring the authors we invite will be entertaining as well as informative.

Each fall, the Federation brings authors to our area from around the country for lectures, book signings and an author luncheon. The 19th Annual Jewish Book Fair will be held in No-vember and December 2013. Recently, the locations for the authors’ speaking engagements and book signings have expanded to include Estero and Port Charlotte.

All Jewish Book Fair events are free of charge (except for the author lun-cheon) and all are open to the general public. For more information about the Jewish Book Fair, visit www.Jewish FederationLCC.org or call the Federa-tion office at (239) 481-4449 x3.

Books

At a November 2012 Book Fair event,over 40 children came to hear

Waddy Padilla’s presentation about Jewish characters and their influence on comic books

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Arts & CultureCultural Festivals

Something pretty incredible is coming to Southwest Florida this April – the Jewish community will bring Israel to YOU! Take a trip to Israel without ever leav-

ing Fort Myers. This year’s Israel Fest is called “Little Israel.” It will fea-

ture four major areas in Israel – Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and the Negev – at different stations, with music, food, gift items and activities that are distinctive of those locations. You’ll find all of your old favorites at Israel Fest as well, including Israeli folk dancing demonstrations, perfor-mances by religious school children, a little klezmer music (in case you feel like taking a quick jaunt to Europe) and lots more.

All of Southwest Florida is invited to Israel Fest’s Little Israel festivities on Sunday, April 21 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Jewish Federation building.

There are still Israel Fest 2013 sponsorship opportuni-ties available. See the sponsorship form at right. For more information, contact Amy Ginsburg-Padilla at (239) 481-4449 x3 or [email protected].

Annual Jewish Book Fair

November 2012

Annual Jewish Film Festival

January ~ February 2013

Israel Fest

April 2013

2012~ 2013

Arts and Culture

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship Form

Still cannot decide which event to support? We have creat-ed the following sponsorship packages so you can partici-pate in each event.

Sponsorship Packages

__$2000 Name & logo on all advertising, 1/4 page SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS insert in our monthly newspaper for 3 months, 6 tickets to the author luncheon, 6 tickets to each of the Jewish Film Festival films.


__$1000 Name & logo on all advertising, 1/4 page SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS insert in our monthly newspaper for 1 month, 2 tickets to the author luncheon, 2 tickets to each of the Jewish Film Festival films.

Sponsor Individual Events

Annual Jewish Book Fair ~ November 2012 __ Publisher $1000 __ Editor $750 __ Publicist $500 __ Reader $250

Annual Jewish Film Festival ~ Jan. & Feb. 2013 __ Studio Mogul $1000 __ Executive Producer $750 __ Producer $500 __ Director $250

Israel Fest ~ April 2013 __ Diamond $1,500 __ Platinum $1000 __Gold $750 __ Silver $500 __ Copper $250 __Business Card $100 Please choose your level of support, fill out the form below and mail it along with your payment. Artwork can be submitted by emailing PDFs or JPGs to [email protected] Company Name/ Contact Person__________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________

City: ____________________________ State :_____ Zip Code:__________ Phone: _________________________________ Fax:___________________ Email: _________________________________________________________

For Questions: call Amy Padilla at 239.481.4449 ext. 3

Email: [email protected]

Make your check out to Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties

Israel Fest is our celebration of Israeli Arts and Culture. We celebrate in the Spring when the weather is beautiful and all the snowbirds and tourists are in Southwest Florida. There are four hours of live entertainment, ethnic Israeli delicacies and vendors from around the US and Israel selling Israeli jewelry and other products. There is a children’s play area with age appro-priate activities. It’s wholesome fun for the whole family!

Our advertisers are acknowledged every hour by the MC on stage. We will display your advertising signage at the event. Don’t miss this opportuni-ty to get your message out in front of the largest gathering of our member-ship in Southwest Florida!

We print 3,000 inserts for our monthly newspaper and mail them out to our membership and distribute the rest around Lee County prior to the event. We advertise in newspapers countywide. We draw people from all over Southwest Florida. It’s a great opportunity to promote your business!


Diamond ................................................................... $1,500 Your name and/or logo on all advertising

1/2 PAGE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS insert in our monthly newspaper You may display your advertising banners at Israel Fest

Platinum .................................................................... $1,000

Your name and/or logo on all advertising 1/4 page SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS insert in our monthly newspaper (1)

You may display your advertising banners at Israel Fest

Gold ............................................................................. $750 Your name and/or logo on all advertising

1/8 page SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS insert in our monthly newspaper (1) You may display your advertising banners at Israel Fest

Silver ............................................................................ $500


Copper ........................................................................ $250

Your name and/or logo on all advertising 1/8 page ad in the Israel Fest section of our newspaper

Business Card ................................................................ $100

Your business card in the Israel Fest section of our newspaper

Annual Jewish Book Fair

November 2012

Annual Jewish Film Festival

January ~ February 2013

Israel Fest

April 2013

2012~ 2013

Arts and Culture


Sponsorship Form

Still cannot decide which event to support? We have creat-ed the following sponsorship packages so you can partici-pate in each event.

Sponsorship Packages



__$1000 Name & logo on all advertising, 1/4 page SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS insert in our monthly newspaper for 1 month, 2 tickets to the author luncheon, 2 tickets to each of the Jewish Film Festival films.

Sponsor Individual Events

Annual Jewish Book Fair ~ November 2012 __ Publisher $1000 __ Editor $750 __ Publicist $500 __ Reader $250

Annual Jewish Film Festival ~ Jan. & Feb. 2013 __ Studio Mogul $1000 __ Executive Producer $750 __ Producer $500 __ Director $250

Israel Fest ~ April 2013 __ Diamond $1,500 __ Platinum $1000 __Gold $750 __ Silver $500 __ Copper $250 __Business Card $100 Please choose your level of support, fill out the form below and mail it along with your payment. Artwork can be submitted by emailing PDFs or JPGs to [email protected] Company Name/ Contact Person__________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________

City: ____________________________ State :_____ Zip Code:__________ Phone: _________________________________ Fax:___________________ Email: _________________________________________________________

For Questions: call Amy Padilla at 239.481.4449 ext. 3

Email: [email protected]

Make your check out to Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties

Israel Fest is our celebration of Israeli Arts and Culture. We celebrate in the Spring when the weather is beautiful and all the snowbirds and tourists are in Southwest Florida. There are four hours of live entertainment, ethnic Israeli delicacies and vendors from around the US and Israel selling Israeli jewelry and other products. There is a children’s play area with age appro-priate activities. It’s wholesome fun for the whole family!

Our advertisers are acknowledged every hour by the MC on stage. We will display your advertising signage at the event. Don’t miss this opportuni-ty to get your message out in front of the largest gathering of our member-ship in Southwest Florida!

We print 3,000 inserts for our monthly newspaper and mail them out to our membership and distribute the rest around Lee County prior to the event. We advertise in newspapers countywide. We draw people from all over Southwest Florida. It’s a great opportunity to promote your business!


Diamond ................................................................... $1,500 Your name and/or logo on all advertising

1/2 PAGE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS insert in our monthly newspaper You may display your advertising banners at Israel Fest

Platinum .................................................................... $1,000


You may display your advertising banners at Israel Fest

Gold ............................................................................. $750 Your name and/or logo on all advertising

1/8 page SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS insert in our monthly newspaper (1) You may display your advertising banners at Israel Fest

Silver ............................................................................ $500


Copper ........................................................................ $250

Your name and/or logo on all advertising 1/8 page ad in the Israel Fest section of our newspaper

Business Card ................................................................ $100

Your business card in the Israel Fest section of our newspaper

Sponsorship Form

13


Arts & Culture Cultural Festivals

2nd Annual Fruits of Israel Festival

Israel Scouts to sing and dance in Fort Myers

The Tzofim (Israel Scouts) Friendship Caravan made its inaugural appearance in Fort

Myers in June 2011. The event at Tem-ple Beth El attracted 300 people – young and young-at-heart alike.

The Israel Scouts travel throughout North America each summer as em-issaries. They typically reach over 35 states, including 250 camps, commu-nity centers, synagogues, senior homes and schools, performing for an audi-ence totaling nearly 100,000 people.

On Sunday, January 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Temple Beth El will be celebrating Tu B’Shevat with a fun-filled day of activities for the young and

young at heart. Highlighting the event will be a large Fresh Fruit and

Vegetable Market, many vendors with a vast array of mer-chandise, Israeli food featuring falafel, Israeli music and more. For the children, there will be games, a bounce house, train ride, face painting and even a chance to drop Rabbi Jer-emy Barras in the dunk tank! For adults, there will be wine tasting and suggestions for pairing with food by our own Jerry Snyderman, massage chairs, a flute and piano concert by Beth Bogen and Randi Kashi, Marcato percussionists, an a cappella group, and many more surprises

The Learning Tree, Religious School and Youth Group students at the temple are working in conjunction with the organizing committee so that all age groups are involved in planning this major event.

A huge Todah Rabah to Lipman Produce for making this festival possible.

For more information, call (239) 433-0018.

They are bright and dynamic per-formers. Their singing, dancing and storytelling are high-energy and upbeat with an intense love for the land and the people of Israel, and a strong desire to share that passion with you.

Each Caravan has five male and five female scouts who will have you sing-ing and dancing in your seat or, if you are lucky, dancing with them. We are sure you will shed a few tears of pride for these wonderful goodwill ambassa-dors for the State of Israel.

At press time, the date, time and location for the 2013 event were not firm. Look for more information in the spring issues of L’CHAYIM.

If you would like to host a Scout at your home or support this event (which is hoped will be free as was the 2011 event), contact Roger Harris at (239) 415-4845 or [email protected].

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Arts & CultureFun and GamesIsraeli Folk Dancing

Do you want to feel connected, get a workout, express your creativity, use your brain, feel

rejuvenated? Then Israeli folk dancing is for you! All levels of dance expertise are welcome; no previous dance expe-rience required. Each dance session starts out with easy, beginner dances so that even newcomers feel comfortable. The group is warm and congenial and anxious to help anyone with basic steps. New dances are added all the time.

The local growing group of danc-ers has the pleasure of dancing in the

Federation’s beautiful new facility. People come from all walks of life, from all levels of experience, range in age from 30-year-olds to 90-year-olds, and from as far away as Naples, to revel in the joy of dancing.

It usually takes about six lessons to become acquainted with all the ba-sic steps and the easier dances. Israeli folk dancing then builds on these basic steps, incorporating them into all other dances. It’s in the repetition of the dances from week to week that real learning takes place until one internalizes the dances. Group leader Marsha Kistler shares her 30 years of Israeli dancing experi-ence and encour-

Mellow Mah Jongg Each Tuesday afternoon, an open session of Mah Jongg is held at the Jewish Federation.

Players must be at least advanced beginners, as no lessons are given.

DAY: Tuesdays, 12:30 – 3:30 P.M. FEE: $1 per week

For more information, call Rona Strausberg at 239.949.9003

ages participants to share their favorite dances.

Dancing typically starts at 4:00 p.m. on Sundays (beginners at 3:40 p.m.) at the Jewish Federation office at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers. Check out the schedule in the calendar section of L’CHAYIM or online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org.

For more information, please con-tact Marsha Kistler at (239) 947-5118 or [email protected].

15


Arts & Culture Museums & Holocaust Studies

Annual Holocaust Memorial Service

Each year, the Jewish Federa-tion of Lee and Charlotte Counties sponsors a moving

educational program to remember the Holocaust and teach about it to the next generation. A choir per-forms, memorial candles are lit by community members, and a presen-tation is given by a keynote speaker who is a survivor or an expert on the Holocaust.

This year’s Holocaust Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Temple Judea, 14486 A&W Bulb Rd., Fort Myers.

For more information, contact Amy Ginsburg-Padilla at (239) 481-4449 x3 or [email protected].

The Center for Judaic, Holo-caust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University

was established in 2005 due to the pio-neering efforts of several members of the Jewish communities of Fort Myers and Naples. Under the sponsorship of Ann Jacobson and several others, and ably directed at the University in its first years by Dr. John Cox, the Center grew from offering a few events relating to Holocaust and other commemorations, to one which became a focus in South-west Florida for all academic matters relating to Jewish civilization, the Ho-locaust, genocide, human rights, and remembrance.

After the departure of Dr. Cox for the Univ. of North Carolina Charlotte, the Center was directed in an interim capacity by FGCU’s Dr. Myra Mendible.

In August 2012 the University wel-comed Dr. Paul Bartrop, formerly of Australia and New Jersey, as its first full-time Director. Conscious of the fact that the past century was the bloodi-est in history, Dr. Bartrop has re-dedi-cated the aims of the Center to fulfilling

FGCU Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studiesthose of its founders.

Accordingly, the Center will con-tinue in its quest to increase knowledge and understanding about the Holo-caust and other genocides, as well as to strengthen the democratic institutions that can confront genocide and other threats to human rights, such as intoler-ance, anti-Semitism, racism and igno-rance. The Center seeks to achieve these aims through providing educational opportunities within the University, the wider community, and in partnership with educational and other organiza-tions throughout the State of Florida, the United States, and internationally.

During the next year we will see a number of important historical anni-versaries: 75th anniversaries from the crucial year of 1938; 70th anniversaries from the equally crucial year of 1943; and others since then. The Center will be conducting several events through-out the year, and publicizing them widely.

For information about the Cen-ter, donating opportunities or Center events, please contact:

Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director,239.590.7239 or [email protected]: www.fgcu.edu/hc/FGCU, 10501 FGCU Boulevard S.Fort Myers, FL 33965

Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SW Florida

The 2012-2013 season marks the beginning of the second decade for The Holocaust Museum &

Education Center of Southwest Florida. From its genesis as a middle school art exhibit, the Museum has grown into an integral part of the educational com-munity in our region. The Museum’s collection, displayed chronologically from the rise of Hitler through the Nuremberg Trials, includes over 1,000 Holocaust and World War II artifacts and photographs. The collection also highlights the personal experiences of survivors and concentration camp lib-erators living in Southwest Florida.Education missionThe Museum’s mission is to promote respect and understanding by teaching

the history and lessons of the Holocaust. Age-appropriate education outreach programs are available for grades K-12. Programming includes Museum field trips, presentations by Holocaust survi-vors and liberators, and information on current world situations. Professional development seminars for teachers are also offered. Community outreach programs and private group tours are available by appointment. The authen-tic Holocaust-era railway boxcar at the Museum is on loan from Jack and F.E. Nortman and the Nortman family.Location and hoursThe Museum, located at 4760 Tamiami Trail North (US 41), just south of Pine Ridge Rd. in Naples, is open year-round, closed Mondays and major holidays.

