Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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(JNS) — Some 5,000 people attended the annual Chabad lighting of the National Menorah on the Ellipse, south of the White House, on Wednesday night, the first night of Chanukah, according to organizers, who had to set up extra chairs for the overflow crowd. Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch, emceed the event, which he and his father, Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, have organized for decades. He told JNS that the turnout and energy at the event show that Jews ha...
(JTA) - As 2024 came to a close, we looked back and mourned the Jewish icons who have left outsized legacies on politics, the arts, sports and everything in between In chronological order, here is a selection of obituaries of 18 notable Jews who died in 2024. Pearl Berg At the time of her death, Pearl Berg was thought to be the oldest Jewish person in the world, and the ninth-oldest overall. A philanthropist active in her local Hadassah chapter, Berg was married for 58 years to Mark Berg, a...
(JNS) - Anna hugs a battery-powered cat named Ginger. Seeing the social, friendly and positive child full of hugs, one would never guess the horrors she experienced during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas massacre. How she hid for hours as she waited for someone to rescue her while her mother's bloody body blocked the closet door where she hid, and her father's lifeless body lay just a few feet away. We've read the headlines and stories. We remember those who were interviewed, giving voice to their...
(JNS) - A 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp, decorated with depictions of the Temple of Jerusalem's menorah, has been uncovered in the city, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Thursday. The lamp, which was used for lighting and has been dated to the Late Roman Period, was uncovered completely intact during an archaeological excavation on the Mount of Olives earlier this year, the state-run archaeological body said. The announcement of the discovery was timed for the eight-day Chanukah...
At Cascade Heights, a longstanding partner of the Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, the warmth of community and tradition radiated through the halls, as residents and volunteers came together for a joyful Shabbat service and Chanukah party. For many years, Cascade Heights has been a proud Platinum Sponsor of the Jewish Pavilion, and their collaboration has turned these celebrations into much-anticipated events on the holiday calendar. This year, Cascade Heights transformed their activities room...
Exhibition — “Escape Denied: The Frank Family’s Struggle for Freedom,” exhibition will open on Jan. 16 and run through May 2, 2025. The opening reception will be on Jan. 16 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The exhibit reveals the Frank family’s struggle to emigrate from Nazi-occupied Europe, highlighting their failed attempts to find refuge in the U.S. and Cuba, and the broader impact of immigration policies during that time. Register at holocaustedu.org. International Holocaust Remembrance Day — The Holocaust Center will observe the 80th annivers...
(JNS) — Preliminary numbers for the first half of 2024 show a 15 percent increase in foreign investment in Israel, according to the annual report of the Chief Economist’s Office of Israel’s Finance Ministry, published on Tuesday. With the exception of a major investment by Intel, 2023 saw a 24 percent decline in foreign investment in Israeli hi-tech compared to the previous year, the report states, according to Israel’s Globes business daily. Only 1,563 deals were concluded in 2023, compared to 2,502 in 2022—a drop of 62 percent. Key investmen...
(JNS) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that the military will continue to maintain security control over the Gaza Strip after the war with Hamas concludes. “In response to various reports, my position regarding Gaza is clear. After we defeat Hamas’s military and governing power in Gaza, Israel will maintain security control in Gaza with full freedom of action, just as in Judea and Samaria,” the minister wrote in a post to X. “We will not allow any terrorist group to organize against Israeli communities and citizens...
(JTA) — WASHINGTON — The Pittsburgh synagogue shooter’s federal death sentence remains intact, after President Joe Biden commuted 37 of the 40 sentences of prisoners on federal death row. All of the three men still sentenced to death committed crimes that were motivated by hate or terrorism. Biden’s announcement early Monday morning is among a number of measures he is taking to protect his policies and vision ahead of Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. Biden froze the use of the death penalty while in office and Trump has said he plans to...
(JNS) — The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous has announced its largest one-time seasonal award to rescuers of Jews during the years of World War II and the Holocaust. “During history’s darkest hour, these brave men and women risked their lives and the lives of their families to save Jews from Nazi persecution,” Stanlee Stahl, JFR executive vice president, told JNS, referring to Righteous Gentiles. “As they grow older, many face increasing hardship and isolation. We hope this special award allows them to experience joy this holiday season, cr...
(JNS) — Lebanon stands at a pivotal crossroads. For decades, Hezbollah, fueled by Iranian patronage and bolstered by Syrian support, has held the nation’s destiny in its iron grasp. Yet with the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria and the recent elimination of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s once-charismatic leader, that seemingly unbreakable hold is weakening. Stripped of vital supply lines, cut off from Tehran’s backing and now led by an unremarkable successor, Hezbollah’s dominance is at its most tenuous point in living memory. The question...
(JNS) — If there was one terrorist whose life epitomized the Arab war against Israel and shattered the illusions fostered by the Oslo Accords, it was Fuad Shubaki, who died this week at the age of 83. Shubaki was born in Gaza in 1940. Note that the Jews didn’t rule Gaza in those days (the British did), so Gazans didn’t demand a Palestinian state and didn’t organize any movement for independence. The next occupier was Egypt. The Egyptians illegally occupied Gaza in 1948 and ruled it for the next 19 years—yet still, there was no uprising...
