Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Sorted by date Results 1005 - 1029 of 3584
Stories from the Orlando Senior Help Desk Celeste Thomas was having a wonderful conversation at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast when her phone rang. Her mother's caregiver was going out of town for the holidays and she needed to find a replacement quickly. The caregiver also informed her she would not be continuing this assignment after the first of the year. You could see Thomas's mood change immediately. She had six days to find a holiday replacement and then start looking for a permanent ca... Full story
Randi Cunningham and Myrna Ossin were honored by the Jewish Pavilion at the annual JP Connections Volunteer Appreciation event. Both women are shining examples of "enriching the lives of residents in elder-care communities" by sharing their love and compassion. The beautiful awards they received were designed by artist Sandy Silbert, another Jewish Pavilion volunteer. Making new friends and seeing old friends, sharing stories and laughter, shopping 'till you drop, these are the "friendraising"... Full story
The parties have begun! Thirty-five Chanukah parties celebrated in 35 different senior communities in the month of December planned by Jewish Pavilion program directors Julie Levitt, Susan Bernstein and Hope McCormick. Menorahs, dreidels, Chanukah gelt and latkes abound. Songs fill the air with off-key voices sharing their joy for the season. Sixteen parties are now fond memories of sharing Chanukah traditions. Eighteen more parties are scheduled from today through the end of the month. Join the Jewish Pavilion lighting the menorah, singing... Full story
Renowned mentalist and magician Alan Chamo, AKA “The Mind Hacker,” will headline a benefit event for Friends of the Israel Defense Forces on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Roth Family Jewish Community Center in Maitland. The event will salute the men and women of the Israel Defense Forces and highlight FIDF’s well-being and educational programs. FIDF supporters Barbara and Burt Chasnov of Orlando will co-chair this special event, which begins at 4 p.m. All funds raised will go toward the FIDF IMPACT! program, which provides four-year scholarships to I... Full story
The Jewish Pavilion will be hosting Chanukah parties at various assisted living facilities throughout the holiday. For more information, please call 407-678-9363. Here is the schedule. Friday Dec. 13 noon Grand Villa 2 p.m. Strive Sunday Dec. 15 1:15 p.m. Brookdale Lake Orienta Monday Dec. 16 10:15 a.m. Savannah Court 11 a.m. Merrill Gardens at Champions Gate 2 p.m. Windsor at Celebration Tuesday Dec. 17 2:30 p.m. Life Care Thursday Dec. 19 2 p.m. Palmetto Landing Friday Dec. 20 1:30 p.m. Wayman Place noon Orlando Lutheran Tower 3 p.m. Siena Mo... Full story
On a recent visit to Allegro Senior Living in Winter Park, Susan Bernstein, program director at the Jewish Pavilion, had an opportunity to sit down with Allegro's executive director, Debbie Michelet. Michelet grew up in Winter Park and attended Valencia College and UCF. She considers herself lucky to have found this position and the opportunity to use her skills working with a senior community. She expressed satisfaction in finding the right fit for her professional life at Allegro and creates... Full story
First Coast’s Josh Fisher, a citizen under Spain’s new Law of Return for decendents of Jews exiled in 1492, will speak at the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society’s Dec. 18 meeting. Fisher—who obtained Spanish citizenship through his Sephardic ancestry, demonstrating that his family was exiled in 1492—is one of the more than 140 Sephardic Jews that have had the opportunity to become Spanish citizens through Spain’s Miami Consulate in the last few years. Fisher will explain the process and some of the background of Spain’s Law of Return. Th... Full story
The 16th annual Roth Family JCC Maj Madness Tournament will be held Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. Registration has just opened. Participants who are able are encouraged to bring a Mahjong set and/or table cover. Register in person at the Registrar’s desk or online at orlandojcc.org/calendar/the-16th-annual-maj-madness The cost is $36 per person or $30 for JCC members. There will be a light breakfast and lunch included in the entry fee. Registration deadline is Jan. 20 at noon. All registrations received after this date will be placed on a waiting l... Full story
