Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Sorted by date Results 15 - 39 of 1444
(JNS) - Abraham Foxman, a Holocaust survivor and national director of the Anti-Defamation League from 1987 until 2015, died on Sunday, May 10, 2026. He was 86 years old. "America and the Jewish people have lost a moral voice, a passionate advocate for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and a remarkable leader," stated Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and national director of the ADL. "Abe Foxman was an iconic Jewish leader who embraced the ideal of an America free from antisemitism and hate and...
(JNS) — Doris Fisher, co-founder of The Gap Inc. and a key figure in shaping modern American casual fashion, died in San Francisco on Saturday, the company announced. She was 94 years old. Fisher and her late husband, Donald Fisher, founded the retailer in 1969 “after a frustrating shopping experience when Don couldn’t find a pair of jeans that fit.” They opened their first store on Ocean Avenue in San Francisco, initially selling Levi’s jeans and records. The company grew into a global apparel chain with brands including Old Navy and Banan...
Judith Barbara Jacobs, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, was born on July 22, 1950, in the Bronx, New York, to the late Lawrence and Ruth (Yellin) Epstein. She passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, in Boca Raton, Florida. Judy was an avid pet lover, especially with dogs, birds, fish and turtles. She enjoyed going on cruises and spending time with family. Judy was a fighter who faced every challenge with strength, grace, and quiet determination. She is a breast cancer survivor and... Full story
Sheila Kasper of Kissimmee, FL, passed peacefully in the presence of her family early Tuesday evening, April 28, 2026. Although sad, we know she has been reunited with the love of her life after 21 years. Sheila was born Sept. 1, 1939, in the Bronx, N.Y., to Nathan and Beatrice Millman. She was the youngest of their four children. She had an unusual urban upbringing as her dad would often bring home various animals which they kept as pets. It was a county oasis within the city. The front porch... Full story
Michael Jay Moskowitz passed away on April 22, 2026, after a courageous battle with a chronic condition. He is now pain free and in heaven. Born Sept. 28, 1976, in Red Bank, New Jersey, Michael was a graduate of Gaither High School, Class of 1994, and then attended Hillsborough Community College. Michael's career included more than 15 years with the finance management arm of Macy's and later with Winn Dixie. Those who knew Michael will remember his marathon phone calls with friends and family... Full story
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our mom, Sandra Silfen on April 20, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. She was born June 10, 1942. She died peacefully in her sleep wearing her favorite bright red Minnie Mouse grandma nightgown! Our mom was known for her quick wit, mean poker game, strong personality, and devotion to her family. She took care of our dad for 20 years after he got sick. Sandra was predeceased by her husband, Michael Silfen, her parents, Ben and Sophia... Full story
I went to the supermarket last week. Straight to the deli section where I took a number — 18. A very good number because it’s the numerical value of the Hebrew word “chai” which means “life.” I always notice that number and any multiples of 18. Jewish people often give gifts and make donations with “chai” in mind. You might give $180 to buy a plaque in memory of somebody at your synagogue. If you could afford it, you could help build a Jewish museum with a donation of $7,200. You get the ide... Full story
Alan Robert Drucker died early Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Delray Beach, Florida of renal failure, shortly after celebrating his 92nd birthday surrounded by family. Alan was born on April 6, 1934, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Joseph and Beatrice (Strull) Drucker. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and attended the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. Alan met the love of his life, Jayne Boehm, when he was 16 and she was 15, and they were married for 72 happy years. They relocated to Florida... Full story
Lois (Gladstein) Palis, passed away peacefully at her home in Maitland, Florida on April 12, 2026, surrounded by friends and family. She was born in Oceanside, New York on Sept. 2, 1954, to the late Jerome and Belle (Sefekar) Gladstein of blessed memory. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years Robert Palis of Maitland, Florida and her brother, Robert (Jovina) Palis, of Phoenix, Arizona in addition to numerous cousins. Lois was many things, an intellectual forever curious about the... Full story
Arlene Cotton, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at AdventHealth Winter Park following a brief illness. Arlene was born June 23, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York to the late Louis & Sarah (Schwartz) Kroll of bless memory. Arlene was a former member of Temple Israel Orlando. A lifelong educator, Arlene's greatest lessons were taught through the way she lived: with strength, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to her family. She was a woman... Full story
Pearl C. Metz of Maitland passed away on March 21, 2026. She was 94 years old - almost 95. Pearl was born in New York City on April 22, 1931, to the late Sol and Eva (Lindenberg) Cohen of blessed memory. She graduated from Hunter High School and Hunter College in New York City with a degree in art education. After graduation she worked as a middle school art teacher. Pearl moved to the Orlando area in 1960 from New York with loving husband of 59 years, William Metz, of blessed memory. She is... Full story
Jody Bergman, 71, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. She was born on May 8, 1954, to Jack and Muriel (Jaffrey) Bergman. Jody was known for her kindness, generosity, and the care she showed to everyone around her. She had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and over the years shared her home and heart with many beloved companions including Yahma, Remy, Dakoda, Keisha, Sequoia, and Savannah. She had a natural gift for connecting with people and... Full story
Barbara August Braff, 95, former long-time resident, business, and civic leader in Greenfield, MA, a resident of Lake Mary, FL since 2024, passed peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Orlando Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health. Barbara was born on May 12, 1930 in Beverly, MA, to Jack and Eva (Feinstein) August. She moved with her family in 1930, to Northampton, MA, where her father held a progression of jobs including working on a cattle farm, as a butcher, a... Full story
