On Thursday, Jan. 31, the Jewish Community Foundation, along with partner synagogues and Jewish agencies, will celebrate and recognize those creat-ing Jewish legacies. The event hosts, chairs and committee changed things up a bit for this year’s event. You won’t want to miss it. Local talent, including Koltrain and Jewish Community Sing-ers, will regale with their sometimes humorous renditions of popular songs.

Want to know more about creating a Jewish legacy? Join us and enjoy a video montage of friends and neighbors sharing heartfelt personal stories about why they chose to create Jewish lega-cies. Nearly 500 members are includ-ing Jewish causes in their wills or have made gifts to Jewish organizational endowments. Together we dream of a Jewish community in the future where, just as we have, the generations that fol-low us will enjoy our rich heritage and traditions. We invite you to come dream with us.

Our program includes a presenta-tion of our fi rst-ever Legacy Leader award and a special tribute to Michael Donziger, Foundation’s fi rst president and a driving force behind Create a Jew-ish Legacy. Jewish Community Founda-tion President Mark Green will present the award to Richard Sisisky. This is the highest award Foundation can present and will be presented only occasionally to a candidate in our community who best exemplifi es the legacy fundraising characteristics of Michael Donziger, of blessed memory.

Richard has served on the board of Foundation since its incorporation July 1995, and is its immediate past president and an original founder. As Federation president, he helped with the ground-

In Israel, 80,000 children age 6 and under face great obstacles to developing and thriving at home and in school. These children are often from immigrant families and are at risk of being trapped in a cycle of poverty. Their parents may lack the means — both fi nancial and cultural — to help their young children adequately prepare for school.

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee fi rst developed PACT, Parents and Children Together, to help address these problems within the Ethiopian-Israeli community. PACT provides literary enrich-ment, daycare subsidies, after-school activities, and health education for preschoolers and kindergartners,

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RIVER GARDEN GALAMore than 500 celebrate this jewel. page 17

Jewish News

Spotlight: JDC helps parents and childrenAmerican Jewish Joint Distribution Committ ee is a benefi ciary agency of the Federation.

See PACT, p. 22

CJL event honors Sisisky

David Robbins works with PACT children in Hadera.

Jacksonville

COURAGEFederation’s annual Lion of Judah event features daughter of Holocaust Polish rescuer. page 4

JOURNEYJCA directors return from Israel page 8

January 2013 • Tevet/Sh’vat 5773 • Published by Jewish Federation of Jacksonville • www.jewishjacksonville.org • Volume 25, Number 7 • 24 pages

By Jewish Community Foundation

See CJL, p. 22

Federation’s Young Leadership Division and Shalom Jacksonville planned it and people came – 174 children and adults enjoyed a community celebration of Chanukah in the kid-friendly setting of Ollie Koala’s Backyard. Parents, grandparents, clergymen and /or their spouses had lots of time to schmooze, and meet new and long-time members of the Jewish community.

The highlight of the evening was the creative menorah contest in which children up to age 11 and families created menorahs out of Styrofoam, egg cartons, colored water, balloons, Legos, spools, aluminum foil, paper and plastic sculpture. There was an edible menorah and one made from a giant etrog.

The judges: Rabbi Jesse Olitzky, Henny Fisch and Kari Jaffa had a diffi cult time selecting the winners from all the creative entries.

Our thanks to Gabrielle Bubis for chairing the event, assisted by Isabel Balotin, Shalom Jacksonville, and Adam Bronstone, YLD, and volunteers Jennie DeBardeleben and Adrienne Biber. We thank Meir Cohen and staff of McKosher for the hot dog platters; Thomas Johnson, manager of Ollie Koala, for his kindness and generosity; Larry Tallis for photos; and Kris Light of Federation for all her hard work on behalf of this event. As always, we thank you all for coming and sup-porting this Federation program. You all made it very special.

We look forward to next year’s Chanukah event.

By ISABEL BALOTINShalom Jacksonville

Federation holds Chanukah celebration for all

By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

Judges Jesse Olitzky, Henny Fisch and Kari Jaffa had a hard time selecting the winners.

Above: The Wolchoks are proud of their handmade menorahs.Upper right: Grandpa Alan Kagan enjoys the ride with menorah contest winner, Kagan GouldRight: Itamar Lubliner takes a short break from the arcade to eat his hot dog.To see all the photos, go to jewish-jacksonville.org/menorah.aspx.

Photos by L. Tallis

Rina Fisch votes for kosher hot dogs!

page 2 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

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Community University 2013 will celebrate “iNDEPEN-DENCE, iDEAS and iNNOVA-TION: Israel on the Cutting Edge” with speakers and presen-tations representing all aspects of life that are innovative and encourage independent thinking among Jews and Israelis.

In honor of this theme, the Community University committee is proud to announce that David Schmerer is the winner of this year’s annual logo contest. David is a part-time religious school educator at one of the synagogues in the community, and has partici-pated in Community University in previous years. David’s winning design highlights a central logo

of Jewish life – the Magen David (Star of David), surrounded by products and people who repre-sent the best that cutting-edge Israel has to offer in science, technology, agriculture, education and Nobel prize winners.

David was ecstatic when he was told that he had won and stated that he is honored by the recognition and that for him the “real prize is being able to share my artistic vision with the com-munity,” of which he has been a member for 30 years.

David’s participation is em-blematic of recent changes that have been made to Community University, including having local artists compete in this year’s logo contest. There will be, as always, great activities for people of all ages, including early childhood,

Dan and Kari Jaffa are excited to once again chair the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville’s 2013 Super Sunday Annual Campaign. The phone-a-thon will be held on Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the JCA. It is a great opportunity to continue Jacksonville’s commit-ment to tikkun olam, or repairing the world.

For the fourth consecutive year the Agency Volunteer Challenge is back. The top two agencies with the highest volunteer turnout will be granted a first-place prize of $500 and a second-place prize of $250. This year we will con-tinue to ask volunteers to register by calling the Federation office at 448-5000.

Our local agencies benefit greatly from the money that is raised on Super Sunday, and they need your help and support to continue to raise these much-needed funds. In addition, these funds are allocated to communi-ties around the world to help sustain Jewish life. “This is one of the most important days of the calendar year in our community, especially this year,” said Dan and Kari. “We encourage the Jack-sonville community to join us in helping Jews in need and support our partner agencies by volunteer-ing their time on Super Sunday.”

kindergarten through grade 4, middle school (grades 5 through 7), high school (which will include teens from grades 8 to 12) and adult education. With the theme of Israel in mind, there will be classes dealing with the Torah,

Israel-oriented Tikkun Olam proj-ects, art, music, military-styled boot camp for the kids, Skyping with Israelis using made-in-Israel technology, and a whole lot more, including the possibility of special guest presenters from outside the

community and an amazing musi-cal concert following the seminars (news to follow).

Join the rest of Jacksonville at Community University, to be held at the Jacksonville Jewish Center on April 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

By ADAM BRONSTONECommunity Engagement Consultant

By ADAM BRONSTONECommunity Engagement Consultant

Logo winner for Community University announced

Super Sunday is coming soon

page 3Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

Beachview & Party Rentals• Bob Ham Eyewear• Brandon Pest Control• Butensky & Cohen Financial • SecurityCamellia at Deerwood• Carriage Club Jacksonville• Comforcare Senior Services• Cumberland Packing Corpora-• tionDamon Photography•

Erica Jolles - Magnolia Properties• Etz Chaim• Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home• Heekin Orthopedic Specialists• Jacksonville Hadassah• Jacksonville Jewish Center • SchoolsJewish Community Alliance• Jewish Museum of Florida• Kehillah Chadashah• Margo’s Catering•

Mark Kraus, MetLife• Mediterrania• Paige Wajsman• San Jose Beauclerc Animal Hos-• pitalSouthern Monument Co. Inc.• Stein Mart• Stratt on and Company• Vandroff Insurance• Business Directory, p. 20•

COMMUNITY NEWS

Thank you ... thank you ... thank youAt the Jacksonville Jewish News, our advertisers are precious to us. It is with their support that the Jacksonville Jewish com-

munity has a newspaper. Advertising revenue also offsets the cost of production, so Federation dollars can be dedicated to helping Jews locally and overseas. Please continue to live generously and support our adverisers:

What’s insideAdult Education ...................... p. 21Community ................................ p. 3Education ................................. p. 10Federation ................................ p. 2Jewish Family & CommunityServices ................................... p. 18Jewish Community Alliance ... p. 16Jewish Foundation .................. p. 19Lifecycles ................................. p. 20Obituaries ................................ p. 20Perspectives .............................. p. 6River Garden ............................ p. 17Synagogues ............................ p. 13Women’s .................................... p. 4

For your advertising needs, please contact advertising sales representative Barbara Nykerk at 904.733.4179 or Eta Perras at 904.629.0466.

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Scotch, cigars and football is the theme and Mark Lamping, president of the Jacksonville Jag-uars, will be the featured guest at the annual JFCS Men’s Event to be held at Epping Forest Yacht Club, on Thursday, Jan. 17, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

You won’t want to miss this all men’s event. We will have a wide variety of scotch and other libations, and cigars to sample,

including a demonstration by Julio Cordero, master Cuban cigar roller. Julio will have fi ne hand-rolled cigars available, as well.

The evening will culminate in a lively discussion of football strategy over a superb meal. Tickets are $136 per person and sponsorships start at $500, and all net proceeds benefi t JFCS.

It’s not too late to join us but contact Heather today at (904) 394-5727 or hcorey@jfcsjax.org.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

PJ Library at JFCS is celebrating its fi rst year. The PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and made possible through partnerships with The DuBow Family Foundation and the Sam Berman Charitable Foundation, brings children wonderful books like the “Only One Club,” “Sadie and the Big Mountain” and “How a Dino-saur Says Happy Hanukkah.”

And the books are free. Each month we send high-quality, age-appropriate Jewish books and music to families with children ages 6 months to 8 years with absolutely no strings attached. PJ Jackson-ville has enrolled over 260 families with over 400 children who can explore the timeless core values of Judaism through books and music on a monthly basis.

We have been fortunate in our fi rst year to partner with the Jacksonville Jewish Center, Congregation Ahavath Chesed and Beth El on programming and with Barnes & Noble for book fairs.

The goal of the PJ Library is to engage families that are raising Jewish children by giv-ing them a gift that comes into their homes. We do this so they can start or continue their Jew-ish journey, whatever it may be to them.

We hope you will join us on this journey as we invite you to sign up. If you are not yet a member you can do so by going to www.pjlibrary.org or you can call Ilene Schinasi at 904-394-5724. And if you are already a member, we look forward to seeing you soon at an event, and don’t forget to friend us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pjlibraryjack-sonville.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

“Israel under attack.” Don’t you just hate to hear those words? They are disturbing. Mitzvah Chapter decided to do something to help Magen David Adom, Isra-el’s Emergency Medical System. MDA aims to have a response time of 4 minutes or less.

Joan Waitz and Wendy Honig-man organized an appeal to raise

enough money to purchase an am-bulance as a gift from the Jewish community of Jacksonville. That goal just couldn’t be reached.

We have shared the cost of the ambulance with another chapter and a generous gentleman from South Florida. The ambulance will be in Jacksonville sometime in February. The exact details are still being fi nalized.

At our dedication, there will be

an opportunity to make a donation to help equip the ambulance and sign your name on a card that will accompany the new ambulance to Israel. Also going will be a list of major donors who responded to our appeal.

There will be details in the next Jacksonville Jewish News. Be sure to look for them and come to see our Jacksonville Mitzvah Chapter ambulance.

By Magen David Adom Chapter

Start 2013 by joining the Jax Jewish Singles for lunch at Sea-son’s 52. It was a big hit last year.

The food is delicious and healthy with every item less than 475 calories. Contact Francine for date and time at 221-8061 or email francine.smith@comcast.net.

By Jax Jewish SIngles

Happy birthday, PJ Library

Dine with Jax Jewish Singles

MDA Chapter dedicates ambulance

Calling all men for Jan. 17

Mark Lamping

page 4 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

WOMEN’S PAGE

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Since the 1920s, the game of mah jongg has ignited the popular

imagination with its beautiful tiles, mythical origins and communal

spirit. This exhibit provokes memories of the intergenerational

tradition of this game, and illuminates mah jongg’s influence illuminates mah jongg’s influence

on contemporary culture.

Project Mah Jongg was curated and is circulated by the Museum of Jewish Heritage–A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, New York. The exhibition is made possible through the generosity of the National Mah Jongg League. Additional support is provided by Sylvia Hassenfeld and 2wice Arts

Foundation. The exhibition is made possible through the generosity of the National Mah Jongg League. Local funders for Project Mah Jongg include: Robert Arthur Segall Foundation, Funding Arts Network, Charles & Sandra Simon, Joni & Stanley Tate.

Jewish Immigration

to America

This fun-filled exhibit, for children ages 6-12 and their families, uses 28 hands-on activity stations

to explore the immigration story based on themes relating to all cultures:

Why MoveWhat to Take

Where to Go &New BeginningsNew Beginnings

Sponsors include Publix Super Market Charities, RBC Wealth Management, Isabel Bernfeld Anderson, Kenneth Bloom in memory of Dr. Harold & Mrs. Ilse Posner,

Elliot & Bonnie Sockel Stone, Judy Gilbert-Gould & Gerald Gould, and Norman & Sylvia Levine.