(JNS) — If it’s Tuesday, then it must be time for more cries of a fake famine in Gaza. Gaza, as you know, has been starving to death now since Oct. 2023. A year later, Gaza is notable for having some of the fattest starvation victims around. The Biden administration, its congressional allies and the media have continued to lambast Israel for “blocking food” from entering Gaza despite undeniable evidence of a constant flow of food into Gaza. But that only matters so much when the United Nations refuses to deliver it. Again. Staggering images...
(JNS) — Every year, as Hollywood shuts down for the winter holidays, an unassuming list makes its way into executive inboxes. “The Black List,” as it has been known for the last two decades, ranks the most popular unproduced screenplays of the year, according to the executives and producers who read them. Getting a screenplay on this list can be a career-defining moment for a screenwriter. Ranking near the top of the list can fast-track a project to production. Many “Black List” screenplays have been produced, and a notable percentag...
(JNS) — The International Federation of Journalists was disturbed last month when the Israeli Cabinet voted to cut all financial ties with Haaretz, the country’s self-described “paper of record” with a proud, far-left bent. “We are extremely concerned over Israel’s authoritarian drift that undermines media pluralism and the public’s right to know,” Anthony Bellanger, the IFJ general secretary. responded to the move. “The IFJ urges the government to review its decision and stop damaging press freedom in the country by boycotting a news...
(JNS) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently on trial for allegations of bribery and/or requests for better press coverage, which could be interpreted as normal official actions of a democratically elected leader. He is certainly not the first leader to be accused of bribery or corruption while in office. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a similar case back in 2016 when it found, in a unanimous 8-0 decision, in favor of former Virginia Gov. Robert (“Bob”) McDonnell. The U.S. Justice Department had charged McDonnell with corrupt...
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, 9 a.m., 407-647-3...
(Israel Hayom via JNS) — Talks toward a hostage release deal have gained significant traction, an Israeli government official said on Monday evening. Recent negotiations have focused on bridging gaps, particularly regarding the deployment of Israeli forces along the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors during a ceasefire. Reuters reported that an Israeli delegation has traveled to Doha to continue the dialogue. “The Philadelphi and Netzarim routes are no longer an obstacle; Hamas has shown flexibility on these matters,” Defense Minister Israe...
(JTA) — Last December, in a column about the Jewish books of 2023, I predicted that “next year’s list will include a slew of books dealing with the crisis in Israel or will be read through the lens of the war.” It was an easy call: If this year’s nonfiction Jewish authors didn’t focus directly on the tragedy or aftermath of Oct. 7 — Israeli journalist Lee Yaron in “10/7: 100 Human Stories,” massacre survivor Amir Tibon in “The Gates of Gaza” and Adam Kirsch in “On Settler Colonialism: Id...
Identifying the signs of stress is crucial for maintaining well-being, especially as people age. Listen to your body’s cues, whether it’s tension headaches, muscle tightness, or a constant feeling of unease. Taking proactive steps to counter these effects is key. Try deep breathing exercises, take a leisurely walk, or simply carve out a moment to focus on relaxation techniques. Prioritize your time for self-care Carving out time for yourself is not selfish – it’s necessary for maintaining balance and vitality. Incorporate daily routine...
Park Avenue Synagogue’s senior cantor, Azi Schwartz, may already be leader at one of Manhattan’s most venerable Conservative congregations, but following a recent Shabbat service, it appears that the synagogue’s musical output may become even more … popular. On Dec. 7, Schwartz, along with his colleague, Assistant Cantor Mira Davis, premiered a new version of “Adon Olam” — a prayer that traditionally concludes Shabbat morning services — set to the tune “Popular” from the hit Broadway musical-tu...
(Israel Hayom via JNS) - Beginning on Jan. 20, 2025, "it will be possible to take additional actions in Gaza," senior Israeli officials say. The prevailing impression in Israel is that President-elect Donald Trump does not particularly care what measures Israel employs in the Gaza Strip. He has two clear objectives: the release of the hostages, and an Israeli victory to conclude the war. The methods to achieve these aims appear irrelevant to him. In Jerusalem, as well as in the Kirya military...
(Israel Hayom via JNS) — Externally, the Iranian regime appears preoccupied with managing its proxies, future investments in Syria, and rehabilitating Hezbollah—but behind the scenes, Iranian society is approaching collapse. Air pollution, shortages of oil and gas, frequent power outages, unpaid salaries, and brain drain are just some of the problems that Iranian citizens face. These issues are worsening daily with cumulative damage. In conversations with researchers studying Iranian society, issues of corruption and sanctions emerge. Will all...
(JNS) — The 37th anniversary of the Hamas terrorist organization’s founding on Dec. 10 came during a period of decline due to defeats in Gaza and the broader region, a senior Hamas official based in Turkey told Saudi media. “Hamas is suffering from a genuine leadership crisis,” the official said. “The Al-Aqsa Flood [Oct. 7, 2023], attack backfired on us, submerging us in a sea of blood and crises. The most recent blow was the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria, with which Hamas had been attempting to rebuild relations.” The Syrian govern...
