FOCUS Spring 2012

A publication of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach CountyVolume Five | Issue Two

Spring 2012

Honoring Yesterday, Embracing Tomorrow Welcome to the Neighborhood, David Phillips Online and Open for Business! Future 50: A Community Legacy Campaign Passover Particulars Getting Involved, Making a Difference

Years of Building Community Together

The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity, energizing the relationship with Israel, and meeting human needs locally and globally.

Jeanne Levy Jewish Community Campus4601 Community Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33417

JewishPalmBeach.org • (561) 478-0700

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-

FREE (800) 435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION NUMBER IS CH41.

Focus is a publication produced for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Focus is published in March, June and December. Copyright 2012 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial and graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Known office of publication is 4601 Community Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33417-2760.

If you have questions regarding newsletter content, please call the Marketing and Communications Department at 561-242-6646. If you have questions relating to mailing information or need to make an address change, please call the Donor Information Services Department at 561-242-6618.

Jewish Federations of North Americajewishfederations.org

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committeejdc.org

Hillel: Foundation for Jewish Campus Lifehillelcenter.org

The Jewish Agency for Israeljafi.org

The Ethiopian National Projectenp.org.il

PresidentMark F. Levy

Chief Executive OfficerDavid Phillips

LOCAL PARTNER AGENCIES

Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academymeyeracademy.com

Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Servicejfcsonline.com

Hillel Foundations of FloridaHillel of Broward and Palm Beachhillelcenter.org

Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beachesjcconline.com

Lorraine & Jack N. Friedman Commission for Jewish Education of the Palm Beachescjepb.org

Lola and Saul Kramer Senior Services Agency, Inc., a subsidiary of MorseLifemorselife.org

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

Over the next few weeks, many of you will have the opportunity to welcome David Phillips, our new Chief Executive Officer, to the community.

He met or exceeded all of the lofty standards our Executive Search Committee – community stakeholders that included Federation lay leadership, donors, agency and synagogue leadership – established early on. They felt deeply that we needed someone who could embrace the need for change and match it with the ability to think strategically. Someone who would take measured risks by experimenting with new models and different approaches to community development.

The Committee understood that while the Federation movement has a proud history, current realities require a re-tooling, and that engaging an individual with these “out of the box” personal and professional skill sets is a risk well worth taking. Moreover, a risk we must take if we are to remain relevant, sustain our community, and ensure it thrives as a vibrant and vital Jewish home for us all.

So, what kind of person have we retained to be our Chief Executive? What do we believe you can expect? We are happy to tell you!

David combines a rare mix of highly desirable human characteristics: wisdom, strength, compassion, honesty, sensitivity and a commitment to Jewish values. He is someone with the courage of his convictions, a passion for excellence and a desire to ensure that everyone is heard, regardless of their level of engagement in our community.

You can learn about David’s remarkable career achievements by talking to others he has worked with or who know him personally; but we suggest you seek him out and spend some time with him. We promise you it will be, as it was for us, an enriching and warm experience (by the way, that’s not a Brooklyn accent you’re hearing; David is a native of South London, England.)

Congratulations and Yasher Koach to David – and his familiy – for joining our family.

A M e s s A g e f r o M o u r f e d e r A t i o n P r e s i d e n t A n d e x e c u t i v e s e A r c h c o M M i t t e c h A i r

Mark F. Levy, President Arlene Kaufman

J e w i s h P a l m B e a c h . o r g J e w i s h f e d e r A t i o n o f P A l M B e A c h c o u n t y 1

i t t A K e s A c o M M u n i t y

We’d like to know where you were – and what you were doing – as Federation was founded. Tell us a bit about your life in 1962. Were you up north? In the Midwest? In school? Getting married? Starting your first job? Having children? Or perhaps you were here from the beginning? We want to know (and think your friends and neighbors do, too)!

Log onto JewishPalmBeach.org and register to share your story for the whole community to read.

This year, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is celebrating its 50th anniversary! I am extremely honored to have been chosen chair of this milestone, which happens to coincide with my Palm Beach County residency. I moved to our community 50 years ago from Washington, D.C., where I was born and raised.

In 1962 the Jewish community of the greater Palm Beaches was so small that everyone knew everyone else. We shared a common belief, common traditions and a common cause – to establish an organized, federated Jewish community. We worked together to make that happen, and have been working together ever since – gaining momentum and increasing our numbers from our generation to our children’s generation to our grandchildren’s generation!

That summer, Camp Shalom, our first Jewish day camp, opened. As an elementary education major in college, I was asked to help open the preschool. This camp was the beginning of what has grown to be a very successful day camp, now under the auspices of our JCC.

I clearly remember being a part of the Women’s Division, which stressed the importance of a woman making her own gift. We had an entry-level category known as “365” – a dollar a day. In the late ‘60s that event, which my friend Barbara Kay chaired for many years, took place in the old Burdines Department Store on Clematis Street.

The ‘70s brought about the evolution of the JCC (where I served as president twice) and the then-named Jewish Community Day School (now the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish

Academy), as well as our local social service agency, today called the Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service. All of these organizations operated out of rental facilities.

By the ‘80s, the community came together to build a campus on Military Trail and Community Drive that has served many thousands of people for decades. Numerous dedicated members of our community committed their time, effort and finances to ensure its success. By then the Joseph L. Morse Geriatric Center and the Lorraine & Jack N. Friedman Commission for Jewish Education of the Palm Beaches, as it is known today, had become established as well.

Today, we see the results of the tremendous growth our community has realized.

Yes, I have many memories that I treasure. I recall my daughter Traci’s years at Camp Shalom, visiting all three of my grandchildren on Grandparent’s Day at Meyer Academy, helping to raise money for the campus, working hard as Women’s Campaign chair for our Federation, and so much more.

Personally I have met some of the most wonderful people through my affiliation with our Federation, its various partner agencies and community synagogues. How fortunate I have been!

It takes a community to embrace our past and build our future. Please join me as together we plan to create the next 50 years.

– Zelda Mason

Ambassador’s Address

Where Were You In ’62?

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A M e s s A g e f r o M o u r c e o

Change is never easy. Monumental change is, as one would expect, that much more complex. When the possibility of venturing from Washington, D.C. to Palm Beach County shifted from concept to reality I found, as did my wife Karen and our two children Natie and Hope, that close friends and even strangers had myriad questions regarding the move. The vast majority of people were supportive and excited by our upcoming ‘adventure.’ Thankfully, a smaller number challenged my sanity and the possible negative impact on my career and family! After all, my job was fulfilling and secure, our children happy and settled – so why take the risk?

