Event Hours(1)
THIS WEEK’S SUNDAY SIMCHA
December 1, 2019 ~ 3 Kislev, 5780
Singer/songwriter, cantorial vocalist and concert artist Nachum Peterseil was our guest on this week’s Sunday Simcha. Peterseil and his band, Automatic Toys, will appear in concert at Congregation Kol Ami on December 7, 2019 (https://kolami.org/) and we heard some wonderful samples of Nachum’s music on our broadcast.
To hear Nachum’s music, see his websites and contact him, visit automatictoysmusic.com, PLVNKmusic.com, https://www.milkenschool.org/news-detail?pk=950282, his YouTube channels at https://www.youtube.com/user/AutomaticToys and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqrsAwLw4H_DI4y53pvH9tg, his Songs From My Childhood project at https://www.songsfmc.com, his coming website soullovemusic.com (which is not yet live), along with his email at [email protected].
Besides the passionate music of Peterseil, we celebrated Thanksgiving weekend and the beginning of the Hanukkah season with spirited and poignant music by Jacov Magid, Robbi Sherwin & Sababa, Michelle Citrin, Shira Kline, The Klezmatics, Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, Beth Styles and The Male Choir of the Moscow Choral Synagogue. Stand-up comic Myron Cohen offered A Bisl Freylichkayt—A Mittle Mirth, from a Thanksgiving broadcast from years past. Rabbi Jason Rosenberg of Congregation Beth Am of Tampa was to have offered Milot Chochmah—Words of Wisdom for this broadcast, but was called to be with a congregant’s family at the time of the broadcast. We will reschedule his dvar at the earliest opportunity.
Listen live every Sunday from 1-2 PM at 88.5 FM Tampa or here on WMNF.org, or listen throughout the week via the archive (via the play button to your right) until the following week’s program. Or contact me, Joy Katzen-Guthrie, at [email protected] for copies of previous broadcasts and to share your comments.
LAST WEEK’S SUNDAY SIMCHA
November 24, 2019 ~ 26 Heshvan, 5780
In addition to music by the Benny Goodman Sextet (Goodman, Teddy Wilson, Lionel Hampton, Gene Krupa, Ziggy Elman, Martha Tilton), The Irving Fields Trio, Nachum Peterseil & Automatic Toys, and Ron Regev and Inbal Segev, I was joined in the studio by Ron Becker— Spiritual Leader and Archivist of The JCC of West Pasco / Beth Tefillah, Catherine R, Eskin, Archivist for Temple Emanuel of Lakeland, and Barbara Rosenthal, filmmaker of the recently released Seders & Cigars–A History of Jews in Tampa, for a discussion of the Jewish history of the West Central Florida region. Ron Becker brought an insightful dvar on the Jewish connection to Thanksgiving.
If you have stories to share of local Jewish history or have questions or comments for today’s guests, contact them at:
Ron Becker (JCC West Pasco) at [email protected]
Catherine Eskin (Temple Emmanuel Lakeland) at [email protected]
Barbara Rosenthal (Tampa) at http://www.sedersandcigars.com/.
Ron Becker, Barbara Rosenthal, Cat Eskin and Joy Katzen-Guthrie on our 11-24-19 Sunday Simcha.
Barbara told us today that SEDERS AND CIGARS will be screened again in Tampa on January 28, 2020 at The Tampa Bay History Center at 6 PM. There will be a screening in South Florida as well—details of that to be announced. Barbara Rosenthal will return to The Sunday Simcha on January 12th to offer more stories of her film and her discoveries of Jewish history in Tampa Bay. The Facebook page for this film is at: https://www.facebook.com/sedersandcigars/
Hear this program in the archive (via the play link to your right) throughout the week until the December 1st show, or contact me (Joy Katzen-Guthrie) at [email protected] for copies of previous broadcasts and to share your comments. Listen live every Sunday from 1-2 PM at 88.5 FM Tampa or here at WMNF.org.
Filmmaker Barbara Rosenthal, Ron Becker & Cat Eskin joined The Sunday Simcha November 24th
UPCOMING BROADCASTS
Shlomo Schwersky will return to host The Sunday Simcha on December 15th with his always entertaining mix of music, information and conversation.
We will be joined in the studio on our December 29th broadcast by Staci Sabarski, Producing Artistic Director of the production, A Shayna Maidel, by Barbara Lebow, which will be presented January 10-19, 2020 by Innovocative Theatre at 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Details at https://innovocativetheatre.org/up-next/.
Filmmaker Barbara Rosenthal will return on January 12th to discuss more stories of Jewish history in Tampa Bay as she prepares her film Seders & Cigars for screenings in January in south Florida and at the Tampa Bay History Museum.
Shlomo & Jordyn will return to host on 12/15/19.
Hear The Sunday Simcha every Sunday live from 1-2 PM on WMNF 88.5 FM or here at wmnf.org or via the WMNF App. Did you know you are able to download The Sunday Simcha broadcast? Each week the program remains in the archive and may be streamed on this page or downloaded until the next program replaces it. To download an mp3 of the broadcast, right click on the listen icon under the “Listen On Demand” box to your right on the red WMNF 88.5 FM WMNF.ORG – SUNDAY SIMCHA bar. You’ll be offered the opportunity to download the linked file and to rename it and save it on your desktop or where you desire. Note that if you bookmark this file, it will be gone after next week’s program because it remains in the archive only until then—so download it if you wish to save it.
