Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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A new teaching and religious organization was recently incorporated in DeLand, Fla. The nonprofit is called The Center for Jewish Discovery of Central Florida, and was developed by Rabbi Michael Asher, who was ordained in June 2025 by the Jewish Spiritual Leadership Institute. A kickoff Shabbat dinner was held in early September with nearly 30 people attending. "We offer meaningful classes, open conversation, and spiritual exploration for Jews of all backgrounds," Asher told Heritage. "Through...
The Rosen JCC welcomes Erin Nolan as the Rosen JCC's new Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, where she will oversee our new Arts at the Jprogram at Pargh Event Center. Originally from Wisconsin, Nolan studied at Carthage College in Kenosha before building a career as a graphic designer with more than 20 years of experience. Her style blends minimalist aesthetics with bold, non-traditional influences, showcased in work ranging from corporate branding and print to logo design....
After a successful launch two years ago, Temple Israel's Annual Book Fair and Corned Beef Sandwich Day returns on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Roth Social Hall at 50 S. Moss Road in Winter Springs. There are thousands of donated books to choose from, organized by fiction, nonfiction, and childrens, as well as miscellaneous media such as games, puzzles, CDs, and other make-an-offer items. Hardcover books are priced at two dollars while paperbacks cost one dollar each. This year...
Where has the time gone? The organizing committee is actively planning the Ninth annual Men’s Night Out, to be held at Congregation Ohev Shalom on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2025, starting at 5:30 pm. Organized and presented by Congregation Ohev Shalom, Temple Israel, Congregation of Reform Judaism, Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation, in conjunction with Shalom Orlando, Men’s Night Out is a collaborative outreach program and a “community driven” gathering designed to bring all affiliated and unaffiliated Jewish men in the Orlando community togethe...
The much-anticipated Annual Online Auction to support our local senior community is almost here! Taking place Oct. 19–24, this exciting event raises critical funds for programs that provide connection, care, and dignity to seniors in need — and this year, the Jewish Pavilion Senior Services needs your help to make it the most successful auction yet. Register, Donate, and Win! Auction participation is simple — and potentially rewarding. Register today https://jewishpavilion.org/2025-online-auction/ Your engagement goes a long way in boost...
On Oct. 19, from noon to 1 p.m., the Holocaust Center will host the Junior Reading Club. The book to be discussed is “The Patchwork Torah” by Allison Ofanasky. This event is free and open to families. It is designed for children in grades K-6 and includes discussion followed by hands-on arts and crafts. On Sunday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dismantling Hate Workshop, Part 4: Historical Remembrance and Memorialization will be held. This is the final session of this 4-part series, led by Dr. Adrian Mitter. The workshop Uses the Hol...
The 27th annual Central Florida Jewish Film Festival will be held Nov. 1-3, and opens at the Orlando Science Center Digital Adventure Theater. This year there are five movies in the lineup but all five are full-length features - two documentaries, one unsettling drama, one comedy, and one animated drama. Without further ado, here is the review. Saturday, Nov. 1 at 7:45 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center Digital Adventure Theater Shari & Lamp Chop Take a step back into your childhood and revisit...
The Jewish Pavilion Senior Services recently hired Vanessa Stein as the new assistant director. Stein is also on the Board of Directors at Congregation Ohev Shalom. Stein brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her role. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology with minors in gerontology and Jewish Studies from the University of Florida in 2005, followed by a Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida in 2008. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker,...
The Jewish Pavilion invites the community to a complimentary grief support program offered twice yearly over five weeks. The next series will meet on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., beginning Oct. 21 and concluding Nov. 18, at Village on the Green in Longwood (470 Village Place, D Building Lounge). Facilitated by Vanessa Stein, LCSW, assistant director at the Jewish Pavilion, the program provides a safe and compassionate space for individuals to navigate their grief through a Jewish lens. Participants are encouraged to attend all five...
To enhance the lives of seniors of all faiths in eldercare communities and to assist families in obtaining necessary resources through the Orlando Senior, Jewish Pavilion Senior Services will host a Harvest and Post-Sukkot Networking Festival on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, from 4 – 6 p.m. The event will be held at Watercrest, 1501 Glendon Pkwy, Winter Park. Enjoy delicious appetizers, desserts, drinks, raffles and prizes! Donations of $25 per person are accepted in advance ($35 at the door). Register at jewishpavilion.org or call 4...
Jewish Family Services’ annual Hope Challenge kicked off Sept. 15 and will be open until Oct. 15. The community’s need for help with food, mental health counseling, transportation and family stabilization has soared by over 30 percent since 2023. Right now, every dollar donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Pearlman, Minkow and Bolton families up to a total of $25,000. A donation of $55 will feed a family of four for a week through the Pearlman Food Pantry; a gift of $200 sponsors a family in the Family Stabilization Program; $15...
Shalom Orlando will host an Author Meet & Greet, sponsored by Writer’s Block Bookstore, at the Roth Family JCC on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. Leland Vittert will discuss his newly released book, “Born Lucky,” about how he stood firm and refused to be defined by an autism diagnosis. Register at Eventbrite.com...