What I found interesting, if counterintuitive, is that the repetitive nature of the questions eventually resulted in greater clarity and less concern on my part regarding the decision to uproot and accept this wonderful opportunity.

Let me share my basic philosophy honed during my career:

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect, and never forget that people more frequently respond with kindness than deliberately disappoint.

• Aim for excellence, share success and don’t go crazy pursuing perfection.

• Be willing to stumble; if not you are standing still.

With these insights into my psyche, you should also know that I’m not a huge fan of doing something because “we have always done it that way” or, similarly, that reinventing the wheel is necessary for innovation. I should also disclose that I love people, but cherish working on the macro level of community. It’s the social worker in me that can’t resist others’ life stories.

So why a shift to a Federation and why Palm Beach County? Because I believe:

1. The need for – and the proven model of – a central planning address for the Jewish community in order to ensure resources are spent wisely, and on community priorities.

2. Philanthropists, whether giving $5 million or $50, should have a place where they can confidently contribute and know that their hard-earned dollars are being used thoughtfully, honestly and strategically.

David Phillips

Chief Executive Officer


A M e s s A g e f r o M o u r c e o

3. There is nothing more spectacular than introducing a donor, or having them introduce us, to a dazzling dream and vision that touches lives, and changes the destiny of recipients and donors alike.

4. As Jews, we should care for our brothers and sisters around the globe. Federation helps this happen in places where it’s virtually impossible without a robust and accountable structure.

The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County has been on the forefront of caring, providing and planning for decades. It has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. The passion of the leadership and staff resonated with me in a way that was deeply appealing and emotive.

During this period I call “interview dating,” I learned more about my future home, and not everything was as rosy as one might imagine. People willingly shared their perspectives of the highs and lows, challenges and opportunities. I was fortunate to meet with key leaders, staff and other luminaries. From all this “evidence” I was able to piece together a community profile that I shared with Karen after returning from my second interview:

1. For 50 years, this Federation has been blessed by committed volunteer and professional leadership. It has been around a long time and isn’t going anywhere soon.

2. The Palm Beach County Jewish community has been hurt by the recession and deeply wounded by Madoff.

3. A significant number of people who have chosen to distance themselves from the work of Federation are looking for a reason to return.

4. The needs of vulnerable populations and groups vital to the long-term future of this Federation are being met, but not in a way that matches demand or mirrors capacity.

5. There is collaboration between Federation and its partner agencies, and places of worship, but there is clearly room for improvement and greater mutual support.

6. There are a significant number of people for whom Palm Beach County is one of two home communities; they are committed to both.

7. Support for Israel and overseas engagement with other Jewish populations is a proud, impactful function of this Federation.

8. There is an urgency and desire to engage the ‘next generation’ – although whoever and whatever they may be is up for grabs!

9. There is a sense of “can do” and “must do,” or risk irrelevance.

As my family and I discussed and struggled to make the right choice, I was able to overlay my understanding of the organized Jewish community, including the role of Federations nationally and internationally. What became increasingly clear was that while Palm Beach County is not unique in terms of searching for purpose, impact and relevance during a time of significant economic, social and political turmoil here and abroad, it presents a unique, incredibly appealing, and extraordinary opportunity as a model of change for the entire country to note and replicate. This excited me, as the idea that there is a chance to help retool Federation for the future, with people who are smart, thoughtful, caring and kind, was just too good to pass up.

So here I am: pleased, excited and humbled to have been

chosen. Incredibly grateful for this opportunity and confident

that over the coming years we will meet all of the expectations

that we have for one another. There is no alternative – period.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the spectacular efforts of my new colleagues at Federation who have provided me with support, guidance and counsel during this period of transition. To them, the board of directors and all members of the search committee I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible over the coming weeks. Please do not be shy – this is an open invitation – get in touch. If it relates to your Jewish community I am eager to hear it. Email me at: [email protected].

B’shalom,

David Phillips

P.S. I look forward to meeting you in person at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 10, 2012.

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i t t A K e s A c o M M u n i t y A Founding Family. A Federation Family.

Since the beginning of Jewish history, each generation has added a new chapter to our family story, with new ideas and practices. From generation to generation – we have shared family lore and instilled the values and beliefs that have become an integral part of our lives.

There are several families of the greater Palm Beaches who have played an important part of our community history for the past 50 years, including the Levys.

When Irwin and Robert Levy were boys, their family escaped the cold winters of Scranton, PA for West Palm Beach, where their Aunt Rose and Uncle Mike lived. Robert, the youngest, attended Palm Beach Central Junior High School from January through March, recalling, “There was nothing here in those days.”

“There wasn’t much of a Jewish population,” Irwin recounts. “Only two temples existed: Beth El and Temple Israel. Each had a Sisterhood and Men’s Club.”

After Irwin married Jeanne Siskin in 1950, they honeymooned in Florida. “I hadn’t been here since I was a child,” he said. “I liked it here so much that I transferred to the University of Miami law school. When I graduated, there were no jobs in Miami. My Uncle Mike suggested that there were opportunities in West Palm Beach.” In reality, non-Jewish firms would not hire Jewish attorneys; the area’s eight Jewish lawyers were sole practitioners. But Max Gans agreed to rent him a spare room in his office. For a year, the two men shared a phone number, secretary and library.

“Besides the synagogues, there was one other independent organization, the Lake Worth Hebrew Benevolent Association, formed by 15 to 25 Lake Worth-area couples,” recalled Irwin. “We rented a room and got together once or twice a month to play cards and have a buffet dinner. Occasionally we had a dinner dance. Our biggest celebrations were the Break Fast parties after Yom Kippur.

The newly-married Robert and Ceil Levy came to the area in May 1959. Robert had also graduated from law school and served in the armed forces.

Both families were deeply ensconced in Jewish communal life. Irwin served as president of both the Lake Worth Hebrew Benevolent

Association and Temple Beth El. He was involved nationally as treasurer of United Israel Appeal and a member of the Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors for many years. Jeanne z’l, a former Federation president, devoted her time to developing the organized Jewish community.

Robert was anxious to build a JCC here. “We wanted to bring up our children like we were brought up,” he explained, but learned a Jewish community needed to be established before a JCC.

When it was agreed to start a Federation, “Our first priority was schooling for our kids,” said Robert Levy.

