jacksonville jewish news february 2013

sistent, driving force behind its legacy development efforts. A consummate leader, you could not be in his company without hearing why it is important to remember

Jewish causes in your will. On Jan. 31 Foundation President Mark

Green presented to Richard Sisisky its fi rst

Super Sunday 2013 is just around the corner and chairpersons, Daniel and Karianne Jaffa, invite the Jackson-ville community to come out and sup-port the Federation’s annual campaign. On Super Sunday we have a great op-portunity to continue our community’s commitment to Tikkun Olam or repair-ing the world. The monies raised on Super Sunday not only benefi t the local Jacksonville Jewish agencies, but are allocated to the communities around the world to help sustain Jewish life.

This year Super Sunday will be held on Sunday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at the JCA. Training for volunteers will be a half hour from 9 a.m. to 9:30 am. Free babysitting and snacks will be provided for volunteers as well as drawings for prizes. In return, vol-unteers are asked to bring their cell phones and chargers.

Once again the Agency Volunteer Challenge is back. When volunteers sign up to make calls on Super Sunday they can register in connection with their favorite local agency. The top two agencies with the highest number of volunteer turn out will win cash prizes. First place is a prize of $500, and second place is $250. To register go to www.jewishjacksonville.org and click on Super Sunday under Upcom-ing Events or call 448-5000 x201.

With the help of the Jacksonville community, funds will be raised for all of the Jewish agencies here in Jacksonville and support Jewish life around the world. “Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newbie to

In 1995, our Jewish community leadership recognized the need to do what hospitals, universities and other Jewish communities were doing for years – develop large endowment funds that secure the fi nancial futures of Jewish organizations. Foundation was established to help members of the community consider options for leaving legacy gifts to synagogues and Jewish agencies.

As Foundation’s fi rst president, and during his 17 years on the board, Michael Donziger remained a per-

Non

-Pro

fi tO

rgan

izat

ion

U.S

. Pos

tage

PAID

Jack

sonv

ille,

FL

Perm

it N

o. 1

46PO

STM

AST

ER P

LEA

SED

ELIV

ER B

Y F

EB. 1

Jew

ish F

eder

atio

n of

Jac

kson

ville

8505

San

Jose

Blv

d.Ja

ckso

nvill

e, F

L 32

217

HOUSE PARTYWomen’s Division brings down the house. See pics page 2

JEWISH NEWS

Spotlight: Legacy program aids communityThe Jewish Community Foundation is a benefi ciary agency of the Federation.

See LEGACY, p. 23

Super Sunday callers gear up

Michael Donziger and Richard Sisisky

Jacksonville

FEDERATION NEWSJava PM, Community University, campaignand more. page 8

SCHOOL DAYSAccreditation, registration and adventure pages 10-13

February 2013 • Sh’vat/Adar 1 5773 • Published by Jewish Federation of Jacksonville • www.jewishjacksonville.org • Volume 25, Number 8 • 24 pages

See SUNDAY, p. 23

Chanukah 2012

By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

By Jewish Community Foundation

Above: Boys play a dreidel game at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School.

Left: A boy views menorah fl ames with 3D glasses at Beth El The Beaches Synagogue Chanuka event.

Above: DuBow Preschool celebrates Chanukah.

Left: Girls create menorahs at the JCA Chanukah party.

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2013 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

HOUSE PARTY

Y o u r r e t i r e m e n t . Y o u r s t o r Y .

10061 Sweetwater Pkwy • Jacksonville • Florida • (904) 519-1034 • www.camelliaatdeerwood.com

Just tell your kids you moved

into a resort.JealousY builds

character after all .

Kids are funny. No matter their age, they think they’ve got it all figured out. So, when they see you having so much fun at Camellia Retirement Community they won’t quite

understand. They’ll ask, “How can you have more fun than us?” And that’s when you look ‘em straight in the eye and say, “I don’t know. But it’s totally awesome, isn’t it?” Call now to

schedule your complimentary lunch and tour. And bring the kids. You know, to rub it in.

move in by february 28, 2013 & receive two months free rent!

From left: Linda Rodman, Risa Herman, Paige Wajsman, Sylvia Jaffa, Allison Jacobs and Kim Silbar

Photos by L. Tallis

Elana Maiman attended Camp Szarvas last year and shares her incredible stories and experienc-es before she introduces Sasha Friedman.

Elana and Lynn Maiman

On Dec. 10 the Women’s Division welcomed JDC-Lauder Summer Camp Director Sasha Friedman to Jacksonville. He spoke at a house party graciously hosted by Women’s Division steering committee member Lynn Maiman. For more information about this fascinat-ing program, visit www.szarvas.org. From left: Jeanine Rogozinski, Sasha Friedman, Ella Rogozinski and Marjie Rogozinski

Sasha Friedman shares with guests childhood stories of his life growing up in Ukraine and Budapest, and how he benefited from the JDC leadership programs that enabled him to reach the point in his life where he is today as director of the JDC-Lauder Summer Camp in Szarvas, Hungary.

Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

Beachview & Party Rentals• Alhambra Dinner Theatre• Beachview & Party Rentals• Bob Ham Eyewear• Brandon Pest Control• Butensky & Cohen Financial • SecurityCamellia at Deerwood• Clay Eye Physicians and Sur-• geonsComforcare Senior Services• Cumberland Packing Corp.•

Damon Photography• Erica Jolles - Magnolia Properties• Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home• Heekin Orthopedic Specialists• Jacksonville Hadassah• Jacksonville Jewish Center• Jacksonville Jewish Center • SchoolsJewish Community Alliance• Jewish Museum of Florida• Margo’s Catering• Mark Kraus, MetLife•

Mediterrania• Museum of Comtemporary Art• Paige Wajsman• Southern Monument Co. Inc.• Stein Mart• Stratt on and Company• The Jacksonville Children’s • ChorusThrasher-Horne Center for the • ArtsVandroff Insurance• Business Directory, p. 20•

COMMUNITY NEWS

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

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

What’s insideAdult Education ...................... p. 10Community ................................ p. 3Education ................................. p. 10Federation ................................ p. 8Jewish Family & CommunityServices ................................... p. 18Jewish Community Alliance ... p. 16Jewish Foundation .................. p. 19Lifecycles ................................. p. 20Obituaries ................................ p. 20Perspectives .............................. p. 6River Garden ............................ p. 17Synagogues ............................ p. 14Women’s .................................... p. 4For your advertising needs, please contact advertising sales representative Barbara Nykerk at 904.733.4179 or Eta Perras

at 904.629.0466.

Does the thought of buying, selling or building a home give you shpilkas?

I’ll treat you like mishpacha.

Erica Jolles – Realtor

[email protected]

phone 904-652-5978

My Commitment to You

I am committed to my clients by meeting their individual needs and by being

completely focused on results that are in their best interests. I go above

and beyond the real estate transaction to help guide them as they make the

transition to or from their home. It is for this reason, why I am my clients’

Jacksonville ‘Realtor for Life’.

CRC1326780

Visit me on the web at www.BuyorSellJacksonvilleFL.com.

The Jewish Museum of Florida inaugurated Florida Jew-ish History Month this year, with the St. Augustine Jewish Histori-cal Society and a presentation, “Could Jews, as Conversos/Cryp-to-Jews, have been living in St. Augustine in the 16th century?”

Historical Society President Rabbi Merrill Shapiro along with Treasurer/Researcher Carl Lindenfeld addressed a group of 60 attendees. The attendees heard of progress identifying family names from among St. Augus-

tine’s early settlers and compar-ing lists of known Marrano last names.

Evidence was presented in the form of records of the voyage to Florida by Pedro Menendez de Aviles, who, after registering a completed passenger manifest took on an additional 150 to 300 “undocumented” passengers.

The dates of Menendez’ land-ing with a delay that may have allowed for the passage of Yom Kippur 1565 was also discussed.

An examination of the burial practices uncovered by archae-ologists at the Fountain of Youth

Archaeological Park coupled with the understanding of the Spanish colonialists that the native Americans buried there were of the so-called “Ten Lost Tribes of Israel” left everyone with a great deal of food for thought.

“In such areas as early Jewish settlement through the early history of American public education and the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, North-east Florida rarely seems to be mentioned,” says Rabbi Shapiro. “If we don’t speak up now, the future of our past is doomed.”


Florida’s Ombudsman Program needs new volunteer ombudsmen to look out for frail and elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

By becoming a volunteer

ombudsman in Florida, you can change the life of people who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or adult family care homes. Many of these people have no one to speak for them or look out for their best interests, making this population the most vulner-

able. If you want to make positive changes in people’s lives, call today to become an ombudsman. Volunteer training in Jacksonville is being planned. Call Penina Pop-per, ombudsman coordinator, at 1-888-831-0404 or visit online at ombudsman.myfl orida.com.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

The Conversation Café is a series of health-related top-ics served over lunch at Jewish Family & Community Services, 6261 Dupont Station Ct. E. Our next program, Heart Smart, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a most appropriate date: Thursday, Feb. 14. Mark A. Hayes, M.D., FACC, board certifi ed cardiologist from St. Vincent’s HealthCare, will be our guest presenter along with Dawn Sweeten, LCSW. The panel will give perspectives from the physi-cian, patient and family’s points of view. Lunch will be provided

by Native Sun. The program is free and open to the community but RSVPs are required. For more information, call (904) 394-5782 or contact hhill@jfcsjax.


Dupont Counseling Group at Jewish Family & Community Services is proud to announce a new initiative for the Jewish com-munity.

Thanks to the generous support of Congregation Ahavath Chesed (the Temple) in their ongoing partnership with JFCS, we now

offer a six-week support group for those going through divorce or separation. There will be two groups offered; one for men and one for women at no cost to participants. A minimum of six people per group is needed.Groups will be held at the Temple.

For further information, please call Rachel at 394-5761 or contact her at [email protected].


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

The food is delicious and healthy with every item less than 475 calories. Contact Francine for date and time at 221-8061 or email [email protected].

By Jax Jewish Singles

Newcomers Robyn and Barry Freedman invite you to join them at the movies one Saturday evening a month. If you are

interested, please contact Isabel Balotin, 448-5000 x 206, and the Freedmans will contact you.

Dr. Mark Hayes

Conversation Café set for Feb. 14

Jacksonville advocates needed

Jewish Historical Society kicks off Florida Jewish History Month

From left, Moses Styzlerman, Carl Lindenfeld, Merrill Shapiro at Miami’s Jewish Museum of Florida

Coping with separation or divorce?

Dine with Jax Jewish Singles

Newcomer invite: Let’s go to the movies


WOMEN’S PAGE

Please join the JJC Sisterhood for the next in our popular series, Hot Topic, when we discuss current topics of interest to the Jewish community with Rabbi Lubliner. It’s always an illumi-nating and thought-provoking discussion.

Our next topic, presented at the Center on Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m., is: “Is there a Jewish view on gun control? A look at what

Jews say and tradition teaches.” What does Judaism say about mental health, gun control, and other issues related to the recent tragic school shooting in New-town, Conn.?

We meet on the third Wednes-day of each month at the Jack-sonville Jewish Center in the Shorstein Room. You can join us at any time in the series – there is no need to have attended in the past to join us in the future. Any and all are welcome.

By Center Sisterhood

Jacksonville Hadassah is proud to be this year’s host to the 8,000-member Florida Central Region for its annual Spring Conference, March 10 and 11. This day and a half event will take place at the Crowne Plaza Riverfront Hotel in downtown

Jacksonville. Sunday, March 10, activi-

ties include Shopping the Shuk, interactive workshops, a riverboat cocktail cruise, and a banquet dinner with keynote speaker Dr. Janice Weinman, Hadassah’s ex-ecutive director/CEO. Please see our ad in this month’s issue for further details.

By Jacksonville Hadassah

Serving NortheastFlorida Since 1898

BUSINESSPERSONAL

LIFEHEALTH

5150 Belfort Road, Building 200 • Jacksonville, Florida 32256904.296.3390 office • 904.296.6144 fax

™

Copyright © 2011, Vandroff Insurance Inc. All Right Reserved. An Independent Insurance Agent®

www.Vandroff-Insurance.com

You’re sure to have a swing-ing time when you attend River Garden Auxiliary’s Special Event. RGA President Karen Backilman announced that Rhoda Goldstein

and Sandy Selwitz will chair the annual fundraising event with the theme, “All That Jazz.”

Auxiliary members will model fashions from White House I Black Market and as usual, there will be a silent auction with great

merchandise and gift certifi cates available.

The event will be April 25 at the Southpoint Marriott begin-ning at 11 a.m. Invitations will be mailed. For information or ques-tions, call Sandy at 238-0505.

By River Garden Auxiliary

JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA-FIU

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

FedStar

301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach l 305-672-5044 Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.jewishmuseum.com

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

beautiful tiles, mythical origins and communal spirit. This exhibit provokes

memories of the intergenerational tradition of this game, and illuminates mah jongg’s

in�uence on contemporary culture.