Sandra Cohen (née Albert), lovingly known as Sandy, passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2026, in Lake Mary, Florida, at the age of 87. Born on July 11, 1938, in New York City to Lou and Ruth (Friedman) Albert, Sandy lived a life marked by resilience, humor, and an unwavering devotion to her family and faith. Sandy faced life’s challenges with remarkable strength and determination. After the sudden passing of her beloved husband, Sol, when she was just 41 years old, Sandy embarked on a new career... Full story
Dr. Eytan Pollak, an amazing husband, father, and brother, died on March 7, 2026. Eytan was born in Haifa, Israel on July 10, 1949. His mother, Martha, was a Holocaust survivor, and his father, Joseph, was a tour guide. They raised him alongside his twin sisters, Ronit and Yael. He served three years in the IDF. Soon after, he met his wife, Ruthi. After they met, they got married on Oct. 14, 1974. In 1976, Eytan and Ruthi moved to the United States so that Eytan could pursue his doctorate... Full story
Dr. Mark Stuart Vangrov, 77, of Maitland, Florida passed away on Feb. 21, 2026, after a valiant fight against serious illness most of his life. He is survived by his son, Dave, and brothers, Dr. Jan Vangrov and Jim Vangrov. Mark was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey, and the love of his life, Debra Vangrov. A storybook romance, the two were engaged the week they met and spent the rest of their lives devoted to each other and their family. Mark was born to Dr. Stanley and Zelda (Frankle)... Full story
(Israel Hayom via JNS) - Eight months after returning from Hamas captivity in Gaza, Eliya Cohen continues rebuilding his life with an especially significant personal milestone. On Thursday, Cohen proposed to his girlfriend, Ziv Avud. The pair, who have maintained a close relationship since before the Oct. 7, 2023, kidnapping, endured one of the most challenging periods together and now celebrate the beginning of a new chapter. The moving proposal occurred on the roof of the Setai Hotel in Tel...
Submitted by the family Marc Philip Ossinsky, a devoted father, esteemed legal mind, and fiercely loyal friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Maitland, Florida, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at the age of 65. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends following a hard-fought battle with cancer, a fight he approached with the same tenacious spirit he showed throughout his life. Born on Nov. 23, 1959, in Daytona Beach to the late Louis and Sandy Ossinsky, Marc built a distinguished life rooted in service and dedication. For over 25... Full story
Beverly Ann Osser, 70, died on October 1, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Born Beverly Ann Jarvis on June 5, 1955, in Lexington, Ky., to Robert and Barbara Ann (Dickerson) Jarvis, she grew up with a natural curiosity about the world around her and a deep appreciation for the stories that connect us to our past. After graduating from Georgetown High School in Georgetown, Ky., Bev pursued her calling in healthcare, training to become a radiology technologist. It was a career that would span decades and touch countless lives. She brought both... Full story
Mr. Joel Robert Stern (Zusha), 80, passed away Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at Orlando Health, Lake Mary following a brief illness. Mr. Stern was born April 29, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York to the late Morris and Florence (Kislefsky) Stern of blessed memory. Mr. Stern was a retired antique dealer and a United States Army Veteran. Mr. Stern is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Edna (Golcman) Stern of Longwood, Florida; devoted children, Mark (Idy) Stern of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Barry (Andrea) Stern of Longwood, Florida and Debra Stern of... Full story
Congratulations to Yoel and Reut Tzobel on the birth of a baby girl named Ashira Tzobel. The family lives in South Orlando....
Mr. Joel Robert Stern (Zusha), 80, passed away Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at Orlando Health, Lake Mary following a brief illness. Mr. Stern was born April 29, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York to the late Morris and Florence (Kislefsky) Stern of blessed memory. Mr. Stern was a retired antique dealer and a United States Army Veteran. Mr. Stern is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Edna (Golcman) Stern of Longwood, Florida; devoted children, Mark (Idy) Stern of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Barry (Andrea) Stern of Longwood, Florida and Debra Stern of... Full story
Often described as “a soft-spoken man with a presence about him,” Barry J. Kudlowitz, a former executive director of Jewish Family Services, passed away Sept. 7, 2025, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Kudlowitz was the executive director of JFS from 1992 to 2011. He was very proud of his work at JFS. Rabbi Arnold Siegel said Barry had his “finger on the pulse of the organization.” “He walked softly and carried an invisible stick,” Siegel said, adding “he was very approachable” and no matter what the problem a person had, Barry would make time fo...
Mrs. Sherry (Glick) McCracken, 75, passed away Friday, Sept.5, 2025, at her Longwood, Florida home following a brief illness. Mrs. McCracken was born Jan. 25, 1950, in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Benjamin and Estelle (Rothman) Glick of blessed memory. Mrs. McCracken a retired accountant moved to the Longwood area in 1980 from New York, Mrs. McCracken is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Gerald McCracken of Longwood, Florida; her loving sons, Ian (Wendi) McCracken, Marc McCracken and Adam McCracken all of Longwood, Florida;... Full story
Mrs. Janet Tirschwell, 89, passed away Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, surrounded by her family at Village On The Green following a brief illness. Mrs. Tirschwell was born April 13, 1936, in Bronx, New York to the late Morris & Esther (Kessler) Lee of blessed memory. Mrs. Tirschwell a retired register nurse and her husband of 54 years Burton of blessed memory moved to the Orlando area in 1978 from Brooklyn, New York. Mrs. Tirschwell is survived by her devoted daughters, Nancy (George) Meerod of Apopka, Florida and Beth-Ann (Adam) Frack of Parrish,... Full story