In 1965, Robert and Ceil took their first trip to Israel. Soon after, he joined the National Young Leadership Cabinet, remaining actively involved until the late ‘70s. Robert is a past president of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and created a local Young Leadership group, inspiring him to sponsor the annual Robert S. and Ceil N. Levy Young Leadership Awards.

Irwin’s son Mark, now serving his second year as Federation president, had a “life-changing” experience with Young Judea at age 16. “I became very engaged with other Jews,” he said. “A love for Israel – the State and its People – started to become very important to me.”

He has served as chair of our Federation’s Annual Campaign, and Major Gifts and Business

& Professions Division campaigns, as well as the Campus Capital Campaign – Fulfilling the Vision; and president of the Jewish Community Day School (now the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy).

Irwin sees vast differences between the Jewish community in which his children were raised and the one in which his grandchildren grew up, observing, “It’s a totally different world; a sophisticated community with opportunities that were not available when my children were growing up.”

When asked which of his many contributions bring him the greatest pride, Robert Levy responded, “I’m very proud of what we created here out of nothing. I am proud to have been part of the founding group.”

Irwin Levy



In 2011, more than 1,200 Jewish young adults headed to Las Vegas for the Jewish Federation of North America’s (JFNA) Young Leadership Division’s new initiative that invited young Jews to be entertained and educated, encouraging them to get involved. They came…they saw…and they are returning; the momentum created by last years’ success continues to build!

There, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County was represented by a delegation of 10 young leaders from the Emerging Leadership Project (ELP) and Business & Professions Division, who attended lectures, workshops and performances on Jewish art, culture, politics, Israel, religion and more. Each session was specifically designed to create a more engaged and conscious next generation for the Jewish community.

This year, up to 50 $200 subsidies were secured to assist young people in our local community to attend TribeFest 2012, from March 25-27 at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Palm Beach County’s delegation will be led by recruitment chairs Lauren Stuhmer and Nicole Morris, participants in ELP, a two-year program designed to nurture and develop the next generation of Federation and Jewish communal leadership through a series of sessions featuring scholars, philanthropists, and local volunteer and professional leadership.

“TribeFest was a transformative experience” said Stuhmer. “It was amazing to see what young Jews all over the country were doing locally to bring their community together, figure out how we could mirror or expand upon what they were doing, and share what we are doing in the process.”

TribeFest engages both affiliated and unaffiliated young Jews in their 20s and 30s in a meaningful, purposeful Jewish experience.

TribeFest 2012:Connect. Explore. Celebrate

As we recognize and honor the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s 50th anniversary, it’s hard not to imagine what the next 50 years will bring. How will we, as individuals, have changed? Will we have reached all of the goals we set for ourselves? What will the community around us be like? Take a moment to write a letter, laying out your goals, expectations and/or plans for five decades down the road. Send a message – to yourself or those who follow – at JewishPalmBeach.org.

Call 561-242-6656 or email [email protected] for information. Visit Tribefest.org to learn more.

Be a Part of “Time in a Bottle”

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“Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions,

especially when it is deep...” – Felix Frankfurter

Thank you for your corporate sponsorship, which makes

many of our events possible.

“BNO is a terrific opportunity to bring everyone together for a night of great laughs, great friends and great professional networking for a terrific cause,” said event Co-Chair Craig Storch. “As Palm Beach County continues to grow, it is our responsibility to find ways to strengthen our ties to one another – personally and professionally – and support Jewish peoplehood around the world.”

Versatile actor-writer-director Jason Alexander – born Jason Scott Greenspan – will headline the event. He played George Costanza on TV’s “Seinfeld” for nine seasons, a role for which he was named one of Entertainment Weekly’s “Best Television Sidekicks of All Time,” nominated for an Emmy six times and a Golden Globe award four times. He also won an American Television Award and American Comedy Award – twice, as well as garnered the Screen Actors Guild “Best Actor in a Comedy Series” award.

He has performed Tony Award-winning Broadway roles, and appeared in major film and television projects. Alexander made his Broadway debut in Hal Prince and Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along,” and has starred in productions of “Forbidden Broadway,” “The Rink,” “Stop the World…,” and Neil Simon’s “Broadway Bound.”

Additionally, he wrote the narrative book for his revue, “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway,” performing it by playing 14 different characters at every performance; his chameleon-like ability won him

the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Tony Awards as “Best Actor in a Musical.”

Alexander’s voice has been featured time and again in film and on television. He is a frequent guest on daytime and late-night talk shows, and

has hosted “Saturday Night Live” and “The 47th Annual Emmy Awards.”

“This is going to be a tremendously good time, with an entertainer for all ages, whose acting has universally touched our funny bones over the years,” said Co-Chair Arlene Kline. “I am going to try and stop myself from quoting George or doing the Elaine dance in public that evening!”

Alexander has been teaching acting and other performing arts around the country. He serves as the national spokesperson for the Scleroderma Foundation.

Alexander has appeared at both the Toronto and Montreal Campaign Openings, where he drew big crowds. He first visited Israel more than 20 years ago and has returned several times.

“I’m looking forward to hearing some behind-the-scenes stories from the ‘Seinfeld’ era, and seeing everyone there,” said Co-Chair Kevin Shapiro. “It’s shaping into the must-attend event of the year!”

Akerman Senterfitt Alpern Rosenthal

Craig Storch – Bernstein Global Wealth Management

Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil, P.A.

Carlton Fields, Attorneys at Law Chapnick Community

Association Law Comiter, Singer, Baseman

& Braun, LLP Credit Suisse

Flah & Company Glow Cleaning Plus, LLC

Brian M. Seymour – GunsterJ.P. Morgan

Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC Alan P. Fabricant – MetLife

Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLC Noble Properties

Bill Meyer’s NuVista Living at Wellington Green

PNC Bank PNC Wealth Management

Proskauer Rose, LLPRaymond James

Shapiro/Pertnoy CompaniesTD Bank

The Imaging CentersThe Palm Beach Post

United Security ServicesMichael Kohner – Wealth & Tax Advisory Services (WTAS LLC)

Wells Fargo

Big Name Headlines Big Nite Out!Get ready for Federation’s 2012 Big Nite Out (BNO) event – the first of its kind! This fundraising gala is for men and women, couples and singles.

Jason Alexander

Call (561) 242-6613 for information on BNO.



