belong magazine winter 2015

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ModernMensch

Schoolfor the

How Meyer Academy’s brand new school is revolutionizing the way kids learnJewish Cuisine

The revival of

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County | Winter 2015 | Palm Beach

WHAT JEWISH MILLENNIALS WANT

The young women from our area

fighting for Israel

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Crazy Hours

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Winter Features

The World PremiereThe opera world has its eyes on Palm Beach County and a new opera about a post-Holocaust love triangle in New York City.

Mental Illness in the Jewish CommunityHelping Jewish families deal with with devastating issues.By Richard Westlund

Lone, but Never LonelyMeet two young women from Palm Beach County who were inspired to join the Israel Defense Forces.By Mark Cantrell

Off the BimaWhat some local rabbis are doing in their free time might surprise you.By Y.A. Teitelbaum

What’s on the MenuJewish cuisine gets an updateBy Rich Pollack

School for the Modern MenschHow Meyer Academy’s brand new building will revolutionize the way 21st century kids learn – and grow as people.By Colin Shalo

What Jewish Millennials WantYoung Jewish people search for meaning and connections.By Allegra Nagler

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Winter Departments

Be NextCelebrate our youth.

Be WellSavor information for your health and wellbeing.

Be LocalSee the community in action.

Be EntertainedEnjoy the many colors of the local leisure landscape.

Be ConnectedFederation HeadlinesCommunity HappeningsThe Scene

Faces of the COMMUNITY

Inspired Leadership: Ilan KauferJupiter’s Vice Mayor gives back to the community.By Michael Isenbek

Bente LyonsGiving the Gift of HopeNational and International philanthropist graciously giveshands-on help to needs children.By Amy Woods

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MorseLife Belong Color indd 2 8/11/14 10:42 AM

Morselife Foundation_b Fall 14:Layout 1 2/9/15 11:27 AM Page 1

www.morselife.org

bArthur S. LoringBoard Chair

Barry S. BergAnnual Campaign Chair

Mark F. LevyVice Chair

Bente S. LyonsVice Chair

William MeyerVice Chair

Ronald P. PertnoyVice Chair

Gary S. LesserSecretary

Michael L. KohnerTreasurer

Sanford M. BaklorImmediate Past Board Chair

Cynthia R. BrownWomen’s Philanthropy Board Chair

Lynn KastonWomen’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair

Ira GersteinAdministrative Management & Financial Oversight Committee Chair

Morton L. MandelHuman Resources Committee Chair

Libby G. FishmanCommunity Planning & Investments Committee Chair

Sam LiebovichIsrael & Global Initiatives Committee Chair

FEDERATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

4601 Community DriveWest Palm Beach, FL 33417561-478-0700www.jewishpalmbeach.org

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FEDERATION EXECUTIVE STAFF

Debra Roshfeld Senior Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer561-242-6644 • [email protected]

Dr. Helene Lotman Executive Vice President / Chief Talent Officer561-242-6659 • [email protected]

Hope Dunkel Senior Vice President / Israel & Global Initiatives561-242-6686 • [email protected]

Ilan Hurvitz Senior Vice President / Community Planning & Investments561-242-6606 • [email protected]

Kathy G. Sigall Senior Vice President / Chief Financial Officer561-242-6622 • [email protected]

Rachel H. Berg Vice President / Financial Resource Development561-242-6612 • [email protected]

Jeff Trynz Vice President / Marketing & Communications561-242-6611 • [email protected]

EDITORIAL STAFFJeff Trynz Executive EditorColin Shalo Editorial DirectorCT Wood Managing EditorRichard Westlund Business Editor

ART & DESIGNAngelo D. LoPresti Art & Production DirectorRebecca M. Lafita Graphic Designer

ADVERTISING SALESRichard S. Wolff Director of AdvertisingJanice L. Waterman National Advertising ManagerRichard Kahn Signature PublicationsSimone A. Desiderio Senior Advertising ManagerDonna L. Mercenit Contract Administrator

PUBLISHERRobert S.C. Kirschner Publisher & President

a passion for people & publishing

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belong is published by Passport Publications & Media Corporation, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 1550, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. All rights reserved.

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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD


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All Work.More Play.

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Your business will excel in Palm Beach County because of our:

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Launch. Relocate. Expand. Develop…We have it all, in the perfect business climate. www.BDB.orgor phone 561.835.1008 to learn more.

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belong | contributors

Before launching her freelancecareer, Amy Woods workedas the society editor of Palm 2 Jupiter and as the editor of Notables at The PalmBeach Post, a position she held for 11 years. An experienced editor, columnist,writer and reporter, Amy’sgoal is to use her experienceas a journalist and skills inpublic relations for the benefit of our local nonprofit community.

Freelance writer JoannPlockova specializes in design, architecture and culture writing – often with asocial or environmental focus.Her curious nature and broadlist of interests always has heron the hunt for new and important topics to cover.Among other publications,she’s written for AmericanCraft Magazine, Conde NastTraveller UK, the Christian Science Monitor and Green Building & Design. She hasone foot in South Florida and the other in Prague,Czech Republic.

Mark Cantrell is the author ofseveral books, including TheEverything Weather Book andSixteen Minutes From Home,a study of the ColumbiaSpace Shuttle disaster. He isan award-winning freelancewriter who has writtenhundreds of articles for adiverse lineup of publications,including Air & SpaceSmithsonian, Mad Magazineand Military Officer.

Y.A. Teitelbaum is afreelance writer based inWellington, Fla., who wasborn and raised inPoughkeepsie, NY. He is also a PR consultant,focusing primarily onpromoting athletes and non-profits. A father of two teens, Teitelbaum is amember of the Palm BeachCounty Sports CommissionHall of Fame committee.

Jan Engoren’s father was an artist. From an early age,she was exposed to workingartists and the creativeprocess growing up in NewYork and developed whatwould become a lifelong appreciation for the arts.Today, Jan uses her writingskills to connect with artistsand the art world and is delighted to live in a regionwith an abundance of creative energy.

Rich Pollack is a veteranSouth Florida journalist, writerand communications specialistwho never imagined when hebought his first set of wheels – a 1961 Chevy Bel Air – thatsome 40 years later he’d bespending much of his timewriting about cars and theauto industry. The writer of aweekly column in the SouthFlorida Sun-Sentinel, Rich andhis wife, Carol, also edited andcontributed to a book thatprovides insider tips on buyingand servicing a car. Rich alsowrites on a variety of topics for other South Floridapublications.

Michael Isenbek has almosta decade of experience inwriting and editing diversemagazine copy. He is also amusician and budding novelistwho enjoys basking in thebeautiful ambiance of south Florida.

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be | next

Rabbi Goes to SchoolThere’s a new full-time rabbi taking a

very different approach with studentsthrough Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach.Hillel serves one of the largest Jewish stu-dent populations in the country, providingconnections to Jewish life at Florida AtlanticUniversity, Palm Beach State College, LynnUniversity, Nova Southeastern Universityand Broward College.

Rabbi Glenn Ettman, who most recentlyserved as the senior rabbi at Temple Sinai inPalm Desert, California, hopes to engagestudents and show them that Judaism canbe relevant – and even cool. “I am looking todo what I have been trying to do in the en-tirety of my rabbinate: bring Judaism to lifeand relate the beautiful elements of our an-cient traditions with modern times,” he says.

Rabbi Ettman offers weekly lunch andlearn sessions that tackle contemporaryJewish issues affecting students. “We havetalked about our Jewish obligation to be so-cially responsible on social media…ourJewish responsibility to vote and otherthought provoking topics,” he says.

In the months ahead, Rabbi Ettmanplans to speak with students based on top-ics they show interest in, such as Israeli po-etry and what it means to raise a Jewishfamily. “I have to say the most rewardingmoment for me is having students come inmy office just to sit and talk,” he says.

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be | well A World of DifferenceExercise keeps you fit, relieves stress and –

some say – may even help sharpen yourmemory. Now, at the Mandel JCC in BoyntonBeach and Palm Beach Gardens, exercise caneven provide the opportunity to learn aboutother cultures.

The JCC offers a variety of classes in yoga,an ancient discipline from India that combinescontrolled breathing with specific movements.The practice not only enhances strength,balance and flexibility but can relieve stress andpromote general wellbeing.

That’s just the beginning. Latin jazz andZumba classes at the JCC have their roots inSouth America. Kids can learn a traditionalJapanese style of martial arts. Parents – andother stressed-out adults – can enjoy thebenefits of tai chi, the Chinese mind-bodyphilosophy of health. Also offered are classesfor qigong (literally translating to “life energycultivation”), which is an ancient Chinesepractice of aligning body, breath, and mind forhealth, meditation, and martial arts training.

“Diversity encourages fitness,” JCC FitnessCoordinator Shaun McDougall said.

For information, visit jcconline.com.

International FlavorAt Palm Beach Synagogue, Jewish teens across the county gather for a

Shabbat meal with a cultural twist. Ethnic cuisine, traditional music, andstories about Jews across the world are the essential ingredients for theShabbat Around the World dinners, hosted locally at the synagoguethroughout the year.

The dinners have enlightened teens about countries like India, Argentina,China and Morocco. Along with the necessary prayers, candle lighting andchallah, high school students have the opportunity to experience othercultures and learn about the Jewish history of countries that aren’tnecessarily well known for their Jewish communities.

For information, contact Ilan Weismark at 561.838.9002 or visitpalmbeachsynagogue.org and find “Tweens & Teens” under the Youthsection.

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County | belong

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The Way of a Higher SelfThe Mandel JCC in Palm Beach Gardens is hosting a

series of monthly meetings geared toward an exploration ofMussar, a Jewish movement developed inEastern Europe in the 19th century that isdedicated to ethical and spiritual growth.The goal is to reach your highest spiritualpotential through living a life of holiness.

Dr. Barry Horowitz, a local physicianand longtime member of Temple Israel,leads the class “Mussar I: The Way of aHigher Self,” Dr. Horowitz, who has studiedand practiced Mussar for several years,teaches participants how to study their in-dividual middot (Hebrew for “soul traits”).

The group is free to the community and meets one Monday each month. For information, contact Sharon Waltman [email protected].

It’s a Shore ThingSaving the endangered reptiles is a year-round

mission for the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in JunoBeach.

Sea turtles also nest on the beaches of Israel,where the need for conservation is even more apparent. At the turn of the previous century, expertsestimate that somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000turtles would emerge from the waters of the Mediter-ranean to lay their eggs on the nation’s shores. According to the Israel Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Mikhmoret, which is about ahalf hour’s drive north of Tel Aviv, the number of nestshas dropped dramatically. Fewer than 200 turtles areexpected to lay nests in the upcoming season, whichbegins in May in Israel. Light pollution in the area ischanging the nesting habits of the sea turtles in Israel.Most sea turtle species are nocturnal nesters and thusaffected by artificial night-light activity.

For more information on the global conservationeffort, visit Marinelife.org or Facebook.com/IsraelSea-TurtleRescueCenter.

be | local


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Choose your seat at the Center’s official website kravis.org or call 561-832-7469 or 1-800-572-8471Group sales: 561-651-4438 or 561-651-4304

STARS OF DAVID STORY to SONG Tuesday through Sunday, February 17- March 15

A funny and captivating new musical revue celebrating the lives of your favorite

Jewish public figures, based on the best-selling book by Abigail Pogrebin.

Featuring Original Songs from:

Gaby Altre, Marilyn & Alan Bergman, Susan Birkenhead, Michael Feinstein,

Michael Friedman, Amanda Green, Marvin Hamlisch, Sheldon Harnick,

Jill Kargman, Tom Kitt, Lisa Lambert, Richard Maltby, Jr., Daniel Messe,

Chris Miller, Itamar Moses, Abigail Pogrebin, Steven Sater, Alan Schmuckler,

Duncan Sheik, David Shire, Jeanine Tesory, Nathan Tysen

Saturday, December 13 at 8 pmDreyfoos Hall

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be | entertained


Movie MagicThousands of people gathered in our area for the 25th annual

Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival. Wrapping upon February 8 and presented by Mandel JCC, the festival offers aselection of features, short films and documentaries from aroundthe world that is as diverse as our community. Films focus onJewish issues, achievements, culture, arts and history.

A number of events commemorated the 25th anniversary of thislocal cultural jewel, including a tribute to and appearance by LainieKazan – a Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony Award nominatedentertainer.

For information, visit pbjff.org.

The film Oy Vey My Son is Gay, starring Lainie Kazan (right), wasshown at the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival. Kazan was honored and appeared at the festival.

Picture ThisYou often hear people say that young people do not

appreciate the arts – but groups like NextGen Jewish PalmBeach are making sure young professionals stay cultured andconnected. In fact, NextGen is organizing an event at the NortonMuseum of Art, in conjunction with the Norton’s successful ArtAfter Dark weekly program.

On April 2, young professionals and NextGen will gather atthe Norton where they can tour the landmark exhibit “ImagingEden: Photographers Discover the Everglades.” There will be adiscussion with the museum’s photography curator, a winetasting from social cause awareness foundation OneHope, aperformance by the Atlantic Classical Orchestra and – of course— quality schmoozing time.

NextGen: Art After Dark is taking place Thursday, April 2 at the Norton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach). Register at jewishpalmbeach.org/nortonart orcontact Joey Abrin (561.615.4950 or [email protected]) for more information.

Jewish Community Takes Center Stage

Florida Atlantic University will present a movingconcert in April: Memory and Memorial: Music of theHolocaust. The evening will include works by famedHolocaust-era composers Erich Wolfgang Korngold,Wladyslaw Szpilman and Ernest Bloch. In addition,the concert will serve as a musical tribute to AliceHerz-Sommer, the late pianist and survivor ofTheresienstadt concentration camp, who at one pointwas the world’s oldest known Holocaust survivor andthe focus of the Oscar-nominated short documentary “The Lady in Number 6.”

Also in April, FAU will present The Last Night ofBallyhoo, Alfred Uhry’s Tony Award-winniny playabout anti-Semitism in the American South. Theplay, set in 1939, depicts Atlanta’s German-Jewishcommunity’s many crises of identity amid drasticcultural and military developments around the world.

For information, call 800.564.9539 or visitfauevents.com

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By Michael Isenbek

Caption here

belong | Faces of the Community

inspiredLeadership

Ilan Kaufergives back to the community

JupiterVice Mayor

Town council member Jim Kuretski swearing in Ilan Kaufer, March 26, 2013

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County | belong 19Left Photo by: StinkerBug Photography


Kaufer admits that he has a busyschedule but, as a budding communityleader, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

The newly minted vice mayor of Jupiter, who is also a seniorenvironmental specialist with FPL and a new father, believes thateffective leadership begins with getting involved. “My familyinstilled in me the importance of giving back to the community inany way possible,” he says.

Kaufer was raised in the United States until age 11, when hisfather moved the family to Paris for professional reasons. Beforehe graduated high school and moved back to the US for college,Kaufer had some eye-opening Old World experiences thatcontributed to his perspective on the Jewish diaspora.

