Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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Ofira Bondorowsky, CEO of the Rosen JCC, announced that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state budget, which includes a generous appropriation of over half a million dollars for the Jack & Lee Rosen Jewish Community Center. These funds will help expand senior programs and services and enhance security measures across the campus. “When the late Harris Rosen opened the campus in 2009, his vision was clear: to create a welcoming space where individuals of all ages, backgrounds and faiths could come together, grow and thrive. Today that vision is n...
This July the Holocaust Center will continue to offer meaningful programs and experiences, beginning with the Book Clubs discussion of “Jews in the Garden,” by Judy Rakowsky. Held on July 16 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., the group will explore Rakowsky’s family’s Holocaust history after discovering a mass grave in a Polish garden. This memoir traces her quest for justice and truth. The Summer Youth series will continue the Fighting Spirit: Krav Maga and Jewish History with its third session on July 20 from 1 – 2 p.m. Hosted in partnership with Shaan...
Laurence Morrell would like to invite people who have been in the Orlando Jewish community for a long time — 80 years or more — to come together and share their contributions to the Jewish community and what it was like when the Jewish community was coming into being. “I think it would be a nice event and an historical and informational event, something to let newcomers to the area know that some of us just didn’t get “off the train.” A venue and date would be decided if enough interest is shown. If you are interested in this kind of get-toge...
The Holocaust Center presents “A Night at the Catskills Comedy Show” on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m at the Dr. Phillips Center. This show is a nostalgic, retro-themed comedy show that pays tribute to the legendary Jewish resorts of the Catskills that launched the careers of some of America’s greatest comedians. Cocktails and light snacks will be available. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit hmrec.org....
Congregation Ohev Shalom was honored to host the Orlando Symphony Orchestra on June 12 as it launched its Two Concerts, One Community series. "Many of our congregants regularly attend performances at the Dr. Phillips Center, but welcoming the symphony and world-renowned baritone Lawrence Craig into our own sanctuary was beyond special. Seeing and hearing the musicians on our bimah was truly magical," said COS President Debby Gendzier. The sanctuary of Maitland's COS came alive with music,...
Shalom Orlando welcomed Dr. James Larsen as the next director of the Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center. Starting on July 14, Dr. Larsen brings more than three decades of educational experience and knowledge to this role. He will oversee ECLC curriculum, staff, budget, professional development, and family engagement, and he. Dr. Larsen comes to us from Orange County Public Schools where he was a classroom teacher, a school principal, and a district administrator during his 30-year...
We are all following the devastation of war in Israel on TV, social media, and via direct reports from friends and family who are there. We are getting reports of community members who are unable to return to Florida due to the closure of Ben Gurion Airport and the airlines canceling their flights indefinitely. The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, part of the Shalom Orlando Family, is actively monitoring the situation and wants to make you aware of several resources that are being offered to help evacuate American citizens currently in...
Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation has a new full-time rabbi. Rabbi Shai Specht-Sandler will officially begin his tenure at SOJC on July 1, 2025. Rabbi Shai's life experiences span the Jewish world, as well as the globe itself. "I was born in Israel and left at 13," he said, "then spent my formative years in Manchester, England and the United States. I come from a proudly pluralistic and Masorti background, both Sephardi and Ashkenazi, and from a long line of educators and rabbis... [I've]...
On the evening of June 4, Grand Living welcomed over 125 guests for an unforgettable "Grand Happy Hour" - a celebration of community, connection, and generosity. The event offered a vibrant mix of fabulous food, delightful entertainment, and meaningful moments that brought people of all ages together. Whether mingling over savory bites or indulging in something sweet, attendees found plenty to savor. The event also featured live music that set a joyful tone throughout the evening. Laughter,...
This month the Holocaust Center is hosting several programs: The latest exhibition, “Margret Rey & the Making of Curious George,” is running from June 5 through Aug. 22. The exhibit uncovers the story of Margret Rey, a Jewish woman who, with her husband, escaped Nazi-occupied France on handmade bikes, carrying the manuscript for what would become Curious George. Courageous Conversations: Transforming Extremism through Dialogue — Two events: June 17, 2 – 6 p.m. will be a Youth Workshop and Dinner, held at UCF/Valencia Downtown Campus, Dr. Phi...
The RAISE program for adults with special needs is now accepting online applications for RAISE employees as well as opportunities to volunteer as a job coach. RAISE is a 6- to 12-month work and social skills training program for adults with special needs offered through the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando. RAISE provides paid employment at our partnering agencies. If you know of someone who may benefit from RAISE or are interested in being a job coach, please apply online at ShalomOrlando.org/raise or call 407-621-4033 for more...
Preorder or purchase and pick up challah, freshly baked by adults with disabilities, on Fridays from 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Roth Family JCC or at the front desk. You can also call the front desk (407-621-4036) and speak to Robin Merkel to reserve a challah to pick up on Thursdays from 4 – 10 p.m. or Fridays from 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. You may also preorder specialty challah (chocolate chip, cranberry, chocolate chip/cranberry, raisin and challah rolls) by calling Robin Merkel – same phone number and same times as mentioned above. All pro...
Stan Rubins, Shalom Orlando Board chairman, shared with the “Shalom Orlando community” through email the following: After helping guide Shalom Orlando through an important leadership transition, Executive Director Rachel Greenspan will conclude her time in this role later this year. I’m very proud to say Shalom Orlando is on a path of positive growth and success, and we appreciate all of Rachel’s contributions. We wish her the very best. With the support of our full Board of Directors and a dedicated Search Committee, I’ll be leading a compreh...
