Page 18 - Jewish News_04-2021

18A April 2021 COMMUNITY FOCUS

Purim at Aviva PJ Purim Parade brings Sarasota/Manatee Annual Yom HaShoah

Airheads and Nerds, loudly Snick-
t Aviva Senior Living, Com- ers. Of course, Esther and Ahashuerus joy to Aviva campus Community Service and Commemoration
munity Chaplain Rabbi Jona-
Athan R. Katz shared the story had many Sugar Babies, with the first This program is sponsored by This program is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
of Esther in unusual fashion. He sug- named Baby Ruth. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
gested that since Shushan was known “I loved hearing all the groans
as the “Capital of Sweet” in ancient from the residents,” said the rabbi, who esidents at Aviva Senior Living “Children learn so much from grand-
times due to the large number of con- billed himself as a certified member of were treated to a Purim Parade, parents, and grandparents feel youth-
fectioners found in the city, it was only the GOATPP (Greatest of All-Time Rcourtesy of PJ Library, a pro- ful around children. During times like
natural that the Megillah had been told Purim Punsters) Hall of Shame. “They gram of The Jewish Federation of these when isolation is necessary, we
through the means of candy. really made my day.” Sarasota-Manatee. do all we can to bring smiles to faces,
During the reading, for ex- PJ Library is a program designed young and old, while instilling the im-
ample, when King Ahashuerus, for children, between the ages of six portance of community service. We are
identified as a real Goober, holds months and eight years, and their fam- thrilled it can be done in a safe way,”
a banquet featuring extensive ilies. This free program introduces the Sheslow said.
drinking, Rabbi Katz began shar- children to books and activities that Residents certainly enjoyed the
ing Twizzlers because they’re enhance their Jewish journeys. occasion, including Merlyn Steinhart,
liquor-rich. After Esther informs On Sunday, February 21, families who has lived at Aviva for five years.
the King she is a member of gathered outdoors on the Aviva cam- Her grandson, his wife and their child
the Hebrew faith, the rabbi re- pus. The car parade started at the An- – whom she hadn’t seen in about a
sponds, “JuJuBe”? Informed chin Benderson building and wove its year because of the pandemic – came
that the King intends to hon- down for the parade and to celebrate
or Mordechai and not himself, Merlyn’s birthday. “Purim is a joyous
Haman, whose henchmen are Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz shared the story of Esther occasion and we really enjoyed being
using lots of candy together,” Merlyn said, adding that she
appreciates everything Aviva has done By Gail Glickman
for residents during the pandemic.
“They really have looked after us, in emple Sinai has had a history
of tzedakah, concern and giving
every way,” she said. Tback to the community. This
Cars drove past residents watching the parade year, Covid-19 has impacted the abil-
way throughout the campus, with resi- ity to continue with one of our major
dents safely seated (socially distanced,
of course) outdoors, enjoying the show. projects, collecting food for the hungry
in the Sarasota-Manatee area.
“Purim is always a wonderful cele- There is so much need for food in
bration, and we were delighted to work the community. Before the pandemic,
with our friends at The Jewish Federa- barrels for weekly food collection were
tion of Sarasota-Manatee to bring this Aviva resident Merlyn Steinhart (right)
parade to our campus,” said Jay Solo- and her family watched the Purim parade left in the Temple Sinai lobby and those
attending services brought non-perish-
Katie Scott, Supportive Services Coordinator, mon, Aviva President and CEO. “It is Purim is often called the Jewish able items every week. Since March
and Pam Baron, Director of Aging Services at important for our residents to have an Mardi Gras because of its carnival-like
JFCS of the Suncoast, organized and helped 2020 until recently, no one has been
deliver many Purim meals for isolated seniors Aviva-Benderson resident Janine Lew enjoyed opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy celebrations, street parties, parades and allowed in the sanctuary and we have
and Holocaust survivors in our area wearing a crown and using her grogger a beautiful Florida day, especially after dressing up in costumes. It is a Jewish
the isolation that has been such a part holiday commemorating the saving of
of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was nice the Jewish people from Haman, a Per-
SCHOOL ENDS, HUNGER BEGINS. to see the smiles on all their faces,” he sian Empire official who was planning
said. on killing all of the Jews, as recounted
Due to COVID-19, even more children in our “Intergenerational programming is in the Book of Esther.
community are at risk of summer hunger. an important part of what PJ Library Contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@
You can help us keep them full until fall. does,” said Jessi Sheslow, Federation’s jfedfsrq.org or 941.343.2109 for more

ALLFAITHSFOODBANK.ORG Teen & Family Programs Manager. information about PJ Library.

Join Us!

8, 000 members
8,000 members of the
Jewish community stay informed about
what’s happening at Federation. You can too!

• Be the first to learn about Federation
announcements

• Stay up to date on Federation events
• Receive important updates from Federation
leadership
• Stay informed on the latest
security reports from our Jewish
Community Security Director
Join The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee in
support of the Campaign Against Summer Hunger.

Thank you to our lead investors
SIGN UP TODAY ON JFEDSRQ.org!
Click on the “EBLAST SIGN UP” button at the top of the page.