“We had the opportunity to travel to Israel when I was 13,” hesays. A suicide bomber attacked a bus line hours after Kaufer’sfamily had traveled on it. “That had a profound impact on my life.It creates a much different perspective of what’s going on in theMiddle East.”

As a high school student in Paris, Kaufer interacted withclassmates of different faiths, from different countries. As much ashe valued the experience, there was still a specter of post-WorldWar II intolerance that lingered along the banks of the River Seine.In France, he says, “You’re much more exposed to anti-Semiticacts. They occur more frequently in some other countries thanwhat you see in the United States.”

Inspired by a life featuring coastal living and travel, Kaufer’sprofessional identity took shape as he studied political andenvironmental sciences at the University of Virginia beforeheading south. He earned a Master of Forest Resources from theUniversity of Florida; a law degree from UF soon followed. During

his time in Gainesville, Kaufer served as a student senator andlater as a justice on the University of Florida Supreme Court ofthe Student Body.

Full-time employment at FPL and a move to Jupiter followedhis 2008 graduation. Kaufer cites the quality of the beaches,parks and schools in the area as prime reasons for the relocation– along with the locale’s growing Jewish community.

His participation in the Jewish Federation of Palm BeachCounty – ranging from his participation in the EmergingLeadership Project in 2010 to his current engagement in theJewish Community Relations Council, which develops interfaithcommunity programming and advocates on behalf of the Jewishcommunity – directly influenced his decision to run for publicoffice. Kaufer says his mentors at Federation were a “great helpin learning how to become a leader in the local Jewishcommunity.”

He was elected to the Jupiter Town Council in 2013, rapidlyrising to the position of vice mayor in his adopted hometown. “I’vealways had an interest in politics,” he says. Before throwing hishat into the ring, he consulted mentors and friends fromFederation and ELP, along with his family. As vice mayor, Kauferis putting his educational background to good use, representingthe Jupiter Town Council as the alternate member of both theLoxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council and theBioscience Land Protection Advisory Board. He will be runningagain in 2016 when his three-year town council term expires.

Kaufer and his wife, Stephanie, believe in the spirit oftzedakah and “want to play significant roles in giving back to thecommunity,” he says. Stephanie, an attorney with Roberts,Reynolds, Bedard and Tuzzio, PA, is active in the Junior Leagueof the Palm Beaches. The couple’s son, Asher, is now at MandelJCC’s preschool in Palm Beach Gardens, where Ilan andStephanie are increasingly involved.

“Faith plays an important role in how I conduct my life,”Kaufer says. “It helps me focus on what is most important – family– and helps me focus on making ethical and moral decisions.”

“I’ve always been impressed with Ilan’s selflessness, passionto help people and desire to do the right thing,” says fellow ELPparticipant and close friend Andrew Comiter. The Palm BeachGardens lawyer declares, “He’s very organized and balances hiscommitments to work, family and community very well.”

Comiter foresees greater things on the horizon. “I’m veryproud of what Ilan’s accomplished so far, and I know this is justthe start for him.”

ILAN

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belong | JewishPalmBeach.org20Ilan and his son Asher


Stephanie and Ilan under their wedding Chuppah

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County | belong 21


BenteLYONSGiving the Gift of Hope

By Amy Woods

She grew up in a Danish orphanage during World War II, theunfortunate daughter of a teenage mother and negligent father.Her hard-knock life began before she turned one.

The little Jewish girl came into the world in 1934 as a twinklein the eyes of her struggling parents quickly faded. They namedher Bente. The couple divorced soon after her birth. The motherforsook her baby, leaving the infant with the father. “He reallydidn’t take good care of me,” Lyons reflects. “He would leave mewith people.”

When her mother returned eight months after the abruptabandonment, she learned Bente had contracted rickets. “I wassick,” the Holocaust survivor says. “I was calcium-deficient. Iended up in the hospital. I was there for a year.”

After her bones became strong enough, she transitioned to award for homeless infants andstayed there until the age of two-and-a-half. Then, she entered the orphanage. The Copenhagenfacility served as her home for 14 years.

“I was one of the longest ones staying there and, believe me,I learned how to take care of myself,” she says. “I learned a lotabout people by being in that home. I learned what I wanted.”

Bente wanted to go to college. Two mentors at the orphanagehelped her secure a grant that paid for her tuition at the Universityof Denmark. “I really wanted to be an architect but I could not geta scholarship for that,” she says. “So I decided on fashion.”

Bente landed a factory job while also earning money as ananny for a family of five. The family’s parents eventually decidedthey wanted to leave the country and take their twin boys and onegirl to Washington, D.C. They encouraged their personalemployee Bente to come with them on a diplomatic visa. “Ijumped on that chance so fast, you have no idea,” she says.

Meet the modern-day Bente – Bente Lyons – a mother of twoand grandmother of three whose last name comes from herbeloved late husband Daniel. The Palm Beach Gardens resident-turned-local, national and international philanthropist graciouslygives hands-on help and hope to needy children around the world– children with stories like hers.

“Because of my background, because of growing up with allthese children and because I was helped by kind people…,” shetrails off. “My heart is very soft for youngsters who need help,because if you don’t help them, they will fail.”

Bente’s personal journey inspired her and Daniel’s generosityto create momentum for the Youth Futures program, whichconnects at-risk children in Israel with mentors for a three-yearperiod. In 2005, the Lyons’ actions led to Jewish Federation ofPalm Beach County becoming the first community in the UnitedStates to invest in Youth Futures. The Bente and Daniel LyonsFoundation also dedicates a significant investment to theEthiopian National Project, which helps integrate Ethiopians intoIsrael society.

A girl named Zohar saw her life changed by the Lyons andtheir involvement with Federation.Zohar, from the ancient Israeli cityof Hazor HaGlilit, joined the YouthFutures program as a fourth-

grader distraught by the death of her father.The introverted and isolated child worked with a trained

counselor for three years to shed her sadness and strengthen hersocial skills. Today, the transformed 10th-grader volunteers as analumna and tutors a third-grade boy.

“The boy’s mother says that the two have a special bond,”says Rachel Hass, Zohar’s former mentor. “She has used themany skills she gained in Youth Futures to build her self-esteemand continue the circle of impact.”

Iris Meidan, partnership director for the Jewish Agency forIsrael, which operates Youth Futures, says there are countlessstories similar to Zohar’s because of Lyons’ financial backing. “Bybeing a visionary and a believer, Bente enabled this great socialand educational start-up. I can’t ever be grateful enough to thisbeloved woman,” she says.

“I think [Youth Futures] is the best program I have, in my wholelife, heard of,” says Lyons. “Broken families, drugs, prostitution,you name it. When kids don’t do well in school, they get intotrouble. If we don’t take care of our young people, we don’t havea future. That’s it.”

“If we don’t take care of our young people,we don’t have a future” – Bente Lyons


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belong | Faces of the Community


These children and mentors are paired together because of the Lyons’ creating a springboard forthe Youth Futures program. Mentors help children in Israel improve their school performance,strengthen social integration and inspire engagements with the community.

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Our area’s foremost opera company, Palm Beach Opera, isbravely going where no opera company has ever gone before –literally.

They’re producing the world premiere of Enemies, A LoveStory, based off the book by Nobel Prize-winning Yiddish authorIsaac Bashevis Singer. The book was also adapted into an Oscar-nominated movie in 1989.

Even before its world premiere, Palm Beach Opera’sperformance of Enemies, A Love Story is causing a stir in theopera world. Famed opera expert Fred Plotkin calls the new opera“one of the most eagerly anticipated premieres of the season”and lists it as one of the world’s “performances not to miss” in2015 (ranking it among the likes of London, Venice and Dresden’sopera seasons).

So why all this buzz? One, it’s a world premiere. Two, theopera is in English. And three, it’s one of the only known operasto take on Jewish themes.

“In the operatic repertoire, there are only a few works whichfeature a distinctly Jewish experience,” said Daniel Biaggi,executive director of Palm Beach Opera. “Enemies, A Love Storyis unique in its way of combining the tragic side of Holocaustlegacy with farcical yet romantic elements, all set to melodiousmusic to create a moving theatrical experience.”

Enemies, A Love Story tells the tale of Herman Broder, aJewish man who by 1948 has moved to New York City aftersurviving the Holocaust. He finds himself juggling a complexnetwork of love interests, including his second wife, his mistressand his first wife – who was presumed dead. The story examinesthe immigrant experience with irony, humor and determination.

“It’s a human story, and the story is unmistakable. It’scompelling and one can identify with all the characters,” saysNahma Sandrow, librettist for the opera and a Yiddish scholar.

Sandrow worked to create Enemies, A Love Story withAmerican composer Ben Moore, whose music has been praisedby The New York Times as “brilliant” and “gorgeously lyrical.”

Moore’s first opera is Enemies, A Love Story, which he calls “a very relevant opera for our times.”

“When you’ve gone through a traumatic event, how do youput the pieces back together? Coping with humor is one way,”says Moore. “Also, the gift of music: if you can tell a story throughmusic, then you can really process it. Music is a way ofpsychologically processing difficult situations.”

Palm Beach Opera sees the upcoming production as morethan just a performance – they see it as a chance to bring thecommunity together and create meaningful dialogue betweengroups of different faiths.

They formed a community partnership with Jewish Federationof Palm Beach County, organizing a broad spectrum ofcommunity programs to teach and discuss the Holocaust: theseinclude a lunch and learn with Holocaust experts and a screeningof the film Enemies, A Love Story at the Palm Beach Jewish FilmFestival.

It’s also been important to the opera company to maintain aJewish element to the production and performance itself. Mooreand Sandrow are Jewish, as well as director Sam Helfrich,conductor David Stern (son of legendary conductor and violinistIsaac Stern) and Daniel Okulitch, who will sing the lead role ofHerman Broder.

For now, the opera world eagerly awaits what could be thenext classic opera – sung in English, premiered in Palm BeachCounty and taking on themes that connect the Jewishcommunity.

Enemies, A Love Story will make its world premiere at theKravis Center for the Performing Arts on February 20-22, 2015.People who make gifts to Jewish Federation of Palm BeachCounty’s 2015 Annual Campaign receive a generous discounton tickets.

To purchase tickets or for more information on Palm BeachOpera’s 2014-2015 season, visit pbopera.org or call the PalmBeach Opera box office at 561-833-7888. b


Right now, the opera world has its eyes on Palm Beach County and a brand new operaabout a Holocaust survivor in love with three women at the same time.

Opera.2:Layout 1 2/9/15 12:12 PM Page 24


Allen Moyer with Palm Beach Opera's Director of Production Greg Hirsch

Composer Ben Moore and librettist Nahma Sandrow

Set Designer Allen Moyer discusses the different elements of the set

Preliminary costume sketch for Masha,the protagonist’s mistress in Enemies, A Love Story.

Preliminary costume sketch for Yadwiga, the protagonist’s new wife.

Preliminary costume sketch for Tamara, a characterin Enemies, A Love Story who had been presumeddead during the Holocaust.

Opera.2:Layout 1 2/9/15 12:12 PM Page 25

When comedian and actor Robin Williams

committed suicide last August, one of the

burning questions was why such a gifted,

successful and iconic man would take his own

life. The answer: depression, like heart disease

or cancer, destroys a person’s energy and

vitality – driving them to do the unthinkable.

And the Jewish community is as much at risk

as anyone.

“Mental illness affects roughly one in five people in our community,” says Elaine

Rotenberg, Ph.D., clinical director at Alpert Jewish Family and Children’s Service

(AJFCS). “While mental health treatment works (see chart on page 59), nearly

two-thirds of people who need help go without treatment because of the stigma or

the inability to access care.”

De-StigmatizingMental IllnessHelping Jewish families deal with devastating issuesBy Richard Westlund


Mental Illness.2:Layout 1 2/9/15 12:13 PM Page 26

While depression, suicide, anxiety and related disorders likealcoholism and substance abuse affect Palm Beach County’sJewish families, these devastating problems and disorders arerarely talked about in public. When someone dies from thesecauses, the survivors often harbor unspoken feelings of anger,guilt and shame that can lead to further problems.

“A lot of Jewish people will say you shouldn’t talk aboutsuicide,” says Ronni Cutler, LCSW, a clinical social worker withAJFCS in Lake Worth who has been helping families deal withpersonal tragedies for 19 years. “At some level, many Jews feel thatsuicide is a sin, rather than the end result of mental illness. That’swhy it's so important to understand these diseases of the brain.”

DEALING WITH TRAGEDYFor most parents, nothing is more heartbreaking than losing

a son or daughter to suicide. That’s why AJFCS’s Cutler runs atwice-monthly support group to help family members come toterms with their devastating tragedies.

“I remember a lovely Jewish couple in their 60s who had twinsons, a doctor and an attorney,” she says. “The doctor had ahistory of depression, became addicted to painkillers and tookhis life. When the mother and father came to our group, they said,‘He’s at peace, and we’re in pieces.’”

The family’s sad story doesn't end there. “They urged theirother son to get help, but he refused,” Cutler says. “When I calledthe parents after the Jewish holidays to see if they would becoming back to our group, they told me they had moved awaybecause the surviving twin had also taken his life.”

Cutler warns parents to watch their young children carefullyfor signs of depression, like withdrawing from friends, a downturnin school grades, inability to sleep, increased anxiety or otherchanges in behavior. “Anger turned inward can result indepression,” she adds. “If parents are concerned, they shouldtalk with the child, learn about mental illness and reach out forhelp. Please don't wait until it's too late.”

LAUNCHING A NEW PROGRAMRotenberg is dedicated to removing the stigma from mental

illness so that children, teenagers and adults can reach out forhelp before it’s too late. “If you are worried about a family memberor friend, bring up your concerns,” says Rotenberg. “Talking tosomeone who cares can make a huge difference for an individualin trouble.”

With the continued support of partner organization JewishFederation of Palm Beach County, AJFCS received a grant fromthe Herbert Bearman Foundation to bring Mental Health First Aidto our community. While new to South Florida, the program hashad success internationally. This eight-hour course teachesordinary citizens how to respond to someone who may beexperiencing a mental health crisis.

“Our training helps you identify, understand and respond tosigns of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, just asCPR and First Aid help you assist an individual who may bechoking or bleeding,” Rotenberg says.

To date, more than 300 individuals have participated in thetraining sessions, including interfaith clergy and members of thePalm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Ongoing trainings are beingscheduled for Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County staff andlocal synagogues.

“AJFCS is recognized as a leader in meeting the mental healthneeds of our community,” says Rotenberg, who spoke in May 2014to the Association of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies, anational organization made up of social service agencies from aroundthe country.

“Years ago, many people felt that a person with mental illnesscouldn’t be helped,” she says. “Now, there is a growingrecognition that – with proper treatment – people can recover andlead meaningful and productive lives.”


Elaine Rotenberg, Ph.D., clinical directorat Alpert Jewish Family and Children’sService teaching a mental first aid class.


