Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando is very proud of all the work they have done over the past year to provide a family of services to the Orlando community. Here is a countdown list of JFS Orlando’s 10 favorite things in 2021: 10. Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry supplied food for more than 130,000 meals, and resumed picking up food from partners, including Fresh Market and Sprouts Farmers Market. 9. Family Stabilization Program helped over 100 families fight homelessness and become more self-sufficient for the long-term. 8. JFS c...
When choosing an honoree for the 2022 Jewish Pavilion Fashion Show, the Jewish Pavilion nominated one of its program directors, Julie Levitt Bain. Nancy Ludin, the executive director of The Jewish Pavilion shared, “Julie cares for her residents as if they are family. Even when one of Julie’s long-time residents moved to a facility that wasn’t assigned to Julie, she made sure that the weekly mahjong group that she organized continued for Ruth.” Bain organizes three to four Jewish Pavilion volunteers to play mahjong weekly with Ruth at the reh...
There are no jokes in the Torah, but there is an abundance of wit, irony, word play, sarcasm and humor. On Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, Susan Bernstein, program director at the Jewish Pavilion, presented a Lunch and Learn program for residents at Oakmonte Village. Seeing that an afternoon of lighthearted learning would go a long way to brighten the winter days, Bernstein showed that the Torah could furnish this "entertainment" if one knows where to look. It may not be a coincidence that many modern...
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 2022, "8 Over 80" Honorary Gala to be held on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. "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 Ali Polejes KCOA Board president....
The Jewish Pavilion has added a new marketing director, office manager and receptionist to its organization. The new marketing director at the Jewish Pavilion, Alicia Lovejoy, participated in the year-long Momentum journey to Israel in November 2021. Momentum transformed her life and inspired her to bring Jewish values and practices home to her family. Alicia wanted to continue her spiritual and cultural journey in Central Florida upon returning. The Momentum community trip leaders from the...
Networking is a great way to expand your business and meet new friends. To this end, the Jewish Chamber was formulated to connect like-minded individuals for business and social purposed. Over 20 people — mostly young adults — gathered to enjoy a post Chanukah breakfast at Toojays Deli on Colonial on Dec. 16. In addition to enjoying a great breakfast, participants had the opportunity to speak about their businesses and forge new contacts. To learn more about the Jewish Chamber, visit htt...
JFS Orlando’s Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry is proud to announce its partnership with the newest Sprouts Farmers Market location at Colonial Plaza, and since the beginning of December 2021, JFS is picking up food donations from this Sprouts location twice a week. Currently, the Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry is stocked through a combination of food purchases from Second Harvest Food Bank, and food donations from the community, including other grocery partners like Fresh Market and Publix. Now, by adding donations from Sprouts at Colonial P...
Hadassah Orlando presents author Yvonne David at its Jan. 4 monthly in-person meeting at 11:30 a.m. at Congregation Ohev Shalom, 613 Concourse Parkway South, Maitland, 32751. David will discuss her award-winning historical fiction, “The Apple Tree Series.” The books in “The Apple Tree Series” follow the Bieman Family over four generations in the Catskills Region of New York. Filled with spirituality and spirit, humor and heart these stories detail the importance of the Catskill Mountains in Jewish-American history. Reservations are require...
"Do you love coffee? Do you love history? If the answer to any of those questions for you is "yes" as it is for me, then you don't want to miss this unique event," said Rabbi Yanky Majesky of Chabad North Orlando. "I know you'll enjoy the secret Jewish history of coffee with the "Caffeinated Rabbi" Moishy Korf." Participants of the evening will learn the Jewish history, Halachic discussions and Kabbalistic meaning of coffee as well as learn how to start drinking better coffee. We will have fun...
Stetson University spent the last four years growing its Jewish community. As shared before, Stetson now offers a Jewish studies minor, Kosher grab and go food on campus, and a thriving Jewish community at Stetson University Hillel. This investment in the Jewish community has led to an increase in enrollment, and our recognition as a university of choice among Jewish high school juniors and seniors can be seen in our ever-growing Jewish enrollment. “We know that the Jewish community has invested in Stetson, and we want to continue to invest b...
On Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando presented the Inaugural Michael McKee Volunteer Award. Held at the Winter Park Farmers' Market, the event recognized and celebrated McKee's years of dedication and leadership in support of JFS Orlando. McKee served on the Board of Directors since 2009 and was Board president from 2013 to 2018. In late 2018 through mid-2019, McKee served pro bono as interim executive director during JFS's transition, making it possible for...
A wonderful time was had by all on Friday, Dec. 3rd at the Cascade Heights Chanukah Shabbat party hosted by Jewish Pavilion. Residents and volunteers were dressed up in their Chanukah best. It was delightful to be a part of the Chanukah candle lighting and Shabbat ceremony. Mmmm Mmmm good, the potato latkes were delicious, our compliments to the chef!! Shown here are (l-r), Debbie Meitin, Shirley Schoenberger, Bernice Davids and Alex Lehrer. - Alexandra Lehrer, Jewish Pavilion...
