We begin and end this newsletter in the spirit of HOPE.

Hope will sustain us through the darkest of times and will shine the light of humanity into our hearts.                             

We wish our members and their loved ones a

Happy Chanukah and a Merry Christmas.

REPAIRING THE WORLD*

       TIKKUN OLAM

“The world is broken, so it is up to human beings to repair it”.

-Jonathan Krasner

But how? What can I, as an individual, do to repair and help heal a deeply divided and hurting world? It seems overwhelming and impossible. 

However, there are healers and helpers all around us. And there are ways that you, too, can help heal the broken hearts of this broken world. This month’s newsletter features individuals and programs in our community who are working to repair and heal our troubled world and ultimately make a difference in people’s lives. We are fortunate to know and connect with these individuals and programs on a personal and professional level. This is how the repair work begins; by building a foundation of individual relationships based on respect, trust and friendship. 

The first individual we wish to acknowledge as a healer and a helper is Fr. Bob Kantor, pastor of St. Agnes Catholic Church. Fr. Bob’s gift of compassion and healing has been at work throughout his service as a Chaplain in Afghanistan, as State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, and his involvement in many Diocesan and local programs. Fr. Bob has been a member of Catholic-Jewish Dialogue (CJD) for over 15 years and has been our Spiritual guide and advisor on all our programs. CJD also congratulates Fr. Bob on his 25th Anniversary of Ordination.

The other individual we wish to acknowledge and congratulate is Jeffrey Feld, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Jeffrey has been selected as one of Southwest Florida’s nonprofit leaders of 2023. Jeffrey’s leadership and listening skills helps facilitate compromise and consensus among the individuals and programs affiliated with the Federation. Jeffrey and the Federation have been steadfast supporters of CJD since its inception. 

You may read the full article about Jeffrey’s honor HERE

Florida Gulf Coast University has reached out to Community, Business, Clergy, and other local leaders and programs to help develop a Center for Antisemitism Studies. FGCU is looking to be proactive in addressing this issue that has seen violent protests on campuses throughout the country. Members of CJD are serving on this symposium. 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

There are many local, state and national programs that are in great need of volunteers, especially at this time of year. A partial listing is included below. Even if you are not able to physically volunteer, you can make a difference in someone’s life by donating household items, clothing, toys, tools, sports equipment, cash, etc. 

The person whose life you might make the greatest difference in may be your own.

Meals of Hope - info@mealsofhope.org 

or shermanbruce2a@gmail.com 

(Bruce Sherman is affiliated with Temple Shalom)

St. Matthew’s House - stmatthewshouse.org

Harry Chapin Food Bank - harrychapinfoodbank.org

Pick Ups For Breast Cancer Holiday Drive - pickupsforbreastcancer.org

Marine Corps Annual Toys For Tots - toysfortots.org

Or check out your local fire house, car dealership, church or synagogue for a Giving Tree or name of family in need. 

In the discussions with panel members in the recent Movies That Matter film festival, we were informed about other local programs in need of volunteers and donations. These local organizations are:

The Guadalupe Center - www.guadalupecenter.org

Grace Place - graceplacenaples.org

*Repairing the World is the title of the documentary on Pittsburgh’s powerful community response to hate and antisemitism in the aftermath of the deadly attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 that killed eleven people. Repairing the World was one of the films featured in the Movies That Matter Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series for 2023.

Our hope is that by contributing in any way possible, you are making a difference and making this world a better place.

The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County is brought to you by:

Read the latest Federation Star!

Connect with us on social media!

We invite you to share this newsletter with family, friends and any group or organization that will facilitate active listening and thoughtful dialogue about this topic. 

Your constructive feedback is always welcomed.