Project Mah Jongg was curated and is circulated by the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, New York.The exhibition is made possible through the generosity of the National Mah Jongg League. Additional support is provided by Sylvia Hassenfeld and 2wice Arts Foundation. Local funders for Project Mah Jongg include Robert Arthur Segall Foundation, Funding Arts Network, Charles & Sandra Simon, Joni & Stanley Tate.

Thru March 17, 2013

Mah

Jong

g Sc

orec

ard,

c. 1

923.

Portraits by Inez Hollander

Through vibrant primary colors and strong, unrelenting brushstrokes, this series

documents a community teeming in diversity and captures the emotions of its subjects.

Also see MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, visit the Orovitz Museum Store for one-of-a-kind gifts and

have a nosh at Bessie’s Bistro!

Bring this ad in for 2 for 1 admission

Opens February 12

NEW EXHIBIT

Elaine in Green Dress, acrylic on canvas, 2009.

Sponsored by Congregation Beth Jacob and the Robert Arthur Segall Foundation.

JJN

Larry Dreaming About the Beach, acrylic on canvas, 2008.

River Garden Auxiliary plans special eventHot Topic looks at gun control

Hadassah hosts regional conference


WOMEN’S PAGE

Jacksonville Hadassah invites the entire community to join us at the Florida Central Region Spring Confer-ence being held at the Crowne Plaza River-front Hotel. We have planned an action packed day and a half presenting interesting speakers, informative workshops and a fun-filled evening cocktail cruise followed by a banquet dinner.

Florida Central Region Spring Conference

Crowne Plaza Riverfront March 10-11, 2013

Conference highlights include:

Sunday, March 10th Shop in the Shuk—10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Buffet Lunch with Mindy Bloom, National Board Member Cocktail Cruise on the Lady St. John Riverboat Banquet Dinner with keynote speaker, Dr. Janice Weinman,

Hadassah Executive Director/CEO

Monday, March 11th Plated Lunch with guest speaker Donna Deegan, Journalist

and Health & Wellness Advocate

“Welcome to the River City”

For more information call: 904.923.8030

Glori Katz ....................................

Lori Price .....................................

Leigh Flemister ............................

Susan Miller ................................

Reba West ...................................

Celeste Hite .................................

Rachel Kelley ..............................

Buyer ...........................................

Spell Check .................................

Ad Job Number: .............................................................

Ad Run Date: ..................................................................

Release: .........................................................................

Ad Size: ..........................................................................

Special Instructions:......................................................

......................................................

......................................................

......................................................

......................................................

Roosevelt | Mandarin | Lakewood | Beaches | Baymeadows | Harbour Village

1-888-Stein Mart • www.steinmart.com

Up to 60% off Department Store Prices, Every Day

Jax Jewish News

Feb 2013

1/11

6.0833" x 7"

B/W

Velox/Slick: NO Color matchprint/film: NO

Laser copy: zip disk:

Ship:

Linescreen

Hamantaschen tradition continues

For several decades, the wom-en of the Center Sisterhood have gathered to bake hamantaschen for the children of the Jackson-ville Jewish Center and for sale in the Center Judaica Shop. You can join in the fun and camaraderie again this year both mornings and evenings Feb. 11-13 in the Center Sisterhood kitchen. Baking times and sign up information can be found on the event page at www.jjcsisterhood.com or in the

Judaica Shop. Hamantaschen will be sold in the Judaica Shop for $4 per dozen.

World Wide Wrap: – It’s not just a guy thing

As part of an egalitarian con-gregation, Center Sisterhood is proud to support the Jacksonville Jewish Center Men’s Club event, World Wide Wrap. We hope shar-ing this experience will inspire women and girls to take on this mitzvah. Join us after morning minyan on Feb. 3 to be part of a global happening.

By Center Sisterhood

Gail Baron, executive board member of Hadassah- Jacksonville, presents the book ‘Hadassah Life Changing Moments’ to Temple’s Wurn Family Library in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Hadassah.

100 years of Hadassah

Sisterhood plans events


Jacksonville

JEWISH NEWSDiane Rodgers, Communications Director

904.448.5000, ext. 212

Advertising RepresentativesBarbara Nykerk • 904.733.4179

Eta Perras • 904.629.0466

Communications CommitteeJon Israel, ChairShirley BielskiMichele KatzJoan Levin

Andrea MailRachel Morgenthal

Marsha PollockGail Sterman

Federation PresidentLarry Appel

Federation Executive DirectorAlan Margolies

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

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

Copy deadlines: All news, photographs, etc., must be received by the 6th of each month, and sent to [email protected].

Ad deadlines: All ads must be received by the 15th of each month, and sent to [email protected] in PDF format.

At a recent Auf Ruf for a couple getting married later this

month, I reminded the groom that when a person gets mar-ried just after Valen-tine’s Day, as they will, one still has to buy one’s wife two presents: one for Valentine’s Day and another for the anniversary.

Valentine’s Day is a feast day for many of our Christian friends, in memory of their Saint Valentinus, a Roman priest who helped young lovers get married to avoid service in the Roman army, but the Jewish reason for its observance is clear: Shalom Bayit, “peace in the home!” If “dinah de Malchutah dinah,” “the law of the land is the law,” then perhaps an expectation exists for lovers of all ages and faiths to participate in this “Hallmark holiday.” If we said, “I do,” once upon a time, we are expected to keep doing!

Just as active participation is required in our relationships with spouses, so, too, it is needed in our relationship with God and our Jewish covenant. But what happens if we don’t?

This is a question I am often asked directly or implicitly when talking about living a Jewish life. What happens if I don’t go to services? What happens if I don’t keep kosher (on any level)? What happens if I don’t wear a tallit or have Shabbat dinner or light the menorah or fast on Yom Kippur or say kaddish for my deceased relatives?

As there are a wide variety of approaches to Judaism, so, too, there are a wide variety of opin-ions on this issue. They run the gamut from the practical to the spiritual to the guilt ridden. But that’s not the way I see things. What happens if I don’t?

On one level, nothing much happens. Lightning doesn’t strike, the world doesn’t end. There is no direct punishment for

failure to follow the mitzvot. Sure the Torah has a differ-ent version. There, Moses constantly relays the threat

that failure to comply brings death; but that sort of direct divine in-volvement seems to have ceased a long time ago. After all, we see evil people prospering all the time, to say noth-

ing of those who miss services on a regular basis. So there is no direct punishment “if I don’t.”

This, of course, often leads people to assume that they don’t have to. If there is no punish-ment, why worry? That may be logical, but shortsighted.

First of all, why do many view punishment as a motiva-tor? The Torah is something to live by, not something to be feared. Moses notwithstanding, the thrust of the Torah is that we accept these mitzvot because we are in a covenantal relationship with God and with our fellow human beings. We each have an understanding with God; perhaps communally, perhaps personally, and the primary way in which we engage God is through the actions of our lives.

Fear of punishment isn’t the driver; joy of participation is. When we fi nd meaning in a given ritual, we can do it, not for what happens if we don’t, but for what happens when we do.

For those whose families have drifted from Shabbat dinner, it’s hard to describe the pleasure other families have of gathering around and taking a break from a busy week. It’s hard to explain the joy of adult study to someone whose last memory of Jewish education comes from decades long past and involves rote mem-orization of unexplained Hebrew phrases and angry reminders to be quiet and pay attention.

It is diffi cult to sit through worship services when you’re holding a God-concept other than that presented in the text. However, it’s even worse to decide not to bother to put any

thought into the issue of God at all. Judaism is an intellectual religion, but refl ection is impos-sible without experience. We need to make educated choices about our personal observances and not simply write off Judaism as an antiquated whole.

We must study the mitzvot, try them out, and evaluate their meaningfulness in our lives. Ju-daism is not a religion of creeds and one cannot be a good Jew on faith or fi nances alone. Judaism has always understood that with the wide and accepted range of beliefs we hold, our focus needs to be on having our actions in common.

The brilliance of Jewish life is common behaviors with a myriad of understandings. The secret, therefore, to fi nding meaning in Judaism is through the doing.

The observance of specifi c ritual mitzvot involves thought-ful examination and decisions that each individual Jew needs to make on her own.

What of the ethical mitzvot? We are as duty bound to observe those, too. What if we don’t? What if we don’t care about the hungry or don’t visit the sick in the hospital?

What if we don’t plant trees in Israel, give food to the food bank, or donate money to good causes? There will be no light-ning bolt, no punishment;

God doesn’t seem to do much public smiting anymore. Frankly, nothing happens. Nothing good happens that could have if each of us took the time and made the effort to change the world around us for the better. Good acts are reduced if we don’t help out, and our own sense of self suffers. There is something personally enriching in living out the ethical mitzvot. It can also be spiritually enriching as we live by the eth-ics of our tradition, making the world a little better, as we are all called to do.

Judaism is not a religion where we will fi nd a clear answer to “what if I don’t,” but together we can discover meaning and fi nd success in, “what if I do.”

RABBINICALLYSPEAKING

PERSPECTIVES

By RABBI JOSHUA LIEFCongregation Ahavath Chesed

Comparing ‘What if I don’t?’ with ‘What if I do?’

By JILL METLINColumnist

It is beautiful to grow older; it is a privilege. In our society, living to a ripe old age is re-

vered but looking older seems to be disdained. In other words, it’s great if you live a long life but not great if you look like you have.

That does not make sense to me.

It makes me sad when I hear an older person, particularly a woman, look at a photo from a wonderful event and say “I look so old,” or “My wrinkles show in that picture.” So we don’t look like what we used to – that’s OK – especially since many of us look even better.

What becomes refl ected in our faces is the next stage of our lives. Our kids are grown and out of the house; many of us can retire and travel; and we often have more time to volunteer or pursue hobbies we have waited a long time to try. Our lives become richer and fuller with experiences, stories and wisdom to share.

But when we see our parents reach the stage after that, often a frailer stage, it scares us. We see a future refl ection of ourselves and often misinterpret what that means. We assume that if we do

live to an age where we actually have lots of wrinkles and may use a walker for support, that we will be unhappy. When talking to our oldest of senior citizens, I have not found that to be the case. I have found that the older people are, the more they love to talk and tell you about their lives. They have history – they have lived through so much history – and have gained perspective. They once again derive pleasure from simple joys that we often take for granted like a good cup of coffee, a newspaper and a trip to CVS. Maybe it’s a lesson for us to enjoy all of our day-to-day events now and not wait 20 or 30 more years to do so – should we be so privi-leged to live that long. How many people do you know who have not made it to this stage? I know many. And just as many live lon-ger and longer with vibrancy and quality of life. If lucky enough to be among the latter, I hope I smell every rose and count every star in the sky. I think I’ll take my own advice and start today. I hope you will, too.

Jill would love to hear from you. She can be reached at [email protected]. Thank you, and see you next time.

Personal Insights: Becoming comfortable with growing older

CARTOONS

Jacksonville

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

JEWISH NEWS


COMMUNITY NEWS

The JCA staff seminar in Israel changed the lives of all who participated. The second half of our journey delved deeper into the spiritual and the emotional. We concluded the trip with visits to the desert and Jerusalem, showing the true range and diversity of Israel. We traveled to Jerusalem to say the Shehechiyanu prayer (blessing of gratitude) from the top of Mount Scopus overlooking the Old City.

Our time in Jerusalem was perhaps our most meaningful. “Je-rusalem was the pinnacle of the trip for me. It is something I’ve learned about for my entire life, and being in this place and seeing its history was magical,” Fitness Director Ali Helms said.

“The entire trip built toward the end: Jerusalem. There was something new and special for me at each place we visited along the way, but the total change in atmo-sphere in Jerusalem was astound-ing,” Director of Administration Pam Tavill said. “I had heard about it and talked about it, but to live it was amazing.”

We devoted Friday to a guided visit of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust History Museum. Every minute was spent with great purpose as

we learned stories of genocide and survival during this dark period in Jewish history.

“My first impression was that the architecture is so, appropriately, stark and confining. It was very emotional to take in the enormity of it. I was overcome with grief when we got to the replica of concentra-tion camps,” Ali said. “We saw how men and women were separated and stood naked, like cattle, in large groups. Seeing the shoes in a pile and knowing they were worn by the people whose lives were suddenly taken from them was overwhelm-ing.”

The city of Jerusalem had changed its tempo in preparation for Shabbat. We had spent our week working toward the religious center of Israel and the respite of Shabbat.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to the Western Wall to experience Kabbalat Shabbat (prayer service welcoming Shab-bat) with the people of Jerusalem. Emotions were palpable as we saw the wall for the first time and reflected on the history of the twice-destroyed Holy Temple. The night was alive with song, prayer, dance and rejoicing. It was difficult to grasp that our once-in-a-lifetime moment there is actually a weekly occurrence. Pam reflected, “Sing-ing and dancing at the Western

By LIOR SPRINGJewish Community Alliance

Above: Ali Helms on Shabbat overlooking Old City after returning from celebrating Ka-balat Shabbat at Western Wall

At left: Lior Spring at Mount Scopus overlook of Jerusalem

Guide, Muki, at Yad Vashem tour

Bob Ham Eyewear9760 San Jose Boulevard

(across from Outback Steakhouse)

(904) 268-5949

We provide service after the sale!

