Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Sorted by date Results 2553 - 2577 of 3682
Choices 2016, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando's largest women's philanthropy event of the year, is proving to be a hot ticket. Just three days after invitations began arriving in the mailboxes of local women, JFGO had sold more than 100 tickets online for the Feb. 9 event at Congregation Ohev Shalom. Those who responded early were rewarded with a bonus-one free ticket for the Choices Raffle, a $25 value. That promotion ended Jan. 18. "We couldn't be happier with the response so far," said Rhonda Forest, chair of the JFGO Board of... Full story
The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) will present The Jewish Course of Why, the institute's new six-session winter 2016 course that will begin during the week of Feb. 8, 2016. Partnering with JLI is the Jewish National Fund of Orlando. Mention JNF when registering and 10 percent of your tuition will be donated to the Jewish National Fund helping build a prosperous future for the land of Israel and its people while nourishing your soul with some Torah study. The course will be offered in 4 convenient locations in metro Orlando: Nate's Shul... Full story
The Jewish Academy of Orlando and the JCC were evacuated Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m. because of a bomb threat. According to the police, a threatening call was made to the JAO by a man who said he wanted to "hurt as many children as possible." The person at the school who reported the threat told police the man's voice sounded robotic, like he was using a device to disguise his voice. As a result, the entire campus - the school, Early Childhood Learning Center, JCC, gym, and Federation - was evacuated. Parents were called and informed there... Full story
Cantor Allan Robuck is the honoree for Congregation Ohev Shalom's annual gala to be held Feb. 21, 2016 at the synagogue. Cantor Robuck's life and career have always centered around music. He started his calling as a music teacher at Wiley Junior High School in University Heights, Ohio, near where he grew up. In 1983, Allan, his wife Robin and baby Michael moved to Orlando and later that year he started work as an entertainer in Lake Buena Vista and later for Disney attractions. Then in 1989, as an Ohev Shalom congregant, he began singing in... Full story
Woman of Choice Barbara Chasnov has spent decades in service to the community. "Every now and then I have an idea..." That's a familiar refrain to friends and colleagues of Chasnov, a volunteer, an educator and a champion of numerous causes that have helped to shape the Greater Orlando Jewish community since she arrived in Central Florida in 1982. Known for her Southern charm, her attention to detail and her amiable disposition, Chasnov is living proof that style and substance are not mutually exclusive. During her 34 years in Orlando, Chasnov... Full story
The Jewish National Fund (JNF) will host its first ever Orlando Gala and Backstage Tour at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, to honor Jim Pugh and Chuck Steinmetz with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their dedication to the Orlando community and JNF. Guests will be treated to a an exclusive backstage tour of the newly opened Center as well as a special performance by Davis Gaines, who has performed as the Phantom in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "The Phantom of the Opera" more than 2000 times, on... Full story
For the next few months, JFS Orlando will host various health professionals in workshops suited to help people live healthier lives. The first workshop will be the Clean Eating Challenge, on Thursday, Jan. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Do you need to shed a few holiday pounds? Are you facing health issues and need to make a change in your diet? Then take the Clean Eating Challenge presented by Polly Keller, who is an Ayurvedic lifestyle consultant, registered yoga teacher, cardiovascular invasive specialist and registered respiratory therapist.... Full story
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 Choices is the Harriet Ginsburg Woman of Choice,... 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 include a brief presentation by the Center's founder,... 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 falls on the shoulders of the Choices co-chairs.... 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 show, Jeff Sikora provided technical support, and... 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 become involved feel free to contact Jewish Pavilion... 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, a stollen, a dozen or so éclairs and butter cookie... 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 congressional offices on a broad range of Middle East... 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 are learning the value of volunteerism. Contact... 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 Orange County, the program isn't very well-known... Full story
