Page 19 - Jewish News_December-2020

FEDERATION NEWS December 2020 19A

Volunteer Spotlight Will you be there to help?

Peter Wells: Personifying the mission By Ilene Fox, Senior Philanthropic Officer Archaeology Series!

s we all know, 2020 has been
assistance to our Jewish organizations.
of the Jewish Federation AFirst came COVID-19 and all stepped up and supported us in these Siblings Part 2
a year like no other.
We appreciate all of you who have
of its unknowns and heartache. Along efforts.
with it, many in our Jewish communi- Your Federation continues to do
ty who never imagined they would be the work that we always do: award-
recipients of The Jewish Federation ing religious school scholarships, pro-
of Sarasota-Manatee assistance were viding for at-home care for Holocaust
suddenly in need, physically, emotion- survivors and promoting support for
ally and spiritually. For the first time Israel, among many other projects. We For the third consecutive year, Temple Beth Sholom will be offering an archaeology
they did not have food for Shabbat din- hope you have enjoyed our many virtu- course with Steven Stark-Riemer. This year’s course is titled Siblings – Part 2:
ner due to job loss or reduced salaries. al programs this year. Second Temple Judaism and the Development of Early Christianity and
Isolation and loneliness replaced at- If you are able to help, please con- Rabbinic Judaism. The course will be offered on six consecutive Thursday
tending Federation programs and Sara- sider making a year-end gift to Federa- mornings at 10:00 am beginning on January 7 via Zoom. These classes are open
to the entire Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community.
sota’s cultural events. PPE was scarce tion. Gifts of any size are welcome and
but was necessary to keep those at risk will be used to benefit those who need
safe. Throughout this challenging time, it most. If you have already made a gift
Federation was there providing grants and are able to give more, your com- The religions we know today as Judaism and Mr. Stark-Riemer has
acquired a devoted following
to local Jewish organizations through munity would be grateful. Federation’s Christianity were born at the same time, nurtured in in his adult education
our STRONGER TOGETHER Coro- critical work will continue due to your the same environment, and their parent was Second endeavors in the Sarasota-
navirus Relief Fund to alleviate these generosity. Temple Judaism. In this course, we will examine the Manatee Jewish community.
needs. You can donate at www.jfedsrq.org Dead Sea Scrolls and Jewish apocalyptic The titles to the six sessions
are: “Introducing the Dead
Then, we experienced the unthink- or by sending a check to The Jewish eschatology as a prelude to exploring the roots and Sea Scrolls,” “The Texts
able here at home – vicious acts of Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, 580 early development of the ‘Siblings,’ their responses within the Scrolls,”
antisemitism at two of our local syn- McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232. to the First and Second Revolts against Rome, and "Apocalypticism Meets
agogues. Federation was there, work- On behalf of all who benefit from finally, their ‘Parting of the Ways.' Politics,” “One More Sect,”
“Another End and Another
ing with synagogue leaders and hiring your generosity, thank you for opening Beginning,” and “The
a security director to work to keep our your heart. Steven Stark-Reimer Parting of the Ways”.
entire Jewish community safe. Our I can be reached at ifox@jfedsrq. (Left)
Keep Us Safe fund provides security org or 941.343.2111. Commenting on his course
The cost for this six-part series is $36 for TBS
Volunteer Spotlight...continued from page 18A members and $50 for non-members. You may
register by going to the Temple Beth Sholom
‹ Led an effort to improve services rupted before ordination because of website: www.templebethsholomfl.org/events.
to the elderly, social services, im- family circumstances. The registration deadline is January 5, 2021.
migration resettlements and pre- Persevering, he later returned to For more information, contact Kelly Nester at the
schools HUC’s School of Jewish Communal TBS office at 941-955-8121.
‹ Served seven years on the Levin Services, where he received a graduate
Family Foundation board, helping certificate and years later, an honorary
the nonprofit distribute food, cloth- doctorate.
ing and health services to those in The National Conference for Com-
need in Dayton and Israel munity and Justice has recognized
Bolstering Israel is one of Peter’s Peter, and the Association of Jewish
signatures: Community Organization Profession- $ INSTALL
‹ At the outbreak of the Yom Kip- als awarded him the distinguished ser-
pur War, he worked endlessly with vice award. 9 0 No matter how
staff and volunteers to raise emer- An active mind is critical to Peter. many rooms
gency funds He reads books and periodicals, partic-
‹ As a Levin Family Foundation ipates in webinars, and audits Univer- you carpet!
board member, he helped fund and sity of South Florida classes. Outdoor
produce a documentary on the ex- activities, Sarasota arts and movies are
odus of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, also favorite pastimes.
entitled Take Us Home Volunteering is highest on his list. 12-MONTH
‹ Committed to improving health Peter says, “Using my time, experience LIFETIME FINANCING
care in the Galilee, he was a board and passion provides its own rewards, INSTALLATION
member of the American Friends enabling me to translate vision into re- GUARANTEE *on approved credit
of Galilee Medical Center, which ality, making Sarasota and the world a
treats Syrians surgically, intending better place.”
to foster peace in the area Peter also enjoys “schmoozing,”
‹ On the Save a Child’s Heart board, strengthening old friendships and
Peter helps this Israeli-based orga- forming new ones. ‘Chaver’ is includ-
nization improve pediatric surgery ed in his email address since friendship
in developing countries, including is uppermost.
bringing children from the West Larry Burick, past Greater Dayton
Bank and Gaza to Israel Federation President and friend of al-
Jewish values were instilled by most 50 years, says, “Peter continues
Peter’s parents, who escaped from Vi- to be my mentor. A role model for G. Fried Sarasota | 941-584-8158
enna just after Kristallnacht. Having fi- countless others, he’s a mensch who 5990 South Tamiami Trail | Sarasota, FL 34231
nally received visas, they moved from engages and listens.” M-F 9:30am-6pm | Sat 9:30am-5pm | Sun Closed
Trinidad, Peter’s birthplace, to New The Jewish Federation of Saraso-
York City. ta-Manatee and countless other organi- G. Fried Tampa | 813-642-7100 BUSINESS
GREEN
SMALL
BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR
Thanking his role models, he says, zations are indebted to the wisdom and 231 Brandon Town Center Dr. | Brandon, FL 33511 AWARD 2018
OF THE YEAR
AWARD 2018
LONGBOAT KEY
“Family, friends, rabbis and colleagues blessing of Peter Wells, as he is dedi- LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER
CHAMBER
continue to shape my beliefs and, more cated to the betterment of all. M-F 9:30am-7pm | Sat 9:30am-5pm | Sun 12-4pm
important, my actions.” If you are interested in volunteering,
Peter received his undergraduate there are many ways to contribute and
degree in sociology/political science be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-
from Hunter College. Inspired by rab- eration. For more information, please Your Source For Fine Flooring Since 1930
bis and the NFTY director, he pur- contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In- GFriedFA.com
sued a master’s in rabbinical studies at novation and Volunteer Engagement,
Hebrew Union College (HUC), inter- at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.