The word “gender” is all too often thought of as synonymous with “female.” In reality, this is not the case, as Dr. Jackson Katz, an educator, author, filmmaker and social critic shared with an audience of 65 business professionals at a recent Friday Networking Breakfast – “Looking for a Few Good Mensches (Yiddish for honorable people): Responsible Leadership in Business, Family and Community” – sponsored by Federation’s Business & Professions Division and the Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service (AJF&CS).

“We need a paradigm shift,” said Dr. Katz. “‘Women’s issues’ are not ‘gender’ issues. They are personal issues, for men and women alike.”

Katz is internationally recognized in the field of gender violence prevention. His business, MVP Strategies, a gender violence prevention, education and training organization, works with businesses, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, the U.S. military and sports teams. He has appeared on numerous television programs, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Good Morning America,” “20/20” and the “CBS Evening News.” He has lectured on hundreds of college and high school campuses, and conducted hundreds of professional trainings, seminars and workshops in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan. His is the author of “The Macho Paradox: Why Some Men Hurt Women and How All Men Can Help.”

According to Katz, men’s violence against women is not about sensitivity, but about leadership. It’s not enough not to be abusive.

“We need to raise the bar a bit for what it means to be ‘a good guy’,” said Katz. “We need men to show courage, strength and moral integrity. To stand up and speak out against abuse and violence; to challenge each other.”

Katz’s message was powerful, and made an immediate impact.

“The program got me thinking in a way I never thought before,” said B&P Cabinet member Brian Seymour. “I appreciate that.”

Our community also heard Dr. Katz at the AJF&CS’ 8th Annual “No Excuse for Abuse Luncheon.”

The Networking Breakfast was underwritten by Jan Burke, Michael Kohner and WTAS.

Participants brought new pajamas that filled two bags to be donated to the PJ Library® for the Greater Palm Beaches, a program of the Commission for Jewish Education (CJE). AJF&CS and the CJE are partner agencies of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

“No Excuse for Abuse Luncheon” co-chairs Susan Shulman, Ron Pertnoy and Joanne Pinciss. The ladies are wearing scarves that are available for purchase as part of Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy student Emilia Jacobson’s bat mitzvah project. Men’s ties and pocket squares are also available. Proceeds of each $36 item will help JF&CS to continue their work to end domestic abuse.

Owning our Power Owning our Responsibility

B&P Chair Jim Baldinger, guest speaker Dr. Jackson Katz,B&P Campaign Chair Barry S. Berg

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March 25, 2012 is the day to reach out to friends and neighbors throughout the greater Palm Beaches and ask them to contribute to the community-building efforts of Federation and its partner agencies that enhance Jewish life. lt’s Super Sunday! at the Jeanne Levy Jewish Community Campus’ Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy in West Palm Beach and the Lore and Eric F. Ross JCC in Boynton Beach.

It’s the day our community can come together as one to perform good deeds and acts of kindness in a variety of ways. The Meyer Jewish Academy location will offer the following family-friendly activities:

• Writing and decorating cards to thank our American and Jewish soldiers

• Taking a “virtual visit” to the Tzahar Region in Israel, our Partnership 2Gether communities • Sitting with a scribe and helping write part of a Torah • Enjoying balloon art, face-painting and story time for children

One lucky participant will receive a free iPad for their involvement in Super Sunday.

“It’s a great way for the Jewish community to raise much-needed funds for the programs and services that are so critical to so many people,” said Lisa Lickstein, who co-chairs and sponsors the event with her husband, David. “Everyone can play a part – from young children to teens, adults to seniors – doing something special and meaningful to help our community.”

So, bring your cellphones and chargers, and your community spirit! Your participation will make a positive impact on so many people.

Contributions to Federation’s Campaign 2012 support hundreds of programs, traveling thousands of miles to help millions of lives.

A Day Where Everyone Can Make a Difference

Mark Your Calendar

Visit JewishPalmBeach.org, or call (561) 242-6613 to register and for information.

Sunday, March 25 • 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. Super SundayArthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy – 3261 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach and Lore and Eric F. Ross JCC – 8500 Jog Road in Boynton Beach Lisa & Dr. David Lickstein, Chairs

Spend an hour or the whole day making phone calls – the Jewish community needs you!

Call (561) 242-6613 for information.

Thursday, May 10 • 6:00 p.m.Annual MeetingLands of the President, Presidential Way in West Palm Beach

Zelda Mason, 50th Anniversary Chair

Celebrate 50 years of building Jewish community in the greater Palm Beaches and meet Federation’s new CEO, David Phillips.


Wednesday, May 16 • 6:00 p.m.Business & Professions Division’s Big Nite Out Presented by Bill Meyer’s NuVista Living at Wellington Green

Cohen Pavilion, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach

Arlene Kline, Kevin Shapiro & Craig Storch, Co-Chairs

Featuring Entertainer and ‘Seinfeld’ star Jason Alexander


Friday, June 8 • 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Rapids Water Park EventSponsored by the Jewish Teen Initiative and local youth groups for 5th through 12th graders6566 N. Military Trail in West Palm BeachCall (561) 615-4947 for information.



Tuesday, April 10, 8:00 p.m.Mark Bittman, best-selling author, columnist and guest speaker at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens. With take-out counters, microwave meals and other conveniences, Bittman asks, “Why cook?” The former “Minimalist” columnist for The New York Times now writes for the magazine and op-ed page and is a frequent guest on the “Today” show. Ruth Reichl, critically acclaimed best–selling author, former food editor-in-chief for Gourmet magazine and restaurant critic for The New York Times, will moderate this event.

Thursday, May 3, 8 p.m.Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens and the Ross JCC in Boynton Beach

Albright will discuss her new and most personal book, “Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War 1937-1948,” looking at her family’s experiences during this tumultuous time in history surrounding World War II. She also authored “Madam Secretary, Memo to the President Elect,” “The Mighty and the Almighty” and “Read My Pins.”

MorseLife’s Homebound Mitzvah Program Reaches

out to Jewish Seniors Over Passover

For 14 years, the MorseLife Homebound Mitzvah Program and its volunteers have

made a difference in the lives of Jewish frail and homebound seniors over Passover,

enabling them to experience the holiday’s joys and traditions.

More than 300 volunteers of all ages – and from all walks of life – will prepare packages containing traditional kosher meals for Seder, including matzo, wine, a large-print Haggadah and DVD of services conducted by Rabbi Alan

Sherman, director of Chaplain Services at MorseLife for delivery throughout Palm Beach

County on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, and provide some “quality time” to Homebound Mitzvah Program recipients – sitting and

talking with them for a while to bring some additional warmth to the delivery.

