Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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When Jacquelyn Berger, Ph.D., along with her son Jeffrey and his family and daughter Marni Stahlman and her family, expressed a desire to acquire a Torah with a history of Jewish survival for Chabad of Greater Orlando, little did they dream their search would uncover a Torah buried by a rabbi to prevent its inevitable destruction by Nazis in the darkest days of the Holocaust. Dr. Berger feels that donating this Torah is a means to give a legacy of inspiration and joy to her family and way of sho...
Rachel Greenspan has been appointed as the new executive director of Shalom Orlando. Greenspan, formerly interim co-executive director, is now responsible for all of Shalom Orlando's many facets including the J, its Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, Camp J, RAISE, and more. Along with her two bachelor's degrees in Early Childhood Education and Child Psychology, Greenspan's career experience makes her well suited for all these roles. She...
The Jewish Chamber is excited to host a free Chanukah breakfast on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at One Senior Place, located at 715 Douglas Ave in Altamonte Springs. This festive event will begin at 9 a.m. and is open to the community, offering a warm and welcoming introduction to Chanukah for over 30 attendees, including many who may not be familiar with the holiday's traditions. Attendees will enjoy festive decor and a spread of delicious homemade holiday foods, generously provided by Jewish Pavilion...
The 26th annual Central Florida Jewish Film Festival will delight the senses and stir much thought. Running from Saturday night, Nov. 2 through Monday evening, Nov. 4, six very different films will bring laughter, tears and contemplation. An overriding theme of all six films seems to be choices made and relationships broken or kept. Here is the lineup: Saturday, Nov. 2, 7:45 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center Digital Adventure Center The Performance Laced with beautiful 1930's music, songs, and...
On Sunday, Oct. 13, Jewish Pavilion Senior Services brought together residents, family members, and board members at Village on the Green for a festive Wine and Cheese Party in celebration of Sukkot. Attendees enjoyed a delicious spread of wine, cheese, fruit, white fish, herring, and challah, all while surrounded by beautifully decorated lemons. Jane Edelstein, board chair of Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, welcomed the crowd and spoke about the deeper significance of Sukkot. "Sukkot reminds...
After the cancellation of last year's Men's Night Out due to the Oct. 7 attack, the organizing committee and sponsors decided to go forward with the Eighth annual Men's Night Out, to be held at Congregation Ohev Shalom on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, starting at 5:30 p.m. Organized and presented by Congregation Ohev Shalom, Temple Israel, Congregation of Reform Judaism, Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation, in conjunction with Shalom Orlando, Men's Night Out is a collaborative outreach program and a "community driven" gathering designed to bring...
Jewish Pavilion Senior Services is excited to host a festive pre-Chanukah Breakfast for the Maitland Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 8:30 a.m. The breakfast will take place at New Hope for Kids, located at 544 Mayo Avenue in Maitland, and is expected to welcome over 50 attendees. For many of the participants, this will be their first experience learning about the holiday of Chanukah, making it a special opportunity for cultural exchange and community building. While not everyone attending is Jewish, all will be treated to an...
On Oct. 1, over 25 participants gathered for the Jewish Chamber's monthly networking breakfast, which was themed to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. The event offered a mix of professional networking and cultural enrichment. Jewish Pavilion Senior Services helped set the festive atmosphere, providing traditional high holiday decorations, including items like apples and honey. Attendees enjoyed round raisin challah, honey cake, homemade apple kugel, baba ganoush, lox for bagels, and other traditional...
Jewish Pavilion Senior Services is thrilled to announce the success of its 2024 online auction, which raised over $32,000 — the highest amount in its history! With nearly 400 people registering to participate, this year’s auction not only exceeded its fundraising goals but also set new records for community engagement. The funds raised will directly benefit seniors and their families, helping JPSS continue to provide essential services, enrichment programs, and support that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. From social eve...
The Kristallnacht Commemorative Program will be observed on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The Center will present “Silent Witness: The Ten Commandments Stone of Egelsbach,” and will include the unveiling of the newly acquired original 800-lb. sandstone Ten Commandments tablet from the old synagogue of Egelsbach, Germany. This tablet stands as a powerful symbol of resilience amidst the persecution faced by the Jewish communities of Germany, from the stone’s installation in 1903 to its final journey from Germany to Florida in 2000. The exh...
Through the efforts of Opera Orlando, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Sings, and the Defiant Requiem Foundation, as well as the support of the Holocaust Center's generous donors and ticket buyers, $100,000 has been raised for the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida. These funds will help to continue the Center's mission to educate the community and foster a just and caring society free from prejudice and bigotry. The Center extends its heartfelt gratitude to...
Whether you want books, beef, or bucks, be sure to attend Temple Israel's Second Annual Book Fair and Corned Beef Sandwich Day on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Roth Social Hall at 50 S. Moss Road in Winter Springs. There are thousands of donated books to choose from, organized by fiction, nonfiction, and children's books, as well as miscellaneous media such as games, puzzles, CDs, and other make-an-offer items. Hardcover books are priced at $2, while paperbacks cost $1 each....
The Jewish Pavilion Harvest and Post-Sukkot Networking Festival is more than an event—it’s an opportunity to come together, celebrate the season, and support a cause that enriches the lives of our beloved seniors. Just as Sukkot invites us to gather in joy, gratitude, and community, this festival is designed to foster connections, camaraderie, and meaningful relationships—all while supporting the incredible work of the Jewish Pavilion. The festival will be held Thursday, Nov. 7, from 4-6 p.m. at Watercrest Winter Park for an evening fille...