THANK YOU, JEWISH PRESS OF TAMPA BAY!
Our deepest appreciation to The Jewish Press of Tampa Bay (Pinellas/Hillsborough Counties) for its extensive features on The Sunday Simcha, first on April 5, 2019 — reprinted online at https://www.jewishpresstampa.com/articles/oh-joy-new-sunday-simcha-host-to-keep-focus-on-music-and-culture/ and at https://www.jewishpresspinellas.com/pageview/viewer/2019-04-05) — as well as on September 6, 2019 — reprinted online at https://www.jewishpresspinellas.com/articles/sunday-simcha-host-named-new-programmer-of-year/ and at https://www.jewishpresspinellas.com/pageview/viewer/2019-09-06#page=8).
At the WMNF Volunteer Appreciation event on Sunday, August 18th, I (Joy) was named WMNF New Programmer of the Year 2019. I am so grateful to be acknowledged for the programs I bring you and to be part of the legacy of this broadcast. In the months that I have had the joy of hosting The Sunday Simcha, I have been told by both Jewish and non-Jewish listeners how much this program means to you. Thank you for allowing me to represent this community and to be part of a dedicated team of broadcasters and staff at WMNF that brings creative, insightful, memorable, and important music and information to the Tampa Bay region and the entire world.
 Mark Guthrie (Executive Producer) & Sunday Simcha Host Joy Katzen-Guthrie with their award at The WMNF Radio Volunteer Appreciation Event 8/18/19 |
 WMNF Radio New Programmer of the Year 2019 THANK YOU! |
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TAMPA BAY KEHILLAH CALENDAR
A SAMPLING OF COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS IN THE WEEKS AHEAD
December 1, 2019 AND BEYOND
The Sunday Simcha brings you the Kehillah Calendar — brief updates of community happenings in the immediate weeks ahead. Send us word of your community events and news at [email protected]
ONGOING SHABBAT SERVICES AND CONGREGATIONAL ACTIVITIES 2019/5780
For details of individual worship services in the Tampa Bay region, visit individual congregations from these listings of all congregations in our region from JewishinTampaBay.com:
Please note that many other Jewish organizations and all Jewish residential/living communities provide Shabbat and festival worship services and activities as well. Visit or contact these sites for their separate listings of area organizations as well.
ONGOING TAMPA BAY REGION JEWISH ACTIVITIES
Ongoing – Young Israel of Tampa seeks to complete its new Norman Jewish Library. If you would like to help, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/update-ac-system?member=2501320.
Mondays, 9:30-11 AM, Ongoing – Focus on events past and present throughout Jewish history and the Jewish exile as Rabbi Laser Rivkin leads study of Jewish views of the afterlife and mystical concepts Mondays at the Cohn campus JCC from 9:30-11 AM. Visit https://www.jcccohncampus.com/.
Mondays, 10-11:30 AM, Ongoing – Complimentary sessions of Monday Morning Links are offered in the new Tampa Bay Job-Links office at Austin Center, 1211 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 300, Tampa. The September 9th topic is “Rules for Resumes.” Visit https://tbjl.org/program-calendar/.
Mondays, 11:15 AM AM and Wednesdays 7 PM, Ongoing – Congregation Beth Shalom of Clearwater offers Talmud classes with Dr. Priscilla Nathanson. The class explores ancient legal traditoin and is open to all levels of knowledge. The Monday class is held following minyan from 10-11:15 AM and the Wednesday class is at 7 PM. Visit https://www.cbsclearwater.org/.
Mondays through December 13th, 11-11:45 AM – JCC Preschool South, 2713 Bayshore Blvd. presents an ongoing program called Baby Groove. Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can enjoy weekly themed classes. Adults have fun with their babies as they participate in developmentally appropriate activities designed to stimulate and enhance motor development. Social and education activities for parents or caregivers with young children are included. Activities include circle time, exploration of play environments, welcoming activities, songs, nursery rhymes, movement, storytelling, and more. Classes began on September 13th and may be joined at any time during the run until December 13th. For information, call 813-962-2863 or email [email protected].
Tuesdays, 11 AM, Ongoing – The class Sharing Life’s Lessons is held Tuesdays from 11 AM to noon at Congregation Kol Ami, Tampa. There is a different topic, readings, and leader for each weekly session. Visit https://www.kolami.org/.
Tuesdays, 1:30-3 PM, Ongoing – The Sisterhood Needle Workers of Congregation Kol Ami hold weekly knitting sessions from 1:30-3 PM Tuesdays in the boardroom. The knitters make fabric quilt wall hangings and knitting and crocheting squares to make quilts that are donated to charity. For information, call the Kol Ami office. Visit https://www.kolami.org/.
Tuesdays, 7-9 PM, Ongoing – Tampa’s Israeli dance troupe meets Tuesday evenings at Congregation Mekor Shalom and offers lessons. All are welcome. Beginniners dancing 7-8 PM. Intermeditaet 8-9 PM. Visit https://www.mekorshalom.org/.
Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Ongoing – Learn to chant Torah during classes on Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 PM at Congregation Kol Ami, Tampa, in the synagogue library. Is your child having a b’nai mitzvah this year and you would like to chant a Torah portion? Ethel Pila is teaching a beginners Torah reading class Tuesday evenings. Visit https://www.kolami.org/.