Hours: January - April, 12:30 - 5:00 p.m.; May – December, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 239.263.9200 or visit www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org.2013 programmingFebruary - March: “Girl Power – How Three Young Women Influenced the Events of the Holocaust” – exhibit and associated events about Sophie Scholl, Irena Sendler and Hannah SeneshQuarterly: World War II Lecture Series presented by Darren Moran Monthly: Holocaust Lecture Series pre-sented by Elliott Katz (December 2012 - April 2013)June - July: “Sosua, The Dominican Re-public: A Refuge from the Holocaust in the Tropics” – exhibit and associated events


Arts & CultureMuseumsJewish Museum of Florida

This is the only museum telling the story of 250 years of Flor-ida Jewish life. Jewish Museum

of Florida on South Beach is housed in two lovingly restored buildings that were formerly synagogues for Miami Beach’s first congregation. Both on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1936 Art Deco building features Jewish historical exhibits and boasts a copper dome, marble bimah and 80 stained-glass windows while the 1929 building contains Jewish art exhibits.

The core MOSAIC exhibit shows how Jews maintained their traditions and communities as they contributed

to develop the state. Chang-ing temporary exhibits focus on themes of Jewish history, art and culture – each with a Florida connection. Jew-ish history time lines, films, Museum Store, Bessie’s Bistro, Collec-tions and Research Center, a schedule of public programs that complement exhibit themes and guides complete the experience.

Annual programs include Flor-ida Jewish History Month and Jewish American Heritage Month (both ini-tiated by the Museum), Purim events, Judaica Competitions and Breaking

the Glass Ceiling Awards. Open 10 to 5 every day except Mondays and civil and Jewish holidays. For more information:

Jo Ann Arnowitz, Executive Director, (305) 672-5044 x3180 or [email protected] Website: www.jewishmuseum.com 301 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

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Religious LifeTemple Judea

Temple Judea is an involved member of Lee County’s Jewish community. It is a Conservative

synagogue offering traditional services that honor everyday modern life. The synagogue is an inclusive, egalitarian,

family-friendly synagogue, open to intermarried families.

Temple Judea provides oppor-tunities for Jew-ish learning and growth, prayer and observance, and acts of social

responsibility. It is the only synagogue in Lee County affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Temple Judea provides synagogue services or programming on both Fri-day night and Saturday morning, as well as morning minyan on Monday and Thursday by request. Services are conducted in Hebrew with Eng-lish readings. A lovely Oneg on Friday follows the service, and a delicious Kiddush lunch on Saturday is prepared by congregants.

In addition to the traditional ser-vices, Temple Judea offers various

prayer experiences incor-porating music, learning, meditation, children and yoga. Keep abreast of Tem-ple Judea’s wide variety of programming on its website calendar at www.tjswfl.org.

The Religious School provides outstanding reli-gious and Hebrew education from kindergarten through Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The chil-dren develop a strong Jewish identity in a positive and fun atmo-sphere. The religious school educates in the classroom and also through experi-ential activities providing the children multiple opportunities to participate in practical ways. The small class sizes allow for individual attention, and the students are excited and capable of leading most of the Shabbat service well before their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

Temple Judea was formed in 1972 with 20 members. Over the years, it has grown significantly and eventually moved into its current building which was dedicated on March 10, 1985.

The congregation is led by Rabbi Elyssa Joy Auster – a visionary for the Jewish people and an inspiring pres-ence for all ages.

TEMPLE JUDEA14486 A&W Bulb RoadFort Myers, FL 33908

Telephone:• (239) 433-0201Fax:• (239) 433-3371Website:• www.tjswfl.orgRabbi Elyssa Joy Auster•President Keith Grossman•Movement/Affiliation:• Conservative/United Synagogue of Conservative JudaismServices• : 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday; minyan: 9:00 a.m. Monday and ThursdaySisterhood Gift Shop•Special Programs/Features:• Family Holiday events, Religious School, Preschool, Mommy and Me, Adult Ed, Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group, Junior Congregation, Once a month Shabbat Potluck Dinner, Meditation Circle, Hazak 55+ Group

Rabbi Elyssa Auster

All guests are welcome to join the Temple Judea community.


Temple Beth El Religious Life

Fifty-nine years after its dedica-tion, Temple Beth El continues to be a welcoming congregation

to all who seek to explore the princi-ples and beliefs of Reform Judaism. The synagogue, a modern structure noted for its magnificent design and décor, was designed by beloved member and architect, Bruce Gora.

At Temple Beth El there are a myriad of educa-tional opportuni-ties and events, ranging from the purely social to sublimely spiri-tual. Rabbi Jeremy Barras has a pro-found knowledge and love of Juda-ism and Jewish

education. Cantorial Soloist Lawrence Dermer is an award-winning musician and composer who has recorded mu-sic both here and in Israel. Together, they lead the congregation in moving yet lively services at 7:30 p.m. each Friday night. A Healing Service is held at 7:00 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, prior to the evening service. A lovely Oneg always follows services in the Dubin social hall.

Rabbi Barras hosts Torah Study on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. and Midrash on Mon-days at noon. Once a month

Rabbi Jeremy Barras

The TBE Gift Gallery

Rabbi Jeremy Barras, Cantorial Soloist Lawrence Dermer, and Mike Weiss with the shofar

there is an upbeat Shabbat Sensation Service for the whole congregation. Many featured adult education classes are scheduled year round, such as An-shei Mitzvah, Introduction to Judaism, and Lunch & Learn.

The youngest members enjoy an outstanding Religious School experi-ence, directed by Dale Cohen, R.J.E., monthly Tot Shabbat and Junior Con-gregation services. There is a full slate of activities for our active Junior and Senior Youth Groups.

The Learning Tree is a premier nondenominational preschool offering full or part-time enrollment for ages 18 months to 5 years. Also offered are parent-participation infant and toddler classes.

Temple Beth El has a very active Sisterhood and Men’s Club, both suc-cessful in creating fun-filled and educa-tional programming.

The newly expanded TBE Gift Gal-lery is located off the main lobby. It is

stocked with beautiful Judaica items and other gifts from Israel and around the world. The volunteer staff is knowl-edgeable and happy to help choose the perfect B’nai Mitzvot, engagement, wedding, anniversary, birthday, hostess gift or something for no reason at all.

TEMPLE BETH EL OF FORT MYERS 16225 Winkler RoadFort Myers, FL 33908

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19


Religious Life

Temple Beth Shalom

Temple Beth Shalom was founded in 1973 and serves the Reform Jewish communities of Cape

Coral, Pine Island, North Fort Myers, and the greater Fort Myers area. Lo-cated in Cape Coral, close to North Fort Myers, the temple building houses the sanctuary, social hall, a full kitchen and two classrooms. Although built over 30 years ago, there have been many recent renovations to the bima, kitchen and bathrooms, with almost all the work being done by temple volunteers.

Rabbi Devora Buchen has led the congregation since 2004, and has built a popular curriculum of prayer, culture, learning and community service. Many diverse families join Temple Beth Sha-lom to share in the warmth and family atmosphere enhanced by special atten-tion to the young, the joy of Judaism, the spiritual, and the friendships for life that develop from attendance at so many events.

First, there is the family service on the first Friday of each month. Special youth prayer books are used, and all

the youth are invited to participate in the service. Then, there are the regular Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat services which include joyous singing, great participation of congregants, insight-ful sermons, Torah service, familiar prayers, and children are invited to the bima for the Kiddush. The Oneg Shab-bat that follows includes many refresh-ments and allows members new and old to mix and mingle; newcomers are sought out to meet and partake of all that is offered, as in our motto, “Come as a guest, leave as a friend, return as family.”

The religious school is FREE to all member children. Currently meeting after school on Thursdays, the chil-dren open school with a Kiddush, then break into two groups by age. There is a teacher for each group, as well as a new Hebrew teacher to give group and individual lessons. All B’nai Mitzvah lessons are taught by Rabbi Buchen.

Brotherhood and Sisterhood of-fer programs promoting camaraderie among members and service to the temple and the community. Fundraising for the temple and for special charities of schools and food pantries is only one

TEMPLE BETH SHALOM702 SE 24th AvenueCape Coral, FL 33990

Telephone:• (239) 772-4555 Email:• [email protected]:• www.templebethshalomcc.orgRabbi Devora Buchen•Movement/Affiliation:• ReformServices: • Shabbat and Holidays; 7:30 p.m. every Friday; Family Shabbat Service on the first Friday of the month ALL ARE WELCOMEOrganizations:• Sisterhood, BrotherhoodSpecial Programs/Features:• Weekly Friday evening kabbalat Shabbat services with oneg, Shabbat dinners, Holiday programs, Religious School (pre-K to grade 6), B’nai Mitzvah training, Adult Jewish Education and Conversion Classes, Saturday morning Torah Study with the Rabbi, Rosh Chodesh meetings for women, Bowling League, Golf Tournaments

part of this endeavor. Bowling league, cards, mah jongg, attending sporting events and theater, Rosh Chodesh for women, fishing, picnics, karaoke, bingo nights, game nights, a latke party, and dance parties make up an ever evolving social calendar.

The Temple Beth Shalom choir was reinvented four years ago and includes more than a dozen congregants who sing along at many regular services.

Rabbi Devora Buchen blesses the congregation

Steve Hershfield addresses the congregation

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Religious LifeChabad Jewish Center of Cape Coral

Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Coral is home to hundreds of Jews who are living, working

or touring this great city built on ca-nals. In the true spirit of the worldwide Chabad Lubavitch movement, the Cen-ter is a warm and welcoming refuge, attracting Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations since its inception in 2004.

Rabbi Yossi and Rivky Labkowski

are young emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who arrived in Cape Coral seven years ago, eager and ready to build a Center for Jewish Life, offering edu-cational programs, family events and community life to the Jews of the city.

Though the Center serves as a venue for all aspects of Jewish life, its most appealing component is its warm, welcoming and non-judgmental atmo-sphere. It is a place where educational, financial, religious and ethnic differ-ences melt into the background. It is a place where Jews of all ages immediately feel comfortable. It is a place where a

successful lawyer and a young kib-butznik, a middle-aged housewife and an experienced career woman, a teenager and a retired senior can each find his or her place – it is a home away from home.

Chabad Jewish Center offers synagogue services that are both user-friendly and child-friendly. Shabbos and holiday services are easy to follow, lively and intellectually stimulating. Separate children’s services are engag-ing and fun for all. The center is alive and bustling at holiday times with a va-riety of Family Holiday Events as well as communal Shabbos dinners.

Jewish Education is offered to all ages and in a variety of formats, from one-on-one Bar /Bas Mitzvah and He-brew Classes to formal Hebrew School and First Taste for younger children.

Torah Learning Classes both for beginners and those more advanced, Women’s Circle and study groups are all available. Winter and Summer Camps offer both learning and enjoyable ac-tivities for youngsters, while Teen Club offers a place to meet other teenagers, enjoy their company and also contrib-ute positively to the community at large. In addition to building their knowledge of Jewish culture, history and lifestyle, these programs develop Jewish pride and a true love of Judaism.

Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Coral is not only a Center for Jewish

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF CAPE CORAL1716 Cape Coral Pkwy WCape Coral , FL 33914

Telephone:• (239) 541-1777Email:• [email protected]:• www.chabadcape.comRabbi Yossi Labkowski•Movement/Affiliation:• Chabad LubavitchServices: • Shabbat 9:30 a.m.Judaica Shop•Special Programs/Features:• Family Holiday Events, Synagogues Services, Weekly Shabbat Kiddush Luncheon, Summer & Winter Camp Gan Israel, Adult Education, Jewish Women’s Circle, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Training, Communal Shabbat Dinners, Hebrew School, First Taste Program, Chanukah Shop, Hospital & Home Visitations, Family Counseling

Life, but a vibrant community, a place of friendship and celebration, where each Jew is encouraged to attend, par-take and make Judaism his or her own.

Rivky and Rabbi Yossi Labkowski

the Jewish Federation Community Food Pantry sustains many

individuals and families. Your generosity is a wonderful

act of tzedakah. to make a donation of food

or funds, please contact the Federation at (239) 481-4449 x6.

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21


Religious Life

Chabad Jewish Center of Charlotte County

Chabad Jewish Center of Char-lotte County is a center of Jewish life for Jews of all backgrounds

who want to learn and experience more about their roots. Jewish values are brought to life in a joyous, warm and non-judgmental atmosphere.

Rabbi Simon Jacobson and his wife, Sheina, founded Chabad of Charlotte County in 2005, inspired by the teach-ings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, who taught that every single Jew is dear and impor-tant to G-d.

Shabbat services, held Friday night and Shabbat morning, will leave you feeling enriched, connected, uplifted and energized whether your back-ground in Jewish prayer is extensive or limited. Bi-lingual prayer books are used. Children are welcome. Shab-bat morning services are followed by a kiddush and discussion on the weekly

Torah portion.Throughout the year, Chabad hosts

several Community Shabbat Dinners, which are known for the best kosher food in Charlotte County.

A wide variety of spiritual services and educational programs are offered, including Adult Education (what they

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY204 E Mckenzie St. Unit B Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Telephone:• (941) 833-3381Email:• [email protected]:• www.ChabadofCharlotteCounty.comRabbi Simon Jacobson•Movement/Affiliation:• Chabad LubavitchServices: • Weekly Friday night/Saturday morning services and kiddushSpecial Programs/Features:• Adult Educational Classes, Shabbat Dinners, Holiday programs, Bar/Bat Mitzvah program, Gan Israel Summer Day Camp, Jewish Women’s Circle, Hospital/Home Visits

Rabbi Simon and Sheina Jacobson

See page 51 for candle lighting times for 2013

didn’t teach you in Hebrew School), the Jewish Women’s Circle, Camp Gan Is-rael Day Camp, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes for children and adults.

There are numerous holiday pro-grams, including High Holiday services, Sukkot and Simchat Torah festivities, a community-wide Chanukah celebra-tion, Purim parties, Passover seder and Shavuot festivities.

Chabad also provides hospital visi-tation, counseling, home visits to the elderly, and all life cycle events.

A Jewish Art calendar is distrib-uted free of charge to the entire Jewish community of Charlotte County.

All are welcome to participate at any of Chabad’s programs.

