Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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(Boynton Beach, Florida/Netanya, Israel, JNS Wire) - Though there are numerous streets in Israel named November 29, there has never been in Israel or the world a historical memorial for the most famous event in the birthing of the modern state of Israel. On Nov. 29, 1947, the United Nations voted, by a 71 percent majority, to partition the strife-riven British Mandate for Palestine into two entities, one Jewish and one Arab. As the 75th anniversary of the U.N. vote neared, legitimate historical...
Marc Katzen, 82, of Winter Park, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. He was born Feb. 11, 1940, in Sykesville, Pennsylvania, to Margaret Gordon Katzen and Harry Katzen and was the middle of five children. Marc's mother took care of the children and his father was a businessman. Marc and all four of his siblings attended college, graduate school and professional programs. His sisters went to Jewish camps in the summer; one of them attended with Henrietta Harris and "fixed them up." Their first... Full story
WASHINGTON (JTA) — Top Biden administration officials launched a roundtable on antisemitism on Wednesday by describing a “rising tide of antisemitism” and likening the atmosphere in the United States to that of Europe, where Jewish worship is held under lock and key. “Right now, there is an epidemic of hate facing our country,” said Douglas Emhoff, the Jewish second gentleman, who convened and chaired the 90-minute session. Jewish officials represented at the meeting were impressed by how comprehensive the meeting was, saying it went beyond th...
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...
As this year comes to a close, it might be time to glance in the rear view mirror. How was your year? Did you have several accomplishments you're proud of, or maybe you made a few mistakes you wish you could fix? Perhaps there was a significant loss or disappointment that still weighs heavy on you. Whether good or bad, looking back can help you learn where you are, know where you still want to go in the future, and gain the resilience we need to move forward and continue to live life to the...
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....
(JNS) — It has been proven that the Birthright program produces lifelong connections between young Jews and Israel. Studies also show that participants are more likely to build Jewish families. But could it produce the next Jewish comedy star? The new Birthright Israel Labs initiative is holding a competition to find Jewish comedy’s next breakout performer. The winner gets a coveted slot at the all-Jewish Chosen Comedy Festival in Miami on Dec. 14, joking it up alongside some of the business’ more well-known comedians and musicians. “I’ve... Full story
(JNS) — Even before taking power, Benjamin Netanyahu has found himself on the defensive over his prospective coalition’s “fringe elements.” During an NBC interview on Sunday, Netanyahu felt obliged to declare, “I’m going to safeguard Israeli democracy.” However, legal analysts told JNS the danger to democracy may come from another corner, namely the actions of outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who called on local authorities to flout the incoming government’s directives. In a Dec. 1 open letter, Lapid urged Israeli municipalities...
(JTA) — Bucking weeks of public pressure from Jewish groups, celebrities and the Brooklyn Nets, Amazon will not stop selling an antisemitic documentary on its service that was promoted by NBA star Kyrie Irving. The company’s CEO Andy Jassy, who is Jewish, said Wednesday that Amazon had no plans to remove or add a disclaimer to “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,” whose Amazon link Irving ignited a firestorm by tweeting about it earlier this month. Amazon had previously considered whether to add a disclaimer. “As a retailer of content to...
(JNS) — As far as most liberal Jewish groups are concerned, Lorie Smith is a bigot who deserves to have her business destroyed and to be driven from the public square. It’s a sentiment that may be shared by most Jews and perhaps a majority of Americans. But the U.S. Supreme Court, which heard a case this week involving her website-design business, 303 Creative, appears to be poised to issue a ruling that will defend her right not to be compelled to celebrate gay marriages. If the court rules in Smith’s favor, it will be going against the advic...
(Jewish Journal via JNS) — At the start of Dec. 3rd’s Torah reading, Jacob, like his grandfather Abraham before him, leaves the land of his birth for new horizons. Along the way, he is confronted by God, who says to him, “I am Hashem, God of Abraham your father and God of Isaac.” The commentators note a difficulty with this passage. Generally, God only declares himself “the God of so-and-so” after so-and-so has died. But Isaac is still alive. Rashi offers an explanation from the Midrash: “Isaac’s eyes had become dim and he was confined to the...
In 2021, ADL reported 2717 antisemitic incidents throughout the United States, a 34 percent increase over 2020. The recent mass shooting in Highland Park, Buffalo, Colorado Springs, and Virginia, are deplorable testimonies to the level of hate in this country. More recently, the New York Times has reported on the “unsettling stream of antisemitism. (“Between Kanye and the Midterms, the Unsettling Stream of Antisemitism,” Nov. 4, 2022). Then why does the online behemoth Amazon continue to sell material that profits from that hate? And more...
(Jewish Journal via JNS) — Since I started writing about antisemitism about a decade ago, I’ve had trouble answering one question: Why are Jews, who excel in fields from science to literature to music, so bad at confronting antisemitism? Part of the answer is that antisemitism is irrational — based on conspiracy theories that morph every century. It’s also sadly the case that many Jews today in a position to create change — professors, heads of nonprofits, CEOs — prefer to suppress their Jewish identity to maintain their social “status.” B...