Mah Jongg Scorecard, c.1923.

Also see the Museum’s core exhibit Mosaic: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763 to Present with over 500 artifacts

and photographs of unique history. Visit the Orovitz Museum Store for one-of-a-kind gifts and have a nosh at Bessie’s Bistro!

Thru Jan. 27, 2013

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.

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“Courage is a whisper from above. If you think only with your head and not with your heart, your head will tell you, ‘Dis is dangerous. Don’t do dat. You have to involve your heart.”

- Irene Gut Opdyke, Righteous Among the Nations

This is a glimpse into the insightful message our Lions of Judah will have the opportunity to hear this year at our annual Lion event. On Thursday, Feb. 7, please join us at the beach at the homes of Judy Silverman and Kimberly Sisisky for an 11:30 a.m. luncheon, followed by des-sert.

Our guest speaker will be Jeannie Opdyke Smith. Smith is the daughter of Polish rescuer Irene Gut OpDyke who died May 18, 2003. Irene received international recognition for her actions during the Holocaust while working for a high ranking German offi cial. Irene’s life story was told each night on Broadway

in the nationally acclaimed play “Irena’s Vow” starring Tovah Feldshuh.

Irene’s book, “In My Hands, Memories of a Holocaust rescu-er,” relays the detailed account of her life during the years of World War II and is used in classrooms around the country.

Smith is part of a new genera-tion of Holocaust speakers called 2nd Generation, who share the life stories from their parents fi rst-hand experiences.

She is a member and speaker for the Oregon & Washington Holocaust Speakers Bureau, a regular speaker for the Anti Defa-mation League’s Bearing Wit-ness Program, Jewish Federation groups, Lion of Judah events, and Hadassah.

The story she tells, although fi lled with the horrors and hate that the Holocaust holds, also brings a message of faith, love and hope that good can triumph over evil. It proclaims the convic-tion that one by one we can reject hatred, persecution and prejudice.

This year’s Lion event is chaired by Debbie Banks. To

River Garden is celebrating its heritage with a Donor Luncheon on Jan. 22 at 11:45 a.m. Our focus will be From Generation to Gen-eration. We will feature music by UNF’s Presidential Trio and a fi lm of remembrance with excerpts from the Anniversary Days from 1950 to 1957. Come and see if you can recognize many of the

original workers from the Ladies Hebrew Sheltering Aid or maybe a relative who was a resident at our Stockton Street facility.

All are welcome to attend. Send your check payable to River Garden Auxiliary to Debby Katz, 408 Tortoise Trace, St. Johns, FL 32259, by Jan. 17 and join our journey of honor and tradi-tion. Your gift of $36 (or more) includes your lunch.

By River Garden Auxiliary

RSVP for this event, please con-tact Donna O’Steen, 448-5000 x 201 or donnao@jewishjackson-ville.org.

If you are a Lion of Judah or plan to become a member prior to this event, Federation is making

free copies of “In My Hands” available prior to the event as a thank you for your continued sup-port and commitment to Federa-tion. It is highly recommended that guests read the book before hearing Smith’s talk.

Please stop by the Federation offi ce to pick up your copy of the book after you RSVP for the luncheon. For more information, please contact Erin Cohen, 448-5000 x205 or erinc@jewishjack-sonville.org.

Irene Opdyke Jeannie Opdyke Smith

By ERIN COHENJewish Federation of Jacksonville

Courage focus of annual Lion of Judah event

River Garden Auxiliary Donor Luncheon set for Jan. 22

page 5Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

WOMEN’S PAGE

Jacksonville Hadassah is hosting the 2013 Florida Central Region Spring Conference and we invite the entire community to SAVE THE DATES! Join us for an exciting day and a half of fun, information and shopping. To be held at the Crowne Plaza Riverfront in downtown Jacksonville.

Florida Central Region Spring Conference

Crowne Plaza Riverfront March 10-11, 2013

Conference highlights include:

Sunday 3/10/13 Opening Program, 9:00 a.m. Shop in the Shook - all day Buffet Lunch with National Speaker Interactive Workshops Riverboat Cocktail Cruise Banquet Dinner

Monday 3/11/13 Opening Program, 9:00 a.m. Special Video Presentation Plated Lunch with Local Celebrity Speaker

“Welcome to the River City”

For more information call: 904.923.8030

Gail Greenfield, a returning Jacksonville native and Hadassah Life member, and her husband Stanley Greenfield will share their experiences volunteering on an army base in Israel.

Gail and Stanley will share pictures, stories and information about the Volunteers for Israel program. Volunteers for Israel places volunteers on army bases to support the military in non-combat needs, nursing homes and hospitals.

The program, sponsored by Jacksonville Hadassah, will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 7

p.m. at the South-east Regional Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd. To RSVP please call Susan Sidle at 221-4632.

Congratula-tions to the newly installed Execu-tive Board of the Jacksonville Chapter of Ha-dassah. They are: Leah Ben-Ye-huda, president; Lin Pomerantz, treasurer; Marjie Rogozinski, fundraising VP; Liat Walker, membership VP; Aviva Kaplan,

education VP; Helen Hill, com-munications VP; and Tammy Shumer, records administrator. The Installation of Officers took place on Dec. 16 at Congregation Ahavath Chesed.

By Hadassah

On Saturday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m. Center Sisterhood and the Center adult education commu-nity will present an a cappella concert featuring Pizmon. Event co-chairs Gayle Bailys and Beth Wolpoff welcome the entire community to this exciting per-

formance complete with dessert reception.

Center Sisterhood will honor the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Torah Fund donors, women who have been making a difference for the past 70 years. Torah Fund gifts help provide the place, resources and spiritual setting for future clergy and leaders at the schools

of the conservative/Masorti move-ment; the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Zeigler School of Rabbinic Studies, the Schechter Institute, and Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano.

The cost of the event is $18 per person, $36 per family. For more information call Gayle Bailys 268-6102 or gdbjax@aol.com.

By Center Sisterhood

Please join the JJC Sisterhood for the next installment in our Hot Topic series when we discuss current topics of interest to the Jewish community with Rabbi Lubliner.

This two-year old program has been gaining in popularity and is attracting attendees from through-out the community.

Our next topic, on Wednesday,

Jan. 16, at 10:30 a.m., is mitzvah or murder? Judaism and eutha-nasia. We will discuss the Jewish perspective on assisted suicide.

We meet on the third Wednes-day of each month at the Jackson-ville Jewish Center in the Shor-stein Room. You can join us at any time in the series – there is no need to have attended in the past to join us in the future. (Please note that topics are subject to change based on current events.)

By Center Sisterhood

As part of the Jewish Commu-nity Alliance’s Women’s Health series, the J Institute is pleased to present Menopause – Understand-ing Our Changing Bodies.

Menopause, it’s a great subject for comedians, musicals and girlfriends, but women rarely get the opportunity to discuss the real

issues regarding this life-altering experience. Join Dr. Andrew Kaunitz, gynecologist, certified menopause practitioner and direc-tor of the menopause and Gyne-cologic Ultrasound Services at U of F Southside Women’s Health; and Cynthia Williams, advanced registered nurse practitioner and research administer, also from the U of F College of Medicine,

as they address many pertinent issues regarding menopause, perimenopause and other related topics.

Set on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 6 p.m., this program is free to JCA members and $5 for nonmem-bers. All are welcome. For more information or to register, contact Dorri Kraus at 730-2100 ext. 239 or dorri.kraus@jcajax.org.

By Jewish Community Alliance

Center Sisterhood discusses assisted suicide

Hadassah program set for Jan. 22

JCA Women’s Health Series focuses on menopause

JJC Sisterhood honors Torah Fund donors

page 6 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

Jacksonville

Jewish NewsDiane Rodgers, Communications Director

904.448.5000, ext. 212

Advertising RepresentativesBarbara Nykerk • 904.733.4179

Eta Perras • 904.629.0466

Communications CommitteeJon Israel, ChairShirley BielskiMichele KatzJoan Levin

Andrea MailRachel Morgenthal

Marsha PollockGail Sterman

Federation PresidentLarry Appel

Federation Executive DirectorAlan Margolies

8505 San Jose Blvd. • Jacksonville, FL 32217The Jacksonville Jewish News is published monthly. All sub-

mitted content becomes the property of the Jacksonville Jewish News. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not neces-sarily represent the views of the Jacksonville Jewish News or its publisher, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jewish News is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product advertised.

Copy deadlines: All news, photographs, etc., must be received by the 6th of each month, and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org.

Ad deadlines: All ads must be received by the 15th of each month, and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org in PDF format.

With the holiday sea-son behind us and the realities

of the world around us recapturing our focus, we begin to ask ourselves what message we can take to guide us and help us through the next chapter.

In times of uncertainty where the threats of rocket fi re, nuclear weaponry, chemical warfare, political unrest and fi nancial hardship grace the media, the search for solace takes us into unexplored territory. As it says in Psalms (Ch. 121), “I lift my eyes to the heavens – from where shall my help come?” In a novel take on Jewish thought, one can fi nd remarkable new insight into the story of Chanukah and the sale of Joseph and with this, perhaps, come to a realization that will allow us a sense of security and comfort in these times of global unrest.

The celebration of Chanukah, and its lighting of the menorah, is in commemoration of the miracle of the single fl ask of untainted oil that burned eight days. There was, however, a seemingly greater occurrence that should have taken center stage. The Jew-ish rebellion was greatly outnum-bered by Greek forces and was destined to have been quashed instantaneously.

Defying all odds, the Mac-cabee forces rose up and over-powered their enemies. This was clearly an amazing feat that boasted of G-d’s mighty hand. Yet, the celebration of Chanukah imposed by the sages of those days was to light the menorah in memory of the jug of oil which miraculously burned for eight

days. Why does the miracle of the oil take precedence over the seemingly greater miracle of the great victory?To clearly understand the

signifi cance of the Chanukah story, Rabbi Chaim Shmu-levitz, of blessed memory, former dean of Yeshivas Mir in Jerusalem, takes a deeper

look into the story of the sale of Joseph. As Joseph is being led away to slavery by an Ishmaelite caravan, the Torah informs us that they were spice traders.

Rashi, an early Biblical com-mentator, notes the signifi cance of this information by explain-ing that most Ishmaelite of that day traded in kerosene and other odorous substances. Being that G-d wanted to put Joseph at ease, however, He caused that the caravan be loaded with fragrant spices instead.

Now put yourself in Joseph’s shoes. You’re a coddled boy of 17 being carted off to a life of slavery where who-knows-what awaits you. You’re terrifi ed and completely overcome by the fear of the unknown. The absolute last thing on your mind is the lovely fragrance surrounding you! Where indeed was Joseph’s comfort?

Rabbi Shmulevitz, of blessed memory, answers that as Joseph was being led away in shackles, frightened and alone, there was a moment of clarity. It was com-monly known that the Ishmaelite traded in kerosene – and yet there was a pleasant smell emanating from their cargo. Joseph really wasn’t alone!

In that terribly dark moment, he realized that G-d was there at his side, pulling strings to make sure that even though there was to be a rough road ahead, the ride

down was going to be as easy and as comfortable as can be expect-ed and that, henceforth, he would never be alone.

In that moment of darkness, a great light shone through, piercing his solitude and giving Joseph strength with this seeming triviality. It was a special moment of closeness, as a protective bond was being formed between the boy and his Creator.

In the Chanukah story, we once again witness the formation of this special bond. The battles were indeed remarkable and full of untold miracles. But when the Jewish people reclaimed our Temple, they pined for the service of G-d in this holiest of places. Alas, there was no oil. But wait, off in a dark corner a solitary, untainted fl ask was dis-covered. And it didn’t end there, as the oil intended for one day miraculously remained lit until they were able to replenish their supply.

This act signifi ed G-d’s eternal embrace, reminding us all how special we are to Him and how He never truly leaves us. There were other great military victo-ries that the Jewish people had fought throughout history, but the affection wasn’t always as appar-ent as it was here. Our sages then instituted the lighting of the me-norah for eight days to remind us all that as the diffi culty of exile sets in, we are truly never alone.

G-d’s comforting embrace is present in the little acts and miracles He bestows upon us day by day. They are there to provide us with the solace and comfort we need to go on, as we await the coming of the Moshiach to beckon in the end of all our troubles forever. We have only to train our eyes to see them and condition our hearts to appreci-ate them – and only then will we truly never be alone.

RABBINICALLYSPEAKING

PERSPECTIVES

By RABBI SHAYA HAUPTMANEtz Chaim Synagogue

Taking the message of the holidays with us

By JILL METLINColumnist

I am writing this column from sunny South Florida on a visit to my Mom of whom you’ve heard much about. I am happy to report that since her back fracture this summer, she is doing really well. Being a helicopter child, I am very relieved. This is how our conversation went:

Me: Mom, how are your pain levels lately?

Mom: Well, they are mostly gone.

Me: Good!Mom: But the old ones are back.Me: Oy!

Actually, I have been experi-encing my own back pain lately. Sciatica, I think. So after several visits to my doctor, I fi lled two prescriptions – the same two that my mother takes.

