Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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To study the history of most cultures, you need to learn about wars and empires, warriors and city builders, and great works of art. But the history of Judaism is overwhelmingly a history of books. Books form the core of Judaism’s culture. But even if they’re known as “the People of the Book,” much of Judaism’s classic literature remains closed to contemporary Jews. This month, local Chabad Centers will open Jewish literature to a contemporary audience. Jews of many affiliations and backgroun...
When the Roth Family JCC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando joined together earlier this year to create Shalom Orlando, we did so with the knowledge that our community demanded better engagement opportunities, a stronger commitment to Jewish values, and for Shalom Orlando to step up and lead the future of Jewish life in Central Florida. That mandate requires us to take a step back, look at the white board and decide what we keep, what we sunset, and what we adapt. And by now we hope you realize that it is fun to build the future. If...
This year, as in the previous 44 years, Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando is proud to have worked together with the community to make an impact on the lives of those in need, especially as hardships continue to grow. From fighting hunger and homelessness to addressing mental health needs JFS Orlando is always there if you need help or if you want to help. As you prepare for the countdown to 2023, join us in counting down the ways JFS Orlando has made an impact in the community this year so far and how your 2022 year-end gift can still...
Chanukah with the Jewish Pavilion was extra special at Brookdale Lake Orienta this year. The Jewish Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Pavilion and provided a top-notch party complete with candle lighting, latkes, doughnuts and chocolate gelt. The best part was the fabulous pianist Michael Kramer who provided superb entertainment. More than a dozen Jewish Chamber members interacted with seniors. They brought gifts and food and danced with their elders....
When the Covid 19 pandemic prevented The Jewish Pavilion staff and volunteers from entering facility buildings to lead services or to make visitations back in 2020, they decided to deliver holiday goody bags to temporarily replace regular programs. These bags have been a great success and have been sent to over 400 Jewish residents on each holiday, those who reside in independent or assisted living, long-term healthcare or memory-care facilities. For three years running, during Rosh Hashanah,...
Inflation is at an historic high. There is plenty of uncertainty in the world at the moment, but one thing we can rely on is our community,” said Ian Tasman, owner of Pharmacy on the Park. “For this reason, it’s more important than ever to shop small this Chanukah season and support your local economy even beyond the holidays.” A new Jewish-owned pharmacy and gift shop, Pharmacy on the Park is located on the outskirts of Oviedo on the Park (hence the name). Tasman and his staff pride themsel...
Over 100 people enjoyed the Jewish Pavilion’s annual JP Connections Chanukah-themed luncheon. There were over 30 vendors and dozens of amazing raffle prizes. The Jewish Pavilion was pleased to honor Lori Slutsky for her service to elders in our community. Pictured left to right are Marlene Adler, event co-chair; Lori Slutsky, honoree; Nancy Ludin, CEO; and Sudan Livingstone, event co-chair. The award was designed by Sandra Silbert....
Orlando Torah Academy will launch its annual 36-hour online matching campaign on Dec 13 at 10 a.m. OTA has grown to almost 170 children from more than 70 families this year. The OTA campus has grown as well and now includes 2 buildings. The growth of the school has also necessitated the need for additional scholarship funds. OTA prides itself on its mission and responsibility to accept all Jewish students regardless of their ability to afford tuition. Every Jewish child deserves the right to learn about and feel proud of our beautiful...
Max Curtis is a valuable employee at both Dick and Dottie’s Cafe and Kinneret Senior Living Apartments. At Dick and Dottie’s Max has learned how to be a barista making a variety of delicious hot drinks. Last week Max was excited to make a new drink — a Turkish coffee. At Kinneret Max is a favorite of all of the residents. Max has shown flexibility and is willing to do any task asked of them. Max is helping serve food at the resident run cafe and is wonderful in their interactions with the elder...
Keith Dvorchik sent via email a statement from Shalom Orlando on the recent Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs in which five people were murdered and 25 wounded. The statement went out to all members of the Federation, but it needs to be shared on as many venues as possible. Here is the statement: Sunday morning the Jewish Community Relations Council, a committee of Shalom Orlando, published an op-ed in the Orlando Sentinel about the rise of anti-Semitism and the threat to the Jewish community. That same morning, many of us woke up to the...
The Rosen JCC Saturday Night Out can help relieve the stress. Members and nonmembers of the Rosen JCC can sign up for Saturday Night Out on Dec. 10 from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Adults can drop their kids for a night of games, arts and crafts, reading and playground time. There will be pizza and a movie along with the night’s theme which is “Cookie Night.” While the kids are having fun, parents can take a night for themselves. Relax with a night out on the town, visiting with friends or do some holiday shopping. You can register at www.r...
The Jewish Pavilion was selected amongst hundreds of entrees to be one of the eight charities to have their logo on the newest Lynx Bus. The theme of the Oct. 31 event at LYNX Central Station Terminal was “Working Together for a Better Tomorrow.” The unveiling ceremony included Orange County Mayor and LYNX Chair Jerry L. Demings and LYNX Interim Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Homler Hawkins. Pictured are Tiffany Homler Hawkins, Elliott Davis, Jewish Pavilion Board Chair, Nancy Ludin, CEO and...
The Jewish Pavilion will be honoring Lori Slutsky at their annual luncheon on Dec. 1 at the Hilton Altamonte Sprigs at 11 a.m. The $35 luncheon includes a holiday shopping bazaar. To register visit https://jpav.ticketspice.com/jp-connections-lunch-2022. The luncheon is being co-chaired by Marlene Adler and Susan Livingstone who serve on the Friends of the Jewish Pavilion Board with Slutsky, who is really looking forward to the festivities and is a little overwhelmed and very humbled. Her...
