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The Newsletter for Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Broward County MAY/JUNE 2020 | IYAR/SIVAN/TAMMUZ 5780
CONTENTS FROM THE DESK OF MICHAEL BALABAN......................... Page 2 CHAI LIGHTING
Sam & Audrey Meline......................... Page 3 COVID-19 BUSINESS UNINTERRUPTED
Secured Futures.................................... Page 4 MEDICAL MOMENT........................... Page 5 SOUTH FLORIDA'S NEWEST JEWISH CEMETERY DEBUTS IN BROWARD
King David Cemetery........................... Page 6 COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF
.............................................................. Page 7 OUR MISSION STATEMENT
.............................................................. Page 8
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:
CHAIR’S position
VOL. 3, ISSUE 6
T H E
Chai Care Chair: Carol Lasek
Communication Takes So Little and Means So Much A few months ago, I took a well-needed vacation on a cruise. It was a gorgeous ship with stunning amenities, fabulous food and excellent entertainment. But I was anything but relaxed. The reason? I could not communicate with the outside world, the people in my office, my children or grandchildren. I had purchased the Wi-Fi package but the signal was weak. I just could not get my devices to work out on the open seas until the last day on the ship. Technology is not totally to blame for our spotty communication. Sometimes it is how and to whom we pose our questions as well as how comfortable we are in asking for clarification that makes a difference. On the ship, I was searching for the IT guru and passed a cruise employee in the hallway. When I asked him where I could find IT, he directed me to the 11th floor, the official location for HIGH TEA. I ended up enjoying tea, crumpets and a string quartet...without Wi-Fi. The way we communicate has changed dramatically in my lifetime. As a child, we rarely called long distance and when we did, we placed the call after 11:00 pm when the rates were cheaper. Instead, we wrote aerograms to out-of-the-country relatives and letters to those near and dear to our hearts but physically not close enough to visit regularly. For local friends and family members, we actually picked up the phone and had a conversation or visited. There were no texts and no emails and I believe we had better communication than we have today. So much of our true intent is lost when we text. And sending a photo of flowers on Instagram is nowhere near as satisfying as ordering real deliverable flowers to mark an occasion for both the sender and receiver. In the aftermath of celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, let’s take some old-fashioned lessons in communication from previous generations and send a card or make an actual phone call to those we love. It takes so little and means so much.
FROM THE DESK OF PRESIDENT & CEO “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord led the sea with the strong east wind all night and made the sea into dry land and the waters split.” Exodus 14:21. It’s been quite the month and I suspect that like the Israelites fleeing our oppression in Egypt, we feel as if we could use a miracle or two. Many of us have pivoted to a brave new world of working from home, our children learning remotely, we feel stuck at home, and our anchoring institutions – synagogues, gyms, schools, even our favorite coffee shops and restaurants have been closed. For those who are caring for the vulnerable and don’t have the option of working remotely, we say “thank you!”
In spite of what we have faced from coronavirus, the creativity and ingenuity that has blossomed is astounding. Judaism overflows with optimism in the face of adversity. We are a people who step up to help each other during difficult times and today’s crisis is no exception. It brings to mind the words of novelist Leon Uris, “The only thing that is going to save mankind is if enough people live their lives for something or someone other than themselves.” This is where Federation finds its purpose. The role of Federation is care for the needs of the Jewish people and works to build a vibrant Jewish future. Through your help, we do just that. From caring for the vulnerable, to educating future generations of Jewish leaders, your Federation is here for you.
Warmly, Michael Balaban President & CEO
Jewish Federation of Broward County
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CHAI LIGHTING Sam & Audrey Meline Sam and Audrey Meline have dedicated their lives to giving back through philanthropy. The couple, married 61 years, were born, raised and educated in Boston. After graduation, Sam served as a dentist in the US Army, stationed in Munich, Germany for 2 years. It was from there that in 1959, they made their first trip to Israel. As Audrey so delightfully put it, “We went as tourists but came back as ardent Zionists.” Shortly after, they moved to Hollywood, Florida to raise their family and became a part of the growing Jewish community. Within a short time, Sam joined the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation, at the time known as the Jewish Welfare Board of Hollywood. As Sam became more involved in the organization, Audrey joined Hadassah and the two became members of Temple Beth Shalom in downtown Hollywood. From an early start, the Meline’s recognized a need for a South Broward County facility for Jewish kids to gather. They formed a group to rent space in the area that housed the first Federation offices with an adjoining coffee house for the teens
It’s who we are
and the launch of the first kosher meals program. Audrey became the Chairman of the Federation Shalom Committee. This group would welcome every new Jewish family that moved to the community with wine and challah. The two witnessed the Federation move to a larger space and gleefully saw the community come together like never before.