Wednesdays, 11:15 AM, Ongoing – Join Rebbetzin Miriam Hodakov of Chabad of Clearwater for Torah and Tea, exclusively for women on Wednesdays at 11:15 AM. RSVP to [email protected], or call 727-265-2770. Visit https://www.clearwaterjewish.com/
Wednesdays through December 13th, 11-11:45 AM – Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave. presents an ongoing program called Baby Groove. Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can enjoy weekly themed classes. Adults have fun with their babies as they participate in developmentally appropriate activities designed to stimulate and enhance motor development. Social and education activities for parents or caregivers with young children are included. Activities include circle time, exploration of play environments, welcoming activities, songs, nursery rhymes, movement, storytelling, and more. Classes began on September 13th and may be joined at any time during the run until December 13th. For information, call 813-962-2863 or email [email protected].
Wednesdays, Noon-1 PM, Ongoing – Chabad of Spring Hill presents Torah study classes weekly, taught by Rabbi Chaim Lipszye. These classes are not sequential, so drop-ins are welcome. Brunch and coffee are served. For information regarding the classes, please call 352-600-2779. Visit https://www.chabadspringhill.com/.
Wednesdays, 1:00 PM, Ongoing – Join Rabbi Yossi Eber of Chabad of West Pasco for weekly Torah class. Visit https://www.chabadwp.com/.
Wednesdays, 6:15-7:00 PM, Ongoing – Enrich the soul and mind with a touch of Kabbalah. Learn practical spirituality for everyday life. Classes are held at Congregation Bais Menachem Chabad of Tampa on Wednesday evenings. For information, contact Rabbi Levi Rivkin, 813-504-4432, or email [email protected]. Visit http://www.chabadofcentralflorida.com/.
Wednesdays, 7 PM, Ongoing – Learn more about your heritage or becoming Jewish with classes with Rabbi Josh Hearshen at Congregation Rodeph Sholom of Tampa. All are welcome. To register, call 813-837-1911 or visit http://www.rsholom.org.
Wednesdays, 7-8 PM, Ongoing – The Chabad Center of Greater St. Petersburg presents The Inside Story, a weekly Torah class with Rabbi Alter Korf. The class reads the Torah portion every week and every year begins the cycle again. RSVP to [email protected].
Wednesdays, 7:30 PM, Ongoing – Congregation Bais Menacham Chabad of Tampa offers a weekly Torah class at the University of Tampa. The class explores contemporary issues through a Torah perspective. For information, contact Rabbi Levi Rivkin, 813-504-4432, or email [email protected]. Visit http://www.chabadofcentralflorida.com/.
Thursdays, 9:30 AM, Ongoing – Join Rabbi Rosenberg on Congregation Beth Am on Thursday mornings for Talmud study. For information, contact Rabbi Rosenberg at 83-968-8511 or email [email protected]. Visit https://bethamtampa.org/.
Thursdays, 9:45 AM, Ongoing – Congregation Beth Shalom of Clearwater presents Lox & Learn. Explore the treasures of the weekly Torah portion, led by Rabbi David Weizman. Come for breakfast at 9:45 AM, minyan at 10 AM, then discussion with the rabbi. Visit https://www.cbsclearwater.org/
Thursdays, 10:30-11 AM, Ongoing through November 21 – With the assistance of caregivers, tots participate in a non-strenuous, yet challenging class for kids 18 months and over. The main focus of Tot Tumbling is kinesthetics with the goal of improving balance, coordination, body awareness, and listening skills. By the end of the session, youngsters will feel more confident, courageous, and will have developed a good foundation for any individual sport or physical activity. For information regarding cost, contact Aviva Levine at Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 813-291-2254 or [email protected].
Thursdays, 12:30 PM, Ongoing – Join Rabbi Danielle Upbin for a new series of classes called Every Day Holiness, Thursdays at 12:30 PM, Congregation Beth Shalom of Clearwater. Students explore personal and spiritual growth through a variety of guided meditation practices and discussion of contemplative Jewish texts. RSVP to the synagogue office at 727-531-1418. Visit https://www.cbsclearwater.org/
Thursdays, 1 PM, Ongoing – Join seniors of Temple B’nai Israel of Clearwater for mah jongg, Mexican train dominoes, or bridge. Cofee and cake are served. For information, contact Linda White at [email protected] or 727-276-3404.
Thursdays, 6:30 PM, Ongoing – Thursday Night Torah Study. Congregation A.F. Zichron Kedoshim (The Tampa Kollel) invites you to Thursday night Mishmar at 6:30 PM at Young Israel of Tampa, 13207 N. 52nd Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617. Cholent and Chavrusa, one-on-one learning at your level, delicious fleshig cholent. For additional information, call or text Zev at 917-439-5888.
First Thursday each month, 10-11:30 AM, Ongoing – A support group for caregivers meets at Temple B’nai Israel, 1685 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater. The meetings are sponsored by Empath Health. To register, call 727-735-8743 or email [email protected], or call 727-301-7884 or email [email protected].
First Thursday each month, 3:30-5 PM, Ongoing – Menorah Manor offers a support group for Alzheimer’s caregivers at the Samson Nursing Center at Menorah Manor, 255 -59th Street, N., St. Petersburg. For information, call Rabbi Aaron Lever at 727-302-3720. Visit https://menorahmanor.org.
