Week of April 4, 2025
Week of April 4, 2025
(JTA) — Nearly 80 members of Congress from both parties are calling for the Trump administration to end a freeze on security funding for religious institutions. The halt to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, or NSGP, began recently as part of an overall funding freeze on FEMA, the federal disaster relief agency. Synagogues, schools and Jewish community centers have long relied on the funding, which goes to religious institutions of all kinds, to pay for measures like security cameras or bollards to protect their buildings. “At a time...
(JNS) — Egg prices remain high in much of the United States following an avian flu outbreak that led to the loss of many egg-laying chickens and has caused an ensuing egg shortage a month before the holidays of Passover and Easter in April, when eggs take center stage. Limited supplies as a result of what is commonly called the “bird flu” are related to the loss of many egg-laying chickens. According to CBS News, more than 148 million birds have been ordered euthanized since the current strain of bird flu was first detected in 2022....
Chana Ben-Abraham, Gotlib Jewish Academy Head of School, announced that Jacqueline Drazen McGrail will be joining the school as the new Director of School Operations, beginning the week of March 24. In this role, she will oversee business operations, admissions, marketing, fundraising, and school events, taking on responsibilities previously managed by the executive director as part of a realignment of administrative duties to strengthen the school's growth and operations. McGrail brings over a...
If you’re looking for a home-cooked Passover meal, then join Temple Israel for a meaningful second-night Seder filled with fabulous food and friends. The date is April 13, at 5 p.m. Rabbi Joshua Neely includes all ages in this meaningful and participatory Seder that blends tradition with modern-day relevance. “The Seder tells us each year to feel as though we too were slaves in Egypt before our liberation. The last year and a half has made it easier for Jews around the world to empathize with our ancestors and all who are oppressed. To...
Nestled in the heart of Altamonte Springs, Sabbaba Market & Deli is a hidden gem bringing the rich, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to Central Florida and beyond. Owned and operated by Rachel and Joel Kirshblum, Sabbaba Market is a culinary treasure of great food served with a smile. Every dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes. From golden, crispy Jerusalem falafel to crispy borekas, creamy babaganoush and hummus, everything is made in-house with love and care. Sabbaba also offers traditional foods...
(JNS) — The University of Pittsburgh, a more than 235-year-old public school in Pennsylvania, placed the campus Students for Justice in Palestine chapter on “interim suspension of registration” on Tuesday, the Pitt News, a student publication, reported. “Individuals acting on behalf of SJP” engaged “improperly” in “communications to members of the conduct hearing board,” Jamey Mentzer, associate director of student conduct at the highly-ranked university, reportedly wrote to the student group’s leaders. “This suspension...
(JTA) — Days after Yeshiva University announced that it would recognize a club supporting LGBTQ students, its president said the values espoused by a typical “Pride” club are “antithetical” to the school. Rabbi Ari Berman also claimed that the Modern Orthodox school’s decision to allow an LGBTQ club, after years of fighting in court not to recognize one, did not represent a reversal. He apologized for how the school had initially communicated the announcement. “I deeply apologize to the members of our community — our students...
Anti-Hamas protesters march in Gaza, in rare and risky show of dissent By Philissa Cramer (JTA) — Hundreds of men shouting criticism of Hamas marched in Gaza on March 25, according to footage shared from the territory the terror group has long governed. Protests took place March 25-26 throughout the enclave, including in Khan Younis and neighborhoods of Gaza City. The demonstrations were a rare and risky public display of dissent against Hamas, which began controlling the territory in 2006 and ousted its rivals in a brief civil war the...
(JNS) — Representatives from seven countries released a statement condemning the “reprehensible acts of hostage-taking and unjust detention.” The “Joint Statement on Unjust Detention” was released by representatives from the United States, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Israel and the United Kingdom at a bilateral meeting in Big Sky, Mont., on Tuesday, according to the U.S. State Department. “These acts are a flagrant affront to human rights. Perpetrators of these practices shatter lives and communities, undermine peace, and...