Stan Rubins, Chair of the Shalom Orlando Board of Directors, recently introduced the Shalom Orlando 2030 Strategic Plan to the community at large, but he's quick to point out the plan isn't just for the community, it was created by the community, itself. "This isn't my plan, and it's not even Shalom Orlando's plan," said Rubins. "This is your Strategic Plan. The people of this community told us loud and clear what they want the Central Florida Jewish community to look like five years from now....
Maitland, FL – Congregation Ohev Shalom is honored to host a unique musical experience, Concerts for Peace, featuring the Orlando Symphony Orchestra and internationally acclaimed baritone Lawrence Craig. This intimate performance is open to the community, and will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Ohev Shalom, located at 613 Concourse Parkway South, Maitland, FL. Under the direction of Music Director David Handel, the Orlando Symphony Orchestra will present a thoughtfully c...
The Zionist Organization of America and The United West will present "From the IDF to the US campus: Between Two Worlds," with guest speaker Guy Finkelstein on Sunday, June 29, 4 p.m., at Decision Tactical, 430 Towne Center Cir., Sanford, Fl. At the start of the Oct. 7 attack, Guy Finklestein, 26, from Lehavim, Israel, was a Division 1 NCAA tennis player in Indiana. As the IDF entered Gaza, he made the life-changing decision to leave his team and return to Israel to serve. For months, he fought...
On Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 7 p.m., Nate's Shul will host an engaging talk by Joel Haber, an accomplished researcher, writer, and licensed culinary tour guide based in Jerusalem. In his presentation, titled "They Tried to Kill Us, We Won, Let's Eat: How Jewish Food Conquers Antisemitism," Haber will explore the profound connection between Jewish history and cuisine, and how food has served as both a reflection of cultural identity and a powerful response to adversity. Jewish cuisine is often...
The exhibit “Margret Rey and the Making of Curious George” will be on display from June 5 through Aug. 22 at the Center. This exhibit uncovers the incredible story of Rey, a Jewish woman who, with her husband, escaped Nazi-occupied France on handmade bikes, carrying manuscripts of Curious George. The exhibit highlights Rey’s resilience and creativity, offering a unique look into the origins of a beloved children’s classic....
Kinneret Council on Aging, an area nonprofit that provides life enhancing resources to the over 300 residents of Kinneret Apartments and to seniors living outside that community, has expanded the scope of its activities even further. Additional onsite activities include a monthly nutrition class provided by the Second Harvest Food Bank, and weekly English and semi-weekly Spanish classes. Fresh fruit and vegetables, canned items and protein are now available twice a month through KCOA's new...
Mark your calendars for an evening of elegance, connection, and community impact at the Jewish Pavilion Senior Services Cocktail Party, hosted by Heritage Florida Jewish News. Join friends and supporters of the Jewish Pavilion for this festive gathering at Grand Living Park at Lake Mary, 1021 Royal Gardens Circle, Lake Mary, held on Wednesday, June 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy an open bar, gourmet heavy hors d'oeuvres, and desserts, all while mingling with Jewish Pavilion...
Even a rainy forecast couldn't wash out the generosity and good cheer at this year's Jewish Pavilion Senior Services Golf Tournament, held on May 12 at the Heathrow Country Club. While the weather cut the day short - forcing play to end early after 128 enthusiastic golfers hit the course - the event still delivered a memorable experience for all involved and raised over $25,000 to benefit the Orlando Senior Help Desk, a vital free information and referral service for local seniors and their...
May 11, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — The second workshop in a four-part series titled Dismantling Hate: Tackling Antisemitism Together. Part 2, Combatting Stereotypes and Myths. This session will addres common sterotypes, misconceptions and myths about Jewish people and Judaism. Lef by Director of education Stephen Poynor. For more information and to register, visit hmrec.org. May 18, 1 p.m. — Summer Youth Series, Fighting Spirit: Krava Maga & Jewish History, Session 1, hosted by Shaan Saar Orlando, this series inspires young people to embrace value...
Mark your calendars and grab your golf clubs - on Monday, May 12, at 9 a.m., the Jewish Pavilion's 13th Annual Golf Tournament returns to Heathrow Country Club for a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and heartfelt giving. The tournament promises more than just great golf -I t's a tribute to the vision and dedication of its founder, Ken Davis, whose passion and leadership have made this event a cornerstone of local philanthropy. Thirteen years ago, Ken Davis was moved by the work of...
On Sunday, May 18 from 5-9 p.m., Temple Israel’s Roth Social Hall will transform into a casino, where you can test your luck at the tables, win prizes, and even renew your wedding vows. “It’s Vegas, Baby!” is a fundraiser you’ll want to take a gamble on! Play poker, craps, blackjack, roulette, and more while enjoying drinks and heavy appetizers. Off the tables, you’ll find a human slot machine and horse races. Take a break for some romance and renew your vows at the Oy Vegas Wedding Chapel, officiated by Rabbi Joshua Neely under the chuppah...
Temple Israel is offering a brand-new, half-day camp running June 9-13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. It will be packed with traditional camp activities and hands-on fun all through the lens of Judaism and Israeli culture. The camp is for kids entering kindergarten through fifth grade. Groups will be grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5, with a minimum of six kids per group. If less than six children per age group register, Temple Israel staff will contact you to see if you would prefer your child join another age...