ADDRESSING SUBSTANCE ABUSEMany people deal with mental illness by turning to alcohol or

drugs. Others use these addictive substances as an escape fromthe stresses of daily life or for recreational purposes. “Addictionis a widespread problem that affects people at all levels ofincome,” says Sid Goodman, executive director at CaronRenaissance, a facility that provides treatment services for peoplein Palm Beach County. “It’s not a disease that occurs only amongthe poor. In fact, an addict with plenty of financial resources islikely to continue using until something disastrous happens.”

It might take a serious traffic accident, drug-related arrest orcriminal conviction for an addict to finally admit that he or she hasa problem. “This is a very hard thing for parents, in particular, torealize,” says Goodman. “No one wants to think about their childgoing to jail, whether at age 18 or 42. But that might be necessaryin order to save a life.”

Of course, it’s far better for an addict to seek treatment beforehitting bottom. Fortunately, there are outpatient and inpatientprograms in Palm Beach County, as well as support groups likeAlcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Mental Health

First Aid also includes a focus on substance use, in an attempt toshine the light on addiction as an illness, and de-stigmatize thoseseeking help.

“One of the biggest myths of addiction is that an individualneeds to want to get well before treatment will work,” Goodmansays. “In many cases, you have to use your leverage to force aperson into rehabilitation and recovery. Then, once the drugs areout of their system, they start to feel better and can begin makingplans for the future.”

In addition to 12-step groups, many Jewish persons inrecovery have turned to groups to approach recovery from aJewish perspective. Known as JACS support groups (for JewishAlcoholics and Chemically-Dependent Persons and SignificantOthers), Rotenberg is excited to announce the formation of a JACSsupport group to be held at AJFCS beginning November 2014.

Goodman emphasizes the importance of addressing thecultural and spiritual aspects of treatment for Jewish patientsdealing with alcoholism and drug abuse. “Having a kosher kitchenand Shabbat services in a residential facility can be helpful insupporting an individual’s recovery,” he says. “It can also remindpeople that addiction is a brain disease, not a sin.”

The Mental Health First Aidaction plan covers five key steps:� Assess for risk of suicide or harm

� Listen non-judgmentally

� Give reassurance and information

� Encourage appropriate professional help

� Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Our training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs ofmental illnesses and substance usedisorders, just as CPR and First Aid

help you assist an individual who maybe choking or bleeding

– Ronni Cutler, LCSW

“

”


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Mental Health Treatments WorkIllness Success RateBipolar disorder ..............................................................80%Major depression ............................................................70%Panic attacks ..................................................................70%Schizophrenia ................................................................60%Asthma ....................................................................70-80%Diabetes ....................................................................70-80%Cardiovascular disease..............................................60-70%

SOURCE: Alpert Jewish Family and Children’s Service



Photo by: Barak Chen, IDF Spokesperson Unit

Lone Soldiers.3:Layout 1 2/9/15 12:15 PM Page 30

LoneBUT NEVER LONELY

By Mark Cantrell

In her years as a teenager growing up in

Jupiter, Hannah Rosenberg had no idea that

someday she’d be wielding an M-16 assault

rifle in a battle zone on the other side of the

world. But during a trip to Israel at the age of

16, she visited fallen war hero Michael Levin’s

grave at the national military cemetery on

Mount Herzl. It changed the course of her life.

Lone


Levin, an American from Philadelphia, made Aliyah in 2002 tobecome a lone soldier, the name given to foreign Jews who join the IsraelDefense Force but have no family/parents in-country who join the IsraelDefense Forces. Levin fell in battle in 2006, and his story had a powerfuleffect on Rosenberg, who began to consider becoming a lone soldierherself. When she finally informed her parents of her plans, however,their natural protective instincts kicked in.

“They were a little shocked,” Rosenberg remembers. “They tried topush the idea on me of going to a ‘normal college’ like my brother didand offered to pay my way and help me out. But I was determined andafter they realized they couldn’t change my mind, they became verysupportive.”


HELPING HANDSOnce her course was set, Rosenberg

received aid from severalorganizations – including theMichael Levin Center – that helpedher make the move from Florida toIsrael and get established withfurniture and food. One organizationis currently providing her withhousing and Shabbat meals. Inaddition, The Jewish Agency for Israel– a partner of Jewish Federation ofPalm Beach County – provides acontinuum of support services for lone soldiers. “With all the differentorganizations that are popping up, youget to meet more people and become afamily with everyone in your community,”says Rosenberg, who participated in avariety of programs at the Mandel JCCwhen she was growing up. “I probablyknow 500 lone soldiers in Jerusalem justfrom those organizations.”

According to Nir Boneh, a former IDFsoldier who is now a locally-based Israeliemissary for the Jewish Federation of PalmBeach County, there are currently about5,800 lone soldiers in Israel, with more arrivingall the time. They come from more than adozen countries, with the majority hailing fromthe United States, Russia and Ukraine.

Native Israelis are required to serve in theIDF for a period of two years for women and three for men.Although lone soldiers serve for the same amount of time,because they’re volunteers, they are treated a bit differently,

says Boneh. “They get an extra day of leave eachmonth to go to the bank or supermarket andthey get a little more money for holidays to buygroceries and other things that regular soldiers,who go home to their parents, don’t need.Every lone soldier also gets a host family whocelebrates Passover and other holidays withthem, spends Shabbat together and generallytakes care of them. But,” he notes, “they getthe exact same training as regular Israelis.”

Preparingfor Battle

Before training can begin, however,lone soldiers spend their first three monthsin country acclimating to life – whether itbe on a kibbutz, in an apartment or in aSoldier’s Welfare Association house – andundergoing all the necessary processing.Those whose Hebrew is a bit shaky getseveral weeks of intensive languagestudies as well.

The type of training soldiers re-ceive depends on their prospectivespecialty. “Combat soldiers get aroundeight months of training, in addition totheir two or three years of service,”Bonehnotes.

“Special forcesunits usually get more, while forthose in a professional role, it can beshorter.”

Rosenberg, who once held a service


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attendance record at Temple Beth Am in Jupiter, was assigned to a combat intelligence andreconnaissance unit in the NegevDesert near the Egyptian border. Shetypically spends 11 days on base andthree days back at her kibbutz. “Weusually complete three missions whenon duty, which last anywhere from 24hours to multiple days,” she says.“Our job is to prevent smuggling ofweapons, drugs or people acrossthe Egyptian border. We live in asmall tent camouflaged as a rockand are trained to use M-16s andgrenade launchers.

“The past two years havebeen full of ups and downs. I’vepushed myself physically beyondwhat I thought I could do. Therehave been times where I’vethought, ‘Why am I doing this?’

But in the end, I know it’s worth it, and I’m not going toregret anything.”

Maxine Kaufman, Associate Director of Federation’s Israel & GlobalInitiatives, has a lone soldier in Israel,as well: her daughter, Aimee, is anassistant to a commander on a basein Hebron. When Aimee was ateenager serving in Federation’s YoungAmbassadors program, the familyhosted Israelis in their home. Now, as alone soldier, Aimee will be welcomedinto the home of an Israeli family.

Like Rosenberg, Kaufman says herdaughter “has absolutely no regrets, andconsiders Israel her home now. She livesin Kibbutz Magen and really feels like acitizen. I don’t expect her back in the US,actually.”

That doesn’t surprise Boneh. “I think it’sbecause they feel at home [in Israel],” heexplains. “When they visit, they feel this spiritand just fall in love with the culture, the landand the atmosphere. And after they’ve felt thatfeeling of home, they want to help protect it.”

That feeling is reciprocated by the Israelipeople. Lone soldiers are held in such highesteem that when a staff sergeant from Texasnamed Sean Carmeli was recently killed,20,000 people showed up for his funeral. SaysBoneh, “They came to show that there’s nosuch thing as a lonely soldier in the IDF.”

To learn more about programs and services in Israel made possible in part

through Jewish Federation of Palm BeachCounty, please visit jewishpalmbeach.org.


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OfftheBIMA

What some local rabbis are doing in their free time might surprise you

By Y.A. Teitelbaum

Rabbi Anthony Fratello’s office is full of cows – stuffed cows,spotted cows, yellow cows, glass cows, cartoon cows and more.He began collecting them not long after he arrived at Temple ShaareiShalom in Boynton Beach in 2000.

“The cow is such a wonderful beast,” Fratello says. “It is mostcontent to merely stand there chewing away, letting little of the worldbother them or get them down. At the end of the day, that is a prettygood way of approaching life.”

Fratello is not the only rabbi who has a unique interest outsideof studying the Torah.

Rabbi Leonid Feldman of Temple Beth El in West Palm Beachenjoys ballroom dancing. Rabbi Cookie Olshein of Temple Israel inWest Palm Beach crochets kippot. And Rabbi Alon Levkovitz ofTemple Beth Am in the Jupiter-Tequesta area runs because he can’tthink of not running, whether it’s for exercise or a competition.

“I started racing about 10 years ago,” says Levkovitz, who hasrun in the New York City Marathon, the Los Angeles Marathon andthe Palm Beach Marathon. “I trained for the Tel Aviv Marathon acouple of years ago and even flew to Israel to race it but, becauseof an unusual heat wave, they cancelled the full course, and I endedup running the half marathon. It would have been disappointing ifnot for the fact that my father and my two brothers ran the courseas well. It was a very special feeling.”

Levkovitz usually trains for a major race in the fall, which requireshim to average about 40 miles each week. Running in local racesgives the rabbi a family activity, a way to stay involved in thecommunity and a chance to collect his thoughts.

“As a rabbi, our Jewish High Holidays require a lot of thinkingand mental preparation,” he says. This year, Levkovitz had theopportunity to think deep thoughts while training for an IRONMAN®Miami race in October. “There is nothing like a three- to four-hour runto help with thinking about the High Holidays sermons.”


Off the Bima.2:Layout 1 2/9/15 12:18 PM Page 34

Meanwhile, Rabbi Feldman, who has always wanted to learnhow to dance, saw an ad for an introductory course about five yearsago and decided to go for it.

“Ballroom dancing is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to learn,” hesays. “There’s always room for improvement. I like the esthetics of it,it is my artistic outlet. I find that it takes me away from my professionallife. I like the challenge of learning and improving the technique – andI enjoy dancing much more that working out in a gym.”

Feldman usually goes to the studio twice a week but doesn’tparticipate in competitions. “This is just for me, a skill I always wantedto have,” he says. His favorite dances are the waltz, rumba and bolero.

Rabbi Olshein learned to crochet when she was 12 years old bytaking classes at her mother’s craft store. She taught herself how tocrochet kippot (yarmulkes) while attending the Jerusalem campus ofHebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s rabbinicalschool. For the past 11 years, she has been making them for her ownpersonal tzadekah project.

It can take anywhere from 90 minutes to eight hours to completea single kippah, depending on the complexity. Olshein sells themfor $10 or $15 and donates all of the proceeds to a variety ofworthwhile organizations. “I stopped counting when I reached$2,500 in donations,” she admits.

All of Olshein’s kippot are created without a pattern from yarnshe buys in Jerusalem. “I have searched for the cotton I firstpurchased there all over the U.S. and on the Internet but have neverbeen able to get the brand I like anywhere else,” she says. “Becauseof this, I have often asked people to bring this specific yarn backfrom Israel when they visit. I also like supporting an Israeli businessby buying it there.”

She usually works with colors that are fairly universal and can beworn with anything. She has found, however, that some people liketo match a kippah with a specific outfit. To accommodate the

AnthonyFratello

R A B B I

“At the end of theday, cows have apretty good way ofapproaching life.”

– Rabbi Anthony Fratello



fashionistas, she says, “Sometimes I get a little more adventurousand use more vivid colors.”

One of her creations is on display as part of the permanentcollection in the Berlin Jewish Museum as a result of a visit toGermany she made five years ago. Olshein was invited by theGerman government to participate in a special program for womenrabbis and Jewish professionals studying the first woman rabbi,Regina Jonas, who was ordained in Germany in 1935. During thevisit, the group met with curators from the museum and receiveda behind-the-scenes tour.

“While looking at their display on kippot, I asked why there wereno women’s kippot shown in the display, which led to a conversationabout the creativity of women’s head coverings in the west and inIsrael,” she says. The curator took an interest in the one Olshein waswearing that day, a kind typically unavailable in Germany. WhenOlshein mentioned that she had made the kippah and that she justhappened to have a couple more examples of her work in her purse,the curator didn’t hesitate. “She asked if I would donate one to themuseum so it could be included in the exhibit.”

While Rabbis Olshein, Feldman and Levkovitz actively pursuetheir interests, Rabbi Fratello lets the cows come to him.

“Someone gave me a birthday card that had a cow on it. Ithought it was funny, so I taped it to my door. Someone else gaveme another after that and it grew from there,” Fratello says. “Now,frequently when people take a trip or see something particularlyfunny or kitschy, they gift it to me.

“One of the smallest stuffed cows I have sits atop my nightstandat home,” Fratello admits. “He was supposed to be in my office buthe was too cute to leave there.”

Cookie OlsheinR A B B I

Leonid FeldmanR A B B I

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“Ballroom dancing isthe hardest thing I’ve ever had to learn.”

– Rabbi Leonid Feldman


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Traditional Jewish dishes, like potato latkes, are being incorporated and updated on many modern menus.Here, latkes are topped with smoked salmon, asparagus and sour cream.

Whats on the Menu.2:Layout 1 2/9/15 12:21 PM Page 38

Jewish cuisinegets an update

By Rich Pollack

not so long ago, Susan Shulman Pertnoy recalls,when a traditional Jewish family dinner was, well,

predictable. “You would sit down to a holiday meal, and it would be brisketwith heavy sauces,” she says.

Thanks to an evolution that has been taking place in Jewish kitchens,kosher restaurants and catering halls, Jewish palates may be in for a surprisethese days. You can still find the Jewish food you grew up with; you canalso, however, discover a new take on tradition. Innovative and creativemeals that taste better and are better for you are showing up on tablesacross South Florida. And, with beautifully presented dishes where nodetail has gone unnoticed, presentation no longer takes a back seat.

Go to a bar mitzvah or a Jewish wedding and you could be servedsushi or ceviche. Dine out on potato latkes topped not with applesauce orsour cream but with caviar. You can even enjoy a recipe for gefilte fishmade with mullet – rich in heart-healthy omega 3s – as well as carrots,beets, onions and a selection of spices that, well, tastes good.

“Now you can keep the traditions and enjoy them without having toworry about getting a heart attack,” says Pertnoy, author of Cooking Up aStory: Empowering Women Through Cooking, a cookbook that featureshealthier versions of traditional recipes that have been passed on to Israeliwomen by their mothers and grandmothers.

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Israeli-influenced Mediterranean breakfast buffet at the Eau Palm Beach Resort’sTemple Orange restaurant. Armando Galeas, Chef de Cuisine

To be fair, there is still a lot of demand for corned beef on rye.Chances are also slim that eggplant soup will replace matzo ballsoup at most Jewish celebrations. Slowly but surely, though,healthier dishes made with less fat, less sugar and fewer calories– presented appetizingly and prepared creatively – are findingtheir way onto our plates.