Synagogue Service Schedule for Yom Kippur For information about services at local synagogues not listed, contact the individual congregations. Unless listed, for tickets or information, contact the individual synagogue. Chabad of Altamonte (Orthodox) Rabbi Mendy Bronstein Chabad of Altamonte 195 S Westmonte Drive #1126 Altamonte Springs, Fl 32701 www.jewishaltamonte.com There is no cost for services. RSVP is requested. Visit website to make a reservation. Shofar in the Park will be held at Cranes Roost Park, near the Embassy Suites Hotel....
Chabad of Greater Orlando caught on fire on Sunday, Sept. 22. The fire started around 11 a.m., less than a half hour after Shachrit davening had ended. No one was injured. A security guard noticed smoke coming from the roof and called the Fire department. It took 60 firefighters and seven firetrucks over an hour to get the fire fully under control, according to Rabbi Dovid Dubov. More than 50 percent of the building was destroyed. "Gaping holes burned through the roof and the ceiling collapsed,...
Located in beautiful Delaney Park near downtown Orlando, Kinneret Apartments continues to be a viable and attractive option for all low-income, independent seniors. In 1967, leaders in the Jewish community saw the need to create a community for seniors living on a fixed income and applied for a HUD mortgage to start building the first tower. The Kinneret Council on Aging was formed in 1985 as a non-profit organization to provide a meal service, health and fitness programs and Jewish cultural events and holiday celebrations to the over 300...
Chabad of Altamonte has four women’s clubs that are open to the community and meet throughout the month. Club #1 is Torah & Tea with Mussie Bronstein. Bronstein’s passion to inspire and reach out has been imbedded in her very essence since childhood. She has years of experience as a successful teacher, mentor and program director for young students. She is a beloved educator to many. Club #2 is Baking, Art & Games with Hadas & Natalie. Hadas and Natalie are passionate about art and food with years of experience. They offer baking, art and games...
After seeing the outpouring of community support, Kappy's owners Adam and Rachel Milsom and the property owners negotiated a new lease, allowing Kappy's to reopen on Monday, Sept. 23. "Community involvement was key," said Rachel. "The entire Kappy's family is grateful for the incredible outpouring of love we've received from the community. We appreciate the support of the property's new owners and are pleased to begin serving you again ... and look forward to continuing serving you for years to...
For information about services at local synagogues not listed, contact the individual congregations. Unless listed, for tickets or information, contact the individual synagogue. Celebration Jewish Congregation (Reform) Reform High Holy Days Services from New York City's Central Synagogue can be a meaningful way for CJC families to attend services virtually. The Jewish Broadcasting Service provides access to Central Synagogue's Services. Please see the JBS website below for more information. In the Orlando area, JBS is carried on the following ...
“Please join us at Congregation Ohev Shalom on Oct. 6th as we come together as a community to commemorate the tragic and horrific events of Oct. 7,” commented Tracy Hilbert, COS executive director. “‘Remembering the Darkness, Rising with Hope’ will be an impactful program that brings all Jews together in unity to remember and reflect. This interactive experience and exhibition, in partnership with the IAC and cosponsored by a host of Jewish organizations, will also serve as a beacon of hope f...
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, Jewish Pavilion Senior Services hosted a Sponsors Breakfast at Allegro Winter Park, bringing together 40 attendees, including sponsors, board members, and staff. Nancy Ludin, CEO of Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, began by acknowledging the significance of the date - 9/11 - reflecting on the tragic events of that day and the ongoing threat of terrorism worldwide. She also addressed the recent terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7, where innocent lives were lost at a...
On Tuesday, Sept. 3rd, at 8:30 a.m., the Jewish Chamber launched its first free monthly networking breakfast, drawing a diverse group of 20 participants. The event was hosted by Chris Shepherd, director of One Senior Place, who welcomed attendees and provided an insightful overview of the resources and services offered by One Senior Place, a comprehensive support center for seniors and their families. During his presentation, Shepherd highlighted the mission of One Senior Place, emphasizing its...
Chabad of Greater Orlando caught on fire on Sunday, Sept. 22. The fire started around 11 a.m., less than a half hour after Shachrit davening had ended. No one was injured. A security guard noticed smoke coming from the roof and called the Fire department. It took 60 firefighters and seven firetrucks over an hour to get the fire fully under control, according to Rabbi Dovid Dubov. More than 50 percent of the building was destroyed. “Gaping holes burned through the roof and the ceiling c...
A landmark diner since 1967, Kappy's is closing on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 4 p.m. "or until they run out of food," said Executive Chef Adam Milsom. Located at the intersection of Sybelia Ave. and 17/92 in Maitland, this small drive-up deli has been serving Philly cheese steaks, burgers, N.Y. hot dogs, subs and the best root beer floats in town for 57 years. Kappy's also was recognized in "Kehillah: A History of Jewish Life in Greater Orlando," under the Growth: Hospitality section, where it fit...
Dr. Kenneth Hanson’s powerful documentary about the Oct. 7 massacre of 1200 innocent Jewish men, women and children, will be shown on Sept. 18 at noon at the UCF Hillel Center. The documentary reveals without question the who, what, where and why of the attack by Hamas on innocent Israelis. Disgustingly, the atrocities committed on Oct. 7 were almost immediately denied. This video will equip viewers the ammunition needed to “deny the deniers.” Central Florida Hillel is located at 3925 Lockw...