This past Sunday, Sept. 14, marked a historic and heartfelt milestone, as Chabad of Altamonte Springs celebrated the completion and welcoming of its very first Torah scroll. The Siyum Sefer Torah, a celebration that drew families and friends from across the community, was filled with joy, music, and pride as participants danced with the new scroll in the streets before bringing it into the synagogue. The idea for commissioning a Torah began about a year ago. Until now, Chabad of Altamonte...
The first Party for the Pavilion, hosted at One Senior Place, was a huge success. Jason Mendelsohn, board member and long-time Jewish Pavilion Senior Services supporter, chaired the event. Guests enjoyed food, drinks, liquor tastings, music, and schmoozing. Attendees also had the opportunity to honor a special senior in their lives with a tribute on the scroll of honor....
On Thursday, Sept. 11, members of the Mainland Chamber of Commerce came together for a special Coffee Connections Breakfast with a meaningful twist. Hosted by Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, this Pre-Rosh Hashanah celebration blended networking, tradition, and homemade food to create a morning that was as heartwarming as it was delicious. Held at New Hope for Kids in Maitland, the event welcomed close to 50 attendees for an engaging cultural experience just days ahead of the Jewish New Year,...
The Jewish Chamber of Commerce networking breakfasts will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 17, April 21, and May 19. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. The location will be provided upon RSVP to The Jewish Chamber will hold (kosher) Lunch & Learn events at the Roth Family JCC from noon – 1:30 p.m. These luncheons will host Amy Kimlat with Business Development of See Magic Live on Nov. 5, a Chanukah party featuring music with Michael Kramer on Dec. 3, and Wayne Green, C...
On Wednesday, Sept. 3, Allegro Senior Living in Winter Park was filled with warmth, joy, and the sweet spirit of the Jewish New Year as the Jewish Pavilion hosted a special Rosh Hashanah-themed breakfast. This meaningful event was held in honor of the sponsors of Jewish Pavilion Senior Services as well as the organization's dedicated board members. In the spirit of the holiday, Allegro served the traditional Rosh Hashanah treat of apples and honey, symbolizing hopes for a sweet and prosperous...
The Rosen JCC had the privilege of welcoming State House Representative Rita Harris, State Senator Kristen Arrington, and Frank Santos, CEO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts and president of The Harris Rosen Foundation, to the Rosen JCC for a tour and formal presentation of the State appropriation award they so passionately sponsored and championed on the JCC’s behalf. Thanks to a dollar-for-dollar match from The Harris Rosen Foundation, the total investment now exceeds $1 million. This t...
MAITLAND — With hurricane season nearing its September peak, Central Florida residents gathered at Shalom Orlando on Tuesday for a Lunch & Learn hosted by the Jewish Chamber of Commerce. The featured speaker, WESH 2 News Chief Meteorologist Eric Burris, delivered insight into what drives our storm season, along with projections for the weeks ahead. “Climate always modifies, grows, and adjusts. We just have to figure out how quick and how come,” Burris told the audience, setting the stage for a...
On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Interim CEO Eric Robbins, ECLC director Dr. James Larsen and Board chair Stan Rubins will discuss the ‘State of Shalom Orlando.’ Each will share the Shalom Orlando plans for the future as the Central Florida Jewish community continues to grow and thrive. Accompanying the talks will be champagne and desserts. The event will be held in the Roth Family JCC auditorium from 6:30 – 8 p.m. To RSVP, email Carol Feuerman at Carol.Feuerman@shalomorlando.org....
The following synagogues provided information about their High Holiday services to the Heritage by press time. For information about services at other local synagogues or for tickets or information, contact the individual synagogue. Chabad of Altamonte (Orthodox) Rabbi Mendy Bronstein Chabad of Altamonte 195 S Westmonte Drive #1126 Altamonte Springs, Fl 32701 www.jewishaltamonte.com Mon., Sept. 22, Erev Rosh Hashanah, 6:30 p.m.; candle lighting, 7:04 p.m. Tues., Sept. 23, Rosh Hashanah, morning, Traditional pre-service 9 a.m.; Morning service,...
October 2024 Opera Orlando presented $100,000 to the Holocaust Center. It had been 11 months since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, brutally murdering over 1200 Israelis and taking 250 hostages. Local neurosurgeon, Dr. John Jenkins, pledged a $50,000 matching grant for donations to moshav Ein Habesor in southern Israel, near the Gaza border. November 2024 More than 600 people attended the IAC memorial event, which the Israeli Consul General in New York co-organized with the Israeli-American Council. The Israeli Defense Ministry and the...
This high holiday season, Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation will open its doors to the public for two family-focused services — one on Rosh Hashanah, and the other on Yom Kippur. Rabbi Shai Specht-Sandler and Cantorial Soloist Ginny Kolin are preparing a magical, musical experience for all who attend. “We’re not just going to sit quietly and read,” said Rabbi Shai. “There will be music on the keyboard, songs everyone can sing, and a spirit that invites kids and adults alike to take part. It’s about joy, depth, and connection, not just fo...
