Page 2 - Jewish News_July-2020

2 July 2020 FEDERATION NEWS

Federation moves quickly...continued from page 1
person in the movie theaters. So, Jer- has been an integral part of supporting ever, we had to learn all the ins and outs were just a couple of months ago, one
emy Lisitza, Director of Innovation the families with young children, help- of running events of this magnitude. So thing that hasn’t changed is the incred-
and Volunteer Engagement, began ing keep the parents grounded and their there was a learning curve in managing ible generosity of our community.
working feverishly on converting the families engaged, thanks in large part Zoom webinars, Zoom meetings and “I may not be out at events, or
Jewish Film Festival to a web-based to our PJ Connectors, Dori Goldfarb learning to use breakout rooms.” meeting people in person, but I am
platform, and our program team began and MG Berman. Gisele Pintchuck, Adler agreed, adding, “I think the more in touch with our generous do-
brainstorming which other programs LIFE & LEGACY™ & Development most challenging aspect has been the nors than ever before.”
could transition over. We worked at a Events Director and Momentum Com- fact that, as a nation and as a commu-
rapid pace, filling the Federation web- munity Leader, has been spearheading nity, we have never faced a situation
site calendar with virtual programming programs and events for women. And like this before. There are no best prac-
for families, adults, teens and the com- Gulf Coast Hillel Program Director tices for how to build community virtu-
munity as a whole,” she said. Sydney Harlow continued most of her ally. I am relying on colleagues, board
As a result of their efforts, the Jew- members, volunteers and our national
ish Film Festival was saved and the system more than ever. We are finding
final presentation of the People of the new and innovative ways to stay con-
Book series, with author Jack Fair- nected, to reach out to those in isola-
weather, was offered via a Zoom webi- tion and remind them that Federation
nar. The Heller Community Relations is always here – even if it is just via
Committee led by Community Rela- phone or the internet for now. I know
tions Director Jessi Sheslow contin- some of our staff feel that we are even
ues to offer webinars about Israel and more connected than before the pan-
Israeli politics, anti-Semitism and the demic, thanks to the work of amazing
Holocaust, in partnership with Class- managers who schedule regular Zoom Harris Goldenberg enjoys a Zoom presentation
rooms Without Borders. Among their check-ins, more departmental meet- with David Sussman, “Unique Places in Israel”
new virtual offerings were Lunch and Students bake challah virtually ings and a daily voluntary Zoom lunch As for the future, Krames said
Learn with Rabbi Jonathan Katz from with Gulf Coast Hillel “drop-in” for anyone who is available the Federation continues to make de-
JFCS of the Suncoast, and an Israel regular programming, now virtual, for to stop in and chat.” cisions based on the best information
the college students at Ringling Col- Chief Development Officer Ilene available. “We know that our com-
lege of Art + Design, USF Sarasota- Fox noted that her normal routine of munity is not necessarily going to be
Manatee and New College. going out and meeting with people piv- ready to return to large community in-
Krames said that while it took a oted very quickly to using the phone, person events right away. As the CDC
while for members and guests to get emails and video platforms to reach out and the state and federal government
used to using their computers versus to donors and potential donors. continue to share plans and procedures
seeing events in person, eventually “The one advantage was every- for returning to ‘normal life,’ we will
it became second nature. “We have body was home, so they were very easy adapt. We will continue to offer mean-
had incredibly positive feedback. Our to reach,” she said. “Some calls would ingful programs and events, coming
community has embraced this new ex- last two minutes, while others would together as a community and staying
istence and it has been reassuring to last over an hour.” strong and connected.”
Rabbi Jonathan Katz leads them knowing their Federation is still Fox said she checked in with ev- “We are approaching the upcom-
a Lunch and Learn session here for them even under the most dif- erybody to see how they were doing, if ing event season with our regular level
Independence Day celebration which ficult circumstances. For them, know- they needed anything (groceries, medi- of enthusiasm, and a side of healthy
culminated in a huge Facebook Live ing they can go to the computer, open cines, etc.) or just needed someone to conservatism,” said Adler. “Our team
dance party co-hosted by Nati Shabat our website and find something to do talk to. “We always keep an eye out on is researching speakers, films and op-
from SRQBeats. There was a Jewish almost every day of the week has been the welfare of our donors,” she said. portunities for meaningful Jewish con-
Community Healing and Havdalah comforting.” Fox noted the generosity of those nection with the understanding that
event. And Andrea Eiffert, Teen and The most difficult part of the tran- who gave to the STRONGER TO- our events will take place in a new
Family Program Coordinator, created sition, Krames said, was dealing with GETHER: Coronavirus Emergency world. We plan to continue to provide
online programs for the youth and teen the technology. “We were familiar with Relief Fund, which is being used to virtual programs throughout the sum-
communities. PJ Library, in particular, Zoom, the preferred platform. How- help those with needs arising from the mer. For the fall/winter season, we
Coronavirus, such as food insecurity,
are likely to offer both virtual and in-
C C hampagne & I vories and spiritual, physical and emotional person programming, based on what is
hampagne& Ivories
wellness. She said she was also over-
allowed by local authorities when the
time comes. We understand that our in-
whelmed by the generosity of people
during this year’s Giving Challenge.
ent in the future and I have the utmost
“I called every person who gave to the person programs may look very differ-
VIRTUAL Federation, to thank them personally. It faith that we will adapt and continue to
gave me the opportunity to reach out
provide quality Jewish programming
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES to many different people in our com- for years to come,” said Adler.
For more information on the Fed-
munity.”
While Fox said that things are defi- eration’s virtual programming, please
nitely different today than what they visit jfedsrq.org/events.
Brought to you in part by To see how our community partners – Aviva - A Campus for Senior Life,
MUSIC NOTES Arnold and Carol Tillman pivoted their programming in response to the crisis, read the article on page 13.
Hershorin Schiff Community Day School and JFCS of the Suncoast –

B A C K G R O U N D

$ 15
PER CONCERT
$ 24
FOR BOTH
SUPPORT
Friendship at Home
Financial Stability
In-home Support
Home Delivered Meals
Educational Programs

CAREGIVING
WEDNESDAY • JULY 22 • 7:30 PM Caregiver Resource Centers
GERSHWIN TO PUCCINI FEATURING Brian Gurl & Michele Pruyn Adult Day Care Programs
Support Groups
Piano meets voice. Brian joins forces with one of the most versatile and gifted vocalists Educational Programs
you’ll ever experience. From Rhapsody In Blue to Embraceable You and Hey Big Spender
to O Mio Babbino Caro, enjoy the music of George Gershwin plus favorites from jazz to opera. HEALTH & WELLNESS
Medical & Dental Clinics
WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 12 • 7:30 PM Senior Centers
Friendship Cafés
BROADWAY MEETS POP! FEATURING Brian Gurl & Katherine Alexandra Senior Fitness
Balance Movement
Brian & Katherine return with a delectable variety of artistic and fun-filled favorites Lifelong Learning
including Phantom Of The Opera, The Root Beer Rag, Piano Man and their show-stopping
rendition of Malagueña.
FRIENDSHIP
To register for this virtual event visit jfedsrq.org/events. THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY OF AGING

For more information, contact
friendshipcenters.org | 941.955.2122
Trudi Krames
at tkrames@jfedsrq.org SARASOTA VENICE
or 941.706.0037. 1888 Brother Geenen Way 2350 Scenic Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236 Venice, FL 34293

Read the current and previous editions of The Jewish News online at www.jfedsrq.org.