Page 10 - The Jewish Voice - September '20

Page 10, The Jewish Voice

Local Happenings from page 8 The 55 class members were selected for their leadership The third in the series
and service in their professional and civic lives. They will of Tools for Navigating
JCRC VP Accepted into meet each month from September through May to explore Periods of Uncertainty will
Leadership Engage Program program topics such as agriculture, education, public safety, be presented on Oct. 25 at
10 a.m. by Nina Kessel,
and healthcare. They will also break into smaller groups to
do community engagement projects, benefiting local non- PhD. Her talk will include
Josephine “Jo” Gon, profits and aimed at tackling challenges facing the region. how our thoughts contribute
vice president of the Jewish The Engage Class of 2020-2021 will also have the unique to our fears and worries,
Community Relations opportunity to see first-hand how Palm Beach County is being with some suggestions on
Council (JCRC), the affected by and responding to the COVID-19 crisis. how to mitigate the negative
prominent advocacy and effects of stress and anxiety.
community relations arm of Sangria and Summer Salad The kick-off for the Nina Kessel
Jewish Federation of Palm 2020-2021 year was led
Beach County, has been In commemoration of the onset of the Nine Days, the by Lisa Schulman, PhD,
accepted into the prestigious saddest days in the Jewish calendar, the Ladies of Chabad a long-time member of
2020-2021 Leadership Palm got together with Rebbetzins Chana Vigler and Sara Krinsky TBD and board member.
Beach County Engage for an evening of insight, inspiration, and cooking. Speaking to an audience
program. Leadership Engage of over 40 people on the
is a highly competitive Josephine Gon, vice president Tools for Resilience,
10-month program that of the Jewish Community Lisa talked about three
provides community leaders Relations Council dimensions of strain trauma
a transformative learning we are experiencing during
experience focused on how to make significant improvements the current crisis, some
in the community. biases in thinking that
Gon has been responsible for JCRC’s tremendous growth, can contribute to our own
as the organization advocates for the Jewish people and risk, and asked thought- Lisa Schulman
Israel, builds connections with other faiths and ethnicities, provoking questions such
and creates unity among Jewish leaders and organizations. as: What’s in your toolbox;
In addition to fostering strong relationships with state and who are your resilient role
federal lawmakers, Gon has led JCRC’s effort to stand up The group spoke about the meaning of these days and models; and where do
to rising antisemitism and denounce hatred, which includes how the focus is not merely on the destruction of the temples you derive meaning and
standing in solidarity with the Black community. Born and we remember during these days, but more importantly on its purpose?
raised in South Africa, Gon has nearly 20 years of experience rebuilding. Each one of us is a mini Temple and experience Tools for Navigating
in Jewish communal services including executive director of our own version of destruction as we journey through life. Periods of Uncertainty
the Jewish Federation of Springfield, IL, as well as work in What we must stay cognizant of always is that keeping our was presented earlier this
labor relations in both South Africa and the United States. eyes on the goal, looking ahead with the knowledge that to month by Brenda Kabler, a
“I look forward to representing Jewish Federation of Palm better days are yet to come, is key to our survival. Pennsylvania psychologist
Beach County’s Jewish Community Relations Council in this The class was who was the leader in
esteemed program, and to foster connections with other civic enjoyed with a side of creating statewide support Brenda Kabler
and private like-minded leaders, so together we can make a a delicious summer for children facing major
positive impact on our county,” shared Gon. sa l a d a n d n o n - life challenges. Her talk focused on supporting our children
alcoholic sangria, as as they returned to school, including tips for parents and
one of the ways to caretakers.
simchas observe these days JFS Achieves Excellence
is by abstaining from
drinking wine. Level in Nonprofit
May these days
Jake Chavez be transformed to Management Accreditation
days of joy and
Temple Judea is happy to celebration as we Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert
announce that Jake Chavez usher in the era of JFS) has achieved Nonprofits First Accreditation for
became a bar mitzvah via when we will know Excellence in Nonprofit Management. The accreditation
Zoom on August 22, 2020. of no more pain and process evaluates organizations’ compliance in board
Jake is an eighth grader at sadness. governance, strategic planning, fundraising, risk
Franklin Academy, where management, human resources, and financial management.
he is a part of the National Healing Through Jewish “The Accreditation program at Nonprofits First is a
Junior Honor Society. Jake rigorous assessment of the management and governance
enjoys playing all sports Values practices of organizations that serve our community.
but loves running the most. Accredited nonprofits demonstrate a strong commitment
His other hobbies include Exciting things have been happening through Temple to best practices, accountability, and transparency,” said
speedcubing, rollerblading, and dog sitting. Beth David’s Adult Education events. Jessica Cecere, CEO of Nonprofits First. “We are proud
With the advent of the pandemic, the committee has to congratulate Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family
Cade Levinson been working fast and furiously on virtual programming Service for achieving our highest level of Accreditation
— Excellence in Nonprofit Management.”
that addresses the needs of the synagogue community as
Cade is a caring and well as the greater community. Chair of adult education “The noteworthy accomplishment of accreditation at
driven young man with a and board member Ann Katz, Cantor Danielle Bensimhon, the level of ‘Excellence’ is a testament to Alpert JFS’s
knack for figuring things and Rabbi Paul Arberman agreed to the theme of Healing commitment and compliance,” said President and Board
out. He loves helping his Through Jewish Values. The speakers and events offer Chair Zelda Mason. “We are proud to be among a group of
uncle, saba, and savta at the the much-needed support to those feeling isolated and nonprofits who are recognized for serving our community
family business. Cade also experiencing some very real challenges in these times. with the highest standards.”
loves to play with his dog,
Roxie. One of his greatest
rewards is volunteering
for a third-grade class at
Timber Trace Elementary,
which he has done over the
last few years. He has also shown a passion for lighting
design, as well as creating video game tutorials.

Send us your simchas!
The Jewish Voice welcomes announcements of life-
cycle events in the local Jewish community.
The copy deadline is the 15th of the month.
Send text and images to
bernstein.wendy@gmail.com.