You have to show by example involved with Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy and Sam was on the Board continuously for 35 years. Sam was also actively involved at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center and became its 2nd president. During the same time, he was President of Temple Beth Shalom and President of the Hollywood Dental Society.
The Melines returned to Israel in 1970 when they traveled with the Young Leadership Cabinet. In the years following, they joined every South Broward Federation mission during that decade. In 1978, they participated in the first Adult Quinn of the High School In Israel. It was at that time that they purchased their first home in Jerusalem. Audrey exclaimed it, “expanded their love” for the country. For 20 years, they hosted visitors from Broward, Mission participants, family and friends. In 1981, they traveled with the Jewish Leadership Institute to Poland and Auschwitz, then on to Israel for Yom Ha’atzmaut, the precursor of The March of The Living. Jewish life continued back at home in Broward. Audrey became
As time carried on, the Meline’s continued to make their impact in the community and beyond. It was 12 years ago that they were asked to Chair the Israel & Overseas Committee of The Jewish Community Foundation. After decades of fundraising for the Federation, they were instrumental in allocating those precious dollars to worthy organizations and institutions, particularly in Israel. In their semi-annual trips to Israel, 77 to date, they enjoy meeting the individuals receiving the Federation’s grants and watching their programs grow, especially in our Sister City of Nesher. It’s evident that Sam and Audrey Meline's life-long philanthropic endeavors will continue to flourish for decades to come. As Sam so eloquently put it, “It’s who we are,” followed by Audrey’s sentiment of “You have to show by example.”
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COVID-19: Business Uninterrupted by: Denise Lettau - Secured Futures
Secured Futures’ management decided eight years ago to develop in-house software to streamline information regarding the beneficiaries of its trust, to invest heavily in technology and to keep a paperless office. It was also decided that everyone could work remotely. As a result, Secured Futures was positioned to quickly respond to our beneficiaries without interruption during the first days (and until the end) of the COVID-19 crisis. Clients’ information is secured but accessible from company provided laptops. During this time, we have been able to operate with all handson deck which has been priceless. Many of our beneficiaries and their families have been extremely distressed during this time. For beneficiaries that are mentally disabled, the “stay at home” policy is particularly stressful. Quite often the daily routine may include an outing and it is difficult for many to understand the situation at hand. While we cannot meet with them in person, we can offer words of comfort during conference and Zoom calls. All operations are running as they always have, it is just that now beneficiaries realize that the employees are home whereas previously, they did not.
We are constantly reaching out to reassure our clients that we are here for them, that the administration of their trust(s) has been uninterrupted and that we will get through this, one day at a time. Secured Futures is a national pooled trust company currently operating in 48 states, the exceptions are Wyoming and Connecticut. Secured Futures was founded in 2008. Modern pooled trust companies were created to provide professional trustee services to individuals with special needs that typically had funds smaller than the minimum required by financial institutions for trust administration. Today, these minimums range from $500,000-$2.5 million. The pooled trust is required by law to be a non-profit organization. As a result, Secured Futures also decided that it would not impose a minimum for an account. Secured Futures has expanded beyond pooled special needs trusts and also administers pooled minor’s trusts, pooled preservation trusts and pooled support trust. For more information please contact Denise Lettau, dlettau@securedfutures.org or Tel. 954.296.0493.
WE HELP BENEFICIARIES, get the most out of their POOLED TRUST. TYPES OF POOLED TRUSTS WE ADMINISTER AND MANAGE: Special Needs Trust Minors Trust Preservation Trust Support Trust Speak with Denise Lettau today!
(267) 327-4087
Or learn more at SecuredFutures.org
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MEDICAL MOMENTS
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells, which is usually caused by the sun’s harmful rays. Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin color. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. There are three types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. The type of skin cancer a person gets is determined by where the cancer begins. If the cancer begins in skin cells called basal cells, this is called a basal cell carcinoma. When cells that give our skin its color become cancerous this is called melanoma and is the most serious form of skin cancer because it has a tendency to spread. It is because of the risk of it spreading around the body that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Melanoma can develop within a mole that you already have on your skin or appear suddenly as a dark spot on the skin that looks different from the rest. According to the American Academy of Dermatology: •
It is estimated that 192,310 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed in the United States in 2019.
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It is estimated that melanoma will affect 1 in 27 men and 1 in 40 women in their lifetime.
