Being Part of a Chavurah
One of the pleasures of Jewish life is to be involved in a Chavurah, a group of temple members who form a group where they socialize, study together, and discuss matters of Jewish and secular importance.
The first Chavurah Joanne and I joined continues to meet regularly. It has been functioning for over 45 years. We have been a part of it for at least 40. We have enjoyed many happy and pleasurable times together over the years. There were seven couples in the group. They were: Dr. Lee and Alvina Duffner, Dr. Robert and Lorelei Ennis, Dr. Sam and Miki Feldman, Joe and Leslie Peiken, Dr. Joel and Adele Sandberg, Dr. Howard and Margie Sanford, Joanne Shulkes and me.
Together, we watched our families grow into teenagers, become B’nai Mitzvah, grow into young adults, marry, and have children and families of their own. And, let’s face it, we also have grown and aged in the process. We look back at these marvelous experiences with a big smile. What follows are pictures of these memories over the years.
Most of us attended Sabbath services regularly. We met for dinner eight to ten times annually, generally on Saturday or Sunday, in each of our homes. Each family brought something for dinner: hors d’oeuvres, fruit, salad, vegetables, dessert and wine. The main dish was prepared at the visited home. The evening generally ran from three to four hours.
If we met on Saturday evening, a Havdalah service was held. Each member was given specific readings together with the traditional songs. To make it more interesting and relevant to our group, we have used a variety of five Havdalah services over the years.
To be successful, a Chavurah must have a compatible group of people. A good sense of humor always helps. What I remember most is the loving atmosphere that surrounded our group. Yes, there were disagreements, but we were always guided by a great sense of respect for the other person.
As of this writing, Lee, Alvina, Sam, Miki, Joe and Howard have passed on. We loved them and they are sorely missed.
May the memory of each of them be for a blessing.
The following Chavurah programs, among many others, took place over the years:
Soviet Jewry, The State of Israel, Jewish holidays, Forgiveness, Prayers and rituals, Torah portion of the week, Jewish humor, “Concerning the Jews” by Mark Twain, “Holiday song,” a play by Paddy Chayevsky, A trip to the Antarctic, Iran’s nuclear threat, Noise-induced hearing loss, Prominent Jews and their Jewishness in “Stars of David” by Abigail Pogrebin, Book reviews, Listening to a programmed organ concert, Getting to know Einstein, A view of Mars and an eye doctor’s visit to needy children in an impoverished African country.
Lee and Alvina Duffner
Lee Duffner was an exceptional person in every sense of the word. His reputation as an ophthalmologist was excellent. I was his patient for a number of years when I had cataract surgery. Lee had many interests. He ran marathons, was council president of Golden Beach, and also founder and president of the Hillel community Day School in North Miami Beach, where our two children, Ron and Heather, attended.
He was a congregant at Temple Sinai, and an active member and chairman of the ritual committee during the 1970’s and 1980’s. I remember so well the opinions, comments, input, discussions and disagreements of the ritual committee members who were meeting at Sam Bloom’s house. Some of our sessions were filled with heated discussions which were followed by recommendations to the board of trustees for action. When Lee spoke, we all listened very intently. He enlightened us with his insight, anecdotes and extraordinary knowledge of Jewish history, customs and rituals. Everybody had something to say, and our meetings always ended late.
When I arrived home after these stimulating meetings, my body tossed and turned, and I could not fall asleep easily. The joy that I felt at those meetings was quite precious to me. Lee and his wife, Alvina, traveled to the far corners of the earth and some of the most isolated places as well. To our surprise and amazement, Lee would prepare slides and commentary on Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, the North Pole under the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica in the South Pole with a population of about a thousand people.
It was in our Chavurah and temple where I got to know Lee. One Shabbat evening after the service, Lee came through the customary line to greet the rabbi and me. He noticed that my eye was blinking and I was somewhat uncomfortable. Instinctively, he knew I had an eye problem. Lee then suggested that I go with him to his office. It was about 9:30 p.m. when he drove me to his Hollywood office, about 25 minutes away. He opened up his office, turned on the lights and air conditioning, sat me in the chair and proceeded to take out the object that was inside the surface of my eye. We got back to temple at 10:30 p.m. where Joanne and our friend, Pearl Grossman, were waiting for me.
