Page 13 - Jewish News_January 2022

FEDERATION NEWS January 2022 13A

Volunteer Spotlight This series highlights mission-based
Where

The “write” person to keep us informed about Israel Where programs and projects that are sup-
ported by The Jewish Federation
of Sarasota-Manatee. Funding for
Your these initiatives is derived from the
Y

our
Annual Campaign. The series helps
to explain where your generous dol-
Dollars lars are spent and features certain IF YOU’RE STILL PAYING FULL
Dollars
initiatives that enrich the lives of
Jews living in Sarasota-Manatee, lo-
Go cal projects with area partners, and COMMISSIONS, YOU’RE NOT
Go
overseas programs that support the
social and humanitarian needs of
Jews in Israel and around the world.
Your generous support is found in
our tenet… To strengthen Jewish life
and identity in our community. (See
the article below.) A REAL ESTATE INVESTOR.

Jewish Burial Fund

Staff Report YOU’RE A PHILANTHROPIST.
he Jewish Federation of Sara- done. Our goal is to ensure that these
sota-Manatee (JFSM) is here mitzvot continue to happen and that
Tfor you and your family in both every Jewish person who passes away
the good times and the bad. That is in Sarasota-Manatee can be honored
precisely why we initiated our Jewish with a traditional Jewish funeral.”
Burial Fund in 1996. Working through our partner, the
Twenty-five years ago, the Grants Jewish Healing program at JFCS of
Committee of the JFSM Foundation the Suncoast, Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz,
Trustees (which no longer exists to- who acts as our Community Chaplain,
day) established the Indigent Burial is available to help you in your time of LOWER FEES. PROVEN RESULTS. LESS STRESS.
Fund. In 2016, as a collaboration be- need. The Jewish Healing program is
tween the Federation and Chevra Kadi- underwritten by your Federation.
sha, the Jewish Burial Charitable Fund Rabbi Katz says, “Kavod HaMet, JARED SALZMAN BARBARA ZAPAL
JARED SALZMAN
of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota- honoring the dead, is a central Jewish ® ®
Manatee was re-established. value. However, due to financial rea- REALTOR REALTOR
The goal of this fund is to pro- sons, fulfilling this commandment to 727-515-3462 727-599-4722
vide financial support to families who appropriately lay a loved one to rest
desire a Jewish burial for their loved according to Jewish custom can rep- ROBERT TOALE AND SONS
ones but are financially unable to do resent a significant hardship. In such
so. During a time of mourning a loved situations, we work with local funeral FUNERAL HOME
one, individuals shouldn’t be worried homes, cemeteries and synagogues to AD VER T ORIAL
about the financial burden that accom- ensure a proper burial. It is gratifying PALMS MEMORIAL PARK
panies planning a funeral. Rather, the to see all the parties involved come to- MANASOTA MEMORIAL PARK
person should be focused on what re- gether to ensure that the needs of the ROBERT TOALE AND SONS
WIEGAND CHAPEL
ally matters, such as commemorating deceased and his or her family are ad-
the deceased’s life, spending time with dressed with dignity and caring.”
FUNERAL HOME
family and friends, sitting shiva, etc. We are most appreciative of our Announcing the development of a NEW FACILITY IN LAKEWOOD RANCH
located near the corner of Lakewood Ranch Blvd. and 44th Ave.
Since the beginning of 2015, the area funeral homes, which often pro-
fund has distributed $42,374 in local vide discounted costs, and area congre-
Gerald “Gerry” Ronkin
grants to assist with the costs of 17 gations, which often donate a plot and PALMS MEMORIAL PARK
Jewish Community Liaison
Jewish funerals; $8,500 was provid- offer rabbinic officiants for no fee. Here is a question I am frequently asked:
Gerry, I have two cemetery plots up north, but now we
ed just in 2021. Federation COO Kim If you are in need of assistance, MANASOTA MEMORIAL PARK
170 Honore Avenue
Adler says, “Jewish law is unequivocal please reach out. We are here for this live permanently here. What should we do?
Sarasota, Florida 34232
about the importance of a proper funer- community! Kim Adler can be reached WIEGAND CHAPEL
Every family is different. There is no one answer
Office 941-371-4962
al for the deceased. In fact, attending at kadler@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6300. for everyone. But here is some food for thought.
and participating in a funeral is one of Rabbi Katz can be contacted at jkatz@ Gerald Ronkin Cell 941-809-5195
Gerry.Ronkin@DignityMemorial.com
the most significant mitzvot that can be jfcs-cares.org or 941.366.2224 x166. Announcing the development of a NEW FACILITY IN LAKEWOOD RANCH
There are six Jewish cemeteries in the area:
located near the corner of Lakewood Ranch Blvd. and 44th Ave.
Volunteer Spotlight...continued from previous page • Temple Beth Sholom was the first one established back in 1938 (on Circus Blvd)
the Jewish community and embracing our community. “Harold’s grasp of • Temple Sinai, Temple Emanu-El, Temple Beth Israel and Chabad of Sarasota
Gerald “Gerry” Ronkin
life, including rooting for the Buffalo the complex issues pertaining to the were established later and are on the Palms Memorial Park-Fruitville and Honore
Bills!” Middle East makes him a sought-after • Jewish Congregation of Venice’s cemetery is located behind the Synagogue
Jewish Community Liaison
DignityMemorial.com
When not reaching for a sweater speaker and writer. I invariably gain • In general plots are considerably less expensive here vs. up north
RTSFunerals.com
because of all the “drafts” he creates, more insight because of his unbiased
170 Honore Avenue
Harold enjoys traveling to family re- account.” Call the cemetery office up north. Each cemetery has is own rules and regulations.
Not affiliated with Toale Brothers Funeral Home or Toale Brothers Inc.
Sarasota, Florida 34232
unions, uniting with 300 cousins from Our community and those beyond Some may let you resell yours on your own, others may give you a letter if you return
the plot back to the synagogue as a charitable gift. Others may pay you something
nine countries. Florida continue to benefit from Har- for the plot especially if they can resell it to someone else for more money.
“Since Covid,” he says, “we regu- old’s passion, knowing that he commu- Office 941-371-4962
larly meet on Zoom. We’re also eager nicates the “write” message. Something else to consider. Who is likely to visit the grave? Today, children are located
Cell 941-809-5195
to resume regular visits with our six If you are interested in volunteering, all over the country. Perhaps now they live near where your plot was purchased. Is it
Gerry.Ronkin@DignityMemorial.com
children and 11 grandchildren.” there are many ways to contribute and likely they will relocate? Some people have large family plots up north bought some
Harold also remembers his trip – be part of the volunteer life at the Fed- time ago and this could tilt the decision to the north solution. In some instances, you
with press credentials – to the opening eration. For more information, please may be able to exchange (receive credit) for your plots up north in your new local area.
of the POLIN Museum of the History contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In- One last thought. Think of the surviving spouse. How easy will it be for that person to
of Polish Jews. “Engaging with the novation and Volunteer Engagement, travel back north for the burial, especially in winter?
world press, I met President Rivlin of at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org. I would be happy to discuss your individual situation in a confidential,
Israel and interviewed the chief curator You can read Harold’s private meeting. Call me at 941 809-5195, Gerald Ronkin, Jewish Community
of the core exhibit.” Liaison, Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home.
Isaac Azerad, Executive Direc- January column on page DignityMemorial.com
tor of Temple Beth Israel, captures
why Harold is the “write” person for 34A in this issue. RTSFunerals.com

Not affiliated with Toale Brothers Funeral Home or Toale Brothers Inc.