Page 8 - Jewish News_may2021

8 May 2021 FEDERATION NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight

Taking control of the wheel at the Opening Night

Jewish Film Festival drive-in

By Sandy Chase
drea Sukin and Meredith Ernst, a powerhouse of taste and style, cover- and the value it brings to so many.” diverse films bring awareness of his-
Jewish Film Festival (JFF) ing all bases from the menu to decora- Bunny Skirboll praises Adrea and torical and contemporary issues facing
AOpening Night co-chairs for tions, creating a special experience for Meredith, saying, “Choosing these Jews and Israelis. There are rewards of
the third straight year, collaborated JFF sponsors.” women again as co-chairs was my best post-viewing conversations among at-
with festival co-chairs Bunny Skirboll He proudly explains that these decision. They took Jeremy’s idea of a tendees and discussions facilitated by
and Cheryl Shapiro, ensuring that the women succeeded in providing a drive-in dinner and ran with it, creating directors, filmmakers and JFF commit-
“show would go on.” Covid-safe environment at which a positive experience for all.” tee members.”
Opening Night of the 12 annual friends could finally get together, re- Explaining their attraction to the Adrea, faced with antisemitism
th
Jewish Film Festival, honoring Mort specting all by wearing masks and JFF Committee speaks volumes about while living in Billings, Montana,
Skirboll (of blessed memory), once staying socially distanced. these two women. points out that these discussions can
again proved that The Jewish Feder- Honored to have been chosen They agree that the JFF provides initiate solutions to current concerns in
ation of Sarasota-Manatee can defy Opening Night co-chairs, both women our community the opportunity to view Israel and wherever Jews live.
Covid-19 while providing camarade- say, “Mort Skirboll was a dear friend educationally stimulating films pro- “I wish there had been a Federa-
rie, dinner and entertainment. who cared deeply about the festival duced, filmed or acted by Jews. “These tion,” she says, “to stand with us, ad-
More important, Cinema Under vising ways to counter the hatred.”
the Stars, aptly named by Jeremy Lisit- Defying bigotry, Adrea became the
za, Federation’s Director of Innovation first Jewish woman in the state to be-
and Volunteer Engagement, helped to come a member of the Junior League,
strengthen Jewish life and provide en- an organization that trains and pro-
joyment to all – Jews and non-Jews motes volunteers for nonprofit boards.
alike. Volunteering is integral to both
Experiencing the theme of the film women’s lives – at Federation and else-
Abe, our community was united at the where.
Sarasota Art Museum – in their cars – Adrea says, “I grew up surrounded
feasting on a succulent, gourmet dinner by generations of a caring, giving fam-
prepared by Michael’s On East while ily. My joy is watching our children
viewing the first of 21 films in the fes- and grandchildren give of themselves
tival. to help others.”
Sheila and Jerry Birnbaum capture Meredith values belonging to
other attendees’ praises: “The organi- a Jewish community that strives to
zation, creativity and food made for a strengthen Jewish identity within Sara-
memorable event.” sota-Manatee. “I’m a staunch believ-
Jeremy says, “Adrea Sukin and er in organizations that support Israel
Meredith Ernst are the quintessential and provide for Jewish people in need.
chairs for any event. As a pair, they’re Bunny Skirboll, Adrea Sukin and Meredith Ernst at this year’s JFF Opening Night event continued on next page

Where YOU belong

The Larry & Mary Greenspon Family

Campus for Jewish Life will be a gathering
place for the entire Sarasota-Manatee

Jewish community to enjoy. Modern spaces
for meetings and special events; programs that

educate, entertain and inspire; over 16 acres for
day camp, aquatics and tennis — this is the place

WHERE YOU BELONG.

To learn how you can get involved in our reimagined

campus, please visit JFEDSRQ.org/ProudStrong.

McINTOSH ROAD, SARASOTA