Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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By Rolene Marks (JNS) - September 16th marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in Iran. The Iranian "morality police" arrested Amini, a 22-year-old woman from Kurdistan, for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly. Iranian police said that Amini died after falling ill in custody and slipping into a coma. Her death resulted in mass protests across Iran, with many women refusing to wear the hijab. These protests were supported by many around the world; and th...
Two Neo-Nazi groups marched in Altamonte Springs and outside the entrance to Disney Springs shopping center on Saturday, Sept. 2. Dressed in red shirts, black pants and black masks, 51 members of the Goyim Defense League and the Blood Tribe, who called the antisemitic demonstration "March of the Redshirts," walked from Sanlando Park to Cranes Roost Park, about a mile and a half away chanting "White power," "Jews will not replace us," and "We are everywhere." Blood Tribe, founded by former U.S....
Led by Rabbi Joshua Neely for 13 years, Temple Israel's growing congregation looks forward to the High Holiday season with guest cantor Teron Cohen. Cantor Cohen has worked in Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Israel, and the U.S. High Holiday tickets for live stream or in-person services are a $180 donation and free with reservations for those under 18, students, armed services personnel, and members in good standing of other synagogues. If you are under 35 and interested in becoming a member,...
(JNS) - A cache of weapons believed to have been hidden by Jews during their revolt against the Romans nearly two millennia ago has been uncovered in the Judean Desert, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Wednesday. The cache, comprising four well-preserved 1,900-year-old Roman swords and a shafted weapon, were found in a crevice in a cave in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve near the Dead Sea about two months ago. They were apparently hidden by Judean rebels after being seized from the...
In a welcoming atmosphere, parents and educators gathered on Wednesday evening, Sept. 6, at Jewish Beginnings Preschool, a vibrant institution operated by Chabad of Altamonte Springs. The occasion was an insightful Parent Open House, where attendees delved into the school's unique educational philosophy, which is now in its third year and has seen exponential growth since its inception. At the heart of the discussion was the idea that learning is a dynamic, creative process. Jewish Beginnings...
On Wednesday, Sept. 6, the Jewish Chamber of Commerce hosted a Rosh Hashanah-themed breakfast at Toojays, which brought together members of the community for a morning of camaraderie and goodwill. From 8 to 10 a.m., attendees indulged in a breakfast spread while also contributing to a noble cause. Participants brought diapers and canned goods to support the Jewish Family Services. The event featured a presentation by Aaron Bernstein, the Development director at Jewish Family Services, who...
The Orlando Chapter of Hadassah announces its Meet the Author Luncheon, featuring Kristin Harmel, local acclaimed author of “The Forest of Vanishing Stars,” “The Book of Lost Names,” and her latest bestseller, “The Paris Daughter.” This event, which includes a catered luncheon, a discussion, and Q&A with the author, will be held on Oct. 3, 11:30 a.m., Congregation Ohev Shalom, Maitland. Attendees will have an opportunity to gain insight into Harmel’s creative process and learn more about her inspiration for her new book. General Admission: Br...
(JTA) — The first kosher delicatessen to open in Ireland in over half a century is proving a surprise hit among Dubliners since it opened its doors in March — and not only among Jews. Located in the southern part of the city, Deli 613 has been serving up a mix of local fare, such as salt beef sandwiches and chopped herring, alongside Israeli comfort food. And the cozy deli — named after the number of mitzvot, or commandments, in the Torah — has quickly cultivated a following. In May, the Irish Times awarded Deli 613 four and a half stars o...
(JNS) — Israel’s National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz on Tuesday dismissed as “spin” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for compromise talks regarding the government’s judicial reform plan. The former defense minister and leading opposition figure made the statement minutes after Netanyahu published a video message urging Gantz to “put aside all the prerequisites, all the obstacles, enter the room and talk.” Saying that the Israeli government had been “captured by extremists,” Gantz called for Netanyahu to dissolve the Knesset and hea...
(JTA) — Libyan Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush has been fired and has fled to Turkey following a meeting last week with Israel’s foreign minister, Eli Cohen. Libya and Israel do not have diplomatic relations, and when he first announced the meeting on Sunday, Cohen hailed it as another breakthrough in Israel’s growing ties with its neighbors. Israel normalized relations with several Arab countries in 2020 under the framework of the Abraham Accords, and is now publicly exploring an agreement with Saudi Arabia. The Israel-Libya meeting, which...
(JTA) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against the multinational food company Unilever tied to Ben and Jerry’s 2021 announcement that it would stop selling ice cream in what it called “Occupied Palestinian Territory.” Unilever is the ice cream maker’s parent company. The lawsuit, which was thrown out on Tuesday, claimed Unilever misled American investors by not immediately sharing the news of the boycott with them. The boycott, which sparked discussion across the Jewish world, is not in force: In December 2022, following a separate,...
(JNS) — “Understand that they want you all dead. You are the only threat to them. When you are gone, all the races will be under the great Jewish heel forever. Fight back white man!!!” This is an excerpt from one of several tweets promoting or inciting violence against Jews that, according to a March 2023 report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), X declined to remove or sanction. The report concluded that “despite purported changes to its policy enforcement and the stated intent of its management, Twitter continues to host antisem...
