Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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This beautiful time of year is the heart of spring in Israel. Once Purim ends, people fall into a cleaning frenzy. In my yishuv, Susya, you can read the daily messages of people giving away "chometz" starting the day after Purim: "Giving away breadcrumbs, pasta, and cornflakes ... will throw out on Friday. It is sitting in our entranceway," people write. Sometimes a photo is posted with the words "giving away" in Hebrew. And then there are the sales - locally made olive oil in five-kilo...
In parts II, III and IV, four prime ministers — David Ben Gurion, Yitzak Rabin, Menachem Begin and Ariel Sharon — will be discussed. David Ben Gurion 1948-54; 1955-63 Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, was faced with the decision: Accepting a Jewish State on a portion of historical Palestine, relinquishing the balance to the Palestinian Arabs; or losing U.S. support for the UN’s declaration for creation of the new Jewish State. In lieu of that declaration, the UN would probably have established a Trusteeship over the entire...
(JTA) - George Orwell disliked peace propaganda as much as he disliked war propaganda. Like war propaganda, he wrote, peace propaganda "concentrates on putting forward a 'case,' obscuring the opponent's point of view and avoiding awkward questions." I spent an Orwellian few days watching new documentaries about Oct. 7 and its aftermath, specifically on how the Hamas attacks in Israel and the fallout from Israel's war in Gaza played out in the United States. "October 8," a film about how American...
(JNS) — A Hebrew manuscript, which experts have dated to the eighth century making it the earliest known such object, is on view in New York City after being the centerpiece of an exhibition in Washington, D.C., at the Museum of the Bible. The Afghan Liturgical Quire, which is part of the Washington museum’s collection but which has uncertainty in its provenance history, is part of the show Sacred Words: Revealing the Earliest Hebrew Book, which opened on March 19 at the Jewish Theological Sem...
(JTA) - The Passover Haggadah is one of the few sacred Jewish texts that has a long history of including illustrations, and among the most remarkable are detailed images of rabbit hunts that often appear in the opening pages, even before the text of the Seder really begins. The images, which are varied in style and can be found in editions dating back to medieval and early modern Germany, often present hunters and dogs chasing rabbits, the latter of which are generally depicted escaping over a f...
This year, as we prepare for Passover, my thoughts are not only on the upcoming holiday but also the memories of a very special Passover 47 years ago. At this time in 1978, Larry and I were anxiously awaiting the birth of our first child. My mother and my older sister had delivered their babies early and easily, and I was expecting the same experience for me. It didn't turn out that way. After I had gone through several hours of unproductive labor, our baby was delivered on his due date,...
From the formulation of contemporary Zionism, the concept of the “Two-State solution” has been a cornerstone obligation. From both legal and historical perspectives, that obligation has not changed. However, today’s realities beg the question: Does Israel’s survivability and longevity depend on implementation of the Two-State Solution? And, if so, how can a parallel Palestinian Arab state be formulated? With the goal of providing an historical perspective and assessment, Heritage will present a 6-part exposition on this timely, but controv...
Ingredients 2 large egg whites, room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 tsp. cream of tarter 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup semisweet Passover chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) 1/2 tsp. vanilla bean paste for Passover 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) If chips contain milk, the recipe is dairy. Heat the oven to 325 F. In a medium-size oil-free bowl, place two egg whites. Mix in sugar and allow mixture to sit for 1/2 hour at room temperature. The whites...
Rabbi Majesky noted this mission was the largest group to go to Israel this year and the Orlando delegation was the largest within the Jewish Learning Institute – Land and Spirit group. This was my third consecutive trip to Israel with JLI's Land and Spirit. Two years ago, the trip was focused on the land. Last year, the focus was on the people. This year, the focus was on unity with our people and with our land. Am Yisrael Chai! Day 1 (Monday, March 17): Caesarea – Built by King Herod in 22...
Traveling when you’re caring for someone in a wheelchair requires planning ahead. Here are some tips to make traveling with someone in a wheelchair just a bit easier. Hotel Tips When booking a hotel, ask if they have accessible rooms available. This may require booking over the phone, because sometimes you can’t select a disabled room online. Confirm with the hotel that their accessible room has the features you need. Road Trip Tips If you’re driving very far, rest stops are inevitable. Not all of them are handicap accessible, so preplan your...
(JNS) — Gal Gadot joined luminaries like William Shatner, Jodie Foster and even Godzilla when she was honored with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame — a first for an Israeli actress. The mood at the tented, star-studded ceremony, held on Hollywood Boulevard outside of the El Capitan Theatre, was celebratory, and Hollywood icons heaped praise on her. Vin Diesel, who co-starred with Gadot in several “Fast & Furious” franchise films, spoke during the ceremony of her “strength and empathy.” “I just love her so much,” the action star sai...
As Central Florida’s senior population grows, the Jewish Pavilion Senior Services and Orlando Senior Help Desk have become vital pillars of support for both seniors and their families. Rooted in Jewish values of compassion, respect, and community, these organizations offer critical resources that promote dignity, connection, and care for aging individuals. A legacy of compassionate care For over 25 years, the Jewish Pavilion has been dedicated to serving seniors throughout Greater Orlando. It p...
(JNS) - On Oct. 7, 2023, the world witnessed what Hamas terrorists are capable of, as armed Gazans gleefully bragged about their ability to torture, murder, mutilate, burn alive, rape and kidnap unarmed civilian children, women and men. And the world saw the unthinkable murderous scenes and reacted. And the reaction was wicked. On Oct. 8, 2023, the truth began to come out loud and clear. The central truth was that anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, global antisemitism was lying so close to the surface,...