(JNS) — The U.S. Department of Education sent notices to 60 universities on Monday warning that they could face consequences if they fail to meet their obligations, under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, to protect Jewish college students from harassment. Linda McMahon, the U.S. education secretary, stated that university leaders must do more to combat Jew-hatred on campus. “The department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic...
(JTA) — Almost one in four U.S. adults raised Jewish do not identify as religiously Jewish anymore, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center. The study, published March 26, surveyed “religious switching” around the world, and found that significant percentages of people raised in religious homes in the United States and internationally are now religiously unaffiliated. Smaller numbers have converted to another religion. Among Americans raised Jewish, 17 percent now describe themselves as religiously unaffiliated. An...
(JNS) — Sitting here in Israel, I ask myself if this is the same Middle East it was before Oct. 7, 2023. Yes, the war that was waged on Israel on seven fronts continues into its 17th month, and at least 59 hostages are still not home with many no longer alive. However, something else has changed. Although still a threat, Hezbollah has been severely neutered. The Israeli Air Force sent a squadron of F-151 planes on Sept. 27, dropping more than 80 bombs. The body of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s commander-in-chief, was found lying in the...
(JNS) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likes to cite polls that indicate American support for Israel, but while it might not concern him, the data suggests the bipartisan consensus that has helped sustain the special relationship has completely collapsed. Sympathy for Israel has severely eroded, driven by the cratering of support from the Democratic Party. While political backing in Washington still holds firm, public sentiment is shifting in ways that could have long-term consequences for Israel. For decades, the most consistent...
(Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs via JNS) — The exile of terrorist operatives is often perceived as an effective strategic measure: It removes them from familiar territory, disrupts their organizational grip, and serves as a powerful deterrent. In Palestinian culture, the connection to the land is considered sacred — “Take my daughters, take my home, but do not take my land.” Therefore, exile from the homeland is seen as a particularly severe punishment. However, in reality, this approach often turns out to be a...
I always look forward to Passover, and I know I’m not alone. According to conclusions from a 2013 Pew survey, you and I are more likely to attend a Passover seder than to fulfill the solemn mitzvah of fasting on Yom Kippur. The epicurean delights that frequent the seder table (and the mitzvah to drink copious cups of wine, I’m sure), are part of what draws us to the holiday. That, and the sense of renewal we feel from connecting with family and friends. Still, I don’t think that’s the reason the “Festival of Freedom,” as this...
(JNS) — Israel stands on the precipice of a decisive victory over its adversaries. As the military campaign in Gaza resumes, Hamas finds itself with almost no options and even fewer allies. Its infrastructure has been decimated and its argument that the war with Israel was over has been unraveled. Meanwhile, the Houthis are preoccupied with their battles against U.S. forces. Hezbollah finds itself deeply wounded and withdrawn from Southern Lebanon and Syria and unable to help Hamas. Similarly, Iran is in no position to help or support...
(JNS) - On Oct. 7, 2023, the world witnessed what Hamas terrorists are capable of, as armed Gazans gleefully bragged about their ability to torture, murder, mutilate, burn alive, rape and kidnap unarmed civilian children, women and men. And the world saw the unthinkable murderous scenes and reacted. And the reaction was wicked. On Oct. 8, 2023, the truth began to come out loud and clear. The central truth was that anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, global antisemitism was lying so close to the surface,...
(JTA) - An endless Passover seder takes center stage in "One Little Goat: A Passover Catastrophe," by writer Dara Horn and illustrator Theo Ellsworth, award-winners who teamed up for a humor-filled, time-travel graphic novel for young people. The tale of an epic seder - it drags on for six months - joins a new crop of children's books with Passover themes, from a based-on-a-true-story retelling of a Pesach celebration on Mt. Everest to a look inside President Barack Obama's White House seder, a...
