Page 13 - Jewish News_February-2021

FEDERATION NEWS February 2021 13A

The Women’s Giving Circle makes a difference
2 2 By Jeremy Lisitza, Director of Innovation and Volunteer Engagement

embers of the Women’s Giv- The Israeli organizations invited to final round will be invited to a Q&A support for the “alone” young sol-
ing Circle (WGC) recently the Open House were: with members of the WGC prior to the diers in Israel without family. Soldiers
Mcame together virtually on ‹ The Dr. Israel Goldstein Youth awarding of grants. who have family to come home to on
Zoom to hear updates from three or- Village’s program, “Residence for weekends, mama’s home-cooking and
ganizations that received funds. The Lone Soldiers” family support make better and hap-
Women’s Giving Circle is made up of ‹ Friends for the Community in Is- pier soldiers.” She added, “I would
1 1 4 4 women in our community who help rael’s “Project Petel” in the city of never have realized this psychological
organizations in Israel that benefit
Sderot near the Gaza Strip
need and element of care without Ju-
women and children. ‹ Machshava Tova: Let’s Tech! for dy’s passionate advocacy.”
This is also an exciting time in Teenage Girls at Risk If you are not yet a WGC mem-
3 3 1 1 5 5 WGC’s history. The group unveiled a bers to hear firsthand about the pro- ber, this is an opportunity to find out
yo
u

h
a
Thank you by the Federation’s Senior Graphic grams and to be able to ask questions. cated philanthropic women and make
T
k
n
It was so informative for the mem-
new dynamic logo, beautifully created
how you can join this group of dedi-
Artist, Karen Alfaro.
Going forward, all organizations in the
a difference for women and children
in need in Israel. Membership is $518
Hanukkits light up classrooms
voice in deciding which organizations
By Jessi Sheslow, Teen and Family Programs Manager WGC member Janet Tolbert said, and each WGC member has a vote and
receive funds.
haring in the joy of Hanukkah
For more information about the
for sharing the light Sof Sarasota-Manatee, through and (this year) a Zoom lesson with “The Youth Village program, “Resi- Women’s Giving Circle, please con-
Rabbi Samantha Kahn and/or Bethany
was easier this year. PJ Library
dence for Lone Soldiers,” is lucky to
Leinweber from Temple Sinai.
its wonderful partnership with Temple We were also especially proud to have Judy Segal as a passionate advo- tact me at jlisitza@jfedsrq.org or call
941.343.2113.
cate for this program, which provides
this Hanukkah! Sinai, was able to provide Hanukkits to have shared this year’s book choice,
Jeremy’s Dreidel, which highlights
many local area schools.
Hanukkits are a PJSRQ project
a dreidel with braille. When his class-
that started in 2017. They are designed the story of a young boy who makes
Our Sarasota-Manatee community celebrated Hanukkah in many different ways this year, including to help public school teachers convey mates ask him about it, he talks about
some virtual celebrations. Hanukkah candles and wide smiles lit up the holiday! the secular customs of his father who is blind.
4 4 1 16 Hanukkah alongside This story is not only
their Christmas les-
about traditions around
6
sons during the hol- Hanukkah but about ac- Visit our web site
and call to order.
iday season. In past ceptance of others who www.caribbeanpieco.com
1 1 1 1 7 7 many moms and dads being “different” can be a SERVING THE SUNCOAST FOR OVER 30 YEARS!
may be different, and that
years, we know of
who would go into
good thing.
their child’s class-
We received requests
room, taking on this from 13 schools (includ-
responsibility as the “Hanukkah Par- ing Community Day School), and
ent.” However, as some PJ parents not- our Hannukits reached 720 school
5 5 ed, that only works for that year with children in Sarasota County. Of the
that teacher. Plus, there are many class- 12 public schools, three are in Ven-
rooms in our two-county area without ice or North Port and nine are Title
Jewish children and parents. To fill that 1 schools. For so many children, the
void, Hanukkits were born. lessons of Hanukkah have never been
1 18 This year, thanks to our fantastic learned. Thanks to the Hanukkits
8
relationship with the Sarasota Coun- program of PJ Library of Sarasota-
ty School District, our free Hanuk- Manatee, we are ensuring that this will
kits option was sent to all elementary not be the case anymore.
school principals. The kits, which are If you are interested in helping us
designed for 2 grade, included a PJ continue to provide Hanukkits each
nd
6 6 11 11 Library book, enough dreidels and year or want to learn more about PJ
Library, contact me at jsheslow@jfed
chocolate gelt for each student, direc-
tions for how to play the dreidel game, srq.org or 941.343.2109.
1. Mazer Family Hanukkah celebration 2020 style.
2. Dalia Rosenthal shows off her festive Hanukkah attire
to her friend. Why WE belong
3. The Weiman family poses in front of a giant menorah on the
first night of Hanukkah.
4. The community comes together to light their menorahs at This campus represents an
the Just Schmoozing Hanukkah event via Zoom. extraordinary opportunity ADULTS
5. Adam Cota and Jenelle Bayor spin dreidels while Whistler to educate young people CULTURE
Krames (the cat) looks on. on what is important to CHARITY
7 7 9 9 6. Community Chaplain Jonathan R. Katz and Emma Katz the Jewish community. KIDS
lead a virtual Hanukkah celebration for residents of senior
What we do today will
living facilities.
7. Josilyn Berman (celebrating her 1st birthday) and her brother reflect our place in our JEWISH
Jacob light the menorah on the first night of Hanukkah. country for generations CALENDAR Your Hub
10 10 12 12 8. Matthew and Nolan Krames light their menorahs on the to come. OF EVENTS for Jewish Events
8th night of Hanukkah.
IN SARASOTA
9. Marv and Dalia Rosenthal on the 4th night of Hanukkah.
Bob and Esther Heller
10. Jim Ramer frying homemade Sufganiyot for his wife, Elise. THE BOB & ESTHER HELLER AND MANATEE
11. Jackie Marr frying latkes. ISRAEL CENTER
12. Jessi Sheslow and Savannah Samberg wish you Chag Sameach!
1 1 3 3 13. Marv and Dalia Rosenthal present their freshly-made latkes.
14. Ansley and Jay Gross proudly display their fully-lit menorah.
15. A delicious Hanukkah Chocolate Roll dessert made by LEARN
Roberta Berson.
16. Kim Sheintal’s 13-year-old grandson, Alan Daniel, decorates FAMILY
a cookie for Hanukkah.
17. Stu Lurie’s kids—Aaron (16), Libby (12), and Leah (18) —light
their menorahs on the 3rd night of Hanukkah.
8 8 18. Rabbi Kahn and her family show off their Hanukkah decorations. JFEDSRQ.org/JewishEvents

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