Have you ever watched folk dancing or line dancing and thought: “I could do that!” Do you yearn for those camp days, dressed in blue and white, when Israeli dancing

was a regular part of Kabbalat Shabbat – or any evening after dinner? Do you watch those hora lines at weddings and bar mitzvahs and say to yourself: “I

know there’s more to Israeli dancing than this!” Well, now’s your chance to experience the fun, camaraderie, and exercise Israeli style here in Lee County at the Federation building. We will be teaching, learning, and doing Israeli folk dances. All levels of experience – from never having danced before to very experienced ‐ are welcomed and encouraged to come.

Every Sunday at 4 P.M. (Beginners at 3:40)

Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers

Please let us know of your interest and level of experience by emailing Marsha Kistler at [email protected]


Religious LifeTemple Shalom of Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands

Temple Shalom has served the Jewish community and resi-dents of Charlotte County and

surrounding area for over fifty years. The congregation came together in 1961 when land was made available to group of dedicated Jews who knew a synagogue was needed. Temple Sha-lom adopted its name after receiving its charter in 1976 from the Union for Reform Judaism.

Since its beginning as the first “of-ficial” Jewish presence in Charlotte County, Temple Shalom has provided spiritual support, religious guidance, and leadership to the local Jewish com-munity while promoting understanding with, and participation in, the broader Charlotte County and Southwest Flor-

ida community. Temple Shalom has been described as a caring, friendly con-gregation. Reaching out to as many Jews as pos-sible, services are in Eng-lish and Hebrew. Provision is extended to recognize and welcome interfaith marriage.

Temple Shalom has a strong, vigorous, and active religious school program which culmi-nates in joyous B’nai Mitzvot. Weekly adult classes focus on Judaic topics and Hebrew language. The temple has a small but adequate Judaic Library.

Year round Friday night services frequently feature guest soloists. Some

services are preceded by family dinners and every service ends with an Oneg. High Holy Days and holidays are celebrated much as you remember.

Sisterhood and Hadassah meet to provide a wide vari-ety of programs. Services and programs sometimes feature outside speakers who come to share events and percep-tions of the greater world and community. Temple Shalom is an active, vibrant congre-gation: maintaining tradition while examining a chang-ing world, preparing for the future.

Temple Shalom gener-ates area-wide annual atten-tion with its comedy night program and Art Auction,

TEMPLE SHALOM OF CHARLOTTE HARBOR & THE GULF ISLANDS23190 Utica AvenuePort Charlotte, FL 33949

Telephone:• (941) 625-2116Fax:• (941) 625-0842Email:• [email protected]:• http:/templeshalom.planitjewish.comRabbi Solomon Agin, D.D.•Movement/Affiliation:• ReformServices: • Shabbat Eve 7:30 p.m. year roundOrganizations:• Sisterhood, BrotherhoodJudaica Shop•Judaic Library•Special Programs/Features:• Religious School (K-7), Adult Education courses, Guest cantorial soloists, Holiday Celebrations, Community Menorah lighting, Social & Cultural Events

co-sponsored with the American Red Cross. A Boy Scout troop meets weekly in the temple and has done so for over fifty years. Temple Shalom is a good citizen: it supports the local food bank, raises money and resources for local charities and causes, and participates in the events and supports the activi-ties of the Jewish Federation, Charlotte County, and surrounding region.

The work of the Jewish Federation represents both our community and our community’s most

generous tradition — to give to others even in the most difficult times.

23


Religious Life

The Community Free Synagogue

The “Free” in Community Free Synagogue signifies freedom for all self-identifying Jews to

participate fully in congregational life without requirements of membership dues and freedom of expression by all participants from the pulpit and the pew. What started off as an experiment to see if a “full-service” synagogue could function without financial and political pressures.

Beginning in 2006, the Community Free Synagogue sprung from a multi-generational ideal for a congregation that is a community resource with a mission to promote Jewish prayer,

study and benevolent acts. Over 400 households in the Southwest Florida community participate in the services and programming of the Community Free Synagogue throughout the year. Without a doubt, the initial experiment proved to be a resounding success. This year more than 700 different worship-pers participated throughout the High

Holidays, and many generously sup-ported the congregation of their free will without membership requirements or ticket sales.

The Community Free Synagogue’s spiritual leader is Bruce Diamond, a Reform rabbi who holds his ordination and Doctor of Divinities from the He-brew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. A pulpit rabbi for 35 years, Rabbi Diamond has dis-tinguished himself locally and nation-ally in his passion for learning, teaching and active interest in issues of human rights and social justice.

Offering a progressive form of Jew-ish worship in an informal and welcom-ing atmosphere with music, friendliness and warmth, the congregation meets for a traditional-style Shabbat dinner each Friday evening that is followed by an uplifting Qabbalat Shabbat service. Each Shabbat morning, Rabbi Diamond leads a stimulating and thought-pro-voking Torah study session, preceded by a light breakfast.

Throughout the yearly cycle of re-ligious holidays, The Community Free Synagogue provides opportunities for joyous and meaningful celebration and observance. High Holiday services are open for all to attend and participate, a sukkah is raised each year, Hanukkah offers opportunity for celebration, and a community Passover seder is open for all who want to participate at no charge.

THE COMMUNITY FREE SYNAGOGUEMeets at Kontinos Community Hall of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Congregation 8210 Cypress Lake Drive Fort Myers, FLMailing Address: P.O. Box 07144 Fort Myers, FL 33919

Telephone:• (239) 274- SHUL (7485)Email:• [email protected] Website:• www.fortmyerssynagogue.comRabbi Bruce Diamond, D.D.•Music Director: •Dianne CoffmanMovement/Affiliation:• ProgressiveShabbat Activities: • Community Shabbat Eve Dinner 6:30 p.m.; Shabbat Eve Services 7:30 p.m.; Morning Torah Study 9:30 a.m.

Rabbi Bruce Diamond

The CFS is an active community organization supporting initiatives to foster interfaith understanding, justice and safety for the vulnerable and needy of our community through interfaith networks of Southwest Florida.

Stay in touch throughout the year. Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts.

Get the latest information on upcoming community events and cultural activities, breaking news items, updates from Israel and lots more.

Send an email to [email protected]


Religious Life

Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida

Chabad of Bonita Springs & Estero

CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS & ESTERO24850 Old 41 Road, Suite 20 (Bernwood Centre) Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Telephone:• (239) 949-6900Email:• [email protected] Website:• www.JewishBonita.comRabbi Mendy Greenberg•Movement/Affiliation:• Chabad LubavitchServices: • Shabbat at 10:00 a.m. followed by a kiddush

Bat Yam - Temple of the Islands came into existence when Shir-ley and Mel Bleiberg placed an

ad in the local Sanibel papers inviting anyone interested in starting a Reform Jewish Synagogue to meet at the Sanibel Congregational Church. In February 1991, 75 people met and hired Rabbi Karen Soria of Naples to lead services. On March 8, 1991, the congregation set its goals and priorities and developed a mission statement, which remains the same today. Bat Yam – A Jewish congre-gation serving residents of Sanibel, Cap-tiva and Fort Myers; providing a place of worship in the Reform tradition and cre-ating an extended Jewish family.

Rabbi Soria led the congregation until 1993 when she joined the Navy as a chaplain. Rabbi Philip Frankel was hired, coming to Sanibel every other week, leading High Holiday services, Friday night services and a Saturday morning study group. When he retired, following an exhaustive search, Rabbi Murray Saltzman was hired, whereupon he and his wife moved from Maryland to Sanibel. He served the congrega-tion until his untimely death in January 2010. During his tenure, the size of the congregation grew as did the number

Bat Yam - Temple of the Islands

BAT YAM - TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDSMeets at Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way Sanibel Island, FLMailing Address: P.O. Box 84, Sanibel, FL 33957

Telephone:• (239) 472-0177Email:• [email protected] Website: www.BatYam.orgRabbi Selwyn Geller•Cantor: Douglas Renfroe•President: Allan Silberman•Movement/Affiliation:• Reform/ Union for Reform JudaismServices: • Friday 8:00 p.m.

of participants in the Saturday morning study group.

Classes included Hebrew, the his-tory of Judaism, as well as special stud-ies such as Pirkei Avot, and famous Jewish philosophers and writers. Today, led by Rabbi Selwyn Geller, The Jewish Annotated New Testament, edited by Amy Jill Levine and Mark Z. Brettler, is studied and discussed.

The church congregation permit-

ted Bat Yam to build an arc in their Fel-lowship Hall where Shabbat services are usually held. In the “high season” Bat Yam uses the sanctuary to accom-modate the overflowing crowd of wor-shippers. The congregation owns two Torahs, one acquired by Becky and Beno Kon, and a Holocaust Torah ac-quired by Ann and Len Arnoff in memory of their daughter. It was flown to Fort Myers from the Westminster Holocaust Museum in London. Both Torah covers were hand-embroidered by the two woman donors.

The temple’s hand-embroidered Torah cover

CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA5620 Winkler Road, Ft. Myers, FL 33919

Telephone:• (239) 433-7708Email:• [email protected]:• www.chabadswf.orgRabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz•Director Nechamie Minkowicz•Movement/Affiliation:• Chabad LubavitchServices: • Friday night/Shabbat and holidays

25


Special Interest Groups

OrganizationsHadassah – Collier/Lee Chapter

Over 100 years ago, one Jewish woman, Henrietta Szold, had the ability and determination

to take action and create change at a time when women were not even per-mitted to vote, and Hadassah was born. Hadassah is committed to strengthen-ing the unity of the Jewish people.

In Israel, it accomplishes this through progressive healthcare, educa-tion, youth institutions and volunteer-ism. In the United States, Hadassah reaches its goals through Jewish and Zionist education programs, Zionist Youth programs and health awareness

programs, as well as by advocating for issues of importance to women and to the American Jewish community.

By becoming a Ha-dassah Associate, men can participate in Hadassah’s mission of peace and healing. Working alongside Hadas-sah women or spearheading initiatives on their own, Associates make a sig-nificant contribution to the basic val-ues of the Jewish people: tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah. Associates support Hadassah’s vital

work in the United States and Israel, working to change people’s lives.

Everyone is welcome to join, so if you would like to become a member, or learn more about the extraordinary work of Hadassah, please contact:

Shelley Skelton, President, (239) 676-3052 or [email protected] Shur, Membership co-Vice President, (239) 593-9328 or [email protected] Weiner, Membership co-Vice President, (239) 598-1009 or [email protected]

21stCenturyCare.org • (239) 936-3756Solomon Agin, Chairman of the BoardSharon Salenius, Executive Director

This is what we do.We provide patients financial assistance for incidental expenses related to active cancer treatment.


OrganizationsSpecial Interest GroupsHadassah – Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County)

Jewish War Veterans Post 400

Jewish War Veterans “Victor Paul Tuchman” Post 400 (JWV) is the local post of the oldest active veter-

ans organization in America, founded in 1896. Active membership may be granted to “any person of the Jewish faith of good character” who is a U.S. citizen and was an active duty mem-ber of the U.S. military (including the National Guard and Reserves) in or during any war, campaign or conflict with honorable military discharge.

“Paul Victor Tuchman” Post 400 actively supports our Jewish troops serving in the battle zones throughout the year with gift packages containing appreciated items from home. The Post also supports the Fort Myers VA along with the many homeless and disadvan-taged veterans living in the area.

Members of the Post are veterans from WWII through the present, in-

cluding members on active duty pres-ently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Breakfast meetings, which are held at 9:30 a.m. on the last Sunday of each month (with a few exceptions) at the Jewish Federation offices, include bagels/lox/cream cheese, coffee, active discussions and engaging speakers. All veterans are welcome.

For more information, contact:Harvey Charter, Post Commander(239) 561-6535Bob Ruberto, Senior Vice Commander, (239) 482-2552Paul Tenenbaum, Quartermaster (239) 590-6774

JWV members pack boxes to be mailed to Jewish soldiers overseas

Originally part of the Lee County Chapter of Hadassah, the Sha-ron Chapter of Port Charlotte

got its own charter on January 23, 1979. The primary purpose of the Port Char-lotte chapter is to raise funds for two hospitals in Jerusalem: Mount Scopus and Ein Kerem. Hadassah is now proud to announce the opening of the newest hospital, the Sara Westman Davidson Tower in Jerusalem. Hadassah also pro-vides education about health care issues

in the United States.The Sharon Chap-

ter meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Programs vary with health education

being of prime importance. Physicians, nutritionists, health and fitness profes-sionals, and representatives of health service agencies are featured. The chap-ter received a Golden Gavel award from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for its Osteoporosis Education & Awareness Program, which was sponsored by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Programs are entertaining as well as educational. The most recent program was Rachel Dulin’s “Alive, Unabashed and Passionate,” introducing women of the Bible with a twist.

The chapter celebrated the Centen-nial Anniversary of Hadassah in 2012 with an Israeli lunch and a video. Fu-ture program plans include a card party, a fashion show, book club meetings, and performing “mitzvot” by visiting seniors in nursing homes during the Jewish holidays. The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties provides Hadassah with the “Goody Bags.”

For more information or to join:Odette Port, President(941) 505-1409 or [email protected]

27


Organizations Special Interest GroupsGenerations of the Shoah – SWFL (GenShoah)

Formed in 2009 through an initia-tive by the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest

Florida, this is a group of children of Holocaust survivors and others who are interested in the fourfold mission of this group. The mission is “promotion of Holocaust education, preservation of memories of the Holocaust, con-nections of members of the Second Generation to one another, and sup-port of the Holocaust Museum.”

Meetings are usually scheduled at 4:15 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month from October to May and are held at the Holocaust Museum, 4760 Tamiami Trail N., Naples.

In addition to monthly meetings, GenShoah sponsors activities, films, trips and events for members as well as for the general public. This group also partners with other groups that support its mission and disseminates informa-tion relevant to the Holocaust. In ad-dition to children of survivors, anyone who supports the mission of this group is welcome and encouraged to attend meetings, many of which include guest speakers.

For more information contact:Ida Margolis, (239) 963-9347 or [email protected]

Jewish Historical Society of SWFL

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the

preservation of the Jewish history of this region. Currently, the organiza-tion is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Board of Directors.

For more information, email:[email protected].