Our reputation has been built on serving you since 1969.

Visit us today in our new location!

Prescription Eyeware Contacts Exams Sunglasses■ ■■

Eye Exams Now Available Performed by an Independent Doctor of Optometry

George Sweat, Dr. Sheila Merritt, OD; Kathy Whitman; Bob Ham

Wall with all the diverse groups of women; there was a real sense of belonging.”

“We were there together, watch-ing the young women celebrating, and soon we were doing the same,” Membership Director Hollie Arnold said. “We were a single community with a true commonality. It was very meaningful. I didn’t want to leave!”

We said goodbye to Shabbat with Havdalah, followed by candle lighting in honor of the first night of Chanukah.

“Lighting Chanukah candles together, singing the songs and prayers in the same tune united us as Jews across continents. It was such an open and welcoming expe-rience,” J Institute Director Dorri Kraus reflected.

We concluded with a final seminar, a recap of our experiences,

which allowed us to reflect on what this experience meant to us and to the JCA.

For Myron Flagler, JCA Execu-tive Director, “This trip was the fulfillment of a professional dream. It was actually overwhelming at moments. The entire staff gained insight into the JCA mission, which will help them bring it to life. I could see each person blossom at different points along the way. This trip will make a profound difference as we move forward.”

We contemplated how we would bring what we felt, lived and learned over the past 10 days back to the JCA. According to Myron, “We will keep Israel on our minds and in our hearts. This is not the end, the journey will continue in a different way. It will evolve because this is a process. This trip was just the beginning.”

JCA directors reflect on Israel experiences

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

Excellent results to date:$1.4 million raised – $130,000 ahead of last year on a gift-to-gift comparison• Campaign pace way ahead of last year•

Exciting events on the February horizon:Super Sunday on Sunday, Feb. 3 • Women’s Lion of Judah Event on Thursday, Feb. 7•

Take action:Make you gift today at jewishjacksonville.org• Sign up to be a Super Sunday volunteer by emailing Erin Cohen •

at [email protected] for the Lion event by emailing Erin Cohen at [email protected]•

As we wend our way through the day, how much thought do we give to what goes on around us? When things go wrong, to what do we attribute it? When those things that have gone wrong result in unexpected windfalls, how do we view them? There are miracles that happen on a daily basis and those that are so stupendous that our mouths fall open in wonder. Let’s explore miracles versus natural phenomenon and gain a perspective on the wonders we can perceive in the world.

Join us for this Java evening program on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 7

p.m. at the home of Irene and Jim-my Jaffa, where we welcome back one of our favorite guest speakers, Rena Schochet, who will discuss Miracles: Natural Phenomena vs. The Miraculous.

Rena Schochet, wife of Torah Academy of Jacksonville’s princi-pal Rabbi Avi Schochet, moved to Jacksonville over a year ago. Dur-ing that time she has generously shared her knowledge and talents with our Jewish community.

Rena has a B.S. in organiza-tional behavior and is a trained fa-cilitator, mediator and life coach. Rena’s extensive experience in both adult education and coaching has led to speaking engagements on three continents and four coun-

tries. Her talks vary from Torah studies and Bible-based biogra-phies, to coaching workshops, and exposes on cults and cult-exiting activities.

Rena’s career has taken her to Johannesburg, Toronto, and Sunnyvale, Calif. As a life coach, her skills are focused on interper-sonal relationships and communi-cation.

The program promises to be fascinating. Jewish newcomers and locals are invited to attend; however, there is limited seat-ing. Kosher refreshments will be served. More information will be given when you RSVP by Feb. 4 at [email protected] or 448-5000 x206.

Many things in life give me pleasure. In my work life I have found it very rewarding welcom-ing people and making them feel at home in Jacksonville. Howev-er, observing them volunteering for and/or employed by Jewish agencies and organizations, af-fi liating with congregations, and embracing the community as their own, really touch my heart.

At a recent Kiddush luncheon, several Shalom Jacksonville alumni were deep in conversation with synagogue members, staff, board members and other new-bies. They clearly had found their niche in our community and are all obviously involved and invest-ed. Our Jewish community is so lucky to have the infusion of their new ideas, fi nancial resources, creativity and talents they bring to our community.

Many invitees at a recent bris I attended are newbie alumni

and they, too, are thoroughly entrenched in our community. These young families enrolled their children in our Jewish schools, where they quickly made friends and extended family. The Holiday Mitzvah program brought out over 100 volunteers and a good percent of them had moved here within the last few years. Lifecycle events, commu-nity programs, religious services and activities all involve a mix of newcomers and longtime locals.

Why are these people so involved? Because you and others have opened your hearts, and Federation’s partner agen-cies have opened their doors and made the newest among us feel welcome. They are now part of the “us, we and our” when we speak of our community.

No matter where you go, there they are, our newcomers, now our friends, extended families and our partners in helping us build and enrich our Jewish com-munity.

The Windows of Identity Art Project will travel to Jacksonville and be on display during the morning of Community Univer-sity 2013. The artwork, done in conjunction with the American and Israeli Partnership, consists of several different canvases

pertaining to Jewish identity and created by various artists from the Southeast Jewish community here in the United States and the Hadera-Eiron region in Israel. This project joined artists from America and Israel to create an exhibit that displayed images of each individual artist’s own Jew-ish identity. Five local artists are

represented in the exhibit.Famed Klezmer group Babel

Ashkenaz will then perform at 1 p.m. following the Community University Café. The concert is free and open to the community.

Don’t forget to save the date of April 14, and look for program and registration information over the next few weeks.


By ISABEL BALOTINShalom Jacksonville


Are you new to the commu-nity? Been in Jacksonville a few years but looking to make Jew-ish connections? Do you like to schmooze? If so you have an open invitation to join us for a casual coffee and schmoozing program on Feb. 6. Shalom Jackson-ville’s Jewish Java meets the fi rst Wednesday of every month from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Let’s Nosh at 10950 San Jose Blvd. Coffee and

tea are free.It’s the perfect place to meet

new people, catch up with old friends and acquaintances, fi nd out the latest happenings in the Jewish community, fi nd the latest issue of the Jewish News and other general community information. There are no solicitations. Also join us for Java PM Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

If you are new to the commu-nity and would like more informa-tion, please contact Isabel Balotin, 448-5000 x 206 or [email protected].


From left: Judy Madnick, Faye Leach and Stu Madnick, Sweetwater residents, join the java group.

Jewish Java set for Feb. 6

Newcomers get involved

Java PM topic focuses on miracles

Art, music highlight Community University

“Simple to Elegant, Affordable for All”

904-268-4200, Ext. 142 www.margoskoshercatering.com

[email protected]

“Simple to Elegant, Affordable for All!”

Our Catering Specialties:

Bris/Baby Naming ~ Bar/Bat Mitzvahs ~ Shiva Meals Weddings, From Modest to Elaborate

Holiday Take Out ~ Private & Corporate Catering Off Premise Catering Available

Birthday Cakes & More


[email protected]


[email protected]

Federation 2013 Campaign update

COMMUNITY NEWSpage 9Jacksonville Jewish News • February 2013 www.jewishjacksonville.org

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE.THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

jewishjacksonville.orgfacebook.com/jaxjewish

Join us to celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday and the unmatched partnership between the Federations and the State of Israel. Experience an amazing journey through-out the country and then stay on for the GA with sessions on critical issues, inspiring speakers, and countless networking opportunities.

Contact Alan Margolies, [email protected], for more information.

Save the date:Nov. 3-10

Mission to Israel The 2013General AssemblyNov. 10-13

Camp Ki Tov, located at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, an-nounces that Pamela Lewis and Alex Hills will serve as co-direc-tors of Camp Ki Tov for the up-coming summer. Lewis serves as a first grade teacher at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. Growing up as a member of the Jackson-ville Jewish Center, Lewis was active in the schools and camps at the Center as a child. A gradu-ate of the University of North Florida with a degree in elementa-ry education, Pam spent previous summers as counselor, head girls counselor, and coordinator of the CIT program at Camp Ki Tov.

Lewis will focus on enhancing programming at the Upper Camp for the summer ahead.

Alex Hills holds a degree in elementary education from the University of North Florida. A teacher in the Duval County Pub-lic Schools, Hills has spent many years involved in early childhood education and camp at the Jack-sonville Jewish Center. Originally serving as a computer teacher for the DuBow Preschool, Alex will serve as counselor, lifeguard, head boys counselor, and waterfront director at Camp Ki Tov. He looks forward to working with admin-istration to make this summer the best summer yet.

Shereen Canady, DuBow

Preschool director, will con-tinue to serve as director of the lower camp of Camp Ki Tov for preschool campers, continuing to offer fun and exciting early child-hood educational opportunities in a camp setting for our youngest participants.

Camp Ki Tov will begin on June 17 and offer eight one-week sessions. You can sign up for weekly sessions.

For more information on Camp Ki Tov for summer 2013 please contact [email protected] or check out campkitov.org. Please feel free to contact 292-1000 for any specific questions you may have about Camp Ki Tov for summer 2013.

By Jacksonville Jewish Center

Camp Ki Tov, located at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, will be offering four one-week specialty sports camp sessions for summer 2013. These ses-sions will be in addition to the regularly scheduled one-of-a-kind camp programming offered at Camp Ki Tov and be open to all rising second graders through rising sixth graders. Run under the tutelage of Specialty Sports Camps Coordinator and Athletic Specialist Coach Jared Gold-

man, Camp Ki Tov will offer the following specialty sports camp sessions: flag football – the week of 7/8, floor hockey – the week of 7/15, basketball – the week of 7/22, soccer – the week of 7/29.

Campers participating in these sessions will spend their days as part of camp in addi-tion to participating in separate sports activities. Camp Ki Tov is a magical Jewish summer experience full of vibrant and spirited campers, nurturing staff, wondrous programs and confi-dence building activities.


What do you get when you combine 100 Jews, 400 hungry people and 200 pounds of fresh chicken? Why, the Holiday Mitzvah program, of course! Volunteers from Congregation Ahavath Chesed and the Jack-sonville Jewish Center worked Dec. 24 and 25 to cook and de-liver over 400 meals in support of Aging True, the agency that operates the Meals-on-Wheels program. We also gave Aging True’s caregivers more time to be with their families since most of them are not Jewish.

As our sages taught… “Charity is equal to all of the other commandments com-

bined” (Babylonian Talmud, Bava Bathra 9b)” and that we should “support the non-Jewish poor along with the poor of Israel” (Babylonian Talmud, Gittin 61a).

Having recently converted from Christianity to Judaism and completed my first Cha-nukah as a Jew, the irony of volunteering to help others on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day wasn’t lost on me. So I volunteered and was assigned the important duty of cook-ing most of the 200 pounds of chicken. You see, when you volunteer to help in a kitchen and mention to the organizers that you once worked in the largest chicken restaurant in New England (Wright’s Farm

in Nasonville, R.I.), it wasn’t any wonder that I spent the morning in front of a 12-pan convection oven.

I must say I had a great time working with the other volun-teers, and I think a good time was had by all. We were all delighted to do our parts; each role, regardless of how minor, combining for our part of tik-kun olam, helping our neigh-bors feel full, which is a feeling I too often take for granted.

The opportunity for tikkun olam is present daily in Jack-sonville. Once again we have the opportunity for tikkun olam with strength in numbers when Congregation Ahavath Chesed comes together for Chesed Town on Jan. 27.

On Sunday, March 3, mem-bers of the Jacksonville Jew-ish Center will participate in Mitzvah Day 5773, in which members of the congregation and larger Jacksonville Jewish community will be going out to all corners of Jacksonville and volunteering.

Students of the Galinsky Academy including those in the Bernard and Alice Selevan Reli-gious School, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, DuBow Preschool, and Makom Hebrew High School, along with members of the Chalutzim, Kadima, and USY

youth groups, will be leading the way helping those less fortunate and participating in tikkun olam, repairing the world, and making this world a better place.

Community members will be led in these efforts through learning and action by Mitz-vah hero Danny Siegel, who will serve as the Setzer-Levitt Scholar-in-Residence as part of the Center’s Social Action Shab-baton throughout the weekend. For more information on how you can participate in the Cen-ter’s Mitzvah Day 5773, please contact Rabbi Jesse Olitzky at 268-4200 ext. 134 or [email protected].


Camp Ki Tov hires new co-directors Camp Ki Tov offers specialty sports camps

Center volunteers help others on the First Coast

Holiday Mitzvah program: a personal perspectiveBy ANDREW OCEANCongregation Ahavath Chesed


EDUCATION

facebook.com/Beachview Tent Rentals

912-510-3800 GA BEACHVIEW.NET 904-381-8877 FL

What does NAEYC reac-creditation mean for the JCA’s preschool?

The NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Ac-creditation is a voluntary system for early childhood education programs to enhance the quality of the services they provide. By achieving this accreditation, the preschool demonstrates its dedica-tion to providing high-quality

education and learning opportuni-ties to its children.

