Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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Mr. Gill (an alias to protect his family still in Pakistan) was marked for death. His crime? Being an outspoken Christian in his native Pakistan. Miraculously, he escaped to America, learned English and now is not only surviving but thriving while waiting for political asylum so that he can bring his wife and children to Orlando. In a rare public appearance, Mr. Gill will share his personal story at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. He will also share why a fatwa (a death sentence) was issued against... Full story
In response to anti-Semitic vandalism at UCF, 34 Jewish and civil rights groups—including student groups and the Zionist Organization of America, CAMERA and Simon Wiesenthal Center—wrote to UCF President John Hitt stating that what had been done to date “is simply not enough.” The groups stated their dismay that in the weeks since the stickers and flyers appeared, the UCF administration had not publicly condemned the postings as anti-Semitic, and the Jewish students felt threatened and unsafe. The letter went on to make some recommendations to... Full story
The stage is set, the Woman of Choice has been selected and the invitations are in the mail! Choices, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando's largest women's philanthropy event of the year, will kick off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Congregation Ohev Shalom in Maitland. The theme for Choices 2016 is "Celebrating the Spirit of the Woman," and JFGO has assembled a multifaceted program that is both a celebration of women and a tribute to Jewish heritage. Of course, the star attraction for... Full story
Throughout 2016 the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. During the year they will present special programming that honors both the past and the future of the Center. Included in the plans is a series titled "I Remember: Reflections of Eyewitnesses to the Holocaust" which will feature local Holocaust survivors who will share their stories. These programs will begin on Jan. 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and will... Full story
Now in its 22nd year, Choices has become known as the premier women's philanthropy event in Central Florida. Each year, Choices organizers make it their goal to "raise the bar" by injecting a fresh dose of creativity while enhancing and refining the production value of the program, all with the goal of providing a meaningful, memorable and enjoyable evening for all who attend. But pulling off a seamless production requires an incredible amount of heavy lifting behind the scenes, much of which... Full story
A youth group from the South Orlando Jewish Congregation (SOJC) ranging in age from 6 to 16 took the time Christmas Day morning to put on a talent show for seniors at Brookdale Senior Living in Ocoee. Contributing in the singing and performing group and solo popular, winter, and Chanukah songs were Rebecca Goldberg, Carly Rayman, Nathan Spear, Rachel Spear, Grant Sikora, Chad Sikora, Gabe Klavans, Rebecca Klavans, Samantha Jacobson, Amanda Jacobson, and Emma Jacobson. Risa Sikora hosted the... Full story
The Tri-County Hadassah in The Villages has been busy this past season. In addition to Zumba dancing to Israeli music, they collected toys for the children in Shepherds Lighthouse Women's Shelter in Bellevue, and recenty elected its new board members. The new president is Sandee Bearison, and elected board members are Pearl Greenberg, Carol Levine, Shelie Goldsmith, Helen Landes, Elaine Grae, Geri Rittberg, Sandy Rib, Bonnie Cooperstein and Natalie Bassen-Soto.... Full story
These two girls, (along with big sister not in photo) had the pleasure of sharing time and Chanukah with their grandparents, Jack and Rose, as well as dozens of other seniors on the first night of Chanukah. The Jewish Pavilion is very appreciative to the Harper Family Foundation for their support of inter-generational programs that enhance the lives of our elders and our youth. Various teen and youth groups remain connected to the seniors serviced by Jewish Pavilion. For more information to... Full story
After 15 years, Ben's Bake Shop closed at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2015. No more challah-at least for now. On Wednesday, Dec. 23, Michael Fischer went to the bakery at 7 a.m. to be sure to get some of Ben's famous challah. When he got there, a line had already formed and by 8 a.m., when the bakery opened, that line was all the way down the block. It took only one and a half hours to sell all 100 loaves. Later that afternoon, the glass shelves in the display case were almost empty. Only two yule logs,... Full story
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in partnership with Congregation Beth Am invites the Central Florida Jewish community to a special briefing on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 at 10 a.m. in the synagogue social hall at 3899 Sand Lake Road, Longwood. Presented by Josh Nason, this important update is titled "The Threats to Israel's Security in the Deteriorating Middle East." Josh Nason works as a senior policy analyst in Policy & Government Affairs at AIPAC, where he works with... Full story
The Jewish Pavilion's *Pearls of the Pavilion luncheon will take on a whole new spin when it is held at the Orlando Ballet on Tuesday, Jan.12. The event is generously sponsored by Geanne Share of Orlando who has served on the board of both organizations. Share noted, "My favorite thing to do is to bring people and organizations together. The luncheon is a win-win for both groups. The ladies of the Pavilion will be thoroughly entertained by the ballet. The performance will be followed by a... Full story
The Orlando Chapter of Hadassah will present “Saving Heartbeats” at its luncheon meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 at Congregation Ohev Shalom at 11:30 a.m. The program “Saving Heartbeats” is a CPR class aimed at teaching the basic life saving techniques to women so they may understand what is needed to act in an emergency situation. Hopefully, this presentation encourages them to follow through and become certified in CPR. Orlando Hadassah offers this program annually. The class has proven its value. It works! Two days after partici... Full story