This is the story of two Polish Holocaust survivors from Poland, united by despicable tragedy and strengthened by the love for the children they raised. Yakov "Jacob" Kazimierek, was born in Mlawa, Poland on Dec. 10, 1926, one of the seven children of Abraham and Hannah (Granaska) Kazimierek. The family farmed and raised cattle, which they milked or slaughtered. After Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939 thousands of the country's Jews were subjected to the Nazis' persecution, terror, and...
Heritage introduces a new columnist, Steven Cardonick. We hope you will enjoy his twice-a-month column. Steven Cardonick is a veteran lounge singer, impressionist, and stand-up comedian. He took his love of singing and passion for Jewish identity to a storefront Fort Lauderdale synagogue where he was welcomed as a cantor. Then came an invitation to study for the rabbinate and ordination in 2002. His writing experience naturally includes that of his stage shows but also regular columns for...
Arthritis affects many seniors, causing pain and limited mobility. Exercise can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Family caregivers play a vital role in encouraging tailored exercise routines, enabling loved ones to stay active and healthy. Regular exercise offers numerous benefits for arthritis sufferers: • Reduces Joint Pain and Stiffness: Activities like walking, swimming, and tai chi can ease discomfort and improve flexibility. • Improves Flexibility: Stretching exercises enhance joint flexibility and range of motion. • I...
(JTA) - An endless Passover seder takes center stage in "One Little Goat: A Passover Catastrophe," by writer Dara Horn and illustrator Theo Ellsworth, award-winners who teamed up for a humor-filled, time-travel graphic novel for young people. The tale of an epic seder - it drags on for six months - joins a new crop of children's books with Passover themes, from a based-on-a-true-story retelling of a Pesach celebration on Mt. Everest to a look inside President Barack Obama's White House seder, a...
When I speak to groups and describe Susya, I often mention that there is no common crime. They seem incredulous. In this day and age, how can such a thing be possible? Growing up in the U.S,. a child of the 1980s, I remember all too well the faces of kidnapped children posted on milk containers. We'd see them every morning as we ate our breakfast. The warnings about kidnappers were constant. "Don't take candy from a stranger" and the ever-popular "don't talk to strangers," and we girls were...
For many, Passover planning begins the day they sift through bags of Purim goodies. Then faced with the inevitable panic, especially this year, when seder falls on a Saturday night, they have to get organized. Israelis usually do not have to deal with two-day holidays, but that’s what makes this year different from most all other years. Outside Israel, Jews get a three-day holiday bonanza. JNS consulted with professional organizers and event planners to help readers get a leg up this year for Passover cleaning, shopping, and getting ready f...
Make your own Haggadah with your kids. We included a paragraph history of each side of the family of where the ancestors were born and how and when they came to the U. S. The kids can be assigned to draw pictures of the different parts of the Seder or decorate the pages of the book. I found physical items to represent the 10 plagues like plastic, insects, cows, etc. and made pictures of those items that that were more complicated. Each child was assigned to present the item at the appropriate time during the Seder. The children helped prepare s...
I had two sons and a son-in-law who had Passover birthdays. I developed Passover birthday cakes for them that didn’t taste like cardboard. Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Double quantities for two layers. 3/4 cup Passover approved oil 1 cup matzo meal 1 cup walnut or pecan meal 3/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt Grated zest of 1 large orange plus 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 3 large eggs, separated, plus 3 egg whites 3oz. Passover semisweet chocolate coarsely chopped chocolate (1/2 cup) Brush bottoms of two 8...
(JTA) - As the most exciting time in college basketball begins, Jewish coaches are in the spotlight. For much of the season, four coaches - Auburn's Bruce Pearl, Duke's Jon Scheyer, Florida's Todd Golden and USC's Lindsay Gottlieb - have been at or near the top of the game. And on Sunday, all of them were rewarded with No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Division I men's and women's college basketball tournaments. Each tournament has four regions, with sixteen teams each. And in this year's men's...
(New York Jewish Week) - Opening a kosher restaurant in New York City wasn't always in the cards for Raif Rashed, a Druze from the village of Usfiya in northern Israel. But as Rashed, the owner of Taboonia - a new Druze restaurant in the Garment District that's currently seeking kosher certification - will be the first to tell you, sometimes life can take an unexpected turn, especially after a tragedy. An engineer by trade, Rashed, 40, moved to Hackensack, New Jersey, in 2019 to take a job at...
How can I manage medications from multiple doctors? Managing medications from various healthcare providers can be challenging, especially for seniors who often visit multiple physicians and specialists. This situation, known as polypharmacy, involves the use of multiple medications simultaneously and can lead to potential issues such as unnecessary medications or harmful drug interactions. Here are some strategies to help you manage your medications effectively and ensure your doctors are well-informed. Maintain a Comprehensive Medication...
March 18th was a warm summer-like day in the Southern Hevron Hills. When Pastor Roger Diaz of Fellowship Church in Winter Springs, Fla., called me telling me the group had just left Kiryat Arba, I got myself into gear and packed up my water and gun. My son drove me to the Ancient City of Susya, which is a mere five-minute drive from modern Susya, my home. I arrived just in time. The bus was beginning to unload passengers and I recognized Roger Diaz and a few other congregants, too. For the past...