“We are thrilled to continue to offer unparalleled excellence in early childhood education,” exclaimed Theresa Levy, depart-ment director. “The recognition by NAEYC embodies this.”

Few schools in North Florida have achieved this accreditation, and even fewer have maintained this level for as long as Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool. The preschool initially received accreditation in 1991 and is now

accredited through February 2018. Accreditation is valid for

fi ve-year periods; however, the preschool must submit an annual report on the anniversary of its ac-creditation. NAEYC reviews the report to ensure that the school continues to meet the accredita-tion criteria.

The criteria consist of 10 stan-dards that are divided into four groups: children, teachers, family and community partners, and the school’s program administration. As children are the most impor-

tant part of this equation, fi ve of the 10 standards apply directly to them, focusing on building healthy relationships, learning and development, and health and nutrition.

The remaining standards ensure that the preschool’s teach-ing staff is qualifi ed and knowl-edgeable and that the preschool provides a safe and well-main-tained physical environment, as well as high-quality management and leadership of the school. Lastly, the standards promote the

building of relationships with the children’s families and with other institutions within the community to support healthy and effective development and learning.

Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool has developed a well-balanced, effective system that enhances development and learning opportunities. As a result, the preschool provides an environment in which children thrive, strengthen their overall well-being, and are prepared for success.

By JANINE EPPSJewish Community Alliance

Do I have a stake in who my students are when they are not in school?

Do I or does the school have a responsibility to address the role parents play in behaviors that take place outside the bounded times and spaces of school? I think the answer is, “yes.” But, boy, is that more complicated. The truth to explore is how to help parents best partner with school to truly become a commu-nity of kindness. The challenge is how to lovingly intervene when it becomes apparent that help

may be required. We are parenting in uncharted

territory. Our children have ac-cess to information and to each other in ways we may, or not, be aware. Whether it is through texting, chatting or gaming, our children are in constant contact. And just like in reality, their be-havior in virtual reality provides opportunities for kindness and its opposite. Parents play a crucial role in determining the outcomes. Unfortunately, if it fi nds its way to me, it means the outcome was not-so-good. When it fi nds me, it usually means that a child has been excluded or dispar-aged. When it fi nds me, it usu-

ally means that a child has been exposed to language or content which may be inappropriate. And when it fi nds me, I have to ask myself what am I to do? It isn’t a hypothetical question, and I don’t actually know the answer! So, please, dear reader, whether you are a parent, educator or con-cerned party, I invite you to make a quality comment on my blog at www.mjgds.org/mitzmacher, and let’s collaborate on an answer. How do I address my fully ac-cepted responsibility to care about the role parents play in behaviors that take place outside the bounded times and spaces of school?

By JON MITZMACHERJacksonville Jewish Center

MJGDS would like to wel-come the entire community to this year’s science fair, “The Chill in Science,” on Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m.

The eighth grade class will begin the evening with tricks using dry ice and liquid nitro-gen that will impress children and adults of all ages.

Projects include experiments

with humans, mice and ham-sters, and also explosions and rockets. Have you ever thought about what you drink and what it does to your teeth?

There will be a real coyote skull complete with teeth to show us exactly what happens.

Students in grades 3-8 have been working hard on their projects for several months, and the evening is sure to impress all attendees.

By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

The DuBow Preschool of-fers an enriching and nurturing program for children ages 12 months through VPK.

We have over 65 years experience providing quality programs to Jewish children in our community.

Our developmentally appro-priate curriculum encourages creativity, discovery, values, critical thinking and 21st cen-tury learning in a safe, loving and stimulating environment.

Our program boasts two experienced teachers per class-room and a staff of specialists including a music, P.E. and

science teacher and two Jewish studies teachers.

Our full-day preschool option offers more academic enrichment and a daily class at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School which includes Fit Kids, Art Studio, Music & Move-ment, Fun with Clergy, and library. Partnering with our families, our goal is to pro-vide our students with a strong academic and social foundation that encourages a life-long love of learning.

To learn more, visit us at www.dubowpreschool.org , fol-low us on Facebook and contact Shereen Canady at 268-4200 ext.143 to schedule a tour.

By DuBow Preschool

Saturdays8:45 a.m. – 10 a.m. ♦ Torah Study at the Temple. Join us on Shabbat mornings, as together we read and discuss the Torah portion of the week. Fresh cof-fee and a light breakfast are served at 8:45 a.m., and we’ll start our discussion promptly at 9 a.m. No prior knowledge is necessary and all are welcome. This program is presented free and no reservations are required. For more informa-tion, contact the Temple at 733-7078, or email [email protected].

Mondays10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ♦ The Wisdom Years at Temple. Wrestle with traditional and contemporary Jewish topics. Led

by Rabbi Lief, this long-standing group welcomes new members who are anxious to share ideas with equally spirited compan-ions. This series is open to the public and presented free. No reservations are required. For more information, contact the Temple at 733-7078, or email [email protected].

Monday, Feb. 47 p.m. – 8 p.m. ♦ Colonial Jew-ish History at Temple. While the vast majority of the American Jewish community immigrated to this country after 1830, there was a small, but signifi cant, Jewish population during colo-nial times, and they played an important role in the American Revolution. In this month, when we celebrate Presidents’ Day,

join us and learn about Hyam Solomon, Mordecai Sheftall and other patriots who helped as our nation was being born. All are welcome and no prior knowl-edge is required. Email [email protected], or call the Temple offi ce at (904) 733-7078 for more information.

7 p.m. ♦ JCA Film Series at the JCA. The JCA presents a free showing of “Annie Hall.” Thought by many critics to be Woody Allen’s magnum opus, “Annie Hall” confi rmed that Allen had “completed the journey from comic to humorist, from comedy writer to wit and from inventive moviemaker to creative artist” (Saturday Review). For more information, call Thelma Nied, 730-2100 ext. 227.

ADULT EDUCATION

What is Your Home Worth?

www.JacksonvilleHomeValues.info

JCA Preschool reaccredited by the NAEYC

Having a stake in students at all times Registration begins at DuBow Preschool

Science fair focuses on the chill in science


EDUCATION

Saturday, March 2 - 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: 904-276-6750 or THcenter.org

Located on the Orange Park Campus of SJR State College Free Parking

Most every Tuesday in the Kofim class at the DuBow Pre-school we do a themed cooking project. Cooking with 2- and 3-year-old children is not about eating the product, it is an adven-ture in discovery. We use every one of our five senses.

We taste some of the ingre-dients; we see and discuss what they are and how they look. We use our noses to smell the onions and garlic being chopped, our ears to hear the sizzle of oil frying. We learn about solids and liquids, melting and freezing. We learn about recipes and reading them. We measure out ingredients then mix and stir. We use counting, adding and subtracting skills.

We strengthen fine motor skills

by grating or cutting ingredients with small child-friendly plastic knives. We have even used our gross motor skills to shake pud-ding to a fast and slow beat danc-ing around the room.

We learn about the tools of the trade such as measuring spoons and cups, rolling pins, whisks, and more. We learn what they are used for, and how to use them safely. We learn to take turns and to share. We learn about chemis-try, and what happens when you mix certain ingredients together in a certain way. And sometimes, something surprising can come from our mistakes. When the Kofim class cooks, we learn a lot more than the magic of taking a few individual elements mixing them together and turning them into something yummy – we learn life skills.

By CHERYL GARTNERDuBow Preschool

Jewish Family & Community Services works in conjunction with the Jewish Educational Loan Fund in Atlanta by providing interest-free college loans to Jewish stu-dents in the Southeast, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Applications will be available online at www.jelf.org on March 1 for those students beginning college in the fall 2013, graduate school, or vocational school or for those changing professions. For more information, please contact Renie Levin, Local JELF Admin-istrator, at 394-5721 or [email protected].


Cheryl’s little chefs: Cooking a learning adventure at DuBow school

Interest-free college loans for Jewish students available

At the DuBow Preschool, parents of babies and toddlers find a place to learn, grow and social-ize. Our programs are open to the entire community. We hope you will join us.

Our special Shalom Baby playgroup will meet on Feb. 1 and 15, March 1 and 15, April 5 and

26, and May 10 and 24. We look forward to seeing our Shalom Baby friends and meeting some new ones. Our cuties range in age from 1 to 30 months. Each time we get together we share a parent-ing topic, playtime and music, and we celebrate Shabbat. This group is free and open to all moms, dads, loved ones and their babies or toddlers.

By DuBow Preschool

Shalom Baby offers free playgroup at DuBow


EDUCATION

Jacksonville Office

Florida Financial Group4190 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32216

[email protected]

Palm Coast Office

Innovative Financial Solutions PC, Inc.50 Leanni Way #C-4 Palm Coast, FL 32137

[email protected]

Mark H. Kraus, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL®

Financial Advisor, Registered Representative

Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)

Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®)

Focusing On:

Wealth Accumulation Strategies

Investments & Annuities

Retirement & Executive Benefit Planning

Estate Conservation & Planning Strategies

Life, Long-Term Care & Disability Insurance

Business Succession Planning

Charitable Giving & Legacy Planning

“I can help you achieve your lifetime and legacy goals.”

Preschool is a time for ex-ploration and new discoveries. Preschool-age kids are little investigators asking questions and formulating theories on how things work. They love to explore the world as little scientists. Pre-schoolers learn best when they are involved in hands-on exploration and experiences.

Experiential, hands-on,

discovery model teaching is the approach we take at the DuBow Preschool.! Come get a little taste of what our kids enjoy daily. We are inviting all families with preschool-age children to experi-ence The Magic Bubble Science Show on Sunday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m. Come watch a fantastic show by Mr. Greg, participate in exciting hands-on stations, visit our Discovery Studio, Children’s Garden and beautiful classrooms.

By DuBow Preschool

The DuBow Preschool once again invites our Bubbees and Zaydees and other special guests to our annual Shoobee Doobee Shabbat programs. Our Parparim (3-4 year old) class planned a special Tu B’Shevat Shabbat with their favorite guests at the end of January. After singing, storytell-ing, and reciting the blessings, they all joined together for challah and grape juice. We look forward to inviting the Tzeeporim (VPK 4 – 5 year old) families on Feb. 8 and the Doobonim (1-2 year old)

and Kofim (2-3 year old) families on March 1 for their special Shab-bat programs.

DuBow Preschool planned a Tu B’Shevat or the New Year of the Trees celebration on Jan. 25. All classes participated in plant-ing in our Children’s Garden and in sending tzedakah to JNF to plant trees in Israel. The children enjoyed making and eating a cre-ative tree made from pretzel sticks planted in chocolate “dirt” with different colored fruit gems as the fruit. Yummy! The day was made extra special with a visit from PJ Library.

By DuBow Preschool

Shevat and Adar prove busy months at DuBow PreschoolPurim is coming. This is a

fabulous, fun, crazy time of year loved by all our preschoolers. On Feb. 22 we will celebrate with our own mini-meghillah reading and

preschool zimriya (sing-a-long) with lots of songs, new and old. All our preschoolers and teachers come in costume, ready to shake groggers and sing. We recount the

story of brave Queen Esther and listen for the names of Haman (rash, rash, rash), Mordecai and King Ahashvarosh.

Calling all little budding scientists and explorers


EDUCATION

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

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

www.dubowpreschool.org [email protected]

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

Lic. C04DU0526Located at the Jacksonville Jewish Center.

The Magic Bubble Science Show is

Sunday, February 3rd at 10am.

year’s packages went through a complete overhaul, as the program went green. With the introduction of tasteful, reusable bags and the

inclusion of some additional treats, those who received a Mishloach Manos through NCSY Jax were pleasantly surprised.

This year promises to continue the trend, as we’ve scouted out new ideas and additions to make the packages all the more elegant and refi ned. Those living outside of the local ZIP codes receive beautiful greeting cards to let your friends know you were thinking of them this holiday. It’s the perfect opportunity to create friendship and camaraderie within our com-munity and to simultaneously help support our youth program. Thank you for a fantastic year, and thank you all for your support.

For more information, please email [email protected]. If you already receive packages or cards and would like to order for others, please go to www.WebManos.com/ECJax and type in password ncsy2013 or call the Etz Chaim offi ce at (904) 262-3565 ext.7.

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

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

Butensky & Cohen Financial Security, Inc.

Wealth Management Specialists“No investment product selling; just well-disciplined investment management.”

We do things differently.

We understand that everyone’s

financial situation is unique. We have

created a time tested investment

strategy that can be tailored to suit

your needs. We are a locally owned,

fee only, Investment Management

Company that has helped many

families preserve & grow

their assets since 1995.

Our Portfolio Services Include:• Asset Management

• Retirement Planning• 401(k) Rollovers

• IRA, 401(k) and 403(b) Management

Let’s discuss

your financial future.

904.273.9850

110 Professional Drive, #101 Ponte Vedra Beach 32082

www.butenskycohen.com [email protected]

Jan ButenskyFounder

Allan CohenFounder

“Pershing, LLC (a subsidiary of Bank of New York Mellon Corporation) is our third party custodian who will hold your assets in an insured brokerage account.”