Why do I remember this story that took place almost 50 years ago?
Because one never forgets an act of such extreme kindness.
In 2015, Alvina passed away at the age of 80. She was followed shortly thereafter by Lee, who passed away at the age of 81. They were both an inspiration to our Chavurah with their loving and uplifting spirit.
Robert and Lorelei Ennis
Dr. Robert and Lorelei Ennis were members of the Chavurah from the very beginning. This is where Joanne and I really got to know them. Lorelei and Bob were actively involved in Temple Sinai where Bob served on the board of directors. He also served on the board of directors at Hillel Community Day School. In addition to all of this, he is a renowned orthopedist. Being the avid reader that Lorelei is, she opened up a bookstore “A Kid’s Book Shoppe” in North Miami Beach. The award-winning bookstore was warmly welcomed by the community.
Eventually, the family moved to Weston where all four generations of the Ennis family lived. As members of Temple Dor Dorim, Bob and Lorelei have energized those around them with their leadership qualities. In addition, they are both active in AIPAC, Jewish National Fund, and other leading Jewish and secular organizations. Often, they host meetings at their home and temple. Joanne and I have attended meetings in both places for Israel Solidarity and other causes which they support and have found them to be very informative, stimulating and convincing. Bob and Lorelei are a fabulous couple and have enriched the lives of many in their community.
In our Chavurah, we try our best to keep one another informed as to what is happening in Jewish, political and secular life around us.
Some time ago, in 1998, Bob was struck by lightning while tending to his garden. God’s blessing was with him and he survived.
A few years later, Bob was to be honored at a men’s club breakfast at Temple Dor Dorim. Bob asked Joe Peiken and me if we could roast him on that occasion. Joe and I put our ideas together and worked on this challenge for some time. Finally, we jointly presented a 30-minute roast of Bob Ennis. Two excerpts follow:
As you know, Dr. Robert Ennis is an orthopedic surgeon. I hope I’m not going out on a limb, no pun intended, with this story. Bob’s office was very busy and crowded. In the waiting room, there was standing room only. It was overflowing with patients. Bob was anxious to examine all the patients as quickly as possible. To relieve the crowding, Bob walked into the waiting room, came up to the first person - a middle-aged man - and said to him,
“You! You’re next. Please come with me!” and brought him into an examination room. The man said, “But, but, but…,” Bob interrupted him and said, “No ifs, ands, or buts. Strip down to your shorts and do it quickly so that I can examine you.” The man continued, “But…but doctor….,” Again Bob told him, “I’m very busy. Just get undressed!” The man obeyed. After a preliminary examination, Bob looked at him and said, “You seem to be in perfect health. Why are you here? “Well,” said the man, a little embarrassed, “I’m from the temple and I came to ask you for a donation.”
And here is yet another: In Jewish life, our heroes were touched in different ways:
Moses saw the burning bush.
Isaiah heard the word.
Job got the message.
Ezekiel had the vision.
And Bob Ennis was struck by a bolt of lightning. He challenged a bolt from the sky and lived to tell us all about it.
We are glad that Bob and Lorelei are in our Chavurah. It is such a great pleasure to be in their company and a privilege to know them.
Sam and Miki Feldman
Over the years, the presence of Dr. Sam and Miki Feldman added much lively discussion to our programs. Both had careers in the field of mental health. She worked as an administrator and Sam as a psychologist at the Miami Child Guidance Clinic. They fell in love and soon married.
Joanne and I had much pleasure and stimulation during the times we walked the Broadwalk in Hollywood with Sam and Miki. A number of times we would come with our children to the Broadwalk. We made wonderful memories together with our families.