“You want to keep the traditions but you want to be able toupdate them so they can be incorporated into today’s lifestyle,”Pertnoy says. “Many of the dishes are evolving to accommodateour growing knowledge of healthy living. We’ve become moreaware and more educated.”

The trend toward more creative – and healthier – Jewish-stylefood is being driven by broader trends in the community. Thebenefits of healthy eating are more generally understood.Consumer demand, along with the ability to circumvent the

seasons, enables us to enjoy an amazing variety of fresh produceyear-round. There are inspired chefs eager to create and suppliershappy to provide a greater array of kosher products.

“Kosher-style products in the old days were canned,powdered or dried,” says Thomas Ryan, executive chef at EauPalm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan. “Today’s ingredients arebetter and they’re healthier.”

“What we’re doing is maintaining the traditions of kosher stylewhile presenting it in a more non-traditional manner,” says TitoRodriguez-Torres, executive assistant manager of the resort’sfood and beverage division. “People think that in order to becreative you have to compromise tradition and that’s not thecase.” When it comes to catering special occasions like weddingsand mitzvahs, fish and innovative Mediterranean-style side dishes

are now among the choices available at Eau Palm Beach.The days of matzo balls as heavy as cannon balls and

spreading schmaltz on a piece of challah are slowly fading. “Now,there’s a demand for better quality,” Ryan says. “People are moreknowledgeable and more demanding.”

“Kosher and kosher style can be gastronomic,” says EauPalm Beach Creative Director Ayelet Rahav. The new Israeli-influenced Mediterranean breakfast buffet at the resort’s TempleOrange restaurant provides ample evidence. Guests can get theday off to a good start with choices ranging from mini quichesand hummus with pita bread to shakshouka, poached eggsserved with sautéed onions, fresh garlic, pepper, cumin andcherry tomatoes in season.

Rahav is quick to point out that Israeli cuisine has long beenhealthier than traditional Jewish cuisine is here in the UnitedStates. “Because Israel is a melting pot of cultures, we didn’t haveto break away from traditions,” she says. “We didn’t have anytraditions.”

The Mediterranean influence can also be found at King DavidCuisine. Couscous and pita bread are staples at the strictlykosher restaurant in Boynton Beach, reflecting the Moroccan andFrench heritage of Nelly Cohen, who, along with her family, ownsthe restaurant.

For holidays and Shabbat, Cohen says, diners still favor thefamiliar but they are becoming a little more daring when it comesto everyday meals. “The traditions have stayed the same but nowI think our customers are a little more open to testing new things,”Cohen says.

For Rami Attias, who runs the kosher Te’Amim Catering, it’snot just the food but the way it is served that has changed. Thedays of paper plates and plastic silverware are gone. “Back thenit was ‘Here’s the food, take it or leave it, bye bye,’” he says. “Nowpresentation has changed 100 percent. People don’t believe it’skosher.”b


Kosher and kosher stylecan be gastronomic.

– Ayelet Rahav, Eau Palm Beach Creative Director“ ”

Choices at Eau’s Mediterranean buffet range from mini quiches and hummus withpita bread to shakshouka, poached eggs served with sautéed onions, fresh garlic,pepper, cumin and cherry tomatoes in season


During a 2012 trip to Israel, Susan ShulmanPertnoy had a chance to see the Nazareth IllitCook and Host Group in action. Theinnovative program, which receives fundingfrom her family’s foundation through aphilanthropic fund at the Jewish Federationof Palm Beach County, brings together womenfrom vulnerable populations and diverse backgrounds to sharestories and recipes in a therapeutic setting.

With a spread of traditional family meals in front of them – allprepared in slightly nontraditional ways to make them healthier –Pertnoy saw firsthand how the program changes lives.

“As each person told their story and shared how they learnedto make their meals healthier I kept thinking, ‘This could be anamazing cookbook,’” Pertnoy recalls.

Pertnoy followed through on the idea and published CookingUp a Story: Empowering Women Through Cooking earlier this year.It is filled with traditional recipes shared by women in the group,who receive support from one another and from a professionalstaff that includes a social worker, a dietician and a chef.

“The women learned how to make substitutions to dishes thatwere passed on to them by their mothers and grandmothers toturn them into healthy meals that are also low cost,” Pertnoy says.

Along with recipes, women in the program – many of whomhave overcome adversity – share their personal stories withPertnoy in the book. For example, the recipe for mamaliga, acornmeal porridge traditionally served in Romania, Moldova and

Western Ukraine, comes from a woman who left her nativeRomania because doctors there couldn’t treat her daughter’sceliac disease.

Pertnoy is continuing in her family’s tradition ofphilanthropy. The book benefits the American Jewish JointDistribution Committee’s Nutritional Enrichment and HealthyLiving Program. The program was initiated by Pernoty’s lateuncle, Professor Stanley Mills (z"l). The generosity of Pertnoy’smother, Barbara Kay, and her late husband, Jack Kay (z"l),turned Stanley’s vision into reality.

For more information or to purchase a copy of Cooking up a Story: Empowering Women through Cooking, visitjewishpalmbeach.org/cookbook.


“The women learned how tomake substitutions to dishesthat were passed on tothem by their mothers andgrandmothers”

– Susan Shulman Pertnoy

A Recipe for


SchoolfortheMODERNMENSCH

By Colin ShaloPhotos by Lori Danley & Holly SokoloffHow Meyer Academy’s brand new

home will revolutionize the way

21st century kids learn – and grow

as people.


Meyer Academy.3:Layout 1 2/9/15 12:22 PM Page 42

I’m standing next to the head of school of the Arthur I. MeyerJewish Academy, and we’re looking up at the galaxy.

“There’s knowledge and then there’s wisdom,” he says to me.“Most schools teach knowledge: what you should know. But atMeyer Academy, we teach wisdom: what you do with what youknow. This galaxy puts things in perspective for children.”

We’re looking at a large backlit rendering of the galaxyconstructed into the ceiling at the Meyer Academy’s brand new,state-of-the-art facility that recently opened for the school’s 41styear. After 16 years on MilitaryTrail, the InternationalBaccalaureate school (whichserves kindergarten througheighth grade) is now in theMelvin J. & Claire Levine Centerfor Jewish Learning on HoodRoad in Palm Beach Gardens.

This galaxy painting, Head ofSchool Nehemia “Nammie”Ichilov explains to me, is one ofmany features of the school that is both artistically awe-inspiringand educationally purposeful.

“The architecture and design are part of the educationalexperience,” he says. “The entire building was created to be partof the children’s learning experience, rather than simply a buildingto house it.”

We walk down the hall and I look up again. Large rectangularobjects seemingly float from the ceiling above. They look likeclouds. I’m in the Noah’s Ark section of the school. An ark-likestructure comes out of the wall, leading all the way up to theshingles on the roof. The design functions as a tie to history andJudaism, a feature Rene Tercilla – the school’s architect andsenior vice president at Harvard Jolly Architecture – was drawn towhen he accepted the project.

“Hearing a desire to look for ways to integrate religiouscontent into everyday life at theschool was exciting,” saidTercilla. “It led to the design ofvery obvious parts of the buildingsuch as the Ark within the mediacenter – but also to less visibledifferences like a media centerthat’s more of a ‘living room’ thanlibrary.”

Beside the ark, I’m struck bywhat I see through a nearby

window: a room that looks like a TV studio.“Students will write, produce and have all the responsibility to

create TV news for their peers,” Ichilov tells me. “Giving them thisresponsibility is a part of that ‘teaching wisdom’ philosophy.”

I walk upstairs to a science classroom – or, as it’s known atthe school, a “Fab Lab” (short for “fabrication lab,” which school

Several design aspects of the new Meyer Academy building incorporate religiousthemes. The media center was designed with a Noah’s Ark theme, notably the large rectangular objects on the ceiling, which were built to represent clouds.


Meyer Academy is not just teachingmy boys to read, write and do math.They are teaching my children to be independent, resourceful, smart,creative and kind.

– Tracie Kreiger, mother of two sonswho attend Meyer Academy

“

”


officials tell me will soon be equipped with a 3D printer and manyother advanced technological resources). Here, students not onlybuild their ideas into tangible prototypes, they are taught that theirwork may potentially fail or not go as predicted when tested. Asa result, students are encouraged to experiment and learn fromtheir experiences.

“Meyer Academy is not justteaching my boys to read, write anddo math. They are teaching mychildren to be independent,resourceful, smart, creative and kind,”said Tracie Kreiger, whose two sonsattend Meyer Academy. “This schooldevelops so much more thanchildren’s academics – they aredeveloping every single beautiful partof my children.”

Though school is now in sessionat the new facility, many designfeatures are still being constructed. School officials tell me thatthis is on purpose: students are growing not just in the newbuilding, but with it.

One feature recently installed is a large wall outside the lobby,fashioned to appear like shelves with book titles that are actuallyengravings written by past, present and future students and theirfamilies. Dubbed the “Building Our Future, One Book at a Time”project by a student at Meyer Academy, the wall is one of themany recognition opportunities for the community members whofunded the school’s construction with the Tomorrow TodayCampaign (TTC).

Meyer Academy’s new building is just one result of TTC, acommunity capital campaign spearheaded by Jewish Federationof Palm Beach County and a group of Jewish community leadersto reimagine the Jewish community of the greater Palm Beaches.

Honorary co-chairs include Sheila and Alec Engelstein, Barbaraand Jack (z”l) Kay, Marilyn (z”l) and Arnold Lampert, Ellen andIrwin Levy, Barbara and Mort Mandel, and Sydelle Meyer.

Ron Pertnoy, a principal of Shapiro Pertnoy Companies andPresident of the Palm Beach County Jewish Community Campus

Corporation, dedicated his detailedknowledge of the real estate industryto guide Jewish community institutionsto best meet the changing needs of thepopulation. Pertnoy’s efforts torelocate Meyer Academy and MandelJCC to Palm Beach Gardens, forinstance, came in response to thearea’s blossoming Jewish community– one of the fastest growing in thecountry.

The school’s new home is also theresult of a landmark expedition to theWashington, D.C. area. Six school and

community leaders – including Ichilov, Tercilla, Federationprofessionals and members of the building and design committee– traveled to our nation’s capital to visit some of the mostrenowned independent schools in the country.

Their goal: draw inspiration from these shining examples tobuild the dream school for our Jewish community.

“We spoke to school leaders across the country. We listenedto the things that worked as well as those that didn’t,” says MikiLeibowitz, chair of Meyer Academy’s building committee andparent of two alumni. “The process allowed us to explore the bestof what existed and learn from others’ successes and challenges.”

“It is rare in this day and age to be given a blank sheet of paperand told to create the school of your dreams,” said William Meyer,a lead donor to the school, board of trustees member and the sonof the school’s namesake, philanthropist Arthur Meyer (z”l).

The new building has two outdoor areas where children can play and learn geography.This outdoor play area has a map of Israel built into the surface.

A rendering of the galaxy is built into the ceiling at the school, meantto evoke a sense of awe before students enter the Beit Midrash.



“But that is what you see before you today.”When I was a kid (and maybe when you were, too), a

schoolyard was a bare and characterless blacktop. That’s all therewas to it. At Meyer Academy’s new facility, that idea has beenturned on its head.

I walk outside and see a giant map of Israel engraved into thecourtyard where children play, learn and absorb. The map willsoon identify key cities, including our area’s partner region knownas TZAHAR (an abbreviation of the cities of Tzfat, Hazor HaGlilitand Rosh Pina).

“When visualizing the school, we spoke about what types ofactivities and what type of learning would take place in theseareas,” said Michelle Jacobson, a mother of Meyer Academyalumni, chair of the school’s design committee and immediatepast president of the school. “It was a fun place to conceive and design.”

The map is just the beginning to students’ Israel experienceat the school. Many teachers are actually from Israel. Studentsstay connected to their Israeli peers through a school twinningprogram and a network of immersive travel experiences – allthanks to Partnership 2Gether, a living bridge program betweenthe Jewish community of the greater Palm Beaches and Israel’sTZAHAR region. Partners from the region have already visited

Meyer Academy twice this school year, and students look forwardto their eighth grade trip to Israel, where they will meet Israelifriends they have made through letters, emails, FaceTime andSkype.

But the school isn’t only about teaching Israel. A few yardsaway from the Israel map, under a large permanent awning, isanother giant map built into the ground: that of the United States.Educators can teach U.S. geography and history, employingimmersive tactics far more exciting than textbooks. What couldhave been standard pavement instead ties into a much moreresonating learning experience.

“Our youth have a spectacularly designed and builtenvironment to absorb the excellent academic and Jewisheducation provided by Meyer Academy teachers and staff,” saidMichael Kaufman, founder and CEO of Kaufman LynnConstruction, whose company built the school.

As I go to exit the school, I see a student walk up to a smallslot in a unique wall. He drops a note into the slot. The wall looksfamiliar: built with imported Jerusalem stone, it’s a replica ofJerusalem’s Kotel.

Using the mail slot built toward the bottom of the wall,students (or, actually, anyone from the community) can leaveprayers and messages throughout the year. During the course ofthe year, the eighth grade students are responsible for collectingthese notes and ultimately fulfilling the commandment of beingshlichei mitzvah (“emissaries of good deeds”) when they dropthem off at the Kotel in Jerusalem during their annual spring tripto Israel.

As Nammie puts it: “The students are living Jewish values.”While I am not what most people would call a religious person, Ihave spent my share of time in Israel and a lot of other placesaround the world. This new home for Meyer Academy is, to me,

Three young girls walk through the hallways of thenew Meyer Academy, which teaches children from

kindergarten through eighth grade.

A Meyer Academy student puts a note inthe replica Western Wall at the school.Eighth graders will collect notes dropped off at this wall and deliver them to the Kotel in Jerusalem later in the school year.


Most schools teach knowledge: what

you should know. But at Meyer Academy,

we teach wisdom: what you do with

what you know. – Nehemia “Nammie” Ichilov, Head of School

“

”


refreshing. The school not only embraces the beauty of Judaismand the Jewish homeland, but it so clearly dedicates itself tocreatively surrounding children with the rich history that serves asour foundation and the wisdom to lead us into the future.

Nammie turns to me as he walks me out to the parking lot. Hetells me about one more feature coming soon that he thinks will

interest me: a 9’x9’ video matrix wall inside the school that willshow live video feeds from around the world. Students will beable to view, in real time, the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids ofGiza, CNN’s student news feed or even our local weather forecast– among countless other options. The wall can show one giantimage or nine different feeds.

With features like the video matrix wall, the giant map of Israel

and the picture of the galaxy, children are introduced fromkindergarten onwards to a broader understanding of local andglobal perspective. Boys and girls learn there’s a big world outthere – and they have the potential to affect it for the positive.

At Meyer Academy, they learn to understand that they mightsometimes fail – and, in turn, learn to accept the importance ofgetting back up and trying again.