Sunday, February 24 8 AM - Shaharit with Traditional Megillah Reading

PURIM CARNIVAL

begins at approximately 10:30 AM Win Prizes

Lots of Laughter Fun Booths & Games

Pizza by the slice for sale All kids in costume receive a chance to win a new bike!

Saturday Night, February 23 Minha/Seudah Shlishith: 5:15 PM

Evening Service/Megillah Reading: 7 PM, followed by Purim Unmasked

An adults-only evening of mystery, music, and dancing! Presented by Sisterhood & Men’s Club

Who will be crowned the JJC King and Queen? It could be YOU! Dress in costume or festive attire!

$25 per person, includes desserts and drinks RSVP to Rose at 292-1000 or [email protected]

Purim Shpiel & Family Megillah Reading

begin at 9:30 AM

Citizens, We Invite You To

goJanuary 26th through April 7th, 2013

S L o Wm A r k I n g T I m e I n

P h o t o g r a P h y A n D

f i L m

──────

m o c a j a c k S o n v i L L e .o r g333 n. Laura St. · (904) 366–6911

Take the Left or right Brain Tour

View khan's Digitally Layered Industrial Photos

Digest with 15 minute Lunch Lectures

────idris khan: every... Bernd & Hilla Becher Prison Type gasholder, 2003.

Lambda digital c print mounted on aluminium. triptych, each part 67 x 53cm. (ik 12 8/10). courtesy

the artist and victoria miro, London. © idris khan.

at t e n d S P e c i a L

t h e at e r S h oW i ng S

re l a x & re a d i n t h e g a l l e r i e s

investigate the Science Behind the art

────idris khan: every... Bernd & Hilla

Becher Spherical Type gasholder, 2003. Lambda digital c print mounted

on aluminium. triptych, each part 67 x 53cm. (ik 12 8/10). courtesy

the artist and victoria miro, London. © idris khan.

W2013_SlowAd_JewishNews_D2.indd 1 11/16/12 10:55 AM

The Mishloach Manos Project is back for another fantastic year. NCSY Jax teens gather to prepare over 200 beautiful Purim packages

which are sent all over the com-munity to you and your friends – by you.

Our trademark Mishlaoch Manos always contains home-baked chocolate chip cookies and a bevy of other treats. Last

By RABBI SHAYA HAUPTMANNCSY

On Sunday, Feb. 24, Etz Chaim Synagogue will collabo-rate with Torah Academy to hold its annual Purim Extravaganza. The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the Megillah reading fol-lowed by a delicious Purim meal accompanied by live music and

entertainment. There will also be wonderful activities for the children including several bounce houses.

The event promises to be fi lled with great ruach as in past years. The Jewish community is invited to attend. For more info please call the shul offi ce at 262-3565 or visit etzchaim.org.

By Etz Chaim Synagogue

From left: Manya Goldstein, Sarah Hall and Orly Ohayon help bake cookies for the Mishloach Manos Project.

Kehillah Chadashah joins the Reconstructionist Rabbini-cal College, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and numerous other Jewish organizations in a campaign to end gun violence.

The recent incident in Sandy Hook, where so many inno-cent lives were needlessly lost, touched us all very deeply. Jew-ish tradition teaches us to value life. Zichronam Lirracha is a

campaign to end gun violence in which various Jewish organiza-tions and individuals could sign a petition to President Obama and Congress, making a statement that something must be done so that other innocent lives can’t be taken.

Join Kehillah Chadashah in supporting Zichronam Lirracha. Go to https://sites.google.com/site/kehillahchadashah to learn more and join the effort. For their memory should be a blessing.

By Kehillah Chadashah

Kehillah Chadashah joins Zichronam Lirracha

Etz celebrates Purim

NCSY Jax Mishloach Manos Project returns


SYNAGOGUE NEWS

The Jacksonville Jewish Cen-ter will host Mitzvah Hero Danny Siegel as their Setzer-Levitt Scholar-in-Residence as part of the Center’s Social Action Shab-baton. Siegel is a well-known author, lecturer and poet who has spoke in more than 500 North American Jewish communities on Tzedakah and Jewish values. Danny Siegel founded the Ziv Tzedakah Fund in 1981, collect-ing small amounts of money from generous individuals to give to ordinary Israelis who were doing extraordinary work, trying to make the world a better place. The Ziv Tzedakah Fund gave over $14 million to small projects in Israel and the United States.

On March 1, following a by-reservation-only Shabbat dinner, Siegel will teach on “There’s No Such Thing as a Small Mitz-vah: Easy Ways To Make a BIG

Difference With Just a Little Tzedakah Money” and/or a “Min-imum of Time, Effort, Stamina, Talents and Personal Strengths and Preferences.”

On March 2, during Shabbat morning services, Siegel will give a sermon titled, “Tikkun Olam and Life: 1+ 1=3 and many other Mitzvah Principles for a Mean-ingful Jewish Life.” Following Shabbat services, he will lead a lunch and learn for B’nai Mitzvah students and their families about the importance of taking responsi-bility to make this world a better place.

On Sunday morning, March 3, Danny Siegel will lead the com-munity in learning before embark-ing on a day full of volunteering and Tikkun Olam throughout the city of Jacksonville as part of the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Mitzvah Day 5773. For more information on the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Social Action

Shabbaton with Danny Siegel or the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Mitzvah Day, please contact Rabbi Jesse Olitzky at 268-4200 ext. 134 or [email protected]


According to Jewish tradition, it is our duty to celebrate with the bride and groom. At Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), the celebration doesn’t stop at the wedding. Eighty-four couples will be honored on Friday, Feb. 15, as Temple celebrates Mar-riage Reconsecration Shabbat. As part of a lovely and long-standing tradition, Temple invites couples who are celebrating wedding an-niversaries ending in 3 or 8 at any time during the year to gather un-der a large chuppah for a special blessing by the rabbi and in the presence of their Temple family.

This year, the continuum of couples celebrating anniversaries range from some who are just reaching their fifth year of mar-ried life, to one couple who will celebrate their 70th wedding an-niversary in 2013. They will have the opportunity to come together under the chuppah and relive their special day, whether it was just a decade ago, or if they’re marking their silver or golden anniversary. There will be a special Oneg Shabbat following services, so that their friends and family can offer them good wishes as well.

The Marriage Reconsecration ceremony will be included in Temple’s Kabbalat Shabbat wor-ship which begins at 7 p.m. Please

join our Temple family in honor-ing these couples at that time.

5 years: Matt and Samantha Borer, Mark and Meredith Frisch, Brian and Stephanie Frus, Jacob and Amber Rothman. 10 years: Vincent and Deana Barone, Wal-ter and Mary Beissinger, Rabbi Matthew and Erin Cohen, Scott and Caron Gutovitz, Michael and Andrea Kneller, Sean Granat and Amy Layh, Paul and Jill Metlin, Jonathan and Jennifer Shedlin. 15 Years: Scott and Allison Brody , Thomas Cunniff Sr. and Ju-dith Cunniff, Alfred and Dawn Emerick, Steven and Rebecca Goldwasser , Adam and Kimberly Mcdonough, B. Wade and Tracey Westbrook. 20 years: David and Cecilla Cristol, Richard and Audrey Goodpasture, Ted and Lisa Grubowski, Philip and Leslie Kaplan, Craig and Holly Kobrin, Phillip and Alisa Pearl, Benjamin and Karin Piperno, Michael and Dina Pulley, Harold and Barbara Resnick, Thomas and Rosema-rie Rudden, Johathan and Karen Schwartz, Todd and Catherine Snowden, Marc Jackson and Ann Tiefenthaler, Eric and Bonni Van, David and Sheila Weston.

25 years: James and Rita Brady, David and Donna Furfine, Seth and Elissa Giambalvo, How-ard and Deborah Gomer, Charles and Anne Joseph, Eric and Jodie Leach, John and Debra Pataky,

Lee and Nancy Rosenberg, David and Kathleen Spencer. 30 years: Stephen and Serena Bloomfield, Jeffrey and Mary Edwards, James and Francine Kempner, Michael and Pamela Korn, Michael and Sue Nussbaum, Gary and Nancy Perlman, Alan and Lisa Schim-mel. 35 years: Steven and Judith Friedman, Andrew and Karen Kaunitz, Mark and Susan Korn-hauser, Joel and Beth Kurland, Gary and Peggy Rothman, Rich-ard and Kimberly Sisisky, Skip

and Wendy Willbach. 40 years: Loren and Elana Clayman, Neal and Andrea Esserman, Jonathan and Barbara Lief, Fred and Mar-tha Tromberg, Arnold and Janet Zeal. 45 years: Paul and Annette Cantor, Fred and Adrienne Ele-fant, Lloyd and Linda Granat, Ste-phen and Sandra Merritt, Jerome and Marjorie Rothstein, Gerald and Phyllis Sohn, Mandell and Rita Stearman, Sheldon and Anita Teitelbaum, Steven Ussach and Sheila Rae, Eugene and Brenda

Wolchok. 50 years: Max and Beverly Block, Daniel and Dinah Kossoff, Sidney and Rona Siegel. 55 years: Michael and Sue Ber-key, Sam Bucholtz, Jr. and Mary Bucholtz, Jay and Ellen Diamond, Carl and Carolyn Kantor, Bernard and Ruth Nachman, William and Ariene Newman, Lewis and Ann Young. 60 years: Bernard and Marilyn Datz, Harvey and Joy Jarchower. 70 years: Perry and Shirley Cohen.

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Every four seconds, someone in America requires a blood trans-fusion. It is the goal of The Blood Alliance to collect 360 pints daily. Help Temple do its part in giving the gift of life.

As part of its ongoing efforts of tikkun olam, or repair of the

world, Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) will again host a blood drive on Sunday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are encouraged to join us in this worthy cause.

To register and reserve your appointment, contact Robin Gefen at [email protected], or call the Temple office at (904) 733-7078.

From March 3-5, over a dozen members of the Jackson-ville Jewish Center will travel to Washington, D.C., to partici-pate in the largest gathering of pro-Israel advocates anywhere. AIPAC Policy Conference is where pro-Israel activists influ-ence policy, strengthen the bond between the United States and Israel, and ensure that Israel remains strong, vibrant and free. Thousands of participants of all ages come together from all 50 states for what AIPAC calls “three of the most important days affecting Israel’s future.”

“It is important that we are am echad im lev echad, one na-tion with one heart,” says Rabbi Jesse Olitzky of the Jacksonville Jewish Center, who will be lead-ing the delegation. “While the

American Jewish community may be divided on many issues, we are united in our support for Israel. Policy Conference is an opportunity to meet with and hear from countless Israeli and American legislatures, politi-cians, and policymakers and sit in on hundreds of informative sessions and debates about the future of the state of Israel. At-tending Policy Conference leads to each of us becoming better pro-Israel advocates so that we may return to Jacksonville and have our voices heard as sup-porters of the Jewish state on the First Coast.”

There is still time to be a part of the Jacksonville Jewish Center delegation to the confer-ence. For those who are inter-ested, please contact Rabbi Jesse Olitzky at 268-4200 ext. 134 or [email protected].


Over one in every eight Americans, or 13.1 percent of the population, is an older American. Judaism places great value on honoring, respecting and caring for the elderly. Leviticus teaches us that “you shall rise up before the aged and show deference

to the old.” In Proverbs it says “abandon me not when I grow old.” Kehillah Chadashah will be leading service for the elderly residents at River Garden Hebrew Home throughout the year. For more information go to https://sites.google.com/site/kehillahcha-dashah/ under Tikkun Olam.

By Kehillah Chadashah

Temple holds Marriage Reconsecration Shabbat

Seventy-four couples were honored during the Temple’s Marriage Reconsecration Shabbat in 2012. On February 15, 2013 we will honor 70 couples with anniversaries ranging from five to70 years.

Mitzvah hero Siegel to speak at Center Center participates in AIPAC conference

Kehillah Chadashah holds services at River Garden

Temple hosts blood drive By SAM GRISWOLDCongregation Ahavath Chesed

Danny Siegel

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2012 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $181,000

904.730.2100wwwjcajax.org

JCA happenings

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

The JCA will celebrate its 25th birthday with a night of music on Sunday, Feb. 9.

Attendees will take a musical journey through the 25 years of the JCA with the best singers in Jacksonville while enjoying a

glass of wine and light nosh.Doors will open at 7 p.m. and

the program will begin at 7:30 p.m.

This celebration is free to members in honor of the JCA’s 25th birthday. Nonmembers may attend for $15. Reservations required by Feb. 5.

By Jewish Community Alliance

Travel with the JCA to ex-perience the tastes, sounds and sights of Israel through a new lens.

Discover the uniqueness of its arts, food, wine and culture

for 10 outstanding days – April 28 through May 7.

Paid reservations are due by Feb. 22. Contact [email protected] or call 730-2100 ext. 245 for more information. A trip brochure is available online at http://www.jcajax.org/Israel.