The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando held meetings Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 (at the Roth Family JCC and Rosen JCC, respectively) to discuss the results of the community study, conducted by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University with the assistance of UNH Survey Center. The last study was done in 1993 – 28 years ago, and a lot has changed! There are 51,400 Jewish people (41,700 adults and 9,700 children) living in 25,500 Jewish households in Central Florida. In a...
At the end of the first quarter as the spotlight glared at the stage, the Grand Menorah Lighting at Amyway Center captured the thousands of participants as Jewish musical artist Jimmy Levy from American Idol led with singing the Brochos. Chanukah Night gave the city of Orlando the opportunity to celebrate and share the fun spirit of Chanukah. The Grand Menorah was lit in the presence of thousands proclaiming the timeless message that light ultimately triumphs over darkness. "There is no better...
After almost 2 years, this foursome was finally reunited. (l-r, standing) Jill Cousins, Dale Perreault and Debbie Meitin have been playing mahjong with Ruth (seated) for over six years. Ruth resides in Tuscawilla Nursing Home and they all look forward to their biweekly game. Throughout the pandemic, Jill, Dale and Debbie corresponded with Ruth many times, through phone calls and letters. Friendships and special bonds like this are very common through connections made through the Jewish...
Are you already wondering what activities you can plan for your children when school closes for winter break? The Rosen JCC offers Winter Mini-Camps. These camps include art, music, sports and plenty of fun activities. They will run Monday, Dec. 20 – Wednesday, Dec. 22. You can choose the days you want and full or half day options. In addition there are options for extended care. These camps offer different themes and activities to keep kids engaged during the long winter break. To learn more a...
Over a hundred people gathered to honor Gary Becker (l) and Sandi Trainor at the Jewish Pavilions annual luncheon called "JP Connections." The festivities included a tribute to the honorees and their remarks, beautiful awards designed by Sandy Silbert, a holiday shopping bazaar and wonderful raffle prizes. The room was beautifully decorated for Chanukah....
Last year about this time, The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando began The Central Florida Jewish Community Study, conducted by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University with the assistance of UNH Survey Center. The Cohen Center is one of the most reknowned research organizations in the Jewish community. Keith Dvorchik, CEO of the Federation, shared with Heritage that the 104-page study has a lot of information for our community - which has grown to about 51,400...
Upcoming events at the continuing Chanukah festival include: Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Festival of Lights Celebration Join The Roth Family JCC for Festival of Lights. Enjoy latkes, DIY dreidels, and more at this can’t-miss celebration. Here are more ways we’ll be lighting up the night: Overnight Camp Fair, where kids and parents can learn about all of the fun options in store for summer 2022; Compete in the Chanukah Costume Contest for great prizes—the contest will be split into adult, child, and family categories; Check out the kid-fri...
Friday, Nov. 19 was a great day at the Cascade Heights in Longwood. The Jewish Pavilion had the pleasure of facilitating Shabbat services with staff members and volunteers. Residents were engaged in candle lighting, making the blessing over wine and challah. It was wonderful to see so many residents participate. Shown here are Bernice, a resident, with Alex Lehrer. The staff at Cascade Heights facility was welcoming and inviting. - Alexandra Lehrer, Jewish Pavilion administra...
The Mega Challah Bake has re-introduced the joy of challah-making to women throughout the Orlando area, following a year and a half Covid break. On Thursday, Nov. 11, Orlando's Chabad Centers brought the Mega Challah Bake back to Central Florida. One-hundred and fifty Jewish women of all affiliations joined together to prepare and bake challah as a collective, representing participation from all eight of Central Florida's Chabad Centers (South Orlando Chabad held their event on the same night...
A Town Square is defined as an open public space found in the heart of a traditional town, used for community gatherings. In its new direction, the Rosen JCC is adopting a form of the town square concept. In many of the recent articles about upcoming events, The Rosen JCC has referred to itself as "Your Town Square." Is this a new marketing tool? Not really, but it is a different way of envisioning the traditional Jewish Community Center. The Southwest Orlando JCC originated back in 1994 as a sa...
The next event for the Jewish Chamber of Commerce is a breakfast at Toojays on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 8 a.m. Participants will order off the menu. An RSVP is not necessary. The Jewish Chamber of Commerce is open to everyone in the community. It offers a great place to network for business and make new friends. Networking is what the Jewish Chamber of Commerce is all about. On Nov. 16, a large crowd convened at Firebird for drink and hors d'oeurves. The Jewish Chamber of Commerce of Greater...
Join the COS Men's Club online Bridge group, which meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. All are welcome - no age limit, no experience needed and no other forms of discrimination, only a desire to have a fun time learning and playing Bridge. All that is required is Internet access and a laptop/computer to access the game, which is played while on a Zoom call, so participants can kibbitz (explain, question or teach) while playing. The Zoom can be on a cell phone or just leave the zoom app open in...
On Sunday, Nov. 28, Celebration Jewish Congregation will welcome the beginning of Chanukah with the lighting of the community menorah located in Market Street Park near the fountain. For those new to Celebration, it’s at the intersection of Celebration Avenue and Market Street, directly across from Celebration’s original Town Hall and the Post Office. The service will start promptly at 5:15 p.m. Traditional Chanukah prayers will be chanted and lots of great Chanukah songs will be sung to remind us of the miracle of the Chanukah season. All tho...