Miki was so full of energy and the conversation on our walks was always flowing. Sam was very knowledgeable and when you asked a good question, you could be sure that his comprehensive and fully informative response included everything you needed to know on that subject. At times, Sam and I would wander off on our own and walk to the end of the Broadwalk because we were so engaged in conversation. His sense of humor was always there and greatly appreciated.
Miki and Sam were two of a kind. They made a wonderful couple and brightened the lives of many. Both were caring and compassionate people who embraced people and causes. I remember one occasion where the local Chabad asked Sam for advice in fund raising for their Shul. He suggested that they present a concert. Sam promptly contacted me for the details involved in such a venture. They both felt strongly about helping others that were in need.
Sam Feldman passed away in 2016 at the age of 79 and was followed soon after by Miki in 2023 at the age of 84. We sorely miss them. May their memories be for a blessing.
Joe and Leslie Peiken
Joe and Leslie Peiken became close friends of ours through the Chavurah. Leslie taught math at Hillel Community Day School for 25 years. In the process, she got to know our daughter, Heather, and our niece and nephews as well. Joe was very actively involved at Temple Sinai as a board member and, later, as vice president of the temple.
I can easily remember each year with the approaching High Holy Days when Joe climbed up the ladder in the temple sanctuary to change and replace the bulbs on the ceiling, some 50-60 feet high. It kind of reminded me of the angels in Jacob’s dream in the Bible where Jacob sees angels ascending and descending the ladder - except that Joe’s climbing the ladder was infinitely more dangerous. But year after year, Joe climbed that ladder. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. Joe also served with Frank Kromsky on the membership committee. When my future wife Joanne applied for membership in the temple – she was young, beautiful and single. They whisked her through the interview process in literally seconds. They warmly welcomed her as a congregant for which I was most grateful.
Both Joe and Leslie added so much to our Chavurah. Joe had a wonderful personality and sense of humor. Leslie loved to cook and bake, and we welcomed her creativity at each gathering. One of her specialties is her mandel bread. It almost melts in your mouth. And her chocolate chip cookies awaken and whet the appetite of any person lucky enough to get it.
Their son, Jon, passed away in 2021. We were all greatly saddened. Most of us could not even fathom such a great loss. Our hearts were with Joe and Leslie in their time of grief.
Sadly, we lost Joe in 2024. He was 83 years old. We bid you a loving farewell. Your place in the hearts of our Chavurah is secure.
Joel and Adele Sandberg
Joel and Adele Sandberg are members of our Chavurah. Joel was also my eye doctor. He and Lee Duffner worked together at the same practice. At 93, I was diagnosed with macular degeneration, and Joel was there to help me every step of the way. Today, my eyesight is 20/20 and my reading is normal.
Joel and Adele were co-founders of the South Florida Conference on Soviet Jewry along with Bob and Myriam Wolf. In the mid-1970’s and 80’s, they visited the “Refuseniks” in the Soviet Union, often at peril to themselves. These Jews were persecuted because of their religion. Joel and Adele brought hope to the dissidents and organized campaigns for the refusenik families. Upon their return, they lobbied in the United States where they fought for and demanded their freedom. Joel and Adele made every effort to keep the Chavurah members informed of what was happening overseas.
Today, they are both very active in United Hatzalah, a volunteer emergency medical organization, both here and in Israel, that is totally dedicated to saving lives. Joanne and I have attended several functions of United Hatzalah with the Sandbergs and have been highly impressed. Believe me when I say this is an organization highly deserving of our support.
Joel and Adele are both well-rounded individuals, warm and outgoing. They bring so much energy, kindness and compassion to our group. We greatly admire and love all that they have done for others.
Howard and Margie Sanford
One of the requirements of being a mensch is that you need to have a well-developed sense of caring, kindness, and compassion for the well-being of others. This has been an important aspect in the lives of Margie and Howard.
In 1973, Margie and Howard planned a summer trip to Leningrad and Moscow. Before leaving, they were briefed by Adele and Joel Sandberg, who were founders and leaders of the South Florida Conference on Soviet Jewry. They were advised on how to meet and help Soviet “Refuseniks.” These were persecuted Jews who applied for and were denied exit visas. These “Refuseniks” were severely punished by the Soviet authorities.