Preventing heart attacks in women

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in women and yet many are unaware of the symp-toms. Join us at 6 p.m. on Mon-day, Feb. 25, as we welcome Dr. Gladys Velarde, medical director for Shands Women’s Cardiovas-cular Program and Doris Gold-stein, survivor and proponent of proactive heart attack prevention.

The program is free for mem-bers and $5 for nonmembers. Advance registration appreciated.

Concert in the Round series

The JCA will present a free performance by violinist Paul Huang at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10.

21-year-old Taiwan-ese–Ameri-can violinist Paul Huang was first prize winner of the 2011 Young Con-cert Artists International Auditions and the 2009 International Violin Competition Sion-Valais in Switzerland. He has performed as soloist in Hungary with the Bu-dapest Dohnanyi Symphony,with the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional in Mexico City and twice with the Taipei Symphony in Taiwan. He is quickly establishing a reputa-tion for his eloquent interpreta-tions and commanding stage presence.

Thanks to the generosity of the Berman Family, this concert is free and open to the entire com-munity.

J Play presents sensory science

Family fun continues with a messy morning of scientific discovery in the JCA’s J Play pro-gram. Explore, investigate, create, and enjoy through all of the senses at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10.

The per-family fee, which

includes breakfast, is $10 for JCA members and $15 for nonmem-bers.

Flag football leagues to kick off soon

The JCA will offer flag football leagues for youth and adults this spring.

The JCA Youth Co-Ed Flag Football League is back for anoth-er action-packed football season. The league is unique in that we practice before each game so it is a convenient one-stop-shop for all your football needs.

A mandatory skills evaluation will be held at the Bolles Football Field on March 10. Age groups will be determined after the evalu-ations. The fee is $100 for JCA members and $150 for nonmem-bers. Call Geoff Thomas at 730-2100 ext. 254 if you would like to volunteer to coach or if you have any questions about the league.

The JCA’s Adult Flag Football League for ages 18+ will play at Bolles Stadium Field on Sunday afternoons from 4 to 7 p.m.

Form your own teams of six to eight players for 5-on-5 flag football. You can also register individually or with a friend and be placed on a team. The fee is $60 for JCA members and $90 for nonmembers. Call or email Geoff at ext. 254 or [email protected] if you have any questions.

Chess Club and tournament

Don’t miss out on the fun! The JCA presents its first unrated chess tournament on Feb. 3. If you need some pointers, we have Chess Club each Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. Call ext. 245 for more information.

‘FAME!’Don’t miss the music, dance

and all-around fun when the JCA Theatre of Youth take the stage in the hit musical “FAME!” Set in Manhattan at Laguardia School of the Arts, “FAME!” will take you on the journey young artists, both visual and theatrical, must face while trying to achieve their dreams.

Show dates and times are

March 2 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and March 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 and are sold at the door.

3rd Annual Spring Fling Rac-quetball Tournament

The next Spring Fling Rac-quetball Tournament is quickly approaching. Keep an eye out for more information on this great annual event. The tournament will be Sunday, March 24. Contact Rio Robinson at 730-2100 ext. 250 for more information.

Break-away vacationLearn about our founding

fathers through fun activities in a Salute to America on Monday, Feb. 18.

This spring break, as we jour-ney under the sea, we will make jeweled jellyfish, hunt for sunken treasure, play octopus tag and more. We will be offering Break-Away Days during most schools spring breaks (call ext. 245 for dates).

Vandroff Art GalleryThe paintings of Cable Spence

will be on display in the Vandroff Art Gallery until Feb. 20. JCA member Cable Spence is an artist whose work exhibits integrity and spirit. He is a graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chi-cago. He is a board member of the St. Augustine Art Association, and you probably have enjoyed the concerts here at the JCA with his band, The Ancient City Slickers.

Beginning Feb. 22, the gallery will exhibit works by members of The Art Guild of Orange Park. This organization promotes the visual arts in Clay County and Northeast Florida.

Understanding food allergies

Join nutritionist and holistic health practitioner Dr. Jon Repole at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, as he sheds some light on the causes of food allergies and provides practical methods that make liv-ing with them easier.

This program is free for JCA members and $5 for nonmembers. Advance registration is appreci-ated.

Money Matters: Teaching your kids about money

Teaching kids how to man-age money is one of the biggest challenges facing most parents. At 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, the JCA will present “Money Matter’s Kids’ Talk” featuring guest speakers from Vystar Credit Union.

This program is free for JCA members and $5 for nonmembers. Advance registration is appreci-ated.

Using plants as home decor accessories

Rose Jackson, of Anything with Plants & Flowers, will share some of the exciting new trends in plantscaping your home at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

The fee is $5 for JCA members and $8 for nonmembers.

Private swim lessonsLearn to swim or learn to swim

more efficiently. Our one-on-one private instruction for children, adults and seniors will lead you closer to your individual goal.

A minimum of four 30-minute lessons is required. Per-lesson fee is $30 for JCA members and $45 for nonmembers. The JCA offers an eight-lesson special for $210 for JCA members and $315 for nonmembers.

Art classes begin in February

The JCA is offering the fol-lowing art classes beginning in mid-February:

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

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

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

Pottery (begins March 5): You will learn hand building and how to use the wheel. A bag of clay is included – if needed.

Portrait pastel: This class of-fers new color concepts for skin and hair as well as light values.

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

Quick Start Tennis program 10 & under

The JCA offers a revolutionary tennis program that utilizes equip-ment that is tailored to age-appro-priate standards (smaller playing surface, smaller/lighter rackets, balls that bounce in line) to help develop skills.

Quick Start Tennis play format is designed so that kids can learn, rally, play and compete in a way that is more fun, keeping them coming back for more.

For more information, call 730-2100 ext. 317.

Year-round Makos swim team

Our year-round Makos swim team emphasizes aerobic condi-tioning as well as technique in all competitive strokes. Register for two days (Monday and Wednes-day) or four days (Monday - Thursday).

Ages 5 to 18 are eligible to join. The monthly fee for two days is $55 for JCA members and $82 for nonmembers; the monthly fee for four days is $70 for JCA members and $105 for nonmem-bers.

The team also has a Sunday only option with fees of $55 for JCA members and $82 for non-members.

Celebrate with the JCA

Last chance; don’t miss out

The Jewish Community Alli-ance is accepting registration for Summer Camp 2013.

Summer Camp meets for four two-week sessions: June 17-28, July 1-12, July 15-26 and July 29-Aug. 9. Theatre Camp has two sessions: June 17-July 12 and July 15-Aug. 9.

JCA Summer Camp combines fun activities, a fabulous facil-ity and top-notch staff (the camp directors have almost 50 years of combined camping experience at the JCA) to provide a safe, happy and positive camping experience that will create lifelong memories for the campers.

Activities for children age 2 and up include swimming, arts and crafts, sports, music, dance and theater.

Camp Habonim, a specialty camp for children in grades 3-6, allows campers to concentrate on a specialty in addition to normal

camp activities. Specialties offered include flag

football, chess, horseback riding, pottery, basketball, cooking, design, sailing, ice skating, fenc-ing, tennis, soccer, golf, baseball, science and more.

The JCA also offers pre- and

post-camp Adventure Days from June 10 to 14 and Aug. 12 to 16.

For more information on JCA Summer Camp, watch for the camp brochure in the mail, visit www.jcajax.org to view the brochure online or call 730-2100 ext. 252.


JCA Summer Camp registration open

Paul Huang

RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES

RIVER GARDEN 2012 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $179,132

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

The 17th Annual River Gar-den Classic will be held Wednes-day, April 24, at Deerwood Country Club. The event is again co-chaired by Mark Lodinger and Michael Price. River Garden Classic proceeds support The Albert Z. Fleet Geriatric Training Center at River Garden.

Since the first tournament in 1997, more than $975,000 has been raised. This year proceeds will take us over the million dol-lar mark.

The tournament promises a great day of golf in support of River Garden. The day begins with complimentary practice balls and a delicious deli lunch. Following the 12:30 p.m.

shotgun start, players have the opportunity to participate in several contests throughout the course, with skill prizes awarded on every hole and lots of other surprises. At the conclusion of play, golfers return to the club-house to join spouses, friends and colleagues for the evening awards reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres. Everyone looks forward to winning a door prize while anxiously awaiting the announcement of skill prize and tournament winners.

This year we proudly wel-come back title sponsor Hard-age-Giddens Funeral Homes & Cemeteries. Hardage-Giddens is a member of the Dignity Memo-rial® network of more than 1,600 funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers. When a Digni-

ty Memorial provider is chosen, you not only receive the compas-sionate care you expect from a

locally operated establishment, but also the value you deserve from the largest and most trusted network of funeral, cremation and memorial services.

For more than 82 years, Hardage-Giddens has been Jack-sonville’s premier provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services assuring quality, value, caring service and exceptional customer satisfaction. Their com-mitment has remained unchanged and they have always responded to the changing needs of the community.

“We are proud to continue to support the wonderful work that River Garden does in the com-munity,” said Jody Brandenburg, president of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes & Cemeteries. “The Albert Z. Fleet Geriatric

Training Center at River Garden is a vital community resource which helps meet the increasing need for certified nursing assis-tants in the local area, as well as providing continuing education to River Garden staff.”

Other major tournament spon-sors include reception sponsor Greene Hazel Insurance Group and master sponsor DuBow Fam-ily Foundation.

Sponsorships are available: $500 to $15,000 includes player spots, luncheon, reception and event signage. Individual player is $300 per person. For more information, contact Michelle Branly, 904-886-8431 or [email protected]. Register online at www.rivergarden.org/golfclassic.

Reserve your spot today.

By MICHELLE BRANLYDevelopment Associate

Be sure to save the date. River Garden will hold its 67th Anniver-sary Day Celebration on Sunday, March 17, from 3 to 6 p.m. More than 500 guests of all ages are ex-pected to attend. The event will be chaired by Home Board member, Shari Shuman.

There will be activities and entertainment for the entire fam-ily, from the very young to the young at heart. The afternoon’s festivities will include musical entertainment, pony rides, kiddie train rides, a moon bounce, face painting, clowns, delicious barbe-cue and mouthwatering desserts provided by the River Garden Auxiliary.

In addition to all the outdoor fun, the annual meeting of River Garden Senior Services will begin at 4:30 p.m. Immediately follow-ing the meeting, River Garden

By SKIP WILLBACHDirector of Marketing

The Coves Independent Living Retirement Communi-ty celebrated its 18th anniver-sary Dec. 5. The new club-room was packed, as Coves members, along with friends and guests, enjoyed a deli-cious array of hors d’oeuvres and were entertained by The Jazz Police.

The Coves, part of River Garden Senior Services, was added to River Garden’s Manda-rin campus 18 years ago. At that time, most retirement communi-ties required a large, up-front payment prior to moving in. There was an obvious need in the Jack-sonville community where active, vital seniors could live an elegant yet affordable lifestyle.

The plan from the beginning was to provide a truly indepen-dent retirement rental community

By River Garden Senior Services

What’s in a name? Appar-ently, quite a lot. “Life, Love and Happiness - Emotions Expressed through Art” is the theme for an ongoing generational art project which we are calling Dimensions. This is a house-wide project consisting of painted or decorated canvases created with a Jewish flavor by River Garden residents, resident family members, staff and volunteers. Check back for progress updates in the months to come.

By LISA POREMBAActivity Director

with no large down payment. While so many retirement com-munities still require large sums of money to move in, the original Coves model continues to this day.

The focus for Coves mem-bers was to provide a high level

quality of life. “The Coves was to be a place where members live and interact with each other,” said Dorothy Verstandig, director emeritus of the Coves, speaking at the 18th an-niversary event. “It was to become a community where learning takes place, where people are active and engaged, where they have fun.”

Today, classes are held which are taught by outsiders and residents alike. Members have taught each other calligraphy, knitting, basket-making; they enjoy music, current events, reflexology and many other activities.

Life and love theme for art project

Standing room only at the Coves

17th Annual River Garden Golf Classic scheduled for April 24

Golf Classic chairs Mark Lodinger and Michael Price

67th Anniversary Day set

Auxiliary will hold its popular Tombola drawing – with a total of $4,500 in prizes.

The entire community is invited to attend this annual celebration. For additional in-formation, please contact Skip Willbach: [email protected] or call 904-260-1818.

Activities galore await this year’s Anniversary Day attendees.


Passover food ordersAttention Kosher Kart custom-ers or anyone needing Kosher for Pesach prepared meals during Passover. The dead-line for orders is Feb. 22. Contact Ilene at 394-5724 or [email protected] to place your order or to receive more information.

CALL2GO Remember to call our CALL-2GO transportation program when you need a ride for a medical appointment or to the grocery store or to syna-gogue. Rides to shul are free; all other rides at a reduced rate subsidized in part by the Jewish Federation of Jackson-ville. Call Ilene at 244-6287.

