Page 46 - Jewish News | November 2021

14B November 2021 COMMUNITY FOCUS

Kehillah Collaborative: Temple and Organization Spotlight

In each issue of The Jewish News, we will spotlight one local temple and one local organization that are participating in the Kehillah Collaborative initiative.
For more information, contact Trudi Krames at tkrames@jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0037.
Chabad of Sarasota Jewish National Fund-USA:

and Manatee Our voice in Israel

habad of Sarasota and Manatee Chevra Kadisha burial society, Chabad hen Theodor Herzl stood up National Fund-USA Sarasota Presi-
was established in late 1990, gardens cemetery, mezuzah placement at the 5 Zionist Congress dent, it is thanks to Sarasota’s Jew-
th
Cwhen Rabbi Chaim and Sara and check-up, A Taste of Chanukah Win Basel, Switzerland, in ish community that Jewish National
Steinmetz, along with their (then) two annual community festival, Women’s 1901 and announced the creation of Fund-USA is set to achieve another
children, moved to Sarasota with the Circle Group, Club 770 Men’s Club a Jewish National Fund to reestablish record-high fundraising year. “When it
blessings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. and the Dr. Schwartzbaum Annual the Jewish homeland, many thought comes to Israel, few communities are
There they opened up a synagogue and Geriatric Compassionate Care Sympo- his dream was simply too audacious. as passionate and involved as Saraso-
educational center at their home. sium. Yet, a steady groundswell of support ta’s Jewish community,” said Halpern.
From this humble beginning to to- for Herzl’s vision began to grow. Jews “We know we have a huge job ahead
day’s accomplishments, they are proud of the world collected coins in iconic of us both here in Sarasota and in Isra-
of the growth that allowed the estab- JNF Blue Boxes, purchasing land and el. However, we’re certainly up to the
lishment of five local chapters: West planting trees until, ultimately, our task.”
Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Down- dream of an independent Jewish home- Jewish National Fund-USA is also
town Sarasota, Venice as well as the land became a reality after 2,000 years the largest provider of Zionist educa-
Chabad on Beneva Road. of yearning. tion resources in the U.S., and the orga-
At Chabad, you are always wel- In 1926, Jewish National Fund- nization continues to equip high school
come to come to ask questions and USA was incorporated, establishing teens with the tools needed to become Help with a Chanukah surprise
discover the Jewish tradition and its a uniquely American effort to support proud advocates for Israel and the Jew-
precious knowledge and pathway to- development in Israel. What started out ish people. for our Holocaust survivors
ward living a rich, gratifying life to with trees has “grown” into so much Halpern added, “Just look at what’s
find meaningful solutions to life’s chal- more. Today, Jewish National Fund- happening on college campuses. There
lenges. USA is the leading philanthropic or- is so much unwarranted hate against
Offering Kabbalah and Torah ganization for the land and people of Israel, which is often thinly veiled,
classes, prayers and one-on-one class- Rabbi Chaim & Sara Steinmetz Israel. Through Jewish National Fund- age-old antisemitism. That’s why it’s
es, Chabad serves all ages from birth Chabad is located at 7700 Beneva USA’s One Billion Dollar Roadmap so important to inspire our children to
through the end of life. Offerings in- Road, Sarasota, and is open on week- initiative, the organization is attracting learn about the real Israel and discover
clude Jewish holiday family experi- days from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Daily 800,000 new residents to Israel’s Ne- their own unique relationship to their
ences, Kaplan Preschool, Weinstein morning prayers are at 8:00 a.m., Fri- gev and Galilee by creating employ- ancestral home during their formative
Jewish Enrichment program for grades day services at 7:00 p.m. and Shabbat ment opportunities; building schools, years.”
K-6, CTeen programming for grades services at 10:00 a.m. For upcoming parks and playgrounds; establishing For more information about Jewish
7-12, adult education, Shabbat and events, visits sarasotachabad.com. medical facilities; investing in agricul- National Fund-USA in Sarasota, con-
daily prayers, JLI educational experi- Chabad of Sarasota is proud to ture R&D; and supporting over 50,000 tact Joshua Mellits, JNF-USA Director,
ence for adults, holiday celebrations, a welcome all members of the communi- Israelis with disabilities. Western Florida, at jmellits@jnf.org or
community mikvah, hospital visitation, ty regardless of background. According to Toby Halpern, Jewish 941.462.1330 x865.

Join Us

Kehillah Collaborative
Building Jewish Life Through Community
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021
10:30am – NooN
Selby Public library
1331 1St St, SaraSota, Fl 34236
In Hebrew, the word Kehillah
means community. OPEN HOUSE

The Kehillah An opportunity to learn about
membership to the Women’s Giving
Collaborative Circle, engage with current members
brings together and get “in person” updates from some
Jewish organizations in of the agencies that were granted
*
funds in 2021.
Sarasota-Manatee to share ideas, Sarasota-Manatee More than $34,000 was granted by 2021’s
work together Chabad Women’s Giving Circle members to seven
on programming organizations in Israel benefiting
women and children.
and host
collaborative events.
* Masks and social distancing required.
Nadia Ritter, Chair
RSVP by December 3
To register, please visit JFEDSRQ.ORG/events
QUESTIONS? Contact Jeremy Lisitza
941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org

For more information, contact Trudi Krames at
tkrames@jfedsrq.org or 941-706-0037.