A Special Chanukah Gathering will be held Sunday, the first night of Chanukah, on Dec. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Chanukah Candle Lighting service with a Latke Party that evening. Congregation Sinai President Jack Gartner announced, “This event will be free and open to the entire Jewish community of the Greater Central Florida area. We will light candles and serve latkes with applesauce and sour cream, salad, jelly doughnuts, punch, water, ice tea and sodas.” This Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jer... Full story
The Kinneret Council on Aging, a nonprofit agency that provides ongoing programs and services to residents of Kinneret Apartments, has announced the honorees for their 2020, 8 over 80 Gala to be held on Sunday, March 1, 2020. “This is our community’s premiere event honoring older adults and we are truly inspired by the number of outstanding individuals, who continue to contribute to our community and promote the Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam,” said Lynn Fenster, 8 over 80 chairperson. “This event celebrates the spirit of older adults,... Full story
Friday, Dec. 13th: Come and join the family-friendly members of Congregation Beth Sholom for a spiritual service beginning the Shabbat. The 7 p.m. service is held at Congregation Beth Sholom in Leesburg located at 315 North 13th Street. Be inspired as Rabbi / Cantor Karen Allen leads our Shabbat evening service. Experience how her beautiful voice and informative commentary add special meaning to our prayers. Stay afterward and socialize at the Kiddush in our social hall. The entrance to the Synagogue is located on Center Street. Visit our... Full story
The entire community is invited to enjoy a wonderful Hanukkah Happy Hour at Kinneret Apartments, 515 South Delaney Ave. Orlando, on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. The event is free of charge through a partnership between the Jewish Pavilion, Jewish Chamber and Kinneret Council on Aging. Participants will enjoy wine, cheese and latkes. Walter (Sky) Goldstein will provide superb musical entertainment. The festivities will include the lighting of the hannukiah. "The members of the Jewish Chamber... Full story
The Jewish Pavilion will be hosting Chanukah parties at various assisted living facilities throughout the holiday. For more information, please call 407-678-9363. Here is the schedule. Tuesday Dec. 10 3 p.m. Springhills 3 p.m. Westminster Wed. Dec. 11 noon Brookdale Altamonte 5:30 p.m. Kinneret Thursday Dec. 12 10:30 a.m. Encore 1:30 p.m. The Tremont Friday Dec. 13 noon Grand Villa 2 p.m. Strive Sunday Dec. 15 1:15 p.m. Brookdale Lake Orienta Monday Dec. 16 10:15 a.m. Savannah Court 11 a.m. Merrill Gardens at Champions Gate 2 p.m. Windsor at Ce... Full story
The Jewish Pavilion loves its seniors and only want the best for them. When another agency was unable to continue holiday meals for seniors, The Jewish Pavilion Board of Directors unanimously voted to take on this very important project. The meals will be prepared by Kosher Gourmet and delivered by board members. Beginning with Chanukah 2019, the Jewish Pavilion in conjunction with Kinneret Council on Aging will be providing Jewish holiday meals for our homebound Jewish elders. In the future, meals also will be available for Passover and Rosh... Full story
On Oct. 24, the Rosen JCC celebrated 10 years in Southwest Orlando with its "10th Anniversary: Building the Future" event. Harris Rosen was honored with the JCC's inaugural Community Builder award for all he has done and continues to do for the Southwest Orlando community. Following the presentation, Dr. Reuben Romirowsky, Rosen JCC CEO, shared the J's vision for the future, unveiling an architectural rendering of their plans. Instead of a nameplate on his desk, there is a slogan that says... Full story
"My name is Harold Kushner. I'm here to tell you what is about to happen. It will begin as soon as I finish getting dressed and walk out my front door..." Thus begins "The Great Mongolian Bowling League of the United States of America," the first published Jewish-themed book by local author Ed Borowsky. This isn't the first book Borowsky has written. He has six other complete works-five fiction novels and a 2-act play. These fiction works are just "sitting in a closet in the dark." But "The... Full story