So I called her. This is how the conversation went:

Me: Mom, guess what?Mom: What?Me: I am now taking the same

back pain meds as you are – we can share!

Mom: Oy!Then she reminded me that I

got plenty of her good qualities as well. Ain’t it the truth and aren’t I lucky. Truly lucky. Thank you and see you next time.

Personal Insights: Turning ‘oys’ into joys

CARTOONS

page 7Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

To the U.N. General Assembly, Nov. 29, 2012

Mr. President,Today I stand before you tall

and proud because I represent the world’s one and only Jewish state. A state built in the Jewish people’s ancient homeland, with its eternal capital Jerusalem as its beating heart.

We are a nation with deep roots in the past and bright hopes for the future. We are a nation that values idealism, but acts with pragma-tism. Israel is a nation that never hesitates to defend itself, but will always extend its hand for peace.

Peace is a central value of Is-raeli society. The bible calls on us: “seek peace and pursue it.”

Peace fills our art and poetry. It is taught in our schools. It has been the goal of the Israeli people and every Israeli leader since Israel was re-established 64 years ago.

Israel’s Declaration of Indepen-dence states, “We extend our hand to all neighbouring states and their peoples in an offer of peace and good neighborliness, and appeal to them to establish bonds of co-operation and mutual help...”

This week was the 35th an-niversary of President Anwar Sadat’s historic visit to Jerusalem. In a speech just before that visit, President Sadat famously stood in the Egyptian parliament in Cairo and stated that he would go “to the ends of the earth” to make peace with Israel.

Israel’s Prime Minister at the time, Menachem Begin, wel-comed President Sadat to Israel, and paved the way for peace. This morning Prime Minister Netanyahu stood at the Menachem Begin Center and said this about the resolution that you are about to vote on:

“Israel is prepared to live in peace with a Palestinian state, but for peace to endure, Israel’s security must be protected. The Palestinians must recognize the Jewish State and they must be prepared to end the conflict with Israel once and for all.

None of these vital interests, these vital interests of peace, none of them appear in the resolution that will be put forward before the General Assembly today and that is why Israel cannot accept it. The only way to achieve peace is through agreements that are reached by the parties and not through U.N. resolutions that completely ignore Israel’s vital security and national interests. And because this resolution is so one-sided, it doesn’t advance

peace, it pushes it backwards.As for the rights of Jew-

ish people in this land, I have a simple message for those people gathered in the General Assembly today, no decision by the U.N. can break the 4000-year-old bond between the people of Israel and the land of Israel.”

Mr. President,The People of Israel wait for a

Palestinian leader that is willing to follow in the path of Presi-dent Sadat. The world waits for President Abbas to speak the truth that peace can only be achieved through negotiations by recog-nizing Israel as a Jewish State. It waits for him to tell them that peace must also address Israel’s security needs and end the conflict once and for all.

For as long as President Abbas prefers symbolism over reality, as long as he prefers to travel to New York for U.N. resolutions, rather than travel to Jerusalem for genu-ine dialogue, any hope of peace will be out of reach.

Mr. President,Israel has always extended its

hand for peace and will always extend its hand for peace. When we faced an Arab leader who wanted peace, we made peace. That was the case with Egypt. That was the case with Jordan.

Time and again, we have sought peace with the Palestin-ians. Time and again, we have been met by rejection of our offers, denial of our rights, and terrorism targeting our citizens.

President Abbas described today’s proceedings as “historic”. But the only thing historic about his speech is how much it ignored history.

The truth is that 65 years ago today, the United Nations voted to partition the British Mandate into two states: a Jewish state, and an Arab state. Two states for two peoples.

Israel accepted this plan. The Palestinians and Arab nations around us rejected it and launched a war of annihilation to throw the “Jews into the sea”.

The truth is that from 1948 un-til 1967, the West Bank was ruled by Jordan, and Gaza was ruled by Egypt. The Arab states did not lift a finger to create a Palestinian state. Instead they sought Israel’s destruction, and were joined by newly formed Palestinian terrorist organizations.

The truth is that at Camp David in 2000, and again at Annapolis in 2008, Israeli leaders made far-reaching offers for peace. Those offers were met by rejection, eva-sion, and even terrorism.

The truth is that to advance peace, in 2005 Israel dismantled entire communities and uprooted

thousands of people from their homes in the Gaza Strip. And rather than use this opportunity to build a peaceful future, the Pales-tinians turned Gaza into an Iranian terror base, from which thousands of rockets were fired into Israeli cities. As we were reminded just last week, the area has been turned into a launching pad for rockets into Israeli cities, a haven for global terrorists, and an ammuni-tion dump for Iranian

weapons.Time after time, the Palestinian

leadership refused to accept re-sponsibility. They refused to make the tough decisions for peace.

Israel remains committed to peace, but we will not establish another Iranian terror base in the heart of our country.

We need a peace that will en-sure a secure future for Israel.

Three months ago, Israel’s Prime Minister stood in this very hall and extended his hand in peace to President Abbas. He reit-erated that his goal was to create a solution of two-states for two-peoples—where a demilitarized Palestinian state will recognize Israel as a Jewish State.

That’s right. Two states for two peoples.

In fact, President Abbas, I did not hear you use the phrase “two states for two peoples” this afternoon. In fact, I have never heard you say the phrase “two states for two peoples”. Because the Palestinian leadership has never recognized that Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people.

They have never been will-ing to accept what this very body recognized 65 years ago. Israel is the Jewish state.

In fact, today you asked the world to recognize a Palestinian state, but you still refuse to recog-nize the Jewish state.

Not only do you not recognize the Jewish state, you are also try-ing to erase Jewish history. This year, you even tried to erase the connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem. You said that Jews were trying to alter the historic character of Jerusalem. You said that we are trying to “Judaize Jerusalem”.

President Abbas, the truth is that Jerusalem had a Jewish character long before most cities in the world had any character! Three thousand years ago King David ruled from Jerusalem and Jews have lived in Jerusalem ever since.

President Abbas, instead of revising history, it is time that you started making history by making peace with Israel.

Mr. President,This resolution will not ad-

vance peace.

This resolution will not change the situation on the ground. It will not change the fact that the Pal-estinian Authority has no control over Gaza. That is forty percent of the population he claims to represent!

President Abbas, you can’t even visit nearly half the territory of the state you claim to represent.

That territory is controlled by Hamas, an internationally recog-nized terrorist organization that rains missiles on Israel’s civilians. This is the same Hamas that fired more than 1,300 rockets into the heart of Israel’s major cities this month.

This resolution will not confer statehood on the Palestinian Au-thority, which clearly fails to meet the criteria for statehood.

This resolution will not enable the Palestinians Authority to join international treaties, organiza-tions, or conferences as a state.

This resolution cannot serve as an acceptable terms of reference for peace negotiations with Israel. Because this resolution says noth-ing about Israel’s security needs. It does not call on the Palestinians to recognize Israel as the Jewish State. It does not demand an end of conflict and a termination of all claims.

Let me tell you what this reso-lution does do.

This resolution violates a fundamental binding commit-ment. This is a commitment that many of the states here today were themselves witness to. It was a commitment that all outstanding issues in the peace process would only be resolved in direct negotia-tions.

This resolution sends a mes-sage that the international com-munity is willing to turn a blind eye to peace agreements. For the people of Israel, it raises a simple question: why continue to make painful sacrifices for peace, in exchange for pieces of paper that the other side will not honor?

It will make a negotiated peace settlement less likely, as Palestin-ians continue to harden their posi-tions and place further obstacles and preconditions to negotiations and peace.

And unfortunately, it will raise expectations that cannot be met, which has always proven to be a recipe for conflict and instability.

There is only one route to

Palestinian statehood. And that route does not run through this chamber in New York. That route runs through direct negotiations between Jerusalem and Ramal-lah that will lead to a secure and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

There are no shortcuts. No quick fixes. No instant solutions. As President Obama said in 2010, “Peace cannot be imposed from the outside.”

The real message of this reso-lution for the people of Israel is that the international community will turn a blind eye to viola-tions of these agreements by the Palestinians.

Mr. President,In submitting this resolution,

the Palestinian leadership is once again making the wrong choice.

65 years ago the Palestinians could have chosen to live side-by-side with the Jewish State of Israel. 65 years ago they could have chosen to accept the solu-tion of two states for two peoples. They rejected it then, and they are rejecting it again today.

The international community should not encourage this rejec-tion. It should not encourage the Palestinian leadership to drive forward recklessly with both feet pressing down on the gas, no hands on the wheel, and no eyes on the road.

Instead it should encourage the Palestinians to enter into direct negotiations without preconditions in order to achieve an historic peace in which a demilitarized Palestinian state recognizes the Jewish state.

Mr. President,Winston Churchill said, “The

truth is incontrovertible. Panic may resent it … ignorance may deride it … malice may distort it … but there it is.”

The truth is that Israel wants peace, and the Palestinians are avoiding peace.

Those who are supporting the resolution today are not advanc-ing peace. They are undermining peace.

The U.N. was founded to advance the cause of peace. Today the Palestinians are turning their back on peace. Don’t let history record that today the U.N. helped them along on their march of folly.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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PERSPECTIVES

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COMMUNITY NEWSpage 8 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

As I write this article, we are halfway through the much antici-pated JCA staff learning seminar in Israel. We departed from the north and headed south to visit Masada and swim (or float, rath-er) in the Dead Sea. I am new to JCA, but I am certainly not new to Israel. Although I have visited Israel as both a tourist and as a child of Israeli parents, in many ways I am seeing this country for the first time, because I am seeing it as a Jew from Jacksonville with my new JCA family.

Thanks to our action-packed itinerary and the knowledge of our tour educator, Muki, learning and self-reflection are endless. After a year of study for this journey, many did not know what to expect, while others had clear expectations. The consistency is that everyone continues to be surprised.

We started our journey on Sun-day in Tel Aviv. According to Rio Robinson, JCA director of sports and recreation, “My perception before arriving was that the coun-try was dry and mostly desert and mountains, but I was astounded to see such a cosmopolitan city on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Sky scrapers dot the horizon

in every direction.”Our first site in Tel Aviv was

Israeli Independence Hall, where the declaration of Independence was signed and Israel was born on May 14, 1948. In the afternoon we continued our journey through Israel’s past with a tour of the Yitzhak Rabin Center. The mu-seum told the life story of the late prime minister alongside pivotal elements of the country’s history up to Rabin’s tragic death on Nov. 4, 1995. “This really opened my eyes and expanded my knowledge on the many happenings in this developing nation during the time of Rabin’s life,” Rio said.

Day two began in Hadera with a visit to the Pardes Hana commu-nity center, Jacksonville’s partner-ship 2gether community. Each JCA staff member was paired with our Pardes Hana counterpart to learn about their respective pro-gramming and brainstorm ideas for potential future endeavors.

On Monday afternoon we explored the artist colony of Tzfat where we learned about Kabala (Jewish mysticism) and then trav-eled to Tiberius to check in to the Kibbutz Lavi Hotel. We spent two nights at Lavi and saw that modern kibbutz life is different we than expected. Thelma said, “The change in kibbutz life is so surprising. Kibbutz businesses are

By LIOR SPRINGJewish Community Alliance

The St. Augustine City Com-mission will issue a proclama-tion Jan. 14 naming January as St. Augustine Jewish History Month. The proclamation will be presented to the leadership of the St. Augustine Jewish Histori-cal Society at the commission’s regular meeting at 5 p.m. that Monday in the Alcazar Room of the St Augustine City Hall at 75 King St. The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to be present and share the pride in the storied history of the Jews of St. Augustine.

The commission and the Jewish Historical Society worked hand-in-hand to follow the lead of the state of Florida. In 2003 Gov. Jeb Bush signed a historic bill into law designating January of each year as Florida Jewish History Month. The legislation for Florida Jewish History Month was initiated at the Jewish Museum of Florida.

The City Commission has taken note of the efforts of the Jewish Historical Society to seek out Marranos, Conversos and Crypto-Jews who may have been among the earliest of settlers in St. Augustine. The proclamation also notes the contributions of Moses Elias Levy, a Sephardic Jew born in Morocco who, in 1831, served as a founding vice president of

the Florida Educational Society. The proclamation also highlights David Levy Yulee, the son of Moses Elias Levy, who practiced law in St. Augustine before being elected in 1841 as the delegate from Florida Territory to the U.S. House of Representatives and serving four years laboring for Florida statehood. In 1845, after Florida was admitted as a state, the legislature elected him as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate, the first person of Jewish ancestry to serve as a U.S. senator.

The proclamation concludes by noting that St. Augustine is home to the synagogue sanctuary in longest continuous use in Florida, First Congregation Sons of Israel, and that the congregation’s cem-etery is the oldest Jewish cem-etery in Florida. Finally, the City Commission is taking note of the United States’ largest mass arrest of rabbis who came to support the work of Reverend Martin Luther King on June 18, 1964.

“Dozens of tourists continue to join the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society tours of the city’s sites of Jewish interest. A rising tide of interest in the story of Jews of the United States oldest European city only underscores our nachas,” says Rabbi Merrill Shapiro, Historical Society presi-dent, using the Yiddish word for pride and joy.