Children are immersed in the Jewish values of tzedakah(Hebrew for “justice” but commonly signifying “charity”), chesed(“kindness”) and tikkun olam (“repairing the world”) – giving themthe tools to understand for themselves how to be the best theycan be.

“In other words,” says Nammie, “we educate and graduatemensches.” b

The first school year at the Meyer Academy’s new building is underway at its new location on Hood Road in Palm Beach Gardens.

Learn more at MeyerAcademy.orgTo arrange a tour of the new facility or to learn moreabout the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy, pleasecontact Stacy Cohn, Director of First Impressions, at561.686.6520 or [email protected].

For information and to learn about recognitionopportunities with Federation’s Tomorrow TodayCampaign, call 561.242.6665 or [email protected].



MILLENNIALS

S E A R C H F O R M E A N I N GA N D C O N N E C T I O N S

By Allegra Nagler


21st Century.3:Layout 1 2/9/15 12:25 PM Page 48

amie Simon grew up going to synagogue.When she went off to the University of

Florida, her schedule prevented her frommaintaining the involvement she wished she

could have. When she graduated and movedto Boynton Beach in 2007, Jamie looked for

ways to reconnect with Jewish life in a waythat resonated with her.

“I went to a few group events here and there,but it didn’t really feel like I connected,” says

Jamie. “I stopped pursuing after that.”

Fast forward about six years, and Jamie wasinvited to a Shabbat dinner for young

professionals.

“Going to that dinner and meeting some newpeople sort of reenergized me. I’ve since

gone to a few events and it’s been nice tosee Millennials coming out – just doing so to

be part of their Jewish community.”

Many young professionals like Jamie seekout Jewish events like regular Shabbatdinners to meet other like-minded peoplein the area. Many similar programs haveenjoyed tremendous turnouts.

Often open to non-Jewish friends andsignificant others, these events arewelcoming and all encompassing. Suchopenness has drawn the attention of manyJewish millennials, many of whom haveengaged less and less in Jewish life sincetheir bar or bat mitzvah. The programsonly serve as a place to go with your lovedone and even a place to meet one. Onegroup in the area claims responsibility forsix marriages and seven babies.

J



Programs for millennials stay true to their Jewish roots. Manyare held at synagogues or with the sponsorship of a Jewishorganization. If food is served, it is most always kosher. But theevents are adaptable to modern trends and expectations. Thiscreates an environment for millennials that is – as one organizerput it – “Judaism on their own terms.”

Millennials, the cohort born between 1981 and 2000, liveincreasingly digital lives. They connect through mobile devices,documenting life frame by frame on Facebook. Many, however,find themselves seeking something more.

Millennials are creating a Jewish community beyond the wallsof the synagogue. Old enough to remember life before cell phonesbut young enough to be on the forefront of the tech boom, thisgeneration is quickly discovering new and novel ways to connectto their heritage.

“Many young Jewish professionals are looking for significantothers, friends and a Jewish experience,” says Joey Abrin, adevelopment associate at the Jewish Federation of Palm BeachCounty who works with NextGen Jewish Palm Beach. A divisionof Federation, NextGen engages the young professionalcommunity through philanthropy, education and communityservice. “They’re looking for a comfortable place to be themselvesand meet others they can connect with on that deeper level.”

A landmark 2013 survey by the Pew Research Center foundthat only 68% of millennial Jews identify as being Jewish onreligious terms – a stark contrast to the 93% of the aging “GreatestGeneration” who identify as Jewish in that context. The remaining

32% of millennials describe themselves as having no religion andidentify as Jewish based on ancestry, ethnicity or culture.

“My grandparents were involved because that’s what theydid,” Abrin says. Previous generations came to America withtheir own culture, rituals and traditions and – for economic,social and spiritual reasons – often lived in communities thatsupported those traditions. “We’re involved because we chooseto be.”

According to a 2009 study from Brandeis University, failing toengage younger people could put the continuity of the Jewishcommunity at risk. “These kids are searching for meaning and havea high need to own and control what they do,” the study reports. Itgoes on to say that the younger generation may find their placewithin the larger Jewish community, but in different ways.

That’s where groups like Federation’s NextGen are becoming

increasingly valuable. The group hosts happy hours, volunteerprojects, community campaigns and faith-based discussions onlove, relationships, spirituality and the human psyche.

For others, it’s about connecting to Judaism through commoninterests. Dan Finklestein, a 30-something dog walker, enjoysJewish experiences in nature and is currently president of MosaicOutdoors Club, which brings outdoor enthusiasts together. Thegroup is not overtly religious; Mosaic encourages alldenominations of Jews to share the beauty and opportunityoffered by South Florida’s natural environment. Events include anannual musical Havdalah campfire (with kosher s’mores!),camping, deep sea fishing and afternoon paddle boarding. “We’re

MILLENNIALS



participants, not spectators,” Finkelstein says.Jay Nightingale runs JYP2030, a group designed for Jewish

Young Professionals in their 20s and 30s. The group’s Facebookpage boasts 2,500 members, many from Palm Beach County.

Nightingale, an IT specialist who grew up in Israel, says, “It’shard to meet people. Millennials are not in a hurry to settle down.They want to explore the world and have fun before they getmarried.” The group partners with a Jewish dating website, andhosts comedy nights, salsa classes, and social events at areahotspots.

Beth Wayne, a young mother and active volunteer in PalmBeach Gardens, is co-chair of Kol Isha (Hebrew for “a woman’svoice”), a young women’s philanthropy group at the JewishFederation of Palm Beach County. Wayne grew up as anobservant Catholic, converting to Judaism in her 20s after

marrying a Jewish man. “I had Jewish friends and spent holidays with them,” she says.

“Who wouldn’t like to sit down for dinner and noodle kugel?”Although her husband wasn’t particularly observant, Wayne

felt it was important for their children to have a sense of Jewishidentity. “Because I left my traditions, I jumped headfirst intolearning and understanding new Jewish traditions,” she says. “Iam committed to have Jewish traditions and values be a centralpart of our family.”

What attracts her to Kol Isha? “It’s about sisterhood,volunteering, making friendships and becoming a part of thecommunity. I want my daughter to be a part of what I do – if I

deliver meals to homebound elderly, I want her to participatewith me to understand this is a way of life.”

Wayne sends her children to preschool at the Mandel JCC ofthe Palm Beaches, and completed Federation’s two-yearEmerging Leadership Program. “Although I’m currently a stay-at-home mom, community involvement and bringing Judaism intoour lives on a daily basis is not only part of who I am, it’s aboutcreating the foundation for our family, for our children so theycarry the traditions as they grow up.”

“Third Fridays and other emerging groups speak to thisindependent-minded generation of Jews who don’t need to berooted in one place,” says Alicia Stillman, 46, cantor at TempleJudea in Palm Beach Gardens. “Part of the millennial experienceis to travel, explore, investigate who they are and how toincorporate Judaism into their life.”

Stillman is supportive of the millennial spirit, seeking theseindividuals who probably aren’t regularly attending services butare looking to create conversations and connections. “People arelooking for a spiritual life, but not necessarily within the four wallsof a synagogue,” she says. “Rabbis and cantors are using cutting-edge social media to connect.”

Stillman has explored the possibility of holding Friday nightservices in a bar.

“People want to connect. We’re spiritual beings. CelebratingShabbat and other Jewish holidays speaks to us in the deepestpart of our soul – where we cry and yearn,” she says. “Kumzits -come eat and talk to us, make kiddush with us.”b

GET CONNECTEDNextGen, Federation’s young professionals group (22-40)

Contact Joey Abrin 561.615.4950 or

[email protected]

Kol Isha is a new Federation offering for young women (25-45ish)

Contact Jennifer Green Baer 561.242.6608

or [email protected]

Community resources include but are not limited to: JYP2030 for Jewish

young professionals in their 20s and 30s jyp2030.com or on Facebook

Mosaic Outdoor Club Contact Dan Finkelstein 954.684.1742

or [email protected]



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Jewish Federation of Palm BeachCounty recently named Carolyn Roseas the Director of Planned Giving andEndowments. In this role, she willfocus on establishing and enhancingthe Federation’s portfolio of legacy giv-ing; funds raised are used to supportprograms and initiatives by the Feder-ation, as well as its partner agenciesand local synagogues.

“Planned giving is a powerful op-portunity to create an extraordinary liv-ing legacy in our Jewish community,”said Michael L. Kohner, Chairman of theProfessional Legacy Advisors Network(PLAN) and current Treasurer for Feder-ation. “Carolyn’s energy and knowledgeare intrinsically tied to a successful mis-sion of Federation and its partner agen-cies for generations to come.”

Rose recently served as the ChiefDevelopment Officer at the MandelJewish Community Center of the PalmBeaches. In this role, she grew the or-ganization’s annual giving by 35 per-cent and created a professionaladvisory group to manage fundraisinggoals in a team setting.

A seasoned professional with 20years of experience, she also hasserved as Associate Vice President ofSouth Palm Beach County Federa-tion’s Foundation Department and ledtheir Professional Advisory Committee.Rose worked with volunteer leaders tocreate campaigns for giving that re-ceived nationwide recognition andoversaw strategic planning to cultivatedonors and provide training onplanned giving strategies.

Federation welcomesCarolyn Roseas new Director of Planned Giving

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Federation Headlines b


It isn't every day 1,400 women join together in Times Square.But eleven women philanthropists from Jewish

Federation of Palm Beach County’s Women’s Philanthropyjoined fellow Lions of Judah in September in New YorkCity for the International Lion of Judah Conference. Lionsof Judah (women who commit $6,000 or more toFederation’s Annual Campaign) from across the worldcame to the Marriott Marquis in Times Square to connectwith one another, discuss women’s roles asphilanthropists and hear from renowned experts on a widearray of timely topics.

The women heard from political figures, rabbis,filmmakers, businesspeople, founders of nonprofits, authors,scholars and experts in fields ranging from medicine toJewish philanthropy.

Some of the more recognizable speakers were SecondLady Jill Biden, former New York Governor George Patakiand actor/producer Josh Malina (via video). But the speakersthat delivered some of the most moving words of theconference were the parents of Gilad Shaar, one of the threeboys who was kidnapped and killed in the West Bank. Theparents’ travel arrangements were underwritten by womenphilanthropists.

“It was extremely moving to hear those parents speak,”said Jan Burke, one of the Lions of Judah from Palm BeachCounty who attended the conference. “They talked about howtheir son saved a woman's life shortly before he was killed –and the impact that any single person can have on someone.”

Overall, the women who participated in the conferencecollectively raised $27 million – compared to $21 million atthe last conference in 2012.

“We raise money for a common goal. But we don’t

always understand exactly who we’re touching,” said Burke.“Federation touches so many avenues. Together we touchso many lives.”

At the conference, Burke increased her annual gift tobecome a Ruby Lion.

“It was the right moment,” she said. “After understandingall the little things Federation does – each family who getsfed, each woman or child who is helped out of an abusivesituation – I decided it was the right thing to do. When youfeel it, you just do it.”

Also at the conference, Amy Jonas from Palm BeachCounty was awarded the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award,which honors extraordinary women who have set a highstandard for philanthropy and volunteerism.

“28 years ago, I made my first Lion of Judah gift, and I amso grateful for all that my Lion commitment has afforded meover the years," said Jonas. "It has really been my privilege,honor and blessing to be able – for more than three decades– to contribute both my time and resources to building andstrengthening our Jewish community and doing my part inTikkun Olam.”

Over the years, the Lion of Judah program has becomea symbol of women’s caring and commitment to the Jewishphilanthropic world. More than 17,000 women worldwidetake part in the program, which brings together women of allages and walks of like to play an essential role in creatingsocial justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preservinghuman dignity and building Jewish identity.

To learn more about Women’s Philanthropy with Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, contact Deborah Schafer at 561.242.6631 or email [email protected].

[Top row, from L to R] Helen Bix, Vivian Lieberman, Gail Newman, Lynn Kaston, Sheryl Davidoff, Judy Fish, Karen List. [bottom row, from L to R] Jillian Jonas (Amy Jonas’ daughter),Amy Jonas, Samantha Jonas (Amy Jonas’ other daughter) and Jan Burke.

Palm Beach Lions Roar to NYC


b Federation Headlines


One year after Chelsea Clinton delivered remarks at the Federation’sinaugural Main Event, three major names have signed on to speak atFederation events.

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, political commentator, physicianand author Charles Krauthammer was the featured speaker at JewishFederation of Palm Beach County’s inaugural Blue & White Ball. Theevent took place at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion on Thursday,January 8, 2015.

Krauthammer, an outspoken advocate for Israel, writes a renownedweekly column for The Washington Post that is syndicated in more than400 newspapers worldwide. He is also the former essayist for Timemagazine and served as speechwriter for the White House.

At The Main Event, Federation’s flagship philanthropic program atwhich Clinton spoke in 2014, humorist and actor Mo Rocca will be thefeatured speaker on March 3, 2015 at the Kravis Center’s CohenPavilion.

Rocca is known for his quirky reports on a wide range of credits,including The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and CBS Sunday Morning.Today, he is creator and host of the Cooking Channel’s Emmy-nominated show My Grandmother’s Ravioli, in which he learns to cookfrom grandparents across the country.

The Main Event is for families who give a minimum of $1,000 toFederation’s 2015 Annual Campaign. People 35 years old or youngercan attend with a minimum gift of $500. The cost per attendee is $136.

For more information about The Main Event, contact Rachel Berg at561.242.6612 or [email protected].

Renowned author, acclaimed humoristspeak at Federation events

Using a generous grant from the Leonard and SophieDavis Fund, Federation is launching OneWorld, a projectto promote tolerance, diversity and the Jewish value ofchesed (“kindness”). Federation will work to encouragecompassion and care in the community via inspiringprograms held throughout the greater Palm Beaches.

The first OneWorld program, “Crisis Rising: A Forumon Global Anti-Semitism,” was organized by Federation’sJewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) at the MandelJCC in Palm Beach Gardens on October 7. The forumincluded three renowned experts on the issue: Ira Forman,U.S. Special Envoy of the Office to Monitor and CombatAnti-Semitism; Professor Charles Small, director of theInstitute for the Study of Global Anti-Semitism and Policy;and Hava Holzauer, Florida Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

October 7’s event was held in response to a recent ADLreport claiming one quarter of the world’s population nowpossesses some form of anti-Semitic prejudice.

“We must act now to stop the rampant anti-Semiticexploding across Europe, Latin America and even in the United States,” said JCRC Vice President, Dr. LuisFleischman. “This forum and the OneWorld projecttogether can ensure our community will always tolerate

people of all races,religions and creeds.”

In addition to theforum, JCRC and the OneWorld projectorganized “Let MyPeople Go”, a series ofphoto galleries, filmviewings and lecturesfocusing on diversity,human rights andtopics related to the Soviet Jewry movement.

Several other programs focusing on tolerance, socialjustice and cultural understanding will be offeredthroughout 2015 through Federation’s many partners and initiatives – including JCRC, NextGen (youngprofessionals), Jewish Professionals Network, Kol Isha(Federation’s young women’s group), Jewish Teen Initiative,and more.