Founded by Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz in 1997, and made possible through the generosity of community philanthropists and a grant from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, the Homebound Mitzvah Program has reached out to the area’s homebound elders in hopes

of diminishing the loneliness and isolation frequently felt over Jewish holidays.

Call (561) 282-5388 to volunteer for the Homebound Mitzvah Program and bring

joy and traditions to seniors in Palm Beach County, or to order Passover packages for yourself or a loved one by March 22, 2012.

The Acclaimed 92nd Street Y Speaker Series Comes to the Greater Palm Beaches, Courtesy of the JCC

Earlier this season, guests saw:

• Walter Isaacson, author of a new Steve Jobs biography, chief executive officer of the Aspen Institute, former chairman of CNN and managing editor of Time magazine, who spoke about Jobs’ contributions to the business world

• Mandy Patinkin, who discussed his more than 35-year career in film, TV, theater and concert

• Acclaimed author and Ms. Magazine founder Gloria Steinem, who talked about her travels as a feminist organizer, lecturer and frequent media spokesperson on equality, peace and justice issues

• Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female justice for the U.S. Supreme Court, who discussed her civics education project, and her extraordinary career

Pre-registration is required. To attend programs at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, call (561) 712-5226 or email [email protected]; for the event at the Ross JCC, call (561) 740-9000, ext. 201 or email [email protected].

Upcoming 2012 events include:

The Jewish Community Center of the Palm Beaches (JCC), a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, will welcome two impressive, intriguing and influential people – via live satellite telecast – in the coming months as part of the New York City-based 92nd Street Y Lectures and Conversations Series, who will share their stories and answer questions submitted in real-time.

The series, which began last year in BallenIsles Country Club continues this year there, and at the Ross JCC in Boynton Beach, to better serve the residents in the southern part of Palm Beach County.

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J e w i s h s t A r s

More than 400 people helped launch Federation’s 50th anniversary celebration and kick-off its fundraising season at Campaign Opening 2012 on January 10, with Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin and actor/author/director/producer Henry Winkler. The pair discussed their enduring friendship and recounted how their Jewish upbringing guided their lives and played a role in their careers. Jill and Dr. Jeffrey Fenster chaired the event.

Marlee Matlin, Dr. Jeffrey Fenster, Jill Fenster and Henry Winkler

David Brooks, one of the country’s most prominent political commentators and an opinion writer for The New York Times, was the keynote speaker at our Premiere Event on January 17, 2012 chaired by Vicki and Arthur Loring. Brooks spoke about the upcoming presidential election, Israel and Iran, among other issues. Attendees received his most recent book, “The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character and Achievement.”

Vicki Loring, David Brooks and Arthur S. Loring

In December 2011, a number of Vodka, Latka & Tzedakah events throughout local developments combined the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with an opportunity for Federation to expand community involvement.

Wycliffe Vodka, Latka & Tzedakah - Gaye Molis, Event Co-Chair Ann Kirschner, guest speaker Victor Comras, Sara Comras, Wycliffe Chair Judy Fish and Amy Jonas

BallenIsles Vodka, Latka & Tzedakah - Annual Campaign Chair Hal Danenberg, Gary Hubschman, guest speaker Dr. Jeffrey Morton, Vivian Lieberman and Hope Silverman

Hunters Run Vodka, Latka & Tzedakah - Retired Israeli Colonel Miri Eisin with Max Adler and Amy Jonas


J e w i s h s t A r s

The Business & Professions Division held a series of Happy Hours. In 2011, participants donated canned goods to our local kosher food pantry – with over 200 pounds of food collected! The tradition continues in 2012, with donations to both the pantry and pajamas for the PJ Library® for the Greater Palm Beaches’ Mitzvah Project.

Residents 22-45 joined their peers on January 22, 2012 for “Mitzvah at the Market” in Palm Beach Gardens to meet new people, sample kosher wines and learn about hunger in our community – as well as our local kosher food pantry – from a representative of Federation partner Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service. A trivia game, “Supermarket Sweep,” with the answers to questions found on Publix’s food shelves, helped stock AJF&CS’ Kosher Food Pantry.

Funded by the Ewa & Dan Abraham Project, The Sound of Diversity event lived up to its goal of “bringing together two distinct voices,” uniting more than 125 African-American and Jewish teens for community service projects and a concert. An educational program led by the Anti-Defamation League, was followed by food-sorting at CROS Ministries, gardening at the Coleman Park Recreation Center and working with immigrants at the South Ridge Housing Authority. Then, there was a gathering at Roxy’s Pub in West Palm Beach for dinner, socializing and a chance to meet the acts that would later perform a concert: local rapper Jake Miller, Nick Canon’s protégé group the Wonder Broz, and hip hop sensation Shwayze & Cisco Adler.

Local rapper Jake Miller gets the crowd going.

Justin Paul, Barry S. Berg, Jeremy Berg and Sam Fisch

Two teens sorting rice at CROS Ministries.

Alyson Seligman and Nicole Morris

Next Gen Jewish Palm Beach event participants.

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In December 2011, more than 6,000 leaders of the Reform movement – including rabbis, cantors, educators, congregational presidents, lay leaders, youth professionals, musicians – attended the Union for Reform Judaism’s (URJ) Biennial

in Washington, D.C. The highlight of the event, which was the largest ever attended, was President Barak Obama addressing the participants.

He shared a story about his eldest daughter Malia attending bar and bat mitzvahs, recounting,“As a consequence, she’s become the family expert on Jewish tradition. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from her, it’s that it never hurts to begin a speech by discussing the Torah portion.” And then he did. He spoke about the Torah portion of the week, which was Joseph and Jacob. He focused on the fact that “when Joseph replies to his father Jacob, the Hebrew “word is ’hineni,’ which translates to ’here I am.’ The text is telling us that while Joseph does not know what lies ahead, he is ready to answer the call.”

“In this moment, every American, of every faith, every background has the opportunity to stand up and say: Here I am. Hineni,” Obama concluded.

He also focused on Israel and promised the URJ that “America’s commitment and my commitment to Israel and Israel’s security is unshakeable.”

The President’s speech targeted a specific audience – young people – and spoke to every member present, providing them all with a memorable experience.

Teens from the greater Palm Beaches get to experience life as an Israeli on Gesher Hai (Hebrew for Living Bridge), our month-long community summer Israel experience.

Rebekah Kanefsky, an 11th grader from Park Vista High School, reflected on her experience, saying, “It made me feel so connected to the people and the land. Nothing can top the feelings you experience when you click emotionally and spiritually with a country and a people.”

