Page 12 - Jewish News_May-June-2020

12 May/June 2020 COMMUNITY FOCUS

NCJW 2020 scholarships Grandma and GrandPad

awarded By Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz, Community Chaplain

This program is sponsored by
By Jill Simons, NCJW VP of Communications The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
ational Council of Jewish for April 28, the Scholarship Commit- Holocaust survivor born in a Program, Eva was recently provided
Women (NCJW) Sarasota- tee met to review the candidates to ghetto, Eva Kushnitskay left with a GrandPad. This specially de-
NManatee’s Scholarship Program be considered for scholarships. Five A Russia 25 years ago with her signed tablet digitally connects seniors
annually recognizes and promotes edu- candidates were awarded a total of two sons to come to America. Howev- to family and friends.
cation for “non-traditional” students. $21,000 in grant awards for 2020. er, to her great regret, her beloved and Helping to alleviate the isolation
These are students, male or female, The recipients are: only granddaughter, Martha, did not and loneliness that often accompanies
who have returned to school after a ‹ Karen Arango, student at Universi- accompany them. One of her sons had aging, the GrandPad can be used to
hiatus and need financial assistance to ty of South Florida, St. Petersburg gotten divorced and his former wife make phone calls, check email, have a
reach their goals. ($4,000) refused to permit their eight-year-old live video chat, play games, view and
The support of all NCJW members ‹ Aaron Jones, student at LECOM child to emigrate. take photos, watch videos and listen
and attendees of the Women in Pow- School of Dental Medicine Tragically, only a year later, Mar- to music even when someone has had
er Luncheon, proceeds of which help ($4,000) tha’s mother passed away leaving her little experience with smartphones or
fund the scholarship program, is great- ‹ Dianne Pierce, student at Capella to be raised by extended family mem- computers.
ly appreciated. In addition, special rec- University ($4,000) bers. Even though Eva struggled fi- Eva is one of several local survi-
ognition is extended to the following ‹ Kino Robinson, student at Ringling nancially during her first years in the vors who now have these easy to op-
sponsors: Isabel Anchin Becker, Sandi College of Art + Design ($4,000) U.S., she managed to scrape together erate tablets thanks to a federal grant
Stuart, Norma Cohen, Canandaigua ‹ Heidi Tinney, student at Keiser savings that she regularly sent to her made to The Jewish Federations of
Bank, Albert Samuel and Helen Schus- University ($5,000) granddaughter. North America to advance survivor
terman Morrison, Children First, Jo All the candidates were thrilled to Many years later, Martha is mar- wellness opportunities. (JFCS’s Jew-
and Stan Rutstein, Mote Marine and an learn that they received a scholarship ried with two children and living in ish Healing Program is fully sponsored
anonymous donor. and felt that this financial assistance by The Jewish Federation of
Due to the cancellation of the 19 would make a difference in their lives. Sarasota-Manatee.)
th
annual Awards Presentation scheduled While very excited by all
that the GrandPad offers, Eva
Tidewell Hospice is most thankful for the chance

is committed to meeting the spiritual and physical to now be in even greater touch
with Martha. Anna contacted
needs of our patients and families. Martha to have her download
As a certified Jewish Hospice, Tidewell offers: the app required to make vid-
• Mezuzah and Shabbat candles eo calls with her grandmother
possible. There were tears
• Spiritual consultation with Rabbi on request of joy when Eva saw Martha
• Bible and prayer book and her family, including two
great grandchildren, via the
device. “What an amazing ex-
www.tidewell.org • 941-552-7500 • 855-Tidewell
perience,” reported Anna, “to
watch everyone crying, laugh-
“These we honor” Germany. For a long time, Eva would tiful and touching.”
Eva Kushnitskay delights in her GrandPad
ing and joking. It was so beau-
call her every day, spending a signifi-
Eva later told Anna that Martha
Your Tributes cant amount of money on international and her family are planning to come
phone charges in the process. But it
to the U.S. for the first time once the
was worth it since, according to Eva, coronavirus threat has passed. She
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN BOB MALKIN YOUNG “My only joy in this life is to hear my also expressed deep gratitude for the

IN HONOR OF AMBASSADORS FUND granddaughter’s voice.” GrandPad and for all those who made
it possible for her to acquire it.
Working in conjunction with Gulf
Richard Weissfeld Coast JFCS in Clearwater, Anna Eck- Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz serves as a
Barby Comins IN HONOR OF
Genie Aberson stein, coordinator of the CHAI Pro- Community Chaplain and Director of
NOTE: To be publicly acknowledged Rebecca & Rich Bergman gram, a special Holocaust survivor JFCS’s Jewish Healing Program. His
in The Jewish News, Honor Cards require Ed Kalin wellness initiative being undertaken by position is underwritten by The Jewish
a minimum $10 contribution per listing. Rebecca & Rich Bergman JFCS of the Suncoast’s Jewish Healing Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.
You can send Honor Cards directly from
www.jfedsrq.org. For more information,
call 941.552.6304.
What Make someone

We Do. feel special
on their birthday

by making a donation

in their name.

The Jewish Federation offers programming for all ages!
From PJ Library through teen leadership missions to women’s events,
to senior services — your Federation provides support throughout
Sarasota and Manatee. Call Bobbi at Or visit jfedsrq.org/tribute

941.552.6304 to donate

jfedsrq.org

Looking for something to do in your spare time? Visit jfedsrq.org/volunteers