Learn more about upcoming programs associated withOneWorld at jewishpalmbeach.org/oneworld.

Stay updated on all upcoming events with Federationby registering for eNews, Federation’s biweekly newsletterat jewishpalmbeach.org/signup.

Tolerance promoted withcommunity-wide project

ADL's Florida regional director Hava Holzauer speaks to thecrowd on Tuesday, October 7 to address surging global anti-Semitism. A recent ADL report found one-quarter of theworld'spopulation now possesses a form of anti-Semitic prejudice.




Community leaders gatherfor unique retreat

Every community needs its leaders –and every leader has a responsibility todevelop themselves and their skills forthe good of the community.

The Bildner-Winer LeadershipSuccession Initiative (LSI) is Federation’seffort to cultivate the next generation ofcommunity leadership for JewishFederation of Palm Beach County.

13 leaders joined together at theMarriott on Singer Island in August for a retreat opportunity, where theydiscussed Federation’s mission andtheir role as leaders. This was the fourthin a series of five programs for theparticipants, including a program toIsrael.

“Many of these people are alreadywell-established as business andcommunity leaders,” said Dr. HeleneLotman, Executive Vice President/ChiefTalent Officer at Federation and thecoordinator of LSI. “The challenge theynow face is creating a plan to buildbeyond themselves and bring othersinto the community and leadership.”

LSI participants were joined at the retreat by an icon in the Jewishphilanthropy world: Jerry Silverman,President & CEO of Jewish Federationsof North America.

“Mr. Silverman discussed with theleaders about the commonalitiesamong all Federations,” said Dr.Lotman. “How can we collaborate withone another? What’s our direction? Andhow does Jewish Federation of PalmBeach County fit into all of that? ”

The leaders who participated in theretreat also decided to conveneregularly to discuss with other leadersand professionals the ever-changinginitiatives needed in the community.Some examples they discussed werethe development of enhanced teenprogramming, security and analysis ofexisting programs.

For updates on leadership develop-ment opportunities in the community,go to jewishpalmbeach.org.

LSI participants met with with elementary school students while on their program to Israel.

While in Israel, leaders with Federation’s LSI program heard from a soldier in the Israel Defense Forcesabout what leadership means for someone protecting his country.

Leaders with LSI learned about programs supported by Federation in Israel, like this program for youngpeople who have an interest working in the field of medicine.



Barry Berg named 2015Annual Campaign Chair

Barry Berg has been appointedas Chair of the 2015 AnnualCampaign at Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. In thisposition, he will oversee campaignstrategy, community solicitationand work to strengthen the AnnualCampaign infrastructure to ensurefuture growth. Berg will also lead the implementation andorganization of the new CampaignCabinet, which consists of 30experienced community leaders.

Berg has been involved withFederation since the early 1980sand has sat on the Board ofDirectors for more than 10 years.

Cynthia R. Brown was installedas Chair of the Women’s Philan-thropy Board at Jewish Federationof Palm Beach County. Brown has beenon the Federa-tion’s Board forseveral years, previously servingas chair and anoriginal trustee ofJewish Women’sFoundation (JWF).She has held sev-eral key leader-ship positions withWomen’s Philan-thropy.

Cynthia BrownbecomesBoard Chair ofWomen’s Philanthropy

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Keith BraunCynthia BrownAndrew ComiterMichelle JacobsonBarry FeinbergJudy Fish

Amy JonasLynn Kaston

David KimballRoslyn LeopoldLisa LicksteinSam Liebovich

Karen ListJustin Paul

Ken TillmanHope Silverman

Tony LampertJoel Yudenfruend

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Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County welcomes the following community members to this exciting initiative and thanks them for their commitment:

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Young women’s group addsnew avenues for involvementThere’s now a way for young women to get together for fun, philanthropy andsocial action. Women’s Philanthropy at Federation recently launched a youngwomen’s group that will strengthen leadership in the Jewish women’s community,specifically with programs for women ages 25 to 45.

The group, called Kol Isha (Hebrew for “a woman’s voice”) creates education,social action and fundraising programming for young women that empowers andencourages involvement with Women’s Philanthropy and Federation.

Since Kol Isha’s inception, participants have gathered for an early Shabbat andlearned how to make braided challah with residents of MorseLife in West PalmBeach. The young women discussed with the residents how Kramer SeniorServices (a subsidiary of MorseLife and partner of Jewish Federation) provides vitalservices in our community.

“I really enjoyed meeting so many smart, community-minded women that sharemy same passion to help others in the community," said one Kol Isha participant,“as well as see firsthand the power of Federation creating real change.”

In December, young women with Kol Isha joined together with other generationsof women for cocktails and painting. The event’s proceeds benefit a kosher foodpantry operated through Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service (AJFCS), anotherpartner agency of Federation.

If you are a woman 25-45 years old and are interested in becoming moreinvolved in your community, contact Jennifer Green Baer at 561.242.6608 [email protected].

NextGen kicks offprograms at Bar Louie

Sometimes it’s good to take a step back, grab a drink andlook at all the opportunities available to us in the community.More than 75 young professionals kicked off theprogramming year for NextGen Jewish Palm Beach at BarLouie in Downtown West Palm Beach. This was as much anetworking opportunity as it was a time to hear about theimportance of supporting community and all the upcomingopportunities to do so with NextGen.

“NextGen is an amazing initiative from the JewishFederation of Palm Beach County to bring together youngadults as the next generation of community leaders andphilanthropists,” said Joey Abrin, NextGen’s DevelopmentAssociate. “Our kickoff was an exciting statement made

by these young adults that not only do they take ownershipin our Jewish community but they are excited to beinvolved.”

Other NextGen events this year have included a night at the Palm Beach Zoo and a family event at Bedner’s Farm in Boynton Beach. NextGen is also planning an ArtAfter Dark event at the Norton Museum of art and manyother great programs. Contact NextGen’s Joey Abrin [email protected] for more information.

NextGen's mission is to serve the needs of the youngerprofessional community in the greater Palm Beachesthrough philanthropy, community and volunteering byconnecting, serving and educating.

NextGen Kickoff event chairs Rachel Needle and Adam Hecht

Linda Berns and Jenna Kay at Kol Isha’s Bottles & Brushes event.



When terrorists’ rockets threatened millions ofpeople in Israel, our Jewish community quickly sprangto action.

This past summer, Jewish Federation of PalmBeach County launched the Israel Emergency Fund.The effort was simple: provide vital humanitarian aidfor the people of Israel. 100% of donations ensuredlife-changing services.

Federation’s commitment was part of a JewishFederations of North America goal to raise $30 million.

Our community stepped forward and tookresponsibility for their extended Jewish family.Altogether, the community donated more than$600,000 for the Israel Emergency Fund.

Thousands of children were forced to stay inbomb shelters to protect themselves from rockets.80,000 children were relocated out of the line of firefor respite and relief opportunities, thanks tocontributions to the Israel Emergency Fund.

Vulnerable populations were unable to access theservices they rely on for food, medicine and othernecessities. Donations ensured 20,000 frail elderlyand other vulnerable groups received food, medicine,supplies and emotional support.

Constant rocket-fire and blaring sirens causedsevere emotional distress. Because of donations,15,000 psychologically-affected citizens receivedtrauma care.

The life-changing work ensured by our com-munity’s generosity received local and national media attention, even being mentioned in BloombergBusinessweek.

Thanks to the community’s donations to the Israel Emergency Fund, thousands of Israeli children who had been forced to stay in bomb shelters were given respite opportunities (like this one to a water park in a safe part of the country).

Community joins together forhumanitarian aid during Israel conflict




Fallen IDF soldier a friendof Jewish Palm BeachOur community was heartbroken to hear of the loss of IDFSecond Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, 23, whose abduction anddeath were highly publicized while serving in OperationProtective Edge on August 3.

Hadar’s sister, Ayelet Goldin Kaufman, is a frequent visitorand friend to the Jewish Palm Beach community. Ayelet isJewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Living BridgeCoordinator. Through Federation’s Partnership 2Getherprogram, Ayelet organizes youth leadership programs for Palm Beach County in Israel. She and her family also hostdelegations from our community.

In December, Ayelet visited Palm Beach County. Teens atTemple Beth Torah in Wellington paid tribute to Hadar with acitrus garden (in Hebrew, “Hadar” means “citrus tree”). Theteens presented the garden to Ayelet during her visit.

A few weeks before being assigned to Gaza, Hadar wasengaged to be married. His twin brother, Tzur, also served inOperation Protective Edge. Their father, Simha, is an officer inthe IDF reserves. Both of Hadar’s grandfathers wereHolocaust survivors.

Teens at Temple Beth Torah in Wellington planted a memorial citrus garden in honorof Hadar Goldin. The teens later presented the garden to Hadar’s sister, AyeletGoldin Kaufman, Federation’s Partnership 2Gether Living Bridge Coordinator.

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The community tradition known asthe Vodka Latka returned in 2014 togreat fanfare. More than 1,000 peoplefrom various communities around PalmBeach County joined together forevenings of socializing and learningabout the difference they make in theJewish community through their con-tributions to Federation.

The events were held in Decemberfor the following communities: HuntersRun (Boynton Beach); Indian Spring(Boynton Beach); a combined event forBallenIsles, Ibis and Old Palm (WestPalm Beach and Palm Beach Gar-dens); a general event for communitiesin Federation’s southern communi-ties (held at Wycliffe Country Club in Wellington); and Admirals Cove(Jupiter).

Dr. Jonathan Schanzer was thefeatured speaker at several of theevents. Dr. Schanzer,Vice President for Re-search at the Founda-tion for Defense ofDemocracies, trackedthe money of terroristsfor years as a terrorismfinance analyst at theU.S. Department of theTreasury. Dr. Schanzeris fluent in Hebrew andArabic and has ap-peared on Americantelevision channelssuch as Fox News and CNN, as well asArabic language television channelssuch as al-Arabiyya and al-Jazeera.

Dr. Ralph Nurnberger (an expert onpolitical and international issues) alsodelivered remarks in one community, asdid Rabbi Michael C. Simon and Can-tor Michael Glozman of Temple BethKodesh. Events held during Hanukkahincluded the lighting of a hanukkiah.

In addition, community membersheard from people who benefit fromtheir generosity, including a womanwho delivers meals to homeboundseniors in Palm Beach County and alocal teen who went on a unique jour-ney to Israel through the Federation-supported Bonim Chaim program.

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Paving the way forcommunity innovationJewish Federation of Palm Beach County is proud to launch The Innovation Fund: a high-impact, multi-year grantsprogram that represents a new, forward-thinking philosophy embraced by the organization’s Board of Directors.

The strategic shift in adding a new funding platform – reflective of a nationwide trend – will be done through arequest-for-proposal (RFP) process. Federation’s partner agencies, synagogues, startups and other organizationswill be encouraged to submit creative and collaborative initiatives capable of generating meaningful impact.Recipients will be provided multi-year funding.

The impetus for The Innovation Fund is based upon both national research and local community trends, whichindicate that donors are increasingly motivated by personal passions and a desire to see a return on theirphilanthropic investment.

Learn more about The Innovation at jewishpalmbeach.org/innovationfund.

Area professionals ensurehumanitarian aid in Israel

Thousands of rockets rained down on Israel over thesummer. In response, professionals with Federation’sJewish Professionals Network (JPN) saw their standingwith Israel as a responsibility – and took action.

Nearly 50 professionals from JPN came together tostand for Israel in August at Nick & Johnnie’s (Palm Beach).Together, they expressed their solidarity for Israel and heardreflections on the conflict from Federation’s Shlichim (IsraeliEmissaries), who had just returned from seeing firsthandhow the constant rocket-fire in Israel affected everyday life.

“The scariest part about the rockets was the silenceafter the warning sirens,” said Israeli Emissary Nir Boneh.“You know after an alarm that you’re going to hear anexplosion. It can be either the Iron Dome intercepting therocket or the rocket falling nearby. All you can do is hopeand pray that it will land far away.”

JPN participants also ensured humanitarian aid inIsrael through donations to Federation’s Israel EmergencyFund. 100% of contributions to the fund go towards life-changing services in Israel.

Overall, more than 100 JPN participants raised nearly$72,000 toward the Israel Emergency Fund.

“This event was truly amazing,” said Israeli EmissaryShani Boneh. “It showed that all of us, all the Jewishpeople, are a big family. For the Israeli people, it warmsour heart that we are all united.”

JPN’s additions to the Israel Emergency Fund broughtthe total raised for the effort to more than $600,000.

The Israel Emergency Fund ensured respite opportunitiesfor 80,000 children living in range of Hamas’ rocket-fire, relieffor 20,000 frail elderly and disabled, and trauma care for15,000 Israelis psychologically affected by the conflict.

Chairs for the JPN event were committee membersEileen Fass, Robert Pick, Brett Sandala and Craig Storch.

Part of JPN’s mission is to fulfill Jewish Federation ofPalm Beach County’s work to enrich Jewish life, care forvulnerable populations and build global Jewish community.

To learn more about JPN programs and events, please contact Diane Scherer at 561.242.6675 or [email protected].

(From left to right)Craig Storch (event chair),

Shani Boneh (Israeli Emissary), Robert Pick

(event chair), Nir Boneh(Israeli Emissary),

Eileen Fass (event chair),Brett Sandala (event

chair) and Scott Newman(event chair)




Judith Rosenberg and Hope Silverman were named 2014’s Advocates of the Year for AlpertJewish Family and Children’sService (AJFCS). These remark-able women personify a gen-erosity of spirit and, through theirextensive involvement and theirselfless acts of kindness, havesupported AJFCS as well as theentire community.

Judith and Hope, along withJack Rosenberg and Gene Silver-man – their husbands, partners inphilanthropy and creative Co-Chairs – planned a celebratoryand enjoyable event in December.

The Advocates of the Yearluncheon was another meaning-ful opportunity to honor leadersof the community and ensure thevital work AJFCS provides forpeople who need help meetinglife’s challenges.

To learn more about events and involvement with AJFCS,visit jfcsonline.com.

Rosenberg, Silvermanhonored for advocacy

The honorees and their husbands/co-chairs at the AJFCS Advocates of the Year Luncheon. (from left) Gene Silverman,Hope Silverman, Judith Rosenberg, Jack Rosenberg.

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Community Happenings b


Meyer ribbon cuttingdraws community together

School is officially in session at the brand new Arthur I. MeyerAcademy location in Palm Beach Gardens.

More than 100 local leaders, philanthropists and communitymembers gathered on Friday, August 15, for a ribbon cutting tocelebrate the opening of the 68,000-square-foot facility, locatedat the Melvin J. and Claire Levine Center for Jewish Learning inPalm Beach Gardens. On August 20, 2014 the school welcomed260 students for its inaugural school year at the new academiccampus.