As Central Florida’s senior population grows, the Jewish Pavilion Senior Services and Orlando Senior Help Desk have become vital pillars of support for both seniors and their families. Rooted in Jewish values of compassion, respect, and community, these organizations offer critical resources that promote dignity, connection, and care for aging individuals. A legacy of compassionate care For over 25 years, the Jewish Pavilion has been dedicated to serving seniors throughout Greater Orlando. It...
When I speak to groups and describe Susya, I often mention that there is no common crime. They seem incredulous. In this day and age, how can such a thing be possible? Growing up in the U.S,. a child of the 1980s, I remember all too well the faces of kidnapped children posted on milk containers. We'd see them every morning as we ate our breakfast. The warnings about kidnappers were constant. "Don't take candy from a stranger" and the ever-popular "don't talk to strangers," and we girls were...
For many, Passover planning begins the day they sift through bags of Purim goodies. Then faced with the inevitable panic, especially this year, when seder falls on a Saturday night, they have to get organized. Israelis usually do not have to deal with two-day holidays, but that’s what makes this year different from most all other years. Outside Israel, Jews get a three-day holiday bonanza. JNS consulted with professional organizers and event planners to help readers get a leg up this year for Passover cleaning, shopping, and getting ready...
Arthritis affects many seniors, causing pain and limited mobility. Exercise can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Family caregivers play a vital role in encouraging tailored exercise routines, enabling loved ones to stay active and healthy. Regular exercise offers numerous benefits for arthritis sufferers: • Reduces Joint Pain and Stiffness: Activities like walking, swimming, and tai chi can ease discomfort and improve flexibility. • Improves Flexibility: Stretching exercises enhance joint flexibility and range of...
Make your own Haggadah with your kids. We included a paragraph history of each side of the family of where the ancestors were born and how and when they came to the U. S. The kids can be assigned to draw pictures of the different parts of the Seder or decorate the pages of the book. I found physical items to represent the 10 plagues like plastic, insects, cows, etc. and made pictures of those items that that were more complicated. Each child was assigned to present the item at the appropriate time during the Seder. The children helped prepare...
I had two sons and a son-in-law who had Passover birthdays. I developed Passover birthday cakes for them that didn’t taste like cardboard. Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Double quantities for two layers. 3/4 cup Passover approved oil 1 cup matzo meal 1 cup walnut or pecan meal 3/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt Grated zest of 1 large orange plus 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 3 large eggs, separated, plus 3 egg whites 3oz. Passover semisweet chocolate coarsely chopped chocolate (1/2 cup) Brush bottoms of two...
This is the story of two Polish Holocaust survivors from Poland, united by despicable tragedy and strengthened by the love for the children they raised. Yakov "Jacob" Kazimierek, was born in Mlawa, Poland on Dec. 10, 1926, one of the seven children of Abraham and Hannah (Granaska) Kazimierek. The family farmed and raised cattle, which they milked or slaughtered. After Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939 thousands of the country's Jews were subjected to the Nazis' persecution, terror, and...
Heritage introduces a new columnist, Steven Cardonick. We hope you will enjoy his twice-a-month column. Steven Cardonick is a veteran lounge singer, impressionist, and stand-up comedian. He took his love of singing and passion for Jewish identity to a storefront Fort Lauderdale synagogue where he was welcomed as a cantor. Then came an invitation to study for the rabbinate and ordination in 2002. His writing experience naturally includes that of his stage shows but also regular columns for...
MORNING MINYANS Chabad of South Orlando — Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. and 10 minutes before sunset; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday, 8:15 a.m., 407-354-3660. Congregation Ahavas Yisrael — Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m., 407-644-2500. Congregation Chabad Lubavitch of Greater Daytona — Monday, 8 a.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m., 904-672-9300. Congregation Ohev Shalom — Sunday, 9 a.m., 407-298-4650. GOBOR Community Minyan at Jewish Academy of Orlando — Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Temple Israel — Sunday,...