Fridays through December 13th, 10-10:45 AM – JCC Preschool North, 13009 Community Campus Drive., Citrus Park, presents an ongoing program called Baby Groove. Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can enjoy weekly themed classes. Adults have fun with their babies as they participate in developmentally appropriate activities designed to stimulate and enhance motor development. Social and education activities for parents or caregivers with young children are included. Activities include circle time, exploration of play environments, welcoming activities, songs, nursery rhymes, movement, storytelling, and more. Classes began on September 13th and may be joined at any time during the run until December 13th. For information, call 813-962-2863 or email [email protected].
UPCOMING TAMPA BAY REGION SPECIAL SERVICES, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
On Exhibition through March 1, 2020 – The Florida Holocaust Museum’s new original exhibition, “Beaches, Benches, and Boycotts: The Civil Rights Movement in Tampa Bay, focuses on the specific civil rights history, events, challenges and achievements of the Tampa Bay/Sarasota region, which continued through the dawn of the Civil Rights era. Many local institutions and establishments held out on integration for several years after Brown v. Board of Education and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, with Jim Crow laws affecting every aspect of African-American life in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. The exhibit details the timeline of events and the leadership that led to desegregation and improved living conditions for the region’s African-American community and the region’s continuing struggle with racial equality. This special exhibit is offered in addition to other visiting exhibitions and the permanent collection/exhibits at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, 55 Fifth St., S. For information, contact https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org, call 727-820-0100.
Monday, December 2nd, 6:30-9:30 PM – Parents Night Out at AR Workshop, 2807 Dr. M.L.K Jr St N, St Petersburg, Florida 33704, 6:30- 9:30 pm. Parents, Enjoy a night socializing and connecting with other young families in our community. Bring your own wine and they will supply the rest. Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/493351364590879/
Tuesday, December 3rd is Giving Tuesday (a global day of giving). The Bryan Glazer Family JCC requests volunteers to accomplish fund goals for this year. Contact Pamela Garron at [email protected] if you are available to volunteer during one of the following time slots: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, 6:30 – 8:30 PM.
Tuesday, December 3rd, 6:30-8 PM – The Lawyers of Conscience of The Florida Holocaust Museum invites you to attend a special presentation: “Eugenics in America: A History of Injustice” at The Florida Holocaust Museum, Third Floor, 55 5th Street S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. The Florida Holocaust Museum and The FHM’s Lawyers of Conscience invite you to attend a public program titled: “Eugenics in America: A History of Injustice,” Presented by legal historian and author, Paul A. Lombardo, PhD.,J.D. on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:30 p.m. at The Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg. This lecture will be one hour, followed by a question and answer session. Light refreshments will be served. For tickets, reserve by November 29th online at https://bookwhen.com/floridaholocaustmuseum. If you have any questions, please contact Arthur Sanchez at 727-820-0100 ext. 251 or by email to [email protected].
Thursday, December 5th, 8:00 AM – Congregation Schaarai Zedek of Tampa invites you to take a guided tour of the only surviving plantation house in South Florida, the Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Planation Historic State Park, 3708 Patten Ave., Ellenton. This is where Confederate Secretary Judah P. Benjamin took refuge after the fall of the Confederacy. Following the tour, lunch and Chanukah shopping on your own at Ellenton Premium Outlets. A bus will transport from the temple to the tour and outlet mall, then back to the temple. Walking/climbing is involved and there is a charge. RSVP/information online at www.zedek.org/RSVP or call Lisa Kiev-Chen at 813-876-2377, x249.
Thursday, December 5th, 10:30 – 12:30 PM – Hanukkah Story & Craft Time with PJ Library, 101 2nd St N, Safety Harbor, Florida 34695. PJ Library and Safety Harbor Public Library invite you to their Haukkah Party. Come learn about Hanukkah, meet friends, make friends, and have fun. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/526432971529523/
Thursday, December 5th, 6:30 PM – St. Petersburg Hadassah hosts its Chanukkah party with a dairy (or pareve) potluck dinner. Bringing a favorite food dish plus wrapped gift (suggested worth $15-$18) with a clue attached for a fundraising auction. Member speaker Leslie Kirsner speaks about her trip to Israel on a Hadassah Mission. This program is limited to 35 women, so RSVP early to Rhoda Ross at [email protected], or 727-480-6244 before December 1st with what you’re bringing for dinner.
Thursday, December 5th, 7 PM – Congregation Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W Swann Ave Tampa 33609 and the JAEDA Foundation present a program about how domestic abuse has no boundaries. it affects all types of relationships, all socio-economic classes, all ages, and all spectrums of religion and cultural life. Help make your community one of safety and refuge by listening to presentations and asking questions of an expert panel. RSVP by December 2 to [email protected].
Saturday, December 7th, 8 PM – Concert/Cantorial Artist Nachum Peterseil appears in a gala fundraising concert for Congregation Kol Ami of Tampa. Peterseil & his band, Automatic Toys, will perform a mix of Jewish fusion, Israeli, Middle Eastern, traditional, jazz, and progressive ethnic music. Peterseil served in the Israel Defense Forces before enrolling in Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in Israel. With his band, he moved to Los Angeles and plays around the world. He is a fan of liturgical, jazz, popular, and and traditional music. The concert is followed by dessert reception. For ticket information and reservations, visit kolami.org or call the temple office at 813-962-6338.