The Naples Jewish Social Club is a friendly group from southern Lee, Collier and Marco repre-

senting the entire Jewish community. The club offers a variety of monthly

social events including concerts, pic-nics on the beach, art gallery tours, theatre parties, game nights, cruises on the Gulf, and the annual Break-the-fast. Annual GalaThe Naples Jewish Social Club annual Gala event will be held on Sunday, Janu-ary 20 at Longshore Lake Country Club in North Naples. If you would like to join the NJSC or if you have any ques-tions concerning the Gala event, please call Sondra Greer at (239) 353-4468.Bridge and MahjonggIn addition to regular events, Bridge and Mahjongg are offered. Many mem-bers attend bridge games, which include social and duplicate, and are played re-spectively on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at Sterling Oaks Clubhouse in North Naples. Games begin at 6:00 p.m. Coffee and cookies are served. Cost is $8 per couple. Reservations are a must by the preceding Thursday. Call Tilda Ellis at (239) 949-9913.

The Mahjongg game is a spir-ited one played weekly at the Long-shore Lake Clubhouse every Thursday. Twenty ladies or more attend on a reg-ular basis. Be there for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and continue with play ending at 4:00 p.m. Contact Barbara Bresnick at (239) 566-1126 or Sondra Greer at (239) 353-4468.

The NJSC welcomes couples and singles. Dues are the best bargain in town at $15 a year.

For more information, contact:Illeen Mittleman, President,(440) 221-6468 or [email protected]

Naples Jewish Social Club (NJSC)

Humanistic Jewish Havurah

Humanistic Judaism is a voice for Jews who value their Jew-ish identity and who seek an

alternative to conventional Judaism. Humanistic Judaism affirms the right of individuals to shape their own lives, in-dependent of supernatural authority. It believes that reason is the best method for the discovery of truth and that mo-rality derives from human needs and is the defense of human dignity. In a uni-verse that is indifferent to the desires and aspirations of human beings, peo-ple must ultimately rely on people.

Founded by Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine in 1963 in Detroit, there are now close to 30 communities of Humanistic Jews in North America.

The local Havurah was formed in late spring 2008. In 2009 the organiza-tion obtained its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. The following year, it became af-filiated with the Society for Humanistic Judaism (www.shj.org). Membership in the Havurah includes full mem-bership and benefits of this national organization.

Not only has local membership in-creased each year but so has the number of activities provided for the members and the community. The first Friday of each month finds members gather-ing for a pot luck Shabbat followed by a stimulating program. During season the community is invited to Sunday af-ternoon meetings devoted to topics of interest to humanistic Jews. Addition-ally, members enjoy home study groups and celebrations at Yom Kippur, Cha-nukah and Passover.

Humanistic Judaism provides a re-alistic, rational approach to our tradi-tions and history. Like-minded people are welcome to join the Havurah.

For more information, call:Herbert Herman, (239) 304-0191Website: www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org


Israel Kadima Mada students

OrganizationsSpecial Interest Groups

800.590.7088 or ORTamerica.orgDonate Now

Educating Jews Against All OddsORT is the largest Jewish education organization in the world, providing education to over 300,000 people in 55 countries, including Israel, Latin America, the United States, and more.

Every Year, ORT Empowers 300,000 Students Through Education.

• In Argentina, more than 85% of Jewish students attend an ORT school.

• ORT’s Kadima Mada (Science Journey) program has revolutionized

science and technology education for over 45,000 students in 87

schools across Israel.

• At ORT schools in the United States, 75% of the Class of 2010 are

employed in their field of study compared to 34% nationally.

• More than 27,000 students in the CIS and Baltic States are educated

by ORT each year.

ORT is the largest global non-governmental Jewish edu-cation organization. With a

presence in 60 countries, the ORT net-work educates and trains more than 300,000 students annually. The ORT legacy is over 130 years strong, and remains committed to strengthening communities throughout the world by educating people against all odds and obstacles.

Beginning in tsarist Russia, to pro-

vide impoverished Jews with employ-able skills, today it adapts to the needs of a complex marketplace – from Kiryat Yam, Israel, to Buenos Aires, Ar-gentina, to South Central Los Ange-les – with innova-tive fields such as telecommunica-tions, robotics, medical reporting, re-newable energy and biochemistry.

ORT’s technological and vocational programs provide talented students – many from at-risk households – with the best possible educational prepara-tion, social services and tuition assis-tance to remain in school and break the cycle of poverty, while maintaining the culture and heritage of the Jewish people.

Locally, there are over 600 men and women ORT supporters, divided

among two chapters – GulfsidePalm (day chapter) and SaraMana (evening chapter). Besides participating in each

chapter’s broad array of interesting monthly pro-grams, supporters are involved in a variety of fundraising and commu-nity outreach activities. The biggest fundraiser is

the holiday gift-wrapping project at the major malls.

For more information about the GulfsidePalm ORT and SaraMana ORT chapters, please contact these Area Development Advisors:

Ann Baum, (941) 355-7200Barbara Berliner, (941) 907-0317Kim Sheintal, (941) 921-1433There is also a chapter in Naples.

For more information, email:Marina Berkovich, President, [email protected]

Learn Past!from the

Using the history and lessons of the Holocaust, we educate visitors about the importance of respect and understanding for others.

Unique items on display include collections of Holocaust Survivor stories, photographs and World War II artifacts. Please call or visit our website for information on special exhibits and events throughout the year.

Docent-led, self-guided Audio and Group tours available

A non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation

Open Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday and major holidaysHours: January to April: 12:30pm – 5:00pm; May to December: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

News Gothic BT BoldITC Bookman

LEARN PASTfromthe

the Holocaust Museum & education Centerof southwest Florida – naples

A cooperative effort funded byCollier County Tourist Development Tax www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org

239-263-9200

29


Organizations Israel ConnectionState of Israel Bonds — This is IsraelEnvironment, antiquities pose unique challenges for Israel’s transportation advancesBy James S. Galfund

August 26, 2012 marked the 75th anniversary of an incremental step forward in the annals of

Jerusalem transportation – the day the first taxi began plying the city’s streets.

In a city of transformative events spanning millennia, it’s unlikely the an-niversary garnered much attention, not only because today’s Jerusalem is awash in taxis, but also because Jerusalemites now have the option of being whisked through the capital via modern light rail. Greater AccessibilityA visitor from Israel Bonds – the organi-zation that has enabled major transpor-tation advances in Israel – discovered that to ride the light rail is to experi-ence a microcosm of Jerusalem’s diver-sity. Fellow passengers included secular Israelis, the ultra-Orthodox, devout

Muslims and camera-toting tourists. Each train has a capacity of around

500 passengers, the equivalent of 10 buses. With a first-stage route encom-passing nearly two dozen stops – the Old City (provid-ing the quintessential Israel experience of riding state-of-the-art transportation past a site of ancient pilgrimage), multiple neighborhoods, the Mahane Yehuda Market and the downtown district – the light rail has changed the way residents work, shop and plan their days.

Surveys show substantial increases in pedestrian traffic stemming from the greater accessibility provided by the light rail. Mahane Yehuda, for example, has seen a 38 percent increase, and vis-its to the popular ‘triangle’ area of King George Avenue, Jaffa Road and Ben-Ye-

huda Street jumped 34 percent. Overall increases average 41 percent. An added bonus for Jerusalemites and visitors alike has been the conversion of Jaffa

Road into a pedestrian mall.A Dramatic RebootGetting to and from the capital is also undergoing a dramatic reboot. Riding the rails from

Tel Aviv to Jerusalem – a distance of less than 50 miles – currently takes 2½ hours. By 2017, the trip will shrink to a mere 30 minutes.

The key to the drastic time reduc-tion is the ambitious construction of a complex network of bridges and tun-nels. And, because this is Israel, there are additional considerations beyond the obvious topographical challenges inherent in boring through hundreds of feet of solid rock.

One is archeological. In Israel, any project entailing digging is sensitive to the fact that priceless artifacts might be uncovered during the excavation pro-cess. If antiquities are discovered, work stops and archeologists are called in to examine the relics.Eco-Friendly ResponsibilitiesThe second consideration is environ-mental. Israel is a world leader in en-vironmental sustainability, and Aliza

Massive tunnels being carved from a hilltop outside Jerusalem are closely

supervised by an environmental expert who ensures the surrounding landscape

“will be like we’ve never been here.” (Photo: James S. Galfund)

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OrganizationsIsrael Connection

The “Greater Florida” Israel Bonds office covers all of Florida except for Palm Beach, Miami/Dade and Broward Counties.

For more information, contact:Reva Azneer Pearlstein, Assistant Director, (727) 539-6445, (800) 622-8017 or [email protected] Website: www.israelbonds.com

Kutner – who describes her job with Is-rael Railways as “being in charge of all things green” – relishes her eco-friendly responsibilities.

“I watch the process all the way through,” she declares proudly. This includes, first and foremost, ensuring everything in the construction path – flora, fauna, trees and even boulders – remains pristine. Kutner says this means much of the pre-existing land-scape must be temporarily relocated while the tunnels are being constructed. Attuned to Subtleties It’s not an easy under-taking. Kutner must be attuned to differences, however subtle, that escape the eye of a ca-sual visitor. Rocks, for instance. Kutner ex-plains that rocks differ depending on whether they are scattered on top of a hill or deep in-

side where the tunnel is bored. Topsoil differs as well.

Trees pose the greatest challenge. They must be carefully uprooted and moved to a fenced-off location outside the construction zone, where they are replanted and marked for eventual re-turn. Special precautions are taken to ensure the relocation zone remains un-damaged. “We guaranteed the country,” says Kutner, “that we will bring every-thing back.”

Upon completion, the NIS 7 billion (approximately $1.8 billion) project will send trains racing across the country through tunnels that at some points will run 118 feet deep and 7.5 miles long. The projected schedule foresees four double-decker trains every 15 minutes during rush hour and two trains during off-peak hours.

And, while riders will notice a huge difference in their trip, no one will no-tice a difference in the surroundings. Vows Israel Railways self-proclaimed green lady: “It will be like we’ve never been here – I promise you.”

With nearly two dozen stops, the Jerusalem light rail has changed the way residents work, shop and plan their days.

(Photo: James S. Galfund)

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Organizations Israel ConnectionZionist Organization of America

Founded in 1897, the Zionist Or-ganization of America (ZOA) is the world’s oldest pro-Israel

organization. It was instrumental in the Jewish state becoming a reality by mobilizing the support of the U.S. gov-ernment, Congress and the Ameri-can public for the creation of Israel. Under the leadership of such illustri-ous past presidents as Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis and Rabbi Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, ZOA has been on the front lines of Jewish activism.

Today, with a national member-ship of over 30,000, and chapters throughout the United States, ZOA works to strengthen U.S.-Israeli rela-tions through educational activities; by working Capitol Hill; and by combat-ing anti-Israel bias in the media and on college campuses.

The local chapter is proactively involved with all issues concerning Israel and the worldwide Jewish com-

munity. Meetings are held monthly at supporting synagogues in Naples, and feature noted speakers. Past speakers have included Morton Klein, ZOA Na-

tional President; Joseph Sabag, Esquire, Regional Director Florida ZOA; Dr. Andrew Bostom, foremost authority on Islamic anti-Semitism; Chaim Sil-berstein, President of “Keep Jerusalem United” and an expert on land devel-opment in Jerusalem; and Mr. Mat Leisbaum, producer of the documen-tary Israel Inside, How a Small Na-tion Makes A Big Difference.

Upcoming programs will include speakers such as Dr. Stephen Steinlight, Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Immigration Studies.

The local chapter maintains a speakers guild available to speak to community organizations about Israel advocacy issues. ZOA is an ecumeni-cal organization open to the public and seeks new membership from all who are interested in supporting the State of Israel.

For more information, to be added to the local mailing list or to arrange to have a ZOA presentation for your orga-nization, contact:

Jerry Sobel, Chapter President, (239) 597-0855 or [email protected]

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OrganizationsIsrael ConnectionAmerican Technion Society

The Technion - Israel Institute of Technology is one of Israel’s top engineering universities and re-

cently ranked in the top 25 engineering schools in the world. It’s the only uni-versity in Israel with a department of aerospace engineering, and one of only 25 engineering universities in the world with a medical school.

The Technion is also home to three Nobel Laureates. In 2011, Distinguished Professor Dan Shechtman won the No-bel Prize in chemistry for his discovery of quasicrystals – an entirely new form of matter. He joined an elite group of top scientists and researchers whose work has changed the world.

The Technion - Israel Institute of Technology commands a worldwide reputation for its pioneering work in computer science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy, water-resource

management, medicine, drug develop-ment and aerospace.

Founded in 1924, the Technion is Israel’s oldest institution of higher learning. It has been closely linked with the country’s development, providing the education and expertise that built its infrastructure, created its military might and turned the desert into or-ange groves. Today, it is Israel’s primary source for the scientists, engineers and applied research that drive its technol-ogy-based economy and secures its citi-zens against terrorism.

Each June, it offers a world class mission to visit the campus. This year’s trip will visit Spain before continuing on to Israel.

The Naples Chapter of the Ameri-can Technion Society (ATS) brings professors and students to the com-munity to talk about their work and

this extraordinary institution of higher education.

The chapter offers a monthly lec-ture series from November through April, with plenty of opportunities to meet and chat one-on-one with visit-ing scientists and teachers from the university.

This season’s lectures will be held at the Vineyards Country Club in Na-ples, on January 25, February (date/speaker TBD), March 14 and April 17. The lectures are chaired by L.C. Gold-man, and the cover price for all is $20 per person. To be added to the mailing list, please call Mr. Goldman at (239) 592-5884.

For more about ATS programs and missions to Israel, contact:

Jennifer Singer, Chapter Director, (941) 378-1500 or [email protected] Website: www.ats.org

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Shell Point’s newest assisted living facility, The Springs, offers the ideal setting for those who desire independence but may need some assistance throughout the day. With beautiful natural surroundings and Shell Point’s proven reputation, The Springs may just be the perfect option for your loved one. Whether you are looking for a short term stay or a place to truly call home, The Springs offers an affordable private-pay option on a month-to-month basis.

To request a tour or to receive a brochure,

call (239) 454-2077

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33


Organizations Israel Connection

Project Ezra

Project Ezra began as a grassroots organization at Temple Beth El in Fort Myers eleven years ago

with the goal of raising money to help feed needy Israelis who were the victims of terrorism and poverty.

In 2002, the Palestin-ian Intifada (uprising) was raging and innocent Israe-lis were being blown up on buses, at cafes, in malls, in synagogues and at a horrific suicide bombing at a Passover seder at a hotel in Netanya. That was the call to action.