On Friday evening, Nov. 22, the Jeffrey & Diane Ginsburg Hillel House at Stetson University Hillel was dedicated. It was an incredible event made even more special by the more than 100 people who joined us at the House to celebrate Jewish life at Stetson University. This is the speech Stetson Hillel Director Sam Friedman gave. When I was growing up, my mother always told me that the best part about being Jewish is that no matter where you go if you find the Jewish community you find family-the Jewish community will take care of you, and help... Full story
In 2000, Israelis found themselves caught up in the second intifada in which thousands of terror attacks took place all throughout Israel. The injured Israelis who resided in Judea and Samaria waited hours for emergency response teams to reach them. Realizing something had to be done, the volunteer organization Rescuers Without Borders was founded. Today there are more than 1,000 volunteer medics, paramedics and doctors who are always on call, ready to help anyone in need in Judea and Samaria.... Full story
On Sunday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m.—1 p.m., Chabad of Altamonte Springs will celebrate a grand opening Brunch and Mezuzah affixing ceremony at its new location, 195 S. Westmonte Drive in Altamonte Springs. “Over the last three years, hundreds of local Jews have participated in Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, Shabbat services, Challah bakes, women’s programs, JLI adult education courses, classes or one of the many other activities offered at Chabad of Altamonte Springs,” said Rabbi Mendy Bronstein. “We are excited to announce that Chabad ha... Full story
Local author Briana Gilbert and illustrator Rafael Layish shared their book "Hidden Wings of the Time Keeper" at the Jewish Academy of Orlando's Family Learning Night and Author Event that kicked off the annual Book Fair. Layish is an alumnus of the school.... Full story
The Jewish Pavilion will honor volunteers Randi Cunningham and Myrna Ossin at its JP Connections on Dec. 9, 11 a.m. at the Hilton-Altamonte Springs, located at 350 Northlake Blvd. This event recognizes the many talented people who give their time volunteering at the many assisted living facilities across Central Florida. Randi Cunningham knows you get more than you give Randi Cunningham found the mini challah and note card in her father's room while visiting the first week he was living at... Full story
The Men's Night Out event was a great success with 250 seats sold and 230 seats filled. The winner of the Masters tickets was Jason Feldman who was thrilled to be the winner as it happens he is an avid golfer. Andy Rosen presented the two tickets to Feldman. According to Bart Neuman, MNO organizer, there also were a number of new sponsors this year. The total funds raised (after expenses) for the three years the event has been held is $58,000. All of it benefits the synagogues' youth... Full story
Jewish Academy of Orlando kindergarteners performed in the school's annual Thanksgiving show. The audience was taken back in time to the days of the pilgrims. Each student had a role telling the story of the first Thanksgiving, as pilgrims, Native Americans, fall leaves, and even King James, through music, song and dance. The program included dialogue and songs about Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower, and the harvest. "The Thanksgiving program is a wonderful opportunity for our students to... Full story
Celebrating its 42nd year, Jewish Academy of Orlando will be honoring Ellen and Simon Snyder and Jodi and David Krinker at the school's annual gala, on Saturday, Jan.25, 2020, at the Citrus Club. The Wonderland Gala will feature dinner, dancing, and a selection of numbers from the spring musical production, "Alice in Wonderland." Ellen and Simon Snyder have been part of the Central Florida community since 1975. They have been active in the Jewish community and the community-at-large. Ellen was... Full story
Recognizing the range of stresses involved in campus life today, Chabad at UCF has made significant strides in building awareness and support for those managing mental health issues. To expand the conversation and help students access valuable resources, Chabad recently hosted Mental Health Awareness Week from Nov. 1-7, as part of a broader national campaign to combat the stigma around mental health. The week’s events were dedicated to Miriam Orlan and David Nefzger—close friends of Chabad’s president, Stav Gare—who lost their battles with me... Full story