Following the ribbon cutting and formal hanging of themezuzah, guests enjoyed tours of the facility and had theopportunity to place well wishes and prayers into the wall in theIsrael courtyard, symbolic of what visitors do at the Western Wall.Each year, the graduating 8th grade class travels for two weeksto Israel and will now deliver the notes to the Western Wall, knownas the Kotel, in Jerusalem.

“My father would be proud to see his legacy carried into anew, state-of-the-art school," said William Meyer, son of theschool’s namesake, Arthur I. Meyer. “Educating students in anurturing environment based on Jewish values and focusing onintellectual, emotional and spiritual growth lives on as his vision.”

In addition to Meyer, speakers included Dr. David Lickstein,President of the Meyer Academy Board of Trustees; MichelleJacobson, Meyer Academy Board of Trustees Immediate PastPresident; Miki Leibowitz, Meyer Academy Board of Trustees VicePresident of Marketing; Nehemia “Nammie” Ichilov, MeyerAcademy’s Head of School; and Beth Kigel, President and CEOof the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce.

Distinguished guests included lead donor Claire Levine; AnnLeibovit and Carol Roberts, School Founders; Senator DaveAronberg; Eric Jablin, Vice Mayor of the City of Palm BeachGardens; Ilan Kaufer, Vice Mayor of the Town of Jupiter; ChrisMass, Director of Membership Development at the Northern PalmBeach County Chamber of Commerce, and many more.

“This ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in our41-year history,” said Ichilov. “The youth that will grow and excelhere have limitless potential. My role is to ensure that they areinspired and prepared with the knowledge and wisdom to takeon the world.”

The new facility fosters learning opportunities in every area ofthe custom designed space and incorporates leading-edgescience labs, a state-of-the-art multimedia center and classroomsequipped with laptops, iPads and Apple TVs. For the past 16years, the Arthur I. Meyer Academy was located at the JewishFederation of Palm Beach County’s campus in West Palm Beach.

About the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish AcademyThe Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy is a full-time,

independent Jewish day school for students in kindergarten toeighth grade. Founded in 1973, the prestigious academy hasestablished a legacy of quality education in language arts,mathematics, social studies and science, as well as Hebrew,Jewish history, and Jewish values. The Meyer Academy is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.Meyer Academy has limited spaces still available for students for the current school year. Visit www.MeyerAcademy.org formore information.

Nehemiah “Nammie” Ichilov, Claire Levine, Dr. David Lickstein, William Meyer, and Ronnie Pertnoy at the Meyer Academy ribbon cutting.

“Nammie” Ichilov and William Meyer announce the beginning of a new chapter for the greater Palm Beaches’ premier Jewish day school.



b Community Happenings

Adult Learning forthe “Wondering Jew”

For the fourth straight year, the Lorraine and Jack N. Friedman Commission forJewish Education (CJE) is bringing The Florence Melton School of Adult JewishLearning to the Palm Beaches for a thought-provoking season of adult learning. TheFlorence Melton School is the largest pluralistic adult Jewish education network in theworld offering high quality, text- based, interactive Jewish study.

With a learned team of rabbis and Jewish scholars at the helm,Friedman CJE’s 2014-2015 schedule offers diverse study optionsincluding a comprehensive core curriculum consisting of rhythms,purposes, dramas and ethics of Jewish living. The more advancedScholars curriculum invites core curriculum graduates to focus on adeeper examination of selected Jewish texts that have shapedJudaism over the years. This year’s Scholars’ topics include“Understanding the Arab Israeli Conflict” and “Jewish Mysticism andKabbalah”. A flexible class schedule is designed to attract a widevariety of learners and features special lunch and learn sessions andsnowbird classes.

If you are looking for a profound understanding of what it meansto be Jewish, consider exploring your heritage through the Melton curriculum.Registration for classes is now open. Classes are already underway.

For more information on Friedman CJE’s Melton classes, visit cjepb.org or contactJoyce Siegel, Melton Coordinator (561.209.2612 or [email protected]) or DebbieKaplan, Director of Community Engagement (561-209-2618 or [email protected]).

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Memorial draws hundredsto honor “Our Boys”

More than 500 community members were joined byelected officials and leaders of various faiths on July 7, 2014for the "Remember Our Boys" memorial program.

The program honored the three Israeli boys – NaftaliFraenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach – who were founddead after being kidnapped by Hamas terrorists, as well as16-year-old Palestinian Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir.Khdeir was killed by Israelis in the wake of the boys' murders.

People at the event also expressed solidarity with Israeland remembered all innocent people who have died at thehands of terrorism and hatred. Dignitaries and faith leaderswho spoke at the event included Revital Malca, Deputy ConsulGeneral of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico; Rabbi YaronKapitulnik of Temple Judea; and Reverend Walter "Lucky"Arnold of the First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach.

Brian & Lisa Seymour shared their perspective; they werejust miles from Hebron with their two sons when the Israeliboys were kidnapped. Cantor Zachary Mondrow of TempleTorah sang national anthems, prayers and led other cantors

in the program's closing song, Esa Einai.Also speaking was Phillip Taylor, a student at Oxbridge

Academy, who returned from Israel a few days prior. Aparticipant travelling with Federation's Bonim Chaimprogram, Taylor and the 18 other teens on the program werehoused with Israeli families when they learned of the boys'kidnapping and deaths.

"There was a connection within the nation, tangible in theair – something I will never forget," Taylor told the audience.

"We must never forget these boys, and their tragic lossof life, for there is nothing equal to the value of life," headded. "Yet the nation must keep moving forward, along withtheir memories that will always remain with us."

Some of our area’s leading TV stations and newspaperscovered the memorial. The Palm Beach Post featured anarticle about the memorial on its front page.

The program was made possible by Jewish Federationof Palm Beach County and nearly 50 partner agencies,synagogues and organizations.

Phillip Taylor, a student at Oxbridge Academy, speaks to media before the Federation’s Remember Our Boys memorial on July 7, 2014. Taylor delivered remarks to more than 500 community members about his experiences in Israel when the boys were murdered.




Jenni Frumer appointed CEOof Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s ServiceJenni Frumer has been appointed the chief executive officer of Alpert Jewish Family& Children’s Service by the agency’s board of directors. Frumer previously served as the chief operating officer of the social service agency where she has worked since 1986.

In her new capacity, Frumer leads the agency’s more than 180 employees inproviding a comprehensive array of programs and services to the communityincluding clinical services for psychiatric and psychological care, mentoring for kids,domestic abuse services, guardianship, a variety of elder care services, supportgroups, life planning for adults with disabilities, residential programs for adults withdisabilities, mental health first aid training as well as specialized services forHolocaust survivors.

She is both a licensed mental health counselor and a licensed clinical social worker andis board certified in geriatric counseling and is a nationally certified Guardian. Frumer wasrecently elected to the Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies national Board ofdirectors, in support of its network of 125 human service agencies in the United States andCanada serving more than 500,000 families.

Frumer was an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University for nine years and wasrecruited to help develop the Alfus Patient Advocacy Program at the University of Miami. Shehas written and published articles on geriatric social service systems, cultural competence inworking with Holocaust survivors and engaging boomers in the work of non-profits. She co-authored a white paper for the J. Hartford Foundation on models of community-basedservices for older adults. She presents extensively; nationally and internationally and is aradio co-host for VoiceAmerica’s “Leadership Matters.”

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Briefing on Iran nuclear situationheld at FederationWhen a regime that threatens the State of Israel is given the opportunity tocontinue developing nuclear weapons, our community must ensure world powersdo all they can to protect the security of the Jewish people.

A community briefing on recent developments in the Iran nuclear situationwas held at Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. The event was coordinatedby Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the AmericanIsrael Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

This comes in response to the group of six world powers responsible fordiplomatic efforts related to Iran’s nuclear program (known as P5 + 1) recentdecision to give an extension of seven months to Iran nuclear talks.

The briefing featured a discussion panel, which included RepresentativePatrick Murphy (D-FL 18th District); Gadi Soued, Palm Beach Area Director,AIPAC; and Dr. Luis Fleischman, Vice President of JCRC. Dr. Stephen Sussman,Chair of JCRC, moderated the panel. Welcoming remarks were delivered byBrooke Wiener, JCRC steering committee member.

“It is crucial that we inform the broader community about the dangers of anuclear Iran,” said Dr. Stephen Sussman, moderator of the briefing’s discussionpanel. “Our community must continue to advocate for global powers to firmlynegotiate and issue sanctions in order to bring a halt to Iran’s development ofnuclear weaponry.”

Notable attendees included Deacon Dennis Demes, Ph.D., Diocese of PalmBeach; a member of Rep. Alcee Hastings’ (D-FL 20th District) staff; and AlanNewman, Palm Beach Area Chair, AIPAC.

Gadi Soued of AIPAC (left) and Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-FL) spoke at the Iran briefing held at Federation.

Dr. Stephen Sussman (left) moderated the briefing.


www.jupitertheatre.org



Photos from the skyat beach celebration

The first thing you noticed when you came to the beachfor Temple Beth Am’s annual community-wide YomHaAtzmaut celebration was a large Jewish star outlinedwith blue rope in the sand above the shore line. Peoplegathered on a Friday at 5:30pm with their beach chairs andblankets to welcome Shabbat and celebrate Israel’sIndependence in true Florida style at Marcinski Beach andPavilion in Jupiter.

Rabbi Alon Levkovitz, Cantor Jessica Turnoff Ferrari,and Music Director Brett Tancer led prayers and songs. Thebeach was covered in patches of blue and white as three-hundred participants wore the colors of Israel to showsupport and solidarity. As the service ended, participants

made their way to the Jewish star in the sand and wereinstructed to stand on the rope outline.

What followed was something so exciting that theshouts of “wow” and “oohs and ahs” could be hearddown the shore line as a media drone, with white spider-like arms and flashing camera lights, lifted off. The droneflew high up above the assembled crowd, with itscamera snapping video of the human Jewish star in thesand. “Am Yisrael Chai” was sung as the drone flewaround. On special cue, the participants walked off theblue rope in the sand; the drone made a landing andeveryone made their way to the pavilion for a deliciousbarbecue.




Temples, churches joinfor interfaith Thanksgiving service

Every year, a Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service rotatesamong three houses of worship and is attended by over1,000 people of all faiths and background. Last year, itwas hosted by Temple Beth Am in Jupiter, presentedjointly with the clergy and congregations of JupiterFIRSTChurch and St. Peter Catholic Church.

This year’s Interfaith Service was held at JupiterFIRSTChurch. Rabbi Alon Levkovitz of Temple Beth Am deliveredthe sermon.

The event was open to the entire community. Byagreement, the Interfaith Service’s prayers and readingsdid not reflect any particular theology or religious practice,only the mutually held practice of expressing gratitude.

In 2013, religious leaders at the annual event honoredthe first night of Hanukkah falling on the same day as

Thanksgiving Eve. JupiterFIRST Church’s Senior MinisterDr. Barry L. Johnson, St. Peter Catholic Church’s FatherDon Finney Rabbi Levkovitz joined together in lighting theMenorah.

“For the first time in history, more than 1,000 peoplecan say, ‘A priest, a minister and a rabbi stood on thebimah of the synagogue…and they will not be telling ajoke,” said Rabbi Levkovitz. “This service says a lot aboutthe ability for people of differing faiths to not only coexist,but to appreciate the richness of each other’s faith.”

Each year, the service benefits a local nonprofitorganization. To date, the Interfaith Service has raisedmore than $100,000 for different causes.

Temple Beth Am is located at 2250 Central Blvd.Jupiter. Call 561.747.1109 or visit templebetham.com.

Temple Shaarei Shalomwelcomes new cantorTemple Shaarei Shalom is delighted to introduce its new Cantor, Judith BordenOvadia. Cantor Ovadia was ordained by the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Instituteof Religion School of Sacred Music, where she received her Master of Sacred Musicdegree.

Cantor Ovadia has performed in concerts throughout the United States and Israel.She is the immediate Past President of the Bay Area Cantorial Association in Tampaand serves on the Communications Committee of the American Conference ofCantors. She taught on the faculty of the School of Jewish Music at Hebrew Collegein Newton Centre, Massachusetts.

The Cantor’s essays and articles appear in several notable Jewish publications,and she is currently working on a memoir entitled “Embraceable World.”

Cantor Ovadia has served congregations in El Paso, Texas; Harrisburg,Pennsylvania; Newton, Massachusetts; and Clearwater, Florida. She and her threechildren now reside in Palm Beach County.

Temple Shaarei Shalom is located at 9085 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach.Visit the Temple’s website at templeshaareishalom.com or call at 561.364.9054 formore information.




Award-winning educator joinsTemple for religious school re-launch

Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington is proud to welcome educator Rabbi Janie Grackin as its new Religious School Direc-tor. Rabbi Janie, as she is known, is working with Temple B’nai Jacob’s leadership to redesign and update its ReligiousSchool, combining traditional knowledge and love of Judaism in a new, vibrant curriculum infused with art, music,

technology and drama. The school is re-launching this year as The New School at B’nai Jacob.Temple B’nai Jacob’s commitment to its growing religious school and its family

programming is evident in the hiring of Rabbi Janie. She has traveled the world creating programs for intergenerational populations in synagogues and schools in the United States,Europe and Israel. She has been honored with awards including the Solomon SchechterGold Award for Family Education, Coalition for Advancements in Jewish Education (CAJE)National Award for specialty programming and Commission for Jewish Education TorahAward for Jewish Education.

“I love working with children. I am always asking myself, how do we make this exciting?How do we keep this fresh? I want to instill in the children a love of being Jewish,” saidRabbi Janie

The New School at B’nai Jacob serves children from kindergarten to seventh grade with classes twice a week. Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington is a Conservative, egalitarian synagogue serving the Western communities

of Palm Beach County. Temple B’nai Jacob seeks to inspire each member to become more deeply connected to his or her Jewish identity by providing relevant worship experiences, life-long educational experiences, opportunities forsocial action, and a connection to Jewish culture. Visit templebnaijacob.com to learn more.

Cantor from Ukrainejoins Temple Israel

Temple Israel in West Palm Beach is pleased to announce that CantorMichael Kruk has joined their staff and will share the bima with RabbiCookie Lea Olshein each Friday night. He will also be leading theTemple’s choir which performs at Shabbat services monthly and atspecial events.

“Cantor Kruk’s style will blend well with our participatory approach toworship here at TI since we seek to invite all of our worshipers’ participationin their own prayer experience,” said Rabbi Olshein. “He brings a widerange of musical knowledge and styles to our community and I lookforward to working with him to create a beautiful, and meaningful, worshipexperience for Jews in the Palm Beaches.”

Cantor Michael Kruk was born in Tchernovitz, Ukraine and studiedmusic from the age of six, as well as violin and piano in music school.He also completed vocal studies in a music college. He served in theRed Army Choir as a soloist. Unhappy with many years of prohibition and persecution, he emigrated to Israel were hecontinued his vocal studies at the Academy of Music of Tel Aviv University. Later he served in the Rabbinical MilitaryChoir as a soloist. In 1981 he represented Israel in the 10th International Vocal Competition held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Cantor Kruk has performed leading operatic roles for the Israeli Rubin Opera Company, the National Radio & TelevisionOrchestra, and Bronx Opera House, New York. He has appeared in many concerts and recitals throughout Israel and Russia.In 1986 he arrived in the United States, where he continued to study voice in the Julliard School, American Opera Center ofNew York. Since graduation, he has sung at many concerts and performances in Israel, Canada, and United States.