Since that time, Project Ezra has

supported 450 people – most of them children. With the help of the Jew-ish and Christian communities in Lee County, the organization has raised over $145,000 and enabled many fam-

ilies to break the cycle of poverty. Project Ezra is unique in that 100% of all donations go directly to help the families.

The families are chosen with the help of Yael Dayan,

daughter of the late Israeli Defense Minister, General Moshe Dayan. In her capacity as Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, she is responsible for the largest

social service agency in all of Israel.In 2007, Project Ezra was honored

for its work by receiving an award for programming at the Biennial Conven-tion of the Union for Reform Judaism in San Diego, California.

Project Ezra is a tax-exempt orga-nization committed to its mission state-ment – “Helping Israel – One Family at a Time.”

For more information or to become a committee member, contact:

Robert Ruberto, Treasurer,(239) 482-2552 or [email protected]

Jewish National Fund’s Naples Tree of Life™ Award Dinner

Honoring Myra Janco Daniels Thursday, January 17 at 6:00 p.m.

at Quail West Golf & Country Club5950 Burnham Road, Naples

Jewish National Fund

With the popularity of its Blue Box campaign and tree planting drives, many

forget that 111 years ago, Jewish Na-tional Fund (JNF) purchased the land that determined the borders of the modern State of Israel.

After 1948, JNF helped create new communities in Israel so that Jews from around the world would have a place to call home. Scientists at JNF Resource and Development centers discovered drip irrigation and new means of grow-ing plants under arid conditions, bring-ing green to the desert.

JNF took the leadership role dur-ing Israel’s water crisis, building over

210 reservoirs and water recycling centers, providing water to 1.5 million Israelis every day. JNF planted 250 million trees, created over 1,000 parks and recreational areas, built security roads, and educated students around the world about Israel, the environ-ment, and their connection to the Jewish homeland.

Today, JNF is taking a leadership role in developing and strengthening Israel’s final frontier – the Negev.

Jewish National Fund is the central address for partnering with the land and people of Israel. Jewish National Fund. For Israel, forever.

The Collier County area is served

by the Northern Florida Regional Office.

For more information, contact:Uri Smajovits, Regional Director, [email protected] Glickman Morris, Cam-paign Executive, [email protected] (727) 536-5263 or (888) 563-0099 Website: www.jnf.org

Florida-Israel Chamber

Since 2000, Israel has been the largest American trading partner in the Middle East – larger than

American trade with Saudi Arabia, including U.S. oil imports. Today there are more Israeli companies listed on American securities exchanges than any country after the United States and Canada.

America-Israel relations are based on common values – democracy, free markets and the rule of law. Business is the manifestation of the strong values shared by Americans and Israelis.

The Chamber’s mission is to con-nect American and Israeli businesses, to increase trade and commerce be-tween America and Israel, and to fuel

economic growth for both regions. If you would like to become in-

volved with the Florida-Israel Chamber and learn about membership opportu-nities, contact:

Linda Chase, (954) 725-2788 or [email protected]

Read Connections online at www.JewishFederationLCC.org.


OrganizationsIsrael Connection

Consulate General of Israel for Florida and Puerto Rico

The Consulate General of Israel, one of nine in the U.S., officially represents the State of Israel

in all aspects of Israel’s relations with the government and societies of the State of Florida and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

The Consulate General is the bridge between Israel and the political and business communities of Florida and Puerto Rico, as well as the media, academia, and the cultural and Jewish communities, with the aim of strength-

ening the bonds between us.The Consular Department serves

foreign citizens and provides various services to Israeli citizens.

The Consular & Visa Department serves Israeli citizens as well as non- Israelis with issuing visas and renewing passports.

The Israeli House (Bayit Israel) pro-vides a cultural center and connection with Israel for the Israeli community by sponsoring lectures and concerts by Israeli performers.

American Friends of Magen David Adom

American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) sup-ports the lifesaving work of

Magen David Adom (MDA) in Israel and represents MDA in the U.S.

MDA is Israel’s only government-mandated ambulance and emergency

medical response organization. A team of professionals and trained volun-teers use state-of-the-art technology to provide all of Israel’s population with pre-hospital emergency medical needs including disaster, ambulance and blood services. MDA’s National Blood Services Center provides 100% of the blood requirements of the Israel De-fense Forces and 95% of the blood needs

of Israel’s hospitals and the general population. MDA’s fleet of 800 MDA ambulances and Mobile Intensive Care Units are on call 24/7, operating from 119 Emergency Medical Stations and 11 dispatch stations throughout Israel, logging almost ten million miles annu-ally, and caring for all of Israel’s 7.8 mil-lion people.

AFMDA gives Ameri-cans firsthand looks into MDA operations by orga-nizing site visits in Israel where they can meet with MDA staff, volunteers and young American overseas volunteers. AFMDA also of-fers supporters opportuni-ties to raise funds in Florida through community and online campaigns such as

bar/bat mitzvah projects and neighbor-hood ambulances initiatives.

For more information, contact:Gila Meriwether, AFMDA FloridaGulf Coast Representative(941) 320-9297 – local (800) 626-0046 – toll [email protected]: www.afmda.org

The office also provides assistance to Israeli and American businesses.

For more information, contact:Chaim Shacham, Consul General, (305) 925-9400 or [email protected] Website: www.consulateisrael.com

3571 Del Prado Blvd North • North Cape Coral 543-2075 8841 College Parkway • Ft. Myers 433-2245 est.1995

To contact the editor of Connections, send an email to [email protected].

35


Organizations Advocacy GroupsAmerican Jewish Committee (AJC)

AJC, established in 1906 by a small group of American Jews deeply concerned about pog-

roms aimed at Russian Jews, determined that the best way to protect Jewish populations in danger would be to work towards a world in which all peoples were accorded respect and dignity.

AJC is the global advocate for the well-being of the Jewish people and for the advancement of democratic values for all. For more than 100 years, AJC has sought to advance the peace and security of the Jewish people around the world. Through high-level diplo-macy, strong legislative advocacy, and effective interreligious and interethnic coalitions, AJC has made a significant impact on issues critical to the Jewish people. With key relationships at the regional, national and international levels – from diplomats, to global de-cision-makers and community leaders – AJC is the preeminent global Jewish advocate.

AJC’s West Coast Florida Regional Office, located in Sarasota, is one of 26 regional offices in the United States. In addition, AJC has offices in 20 foreign countries.

For more information, contact:Brian Lipton, Regional Director, (941) 365-4955 or [email protected]: www.ajc.org

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has been on the frontline of fighting anti-Semitism, rac-

ism and all forms of hatred in Amer-ica and abroad for the last 100 years. As one of the nation’s leading civil rights agencies and advocates for Is-rael, ADL is commemorating its 100th anniversary in 2013.

A leader in the development of ma-terials, programs and services, ADL builds bridges of communication, un-derstanding and respect among di-verse groups, carrying out its mission through a network of 30 Regional and Satellite Offices in the U.S. and abroad.

Anti-Semitism in Florida is not a history lesson; it’s a current event. As the 9-1-1 for the Jewish commu-nity in Florida, the ADL Florida of-fice serves as the primary resource for victims of anti-Semitism. The ADL Florida office delivers anti-bias educa-tion programs to educators and stu-dents; trains law enforcement about hate crimes; safeguards civil rights; confronts anti-Semitism on college campuses; provides security seminars to religious institutions; fields discrimi-nation complaints; and advocates for Israel.

For more information, contact:(561) 988-2900 or [email protected]: www.adl.org

Anti-Defamation League

AIPAC’s mission is to strengthen the ties between the United States and its ally Israel. As

America’s leading pro-Israel lobby, AIPAC works with Democrats, Repub-licans and Independents to enact pub-lic policy that enhances the U.S.-Israel relationship.

From promoting peace between Israel and its neighbors to facilitating U.S.-Israel exchanges of expertise and collaborating on technology, science and agricultural products, AIPAC is there to encourage the close working relationship between the countries.

AIPAC’s staff and citizen activ-ists educate decision makers about the bonds that unite the United States and Israel and how it is in America’s best interest to help ensure that the Jewish state is safe, strong and secure.

AIPAC empowers pro-Israel activ-ists of all ages, religions and races to be politically engaged and build relation-ships with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to promote the U.S.-Israel relationship. While build-ing support in Washington is essential, AIPAC is found wherever the future of the relationship could be affected. That’s why AIPAC professionals engage lead-ers in synagogues and churches and within the African American and His-panic communities.

AIPAC also works on hundreds of college and high school campuses, em-powering student activists to answer Israel’s detractors and educating them about how to use political involvement to build support for Israel.

For more information, contact:Jacki Waksman, AIPAC’s North & Central Florida Area Director,(954) 653-9053 or [email protected]: www.aipac.org

American Israel Public Affairs Committee

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OrganizationsAdvocacy GroupsSimon Wiesenthal Center

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is a global Jewish human rights organization that confronts

anti-Semitism, hate and terrorism; promotes human rights and dignity; stands with Israel; defends the safety of Jews worldwide; and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations.

With a constituency of more than 400,000 households in the United States, it is accredited as an NGO at international organizations includ-ing the United Nations, UNESCO and the Council of Europe. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Simon Wiesenthal Center maintains offices in New York, Toronto, Miami, Paris, Buenos Aires and Jerusalem.

For over 25 years, the Southern Region has represented the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Florida, other southern states, as well as Puerto Rico

and the Caribbean. With an extraordi-nary network of lay leaders, the South-ern Region promotes and supports the Center’s mission through outreach, education, social action and media awareness.

Extensive activities and programs are offered throughout the Southern Region, including:

Annual Dinners that honor local �individuals for their achievements and commitment to the Center’s core values. The dinners also serve as an opportunity to meet distin-guished speakers who represent the leading voices of current events.Film premieres and screenings �from the Center’s two-time Acad-emy Award™-winning Moriah Films division, including titles such as Winston Churchill: Walking With Destiny, Against the Tide, Genocide, and The Long Way Home

Special lectures and forums �Educational programs �Media awareness through press re- �leases and article distribution on human rights issuesThe Southern Region promotes

the educational arms of the Simon Wiesenthal Center through its Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles, Museum of Tolerance New York and soon-to-be built Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem.

Funds raised by the Southern Re-gion help support the critical work of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and all of its divisions around the world.

For more information, to get in-volved, or support the Center’s impor-tant work, please contact:

Rabbi Meyer H. May, Exec. Dir.,[email protected]:www.wiesenthal.com/southernus

Ronny S Taschner DDS Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology

Jennifer Taschner DDS MMSc

Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

1645 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL

Phone 239-936-0635

Visit Our Website www.taschnerperio.com





Phone 239-936-0635






Phone 239-936-0635






Phone 239-936-0635






Phone 239-936-0635


If you are a non-profit Jewish agency in South Florida and we missed you, and you would like to be listed in the next edition of Connections, please call or write:

ConnectionsJewish Federation

of Lee and Charlotte Counties 9701 Commerce Center Court

Fort Myers, FL 33908

(239) [email protected]

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37


Community ServicesSupport Programs & Resources

Senior Visits

The Jewish Federation’s Senior Visits program takes place three times a year – just before

Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah and Pass-over. These visits mean the world to the senior citizens that the volunteers encounter.

Volunteers fill gift bags with edible kosher treats, prayer guides and gifts, sometimes handmade by children in our community. Then more volunteers stop by the Federation office to pick up pre-filled bags and deliver them to Jew-ish senior citizens throughout Lee and Charlotte counties.

Many Jewish seniors are isolated from the rest of their families and have limited contact with the world outside of their homes or assisted living facili-ties. These visits provide this segment of our population with a Jewish con-nection, which is uniquely important at this life stage.

The Senior Visits for Passover will take place on Sunday, March 17 at 12:30 p.m. For the dates of the Rosh Hasha-nah and Hanukkah visits, or for more information on how to get involved with this rewarding program, contact Amy Ginsburg-Padilla at (239) 481-4449 x3 or [email protected].

Jewish Family Services, located in the Jewish

Federation building at 9701 Commerce Center Ct., Fort Myers, can be reached

at (239) 481-4449 x6.

Kosher Food Availability

Local options for kosher food have increased over the last few years. Instead of having to make

the trip to the east coast of Florida or ordering online, there are now several local options available for the Jewish community.

Ada’s Whole Foods Market & Health Store in the Burlington Coat Factory shopping center, on Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers has greatly ex-panded the selection of kosher foods. Manager Steve can be contacted at (239) 939-9600 and will take orders for whole turkeys and chickens. There are designated shelves in all departments with yellow labels to make the kosher foods easy to find and identify.

Total Wines in Fort Myers on S. Cleveland Avenue, in the Target and Barnes & Noble shopping center, has new signage marked KOSHER/Israel Wines. The large selection of kosher O/U and CRC wines includes over 15 different brands. Manager Joshua or Assistant Manager Brian Ludlan can be reached at (239) 432-0510 to confirm in-stock availability of wines.

Costco manager Adam Bloom can be contacted at (239) 415-3860. He is adding fresh NY Glatt Kosher Pastrami and turkey slices, Cholov Yisroel ko-sher and natural cheeses, Blue Roy Hill white fish and salmon, and NY Kosher deli beef hot dogs. Call or order items as on-hand stock is limited.

BJs of Fort Myers and Cape Coral have added Pas Yisroel twisted challahs in a two-pack, seven-layer, marble and cheese cakes, sprinkle cookies, and a

limited supply of kosher items to their grocery selection. Call Barry, the man-ager for both locations – (239) 829-3300 for Cape Coral and (239) 896-1071 for the Fort Myers store.

Walmart of South Fort Myers and most other Walmarts – over 70% of their shelf foods are kosher. They are now carrying frozen Whiting Kosher wild fish filets.

The Publix at South Point at Col-lege Parkway & South Point Blvd. in Fort Myers can be reached at (239) 415-1515. Meat Manager Eric Pellicero or his assistant Jordan are making ex-tra efforts to once again increase kosher items based on customer and commu-nity input and purchases.

The Publix at University Crossing at 13401 Summerlin Road in Fort My-ers can be reached at (239) 481-2242.

The Publix at Summerlin Cross-ing at Summerlin and Winkler Roads in Fort Myers can be reached at (239) 433-0297. Frozen gefilte fish rolls and fresh and frozen ground turkey and beef are usual Publix items.