Sunday, December 8th, 4 PM – Chase a giant dreidel down the streets of St. Petersburg and the Pinellas Trail as Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg welcomes the community to the fifth annual Chase the Dreidel 5K to promote healthy exercise and shared fun. With walkers and strollers in addition to runners, all on a police-secured course, this 5K is truly for the whole family. A supervised bounce house and crafts conclude with a festive buffet of traditional Hanukkah foods. Chase the Dreidel has become a December tradition for the whole community. Race events include a professionally-timed 5K on a police-secured course, Fun Run for youth under 11. Registrants receive a dri-fit t-shirt and a free latke potato pancake buffet with all the fixings. Generous awards to top finishers. Activities include a supervised bounce house, children’s crafts, and storytelling. Judaica Shop will be open. Dreidel Drawing for prizes, buffet with potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts. The event runs from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and includes off-street parking. Congregation B’nai Israel, 300 58thth St North in St. Petersburg. Learn more about at tinyurl.com/ChaseTheDreidel2019
Sunday, December 8th – Join IMPACT for their Young Professionals Annual Bucs Game and Tailgate with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they face the Indianapolis Colts for the first time in eight years. For information regarding the charge and reservation, visit https://www.fevo.com/discovery/Colts-vs-Buccaneers-Young-Professionals-F7qJikOA or contact Lisa Robbins.
Monday, December 9th, 4:30-6 PM – Annual Hanukkah Party with PJ Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. There will be fun, food, story time, dreidel spinning, and a Hanukkah gift for every child courtesy of the PJ Library of the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coat. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1731481070322001/
Tuesday, December 10th, 6:30 PM – Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon presents a ladies night out. Members and non-members welcome. Dinner at Acropolis Greek Tavern, 6108 Winthrop Town Center, Riverview. RSVP by Sunday, December 8th at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e094ba5a62aa64-ladies or call 813-681-6547 or email [email protected].
Wednesday, December 11th, 7:30 – 9:15 AM – Professional Societies of the Tampa Jewish Federation presents the Montefiore Society Breakfast with “The Future of Wealth in America: Are you Prepared?” at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa. The event includes speaker and hot breakfast from 8:00-9:15 AM. As the current 2020 run for the Presidency has shown, America’s relationship with wealth is potentially changing, and the consequences of this shift may impact financial professionals for years to come. Join Brett Witkowski, CFP, of Jaffe Tilchin Wealth Management, for an impactful breakfast discussion on the rapidly changing landscape of the financial services industry, a glimpse of the possible future to come and ideas about how to set your business apart from your competitors and attract and maintain customers moving forward. RSVP: https://events.idonate.com/montefiore
Wednesday, December 11th, 6:30-9 PM – the Bryan Glazer Family JCC presents #Gather Wine Down with Finger Painting in the Golding Visual Arts Center at the JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave Tampa 33625. Wine Down with Finger Painting. Be a kid for a night! Get messy and create art with your fingers and hands. Enjoy a variety of wines and artisanal cheeses to help you master the art of finger painting. For tickets: https://www.bryanglazerfamilyjcc.com/bryan-glazer-family-jcc-/gather
Thursday, December 12th, 6 PM – Chanukah 70’s Music Bingo at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 2713 Bayshore Blvd Tampa 33629. The evening includes dinner and music bingo, karaoke, dance and prizes. For the whole family and the entire community is invited. Please register in advance at https://www.rsholom.org/event/music-bingo1.html
Sunday, December 15th, Noon-1:30 PM – PJ Library-Hanukkah Hop! JCC on the Cohn Campus- Judy Cohn Plaza, 13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa 33625. PJ Library invites you to the Hanukkah hop! Bounce House Play, Hanukkah music, latkes, jelly doughnuts, and story time for all to enjoy. PJ Library featured story: HOPPY HANUKKAH. Please RSVP to [email protected]
Sunday, December 22nd, 10:30 AM – 1 PM – Lylah Pinellas Chapter of Hadassah invites you to Installation of Officers and Chanukah Party at The Preserve, 2010 Greenbriar Blvd., Clearwater. Optional White Elephant Gift Exchange. Brunch will be provided. For details, email Sally Laufer: [email protected] or Cheryl Schwartz: [email protected]
Sunday, December 22nd, 2 PM – Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon offers a Chanukah celebration at Park Square in the Fish Hawk Community, 16132 Churchview Dr., Lithia. Chanukah lighting, storytelling by Rabby Bryan, games and gifts for children, jelly-filled donuts, latkes, and more. Bring canned goods to donate to the food bank. For information call 813-681-6547.
Monday, December 23rd, 7:00 PM — the Tampa Bay Lightning features Jewish Heritage Night at the Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, 33602. Your ticket includes a custom Lightning pin and a kosher meal. There will be a menorah lighting on the at 6:15 PM. For additional information, contact Sam Reiner or call 813.301.6814.
Tuesday, December 24th, 9 PM – 1 AM –VodkaLatke for Jewish singles and couples, ages 20s, 30s & 40s, at NYKL Westshore, 4606 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa. Music by DJ Makmade. Gourmet latkes, hors d’oeuvres & desserts. Doors open at 8:30 pm. For tickets and information visit https://www.jewishtampa.com/federation-impact/impact/vodka-latke or contact [email protected]
Friday, December 27th, 7:30 PM – Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon invites the community to bring and light hanukkiahs in tonight’s Hanukkah service. 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon 33511. For information: 813-681-6547.