In search of his Jewish identity and love for Cantorial music, he began a new phase in his vocal career in 1989, bybecoming a student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, School of Sacred Music and in 1993 he wasinvested as a Cantor. Cantor Michael Kruk served as a Cantor of Hebrew Tabernacle Congregation, New York and TempleSinai of North Dade, Florida.

To learn more about Temple Israel, visit temple-israel.com or call 561.833.8421.



It's only natural that the Mandel JCC – a Federationpartner agency that enhances Jewish life – create apartnership with a medical center that saves lives on aregular basis.

To further enhance the Mandel JCC of the PalmBeaches’ (JCC) mission to provide health and wellnessinitiatives to members, they have partnered with JupiterMedical Center (JMC) to create a highly personalizedhealth, wellness and fitness program at its Palm BeachGardens location.

The partnership formally kicked off with an Open Houseand Ribbon Cutting on January 8. Full-time JMC Health &Wellness Navigator, Tiffany Jones, was on hand to brief thecommunity on the programs and services available.Specialists performed mammograms on the WIM (Well-ness in Motion) bus, orthopedic assessments, sleepassessments, blood pressure checks, cholesterol andglucose tests, BMI and body fat measurements, bonedensity tests, seated massages and diabetes, stroke andskin cancer risk assessments.

“The addition of a JMC Health & Wellness Navigatorand the other services JMC provides will enable membersto take their journey to wellness to the next level. They havethe resources, and now they can receive expert advice on

a regular basis to enhance and execute their wellnessplans, all in a convenient setting,” said Mindy Hanken,President and CEO of the Mandel JCC.

The partnership is committed to helping the wholefamily from children to adults. JMC recently beganperforming pediatric screenings at the Mandel JCC'spreschool. This not only allows the parents to receivefree testing in the school environment, but once theyreceive the results, the therapists will work with thechildren on campus. In the past, they had to seek helpoutside of the JCC.

“We’re excited to bring expert guidance for an active,healthy lifestyle to JCC members,” said John Couris,President and CEO of Jupiter Medical Center. JMC’s sharedpurpose is to care for the health and wellness of ourcommunity. This partnership allows us to further fulfill ourmission.”

The program is an exclusive healthcare partnershipbetween the two organizations with the mission ofpromoting the health, wellness, and fitness of the JCCmembers and guests. Through the partnership, JCCmembers are also granted access to JMC’s Rehab &Wellness Center to use the heated pool and exerciseequipment during non-therapy hours.

Mandel JCC and Jupiter Medical Center kick off unique partnership

Representatives from Jupiter Medical Center offered free health screenings and assessments to the community at Mandel JCC in Palm Beach Gardens on January 8, marking thebeginning of the new health and wellness partnership between the medical center and Mandel JCC.




Temple Shaarei Shalomdedicates new Torah scroll

A new Torah was given to Temple Shaarei Shalom inBoynton Beach, donated by Elaine and LeonardSchoenfeld in memory of Elaine’s daughter, JacquelinePearl Kirsh (1968-1998).

The new Torah was dedicated on Friday, September5, 2014, at Shabbat Services.

Rabbi Anthony Fratello and Rabbi Joanna Tractdonated the new Torah’s breast plate, yad and gartel inmemory of Rabbi Fratello’s father, Richard Fratello.Marvin and Rhoda Gottlieb donated the Torah crown inmemory of their respective parents and grandparents.

Temple Shaarei Shalom is located at 9085 HagenRanch Rd.

Visit templeshaareishalom.com for more information.

New youth educationdirector at Temple JudeaTemple Judea is delighted to announce Rabbi RoseDurbin as their new Director of Youth Education. RabbiRose was raised in Alabama and graduated Brown Uni-versity with a degree in Community Health. In 2010, shewas ordained by the Hebrew Union College.

Rabbi Rose has extensive leadership experienceworking with youth. Most recently, Rabbi Rose was the rabbi at Knesseth Israel Synagogue in Gloversville,New York.

She recently moved to South Florida with her husband, Rabbi Matthew Durbin, who will be the newrabbi at congregation Beit Ha Yam in Stuart, and their two daughters.

Contact Temple Judea to learn more about its religious school or to schedule time to meet Rabbi Rose.

Call 561.624.4633 or visit templejudeapbc.org.

Daringly Traditional.You crave it. We serve it.

Legendary desserts: carrot cake, black & whites, chocolate Killer Cake.

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

Since 1981, TooJay’s has been de-lighting diners with an exciting andeclectic menu for breakfast, lunchand dinner. When the craving strikesindulge in authentic NY–Style delisandwiches or settle in with slow

roasted turkey, old fashioned potroast and other time-honored comfortfood favorites. Friendly, professionalservice is a part of every meal, somake plans today to join us for “alittle taste of home”.

The Triple J SandwichCorned beef, roast beef, turkey and

Swiss cheese rolled with lots of Coleslaw and Russian dressing.

Exclusively at TooJay’s

Boca Raton Polo Shops (561) 241-5903 Regency Court Plaza (561)997-9911 Glades Plaza (561) 392-4181 • Boynton Beach Boynton BeachMall (561) 740-7420 • Lake Worth 419 Lake Avenue (561) 582-8684Wellington The Mall at Wellington Green (561) 784-9055 • Palm BeachRoyal Poinciana Plaza (561) 659-7232 • Palm Beach Gardens Downtownat the Gardens (561) 622-8131 • Jupiter The Bluffs (561) 627-5555

www.toojays.com


The Scene b


“Community Stars” honoredat Mandel JCC Gala

The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beacheshosted its second annual Gala in November.This year’s distinguished honorees wereConnie and David Blacher, who wereinstrumental in raising significant funds for theMandel JCC’s Capital Campaign; John D.Couris, President & CEO of Jupiter MedicalCenter, which began a partnership with theMandel JCC; and Joel Yudenfreund, Wealth Management Strategist of U.S. Bank, who has continued to support theJewish community on a personal and professional level.

Gala Committee Chairs were Beryl and Robert Schneider and Vicki and Stephen Wildstein.

New leader at Friedman CJE

Friedman CJE’s President, Alan L. Shulman, recentlyannounced the hiring of a new Executive Director, CharlesCohen, who joined the agency in September. Charles, whoholds a law degree from Boston University, has extensiveexperience in the Jewish nonprofit world. Most recently, heserved as Manager of the Jewish Day School AffordabilityKnowledge Center at the Partnership for Excellence in JewishEducation in Boston, Massachusetts.

Previously, Charles was Planning Manager for Jewish Continuity at theJewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, where he staffed two allocationscommissions and directed nearly $6 million of the Federation’s Campaign,Donor Directed and Government investments in the areas of JewishLearning and Community Life. Charles joins our community with his wifeJennifer and two children: Amitai, age 6, and Tamar, age 4.

“I am truly excited to join the excellent lay and professional FriedmanCJE team,” said Cohen about his new role. “Together we will ensure thatJews in Palm Beach will connect with each other, learn about their sharedJewish heritage and wisdom, and grow in their connection to Judaism andthe Jewish community.”

Rising Star Joel Yudenfreund,Wealth ManagementStrategist of U.S. Bank

Corporate Star John D. Couris,President & CEO of Jupiter Medical Center

Community Stars Connie and David Blacher

Mindy Hanken appointed MandelJCC’s CEO

The Mandel JCC of the PalmBeaches announced the appoint-ment of Mindy Hanken as Presidentand CEO. Mindy has worked at theMandel JCC for more than six years,most recently serving as its ChiefOperating Officer (COO), supervisingand managing all programming andoperations. She is highly regarded bythe national JCC Association as oneof its leading professionals.

Over the past year as the MandelJCC's COO, Hanken has streamlinedprogramming at both the BoyntonBeach and Palm Beach Gardenslocations of the Mandel JCC,enhancing the focus on one agencywith two locations. In addition,Hanken was instrumental in the first-year success of the Mandel JCC'snew Palm Beach Gardens location.

Libby Fishman has begun serving as JewishFederation of Palm Beach County’s Chair of Community Planning and InvestmentsCommittee.

Fishman’s top priority is to focus onevaluations-based decisions for funding thatemphasizes big-picture strategic communityplanning. She is also overseeing the launch andimplementation of the Innovation Fund, a high-impact, multi-year grants program at Federation.

Fishman has previously served on Women’s Philanthropy’s Board of Directors. She has also served as a board member and officer of Alpert Jewish Family and Children’s Services and the Levine JewishResidential Services.

Libby Fishman brings expertise to “big picture” planning



Teens spend daywith nation’s heroes

Veteran’s Day is a day when wehonor those who serve our country.But it’s rare for teens to use theirday off school to hear the experi-ences of and lend a hand to our na-tion’s heroes.

Teens with Federation’s JewishTeen Initiative (JTI) spent Veteran’sDay showing their respect to veter-ans. Students in grades six through12 volunteered with veterans atMorseLife as part of JTI’s “Star-Spangled Day of Service”.

“This Veteran’s Day helped meunderstand the importance of giv-ing back to our community,” saidone JTI participant. “It was impor-tant for me to learn what thesebrave men and women go throughas they transition back to civilianlife.”

After teens spent time with theveterans, they went to Revolutionsin CityPlace (West Palm Beach) forbowling and fun.

To learn about other JTI pro-grams, go to jtipalmbeach.org.

On Veteran’s Day 2014, teens with Federation’s Jewish Teen Initiative (JTI) volunteered with veterans at MorseLife.


www.guttermansinc.com

Joshua M. Berlin, M.D.

Brett S. Dock, M.D.

Mark R. Gardner, M.D.

J. John Goodman, M.D.

Howard A. Green, M.D.

Richard A. Krathen, M.D.

Cristina Lampuri, M.D.

Harvey J. Penziner, M.D.

Robert A. Sarro, M.D.

Brent Schillinger, M.D.

John M. Strasswimmer, M.D.

WEST PALM BEACH120A Butler Street West Palm Beach, FL 33407(561) 659-1510

PALM BEACH GARDENS10335-A N. Military TrailPalm Beach Gardens, FL 33410(561) 622-6976

SOUTH DELRAY BEACH3100 S. Federal HighwaySuite 8Delray Beach, FL 33483(561) 278-1362

NORTH DELRAY BEACH2605 W. Atlantic BoulevardSuite D204North Delray Beach, FL 33445(561) 819-5822

BOYNTON BEACH10301 Hagen Ranch RoadSuite 930Boynton Beach, FL 33437(561) 739-5252

WEST BOCA RATON7280 W. Palmetto RoadSuite 207Boca Raton, FL 33433(561) 368-1440

EAST BOCA RATON951 SW 13th StreetSuite 2DBoca Raton, FL 33486(561) 862-5021

ATLANTIS120 JFK Circle, Suite 128Atlantis, FL 33462(561) 964-9671

PALM CITY3654 SW 30th AvenuePalm City, FL 34990(772) 403-2227

WELLINGTON1011 W. Forest Hill Blvd.Suite 100Wellington, FL 33414(561) 798-1649

DermatologyAssociates, P.A. of the Palm Beaches

Derm Assoc_b Winter 15:Layout 1 2/9/15 11:31 AM Page 1


b belong Society

Arthur Loring with Nancy and Joel Hart at the Blue & White Ball Committee reception.Ayelet Goldin Kaufman (featured speaker) and Christine Curtis at the Prime Minister’s Council Reception.Arlene Kaufman and Sanford Baklor at the Blue & White Ball.Stacey and Steve Ellison at 2014’s Main Event.Lisa Zwig Gerstein and Judy Fish at the 2014 Lion of Judah Luncheon.

Cynthia Brown, Lynn Kaston and Paul Fine at the Blue & White Ball Committee reception.Amy Jonas, Miryam Buchler and Beth Wayne at Kol Isha’s Bottles & Brushes event. Charles and Merrill Gottesman at the Prime Minister’sCouncil Reception.Barry and Marjorie Berg at the Prime Minister’s Council Reception.Alec and Sheila Engelstein at the Blue & White Ball.

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Ray and Linda Golden at the Prime Minister’s Council Reception.

Laura Munder and Kathy Bleznak at theFederation/Palm Beach Country Club Brunch.

Dave Kanarek, Jarrett Brock, Jeff Rudner and Jason Del Grosso at NextGen’s Blue & White Party.

Ronnie Pertnoy and Susan Shulman Pertnoy at the Blue & White Ball.

Erna and Sam Liebovich at the Prime Minister’s Council Reception.

Hope and Gene Silverman at the Prime Minister’sCouncil Reception.

Penny and Harold Blumenstein at the Prime Minister’s Council Reception.

Lori Gendelman, Marjorie Fiverson, Dorothy Kohl,Cynthia Hirsch and Nancy Oelbaum at the Federation/Palm Beach Country Club Brunch.

Barbara Rothschild and Vicki Loring at theFederation/Palm Beach Country Club Brunch.

Sandra Krakoff at the Blue & White Ball Committee reception.

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Pass the matzah, please.One of the most significant observances related to Passover is the avoiding of chametz throughout the holiday. Chametz means

"leaven" – any food that's made of grain and water that has been allowed to ferment and rise. Bread, cereal, cake, cookies, pizza,

pasta and beer are common examples. This is the antithesis of matzah, the unleavened bread we eat on Passover to commemorate

the Jews who left Egypt in a hurry and did not have time to let their bread rise. On Passover, we eat matzah rid our homes of

chametz – and the egotism and spiritual coarseness it represents. This Passover begins the evening of Friday, April 3 and ends the

evening of Saturday, April 11.

be | engaged

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www.jewishpalmbeach.org

www.facebook.com/jewishpalmbeach

Exhibitions On View2 0 1 4 / 2 0 1 5 h i g h l i g h t s

New lobby installation by Terry Haggerty / through summer 2015

Master Prints: Dürer to Matisse / through feb. 15, 2015

Coming into Fashion: A Century of Photography at Condé Nast / through feb. 15, 2015

Klara Kristalova: Turning into Stone / through march 29, 2015

Pastures Green: The British Passion for Landscape / through april 5, 2015

The Triumph of Love: Beth Rudin DeWoody Collects / feb. 8 – may 3, 2015

High Tea: Glorious Manifestations East and West / feb. 19 – may 24, 2015

Imaging Eden: Photographers Discover the Everglades / march 19 – july 12, 2015

www.norton.org

1451 S. Olive AvenueWest Palm Beach, FL 33401

Terry Haggerty (British born, 1970) Untitled (detail), 2014Acrylic paint. Courtesy of the artist and Sikkema Jenkins & Co., New York

This is the fourth site-specific installation generously underwritten in part by Vanessa and Anthony Beyer as part of their commitment to contemporary art at the Norton.

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