As documentary chairperson of the SFCSJ, Margie, along with Adele Sandberg and Myriam Wolf wrote fifteen books from 1976-1986 that documented “Refusenik” families in the Soviet Union. These books had introductions written by Alan Dershowitz (1985), Elie Wiesel (1986), and Natan Sharansky (1987) and were enormously helpful in the struggle for the basic human rights of Soviet Jews.
In addition, an interest that Margie and Howard both shared was their love for music. There were many musical instruments in their home, including an organ that filled an entire room, set up to play automatically. The sounds we heard at the Sanford home were beautiful and memorable.
Howard and Margie just loved music! Margie, Howard, Joanne and I attended piano recitals in Fort Lauderdale as well as several organ concerts at their friend’s museum home in Davie. They were evenings to be remembered - vibrant and exciting.
All of us are grateful that Howard Sanford lived to celebrate his 90th birthday before he passed away in 2023. For us who loved him, it was not long enough. We were privileged to be in the Chavurah with Howard and his beautiful Margie for more than 40 years. You have certainly earned a place of great admiration and love in our Chavurah.
October 7th
One of our meetings was held on the afternoon of October 7th, 2023. This was a day of unprovoked attack, barbaric massacre, and total horror for the state of Israel, world Jewry, and the civilized world. We were all fully shaken up that day. Israel fought back with all its might to overcome its enemies. As Michael Doran, the pragmatic research analyst in Middle Eastern affairs, observed, “Before October 7th, Israel allowed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah to grow, believing that deterrence and diplomacy could manage them. That assumption no longer holds.”
At the same time, we, as individuals, have sought to help Israel through our synagogues and through the support we give to our Jewish organizations that are facing these current challenges and dilemmas day after day. We hope and pray that the future face of the Middle East be one of tranquility and peace. These are some of the issues that our Chavurah discusses regularly.
Our Chavurah consists of highly functioning, bright and productive people. A Chavurah such as this, in all truth, can never be duplicated. Within the group, each one can be called a star.
May the work of our hands be blessed in all our future endeavors.
A Second Chavurah
At home and adding to my delight was the addition of another Chavurah. I was invited to speak at Jessica Roskin’s 10th anniversary as cantor at Temple Emanuel in Birmingham, Alabama. Four other couples joined Joanne and me on our trip there. They were: Marty and Shelly Claire, Sam and Miki Feldman, Mordechai and Esther Fintz, and proud parents Howard and Ingrid Roskin. A very hearty welcome was extended to all of us as we arrived at the temple. Singing together with Jessica again was very special and the evening was truly a memorable one.
Returning to Florida, all ten of us felt that we should continue meeting together, and thus, the Chavurah was born. We met every two months at each of our homes. The group was primarily a social group, and we got along well. We dined, talked, laughed, had fun and enjoyed one another’s company. After about ten years, we were very saddened when we lost half our group. Shelly, Sam, Miki, Howard and Ingrid passed on. May the memory of each of them be for a blessing.
Since that time, the remaining five of us have gotten closer. We now meet every Sunday morning at the local Panera’s for bagels and coffee where we make every effort to solve the endless problems of the world.
Marty Claire is a very personable member of our second Chavurah. Highly knowledgeable, he can address many of our local and national problems at an instant’s notice. Having also been involved in several business undertakings, he brings a new dimension to our group in his ability to analyze. Marty is a gourmet diner and, truly, a wonderful chef when our dinner meetings are held in his home. He had a successful auctioneering business these many years and has recounted his life experiences in his 2025 book, “Life Goes On - Memoirs of Martin Claire to 2025.”
His beautiful wife of 40 years was an active member of our group. Shelly and Joanne took early morning walks at 6:30 a.m. They combined it with swimming five days a week for over 30 years. Shelly was also involved in ceramics where she created beautiful jewelry and dishes. She passed away in 2022 at the age of 84. Her spirited presence was a joy for all of us and she is sorely missed.