Sunday, December 29th, 3 PM – Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon, 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon 33511, offers “Let’s Chat: Not Your Religious School’s Chanukah Story.” We all know the Chanukah story; rarely do we talk about the violent guerilla campaign led by the Maccabees and the later zealotry recorded in the Book of Maccabees. Learn of the full story and respond to more violent moments in Jewish history. For information: 813-681-6547.
Saturday, December 29th, 6-9 PM – Young Israel of Tampa presents its 15th Annual Chanukah On Ice, featuring lighting of a sculpted Grand Ice Menorah and ice skating to Jewish music around the flaming menorah on this 8th night of Chanukkah. Admission includes skate rental. Kosher food stand, arts & crafts, latkes and special raffle will be available. The event takes place at Advent Health Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel, 813-803-7372. Sponsorship opportunities available. For details and to RSVP to 813-832-3018, www.youngisraeloftampa.org.
Saturday, January 4, 2020 – 10 AM – noon – Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon, 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon 33511, presents its monthly Torah study group to discuss the Torah portion. All are welcome, members and nonmembers both. A light nosh is served. For information: 813-681-6547.
Sunday, January 5, 2020 – Bowling & PJ Library Book Exchange, Register by 12/30. Bring a PJ Library book, and get a new one when you exchange it with your PJ Library friends. Spend the day with your friends bowling and a pizza lunch. More info at https://www.facebook.com/events/2601589216629292/
January 10-19, 2020 – Innovocative Theatre of Tampa (1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., West Building #151, Tampa 33602) presents A Shayne Maidel by Barbara Lebow. After surviving World War II, Lusia is reunited with her father and sister in America. Through a series of memories and fantasies, Lusia explores the joys and sorrows of her life before the war. A heartwarming and hopeful story about a Jewish family finding their way back to each other. Shows are at 8 PM or 3 PM, depending on date. For information and tickets, visit https://innovocativetheatre.org/up-next/ or call 813-374-2416, ext. 1.
Sunday, January 12, 2020 – 1 PM – 3 PM – Festival of Jewish Books and Conversations, Chapter Seven, presents Sarah Blake, author of The Guest Book at 1 PM and Marcia Jo Zerivitz, author of Jews of Tampa at 2 PM, Bryan Glazer Family JCC, Tampa. Tickets include sip and nosh and can be obtained at https://www.jewishtampa.com/bookfestival
Sunday, January 12, 2020, 7 PM – Temple Beth Sholom of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Sarasota Opera, presents Cantor Azi Schwartz in concert at the Sarasota Opera House. This concert is nearly sold out. Tickets to the general public go on sale August 25th. Visit http://www.sarasotaopera.org/ for information or to purchase tickets, or call Temple Beth Sholom of Sarasota at 941-955-8121.
Friday, January 17, 2020, 7:30 PM – Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon’s Choir will be lifting their voices in tonight’s service. 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon 33511. For information: 813-681-6547.
Sunday, January 19, 2020, 3 PM – The 8th annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day, presented by the International Diplomatic Corps of Florida to honor the victims of the Nazi Era, including Six Million Jews begins at 3 PM. The event takes place at PTEC- Pinellas Technical College, St. Petersburg, FL, 3548 11th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. Invitations are required: contact [email protected]. Invitations will be sent November 2019.
January 19-26, 2020 – Congregation Schaarai Zedek travels to Cuba on a “People to People” mission, with visits to Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and havana. To be contacted with information of the itinerary and details, contact 813-876-2377, x202, or visit https://www.zedek.org/
Various Sundays through May 17 – 10-11 AM – The Tampa Jewish Federation presents its monthly Family Sunday Series, Sundays from 10-11 AM (except in January, which is a Monday event), welcoming families to come together to explore values and traditions with a Jewish twist through stories, activities, songs, and conversations. All families with young children of all faiths are backgrounds are welcome for this free program. Programs run on Sundays from 10:00-11:00am. For more information, and to RSVP, contact: Jen Goldberg, Executive Director of Education [email protected] | 813.769.4738. The following programs are scheduled:
- January 20* – Mitzvah Mania (*Special Monday event)
- February 16 – Caring for the Earth/Environment
- March 15 – Kindness to Animals
- April 19 – Health and Wellness
- May 17 – Bedtime Pajama Party
Sunday, January 20th, 10-11 AM – The Tampa JCC at the Cohn Campus features a program to engage families with young children to explore values and traditions. This month’s theme is Mitzvah Mania. For information, contact Jen Goldberg at 813-769-4738 or email [email protected].
Saturday, January 26, 2020 – The Jewish Federation of Tampa’s Annual President’s Dinner features Deborah E. Lipstadt with a presentation titled “Antisemitism: Here and Now.” Lipstadt is a historian and author of 8 books. She was victorious in her lawsuit against a Holocaust denier, as portrayed in the 2016 feature film Denial based on her book, Denying The Holocaust. For details and sponsorship opportunities, contact Michelle Gallagher at [email protected], or call 813-739-1687.
Monday, January 28, 2020, 6 PM – The documentary SEDERS AND CIGARS: A History of the Jews of Tampa, will be screened at The Tampa Bay History Center at 6 PM. Details to be announced. Visit http://www.sedersandcigars.com/ and https://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/
Sunday, February 9, 2020, 6:30 PM – Festival of Jewish Books and Conversations, Chapter Seven, presents Mary Morris, author of Gateway to the Moon. JCC on the Cohn Campus. Tickets include Sips & Nosh and can be obtained at https://www.jewishtampa.com/bookfestival
Sunday, February 16th, 2020, 10-11 AM – The Tampa JCC at the Cohn Campus features a program to engage families with young children to explore values and traditions. This month’s theme is Caring for Earth and Environment. For information, contact Jen Goldberg at 813-769-4738 or email [email protected].
