Mac the Bee mascot is back!

Students and faculty of Jewish Academy of Orlando and Roth Family Jewish Community Center's Early Childhood Learning Center danced, sang, and welcomed Shabbat with Mac the Bee at a campus-wide Shabbat.

"It was a treat for our students to interact with Mac the Bee during Shabbat," stated Melissa Youngblood, Early Childhood director of the Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center.  

"Mac the Bee's appearance brought much ruach (spirit) into the crowd of students and families," mentioned Robby Etzkin, executive director of the Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando.

"We always enjoy our campus-wide Shabbats, and this time, we loved building community with the entire JFGO/JCC/JAO campus by celebrating Shabbat with our beloved mascot," added Alan Rusonik, Jewish Academy head of school.

Mac the Bee's name was inspired by the Chanukah story of the brave Maccabees. Like the courageous family, Mac is brave, strong, innovative, and a powerful leader. He serves as a wonderful role model for our community.

Mac is also busy as a bee. Come meet him at JAO's upcoming events on

Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Jewish Academy of Orlando for our S.T.E.A.M. Family Learning Night from 6:30-8 p.m.

"I love to BUZZ around Jewish Academy of Orlando events. I would love to BEE with you soon!" stated Mac the Bee.

"We are delighted to re-introduce our mascot Mac the Bee, and we are proud that he emulates many of the great values of the brave Maccabees," added Rusonik.

Fans can also connect digitally with Mac the Bee:

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/macthebeejao/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macthebee/

Mac's web page: https://www.jewishacademyorlando.org/macthebee/

To learn more about Jewish Academy of Orlando, please visit: https://www.jewishacademyorlando.org or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JewishAcademyOrlando.