Crack! Bam! Jokers! These will be the sounds you’ll be hearing at The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando’s 12th Annual “MAJ MADNESS” Mah Jongg Tournament to be held Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016. The festivities will begin at 9:15 a.m. with registration, breakfast and coffee, with games beginning at 10 a.m. The tournament format will include four rounds following the National Mah Jongg League Official Rules of Play. Open to people of all playing levels, MAJ MADNESS is $36 per person ($30 for JCC members) and includes lunch, drinks,... Full story
WASHINGTON (JTA)—Though it’s been more than a year since Rabbi Barry Freundel was hauled away in handcuffs for installing secret cameras at his synagogue’s mikvah, his crime still casts a shadow over his longtime Orthodox congregation, Kesher Israel. Three civil lawsuits are pending against Kesher by women who presumably used the ritual bath adjacent to his Washington synagogue and were filmed by the rabbi while undressing (the women are identified as Jane Does in the lawsuits). The congregation, which is struggling financially, has yet to be... Full story
Congregation Ohr Chayim held a Chanukah celebration at Providence Independence Living at Wildwood on Friday, Dec. 11, 2015 before Shabbat services. There were 16 attendees, including some guests. Chanukah songs were sung, and Rabbi Arthur (at the head of the table) recited "The Eight Days of Chanukah." Gift bags were distributed and everyone had a great time. The Shabbat service was held again, as well as the telling of the Chanukah story, in the upstairs Fitness Room.... Full story
Each month of the school year, students from Temple Israel's Meitin Religious School visit the residents at Brookdale Island Lake Assisted Living Facility in Longwood bringing songs, stories, celebration and good cheer. After many months of friendly visits the students have formed bonds with the seniors and look forward to continuing this mitzvah. Volunteers are always welcome to become involved in various ways. The Jewish Pavilion wishes to thank Temple Israel and these fine young people who... Full story
Major General (Res.) Doron Almog was recently in Orlando for a series of events to speak about Jewish National Fund's efforts to improve the quality of life for Israelis with disabilities. Shown here are (l-r)) Jill Riola with guest speaker Didi Almog, Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, and James Riola. James and Jill hosted a Jewish National Fund Lawyers For Israel lunch at the Law... Full story
There is a great resource through Jewish Family Services Orlando (JFS Orlando) for older adults and/or people with disabilities who may need transportation to and from various medical appointments and essential shopping trips. This service is called RIDE-Reliable Independent Drivers for the Elderly-and it has been erroneously assumed to be only for those with low incomes. But not so fast! It is available to ANY older adult and/or people with disabilities who need transportation! Widely used in... Full story
Join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) for "Skeletons in Our Closets: Researching a Family Scandal," at the Roth Jewish Community Center, Senior Lounge, on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. After investigating rumors of an old family scandal that took place during the "Roaring Twenties" in Chicago, Robin B. Seidenberg uncovered a sensational story that made newspaper headlines across the nation. She will reveal an intriguing tale of wealth, romance,... Full story
On Jan. 17, middle school students from across the community are invited to attend the third annual middle school dance at The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando's Harriett and Hymen Lake Auditorium. The dance, themed this year as a Winter Wonderland, will feature a photo station, Zohler Sobel Entertainment DJ, emcee, games and snacks. Eight local Jewish organizations worked together to promote this event: BBYO, Congregation Beth Am, Congregation of Reform Judaism,... Full story
MindUP™, a new program and curriculum being taught at the Jewish Academy of Orlando, teaches social and emotional learning skills that link cognitive neuroscience, positive psychology and mindful awareness training utilizing a brain centric approach. The Jewish Academy of Orlando is the only school in Central Florida currently using this program, and only the second Jewish day school in the country to adopt this curriculum. The school is hosting a Parent Information Night on Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m.... Full story
JFS Orlando announced today that over 6,000 pounds of food were collected and over $7,000 was raised through its Publix Super Markets Charities Fall Food Drive. During the weeks of Oct. 1 through Nov. 30, non-perishable food items were donated to the Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry. The food pantry provides emergency food assistance to hungry individuals and families in Central Florida. Last year, JFS Orlando provided over 76,000 meals to needy Central Floridians in an effort to alleviate hunger in Greater Orlando. The Fall Food Drive was... Full story
Five years ago, four motivated women went to lunch in Mount Dora. That in itself is not unusual—but what happened as a result is. Jewish and Christian, they realized each had a love for Israel and a desire to support the land and fight anti-Semitism through awareness, advocacy, and activism. They knew there were many other women in Central Florida who felt the same way. By the time they returned to Orlando, they came up with a plan—and Zionistas was born. Five years later, this coalition of Christian and Jewish women has worked together in pow... Full story
The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando's annual Women's Philanthropy fundraiser is set for Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at Congregation Ohev Shalom in Maitland. Formal invitations will go out in January, but Choices ambassadors gathered at the Maitland Jewish Community Campus on Dec. 9 to fill out "save the date" cards to send to friends and family. The theme for Choices 2016 is "Celebrating the Spirit of the Woman," with Barbara Chasnov being honored as the Harriet Ginsburg Woman of Choice. This... Full story
Nearly 50 moms, dads and children began their Chanukah celebration Dec. 6 by joining Shalom Families for the first-ever Family Mitzvah Day at Build-A-Bear in Altamonte Mall. Shalom Families, a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando (JFGO), organized Family Mitzvah Day as a way of encouraging Jewish youth to get involved in acts of kindness for the Chanukah season. There were smiles, laughter and love all around as children created 24 stuffed bears, puppies and bunnies to be donated... Full story