Holocaust Family GatheringThe next Holocaust Family Gathering will take place on Sunday, March 10, at River Garden. The program will be a model Passover Seder and we are hoping to have at least as many attendees as at our December program. If you know any survivors or would like more information about JFCS holocaust services, case management and homecare support services, call Naomi Mirensky at 904-394-5777. Annual Speaker Series scheduled in AprilThe sixth annual Alexandra & Mark Miller Speaker Series will be held on Monday, April 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. Rabbi Dayle Friedman is our guest speaker. Please watch your mail for further details or call Karen at 394-5723.

Foods of the monthThe foods of the month for February are: tuna, chili, rice, tomato Sauce, beans. The Winn-Dixie Emergen-cy Food Pantry at JFCS ap-preciates your do-nations of nonper-ishable foods throughout the year and relies on your support. Contact Renie at 394-5721 or [email protected]

JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES

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

448-1933www.jfcsjax.org

Briefs

I have been home from my Educator Delegation Partner-ship2Gether trip to Israel for ex-actly 24 hours and, to be honest, I am totally exhausted. There are several things from this mission that stand out in my mind, but one place that affected my heart.

Before the trip we were asked to bring costumes along with us, but it was never explained who the costumes were for.

After arriving in Israel we were asked to bring our costumes to the lobby of our hotel because the next day we were visiting Neve Michael Children’s Vil-lage, where I was told they had an established costume closet.

Neve Michael Children’s Vil-lage is a government-sponsored facility serving 250 children ages

4-18 years from all over Israel. Many were brought to live there under traumatic circumstances. The children live in group fami-lies with about 10 other children.

The costume project in which we participated may seem like a small project in light of the other needs of the children that are served there. However, each year, as the costumes in their costume closet dwindle and they are given a new stock of costumes by the educators who visit, we could see first-hand that these children would be enjoying a happy Purim this year.

At lunch, one little boy chose to sing us a song. This is a mo-ment I will never forget. He was so excited to have visitors that he began to sing us a song in Hebrew. It was beautiful! I left Neve Michael one suitcase lighter, but with a new mission: to make

sure our community knows how similar the needs of children are all over the world. I am proud to be working with an agency that serves a similar population of

children here in Jacksonville and I am proud to have been part of a mission that helped bring joy to these children in Israel.

Hag Purim Sameach!

By KAREN SUSMANHealing Network Program Coordinator

How do we work together to create a more inclu-sive Jewish community?

JFCS was recently approached by other local Jewish organizations to explore the expansion of community resources for families with special-needs children. We are happy to report we are currently working together with local synagogues, Jewish day schools, the Jewish Community Alliance and the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. Each representa-tive on this newly formed task force is looking at their organization, membership and facility and has agreed to use a self-assessment tool to answer the question, “How inclusive are we?”

We look forward to sharing the report of these findings as soon as they are available. How can we, as one Jewish community, be more inclusive of individuals with special needs? How do we promote awareness and acceptance? Once we have answered these questions, we will begin the process of afford-ing everyone the opportunity to fully participate

in the richness of Jewish educational, cultural and social life.

For further information call Gail Furman, Man-ager of Jewish Services (904) 394-5723.


JFCS announces a great of-fer from the PJ Library and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

Partnering with the Foun-dation for Jewish Camps, the HGF is offering incentive grants of up to $1,000 to offset camp tuition for PJ Library participants, their siblings and PJ alumni who have never attended a Jewish overnight camp before. PJ Goes to Camp funds extend to approved nonprofit Jewish overnight camps in summer 2013, for a 19-day or longer session, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

You apply directly online at [email protected]. Additional information can also be found by clicking the PJ Camp tab on the PJ Library website http://www.pjlibrary.org/ or calling Ilene Schinasi at 394-5724.

Chris Atkins, a case manager supervisor in the Child Safety Program at JFCS, has just been appointed Program Manager of Achievers for Life.

Chris has a B.S. in psychology from University of North Florida and is scheduled to receive a mas-ter’s degree in social work from Florida State University later this year. He has been with JFCS since 2008, having worked in the field for the past five years, and was awarded the NASW Student So-cial Worker of the Year in 2012.

The Achievers for Life Pro-gram is supported by the United Way of Northeast Florida. It be-gan as a pilot initiative five years ago, bringing together Jewish Family & Community Services with Communities in Schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Duval County Public Schools. JFCS Family Advocates and Therapists work closely with sixth-grade students who are exhibiting early warning signs of academic failure and dropping out of school. The team works not only with these identified students but also with the family, providing wrap-around services to strengthen the family and help the student improve in school. If the family system is strengthened at home, the child will be strengthened at school.

Achievers for Life is a vol-untary program offered in seven


Why is this Purim so special?

Duval County middle schools: Arlington, Ft. Caroline, Matthew Gilbert, Northwestern, Jefferson Davis, Jeb Stuart, Eugene Butler, Highlands and Ribault. Congratu-lations to Chris. He brings dedica-

tion and a proven track record of making a difference in the lives of at-risk children.

Congratulations Chris Atkins

Chris Atkins

February is Jewish Disabilities month PJ funds camp tuition

Karen Susman was one of four Jacksonville educators who traveled to the Hadera Region on a Federation/Israel Partnership program.


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

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA AND OUR PARTNER SYNAGOGUES AND AGENCIES

WISH TO THANK OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AS TOGETHER WE WORK TO ENSURE A VIBRANT JEWISH FUTURE.

Thank you for supporting our Create A Jewish Legacy recognition event!

MAJOR EVENT SPONSOR Capital Analysts of Jacksonville, FL, Inc.

Sheryl Bordelon, Investment Advisor

EVENT SPONSORS

Donna & Greg Berger Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner The Block Family Joseph P. & Ruth Safer Endowment Fund- Bob Ham Eyewear Donald & Howard Safer Brandon Pest Control Marilyn & Nathan Sandler Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP Barbara & Michael Schneider DuBow Family Foundation Selevan Family Foundation Beverly & Mel Fruit Paula & Alan Setzer Win & Scottie Gartner The Shorstein Family Gottlieb Family Kimberly & Richard Sisisky Nancy & Mark Green Total Wine & More Barbara & Larry Jaffe Vandroff Insurance Agency, Inc. Paulette Keifer Linda & Albert Wilkinson, Jr. Pam & Michael Korn Richard Wolfson Mark Kraus The Zimmerman Family- Isaac Levy Elli & Charles, Chase & Morrie, Barbara & Hal Resnick Nancy & Seeman Kim & David Robbins Eunice & Barry Zisser Jeanine & Chaim Rogozinski

IN-KIND SPONSORS Anything With Plants & LaMee Florist Michele Katz Jacksonville Jewish Center Sight & Sound Productions Margo’s Catering Tallis Photography

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

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

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

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

Kimberly & Richard Sisisky CJL Event Honorary Chairs

Nancy & Mark Green CJL Event Honorary Chairs

To support the Jewish community and to create your Jewish legacy, contact the Jewish Community Foundation of NEFL at 394-0720 or [email protected]


BirthsLily Ann Schletter was born

on December 5, 2012 to parents Mike and Andi Schletter and sister Sarah.

B’nai MitzvahSarah Morris, daughter of

Karen and Chip Morris, will be called to the Torah on the oc-casion of her Bat Mitzvah on Feb. 16, 2013, at Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue.

Sharing in the simcha will be her brother, Joey, 9, and many other friends and family. Sarah is in seventh grade at Kernan Middle School, where she is an honor student and participates on the Scholar Bowl team and the basketball team. She also enjoys reading, baking/cooking, and listening to music.

For her mitzvah project, she is collecting items such as house-hold cleaning supplies, yard tools, equipment/supplies, etc., for fi rst time homeowners for Habitat for Humanity.

Jacob Rubin, son of Carolyn and Ben Rubin, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah on Feb. 23, 2013, at Congrega-tion Ahavath Chesed.

Shar-ing in the simcha will be friends and family members from across the country.

Jacob is in seventh grade at Landon Middle School, where he continues to survive the gifted

program. He enjoys swimming competitively, playing chess and participating in triathlons.

WeddingMiriam (Mimi) Briskman

and Eli Fleet were married Dec. 16, 2012, at the Citrus Club in Or-lando. The wedding was offi ciated by Rabbi Aaron D. Rubinger. The cer-emony was followed by a reception at the Citrus Club. The maid of honor was the bride’s sister Rachel Briskman and the groom’s sister Talia Fleet was a bridesmaid. Jared Fleet, the groom’s brother, was the best man, and Jeffrey Glassman and Drew Shenkman were grooms-men.

The bride is the daughter of Arthur and Jane Briskman of Orlando. She is a graduate of Tufts University and works for the Department of Justice.

The groom is the son of Bob and Janis Fleet of Jacksonville. He is a graduate of the Univer-sity of Florida and works for the Department of Health and Human Services.

Following a honeymoon in Costa Rica, the couple will reside in Arlington, Va.

AccomplishmentsLauren Harmon, formerly

Lauren Diamond, daughter of Kim and Doug Diamond, earned her master’s degree in health care administration from the Univer-sity of Central Florida. She is

employed by the Mayo Clinic.

Sympathy… to the family of Doro-

thy Nathan Cone, mother of Prof. Lee Cone Whitfi eld (Prof. Stephen Whitfi eld) of Lexington, Mass., Dr. Paul (Ann) Cone of Jacksonville, grandmother of Kimberly Gower-Hall, Andrea Hall, Dustin Valenski Cone, Jud-son Cone and Hunter Cone and great-grandmother of 10. Dorothy died Jan. 1, 2013. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Bernard D. Cone. Contributions may be made to the Joseph M. & Myra Glickstein College Scholar-ship Fund at the Temple.

… to the family of Jacquelyn Demri, mother of Moti Demri. She is also survived by Moti’s wife Cindy; their two children, Michael and Ori; and Moti’s siblings, Chaim, Sylvie, Elana, Margolit, Nili, Yair and Chana. Contributions may be made in Jacquelyn Demri’s memory to River Garden or toward Israel scholarship funding at the Jack-sonville Jewish Center.

… to the family of Jack Dreher who died Jan. 5, 2013. He is survived by his wife Debora; daughter Diane Dreher (Larry Amsel); son Joel (Jody) Dreher; and grandchildren David, Dan-ielle, and Noah. Contributions may be made to any of the follow-ing organizations: the Jackson-ville Symphony Orchestra, the Jewish Community Alliance, River Garden, or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

… to the family of Robert S. Friedman, who died Jan. 2, 2013, in Longmeadow, Mass. He was predeceased by his son Alex Friedman. He is survived by his

LIFECYCLES

Jerald I. Seebol, CFPSenior Vice President - Wealth ManagementFinancial Advisor

50 North Laura Street Suite 2000Jacksonville, FL 32202tel 904 632 0200direct 904 632 0252 . fax 904 632 0298 toll free 866 673 [email protected]

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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

8th Floor, Blackstone Building233 East Bay StreetJacksonville, FL 32202

Phone: 904-632-2424

Board Certified Civil Trial LawyerPersonal Injury and Wrongful Death

Reva Pearlstein Monica DiGiovanni Assistant Director Registered Representative

727-539-6445 800-622-8017 [email protected]

www.israelbonds.com This is not an offering, which can only be made by prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in State of Israel Bonds. Issues subject to availability

Member FINRA

Development Corporation for Israel State of Israel Bonds 12600 South Belcher Road, Suite 101A Largo, Florida 33773

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

[email protected]

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

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

[email protected]

Todd D. Bernstein, AAMS®

First Vice President-Investment Officer Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. 1000 Sawgrass Village Dr, Suite 103 Ponte Vedra, FL 32082 [email protected]

wife of 62 years, Rosalind Fried-man; daughters Marjie (Dr. Abe) Rogozinski and Elizabeth (Andy) Rubin; daughter-in-law Donna Friedman; brother David (Irene) Friedman; and seven grandchil-dren, Ben (Kaleigh); Josh (fi ancee Jodi); Laura, Zach, Nathan, Noah and Aaron. Contributions may be made to Jewish Geriatrics Services, 770 Converse St., Long-meadow, MA, 01106, or to an

organization of your choice. … to the family of Bea Gross-

man. She is survived by daughter Gail Rice and husband Larry; grandchildren, Michael (Felicia) Freedman, Dana (Carter) Meisel-man, Steve (Robin) Rice; and six great-grandchildren. Contribu-tions may be made to the Gross-man Educational Endowment Fund at the Jacksonville Jewish Center.

$25 OFFPEST/LAWN/TERMITE

Save $25 Off Any New Annual

Service Contract

Valid For New Annual Ser-vices Only. Not Valid With

Any Other Offer.

WWW.PESTFREE.COM • CALL TODAY FOR A FREE INSPECTIONJacksonville

739-9916Orange Park

272-1920Beaches

285-6362St. Augustine

826-4362Fernadina261-8880

Palm Coast447-0013

Locally owned & operated by Stuart M. Herman


SYNAGOGUE/COMMUNITY NEWS

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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

Housekeeping: A lady seeking a job housekeeper laundry three days a week, 10-6 p.m., $408. Honest, dependable. 904-387-9393 or leave message.