By St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society

hotels or shopping malls, not just agriculture.” We ended our time in Tiberius by preparing a tradi-tional Israeli meal for ourselves at Rimonim cooking school.

We traveled to the tzafon on Tuesday to the Golan Heights to overlook the Syrian/Israeli border. “Seeing the remains of previous war and realizing that battles have been waged over so many years in that area was very profound and unnerving,” Rio said. “Looking down on the border of Syria and imagining being in that setting of bunkers and tanks was eerie, but at the same time I was glad to have stepped on those hallowed grounds to experience it.”

“Although we studied for over 12 months in preparation for our trip, I was unable to tie everything together and make the pieces fit,” said Cal Barker, JCA director of facilities. “Even being non-Jewish, the opportunity to expand my education has been bound-less. After arriving and touring, I realized that no matter how much you read, watch videos or are told about Israel, nothing compares to actually visiting and experiencing the country for yourself.“

“The juxtaposition of ancient and modern is so amazing,” said Thelma Nied, JCA director of cul-tural arts. “It is important for us as Jews not to forget our history and not to be swayed by the media. We need to look into the whole

story because we need to know the whole story.”

As I look out the window and the green of the Galilee transi-tions to the brown of the desert, the second leg of this journey is upon us. By the time you read this article, we will be back in Jacksonville. However, we will continue to learn from this experi-ence. I invite you to begin your own journey and think about your Jewish identity. Does Israel play a role? Ask us!

Check out the February issue of the Jacksonville Jewish News to read about the second half of the JCA staff seminar in Israel.

Thelma Nied and Theresa Levy cook a traditional Israeli meal at Rimonim in Tiberius.

Photos by Shelly Hughes

We finally arrive at the Dead Sea. Cal Barker enjoys floating in spite of the chilly weather.

Our first stop in the desert is Masada. Rio Robinson enjoys the magnificent vistas.

JCA directors visit Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, Hadera

City Commission to proclaim January as St. Augustine Jewish History Month

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FEDERATION NEWSpage 9Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

For the first time in our com-munity, more than 100 members of the Young Leadership Divi-sion will come together on Jan. 11 to celebrate Shabbat and talk about engagement in Federa-tion life. Shabbat dinners will be held at many locations across the Jacksonville area, and will be hosted in the homes of several community leaders. Many of Federation’s young leadership will serve as dinner captains for the event, including Nancy and Rich Davis, Erica and Jamie Jolles, Dan and Kari Jaffa, Emily and Elliot Rosenbaum, Erin and Adam Marmelstein, Jeanine and Matt Hoff, Jon and Kim Israel, Jennifer and Rick Plotkin, and Nicole Sena.

While some of these dinner captains are hosting Shabbat din-

ners in their homes, most will be paired with community leaders such as David and Kim Robbins, Scot and Alex Ackerman, Larry and Caren Appel, Ellen Rosner, and Michael and Sue Nuss-baum, who will give insight into how Federation works and why Federation is relevant to young Jewish leaders. Additional dinner locations may be scheduled.

Of the people slated to host or serve as dinner captains, all agree that this is a fresh and wonder-ful program. Emily Rosenbaum, a member of Young Leadership and a dinner captain along with her husband Elliot, said that she is “excited to participate in an evening that simultaneously cel-ebrates the beauty of Shabbat and the importance of the Federation’s mission.”

Federation President Larry Appel, who will host a Shabbat

dinner along with his wife, Caren, remarked that this event will be a “wonderful opportunity for younger and more experienced communal leaders to get to know each other and share ideas and insights. Having these individuals share a Shabbat experience will make our Jacksonville Jewish community a warmer, stronger and more connected community on that night and into the future.”

Newer community leaders agree. Mike Nussbaum said that he and wife Sue have had such a positive experience with the Federation since moving to Jack-sonville in 2008 that “we felt this would be a good way to give back to the community.”

For more information about Shabbat Across Jacksonville, call or email Adam Bronstone at 448-5000 or adamb@jewishjack-sonville.org.

On Sunday morning, Jan. 20, at the home of Deanie and Jay Stein, Gideon Herscher of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee will be the featured guest speaker at Federation’s annual major gifts event.

No stranger to Jacksonville, Herscher helped introduce Fed-eration mission participants to some of the most outstanding JDC programs in Israel.

Each year, Federation’s ma-jor gifts contributors gather for one of the most important fund-raising events of the annual campaign. With a minimum gift requirement of $5,000, these

top tier donors make up 85 per-cent of the campaign total.

“Our campaign continues to move forward with one of the strongest beginnings in many years,” said Hal Resnick, Fed-eration’s campaign chair. “We currently stand at $1,321,000 and are ahead of last year on a gift-to-gift comparison by $126,000.”

The JDC provides rescue, relief and rehabilitation ser-vices to more than 70 Jewish communities throughout the world.

Our Federation missions have seen the work carried out by the JDC in Cuba, Argentina, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Tunisia, the Baltics, the former

Soviet Union and Israel. In recent years, the JDC has

also had a significant impact in non Jewish communities in countries including Rwanda and Haiti.

Gideon Herscher has been at the forefront of this work. One example is the central role he has played in the establish-ment of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda, built to serve as an Israel-inspired orphan care model for the over 1.2 million orphans who sur-vived the genocide of 1994.

Brunch at the Stein’s home is set for 10:30 a.m. For more information, please call Federa-tion Executive Director Alan Margolies, 448-5000, ext 207.

By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

Four Jacksonville educators traveled to the Hadera Region Dec. 24 – Jan. 1. They interacted with Israeli and American educa-tors and created bonds between all of our communities.

Through experiences visiting other classrooms and touring with other teachers in the region, experiencing home hospital-ity and collaborating on special music and celebrating Shabbat together, our educators had the opportunity to learn and share with other educators for the ben-efit of their students back home.

Our four Jacksonville partici-pants were Hazzan Jesse Holzer, Amy Stein, Liat Walker and Karen Susman. We look forward to hearing more about their trip in next month’s issue.

Information and applications are now available for our Tikkun Olam Summer Teen Program. Participants will experience Israel with Israeli and American teens, enjoy home hospitality and live Israel through sightsee-ing, participation in outdoor adventures and contributing to

the Israel community through engaging service project. If your child is interested in participat-ing, please call Jill Abel in the Federation office.

In April Jacksonville will host the Windows of Identity Art Exhibit, an exhibit created in conjunction with the 10th Anniversary of the Hadera-Israel Partnership this past February. We will have the pleasure of hosting the exhibit during April.

The exhibit will be featured at Community University on Sunday, April 14. Stay tuned for information on other opportuni-ties to view the exhibit and meet some of our local artists who participated in the project.

If you are thinking about traveling to Israel this summer, there will be a meeting of all interested teens and their parents on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the home of Jill and Michael Abel. Come hear about the terrific opportunities to travel with American and Israeli teens in Israel and to experience home hospitality in this incredible country. Please RSVP to Jill Abel at jilla@jewishjacksonville.org if you are planning to attend.

Are you new to the commu-nity? Been in Jacksonville a few years but looking to make Jewish connections? Like to schmooze? If so the Jewish Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville invites you to a monthly coffee and schmooz-ing program the first Wednesday of every month from 9 to10:30 a.m. at Let’s Nosh, 10950 San Jose Blvd.

It’s the perfect place to meet new people, catch up with old friends and acquaintances, find out the latest happenings in the Jewish community, pick up a copy of the latest issue of Jewish News and other community information. Free coffee and tea served to all.

There are no solicitations. This month we are meeting on

Jan. 9. Please make a note of the change. Looking forward to see-ing you there and please feel free to bring a friend.

For more information, contact Isabel Balotin, 904-448-5000 x 206 or shalomjax@jewishjack-sonville.org.

Coming attraction:Java PM is coming Thursday,

Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at the home of Irene and Jimmy Jaffa and will feature one of our favorite speak-ers, Rena Schochet, who will inspire you with her discussion, The Nature of Miracles: Natural Phenomena vs. the Miraculous. Watch the February Jewish News for more information.

Members of YLD with JDC guest speaker Sasha Friedman, from Hungary

By JILL ABELIsrael Partnership Coordinator

Celebrating Shabbat across Jacksonville the YLD wayBy ADAM BRONSTONECommunity Engagement Consultant

JDC featured at major gifts eventPartnership educators travel to Hadera

Jewish Java held a.m. and p.m.By ISABEL BALOTINShalom Jacksonville

Jacksonville

Grow your businessAdvertise in the Jewish News. Call 448-5000 x 212.

Jewish News

page 10 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

EDUCATION

Michele Block Gan Yeladim preschoolers and their fami-lies will come together on Jan. 13 to enjoy the newest family program which blends cultural arts with culinary arts. Fami-lies with young children will enjoy a pasta dinner as well as participate in a lively, interactive percussion concert and drum experience with master percus-sionist Ken Anoff.

Ken has 30 years of experi-

ence in teaching and performing internationally. He is a principal member of the group Facing East and has shared the stage with such luminaries as Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck Group) and Tom Canning (Al Jarreau band).

This exciting new J Café event is open to all families in the community as part of the JCA’s yearlong 25th birthday celebration. For more informa-tion, call Rochelle at 730-2100 ext. 259 or email rochelle.golomb@jcajax.org.

By Gan Yeladim Preschool

JCA’s Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool partners with several organizations through-out the year to expose students to a variety of experiences that enhance their development and education.

Project Listen, the River-side Fine Arts Association’s educational outreach program, performed a concert for Gan Yeladim preschoolers featuring Serafini Brillanti, a local ensem-ble that educates and entertains by delivering musical perfor-mances featuring vocals, trumpet and piano.

Students of all ages enrolled in preschool at The Jewish Com-munity Alliance regularly experi-ence a real sense of community, culture, and creative arts.

By Jewish Community Alliance

Jewish Interactive recently announced it will be embarking on a joint project with the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, where students will be designing from the ground up an educational Chanukah video game. Jewish In-teractive will select the best game design and build the software, to be released in advance of next Chanukah for use in more than 50 elementary schools around the world.

In this jointly planned and executed cross-curricular project, MJGDS students will first learn about the software development cycle and form project teams, each receiving a specific role such as project manager, content expert, instructional designer, gaming expert, graphic artist, pro-grammer, animator, sound effects.

Students will research and gather the Jewish content to be

included in their game, develop a curriculum and learning objec-tives, script an instructional game design, and develop characters and graphics. Every step of the process will be supported and guided by the team and educators at MJGDS and the Jewish Interac-tive team.

The MJGDS team has been a leader of innovation and entrepre-neurship in the field, and a strong voice of change and advancement, most noticeably through their Ed-JEWcon initiative, a conference for Jewish schools and institu-tions on 21st century teaching and learning, and the cross-curricular use of technology in their own school, sharing Jewish Interac-tive’s vision.

Jewish Interactive is thrilled to embark on this joint initiative with MJGDS and to pioneer the involvement of students at the very core of the learning experi-ence.

By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

Google selected Andrea Hernandez, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School’s 21st century learn-ing specialist, as an attendee at the Google Teacher Academy that was held in Mountain View, Calif., on Dec. 5. The Google Teacher Academy is a free profes-sional development experience designed to help K-12 educational leaders get the most from innova-tive technologies.

Each academy is an inten-sive, one-day event in which participants get hands-on experi-ence with Google’s products and technologies, learn about innova-tive instructional strategies, and

receive resources to share with colleagues. Upon completion, Academy participants become Google Certified Teachers who share what they learn with other K-12 educators in their local regions and beyond.

Google Certified Teachers are exceptional K-12 educators with a passion for using innovative tools to improve teaching and learning, as well as creative leaders and ambassadors for change. They are recognized experts and widely admired for their commitment to high expectations for students, life-long learning and col-laboration. The Google Certified Teacher program was launched in 2006 with the first academy

held at Google headquarters in Mountain View. The program has since held several academies across the United States, expand-ing the ranks of Google Certified Teachers. The Google Teacher Academy, produced by Google, is in collaboration with CUE an edu-cational nonprofit organization.

There were 62 attendees from all over the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, India, Singa-pore, Ukraine and Dubai. To view Hernandez’s one-minute applica-tion video, “Positive Change at MJGDS,” please visit the follow-ing link: http://www.mjgds.org/mjgds-teacher-selected-to-be-come-google-certified-at-google-teacher-academy/

By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

Ten high school students and members of the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s United Syna-gogue Youth chapter spent their winter vacations in Boston. The weather was cold, but the energy was high as Jenna Levine, Elana Maiman, Trudy Morse, Michael Appel, Talia Fetner, Douglas Nabert, Charles Pett, Noah Levin, Jenna Levin and Jeffrey Goldring spent the last week of December with 900 other teenagers from conservative synagogues across North America as part of United Synagogue Youth’s Annual Inter-

national Convention. USYers spent a week par-

ticipating in leadership training sessions, social action projects, and creative, inspiring, and alter-native prayer services. The theme of this year’s convention was “It’s Revolutionary,” and USY-ers toured the historic sites of the Greater Boston area. Jewish mu-sician, The Josh Nelson Project, was on-hand all week as artist-in-residence to add spirituality and ruach, energy, to the week.