During Young Ambassadors, Federation’s follow-up leadership program, teens have the opportunty to forge an even closer connection with Israel, further strengthen their Jewish identity and make a difference in our community.

“For 14 weeks, we met to discuss the political, historical and cultural aspects of Israel,” said Rebecca Grbinich, an 11th grader. “We talked about what would happen to Israel if a two-state solution was enacted, anti-Semitism in America and what we can do to overcome it, and so much more. I feel that this program has made us all better people, and better Jews.”

Locally, teens devoted weekends and evenings to working with synagogues, youth groups and Jewish Student Union clubs to raise awareness and connect the community to Israel.

All participants had the opportunity to build their leadership skills, grow their Jewish identity and Israel connection, focus on Jewish peoplehood, and get certified to work as madrichim (counselors).

During a local week-long mifgash (encounter) over winter break, American teens hosted Israeli teens, who lived as part of an American family. Together, they shared a Shabbat experience, studied Torah and explored Judaism in America.

This year’s Young Ambassadors wrote programs about Israel to bring out into the greater Palm Beaches. One program brought Israel to the seniors at MorseLife, while the other at the Ross JCC’s Winter Camp taught children about Israel.

This cultural exchange has created a cadre of youth leaders that have served, and continue to serve, as community ambassadors.

Or Dahan, an Israeli teen from the Tzahar Region, encourages all teens to be a part of this program. “It was a life-changing program,” he said. “The experiences are very special, and you most likely will never do it again. So, go for it!”

Connecting Communities, Forging Friendships, Making Memories

Call (561) 615-4926 for information about teen Israel experiences.

Young Ambassadors participants

J e w i s h P a l m B e a c h . o r g J e w i s h f e d e r A t i o n o f P A l M B e A c h c o u n t y 1 3


Palm Beach County is a National Reshet Network (NRN) community, which means that through communal conversations and capacity-building workshops, synagogue leaders will be able to address common challenges and develop positive relationships between Federation (and its partner agencies) and the community’s congregations.

At the end of January, local lay and professional synagogue leaders, as well as representatives of the Commission for Jewish Education met with Philadelphia’s Jewish Learning Venture Executive Director Rabbi Philip Warmflash and Associate Director Elana Rivel to begin the process. The Jewish Learning Venture is an organization built from the merging of two organizations: the Jewish Outreach Partnership and the Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education. “The Jewish Learning Venture is a symbol of what can happen when individual organizations and groups think – and act – strategically,” said Warmflash. With resource materials developed by Jewish Learning Venture, the group worked first as a complete party, then separated into smaller breakout groups.

Among the questions that will need to be answered in future gatherings – which will utilize the Reshet methodology of educating, networking and supporting participants – were:

• Is my synagogue all I hoped and dreamed it would be?• What am I most proud of in relation to my synagogue?• What would I want to be better about my synagogue?

As responses are given, a vision will be realized, which lay leaders will help to work towards fulfilling.

Among the things participants said of Reshet:

“This initiative gives synagogues a voice.”

“It was gratifying to see new connections between congregations.”

“I am looking forward to seeing a change in Federation-Synagogue relationships and working in cooperation with our community partners.”

The Reshet Initiative is one of the many wonderful new beginnings we will see for our synagogues, organizations and community as we embark on the next 50 years of Building Community Together.

A New Beginning: Promoting Congregational and Communal Strength

What happens when a group of action-oriented rabbis, cantors, synagogue executive directors and Jewish educators come together? A lively, thought-provoking discussion, for one thing! Such was the case at the inaugural meeting of our community Reshet Initiative.


Local clergy with Jewish Learning Venture leaders at the inaugural National Reshet Network meeting.

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Hodes, director of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) Medical Program in Ethiopia and the senior consultant at the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s Mission), recently visited the greater Palm Beaches to discuss his life-saving work. Thanks to the JDC, one of Federation’s overseas partners, and donations from around the world, Hodes is able to treat pediatric cases of heart and spine diseases, as well as cancer, by partnering with doctors, medical facilities and companies, and volunteers. “The health of the Ethiopian people is quite good,” Hodes said during a meeting with Federation leadership. “We have some cases of malaria, but the death rate in our population is far less than the death rate in Israel, which is six out of every 1,000 people.” Hodes has been with JDC since 1990, when he started out as medical adviser for Ethiopia, caring for 25,000 potential immigrants to Israel. In 1991, he was an active contributor during “Operation Solomon,” the airlift to Israel that saved the lives of thousands of Ethiopian Jews. During his tenure, he has also provided and supervised medical care for victims of famine, war and disease outbreaks in Kosovo, Rwanda, Zaire (Congo), Tanzania, Albania and Somalia. In 1998, the American College of Physicians awarded Hodes the rare title of “Mastership,” in recognition of “exceedingly stellar career accomplishments.” He was inducted into the Medical Mission Hall of Fame in 2006, and was selected as a “CNN Hero” in the “Championing Children” category in 2007. Hodes is the subject of Marilyn Berger’s book “This a Soul,” and two documentaries, Sue Cohn Rockefeller’s “Making the Crooked Straight” and Sam Shnider’s “Bewoket.” A graduate of Middlebury College, the University of Rochester Medical School and Johns Hopkins University, Hodes is an adoptive father to five children who all received life-saving surgeries in the United States. Hodes also cares for 20 foster children in three rented homes.

Dr. Rick Hodes: The “Father Teresa” of Ethiopia

The Jewish tradition of tikkun olam (Hebrew for repairing the world) can mean different things to different people. For Dr. Rick Hodes, it is the healing of hundreds of poor Ethiopian children who would be crippled, deformed or die without his medical intervention.

Visit rickhodes.org to view more of his extraordinary work. Dr. Rick Hodes



The late Daniel M. Lyons is an inspiration to the Jewish people and to philanthropists the world over. A long-time Federation friend, as part of his estate plan, Daniel left a significant bequest to the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. The Daniel M. Lyons and Bente S. Lyons Endowment Fund will provide annual support for several programs in Israel, including Youth Futures and the Ethiopian National Project (ENP), and the Ethiopian Project in Ramla, a reflection of the couples’ love for Israel.

Daniel spent his life giving back. He gave charitable dollars, and he gave of himself to improve the human condition all over the world. He held leadership positions within our Federation and those in Washington, D.C. and Naples, FL. Daniel was

active with the ADL and AIPAC, a life trustee of the Brooklyn College Foundation and many other national and local nonprofit institutions. He and his wife Bente made an indelible mark in Israel, building Temple Or Hadash in Haifa, four community centers, two computer centers and two daycare centers. They also built an international sports center in Tel Mond.