Place your classified ad for 35 cents a word. E-mail your ad to [email protected] and send payment to Jacksonville Jewish News, 8505 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217. Deadline is the 15th of each month.

CLASSIFIEDS southern monument company

inc.

- Since 1909 -

THE ONLY LOCAL FULL-SERVICE

MONUMENT COMPANY

MARBLE GRANITE BRONZE MONUMENTS MARKERS

BENCHES PLAQUES SIGNS

SPECIALISTS IN HEBREW And RUSSIAN LETTERS

[email protected]

4500 N. Main Street, Jacksonville - (904) 356-4714 -

The Temple Institute of Re-ligion at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) has intro-duced a groundbreaking family and youth engagement program into its curriculum. Known as Top 10, the goal is to help fami-lies learn more about Judaism and to strengthen their commit-ment to living Jewish lives.

“Top 10 is a program based

on the URJ CHAI Jewish Family Education Curriculum, focused on the values of Torah, Avodah (worship and sacred connec-tions) and G’milut Chasidim (acts of loving-kindness),” said Ronni Ticker, religious school director at Congregation Ahavath Chesed. “This engaging pro-gram uses visual and performing arts, adult text study, cooking, classroom activities and family learning.”

Pre-K through second grade

classes are discovering messages from the Torah, such as caring for plants and animals. Third through fifth grade students are exploring how to treat others in our family, our school and our synagogue.

Sixth through eighth grade classes are learning about the sacredness of the Jewish calendar and lifecycle.

The feedback from parents and students has been positive.

“I participated in the first

grade program which was fo-cused on Shabbat,” said Miriam Greenhut, mother of first and sixth grade TIR students. “It was a reminder that Shabbat should be a special time with our chil-dren. It doesn’t have to be long or formal, just a time when we block out the noise of everyday life and remember to appreciate each other.”

Here are some other results from our surveys:

“I liked the discussion of the

importance of passing the Jewish faith on to future generations, especially in interfaith marriages. I felt appreciated as a non-Jew in my efforts and dedication to rais-ing my children as Jews.”

“I like that each grade has a different topic, so it’s not repeat-ed yearly.” (3rd Grade Parent)

For more information, or to enroll your child in TIR, contact Ronni Ticker at (904) 733-7078 ext. 305, or [email protected].

February is Jewish Disabil-ity Awareness Month. Many are unaware that, in Florida, travelers using mobility equip-ment receive special benefits to assist them. As a caregiver and chair of Congregation Ahavath Chesed’s Caring Congregation program, Rabbi Robert Good-man has become an expert on benefits available to residents and tourists in Florida.

“Many of us face increasing limitations, as we travel. Ego considerations often prevent us from doing what we can to make our lives and our travels easier,” he said. “Florida law (Florida Statute 316.1964) provides special privileges for people with both a handicap tag

and mobility equipment built into, or on a vehicle,” Good-man said. “If you qualify for benefits, you may wish to have

a copy of the statute in your car.”

Provisions include free parking at any Florida airport (long and short-term) for up to 45 days, as long as you have a handicap tag and the mobility equipment; and if you go to a county or municipal parking fa-cility, you may be exempt from parking fees.

“Let’s put it this way,” he said. “If you wish to travel in spite of your limitations, it is possible to do so.”

The Temple strives to improve access and to be as inclusive as possible.

-Our Sisterhood Braille Group has provided classes and

texts since 1957. Large print prayer books are available upon request, and our Wurn Family Library includes both fiction and nonfiction titles in larger print.

- In partnership with Jewish Family & Community Ser-vices our “Hear O’ Israel” group provides support and learning opportunities for the hearing impaired.

-For those requiring mobility devices, wheelchairs and ramps are available and bathrooms are fitted with handicap access.

“Temple has a long tradition of being inclusive,” said Goldie Lansky, executive director of Congregation Ahavath Chesed. “Regardless of our differences, we are all made in the image of God. It is our privilege to welcome everyone who wants to learn and worship with us.”

Thank you for tuning in to the Etz Chaim Synagogue Radio Network’s Roaring 20s Gala.

On Jan. 19 Jacksonville Flap-pers and Fellas enjoyed a special episode of the Jewlywed Game Radio Show. Our own lively contestants Irene and Jimmy Jaffa, Leah and Neal Finkelstein, Susan and Stephen Wolchok, and Marilyn and Al Wolfson, along with celebrity hosts, Yonit and

Asher de Metz, competed for at-tendee’s laughs.

The 2013 Etz Chaim Syna-gogue Gala included an evening full of great prizes, delightful entertainment and excellent food. All proceeds of the gala benefited the shul.

Please visit jewishjackson-ville.org/etzgala.aspx to see pho-tos from the fabulous evening.

It was great seeing you at the event, dahhling. It was the bee’s knees and the cat’s meow.

By Etz Chaim Synagogue

Temple introduces family education program

Thanks for roaring galaTemple promotes disability awareness

By SAM GRISWOLDCongregation Ahavath Chesed

By SAM GRISWOLDCongregation Ahavath Chesed

The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, the only museum dedicated to telling the story of 250 years of Florida Jewish heritage, arts and culture, is proud to present Miami Mosaic: Portraits by Inez Holland-er, opening Feb. 12. This portrait series created by Hollander, a life-long resident of Miami, includes bold and vibrant colored paintings and sketches people representing Miami’s multifaceted and contrast-ing community.

A self-described chronicler and storyteller, Hollander’s Miami Mosaic series documents the Miami of today: a community teeming in diversity. Through Hol-lander’s use of primary colors and strong, unrelenting brush strokes, she captures the emotions of her subjects, enabling the viewer to see not only the many faces of Miami

as a whole, but also as individuals. Her work is influenced in color, style and composition by artists such as Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh, David Hockney and Elizabeth Peyton. Hollander states that she “teaches through the eyes of Matisse.”

“Everyone will find images that symbolize people they recog-nize in the many faces of Miami portrayed in this exhibit,” said Jo Ann Arnowitz, executive director and chief curator of JMOF-FIU. “In keeping with our mission of presenting the Florida Jewish experience as an example of the acculturation process of every-one’s family in our multicultural state, this exhibit showcases the work of a Florida Jewish artist and highlights the ethnic diversity in our community.”

Miami Mosaic will be on dis-play from Feb. 12 to May 5.

By the Jewish Museum of Florida

Museum presents Miami Mosaic: Portraits by Inez Hollander

Winning a Pulitzer Prize in 1988 and the Oscar for Best Picture in 1989, “Driving Miss Daisy” is opening at the Alhambra Theatre on Feb. 5. The Alhambra has brought in two stars to carry the show: four-time Emmy Award winner Michael Learned will star as Daisy Werthan, and Lance Nichols, star of the HBO series TREME, will star as her chauf-feur, Hoke Coleburn.

“Driving Miss Daisy” was first staged at New York’s Playwright Horizons and ran for nearly 1,200 off-Broadway performances. Written by Alfred Uhry in 1987, the play traces the relationship between an elderly Southern Jewish widow (Learned) and her African-American driver (Nich-ols). Set primarily in 1950s and 1960s, the show blends the civil rights themes of the era with what is sometimes described as a bit of a love story.

By The Alhambra Theatre

Emmy Award winner Michael Learned headlines at Alhambra


With millions still out of work, many people in our own community are forced to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table. That’s why we’re, through Jewish Family & Community Services, not only running food pantries and meal programs, we’re also offering fi nancial assistance to get people back on track. Today, more people are turning to us for assistance than ever before. Help us ensure that no one is turned away.

HUNGER

DOESN’T

DISCRIMINATE.

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE.THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

jewishjacksonville.orgfacebook.com/jaxjewish


COMMUNITY NEWS

the Super Sunday Phone-a-thon experience, we hope you will consider volunteering on Feb. 3.

We cannot wait for you to join us on this amazing day,” said Dan Jaffa.

For questions about Super Sunday, please contact Erin Co-hen, 448-5000 x205 or [email protected].

Donziger Legacy Leader award. This award will be presented occasionally to a candidate who exemplifi es the legacy fundrais-ing characteristics of Michael Donziger, of blessed memory.

In 1995 while serving as Fed-eration president, Richard was instrumental in the creation of our Jewish Community Foundation. Upon beginning his term as presi-dent in 2007, Richard saw the po-tential of Create a Jewish Legacy and completed the groundwork necessary for its implementation.

In 2008, Richard secured com-mitments from seven “Angels” providing the matching funds needed to apply for a competi-tive grant to fund CJL. When the grant expired January 2011, Rich-

ard sought long-term commit-ments from 15 angels to continue funding CJL. He serves on the board and is chair of our commu-nity wide CJL initiative and CJL Steering Committee.

Through CJL, nearly 500 members of our community – that we know of – have included Jew-ish causes in their wills or made gifts to Jewish endowments. As Richard stated, “We have had a lot of successes and we have a lot of work to do. We are all excited about the future.”

Together we dream of a Jewish community where, just as we have, the generations that follow us will enjoy our rich heritage and traditions. “Come dream with us” and create your own Jewish legacy.

Contact the Foundation at 394-0720 or Dreams@jewishfounda-tionnefl .org.

2013 theatre schedule

murder among friendsh starring loretta swit h

from m*a*s*hmay 8 – June 9

? summer surprise ?vote for the show you want!

June 12 – august 4

dixie swim cluba hilarious southern comedy

august 7 – september 15

george wendt h “norm” from cheers hin a show he will personally

select just for us! september 18– OctOber 20

south pacificthe classic musical returns

OctOber 23 – december 1

christmas carolea holiday traditiondecember 3 - december 24

starring michael learned from the waltons

journey with us february 6 - march 17

Dinner is served tableside with a special menu created for each show

A G E R S H W I N M U S I C A L

M A R C H 2 0 - M AY 5

ALL BOARD- CERTIFIED, FELLOWSHIP- TRAINED SPECIALISTS

HEEKIN ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS

Sports MedicineFracture CareArthroscopySpine SurgeryJoint Replacement Pain ManagementHand Surgery

Riverside Office 2627 Riverside Ave, Ste 300 Jacksonville, FL 32204 Southside Office 10475 Centurion Pkwy, Ste 220 Jacksonville, FL 32256

Orange Park Office 300 Park Ave, Ste 203 Orange Park, FL 32073

Phone: 634-0640 Fax: 634-0203 Web: heekinortho.com

Sitting: Kevin Murphy, MD, R. David Heekin,

MD, FACS, Rahul Deshmukh, MD

Standing: Ulises Militano, MD, Robert Hurford, PhD, MD,

Chris Goll, MD, Gavan Duffy, MD, Paul Shirley, MD, Timothy Sternberg, DMD, MD

B e c a u s e Y o u r M o b i l i t y M a t t e r s

Riverside: 2627 Riverside Ave Jacksonville, FL 32204Southside: 10475 Centurion Pkwy, Ste 220 Jacksonville, FL 32256Orange Park: 2300 Park Ave, Ste 203, Orange Pk, FL 32073

ALL BOARD- CERTIFIED, FELLOWSHIP- TRAINED SPECIALISTS

HEEKIN ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS

Sports MedicineFracture CareArthroscopySpine SurgeryJoint Replacement Pain ManagementHand Surgery

Riverside Office 2627 Riverside Ave, Ste 300 Jacksonville, FL 32204 Southside Office 10475 Centurion Pkwy, Ste 220 Jacksonville, FL 32256

Orange Park Office 300 Park Ave, Ste 203 Orange Park, FL 32073

Phone: 634-0640 Fax: 634-0203 Web: heekinortho.com

Sitting: Kevin Murphy, MD, R. David Heekin,

MD, FACS, Rahul Deshmukh, MD

Standing: Ulises Militano, MD, Robert Hurford, PhD, MD,

Chris Goll, MD, Gavan Duffy, MD, Paul Shirley, MD, Timothy Sternberg, DMD, MD

B e c a u s e Y o u r M o b i l i t y M a t t e r s

Three Locations to Serve You!

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

SUNDAYContinued from p. 1

LEGACYContinued from p. 1

shalom jacksonvilleshalom jacksonville

When: Thursday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.

Where: Home of Irene and Jimmy Jaffa

Why: Special guest speaker Rena Schochet will speak on “Miracle: Natural Phenomena vs.The Miraculous.”

Kosher coffee and refreshments.

Seating is limited so please RSVP by Feb.4. Contact Isabel Balotin at 904-448-5000 or [email protected] for RSVP and directions.

Shalom Jacksonville is a program of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville.

Jacksonville

Grow your businessIf you want to reach a demographic with a higher than average household income and education, the Jewish News is your

connection.To advertise, contact Diane Rodgers

at 448-5000 x 212 or [email protected]

JEWISH NEWS


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

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

It’s not about taking our tour. It’s where our tour takes you. There’s no greater feeling than exploring the for yourself and knowing you’ve found the

perfect home for your child. Call to schedule your tour, 904-268-4200 ext. 147.

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

with an app created last week.

jacksonville jewish news february 2013

Documents

jewish life

jewish communities

jewish newsspotlight

jewish causes

jewish community leadership

jacksonville community

community university

year super