Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 580
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
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
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
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Esther Wolman, our beloved 91-year-old matriarch. Esther passed away on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Village On the Green in Longwood, FL. She passed peacefully with her loving family by her side. Esther was born in Philadelphia, PA on Feb. 21, 1934. She moved with her husband, Samuel Wolman, from Philadelphia to Orlando in 1957 where they raised their four children. They were founding members of the Congregation of Reform Judaism. A dedicated mother,... Full story
Jerry Lee Cohen passed away in his sleep on Sept. 1, 2025. He was 83 years old. Jerry and his wife, Amira, were an integral part of the Orlando Jewish Community for over 30 years, but it was Jerry’s compassion and genuineness that truly made him special. His love of family over everything else, even his own wellbeing, was one of his greatest attributes. Jerry loved classic films and westerns. He was a huge sports fan rooting on his beloved Bengals and Reds all of his life. A veteran of the United States Navy he was a patriot who knew he was liv... Full story
With deep sorrow we announce the death of David S. Greenberg, beloved husband of Yudit Kornberg Greenberg, father of Rafi Greenberg and Elie Greenberg, and grandfather of Zeana and Lila Greenberg. David passed away on July 31, 2025, at his home in Winter Park. He was born on Feb. 20, 1953, in Seattle, Washington to Jacob and Zindell Greenberg. David attended the University of Washington where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1977 he married the love of his life, Yudit...
Sydele (Hausman) Homel, 92, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in her St. Augustine home. Sydele was born on Jan. 2, 1933, to the late Louis and Evelyn (Saltpeter) Hausman in Brooklyn, New York. She attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, graduating class of 1950. Sydele moved to Orlando in 1969 with her beloved husband, the late Paul Homel. Together they owned and operated Brian's Restaurant for 45 years. More than just an owner, Sydele was the heart behind the restaurant -... Full story
Written by the family With hearts full of love and deep gratitude, we remember and celebrate the life of Leslie Rosenfield Johnston. Born on July 23, 1951, she was a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and friend, who passed away Aug. 26, 2025, surrounded by the love she gave so freely throughout her life. Leslie was the truest example of a selfless and fiercely protective mother -always putting her daughter first, always ready with comfort, guidance and unconditional love. Her family was her greates... Full story
Peggy Dara Robbins Janousky of Oviedo, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at her residence. She was 63 years old. Peggy was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 1, 1962, to the late Dr. Albert and Shirley Robbins. She earned her master’s degree in education from Hofstra University. Peggy was a teacher and children’s author, with two published picture books: “Move It, Miss Macintosh” and “Invader from Mars: The Truth About Babies.” She was also published in three of the anthologies of her men... Full story
Submitted by the family Howard Pinsky, 82, of Orlando, passed away peacefully on Aug. 17, 2025. Born in Chicago on July 27, 1943, Howard was a man who could never resist a puzzle — whether it was a stubborn gadget, a block of wood waiting to be shaped, or the mysteries of the universe itself. A true “jack of all trades,” Howard lived by the Boy Scout motto of always prepared. His natural curiosity fueled a lifetime of learning and tinkering. He found joy in robotics, electronics, woodt... Full story
Submitted by the family Paul David Friedman passed peacefully the morning of July 29, 2025, one week shy of his 75th birthday. Born Aug. 6, 1950, in Dayton, Ohio to Joe and Clara Friedman (née Toothman), Paul grew up surrounded by a large family, his older sister Sue and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. As a young man, Paul joined the family photography business in Dayton before getting married, moving to Pompano Beach, Fla., and having his first son. The family of three soon relocated to the Tampa area and added three more sons, who...
Submitted by the family Arlene Jacobson Tetenbaum passed away peacefully at her home in Eagle’s Trace Senior Living, Houston, Texas, shortly after celebrating her 92nd birthday, surrounded by family. Born in Sanford, Florida, Arlene was the cherished daughter of Manuel and Hannah Jacobson and the beloved sister of Sherwood Jacobson. She was married to CharlesTetenbaum, with whom she shared great love and commitment, from the age of 22 until his passing in 2020. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. Arlene is s...
(JTA) - Oscar-winning lyricist Alan Bergman, who with his wife Marilyn wrote the words for some of Barbra Streisand's best-known hits as well as her 1983 film "Yentl," died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 99. The Bergmans were already an established lyrics-writing team when, in 1962, they met Streisand after a performance at the Bon Soir nightclub in Manhattan. It wasn't until 1969, however, that she recorded one of their songs, "Ask Yourself Why," for her "What About Today?" album....
Roslyn (Roz) Weber Halpern, 82, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at Elizabeth Residence Bayside. Born on Oct. 8, 1942, she was raised in Philadelphia, Pa., and graduated from Temple University with a degree in education. After graduation, she was married to Rabbi Larry J. Halpern, with whom she had two children, Susan and Ari. They moved to Orlando, Florida in 1970 where Roz was an active member of the community starting the JCC’s summer camp program, serving as chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater O... Full story
Tom Lehrer never identified closely with his ancestral Judaism. But the famed satirist and mathematician, who died Saturday, July 26, at 97, wrote one of the first popular songs about a Jewish holiday. "(I'm Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica" debuted in 1990, well after Lehrer's peak as a performer, on a come-from-retirement performance on Garrison Keillor's radio show. Keillor commissioned the new song from Lehrer because, he observed, Jews had written many popular Christmas songs but none for...
Rabbi Neil Danzig, a longtime professor of rabbinics at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and an authority on the post-Talmudic Babylonian scholars known as the Geonim, died July 4. He was 74. A longtime resident of Teaneck, New Jersey, he was buried in Israel. As a scholar of medieval rabbinic literature, Danzig explored the halachic, or Jewish legal, writings of the Geonim, the Jewish leaders and scholars during the late sixth to mid-11th centuries in what is now Iraq. The Geonim secured the Babylonian Talmud as the central canonica...