USY offers chapter, regional and international programming for high school students. Jack-sonville is a part of the Hanegev

USY region, which consists of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennes-see, Mississippi and, of course, Florida.

The Jacksonville chapter meets regularly at the Jackson-ville Jewish Center several times a month. International USY offers opportunities to partici-pate in summer programs such as Israel Pilgrimage and USY on Wheels, a six week cross-country bus tour. For more information about USY, check out www.usy.org or www.jaxjewishcenter.com or contact Gayle Bailys at 268-4200 ext. 149.

By Jacksonville Jewish Center

Mazel Tov to the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School’s first-grade class on their upcoming consecration on Shabbat morning, Feb. 2.

In the DuBow Preschool Discovery Studio students experience the world around them through hands-on exploration. From hatching butterflies to launching rockets, we find the science in our fun. Above, students put together self-contained ecosystems and create roller coasters with re-purposed objects.

Center sends USYers to Boston

Teacher selected as Google certified

Discovery Studio

Project Listen brings Serafini Brillanti to JCAConsecrants

MJGDS chosen for Chanukah game

Cultural arts meets culinary arts at Gan Yeladim Preschool

page 11Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

It’s a must-attend event for you and your little learner! Bring your child to the FREE Magic Bubble Science Show. Then explore the incredible DuBow Preschool.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind open house event! Please RSVP to 904-268-4200, ext 143

www.dubowpreschool.org info@dubowpreschool.org

Experience The Magic Bubble Science Show.(Then Tour The Magical DuBow Preschool)

Lic. C04DU0526Located at the Jacksonville Jewish Center.

The Magic Bubble Science Show is

Sunday, February 3rd at 10am.

page 12 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

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Three Locations to Serve You!

Untitled-3 1 9/19/2011 10:55:18 AM

The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is partnering with PJ Library and co-hosting Sh’ma at Bedtime, an enjoyable evening

involving a story, a craft and a bedtime snack on Tuesday, Jan. 24, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dress your child in their favorite pajamas and bring them to the MJGDS kindergarten classroom

in Mandarin, 3662 Crown Point Road, for a fun-packed 45-minute program. Please RSVP to Talie Zaifert at 904-268-4200 ext. 147 or talie.zaifert@mjgds.org.

PJ Library is an award-winning

program brought to you through the generosity of our local Jewish community in partnership with local philanthropists. The pro-gram was selected as one of the “50 most inspiring and innova-

tive programs in North America” by Slingshot and its 2008-2009 Resource Guide. The PJ Library program was also a JESNA 2010 pick for “Best in Jewish Educa-tion of the Decade.”

By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

The fourth/fi fth grade completed Parshas Vo’aira and celebrated with a Makkos Siyum. Students brought in various snack and food items to represent the plagues which had struck Egypt. Each student was given a placement with separate sections for each plague’s corollary food item. From fruit punch simulating the plague of blood, to twisted licorice simulating the death of the fi rstborn, the class had a great time reliving every makkah in a very kinetic and completely edible way.

Calling all pre-kindergarten and VPK students

Nursery student creates dreidels on a Chanukah drip mat, using shapes learned about in class.

Torah Academy scenes

page 13Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

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Temple volunteers will perform acts of kindness across Jackson-ville on Jan. 27. Call the Temple offi ce at (904) 733-7078 for more information.

In Israel, Tu b’Shevat marks the beginning of spring and the start of the rains that support and sustain life in the desert. School children celebrate the holiday by planting trees which are often provided by Jews living abroad through contributions to the Jew-ish National Fund.

For Jews outside of Israel, the New Year of Trees is also a chance to connect with the creator both in nature and within our-selves.

In the 17th century, the Jew-

ish mystics of Safed, Israel developed a special seder for Tu b’Shevat. They were inspired by an esoteric interpretation of Deuteronomy 20:19: “For man is like the tree in the fi eld.”

Modeled after the Passover seder, the Tu b’Shevat seder includes the drinking of four cups of wine and readings on trees and fruit from a range of Jewish sources. Four years ago, Rabbi Joshua Lief brought this cer-emony to Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple).

“The Tu b’Shevat Seder is an amazing opportunity to connect with our faith in diverse ways,”

he said. “We celebrate Judaism’s appreciation of our natural world, reconnect with mystical spiritual-ity, plant trees and build bridges with Israel, sing festive songs and share exotic fruits and nuts with

our friends, families and fellow congregants.”

On Jan. 25 Temple will host its annual Tu b’Shevat Seder from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Our teen youth group,

JAFTY, will assist Rabbi Lief in leading participants through this inspiring evening. Please call the Temple offi ce at (904) 733-7078 for more information and to RSVP.

By SAM GRISWOLDCongregation Ahavath Chesed

Tu B’Shevat seder held at Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Temple’s Tu b’ Shevat Seder will be held on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m.

Chesed Town

page 14 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

We are proud to announce the opening of Clare Bridge Place in the Spring of 2013 at Carriage Club Jacksonville. With 27 new suites available, Clare Bridge Place cares for Florida seniors who have been touched by Alzheimer’s and dementia. With innovative activities, home-like environments and professional staff, Clare Bridge Place delivers high-quality, full time care. We also care enough to understand the full impact of this disease, from its destruction of the memory to the challenges and difficulties it poses for families and loved ones. And we respond accordingly. That’s why Clare Bridge Place is special. We do more than care. We understand.

Our community features state-of-the-art Alzheimer’s and dementia care services that enable our residents living with memory concerns to enjoy more services and amenities than ever before. Our Clare Bridge Daily Path is designed to maintain the resident’s abilities and encourage the use of their current skills. Our community offers:

• Private and semi-private suites • In-house therapy services• Specialty dining program• Optimum Life® resident programming

• 24/7 move-ins• 14 new assisted living apartments• All inclusive pricing• InTouch, powered by It’s Never 2 LateTM

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Meeting at the home of Jill and Michael AbelSunday, Jan. 27, 4-6 PM

Interested rising high school students are invited to attend. Past partici-pants will share their experiences. Learn more about the program. Gift of Israel funding can be used toward the fee. Contact Jill Abel at jilla@jewishjacksonville.org or 904.448.5000 x200 for information.

TEEN Travel to Israel

Find out how

YOUcan GO in 2013!

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

The Etz Chaim Synagogue Radio Network proudly presents a roaring 1920s gala and special presentation of “The Jewlywed Game” on Saturday evening, Jan. 19. This special episode is airing for one night only, beginning at 8 p.m., live from the studios inside the Etz Chaim Synagogue building, 10167 San Jose Blvd. in Mandarin.

Featured contestants will include Irene and Jimmy Jaffa, Leah and Neal Finkelstein, Susan and Stephen Wolchok, and Marilyn and Al Wolfson. Tickets are $100 per person and $200 a couple, and may be purchased by calling the Etz Chaim Synagogue offi ce (904) 262-3565 ext. 7 or online at Gala@EtzChaim.org.

Please consider upgrading to a sponsor.

This fabulous event is open to all. The Etz Chaim 2013 Gala Committee is hard at work creat-ing an elegant 1920s evening complete with kosher catering by Matthew’s of San Marco featur-ing delectable cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and ab-so-lute-ly fabulous desserts.

Look forward to hotsy totsy door prizes and music all night long. And, of course, the tradi-tional Etz Salami Toss will cap off the evening. All proceeds of the gala benefi t the shul. Angels and patrons for the gala are needed. Sponsorships are avail-able from $540 to $1,800-plus. If you are interested please contact Alex Ackerman at 571-9001.

By Etz Chaim Synagogue

Evie and Rod Sergent host a wine and cheese social welcoming new members to Beth El The Beaches Synagogue.

The changing of the clocks beckoned in the start of Parent and Child Learning season at Etz Chaim Synagogue. The Sinai tradition continues in an unbro-ken chain from parent to child, as families gather on designated Sat-urday nights throughout the win-

ter for this program. Mothers and fathers come out en masse with their sons and daughters of all ages to sit down and enjoy some serious bonding over a Chumash, a discussion on the weekly Torah portion or any Torah topic of their choosing. Learning materials are provided for all attendees and the atmosphere is charged with a rare force of energy.

By RABBI SHAYA HAUPTMANEtz Chaim Synagogue

The learning segues into a fresh hot pizza melave malkah treat. As participants enjoy their delicious repast, they are held captive with inspirational stories and multimedia presentations. The evening winds down with all

children receiving door prizes and tickets into a three-prize drawing. Raffl e prizes run the gamut from remote controlled helicopters to friendship bracelet kits to magic and science kits and everything in between.

The remaining Parent and Child Learning program dates are Jan. 12, Feb. 2 and March 16. For more information, please email RabbiHauptman@EtzChaim.org or call (904) 262-3565 ext.5.

Etz Chaim Gala: It’ll be the cat’s meow

Rabbi Rabinowitz, Scot Ackerman, Rabbi Hauptman and Yocheved Hauptman

Last year’s Jewlywed Host, Deborah Shapiro

Beth El social

Etz Chaim Synagogue reclaims family night

page 15Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Reconstructionist

communities are

characterized by a high

degree of participation in

communal decision making,

by a spirit of inclusivity and

informality, and by a balance

between respect for

tradition and

responsiveness to

contemporary needs.

Let Our Spirit Move You!

Join us for

Our open house and brunch

on January 13, 10am to 12

Hear about Reconstructionist

Judaism and Kehillah

Chadashah and have an

opportunity for questions and

answers.

For more information and

reservations:

904-881-8877

For information about

membership email:

kehillahmembership@gmail.com

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

Beth El’s first and second graders celebrate children’s Shabbat.

In light of the difficult econ-omy there are so many people struggling with unemployment and underemployment. The job market is so competitive that people are confronted with jobs that are not compensating ad-equately. Etz Chaim Synagogue is proud to present Marilyn Feld-stein, a professional career coach who will deliver a three-part seminar and educate, inspire and empower people to take charge of their career. Learn what values, motivational styles and career interests you truly have and how you can pursue what matters most to you. You’ll develop a career plan to help you fulfill your goals, learn how to successfully market yourself, and gain proven job search skills.

The seminar is scheduled 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 8, 15 and 22.

To register for this workshop or for more information please call Etz Chaim at 262-3565 or go to etzchaim.org.

By Etz Chaim Synagogue

January is Florida Jewish History Month. As the second oldest synagogue in the state, Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) has contributed to our Jewish community and the city of Jacksonville.

It was in 1867 that a group of Jews in Jacksonville came together to form what would later become Congregation Ahavath Chesed. As they failed to seek an official charter from the state, the Temple now holds the distinction of being the oldest congregation in Florida, but the second oldest synagogue. It was chartered in 1882.

Originally orthodox, the Tem-ple soon adopted reform prac-

tices. In 1886, Jacob D. Bucky consented to be Temple presi-dent on the condition that the congregation would accept many of the new reforms. By 1904, the Temple became the first Reform Congregation in Florida, hiring Rabbi Pizer Jacobs, a graduate of Hebrew Union College and the first American-educated rabbi to serve the congregation. “I found the congregation liberal and understanding, truly as its name implies, ‘Lovers of Kindness,’” he said.

On May 3, 1901, sparks from a mattress factory ignited a fire that burned 146 city blocks before being extinguished. The Temple, 23 churches, 10 major hotels and every public build-ing except the U.S. Government Building were destroyed. On

April 8, 1902, less than a year later, the congregation moved

into its new building. It was the first house of worship rebuilt

after the fire and shared its good fortune with others, including the Congregational Church.

Since its formation, the Temple has played an active role in shaping history on the First Coast.

Like its predecessors, the Temple continues to work toward improving its community. In partnership with the Sulzbacher Center, City Rescue Mission and JFCS, the Temple feeds those in need through food collection ef-forts and our community garden. Chesed Town, the annual day of service, will again send Temple volunteers on Jan. 27 to work on projects across the First Coast. Our Wurn Family Library is the largest synagogue library in the Southeast.

We invite you to join us.

The call for help has gone out and the Jacksonville Jewish Cen-ter has responded in a great way. Members of the congregation plus all the children of the Galinsky Academy and the MAKOM Hebrew High School have gener-ously donated food and toiletry items for the JFCS pantry. Due to the increased demand, the shelves at the pantry are being depleted and are dangerously low. There are over 300,000 individuals in Jacksonville suffering from food insecurity. That means that one or more family members had to cut

back on eating regular meals due to lack of money or lack of access to food. The effect on children was significant, and many of Jacksonville’s children depend on their school’s breakfast program.

As we begin a new secular year, let us resolve to do more by continuing to support Operation Isaiah. The community is invited to stop by the Jacksonville Jewish Center and drop off nonperishable food items or toiletries in the carts located in the front lobby. The Center is located at 3662 Crown Point Road. For further informa-tion please call the Center office at 292-1000.

By Jacksonville Jewish CenterDuring disasters and their

aftermaths, many people wonder about God’s role in their suffer-ing. As Reconstructionist Jews, we focus on God as present in our human responses to tragedy: feeling sorrow and reaching out to help those most affected by disasters through tzeddakah and tikkun olam.