Sunday, March 8, 2020, 6:30 PM – Festival of Jewish Books and Conversations, Chapter Seven, presents Julie Orringer, author of The Flight Portfolio,. JCC on the Cohn Campus. Tickets include Sips & Nosh and can be obtained at https://www.jewishtampa.com/bookfestival
Sunday, March 15th, 2020, 10-11 AM – The Tampa JCC at the Cohn Campus features a program to engage families with young children to explore values and traditions. This month’s theme is Kindness to Animals. For information, contact Jen Goldberg at 813-769-4738 or email [email protected].Sunday, April 5, 6:30 PM – Festival of Jewish Books and Conversations, Chapter Seven, presents Melanie Benjamin, author of Mistress of the Ritz. Bryan Glazer Family JCC. Tickets include Sips & Nosh and can be obtained at https://www.jewishtampa.com/bookfestival
Sunday, April 19th, 2020, 10-11 AM – The Tampa JCC at the Cohn Campus features a program to engage families with young children to explore values and traditions. This month’s theme is Health and Wellness. For information, contact Jen Goldberg at 813-769-4738 or email [email protected].
Sunday, April 5, 2020, 6:30 PM – Festival of Jewish Books and Conversations, Chapter Seven, presents Melanie Benjamin, author of Mistress of the Ritz. Bryan Glazer Family JCC. Tickets include Sips & Nosh and can be obtained at https://www.jewishtampa.com/bookfestival
Sunday, April 26th, 2020! The Jewish Federation of Pinellas/Pasco presents the third in its KESHER series, “Connect to Israel,” a morning program followed by lunch. For details, visit https://www.jewishpinellas.org.
Sunday, May 3, 2020, 6:30 PM – Festival of Jewish Books and Conversations, Chapter Seven, presents Michael David Lukas, author of The Last Watchman of Old Cairo. Bryan Glazer Family JCC. Tickets include Sips & Nosh and can be obtained at https://www.jewishtampa.com/bookfestival
Sunday, May 17th, 2020, 10-11 AM – The Tampa JCC at the Cohn Campus features a program to engage families with young children to explore values and traditions. This month features a Bedtime Pajama Party. For information, contact Jen Goldberg at 813-769-4738 or email [email protected].
For a detailed list of Tampa Bay Area region and surrounding regional happenings, visit:
https://jewishintampabay.com
https://jewishpinellas.org/calendar
https://www.jewishtampa.com/community-calendar
https://jfedsrq.org/community-calendar
https://jewishcharlotte.org/community-calendar
https://orlandojewishfed.org
WMNF Celebrated 40 Years with a Spectacular Birthday Celebration on 9/14/19 at the St. Petersburg Coliseum
COMPLIMENTARY CD DOWNLOAD ~ Cantor Azi Schwartz and the German National Radio Choir of Berlin
On our recent programs, we have featured breathtaking performances by Cantor Azi Schwartz (of Park Avenue Synagogue, Manhattan) with Germany’s National Radio Choir of Berlin. These selections are featured on the recent Azi Schwartz CD, Heritage. Cantor Schwartz has made available a complimentary download of every song within this collection as a gift, via his own site at https://cantorazischwartz.bandcamp.com/album/heritage-2. The site provides additional details regarding the recording of each selection in the collection as well.
Azi Schwartz appears in concert at the Sarasota Opera House on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 7 PM, sponsored by Temple Beth Sholom of Sarasota. Call the Temple office at 941.955.8121. Tickets went on sale August 25th. Call 941.328.1300 at the Opera House, or visit https://www.sarasotaopera.org/
SUNDAY SIMCHA GUEST AVIVA CHERNICK’s NEW CD ~ Released September 16, 2019
Canadian concert/recording artist/composer Aviva Chernick (https://avivachernick.com/), was our recent guest on the Sunday Simcha with her stunning new CD of traditional folk Sephardic songs, original songs, and Ladino songs by legendary Ladino singer/songwriter Flory Jagoda. We’ll be playing more of her music in the future. Visit her site and connect with her on Facebook.
Canadian Concert/Recording Artist/Composer Aviva Chernick
VISIT JEWISHINTAMPABAY.COM FOR NEWS OF THE WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA JEWISH COMMUNITY
Rande Friedman joined us to discuss his new web site devoted to the West Central Florida Jewish Community, https://jewishintampabay.com connecting Jewish synagogues, organizations, clergy, events, culture, food, and community in Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Marion, Citrus, Hernando, and Polk counties at the moment, with plans to expand further into the Bradenton/Sarasota region in the future, gives you an opportunity to input your happenings, news, opinions, and experiences of Jewish life that you wish to share with our entire region. Rande is also seeking WWII vets with whom to video interviews. If that is you, please let Rande know, or if you have any questions or need information, contact Rande via the site email [email protected] or [email protected]
Our first A Bisl Freylichkayt on Joy’s first show of June 16, 2019 featured Tampa Bay-based comedian David Glickman (https://davidglickman.com/, who, by the way, will show up on future appearances of A Bisl Freylickhayt—we have a lot of David’s material you won’t want to miss. David has contributed to JewishinTampaBay.com. Read his feature at https://jewishintampabay.com/i-was-my-grandmothers-ghost-writer/!