At the Publix at Camelot Isles in Cape Coral (1616 Cape Coral Parkway West), General manager Chris DeWolfe ensures that Cape Coral residents have access to kosher foods. A 12-foot sec-tion of shelves is stocked year round with kosher dry goods, beverages, Is-raeli wines, canned and jarred soups, gefilte fish, condiments and much more. An additional 12 feet of shelves are dedicated to kosher specialty items during Hanukkah and Passover. They also carry a selection of kosher frozen


Community ServicesLife Cycle ResourcesFuneral Homes & CemeteriesLee Memorial Park Funeral Home & CemeteryGarden of David Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park (239) 334-4880Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery - (239) 283-0540Hodges - Kiser Funeral Home - (239) 481-4341

Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, (239) 936-0555

Kays Ponger & Uselton Funeral HomesPort Charlotte - (941) 625-4113; Punta Gorda - (941) 639-1133

Mikvah

The Food Pantry

The Jewish Federation Community Food Pantry, a divi-sion of Jewish Family Services and affiliated with the Harry Chapin Food Bank, provides sustenance to those

in the Lee and Charlotte County area who are in need of the most basic nourishment and support. The pantry is stocked with nonperishable food items. The food pantry is open five days a week to the general public. Appointments must be made in advance. Call (239) 481-4449.

Mikvah Bashka, the only Mikvah in Southwest Florida, serves Jewish women in a spa-like facility. Educational courses are offered. Private appointments are scheduled. Please contact Nechamie Minkowicz at (239) 822-2784.

foods and, during certain holidays, frozen Empire meats as well. To request or special order additional items, contact grocery manager Ed Jones at (239) 945-6222.

The Publix at Market Place in Pelican Bay (8833 Ta-miami Trail, Naples): Manager Steve Micheli continues to serve the needs of Jewish customers. In the Bakery Depart-ment contact Joel Crepo or Susanna Taska; in the Meat De-partment contact Raul Saldiyar or Jose Almanza. The Publix at Market Place can be reached directly at (239) 596-1982.

Whole Foods in Naples can be reached at (239) 552-5100. Julie Joiner or Jessica Varnes will be happy to assist with orders. They carry Glatt Kosher Valley fresh chicken, frozen kosher items, as well as Gelfon shelf products.

Trader Joe’s, located at 10600 Tamiami Trail in North Naples is a trendy California-based grocery store chain. If a kosher item is not in stock, it can be ordered at the Cus-tomer Service Dept. Service Manager Bernadette Pauls can be reached at( 239) 596-5631.

www.JewishBonita.com/kosherfood is providing a ser-vice of kosher prepared lunches and dinners that can be or-dered on the Internet and picked up at the Chabad in Bonita Springs or delivered. For more information, visit the website for a complete menu. Contact Rabbi Mendy Greenberg at (239) 949-6900 with specific questions.

Aroma Market & Catering at 8819 Stirling Road in Ft. Lauderdale can be reached at (954) 252-2600 or www.aromamarket.net. They will take orders on the Internet for delivery to the Chabad in Naples on Thursdays. For more information, call Rabbi Fishel Zaklos at (239) 262-4474.Submitted by Lynda Stewart for Beverly Leah Mitchell, Kosher Food Coordinator for Chabad of Southwest Florida

Garden of DavidReserving a special location for those sharing the Jewish faith and choosing to memorialize the Children of Israel with the Star of David.

Private MausoleumFrom ancient days to the present, the individual or family mausoleum has been regarded as among the finest and simplest forms of burial. Various designs are available which are simple but memorable, providing a private structure on your own cemetery site.

“The Dignity Difference.”The Dignity Memorial brand name is a symbol of trust, superior quality and attentive care in the funeral, cremation and cemetery profession.

We honor the Jewish community by offering the highest standards with expertise and seamless

service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park

(239) 334-4880

Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery

(239) 283-0540

Hodges - Kiser Funeral Home

(239) 481-4341

LEE MEMORIAL PARK FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY

Garden of Memories Cemetery

Temple Beth El owns a small cemetery located within the City of Fort Myers at 3200 Michigan Avenue. This is the oldest Jewish and only temple-owned cemetery

in Lee County. It is exclusively for temple members and their immediate family.

Also in the cemetery is a solid granite “Memorial Wall” where names and dates of loved ones buried elsewhere can be engraved. Each year, two special services are held in the cemetery to honor and remember those buried there and those whose names have been inscribed on the “Wall” – the High Holy Days Cemetery Memorial Service and a Veterans Memorial Day Service.

Chevra KadishaContact Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz at Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida at (239) 433-7708.

39


Adult EducationEarly 2013 & Ongoing Classes

Adult Education classes at Bat Yam – Temple of the Islands

Bat Yam’s Saturday morning adult education attendees will be read-ing, studying and discussing The

Jewish Annotated New Testament, ed-ited by Amy Jill Levine and Mark Z. Brettler. This scholarly work looks at how the New Testament writings af-fected Jewish-Christian relations over the past two thousand years. A team of scholars annotates the Gospels, Acts, Letters and Revelations from a Jewish perspective and indicates how Jewish writings and practices influenced the writers of the New Testament. Thirty additional essays discuss, among other things, Jesus in Jewish Thought, Para-bles and Midrash, Mysticism, Jewish Family Life, the Messianic Movement, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Afterlife and Resurrection.

Rabbi Selwyn Geller of Bat Yam - Temple of the Islands and Reverend John Danner of the Sanibel Congrega-tional Church will offer a three-week course entitled “A Theological and

Historical View of the Holocaust.” The course takes place on Wednesdays, January 9, 16 and 23 at 10:00 a.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. Please call the church office at (239) 472-0497 for more infor-mation or to sign up.Scholar-in-ResidenceDr. Robin Fox, University Professor of Social Theory at Rutgers University, will speak on “The Puzzle of the Ten Commandments” as this year’s Shared

Scholar for Temple Bat Yam and the Sanibel Congrega-tional Church. The lecture and discus-sion will take place in the Church Sanc-tuary, 2050 Peri-winkle Way, Sanibel on Monday, January

28 at 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome. For more information, call the Bat Yam office at (239) 395-1432.

Temple Beth Shalom holds ser-vices on Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. On religious holidays and

special events such as wedding ceremo-nies and B’nai Mitzvot, the congrega-tion meets on Saturday mornings. But on most regular Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. there is Torah Study with Rabbi Devora Buchen.

Rabbi Buchen reviews the week’s Torah parsha and leads a discussion of its meaning and validity in today’s world. A dozen or more congregants regularly attend this class, and many others come from time to time. It is a most enlightening part of the week as Rabbi Buchen gives insight that is not apparent when the Torah is read Friday night. This is one of the temple’s special activities that the seniors feel most ap-preciative of, as the rabbi gives every-one a chance to participate and learn more of the depth of Jewish morals.

For more information, please call (239) 772-4555.

Torah Study at Temple Beth Shalom

Rubinstein & Holz, P.A.Family Law Attorneys

Alan J. RubinsteinBoard Certified – Marital & Family Law

Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

1375 Jackson St., Ste. 304Fort Myers, FL 33901

(239) 332-3400Fax (239) 332-5078

Ryder Orthopaedics

Laura E Ryder, CPO, FAAOPProsthetist/Orthotist

1500 Royal Palm Sq BlvdFort Myers, FL 33919

239-939-0009

1250 Tamiami Trail N #104Naples, FL 34102

239-643-6673

INC

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Adult and Pediatric Prosthetics and Orthotics

Dr. Robin Fox


Adult EducationEarly 2013 & Ongoing Classes

Jewish education does not end at one’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah, but rather it is a lifelong endeavor. The Chabad

Jewish Center in Cape Coral invites you to partake and experience for yourself the timeless messages of the Torah. If you would like to learn about your her-itage, faith and history, the Torah Study class is for you. Topics include a very large array of Judaic Studies. Taught by Rabbi Yossi Labkowski, the classes

Adult Education classes at Chabad of Charlotte County

Chabad of Charlotte Coun-ty’s Torah Studies pro-gram, developed by the

world-renowned Jewish Learning In-stitute, brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. The lessons probe the depths of con-temporary Torah thought, with a special focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons – from the most timeless of texts. You will walk away surprised, inspired, and knowing more about who we are as Jews, and who you are as an individual. Classes meet on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center.

At the Women’s Lunch and Learn, women enjoy a delicious lunch and meaningful discussion, nourishing both body and soul. One can join the course at any time. This class brings you the tra-dition of classical Jewish learning in a series of clear and engaging weekly classes. Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. at Chabad.

Moses and Maimonides now make house calls. Chabad offers per-sonalized classes – your topic, your location. To arrange a personal study session with Rabbi Simon Jacobson at your home or office, please call him at (941) 833-3381.

For more information about these and other educational opportunities, visit chabadofcharlottecounty.com or call (941) 833-3381.

Adult Education classes at Chabad of Cape Coraltakes place on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center in Cape Coral.

The Chassidic farbrengen is highly anticipated from week to week. It consists of explanations of gen-eral Torah thoughts, sharing inspiring Chassidic stories, and singing lively joyous melodies.

The goal of the farbrengen is to in-spire one to grow in spirituality while

refining one’s character and conduct. L’chaims and refreshments are served. You are sure to nourish your soul at the popular weekly Chassidic farbrengens!

Led by Rabbi Yossi Labkowski, the farbrengen takes place on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center in Cape Coral.

For more information, call (239) 541-1777 or email [email protected].

Jewish Icons & Iconic Moments of the 20th Century

Historian Gerald Ziedenberg leads this series, which takes place at Temple Beth El at 7:00

p.m. on seven consecutive Mondays, from January 7 to February 18.

Included in the series are lectures about Albert Einstein, Hank Greenberg, Yitzhak Rabin, Elie Wiesel, “The Attack on the Nuclear Reactor at Osirak, Iraq by Menachem Begin,” and “The Trian-gle Fire in the Lower East Side of New York City.”

The suggested donation is $5 per lecture or $25 for the series of eight.

For more information and to re-serve your spot in the series, contact Temple Beth El at (239) 433-0018.

Adult Education classes at Temple Beth El

The Machers & Mavens Book Club meets in the first Wednes-day of each month from 3:30 -

5:00 p.m. in the Temple Beth El Library. For more information, call Candace at (239) 437-4181.

Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Jer-emy Barras takes place at 12:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Sasse’s Restaurant in Fort Myers. There’s good food and a discussion of fascinating topics that cover the spec-trum of the Jewish world and tradition.

RSVP required. Call Donna at (239) 433-0018.

On Shabbat mornings from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m., Rabbi Barras leads Torah Study in the Temple Beth El Library. It’s a journey through the Tanach. Rabbi Barras highlights classical commentar-ies from our tradition and brings depth to the discussion with materials from Rabbinic literature. There is great ca-maraderie, fascinating intellectual con-versation and homemade noshes.

Anshei Mitzvah, led by Rabbi Bar-

ras, is a one and a half year course of study for those adults who never be-came a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. It’s a won-derful opportunity to learn Hebrew, study our liturgy, and form a commu-nity of lifelong learners. The program culminates in the Anshei Mitzvah ser-vice in May. A new cycle begins Fall 2013. Classes take place on Monday at 6:00 p.m. in the Temple Beth El Library. For more information, call (239) 433-0018.

41


Focus on YouthPreschools

Temple Judea Preschool

Temple Judea Preschool provides child care for chil-dren ages 18 months - 5 years in the Fort Myers area. Temple Judea Preschool serves families of all faiths

and denominations that desire a program which provides varied enriching experiences and activities that contribute to and stimulate the development of the child.

Temple Judea Preschool is the only conservative, Jewish Early Childhood program in Lee County. A safe environ-ment is provided that reinforces a child’s natural curiosity and allows each child to experience challenges and suc-cesses. Children are exposed to a variety of age-appropriate learning activities to meet their social, intellectual and emo-tional development. This helps stimulate creative develop-ment as well as exploring the world around them.

The school’s program encourages parental involvement in their child’s preschool experience. Parents and teachers gain valuable insights and techniques from each other.

The Program includes: Language Arts, Science, Read-ing Readiness Activities, Math Concepts, Arts and Crafts,

The Learning Tree

The Learning Tree at Temple Beth El in Fort Myers of-fers programs and activities for children from birth to age 5. Infants and toddlers are invited to participate

with a parent or caregiver in the weekly music, art and story-time classes. Preschool programming begins at 18 months.

The whole-child curriculum emphasizes a balance of so-cial and academic development and high standards of kin-dergarten preparation.

Every aspect of the school is designed to promote a posi-tive experience for your child and your whole family. The greatest gift we can give our children is an enthusiasm for learning to carry with them always. At The Learning Tree, parents and teachers partner together to do just that.

At the school, you will find:Bright and spacious classrooms•Warm and nurturing teachers•Spanish and Music classes included •in tuitionFlexible extended day options until •4:00 p.m.Optional nap room...new this year!•Healthy snacks and a hot lunch •programCertified Voluntary Pre-•Kindergarten (VPK) providerSummer Camp – weekly •enrollment Engaging specialty programs fea-•turing yoga, soccer, kung fu, pottery, cooking, technology and moreFor more information, please call

Jesyca Russell Virnig, M.A.Ed., Director, at (239) 433-5499 or visit www.learning treefortmyers.com.

Manipulative, Dramatic Play, Writing Skills, Comput-ers, Music, Cooking, Physical Education, Family Events, Special Guest Speakers.

A camp program is offered during the summer months.To learn more about the program, call (239) 482-1121.

Sponsored byArthur & Susan Karp Family Charitable Foundation, IncA Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

This program sends a new age-related book or cd every month!

Visit the Federation website to signup:

www.jfedsrq.orgSponsored by

Judi Roth for the Roth Family Foundation Kenneth and Gwenda Asher for The Asher Family Foundation

For more information, visit www.JewishFederationLCC.org.


Focus on YouthPreschools

The PJ Library®

We all know the power of reading stories with young children. These

nurturing, joyous and beneficial early learning experiences build the emotional and cognitive foundation for each child. The PJ Library (PJ as in pajamas) provides your fam-ily with a FREE treasury of Jewish books and music.

Each child, 6 months to 8 years old, enrolled in The PJ Library re-ceives a monthly gift of a high-qual-ity, age-appropriate Jewish book or CD as well as a reading guide to en-hance your family’s experience. All materials are carefully selected by a team of experts.

