Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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Are you from Central Florida and want to know more about your Jewish roots? Are you trying to understand how Judaism can fit into your own life and provide meaning everyday? Are you interested in being a part of a Jewish family that is having fun and spiritually growing together? JOIN Orlando is an Orlando Jewish Organization that was started over eight years ago and has developed a full and robust calendar of programs, classes, guest speakers, holiday get-togethers, and trips. Its outstanding staff focuses on youth, teens, families, men, and...
On Sunday, March 13, the Men's Club of Congregation Ohev Shalom will host Dr. Steve Selznick who will discuss "Preventative Health Care from sunrise to sunset of your life." Dr. Selznick is a graduate of Des Moines College of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery. He served his residency at Pensacola Education Program and is board certified and a fellow in Family Medicine and certified medical director and arbitrator by Florida Supreme Court, and a national expert witness for medico-legal cases....
The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando stands with its parent organization, the Jewish Federations of North America, as well as the ADL, and the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with many others in strongly condemning the factually inaccurate report issued by Amnesty UK. We stand in support of the democratic State of Israel. Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Eric Fingerhut released the following statement regarding Amnesty International UK’s report on Israel: Jewish Federations strongly condemn Amnesty I...
At an in-person briefing, State Senator Randolph Bracy announced that the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando will receive $150,000 in state funds to secure a new security system for the campus. The in-person meeting came a week after two groups of neo-Nazis rallied in Orlando. One of the groups, the Goyim Defense League, protested outside the JCC campus about a year ago. This time the group was near the UCF campus and stood on a bridge on I-4. "Those kinds of demonstrations are despicable and...
Each month PJ Library sends high-quality, age-appropriate Jewish-themed books to families raising Jewish children. For more than 10 years, families in greater Orlando have been receiving these books on a monthly basis through The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. In addition to the books, PJ Library of Greater Orlando connects families to other families who are making Jewish choices and offers meaningful connections to the Jewish community. For one in three families, PJ Library is one of the first Jewish...
Even though we are in the midst of a pandemic and visitation rights have been decreased at most of the senior living facilities in the area, The Jewish Pavilion has been committed to finding ways to connect with its Jewish residents. Jewish Pavilion program directors have been able to present in-person programs at a variety of sites - not letting even the most minor celebration go unnoticed. Susan Bernstein visited with residents at Village On The Green and presented a Tu B'shvat Seder, which included an explanation of the origins of the...
On Tuesday, Feb. 8th at 6:30 p.m., Eric Ross, senior associate director of the Anti Defamation League’s southern division will be speaking at the Rosen JCC, located at 11184 Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando. Today’s ADL is not like it was in the past. It suppresses information on Muslim antisemitism, convenes speakers who defame Israel, refuses to expose antisemites like Farrakhan, and is a proponent of Critical Race Theory. Most Jews today hold the ADL in high esteem as they rely on its good name earned in years passed. Since many Jews are una...
Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando is proud to announce that the 2022 Kobrin Family Scholarship application is now available. This college scholarship is awarded to a qualified, full-time, graduating high school student in the Jewish communities of Orange, Osceola or Seminole County who will be attending the University of Central Florida. The scholarship is available in the amount of $2,500 per year for a maximum of four (4) years. To learn more and apply, visit www.jf...
The Rosen JCC in Dr. Phillips is excited to celebrate Winterfest on Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will give Florida residents a real taste of the fun things winter offers. There will be an Arctic Snow Slide with real snow. ou even have the opportunity to make snowballs to throw with your friends. But if snow isn’t for you there is a Rock Wall and Interactive Sports to play. You can take a ride on the Holiday Train and stop at the Petting Zoo or play the Inflatable Sports Games. This is going to be an event for the entire family. You c...
Beginning in February, Chabad in Metro Orlando will offer Meditation from Sinai, a fascinating new six-session course by the acclaimed Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, exploring the nature of Jewish meditation and the profound benefits it can bring to one's daily life. Participants in the course will discover what Jewish meditation is, the pivotal role it plays in Jewish tradition, and the fundamental ideas it is based on. The course will teach crucial life tools that help us respond effectively...
Kevin and Melitza Lugo have a deep love for Israel. So deep that they put “their money where their heart is” and started Kemel Inc. Equipment Sales & Imports in 2019 to become distributors for Olea Essence From the Sea of Galilee, an Israeli company that makes olive oil products and gourmet products to women’s and men’s skincare products. One of Olea Essence’s best selling products is its olive oils that come in various flavors. All of the products are plant based and 100 percent natural. “We ca...
Our Cherished Community, There are no words for the fear, anger, and despair we felt this Shabbat as the situation in Colleyville, Texas unfolded. In the same way, words cannot describe our relief when all hostages emerged safely. This horrific incident is a reminder of what we already know: antisemitism remains a serious threat for American Jews in 2022. Federation is dedicated to the fight against antisemitism. We make the safety of our community the top priority every single day. Here in Orlando, we are fortunate to have a top leader in...
The community is invited to join Congregation Ohev Shalom in honoring Cantor Allan Robuck's 30 years of service and dedication to the synagogue at the COS Gala on Sunday, March 6, 2022. The evening's highlight will be "From Bimah to Broadway," a concert by world-renowned vocalist and recording artist Cantor Azi Schwartz. Cantor Schwartz is the senior cantor of Park Avenue Synagogue, the largest Conservative community in New York City and the flagship of Jewish liturgical music in North America....
Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando is very proud of all the work they have done over the past year to provide a family of services to the Orlando community. Here is a countdown list of JFS Orlando’s 10 favorite things in 2021: 10. Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry supplied food for more than 130,000 meals, and resumed picking up food from partners, including Fresh Market and Sprouts Farmers Market. 9. Family Stabilization Program helped over 100 families fight homelessness and become more self-sufficient for the long-term. 8. JFS c...
When choosing an honoree for the 2022 Jewish Pavilion Fashion Show, the Jewish Pavilion nominated one of its program directors, Julie Levitt Bain. Nancy Ludin, the executive director of The Jewish Pavilion shared, “Julie cares for her residents as if they are family. Even when one of Julie’s long-time residents moved to a facility that wasn’t assigned to Julie, she made sure that the weekly mahjong group that she organized continued for Ruth.” Bain organizes three to four Jewish Pavilion volunteers to play mahjong weekly with Ruth at the reh...
There are no jokes in the Torah, but there is an abundance of wit, irony, word play, sarcasm and humor. On Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, Susan Bernstein, program director at the Jewish Pavilion, presented a Lunch and Learn program for residents at Oakmonte Village. Seeing that an afternoon of lighthearted learning would go a long way to brighten the winter days, Bernstein showed that the Torah could furnish this "entertainment" if one knows where to look. It may not be a coincidence that many modern...
The Kinneret Council on Aging, a nonprofit agency that provides ongoing programs and services to residents of Kinneret Apartments, has announced the honorees for their 2022, "8 Over 80" Honorary Gala to be held on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. "This is our community's premiere event honoring older adults and we are truly inspired by the number of outstanding individuals, who continue to contribute to our community and promote the Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam," said Ali Polejes KCOA Board president....
The Jewish Pavilion has added a new marketing director, office manager and receptionist to its organization. The new marketing director at the Jewish Pavilion, Alicia Lovejoy, participated in the year-long Momentum journey to Israel in November 2021. Momentum transformed her life and inspired her to bring Jewish values and practices home to her family. Alicia wanted to continue her spiritual and cultural journey in Central Florida upon returning. The Momentum community trip leaders from the...
Networking is a great way to expand your business and meet new friends. To this end, the Jewish Chamber was formulated to connect like-minded individuals for business and social purposed. Over 20 people — mostly young adults — gathered to enjoy a post Chanukah breakfast at Toojays Deli on Colonial on Dec. 16. In addition to enjoying a great breakfast, participants had the opportunity to speak about their businesses and forge new contacts. To learn more about the Jewish Chamber, visit htt...
JFS Orlando’s Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry is proud to announce its partnership with the newest Sprouts Farmers Market location at Colonial Plaza, and since the beginning of December 2021, JFS is picking up food donations from this Sprouts location twice a week. Currently, the Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry is stocked through a combination of food purchases from Second Harvest Food Bank, and food donations from the community, including other grocery partners like Fresh Market and Publix. Now, by adding donations from Sprouts at Colonial P...
Hadassah Orlando presents author Yvonne David at its Jan. 4 monthly in-person meeting at 11:30 a.m. at Congregation Ohev Shalom, 613 Concourse Parkway South, Maitland, 32751. David will discuss her award-winning historical fiction, “The Apple Tree Series.” The books in “The Apple Tree Series” follow the Bieman Family over four generations in the Catskills Region of New York. Filled with spirituality and spirit, humor and heart these stories detail the importance of the Catskill Mountains in Jewish-American history. Reservations are require...
"Do you love coffee? Do you love history? If the answer to any of those questions for you is "yes" as it is for me, then you don't want to miss this unique event," said Rabbi Yanky Majesky of Chabad North Orlando. "I know you'll enjoy the secret Jewish history of coffee with the "Caffeinated Rabbi" Moishy Korf." Participants of the evening will learn the Jewish history, Halachic discussions and Kabbalistic meaning of coffee as well as learn how to start drinking better coffee. We will have fun...
Stetson University spent the last four years growing its Jewish community. As shared before, Stetson now offers a Jewish studies minor, Kosher grab and go food on campus, and a thriving Jewish community at Stetson University Hillel. This investment in the Jewish community has led to an increase in enrollment, and our recognition as a university of choice among Jewish high school juniors and seniors can be seen in our ever-growing Jewish enrollment. “We know that the Jewish community has invested in Stetson, and we want to continue to invest b...
On Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando presented the Inaugural Michael McKee Volunteer Award. Held at the Winter Park Farmers' Market, the event recognized and celebrated McKee's years of dedication and leadership in support of JFS Orlando. McKee served on the Board of Directors since 2009 and was Board president from 2013 to 2018. In late 2018 through mid-2019, McKee served pro bono as interim executive director during JFS's transition, making it possible for...
A wonderful time was had by all on Friday, Dec. 3rd at the Cascade Heights Chanukah Shabbat party hosted by Jewish Pavilion. Residents and volunteers were dressed up in their Chanukah best. It was delightful to be a part of the Chanukah candle lighting and Shabbat ceremony. Mmmm Mmmm good, the potato latkes were delicious, our compliments to the chef!! Shown here are (l-r), Debbie Meitin, Shirley Schoenberger, Bernice Davids and Alex Lehrer. - Alexandra Lehrer, Jewish Pavilion...