Noah is a valued employee at Dick and Dottie's Cafe and and Congregation Ohev Shalom. At Dick and Dottie's Noah has learned how to be a barista making a variety of latte, cappuccino, and espresso drinks. He has also learned how to use the cash register and wait on customers. At Ohev Noah is setting up and serving snack to the religious school students and doing some clerical work in the office. In both positions, Noah is learning how to greet and interact with customers and students. Noah is...
The year of 5783 promises both growth and continuity at Congregation Ohev Shalom as we welcome our wonderful new clergy, Rabbi Geoffrey Spector and Cantor Jeffrey Weber. In the few months since they arrived it's become clear they make a great team, with warm and engaging manners both on the Bima and in less formal settings. Already we've learned from them, prayed with them, had fun with them, and enjoyed the process of forming lifelong relationships with them. Now it's time to formalize their...
On Saturday, Nov. 26, Chabad Lubavitch of North Orlando will be hosting a screening of the new documentary movie “Reckonings.” In the aftermath of the Holocaust, secret meetings began to negotiate the incomprehensible compensation for survivors of the largest mass genocide in history. Survivors were in urgent need, but how could reparations be determined for the unprecedented destruction and suffering of a people? Reckonings explores this riveting, untold story. The program will be held at Nat...
When Orange County Public Schools close for holidays or in-service days, it can be a challenge for many families who need child care. Parents look for activities to keep kids busy. Or they need a place for kids to go while they work. The Rosen JCC offers School Out Days. OCPS schools will be closed for a Thanksgiving break and the Rosen JCC will offer School Out Days Monday- Wednesday, Nov. 21st — 23rd. The days run 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. Activities include Creative Art, Gym Activities, Playground Time, Music and Science activities. This is ava...
In keeping with its long history of cantorial excellence, Congregation Ohev Shalom is excited to announce that Cantor Jeffrey Weber has joined the synagogue as the new cantor. Cantor Weber joins Rabbi Geoffrey Spector in guiding the congregants in prayer and moving the congregation forward. Cantor Weber takes the reins from Cantor Allan Robuck who has retired and is now Cantor Emeritus. With his extensive cantorial, musical and performance background, Cantor Weber is uniquely positioned to...
You’ve seen that word in Rabbi Konikov’s emails thousands of times. And you may have thought, “Why the hyphen?” Also, why does he refer to G-d with the masculine “He”? Then there’s the obsession with idolatry. Why did Abraham smash stone idols, and why G-d opens His first public address to the Jews with a warning to not have “other gods” before Him? Why so jealous? “In your heart of hearts, you have likely doubted G-d. I know I have, and have wondered, “Is this kosher?,” said Rabbi Konikov. These are just four of some 25 Divine puzzles we wi...
Opening on Tuesday, Nov. 1, Chabad of South Orlando is hosting a club for boys and girls who are approaching their bar or bat mitzvah. They will learn Jewish values, give back to the community, make friends with other Jewish children of similar ages, experience mitzvoth, hands on activities, trips and more. The Club meets on Tuesdays, twice a month from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Chabad of South Orlando. For more information, contact Shaina Zibell at 562-673-1908 or go sign up at JewishOrlando.com/BMitzvah....
Thanks to enthusiastic and generous community support, JFS Orlando’s annual Hope Challenge again topped the previous year by raising a grand total of $88,000 that will go directly to help those in need. To put this into perspective, that means helping JFS provide 880 rides, 1600 counseling sessions, stabilization support for 294 families, or a week of groceries for 1760 families. Led each year by the Pearlman, Minkow, and Bolton families, every dollar donated was generously matched up to $20,000 by the David and Audrey Pearlman Philanthropic F...
Hurricane Ian came through Central Florida as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 28, bringing devastation to the West Coast of the state. As it traveled across to the East Coast, it lessened in strength, however, much damage was yet to be seen in Central Florida. The Mayflower Retirement Community in Winter Park was one of the unfortunate examples of Ian’s damaging impact. Sufficient amount of water seeped into the parking garage, which eventually damaged the electrical system. With no elevator service in the building, the only option was to e...
The Roth Family JCC auditorium was filled to capacity at the annual RAISE (Recognizing Abilities and Inclusion of Special Employees) Meet & Greet in September with nine new employees and their families, job coaches, and members of the Jewish community who support RAISE. The growing success of the program was evident as Founder and Director Loren London shared that as the program has expanded, Shalom Orlando hired RAISE Director of Employment & Education Rachel Slavkin, M.Ed., to be the RAISE...
On Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, the Kinneret Tenant Association held its Grand Re-Opening and honored 101-year-old Jean Dolen by renaming the Delaney Café, the Jean Dolen Café. Dolen was a long-time resident of Kinneret, only moving away to be closer to her "kids" in 2021. "She will always be 'our Jean'," said Sharon Weil, executive director of nonprofits operation, Kinneret Council on Aging. During the program, Board member Neal Blaher presented the KTA with a check for $1,800 from the Kinneret C...
He was a NYC private investigator, who, by a twist of fate, became a fearless Nazi hunter. Undercover, he pursued them relentlessly across the USA, Canada and Europe. He helped track down nearly 200 Nazis, collaborators and war criminals, coming face to face with dozens of them, recording interviews and even obtaining confessions from them. Steven Rambam is the founder and CEO of Pallorium, Inc., a licensed Investigative Agency and security services provider, with offices and affiliates...
