5784 Community Year in Review

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September 2023

The new year began with an onslaught of antisemitism. First, two antisemitic marches were held here in early September. Fifty-one members from two groups — the Goyim Defense League and the Blood Tribe — marched from Sanlando Park to Cranes Roost in Altamonte Springs. At Disney Springs people from the Order of the Black Sun, the Aryan Freedom Network and 14 First held an antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ demonstration.

October 2023

The Israeli-American Council, the Jewish National Fund and the Jewish Community Center held a rally on Oct. 8 to show support for Israel after the devastating attack by Hamas on Israel. Approximately 350 people gathered together to stand in solidarity. Intermingled in the crowd were Representative Anna Eskamani, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Val Demings, and Congressman Maxwell Frost, who stated that antisemitism needs to be fought globally and domestically. On Oct. 9, Chabad of Altamonte Springs held an “Evening of Prayer and Solidarity” that brought together the local community and public officials. On Oct. 12 students from Chabad Hebrew schools and the Jewish Academy of Orlando gathered at the Roth Family JCC and collaborated a heartwarming event featuring prayer, Torah study and acts of charity. On Oct. 15, rabbis from four Chabad Centers led a gathering of hundreds of Jewish and non-Jewish people at the Walt Disney amphitheater at Lake Eola to show support for Israel.

Keith Dvorchik left Shalom Orlando and moved on to new ventures.

November 2023

Rabbi Chaim and Rivkie Lipskier cut the ribbon of the $6.5 million, 14,000-square-feet Chabad Jewish Center to serve the 7,000 Jewish students at the University of Central Florida.

Rabbi Israel Barzak, a mohel who performed britot for many family in Central Florida, died on Nov. 26, 2023, from injuries sustained after an assault in Ormond Beach. He was 84.

December 2023

Dr. Daniel Layish and Keith Dvorchik hosted a meeting with a group from CityServe Israel about how Christians and Jewish communities can help the moshavs and kibbutzim that were attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7.

There is a 14-mile eruv in Central Florida. Jacob Hara, with the assistance of two rabbis from south Florida and under the supervision of Rabbi Sholom Dubov of Chabad of Greater Orlando, investigated, planned and established the eruv.

Longtime philanthropist and well-known in the community, Ron Shader passed away Dec. 30, 2023.

January 2024

Orlando lost an influential and vibrant “doer” in the community when Harry “Hank” Katzen passed away on Jan. 26, 2024.

February 2024

Shalom Orlando appointed Melissa Youngblood and Rachel Greenspan as the interim co-executive directors.

Susie Bierman, a powerhouse in the Jewish community, died on Feb. 15, 2024. She was 84.

Temple Israel MAGAL students planted a Garden of Kindness last October and harvested its winter produce just in time for a TI Supper Club Shabbat dinner.

Thousands of Jewish teens and adults from 46 countries gathered at a Rosen Shingle Creek hotel in Orlando for BBYO’s annual international convention.

Local author, Katherine MK Mitchell, released the memoir of her life, which began in Budapest during World War II. “From Budapest to Hollywood — Searching for the Promised Land” is the story of Mitchell’s roller-coaster ride through life.

One of Israel’s most distinguished statemen, Ambassador Michael Oren, was the featured speaker at Jewish National Fund-USA’s second annual Stand with Israel Legacy Luncheon in Altamonte Springs.

Ethiopian Jew Roni Akale shared his story about his 500-mile trek across Ethiopia “led by hope and a donkey (that later ran away)” at a Jewish community event arranged by Keith Dvorchik in partnership with JNF and ZOA.

April 2024

The largest Jewish festival in Central Florida, the Jewish Heritage Festival, was held in Ormond Beach. Jeff Bigman, chairman of the Festival said more than 10,000 people consistently attend the event that is held every two years.

Jonathan and Nancy Wolf were the recipients of The Tess Wise White Rose Award at the Holocaust Museum for Hope and Humanity’s annual White Rose Tribute event. Also at the event, Nilam Patel, an English teacher at Dr. Phillips High School, was presented with the first-ever White Rose Educator Award.

Local author Myrna Ossin released her tenth book. Titled “Orlando and Central Florida on and off the Beaten Path.”

May 2024

Crowne Atlantic Business Brokers received two awards from the Business Brokers of Florida as one of the Top 50 Business Brokers out of about 1500 brokers. At the Gator 100 event, Crowne Atlantic was No. 3 out of 100 University of Florida Alumni companies. Jackie Ossin Hirsch is the founder of the brokerage, and her brother/partner, Lee, has been her partner for 20 years.

An Orlando ‘Women for Israel’ event redefined female-driven philanthropy when nearly 100 female philanthropists attended Jewish National Fund-USA’s Women for Israel reception at University Club in Winter Park to learn how they can make a tangible difference in the lives of Israelis who were impacted by the Oct. 7 massacres. 

June 2024

Altamonte Springs welcomed its first kosher market! Sabbaba Market had its soft opening at 195 S. Westmonte Dr, Suite 1104, Altamonte Springs 32714. As it continues to add new features, such as sitting areas inside and out, it is not only be a place to shop for kosher Israeli products and freshly made vegetarian deli selections, but it is also a place for friends to congregate and nosh together.

July 2024

The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida hired Emily Sterling as its interim CEO. Sterling replaces HMREC Chief Executive Officer Talli Dippold, who accepted a leadership position at an out-of-state nonprofit organization and stepped down at the end of June.

Shalom Orlando launched Shayna’s Village at the Heller Family Grove on July 31.

The completely revamped Shayna’s Village focuses on children with special needs.

August 2024

The community said goodbye to Shalom Orlando’s chief development officer, Sam Friedman, who accepted a new position as the executive director and CEO of the Jewish Educational Alliance and Jewish Federation in Savannah, Ga.

The Heritage Florida Jewish News received two awards from the Florida Press Association. News editor Christine DeSouza received the Sally Latham Memorial Award for Serious Column (First Place) and columnist Marilyn Shapiro won second place for Feature Story – Profile.

September 2024

As we close this year’s “5784 Community Year in Review,” the landmark diner Kappy’s closed its doors after 57 years. Kappy’s was listed in “Kehillah: A History of Jewish Life in Greater Orlando.” Update: Kappy’s reopened on Sept. 23. The owners signed a new lease thanks to community involvement. And that’s the ups and downs of 5784. May 5785 be a blessing to everyone.