Thanks to the generosity of our local funders – Judi Roth for The Roth Family Foundation and Ken-neth and Gwenda Asher for The Asher Family Foundation – The PJ Library is available free to children who register in the Lee and Char-lotte County area. Along with Harold Grinspoon, the visionary founder of The PJ Library, we are committed to bringing The PJ Library to every family who wants to participate. The Harold Grinspoon Foundation sig-nificantly underwrites the cost of this program.

Whether you’re a parent, grand-parent or friend of someone with young children, please help us share news of this special program with Jewish families throughout the area who have children through age 8.

For more information, please call the Jewish Federation office at (239) 481-4449 or visit www.Jewish FederationLCC.org.

Temple Judea Mommy and Me

In the Mommy and Me Program, mom and child have an opportunity to so-cialize through interactive play. New activities are provided each week. You and your child will have the opportunity to cook, sing, dance, play instru-

ments, participate in art, and have a fun and memorable time. All of the activities are age appropriate.

For more information and to find out the days and times this program is offered, please call (239) 482-1121.

Maimonides Hebrew Day School - Preschool

Maimonides Hebrew Day School (MHDS) is a state li-censed and certified Child

Care Center. It’s the only Jewish VPK, Free 540 hours of Voluntary Pre-Kinder-garten education, and Early Readiness Center in Southwest Florida, providing services to families of Lee, Collier, Hen-dry, Glades, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties. Early Readi-ness is a scholarship program to assist families that are currently dealing with the economic downturn and ability to afford child care.

A Creative Curriculum for the Tod-dler and VPK programs guides exciting developmental environments, keeping 2- to 4-year-olds actively engaged in learning. “Hands-On” learning can be seen and heard indoors and out at a va-riety of centers, including dramatic play; housekeep-ing; listening, speaking and language develop-ment; motor skills for large and small muscles and co-ordination. Music, science and discovery, concepts of print and reading, art and beginning writing, math and quantitative concepts,

are all important elements to the de-velopment of young learners. MHDS’ unique dual curriculum individualizes lessons and curriculum in all aspects of Judaic Studies, Hebrew and English/secular subject areas, and accommo-dates all the diverse levels of a family’s Jewish faith observance. Lessons in-tegrate exemplary instruction in both Hebrew and English. In addition to the state’s requirements for VPK and Early Readiness funding for toddlers, Judaic studies of Holidays and History, Bru-chas and Meddos, Torah, Chumash, Parashas and beginning Aleph-Bet are age and grade-appropriate.

For more information or to sched-ule a tour, email [email protected] or call Nechamie Minkowicz at (239) 822-2784.

See page 51 for candle lighting times and dates for the Jewish holidays for 2013

43


Focus on Youth

Chabad Hebrew School of Cape Coral Temple Judea Religious School

Temple Judea’s Religious School offers an innovative, welcom-ing environment where chil-

dren embrace their Jewish roots and develop a strong sense of Jewish pride. The school’s goal is to provide students with an opportunity to explore Judaism and integrate it into their daily lives.

The school has created an experi-ential learning environment in which students not only learn about Judaism, but live it. Judaism is brought to life through the creativity, passion and en-ergy of a dedicated teaching staff.

Teachers are dedicated to instilling in each student: an understanding of the values of Judaism, a love of Torah and God, Jewish learning, a sense of re-sponsibility for the Jewish community and the community at large, and a love for the State of Israel.

For more information, please call (239) 433-0201.

The Chabad Hebrew School of Cape Coral is the newest and most innovative Hebrew School

in the area. A trendsetter in creative Jewish education, the Chabad Hebrew School makes our 5,000-year tradition and ancient history come alive and rel-evant to the youth of today.

Children ages 3-13, from diverse backgrounds and affiliations, fall in love with Judaism, as they are introduced to mitzvot (Jewish practices), Jewish ethics and Jewish holidays through a multi-sensory approach, using art, mu-sic and drama. Mastery of the Hebrew language is accom-plished in an efficient, motivational and fun manner. Experienced teachers imbue the children with Jewish pride, a love of G-d, love of their fellow Jews, and love for the land of Israel.

At Chabad Hebrew School children will gain a “Jewish” perspective on life and involvement beyond the Hebrew School years through a variety of extra-curricular activities such as Friday night dinners, family fun days and contests.

Chabad Hebrew School will add an enriching spiritual dimension to the lives of your entire family, which will ultimately perpetuate onto future generations.

For more information, please call (239) 541-1777, email rivky@chabad cape.com or visit www.chabadcape.com.

Maimonides Hebrew Day School

Maimonides Hebrew Day School (MHDS) is the only Jewish educational facility

in Southwest Florida that offers a com-plete full-time (or part-time) learning experience for children and families. The school offers a dual curriculum for students from age 2 to 14.

The curriculum individualizes les-sons in all aspects of Hebrew, Judaic Studies and English/secular subject areas that follow the New Genera-tion Florida Sunshine State Standards. MHDS accommodates all the diverse levels of a family’s Jewish faith obser-vance. A full day integrates exemplary instruction in Hebrew and English lis-tening and speaking, phonics and gram-mar, reading and writing. Judaic studies

of Torah, Chumash, Parashas, History, Holidays, Bruchas and Meddos are age and grade-appropriate. Math, Science and Social Studies, are complimented with Art, Music and PE.

A new facility, currently under construction, will be equipped with the latest in technology and materials. Small student-teacher ratios enable in-dividualized instruction and acceler-ated learning with a strong emphasis on character and values in an environment conducive to critical thinking and inde-pendent learners.

The school annually participates in standardized assessment of all students from Kindergarten to grade 6 using the Stanford -10 and is proud to announce that not only did students demonstrate

on grade level performance, but a ma-jority of students exceeded their grade level placement.

Maimonides is licensed and certi-fied to accept McKay scholarships for students already identified and quali-fied for special services and needs. The program is the only one in Southwest Florida at a Jewish facility.

MHDS is also able to accept Early Readiness Funding, Step-Up and Mc-Kay scholarships to assist a family with the financial aspects of providing edu-cational services to children.

To register your child or to sched-ule a tour of the facility, please contact MHDS at [email protected] or call Nechamie Minkowicz at (239) 822-2784.

Hebrew/Religious Schools

sunday, april 21 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Jewish Federation building


Focus on YouthHebrew/Religious SchoolsTemple Beth Shalom Religious School

Temple Beth Shalom offers FREE religious school classes to all members’ children. The congre-

gation feels that the education of their youth is the future of Judaism. The small school provides a welcoming and nurturing environment where students learn to cherish their Jewish heritage. The goal is to bring the joy of being

Jewish to the next generation..The school meets Thursdays at 4:30

p.m. Rabbi Devora Buchen is closely in-

volved with the school. She works with the teachers to develop the curriculum, which emphasizes Hebrew, rituals, tra-ditions, Torah and holidays. Students also learn to participate in Temple Beth

Rabbi Devora Buchen leads the school children in kiddish (left) and leads the family service kiddish (right)

Shalom’s monthly Family Shabbat Ser-vice. Separate from the religious school, students preparing to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah meet privately with Rabbi Buchen.

For information on the religious school, call the temple office at (239) 722-4555 or the school coordinator, Barby Barlow, at (941) 639-7293.

Bar / Bat Mitzvah SpecialistChoosing the right photographer is an important decision.

Michael Shapiro has more than 30 years experience in media and journalism. He is able to capture images that are unique,

unexpected and spontaneous.

Other Services: Weddings / Family Portraits / Events

239.770.6860mike@shapiro-photography.comwww.shapiro-photography.com

Look for school updates and “Focus on Youth” items each month in L’CHAYIM

Connections on your iPad!on your ipad’s browser, go to

www.issuu.com

enter “Connections

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click on the cover image.

It’s that simple!

Then simply scroll through the pages.



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45


Focus on Youth Hebrew/Religious Schools/CampsTemple Beth El Religious School

The Temple Beth El Religious School believes that “Judaism is a family matter” and states,

“The mission of the Religious School of Temple Beth El is to ensure Jewish con-tinuity from generation to generation.”

Under the direction of Dale M. Cohen, R.J.E., for over ten years, the school offers a curriculum designed to help each child develop a sense of self as a living part of Judaism in a friendly, creative and dynamic atmosphere.

Areas of study include Hebrew reading fluency and accuracy, familiar-ity with prayers, blessings and mean-ings of prayers. Creative art projects and music are an important part of

the curriculum. Meanings and tradi-tions of holidays throughout the year are studied and celebrated together at school. Jewish customs and traditions are taught as cornerstones of religious practice.

Sunday classes are 9:30 a.m. to noon for students in kindergarten through post-confirmation. Religious Educa-tion classes are Wednesday afternoons from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and are for stu-dents in grades 3-7.

For additional information, please contact Religious School Director Dale Cohen at (239) 433-9808 or visit www.templebethel.com.

Temple Shalom Religious School

The Religious School of Temple Shalom of Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands is small in size

but unique in its ability to educate the students and present a positive attitude towards Judaism.

Under the careful attention of Rabbi Solomon Agin, D.D., Mr. Irv Forsch, Mrs. Brooke Raider and Ms. Nicole Thosath, the students are guided through the pathways of Jewish Educa-tion using the standard method of the text with the added hands-on of mean-ingful crafts. Every session includes music, which is led by Rabbi Agin, and later incorporated into the Family Friday Evening Shabbat Service with Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler.

Rabbi Agin leads the Bar and Bat Mitzvah program as he prepares the students with tools to take a leadership role in Shabbat services.

Every student has a comfort zone that enables him/her to lead services at any time. On the High Holy Days, all the students who have been a Bar or Bat Mitzvah lead a portion of the service.

It is the goal of the temple to cre-ate a “Love of Synagogue” and of being Jewish. Temple Shalom has been blessed to see this happen.

For more information, contact the temple at (941) 625-2116 or [email protected].

Camp Gan Israel of Cape Coral

Looking for an exciting Jewish camp experience for your child? Camp Gan Israel of Cape Coral,

part of the largest and fastest growing network of Jewish day camps in the world, offers programs that are fun, stimulating, and bolster Jewish pride in a safe, caring environment.

The camp caters to children ages 4-12 and features Kiddie Camp for three-year-olds. Exciting activities in-clude arts & crafts, swimming, sports, field trips, carnival, dress-up days, Shabbos parties, challah baking and so much more. Judaic themes come alive through stories, songs, games and

Camp Gan Israel of Charlotte County

Gan Israel is part of the larg-est and fastest growing net-work of Jewish day camps in

the world. Gan Israel Day Camps enjoy a well-earned reputation as a trendsetter with innovative ideas, creative programs and new activities being introduced continu-ously. Many a child has been known to wait all year to come back to Gan Israel! Campers will enjoy

a wide range of exciting activities and field trips in a warm and spirited atmosphere.

The real secret to its success lies in the outstand-ing staff. The camp is di-rected by two experienced educators known for their professionalism and abil-ity to motivate, excite and connect with children. The

counselors are known for their per-

contests, which are part of the unique Gan Israel experience.

Parents trust, and children adore the dedicated and dynamic staff who love and nurture every child.

Camp Gan Israel is not just a va-cation experience; the memories and lessons learned remain forever.

Enroll your child now for an ex-perience that will last a lifetime. Camp sessions are held in both the summer and winter.

For more information, contact Camp Director Rivky Labkowski at (239) 541-1777 or [email protected], or visit www.chabadcape.com.

sonal warmth and their ability to care for each child as an individual. Each counselor is a role model for the chil-dren, promising them friendships that will last forever. Their love for the chil-dren is perhaps surpassed only by the children’s’ love for them.

To find out more info about the up-coming fourth amazing summer, call Sheina at (941) 833-3381.


Focus on YouthTeens/Youth GroupsSAT Preparation Course

The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Coun-ties offers a comprehensive SAT preparatory course, complete with instruction provided by high school

and college-level educators, a current study guide, materi-als, snacks and beverages. There is a maximum of 12 stu-

dents per session, with two sessions per calendar year. Classes are held at the Jewish Federation office, 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort My-ers (located off Bass Road off Sum-merlin opposite HealthPark Medical Center), on Monday and Wednes-day evenings from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.,

excluding holidays, over the course of 12 weeks.Classes for the March 9 SAT test run from January 7

through February 27.Enrollment costs $355 per session. This is a tremendous

value compared to other prep courses, which can cost over $1,000 per session for instruction alone.

For more information and to register your teen, visit the Community Events & Programs page at www.JewishFedera tionLCC.org and download a registration form, or contact Amy Ginsburg-Padilla at (239) 481-4449 x3 or [email protected].

CTeen Club – Cape Coral

Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Coral is pleased to in-troduce you to the newest teen society in the neigh-borhood: The CTeen Network, which is part of the

fastest growing Jewish teen network.This initiative promises to be exciting and uplifting for

teens everywhere. Teens love to socialize and they love to network. The CTeen Network takes these skills that teenagers have mastered, and creatively channels their talents toward making a difference in our communities. CTeen’s mission is to provide a nurturing environment where teens can learn about themselves through giving to others, identify with oth-ers who share the same faith, and be part of a group that focuses on building core values with an emphasis on char-acter development. CTeen is a Jewish club that compacts ex-hilarating fun and meaningful projects into a program that’s thrilling and uniting.

Chabad invites you to encourage your child to attend a group meeting so they may experience this program first-hand. Studies show that by joining groups that emphasize community service, teens build their self-esteem, strengthen integrity, and maximize their cognitive development. They benefit from improved academic performance and enhanced life skills. It is an opportunity that no teenager should miss, and there’s plenty of room for all their friends as well.

Club meetings take place at the Chabad Jewish Center, 1716 Cape Coral Parkway West, on Wednesdays from 6:00- 7:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Rabbi Yossi Labkowski at (239) 541-1777 or [email protected].

Earn CAS CreditsThe Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties is interested in hearing from teenagers in high school who might like to earn CAS credits though various work in the Jewish community. If you are interested, please send the following information to [email protected]:NameAddressPhone #AgeGradeSchoolPreferred volunteer hours (e.g. 2-5pm Sundays)

Stay Connected.Register for our email newsletter.

www.jfedsrq.org

Stay in touch throughout the year.

Sign up for the Federation’s e-blasts.

Get the latest information on upcoming community events and cultural activities,

breaking news, updates from Israel and more.

Send an email to [email protected]

47


Focus on Youth Teens/Youth Groups

Temple Beth El Youth Groups

Temple Beth El offers active programs of social, cul-tural and leadership training for Temple youth. BEFTY (Beth El Fort Myers Temple Youth) is

part of a larger organization, NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth), which offers young people the opportunity to explore and live Reform Judaism.