“When we can assist those in

need or comfort those in pain, God is working through us,” ac-cording to “Exploring Judaism,” by Rebecca Alpert and Jacob Staub. Many from the Jewish community up north were im-pacted by Hurricane Sandy and, for many, the impact continues to this day and will for some time. Jewish communities from around the country have responded with relief efforts, and Kehillah Cha-dashah is also doing something

to help. After services in November

members made fleece blankets to send north to help fellow Jews stay warm this winter. “We might be small, but we can do our part. Even small deeds make a differ-ence,” said Rabbi Mona Decker. “We are thankful we, ourselves, were not impacted, but as long as others need help, we are here to give it,” said President Linda Levin.

By Kehillah Chadashah

Is it a custom, or command-ment to wear a kippah/yarmulke? When did the Six Day War hap-pen? Where is the oldest syna-gogue in Florida?

In celebration of Florida Jew-ish History Month, join Temple

Sisterhood and Temple Brother-hood on Jan. 19 as they host a dinner and Jewish trivia night. The night begins with a catered Italian dinner at 6 p.m. Then test your Jewish knowledge, as Rabbi Matthew Cohen does his best to stump you. Prizes will be awarded for our first- and second-place winners.

Reservations are required, as we must limit the event to 60 contestants. The cost is $13 per person, or $25 per couple. Please mail your check by Jan. 12 to Temple Sisterhood, 8727 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217.

Contact Joyce Elkin at (904) 200-5418, or Marie Reitzes at (904) 379-4622 for more information.

By SAM GRISWOLDCongregation Ahavath Chesed

By SAM GRISWOLDCongregation Ahavath Chesed

The Temple: Making history in Jacksonville

The Temple from 1882-1901. Rebuilt in 1902.

Operation Isaiah operates at the center

Career counseling seminar planned

Marilyn Feldstein

Children’s Shabbat

Kehillah Chadashah makes blankets

Temple sisterhood and brotherhood host Jewish trivia night

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2012 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $181,000

904.730.2100wwwjcajax.org

JCA happenings

The J institute has introduced a number of new and exciting programs, highlighted by our first Facebook Best Dressed Pet Costume Contest.

We had a number of partici-pants and are happy to report the Top Dog title went to Hershey Aretz. Hershey’s sister and per-sonal style consultant, Eliza, was ecstatic about Hershey winning his modeling debut.

On the feline side, the win-ner of the Cool Cat title was Boo Filler. Dad Peter was happy with Boo’s showing, but concerned about sibling rivalry on the homefront.

We’d like to thank all those who participated and especially Pet World for providing our win-ners with toys, treats and special discounts at their Mandarin store.

Check out the JCA insert for more fun and exciting J Institute programs coming this winter.

By Jewish Community Alliance

Boo

J Institute holds best dressed pet costume contest

JCA Book Fair and Patrons’ Brunch

Edie Lurtnick, author of “An Unbroken Bond,” spoke on Nov. 14. On Sept. 11, 2001, 658 men and women, all

Cantor Firtzgerald employees, found themselves trapped together in One World Trade Center. Edie and her brother,

Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick (who had taken his 5-year-old to the first day of kindergarten and was late

to work), created a fund for the firm’s families who had lost loved ones. Edie spoke about their mission to fulfill

an important legacy and give meaning to the lives of the victims of 9/11.

On Nov. 18, Davic Misch, author of “Funny- The Book – Everything you Always Wanted to Know About Comedy,”

gave the audience the history of comedy from prehis-toric times to the present day. He said that humor often

comes from a foundation in tragedy and makes life meaningful and human.

Vandroff Art GalleryThe paintings of Daniel Wynn

will be on display in the Vandroff Art Gallery until Dec. 26. Daniel earned bachelor of arts and master of fine arts degrees from Howard University. His paintings are clas-sified into three unique series: The Millennium Series, which consists of surreal subjects captured in water colors and pen and ink; the Street Scenes Series, which depicts images of a diverse American culture, and the Ruben Collection, which presents a colorful intensity that reflects the universal spirit of his work.

Beginning Dec. 28, the gallery will exhibit the paintings of Barba-ra Lee Milon. Barbara has a B.A. in fine arts history and an M.A. in art education. Recently she won first place in an exhibit sponsored by the Coalition for Visual Arts as well as receiving awards at the Jacksonville Watercolor Society Show and the Greenscape exhibit.

Zoe’s busy at the JCAThe JCA’s own Zoe has a full

lineup of programs beginning in January:

Zoe Zone: This beginning acting class is a continuation of the cre-ative play our young actors began in Zoe’s Clubhouse. We will play improvisational games, work on focus and line memorization as well

as role playing. The young perform-ers will also have the opportunity to be in our current Toy show.

Zoe’s Clubhouse: This creative class will have your little one sing-ing, dancing and play acting on the JCA’s big stage. Your child will join Zoe as they dance to Piper Pig’s favorite Boom Da Boom song, help build Plymouth Colony, have a flashlight scavenger hunt at Toy Camp and embark on many other imaginative adventures.

Zoe’s Creative Combo: What is better than seeing Zoe once a week? Seeing Zoe twice a week in Zoe’s Creative Combo. You will be a part of all the fun and adventure in Zoe’s Clubhouse on Wednesday. However, you will also go with Zoe to shake, shake, shake your groove thing in Zoe’s Fit For Broadway Jr. on Tuesdays. We dance and sing to build our stamina and coordination as well as our self-esteem.

Zoe’s Tip Tap Toes: Our little dancers will learn the basics of dance while having tons of fun in this beginning dance class. We will combine basic jazz, tap and musical theatre dance moves and combinations with our own creative movement. Our goal is to help develop coordination and self-esteem while also developing a love for the arts.

For more information, call 730-2100 ext. 252.

Auditions for ‘FAME Jr.’

The JCA’s Theatre of Youth will hold auditions for “FAME Jr.” at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6. Children in kindergarten through ninth grade are eligible.

Rehearsals will be on Monday and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Show dates are March 2, 3, 9 and 10. The recital fee is $160 for JCA members and $240 for nonmem-bers, but no fees will be collected until after the cast list is posted.

Art classes begin in January

The JCA is offering the follow-ing art classes beginning the week of Jan. 7:

Watercolor: This class is for beginner to intermediate watercol-orists. Basic color theory, color, harmony and composition will be taught.

Oil Painting: Learn to paint in oils using simple techniques and materials. Use a step-by-step pro-cess to learn the fundamentals of sketching, composition, and color mixing.

Portrait Drawing: Drawing for both beginners and experienced artists. Learn about proportion, depth and true expression. This class is fundamental for all medi-ums.

Pottery: You will learn hand

building and how to use the wheel. A bag of clay is included – if needed.

Portrait Pastel: This class offers new color concepts for skin and hair as well as light values.

For more information, call 730-2100 ext. 227 or visit www.jcajax.org.

Meet your mouseLearn basic computer skills and

more as you get acquainted with your mouse. It won’t take long to discover mighty mouse’s full potential.

Bring your laptop or tablet to the JCA for this great class. Pam Barnett, an experienced computer instructor, will lead the way. This class is geared for those who do not know computers.

The class will meet at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday. Dates/Topics:

Jan. 8/Meet your Mouse: Learn basic computer skills

Jan. 15/Learn to Skype with your children and grandchildren

Jan. 22/Learn online banking skills

Jan. 29/Ancestry.com basics The fee is $22 for JCA mem-

bers and $33 for nonmembers. Paid reservation due by Jan 4.

Music in the afternoon

The next in our series of free

concerts is at 2 p.m. on Wednes-day, Jan. 23, with Pablo Pomales-Ojeda performing for us. Pablo has a beautiful tenor voice that you’ll love. He’ll honor us with Broad-way, opera and more. Bring your friends for a beautiful afternoon of music.

Chess club Learn or perfect this ancient

game of wits. Students will learn basic strategies, challenge others in games, learn how to be healthy competitors and gain patience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, this club’s for you.

Students age 5 to 17 are eli-gible. The fee is $40 for JCA mem-bers and $60 for nonmembers.

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCEpage 16 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

HersheyEliza and Margie Aretz

The Levy family with author David Misch: Amy, Michael, Jacob & Zachary. David Wolf with author of ‘Funny – The Book’

Katie Kight, co-chair of JCA Jewish Book Festival, David Wolfe, and Lonnie Steinberg, co-chair of JCA Jewish Book Festival

Ken Jacobs with author David Misch Vincent Hare with author David Misch

RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES

RIVER GARDEN 2012 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $179,132

page 17Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

It was more than we ever could’ve imagined. On Nov. 17, 501 people came together to celebrate the true jewel of our community – River Garden. Event chair, Jeanine Rogozinski, and an amazing committee created an evening in which everyone was reminded that there is no place like our home.

This year’s gala marked 20

years of spectacular celebra-tions. Sponsored by our friends at SunTrust, this event raised more than $170,000 in support of River Garden and its residents.

Gala guests eased on down the yellow brick road, shopped in the Emerald City Gift Emporium and enjoyed dinner and fabu-lous entertainment by Chezzam in the Emerald City Ballroom. Everything, and everyone, simply glowed during this most memo-rable evening.

By KATHY OSTERERDirector of Development

If you want to share in what the men have, you absolutely can.

“It” is a commitment to Tikkun Olam, the shared responsibility of improving the state of the world.

There is a good possibility that

many of you do not realize how many men have found genuine fulfillment in a most meaningful way. These men share a com-mon thread by being a part of an extraordinary group of new, and not so new, volunteers that give generously of their time. True chesed, the virtue of loving-kind-ness, is played out every day by volunteers who enrich their own lives while actively enriching the lives of our residents.

Surely, a good number of men would never dream that they could find time to volunteer. With work and family alone, our obli-gations fill each day. Yet, despite rigorous demands, our men are contributing that precious com-modity – time.

Our volunteer program is tailored to the time availability of each volunteer. Whether once a week, once a month or even oc-casional drop-in, please consider carving out some time to bring-ing enjoyment to a frail or lonely resident. We recognize your hectic schedules and promise you great reward in return. Please respond to our call.

I’m honored that our men have

chosen to become part of the River Garden family as the place to perform the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim.

“The world was built on kind-ness” - Psalms 89:3

By LESLIE HELDVolunteer Coordinator

Volunteers Bob Hayflick (seated), JP Goldsmith and Allen Gray take a break

Volunteer Frank Baltes sharing a moment with a resident

With volunteering, the men have it

Imagine a walk through our emerald city

River Garden CEO Martin Goetz, Lathun Brigman, Ken Jacobs and David Stein share a gentlemen’s moment.

Ed and Anne Grenadier spend a quiet moment together during cocktail hour.

Dr. Chaim Rogozinski and Gala Chair Jeanine welcome very special Gala guests Lorry and Paul Rothstein

Chezzam performs “Emeralds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”

Debbie Buckland of Gala Premier Sponsor SunTrust gives invocation.

Robin and Jeff Morris and Mom Bess Sailman relax in front of 18-foot-high balloon waiting to take the great Oz home.

page 18 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

In-home counselingHave the December holidays taken a toll on you? If you are like most people, too much spending, too much eating and too much time with your family may have caused you some post-holiday stress. Schedules are off, moods are off and you may just need someone to talk to. Dupont Counseling Group announces a premiere service beginning this month. For your ultimate comfort, we will bring our quality services to you within the privacy of your home. These in-home sessions take place during our regular busi-ness hours, and have a set fee. Call Rachel Weinstein at 394-5761 for information.

Do you need money to go to college?The date is soon approach-ing for students to apply for the Jewish Educational Loan Fund. Applications will be available online March 1 at www.jelf.org. Call Renie Levin at 394-5721 to find out how you might qualify or to seek additional information.

Looking for volunteersThe Jewish Healing Network, sponsored by JFCS, is look-ing for volunteers to make visits to individuals who are ill, elderly or feeling socially isolated. As a trained Jewish Healing Network volunteer, you would make friendly visits on a weekly or bi-weekly ba-sis. Please call Karen at 394-5737 for information about the next training class.

Foods of the monthThe foods for January are: beef stew, baked beans, hearty soups, canned vegetables. The Winn-Dixie Emergency Food Pantry at JFCS appreciates your dona-tions of nonperishable foods throughout the year and relies on your support. Contact Renie at 394-5721 or rlevin@jfcsjax.org

Conversation CaféThe Conversation Café is a series of health-related topics for the community served over lunch here at JFCS. Heart Health is the topic for the Feb. 14 program with guests from St. Vincent’s HealthCare. The program will start at 11:30 a.m. and will feature perspectives from a physician, the patient and the family. Lunch will be provided by Native Sun. The program is free but RSVPs are required: 394-5782.

JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES

JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES 2012 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $250,283

448-1933www.jfcsjax.org

Briefs

Thanks to you – our support-ive Jacksonville community – we were able to fulfill hundreds of wish lists for children through this year’s holiday gift giving program. Gifts were provided to kids in all our agency programs – many who would have other-wise not received a gift for the December holidays. Some gifts

were also provided for seniors on fixed incomes and, through gen-erous donations from throughout the community, gift cards were purchased for teens, and grocery store cards were distributed to needy families, as well.