MORNING MINYANS Chabad of North Orlando and Chabad of Altamonte Springs are holding in-person minyans. Chabad of South Orlando — Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. and 10 minutes before sunset; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday, 8:15 a.m., 407-354-3660. Congregation Ahavas Yisrael — Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m., 407-644-2500. Congregation Chabad Lubavitch of Greater Daytona — Monday, 8 a.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m., 904-672-9300. Congregation Ohev Shalom — Sunday, 9 a.m., 407-298-4650. GOBOR Community Minyan at Jewish Academy...
(JNS) - Adam Sandler recounted a funny remark from a celebrity mentioned in his famous "The Chanukah Song" when he spoke to a crowd at the 92nd Street Y (now called 92NY) in Manhattan on Tuesday night. Following a screening of his new film "Hustle," Sandler said he showed his daughters the spot on 56th and Broadway where he stood in front of a diner and had the idea for the tune. "I am so proud of that song, I love it," Sandler said, explaining that he excitedly wrote the song at the NBC...
The First and Second Books of Maccabees contain the most detailed accounts of the battles of Judah Maccabee and his brothers for the liberation of Judea from foreign domination. These books include within them the earliest references to the story of Chanukah and the rededication of the Temple, in addition to the famous story of the mother and her seven sons. And yet, these two books are missing from the Hebrew Bible. In order to begin addressing the question of this omission, it is important to...
After iconic roles in television shows like Blossom and The Big Bang Theory, actress Mayim Bialik is now the host of Jeopardy. Here are six incredible things you never knew about her. What do you think has been your greatest kiddush Hashem – a moment you really excelled in representing the Jewish people? That's a funny question. I don't usually identify them myself. I think that typically it should be something other people say or see. I think it's hard to answer for myself without sounding l...
(JNS) - Israeli researchers recently discovered a lead projectile dating from the Hellenistic period in the ancient palace at Yavne, an archaeological site in central Israel. The 4.4 centimeter (1.7 inch) long projectile was designed to be launched from a sling. It is estimated to be 2,200 years old, placing it at the time of the battles between the Hasmoneans and the Seleucid Empire. The story of Hanukkah, celebrated this year between Dec. 18-26, commemorates the recapture of Jerusalem from...
(JNS) - Now that the shock has worn off, the question for Birthright is who will step up. Last week, Miriam Adelson, Birthright Israel's most generous donor, addressed a board meeting of the organization known for bringing tens of thousands of young Jews to Israel each year. She and her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, through the Adelson Family Foundation, have contributed nearly $500 million to Birthright over the past 15 years, but, after slashing the foundation's annual commitment nearly in...
Cognitive performance is not fixed. There are small changes people can make in their daily lives that should sustain higher cognitive functioning in old age. Keep the mind active through work, volunteering, hobbies or playing games. Learning new skills can be a real brain boost. Learning new skills or dance steps can be very beneficial. Using the opposite hand to do a task like brushing your teeth can also be helpful. Engagin in social activities, with family, friends, peers etc., and staying physically active with exercise, or household...
(JNS) - The Israel Defense Force's Paran territorial defense brigade is in charge of defending 170 kilometers of the Israeli-Egyptian border and large sections of the Negev desert. As such, dealing with the constant efforts of narcotics smugglers from both Egypt and Israel to push drugs across the border is an inevitable part of its duties. The brigade includes two co-ed infantry battalions that specialize in protecting the Egyptian border against terrorism and drug smuggling-the Caracal...
(JNS) - A new sculpture commemorating the life of writer, professor, political activist, Nobel Prize laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel was dedicated on Thursday at a moving ceremony on the Mt. Scopus Campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The extraordinary sculpture, situated in a campus garden area, was created by French artist and sculptor Denis Chetboune. Among his numerous accomplishments, Wiesel authored 57 books, written mostly in French and English, including Night, a...
WASHINGTON (JTA) — Lee Zeldin, the Republican Jewish congressman who mounted a stronger-than-expected but failed bid to be New York’s governor, says he has decided not to run to be the chairman of the Republican National Committee. But in a sign that he expects to have continued influence despite exiting Congress, Zeldin, who has been the top-ranked Jewish Republican in the country, this week joined the board of the Republican Jewish Coalition. That means he will play a key role in animating political giving by Republican Jews at a time whe...
Mrs. Agnes Rosalie Friedman, 95, of Lake Mary died Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at AdventHealth Altamonte following a brief illness. Mrs. Friedman was born Feb. 22, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Max and Esther (Melnick) Don and moved to the Lake Mary area in 2016 from Delray Beach, Florida. Mrs. Friedman is predeceased by her loving husband of 71 years Saul Friedman. Mrs. Friedman is survived by her loving sons, Dr. Michael (Roz) Friedman of Longwood, Florida, and Dr. Steven (Lori) Friedman of Merrick, New York; her grandchildren — D... Full story
Gloria Newberger, mother of Nancy Ludin and Craig Newberger, passed away on December 11, 2022. Gloria was born on May 27, 1928. She was a beloved community member and very active in many charities. Her favorite organization was the Jewish Pavilion. In 2003, Gloria moved to Orlando and became an active member of the Friends of the Jewish Pavilion board. She also volunteered and visited a woman who had been involved in her congregation and sang in her synagogue choir but had never been visited by... Full story