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Approximately 20 Americans die from melanoma every day. In 2019, it is estimated that 7,230 deaths were attributed to melanoma — 4,740 men and 2,490 women
With the understanding of how frequent and dangerous melanoma can be it is important for you to understand how to find a melanoma. The ABCDE warning signs of melanoma can help you find a melanoma early. A is for Asymmetry One half of the spot is unlike the other half. B is for Border
The spot has an irregular, or poorly defined border. C is for Color The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of black, brown or tan or areas of red, white, or blue. D is for Diameter A spot greater than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser E is for Evolving The spot looks different or has changed in size, shape, or color. If you notice spots that are different from others, spots that are changing, itching or bleeding or any new spots, make an appointment to see a board certified dermatologist.
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SOUTH FLORIDA’S NEWEST JEWISH CEMETERY DEBUTS IN BROWARD Members of the South Florida Jewish community have a new resting place, located on the green rolling grounds of a former North Broward golf course.
King David is situated on a separate, consecrated parcel within the 47-acre Fairway Memorial Gardens, which opened in 2017 on the former grounds of the Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in Deerfield Beach. In addition to a near-limitless array of personalization and customization options, King David offers: • A private entrance
• Completely Kosher burials • Private family estates
• Opportunities for synagogue and organization sections • A new chapel to accommodate 150 with an indoor Kosher catering/reception area • Flat and upright monument sections • Interest-free payment plans • Green burial options
Also, according to South Florida native Keith Epstein, General Manager of Fairway Memorial Gardens, the cemetery fulfills a growing need for the Jewish community. “Broward County has not seen a new Jewish cemetery in 50 years. The cemeteries throughout the tri-county are very crowded with little available land remaining, and supply and demand have increased prices exponentially,” he said. “This is a new alternative with 6 CHAI TIMES
acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and plenty of trees, as well as extremely affordable prices.”
While respecting the wishes of those seeking a traditional religious burial, Epstein also aims to redefine the funeral experience, creating a more personal approach to meet the needs of today’s educated customer. As the newest cemetery in South Florida, King David offers a variety of personalization and customization options, allowing each individual to share a life story in an authentic and unique way.
“The death care industry is ripe for disruption,” he noted. “Consumers have evolved, and many want more from the funeral experience. We are prepared to accommodate personalized requests – whether it’s an eco-friendly burial, or unprecedented wishes. We believe it’s about providing a better funeral-planning experience.” As communities continue to abide by socialdistancing guidelines, the cemetery encourages the use of live-streamed services, which it offers via Facebook or private, encrypted links, depending on customer preference.
“This was already growing in popularity prior to the crisis for sharing services with those living overseas,” noted Epstein. King David Cemetery is located at 1391 NW 45th Street in Deerf ield Beach. For more information, contact (954) 633-7175 or visit http://kingdavidcemetery.com/
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Bridging the gap to the next generation At Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC, every client, whether you are generation X, a baby boomer or a millennial, deserves great service and support. Our personable approach to comprehensive financial planning begins with our investment in you and then bridging the gap with your loved ones, your business, and your future. This is our mission and the reason why we are committed to helping you get the most out of your financial life now and for generations to come. It’s also the reason we are proud to support the Jewish Federation of Broward County. We are honored to be involved with an organization with a strong dedication to its community and a solid commitment to supporting Jewish Life all over the world.
Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC 1000 Corporate Drive • Suite 600 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 (954) 689-9484 • Fax (954) 491-1268 www.blsfinancial.com Financial Planning • Life Insurance • Disability Income Insurance • Long Term Care Insurance • Annuities • Investments • Wealth Management
Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services offered through registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC Member SIPC. 1000 Corporate Drive Suite 700, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334. 954-689-9484. Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC. and BLS Wealth Management, LLC are not subsidiaries or affiliates of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies.
SOC7461 719
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Contact us today for more information about Chai Care, Esther Cohen, Chai Care Director at O: 954-252-6952 C: 954-770-9876 or ecohen@jewishbroward.org.
WE AT CHAI CARE...
Provide a holistic, donor-centered approach to advocating for older adults who are facing the challenges of aging, disability or injury. Chai Care assures that donors receive valuable, cost-effective care and an array of services that arise from health and medical related issues through the aging process. Chai Care helps donors and their loved ones understand the options and costs relevant to managing their daily lives. Bob Schneider | Board Chair Bill J. Gross | Chair, Jewish Community Foundation Carol Lasek | Chair, Chai Care Michael Balaban | President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Goldmann | Chief Philanthropy Officer Esther Cohen | Director, Chai Care
OF BROWARD COUNTY
@JEWISHBROWARD WWW.JEWISHBROWARD.ORG
JEWISH FEDERATION OF BROWARD COUNTY 5890 South Pine Island Road • Davie, FL 33328 ■ 954-252-6900
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