“Tikkun olam was more than just a phrase to Daniel. It was a very real part of the fabric of our lives,” said Bente S. Lyons. “We took the Torah teaching that we are our brother’s keepers to heart. I will continue to support the Federation, and other local secular and non-secular programs and projects that were of interest to us. His legacy is an example to others that I hope many will follow.”

Federation’s 50th anniversary is a time to celebrate and also take a serious look into the future, recognizing a very sobering fact: many of the generous donors who helped build and support the Jewish community of today will not be with us as the community charts its course to face the challenges of tomorrow.

In order to better plan for the future, Federation – in collaboration with its partner agencies and area synagogues that wish to participate – is embarking on a legacy gift development campaign to create permanent charitable resources that will transcend today, fund our future and serve as an example for others that follow.

“What is different about this campaign to develop permanent endowments is that Federation is not acting alone to develop these endowment resources,” said Sanford M. Baklor, chair of Planned Giving & Endowments. “The heart of our plan seeks to build synergistic partnerships with our local agencies, synagogues and overseas partners. We believe that this will better serve donors when we ask them to create a permanent Jewish legacy that reflects their individual Jewish charitable passions.”

In September 2011, Federation held its first collaborative partners meeting with all local agencies represented by key lay and chief professional leadership. The meeting produced a consensus that the Jewish community is in this together, and each partner can benefit by looking at the community as a whole. At its January 2012 board meeting, Senior Vice President for Planned Giving & Endowments Joel Breitstein, former Federation President Barbara G. Kay and Baklor presented “Future 50,” with Kay noting how critical it is for this community to get behind this effort, and that no gift to the endowment is too small. Baklor emphasized that “leaders must lead,” and stressed the responsibility of anyone serving in a leadership position to provide for the future as they do for the annual needs of the community.

Call the Planned Giving & Endowments professionals at (561) 615-4930 for information on creating your Jewish legacy.

A Lasting Impression: Daniel M. Lyons’ Legacy to Israel

“Future 50”: Federation Plans for the Next 50 Years

Bente S. and the late Daniel M. Lyons

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Our Local Jewish Community … Then and Now

Our Jewish community has changed in a number of ways over the past 50 years. Here are some examples:

Then: Only two synagogues existed in West Palm Beach.

Now: Our service area is home to more than 30 synagogues, covering all denominations of Judaism.

Then: The Jewish community primarily lived and worked around Clematis Street in West Palm Beach.

Now: The Jewish community lives throughout the area, from Boynton Beach to Jupiter, and from Palm Beach to Wellington.

Then: There wasn’t much of Jewish population and a limited number of year-round Jewish residents.

Now: According to Federation’s 2005 Demographic Study, more than 137,000 Jewish people live in the greater Palm Beaches, making our community the 10th largest Jewish community in North America.

Then: There were no communal facilities.

Now: The Jeanne Levy Jewish Community Campus in West Palm Beach, the Alex and Esther Gruber Jewish Community Campus in Boynton Beach and other partner agency buildings provide space for the numerous educational, social service and cultural programs that enrich Jewish life.

Then: The vast majority of Jews moving here were retirees. Now: The Jewish community represents every age group – newborns, children, teens, young adults, professionals, retirees and the elderly.

In 1962, a lot of things happened. To find the answers to the answers posed below, visit

JewishPalmBeach.org.

TRIVIA QUESTIONS

How many weeks did the #1 soundtrack album – “West Side Story” – remain in that position on the charts?

Who won the World Cup?

What two ballet icons first danced together in a Royal Ballet performance?

What was the name of the production?

How many points did Wilt Chamberlain score in a single NBA basketball game?

What film won the Best Picture Academy Award?

What screen siren died of a drug overdose?

Who “duked it out” for boxing’s world title?

How long did the New York City newspaper strike last?

What book, written by Anthony Burgess, is published?

Who became the first American to orbit the earth during the Friendship 7 mission?

Who developed the oral polio vaccine?

What percentage of U.S. households had a TV set?

What soap opera aired for the first time?

What was deemed unconstitutional in schools?

Which two teams faced off in the World Series?

Who won a Best Actor Oscar? For what role?

Who won a Best Actress Oscar? For what role?

What Jewish communal organization was established in our community?

Tell us how you think these historical facts will change in the future; your vision for our community during the next 50 years.

Visit JewishPalmBeach.org to upload your story today.


A P A s s o v e r P r i M e r

“One of my favorite Passover rituals is the reading in synagogue of the biblical book the Song of Songs during the Sabbath that falls during Passover…The love poetry is bursting with pastoral images of pomegranate orchards, herds of goats, lilies and roses. The images evoke spring and are perfect for this season of rebirth.”

– Rabbi Edward Bernstein, Temple Torah of West Boyton Beach

“They picked a fight. We won. Let’s eat!”

– Kevin Shapiro, Emerging Leadership Project participant, Class of 2012

“Passover makes me feel connected – to my Jewish history and identity, my childhood, the global Jewish community and my family. One of the deepest connects I feel is to my mom, as her last Passover in 2010 was a magical, heartwarming experience with a house full of cousins I hadn’t seen in many years. Some of them had inter-married and hadn’t observed Passover rituals for many years; others were new to our family, or celebrating their first Passover. There was a lot of reconnecting and reminiscing, of course, but what made the night particularly special for me was seeing my mother laugh and smile, though weak, frail and bound to a wheelchair or walker. She reveled in the seder service she loved so much; enjoyed the smells and tastes of Passover recipes old and new; and kvelled over her smart, successful and beautiful grandchildren. For a few hours, mom appeared to be powerful and exhuberant, coming back to life before our eyes. I will cherish this memory for the rest of my life. A family portrait taken that evening is prominently displayed in our living room, sparking frequent conversations with my children about how happy, vibrant and joyful their grandma was that night. I am grateful that that’s how we all remember her.”

