Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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The International Holocaust Remembrance Day will be observed on Jan. 26, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., at The Roth Family JCC. The event is held yearly in remembrance of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on Jan. 27, 1945, and to commemorate those who lived through or were murdered during the Holocaust. State House Representative Anna Eskamani will speak at the event, as well as Irving Locker, a D-Day veteran and Jewish-American liberator. The event is free and open to the public. Register at www.holocaustedu.org....
One million paper clips are piled high on black construction paper on the stage, lit by a spotlight. Above it, the flickering black and white film of Jews walking to their deaths in a Nazi concentration camp is being shown on a theater-sized screen. And standing in front of the stage is the 17-year-old Edgewater High School senior who orchestrated this scene, along with several other exhibits that make a powerful stand against antisemitism and all sorts of hate. The first thing you notice about...
Speaking at a fundraising event held at the home of Barry and Donna Render, newly elected State Senator Randy Fine confirmed that he is running for Florida's 6th congressional district U.S. House of Representatives. Governor Ron DeSantis called for this special election to fill the seat vacated by Republican incumbent Michael Waltz, who was chosen by president-elect Donald Trump to be White House national security adviser. Keith Dvorchik, who has known Fine for more than six years and worked with him when he was CEO of the Greater Orlando...
The Jewish Chamber of Commerce in Orlando, led by Board President Harrison Shames of the Jewish National Fund, continues its mission of fostering community connections and providing networking opportunities to individuals from all backgrounds. Each month, the Chamber hosts a free networking breakfast at One Senior Place in Altamonte Springs, welcoming both members and non-members, regardless of faith or affiliation. Held every first Thursday morning at 8:30 am, the networking breakfast offers a...
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...
A beautiful example of unity and collaboration brought the Southwest Jewish community together, showcasing its spirit of support for one another at the Rosen JCC Community Chanukah Fest. This celebration was the result of a successful collaboration among numerous Jewish nonprofits, offering unique activities for both children and adults. The event drew several hundred participants, creating a memorable community gathering. Highlights of the activities and their hosts included Chanukah Silly Putty and Instant Snow by Rosen JCC, Candle Making by...
Full or part-time Disney employees can log their volunteer hours and Disney will make a financial contribution to the Jack and Lee Rosen Jewish Community Center, no matter where you volunteered your time. Disney rewards all volunteerism by turning company-sponsored and personal volunteer hours into charitable donations. Cast members can convert their time into a grant for an eligible charity of their choice, and can do so throughout the calendar year, up to a total of $2,000 per employee. Hours may be logged up to Jan. 15 of the following year...
Chabad of South Orlando will host the annual Grand Car Menorah Parade on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. The parade will start at the Chabad Center of Jewish Life, 7347 W. Sand Lake Rd. with a police escort and finish at the Menorah lighting celebration, 5135 International Drive. To participate in the parade, arrive at the Chabad Center by 5:30 p.m....
On Sunday, Dec. 15, Temple Israel Sisterhood sponsored a Chanukah Market. The event, which featured a variety of local vendors, had something for everyone to enjoy. Among the most popular offerings were delicious treats from Sage Catering which served up fresh sandwiches and donuts. The market was a haven for those looking for unique, handmade items. Local artisans showcased a variety of crafts including pottery and Judaica jewelry. Other tables included fair-trade chocolate, dog-related items,...
Temple Israel Adult Education is hosting a Virtual Travel Series that continues in January. This is offered to the community by Temple Israel. Places to visit include Jewish Mexico, Jewish Ireland and Jewish Jamaica. There is no cost to enjoy this series that can be enjoyed from the privacy of your own home. Register at templeisraelevents.com to get the zoom link. Jan. 30, 2025 — 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. “Jewish Mexico” with Monica Unikel-Fasja This will be a visual tour to get to know the origins of Jewish life in Mexico at the beginning of th...
On Tuesday, December 3, the Jewish Chamber hosted a festive Hanukkah breakfast at One Senior Place in Altamonte Springs, welcoming 25 attendees from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the Festival of Lights. The event featured a vibrant display of holiday décor and a delicious spread of homemade Hanukkah favorites creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests enjoyed classic treats like latkes, sufganiyot, and other traditional holiday dishes while connecting with fellow attendees. The...
Join with Temple Israel Sisterhood for these upcoming events. To register for each event, please go to templeisraelevents.com Dec. 15 — Hanukkah Market open to the public, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Jan 12 — Zumba with Miritza Aguilar in the Roth Social Hall, from 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. The cost is $5. Jan 26 — Book Club – “The Hebrew Teacher” by Maya Arad, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. All are welcome. Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 30, April 27 — Yoga at 9 a.m. Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 30, April 27 — Paint by Numbers with Yaela,10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost is $5 per session for Si...
Heritage Florida Jewish News has had a second change of ownership in its 48-year history. Laura Ossin purchased the paper on Nov. 30, 2024, from its publisher, Jeff Gaeser. Ossin grew up in the Dr. Phillips area. After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in communications and public relations she moved to Winter Park for work. She later met her husband, Lee Ossin, and moved to Maitland where they now reside. If the name Ossin sounds familiar to some that's because Lee is the s...
On Nov. 7, Watercrest Winter Park was abuzz with warmth and community spirit as over 75+ people gathered for the Jewish Pavilion’s Harvest and Post-Sukkot Networking Festival. This festive event brought together individuals from across Central Florida in the true spirit of Sukkot—a season that encourages gathering in joy and gratitude. Attendees enjoyed an evening filled with lively music, delicious food, and exciting raffle prizes that kept the atmosphere electric. The carefully crafted dec...
Jewish Pavilion Senior Services will be hosting its Annual JP Connections event on Monday, Dec. 2, in the ballroom at Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs at 11a.m. This is a one-of-a-kind gourmet luncheon event and holiday shopping bazaar with an array of vendors and raffle prizes. Jewish Pavilion Senior Services volunteers will be recognized for advancing the organization's mission to enrich the lives of seniors of all faiths. More than 150 Jewish Pavilion Senior Services donors will be in...
The Holocaust Center of Florida strongly condemns the horrific scenes from Amsterdam late Thursday, which Deborah Lipstadt, U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, described as “terribly reminiscent of a classic pogrom.” These premeditated attacks have no place in a civilized society, and we welcome the strong response of the Dutch government in opposing and denouncing these attacks. These attacks, coming two days before the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht, served as a terrible reminder of the dangers of antisemitism and pro...
Relationships don’t just happen—they’re nurtured. This course empowers you to enhance, enrich, and nurture all your interpersonal relationships—at home, at work, and beyond. Explore classic Jewish texts to uncover knowledge and skills for practicing empathy, active listening, agreeable disagreement, interpersonal optimism, constructive criticism, and effective relationship repair. This course will run for 6 weeks, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Chabad of South Orlando, 7347 W. Sand Lake Rd....
On Nov. 14, Jewish Pavilion Senior Services brought the holiday spirit to over 50 attendees from the Maitland Chamber of Commerce at New Hope for Kids in Maitland. The Pre-Hanukkah Breakfast, prepared by dedicated Jewish Pavilion staff and volunteers, offered a unique and engaging celebration, complete with festive décor and a menu of delicious homemade holiday foods. The highlight of the morning was an interactive presentation by Jewish Pavilion's CEO, Nancy Ludin, who captivated the audience...
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...