(JNS) — Israel’s detractors accuse the Jewish state of intentionally killing Palestinian civilians. Moreover, they maintain that because in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict many more Palestinians have died than Israelis, Israel uses disproportionate force. Finally, they imply this death toll is the outcome of Israel blocking a solution to the conflict. Of course, each of these accusations is an outright lie. The truth is, the Israel Defense Force does its utmost to avoid civilian casualties. The IDF’s Code of Ethics stresses the i...
(JNS) — There are many measures by which the success of the Abraham Accords can be determined: Volume of trade, number of tourists, the extent of academic collaboration and so on. As the third year since the signing of the Accords winds down, it’s safe to say that, by all indicators, the relationships have taken off. Trade between Israel and Accords countries has been growing exponentially, mutual investments have taken place and numerous cultural and academic delegations have convened. Much (if not too much) has been said about the high exp...
Preparing for Rosh Hashanah should not be a downer. It’s an auspicious, exciting time for clarity and closeness, grounded in positivity and love. The Hebrew month of Elul, a spiritually super-charged time leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, has a surprising theme. The word “Elul” is an acronym for the phrase “Ani l’dodi v’dodi li – I am for my beloved and my beloved is for me” that comes from King Solomon’s Song of Songs (6:3). To borrow from Tina Turner’s famous song, what’s love got to do with it? Why does this phrase that articulat...
(JNS) — Time always flies, but somehow during this time of year it seems to fly faster than ever. Can you believe it’s only 10 days until Rosh Hashanah? We are deep into the Hebrew month of Elul, which is traditionally dedicated to spiritual preparation before the Days of Judgment on Rosh Hashanah. In Sephardic communities, selichot, penitential prayers, are recited for the entire month. Ashkenazi communities will begin selichot services this coming Saturday night, one week before the new year, as a final run-up to the Yamim Noraim, which mea...
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...
(JTA) – Nearly one in three current Jewish college students has witnessed or experienced some form of antisemitism on campus, according to a new survey. The survey was released by Jewish on Campus, a student-founded antisemitism watchdog group. It was conducted by the polling firm Ipsos and surveyed more than 1,000 college students nationwide who identify as Jewish, as well as approximately 2,000 who reflect the general population of students and are largely not Jewish. The survey was conducted between March and May and has a credibility i...
(JTA) - To prepare for their role in creating Adam Sandler's latest movie, crew members hit the Toronto bar and bat mitzvah circuit. Production designer Perry Blake and set decorator Julia Altschul, guided by a local consultant on the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony, crashed 10 parties within a matter of weeks. "We saw how amazing and big and outlandish and extravagant they were," Blake told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. "With a movie, you usually set your sights high - bigger than the real...
(JNS) - Scientists at Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully created complete synthetic models of human embryos using laboratory-grown stem cells, according to an official release from the Institute. The synthetic embryos were nurtured outside the womb and survived up to 14 days of development with all the features characteristic of their stage, even though no sperm or eggs were used. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, hold significant promise for dive...
(JNS) — Almost three years have elapsed since the signing of the Abraham Accords on the White House lawn. Everything appeared to be progressing smoothly until last month, when a planned visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to Bahrain was postponed due to “scheduling issues.” This set off concerns that Israel’s relationship with Manama is unstable. Critics at the time blamed the alleged cooling of relations on Israel’s security policy in Judea and Samaria, conflicts between Israelis...
Appropriate use of assistive devices can prevent falls. These devices may include canes, walkers, and reachers. A physical or occupational therapist can help you select the correct device and teach you how to use it. Canes — A cane may help you feel more stable when you walk. Different types of canes are available. Some have grips made of foam or that fit the shape of your hand. Many canes can be adjusted, but some cannot. You need to be taught what length cane is best for you. Walkers — A walker will help you stay balanced by giving you a wide...
(JNS) - A peace deal with Israel is a clear Saudi interest and will likely lead to further accords with additional Muslim countries, the acting American ambassador to Israel said Thursday. The remarks by Stephanie Hallett, the chargé d'affaires at the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, were the latest indication that American-led negotiations to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia are in high gear, with an accord thought possible in early 2024. "Saudi Arabia is the preeminent target of...
(JNS) - This High Holiday season, Jewish singles will seek soulmates in Miami Beach, Fla., in between shofar blasts and dipping apples in honey. Sam Intrator, a Modern Orthodox rabbi, is planning the latest iteration of his annual High Holiday events, which his organization KavanahLife Singles has hosted in Miami Beach since 2017. Singles will gather for Rosh Hashanah from Sept. 15-17 at the Holiday Inn Miami Beach-Oceanfront. The organization has also hosted singles events in Phoenix and...
This story originally appeared in The Nosher. Ruffle milk pie is a Greek dessert made with a simple custard base and rose-like coils of phyllo dough. It’s a type of galatopita (Greek for pie made with milk) that is very similar to the Middle Eastern dessert muakacha (Arabic for wrinkle), which is also known as a crinkle cake. Crinkle cakes had a viral TikTok moment last year, and it’s obvious why ruffle pies have become so popular: they’re easy to make and result in a gorgeous, golden brown dess...