– Jeff Trynz, JCC Associate Executive Director

“Passover is about the 3 Fs; family, friends and food. Sure we have ‘an order, a seder’ and break out the fine linens and china, but to me, it is all about enjoying the holiday with those who matter most and eating foods that are chosen for the occasion. One of our family favorites is my Chocolate Truffle Cake. During Passover I dust with matzoh cake flour; the rest of the year ordinary flour. Next year in Jerusalem...or at least, Florida!” – Lynn Kaston, Women’s Philanthropy Executive Committee Member

Flourless Chocolate Truffle Cake

From Lynn Kaston

• 16 oz. best quality semi-sweet chocolate, broken into pieces, or use chips• ½ cup prepared strong coffee

• 6 large eggs• ½ cup sugar• 1 cup heavy whipping cream• powdered sugar

1. Coat a 10” spring form pan with butter; dust with Passover cake flour.

2. Place chocolate and coffee in top of double boiler and set over simmering water. Cook, stirring constantly until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat; set aside.

3. In separate bowl, beat eggs until foamy.

4. Gradually add sugar to egg mixture and continue to beat several minutes until batter is pale yellow and thickened.

5. Fold melted chocolate into egg mixture.

6. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until just stiff and fold into chocolate-egg mixture.

7. Pour into prepared pan; place in center of oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes, or just until center is no longer loose.

8. Remove & cool on a rack. Cover cake with plastic wrap then refrigerate until cold.

9. Remove cake from pan; sprinkle top with powdered sugar before serving.

Serves 10-12 peopleNOTE: Cake may be prepared and refrigerated two days ahead.

What Passover Means to Me...

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A Seder Table Checklist Three whole matzot in matzah cover or on a matzah plate with a cover over it. The matzot can either be part of the seder plate (if the plate is so constructed) or left separately. Have extra matzah on hand, too.

Haggadah (at each place setting).

Wine (bottles on table).

Seder plate with parsley/sliced cucumber/celery (karpas or greens), lettuce (chazeret), horseradish (maror), charoset (sweet fruit and nut paste), roasted shank bone or chicken wing (zero’ah), hard-boiled egg (beitzah).

Kiddush cups (large for the leader, smaller for every place setting).

Saucer or small plate at each place setting (for spilling wine when plagues are mentioned).

Cup of Elijah, filled with wine.

Set-up with salt water, extra maror, charoset & greens (convenient at every other place setting on a small plate).

Pillow for the leader (for leaning).

Additional Items: Placecards, flowers, fun decorations – toy frogs, candies for “good questions and answers,” props to recreate the 10 Plagues, afikoman prizes, CD player and music.

Source: Passover 101 Workshop 2010 at Temple Beth Torah

1. Short2. Moving3. Interesting4. Relevant5. Dramatic6. Personal

7. At participants’ level8. Understandable9. Light10. In two parts, saving something for the second night

Seder LeadingBe inclusive. Try to engage adults and children at your seder by giving them jobs – acting out a part of the seder or leading a discussion. The more your guests feel connected to the seder itself, the more meaning it will have for them.

Ask questions. The Hagaddah invites questions, and so should you. Try asking your guests beforehand to think of a Passover question they would like answered at the seder or lead a discussion by asking your guests what “plagues” them most in their own lives. By encouraging questions, you will encourage your guests to personally explore what the seder means to them.

Buy time and use props. Everyone knows that the seder is a long night, especially for children. The more you do to keep them involved – using toy plagues and offering snacks – the better your chances for enjoying the time together as you tell the Passover story.

Celebrate the joy! Most importantly, Passover is a time to share the joy of being together as a family in a land where we are free to openly practice Judaism, and rejoice in the feeling of rebirth and renewal. The message of the holiday: Whatever you do and however you do it, have fun!

...and its 10 Commandments Keep it:

Resources from the Commission for Jewish Education



1. I Spy: Throughout the seder, point to Passover foods and ritual objects before discussing their significance. Transform this process of identification into an enrichment activity with a game.

For example, when the seder leader introduces the seder plate, announce to young children, “I spy something round on the table” or “I spy a plate that has parsley and maror on it.” You might play this game with a variety of items, such as matzah, charoset, a Haggadah, or Elijah’s and Miriam’s cups. Feel free to personalize the activity, saying for example, “I spy something squishy and soft that Grandma gave to you” (answer: a pillow).

2. “Lotsa’ Matzah”: Before the seder begins, tell young children that they have a seder mission: to count the number of times the word “matzah” is said and to call out “lotsa matzah” each time the word is mentioned. This assignment will help young children stay engaged throughout the length of the seder and add a bit of fun to the meal.

3. Mini-Seder Chorus: Before the seder, teach young children the words or tune to one of the Passover songs, such as “Dayeinu,” and encourage them to sing along during the seder. Children also may have learned playful songs in a Jewish pre-school or kindergarten, for example, “Frogs Were Jumping Everywhere” or “Let My People Go.” For the music and lyrics to these songs, visit totshabbat.com.

4. Plague Plaques: During the reading of the 10 Plagues, distribute 10 home-made signs to the children, each with the name and picture of a plague (alternatively, distribute “Plague Finger Puppets” that can be purchased at local Judaica stores). As the leader reads off the plagues, involve the children in the seder by having them stand and hold up their signs.

5. Seder Helpers: Enlist young children to help serve as seder helpers. Create name tags for them that list their new titles. For example, they might help bring the seder leader a towel to dry his or her hands during the rachtzah (the washing of the hands) section of the seder or distribute matzah before the Motzi Matzah section in which a blessing is said over the matzah.

6. Another Four Questions: After the Four Questions are read or sung, ask young children to pose their own set of Four Questions. Encourage them to be creative. Some sample questions you might suggest include: “How was Miriam a heroine?” “How would you have felt living in Egypt?” “What is your favorite part of the seder?” or “What is your favorite Passover food?” If the children are too young to pose their own questions, consider asking these questions yourself and give them the opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas.

We hope that these activities will allow even the youngest seder participants to learn from the seder rituals, have fun with their families, and look forward to next year’s celebration. Chag sameach!

Make Seder Child’s Play!Enrich the seder experience for 3- to 6-year-olds with these activities from behrmanhouse.com:

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M A K e A d i f f e r e n c e

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M A K e A d i f f e r e n c e

Mail to: Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County 4601 Community Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33417

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The rituals of the holiday enable us to relive the freedom our ancestors gained.

But there are still members of our extended Jewish family who do not have certain freedoms – many for whom the journey is not yet complete.

That’s where you come in: to preserve; protect; and create a spirit of giving and hope with a gift to Campaign 2012. Join us in our work to improve the quality of life for Jews everywhere. Help your extended Jewish familiy become strong, grow and prosper – today and during the next 50 years.

Passover commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery.

Federation Programs

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Documents

FOCUS Spring 2012