A special thank you to: Stacey Beaton, the Block Family, Tanya Bush, Donna Campbell, Terry and Lori Cordell, Laura Evans, Lee and Nancy Evans, First

Coast News, Niki Garner, The Ben Gottlieb Family (for the 8 Notes of Hanukkah programs), Elin Guzman, John and Faith Harman, James and Francine Kempner, David and Katie Kight, Have-a-Heart Hanukkah Com-mittee of Congregation Aha-vath Chesed, Howard and Joy Korman, Laura Lanser, Richard and Nancy Lantinberg, Patricia Laverty, David Michael Levin, Gerald and Renie Levin, Robert and Susan Lloyd, Drs. Robert

and Anne Lufrano, Stephanie Majeskey, the Market Moguls Stock Club, Myers, Myers and Associates, Judy Poppell, Ronnie Redmond, Dr. Harold and Bar-bara Resnick, Pamela and Kevin Schoeppel, Dr. Barry and Ellen Setzer, Spruance and Associates, Stein Mart, Susan Terbrueggen, Dr. Steven and Risa Warfield (We apologize if we inadvertently omitted anyone or if your gift was received after this article was submitted).

By Jewish Family & Community Services

JFCS is proud to announce that we have expanded our partnership arrangement with Alpert Jewish Services of West Palm Beach to assist 10 local survivors.

Using Claims Conference funding, we are also working with two homecare agencies that are providing help to survivors in

various ways including com-panionship, light housekeeping, errands as well as other support services such as assistance with bathing, grooming and medication management.

Please contact Naomi Mi-rensky at (904) 394-5777 or nmi-rensky@jfcsjax.org if you know any survivors who could benefit from the vital support.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Many of you know that JFCS offers transportation, as well as home-delivered meals, to those who are elderly, disabled or homebound. But do you know that we also offer assistance to new mothers, those who are recuperating from recent hospi-talizations and those in need of temporary assistance? Fees for both programs are minimal and affordable, and a sliding scale is available. For information about CALL2GO or Kosher Kart, call Ilene Schinasi at (904) 394-5724.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Judaism teaches that just as the broken fragments of the first set of tablets were placed in the Ark of Covenant along with the new tablets, so too should we treat the elderly with care and with rever-ence. We learn from an early age to be considerate of “those who have forgotten his knowledge through no fault of his own” and to always show kindness especial-ly to our parents, even in their old age. “Even when his understand-ing fails,” the sages teach us, we are to always honor and respect our parents.

But for those baby boomers who find themselves arguing with their parents about whether they

should continue to drive, or live alone, it often becomes difficult to maintain perspective. What do you do when a concerned discus-sion about nutrition, medication management, personal hygiene or safety has turned into a confronta-tion?

How do you start a respectful conversation with someone who doesn’t think there is a problem? Or suggest to the person who raised you that they may need as-sistance in handling some or all of their affairs?

“These are just some of the tough questions that come into our office every day,” says Shel-ley Kulchin, Senior Solutions geriatric care manager at JFCS. Often those who contact us have

By Jewish Family & Community Services

HAPPY 95th BIRTHDAY, JFCS!

COUNTDOWN TO 100: 4 Years, 6 Months Jewish Family & Community Services Serving our COMMUNITY since 1917

8 Notes: Mt Carmel

Gail Jarrett drops off gifts donated by the Hav-a-Heart for Hanukkah project from the Tikkun Olam Committee of the Temple.

Mt. Carmel residents enjoy lively Klezmer Music

Holocaust survivor services expandIrene Jaffa and Helena Zuber pictured at a recent Holo-caust Family Gathering

Kosher Kart volunteer Cheryl Berlin exchanges hugs and smiles when she delivers Kosher Kart meals

Transportation and meals

the additional burden of also being out of town, trying to help sort out these issues long dis-tance. “Many have other family responsibilities as well,” adds Naomi Mirensky. “Some may still be caring for their own children

or grandchildren, or working full time.” The role of today’s family caregiver can be complex and their responsibilities challenging.

There are many success sto-ries; however, and Shelley and Naomi are often the perfect third party to help getting those dif-ficult conversations started. JFCS provides one-time consultation, on-going care management and can help you connect to commu-nity resources.

Many in our own Jewish com-munity are unaware of these ser-vices. Shelley and Naomi have a combined 35 years of experience in this area. And we offer geriatric care management services with a keen sensitivity to the needs of the Jewish community.

You have questions? We have solutions. Call 394-5722 or 394-5777 for more information about our services and our fee schedule.

JFCS can help you help caregiv-ers and their parents, and do so in the considerate and respect-ful way they deserve.

Seeking help with the tough conversations

page 19Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA 2012 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $76,422

Come Dream With Us… You Don’t Want To Miss This Event!

When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are… your dreams come true… What are your hopes and dreams for the future of the Jewish community…

Faces of Create A Jewish Legacy

Create A Jewish Legacy Celebration Securing our Community’s Future

Sponsored and presented by our Jewish Community Foundation

Thursday, January 31, 2013 6:30 pm Dinner & Program Jacksonville Jewish Center 3662 Crown Point Road

Featuring… Faces of CJL Stories

Back by popular demand… Koltrain and our Jewish Community Singers

Program includes a special tribute to Mike Donziger

Are you a Face of CJL?

To celebrate with us contact Debby Harris

Jewish Community Foundation 394-0720 Dreams@jewishfoundationnefl.org

Please join us and the 500 members of our community who have created their Jewish legacies. Remember the Jewish community in your will and estate plan. For more information, contact the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida. 904-394-0720 www.jewishfoundationnefl.org

Create a Jewish Legacy is a partnership of our area synagogues and Jewish Agencies

Kimberly & Richard Sisisky — Honorary Chairs

Jeanine Rogozinski, Ellen Rosner, Andrea Mail — CJL Event Chairs

Nancy & Mark Green — Honorary Chairs

We believe that Jewish education is the key to Jew-ish survival, so our legacy will be used to fund Beth El and other Jewish educational opportunities.

Len & Judy Elikan — Beth El

There is a legacy that was left to us by those who built Etz Chaim and our community—we have a responsibility to make sure it continues.

Deborah & Steven Shapiro — Etz Chaim

We are so lucky to have River Garden in our commu-nity. It is our extended family, and we want to be sure it continues to thrive.

Fran Young & Rachelle Gottlieb — River Garden

For us, the Center is such a dynamic place, and we are excited about what is happening in the Day School. It is a diverse place, and we want to make sure that it remains strong and vibrant for future generations.

Doris & Jeff Goldstein — Jacksonville Jewish Center

Our Jewish Community Foundation en-ables us to impact the entire Jewish com-munity. With Create a Jewish Legacy, we are comfortable that we are helping the Jewish community of the future.

Beverly and Mel Fruit —Foundation

JFCS has made a significant impact on our commu-nity, providing important services to a large number of individuals. We think it’s a critical responsibility of every Jew to pave the way for the next generation to help those in need.

Barbara & Hal Resnick — JFCS Through our work with Federation, our chil-dren and grandchildren understand our com-mitment to the Jewish world, and what L’Dor V’Dor means to us. It’s important that we build a legacy to support both the Jacksonville Jewish community and Israel.

Steve & Judy Silverman—Federation

To us, the JCA is that special, central meeting place where people come together. It’s a warm and caring place for our family—it’s a true gem!

David and Monique Miller — JCA

We hope The Temple will con-tinue to grow, and be a source of comfort, spirituality, and inspiration in keeping with the values of reform Judaism. It is so much a part of our roots. Linda and Albert Wilkinson —

The Temple

To create your Personalized Legacy Agreement including which causes will be your beneficiaries, contact the Foundation. Then, use the following language in your will and to change a beneficiary designation on other assets such as IRA’s or life insurance. “I give and bequeath to the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast FL Inc., its successors and or

assigns X %”, (whatever % or dollar amount that is comfortable for you) “of my residual estate or/asset.” Contact the Foundation with additional questions.

page 20 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

BirthsOne of the newest Green Bay

Packer fans, Cora Elizabeth Steinfeld, was born on Oct. 11, 2012. She is the daughter of Megan and Jerad Steinfeld of Milwaukee. Grandparents are Michele and David Steinfeld of Jacksonville, and Mary and Tom Hawley of Milwaukee. Great grandmothers are Martha Stein-feld and the late Molly Zavon.

Mark and Meredith Frisch are happy to announce the birth of twin daughters, Abby Powell and Hannah Jane on Dec. 1, 2012. Big sister Lyla; grandparents Pat and Ben Frisch, and Nancy and Gary Chartrand; great grandpar-ents Lilo and Harry Frisch; great grandmothers Grace Chartrand and Jane Piecuch; and the entire family are thrilled.

Joshua Alexander Bershad was born on Nov. 10,2 012, Parents are Suzanne and Dr. Eric Bersad of Houston. Grandparents are Rachel and Dr. Steve Broad-man and Barbara nd Stan Bersad of West Bloomfi eld HIlls, Mich. Great-grandmoter is Elsie Yellin.

EngagementPhilip and Linda Bloom are

happy to announce the engage-ment of their daughter Sasha Lyn Bloom to Charles Thomas Gib-bons lll. The couple met at the University of Georgia Law School and live in Hoboken, N.J. The

LIFECYCLES

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50 North Laura Street Suite 2000Jacksonville, FL 32202tel 904 632 0200direct 904 632 0252 . fax 904 632 0298 toll free 866 673 9600jerald.i.seebol@mssb.com

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

Evan J. YegelwelTerrell Hogan Ellis Yegelwel, P.A.

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wedding will take place on June 1, 2013, at TPC. Grandparents are Sonny and Joan Waitz; sister is Lauren Bloom.

Wedding Allyson Rae Hare and Troy

Joseph Patton were married on Dec. 15, 2012, at Congregation Ahavath Chesed. The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel. The bride is the daughter of Vince and Ellen Hare of Fleming Island.

Allyson holds a B.A. in art education from Florida State University. She is the art teacher at Wilkinson Elementary School in Clay County.

Troy earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Florida. He is employed by Seminole Electric in Palatka as a chemical engineer. His parents are Tim and Cathy Patton of Fleming Island.

Following a honeymoon in Australia and New Zealand, the couple will reside in Fleming Island.

AccomplishmentsHoward Maltz, formerly

chief deputy general counsel for the city of Jacksonville, has been appointed by Florida Gov. Rick Scott as a circuit court judge for Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit and will be presiding over cases in St. Johns County. Howard and his wife, Leah, and his son, Michael, are members of Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue.

Sympathy… to the family of Dr. Donald

Bartley, who died Dec. 18, 2012. He is survived by his wife Kim; children Aaron (Lindsay) Bartley, Leah (Scott) Kennelly, and Sarah Bartley; siblings Judy B. Mizrahi and Brenda (Buddy) Pollak; and grandson David Kennelly. Con-tributions may be made to River Garden Hebrew Home, Commu-nity Hospice of Northeast Florida or a charity of choice.

… to the family of Jacque-line Arlene Bleier, sister of Rita (James) Brady. Jacqueline died Dec. 16, 2012. Contributions in memory of Jacqueline be made to The American Cancer Society.

… to the family of Gladys Fine, grandmother of Erin and Rabbi Matt Cohen. Gladys died Dec. 2, 2012. Contributions may be made to True Sisters Child Care Center, 3205 Fairmont Bou-levard, Cleveland, OH 44118.

… to the family of Harriet Greenbaum Klein, who died Nov. 3, 2012. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, George; daughters Stephanie Townley and Ali Lindenfeld (Ivan); and grand-daughters Mikayla and Isabella Lindenfeld. Contributions may be made to Jacksonville Jewish Family & Community Services or Dreams Come True, Jacksonville, FL.

… to the family of Stewart Popiol who died Dec. 4, 2012. He is survived by his wife Susan and son Eric. Contributions may be made to the JewishGen Fund or the Jewish Foundation for Genetic Diseases.

… to the family of Ruth Olivia Heilpern Rosenblatt who died Nov. 28, 2012. She is survived by her husband Elias;

Elliott B. Rosenbaum, Psy.D., ABPPClinical Psychologist

drerosenbaum@aol.comwww.drerosenbaum.com

4465 Baymeadows Road, Suite 7Jacksonville, Florida32217 T: (904) 252-7979

Board Certifi ed Clinical PsychologistIndividual & Family TherapyEducational Testing (LD/ADHD)Life Coaching

drerosenbaum@aol.comwww.drerosenbaum.com

Jacksonville

Grow your businessIf you want to reach a demographic with a higher-than-average household income and education, the Jewish News is your connection. To advertise, contact Diane

Rodgers at 448-5000 x 212 or jjn@jewishjacksonville.org

Jewish News

brother Gerald (Judy) Heilpern; son Jeremy, stepchildren Michael (Lan) Rosenblatt, and Alison (Ed) Loughran; and her four grand-children. Contributions may be di-rected to the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

To submit an item for life-cycles, please email it to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org. Dead-line is the 6th of the month. For guidelines of how to write Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding or obituary announcements, go to jewishjack-sonville.org/news under “Share your news.”

page 21Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

Todd D. Bernstein, AAMS®

First Vice President-Investment Officer Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. 1000 Sawgrass Village Dr, Suite 103 Ponte Vedra, FL 32082 904-273-7927todd.bernstein@wfadvisors.comwww.tdbernstein.com

Jacksonville

Grow your businessIf you want to reach a demographic with a higher-than-average household income and education, the Jewish News is your connection. To advertise, contact Diane

Rodgers at 448-5000 x 212 or jjn@jewishjacksonville.org

Jewish News

SERVICESClinical Psychology-Counsel-ing—Individual, Marital, Family.For Anxiety, Depression, Ca-reer, Stress, Military Life Is-sues, PTSD, Trauma. Hypnosis, psycho-spiritual counseling. 30 years of experience. Bruce Kristol, Ph.D., (FL Lic. PY2363). Most insurances accepted. www.KristolHealingCenter.com / www.BKristol.com. Lakewood/San Jose. 739-5808.