Rabbi Nathan Farb of Tampa’s Cong. Schaarai Zedek on our 7.7.19 Sunday Simcha
ECLECTIC MUSIC, CULTURE, EVENTS, FEATURES, AND GUESTS
Since 1980, The Sunday Simcha has featured the gamut in Jewish entertainment and information: music from Jewish artists and communities around the globe, local (Tampa Bay Area and Central Florida) events and activities, news of Jewish culture, arts, and happenings from around the world, comedy, interviews, and weekly spiritual features. Our audience has grown over the years to include an international listenership, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Our music is an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary, Klezmer, Chassidic, Israeli, Yiddish, Ladino, Mizrachi, Liturgical, and a variety of Jewish folk, pop, and film music from artists around the globe. The weekly feature—Milot Chochmah—Words of Wisdom—brings insights from rabbis, cantors, cantorial soloists and spiritual leaders of synagogues and Jewish organizations in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties. Community Kvell is a celebration of members of the local community and The Kehillah Calendar provides an overview of coming events in the week ahead. A Bisl Freylichkayt—A Little Mirth—features Jewish comedy and comic songs as a lift to the show’s completion. We are grateful for your comments, suggestions, ideas, creativity, monetary support and for your ears! We hope you will join us as a listener every week and keep us abreast of music, community happenings and community news/updates for our Community Kvell and any creative ideas you have.
The Sunday Simcha 6.16.19 with (L to R) Zachary Aborizk, Joy Katzen-Guthrie, Mark C. Guthrie, and Rande Friedman
THE SUNDAY SIMCHA HISTORY … A TRADITION IN TAMPA BAY (1980-Present)
Among WMNF’s earliest programs after going on air in 1979, The Jewish Sound was hosted by Oded Salpeter from 1980-1985. In 1986, when Oded Salpeter left WMNF to take over a similar position with WKAT-Miami, Mike Eisenstadt officially took over as host (after serving as a reporter/guest host frequently in the years prior), giving it the name by which it has been known since—The Sunday Simcha. Until his passing in 2005, Mike dedicated himself with whole heart to this program and to WMNF Radio as he brought news of the local Jewish community, Israel, and Jewish community worldwide and aired news and cultural features in addition to the range of Jewish music and comedy for which the program became well known. Rabbi Shalom Adler, Founder of Chabad/Young Israel of Pinellas County, brought listeners a recorded or live Weekly Dvar Torah—a tradition carried forward by his son, Rabbi Pinchas Adler, in a live interview each week. Kevin Frye and Shlomo (Steve) Schwersky served as hosts of The Sunday Simcha following Mike’s death. After Kevin’s untimely passing in 2016, Shlomo carried on as host with his daughter Jordyn, who had joined the program as a co-host in 2014. During their tenure, they dedicated themselves to informing the public of Jewish news around the world and expanded the library of music on The Sunday Simcha to become highly contemporary. The two announced their plans to retire in spring 2019, after which Joy Katzen-Guthrie came aboard as host of the program beginning June 16, 2019.
Each week, Milot Chochmah—Words of Wisdom—brings rabbis, cantors, and Jewish spiritual leaders from the Tampa Bay Region to share a Dvar Torah, personal insight or teaching. Each week’s program also is also spiced with a touch of humor via A Bisl Freylichkayt—A Little Mirth.
THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED THE SUNDAY SIMCHA ON OUR FALL PLEDGE DRIVE ON OCTOBER 6th.
Laura Taylor & Shlomo Schwersky join Joy Katzen-Guthrie on The Sunday Simcha Summer Pledge Drive Show.
DONATIONS ARE WELCOME YEAR-ROUND to support this station and this program. The easiest way is to click the Tip Jar above with any donation—or take advantage of the great premiums for donors below. Select a premium and make your pledge and voila! It will be on its way.
Available for a $54 pledge are these:
• Ora de Despertar(Time To Wake Up): CD of original Ladino children’s music by Sarah Aroeste (signed)
• Eternal: a Jewish Historical Novel by award-winning author Dara Horn
• Sinners and the Sea: a novel by Rebecca Kanner (signed)
• Stand With Israel T-shirt: available in S, M, L, XL, and 2X
• The Histories of the Jewish People of Pinellas County: 700+ pages of Jewish history/photographs of Pinellas County by Herman Koren
• Three-CD Setof Jewish music by Joy Katzen-Guthrie: Seasons of Joy/The Heart of Ancient Promise/How Good and How Pleasant (signed by request)
• And many other gifts from the WMNF collection upon your request when you make a pledge including the WMNF 40-Year RadioActive T-Shirt
Available for an $88.50 annual pledge as a Circle of Friends member ($7.37/mo)
• The WMNF 40th Anniversary Radioactive T-shirt.
Available for Circle of Friends Members pledging $50A Month($600 annually):
• Your name/dedication inscribed in stone on WMNF’s People’s Patio.
To Make A Pledge:
√ Call the office line at 813-238-8003 and indicate your support is for The Sunday Simcha.
√ Click the tip jar on this page to pledge in honor of The Sunday Simcha or pick up a premium with a pledge below.
√ Email us during the week at [email protected].
√ Call our program during the show to speak with Joy and make your pledge at 813-239-9663.
√ Or visit The Sunday Simcha Facebook page and leave a message for Joy at www.facebook.com/sundaysimcha.