Rabbi Jeremy Barras actively supports and participates in the Temple’s Youth Group programs. The Junior Youth Group’s activities include social interaction programs with other temple youth groups, community service projects, and working with the Senior Group on projects. Opportunities to meet other Jewish youth are emphasized. Junior Youth Group membership is available to teens in grades 6 through 8.

Senior Youth Group members are encouraged to par-ticipate in workshops involving Jewish issues and to expe-rience religious observances provided at Temple Beth El and throughout the state and region. Senior youth also have the opportunity to attend national programs sponsored by NFTY. Senior Youth Group membership is available to teens in grades 9 through 12.

For more information about joining the Temple Beth El Youth Groups, please contact the temple office at (239) 433-0018 or [email protected].

Community Youth Group

On Sundays, typically after re-ligious school, children in grades 6-8 have an opportunity

to build social con-nections with other Jewish tweens and teens at the Jewish Federation’s weekly community youth group meetings.

Hadar Frey, the youth group’s advisor, is bursting

Stay connected at www.JewishFederationLCC.org

FGCU Hillel is an exciting program at Florida Gulf Coast University. This Hillel, formerly known as the Jewish Student Organization, formed in 2005 and has

been growing ever since. FGCU Hillel caters to everyone. Jewish, non-Jewish, not sure – everyone is welcome. There are students representing all “flavors” of Judaism.

FGCU Hillel has hosted a variety of events at FGCU, including Shabbat programs and a Purim Masquerade Ball. The most popular holiday celebration has been the Passover seders, at which large numbers of non-Jewish students have at-tended as well as the community, Jewish professors and staff.

Non-religious events have included Jews on Ice, Jew-day-a, Jew-pardy, and a Hillel Game Night. This group of-fers peer support, community engagement, networking and multicultural experiences that everyone can take advantage of and grow from.

FGCU Hillel has many exciting things planned for the coming semesters. With the growing Jewish population at FGCU comes many more opportunities and awesome events. The community is invited to every event Hillel hosts on campus.

If you would like to contact FGCU Hillel for further in-formation, please email [email protected].

Hillel at FGCU

with creativity and enthusiasm! He-brew bowling, Israel-themed art proj-ects, pizza and Jewish movie parties,

and game tournaments are just a few of the teen-friendly activities she co-ordinates for the group, while always including Jewish or Hebrew learning and facilitating the lifelong friend-ships that form through youth

group experiences. Enrollment in

Community Youth Group is ongoing, and joining mid-school-year is en-couraged. The group is also open to kids who do not attend religious school, but

are looking for ways to build Jewish friendships. We see new faces at Com-munity Youth Group all the time.

To enroll your child in Community Youth Group or for more information, contact Hadar Frey at (239) 826-5130 or [email protected].

Each month, 5,000 Jewish residents in Lee and Charlotte counties turn to L’CHAYIM for:u Upcoming major eventsu Community Directoryu Synagogue newsu Local Organization newsu Jewish Federation updatesu Community Calendaru Holocaust Museum newsu Candle Lighting Timesu Business Directoryu Rabbinical Reflectionsu Israel updatesu Photos of recent eventsu and much more

targeted DistributionReach our affluent, informed, health-conscious, and savvy readers who are looking for new and better ways to enrich their lives and those of their loved ones. L’CHAYIM – the monthly newspaper published by the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Coun-ties – is mailed to 5,000+ residents in the area. Additional copies are available at the Jewish Federation office.

Life-Enriching information Each month, readers of L’CHAYIM get news and updates on all Jewish-related local events, including the Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Book Fair, Israel Fest, book study groups, concerts and timely lectures. They also get updates from the area’s synagogues, schools and numer-ous local Jewish organizations. It’s also the place they turn to for community news, the community calendar, candle lighting times, a business directory and much more.

To receive L’CHAYIM, please call (239) 481-4449 x4.

the exclusive way to reach the Jewish Community in Lee and Charlotte counties.

For more information or to place an ad in L’CHAYIM:

Call: Jill Schreidell at (239) 989-6521Email: [email protected]: visit the L’CHAYIM page at www.JewishFederationLCC.org

Grow your business with L’CHAYIM!


Calendar

For a continuously updated community calendar and news on major events, visit the Federation’s website at www.JewishFederationLCC.org.

For up-to-date information on these and other community events, please check the L’CHAYIM newspaper, www.JewishFederationLCC.org, and the individual temple and organization websites.

Major community events plus select events from area temples and organizations

open to the entire community

Schedule of events (all films begin at 7:15 p.m. with open seating at the Regal Bell Tower Cinemas in Fort Myers):

January 15 – ¡ A Bottle in the Gaza SeaJanuary 17 – ¡ HabermannJanuary 22 – ¡ Blank BulletJanuary 24 – ¡ Their Eyes Were DryJanuary 29 – ¡ Making TroubleJanuary 31 – ¡ Nicky’s FamilyFebruary 5 – ¡ MabulFebruary 7 – ¡ Follow Me

Call the Hotline: (239) 481-4449 x9

January 7, 7:00 p.m.Covenant With Israel CelebrationBroadway Palm Dinner Theatre$30(239) 244-3912 or www.covenantwithisrael.com

January 9, 7:30 p.m.Zionist Organization of America meetingGuest speaker: Dr. Stephen Steinlight, Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, D.C.$5, includes refreshmentsJerry Sobel, [email protected] or Gene Sipe, [email protected]

January 20, 6:00 p.m.Naples Jewish Social Club Annual GalaLongshore Lake Country Club$40 members; $45 nonmembersSondra Greer, (239) 353-4468

January 27, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.2nd Annual Fruits of Israel FestivalTemple Beth El(239) 433-3235

January 28, 11:30 a.m.Hadassah’s Annual Mah Jongg & Card PartyBuffet luncheon and prizesCypress Woods Golf & Country Club$29Elaine Soffer, (239) 431-7905

January 28, 7:00 p.m. Scholar-in-ResidenceDr. Robin Fox - “The Puzzle of the Ten Commandments”Bat Yam - Temple of the Islands at the Sanibel Congregational Church(239) 395-1432

February 9Jewish Federation Major Gifts Dinner(239) 481-4449

February 10, 5:30 p.m.Hadassah presents “The Borscht Belt Bash” Fun, food, prizes, music and dancing

The Club at Olde CypressLauren Becker, (239) 592-5304 or Shelley Skelton, (239) 676-3052

March 13Lion of Judah LuncheonJewish Federation(239) 481-4449

March 15, noonORT Gulf Beaches Chapter Luncheon“Jewish Life in Southwest Florida” presented by Ted Epstein, editor of Connections and L’CHAYIMCost: TBAMarina Berkovich, [email protected]

March 17Passover Senior VisitsJewish Federation(239) 481-4449 x3

April 7, 3:00 p.m.Holocaust Memorial ServiceTemple Judea, Fort Myers(239) 481-4449 x3

April 21, 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. Israel FestJewish Federation(239) 481-4449

May 21Jewish Federation Annual Meeting(239) 481-4449


Calendar

2013 Candle lighting times for the Lee and Charlotte area:

January 4: 5:31 pmJanuary 11: 5:36 pmJanuary 18: 5:41 pmJanuary 25: 5:47 pmFebruary 1: 5:52 pmFebruary 8: 5:57 pmFebruary 15: 6:02 pmFebruary 22: 6:06 pmMarch 1: 6:11 pmMarch 8: 6:15 pmMarch 15: 7:18 pmMarch 22: 7:22 pmMarch 25, Eve of First day Passover: 7:23 pmMarch 26, Eve of Second day Passover: after 8:16 pmMarch 29: 7:25 pmMarch 31, Eve of Seventh day Passover: 7:26 pmApril 1, Eve of Eighth day Passover: after 8:19 pmApril 5: 7:28 pmApril 12: 7:32 pmApril 19: 7:35 pmApril 26: 7:39 pmMay 3: 7:43 pmMay 10: 7:46 pmMay 14, Eve of First day Shavuot: 7:49 pmMay 15, Eve of Second day Shavuot: after 8:45 pmMay 17: 7:50 pmMay 24: 7:54 pmMay 31: 7:58 pmJune 7: 8:01 pmJune 14: 8:04 pmJune 21: 8:05 pmJune 28: 8:07 pmJuly 5: 8:07 pmJuly 12: 8:06 pmJuly 19: 8:04 pmJuly 26: 8:01 pmAugust 2: 7:57 pm

August 9: 7:52 pmAugust 16: 7:46 pmAugust 23: 7:39 pmAugust 30: 7:32 pmSeptember 4, Eve of First day Rosh Hashanah: 7:27 pmSeptember 5, Eve of Second day Rosh Hashanah: after 8:19 pmSeptember 6: 7:25 pmSeptember 13, Eve of Yom Kippur: 7:17 pmSeptember 18, Eve of First day Sukkot: 7:11 pmSeptember 19, Eve of Second day Sukkot: after 8:03 pmSeptember 20: 7:09 pmSeptember 25, Eve of Shemini Atzeret: 7:04 pmSeptember 26, Eve of Simchat Torah: after 7:55 pm

September 27: 7:01 pmOctober 4: 6:54 pmOctober 11: 6:46 pmOctober 18: 6:39 pmOctober 25: 6:33 pmNovember 1: 6:28 pmNovember 8: 5:23 pmNovember 15: 5:20 pmNovember 22: 5:18 pmNovember 29: 5:17 pmDecember 6: 5:17 pmDecember 13: 5:19 pmDecember 20: 5:21 pmDecember 27: 5:25 pm

2013 (5773/5774) HolidaysHolidays start at sundown on the evening before the dates listed.

Tu B’Shevat: January 26 (Saturday) Purim: February 24 (Sunday) Passover (Pesach): March 26 (Tuesday) Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah): April 7 (Sunday) Israel Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron): April 15 (Monday) Israel Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut): April 16 (Tuesday) Lag B’Omer: April 28 (Sunday) Shavuot: May 15 (Wednesday) Tisha B’Av: July 16 (Tuesday) Rosh HaShanah 5774: September 5 (Thursday) Yom Kippur: September 14 (Saturday) Sukkot: September 19 (Thursday) Shemini Atzeret: September 26 (Thursday) Simchat Torah: September 27 (Friday) Hanukkah (Chanukah): November 28 (Thursday)

51


Directory of AdvertisersAccountants Myers, Brettholz & Company, PA 27

Attorneys Alan J. Rubinstein 40

Financial Services FineMark National Bank & Trust Inside Front Cover Arlene R. Foreman 11 Leya Michelle Neizvest 31 21st Century C.A.R.E. 26

Funeral Homes & Cemeteries Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery 39 Health/Medical Services Advanced Pain Management 32 Daniel Bendetowicz, MD 19 Florida Specialists in Urology 17 Ryder Orthopaedics 40 Rick Snyderman, Pedorthist 21 Specialists in Urology 3 Taschner Periodontics 37

Home & Design Lee Lighting 30 PCC Tile 14

Insurance Lott & Gaylor Insurance 35

Museums Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida 29 Jewish Museum of Florida 5

Photography Michael Shapiro Photography 45

Restaurants The Bagel Factory 34 Sasse’s 30

Senior Living Alternatives Brookdale Senior Living 12 The Springs at Shell Point 33

Synagogues Temple Beth El 1 Temple Beth Shalom 26 Temple Judea Back Cover

Theatres Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 15

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Connect ions




IndexAdult education 40-41Advocacy Groups 36-37American Friends of Magen David Adom 35American Israel Public Affairs Committee 36American Jewish Committee (AJC) 36American Technion Society 33Anti-Defamation League 36Arts & Culture 10-17Bat-Yam Temple of the Islands 25Book Fair 12Calendar 50-51Camp Gan Israel of Cape Coral 46Camp Gan Israel of Charlotte County 46Candle lighting times 51Cemeteries 39Chabad Hebrew School of Cape Coral 44Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Coral 21Chabad Jewish Center of Charlotte County 22Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida 25Chabad of Bonita Springs & Estero 25Chevra Kadisha 39Community events calendar 50The Community Free Synagogue 24Community Youth Group 48Consulate General of Israel for Florida & Puerto Rico 35CTeen Club - Cape Coral 47Education - Children 42-48Education - Adult 40-41FGCU Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies 16Federation history 6Film Festival 11Florida Israel Chamber 34Food Pantry 39Funeral homes & cemeteries 39Generations of the Shoah - SWFL 28Hadassah - Collier/Lee Counties Chapter 26Hadassah - Sharon Chapter (Charlotte County) 27Hebrew/Religious Schools 44-46Hillel at FGCU 48Holocaust Memorial Service 16Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL 16Humanistic Jewish Havurah 28Israel Bonds 30-31Israel Connection 30-35Israel Fest 13

Israel Scouts 14Israeli Folk Dancing 15,22Israeli Fruit Festival 14Jewish Book Fair 12Jewish Family Services 8Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties 6-9Jewish Film Festival 11Jewish holidays 51Jewish Museum of Florida 17Jewish National Fund 34Jewish War Veterans Post 400 27Kosher Food Availability 38L’CHAYIM 10The Learning Tree 43Live From NY’s 92nd St. Y 11Mah Jongg 15Maimonides Hebrew Day School 44Maimonides Hebrew Day School - Preschool 43Mikvah 39Museums 16-17Naples Jewish Social Club 28Organizations 26-37ORT America 29The PJ Library 43Preschools 42-43Project Ezra 34SAT Preparation Course 47Schools 42-46Senior Visits 38Simon Wiesenthal Center 37Special Interest Groups 26-29Synagogues 18-25Temple Beth El 19Temple Beth El Religious School 46Temple Beth El Youth Groups 48Temple Beth Shalom 20Temple Beth Shalom Religious School 45Temple Judea 18Temple Judea Mommy and Me 43Temple Judea Preschool 42Temple Judea Religious School 44Temple Shalom of Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands 23Temple Shalom Religious School 46Youth groups 47-48Zionist Organization of America 32

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14486 A&W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908

239.433.0201www.TJSWFL.org

Temple Judea, located in Fort Myers, is an egalitarian Conservative Synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. We perceive our congregation as a “family of families,” and delight in being a warm and supportive community. With Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday prayer services, an award-winning preschool, a successful after-hours religious school, adult education, potlucks, and other events, there is always something happening through our doors. Come walk through them and join us!Rabbi Elyssa Joy Auster

Connections 2013 - Lee-Charlotte Counties

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Transcript of Connections 2013 - Lee-Charlotte Counties