Place your classifi ed ad for 35 cents a word. E-mail your ad to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org and send payment to Jacksonville Jewish News, 8505 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217. Deadline is the 15th of each month.

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Kehillah Chadashah is again honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust by selling the second edition of the “Holocaust Survivor Cook-book.” This second cookbook is called “Miracles and Meals” and includes 115 new survivor stories and 250 new kosher recipes. The book is fi lled with stories by survivors each accompanied with a delicious family recipe.

In addition to honoring the memories of those who perished in the Holocaust and those who survived and rebuilt productive, positive lives, funds raised from the sale of the cookbook go to a soup kitchen in Carmei Ha’ir Soup Kitchen in Jerusalem. The book is $36 and makes a won-derful gift to yourself or for someone else you care about. It’s the gift that keeps on giv-ing. To order your book(s) you can email kehillahchadashah@gmail.com or go to Kehillah Chadashah’s website https://sites.google.com/site/kehillah-chadashah/.

By Kehillah Chadashah

Saturdays8:45 a.m. – 10 a.m. ♦ Torah Study at the Temple. Join us in the Parker Auditorium on Shab-bat mornings, as we read and discuss the Torah portion of the week. Fresh coffee and a light breakfast will be served at 8:45 a.m. and we’ll start our discus-sion promptly at 9 a.m. No prior knowledge is necessary and all are welcome. This program is presented free and no reserva-tions are required. For more information, contact the Temple at 733-7078, or email learning@thetemplejacksonville.org.

Mondays10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ♦ The Wisdom Years at Temple. Wrestle with traditional and contemporary Jewish topics. Led by Rabbi Lief, this long-standing group welcomes new members to share ideas with equally spirited companions. This series is open to the public and presented free. No reser-vations are required. For more information, contact the Temple at 733-7078, or email learning@thetemplejacksonville.org.

Monday, Jan. 77 p.m. – 8 p.m. ♦ Renewed Covenant or Polydoxy: Explor-ing the Comparative Reform Theologies of Eugene Borowitz and Alvin Reines at Temple. In a post-Holocaust world, the philo-sophical soul of Reform Judaism was up for grabs in a theologi-cal debate between two great scholars: Dr. Eugene Borowitz and Dr. Alvin Reines. Join us as we compare and contrast the ideas of these two intellectual giants and see whether either of their paradigms of religion help us frame our experience of Juda-

ism today. All are welcome and no prior knowledge is required. Text excerpts are available in the Temple offi ce for anyone who might like to read ahead.

Thursday, Jan. 177 p.m. ♦ JCA Film Series at the JCA. The JCA presents a free showing of “The Young Lions.” This fi lm tells the story of World War II from both sides. It is a pro-vocative insightful movie, based on the novel by Irwin Shaw. For more information, call Thelma Nied, 730-2100 ext. 227.

ADULT EDUCATION

‘Miracles and Meals’ on sale

The Artist Series’ second Broadway show of the season – Mary Poppins – makes its Jacksonville premiere Jan. 22-27. Based on P.L. Travers’ cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney fi lm, Mary Poppins the stage play features the Academy Award-winning music and lyr-

ics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.

Opening night of Mary Pop-pins, Jan. 22, is the 11th Annual Family Night on Broadway.

The Artist Series is partner-ing with the Jacksonville Public Library to create special family-friendly activities pre-show, dur-ing intermission, and post-show at the Times-Union Center.

All Family Night activities, which begin at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show, are free with paid show admission tickets.

Activities include a Mary Pop-pins Sing Along, coloring tables, face painting, chalk art, Origami kites, and more.

Mary Poppins is a family-friendly Broadway show (2 hours 45 minutes, including a 15-min-

ute intermission). This hit Broadway musi-

cal plays at the Times-Union Center’s Moran Theater down-town for eight performances (Tuesday-Sunday, matinees and evenings).

Tickets begin at $37. Jordan Grubb, a member of

the Jewish community, performs in the ensemble.

By The Artist Series

‘Mary Poppins’ premieres at Moran Theater

page 22 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

CJLContinued from p. 1

COMMUNITY NEWS

If you are looking for infor-mation about Reconstructionist Judaism or about Kehillah Cha-dashah, the Reconstructionist Congregation has a new website. The new website has informa-

tion about Reconstructionist Judaism including frequently asked questions and informa-tion from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association regard-ing Israel. Also included are the values and mission of Kehillah Chadashah and the 2012-13

worship calendar as well as information about membership. On the website you can also purchase copies of “Miracles and Meals, Volume 2 of the Ho-locaust Survivor Cookbook.” Go to https://sites.google.com/site/kehillahchadashah/

By Kehillah Chadashah

Congregation Ahavath Chesed has teamed up with JFCS to offer two support groups. Both groups started as grass-root ef-forts within the congregation, are held at the Temple and are

well-attended. Professionals from JFCS and the community lend their support to:

• Caregiver Support group, for those providing care to a spouse, parent, family member or loved one, meets on the fourth Wednes-day of each month at 6:30 p.m.

• Hear O’Israel is a hearing loss support group and meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m.

For additional informa-tion about either group call the Temple at 733-7078 or JFCS at 394-5737.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

JFCS teams up with the Temple

The Jacksonville Jewish Center is pleased to announce the creation of an annual Jewish A Cappella Shabbaton to be held on Shabbat Shirah Jan. 25-27.

Our Artist-in-Residence for the weekend will be the singing group Pizmon. Hazzan Holzer, cantor at the Jacksonville Jewish

Center, sang with the group while in cantorial school at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Members of Pizmon will help in our ser-vices, lead z’mirot (table songs) at a festive Shabbat dinner, run workshops throughout the Galin-sky Academy and give a number of concerts over the weekend.

Their gala concert will be Sat-urday, Jan. 26, as part of the JJC

Sisterhood’s Annual Torah Fund event. Tickets for that concert will be $18 a person/$36 per fam-ily. For more information on the weekend, please contact Hazzan Holzer at jholzer@jaxjewishcen-ter.org. Our Shabbaton weekend is co-sponsored by the Joseph and Dorothy Jewish Music Fund and the Sisterhood Torah Fund at the Jacksonville Jewish Center.

By Jacksonville Jewish Center

Reconstructionist communi-ties are characterized by a high degree of participation in com-munal decision making, by a spirit of inclusivity and informal-ity, and by a balance between respect for tradition and respon-siveness to contemporary needs.

To help members of the community learn more about and understand Reconstruction-ist Judaism and where it fits in our larger Jewish community, Kehillah Chadashah is hosting monthly open houses. Each open

house is held in a different mem-ber’s home. January’s open house is Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Hear about Reconstruction-ist Judaism and Kehillah Cha-dashah, and have an opportunity for questions and answers.

For questions and reserva-tions and details on location call: 904-881-8877. For information about membership email: kehil-lahmembership@gmail.com. Check out https://sites.google.com/site/kehillahchadashah/ for more information about Kehillah Chadashah and Reconstructionist Judaism.

By Kehillah Chadashah

Come out and enjoy Temple Bet Yam’s Deli Nite and Talent Show, Jan. 24, at 6 p.m.

The event will be held at TBY, 2055 Wildwood Drive in St. Augustine.

Tickets are $28 per person and include your choice of overstuffed corned beef, pastrami or turkey sandwich. Please contact Andi Marx at 904-460-9569 by Jan. 11 and let her know your sandwich preference.

This event is usually sold out in advance, so make your reservation early.

If all seats are sold out, there will not be any tickets sold at the door. Don’t miss this wildly popular event.

By Temple Bet Yam

On Nov. 16 a combined Shab-bat/ Thanksgiving service at Beth El, The Beaches Synagogue was led by the Beth El seventh grade Sunday school class and included a discussion on The Command-ments (not only the 10) by Rabbi Michael Matuson of Beth El and Rev. Tom Walker of Palms Pres-byterian Church. This is the third year and now an annual tradition for Beth El and Palms Presby-terian congregations to gather together for prayer, thanksgiving and friendship to celebrate com-monalities, appreciation of faith, hope and peace for all mankind. This service is a testament that people of all faiths can worship together as one through mutual respect and experience the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

By Beth El The Beaches Synagogue

while also providing services and training that bridge cultural gaps for parents and community professionals. PACT ensures that the needs of the Ethiopian-Israeli child are at the center of this framework and coordinates all services accordingly.

“I have been fortunate in my life to be involved with many terrific Jewish organizations and programs,” said David Robbins, whose family supports PACT. “The Parents and Children To-gether Program of the JDC is the most inspirational and satisfying of all. When first begun, PACT was only for Ethiopian young children. As a result of its success, PACT is now a model program throughout Israel for all immi-grant young children and clearly one of JDC’s best success stories.

“When our daughter, Lea, was

in Israel last year she visited the PACT program in Lod and, when she saw the plaque that expresses appreciation to our Federation and the Robbins family for our support of the program, Lea said, ‘Dad, I have never been as proud of you and Mom for anything you have done.’”

The success of PACT led to the establishment of a similar program, ECHAD (Partnership for Early Childhood Achievement and Development) for Israeli Arab children, some 50 percent of whom live below the poverty line.

Today, with the help of JDC, the Government of Israel is imple-menting programs based on PACT and ECHAD in more than 55 cit-ies through the New Beginnings partnership — effectively taking JDC’s model of development for Israel’s youngest citizens to the national level.

PACT is a program of the JDC, a recipient of the Jewish Federa-tion of Jacksonville.

PACTContinued from p. 1

Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool teachers participate in a hands-on art workshop facilitated by Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens Museum Educator Lori Eisenberg Castro. Teacher training is one part of the preschool’s ongoing unique partnership with local museums and organizations. Gan Yeladim teachers also continue their education and training throughout the school year with their annual symposium, monthly in-service trainings, and as recipients of the TEACH scholarship program.

Richard Sisisky and Mark Green

Beth El holds Shabbat Thanksgiving service

Pizmon to visit Center for Shabbat

Kehillah Chadashah announces new website

Hands-on workshop

Reconstructionist Judaism: What is it?

Temple Bet Yam brings back Deli Nite Jan. 24

work that led to the creation of the Foundation. In July 2007, as Richard began his two-year term as Foundation president, he saw the potential of CJL for the com-munity. He approached all syna-gogue and agency leadership, and boards with the concept securing agreements from all Foundation partners to actively participate and grow this program.

In 2008 the Foundation kicked off the community-wide initia-tive and received a competitive grant to fund a CJL program director. Even before Founda-tion applied for the grant Richard found seven angels to provide the needed matching funds. When the three-year grant to fund the position expired, Richard sought and received long-term commit-ments from 15 angels to continue funding the position. With stable long-term funding in place, CJL can continue to grow and become an ever-more important part of our Jewish community’s future.

After completing a three-year term as Foundation president, Richard continues to serve on the board and is chair of CJL and the

CJL Steering Committee. When asked about his dreams for the future of CJL and the Jewish community Richard replied, “We need to find community angels who understand the importance of the work of Foundation to the future financial strength and viability of the Jewish commu-nity. We need those who care to emulate what has been done in other communities with their Foundations and adequately fund services here. There are angels out there who will step up and help us to endow the Create A Jewish Legacy program. Our goal is to ensure all our agencies and synagogues have endow-ments that generate income to offset at least 30 percent of their budgets. We have had a lot of successes, and we have a lot of work to do. We are all excited about the future.”

For a preview of our Jan. 31 event, see the Jewish Community Foundation page in this issue. This exciting, inspiring event, sponsored by the Jewish Com-munity Foundation, begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the Jacksonville Jewish Center.

To RSVP contact Debby Harris at 394-0720 or Dreams@jewish-foundationnefl.org.

page 23Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

With millions still out of work, many people in our own community are forced to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table. That’s why we’re not only ex-panding our food pantries and meal pro-grams, we’re also offering job training and networking to get people back to work. To-day, more people are turning to us for as-sistance than ever before. Help us ensure that no one is turned away.

HUNGER

DOESN’T

DISCRIMINATE.

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE.THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

jewishjacksonville.orgfacebook.com/jaxjewish

page 24 Jacksonville Jewish News • January 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

Now accepting applications for the 2013-14 school year. Financial assistance and the new LIFT tuition grant are available.

For more information or to schedule a tour, call 904-268-4200 ext. 147. Email: office@mjgds.org Visit us in Mandarin or online at www.mjgds.org

It’s not about taking our tour. It’s where our tour takes you. There’s no greater feeling than exploring the Martin J Gottlieb Day School for yourself and knowing you’ve found the perfect home for your child. Join us for an upcoming open house and see what we mean.

9:42 am.Discovering a 5,000-year-old tradition

with an app created last week.