Page 14 - Jewish News_June-July-2021

14A June/July 2021 FEDERATION NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight JNF-USA ignites love in a post-pandemic world

A new chapter for Helene Davis s Israel continues to lead the
world in its vaccine rollout,
By Sandy Chase AJewish National Fund-USA
elene Davis is writing a new ter to her. After working with her and to volunteer once retired from teaching recalling, “I wanted to be magical like (JNF-USA) has wasted no time in
chapter at The Jewish Feder- seeing how effectively she communi- high-school art for 30 years and rais- her. Teaching art has been extraordi- setting a date to resume its in-person
Hation of Sarasota-Manatee. cated with the authors, I knew she was ing two children: Marnie, a doctor, and nary, helping to shape my passion for missions. Only this time, America’s
A staunch volunteer, she is honored perfect for the position.” Scott, a lawyer. children, art and books.” singles get first dibs to “swipe right”
to have been chosen as the inaugural Important to Helene is collabo- Rabbi Brenner Glickman of Tem- Volunteering also speaks volumes for Israel.
chair (2021-22) of Federation’s People rating with Jeremy and the rest of the ple Emanu-El reaffirms her religious of Helene’s creativity. Promoting the With much of the dating scene
of the Book author lecture series. staff, echoing other volunteers when devotion. “Helene’s passion for Juda- arts is written on every page of He- taking place in the virtual world over
Under Jeremy Lisitza, Director of she says, “Jeremy and the rest of the ism has come alive in this phase of her lene’s “book.” the past 12 months, participants on the
Innovation and Volunteer Engagement, staff are among the most dedicated, life, as she spreads her enthusiasm to For Temple Emanu-El’s religious singles trip may find themselves going
this program has provided an array of inspiring, thoughtful people I’ve ever everyone she meets at the temple.” school, she co-chairs an ambitious art on a real date while eating dates grown
author events for the past two years, met.” Rabbi Michael Shefrin captures activity, temporarily on hold because from a tree that JNF-USA brought back
helping to foster Federation’s mission Helene’s essence of Covid. to life after 2,000 years.
of enriching Jewish life and identity in when he speaks of Helene explains, “We’re sending The trip for singles ages 35-50 will
our community. her unique charm ceramic pieces, complete with student take place July 4-11 and includes eight
Until now, Federation staff chose and big heart, inter- messages, to decorate an Israeli kibbutz days and seven nights in high-quali-
Jewish Book Council authors for acting with people peace wall. In return, our students will ty lodging, touring with an English-
the program. For the 2021-22 series, of all ages. Her in- create and decorate their own ceram- speaking guide on a Wi-Fi equipped
Helene will work with the staff on this volvement with the ic pieces to be placed on our school’s luxury coach, daily buffet breakfasts,
endeavor. Starfish program, peace wall.” most lunches and dinners, entrance
She says, “Up to a few months an initiative helping When not volunteering, Helene
ago, I was an avid participant, signing disadvantaged kin- lives to create art. “During Covid, I Yiddish letters come alive through
up to hear all the authors in person and dergarteners access started painting mannequins,” she says.
on Zoom. I especially like how each the joy of books and One of her painted mannequins was in readings and music in A Bintel Brief
month focuses on a particular theme, reading, “brings a the Art Center Sarasota juried show.
like memoirs, arts and culture – my ca- special light to She hopes to contact a few galleries to xperience authentic Yiddish let-
reer and passion – or history.” young children that see whether they will represent her. ters come to life through words
In February, when Jeremy asked shines even more Helene is also a voracious reader. Eand music in A Bintel Brief (A
Helene to introduce the four novel- Helene Davis brightly – a light Reminiscing, she says, “As a child, I Bundle of Letters) on Sunday, July 11
ists, she had the most moving experi- Helene’s connection with Federa- that also glows at the People of the once devoured 50 books while vaca-at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.
ence. “I had the opportunity to speak tion began over eight years ago, when Book events.” tioning in the Catskills.” The ORT America Florida Region
with the writers – mesmerized by their she relocated to Sarasota from New Beholden to Temple Emanu-El, Convinced that both reading and presents the Asolo Repertory Theatre
knowledge, eloquence, confidence and Jersey, shortly after having lost her Federation and other organizations for art have helped her thrive during the Guild Play Readers, who will bring to
inviting personalities.” husband Ron, of blessed memory. which she volunteers or used to be- pandemic, Helene says, “I read a lot of life Yiddish letters written by Europe-
Jeremy says, “I admire Helene’s After joining Temple Emanu-El fore Covid, Helene emphasizes how fiction, and I’m excited about giving an Jewish immigrants seeking advice
enthusiasm, dedication, creativity and and Federation – faithful to her Jewish fortunate she was to have served on my all to this amazing People of the in the popular The Forward newspaper.
commitment to organizations that mat- identity – Helene fulfilled her promise the steering committee for the Fed- Book program. I know that the rewards Often separated from family and
eration-sponsored Women’s Giving will outweigh any challenges.” bewildered by life in a new coun-
Circle, a philanthropic organization Rabbi Shefrin says proudly, “The try, thousands of Jewish immigrants
enhancing the lives of Jewish women world is blessed to have a leader like wrote to The Forward seeking advice
and children in Israel. Helene. Her gusto is contagious.” about assimilating to their new lives
Helene’s philanthropy extends All who know Helene would agree as American Jews. The paper’s found-
to her supporting Temple Emanu-El that her chairing the People of the Book er and editor, Abraham Cahan, would
through LIFE & LEGACY , saying, “I program will be a “page turner.” personally respond to each letter with
®
want my children, grandchildren and If you are interested in volunteering, encouragement, wisdom and warmth.
their future generations to embrace there are many ways to contribute and Kvell while you listen to Rosalie
their religion. Pride in being Jewish be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-Leon, an ORT member, play the guitar
cannot be measured. It’s part of me.” eration. For more information, please and sing your favorite Yiddish melo-
Inspired by her primary-grade contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-dies. She will be joined by members
art teacher, Thelma Newman, Helene novation and Volunteer Engagement, of the Asolo Play Readers who are also

began writing her future “chapters,” at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.ORT supporters: Dianne Brin, Alice
Cotman, Beverly Horwitz and Jona-
Why WE belong than Horwitz.
During the pandemic, the Asolo
Repertory Theatre Guild Play Read-
ers brought theatre to the community
The Federation has made so many through Zoom. The troupe consists of
good friends in our community by
reaching out and being inclusive.
We love that the new Camp FED
Marci Lynn will welcome we are
children of all backgrounds

and abilities.
Joan and Bart Levenson
Engaging Jewish Lives

e take great pride in engaging Jewish lives in our community.
WYour Federation is dedicated to bringing the best in Jewish

programming to Sarasota-Manatee.

JFEDSRQ.org/ProudStrong jfedsrq.org • 941.371.4546